KEEN SWORD 27: 3rd EOD Company and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force EOD conducts live fire ground response training

OKINAWA, Japan – U.S. Marines with 3rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, trained alongside Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members during a bilateral live-fire ground response training on Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 23, 2026.

During the training, Marines and JGSDF personnel practiced range safety procedures, equipment preparation and ground response techniques while coordinating their actions in a controlled environment. This training provided an opportunity for both forces to observe each other’s procedures and exchange knowledge related to proper EOD operations.

The bilateral live-fire ground response training included technical demonstrations involving explosive materials and equipment such as thermite grenades, M112 demolition blocks, detonating cord, water charges and drones. U.S. and Japanese EOD personnel observed and conducted these demonstrations to share knowledge before moving to safe distances for controlled detonations.

U.S. Marine Corps Warrant Officer Logan Maar, an EOD diver officer with 3rd EOD Company, explained, “By training together, we develop a better understanding of how we each operate and identify the differences and challenges between our procedures.”

U.S. and Japanese EOD personnel conducting these demolition operations together were able to apply learned coordination and communication skills. "It’s one thing to discuss procedures in a classroom, which we did with the Japanese prior to this evolution, but it’s another to execute them together in a live training environment,” said Maar.

Sgt. Daniel Arroyo, an EOD technician with 3rd EOD Company, emphasized the importance of exchanging explosive ordnance disposal knowledge. “This training is important because not only does it build cohesion with our partner force, but it also allows them to see what tools we have and how we employ them.”

Arroyo also discussed the use of thermite and the importance of selecting appropriate methods that can reduce the amount of explosive materials needed for tasks while alleviating potential damage to surrounding areas during detonation.

For Japanese personnel who participated in the training, they learned how their U.S. counterparts’ approach making operational decisions.

“The first time we figure out how to work together should not be during a real-world crisis, so training together like this is important,” said Maar. “I’ve learned the Japanese have a lot of similar capabilities that we have, and a lot of their training is done the same way.”

This training evolution was part of exercise Keen Sword 27. Keen Sword is a routine, biennial bilateral field training exercise with multinational participation, designed to increase readiness and interoperability between the U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Forces while strengthening the ironclad U.S.-Japan alliance.

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