Corps' First EOD Company Activated

Courtesy Photo | Capt. Timothy M. Callahan, commanding officer of the newly formed Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, unfurls the company guidon, Oct. 1, signaling the official activation of the EOD company. After attempts to establish EOD companies began in 2005, consent was finally given to establish EOD companies Marine Corps-wide with EOD Co., 8th ESB as the first of three companies to be activated during fiscal year 2010. Until this structure change, EOD platoons operated within the support company of an engineer battalion. As tactical and strategic EOD requirements have increased, the size of EOD platoons has increased without changes to EOD unit infrastructure. Changing the EOD platoon to a company reflects the true size and nature of the organization, making its capabilities more visible to Marine Air Ground Task Force planners, according to Callahan. It also ensures the ground combat element receives the direct support required.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

10.04.2009

Story by Cpl. Thomas Hermesman 

2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Capt. Timothy M. Callahan, commanding officer of the newly formed Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, unfurls the company guidon Oct. 1, signaling the official activation of the EOD company.

After attempts to establish EOD companies began in 2005, consent was finally given to establish EOD companies Marine Corps-wide with EOD Co., 8th ESB as the first of three companies to be activated during fiscal year 2010. Until this structure change, EOD platoons operated within the support company of an engineer battalion.

As tactical and strategic EOD requirements have increased, the size of EOD platoons has increased without changes to EOD unit infrastructure. Changing the EOD platoon to a company reflects the true size and nature of the organization, making its capabilities more visible to Marine Air Ground Task Force planners, according to Callahan.

It also ensures the ground combat element receives the direct support required.

• Date Taken: 10.04.2009
• Date Posted: 10.04.2009 08:24
• Story ID: 39648
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF