EOD Book Review: Bomb Hunters - In Afghanistan with Britain's Elite Bomb Disposal Unit

Bomb Disposal within Taliban Crosshairs:
IEDs are the weapon of choice for terrorists and insurgents from Afghanistan to Ireland. Among the best in the business of defusing these horrific devices are the Ammunition Technical Officers of the British Army’s Royal Logistic Corps. Commonly called “ATOs,” they are the equivalent of what Americans refer to as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians or “EOD Techs.”

In Bomb Hunters, former British para-turned journalist Sean Rayment tells the story of Royal Engineer Search Teams (REST) that locate IEDs, the “bleeps” that jam the electronic spectrum to prevent radio-controlled detonations, the ATOs who take “the long walk” to disrupt, defuse, or render safe IEDs, and the weapons intelligence specialists who collect post-blast information that can lead to the bomber or bomb-maker. Rayment specifically focuses on counter-IED efforts in Helmand province in Afghanistan based on several visits there between August 2008 and March 2010.

Rayment relays in vivid detail the challenges of bomb disposal while enveloped in unbearable heat and operating – literally –  within Taliban crosshairs. The heroism described through Bomb Hunters, including one ATO disarming IEDs with one hand after his dominant hand is broken, and the somber remembrance of several ATOs who made the ultimate sacrifice, will humble any reader. The book also includes several accounts of direct action between British soldiers and the Taliban before, during, after, and outside of counter-IED operations. Perhaps Rayment’s most salient and interesting account is not of bomb disposal, but of a sophisticated ambush derived from the British study and analysis of Taliban tactics vis-a-vis medical evacuations via helo.

Bomb Hunters is another important book on the war on terrorism that will prove invaluable to soldiers, historians, and the friends and family of disposaleers who served so honorably in Helmand Province.

Spike TV looking for former U.S. Navy EOD

As the old jodie goes, "Feeling fine and looking good, I outta be in Hollywood."

Former U.S. Navy EOD Techs interested in joining a show on Spike TV, read below.

"Hi Stephen-

My name is Jennifer and I’m one of the casting producers for a new TV show “Most Lethal.”  It’s a great show that will feature the World’s Best Special Forces Operatives in an array of combat challenges.  We’re looking for operators who are currently INACTIVE, physically and mentally strong, and great with weapons.  Please find our casting info attached in this email.  I came across a number of articles about you online, and I would love the chance to talk with you more about the show.

In addition, this show has proven to be difficult to cast, as we are looking for the most elite SOF operators—which is a small group combined with the fact that they are extremely private. I’d appreciate *anything* you could do to help us spread the word to members of this elite community.  If you know any men/women that I just described, please pass along my email/contact info.

 For additional questions or to recommend a particular person, please call me at 818.728-4131. 

 Thank you for your time.

Jennifer Dyal

Casting Associate

Spike TV "Most Lethal"

818.728.4131 w

jdyal@grbtv.com "