Constable puts training to test in Nauru

Vital explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) training that Constable Armstrong Regoso received from ADF specialists has come in handy during a reconnaissance activity in Nauru.

CAPTION: Australian Army explosive ordnance disposal technician Corporal Joel Macmillan, left, and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Constable Armstrong Ragoso survey the coastline using metal detection equipment during Operation Render Safe, Nauru. Story by Captain Karam Louli. Photos by Corporal Sam Price.

Earlier this year, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Constable Regoso attained his level three accreditation in the International Mine Action Standards through training delivered by ADF EOD technicians.

He has since travelled to Nauru as part of a multinational contingent deployed to conduct reconnaissance and survey reported explosive remnants of war.

Constable Regoso said he knew it would be important knowledge in reducing explosive remnants of war in the Pacific.

“Operation Render Safe is about reaching out to our Pacific neighbours and helping them get rid of explosive remnants of war,” Constable Regoso said.

“The Pacific is like a family. It’s important we look after each other and make our homes safe.”

Working in a multinational contingent comprising personnel from Australia, New Zealand, the US, Republic of Korea and French Armed Forces in New Caledonia, Constable Regoso has contributed to the safety of his neighbouring nation.

Constable Regoso worked with team leader Sergeant Brent McLean, who delivered his training in early 2023.

His contribution allowed the team to use a long loop detector, enabling the team to survey larger areas.

“He has been effective in the team by all accounts,” Sergeant McLean said.

“Seeing someone I trained previously work alongside us has been rewarding.”

Lance Corporal Humberto Menoses worked side-by-side Constable Regoso using the long loop – equipment he had not used before.

“I worked with him a fair bit the last couple of days. He was able to teach me the nuance of interpreting a signal on the long loop,” Lance Corporal Menoses said.

“It’s been awesome to see him operate and I’ve learnt new techniques from him.”

Constable Regoso played a key role in the search and said he enjoyed the opportunity to work as a member of the multinational contingent.

“I benefited a lot in terms of learning new skills, new knowledge and interacting with international forces,” Constable Regoso said.

“What I’ve learnt here in Nauru, I can apply this knowledge across the Pacific with our other EOD brothers and sisters.”

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