ISAF Troops Provide Continuous Counter-IED Training to ANSF, Coalition Troops

Photo By Jason Johnston | Members from U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3 simulate training on how to identify and find possible IED's on their ‘Training Lane’ at Camp Griffin. The IED Training Lane was created and taught by U.S. Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal technicians from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3. ISAF's mission is to provide support to Afghanistan in creating a functioning government and administration structure, while preserving Afghan traditions and culture.  

MAIMANAH, AFGHANISTAN

02.12.2011

Story by Ensign Peter Lee 

ISAF Regional Command North

MAIMANAH, Afghanistan – Troops from U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3 provided counter improvised explosive device training to Norwegian soldiers, Feb. 12.

The training, which took place on Forward Operating Base Camp Griffin in Faryab province, is conducted by U.S. Navy EOD technicians, and simulates real-life scenarios at their training site using IED's found and rendered safe from the local area.

“We have provided this training so far to the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police as well as Latvians, Norwegians, Finnish and U.S. troops,” said U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Chief John Groat, who is an instructor for the course. “Our IED lane trains the eye to look for hazards and builds teamwork that would be applied in a real situation.”

Since December, over 400 multi-national Soldiers have been through the course with 300 more expected to receive the training by next month.

“We put everyone through it, even ANA officers,” said Norwegian Army 2nd Lt. Mats Hetling, a member of the region mentoring unit which advises the ANA. “IED training is valuable and important. Although we receive this training before deploying, it’s always good to have a refresher with new things more area specific. The U.S. Navy EOD technicians here are good at what they do and great to work with and we have built lasting friendships.”

The course includes classroom education, vehicle-mounted and vehicle-dismounted foot patrol segments.

“The training has been very effective,” said U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer Three Mark Olivera, an EOD technician. “Afghan EOD forces have been proactive in participating in this training. They realize the IED's made by insurgents are meant to hinder their efforts so they take this training seriously.”

Servicemembers assigned to U.S. Navy EODMU-3 have partnered with members of ANSF and ISAF in order to combat insurgent IED's in the region, providing training and development in order to further the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan security missions and goals.

• Date Taken: 02.12.2011
• Date Posted: 02.24.2011 00:27
• Story ID: 65964
• Location: MAIMANAH, AF