The improvised explosive device has become the emblematic weapon of the Iraq war and is fast becoming the weapon of choice in Afghanistan. A look at some weapons that have defined several major U.S. foreign conflicts in popular memory or were decisive in their outcomes:
PHOTOS: Lt. J.W. Brooke via Imperial War Museum, Casey Christie - Bakersfield Californian, Associated PRess (2), Brent Stirton - Getty Images; GRAPHIC: The Wasington Post - September 29, 2005