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New facility to help troops defeat IEDs unveiled

US Marine Corps News

3/30/2010
By Lance Cpl. Damien Gutierrez, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

A state-of-the-art improvised explosive device training facility, that will help Marines identify and neutralize IEDs, was unveiled during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Camp Pendleton, March 25.

The $9 million complex comes complete with a four lane road and urban buildings that simulate conditions similar to what Marines might see while deployed.

According, Joint IED Defeat Organization's Web site, the training facility was designed to help students better assess threats and gather evidence in a tactical environment while using specific IED search procedures with the appropriate detection equipment.

Students attending the IED training course will learn metal detector operation, visual IED threat identification, vehicle mine rollers system maneuvering and other specialized IED defeating techniques.

“The number one threat in Afghanistan is IEDs” said Col. Nicholas Marano, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. “This new facility will give Camp Pendleton Marines real integrated IED defense capabilities, ensuring the overall safety of themselves and the Marines around them.”

To reduce putting Marines in harms way, the course also provides an extensive robot operation training that provides basic handling of the Multi-function Agile Remote Control robot and PackBot Tactical Robot that are primarily used to remotely identify IEDs.

The new training complex, funded by the Joint IED Defeat Organization, also includes a classroom equipped with an advanced touch-screen projection system that makes for a more effective learning environment.

Visitors attending the opening ceremony were given an interactive tour of the new training center, where they witnessed staged IED explosions and suicide bomber scenarios that were carried out by the facility’s instructors.

“We wanted to give the base leaders an up-close look at what Marines attending the course will be dealing with,” said Aaron Pluff, instructor, Mobile Training Cadre, Camp Pendleton. “This IED training is the best the Corps has to offer.”

Guests to the training lanes included Sgt. Maj. Ramona D. Cook, sergeant major, MCB Camp Pendleton; Col. Philippe D. Rogers, commanding officer, Headquarters Support Battalion, MCB Camp Pendleton and more than 50 other officers, senior enlisted and civilian personnel.

“I am so happy and proud of what capabilities this facility gives,” said Marano. “I would like to also give a special thanks to all those who were involved in the development of this much needed tool.”