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Military Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialists

Military Career

General Information

Description

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). These experts perform very challenging work for the cause of protecting other service members and the general public.  

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Work Environment

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

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Related Military Careers

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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Enlisted
    • Hands-on/specialized
    • High school diploma required

Military Workforce

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialists in the Military

11,895

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Salary

Salary Information

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. Learn more about Military benefits.

$22,740 - $229,900

What makes up a Military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Less than high school 26%
  • High school 24%
  • Post-secondary certificate 19%
  • Some college 13%
  • Bachelor's degree 13%
  • Associate's degree 1%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

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 operationsExplosives demolition operationsOperation of automated and manual ammunition management systemsBasic electronics/electricity fundamentalsHazards and identification of United States and foreign munitionsDemolition materials, procedures, and operationsChemical and biological ordnance and operationsChemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive incident defense (CBRNE)

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Military training

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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)

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

  • Public Safety and Security
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Mechanical
  • Administration and Management
  • Transportation

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.