The EOD Rating
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians locate, identify, render safe and dispose of all forms of ordnance (conventional, nuclear, chemical and biological, military and improvised) both U.S. and foreign made.
In addition to working closely with other military services, EOD technicians assist civilian law enforcement agencies in ordnance related Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection procedures.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
The duties performed by EOD include performing render safe procedures on any type of ordnance including Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and Weapons of Mass Destruction. They conduct demolition of hazardous munitions, pyrotechnics, and retrograde explosives using detonation and burning techniques.
Members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal rating perform underwater location, identification, render safe and recovery (or disposal) of foreign and domestic ordnance using SCUBA and specialized mixed gas diving equipment, and perform parachute/helicopter insertion operations in support of missions.
EOD work closely with Naval Special Warfare, Army Special Forces and Joint Military and Coalition Task Forces, and support military and civilian law enforcement agencies.
Qualifications, Interests, and Working Environment
Qualifying for EOD in the Delayed Entry Program is preferred and accounts for the majority of EOD candidates entering the training pipeline. Candidates may also volunteer for EOD during basic training at Recruit Training Center or at any time during their enlistment prior to their 31st birthday. In-service recruiters (Dive Motivators) at RTC give presentations on the EOD rating, conduct the physical screening tests, and assist interested people with their applications.
EOD training is open to both male and female and is physically and mentally demanding. However, the individual who accepts the challenges is rewarded with specialized training, extra pay for diving, parachuting and demolition plus extraordinary duty assignments. Personnel who volunteer for EOD must be in excellent physical condition. Comfort in the water beyond good swimming ability is a must. The ability to perform detailed mechanical tasks under stress and/or adverse conditions is important.
EOD candidates must be able to work in small teams during extended periods. Other helpful attributes include imagination, resourcefulness, a good memory, knowledge of arithmetic and manual dexterity. EOD candidates must be U.S. citizens eligible for security clearance. Adversely adjudicated drug abuse offenses will not receive waiver consideration.
EOD technicians perform duties in a wide range of locations, such as at remote areas, aboard aircraft carriers, at ordnance-capable military stations and in all water conditions. They are exposed to various climates and weather conditions. EOD ASVAB Test score requirements.
Credit Recommendations
The American Council on Education recommends that semester hour credits be awarded in the vocational certificate and lower-division bachelor's/associate's degree categories for courses taken in this rating.