Explosive Ordnance Disposal Assessment and Role of EOD Forces

The Department of Defense (DOD)has relied heavily on the critical skills and capabilities of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel from each of the four military services to counter threats from improvised explosive devices (IED), a significant cause of fatalities among U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. EOD personnel have extensive training in the detection, identification, on-site evaluation, making safe, recovery, and final disposal of unexploded explosive ordnance. EOD forces' capabilities in countering the IED threat, including collecting and evaluating captured explosive-related enemy material from the devices, have made these forces integral to successful joint military operations. However, the high demand for the EOD capability has resulted in personnel experiencing numerous deployments. In addition to their function in countering IEDs, EOD personnel are responsible for a wide range of other missions, such as clearing unexploded ordnance from training ranges; providing defence support to civil authorities; and assisting the U.S. Secret Service and Department of State with the protection of the President and other high-ranking government officials. This book provides an overview and assessment of the role of EOD forces and operations.