scope:

Background and Scope

EOD forces are employed to counter hazardous explosive ordnance (EO), which includes unexploded explosive ordnance (UXO). The aim of EOD forces is to ensure the protection of personnel and materiel, to assist in the maintenance or restoration of friendly forces' operational freedom across the full spectrum of operations, and to assist in the restoration of normality subsequent to a conflict. Consequently, EOD is a vital operational function.

Based on a threat assessment, EOD capabilities according to STANAG 2377 should be identified at the earliest opportunity. EOD forces, specially trained engineers and clearance divers should be employed to eliminate the threat from unexploded ordnance on land and at sea.

Experience has shown that the volume of EO may require the cooperation of several nations operating in the Combined Operations Area (COA). Since the individual national EOD elements provide different capabilities, these must be coordinated. At all levels of command, the effectiveness and clarity of the multinational EOD structure is of crucial importance. It is imperative to design a command and control (C2) structure that is simple and effective, particularly when the difficulties of different Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) and language are considered.

In multinational operations, only EOD Staff, EOD units, specially trained engineers and clearance divers plan and conduct EOD operations.

For each COA, multinational EOD operations must have commonly understood and agreed SOPs, guidelines, processes, national operating restrictions, and general safety regulations.