By Lance Cpl. Ryan L. Tomlinson
1st Marine Logistics Group
AL ASAD — Most Marines try their best to avoid improvised explosive devices, but these hard-charging Marines seek them out.
Explosive ordnance disposal technicians with 2nd EOD Platoon, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), counteract IEDs everyday.
“The great element of this job is I’m able to work tight with my unit,” said Sgt. Harry W. Parker, an EOD technician with 2nd Platoon. “We’re one team and that is it.”
Cohesion is important, and EOD units consist of small teams for a reason. The Marines said that in a job with no margin for error, trusting each other is vital.
The three Marines in 2nd Platoon said they joined EOD for a challenge.
“I joined EOD to better myself,” said Staff Sgt. John Pado, leader of Team ‘Chuck Norris’, EOD Platoon. “In this (occupation) you have the skill to minimize a threat to save Marines.”
The threats of IEDs are dreadfully real, and not only are these Marines aware of the dangers they face, but it drives them to keep executing their missions.
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(Photo: Staff Sgt. John Pado, 27, team leader of Team ‘Chuck Norris’, 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Platoon, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), gathers detonation wire while counteracting improvised explosive devices in Al Anbar Province. Official Marine Corps photo.)
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