Master Sergeant Brian Newcomer conducts a review of
Improvised Explosive Device training with soldiers from
38 Canadian Brigade Group.
During mine awareness
training a soldier uses his
bayonet to prod for mines.
Posted on 05/23/2007 5:05:03 AM PDT by Clive
Training to defeat Improvised Explosive Devices
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Project Number: 07-307
DUNDURN, Saskatchewan – In both Afghanistan and Iraq most Coalition casualties are the result of attacks with Improvised Explosive Device’s (IED’s) and suicide bombers. With this knowledge, soldiers undergoing IED and mine awareness training were sharply focused on a presentation given by a United States Army Trainer specializing in the subject.
The training stressed the important role each soldier plays in identifying a threat, and the actions that follow to minimize that threat. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of being aware that the threat is constantly evolving even as we find ways to defeat it.
“It’s important that we work with our Canadian partners because we can learn from each other, and it’s important that we share knowledge both ways to keep our soldiers safer,” said Master Sergeant Brian Newcomer, the Brigade Operations Sergeant for 1 Brigade, 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota National Guard.
PIC1LThe instruction moved from soldiers observing a static demonstration and receiving a presentation to practical hands-on training with soldiers mounting vehicles in a convoy for a run through a simulated IED attack to practice contact drills. This was followed by the soldiers passing through a lane that required them to identify indicators of mines and booby-traps. The completion of the stand took several soldiers prodding for mines to clear a safe lane back to the administration area.
Reminders were thrown at the soldiers that simple things can sometimes work against us on overseas operations. Soldiers often change batteries on their equipment before they are run down; it makes good sense to use fresh batteries on operations, but presents a danger if soldiers are careless in discarding the used batteries.
Master Sergeant Newcomer stressed, “To electronically detonate an artillery round takes three volts or less, so when you change your batteries, don’t throw them on the ground. If they still hold a charge, the can detonate an IED, and we don’t want the enemy using our own resources against us.”
Article and photos by Sgt Dennis Power
Master Sergeant Brian Newcomer conducts a review of
Improvised Explosive Device training with soldiers from
38 Canadian Brigade Group.
During mine awareness
training a soldier uses his
bayonet to prod for mines.
-
God bless our brave men and women. They are learning to fight the enemy where they are. Dems, who want to redeploy them are stuck on stupid.
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