U.S. Soldiers conducted a controlled detonation of a vehicle during an Iraqi security forces’ training exercise near Forward Operating Base Falcon, Nov. 16, 2008. Photo by 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs.

FOB FALCON

Soldiers and leaders from the 752nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, attached to the 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B, detonated a van full of munitions to train Soldiers from the 9th Iraqi Army (IA) Bomb Disposal Company on the proper techniques for effective post-blast site exploitation.

“I think this training is important for the Iraqi EOD because it gives them a chance to see how we operate,” said Staff Sgt. Stephen Cunningham, a team leader assigned to the 752nd EOD Co.

The Soldiers packed the van with approximately 200 pounds of military-grade munitions to properly depict a real-world scenario.

“As far as their equipment is concerned, they have plenty of robots; their bomb suits and their knowledge is very up to date,” explained Cunningham, a Los Angeles native. “They know what they’re dealing with, especially when it comes to conventional ordnance.”

The training keeps the Iraqi Soldiers on their toes and it contributes to the fight in the long run, said Spc. Curtis Garner, an EOD specialist assigned to the 752nd EOD Co.

“They seem really responsive, and they have a good grasp on what they are doing for their country,” stated Garner, a native of Portland, Ore. “We just offer them a different avenue, outlook or thought process.”

Garner said he believes the IA team leaders are competent and capable enough to introduce new concepts previously not practiced by the IA bomb squad.

“In the beginning, we received good training and knowledge from our friends,” said Lt. Col. Neve Rathwan Risa, commander of the 9th IA Div. Bomb Disposal Company. “They have good experience, and hopefully we will develop ourselves to deal with the improvised explosive devices.”

Risa, a Baghdad native, stressed the importance of knowledge and training to his Soldiers and said he believes the exercise was a good opportunity for Iraqi bomb disposal technicians to train with Coalition forces.

“It’s very important to have this kind of branch in the new IA to deal with all the roadside bombs and to disarm any explosive devices and make the roads safe for the people and the Army,” Risa explained.

The team is one of the leading bomb disposal companies in the Iraqi Army, according to 1st Lt. Brad Lewis, EOD technician assigned to the 752nd EOD Co.

 “These guys played a big part in the push for Sadr City earlier this year,” stated Lewis, who hails from Lubbock, Texas. “Since, we have been trying to work them by establishing training programs, training of the younger Soldiers and getting them to the point where they could pass the EOD school in Basra.”

The Soldiers of the 752nd EOD Co. are deployed from their home station of Fort Hood, Texas, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

(By Sgt. David Hodge, 4th Infantry Division)