The military is rushing new equipment to Afghanistan to help troops detect and detonate improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
In recent years, innovative technology and procedures have helped lessen the danger of roadside bombs that soldiers face each and every day.
However, insurgents have upped the ante by planting IEDs in different places in record numbers, making the explosive devices a top killer of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
Major Paul Krumenacker has served with the Marine Corps for 18 years and has experience clearing routes from IEDs. He says insurgents are attacking troops in places where they’re more vulnerable, including narrow paths and bridges.
“We found a way to defeat them on the roads, now they use the paths. Now we’re finding a way to defeat them on the paths,” explained Krumenacker.
According to “USA Today,” the Army is sending several new technologies overseas to help.
Among the equipment is “The Minotaur,” a modified Bobcat-like vehicle operated by remote control that can detect and detonate IEDs.
The Army is also sending a small portable “line-charge” tool to give troops stand-off distance while detonating devices.
Also, the Lethal Miniature Aerial Munition System, known as the “Switchblade,” gives soldiers the benefit of a birds-eye view.
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Krumenack told NBC 7 that new, innovative technology is the key to saving lives on the battlefield, even as the war winds down.
“I wish we had this technology when I was over there. I’ve lost some troops and I know that personally, if we had these, they would be alive today,” he said.
Krumenacker said a lot of new technology is developed from feedback from the troops on the ground.
He believes this effort to deploy equipment specific to the current operating environment is essential to keep troops safe while completing their mission.
