U.S., Colombian Marine EOD Teams Exchange Knowledge
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS110209-22
2/9/2011
From Amphibious Southern Partnership Station 2011 Public Affairs
COVENAS, Colombia (NNS) -- U.S. Marine Corps Security Cooperation Task Force (SCTF), and Colombian Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams conducted a week-long subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) aboard the Colombian Marine Infantry Training Base in support of Amphibious Southern Partnership Station 2011 (A-SPS 11), Feb. 3.
The SCTF, consisting of Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, 2nd Tank Battalion, and 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, conducted several SMEEs which included combat marksmanship, security tactics, motor transportation, medical treatment and other vital information to improve techniques and develop professional relationships with the Colombian marines.
"The exchange is very important because of the influence that the U.S. has, and being involved all over the world," said Colombian marine 1st. Sgt. River Julio Rhenals.
Working together alongside partner nation civil and military services, with sharing ideas and professional expertise, will improve interoperability and enhance regional maritime security.
"We came to Colombia with the intent to compare our tactics with the Colombian marines and talk to them about their techniques in defeating improvised explosive devices (IEDs)," said Master Sgt. Jeffrey A. Bratcher, SCTF EOD chief. "The Colombian EOD team is very knowledgeable in what they do, so we learned a lot from them as well."
During the course of the week, the U.S. and Colombian marines shared their knowledge, experiences, and visuals, concerning their encounters with explosives.
"We are very pleased with the visit from the U.S. Marines," said Rhenals. "The exchange of knowledge is a vital key to us."
Each day, the teams practiced various tactics to teach expert techniques and improve skills.
"I think the biggest thing we passed on to them was the different types of initiation systems, allowing them to use our tools, and observing our methods on how we attack IEDs," said Bratcher.
In addition of having the opportunity to experience new equipment and expand capabilities within the EOD field, the teams formed a bond that will last long after the SCTF has left Colombia.
"We built a good relationship with the EOD marines here in Colombia," said Bratcher. "We plan to keep in touch and continue to exchange information."
The differences in climate, culture and location play a large role in equipment variation, skills, and experiences.
"This past week is very important to us because we shared a lot of knowledge and experiences that we can learn from and pass on to our young Marines," said Rhenals. "This type of exchange will definitely continue in the future. I was very impressed with how the U.S. Marine Corps EOD team works in all-terrain and climate. That is what makes us different. We have experience and knowledge in different types of IEDs because of where we are from and what we are used to encountering."
Although the SCTF Marines are moving forward on their deployment to conduct more SMEEs with military forces in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, the bond with the Colombian marine corps will continue to flourish.
"There is a strong tie between the U.S. Marines and the Colombian marines," said Rhenals. "It is evident, and is growing in the EOD field."
A-SPS 11 is designed to help strengthen cooperative maritime partnerships and enhance regional maritime security. A-SPS11 will continue to provide a sustained presence in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility through combined and multilateral cooperative missions such as the exercise conducted in Colombia.
A-SPS 11 is a United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM)-directed operation implemented by Commander, United States Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO), supported by United States Marine Corps Forces, South (MARFORSOUTH) and carried out by Commander, Destroyer Squadron Four Zero (CDS40), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and a Marine Corps Security Cooperation Task Force.
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, visit COMUSNAVSO/C4F Public Affairs by email at comusnavso-c4f_mypt_pao@navy.mil, visit www.public.navy.mil/comusnavso-c4f
For more news from Commander, U.S. Marine Forces South, visit http://www.mfs.usmc.mil/organization.html
For more news from Commander, U.S. Southern Command, visit http://www.southcom.mil/
For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.
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