OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina and EUFOR co-organize workshop at ammunition testing laboratory in Doboj

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the European Union Force in BiH (EUFOR) jointly organized a training workshop for Armed Forces of BiH on the management of weapons and ammunition storage from 20 to 22 August 2019. The event took place at the Laboratory for the Chemical and Thermal Analysis of Ammunition, which is situated in the Technical Workshop for Repair and Destruction of Ammunition (TROM) in Doboj, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The workshop focused on how to monitor, survey, review, reassess and, if necessary, revise the chemical and administrative processes for analysing samples of ammunition to be able to determine the level of its stability.

Military experts from the AFBiH worked on how to improve the current recording, reporting and chemical analysis procedures at the laboratory to achieve the maximal possible reliability, efficiency, and accuracy in terms of ammunition and explosive life-cycle management.

“Improving the safety of ammunition storage through modern equipment and laboratory, as well through targeted trainings for Armed Forces, greatly contributes to safety of AF personnel, as well as to overall safety. The OSCE Mission to BiH will continue to support efforts aimed to improve infrastructure security and reduce security risks at ammunition storage sites and facilities.” said Bruce G. Berton, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH.

Namir Halilović, First Lieutenant, Head of the Section for Examining Propellant Ammunition Fuels at TROM, said: "Co-operation with the team of chemical experts in powder stability management from Switzerland started successfully last year. The co-operation has included training seminars, exchange of best practices, sharing know-how and experience. It has also made possible the opening of the Laboratory for the Armed Forces of BiH.”  He added that the workshop was another step forward in improving the safekeeping of ammunition and ammunition storage sites and increasing the safety of the civilian population of BiH.

The OSCE Mission to BiH will continue to provide assistance in ensuring the sustainability of the Laboratory through training and equipment. The Mission will also continue the partnership with the BiH Ministry of Defence and AFBiH to support their efforts in implementing important strategic documents and plans.