NDF conducts explosive disposal course

THE Namibia Defence Force is conducting an explosive ordnance disposal level-one training programme with the help of the United States navy mobile unit in Otavi.

The purpose of the programme is to strengthen Namibia’s institutional capabilities by training future instructors to identify threats including landmines, detectors, air-dropped bombs and missiles. The participants will pass on their new skills to other members of their respective units.

Captain Zakanjangua Korukuve, who is conducting the training, said the aim is to establish an institution in Namibia where soldiers can be trained instead of sending them overseas to acquire the explosive disposal skills.

“The plan was implemented to be able to train our people in the country. Skills acquired through the training, with help from the US government, will enable us to establish an explosive ordnance disposal school where soldiers will be trained in future,” explained Korukuve.

Korukuve further said although similar EOD programmes have taken place at the military base before, the current group of participants are doing extremely well.

“We are doing very well and skills obtained through the training have enhanced soldiers’ performances,” he said.

United States trainer Peter Chambers said the programme is vital for Namibia as solders will be required to handle explosives when in combat zones.

The 30-day training, which includes theoretical and practical work, allows soldiers to identify and destroy different munitions and chemicals that they have never used.

“They are also taught how to set up detonators and how to keep safe during an explosion ordnance incident. This is all done at a demolition demonstration range, using certified materials and equipment,” said Chambers.

Chambers, however, explained that the most important aspect of the programme is to ensure that soldiers understand the reason for the training and that they are able to highlight top safety measures during threat situations or when a threat is within close proximity of people and buildings.

“Saving people and buildings is always a top priority of any mission. So soldiers must be able to establish the reason for their mission and how it can be carried out safely and successfully,” he said.

EOD training courses are issued on three levels. The first level allows soldiers to evaluate hazards of potentially unsafe munitions and determines the appropriate response to minimise hazards; level two qualification enables soldiers to conduct render-safe procedures and final disposal of any type of explosive ordnance.

Level three enables the officer to determine when it is safe to move, transport and dispose of single or multiple items or mines.

Upon completion of the EOD course, six officers will be sent for a more intensive explosive disposal course in the United States.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.