JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
When most people encounter explosives, their first instinct is to run.
In the United States military, explosive ordnance disposal members know it's their duty to approach and disable explosives to protect the lives of others.
At Joint Base Andrews, 316th Civil Engineer Squadron EOD team members know that staying fit enables them to keep their brothers and sisters in arms safe.
"Staying fit to an EOD technician usually means going above and beyond the standards required by the Air Force," said Staff Sgt. Wayne Winder, 316 CES EOD technician and NCO in charge of training. "We have [physical training] five days a week."
EOD members maintain their fitness prepare for any range of physical challenges their career may present.
"Staying fit for EOD members is the ability to be able to perform any task at any time and be proficient at it," said Staff Sgt. Darrell Knowlton, 316 CES EOD technician. "It could be as simple as carrying and stacking projectiles for demolition, carrying multiple cases of C-4, or making that lonely and long walk down range in a bomb suit. Being able to run fast and do push-ups or sit-ups just isn't enough."
In any area of responsibility, EOD members are under an incredible amount of stress physically and mentally, and need to maintain their fitness to be able to complete their mission.
"Downrange we repeatedly transport our 80-pound robot in and out of mine resistant ambush protected vehicles, whose doors start at at least chest height," said Sergeant Knowlton. "I had one incident where two 1,000-pound unexploded ordnance were recovered, and my team had to find a way to get them into a trailer with nothing more than manpower and some straps."
EOD members from the 316th take their fitness very seriously in part because of what may come if they do not maintain it.
"If an EOD team member does not stay fit, the other members of their team have to literally carry their load," said Sergeant Winder.
"During some missions, you carry what you need to operate and survive for days on end: explosives, gear, food, water, etc. All members of the team need to be able to keep up and work together."
In some cases, a member who has not maintained their fitness level could be responsible for a wingman's fatality.
"When one person does not perform and meet PT standards, they become a detriment to the team," said Sergeant Knowlton. "That individual could also slow down the entire team. Ambush attacks happen, and the more time you spend in one area the more likely you could be attacked."
It takes a great amount of dedication to maintain physical fitness as well as other training requirements to be EOD member, and the rewards of that commitment are just as great.
"I would tell anyone that is thinking about joining the EOD team that it is the best job in the Air Force," said Sergeant Winder. "It's not easy, but it is a very fulfilling career. The travel opportunities are immense and there's always something new to experience. It's not a boring job."