Deep Strike Soldiers learn emergency destruction procedures

FORT HOOD, Texas-As the artillery rounds flew overhead, Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment continued press forward and train.

The Soldiers of "Deep Strike" learned the proper procedures on the emergency destruction of the multiple launch rocket system's (MLRS) pods out on the artillery range Aug. 3.

"Emergency detonation training is very valuable training," said Sgt. 1st Class James Platt, of Tulsa, Okla., fires platoon sergeant for C Battery. "If we're out somewhere and we have to leave the expended pods for one reason or another, we would have to do an emergency detonation so the enemy couldn't use our equipment or booby-trap it."

Two Soldiers from the 704th Explosive Ordinance Disposal Company came out to properly train more than 30 MLRS crew members on how to handle and place the plastic explosive, known as C-4, on the pods.

"It's important for the guys starting out to know what to do and what not to do," said Staff Sgt. David Hughee, of New York City, the operations noncommissioned officer for the 704th Ord. Company (EOD).

"Safety is paramount out here," said Staff Sgt. Randell Evans, from Abilene, Texas, the battalion master gunner for 2nd Bn., 20th FA Regt. "We want to make sure everyone get something from the training, but we also want to make sure everyone comes home with all of their fingers and toes."

Evans planned the training and arranged for the EOD team to come out to give the training.

"Who better to come out and give instructions on blowing up stuff besides the experts'"

Sgt. Kevin Walters, an Orange County, Calif. native, 704th Ord. Company (EOD), gave the crew members detailed instructions on how to place the C-4 and prepare the detonation cord.

"I've provided a step-by-step packet, it's written out in great detail so they can easily understand it and follow directions, that way, no one gets hurt," said Walters.

Evans stated that emergency destruction is an important skill that every MLRS crew member should be familiar with. The training extended over two days and some of the Soldiers got to experience what four small blocks of C-4 could do.

During the training, the Soldiers learned how to place the C-4, apply the blasting caps to the detonation cords, handle the detonation cord, cut and place the detonation cord, and move to a safe distance.

"It's cool blowing up the pods; it's something we all need to learn and something we all need hands-on with," said Spc. Jeff Queen, an MLRS gunner with 2nd Bat., 20th Field Artillery Regt.