Keflavik, Iceland. (October 9, 2023): They were responsible for nearly half of all U.S. combat deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan costing over 2,600 brave Americans their lives. These killers are improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the Marines are determined to end this scourge on our troops. In this photo by Corporal Kyle Jia, Staff Sergeant Mark Frick, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and explosive ordnance disposal team leader with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, photographs a neutralized simulated IED during Exercise Northern Challenge 2023.

Northern Challenge 23 involved 430 participants from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, United Kingdom, the United States, and partner nations Austria, New Zealand, and Sweden evaluating their skills dealing with simulated IEDs in realistic scenarios.

The training covered the full spectrum of bomb disposal technology and techniques including using advanced tools like innovative robotic technology. Attendees learned explosives chemistry and how to safely detonate hazardous munitions, pyrotechnics and to neutralize various ordnance, including sea mines, torpedoes, or depth charges.

Marine bomb disposal professionals undergo 42 weeks training to perform missions that require incredible bravery, from jumping out of airplanes to blowing up underwater mines, all while wearing a 70-pound EOD suit. These fearless warriors use their nerves of steel to save lives from these insidious killers.