Congressional Oversight of Army EOD Program

Washington, D.C. The House of Representatives Armed Services Committee released a report on H.R. 1735, National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2016 which included language regarding the oversight of the Army's EOD program. The report "recognizes the importance of the Army EOD force as a unique and highly technical enabler" and also the importance of Army EOD's role in supporting of civilian law enforcement authorities in contingency scenarios.

Over concerns that the Army has not cleared identified future capacity and capability requirements for its EOD force, the Committee has requested a briefing by December 1, 2015 to include:

• A list of proposed changes to EOD force structure planned over the Future Years Defense Plan;
• An assessment of demand for Army EOD capabilities over the past 5 years to include support of civilian law enforcement agencies;
• A list of Army EOD systems program(s) of record, and EOD program elements with funding levels; and
• A cost-benefit analysis on any proposed realignment or relocation of Army EOD organization.

Although increased scrutiny of the program can mean numerous reporting requirements, it may bring added funding and security to the EOD program as a whole as Congress recognizes the importance of the EOD mission to National Security.

The language from the Armed Services Committee report can be viewed using the download link below.