United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) conducted a three-week intermediate-level Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) course for the Peruvian Armed Forces as part of its Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) program. The HMA program in Peru incorporates a whole of government approach to build Peruvian capacity to address transnational challenges and create opportunities for regional leadership.
This effort strengthens the partnership between the U.S. and Peruvian military toward accomplishing a diverse EOD mission set including humanitarian demining, the disposal of obsolete munitions and explosive remnants of war (ERW), and Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM).
The HMA program is critical to reducing internal security risks and preventing the diversion of munitions to transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). Unplanned explosions of improperly stored munitions are a threat to civilians and military personnel in the immediate area. Additionally, proper management and controls of stockpiles is critical to preventing nefarious actors, including TCOs, from obtaining these items illegally to further their criminal enterprises. The program aims to mitigate these risks through standardized PSSM practices, the prevention of illicit diversion of munitions, and reducing the threat posed to civilians.
Throughout September, EOD technicians from the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey National Guard trained a cohort of 18 service members from the Peruvian Army, Air Force, and Navy. This training taught intermediate level tasks to participants certified in the basic EOD course taught in 2023. As part of a five-year training plan, this cohort of Peruvian students will then be able to serve in a train the trainer capacity within the Peruvian Armed Forces.
The training was conducted at the Peruvian Army’s Engineer School and was a joint effort that included support from the Peruvian Army’s General Directorate for Humanitarian Demining and the Peruvian Joint Command. U.S. Department of State-funded implementing partners contributed logistical support and subject matter expertise.
“We set out to achieve unity of effort with this training from the start of our planning because EOD is such a diverse mission set and touches numerous Peruvian institutions. Second, we wanted to ensure that SOUTHCOM’s HMA program and State Department’s program are synchronized since we share a common end state,” said U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Paul Smith, Army Section Chief and coordinator of the HMA Program in Peru.
The course started with two weeks of classroom instruction covering topics such as Explosive Ordnance Recognition, Safety, Storage and Transportation, and Disposal Methods. Students were tested on course material through two exams and were familiarized with equipment they would employ during a week of demolitions training.
The final week was conducted at a Peruvian Air Force range complex where students put their training to the test by employing the EOD techniques to dispose of obsolete munitions. This created a realistic training environment while also addressing the problem posed by stockpiled obsolete munitions.
Mines Advisory Group, a U.S. Department of State-funded nongovernmental organization, which assists the Peruvian military in stockpile management, proved a reliable unified action partner. During range week, Mines Advisory Group provided an instructor/range safety and logistical support creating additional training opportunities for students. The U.S. Department of State assists Peru with managing stockpiles of aging and obsolete ammunition that are at-risk for unintended explosions. Since 1999, the United States has provided more than $37 million in convention weapons destruction assistance, including humanitarian mine action in the border region.
“What I love about EOD professionals the world over is a shared vocation and recognition of the challenges inherent in the job,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Philip Douglass, SOUTHCOM lead EOD instructor. “That’s why we make every effort to support each other and I’m glad to contribute that with the team here in Peru.”
In addition to the training, the SOUTHCOM HMA program in Peru will donate $450,000 worth of EOD related equipment to support ongoing Peruvian operations and to facilitate future courses.
In November, the Peruvian Army’s Engineer School conducted an EOD basic course taught at International Mine Action Standard (IMAS) level one, instructed by students of this course. Next, the HMA program will train Peruvian partners to IMAS level three which will allow for a sustainable Peruvian lead EOD capability.
SOUTHCOM’s HMA program, U.S. Embassy Lima, and Peruvian partners are continuing to develop EOD training, doctrine, and standards that comply with international norms and provide the Peruvian military an opportunity to be a regional leader in EOD practices.
