EOD and reconnaissance Marines practice standoff munitions disruption

Explosive ordnance disposal technicians with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific – Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan, and Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force and reconnaissance snipers with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF rehearsed standoff munitions disruption July 28 on Camp Schwab, Okinawa.

The training ensured EOD technicians were proficient in the safe long-distance detonation of explosives, using the SASR-M107 sniper rifle.
This method of detonation is one of the most preferable, especially when forward-deployed, as it minimizes the possibility of casualties while performing essential clearing of explosives, according to Capt. David P. Karr, an explosive ordnance disposal officer with Headquarters and Support Bn.

“When disposing of explosive ordnance, the remote procedure is usually the best procedure,” said Karr, a Plano, Texas, native. “It’s another tool in the bag of many techniques we use to safely dispose of ordnance, preserve order and save lives.”

EOD technicians placed 155mm rounds on the hillside of the range to serve as targets. After placing the rounds, the Marines made their way back to the sniper tower and began familiarizing themselves with the weapon system.

“As a reconnaissance Marine, I wasn’t familiar with the idea of detonating explosives from a distance using the M107,” said Cpl. Seth M. Richardson, a scout sniper with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion. “This training provided a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge with the EOD technicians who weren’t as familiar with the weapons system. We practiced the basic shooting fundamentals and we learned about what they do in their own military occupational specialty.”