U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel conducted joint explosive ordnance disposal training in Okinawa on Oct. 23, practicing procedures for safely neutralizing explosives through live-fire demonstrations. The training brought together Marines assigned to the 3rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and their Japanese counterparts to observe and exchange techniques.
The training included demonstrations of thermite grenades, M112 demolition blocks, detonating cord, water charges, and drones, according to the Marine Corps. U.S. and Japanese personnel conducted the demonstrations before moving to safe distances to observe controlled detonations.
Marine Corps Warrant Officer Logan Maar, an EOD officer assigned to the 3rd EOD Company, said the training helped both forces understand their respective approaches. "By training together, we develop a better understanding of how we each operate and identify the differences and challenges between our procedures," Maar said.
Marine Corps Sgt. Daniel Arroyo, an EOD technician, said the training serves an operational purpose beyond the immediate exchange of techniques. "This training is important because not only does it build cohesion with our partner force but it also allows them to see what tools we have and how we employ them," Arroyo said. He noted that using thermite to neutralize explosives can reduce the amount of explosive material needed and limit potential damage to surrounding areas.