In this enthralling episode of the IMCSE Podcast, host Matt Milloy engages in a deep dive with Mike Kennedy from Artios Global, unpacking the intricate world of munitions clearance and the transformative role of organizations in the humanitarian demining sphere. Mike Kennedy’s wealth of experience from a military background to advisory and practical applications in hostile environments sets the stage for an insightful conversation. Kennedy's narrative begins with detailing the foundational courses that shaped his career in conventional munition disposal, leading to more advanced training in high-threat IED environments. As the podcast unfolds, Milloy and Kennedy discuss the evolution of munitions and the tactical shifts observed in conflicts such as those in Afghanistan and Iraq. Kennedy highlights the professionalized nature of IED manufacturing by belligerent groups and the challenges posed to clearance teams. The duo reflects on the impact of regularization and standardization in munitions clearance, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international mine action standards and the value these bring to organizations worldwide. This episode shines a light on the transformative journey from military disciplines to the application of humanitarian principles in mine action, providing a nuanced view of the complexities involved in the transition.

Lou McGrath, OBE, a long-standing advocate of demining and search clearance skills, discusses his experiences in the world of explosive ordnance disposal. From witnessing the devastating effects of landmines to founding the Mines Advisory Group and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, McGrath has dedicated his career to clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance. He emphasizes the importance of training local people in clearance efforts and the need for coordination and collaboration in the field. McGrath also discusses the role of the Institute of Munitions and Clearance Search Engineers in promoting safety and efficiency in demining.

Colin King, an expert in munitions clearance and weapons intelligence, shares his journey from a young enthusiast playing with explosives to becoming a highly experienced professional in the field. He discusses the challenges faced in different conflict environments and the personal impact of post-conflict munitions on individuals. Colin emphasizes the importance of intelligence in EOD work and the role of open source intelligence (OSINT) in sharing information and analyzing weapons. He also highlights the significance of artificial intelligence (AI) in processing vast amounts of data and improving the efficiency of EOD operations. Colin concludes by discussing the role of the Institute of Munition Clearance and Search Engineers (IMCSE) in fostering cooperation and knowledge sharing among subject matter experts in the field.

Roland Alford, CEO of Alford Technologies, discusses the role of his company in munitions clearance and engineering. Alford Technologies designs and manufactures explosive charges to destroy bombs and make them safe. Their tools are used in scenarios such as historical munitions clearance, underwater clearance, and current threats like bombs and missiles in conflict zones. Roland explains the process of disrupting a bomb using their charges, which have a high success rate compared to other methods. He also highlights the importance of collaboration and information sharing within the industry to effectively deal with munitions.