Exercise MAGRE 23-2 with collaboration of MCM Forces.

The ESP-USA MAGRE 23-2 bilateral exercise took place at Rota Naval Base, from October 16 to 20. This exercise included the participation of the Cadiz Diving Unit (UNBUDIZ), a team from the Portuguese Navy's Diving Detachment of ‘Sapadores 1’ (DMS-1), personnel from the US Navy's ‘Europa’ Detachment and the EODMU-8, and a team of divers from the Mine Countermeasures Force (FMCM).

This edition of MAGRE 23-2 focused primarily on the deactivation, neutralization and disposal of different IED (Improvised Explosive Device) and mine threats on land.

Exercises included: recovery of a casualty from a minefield, reconnaissance and explosive threat removal from different scenarios such as VBIED (Vehicle-borne improvised explosive device), cache and improvised rocket launching areas, as well as a hostage recovery scenario under IED and mine threat.

The MAGRE bilateral exercises consist of one or two weeks of bi-annual training centered on the intervention capabilities of EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) and BCM personnel. These exercises are a great opportunity to exchange know-how and expertise between EOD personnel of the participating units, as well as to improve the interoperability of the diving unit of the Mine Countermeasures Force and other participating units.