The first day of training was devoted to familiarizing participants with basic terms and concepts. The construction and types of improvised explosive devices (IED – English. Improvised Explosive Device), methods of initiating them and techniques for their use were presented. During the second part of the theoretical classes, the trainees became familiar with tactics, techniques and procedures for operating in an environment threatened by IED attacks.
The following two days began with a practical demonstration by the DEMO platoon, prepared by Major Ireneusz Marciniak, chief of engineering troops of the 10BKPanc. After the correct procedures had been demonstrated, the soldiers taking part in the training moved on to practical exercises in C-IED procedures.
Corporal Sławomir Dutkiewicz described the course of the operation as follows: “Our task was to conduct a patrol along a designated route on which there was a culvert. There was a suspicion that an improvised explosive device had been placed beneath it. The entire procedure involved stopping the patrol formation at an appropriate distance before the dangerous site, VP (English. Vulnerable Point), carrying out the 5/25 procedure and then carefully checking the entire culvert area using the Izobox procedure. The whole procedure was intended to detect a possible IED so that the platoon column could continue its march.
The culvert is checked using specified C-IED procedures, and if an IED is detected, an appropriate response must be taken in the incident area using the 4C principle (Confirm, Clear, Cordon, Control) and a report must be submitted (UXO/IED Report).
Captain Paweł Medyński, an instructor from the C-IED Clearance Team (Mobile Training Team from the Wrocław-based Training Centre for Engineering and Chemical Forces), emphasized the 10BKPanc’s proper preparation for the training: “Some soldiers are performing excellently, and it is clear that they have experience in the subject being covered. Others are only just becoming familiar with the topic. Our role is to standardize the training and coordinate all its elements—both the general-purpose subunits and the sappers—so that ultimately they are capable of operating together.
Sergeant Zenon Mikołajczak stressed the importance of knowing the methods discussed: “It is important for us to know international procedures, as this will make cooperation with our allies easier. We are pleased to be able to draw on the knowledge and experience of the instructors from Wrocław, who are practitioners—virtually all members of the team have taken part in overseas missions. Although most soldiers of the 10BKPanc have also already served on missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, one can never learn too much. Here we have the opportunity to improve our skills so that we make as few mistakes as possible in the future.
“The fundamental difficulty lies in the diversity of IED types and the constant evolution of the methods and means used to construct them,” Major Marciniak, the organizer of the classes, concluded. “The changing tactics used by terrorists are also significant. It must be remembered that they continuously conduct reconnaissance of coalition forces to obtain information about IED technology and methods of neutralizing them. They immediately use the information obtained to introduce new, effective methods of carrying out attacks.
Capt. Adriana Wołyńska, 10BKPanc/ii