CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. --
Marines with Combat
Logistics Battalion 2 learned how to detect improvised explosive devices during
a pre-deployment training exercise at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 23.
Explosive Ordnance
Disposal technicians instructed CLB-2 Marines to properly calibrate and use a
metal detector to locate and identify the simulated IEDs that were planted for
training purposes in preparation for their deployment with Special Purpose
Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Africa.
The Marines learned
about different types of IEDs and how to detect them and then conducted hands-on
training exercises using the equipment they learned about.
“We are going to make sure that they are
exposed to some things they may see, some trends that we are aware of, to try
and keep them safe while they are operating [on deployment],” said Sgt. Timothy Potter, a technician with
EOD.
The Marines went
through a scenario that involved sweeping an area and discovering the different
threats they learned about in class. They were trained to look for wires
leading to different activators like pressure plates and switches that could be
rigged with explosives.
“This is good training
for all Marines because IEDs are prone to [affect] anybody’s job,” said Lance
Cpl. James Hazelip, a heavy engineer equipment manager with CLB-2.
Several training areas containing
simulated IEDs buried in the ground triggered the detector, which emitted different
sounds based on the types of materials used in the IEDs. Students used the detector
to locate possible threats and looked for any visual signs of a hidden explosive
device.
“We are trying to
reinforce to them that [the metal detector] is a great tool to use, but there
is a lot more that goes into it than just listening to the noises it makes,”
Potter said.
Students looked for
freshly dug up dirt, exposed wires and other signs to determine if there was a
hazard, what it was and how to resolve it.
“We want to keep them
in the mindset of always being aware of their surroundings,” said Potter. “It’s
very important to never get complacent, no matter where you are.”