RDECOM fields new technology to OEF Warfighters
Jan 19, 2011
By ISAF
HELMUND PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- The American Warfighter in Afghanistan is receiving training on new technology that will help detect improvised explosive devices.
The GOLDIE is a lightweight, handheld device for dismounted patrols to detect specific IED components. The U.S. Army Research Laboratory developed the GOLDIE, and the Combined Joint Task Force Paladin is fielding it. CJTF Paladin integrates counter-IED capabilities and capacity in Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force.
"This system will save lives, especially for our dismounts," U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Baumer said.
The Marine Corps engineers are the first units to receive the new counter-IED equipment. Personnel from the Marine Training Advisory Team and First Marine Division are being trained on the system. They will be the future trainers for Marines who will use it. Army engineers and most regional task forces in southern and eastern Afghanistan are next for distribution and training.
CJTF Paladin and ARL personnel were on-site at Camp Leatherneck in Regional Command.
Training lasts about an hour and consists of the fundamental principles of operation, basic functionality and employing the system. Representative targets and mock IEDs simulate the environment the Warfighter will encounter during patrols.
The Paladin J9 section is responsible for fielding counter-IED technology. Lt. Col. Andy Contreras, from the Paladin's CJ9 Science and Technology Section, credits the flawless fielding of GOLDIE to Maj. Bryon Mansfield and Rudy Nikolao.
"The success to the GOLDIE distribution plan is all due to Bryon and Rudy's untiring motivation and efforts to field this much needed technology. These efforts are an example of how RDECOM has come together to deliver technology to the Warfighter," Contreras said.
GOLDIE fielding will continue through March.
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