Psychological Service at the German EOD Center
Transcript of Psychological Service at the German EOD Center
Psychological Service at the German EOD Center
Mag. rer. nat. Nicola von Lüdinghausen, German Armed ForcesIAMPS 2018
Outline
• Explosive ordnance defense in the German Army
• The EOD training unit
– Mission
– Location
• Psychological Service and lessons
Explosive ordnance defense
Explosive ordnance defense covers alls measures to
counter any threat by explosive ordnance to
• protect own units and installations
• promote mobility and freedom of action on mission.
Explosive ordnance threat - examples
Basic capabilities – every soldier
The soldier
• is aware of the threat by explosive ordnance
• can navigate through explosive ordnance infested areas
• can conduct EOR tasks under supervision, such as search,
localization, object description, marking and reporting of
explosive ordnance.
Advanced capabilities – all units
Specially trained personnel
• search, localization, identification, marking and reporting of
unexploded ordnance.
• advising the officer in charge of all necessary precautions
and measures to enable safety to own troops.
• requesting EOD personnel.
• training soldiers in the basic capabilities of explosive
ordnance defense.
Search, identification and clearance of explosive ordnance on site, in
context of combat support.
Primary objective: Promotion of own mobility
In case of suspicion of NBC weapons the task must be forwarded to
specialized EOD personnel.
Qualified capabilities –
Explosive ordnance clearance EOC
Search, identification, site exploitation, recovery and
disposal of unexploded ordnance (while preventing
collateral damage), as well as disposing of damaged or
unsafe to handle ammunition.
Primary objective: Protection of own units and
installations
Qualified capabilities –
Explosive ordnance disposal EOD
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Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training unit -
Stetten am kalten Markt
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training unit -
Mission
The Explosive ordnance disposal training unit is the centraltraining facility for explosive ordnance defense anddisposal in the Bundeswehr.
• Conducts the training for all basic, advanced andqualified explosive ordnance defense capabilities,
• operates a Training centre and a Documentary centre forexplosive ordnance defense,
• assists in further development of tactics, techniques andprocedures,
• and provides and deploys EOD personnel to all missions.
• Lessons and trainings
• Advising and coaching programs
• Pre-deployment preparation
• Post-deployment support
• Expert in Psychological Matters
• Care for soldier‘s relatives
Tasks:
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training unit -
Psychologist
Supports the EOD personnel with coping psychological
stress and burdens, so the safety and confidence in fulfilling
their assignment is strengthened.
Commander
Staff EOD Ops Coy
CBRN EOD
platoon
MDD
Training Unit
Instructors
Class 61
Class 65
Class 62
Class 63
Class 64
Psychologist
Supply Unit
Supply
Logistics
Maintenance
Motorpool
Training
Centre
Documentary
Centre
Conception
Training
evaluation
MEAT
Class 66
EDD 1
EDD 2
Media & PR
EOD Support
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training unit -
Structure
Instructors
S1-S6
Supervisor
Training
coordinationRecording /
evaluation
Validation /
provision
ReserveTraining assist
Training centre
engineers
support
Instructor
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training unit -
Courses
EOD Officercourse
EOD NCOcourse
Team leaderExplosive ordnance
defensecourse
Squad leaderExplosive ordnance
defensecourse
Tactical siteexploitation
course
Road clearance systemmanipulator operating
course
Road clearance systemdetector operating
course
Road clearance KAI operating course
EORcourse C-IED trainer
course
Licence maintaining
Training Unit
EOD NCO course
20 weeks
EOD NCO course
EOD contens:
• Controlling and operating EOD gear and equipment.
• Conducting EOD procedures.
• Leading a EOD squad.
• Obtaining the explosive ordnance defense licence.
Psychological lessons:
• Stress and stressmanagement (support by CHARLY)
• Examination of the fact to die or become wounded in
the mission
→ includes visit of the forensics
EOD Officer course
14 weeks
EOD officer course
EOD contents:
• Familiar with the EOD gear and equipment.
• Familiar with EOD tactics and procedures.
• Operating a EOD coordination cell.
• Advising his superior officers in terms of EOD.
• Obtaining the explosive ordnance defense licence
. Psychological lessons:
• Stress and stressmanagement (support by CHARLY)
• Examination of the fact to die or become wounded in the
mission
• Accept responsibility to choose EOD NCO teams to defuse
→ includes visit of the forensics
Chaos Driven Situations Management
Retrieval System
reference:
Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Berlin
Ass. Prof. Dr. J.T. Kowalski
Dr. Ulrich Wesemann
EOD Ops Coy CBRN EOD Platoon –
instensive psychological training
• Mental training / workshops
– Different techniques e.g. to ease stress (breathing, progressive
muscle relaxation, imagery programs ), motivation,
concentration, ..
• General rules when working with other people (team) –
communication
• Rules of dealing with persons and explosives
– Safety rules Do‘s and Don‘ts
(Hostages vs. Suiciders)
– Psychological first aid
– Personality differences
– Cultural differences
Questions?