Live ammunition! Be warned!

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 420, 21 January 1992, Page 3

Live ammunition! Be warned!

by

Jo

Howie

Chief Ammunition Technician, Warrant Officer Class One Robinson says don't touch anything that may resemble a bomb, shell rocket or grenade while visiting the Waiouru Training area Mark the area if you discover something and report immediately to the police or Operation Branch in Waiouru Camp. This is the waming after a recent accident where a civilian was injured by an explosive while pursuing recreational activities in the training area before Christmas. Ammunition Technicians are army personnel trained to handle explosives. WOl Robinson said there is always a risk of discovering unexploded ammunition (called a blind) in all areas of the training area because military training and live firing occurs in most areas. There are strict rules

governing procedures when a blind occurs. The unit involved contacts an ATO, who will then locate the blind and destroy it. "Modern ammunition fails to function at times due to a variety of reasons. It may be due to the nature of the target area. The ground may be soft and mortar and artillery shells get buried below the ground surface, fail to explode, and are therefore difficult to locate. Or it may be a

mechanical fault of the explosive." "Ammunition has been designed to be transported and handled safely, but once it has been fired, the fuse becomes armed. All it may need is someone to kick it or knock it and the fuse may function;" WOl Robinson said anyone unfamiliar with military ordnance should not attempt to touch anything. "Ammunition varies in all shapes and sizes

depending on the nature of the explosive which makes accurate identification difficult." "If people had any idea of the danger of this, they would not touch. Adolescents and children always seem to be attracted to any type of military equipment. Explosives are no exception, and often regardless how much warning they have had, they still touch. Most of the injuries occur to the younger age bracket." Defence have a number of precautionary measures of maximum protection for civilians and soldiers. Some precautions include signs indicating a Restricted Defence area. All soldiers and new recruits, local school children and civilian groups on request receive appropriate lectures on ammunition safety and awareness. These lectures often in-

clude videos and photographic displays. There is also a static display to enable viewers to identify ammunition easily. All civilians have to apply in writing to get permission to use the Waiouru training area. They must fill in an application form and must sign an indemnity form. On receiving a permit, they must sign it to signify the understanding of specific restrictions and conditions relevant to the area. This includes a warning not to touch any ammunition. Each week approximately 30 civilians and 40 military personnel use the training area for recreational purposes. Most popular of these include hunting, fishing, camping, and wild horse viewing.