Army Deploys Explosive Hazards Teams to Iraq

Strategic Insights -

American Forces Press Service, deployed by the Department of Defense to Iraq's Ninevah province, the 130th Engineer Brigade's 15th Explosive Hazards Team from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, arrived to support the reconstruction mission. The team's arrival marked the first deployment of the highly specialized teams, created to support explosive ordnance disposal units. The team's mission is to train Iraqi soldiers in counter-improvised explosive device tactics and evidence collection procedures.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Army has deployed four explosive hazards teams, with the 15th EHT being the first to complete the certification process and deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  • The 15th EHT is a seven-member team that provides explosives tracking, mitigation, and assured mobility for the 130th Engineer Brigade.
  • The team's mission is to train Iraqi soldiers in counter-IED operations, including evidence collection procedures, to replace U.S. forces and allow the Iraqis to effectively counter the IED threat.
  • The team is undergoing crime-scene evidence collection certification and will train the Iraqis in these procedures, using evidence-collection training to target the insurgency and govern themselves.
  • The 15th EHT's certified trainers can instruct other units in IED defeat, area clearance, and mine detection operations.

Statistics:

  • 4 explosive hazards teams have been deployed by the Army.
  • The 15th EHT is the first operational EHT to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  • 7-member team that provides explosives tracking, mitigation, and assured mobility for the 130th Engineer Brigade.
  • The team must complete several hours of sensitive site-exploitation training before training the Iraqis in evidence collection procedures.
  • The 15th EHT is undergoing crime-scene evidence collection certification.

Sources:

  • Department of Defense American Forces Press Service
  • 15th Explosive Hazards Team
  • 1st Lt. Manuel A. Orozco, 15th EHT detachment commander
  • Sgt. James T. Williams, a technical intelligence analyst with the 15th EHT