CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Marines with Marine Corps Installations Pacific Explosive Ordnance Disposal held a tour for members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force EOD Jan. 25 aboard Camp Foster.
During the tour, the JGSDF members were able to see the capabilities, equipment and missions of the MCIPAC EOD team.
According to Capt. Jared Mason, the officer in charge of EOD, Headquarters and Support Battalion, MCIPAC-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler-Japan, this tour was a way to increase interoperability and understanding between MCIPAC and JGSDF.
“The mission of MCIPAC EOD is to safeguard the installations, personnel and property from any type of explosive threat whether it be conventional, chemical, biological, or weapons of mass destruction,” said Mason. “Now, (the JGSDF) have a clear understanding of what we can bring to the table if they need anything. It also gives us the ability to understand where their limitations are.”
Members of the JGSDF were also able to get firsthand experience with some of the Marine Corps equipment, trying on EOD bomb suits, examining X-rays, and operating different tools.
“We showed (JGSDF) how we utilize our tools to mitigate suspect packages, with our (Percussion Actuated Non-Electric) and our X-ray and we let them get some trigger time with our robots,” said Mason.
The PAN is one of the tools that EOD uses to disarm improvised explosive devices. It shoots a small projectile or blast of water to disarm the power source.
The tour also included MCIPAC EOD’s ordnance library which acts as a training aid by allowing EOD technicians to familiarize themselves with items they could see on patrol. JGSDF members examined each piece of ordnance, asking the Marines questions and taking pictures.
“This helps improve the interoperability of the island because it familiarizes ourselves with our counterparts in the JGSDF so that we know what we bring to the table,” said Master Sgt. Bryon W. Bebout, the staff noncommissioned officer in charge of the MCIPAC EOD. “It allows us to work on a more personal level. Work like this requires a lot of trust between each player on the field, something like this helps us build more trust and know them better.”