Part 2 - EOD Training for Offensive Operations

Jack T
Jack T
Last updated 
Enhanced EOD Training for Offensive Operations

To ensure the effectiveness of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) in offensive operations, the focus must be on dynamic engagement strategies that integrate EOD expertise into team maneuvers. This involves training EOD personnel to support key offensive actions such as breaching, ambush preparation, and defensive perimeter enhancements, ensuring seamless collaboration with the squad during high-pressure scenarios.

EOD Breaching Techniques

EOD plays a critical role in breaching obstacles that impede the unit's progress. Using Battle Drill 8: Breach a Mined Wire Obstacle as a foundation, training should emphasize coordination and timing. The following steps outline an effective breaching maneuver:
  1. Preparation Phase:
    • Reconnaissance: Conduct a thorough assessment of the obstacle (e.g., fences, barbed wire, walls).
    • Positioning: Identify optimal breaching points and designate roles (e.g., EOD specialist, machine gunner, team leader).
    • Coordination: Ensure all team members understand the sequence of actions.
  2. Execution Phase:
    • Smoke Deployment: The Team Leader (TL) throws smokes ahead of the obstacle to obscure enemy vision.
    • Suppressive Fire: The machine gunner (MG) provides suppressive fire to pin down enemy forces, creating a distraction.
    • EOD Breach: While enemy focus is diverted, the EOD specialist goes prone and places C4 or other explosives on the obstacle (e.g., fences, walls).
      • Arma Reforger Adaptations: Although door breaching is not a feature, EOD personnel can target barbed wire fences or tall walls. By placing C4 strategically, they can collapse parts of walls or fences, enabling easier access for the unit to proceed.
  3. Post-Breach Actions:
    • Once the explosive is detonated, the team moves swiftly through the breached area while maintaining security and covering each other’s movements.
    • Follow-on elements secure the breach site to prevent enemy counterattacks.
EOD Support in Ambush Preparation

EOD specialists are instrumental in enhancing ambush effectiveness by strategically deploying explosives in key locations. Training scenarios should cover:
  • Placement: Identifying chokepoints, high-traffic enemy areas, or vulnerable terrain features where explosives will have maximum impact.
  • Concealment: Ensuring devices are camouflaged and not easily spotted by enemy forces.
  • Trigger Protocols: Establishing clear detonation cues (manual or timed) that align with the ambush plan.
For example:
  • C4 charges can be placed under terrain features or structural vulnerabilities.
  • When the ambush is triggered, EOD detonates the explosives to create chaos, block retreat routes, or destroy enemy reinforcements.
EOD Contributions to Defensive Perimeter Setup

EOD specialists also contribute to defensive operations by integrating explosives into the team’s perimeter defense plan. Training should include:
  • Strategic Placement: Identifying critical approach routes to the defensive position and laying charges to deter or neutralize advancing enemies.
  • Emergency Use: Training for quick deployment of explosives in high-pressure situations to protect friendly forces or block enemy advances.
For example:
  • C4 Deployment in Defense: Explosives can be placed at chokepoints, bridges, or narrow paths leading to the defensive perimeter. If the enemy forces breach the first line of defense, EOD detonates the charges to create barriers or inflict heavy damage.
SOSAR Breakdown for EOD Operations

EOD personnel must adhere to the SOSAR (Search, Observe, Secure, Assess, Report) methodology to ensure safety and effectiveness during operations.

Search:
  • Conduct a thorough, systematic scan of the area for hazards, explosive devices, or suspicious items.
  • Emphasize the importance of maintaining situational awareness to identify hidden threats.
Observe:
  • Gather as much intelligence as possible about the device or obstacle, focusing on:
    • Size, type, and placement of the explosive.
    • Potential triggering mechanisms or evidence of tampering.
    • Signs of secondary devices that could pose additional threats.
Secure:
  • Establish a secure perimeter to prevent unauthorized access to the danger zone.
  • Coordinate with team members to ensure everyone understands and adheres to safety protocols.
Assess:
  • Analyze the level of threat posed by the explosive or obstacle.
  • Evaluate environmental factors (e.g., terrain, weather, proximity to civilians) that could affect the response.
Report:
  • Communicate findings clearly and promptly to the chain of command.
  • Provide detailed information to ensure proper coordination for neutralization or breaching operations.
Drills for EOD Offensive Operations

To enhance readiness and proficiency, EOD specialists should engage in practical drills that simulate offensive scenarios. Key drills include:
  1. Breaching Drill:
    • Scenario: Breaching a fence or wall during an assault.
    • Steps: Team Leader deploys smoke → Machine Gunner provides suppressive fire → EOD moves prone and places charges → Team moves through breach.
  2. Ambush Preparation Drill:
    • Scenario: Setting up an ambush with explosive support.
    • Steps: EOD identifies key locations for explosive placement → Devices are camouflaged → Detonation synchronized with ambush trigger.
  3. Emergency Defensive Drill:
    • Scenario: Deploying explosives in response to a breach of the defensive perimeter.
    • Steps: EOD moves quickly to pre-identified chokepoints → Places and arms charges → Detonates to neutralize threats or block advances.
Integration and Coordination

EOD personnel must train alongside the broader team to ensure seamless integration during offensive operations. Key focus areas include:
  • Communication Protocols: Establishing clear lines of communication for coordination and explosive detonation signals.
  • Cross-Role Familiarity: Ensuring other team members understand EOD capabilities to maximize their effectiveness during joint operations.
  • After-Action Reviews: Conducting debriefs to identify strengths and areas for improvement following each training exercise.

By honing these offensive skills and adhering to the SOSAR framework, Task Force Spartan’s EOD personnel will be prepared to play a pivotal role in both breaching and combat operations, ensuring mission success with precision and efficiency.