CE gets dirty, makes room for boom Published Aug. 17, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Andrew McLaughlin 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Grissom's technicians who specialize in detecting, diffusing and exploding dangerous ordnance now have their own area to train with tools vital to helping them save lives. Pavements and construction Airmen from the 434th Civil Engineer Squadron assisted their fellow CE brethren as they completed work on an explosive ordnance disposal training area here during the August unit training assembly. The site provides a location where Grissom EOD technicians can conduct necessary training using the tools of their craft, said Senior Master Sgt. Scott Fleek, 434th CES EOD superintendent. EOD supervisors will use the area to evaluate their Airmen in training and team leaders as they practice their skills, said Fleek. EOD will also use the site to conduct specific training that recreates dangers encountered in operations overseas, especially in Afghanistan. "We utilize after action reports from [within combat zones] and set up the same problems here," he said. Fleek, who has been helping plan the project since last year, said it also benefits the pavements and construction Airmen because it's a good training opportunity for them. Master Sgt. Jeffrey Engel, 434th CES heavy equipment shop noncommissioned officer in charge, said he agreed with Fleek. "It gives us the training we need and keeps us proficient," said Engel. The CES Airmen started working on the site in June, and this project allowed them quality hands-on training with different equipment including a frontend loader, backhoe, grader and dump truck, he said. The civil engineers also got to practice their surveying and mapping skills to prepare the area. The site encompasses approximately 11,000 square feet and will be surrounded by concrete barriers. It also includes a sand pit for landmine detection and disposal training. The engineers used about 100 tons of sand to fill the landmine pit, said Engel. The site will also contain a large earth-covered culvert simulating a road like those found in Afghanistan, said Engel. Improvised explosive devises are commonly placed in these tunnel-like structures, and the EOD team will use this for training with their robots, said Fleek, who added that he hopes to eventually add more features to enhance training such as movable walls, stairs and ramps. According to the EOD superintendent, there were previously limitations on the training the EOD team was able to do at Grissom as they were not able to complete required tools training without going another base, but the training area change that. "It's an area to train without having to burden the rest of the base," he added. Engel said completing real-world and relevant projects like this where they construct something permanent is important for them because it will serve a lasting purpose and directly benefit the mission. "You take pride in it," he concluded. The 434th CES is part of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
