Training Phase 1 of 4

We, a class of 70, have finished our first phase of training at the Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technical Division at Stump Neck, MD. We have learned how improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are made and how we use electronic warfare to defeat radio controlled IED's. There are 2 main types of IED's - Victim activated (pressure switch and trip wire) and radio controlled (garage door opener, key fob, radio controlled car, cell phone). We focus on the latter IED and utilize strategically placed jammers within a convoy to block out detonation signals sent to blow up the roadside IED's. We utilize the acronym PIES to dissect the construction of an IED: Power (9 volt battery - car battery); Initiator (blasting cap); Explosive (C4 or any available mortar); Switch (cell phone, light switch, key fob, etc). Very simple stuff.

Being in this sleepy little rural Maryland town has been personally rewarding. The area is sooo steeped in colonial history. For example, on the way from my hotel to the class, I go by Thomas Stone's house...he was an original signer of the Declaration of Independence. One of many cool historical places to see.

Life goes on and so does training. My folks picked me up in DC and we are now headed to Columbia, SC and Ft Jackson to drop me off for Training Phase 2: Arrrrrmy training, Sir. (insert fond memories of Bill Murray's movie, Stripes.) I can look forward to combat life saving skills, individual & team movement techniques, M-16 & 9mm qualification at the pop up target range, close combat reactive fire, land navigation, army communications, urban operations, convoy ops, isolated personnel recovery, and last but certainly not least...arab culture awareness.