Military Bomb Squad Job Spotlight: Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) is a crucial part of safety in military life, across all branches. Explosive threats are a global, constant presence, and require highly trained experts to understand and disarm them. Those who specialize in EOD are known as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians, and occupy one of the most high-risk, admirable positions in the military.

Military Bomb Squads

Oftentimes, EOD specialists are part of what is known as a military bomb squad. These trained personnel are on call for any issues surrounding potential explosive threats--ranging from mysterious packages to unexploded ammunition.

Once identified, the military bomb squad arrives on the scene to identify and dispose of any threats. This could be done through detonation, robotics, and other highly technical methods of disposal. Armed with immense training and knowledge of explosive creation and disarming, these military members are crucial to the preservation of public safety--both for their fellow service people as well as surrounding civilians and communities.

EOD specialists exist across all branches of the military, though their roles can vary throughout.

Types of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Jobs

• Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians

Navy EOD, the most elite Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit in the world, is the only fully Special-Operations capable EOD organization within the US arsenal. Navy EOD Technicians are a part of the warfighting arm of the Naval Special Operations (NSO) force, a team that undergoes covert missions in small units worldwide. Navy EOD Technicians enable Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces, and other expeditionary forces to meet objectives around the globe by clearing explosive hazards in any environment on land or water. They are tactical shooters who also conduct freefall parachute insertions, mixed-gas diving, demolitions, and small unit tactics to support any requirement that may arise. They also provide support to the United States Secret Service (USSS) and the Department of State (DOS) for the protection of the President of the United States (POTUS) and Vice-President of the United States (VPOTUS), as well as the Secretary of State and foreign dignitaries.

• Marine Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician

For Marines who have reached a sergeant or corporal rank, the opportunity to volunteer for an EOD technician role opens. After heavy vetting and training processes, Marine EOD Technicians then work to identify and disarm hazards from explosive devices and other threats to operations and safety.

Overall, the Marine EOD Technician role “provides support to the MAGTF, Supporting Establishment, Homeland Defense, Special Operations Forces (SOF) and other US government agencies through detecting, locating, accessing, diagnosing, rendering safe, neutralizing, recovering, exploiting, and disposing of hazards from Unexploded Explosive Ordnance (UXO), Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) that present a threat to operations, installations, personnel, or material,” according to a 2019 statement made by the Marines.

• Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Roles

The Army offers a variety of roles under EOD, including specialist and officer positions. As an EOD Specialist in the Army, duties include:

• Research and identify explosive and ordnance related threats

• Prepare and deploy the use of advance robotics

• Dispose of identified ordnance threats through disarming or explosives

• Maintain a variety of equipment and vehicles

In an EOD Officer role, your duties vary slightly, including:

• Facilitate, command, and control land combat operations

• Coordinate ordnance soldiers’ employment

• Maintain communication between commanders regarding EOD threats

• Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician

EOD Technicians in the Air Force serve as part of the Air Force’s bomb squad. This team tackles dangerous, global missions to maintain safety. Their main goal is to support their given base and prevent any aircraft emergencies surrounding ordinances, crashes, or munition.

According to the Air Force Career site, daily career tasks include:

• Protecting the president, vice president, and other high-profile individuals

• Maintain equipment, technical data, and other operational needs

• Handle explosives daily

• Nuclear weapon response

• Detect, identify, discover, and disarm explosive risks

EOD Equipment and Solutions

ADS, Inc. is committed to providing high-class, personalized equipment, and solutions for your mission needs.

We work with suppliers, warfighters, law enforcement, and first responders to develop systems designed to counter CBRNe threats and adapt to emerging technology trends. We’ve even helped standardize equipment across the EOD community, developing an adaptable kit that fits the needs of any EOD specialist.

Our catalog of equipment includes remote access kits, diagnostic systems, and remote firing devices for EOD. Learn more here.