Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Specialists (MOS 89D) are responsible for attacking, defeating, and exploiting unexploded ordnance.
These specialists are highly trained and perform a dangerous, technical job.
EOD Specialists are tactical and technical explosives experts, and is considered one of the most dangerous MOS in the Army.
Qualifications and Training
Soldiers who wish to enter into this MOS must volunteer for the position and be able to receive a Top Secret clearance.
Recruits must take the ASVAB test and receive a minimum score of 105 on the General Maintenance (GM) portion.
Soldiers will attend 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training.
After Basic Training, soldiers will attend 37 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT).
AIT consists of two phases.
First, soldiers will receive basic EOD introduction and go through the bomb suit test.
Phase 1 is at Fort Lee, Virginia.
Soldiers must pass this test in the 70-pound suit in order to move onto phase 2.
Phase 2 will be at Eglin AFB, FL, and consists of hands-on training.
Soldiers are screened upon arrival to training and will be re-certified approximately every three years.
Skills that are helpful in this MOS include:
- Effective communication
- Ability to work under stress
- Ability to use computers
- Organized
- Interest in a job involving algebra, chemistry, trigonometry, geometry, and physics
- Critical thinking
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What are the Job Tasks of an EOD Specialist?
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialists work with unexploded ordnance, improvised explosive devices, and weapons of mass destruction.
These specialists support Army missions in any area around the world.
The main goal of an EOD specialist is to save lives and property from destruction.
These Specialists are required to be highly trained and qualified in order to work in this position.
Soldiers in this MOS are required to know:
- EOD terms and definitions
- Munition compositions
- Explosive effects
- Munition Identification
In a field setting, they can receive multiple calls, be required to effectively communicate with the person who spotted the target, and quickly locate/identify the ordnance.
The position is fast-paced and requires soldiers to work cohesively with team members.
When working in a field setting or responding to a call, the specialist will ensure the area is safe and work against the clock to complete their task before the ordnance fires or the possibility of an ambush.
EOD Specialists work with a variety of ordnance and weapon types.
They also work with both U.S. and foreign munitions.
Soldiers can work with ground ordnance, air ordnance, improvised explosive devices, biological/chemical weapons, and radiological/nuclear weapons.
When working with ground ordnance, soldiers will render safe and dispose of foreign projectiles, rockets, grenades or landmines.
Air ordnance requires soldiers to identify any aircraft hazards, properly remove hazards from aircraft, and work with items such as bombs or guided missiles.
Soldiers will disassemble device components of improvised explosive devices or IEDs.
When biological/chemical threats are possible, soldiers stress the importance of personal safety and decontamination when properly handling/disposing of the threat.
EOD specialists are required to understand different weapon designs and work to search, locate, and triage Radiological/nuclear threats.
Sometimes, these threats are in civilian areas and must be handled properly to avoid any threats to people or property around them.
They work with base electronics, arming systems, and firing systems.
These Specialists are required to destroy ammunition, explosives, and explosive devices.
This is done using special firing devices that allow destruction from a safe distance.
EOD Specialists conduct reconnaissance using the correct approach.
They will use different tools and equipment to complete reconnaissance as well as disposal.
One of these tools is the use of robotics.
These Specialists are required to prepare, maintain, and use advanced robotics in various aspects of their job.
The robotics come in different sizes, shapes, have different functions, and can be used to safely search for and disarm ordnance.
Technology that is similar to civilian gaming technology is used to control the robots.
On some robot controllers, the controller is very similar to that of an Xbox controller.
Other tools include ordnance locators and remote-control tools.
They are also required to prepare and maintain other tools, equipment, and any vehicles they use.
When identifying munitions, soldiers will refer to the EOD Publication System.
At times, EOD Specialists are required to assist the United States Secret Service in protecting the U.S. President, Vice President, or foreign dignitaries.
The Army video below provides more information on training and job functions of the EOD Specialist.
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What Does an EOD Specialist get Paid?
An EOD Specialist will get paid based on rank and time of service.
As specialist complete training and rise in rank, so will their pay.
The Specialist can expect to be paid around $20,000 annually to start, with fluctuations during training.
Follow the table below to get an idea of Army base pay.
| Insignia | Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 | Private | PVT | $1,785 | |
 | E-2 | Private Second Class | PV2 | $2,001 |
 | E-3 | Private First Class | PFC | $2,104 |
 | E-4 | Specialist | SPC | $2,330 |
 | E-4 | Corporal | CPL | $2,330 |
 | E-5 | Sergeant | SGT | $2,542 |
 | E-6 | Staff Sergeant | SSG | $2,775 |
 | E-7 | Sergeant First Class | SFC | $3,208 |
 | E-8 | Master Sergeant | MSG | $4,480 |
 | E-8 | First Sergeant | 1SG | $4,480 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major | SGM | $5,473 |
 | E-9 | Command Sergeant Major | CSM | $5,473 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major of the Army | SMA | $5,473 |
Base pay does not include bonuses, special pay, or benefits.
Benefits
The Army provides bonus opportunities as well as special pay scenarios.
Currently, the EOD Specialist position is considered an in-demand position and has a $15,000 recruiting bonus for those who qualify.
In-demand positions change based on Army needs.
Benefits in addition to bonuses and special pay includes:
- Paid Housing
- Paid Food
- Tuition Assistance
- Annual Military Clothing Allowance
- Medical and Dental
- Paid sick time
- 30 days vacation a year
- Low-cost life insurance
Job Reviews
Reviews of the actual position are positive.
Most reviews discuss the position as being both mentally and physically challenging.
Positive reviews discuss the changing daily tasks and the team atmosphere.
Your safety in this position relies on you working with your teammates seamlessly.
Negative reviews discuss the impact that a leader can have on your experience.
The review below provides insight into an average day as an EOD specialist.
The reviews below provide more positive and negative aspects of the position.
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Civilian Career Opportunities
Working as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist allows soldiers to gain experience with explosives, electronics, hazardous materials, and safety regulations.
This job allows for soldiers to find civilian work with government agencies or private businesses.
Related civilian jobs include Ordnance Handling Experts, Hazardous Material Worker, Safety Specialist, Electronics Repairer, and Occupational Health Specialist.
Positions with civilian or government agencies as bomb-squad or tactical police teams are comparable to this position as well.
While in the Army, soldiers can work towards several different credentials that help with Army promotions and civilian career opportunities.
Some of the credentials that are found through the Army’s COOL program can be GI Bill funded and are nationally recognized credentials.
This program also qualifies for the PAYS recruiting program, which guarantees a job interview with a Military friendly civilian employer.
Summary
Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Specialists (MOS 89D) attack, defeat, and exploit unexploded ordnance.
The specialists in this MOS are highly trained soldiers who use advanced robotics and a variety of other tools to identify and dispose of hazardous ordnance.
Soldiers in this field go through a strict selection process.
They must meet Top Secret clearance, pass all ASVAB testing, and all portions of Advanced Training.
Previous EOD Specialists recommend the position because it allows them to think critically and perform under pressure.
This position follows Army base pay and soldiers are provided with benefits.
Once out of the military, soldiers can find civilian careers in safety, ordnance disposal, or electronics with private and government agencies.
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References
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Zach B.
Zachary B. served in the United States Army for 9 years, both as an active-duty soldier as well as the Army National Guard. He currently operates a a political blog, and works at a local online newspaper in Cortland, NY.
Zach currently resides in Syracuse, New York, and is very active in politics and local news media.
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General FAQ
Is EOD Special Forces?
While Army EOD Specialists s may accompany and work with Special Forces from the Army or other branches, they are not classified as Special Forces.
How dangerous is Army EOD?
Army EOD may be the most dangerous job in the Army. EOD specialists are utilized year-round in multiple locations, often assistant civilian authorities defuse explosives around the globe.
How much does Army EOD get paid?
Army pay for an EOD specialist is based on rank and time in service. However, the Army offers pays them Demolition and Special Duty pay, and offers reenlistment bonuses up to $81,000 for this career field.
How long is Army EOD training?
After Basic, training to become an Army EOD (MOS 89D) is held in two phases: first, at Fort Lee, VA, secondly at Eglin AFB, FL, for a total of 37 weeks.
How do you qualify for Army EOD (MOS 89D)?
Army EOD is strictly a voluntary position. You must also obtain a Top Secret clearance and score 105 or better on the General Maintenance portion of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
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FAQs
What is Army MOS 89d? ›
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist Soldiers are the Army National Guard's preeminent tactical and technical explosives experts. They are warriors who are properly trained, equipped and integrated to attack, defeat and exploit unexploded ordnance, improvised explosive devices and weapons of mass destruction.
What is the fail rate for EOD? ›Both our Officers and Enlisted Soldiers attend the same Joint EOD training with all Air Force, Marine, and Navy EOD students. EOD School is both hands on and academically challenging. There is currently a 30% attrition rate for Army officers. Officers who fail to pass EOD School will revert to their basic branch.
What Asvab score is needed for EOD? ›Applicants must also be able to lift more than 50 pounds and earn a general score of 64 and a mechanical score of 60 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery entrance exam.
Is it hard to become EOD? ›Training & Advancement
Becoming an EOD Officer is no easy process. While the rigorous 51 weeks of training are both physically and mentally grueling, you will be rewarded with unrivaled leadership opportunities, first-rate compensation and respect. All EOD Officers must attend a certified Navy Officer training program.
These specialists are highly trained and perform a dangerous, technical job. EOD Specialists are tactical and technical explosives experts, and is considered one of the most dangerous MOS in the Army.
Where do Army EOD get stationed? ›...
52nd Ordnance Group (EOD)
| 52D Ordnance Group (EOD) | |
|---|---|
| HQ | Fort Campbell, KY |
| Commanders | |
| Commander | COL Matthew Kuhns |
Bonuses are earned upon completion of the EOD training pipeline and a six-year enlistment contract.
Does EOD pay well? ›While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $199,500 and as low as $18,000, the majority of EOD salaries currently range between $40,000 (25th percentile) to $90,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $135,500 annually across the United States.
How often does EOD deploy? ›Navy EOD currently operates off a 24-month cycle that includes one six-month deployment.
How much do Army EOD get paid? ›How much does an Army EOD make? As of Feb 28, 2023, the average annual pay for an Army EOD in the United States is $53,901 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $25.91 an hour.
Is Army EOD considered special operations? ›
However, EOD is considered to be part of the Naval Special Operations community.
How long is EOD training? ›The EOD training pipeline starts with three weeks of preparatory training at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois. The candidate will work on swim stroke development, long range swims and physical conditioning. EOD candidates will then attend an additional 51 weeks of rigorous training.
What military branch is best for EOD? ›The warfighting arm of Navy Special Operations is comprised of the most elite Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units in the world.
How many people pass EOD school? ›To become an EOD Airman, a candidate must go through the Air Force's EOD preliminary course and Navy School EOD. Historically, the EOD technical training program had a 75 percent attrition rate. This means, for every 500 Airmen enrolled in the program, the Air Force will gain an average of 125 EOD Airmen.
Where is the Army EOD school located? ›The U.S. Army McMahon Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training Center is located on Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. A branch of the U.S. Army's Ordnance School, McMahon trains soldiers and members of other services on EOD skills.
Does 89D require security clearance? ›Qualifying for MOS 89D
Due to the highly sensitive nature of the work these soldiers do, a top-secret clearance from the Department of Defense is required. This is the highest level of security clearance and involves an extensive background check, including interviews with family, friends and past employers.
Your best chances, however, would be Army infantry (11b), Marine Corps Infantry (0311), or a Special Forces unit. Special Forces units deploy a lot more than the standard combat unit and do things that aren't talked about or heard of.
Is Army EOD Airborne? ›In 2012, the 28th EOD Company earned its status as the first ever Airborne EOD company.
Who does EOD fall under? ›The EOD Badge is the only occupational badge awarded to all four services under the United States Department of Defense. First created in the 1950s, the EOD Badge is issued in three levels and is identical for all branches of service.
What is the motto of EOD? ›Approaching their dangerous job with the grim humor of well-trained professionals, the EOD personnel's unofficial motto is "Initial Success or Total Failure."
What can EOD do after military? ›
Transitioning from the military into law enforcement is the most obvious field EOD techs go into. Being an EOD tech in the military uniquely prepares individuals to be on a bomb team or diving squad in law enforcement.
What is the shortest Army contract? ›The U.S. Army has expanded its two-year enlistment options, making it easier for individuals who may not be comfortable making a four- or six-year commitment.
Where do EOD get deployed? ›Many deployments are to back-bases, lacking a combat mission but filled with ordnance responses, range work, and training. However, AF EOD teams are still deploying outside the wire in areas like Syria and Afghanistan. EOD techs can currently expect to (on average) deploy (180 day rotations) once every 2-3 years.
What are the ranks of EOD? ›Basic, Senior and Master are the three levels of the EOD badge, the only joint service occupational badge awarded by the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force.
What are EOD perks? ›E.O.D. Take reduced damage from non-killstreak explosives and fire. E.O.D. is an excellent choice for Perk slot 1, especially following the nerf to Serpentine. It's a Perk that can save your life, even if you aren't an aggressive player.
Do EOD techs carry guns? ›Like other American Soldiers, Army EOD technicians qualify with the M17 handgun and M4 rifle but they use the M107 sniper rifle to destroy explosives at long ranges.
What is EOD job offer? ›Entrance on duty (EOD) date – the date on which a person completes the necessary paperwork and is sworn in as an employee.
What percent of the Army is EOD? ›Did you know only ONE percent of the US Military serve as an EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL (EOD) TECHNICIAN?
Does EOD require security clearance? ›EOD Soldiers require a top secret security clearance for special access programs. Individuals must have a completed SSBI that was favorably adjudicated by the DOD Central Adjudication Facility (CAF).
Is EOD considered special forces? ›AF EOD is not currently part of Air Force Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR). EOD and SERE specialists fall under “Combat Support,” conventional career fields with unique specialties that enable both conventional and SOF missions. EOD flights are typically part of Civil Engineering squadrons.
What does Army EOD do? ›
As an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist, you'll be the Army's preeminent tactical and technical explosives expert. You'll have the advanced training and critical skills needed to disable and defeat explosive devices and weapons of mass destruction.
What Army MOS has top secret clearance? ›Intelligence, information technology, linguistics, communications and medical jobs typically require holding a security clearance. Most of the Army MOS's that require a clearance are at the Secret level.
What is the EOD motto? ›Approaching their dangerous job with the grim humor of well-trained professionals, the EOD personnel's unofficial motto is "Initial Success or Total Failure."
Do EOD use guns? ›Like other American Soldiers, Army EOD technicians qualify with the M17 handgun and M4 rifle but they use the M107 sniper rifle to destroy explosives at long ranges.
Where does EOD train? ›Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Eglin Air Force Base, Florida is a jointly staffed school (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps) under the authority of DoD Directive 5160.62, providing high-risk specialized, basic and advanced EOD training to U.S. and partner nation military and selected U.S. government ...