TBLILISI, Georgia - Soldiers of the 702nd Ordnance Company trained alongside Georgian armed forces as a part of the humanitarian mine action program in Tbilisi, Georgia, from April 18 thru May 9. The humanitarian mine action program is designed to assist foreign militaries by aiding and developing studies that aim to reduce the social, economic and environmental impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war.
Over the course of three weeks, the explosives experts trained 15 Georgian military engineers. The training enhanced 702nd's capabilities of clearing mines and unexploded munitions to international humanitarian standards.
The training team consisted of four personnel: Sgt. 1st Class Dan Henderson, Staff Sgt. Steven Shuler, Sgt. John Combs, and Sgt. William Lowery from the 702nd Ordnance Company, Grafenwoehr, Germany.
The 702nd team spent the first two weeks training the Georgian EOD attendees on course topics that ranged from basic EOD principles to some of the more complex EOD tasks such as controlling the scene when an improvised explosive device is present. During the third and final week Georgian and U.S. forces put their knowledge to the test at the demolition range at Vaziani Training Area.
"The Georgian EOD soldiers are dedicated to developing their EOD program to reflect the United States Army EOD standards and proficiencies," said Sgt. John Combs, a team sergeant and a native of St. Louis, Missouri.
During the visit to Georgia, the 702nd team and commander, Capt. John Laird, met with Brig. Gen.Vladimer Chachibaia, deputy chief of defense and Command Sgt. Maj. Beso Khatiashvili of the Georgian armed forces and NATO representatives. The topics of discussion included progression paths to establish a Georgian EOD Training Center. Trainers also advised how to rapidly enhance training standards and roles of the leader development within the Explosive Ordnance Disposal career field.
Staff Sgt. Steven Shuler, a team leader and native of Franklin, North Carolina, said, "I am very thankful for the opportunity to help develop the Georgian EOD program and work with such a professional force."
The 702nd will continue to assist Georgian armed forces as they further develop doctrine and build a foundation for the explosive ordnance disposal program, strengthening an international partnership.
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