Draft:303rd Ordnance Battalion (EOD)

303rd Ordnance Battalion (EOD)

The 303rd Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) is a distinguished unit of the United States Army with a lineage dating back to World War II. It is one of eight EOD battalions Army-wide and holds the unique distinction of being the only one stationed outside the continental United States.

Activation and Structure

The battalion was reactivated on September 15, 2009, during a ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. This reactivation marked the first time the unit’s colors were unfurled since its inactivation in Germany in 1976. At the time of its reactivation, the 303d comprised the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, along with two companies: the 74th and the 706th. It operates under the 8th Military Police Brigade, which is part of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command.[1]

Mission and Operations

The 303rd EOD Battalion plays a crucial role in the Pacific Command (PACOM) theater, which encompasses 55% of the earth’s surface and includes 36 countries. The battalion’s responsibilities involve training demining teams from various nations, supporting significant events such as the Beijing Olympics, and briefing international dignitaries. In recent years, the battalion has been actively involved in operations like Operation Render Safe in the Solomon Islands. In September 2024, 1st Lt. Joe Gardner led U.S. Army forces in this Australian-led mission aimed at reducing the risk of explosive remnants of war across the Solomon Islands. During this operation, the joint multinational team disposed of over 3,100 unexploded ordnances, significantly enhancing regional safety and strengthening international partnerships.[2]

Training and Partnerships

The 303rd EOD Battalion is committed to enhancing relations and sharing capabilities with allied nations. For instance, in January 2017, the battalion hosted a subject matter expert exchange with soldiers from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. This engagement focused on counter-improvised explosive device techniques, showcasing equipment such as robots and X-ray systems, thereby strengthening bilateral ties and improving operational readiness.[3]

Unit Lineage and Honors

The 303rd Ordnance Battalion’s lineage dates back to World War II, reflecting a long-standing tradition of excellence in explosive ordnance disposal. The unit’s history includes various activations and inactivations, with its most recent reactivation in 2009 to address the growing need for EOD capabilities in the Pacific region.

Distinctive Unit Insignia

(Pictured). The 303D Ordnance Battalion Unit Crest

Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in width overall consisting of a black Torii gate surmounted by a gold spanner within an encircling gold scroll inscribed “ASSURED QUALITY” in black letters, the ends of the scroll terminating at the head of the spanner, all on a crimson background. The DUI was approved in 1969 for the 303rd Maintenance Battalion and redesignated in 2009 for the 303rd Ordnance Battalion (EOD).  

Notable Events

• Inactivation of the 706th EOD Company: On August 3, 2016, the battalion held an inactivation ceremony for the 706th Ordnance Company (EOD) at Schofield Barracks. The company had a distinguished history, including participation in World War II and the Global War on Terrorism. Its inactivation marked the end of its mission but left a lasting legacy within the battalion.[4]

• Redeployment of the 71st Chemical Company: In November 2022, soldiers from the 71st Chemical Company, part of the 303rd EOD Battalion, returned to Schofield Barracks after a nine-month rotation in the Republic of South Korea. Their deployment involved numerous training missions, including decontamination exercises and combined arms training, enhancing regional stability and demonstrating the battalion’s commitment to readiness. The 303rd Ordnance Battalion (EOD) continues to uphold its mission of providing explosive ordnance disposal support across the Pacific, fostering international partnerships, and ensuring the safety and security of both military personnel and civilian populations in its areas of operation.[5]

Active:

• 15 May 1944 at Camp Maxey, Texas- 30 January 1946
• 7 December 1946 -15 November 1950
• 19 October 1955-1 May 1959
• 31 December 1966-21 January 1976
• 16 October 2009- Present

Country:

United States

Branch:

United States Army

Type:

Support

Role:

Explosive Ordnance Disposal

The 303D OD BN (EOD) is part of the 8th Military Police Brigade (Pictured above) located on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

Part of:

8 MP BDE, 8 TSC, USARPAC

HQ:

Schofield Barracks. Hawaii

Motto:

"Forged in Fire- Ready to Protect"

"HO’OHANOHANO"

Battalion Commander:

LTC Clinton Pierce

Battalion Command Sergeant Major:

CSM Donald Petrie

MISSION:

On order, the 303D OD BN (EOD) deploys and exercises mission command of EOD and CBRN forces to support Multi-Domain Operations across all Warfighting Functions and throughout all phases of operations in the USINDOPACOM area of responsibility. Provides EOD and CBRN support to Operation Pathways and USINDOPACOM security cooperation initiatives to enhance interoperability of Partners and Allies. Provides Defense Support to Civil Authorities to mitigate explosive and CBRN threats to civilians in U.S. territories within USINDOPACOM AOR. Provides support to Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to mitigate explosive threats and facilitate the search and recovery of missing personnel. Provides support to USINDOPACOM Humanitarian Mine Action missions. Provides EOD support to the U.S. Secret Service in the protection of identified U.S. and foreign dignitaries worldwide.​

SUBORDINATE UNITS:

• 65th Ordnance Company (EOD), Fort Wainwright, AK
• 71st Chemical Response Company, Schofield Barracks, HI
• 74th Ordnance Company (EOD), Schofield Barracks, HI
• 706th Ordnance Company (EOD), Schofield Barracks, HI*
• 716th Ordnance Company (EOD), Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

LINEAGE:

• Constituted 3 April 1944 in the Army of the United States as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 303d Ordnance Battalion
• Activated 15 May 1944 at Camp Maxey, Texas
• Inactivated 30 January 1946 on Okinawa
• Allotted 27 November 1946 to the Organized Reserves.
• Activated 7 December 1946 at Fort Collins, Colorado
• Location changed 15 February 1948 to Detroit, Michigan (Organized Reserves redesignated 25 March 1948 as the Organized Reserve Corps; redesignated 9 July 1952 as the Army Reserve)
• Inactivated 15 November 1950 at Detroit, Michigan
• Activated 19 October 1955 at Saginaw, Michigan
• Inactivated 1 May 1959 at Saginaw, Michigan
• Redesignated 31 December 1966 as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 303d Maintenance Battalion; concurrently allotted to the Regular Army and activated in Germany
• Inactivated 21 January 1976 in Germany.
• Redesignated 1 May 2007 as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 303d Ordnance Battalion
• Activated 16 October 2009 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

HONORS:

• Campaign Participation Credits
• World War II- Asiatic-Pacific Theater
• War on Terrorism

DECORATIONS:

Meritorious Unit Commendation