What significant global conflict initiated the development of EOD operations?

World War II played a critical role in the development of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operations. The extensive use of explosives during the war, especially in the Pacific Theater, necessitated a specialized response to the threats posed by unexploded ordnance, landmines, and other explosive devices. This led to the establishment of teams and techniques to safely handle and disarm explosives, as conventional military forces recognized the need for experts who could deal with these dangerous materials. The complexity and scale of warfare during this period highlighted the importance of having skilled personnel capable of neutralizing explosive threats, thus laying the groundwork for EOD operations that would continue to evolve in subsequent conflicts.