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Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialists

Intelligence, Combat and Readiness

Service Branches

  • Army logo
  • Marines logo
  • navy logo
  • Air Force logo

Work Environment

Explosive ordnance disposal specialists work indoors and outdoors. Their ciritical duties of rendering safe and disposing of ordnance primarily takes place outdoors.

  • Military Status

    Enlisted

  • Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

    $59,689

    Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.

    $22,740 - $229,900

Overview

EOD specialists detect, locate, render safe, and dispose of explosive threats all over the world. These threats include chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, as well as improvised explosive devices (IED).

Military Training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field and covers tactical and survival skills physical training military life and customs and weapons training. Explosive ordnance disposal specialists in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Ammunition/maintenance operations
  • Explosives demolition operations
  • Operation of automated and manual ammunition management systems
  • Basic electronics/electricity fundamentals
  • Hazards and identification of United States and foreign munitions
  • Demolition materials procedures and operations
  • Chemical and biological ordnance and operations
  • Chemical biological radiological nuclear and explosive incident defense (CBRNE)

Helpful Attributes

  • Ability to remain calm under stress
  • Interest in working with guns and explosives
  • Attention to detail

Related Civilian Careers

  • Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
  • Emergency Management Directors