Explosive Ordnance Disposal

EOD teams arrive at their job sites in a variety of ways, called methods of insertion. How the teams get there is based upon the unit that they are integrated with and the type of mission to be completed, the required equipment weight of each team member, weather conditions, and other kinds of risks specific to the job.

Insertion by Air

To parachute or not to parachute — that is the question. A parachute adds 40 lbs. to an EOD team member’s gear. A jump beyond 13,000 feet requires oxygen, which can add another 25–30 lbs. to a team member’s gear.

Given the choice, a team will try to fast-rope or rappel from a low-flying helicopter. Rope is lightweight and easy to carry, but if the site is too far away, a helicopter’s fuel range is limited to short distances. A C-130 airplane can go longer distances, but needs to fly higher and faster. A jet flies too fast for most fast rope or rappelling operations, but is also a possibility.

Insertion by Sea

Nicknamed rubber ducks and limp ducks – these are rubber rafts used to get to a remote location. A limp duck is only partially inflated, so it fits on the deck of a transport ship or within the hold of the plane. Rubber rafts are maneuverable, lightweight and quiet, but they’re small, which limits room for equipment or extra team members.

Another common boat is a 27-foot Boston whaler. It’s small, fast and ideal for shorter overseas distances. If the team needs to dive for a long period of time or beyond certain depths, they will choose a different boat because the Boston whaler can’t hold a recompression chamber, which the team needs to finish the assignment.

When a deep dive is necessary, an EOD team will arrive by ship so there is room for recompression chambers and operators. Recompression chambers are required for a deep or long dive.

Insertion by Land

One of the most popular methods of EOD insertion by land is in an armored Humvee. The armored plates protect the underside of the all-terrain vehicle, helping to keep occupants safe — even if they’re in hostile territory. A Humvee or “Hummer,” can withstand a minor explosion without significantly endangering the lives of the occupants.

The new, 12-ton Rapid Response Vehicles feature even more defensive armor that protects the driver and crew from small arms fire, mine blasts and IEDs.

Locations

From Italy to Virginia, San Diego to Guam, traveling the globe is part of the EOD technician’s job. Use the interactive map below to discover some of the exciting locations that you could be stationed.