Recon, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marines from Okinawa conduct 'explosive' training

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Kentavist Brackin | Reconnaissance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marines take cover from a blast during the Dynamic Entry course on Camp Hansen, Oct. 29, 2008. The 10-day course is held semi-annually, by the III Marine Expeditionary Forces Special Operations Training Group to teach Marines how to breach buildings, through various techniques.  

11.07.2008

Story by Lance Cpl. Kentavist Brackin 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

By Kentavist Brackin
III Marine Expeditionary Force

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa - Twelve Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Platoon, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's Deep Reconnaissance Platoon, recently participated in the III Marine Expeditionary Forces Special Operations Training Group Dynamic Entry course on Camp Hansen.

While there, the EOD and recon Marines learned techniques for gaining entrance to objectives during the 10-day course.

According to Staff Sgt. Christopher M. West, an EOD technician and senior breach instructor for the course, students become certified as a Marine Corps breacher so they can become an integral part of a raiding force.

Marines learned mechanical, thermal, ballistic and explosive methods to make entryways to objectives.

Mechanical methods consist of using tools such as tactically modified crowbars and saws to breach windows and thin walls.

The thermal method uses tools, such as the exothermic torch, to cut a previously non-existent entry point.

The ballistic method involves the use of firearms to gain entrance through conventional doorways or to clear remaining debris after using other breaching methods.

Before starting the most intense portion of the class, practical application of explosive entry techniques, the Marines were split into groups and given a safety brief while donning assault and protective gear. Additionally, one Marine in each group carried a Kevlar breach blanket to protect the team from the fragmentation hazard.

Following the briefing, students used charges they learned about during the explosive theory and instruction part of the course.

After making the final preparations on the charges and conducting last minute rehearsals, Marines proceeded on the detonation run with two instructors following to ensure safety.

The Marines, upon securing charges to the wall, immediately lined up close behind the Kevlar breach blanket and awaited the instructors' final go ahead.

Prior to detonation, the Marines took cover from the force of the blast and flying debris during a moment West describes as "a little bit uncomfortable." The Marines waited momentarily before charging through the blown hole to take down any would be enemies.

"This is some of the most high-risk training that anyone will do in the Marine Corps," West said. "Any time you detonate an explosion and you are within five feet, it's high-risk." West said.

He added, however, that if Marines are conducting explosive breaching in a combat situation then they are already in a high-risk operation.

• Date Taken: 11.07.2008
• Date Posted: 11.11.2008 16:24
• Story ID: 26208