Army 1st Lt. Madison Faust made headlines this month by setting a world record for the fastest mile run by a woman in a full explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) bomb suit. Faust completed the mile in an impressive time of 10 minutes and 19 seconds, surpassing the previous record held by Capt. Kaitlyn Hernandez, who finished in 10 minutes and 23 seconds in April 2021.
Faust, a platoon leader with the 55th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, donned the Army’s latest 48-pound prototype bomb suit developed by the Program Executive Officer Soldier. The new suit is designed to enhance mobility, which Faust noted as a significant improvement over older models.
Running alongside her was her commander, Capt. John Morrissey, who provided pacing throughout the run. “Soldiers must be willing to do hard things and set goals that scare us,” Morrissey stated. “Faust has exemplified this in her pursuit of this record, setting an example for the entire EOD career field and the U.S. Army.”
The 55th EOD Company has been testing advanced chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) suit technology for several months. The improvements prompted leadership to encourage Faust to attempt a new world record. A former soccer player at West Point, Faust prepared for the challenge through rigorous training sessions that included her commander and one of her soldiers, alongside proper hydration and nutrition.
Training was not without its challenges. “I promise you there were some hard and demoralizing days,” Morrissey reflected. “But she kept showing up, she kept putting the suit on, and that unwillingness to quit is what got her the record.”
The 55th EOD Company is responsible for conducting bomb disposal response missions across several states, including parts of Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Success in these missions necessitates continual upgrades to gear to improve safety and mobility, as well as training soldiers who are willing to confront explosive threats directly.
“We are a volunteer-only military occupational specialty (MOS), made up of individuals who choose to put themselves in hazardous situations for the sake of others,” Morrissey added. “EOD attracts those who are methodical and solution-oriented when faced with unprecedented situations. Our aim with pursuing this record is to inspire other EOD technicians to challenge themselves.”
In a related development, Army Capt. Travis G. Chewning-Kulick set the men’s world record earlier this year, completing a mile in 7 minutes and 4 seconds while wearing a 62-pound bomb suit at Fort Cavazos, Texas. Faust’s accomplishment not only highlights personal achievement but also serves as an inspiration for those in the EOD field and beyond.
