TAJIKISTAN: BOMB SUITS TO SPECIAL OPERATIONS UNIT

UNCLAS DUSHANBE 002039

SIPDIS


STATE FOR EUR/CACEN, DRL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL KPAO TI
SUBJECT: TAJIKISTAN: BOMB SUITS TO SPECIAL OPERATIONS UNIT



1. They weigh over 70 pounds, but the Kevlar inside may someday
save the life of a Tajik bomb squad first responder. On 14
December, the Charge' turned over 2 bomb suits to the "OMON"
Special Operations Unit in Dushanbe. Each suit costs just over
$24,000. This effort was as a result of an Embassy bomb scare
in June 2005. OMON responded immediately, but with no
protective gear whatsoever. The ceremony culminated a six month
effort on the part of Diplomatic Security and the Regional
Security Officer to fix the problem. The Charge' also thanked
the unit for their support of the Embassy with regular bomb-dog
sweeps.


2. The bomb suits are very cumbersome as well as being very
high-tech. According to the DS Anti-Terrorism Assistance
Program trainers, the Tajik team was one of the best they've
trained to date, learning to don the equipment faster and
executing the drills faster than their counterparts in the
region. They also have excellent stamina, as evidenced by the
demonstrator that stood wearing the suit for over an hour before
walking 100 yards to take the suit off.


3. These suits will ensure that next time, and we hope there is
not a "next time," the OMON team will be ready and properly
equipped.
ARMBRUSTER


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