Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal in Large-Scale Combat Operations: Summary of Findings and Recommendations

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lewis, Jennifer Lamping

Contributor:

Bicksler, Barbara

Jacques, Anthony

Johnson, Grant

Kelly, Terrence K.

Ligor, Douglas C.

Language:

English

Other Title:

Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal in Large-Scale Combat Operations

Place of Publication:

RAND Corporation 2024

Summary:

During the past 20 years, the Army explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) force has undergone significant changes. The force expanded in size and focused on improvised explosive device missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom but experienced force reductions after those conflicts concluded. As the focus of defense strategy moves away from counterinsurgency operations in the Middle East and back to strategic competition, the Army is examining what it will need to support large-scale combat operations (LSCO) in the future and is actively preparing for — and undergoing — that transition. This report highlights the findings and recommendations from an effort to (1) examine the roles the Army EOD force can expect to face in LSCO as a key part of Army and Joint Force multi-domain operations in the fiscal year 2027–2032 time frame and (2) assess whether the planned future EOD force is able to meet these demands.