News from New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs

For more information contact: Lt. Col. Jim Pabis (518) 366- 8246 or Mr. Eric Durr (518) 786-4581

Schenectady National Guard Unit Heads for Annual Training in Alabama

Media Advisory

SCHENECTADY, NY (04/21/2008; 1700)(readMedia)-- Soldiers of the 501st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachment Battalion, headquartered in Schenectady leave on Thursday, April 24, for 21-days of Training in Fort McClellan, Alabama where they will practice IED disposal techniques and convoy tactics

WHO: Seventy-five soldiers of the 501st EODBattalion, the 1108th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, and the 1427th Medium Truck Company.

WHAT: Annual training for 21 days at Fort McClellan, located near Anniston, Alabama beginning on April 24. Training will include training on identifying and disarming IEDs, weapons training, convoy tactical training, and staff planning skills. About 30 Soldiers will leave Stratton Air National Guard Base in a truck convoy.

WHEN: 6:45 a.m. to 8 a.m., Thursday April 24

WHERE: Stratton Air National Guard Base, Scotia

BACKGROUND:

Coverage Opportunities: Soldiers will be reporting to the 12-vehicle convoy at 6:45 a.m. on Thursday, April 24. Media will have an opportunity to get visual imagery of soldiers inspecting their LMTV (Light Medium Tactical Vehicles) trucks prior to departing in column.

The Unit:

The 501st EOD Battalion is a unique National Guard unit. The battalion headquarters unit is responsible for three different types of companies.

The 1108th EOD Company is small unit whose members are specially trained to deal with mines, unexploded bombs, and other types of demolitions. In Iraq and Afghanistan EOD personnel play a critical role in keeping the supply lines that American forces count on clear by eliminating IEDs and other types of explosive weapons.

The 1427th Medium Truck Company’s job is to haul the supplied that keep Army forces fighting. In Iraq and Afghanistan truck drivers play a critical role in bringing food, fuel and ammunition to the Army’s Forward Operating Bases.

The 206 Military Police Company is the third company of the 501st EOD Battalion. MP companies are trained in law enforcement tasks, route and area security operations, and detainee operations.

Media members interested in covering the departure of the 501st EOD should contact Lt. Col. Kimberly Terpening at the 109th Airlift Wing Base at (518) 344-2103 no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, to arrange access to Stratton Air National Guard Base, which is a secure facility.

Media should also contact Lt. Col. Jim Pabis, the battalion commander at (518) 366- 8246 to coordinate coverage.

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