Defence News

The newly established explosive hazards reduction course in Uruzgan has had its first graduates, with thirteen members of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) recently being certified Explosive Hazard Reduction Technicians.

The 21-day Explosive Hazards Reduction Course conducted by Combined Team - Uruzgan (CT-U) is the first of its type to be run outside of Kandahar Air Field.

The trainers at Multi National Base, Tarin Kowt are also the first non-US personnel to be given authority to certify students, and selection for the course is highly competitive.

Senior Course Instructor, Captain Matt Murphy stated that the course continues to enhance the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) capability in dealing with explosive hazards such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and unexploded ordnance (UXO).

“By providing the ANSF with this capability, we enhance and empower the Afghan police and army,” Captain Murphy said.

“The course was designed to teach the ANSF how to reduce different forms of explosive hazards.

“The training is realistic and by delivering it on at the counter IED compound, the students learn how to deal with the threat in the environment where they will face it.”

Upon graduation, each student was presented with a certificate, a kit-bag containing the specialist equipment they require to undertake the job and a coveted Explosive Hazard Reduction Technician patch to wear on their uniform.

On the presentation of their certificates, each student turned proudly and proclaimed to the audience, “I serve Afghanistan.”

By having the skills to reduce the explosive hazard threat in their country, these students are keeping their fellow security forces and their civilian population safe from this threat.