Dynamic Entry Course turns out explosive operators

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN

11.02.2007

Story by Lance Cpl. Kevin Knallay 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP HANSEN, Japan — During the most recent Dynamic Entry Course on Camp Hansen, doors were blown off hinges, man-sized holes were punched through concrete walls and other forms of destruction took place.

Turning doors into shards of wood is a small fragment of the course, which III Marine Expeditionary Force's Special Operations Training Group holds on Camp Hansen twice a year.

The course, which drew students from 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Logistics Group and Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, taught the Marines several methods of breaching doors and walls and how to construct various explosive devices for some of the breaching.

Since Oct. 22, Marines in the course have effectively entered secure facilities using explosive devices and tools, according to Master Sgt. Carl Holden, the senior dynamic entry instructor with SOTG. The course ends Nov. 2.

The information the Marines learned in the course will greatly benefit them if they are ever in combat and need to enter a secure building, according to Holden. The course does this by stimulating the students' interest, giving them more chances to practice and keeping the training safe.

"While safety is our number one concern, getting the Marines plenty of hands-on time with explosives really makes it fun (while they're learning)," Holden said. "What we teach during the course will be an important tool in the students' tool boxes."

"There hasn't been a bad thing about (the course)," said Cpl. Caleb Nehls, a reconnaissance man with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Mar. Div. "The amount of hands-on time is awesome, and the instructors are great. The SOTG instructors know how to teach a course."

Instructors taught students about different explosive devices and demonstrated how to construct them. Groups of students were then required to work in teams and build their own explosive charges. Teams had to determine net explosive weight of charges to calculate the minimum safe distance they could detonate them from.

Instructors ensured safety and proficiency in course material by checking the students' work prior to detonation of the charges, and the teams rehearsed several times before setting off charges.

"We let the students see how the charges are built then let them do it on their own," Holden said. "This gives them the confidence knowing that if they can do it on their own here, they can do it when it counts without us looking over their shoulder. So we help develop their confidence while maintaining safety with our final inspections and rehearsals."

• Date Taken: 11.02.2007
• Date Posted: 11.04.2007 20:10
• Story ID: 13606
• Location: CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP