QA Kick-Off Meeting - Starting Training Excellence in 2024

In line with the EOD COE Quality Assurance Plan 2024, a pivotal event marked the commencement of a year filled with rigorous training and skill development. The QA Kick-Off Meeting convened on March 4th, 2024, at the Centre’s Briefing Room, heralding a period of focused dedication towards excellence in education and training.

The meeting served as a platform to designate key roles and responsibilities to members of the Education & Training Department and associated Centre´s personnel. These individuals were entrusted with the crucial position of Course Directors (CDs) for the various courses slated to be organized by the EOD COE throughout 2024. COL Zsolt SZILAGYI took over the Quality Assurance Manager position from LTC Alexander HUGYAR.

During the meeting, Director COL Frantisek Mihalovic personally conferred authorization certificates upon the appointed CDs, effectively delegating the authority and competence necessary to oversee all aspects of the training events. Emphasizing the significance of their role, the Director underscored the pivotal nature of the CDs' involvement, spanning from meticulous preparation to seamless execution and comprehensive evaluation.

The roster of courses scheduled for delivery in 2024 underscores the breadth and depth of the EOD COE's educational offerings. These courses, vital for enhancing capabilities in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and related fields, are meticulously curated to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare.

The appointed Course Directors for the upcoming sessions are as follows:

•             NATO EOD DOCTRINE Course (ADL) – LTC Alexander HUGYAR

•             NATO EOD Staff Officer Training (SOT) - CPT Robert BRAUN

•             Home-Made Explosives Course – Advanced (HMEC-A) - SSGT Roman LAMPARSKY

•             Home-Made Explosives Course – Basic (HMEC-B) – MSGT Stanislav MACURA

•             NATO Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) EOD Incident Management Staff Officer Training (IM SOT) - MAJ Marek VLNKA

These distinguished individuals bring a wealth of expertise and experience to their respective roles, ensuring the highest standards of instruction and mentorship for all participants.

Central to the assurance of quality in these courses is the robust collaboration fostered by the EOD COE. In addition to leveraging the expertise of internal subject matter experts, the institution maintains close partnerships with external military organizations, industry stakeholders, and academic institutions. This collaborative approach ensures that the training curriculum remains relevant, effective, and aligned with contemporary best practices.

As the EOD COE embarks on another year of training excellence, the QA Kick-Off Meeting stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to professional development and operational readiness. Through meticulous planning, dedicated leadership, and collaborative engagement, the institution continues to uphold its reputation as a beacon of excellence in the realm of Explosive Ordnance Disposal education and training.

 

Text: Vladimir VOSTIAR (SVK-CIV)

Photo: Jaroslav LACKO (SVK-CIV)