YAVORIV, Ukraine -- Throughout October and November 2016 the 720th EOD Co., 16th Special Troops Bn., conducted advise and assist operations and planning sessions, partnering with the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine (JMTG-U). Soldiers worked with Ukrainian Sappers and JMTG-U staff to establish an unexploded ordnance (UXO) mitigating capability at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center (IPSC).
The JMTG-U provides training, equipment, training center development, and doctrinal assistance to the Ukrainian armed forces. The training center development effort at the IPSC identified a need for U.S. EOD expertise concerning UXO mitigation.
"After spending a short time at the IPSC, I realized that ordnance disposal and range maintenance was not a typical procedure the Ukrainian Army conducted," said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Deleon the 7th ATC, G3 OPS NCOIC.
Sgt. 1st Class Deleon immediately engaged 21st Theater Sustainment Command and U.S. Army Europe to develop an EOD support plan.
The 720th initially conducted partnered range clearance operations with Ukrainian Sappers in May 2016. The surface clearance highlighted further assistance needed due to the volume and different types of UXO discovered.
What started as assistance in clearing ranges of UXO and explosive hazards has evolved into a partnered training aimed at creating new capabilities and force modernization.
As a result, the Ukrainian military has made an organizational change to the IPSC personnel staffing by adding 15 Soldiers for range operations. These individuals are committed specifically to U.S. led training events and range safety operations. Col. Shpin (IPSC Deputy Commander) has taken action in ensuring these Soldiers are qualified to meet the intent of these efforts.
"The development of the Ukrainian Engineer/EOD schoolhouse and the addition of these 15 Soldiers under range operations command and control are imperative to the success of the IPSC and the future of the Ukrainian military," said Capt. Ayres, JMTG-U Range Operations OIC.
Training the 15 Ukrainian Soldiers includes train the trainer events under the Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) program. The combination of HMA and partnered training, coordinated with the JMTG-U, ensures a comprehensive approach to development of the IPSC and the Ukrainian Armed forces.
On Nov. 15-16, members of the 720th, 21st TSC EOD Cell, and USAREUR met with Ukrainian personnel and JMTG-U staff to solidify a HMA training plan. The first HMA training event is scheduled for May 2017. This training event sets the stage for further EOD centric training and interoperability with our Ukrainian partners.
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