JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — Marines at an N.C. military base are learning how to handle robots that will be able to handle explosives. 

Eight ordnance robots were acquired two months ago by the 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company on Camp Lejeune, and training and learning how to correctly use the robots is now underway.

The importance of working with robots for Marines is to have a safe way to detonate explosives while overseas.

What You Need to Know

Marines learn how to operate new ordnance robot

Robots help ensure safe disposal of potentially explosive devices

Marines spend time learning in the unit's ordnance library

While working at Radio Shack when he was a teenager, Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Patrick Donnelly gained a lot of interest in circuitry.

“My grandad bought me a build-your-own-radio kit when I was 8 years old from Radio Shack. That became my first job, and since then I've just been interested in how electrons and stuff travel,” Donnelly said.

After joining the Marine Corps nine years ago, he tried his hand at a couple different specialties, ultimately being led back to the passion he found while working for Radio Shack, which he says has helped him a lot.

Donnelly hasn't stopped learning. He spends countless hours in the unit's ordnance library, and ensures the younger Marines do too.

“As a section or platoon, it's responsible. If you were to come in here, look at something you've never seen before, find it a little bit interesting and be like 'what could this be?,'” Donnelly said.

Now that the unit has the robots, Donnelly is leading the way when it comes to training.

“The challenge is approaching safely, gathering information as you go, and then making a decision, with time on target always being in the back of your mind so you're not necessarily experiencing paralysis by analysis, and understanding as much as you can in a timely manner,” Donnelly said.

Donnelly will soon be on his way to another unit, so it's important for him to ensure the other Marines are prepared for success going into the future. He may also find himself back with an EOD unit in the future as the occupational specialty continues to grow and expand.