20th CBRNE Command troops teach life-saving lessons

By Walter T. Ham IV, 20th CBRNE Command Public AffairsJuly 15, 2015

20th CBRNE Command troops teach life-saving lessons
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20th CBRNE Command troops teach life-saving lessons
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KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY, Kan. (July 2, 2015) -- Soldiers, robots and explosives sound more like the elements of a good science fiction movie than an educational event.

But at the annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) event at Kansas State University June 26, U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) techs demonstrated the critical role science plays in their life-saving profession.

Soldiers from the Fort Riley, Kansas-based 630th EOD Company and 162nd EOD Company set up static and interactive displays at the university for 200 students and teachers from the Manhattan, Kan., Unified School District.

The companies are part of the 84th EOD Battalion, 71st EOD Group, 20th CBRNE Command (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives). Based on 19 posts in 16 states, the Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.-headquartered 20th CBRNE Command is the U.S. Army's only multifunctional formation that combats CBRNE threats around the globe.

In addition to supporting military operations, the Fort Riley, Kan.-based 84th EOD Battalion covers explosive response missions in a seven state region that includes North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Western Missouri.

The battalion and 630th EOD Company returned from deployments to Afghanistan in 2013 and the 162nd EOD Company currently has Soldiers serving in Afghanistan.

Maj. Matthew J. Derfler, the battalion operations officer, said the EOD Soldiers set up ordnance identification displays and explained how the principles of physics apply to explosives.

The EOD techs also demonstrated the tools of their high-stakes trade, from remote-control robots and X-ray machines to metal detection systems and bomb suits.

"The event, much like last year's event, was an overwhelming success with expressions of thanks from students and teachers alike," said Derfler, who has deployed to Iraq twice.

"The battalion will continue to support Manhattan Unified School District 383 and the greater Flint Hills Region for future events, as well as work to develop future STEM demonstrations during the standard school year," said Derfler.

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