Tuesday, August 17, 2010

The Real Version Of 'Hurt Locker'

The Hurt Locker … Hollywood would have us believe that this man is about to lift 264kg of explosives in one go. Photograph: Everett/Rex

A Version Of Hurt Locker -- Houston Chronicle

Texas Guard unit takes on risks of disabling roadside bombs.

Steven Erb had only two weeks left in his six-month deployment to Afghanistan when a fuel truck reportedly rigged with explosives was discovered on a military base in Kandahar in July 2007.

Erb had to walk to the truck alone, sweating in a claustrophobic 90-pound bomb suit, to search the vehicle and, if necessary, disarm any booby traps. He knew if a bomb went off and ignited the fuel, his heavy protective suit would do little more than keep all his body parts in one place.

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Hat Tip: Prairie Pundit

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