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Military Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officers

Military Career

General Information

Description

Explosive ordnance disposal officers determine methods and procedures for locating and rendering safe all types of explosive ordnance. They lead teams that neutralize chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, as well as improvised explosive devices (IED). They may operate in a variety of challenging environments, such as underwater.

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Work Environment

Explosive ordnance disposal officers usually work on bases or ships. Due to the need to keep forces supplied with weapons and munitions, explosive ordnance disposal officers may spend time outdoors in all types of weather.

Comparable Industries

  • Architecture & Construction

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

  • Officer
    • Managerial/professional
    • College degree required

Military Workforce

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officers in the Military

11,925

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Salary

Salary Information

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

$59,773

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.

  • High school 62%
  • Post-secondary certificate 20%
  • Some college 8%
  • Associate's degree 4%
  • Less than high school 4%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Bachelor's degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

Military training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving.  Job training for explosive ordnance disposal officers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments.  Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.  Job-specific training content may include:   Ordnance transportation, handling, and storageArming/disarming techniquesOrdnance disposalBasic electronics/electricity fundamentalsHazards and identification of United States and foreign munitionsDemolition materials, procedures, and operationsChemical and biological ordnance disposal operations

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Military training

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Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving.  Job training for explosive ordnance disposal officers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments.  Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.  Job-specific training content may include:  

  • Ordnance transportation, handling, and storage
  • Arming/disarming techniques
  • Ordnance disposal
  • Basic electronics/electricity fundamentals
  • Hazards and identification of United States and foreign munitions
  • Demolition materials, procedures, and operations
  • Chemical and biological ordnance disposal operations

Related College Majors

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Knowledge

  • Public Safety and Security
  • Mathematics
  • Law and Government
  • Mechanical
  • Engineering and Technology

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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.