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Sgt. Peter Ebert, a team member assigned to 720th Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) inspects a suspected improvised explosive device in a bomb suit. Ebert scans the area with a VMR2 hand held detector supplied by the Baumholder Counter Improvised Explosive Device Integration Cell July 27 in Baumholder.
Soldiers from 720th Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) partnered with the Baumholder Counter Improvised Explosive Device Integration Cell, known as the CI2C, to hone their technical skills during a Situational Training Exercise July 25 to 28 in Baumholder.
The CI2C was established by United States Army Europe in Baumholder, Germany in October 2013. The Baumholder CI2C team, consisting of four subject matter experts, provides support to small unit leader training programs with a focus on individual and collective training events.
A Situational Training Exercise, or STX, is a short scenario-driven, mission-oriented limited exercise designed to train one collective task, or group of related tasks or battle drills, through practice.
These mission-oriented exercises are crucial to EOD training to develop standard operating procedures and prepare team leaders for their certification, a grueling process testing their ability to react to different EOD related challenges.
“The STX lanes were effective for my team because it tested our knowledge and problem solving skills in a realistic, operational environment,” said Staff Sgt. John Harris, a 720th Ord. Co. EOD team leader. “It helped identify our strengths and weaknesses as a new team so we are able to adapt, overcome, and achieve mission success in future missions.”
720th Ord. Co. EOD team leaders developed and managed multiple scenarios, focusing on a simulated deployed hostile environment. They worked hand in hand with CI2C’s Lamont Hall to integrate training aids and equipment his facilities had to offer into their lanes, providing the most realistic and quality training.
“The integration of CI2C with the 720th Ord. Co. EOD STX lanes enhanced the training value within the lanes, providing a realistic training environment for the teams that participated in the training,” said Lamont Hall, Baumholder CI2C Senior Consultant.
The unit is excited about establishing a consistent and long term relationship with the CI2C as this asset adds exponential value to their training. The resources and knowledge CI2C consultants contributed to the STX lanes were immeasurable and have helped to develop a new standard of training throughout the unit.
