CAMP VIRGINIA, KUWAIT (08/20/2012)(readMedia)-- Explosions have become frequent occurrences for the Soldiers stationed in and around Camp Virginia, Kuwait. Fortunately, these explosions are actually the result of the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team (EOD) which disposes a variety of unexploded ordnance (UXO) under controlled conditions.
These threats are identified by the Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers of the quick reaction force (QRF) platoon with 444th Chemical Company in Galesburg. While the primary mission of the platoon is camp security, they are also prepared to recognize and react to a wide variety of ordnance. If an item is identified while on patrol, the QRF provides security of the site until EOD assets can arrive on scene and dispose of the threat.
Since the QRF arrived at Camp Virginia in April, the platoon has identified more than 60 individual pieces of UXO during patrols. The QRF has been locating remnants of Operation Desert Storm, a conflict fought more than 20 years ago.
"Soldier safety is the most important aspect of our operation," said Staff Sgt. Andrews Kolakowski of Bethalto, a squad leader with the QRF platoon. "The platoon has been well trained and I'm confident in their ability to perform their assigned mission and react to potential threats such as these here in Kuwait."
Kuwait has long been known for its petroleum reserves. The combination of petroleum and territory disputes influenced the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and subsequent involvement of U.S. forces in 1990 to 1991. During that timeframe, a large variety of weapons were utilized by both sides in an attempt to gain control.
"The terrain in this area is very soft, and most of the ordnance we have found failed to detonate on impact," said Spc. Travis Grinter of O'Fallon.
The QRF has been finding rocket propelled grenades, mortar rounds, cluster sub munitions, and various anti-personnel and anti-tank munitions, which were all types used during Desert Storm.
"The high winds and sandstorms constantly change the lay of the land. As the sand turns over, some of the old ordnance is exposed," said Spc. Joseph Christy, of Cuba. "You have to be on your game and constantly aware of your surroundings."
The QRF will continue to do its mission and be vigilant while out on patrols.
"I am very proud of their accomplishments and development as a team," said Master Sgt. Jeffrey Roth of Bloomington, QRF platoon sergeant. "All but a few members of this platoon have volunteered for this mission and hail from other units within the state of Illinois, and I think that speaks volumes about the character of the Soldiers we have here."
