Minot EOD Airmen reflect on sacrifices

Published Dec. 7, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- An explosive surprise is what can literally await these warriors when called for duty.

Nonetheless, like so many other servicemembers before them, they are willing to execute the tasks assigned to them to the best of their ability, knowing very well the dangers that lie ahead.

Known for their expertise in explosive weaponry and hazardous munitions, Air Force Global Strike Command's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen conduct various operations both here and abroad on a daily basis to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.

"Our mission is to disarm and disable any explosive threat," said Staff Sgt. Michael Burnett, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron NCO in charge of EOD quality and assurance. "It can encompass any chemical, biological and nuclear threat."

He notes that they go through extensive training both in school and on the job.

"We spend approximately one year at our technical training schools learning the basics of explosive weaponry," Sergeant Burnett added. "After that it can take six months to a year to become well familiarized with the weapons systems we have here on base."

Minot is a unique place for EOD technicians because they have an opportunity to work at the country's most powerful nuclear base.

"Being stationed here in Minot alters our training a little bit because of our nuclear mission," he said. "We have to be completely knowledgeable with the capabilities of the nuclear weapons we have here."

"In technical training school we have a course on handling them, but we are not trained to the proficiency level required here in Minot," Sergeant Burnett continued. "From day one that our Airmen arrive here we expect them to be ready for extensive training."

It's important EOD Airmen receive their necessary upgrade training because they are in highly demanding career field.

"Once we reach a noncommissioned officer level, EOD technicians begin to deploy overseas constantly," said Staff Sgt. Haven Cherry, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron NCO in charge of EOD supply and munitions. "Right now we have five EOD technicians from our shop who are deployed."

Sergeant Cherry explained EOD technicians are needed in places such as Afghanistan and Iraq because of their expertise in dealing with improvised explosive devices. IED's have been a constant threat for deployed servicemembers overseas.

According to a Pentagon memorandum, the IED toll on EOD has been significant. Since 2005, 13 EOD Airmen have been lost in combat operations overseas. An additional eight have been seriously injured, losing a limb or more, and over 70 EOD Airmen have received one or more Purple Hearts.

To drive home the critical importance of EOD operations, a safety day is being supported by EOD leadership.

"This November we designated a safety day," said Sergeant Burnett. "We spent a whole day going over a series of briefings to allow personnel to reset and refocus on safety."

Safety Day is designed give EOD Airmen a chance to pause and reflect on the sacrifice of past EOD Airmen and the significance of safety precautions that the career field requires.

"We spent the day in remembrance of our fellow EOD Airmen who have passed away but at the same time analyzed what led to their fatality," Sergeant Burnett said. "The fact that we analyze some of the incidents in detail to determine what could have prevented their loss of life can be somewhat heartrending."
However, he emphasized they learn in the process from any mistakes that may have been made and develop strategies to prevent these types of incidents.

"We examined explosive weaponry technicians were pulling out of the ground at deployed locations," he added. "We also analyzed new ways insurgents are using IED's and went over different types of technology they are now using."

Safety Day was especially helpful to the young Airmen in the shop who have not yet deployed in combat environments.

"Safety is important and while we can't prevent every accident from occurring, we can do our best to prepare for the unexpected," Sergeant Burnett said.