The Hurt Locker - What’s it really like to cut the red wire
An electrifying talk on how elite bomb disposal professionals think, operate, and endure the invisible toll that such work takes on the human body and mind.
About
How dangerous is really dangerous? In Hollywood, it’s as simple as cutting the red wire—but in the real world, every decision is a heartbeat away from life or death. In this electrifying talk, Gareth Collett, former head of the United Kingdom’s bomb disposal profession, takes audiences on an unforgettable journey from the blackthorn hedges of Northern Ireland to the mine-strewn shores of Yemen.
With gripping real-world insight, he reveals what it truly means to stand in the blast radius—how elite bomb disposal professionals think, operate, and endure the invisible toll that such work takes on the human body and mind. Gareth shares the stories behind confronting improvised explosive devices, the crucial role of forensic science in tracking down those responsible, and the extraordinary resilience required to keep going when the stakes could not be higher.
Spanning 35 years of service and countless lives saved, Gareth’s experiences illuminate courage, precision, and the unshakeable commitment to protect others. This is more than a talk—it’s a masterclass in staying calm under pressure, finding purpose in adversity, and redefining what it means to be fearless.
1
Continuing Professional Development
This event can contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours as part of the IET's CPD monitoring scheme.
18 May 2026
7:30pm - 9:00pm
Organiser
- Hereford and Worcester Local Network
Registration information
Everyone welcome.
Speakers
Brigadier (Retired) Dr Gareth Collett CBE CEng PhD FIExpE
Former Head of the United Kingdom’s bomb disposal profession
Brigadier (Retd) Gareth Collett is a former senior British Army officer whose 35-year career spanned multiple global conflict zones, including Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, and several lesser-known theatres of operation. Rising to become the head of the United Kingdom’s bomb disposal profession, he led some of the world’s most skilled teams in confronting the evolving threats of explosive violence.
After retiring from the Army in 2018, Gareth continued his commitment to global safety and stability as the United Nations’ Chief Technical Advisor on weapons abatement. Over four years, he worked extensively across fragile environments to reduce the risks posed by mines, improvised explosive devices, and unstable munitions. Today, he serves as an Executive Director at the University of Wales, where he focuses on rebuilding national capability in the energetics industry—supporting the safe innovation, production, and management of explosive materials.
Gareth’s lifelong dedication to saving lives was shaped by the aftermath of the Hyde Park and Regent’s Park bombings. This personal motivation continues to drive his extensive voluntary work. He provides specialist advice to organisations such as Action on Armed Violence and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and contributes to war crimes investigations involving explosive violence. As both a PTSD and cancer survivor, he also supports the Felix Fund, Help for Heroes, Fight Bladder Cancer, and the British Association of Urological Surgeons.
Married, with two grown-up daughters, Gareth remains grounded by his favourite hobby—woodworking—when he manages to steal a quiet moment away from his tireless advocacy.
Programme
Doors open 19:00
Presentation starts 19:30
Expected finish 21:00