IRAQ: Bomb disposal in big demand

One job specialty has been in particularly high demand among Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan: explosive ordnance disposal.

EOD specialists are assigned to find and destroy roadside bombs and other ordnance. The roadside bomb continues to be the top killer of American troops.

The demand for Marines skilled in EOD has outstripped the supply.

The Marine Corps Times reports that to fill vacancies in EOD the Marine Corps has been offering promotions and reenlistment bonuses of $52,000 to $80,000. If the Marine reenlists while in Iraq, the bonus is tax-exempt. But to get the money, he has to complete EOD training at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

By the end of October, the Marines, at long last, expect to have all vacancies filled, the paper reports.

— Tony Perry in San Diego

Photo: Explosive ordnance disposal detonation in Iraq. Credit: Associated Press