Marines, Japanese Forces Sharpen Explosive Disposal Skills During Keen Sword 2027

U.S. Marines assigned to the 3rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, trained alongside Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members during bilateral live-fire ground response training in Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 23.

Marines and Japanese military personnel practiced range safety procedures, equipment preparation and ground response techniques in a controlled environment. The training allowed both forces to observe each other's explosive ordnance disposal procedures and exchange knowledge.

Technical demonstrations involved thermite grenades, M112 demolition blocks, detonating cord, water charges and drones. U.S. and Japanese EOD personnel conducted the demonstrations before moving to safe distances for controlled detonations.

"By training together, we develop a better understanding of how we each operate and identify the differences and challenges between our procedures," said Marine Corps Warrant Officer Logan Maar, an EOD officer assigned to 3rd EOD Company.

Maar added that discussing procedures in a classroom is one thing but executing them together in a live training environment is another.

"This training is important because not only does it build cohesion with our partner force but it also allows them to see what tools we have and how we employ them," said Marine Corps Sgt. Daniel Arroyo, an EOD technician assigned to 3rd EOD Company.

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Arroyo noted that using thermite and selecting appropriate methods reduces the amount of explosive material needed and alleviates potential damage to surrounding areas during detonation.

Japanese personnel learned how their U.S. counterparts approach operational decisions.

"The first time we figure out how to work together should not be during a real-world crisis, so training together like this is important," Maar said. "I've learned the Japanese have a lot of similar capabilities that we have, and a lot of their training is done the same way."