MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 6th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight conducted their monthly demolition disposal training, but with a twist.
The EOD Airmen donned their Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear in the extreme Florida heat.
“This training, specifically, is important to us because it allows us to work within the parameters of being in our MOPP gear, in a hot environment, and getting hands-on with demolitions in these unique scenarios” said Senior Airman Kyle Cota, a 6th CES EOD operator.
The EOD team’s usual monthly demolition disposal training only consists of demolishing unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices while using their techniques, tactics and procedures. The chemical environment scenario would present some different challenges.
According to Tech. Sgt. Joseph White, a 6th CES EOD technician, this type of training is important for the Airmen to refresh their skills and have experience with unique scenarios like operating in a chemical environment.
“It’s pretty important, it's something that we don't do as much training on as we do on the other tasks in our job so it's nice to stay proficient,” explained White.
After donning their gear, the Airmen held a quick safety briefing along with training instructions. They were divided into two groups, and began to get to work.
“It's the first time some of the newer guys get to be familiar with operating in Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology while handling explosives,” said White.
The Airmen displayed their proficiency in dealing with explosive devices and their efficiency when it came to performing unique challenges.
Cota included that the Airmen are always refreshing their training and that it's very important that they are 100-percent on all of their skills here in case they do get a real world call.
These are the efforts needed in order to continue developing the force. It is important that all Airmen at MacDill, no matter their job, demonstrate warfighting readiness. It is all part of building a lethal and ready force. If deterrence fails, our Airmen must be ready to compete and win a war against a nuclear peer.
The 6th CES EOD Airmen will continue practicing different types of operations during their designated training week and will always push for a higher level of training in order to be prepared for whatever comes their way.