Airmen conduct Explosive Ordnance Disposal training Published Aug. 27, 2014 By Senior Airman Jake Eckhardt 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Airmen kneel in the middle of an open field to connect wires to a small item. Their movements have to be precise, because even though this object is small and seemingly harmless, it is actually an explosive device. Airmen from the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal department trained on how to handle an explosive device Aug. 22 at the EOD proficiency range near the water treatment facility on the east side of the base. The exercise also marked the opening for the range. The range had to be closed for three years so the area could undergo environmental remediation. Before re-opening, 375th CES built a new bunker and road. Three shots, weighing roughly five pounds were set up during the training scenario. During the exercise, they used C-4 and an aluminum stick roughly three inches long called a cap. Despite their size, these explosives can be heard and felt all around Scott. "We have dozens of procedures we have not been able to practice on this base in years," said Tech. Sgt. Dustin Lambries, 375th CES EOD operations section chief. "These skills are our job. We have to have a place to train." The exercise was also used to qualify the newer EOD Airmen. For many of them, it was the first time they were able to get their hands on explosives since the beginning stages of their year-long technical school. "This whole training experience was exciting," said Airman 1st Class Zachary Lange, 375th CES EOD apprentice. "The first thing you do during our training before we get to our first duty station is demolitions. Explosives are something we haven't touched since month one of school." The team trains extensively without actual explosives until everyone in the flight knows how to operate the materials up to the standard they are expected to know. The unit is in the process of trying to get hands-on training like this once to twice a month. "Everything we pick up at EOD school is a perishable skill," said Lambries. "We have to practice our skills to stay relevant in our career field."