Explosive ordnance disposal team trains Iraqi agencies to save lives

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andrew Lee
  • 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Iraq Public Affairs
KIRKUK, Iraq (AFNS) --  Thousands of people have died from roadside bombs in Iraq. But even one death from these attacks is one too many, and an explosive ordnance disposal team from Contingency Operating Site Warrior is trying to prevent that number from getting any bigger.

The 321st Expeditionary Operation Support Squadron EOD team recently completed a program to train three local agencies; an Iraqi army EOD team, an Iraqi fire department and an Iraqi police bomb squad.

To help prevent further casualties, the training taught basic to advanced tools, tactics and procedures of how to properly approach roadside bombs and unexploded ordnances in a safe, sufficient manner.

"We we're glad we could get the classes started and give them the training they deserved," said Master Sgt. Loren Green, the 321st EOSS EOD NCO in charge. "If it helps keep them safe and alive, then we're doing our job."

During the program the team spent more than 140 hours training the Iraqis on various lessons including proper operation and maintenance of EOD robots. They also went over practical scenarios of how to safely detain, control and dispose of hazardous explosives.

"They really wanted and needed this training," Sergeant Green said. "It was great help teaching the classes; they picked it all up really well."

With terrorists constantly counteracting the safe procedures EOD teams use, the training helped show the importance of looking for new ways to do the job every day.
In the classroom, there was a growing of knowledge on both sides of the desk. The trainers and trainees left each lesson learning something new.

"They really learned a lot from what we taught," said Tech Sgt. Micah Jobe, a 321st EOSS EOD technician. "Sometimes they taught us a thing or two when they showed the unique techniques they use to get the job done."

At the end of the day, both sides we're pleased with the success of the training.

"They are our EOD brothers," Sergeant Jobe said. "This program was very helpful and successful. It feels great that we both benefitted from it. Anytime we can help our EOD brothers out is a good time."