An Cosantóir

| 17 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE ENHANCING EXPERTISE THROUGH INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION EXERCISE RAVEN'S CHALLENGE 2023 BY EOD OFFICER PHOTOS BY EOD OFFICER C amp Dodge, Iowa, recently played host to a remarkable five-day exercise known as "Raven's Challenge," coordinated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) from the USA. This event brought together approximately 20 highly skilled teams from various US police departments, military services, and international participants including an EOD team from the Irish Defence Forces. The ATF conducts Exercise Raven's Challenge on an annual basis, with 4 x exercises ran each year in different locations across the USA. The ATF collates information from throughout the previous year's EOD callouts and identifies scenarios which EOD teams / PSBSs (Public Service Bomb Squads) may benefit from training in. The DF EOD team were paired with another military EOD team from the US and worked closely with them throughout the week, fostering an appreciation between both teams for each other's methods and approaches. Raven's Challenge aimed to promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the refinement of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) in various scenarios. Some of the scenarios which faced the EOD team from the DF are: NO LIGHT/LOW LIGHT OPERATIONS: The first scenario, focused on no light/low light operations, provided a unique opportunity for the teams to enhance their skills in environments where visibility is severely restricted. With the use of night vision equipment, thermal imaging devices, and other specialized tools, the teams navigated through challenging terrains and executed precise manoeuvres, emphasising the importance of coordination and communication in such conditions. HME LABS (HOMEMADE EXPLOSIVES): HME labs pose a significant threat due to the accessibility of ingredients and knowledge on homemade explosive production. This scenario aimed to test the teams' abilities in identifying, securing, and neutralizing these volatile environments. The participants demonstrated their expertise in recognizing precursor chemicals, assessing potential hazards, and conducting controlled detonations, ensuring the safety of both the responders and the surrounding communities. RCIEDS (RADIO-CONTROLLED IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES): Dealing with RCIEDs requires a high level of technical knowledge and expertise. The teams involved in Raven's Challenge focused on identifying and disabling these devices while minimizing collateral damage. They utilised advanced protective equipment to effectively neutralise the threat posed by RCIEDs, honing their skills in combating this prevalent danger. IEDS IN TRANSPORT: EOD teams were confronted with a unique and potentially dangerous situation: an improvised explosive device (IED) left behind by its manufacturer for collection. This scenario aimed to test the teams' abilities to assess and neutralise an abandoned explosive device while ensuring the safety of the surrounding area. Raven's Challenge showcased the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing among domestic and international law enforcement agencies, military services, and first responders. The exercise not only allowed participating teams to observe and learn from each other's TTPs but also emphasized the importance of adaptability, innovation, and continuous learning in countering the ever- evolving threats of modern society. DF EOD team member approaches an IED workshop during a training scenario DF EOD team member assesses an IED workshop DF EOD approaches an IED DF EOD team member assesses an IED workshop

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