Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technicians (EOD) have one of the most dangerous jobs in the military. Many branches of the armed forces employ a team of these brave fighters to rid areas of deadly devices. EOD Technicians face a unique challenge when they are approaching IEDs or Improvised Explosive Devices. They know the best way to control an explosive, whether it’s active or decommissioned, is to blow it up. EOD Technicians are part of an elite team, and essential to the military‘s success.
If you would like to get a military job as an explosive ordnance disposal technician, find your nearest recruiter here.
Eligibility
Becoming an EOD Technician is an exclusive accomplishment, and is not easily achieved. Eligibility can vary among each branch of the military, but some eligibility requirements remain the same throughout. Exclusive military jobs are reserved for members of the military who are the best of the best.
Recruits must be American citizens.
Men and women can apply.
A recruit must have 20/200 vision, or vision that can be corrected to 20/25.
Candidates must have a normal perception of color, they can’t be colorblind.
Recruits must be eligible for security clearance.
A recruit must not have had any recent court appearances or convictions.
Candidates must be able to successfully pass a medical exam.
A minimum score on ASVAB is required.
Candidates must pass a rigorous screening test.
Candidates must pass a screening and review period.
A history of drug use will not be tolerated.
Screening Test
Screening tests may vary among specific branches of the military, but ALL recruits must be in optimal physical and mental shape. EOD recruits can run, swim, complete pushups, and do more pull-ups than many other recruits in the military.
Skills
Elite military jobs require specialized skills, only a handful possess. EOD Technicians must be a package deal to be considered for such an exclusive team. EOD Technicians are:
Level-headed and calm when under stress, proficient with computers and electronics, interested in math and science, problem solver, excellent communicator, organized and precise.
Training
EOD Techs endure brutal and exhausting training for nearly one year. Techs learn ordnance disposal skills in the classroom and with their hands. The schedule for EOD training may be fierce and intense, but recruits walk away with a new level of respect and accomplishment.
Job Duties
An EOD Technician’s job duties are never the same. Technicians deal with a variety of explosives, intelligence, and working conditions. Typical job duties include:
- handling dangerous explosives on a daily basis
- safely disposing of ordnance discovered in unsafe conditions
- safely contain explosive devices
- detonating or burning explosives
- identifying and devising a course of action to handle ordnance
- working with a variety of explosives: military ordnance, homemade devices, pyrotechnics, nuclear and biological weapons, and deteriorating or outdated devices
- laboring in unsafe areas where explosives may be present
- educating themselves on foreign munitions and techniques to identify and neutralize deadly hazards
- protecting civilians, soldiers, and U.S. officials from explosive devices
- preparing and engaging robotic assistance in the field
Work Environment
EOD Technicians work in an environment deemed unsafe with the potential presence of explosives. EOD Technicians are usually associated with roadside bombs and other war scenes, but EOD techs can be utilized all over the world. EOD Technicians may be called to stadiums, airports, ordnance storage facilities, or alongside U.S. leaders. EOD Technicians don’t work in air-conditioned labs, they are called to any hostile location and during any type of weather condition.
Pay
Military pay ranges for E.O.D. Techs based on rank and job duties. Opportunities are available for technicians to earn more money as they advance in the field.
- Techs receive normal military pay and allowances
- Some branches offer an enlistment bonus for new EOD technicians
- Demolition pay
- Possibility for special duty assignment compensation
- Possibility for foreign language pay
Risks
Anyone who is walking towards a bomb to blow it up, when others are told to run away, faces a unique set of challenges every time they work. An EOD Technician’s job is to blow deadly objects up. They risk their lives to make sure the lives of others around them are safe and out of harm’s way.
Opportunities for EOD Techs Beyond the Military
EOD Technicians possess rare qualities after they are discharged from the military. In addition to their military pay, they go on to open their own businesses or obtain exclusive employment with other agencies. EOD Technicians advance to governmental agencies, private security companies, law enforcement teams, and other private institutions.