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 class "A" school consists of four phases. After the initial EOD preparation course in Great Lakes, Illinois that is 3 weeks long, Sailors travel to Panama City, Florida for eight weeks of basic EOD diver training. Then to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida for 38 weeks of basic EOD training. Upon successful completion of the basic EOD training, Sailors are then transferred to San Diego, California for three weeks of EOD tactical training, and finally, phase four; three weeks of basic airborne training at Fort Benning, Georgia. The EOD rating requires a minimum of a six year enlistment obligation.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal job description (EMC E200)

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.

Sea tours and shore tours for Sailors that have completed four sea tours will be 36 months at sea followed by 36 ashore until retirement.

Sailors in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal rating can expect to spend more than half their career on sea duty assignment. Sea tour lengths for the EOD rating will not involuntarily exceed 60 months for Sailors with less than 20 years of service (YOS) and 48 months for Sailors with more than 20 YOS. Shore tour lengths between sea tours will be set to 36 months long. Manning conditions at sea may require the need to request sea tour extension or shore tour curtailments to ensure all sea duty billets are filled.

Qualifications, Interests, and Working Environment

Effective November 21, 2014, to pre-qualify for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal rating, one must pass the Physical Screening Test and C-SORT.

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 with the potential exception of a single misdemeanor charge involving marijuana (only on a case-by-case basis). Normal color perception is required.

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 requirement.

Approximately 1,250 Sailors currently work in the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal rating.

Personnel in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal rating are paid allowances (BAH, BAS, etc. if eligible) and military enlisted basic pay based on years of service and paygrade.

Credit Recommendations

The American Council on Education recommends that semester hour credits be awarded in the vocational certificate and lower-division bachelor's/associates degree categories for courses taken in this rating.

Page written and maintained by NCCM Thomas Goering, USN (Retired).

If you are seeking information about joining the Navy, feel free to contact me.