EOD hosts REHM Enabler Forces program

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 18th and 35th Civil Engineer Squadrons perform an Expedient Multiple Unexploded Ordnance Disposal walk at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 2, 2021. After the remote mass mechanical clearance had taken place, the EMUD team walked down a mock-airfield after a simulated attack to clear ordnance left behind by front-end loaders. Ideally, each EMUD team will have 20 members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron use front-end loaders to clear a mock-airfield after a simulated attack during a Rapid Explosive Hazard Mitigation exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 2, 2021. Traditionally carried out by explosive ordnance disposal technicians, REHM is the process of explosively removing unexploded ordnance from the runway during contingency operations to recover an airfield after an attack. Without REHM, rapid airfield damage recovery would not be able to safely take place. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron use front-end loaders with concrete-filled buckets to mechanically clear a mock-airfield after a simulated attack at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 2, 2021. Remote mass mechanical clearance refers to the use of heavy equipment to clear large swaths of ordnance quickly. The concrete-filled buckets on the front-end loaders are there to protect the driver in the event an ordnance explodes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 18th and 35th Civil Engineer Squadrons receive an Expedient Multiple Unexploded Ordnance Disposal briefing at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 2, 2021. The 18th CES Explosives Ordnance Disposal Flight conducted a Rapid Explosive Hazard Mitigation Enabler Forces program to train 15 personnel from various career fields throughout the squadron. The 18th CES EOD Flight is the first unit Air Force wide to establish an all-inclusive program, training non-EOD personnel to perform explosive operations to supplement response capabilities during wartime recovery. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 18th and 35th Civil Engineer Squadrons receive an Expedient Multiple Unexploded Ordnance Disposal briefing at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 2, 2021. Each EMUD team member, excluding the team leader, is equipped with time fuze setups that are placed around their necks prior to the start of the procedure. Team members will place the explosive setup next to ordnances prescribed by the team leader during the procedure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Leatherman, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight plans and intel section chief, and Master Sgt. Keigo Aiba, Japan Air Self-Defense Force liaison for the 18th Operation Support Squadron, observe a Rapid Explosive Hazard Mitigation exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 2, 2021. The JASDF attended the REHM exercise in an observational capacity to plan future bilateral training of the same concepts. The JASDF and USAF conduct training together to enhance bilateral response capabilities and improve tactical skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

A U.S. Air Force Airman from the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron places an explosive setup next to a simulated unexploded ordnance at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 2, 2021. Upon reaching an ordnance, a team member will pull the igniter from the time fuze setup and throw it behind them while maintaining positive control of the cap end. The member will place the explosive setup close to, but not touching, the ordnance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 18th and 35th Civil Engineer Squadron and a Japan Air Self-Defense Force member walk towards a building at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 2, 2021. The Rapid Explosive Hazard Mitigation Enabler Forces Program is a five-day course designed to certify non-explosive ordnance disposal personnel to perform explosive operations to supplement response operations during wartime recovery. Every six months, REHM Enable Forces team members must take refresher training to remain certified. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)