EOD service is necessary to counter explosive ordnance fired, dropped, or placed that does not
function either by design or from malfunction. The presence of these UXO items and their possible
detonation poses a threat to combat operations, logistical support activities, civil defense, and morale.
Area denial ordnance items are most hazardous to operations. These are "time or long-delay" action
fuzes. The problems with these items are often compounded by anti-disturbance/anti-removal devices
in their fuzing system. Normally, conventional and denial ordnance are mixed when fired into the rear
area. The initial damage will be compounded by the remaining area denial ordnance. EOD units will
neutralize this ordnance.
When the mission is disrupted by UXO, it is reported by the fastest method (normally the rear opens
net) to the nearest RAOC/RTOC. The units will take extra precautions to limit damage by building a
hasty wall of sandbags between the UXO and critical assets or facilities.
The UXO that is not a threat to any asset or operation will be marked by the unit and reported to the
RAOC/RTOC. Should the UXO threaten operations, alternative locations should be considered.
The UXO incident reporting system consists of categories A, B, C, and D. A and B are critical areas
which require prompt actions. The difference between A and B is that B permits a safe waiting time
before the application of render safe procedures by the EOD team. Category A incidents require
prompt render safe procedures without regard to personal risk of life for the EOD team. C and D have
little or no value to the war effort or military operations, but could still be a threat to life and must be
eventually neutralized. The RAOC/RTOC will coordinate with EODCC to show priorities based upon
the area commander's guidance and base assessment.
Remotely delivered mines and area denial ordnance will require close coordination between the
engineers and EOD teams. The engineers can apply rapid breaching techniques to remove or
detonate the items. EOD can apply techniques to remove those ordnance items from locations where
detonations are not desirable.
There are Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance Agents (EORA) in each unit. They will assist the
commander in reducing the hazards and reporting UXO to the RAOC/RTOC.
The EORA is trained by EOD units to assist the local commander in coping with UXO. EORAs may
include all MP and at least two soldiers from each company-sized unit. Nuclear, biological, and
chemical (NBC) personnel are primary candidates for this mission. They have similar mission
responsibilities and training.
The EORA will investigate all UXO reported. This will eliminate false reports and verify actual EOD
incidents. The EORA will determine the approximate size and type of the UXO, if the UXO is not visible
on the surface. The EORA, from
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MP2010
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