U.S. PM/WRA Quick Reaction Force

The Quick Reaction Force (QRF) is a team of civilian EOD-qualified technical experts who serve as PM/ WRA’s first responders to unexpected CWD-related emergencies including munitions depot explosions, ammunition depots at risk of imminent explosion, and UXO that pose a significant threat to civilians. These situations require immediate action to secure or dispose of loose and unstable munitions, prevent loss of life, protect property, and conduct needs assessments for further CWD activities. The QRF is headquartered in Northern Virginia and maintains the ability to deploy globally within 48 hours of being tasked by PM/WRA.

Golden West, the implementing partner for the QRF, is a nongovernmental organization that specializes in demining, battle area clearance, and PSSM. The QRF is staffed by former U.S. military EOD experts who have supported emergency response efforts across the globe.

QRF teams were very active in 2016. Their flexible and adaptable nature allowed the United States to assist six countries with providing effective and safe remediation to some difficult and dangerous situations.

• Bosnia and Herzegovina: In May the QRF conducted PSSM assessments of 19 ammunition storage depots in order to identify conditions and/or practices that could lead to an unplanned explosion. The assessments reinforced the importance of ongoing U.S.- funded demilitarization efforts.

• Federated States of Micronesia: During April and May the QRF conducted a UXO survey and assessment on Yap Island, Ulithi Atoll, and Pohnpei Island. The assessment of Ulithi Atoll also included an underwater inspection of several suspect naval sea mines located in the vicinity of the island’s shipping channels.

• Kiribati: The QRF assisted the government of Kiribati from January until November with the recovery and destruction of over 700 ordnance items, over 300 fuzes, and over 5,000 rounds of small arms ammunition that were identified the previous year as a hazard in the aftermath of Cyclone Pam, which had dislodged many of these items.

• Malawi: During October the QRF surveyed four ammunition storage sites and assessed the aging stockpiles of munitions to determine if they presented an immediate threat to the Malawi Defense Forces and surrounding populations. The survey determined that the stockpiles did not pose an immediate threat and that no emergency action was required.

• Paraguay: From late November to early December the QRF conducted an assessment of deteriorating ammunition stockpiles at the Paraguayan Military War Materiel Directorate facility, as well as separated and secured dangerous munitions

• Peru: From September to November two QRF teams were sent to multiple sites to stabilize and dispose of dangerous, deteriorated ordnance presenting a risk of unplanned detonation. The teams succeeded in destroying 12 tons of munitions in the north and an additional 26 tons in the south.

Being a QRF team member is challenging. Members are often required to operate in austere environments including the torrential rains in South America, the mountainous terrain of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the heat of Sub-Saharan Africa, or the waters of the South Pacific. The slightest disturbance of some of the sites they inspect could prove deadly.

Since its inception, the QRF and its precursor the Quick Reaction Demining Force have deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Serbia, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Tuvalu, Uruguay, and Vietnam.