Organization in focus
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
By EOKHUB Digital Magazine
In the ever-evolving world of Explosive Ordnance Risk Mitigation and post-conflict recovery, certain voices rise above the noise—setting standards, shaping discourse, and preserving institutional memory.
For nearly three decades, The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction (JCWD), published by the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR) at James Madison University (JMU), has stood as one such voice.
Founded in 1997 with the support of the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA), the Journal quickly became the longest-running and most respected publication in the Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) and Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM) sector. Its mission was clear: to serve as a platform for global practitioners, researchers, and policy experts to share hard-won knowledge and catalyze progress in the field.
Over the years, JCWD has not merely documented the evolution of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and risk education; it has shaped that evolution. Through thought-provoking articles, case studies, and field reports, the Journal has served as a critical bridge between theory and field operations—ensuring that academic innovation is grounded in practical realities. Its coverage spans the transition from legacy clearance techniques to the integration of advanced digital tools, artificial intelligence, and mechanical innovations in mine action.
Just as importantly, the Journal has cultivated a robust global community. By publishing voices from every continent and operational context, it has fostered a culture of openness, reflection, and shared learning. For many professionals in our field, JCWD has been both a trusted reference and a career companion—offering technical updates, strategic insights, and a platform for publishing original work.
Leadership Across Generations
CISR’s success—and by extension, the Journal’s—has been steered by a succession of visionary leaders.COL (ret.) Dennis Barlow, CISR’s founding director (1996–2010), laid the groundwork for what would become a cornerstone institution in mine action. Under his watch, the Journal was born and quickly earned international credibility.
Dr. Ken Rutherford, director from 2010 to 2019, brought not only academic excellence but also profound personal insight as a landmine survivor and co-founder of the Landmine Survivors Network. His tenure elevated the Journal’s global relevance and broadened its thematic reach.
Dr. Suzanne Fiederlein led CISR through the turbulent years of 2020–2025. Under her direction, the Journal navigated a changing geopolitical landscape while maintaining its trademark editorial rigor and relevance.
Now, as Christie Kilby steps in as Executive Director, the Journal—and the wider CISR legacy—enters a new chapter. With this leadership transition comes both challenge and opportunity.
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The Journal has served as a critical bridge between theory and field operations
A Pause, Not an End
Today, CISR’s operations, including the Journal’s publication, are temporarily suspended due to funding gaps. This interruption represents more than a break in publication; it is a call to action for the entire explosive ordnance risk mitigation community. The absence of JCWD creates a vacuum—one that risks disconnecting practitioners from shared learning and slowing the sector’s collective momentum.
Yet within this challenge lies potential. The Journal’s legacy is not confined to its archive. It lives in the thousands of professionals it has informed, the policies it has influenced, and the innovations it has helped surface. It is a shared asset—an intellectual commons that we as a community must protect, support, and, when needed, resurrect.
Preserving the Voice of a Community
As we look to the future, the need for JCWD is more urgent than ever. The sector faces increasing complexity—from underwater UXO threats and IED contamination to climate change-related access issues and rapidly evolving technology. Our tools, techniques, and thinking must keep pace.
For 28 years, The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction has proven that credible, practitioner-led knowledge sharing is not just valuable—it is indispensable. Now, it falls to us to ensure that this voice is not silenced. Whether through advocacy, funding, or collaboration, the mine action and CWD community must rally behind the institutions that have sustained our progress.
At EOKHUB Digital Magazine, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of the Journal.
