Effective explosive-threat mitigation depends on continuous learning and the practical exchange of operational experience. In July 2020, Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) hosted an internal EOD/IEDD workshop at its production and integration site in Stockach, Germany, with Jörg Marxen of MTSC Global joining as an external subject-matter expert.

The workshop brought together GCS engineering staff and senior field technicians with the aim of strengthening shared understanding of current explosive threats and refining how technical solutions are applied in operational contexts.

Operational insight grounded in field experience

Jörg Marxen brings extensive experience from both military and law-enforcement service, including deployments in conflict and post-conflict environments. Following an introduction to GCS operations and a tour of the Stockach facility, the workshop shifted focus to current explosive threat patterns and operational practice.

Sessions covered a range of landmines, unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices, with particular attention to evolving IED trends and the tactics, techniques and procedures observed in recent operations in the Middle East and Africa. The discussions were framed around practical implications for search, clearance and disposal activities rather than theoretical threat descriptions.

Linking threats to technical application

A central element of the workshop was the translation of operational scenarios into technical and procedural considerations. Participants reviewed how GCS platforms, attachments and support equipment can be configured and applied across different use cases, including route clearance and vehicle-borne IED scenarios.

On the second day, the focus moved deeper into system integration. Engineering staff, senior technicians and the guest expert examined how specific Render Safe Procedures (RSPs) could be supported through platform configuration, tooling and operational workflows. The discussions aimed to ensure that technical development remains closely aligned with real-world operational requirements.

Continuous improvement through exchange

The workshop formed part of GCS's broader approach to maintaining operational relevance by combining internal expertise with external perspectives. Structured exchanges of this kind support ongoing refinement of equipment, procedures and training, helping to ensure that technical solutions remain appropriate for the environments in which they are deployed.

GCS thanks Jörg Marxen for contributing his experience and insight to the workshop and values the role of professional exchange in strengthening both individual competence and organisational capability.