Soldiers Train Near the Korean DMZ to Detect and Destroy Weapons of Mass Destruction

25 March 2016

From Sgt. Quanesha Deloach

CAMP STANLEY, Republic of Korea -- On a sunny, windy day, two Soldiers with the 501st Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive Company, 23rd Chemical Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, conducted a CBRNE exploitation evaluation during quarterly training at Black Hawk Village near the demilitarized zone of the Republic of Korea, March 23.

Staff Sgt. John Ross and Spc. Alex Spears, both members of an explosive ordnance disposal team, entered Black Hawk Village after clearing large, abandoned buildings and maneuvering through a dark underground tunnel.

As they entered the first building, Ross found an improvised explosive device.

Breathing loudly through his protective mask, Ross yelled to Spears from the back of the building, “I found a leaking chemical projectile.”

Ross immediately moved to the front of the building as Spears prepared the bleach and water solution so he could wash any chemicals off himself before exiting. He needed to inform the battalion.

As they continued searching the village, the team found an underground tunnel complex. With increasing radiation levels, they continued to move deeper into the darkness, discovering a deceased enemy soldier along with a crate of radioactive material.

“Their purpose is to move through the buildings quickly identifying threats,” said Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Slatcher, observer controller, 718th Ordnance Company (EOD), 23rd Chemical Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division.

Once the EOD team finished clearing all explosive hazards, the Soldiers returned to the chemical manufacturing building where their next mission was to destroy or disable the manufacturing equipment located inside, using a thermal entry tool. There, they were able to cut holes in a one-inch steel plate to simulate the main chemical mixing tank, thus rendering it useless to enemy forces.

“This was one of the best teams that I have seen in three years,” said Slatcher. “They worked together and communicated throughout the training, enjoying their job.”

After they destroyed and disabled the equipment in the building, they moved to the decontamination area to remove their gear and complete the training.

“I love my job,” said Ross. “I enjoy working with Spears because we communicate well, have fun and get the job done as a team.”