Photo By Spc. Jarrett Branch | The explosion sends dust and smoke into the air during a team leader certification for...... read more read more
FORT LEWIS, Wash. — Protected by an 80-pound suit of armor that looked like a space suit from a sixties science fiction movie, he lumbered toward a simulated improvised explosive device with a fist full of his own explosives. He prepared the charge and slowly made his way back to his team. A hush fell over the Soldiers from 3rd Explosive Ordnance Battalion as they prepared to do what they do best. Blow stuff up.
After helping their team-leader candidate out of the bomb suit, the EOD technicians huddled behind their vehicle and waited for the inevitable four words that would blast shockwaves through the air... 'FIRE IN THE HOLE! FIRE IN THE HOLE! FIRE IN THE HOLE!'
A thunderous roar accompanied by billowing dust filled the hot, dry air as EOD techs completed another demolition disposal during a team-leader certification program held at Yakima Training Center, Yakima, Wash., June 23.
Fourteen EOD techs participated in the event to see if they had what it took to leave the role of a team member and become a team leader.
Being a team leader is something that has to be earned, but a strong team leader needs a strong team to support him in whatever mission might arise. Without a strong team, the EOD techs would not be able to pass the certification.
"Being EOD really challenges me," said Sgt. David Cook, from Sweet Water, Tenn., a Soldier with the 707th Ordnance Company, 3rd EOD Battalion. "My favorite thing is the unit's camaraderie because it's like nothing else you will find in the Army.
"We attend the joint-service school for a year, so we all have gone through the same experiences and struggles to become an EOD tech. No matter if you're in the Navy, Marines or Air Force, we speak the same language."
The certification consisted of a variety of scenarios, which included performing training drills while wearing the 80-pound bomb suit and reacting to explosive ordnance, which tested the abilities of the EOD technicians.
"We perform bomb suit drills until we are proficient in wearing the bomb suit," said Sgt. Tyler Cole, from Kansas City, Mo. a Soldier with the 53rd Ordnance Company, 3rd EOD Battalion. Cole, who was one of the Soldiers partaking in the team leader certification, added that the suit provided excellent protection, although it can get a quite hot.
Another drill was how to react to an IED.
"Right now we are doing a simulation," said Cook. "It is a pretty realistic simulation and if we ever had to do this with live explosives then we would be prepared for that situation."
To be considered for a team leader position, EOD techs must be the rank of sergeant and although the length of the process differs from person to person, it generally takes one and half to two years to become the leader of the three-man team.
The Soldiers participating in the certification process performed six of the 12 required tasks necessary for team leaders.
Of the 14 Soldiers who participated six passed.
"Those six individuals (names) will be forwarded to their command," said Capt. Jason Hite, Commander of 129th Ordinance Company, 3rd EOD Battalion.
Once the EOD tech completes the 12 tasks the command will review the Soldier's packet, and determine whether or not the tech will be certified as EOD team leader.
| Date Taken: | 06.23.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 07.08.2009 13:26 |
| Story ID: | 36120 |
| Location: | FORT LEWIS, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 852 |
| Downloads: | 484 |
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