Working in explosive ordnance disposal might not be a STEM career students think of in relation to the ADF.
However, students got to experience this first-hand when personnel from Joint Explosives Ordnance Support and Joint Proof and Experimental Unit showcased their STEM skills during this year’s ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Science Week at St Anthony’s Parish Primary School in Wanniassa, ACT.
Driving bomb disposal robots, learning about different types of unexploded ordnance found around Australia, and recording with a high-speed video camera were some of the highlights for the students.
Another was watching their assistant principal run around in a 40kg bomb disposal suit.
³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Science Week recognises the contributions made by STEM professionals, including those working in Defence and national security.
Opportunities to foster excitement and curiosity in STEM is something Lieutenant Colonel Mathew Brooks is passionate about.
“It was great to engage with the school and give them a glimpse of where a career in STEM could take them,” Lieutenant Colonel Brooks said.
“When I first started in Defence, I didn’t think I would be part of a ‘mythbusters style’ unit testing our weapons and equipment. But it shows why a career working in STEM is the best.”
With more than 420 bomb disposal jobs occurring around the country each year, Sergeant Jake Holt said the children were also taught what to do if they found unexploded ordnance.
“We gave the students the confidence that they know what steps to take if they come across unexploded ordnance in the community,” Sergeant Holt said.
“It’s never too [early] to teach kids to not touch unexploded ordnance, make an adult aware and raise it to the police as soon as they can. These steps are key to keeping themselves, friends and family safe.”
The assistant principal of the school, Garreth Wigg, said the day was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the children.
“When else can kids go home and tell their parents that they drove a robot, picked up a [fake] grenade or filmed a water balloon popping on a slow-motion camera,” Mr Wigg said.
“I guarantee the kids will be talking about this for weeks.”
