The Regional Explosive Hazards Training Center (REHTC)
The Regional Explosive Hazards Training Center (REHTC) is a cornerstone of security and stability in Central Asia. Established as a permanent institution in 2019, the REHTC moves beyond the limitations of temporary initiatives to provide a continuous, centralized platform for capacity building and knowledge exchange in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) efforts.
Bolstering Regional Security
The REHTC’s standardized curriculum and qualified instructors equip participants from all OSCE Central Asian participating States with the necessary skills and best practices to tackle contemporary security threats. By fostering a unified, cooperative approach to these transnational challenges, the Center actively contributes to a more stable and secure regional environment.
Institutionalization has been key to this success. It allows for the development of a long-term strategy that is directly responsive to specific regional security needs. This ensures continuity in training, enables the curriculum to adapt quickly to emerging threats, and strengthens the REHTC’s credibility. This collaborative environment is essential for effectively addressing shared security concerns.
A Network of Expertise
As a centralized hub for technical knowledge and experience-sharing, the REHTC has cultivated a robust network of regional experts and practitioners. This community is a valuable resource for implementing innovative security solutions and tackling new challenges. The REHTC’s institutional status also facilitates crucial partnerships with international organizations and academic institutions, significantly expanding its reach and impact across the globe.
Key Milestones
The REHTC has achieved significant landmarks in its development as a leading regional training hub:
- 2019: Foundation: The Regional Explosive Hazards Training Center (REHTC) facility was built.
- 2021-2022: Trainer Development: Six national REHTC officers were trained by USARCENT (U.S. Army Central Command) to become certified instructors for EOD Levels 1-3.
- 2022-2024: Training Cycles: Two full EOD training cycles (Levels 1-3) were successfully conducted by Tajik national instructors under the presence and monitoring of USARCENT, confirming the quality of the national training team.
- February 2023: Institutionalization: The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Tajikistan issued a directive ensuring the REHTC's formal institutionalization as a separate structure with its own organizational setup and operational capacity under the Ministry of Defense.
- August 2024: National Accreditation: The REHTC officially received its national/state license (accreditation) for conducting educational activities from the Agency for Supervision in the Field of Education and Science Under the Office of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan.
September 2024: Regional Leadership: The first-ever EOD cycle fully led by Tajik instructors commenced with the historic participation of all five Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
