FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Soldiers with the 48th Ordnance Group (OD GRP) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)sharpened their operational capabilities and technical readiness during a three-day Team Leader Training Academy (TLTA), August 9-11.
The TLTA brought together 17 EOD soldiers from across six states, focusing on team leader tasks and rigorous evaluation standards, reinforcing the skills and expertise necessary to build effective EOD technicians. As the only explosive ordnance group in the Army National Guard, the 48th OD GRP combines three subordinate battalions encompassing 14 EOD companies across 12 states. The core mission of EOD is locate, identify, assess, neutralize, and dispose of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) hazards, to include Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), as well as U.S. and foreign Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), that present a threat to operations, installations, personnel and material.
Across nine practical lanes, team leaders experienced comprehensive real-world scenarios to advance, refine, and complete their Team Leader Validation. The lanes evaluated soldiers across a diverse set of EOD skills while challenging their teamwork and leadership.
Soldiers conducted ordnance response, focusing on UXO neutralization, IED defeat, and chemical and biological munition mitigation. They trained in tactical execution to include threat assessments, render-safe procedures, and rapid tactical decision-making. Training also focused on logistics and safety such as safe handling, packaging, and explosive ordnance transport preparation.
Throughout each scenario, soldiers assessed dynamic threats, formulated actionable response plans, and executed complex disposal operations under realistic operational conditions.
In large-scale combat operations, decentralized leadership and rapid decision-making are critical. Training events like the TLTA ensure EOD team leaders can operate in highly contested, multi-domain environments.
The successful completion of the TLTA validates the technical proficiency and tactical competence of Army National Guard EOD team leaders, ensuring ready, reliable, and lethal support across multi-domain operations.