For four weeks every summer, specialists from the Austrian Armed Forces carry out explosive ordnance searches at the Lizum/Walchen military training area at over 2,000 meters above sea level. Every day, 70 sappers, specialists and construction pioneers from the Tyrol Military Command search for unexploded shells in the target areas, on paths and climbs in open terrain.
The day begins with a command being issued to the search groups by the control center/combat search in the high camp. All participants are trained for this task by experienced specialists. A search group consists of a commander, a medic, an explosive ordnance disposal specialist and seven conscripts. The search groups are transported to the remote high alpine zones by two helicopters of the Austrian Armed Forces. This saves the soldiers the exhausting approach routes of over 1,000 meters in altitude. The operation is managed, coordinated and documented at the control center/combat search in the Lizum high camp. The military geographer documents the search of the individual groups on the computer using GIS software (Geographical Information System). For this purpose, the data recorded by the search groups during the day is read out from the GPS device and transferred to a digital map.
After landing in the high alpine terrain, the search groups gather and discuss the mission using the map sections provided. The soldiers march in a chain along the assigned zones. Two GPS devices record the marching routes. If conspicuous objects are found, the explosive ordnance disposal officer marching behind the group investigates the find. The find is marked and recorded using GPS data. Later, the unexploded ordnance is prepared for detonation and removed by a demolition team on site. Cooperation with helicopters during the search for explosive ordnance in high alpine terrain is of crucial importance. The nearby Vomp helicopter base, which is only an eleven-minute flight from the Lizum/Walchen military training area, is ideal for this mission. An emergency doctor with an emergency helicopter must also be available for this operation.
Over the past four weeks, 137 hectares have been searched for unexploded ordnance. In the process, 26 unexploded ordnance items were found and detonated. Experience shows that between 20 and 40 unexploded bombs are found and destroyed every year. At the end of August, the outstanding zones are searched again for unexploded ordnance – then the operation is over for this year. The annual explosive ordnance search at the highest military training area Lizum/Walchen in Tyrol ensures that the armed forces can continue to practice and fire live ammunition, that farmers’ agricultural operations are not restricted and that hiking on the paved paths and trails is safe for the civilian population on non-firing days.
