Helping ease the devastation wreaked by mines and unexploded ordnance was the most satisfying aspect of serving in Cambodia for Captain Brent Smith (right). As technical adviser at a training centre for local deminers, Captain Smith worked in the minefields supervising the demining techniques and practices of the local deminers.
“Safe practice is paramount, and if shortcuts are taken the consequences can be dire” he says. Unfortunately some of the locals did take a few shortcuts, and the injuries received were horrific. We spent a lot of time in the year I was there making sure safe practices were used.”
Most of the mine-related injuries were caused by one specific mine that had a low metal content and was difficult to detect at a depth greater than about 10cm.