In this issue of Army News, we put our focus on Explosive
Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Specialists. They are the experts in bomb
neutralisation and disposal of explosive traps.
EOD Specialists need to be precise and thorough when solving
problems. They have to think and move at the speed of light when
faced with a challenging situation. They must maintain a high level
of equipment competence and are truly experts in conquering
obstacles and moving troops.
Army News spoke to EOD Specialist, 2WO Chay Chan Yin, to find out
more about this vocation.
Army News: What is the main responsibility of an EOD
Specialist?
2WO Chay: Our responsibility is to render safe explosive ordnance
as well as improvised explosive devices. All EOD
specialists usually operate in three-man teams with the most senior
as the team commanders. Everyone in the team is rotated for
stand-by duties as well as to carry out training.
Army News: What makes a good EOD Specialist?
2WO Chay: There are three main factors. First, it is very important
for an EOD Specialist to remain cool, calm and to maintain his
composure when operating in any situation. Second, he must have
very sound analytical ability, especially during incidents
involving improvised explosive devices. Finally, he should have a
good level of physical fitness.
Army News: What challenges does an EOD Specialist face?
2WO Chay: I think the toughest part is keeping pace with the rapid
development in technology for conventional explosive ordnance as
well as the trends of terrorist bombing activities. Today, you have
a set procedure to settle a certain problem, but the next day,
there may be something new whereby you must scratch your head again
and come up with additional precautions and procedures. Its very
important that both the individual and the unit are always aware of
the latest developments.
Army News: How do you feel about the risks involved in your
job?
2WO Chay: We just have to be very careful all the time. Within the
EOD cohort, we have this saying, A mistake you make can always be
the very last mistake you can ever make! The mistake could cost
you your life in a real operation.
Army News: Is there any interesting incident that you can
recall?
2WO Chay: I will remember one incident for life. A British
fragmentation hand grenade that had been left behind from World War
II was found at a camp at Changi. The safety features for the
grenade were all gone. I had no choice but to dispose it on the
spot. It was near the buildings within the compound as well as the
main road. We had to coordinate with the police to evacuate all
personnel in the building. I also had to coordinate with the
airport authorities to ensure that no aircraft flew by during the
operation. The airport authorities only gave me ten minutes to
carry out my job, which meant that I had to work really fast. The
experience was truly unforgettable.
-army news interactive.
