Photo By Sgt. Austin Long | U.S. Marines with 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion's route clearance platoon stage their...... read more read more
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - In Helmand province, the threat of improvised explosive devices make it difficult and dangerous for coalition troops to travel from base to base.
Marines with 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion mitigate the risks associated with roadside bombs by escorting units on missions and clearing routes suspected of having IEDs.
“Route clearance’s job is to lead any unit on a safe route,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jerrod Kopietz, a platoon sergeant with 3rd CEB. “We decide the safest route to travel for the convoy.”
During earlier stages in the war, route clearance’s job was to open routes so coalition forces could travel more easily; however, this year the unit’s mission has been more methodical and focused on clearing main roads for units upon request.
Locating IEDs
Route clearance Marines use traditional ground signs and military technology to locate IEDs.
According to Kopietz, the best tool for locating IEDs is battlefield awareness. Route clearance Marines look for simple ground signs, like disturbed earth, to locate potential IEDs or IED emplacements.
The Marines also utilize modern technology to locate and disarm roadside bombs. The most common tool used by the unit is the Interim Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector, a ground-penetrating radar system that connects to the front of a vehicle.
The mine detector helps the unit find IEDs by visually inspecting the ground for possible threats. When an IED is located, Marines will mark the area with ink and use a Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicle with a remote-controlled robotic arm to handle the explosives.
With the remote-controlled arm, the Marines do one of three things: use a sickle, a hook-shaped piece of metal, to pull the IED’s command wire into view, use air to blow dirt off the IED for visual confirmation, or use the claw to pull the IED out of the ground. These steps are meant only to identify an IED.
“When we find an IED and have confirmed it, we as engineers will not do anything with it,” said Kopietz. “We notify the EOD [explosive ordinance disposal] team attached to us and let them make the decision to secure it for investigation or blow it on the spot."
Over the last seven months, Kopietz’s platoon has located two IEDs. One of the IEDs was discovered after an MRAP ran over a pressure plate connected to an IED a few feet away. Luckily no one was injured and the vehicle only lost the front attachment, said Kopietz.
“We know what we’re looking for and when you go out, it’s always in the back of your mind; am I going to get blown up today?,” said Kopietz.
Staff Sgt. Philippe Monroy, a platoon sergeant with 3rd platoon, said the thought of hitting an IED is why he’s able to stay focused on each mission.
“I’m not going to lie, it gets boring sometimes,” said Monroy. “Staying in the vehicle for days at a time is tough. But knowing the enemy isn’t letting their guard down keeps us from letting our guard down.”
The unit’s leaders are constantly challenging their Marines by organizing practical application and training exercises to help the Marines stay focused.
During training, the unit simulates real world scenarios and has the Marines conduct immediate action drills. The Marines also practice using handheld mine sweepers and train with IED detection dogs.
Monroy said the reason the unit rehearses real world scenarios is because they want the Marines’ reactions to be muscle memory and habitual.
As coalition forces minimize their footprint in the province, Monroy says route clearance personnel continue to support valuable missions, including the retrograde of military equipment.
“Route clearance is very important,” said Monroy. “We have the tools and knowledge to counter these IEDs. We’re going out there so all the Marines can come back safely and complete their mission.”
| Date Taken: | 10.07.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 10.08.2013 00:36 |
| Story ID: | 114881 |
| Location: | CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF |
| Web Views: | 622 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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