The Red Bulls

FORT LEWIS, WA – Soldiers of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division are not waiting to arrive in Iraq to make sure they are aware of the potential danger of Improvised Explosive Devices, known as (IEDs).

All deploying Soldiers receive specialized training to identify and react to the dangers of IEDs, but a core group of dedicated specialists in the “IED-Defeat Cell” focus on the systems and processes that support this deadly enterprise.

As part of their preparation for this critical job, the 34th Infantry Division is working closely with the 10th Mountain Division – the unit they are replacing – to prepare for this mission. Maj. Rodney Rego, 34th Division IED-Defeat Cell deputy, of Rockford, Minn., and his group of IED specialists recently participated in a conference call hosted by the 10th Mountain Division that focused on the specific methods used to reduce IED attacks throughout the Multi-National Division Center area of operation.

The Red Bulls listened intently as the Task Force Mountain team described the most current equipment, investigative measures and practices to detect and detonate IEDs before they harm coalition forces or innocent civilians.   “The wealth of knowledge the 34th IED Defeat Cell has gained by participating in these collaborative sessions is paying dividends as we prepare for our upcoming mission in Iraq,” said Rego.
Their mission is not simply ensuring the roads Soldiers drive on are clear.  They are the single point of contact for threat analysis, training, and development of future planning for all Soldiers under the 34th Infantry Division regarding IEDs.

Communicating daily with the 10th Mountain Division in Iraq, often in the middle of the night due to the time difference, they are gaining insight and using real world knowledge to ensure that the quality of this essential mission does not falter when the guide-on is passed. Few units take the opportunity to work concurrently with their counterparts in the combat zone, not truly learning the real world mission until they set foot into the theatre of operations.

Creative use of technology allows for this early relationship building. Programs such as Adobe connect provide easier transmission of sensitive data and clarity for the Red Bulls. This facilitates making key adjustments to the section training goals and objectives after each session.

The 34th Infantry Division will also continue the progress made by their predecessors by working closely with the Iraqi Security Forces, building on training these local units have already received, and further enabling them to take over this challenging mission.

Undergoing two months of training prior to their arrival in southern Iraq, this team of subject matter experts is taking proactive measures to make sure they understand the situation on the ground.  The 34th Division IED-Defeat Cell credits their unique capability in part to the collaboration with the group that they will replace in a matter of weeks. 

“Soldiers currently serving in Iraq now are the best source to prepare our Soldiers,” said Rego, referring to the 10th Mountain Division IED Defeat Cell.