Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations in Support of Army Special Operations Forces: What Changes Are Required?

Army Special Operations (ARSOF) are a significant contributing force in the Global War on Terrorism and have no explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) support other than on an ad hoc basis. The EOD support provided ARSOF, while competent and trained for conventional operations have not undergone any unique preparation for operations in support of ARSOF. There has been no formal effort to engage both ARSOF and EOD in order to optimize integration. This study assesses what can be done to insure that ARSOF is provided focused and trained EOD in support of missions in a unique operational environment. Conventional forces have ready access to EOD support though relationships established in the continental United States, the Combat Training Centers and past contingency operations. The Army's Cold War focus, resulted in EOD being organized and equipped primarily to support conventional forces. The operational environment has changed. The US can no longer expect to fight predominately high intensity mechanized battles on linear, contiguous battlefields. Future opponents will employ asymmetric methods in order to avoid our strengths. ARSOF is central to combating these threats. Proliferation of CBRN technology and the continued use of improvised explosive devices in attacks globally demands a rigorous research effort.