IED threat relevant to all of 1st CEB

Photo By Cpl. John McCall | Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), witness the effects of an improvised explosive device during counter IED training at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Oct. 15, 2010. The 1st CEB will be taking the place of 3rd CEB and provide direct support to infantry battalions throughout Helmand province. Engineers of 3rd CEB took what they had learned during their time in Afghanistan and applied it toward a series of classes to help prepare 1st CEB for their seven-month tour.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

10.15.2010

Story by Lance Cpl. John McCall 

1st Marine Division

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), were shown basic route clearance techniques and procedures by 3rd CEB engineers during counter improvised explosive device training here, Oct. 15.

“We want the Marines to gain a better understanding of how to properly use a metal detector and what to do after detecting an IED,” said Lance Cpl. Nicholas Weissgerber, 20, a combat engineer with 3rd CEB, from Bloomington, Ill. “They need to be aware of the different threats that are out there and how to combat them.”

The engineers of 3rd CEB took what they had learned during their time in Afghanistan and applied it toward a series of classes to help prepare 1st CEB for their seven-month tour. The 1st CEB will be taking the place of 3rd CEB and provide direct support to infantry battalions throughout Helmand province.

Troops were given hands-on practice with the metal detectors along with a scenario in which they used what they had learned to clear a practice lane.

All arriving Marines at Camp Leatherneck receive the training due to the high threat of IED related injuries and fatalities.

“The environment here is very unpredictable; you never know when you might find yourself involved in an IED strike,” said Cpl. David Hernandez, 22, a food service specialist with 3rd CEB, from Ennis, Texas. “It is important that these Marines know how to react if something happens.”

During his tour, Hernandez was traveling in a vehicle convoy that hit an IED. Hernandez became part of a sweep team once the occupants had dismounted from the vehicles.

“I really never imagined that I would be out there involved in a mission, but sure enough it happened. This training I had when I first got here definitely helped me deal with the situation,” Hernandez explained.

Hernandez’ experience was a reminder to participants that the training is very relevant, regardless of their job skill.

“We don’t get to do this kind of training very often so we try to get as much out of it as possible,” said Lance Cpl. Rahshaad Winford, 27, a warehouse clerk with 1st CEB. “My job isn’t directly related to combat, but I think the information is good to know since I’m part of an engineer battalion.”

• Date Taken: 10.15.2010
• Date Posted: 10.18.2010 07:43
• Story ID: 58302
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF