Military units from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Army improved their skills in detecting and neutralizing improvised explosive devices on the battlefield during the two-week Exercise Northern Challenge hosted by the Icelandic Coast Guard.
The U.S. soldiers trained with military personnel from 17 NATO allies, including Germany, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
The exercise, which began on Sept. 26, enabled participants to enhance their knowledge of the different tools for explosive ordnance disposal and build interoperability with NATO partners, preparing them to ensure lethal forces are protected from IED threats during international deployments.
As part of the event, EOD technicians collaborated within a multinational exploitation center, allowing them to share and analyze information based on NATO standards and procedures.
Commenting on the exercise, Lt. Ryan DuTot, an EOD officer assigned to EXU-1, said Northern Challenge promotes adopting technology to “outsmart adversaries and strengthen global security alliances.” He described the training event as “a force multiplier that provides long-term strategic benefits.”