Tech. Sgt. Cecil McCrackin, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician, shows proper placement of incendiary charges on an inert piece of ordnance at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Dec. 16, 2009. Proper placement ensures a piece of ordnance does not move from the spot during detonation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ciara Wymbs)

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An explosive ordnance disposal technician packs high explosives into a shape charge with C-4, a plastic explosive, on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Dec. 16, 2009. A shaped charge is an explosive charge designed to focus the effects of an explosive's energy in a certain area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ciara Wymbs)

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Airman 1st Class Bradley Taylor and Staff Sgt. Jason Luckenbaugh, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technicians, prepare a high explosive charge on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Dec. 16, 2009. To prepare a charge, the Airmen tightly tape explosives together, focusing the effects of a detonation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ciara Wymbs)

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Fire in the hole!

Published Dec. 29, 2009
By Senior Airman Ciara Wymbs
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- In the world of explosive ordinance detection day to day operations consists of training, training and more training. Before arriving at their first duty station EOD Airmen attend a nine month joint service technical training school. The school's graduation is followed by a year of on-the-job training. During an 18-month probation period these new Airmen are held to and tested by real world standards.

The nature of this training allows EOD technicians to work together as one component to save lives. EOD Airmen use their explosive handling skills to assist outside agencies like the U.S Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigations and local law enforcement agencies.