SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. – Supporting one of U.S. Army Central’s commanding general’s priorities, explosive ordnance disposal experts from the 20th Fighter Wing, Pakistan army and USARCENT met to exchange information on Shaw Air Force Base July 25-26.
The EOD theater security cooperation exchange focused on post-blast analysis and contributed to the overall goal of these exchanges, which is to improve USARCENT’s partner nations’ capabilities and to continue fostering positive relationships.
“This week was a part of a series of engagements, of over several years, to improve the capability of Pakistan’s counter ID (improvised device) efforts, and this was just part of that series of advancing their efforts and increasing collaboration,” said Lt. Col. Michael Starz, from the Office of the Defense Representative-Pakistan, U.S. Embassy Islamabad.
Starz added it was a productive way to continue sharing techniques and new ideas that also allowed them to get out of their daily routines to focus on important issues.
As part of a goal to host three exchanges per year, this recent exchange focused on proper explosion site processing and forensic testing. The U.S. EOD teams provided lectures, encouraged discussions and performed a practical exercise to share methods and theories for performing those EOD duties.
“It was an excellent cooperation,” said Lt. Col. Atif Mushtaq, commanding officer, 652nd Search and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, Pakistan army. “It was beneficial for us, and hopefully, for the U.S. as well.”
Atif said he plans to use the shared information to update their procedures and improve their techniques, which may lead to collaborating together in the future.
Source: DVIDS.