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Workshop prepares responders for IED threat

Marien Corps News

Story Identification #: 20041028131434
Story by Cpl. J. Agg

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (Oct. 27, 2004) -- The Marine Corps National Capital Region Command Antiterrorism/Force Protection Staff hosted an Introduction to Improvised Explosive Devises Workshop Oct. 22 here.

More than 200 representatives from state and federal agencies involved in homeland security and homeland defense attended the combined lecture at Reasoner Hall, presented by Marine Corps Intelligence Activity, the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, the FBI Bomb Data Center and the FBI Terrorist Explosives Device Analytical Center. The seminar was followed by a live demonstration at Charlie Demo Range by Quantico Explosive Ordnance Disposal and the Capital Police EOD.

The workshop was the third in a series of quarterly professional military seminars hosted by the MCNCRC AT/FP that serve to foster a collaborative environment for interagency and supporting organizations with the common goal of homeland security and homeland defense.

Lt. Col. James E. Mead, plans officer, MCNCRC AT/FP, said the Introduction to Improvised Explosive Devises Workshop allowed first responders to better understand each other’s capabilities and to possibly better coordinate future joint responses to IEDs.

“Throughout the day I received a significant amount of positive feedback from attendees,” said Mead. “(The workshop was) an opportunity to strengthen relationships between people within organizations and for them to share their best practices with each other.”

The seminar covered the history of IED use and specific threats, weapons and tactics used by the enemy including equipment, psychological impact, and strategic use of the media, future strategies for combating the enemy, enhancing the response through intelligence, training and equipment and recommendations to first responders.

Capt. Victor Pastor, MCNCRC exercise officer, said the seminar succeeded in disseminating vital information about the threat of IEDs to key responders.

“(The workshop) shared information about this threat that a lot of people might be underestimating,” said Pastor. “(Professional military education courses) like this one increase awareness of the fact that we’re a team in dealing with this threat. The idea is that when something happens, when there is an emergency, it is important that the rapport is there so responders can ask one another for support.”

Quantico Assistant Fire Chief Raymond Loving attended both the seminar and demonstration, and found the event to be an excellent venue for the exchange of ideas between emergency first responders.

“Emergency responders -police and fire- got a chance to share what they are doing in other counties, towns and jurisdictions,” said Loving. “Being on a military base, we’ve got the upper hand with the EOD at our fingertips. I’m sure responders from other communities left a lot better prepared and a lot more knowledgeable when this situation occurs.”