Produced by NIC Instruments Ltd from Folkestone in Kent it has been specifically designed as an emergency minefield extraction kit for individuals who may find themselves in an environment with legacy mines. 

The kit consists of mine markers, cyalumes (glow sticks) for use at night, a trip wire feeler and a prodder which are used to search and mark a 10m safe lane for troops to extract themselves out of a minefield.  Over 9,000 have been issued on OP HERRICK so far with an extra 25,000 on order for 19 and 11 Brigades.

While deployed in vehicles the dismounted P-MEK (NSN 4240-99-458-9732) can be supplemented with the mounted P-MEK (NSN 4240-99-410-4175) which contains additional minefield extraction kit to increase extraction lanes or create a Helicopter Landing Site (HLS).

The UK Mines Information Training Centre (UK MITC) says,

 "this basic kit gives troops the confidence that they have the necessary equipment available to extract themselves safely from a minefield.  It also raises awareness of the legacy minefield threat on operations and allows them to rehearse the extraction drills prior to, and during their deployment". 

They add

"no one really wants to find themselves in this situation but, if required, the Personal Minefield Extraction Kit and a better understanding of mines awareness can prevent injury and save lives."

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To request further details of the P-MEK or current UK Forces Minefield Extraction Drills contact MITC direct via phone (01252 863623) or e-mail via the MITC contact page.