Six explosive ordnance disposal technicians assigned to the Air Force’s 447th EOD unit in Mahmudiyah, Iraq, worked with members of the Iraqi Army’s 17th Bomb Disposal Company on Nov. 24 to destroy a large stockpile of captured munitions at a range outside of Baghdad. This controlled detonation is part of the US military’s ongoing efforts to mentor and train the Iraqis in establishing their own EOD capability. “Today we are teaching them basic demolition procedures,” said TSgt. David Fields, a technician with the USAF unit. He added, “By teaching them these basic principles, we are hoping it will instill in them the information and tools they will need once this mission fully transitions to their unit.” (Baghdad report by TSgt. Joseph Kapinos)
DOD Leaders Want More Arctic Funding, But Not Right Now
June 17, 2021
The Pentagon’s 2022 budget is light on funding for the Arctic, though Defense Department officials want that to change in future funding requests as it develops a new strategy that will take into account the growing importance of the region. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, testifying before the Senate…