Photo By Staff Sgt. Tristan Moore | U.S. Army 1st Lt. Joe Gardner, an explosive ordnance disposal officer assigned to the...... read more read more
MUNDA, Solomon Islands — Born and raised in Chicopee, Massachusetts, 1st Lt. Joe Gardner’s path to becoming an explosive ordnance disposal officer wasn’t straightforward. After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University, Gardner questioned whether he was a good fit for the high intensity field.
“EOD wasn’t originally a career field I had any interest in,” said Gardner, an explosive ordnance disposal officer with the 303rd Ordnance Battalion (EOD), 8th Military Police Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command. “It intimidated me and seemed to rely on strengths I didn’t think I had, but when the opportunity arose, some strong mentors pushed me out of my comfort zone and into the field.”
Gardner was commissioned as an Army ordnance officer in March 2022. After graduating Basic Officer Leadership Course and phase one of EOD school at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia, he was shipped off to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, for phase two of EOD school.
“I didn’t know that EOD school had such a high attrition rate until I got there,” said Gardner. “College was easy, but during EOD school it was more technical than I expected.”
Gardner graduated EOD school in 2023 and was assigned to the 303rd Ordnance Battalion (EOD) on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
After being there for only eight months, Gardner received his first mission, Operation Render Safe in Solomon Islands, and he was selected to lead the U.S. Army forces on ground.
“Being the lead for this was initially daunting,” said Gardner. “This was the biggest Render Safe yet, but the excellent leadership from the Australian headquarters and our partner nations helped me quickly understand my role and the expectations placed on me.”
On Aug. 28, 2024, Gardner was on a C-130, flying to Munda, Solomon Islands ready to work with the joint multinational team and the people of Solomon Islands.
“His personality traits, his confidence and technical acumen were the reasons that he was chosen for this role. And the similarities between the 303rd and 20th (Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron) made it an easy decision,” said Australian Army Maj. Josh Vogel, commander of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Task Unit assigned to 20th EOD Squadron, 6th Engineer Support Regiment, 6th Brigade, Force Command.
Landing at Munda International Airport, the locals gathered around the fence line, showing not only curiosity, but excitement for the international EOD teams. Walking with the joint multinational team, Gardner got the first glimpse of where he would be working for the next three weeks.
“The people were so nice; they smiled and waved at us as we walked down the road,” said Gardner. “It was hot, beautiful, and vibrant; the town was well lived in.”
Vogel shares Gardner’s sentiment on how welcoming the people are, and the beauty of Solomon Islands.
“It's a beautiful paradise, but still in stark contrast from the luxuries we enjoy back home. It, just like much of the region, is continuing to develop,” said Vogel. “The people of Munda, just as the rest of the Western Province, are warm, accommodating, and thankful people that genuinely believe in the work that we are here to do.”
After the headquarters was established, it was Gardner’s role to go out and talk to the locals to discover and mark all the unexploded ordnance left behind during WWII. When he got into town, he felt the locals didn’t react as expected, living amongst the threat of unexploded ordnance in the area.
“It seems the local opinions were indifferent,” said Gardner. “For many here, this is just a part of daily life.”
The locals would show Gardner where the various unexploded ordnances were so the joint multinational team could safely remove them.
“Being able to apply my job in a practical sense has meant the world,” said Gardner “A lot of the UXOs we found were in people’s gardens, docks, soccer fields, backyards, or even schools. Permanently relieving those daily anxieties is priceless.”
One moment stood out to him the most. While in the town of Noro, when Gardner knocked on the first door, a man came out and led the team door to door, translating and making sure that the local town felt safe with their team around.
“It reinforced how strong the community ties are here,” said Gardner. “Everyone looks out for each other.”
During Gardner's time in Solomon Islands, the Operation Render Safe joint multinational team has disposed of over 3,100 unexploded remnants of war.
“I didn’t volunteer specifically for this mission, but I didn’t hide my eagerness for such an opportunity,” said Gardner. “And now, every day here is a reminder of the value of our training and the impact we can have.”
While his team’s work in Solomon Islands was crucial, it was also deeply rewarding on a personal level. Gardner’s journey from a reluctant EOD officer to a confident leader highlights the value of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
“Being able to lead my team here has been a unique experience,” said Gardner. “It’s not just about the technical side of the job, but about being adaptable, grateful, and always ready to learn from those around you.”
As Gardner continues his mission in Solomon Islands, his experience has shaped his perspective on leadership and service.
“Lieutenant Gardner and the rest of the team from the U.S. Pacific should be proud of their contributions to Operation Render Safe 24-02,” said Vogal. “We look forward to growing and enhancing operational capabilities with the 8th TSC and continuing to exchange technical expertise with the 303rd Ordnance Battalion.”
| Date Taken: | 09.13.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.15.2024 15:59 |
| Story ID: | 480855 |
| Location: | SB |
| Hometown: | CHICOPEE, MASSACHUSETTS, US |
| Web Views: | 51 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer
