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)
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
