Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California. (January 9, 2025): It is called an “explosive breach” and involves a Marine literally blowing your door down. In this photo by Lance Corporal Orion Stpierre, Marines ignite an explosive to breach an obstacle during a squad urban fundamentals course. Explosive Breaching uses pyrotechnics to blast an opening in walls, doors, or other barriers to entry and it is a deadly science. Operators must determine the best kind of explosives to use, how much is needed, and where to place them safely.

This involves developing a detailed plan based on a deep knowledge of material science, types of structures, and the physics of explosives. The explosive option is used when dealing with extremely fortified targets or in high-stakes operations like urban combat, hostage rescues, and counterterrorism.

After determining the type and power of the explosives to be used, operators then decide the method to direct the energy of the blast. This often involves a breaching frame, a device to direct the energy of the explosive into the target structure while limiting damage to the surrounding area. 

Another way to control the effect of the explosion is called “tamping” which uses materials like rubble, sandbags, or water to direct the blast. Correctly used, tamping channels the explosive force with pinpoint accuracy while reducing the risk of flying debris causing damage to surrounding structures. This is especially critical in confined spaces where an uncontrolled blast could have devastating consequences.

When the Marines come knocking, they use explosive breaching to gain access to even the most fortified structures.