Posted on 03/16/2009 4:29:07 PM PDT by SandRat
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, March 16, 2009 Shockwaves reverberated through the mountains and a large black cloud of smoke rose from the road as an improvised explosive device was detonated.
Our mission is to go out before the infantry to look for IEDs, said Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy Claus, of the 3rd BSTB, Task Force Spartan. We ensure they have safe passage so they can do their mission. Just a few hours prior, a low tone transmitted through the speakers of the eight-vehicle convoy alerted the team that an IED could be close by. One by one, the vehicles rolled to a stop. Around the side of the lead vehicle, two soldiers emerged. Their task was to inspect the side of the road for indicators of wires and to look for trigger men who could be close by, waiting to ambush their team. These guys are essential, Army Staff Sgt. John Rankin, a squad leader with 3rd BSTB, said. We need them on the ground for their eyes and experience. The meticulous actions of the team are vital when they attempt to confirm a hidden explosive is nearby. They follow step-by-step guidelines precisely to ensure safety for everyone. You always have to assume they have direct eyes on you, said Army Cpl. Mark Colborn, team leader for 2nd Squad, 3rd BSTB. You have to be efficient when you walk up and make sure you do a thorough job so no one gets hurt. A few minutes later, Colborn radioed in his report. They found no command wires leading off the road; however, just because they didnt see anything doesnt mean something wasnt there. The next move was to bring out Army Pfc. Matthew Swanson, a gunner on the dismount team, to sweep the road with his metal detector for any signs that something could be buried. Swanson said theres always a thought in the back of his mind that something could happen when he approaches a suspicious area. I hope I dont get blown up, he said matter-of-factly. Its my job to go out there to see if the detector can find something. If it registers, thats a pretty good indication that something is down there. However, Swanson is just one half of a team to identify potential explosives. The militarys new ally in the search for IEDs in Afghanistan are canines with the Lucky Dog Program, which trains dogs to detect dangerous materials and chemicals known to be associated with IEDs. Army Sgt. Stephen Netzley and his partner, Lady, were assigned to the engineers on the March 9 mission. When Netzley and Lady key in on the same area, it provides a solid case for the explosive ordnance disposal team to unpack their gear. Shell pick up a scent, Netzley said. If I know something, Ill lead her to it. I watch her reaction. When Lady responds with the appropriate cue, the EOD team knows its time for them to take over. The dogs help us a lot, because they can pinpoint exactly where something is, added Army Cpl. Adam Kodras, with 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiments counter-IED team. After performing numerous checks and securing the area, the team detonated the charge, and a resounding boom echoed up and down the road. What we are able to do here is a testament to our training, Colborn said. We execute our mission with proficiency and professionalism to ensure the people around here dont get hurt. As the black smoke billowed through the air, the impact of the soldiers efforts was evident. We probably saved a Humvee full of soldiers, Kodras said. (Army Sgt. Rob Frazier serves with the 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.) |
Related Sites: U.S. Forces Afghanistan |
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Essayons!
My Father told me they pulled 18 mines out of a 6X6 foot plot of ground. It was marked as mined as required but the Germans probably thought the Americans would find a mine and then go on leaving the other 17.
I bet after pulling the 18th one out of that hole, they really looked hard before declaring it clear. They were placed near a damaged bridge.
Better smart and safe than sorry and dead.
A relative of mine handles a bomb sniffing dog. They are our first line of defense against domestic terrorists.
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