172nd Ordnance Detachment

• Specialized Mission: The 172nd Ordnance Detachment is a specialized Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit in the United States Army, trained to detect, disarm, and dispose of explosive threats, including IEDs, unexploded munitions, and chemical ordnance. • Vietnam War Service: The 172nd Ordnance Detachment was activated during the Vietnam War and played a vital role in clearing mines and unexploded ordnance to protect troops and civilians. • Presidential Unit Citation: The detachment has been recognized for its exceptional service, including receiving the Presidential Unit Citation for its performance under hazardous conditions. • Deployment to Southwest Asia: The 172nd deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1990-1991, where it provided critical EOD support to coalition forces in the Persian Gulf. • Global War on Terrorism: Members of the detachment have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, supporting counter-IED operations and protecting both military and civilian lives. • Technical Expertise: The unit is trained to handle conventional, chemical, biological, and nuclear ordnance, making it one of the Army’s highly technical units. • Joint Operations: The 172nd often works alongside other military branches, federal agencies, and local law enforcement in homeland security and anti-terrorism missions. • Training and Readiness: Soldiers in the detachment undergo extensive schooling at the Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD), demonstrating the high level of expertise required. • Public Safety Missions: The unit is sometimes called upon for bomb threat responses and safe disposal of old munitions found in communities, contributing to public safety. • Legacy and Traditions: The 172nd Ordnance Detachment is part of the U.S. Army’s proud EOD tradition, symbolized by the distinctive “crab” EOD badge and the motto “Initial Success or Total Failure.”