MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal show the ropes to the highest Marine Corps ranking officer, Gen. James T. Conway, here at the Deluz Combat Town, March 31.
During the visit, Marines from 4th Platoon, 1st EOD Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, demonstrated different tactics, techiques and procedures used in Iraq and Afghanistan.
After the demonstration, the Marines were given the opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions on particular challenges and possible solutions to the CMC.
"Rarely does a sergeant or staff sergeant get an opportunity to talk to the commandant like that," said Chief Warrant Officer Jason H. Perry, operations officer, 4th Plt., 1st EOD Co., 7th ESB, 1st MLG.
He further explained it was a productive opportunity. The visit from the CMC gave the Marines a chance to show the commandant exactly what challenges they face and the possible solutions to overcome them.
The challenges and problems talked about during the open discussion were based on scenarios that occurred in Afghanistan and Iraq. The demonstration showed the skills and equipment necessary to perform the mission.
As the demonstration took place not only did Conway get to see how the Marines conduct standard operating procedures, but he also observed how the Marines utilized tactical robots, an important asset of the Marines in EOD.
The commandant was able to view the capabilities of the Packbot by iRobot and the Talon by Foster Miller, QinetiQ. These robots perform a variety of tasks that have aided the armed forces since 2000.
"It had a positive impact for the EOD community," said Staff Sgt. Robert Perez, EOD technician, 1st EOD Company. It was a great chance for the unit to talk directly to the commandant, he said.
The discussion brought up particular problems that the EOD community is currently trying to solve. They talked about difficulties in planning with a high amount of failures at their demanding military occupation specialty school. Also, they suggested a course for EOD team leaders that will teach skills to Marines that have not seen much use in Iraq and Afghanistan but will likely be seen in the future.
The techniques EOD demonstrated to Conway showed the individual problems EOD faces. The unit was glad that they had a chance to bring the issues up to the commandant so they can be solved. With the changes EOD is looking for, they will be able to support the operating forces to an even greater extent than they are now.
Date Taken: | 04.06.2010 |
Date Posted: | 04.06.2010 13:33 |
Story ID: | 47756 |
Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
Web Views: | 717 |
Downloads: | 438 |
This work, Commandant visits EOD Marines, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.