Bomb Techs Without Borders Ethos
Introduction
At Bomb Techs Without Borders, we aim for a conscientious approach to demining and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operations—one that emphasizes collaboration, partnership, transparency, and interdisciplinary expertise. We’d like to share more about how we approach training, high-stress environments, reporting procedures, the state of the global explosive contamination crisis, and much more. In this piece, we will first articulate the value system that informs and inspires our growing efforts around the world and our approach to building and sharing knowledge.
EOD Ethical Priorities
Our mission at Bomb Techs Without Borders is to prevent and counter the harm caused by explosive hazards. This mission is challenging, evolving, and rigorous. Our foundation is built upon the desire to protect lives and make the world a safer and more stable place. We accomplish this mission by increasing the world’s ability to safely eliminate threats to communities from explosives.
We do this through training, mentorship, public education, technology development, policy improvement, and information sharing. By improving the knowledge and capabilities of people working to reduce explosive hazard threats around the world, we help begin restoration efforts by increasing local capacity to conduct this work safely.
Our actions are dictated by the following priorities:
1. Protecting and preserving life
2. Protecting community infrastructure and property
3. Enabling other activities to resume as normal
4. Gathering, validating, and sharing information to improve this work
We prioritize safety in all we do. If additional time and resources are needed to perform actions more safely, we will pursue that option. We share our knowledge and values with our global partners.
A BTWOB Instructor and linguist observe a Ukrainian sapper trainee preparing a demolition setup in a day of training to dispose of landmines.
We invest in training and growing the capacity to perform this job safely. Clearing and disposing of explosive hazards is inherently dangerous, and improper training, equipment, and procedures create even greater risk to the workforce. Most injuries and deaths are results of poor safety practices, improper equipment, or limited technical knowledge.
At Bomb Techs Without Borders, we holistically approach limitations and hazards. We emphasize humility, professionalism, and teamwork. We train to appropriate levels based on experience and mission requirements. Every factor is evaluated with a focus on safe execution.
We prevent casualties through effective training and procedures, proper equipment, and knowledge sharing. All practices are underpinned with the development of local leadership and organizations. We carry a body of technical knowledge that informs all vested parties.
Two BTWOB instructors demonstrate the internal layout of a shoulder-fired anti-armor munition to a unit who has been tasked with the safe disposal of many such items.
We impart the skills and knowledge needed to save lives, but we do not and will not share information that we assess as dangerous. We will not provide technical advising on tactics or techniques that can be used to harm others, and we will not provide information which may encourage or induce reckless or dangerous action by people clearing explosive hazards.
We share techniques that are safe, effective, verifiable, and efficient. We gather and share knowledge and experience from all sources to build a future free of explosive hazards, safe for future generations.