• Army Ordnance officers deal with weapons and munitions.in the army image by Tomasz Pawlowski from Fotolia.com
  
  Ordnance is the military term for weapons and ammunition. In practical application, Ordnance includes weapons systems, trucks and other vehicles used for transporting ordnance, and related equipment such as rocket launchers. An ordnance officer performs many munitions-related essential functions for the Army. He commands anywhere from a few to hundreds of soldiers. He is also responsible for one of the most hazardous jobs in the Army, explosive ordnance disposal.
  
  

Command

• Ordnance officers control ordnance operations during land combat, making sure that munitions are where they are needed, when they are needed. He coordinates the employment of ordnance soldiers and is responsible for them at all levels of command, whether it is platoon, battalion, or higher. This applies to both multi-national and U.S. operations.
  
  

Readiness

• Ordnance officers have to ensure that vehicles, munitions, and related equipment are all kept in working order and available as needed. He or she also manages a number of tasks directly related to munitions, including handling, developing, testing, storage, and fielding. The level of responsibility for these functions increases as the officer's rank increases.
  
  

Disposal

• One of the most hazardous jobs in the Army, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) requires enlisted men and officers willing to deal with unknown devices. The ordnance officer defuses bombs, removes land mines, and disposes of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). While many EOD soldiers are enlisted, officers are also trained in this highly specialized occupation and have the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the safety of other troops by removing hazardous materials.
  
  

Planning

• Ordnance officers plan all aspects of non-standard Ordnance missions. He is responsible for the safety of his soldiers and for seeing that any missions assigned to him are carried out. He reports mission status to higher ranking officers and provides them with intelligence and feedback on all operations.
  
  

Training

• Ordnance officers serve as a training instructors and provides training on ordnance systems and vehicles as needed, usually at combat training centers and service schools. He also serves other units as an ordnance advisor. This includes the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard.