Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training
Backgrounder
June 27, 2016 – Gagetown, N.B. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have been a significant threat to Canadian forces deployed on operations. Simulation training opportunities are critical to teaching explosive ordnance disposal specialists to successfully manage these devices. It is therefore important that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have the capability to provide high-quality training on the disposal of IEDs and other explosive ordnance.
Two groups will benefit from the construction of new training facilities for identifying and disposing of improvised explosive devices and other explosive ordnance. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron at 5th Canadian Division Support Base (5 CDSB) Gagetown trains personnel on the disposal of improvised explosive devices and other conventional munitions. The Expedient Route Opening Capability Section provides training on the Husky and Buffalo vehicles, and in specialized techniques, used to search for and dispose of explosive ordnance in high-threat areas along roadways and other routes necessary for troop movements
Need for new training facilities
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron and the Expedient Route Opening Capability Section at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering at 5 CDSB Gagetown do not currently have sufficient space to conduct critical training. Suitable infrastructure for training will increase the quality of training, which is crucial for supporting operations.
To adequately lodge both of these units at 5 CDSB Gagetown, the Route Opening Section will be co-located within the existing Lauvina Wood heavy equipment training facility. The existing buildings will be renovated to accommodate the section, with additional parking and storage facilities to be built within an existing compound. A 1.5 km secondary road will also be constructed south of the Lauvina site to conduct field exercises.
For the Ordnance Disposal Squadron, new facilities will be constructed at an undeveloped site in the range and training area of 5 CDSB Gagetown. This involves constructing a new purpose-built facility, with four 200m impasse roads to be constructed for field exercises.
The new explosive ordnance disposal facilities will conform to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver level, and integrate green building concepts and sustainability into planning, investment analysis, and programming activities for operations.
In May 2016, Defence Construction Canada awarded a contract in the amount of $22.5 million to Maxim Construction Inc., of Dartmouth, N.S., to carry out the construction. Other costs, including renovations, relocation services, furniture and equipment, and security, bring the project total to $36 million.
Work on the project will begin this summer and is expected to be complete by November 2017.
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