EOD Airmen focus on safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torey Griffith
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The 509th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordinance Removal Flight conducted a Safety Stand Down Day here, Nov. 13.

"It's a day to focus on safety in a career field that is inherently un-safe," said Capt. Benjamin Belzil, 509th CES EOD flight commander.

The team discussed a range of topics that effect EOD operators, ranging from traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress disorder, as well as family counseling and chaplain services.

An extensive review of selected EOD incidents, a review of standard operating procedures and current threat intelligence rounded out the day's discussion.

"We try to be safe as much as possible, but there are times when we have to take that inherent risk that comes with this job," said Master Sgt. Michael Shumate, 509th CES EOD superintendent. "If we have to do something unorthodox, like go down range without a bomb suit, we can take a look at some past circumstances where other EOD operators actually did do that and see what happened then."

Sergeant Shumate said they dissect other operator's successful missions, and unfortunately, unsuccessful missions, to help influence the team's future decisions.

"Whenever we lose a fellow EOD operator, be it Marines, Army, Air Force or whatever, we are in mourning," said Sergeant Shumate.  "That's one of our brothers. We try to respect them, but we need to learn from these things.  Hindsight is the ultimate 20/20 vision."

Staff Sgt. Brandon Pfannenstiel, a recipient of the Purple Heart, has seen the good and the bad sides of EOD.

"There are infinite ways to make the same mistake," Sergeant Pfannenstiel said. "We need to learn all of those ways, so we can be as safe as possible. Statistically, though, we know that somebody is going to take a hit."

This is only the second annual Safety Stand Down day, and the Airmen of the 509th CES EOD flight appreciate the chance to review.

"This day actually allows us to take a step back, focus on safety issues, and learn from past mistakes, as painful as they are," said Sergeant Shumate.  "We all know somebody who has perished in the line of duty.  It allows us to learn form that event and help prevent it from happening again."