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Robots, bomb suits and IED's; LF train EOD tactics with ROKMCJul 06, 2010 (DEFENSE DEPARTMENT DOCUMENTS AND PUBLICATIONS/ContentWorks via COMTEX) -- POHANG, Republic of Korea -- In a dirt soccer field there are four improvised explosive devices -- each is wired, buried and dangerous. A squad of Marines patrols nearby and a Marine spots an IED, calls a halt to the patrol and clears the area. The Marines radio for Explosive Ordnance Disposal support and wait for their arrival. Soon the soft electrical whir of a motor can be heard in the distance. A robot approaches, rolls up to the IED, digs it up with a robotic arm and disarms the device. Seconds later a crowd forms around the exposed IED, but instead of worrying if it will explode they are learning the procedures of what just took place and how to safely deal with an IED when the scenario isn't in a training environment. The EOD Team and Combat Engineer Squad from the Landing Force that participated in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2010 trained for almost a week with Combat Engineers from the Republic of Korea Marine Corps here June 28 - July 2. This training exercise is part of the LF's participation in the Korean Incremental Training Program 10-4. The purpose of this exercise was to share awareness of the threat of IED's and teach participants how to safely manage that threat in a real world scenario. Marines also taught classes about fundamental combat engineer tactics and obstacle construction. Training and classes included EOD robotics, bomb suit equipment, IED construction, IED searches, use of mine detectors, location and removal of mines, Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System, and constructed obstacles. "It's an opportunity to be educated," said Staff Sgt. Joe Valdez, EOD technician, Command Element, native of San Antonio, Texas. "A lot of these guys have only seen IED's in movies or in the news so teaching them is important; it also helps to improve the camaraderie between our two militaries." Each day, a short class was given then the ROK Marines and Marines from the LF would apply what was discussed during practical application. United States Marines would demonstrate for the ROK Marines and then allow them to use equipment and tactics they normally don't have the opportunity to use. "They didn't understand the weight and physical ability it takes to wear the bomb suit, but it's fun because it gives them the opportunity to work with equipment they don't have the chance to normally work with," Valdez said. "It's just a fun time for them and a fun time for us." The ROK Marines were also taught fundamental ways to build obstacles and place them to disrupt and stop enemy units. They were also taught how to use the APOBS, which is a way to destroy obstacles an enemy may have constructed to block friendly units. "I like it, I get to put my job in perspective while working with the ROK Marines," said Sgt. Lance Crafton, platoon sergeant, Combat Engineer Platoon, Company A, native of Baltimore, Md. "It's broadened my perspective, I'm not so narrow minded anymore. And yeah, we may be doing the same things we do back home but to be able to work with the ROK Marines is an honor." The classes given will aid ROK Marine combat engineers to become more knowledgeable in their job because it was an opportunity for them to experience the procedures used by U.S. Marine EOD and combat engineer units. "They have had the opportunity to experience new methods and technologies they don't have the opportunity to train with and it will help them in future operations," Crafton said. Next week, the platoon is scheduled to conduct a live IED lane to demonstrate the effects of IED's destructive capabilities. Also there is a scheduled live fire of the APOB system, which will demonstrate how explosives can be used to safely remove threats such as mines and anti personnel obstacles. |