Highly-Skilled Navy Explosives Technicians Meet ISD JROTC, PLTW Students

Using a STEM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) presentation featuring bomb diffusing robots, Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians met with JROTC and PLTW (Project Lead The Way) students at all three ISD high schools. Known as the world’s ultimate bomb squad, Navy EOD techs talked about the training and skills necessary to disarm traditional and nuclear explosives and neutralize chemical weapons threats. It was a unique opportunity for students interested in technology and military-based careers and tied in perfectly with the Academies of ISD, the district’s newly-created career academy program.

“The EOD presenters were motivated, intense, highly-skilled individuals with lots of advanced, specialized training in several fields including robotics and engineering,” said retired Army Lt. Col. Michael Byrd, Van Horn High School’s senior JROTC instructor.

EOD technicians train for 51 weeks, learning to disarm a variety of devices on land and under water. Their visit to the ISD was in conjunction with Navy Week and the Kansas City Aviation Expo at the Wheeler Downtown Airport August 22-23.