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ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (4/19/2012) — The field of explosive
ordnance disposal has been in the spotlight for the past decade due
to our nation's involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan and partly due
to Hollywood's portrayal of an EOD team in the 2008 movie “The Hurt
Locker.” Talk to any soldier who has deployed in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn or Operation Enduring
Freedom, and the majority of them will have an experience that
somehow relates to the field of EOD.
February 22, 2012 - EOD soldiers play a crucial role in protecting life and property
for both military and civilian authorities by dismantling explosive
devices. Photo by Chris Bush |
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Even though the field is small (less than 1 percent of the total
Army), the EOD story is one that many soldiers know about or can
somehow relate to. This demonstrates the importance of the EOD role
and highlights the main responsibility: the mitigation of
conventional and unconventional explosive devices in order to
protect life and property for both military and civilian
authorities. The importance of the EOD mission has become blatantly
apparent in the last decade; however, it is crucial to remember that
the role of EOD expands past the borders of Iraq and Afghanistan.
In addition to the overseas mission, EOD soldiers have the
responsibility of protecting our homeland when stationed stateside.
This responsibility varies greatly and can include a host of
incidents. Emergency response can range from responding to a
dud-fired M67 fragmentation grenade on a military range or to
supporting local law enforcement officials when requested. This
request for assistance comes when a local agency |
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does not have the ability to respond to explosive ordnance
incidents, when military munitions are found, or when the situation
is outside of the realm of their capabilities. The United States is
divided into geographical areas of responsibility to dictate where
each EOD company, and their respective EOD team, will assist when
notified. This can require EOD teams to travel hundreds of miles
away to support local agencies in some situations. As with wartime
operations, the EOD technician has to be prepared for a variety of
stateside operations as well. |
In addition to EOD emergency response, EOD
technicians from all services assist the Secret Service in
the protection of site venues and locations for VIPs
including the president, vice president, first lady, foreign
dignitaries and presidential candidates during an election
year. Without stating specifics, it can be assumed that
wherever a VIP travels, an EOD technician will be there
hours before to ensure no explosive or other harmful devices
are present. This requires vigilance and the ability to
adapt, as well as the possibility of travel on short notice.
Within the Army EOD community, there are a few
specialized companies that have additional mission
requirements. Although all EOD companies are charged with
homeland defense when not deployed, there is one stateside
EOD company that is charged solely with the protection of
our homeland and nation's capital. The 55th Ordnance Company
(EOD), out of Fort Belvoir, Va. is responsible for
responding to incidents in the national capital region and
Military District of Washington. Although the capital region
is swarmed with civilian bomb squad capabilities, the need
for Army EOD expertise remains prevalent. In the instance
where local capabilities are exhausted or if the situation
is outside of the scope of the civilian agency, the 55th is
on hand to respond.
Additionally, soldiers in the 55th provide
VIP support for the various travel arrangements national
leaders make in and around Washington, D.C. and surrounding
areas or for other special requests. In November,
Congressman Rick Crawford (R-Ariz.) requested an EOD static
display on Capitol Hill for the inaugural EOD Caucus, which
he established with Rep. Susan Davis (D-Calif.). The EOD
caucus was established in order to raise awareness of EOD
operations and to further protect our soldiers from
improvised explosive devices through awareness and
education. Rep. Crawford, a prior service Army EOD
technician, personally understands the importance of
educating members on the dangers of the career field. This
opportunity allowed the soldiers of the 55th Ordnance
Company (EOD) to highlight the role of the Army as a
professional institution, supported with dedicated men and
women.
If you travel south from the nation's capital
and the 55th Ordnance Company (EOD), you'll find another
unique Army EOD company. The 28th Ordnance Company (EOD)
(Airborne) out of Fort Bragg, N.C., is the Army's only
Airborne EOD company. This company has the responsibility of
supporting the 75th Ranger Regiment and other special
operations forces throughout the world. Members of this unit
are required to attend an assessment & selection prior to
assignment to Fort Bragg, N.C. The 28th requires that all of
its EOD operators are in top physical condition, mentally
and emotionally strong, and possess the training and skill
set to operate in any environment, day or night. Members of
this unit jumped into history by conducting an airborne
operation at St. Mere Eglise Drop Zone, Fort Bragg, N.C.,
Nov. 10, 2011. The jump was a historic moment as the EOD
field gained its first Airborne EOD Company.
Finally, the 21st Ordnance Company (EOD) out of Kirtland Air
Force Base, N.M., is the Army's weapons of mass destruction
EOD company. The 21st is responsible for providing technical
EOD operations and containment procedures for WMDs. The
specified mission of this unit is to provide EOD support as
part of the Joint Technical Operations Team to defeat or
mitigate the effects of WMDs directed against the U.S. or
national interests, stateside or overseas. Although all EOD
soldiers throughout the Army are trained in Chemical,
Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear operations, the
soldiers of this particular unit are the technical experts
among the Army EOD field.
Between emergency response
and VIP missions, the typical EOD technician remains
actively involved while executing homeland defense. The duty
day may not end at 5 p.m., and weekends and holidays are not
guaranteed as “time off.” As is the case with all members of
the Army, EOD technicians are soldiers 24/7. The mission of
EOD starts in our own backyard, protecting the citizens of
this great nation from explosive threats. The wars may
subside, but the need for EOD professionals will always
remain.
By Army Capt. Emily H. Spencer, 55th Ordnance Company
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2012
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