U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Careers | Navy.com (2023)

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician

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• Detonate and demolish hazardous munitions, pyrotechnics and outdated explosives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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician

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

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.

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. Once that training is complete, you will learn the ins and outs of life as an EOD through 24-months of specialized training including:

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.

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.

Beyond professional credentials and certifications, EOD Officers can advance their education by:

• Pursuing opportunities at institutions such as Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or Navy War College (NWC)
• Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges

Find out more about additional education opportunities for Officers, including post-graduate school now.

A degree from a four-year college or university is a minimum educational requirement to become a Commissioned Officer. You must also attend Officer Training. There may be exceptions to the degree requirements based on extensive service experience. Additional qualifications include:

• Eyesight 20/20 bilateral correctable to 20/25 with no color blindness
• 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

Requirements for Enlisted EOD Technician candidates to commission as Officers:

• 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

Visit the Navy SWCC PST Calculator to review the current minimum Navy Physical Screening Test (PST) requirements for Navy Challenge Programs.

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.

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.