When you think about explosives, it can be hard to imagine individuals who would seek out direct confrontation with such a force, but that is exactly what the U.S. Marines at Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) train to do. The Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS) EOD team’s responsibilities in disposing unexploded ordnance (UXO) extend far beyond the fences of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Occasionally, they will find themselves working with law enforcement and civil agencies to protect the surrounding community from the dangers of UXO.
On June 29, 2023, EOD conducted a training event to maintain their proficiency on a technique called protective works. This technique is utilized by explosive technicians to safely detonate UXO while mitigating collateral damage. In this exercise, the H&HS EOD used sandbags to absorb shrapnel and other hazards.
“This technique allows the EOD technician, during EOD Emergency Response, to offer viable courses of action to civilian law enforcement agencies and civil authorities when an item threatens residences and vital infrastructure but is too dangerous to move,” said Master Sgt. Carlos Villarreal, the H&HS EOD staff noncommissioned officer in charge. “This allows for the destruction of dangerous items with little to no collateral damage to the surrounding area. The mitigation of these effects is in keeping with one of EOD’s core tenants: protection of personnel and property.”