Guardsman assists Army IED Research

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Nearly 50 percent of Soldier deaths overseas in 2011 are attributed to Improvised Explosive Devices. Missouri National Guardsman Sgt. David Silas dedicates his time to helping researchers in their effort to lower that number.

Silas, of Jackson, has almost 11 years of service with the Guard, but it was during a recent year-long deployment he discovered a knack for IED identification.

In September 2009, when he deployed to Afghanistan with the 1141st Engineer Company, the unit's mission was route clearance in the Khost province. Silas and his fellow Soldiers would look for, identify and eliminate IEDs.

Four weeks before going overseas the unit trained at Fort McCoy, Wis., where they focused on how to become IED hunters.

"One of the biggest hurdles is learning our job before we get in country," said Silas. "This is a skill that every engineer, every Soldier needs."

While at Fort McCoy, Silas, who resides in Jackson, was asked by his unit leadership to look at a vehicle they'd be using overseas, the Husky Mounted Detection Systems.

The Husky is a one-man vehicle with ground penetrating radar. As the primary driver, Silas lead over 120 convoys -- both day and night missions - searching for IEDs above and below ground.

On every mission, which spans hours at a time, Silas had to focus on multiple tasks, intake multitudes of information from the Husky and the surrounding environment, and make decisions that could affect his life and the lives of the Soldiers following him.

"You're basically tracking a person in front of you," said Silas. "Who was here, what they did, and is there a bomb under it all."

He looked above and below ground; at the people and cars on and around the road; at the dirt, rocks, water or any items on the road, said Silas. He looked for the tall tale signs of an IED, but keeping in mind the signs that he might not know about or miss.

And during every mission, there was always the constant thought of his fellow Soldiers behind him. Sitting in the elevated cab of the Husky, he has to make a decision on objects and things he sees 20 feet in front of him and know it's the right decision.

"Having my whole platoon behind me, I really wanted to find the IEDs fast and well," said Silas. "Because when you hear that boom behind you it's like an emotional wave crashing over you thinking 'oh my God who got hit, who could be hurt?'"

To prevent that crash, Silas said he spent hours studying and reviewing.

"I felt like I had to be the best," he said. "I didn't want someone behind me to have to find the IED; I wanted to find it in front."

Silas credits his fellow Soldiers and unit leadership for letting him have the freedom to practice on the equipment, learn and lead a convoy in a way he was comfortable with, and even discuss new ideas and experiment with the Husky.

He learned very quickly how to visually identify IEDs, but learning the demands of the job and the radar system took time and his platoon was hit three times. But then he found one.

"I still remember that image on the screen and everything just clicked," said Silas.

He continued to strive for perfection, and throughout the deployment watched tapes of himself on missions, studied radar images and brain-stormed ideas with his fellow Soldiers and leaders. Every detail mattered.

"I'd look at footprints on a road and think about what they could mean, where were they going," said Silas. "I'd see water on the side of the road and think was that from some fresh digging from a farmer or something more."

In September 2010, the Soldiers of the 1141st returned home to Kansas City and their experiences gained overseas caught the attention of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory.

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory is dedicated to providing science, technology and analysis that enable full-spectrum operations in the Army. As a part of their study in visual IED detection, a team of researchers interviews Soldiers across the country.

When the team out of Fort Leonard Wood interviewed Silas they found his knowledge invaluable and asked for him to continue to work with them.

"David is really special," said Dr. Alan Davison. "Primarily those of us on the team are researchers and scientists, but you really need that technical person who's been in the field and can add some realism to the research. He's seen things first-hand. A part of our work is understanding the relationship between the Soldiers, the machines and equipment, and the environment. David had done that and was skilled in that particular information."

Davison said, what really caught his attention was when his team interviewed Soldiers who Silas had helped they said they understood the equipment and material better what he couldn't help them with, Silas took the initiative to research and study on his own.

"David told me how he used to take pictures of his ground-penetrating radar screen for study later," said Davison. "I think he really mastered the equipment. When you add a Soldier like David it adds a fresh experience to our research."

Davison and his team reached out to the Leonard Wood Institute, which assists with training-related research, technology transfer and business development initiatives, to contract Silas for his expertise.

"I don't think I'm the best, not even in my unit or platoon," said Silas. "I missed a few when we were deployed and I always want to do better and improve. But I know I can work with this team and have them take my knowledge to the Army and help my fellow engineers be successful."

Since March Silas has been in constant contact with the team. He's narrated his experiences as an IED hunter, participated in several studies, and provided valuable feedback on new training classes.

The team has several different approaches on how to train Soldiers to visually identify IEDs, said Davison. Silas helps them understand what is realistic.

Specifically he's given the U.S Army Research Lab team feedback on the Husky vehicle and being an operator.

"By the end of my deployment I knew every piece of the Husky," said Silas. "I knew if something was working wrong on it before it'd break and how to fix it. And the demands on the Soldier in the lead Husky are great and there's so much going on in that cab it takes time and practice to get used to it and do it well. It can be a mentally draining job."

He's especially excited that what he does with the research lab and team can help save lives.

"I know and want them to take what I've learned to the Army and help my fellow engineers be successful," said Silas.

Silas' success overseas and at home is a testament to the Guard's ability to recognize and support Soldiers regardless of their rank, said Davison.

"His unit's philosophy of command while in Afghanistan really shows how the Guard is open to recognizing Soldiers for their talent and being confident in them," said Davison. "We really appreciate the Guard, it's important that all aspects of this industry work together."

Silas hopes to continue working with the research lab as long as possible and to contribute to the success of his unit now, the 1138th Engineer Sapper Company.

"I really want teach to my Missouri National Guard Soldiers," said Silas. "They're my brothers. Our engineers are some of the best in the country. When you lose a Soldier, particularly a Guard Soldier, it not only affects your life and unit, but the community. I don't want that to happen to our guys in the future."

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory has recommended Silas to other groups - including groups studying route clearance and the development of new equipment. The team has also invited Silas to participate in their upcoming visual detection training and testing in December in Arizona.

Silas is supported in his military career by his wife, 2nd Lt. Karen Silas, and their children, Jillian, 12; DJ, 10; David, 5; and Mason, 4.

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