The Role of Explosives Safety in Operational Logistics

Ordnance, ammunition, and explosives are essential commodities to the warfighter. History shows that effective operational ordnance logistics, supplying the warrior with the munitions they need, is imperative to combat readiness. Adherence to a robust and effective explosives safety program reduces risk of death, injury and destruction to personnel and property which in turn can significantly enhance the combat readiness of any fighting force. Equally as true, efforts to eliminate the risk associated with munitions, failure to maintain balance between safety programs and force requirements, or the reluctance to apply technological advances in explosives, will hinder effective ordnance logistics and combat readiness. This monograph explores the history of explosives, its use in the military, and how a number of explosive incidents spawned the development and evolution of the United States Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board and the DoD Ammunition and Explosives Safety Standards. To examine the balance between the safety requirements of the current explosive safety program and effective operational ordnance logistics, a comparison between the existing consequence-based explosive safety criteria and a risk-based approach is explored. The question of whether the U.S. Military can ensure a safe environment for the general public while improving the effectiveness operational logistics of ordnance and ammunition is examined and answered.