EOD Soldiers have a blast during visit from 21st TSC Command Team

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany —Soldiers from the 702nd Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) did a bang up job during a visit from the 21st Theater Sustainment Command Team Aug. 11 at the company compound detonation area.

Soldiers from the 702nd demonstrated the capabilities of several EOD systems to Maj. Gen. Duane A. Gamble and Command Sgt. Maj. Alberto Delgado. The demonstration included robotics platforms, EOD bomb suit, electronic counter measure systems, and mine detection equipment.

“EOD Soldiers train with these items daily to develop and maintain proficiency,” said 2nd Lt. Elizabeth Sims. “Having them able to demonstrate their knowledge to Maj. Gen. Gamble and Command Sgt. Maj. Delgado is an opportunity to build confidence in the Soldiers and good training.”   

The ordnance company Soldiers are responsible for locating, identifying, evaluating, rendering safe, recovering, and determining the final disposition of all explosive items, including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear ordnance, improvised explosive devices, unexploded ordnance, and previously unknown ordnance throughout United States Army Garrison Bavaria. 

Additionally, EOD teams spend countless hours training with their equipment to ensure proficiency. Every new team member must pass certification processes that test their knowledge of every tool and piece of equipment.

“It’s rewarding to see the 21st TSC command show genuine interest in what we do on a daily basis,” said Spc. Michael Epshtein, an EOD Team Member. “Having the opportunity to show them our procedures and observing them in our bomb suits was a great experience.

“The experience emphasized to all of the Soldiers within the 702nd that their actions and accomplishments are seen at the highest levels of leadership within Europe. The opportunity to show their knowledge and experiences with the command team is something that will stay with them for the remainder of their career.”