56th IBCT Prepares To Defeat Improvised Explosive Devices

Photo By Maj. Marc Young | A simulated vehicle-borne improvised explosive device explodes during IED defeat training at Fort Stewart, Ga. The training, conducted by First Army Division East, is preparing 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Soldiers for deployment to Iraq this fall.  

FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, UNITED STATES

09.30.2008

Story by Maj. Marc Young 

188th Infantry Brigade

By Maj. Marc Young
188th Infantry Brigade

FORT STEWART, Ga. - Before deploying to Operation Iraqi Freedom, the brave young men and women of the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are training to mitigate the many risks associated with bringing stability to the people of Iraqi. A key part of that training includes defeating improvised explosive devices.

According to the Army's Interim Field Manual on improvised explosive devices, IEDs are devices placed or fabricated in an improvised manner incorporating destructive, lethal, noxious, pyrotechnic, or incendiary chemicals. They are designed to destroy, incapacitate, harass, or distract our troops during combat operations.

Hundreds of Soldiers have been killed or wounded from IED attacks in Iraq since the start of the war in 2003.

First Army observer controller/ trainers are deeply engaged in training Texas National Guard 56th IBCT Soldiers to be vigilant against IED threats. As part of the post-mobilization training at Fort Stewart, Soldiers are gaining a basic knowledge of IED capabilities, employment techniques, and the execution of battle drills during and after an IED attack.

"The focus of the IED training is to give Soldiers the skills that they need to stay alert to the signs and indicators of this potential threat and reduce the chances of becoming victims of IED attacks during deployments," said Maj. CM Dyer.

Dyer is the officer in charge of IED defeat lane for the 56th IBCT post-mobilization training at Fort Stewart.

"I believe that emphasis on IED-D training has a positive impact on the readiness of our Soldiers, but reinforcement of this training by leaders at every level has the greatest impact on reducing casualties," said Dyer.

During 56th IBCT IED defeat training, Soldiers receive classroom instruction on IED identification and capabilities and execute missions that are affected by IED attack scenarios. Soldiers are trained to prevent attacks through early recognition techniques, use battle drills to react during and after IED attacks, and treat and evacuate casualties during controlled scenarios.

• Date Taken: 09.30.2008
• Date Posted: 10.09.2008 09:17
• Story ID: 24728
• Location: FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, US