State Secretary Visit of the Homemade Explosives Course - Advanced
On 23 June 2026, the NATO Explosive Ordnance Disposal Centre of Excellence (NATO EOD COE) hosted a delegation from the Slovak Republic Ministry of Defence, led by Mr. Martin Vojtasovic, 2nd State Secretary of the Slovak Republic Ministry of Defence (MOD).
The State Secretary’s delegation was welcomed by Colonel Frantisek Mihalovic, Director of the NATO EOD COE. Colonel Mihalovic provided an overview of the Centre’s mission, ongoing activities, and its contribution to NATO’s collective defence and operational readiness as part of its role among international institutions. Emphasizing Education and Training (E&T), Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hugyar, PhD, presented details on deliverables aligned with NATO training requirements. The briefing underscored the critical importance of maintaining highly trained Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capabilities to counter emerging threats and ensure the safety of both military personnel and civilians.
In accordance with the visit agenda, Master Sergeant Stanislav Macura briefed the delegation on the HMEC-A course curriculum and the used facilities at the Training Centre, Lest. The HMEC-A equips participants with essential skills to address increasingly sophisticated explosive threats in military operations, counter-terrorism, and domestic security through theoretical instruction, practical exercises, and observed expert-led discussions.
During the ongoing HMEC-A, the delegation observed the HMEC-A scenario-based training, in which students applied threat assessment methodologies, advanced techniques, and procedures to address HMEs in illicit laboratories. Recognising the well prepared scenery, State Secretary expressed his appreciation for a complex learning environment that is regularly maintained through relationships with the international pool of experts from the military, academic, and industry sectors.
Having opportunity, the NATO EOD COE acknowledges the State Secretary for the unique time to demonstrate the Centre’s capabilities in support of Alliance readiness as importance of investment, managed by Slovakia, NATO EOD COE framework nation.
Author: LTC Alexander HUGYAR, PhD.
Photo: MAJ Jiri Zejdlik
