IED Rodeo 2018

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Snyder | Staff Sgt. Michael D’Augustino, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal team member, uses shock tube for a controlled detonation during the IED Rodeo at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Feb. 15, 2018. This multilateral training event showcased EOD members from different branches and nations, how they locate explosive devices and the steps they take to safely and effectively disarm them. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder)  

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, GERMANY

02.22.2018

Story by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder 

52nd Fighter Wing

Members of the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron’s explosive ordnance disposal flight participated in an improvised explosive device training exercise Feb. 12-22, 2018 at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
The exercise, known as the IED Rodeo, featured EOD members from different military branches and nations, showcasing how they locate explosive devices and the steps they take to safely and effectively disarm them.
EOD teams from Spangdahlem, U.S. Marine Corps, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Netherlands, and Czech Republic participated in the rodeo.
“This training helps us build partnerships,” said Staff Sgt. Benjamin Waltman, 52nd CES EOD craftsman. ”If we ever needed to work together in the future it would be much easier with these relationships built.”
EOD members completed 13 contrasting scenarios to emulate real-life hazardous scenes where teams put their skills to the test. Each scenario offered its own set of problems to be addressed differently from the last.
One mock scenario involved an IED in a simulated methamphetamine laboratory. Event coordinators prepped the abandoned room with dummy bombs, booby traps and other items that would be found in an actual cookhouse.
“The goal for IED Rodeo is the intermingling of countries and to better our career fields,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Duff, 52nd CES EOD craftsman.
All members had the opportunity to participate and observe each scenario in an effort to expand their knowledge and proficiency in the ever-changing world of IEDs.
“Important take away for us is keeping in contact with our allied forces and the exchange of tactics, techniques, and procedures from our missions abroad,” said German Capt. Ben Wasch, 130th Armored Engineer Platoon leader.

• Date Taken: 02.22.2018
• Date Posted: 02.23.2018 09:26
• Story ID: 266942
• Location: SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, DE