Senior Airman Blake Witte, of the 932nd Civil Engineer Squadron, operates a remote-controlled robot using a portable field unit. Blake, an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialist, is taking a mandatory four-week course prior to his overseas deployment. The course is the Combat Battlefield Ready Airman (CoBRA) and is held at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The training prepares deploying EOD Airmen in ground combat operations to include: weapons, radio communications, vehicle operations and intelligence briefings on their AOR. Additionally, the course features a mock contingency environment where Airmen can train extensively on EOD and improvised explosive devices (IED) operations. Master Sgt. David Pinkham said this type of training can't be duplicated at home station. Pinkham added that EOD members deploy for six months. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Airman hones EOD skills

Published Dec. 28, 2011
By Public Affairs
932nd Airlift Wing

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE Ill-- -- For Senior Airman Blake Witte, an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialist, conducting operations in a combat environment has multiple challenges. Even though all Air Force EOD operators are highly trained, if they're deploying, they get to attend the Combat Battlefield Ready Airman (CoBRA) before they reach the AOR. Witte, who is assigned to the 932nd Civil Engineer Squadron, is taking the mandatory four-week course prior to his deployment. CoBRA is conducted at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The training prepares deploying EOD Airmen in ground combat operations to include: weapons, radio communications, vehicle operations and intelligence briefings on their AOR. Additionally, the course features a mock contingency environment where Airmen can train extensively on EOD and improvised explosive devices (IED) operations. Master Sgt. David Pinkham said this type of training can't be duplicated at home station. There is a mock village with several threats that EOD deployers could encounter on a typical mission. Pinkham added that EOD members now deploy for a six month tour. The 932nd Airlift Wing, is the only Air Force Reserve unit that flies the C-40C. The mission is to provide worldwide, safe, first-class airlift to the nation's civilian and military leaders.