Soldier gets a blast from reaching his goal in Solomons

Corporal Solomon Boyd achieved his goal when he deployed as an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician for the first time on Operation Render Safe 2024-2 in Solomon Islands.

CAPTION: Australian Army Corporal Solomon Boyd and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force officer Tusa consolidate explosive remnants of war during Operation Render Safe, Munda, Solomon Islands. Story by Sergeant David Said. Photos by Corporal Sam Price.

Posted to 6th Engineer Support Regiment’s 20th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron, Corporal Boyd was part of the more than 250-strong multinational task group that deployed to identify and dispose of World War 2-era explosive remnants of war (ERW) in the western province of Solomon Islands.

It was the largest land-based Operation Render Safe, with 3240 items removed across 217 sites.

Growing up in the Victorian towns of Kerang and Albury-Wodonga, Corporal Boyd had never heard of EOD technicians until he joined the Army as a combat engineer after completing high school.

CAPTION: Royal Solomon Islands Police Force officer Tusa holds an explosive remnant of war found during Operation Render Safe.

After seeing the nature of their work, it became his goal to join their ranks.

“I thought that the role would be highly challenging, which I knew I would enjoy, and I wanted to work with the kind of people who become EOD technicians because of how quick-thinking and resourceful they are,” he said.

“In my opinion, the coolest job in the Army is dealing with explosives, and after working hard on my qualification courses it’s extremely satisfying to be in Solomon Islands doing the job.

“The most rewarding aspect of this operation is the interaction with the locals.

“They’re very appreciative when we remove ERW from near their homes or farms, and it feels great knowing that I’m helping to make their community safer.”

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