Risk Management Magazine

I was a relatively new pilot in command (PC) who just arrived at Fort Liberty. After getting my local area orientation and going through PC verification, I was ready to start flying with pilots. The mission was a standard training flight that would include some cross-country, hot-refuel and goggling up and end with terrain flight.

In March 2003, my unit began its mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. We fought continuously, ending up at Saddam Hussein’s palace in Baghdad. We spent a few months in Baghdad when my unit received orders to deploy to Fallujah. This is where my story gets crazy.

In the wake of two recent incidents involving the discovery and detonation of live grenades, the Army’s Three Rs Explosives Safety Program is increasing its efforts to raise awareness about the dangers associated with munitions.