CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.: Troops deployed to combat zones put themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis, but due to recent innovations their mission may be a bit safer.
Marines and sailors with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, began testing fiber optic cables with the ability to sense vibrations from the ground around them, aboard Camp Lejeune, recently.
In addition to being able to sense ground vibrations produce by a potential threat, the cables can also determine the source.
“The cables can tell you the difference between someone walking above them to someone digging a hole,” said Staff Sgt. Alexander Abel, a combat engineer with 8th ESB. “This tool can prove to be very valuable in the fight.”
The cables are placed in the ground and connected to computers in the combat operations center. In the COC, Marines and sailors watch the monitors for any disturbances.
The different types of vibrations are categorized by color codes, red being the most severe. When this code is received, appropriate actions are taken to defuse the situation and ensure the path is clear.
“This can keep so many Marines and sailors safe,” said Abel. “We can have eyes on the roads without actually putting our own service members in danger.”
Safety is paramount when in a combat zone. Anything that can help service members in the fight is a plus, and the Marines and sailors of 8th ESB are putting forth their best efforts in keeping their fellow ship mates safe.
“If we can send Marines out to stop someone while they are digging the hole for an [improvised explosive device], it will prevent a lot of unnecessary injuries,” Abel concluded.
