Advanced Demolitions
The Advanced Demolitions certification is a specialized qualification available to operators within MSOT 8213 – Task Force Raven. This certification represents advanced training in the use of explosives for breaching, obstacle reduction, structural demolition, and field-expedient charges.
It builds on the demolitions skills taught to Breacher and EOD/Engineer Support billets, expanding their capability to conduct complex explosive operations.
Responsibilities
[edit]- Construct and employ advanced explosive charges.
- Conduct structural demolition tasks in support of MSOT missions.
- Advise leadership on explosive requirements and safe standoff distances.
- Train team members in basic demolitions safety and handling.
- Maintain demolitions inventory and ensure safe employment in the field.
- Support EOD elements with specialized demolitions expertise.
Training Required
[edit]- Must be a Critical Skills Operator (CSO) in good standing.
- Prior experience as a Breacher or EOD/Engineer Support billet is recommended.
- Completion of the Advanced Demolitions Training Course.
Skills & Capabilities
[edit]- Proficiency in explosive calculations for breaching and demolition.
- Ability to construct field-expedient and improvised charges.
- Competence in placing charges for maximum effect with minimal explosive use.
- Familiarity with advanced initiation systems and sequencing.
- Understanding of safety considerations for personnel and structures.
- Knowledge of both offensive (target destruction) and defensive (obstacle creation) demolitions.
Equipment
[edit]- Explosive materials (C4, det cord, TNT equivalents).
- Initiation systems (time fuse, blasting caps, electronic detonators).
- Specialized breaching charges (linear, frame, tamped).
- Field tools (wire cutters, tape, marking kit).
- Protective gear for handling explosives.
Training Course
[edit]Module 1 – Demolitions Fundamentals Review
[edit]- Explosive theory and safety procedures.
- Review of basic charges and initiation systems.
- Blast radius and safe standoff distances.
Module 2 – Charge Construction
[edit]- Advanced breaching charges (tamped, linear, cutting).
- Obstacle reduction charges (wire, walls, barriers).
- Structural demo charges (beams, supports).
Module 3 – Field-Expedient Explosives
[edit]- Improvised charges and expedient materials.
- Mission-adaptive demo solutions.
- Safety considerations for improvised use.
Module 4 – Practical Applications
[edit]- Scenario-based demolitions lanes.
- Coordinating multiple charges for sequential detonation.
- Support to EOD for target denial or clearance.
Graduation Criteria
[edit]- Constructs and safely employs advanced charges.
- Demonstrates calculation of explosive requirements.
- Successfully executes a mission scenario requiring complex demolition.
Advancement
[edit]After earning Advanced Demolitions certification, operators may advance to:
- Senior demolitions advisor within the MSOT.
- Instructor cadre for demolitions training.
- Integration with higher-echelon SOCOM demolition tasks.
Summary
[edit]The Advanced Demolitions certification provides Task Force Raven with enhanced explosive capabilities for breaching, structural demolition, and mission-adaptive tasks. This qualification builds on Breacher and EOD billets, ensuring that operators can bring controlled destructive power to any environment.