Guam - The Guam Army National Guard conducted explosives training with the Navy's EOD Mobile 5 Unit at Andersen South today. The training is part of the Guard's preparation for their upcoming deployment. EOD Operations Officer Lt. Nicholas Boccagna says the training helps soldiers identify improvised explosive devices as well as chemical agents.

He says the scenario teaches troops how to handle others exposed to nerve agents, and how to handle the bombs they come across. He added, "This is actually one of the first trainings we've done with the Guam National Guard, so it's a great opportunity to get the integration experience because these guys are getting ready to head out to Afghanistan within the next ten months and this is a great opportunity for our guys as well."

More than 50 soldiers with the Guam National Guard's Charlie Company participated in today's training.