Bomb disposal expert and former British Army engineer Ben Remfrey joins No Ordinary Monday to share what it is really like working in landmine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal in war zones around the world. During the first Gulf War, Ben was deployed to Kuwait to deal with the deadly aftermath of the conflict. Oil fields burned for months, unexploded munitions littered the ground, and anti personnel landmines were scattered across the desert. In one moment he still remembers vividly, Ben looked down and realised an anti personnel mine was sitting directly in his own footprint. Today Ben runs an IMAS compliant explosive ordnance disposal training school in Kosovo, training the next generation of humanitarian deminers. In this conversation he explains how modern mine action and bomb disposal work behind the scenes, from equipment and safety standards to the discipline required to survive around explosives. We also discuss the challenge of clearing landmines while war is still ongoing, and why Ukraine now faces one of the most complex mine clearance operations in modern history. Ben also shares the story of the “Great Eight”, the first group of Ukrainian women he helped train in humanitarian demining. If you are interested in bomb disposal, explosive ordnance disposal, humanitarian demining, and landmine clearance, this episode offers a rare look inside one of the most dangerous professions in the world.Links: https://www.pcm-erw.com/about-mk/https://www.instagram.com/matkosovo_eod_erw_training/https://www.youtube.com/@pcmerw8387Credits: Produced, hosted and edited by Chris Baron Images and Videos: MAT Kosovo, Neil Gibson, U.S Army, National Science Foundation, U.S. Navy, EdJF, Jonas Jordan, NASATopics covered:Bomb disposal, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), landmine clearance, humanitarian demining, war zones, Ukraine mine clearance, Gulf War, unexploded ordnance, mine action.Send a textSUPPORT US - NOM is a 100% independent show. Help us keep the lights on by buying us a coffee (or a beer) - https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarymonday. We're deeply grateful for any level of support. SHOW SOME LOVE - click five-stars on whatever platform you're on, and leave us a review, or tell a friend about the show. WANT TO BE A GUEST? You can submit your own career story through our website at noordinarymonday.com, email us at [email protected].

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