Competitors and observer-controllers of the protection

Competitors and observer-controllers of the protection works lane watch the controlled detonation of device from a safe distance during the fifth annual Department of the Army level explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) Team of the Year competition, Sept. 11 at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. The week-long competition is part of a new initiative of the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps, called the U.S. Army Ordnance Crucible, which combines the results of this competition with two other competitions that were held at Fort Pickett. Those competitions were on ammunition transfer holding points (ATHP) and combat repair teams (CRT). The three unique competitions will provide an opportunity for senior leaders to assess ammunition, maintenance and EOD professionals across the institutional Army, operational force and individual leader development domains. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Lance Pounds, 71st Ordnance Group (EOD), Public Affairs)