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EOD flight at McConnell returns to basics

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  As part of an Air Force directive, McConnell's explosive ordnance disposal Airmen took a day to cease their normal operations and get back to the basics of safety, Nov. 18, 2010.

One of the smallest career fields in the Air Force, EOD Airmen combat improvised explosive devices and other ordnance devices ranging from hand grenades to large scale weapons. Since 2005, 14 EOD Airmen have been killed in action and more than 70 have been awarded one or more Purple Hearts.

"The purpose of our annual safety day is to take a strategic pause in our operations to prevent future loss of life and limb," said Capt. Dustin Koslowsky, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron EOD flight commander. "To that end, we will discuss the topics of discipline, training and the health of the force."

Focused around the basics of discipline, training and health of the force, EOD Airmen took time to remember the safety principles that could help them in the field.

"[The three topics] were chosen because they are the fundamentals of what makes our Airmen the best in DOD, and if you do not take the time to focus on them every once in a while you will begin to lose sight of them," said Capt. Koslowsky.

Another concept emphasized was the wingman concept.

"The most important thing discussed in the health of the force is our responsibility as a flight to watch over each other," said Capt. Koslowsky. "[Being a wingman] involves knowing your buddy and being able to detect when a behavior is out of the norm and having the courage to ask them the tough questions."

The Airmen were also introduced to McConnell agencies that could help them cope with deployment stress when they return.

"The day reminds me that there are other people that help care for us such as the chaplain and family advocacy," said Staff Sgt. Beau Chastain, 22nd CES EOD equipment section NCO in charge.

He and his wingmen now have different avenues to help combat stress after the many deployments EOD faces, said Sgt. Chastain.

According to a Nov. 15, 2010, Air Force Times article, the number one deployed job is EOD with approximately 905 of the 940 Airmen deployed during fiscal year 2010.

"EOD Airmen make a great number of sacrifices and some have given the ultimate sacrifice," said Capt. Koslowsky. " They do it for two reasons; one, they love being bomb technicians and two, they love their fellow bomb technicians."