Ep 1. Rules of Engagement
- October 25, 2011
In Bomb Patrol Afghanistan season 1 episode 1 "Rules of Engagement," viewers are introduced to the men of the United States Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit who brave the dangerous streets of Afghanistan to disarm improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by enemy combatants. The episode begins with the team receiving a call that an IED has been discovered on a road leading to a government compound in Kandahar.
The EOD unit quickly springs into action, suiting up in their heavy Kevlar gear and loading into their specially-outfitted vehicles, known as MRAPs (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles). Once on scene, they make a plan to approach the IED, which has been cleverly disguised as a pile of trash in order to blend in with the surrounding road debris.
The team carefully works to clear the area of civilians, using a loudspeaker to convince those nearby to evacuate. They then use a remote-controlled robot to approach the IED and gather data on the explosive device. The team's EOD Technician 1st Class, Ken Bolton, coordinates the effort and makes the decision to disarm the device on the spot, rather than risking a detonation by attempting to move it to a secure location for examination.
With the device disarmed, the team collects evidence from the scene and returns to their base, where they spend hours analyzing the device to determine the make and model of the bomb and to identify the materials used to construct it. This information is vital for the team's intelligence efforts, as it allows them to understand the enemy's tactics and build a strategy to disarm future bombs.
Throughout the episode, viewers also get a glimpse into the daily life of the EOD unit as they live on base and work to maintain their physical and mental strength in the face of the intense stress they experience on a daily basis. They also confront the psychological toll of working in such a high-risk environment, discussing the struggles they face with PTSD and the close-knit bonds they form with their fellow soldiers.
"Rules of Engagement" is a gripping and intense introduction to the world of Bomb Patrol Afghanistan, showcasing the bravery and skill of the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect both civilians and their fellow servicemembers. It's a raw and unflinching look at the realities of modern warfare and the unique demands placed on those who serve our country in dangerous hotspots around the world.
