In my opinion... the show is total crap!
There's more fear mongering than anything else going on in this show. The dangers of unexploded ordnance are real, however, the information presented in this show is not.
The show is simply building on the fear factor and not any real information.
For example...
During the pilot episode, the EOD crew were investigating an old firing range (a lake) that went out of use back in the 1960's. The team interviewed the brother of a man that was killed when a live UXO he found exploded. Several people in the party on the beach were injured and one man killed when the UXO exploded. A few moments later, it was stated that the man who died put the UXO in the camp fire. The round cooked-off, exploded killing one and injuring several. A terrible & horrific incident. I doubt that anyone would have been injured if the UXO was left alone, the area cleared, the ordnance reported to the authorities and NOT put in the fire.
During a clearing of a dump site, the EOD experts clear the area because remnants of an always fuze was found (the portion of a No. 69 that does not contain any explosive at all). They stated... this could go off and someone could get killed if we touch it!
In another episode (same dump site) they unearthed a fired 18pdr (no fuze). They stated... this could go off and someone could get killed if we touch it! When the show cam back from the commercial break, the round that they showed on camera was a white phosphorus mortar round and not the 18pdr that they originally found.
...why the switch, is an 18pdr is not exciting or dangerous enough on it's own??
In another episode, empty transport tubes (rusted through and decayed) caused the area to be evacuated.
In another episode, empty transport crates caused the cleanup to be shut down and the area to be evacuated.
...if the area is that dangerous and these items so dangerous, why was the EOD team using an industrial 4-wheeled self-propelled brush cutter to clear the land that had not been cleared of UXO first?
...hit a live UXO with that beast and there's a good chance of setting it off
In another episode, a mortar round was found. Upon examination it was determined that it was painted blue, and the words INERT DUMMY were painted on it. Again, it was stated... this could go off and someone could get killed if we touch it!
Please, do not take this the wrong way. I am in no way advocating that the dangers of clearing firing ranges or the handling of UXO is not dangerous. It it very dangerous & hazardous work.
The men & women that do this work deserve far more praise, thanks, resources and remuneration than they get. It's hard and dangerous work and I am very thankful that there are people out there that choose this line of work. They are making the World a safer place.
When found, both live and practice ordnance can be hazardous and should only be handled by professionals.
I am upset with the misrepresentation and false information that this show is depicting and spreading. This "reality show" could do more harm than good.
The show is more about "the business of UXO clearance and disposal" than it is anything else.
That's just my two cents... I sincerely hope that I have not offended anyone.
