Soldiers learned skills to identify and combat improvised explosive devices (IED), Jan. 15, 2015, at the Fort Carson Counter-IED Academy.
Countering IEDs is a crucial part of modern warfare, said Sgt. James Hart, infantry team leader, Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
"The training is a mix of identifying threats, preventing IEDs and following standard operation procedures if an IED is found," Hart said.
The purpose of the training is to increase the overall effectiveness of every Soldier in the brigade by training more NCOs in counter-IED operations, said Patrick Simmons, counter-IED integrator/instructor, Fort Carson Counter-IED Academy, who is a former Army explosive ordnance disposal specialist with two tours in a combat zone.
"We're training the trainers," said Simmons. "We're focusing on the NCOs by showing them the new tools and giving them the understanding (of) how to use them effectively. They are the leaders and should be more informed than junior Soldiers in order to make sound decisions on the ground."
Training included thorough vehicle inspections, gathering of biometrics and use of explosive material detection kits.
"Learning this information gives me different perspectives and resources in counter-IED measures. It allows me to focus on the threat, and train other Soldiers, peers and juniors, to increase their proficiency to combat IEDs," said Hart.
An important part of combating IEDs is the understanding of how they're being used in different parts of the world and attacking IED makers and cells, said Simmons.
"This training increases the ability for commanders to make sound strategic plans," said Simmons.
Countering IEDs will prove beneficial on the battlefield, said Hart.
"This training will save the lives of Soldiers in combat," he said.
The Soldiers from 3rd ABCT continue to train to increase proficiency and maintain readiness for any possible future operations.
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