Polish and U.S. EOD teams conducted joint IED Rodeo training at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany. This year’s exercise marked the first time in the history of IED Rodeo that unmanned aircraft were incorporated into the training.
The exercise involved explosive ordnance disposal teams from the Polish Army’s 16th Airfield Renovation Battalion and the U.S. Air Force’s 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron.
During the training, the EOD teams worked with inert improvised explosive devices that simulated explosive hazards. Participants practiced detecting, assessing and neutralizing them, according to DVIDS.
FPV drones were a separate element of the exercise. They were used to identify, assess and monitor simulated explosive threats from a safe distance. U.S. service members also practiced setting up drone operations.
During the exercise, Polish EOD personnel cleared buildings, located and examined simulated explosive devices, and practiced disarming them.
The IED Rodeo at Spangdahlem Air Base was held for the ninth time. The exercise brought together EOD teams from NATO countries and partner nations to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while strengthening interoperability.
