About
Americans live for fireworks on the 4th of July.
The other 364 days of the year, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians and Officers are doing all they can to prevent them.
Using advanced tools like cutting-edge robotic technology and explosives chemistry, this elite group performs missions that require immense bravery-from jumping out of airplanes to blowing up underwater mines.
This job is no cake walk-you have to be smart, tough, quick-thinking and cool under pressure-and you have to do it all in a 70-pound bomb suit.
Enlisted Officer
What to Expect
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician
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Responsibilities
As an EOD Tech, you’ll receive extensive training to perform missions neutralizing explosive weapons in almost every environment.
Your duties may require you to:
Detonate and demolish hazardous munitions, pyrotechnics and outdated explosives
Neutralize various ordnance, including sea mines, torpedoes or depth charges
Work with cutting-edge technology to remotely disable unsafe ordnance
Perform parachute or helicopter insertion operations
Support law enforcement agencies
Clear waterways of mines in support of our ships and submarines
Lend your skills and support to other military units or offices, such as the U.S.
Secret Service or the U.S.
Department of State
Work Environment
Your missions will take you to every corner of the world.
One assignment may have you parachuting from 17,000 feet into enemy territory, while the next may deliver you stealthily to a foreign nation via an 11-foot RHIB boat.
It all depends on which unit you’re supporting and the type of mission to be completed.
Though there will be administrative work, the majority of your time will be spent out from behind a desk and in the field.
Training & Advancement
Upon completion of initial training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes (known as Boot Camp), you’ll begin a specialized training program to prepare you for your career as an EOD Tech.
EOD Prep Course of Instruction (3 weeks)
– The EOD training pipeline starts with preparatory training in Great Lakes, IL.
Candidates work on swim stroke development, long-range swims and physical conditioning.
Diver Training (9 weeks)
– Next comes dive school at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC) in Panama City, FL.
Training covers basic concepts of scuba diving as well as dive physics, physiology and basic dive medicine.
Candidates also learn about equipment such as the MK16 underwater rebreather.
EOD School (42 weeks)
– After successfully completing dive school, candidates transfer to Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, FL.
This training comes in four sections, each teaching how to render safe or defuse specific types of ordnance.
Air Ordnance Division
– Focuses on bombs and missiles
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
– Includes “homemade bombs”
Nuclear Ordnance Division
– Covers basic nuclear physics and radiation monitoring and decontamination procedures
Underwater Ordnance Division
– Emphasizes torpedoes and other underwater explosives as well as underwater search techniques
Basic Parachute Training (3 weeks)
– After completing basic EOD school, graduates attend Basic Airborne Training (“jump school”) at Fort Benning, GA, where they qualify as a basic parachutist.
EOD Tactical Training (3 weeks)
– The final phase of training is in San Diego, CA.
It teaches helicopter insertion (fast-rope, rappel, cast and special patrol insertion, and extraction rigging), small arms/weapons training, small unit tactics (weapons, self-defense, land navigation and patrolling) and tactical communications (satellite and high frequency).
Upon successful completion of the EOD training pipeline, graduates are assigned to EOD Mobile Units where they gain advanced on-the-job training and experience as members of Mobile Teams, Carrier Strike Group/Expeditionary Strike Group Companies, Naval Special Warfare Companies and Marine Mammal Companies.
Advanced Training
– EOD technicians may pursue advanced training options to hone and specialize their skills:
Helicopter insertion training
Basic parachute training and parachute water insertion training
Advanced Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (AIEDD)
Jumpmaster training
Small unit tactics
Small Arms Instructor
Language school (Defense Language Institute)
EOD Communications (tactical radio communications)
Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance.
For those with further leadership aspirations and a college degree, EOD Officer roles are available, providing the opportunity to lead and train others.
Post-Service Opportunities
It’s also important to note that specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields.
Education Opportunities
Members of the Naval Special Warfare community have any number of unique opportunities to advance their education.
Navy training provides skills and knowledge in everything from the fundamentals of explosive ordnance disposal to chemical and biological warfare, military tactics, deep-sea diving or a number of other tactical military procedures.
Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy training in the NSW/NSO field can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education .
You may also continue your education through undergraduate degree opportunities like the Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Qualifications & Requirements
No college degree is required to apply for a position as an EOD Technician.
However, a high degree of difficulty should be expected.
Training is tough and ongoing.
You can apply for the Navy Warrior Challenge contract for EOD Technicians at any time during your first enlistment.
Entry Requirements
Eyesight 20/200 bilateral correctable to 20/25 with no color blindness
Minimum Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score AR+VE=109, MC=51 or GS+MC+EI=169
Be 30 years of age or younger
Pass a physical and separate medical examination required for divers (approved by Diving Medical Officer)
Must be a U.S.
citizen and eligible for security clearance
Visit the Navy SWCC PST Calculator to review the current minimum Navy Physical Screening Test (PST) requirements for Navy Challenge Programs.
Additional requirements specific to Active Duty EOD Technician candidates include:
36 months of obligated service upon completion of training
No non-judicial punishments or court martial convictions during the 12 months prior to application
Meet medical standards as specified in the NAVMED P-117
Meet minimum performance standards
Pass a hyperbaric pressure tolerance test
Be on board present command for 2 years
Be screened by an EOD Officer or E-6 or above Master EOD Technician
Be recommended by your current Commanding Officer
You should be in excellent physical condition and possess good swimming skills.
The ability to perform detailed tasks in stressful conditions is also essential.
NOTE: You should consult your physician or other health-care professional before starting any exercise regime or other fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs.
This is particularly true if you (or your family) have a history of medical illnesses or ailments that could be made worse by a change in physical activity.
Do not start a fitness program if your physician or health-care provider advises against it.
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving , whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before .
Part-Time Opportunities
There are no part-time jobs as a Navy Reserve Sailor in this role.
Go back to Careers to find other jobs that have a Reserve component.
You can also find out more about what life is like as a Reserve Sailor in the Navy.
What to Expect
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician
More Information
Responsibilities
As a Navy EOD Officer, you will have duties that can cast you on missions across the world.
Your job may require you to:
Detonate and demolish hazardous munitions, pyrotechnics and outdated explosives
Neutralize various ordnances such as sea mines, torpedoes or depth charges
Work with cutting-edge technology to remotely disable unsafe ordnances
Perform parachute or helicopter insertion operations
Support law enforcement agencies
Clear waterways of mines in support of the Fleet
Lead and train enlisted Sailors in your unit
Lend your skills and support to other military units or offices, such as the U.S.
Secret Service or the U.S.
Department of State
Work Environment
Your missions will take you to every corner of the world.
One assignment may have you parachuting from 17,000 feet into enemy territory, while the nex