Navy EOD Technician: Definitive Guide (2025)

This guide provides useful information for those who want to become a U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician during Fiscal Year 2025.

The Improvised Explosive Device (IED) is one of the enemy’s favorite weapons in modern warfare.

Often hidden along roadsides, these explosives are a serious threat to any mission.

It’s the EOD Technician’s job to take that threat away.

Every branch has EOD Technicians, but the Navy’s EOD community stands apart.

Let’s get into it.

ENLISTMENT BONUS: Future Navy EODs are currently eligible to receive up to $30K in cash bonus just for signing up.

What is a Navy EOD Technician?

navy-eod-insignia
Navy EOD Insignia – Credit: U.S. Navy

Navy EOD Technicians belong to the Naval Special Operations (NSO) community—a group that takes on the toughest missions and hardest-to-reach targets.

As an EOD Tech, you’ll be part of an elite team, ready at any moment to handle any kind of explosive threat. That includes chemical, biological, and even nuclear weapons. If it’s dangerous, you’re the one they call.

Navy EOD Technicians are enlisted Sailors who locate, identify, render safe, and explosively dispose of foreign and domestic ordnance, including conventional, underwater, chemical, biological, nuclear, and terrorist-type devices, allowing access during military operations to support Carrier and Expeditionary Strike Groups, Naval Special Warfare, Mine Countermeasures, and Army Special Forces; and provide training and help to military, federal, state, and local civilian response personnel.

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Navy EOD Techs do it all—open and closed-circuit diving, explosive demolitions, parachuting, small arms, and getting in and out of places using unconventional methods.

This job takes guts. Jumping out of planes, clearing undersea mines, handling explosives with cutting-edge robotic tech and deep knowledge of explosive chemistry. It’s not for everyone.

You need to be sharp, tough, quick on your feet, and steady under pressure—all while wearing a 70-pound bomb suit.

EOD Techs work with fellow Sailors to take on high-risk missions, save lives, and keep the world safer. Their work might include:

  • Clearing underwater obstacles, natural or man-made
  • Preparing coastal areas for amphibious landings
  • Gathering intel on threats at home and abroad
  • Safely disposing of explosive weapons—both standard and unconventional

It’s dangerous work. But it’s work that matters.

Pay and Benefits

Salary for the First 6 Years

Monthly pay for Navy enlisted Sailors (E-1 to E-6) in the first six years is laid out in the January  2025 Active Duty Pay chart:

RankLess than 2 YearsOver 2 YearsOver 3 YearsOver 4 YearsOver 6 Years
E-1$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10
E-2$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80
E-3$2,484.60$2,640.60$2,800.80$2,800.80$2,800.80
E-4$2,752.20$2,892.90$3,049.80$3,204.30$3,341.40
E-5$3,001.50$3,203.70$3,358.80$3,517.20$3,763.80
E-6$3,276.60$3,606.00$3,765.00$3,919.80$4,080.60

Extra Pays and Allowances

Housing Allowance (BAH):
For members living off-base. Covers rent, based on rank, location, and if they have dependents.

Subsistence Allowance (BAS):
Enlisted get $465.77 monthly for food.

Hazard Duty Pay:
For dangerous jobs. Pays $150-$250 per month, depending on the job.

Sea Pay:
For those assigned to ships or deployed units. Depends on rank and time at sea, from $50 to $750 a month.

Special and Incentive Pays:
Bonuses for certain roles, like air traffic control or unique skills. These can be a few hundred to thousands per year.

You may also be eligible for:

  • Special duty assignment pay
  • Parachute jump pay
  • Dive pay
  • Demolition pay

Source: Figures are from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.

Benefits

  • Healthcare: Active-duty personnel are eligible for free complete medical and dental treatment. Tricare programs are inexpensive for families to use.
  • Housing Accomodation: Depending on location, rank, and family size, free on-base accommodation or a tax-free housing allowance (BAH) for off-base living are available.
  • Food: Monthly Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for food costs is known as the “food allowance.”
  • Blended Retirement System (BRS): Conventional pensions are no longer available to active-duty personnel. Rather:
    • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Up to 5% in government matching and automatic contributions.
    • Retirement Pay: After 20 years of service, you’re eligible for monthly payments according on the BRS formula, which combines TSP savings with a calculated pension.
  • Education:
    • Availability of tuition assistance programs that pay for all or part of college tuition.
    • Support for higher education under the post-9/11 GI Bill.
    • Navy College Program to support education while on service.
  • Life Insurance: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides coverage up to $500,000.
  • Vacation: ten or more federal holidays plus thirty days of paid vacation each year.
  • Extra Benefits:
    • Exchanges and commissaries provide tax-free purchasing.
    • Discounted travel via military resorts, access to fitness centers, and leisure amenities.

Job Responsibilities

As a Navy EOD Tech, you’ll handle tasks like:

  • Blowing up old explosives, dangerous munitions, and pyrotechnics using detonation or burning
  • Finding and identifying weapons underwater, foreign or domestic
  • Using high-tech gear to disarm explosives from a safe distance
  • Dropping into missions by parachute or helicopter
  • Backing up military and civilian law enforcement when needed
  • Clearing waterways of underwater mines to keep the Fleet moving

It’s tough, high-stakes work—not for the faint of heart.

Specific Roles as EOD

Basic Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician

Basic EOD Techs handle the dangerous work of clearing ordnance threats that could disrupt military operations. They work under the supervision of Senior or Master EOD Techs and cover tasks like:

  • Detecting, locating, and identifying explosive devices
  • Disarming, recovering, and safely disposing of explosives
  • Diving, parachuting, and using Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques (HRST) to access hard-to-reach areas
  • Training in advanced tactics and neutralizing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
  • Supporting front-line combat operations and accessing incident sites

Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician

Senior EOD Techs take on leadership roles, supervising most EOD operations and guiding Basic Techs under the direction of EOD Masters. Their responsibilities include:

  • Detecting, disarming, and disposing of ordnance
  • Diving and conducting helicopter or parachute insertions
  • Neutralizing IEDs and leading combat operations with advanced tactics
  • Helping Masters plan and execute missions
  • Overseeing team mobility and site access for dangerous operations

Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician

Master EOD Techs lead the charge. They manage all aspects of EOD operations, taking on planning, supervision, and coordination with military branches and government agencies. Key responsibilities include:

  • Running certification and quality assurance programs for EOD and diving systems
  • Researching, testing, and evaluating new tools and techniques
  • Training and assessing readiness of EOD and diving forces
  • Supervising and conducting EOD missions, from small-scale tasks to large operations
  • Planning long-term missions and working with foreign, joint military, and local/state/federal agencies

Masters are the top experts, ensuring the safety of operations and the success of their teams.

Rank Structure

Pay GradeRateAbbreviationTitle
E-1EOD Seaman RecruitSRSeaman Recruit
E-2EOD Seaman ApprenticeSASeaman Apprentice
E-3EOD SeamanSNSeaman
E-4Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Third ClassEOD3Petty Officer Third Class
E-5Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Second ClassEOD2Petty Officer Second Class
E-6Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician First ClassEOD1Petty Officer First Class
E-7Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal TechnicianEODCChief Petty Officer
E-8Senior Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal TechnicianEODCSSenior Chief Petty Officer
E-9Master Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal TechnicianEODCMMaster Chief Petty Officer

Nature of the EOD Mission

Your assignments will take you across the globe.

One mission may call for you to parachute from 17,000 feet, while another may call for you to enter through an 11-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) or a 20-ton quick reaction vehicle.

How you get there will be determined by the unit you are assigned to, the task to be accomplished, the needed equipment weight of each team member, weather conditions, and other mission-specific dangers.

EOD Techs work pretty much anywhere—remote spots, on aircraft carriers, or at bases with ordnance gear. They deal with all kinds of water, weather, and climates.

Whatever the job needs, they get it done.

Over a 20-year career, EOD Techs spend about 60% of their time with EOD Mobile Units and 40% on shore detachments or working in training, research, or development.

They also get advanced training like freefall parachuting, helicopter insertion, HAZMAT management, small arms, and advanced EOD skills.

This training prepares them for all kinds of unique and challenging assignments.

Training Path

Becoming a Navy EOD Tech isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.

The 51-week training pipeline is brutal—physically and mentally—but the rewards are big: leadership, top pay, and a mission that matters.

After Boot Camp at Great Lakes, you’ll start specialized training to prepare for the job.

EOD Training Pipeline

EOD Preparation Course (4 Weeks) – Great Lakes, IL

  • Swim stroke development, long-distance swims, and intense physical training to prepare for the next phase.

EOD Assessment and Selection Course (4 Weeks)

  • Tests your water skills, endurance, academics, and professionalism. Only the best move forward.

Diver Training (9 Weeks)NDSTC, Panama City, FL

  • Covers scuba fundamentals, dive physics, physiology, and basic dive medicine.
  • Learn the MK16 underwater rebreather for deep, stealth diving.

Naval EOD SchoolEglin AFB, Fort Walton Beach, FL

  • Learn how to disarm different types of explosives:
    • Air Ordnance – Bombs and missiles
    • IEDs – Homemade explosives
    • Nuclear Ordnance – Radiation monitoring, decontamination, nuclear physics basics
    • Underwater Ordnance – Torpedoes, underwater explosives, and search techniques

Jump School (3 Weeks) – Fort Moore, GA

  • Learn to parachute and qualify as a basic airborne operator.

EOD Tactical Training (3 Weeks) – San Diego, CA

  • Weapons training, land navigation, small unit tactics, self-defense, and tactical communications.

Assignments

Once trained, you’ll join an EOD Mobile Unit for hands-on missions. You could be placed in:

  • Mobile Teams
  • Naval Special Warfare Companies
  • Carrier or Expeditionary Strike Groups
  • Marine Mammal Companies

Advanced Training Opportunities

Want to go further? Navy EOD Techs can train in:

  • Helicopter insertion techniques
  • Advanced IED disposal
  • Jumpmaster training
  • Small arms instruction
  • Small unit tactics
  • Language courses at the Defense Language Institute
  • Tactical radio communications

This training pipeline builds some of the toughest, smartest, and most skilled professionals in the military. If you make it through, you’ll be part of an elite group with a job like no other.

Navy EOD Technician Qualification Requirements

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To apply for a position as an EOD Technician, no college degree is necessary.

However, a high level of difficulty is to be expected. Training is rigorous and continual.

During your initial enlistment, you may apply for the Navy Warrior Challenge contract for EOD Technicians.

Male and female applicants may both become Navy EOD Technicians.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be 30 years old or younger
  • Meet the following vision requirements:
    • No color blindness
    • 20/200 bilateral correctable to 20/25
  • Have an Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score of at least
    • AR + VE = 109 and MC = 51; or
    • GS + MC + EI = 169
  • Must pass a medical screening examination for deep-sea divers (approved by a Diving Medical Officer)
  • Must pass the Navy Physical Screening Test (PST) with competitive scores
  • Must be eligible for security clearance

Requirements for Active Duty Applicants

To apply for the Navy EOD program, you must meet these requirements:

  • Commit to 36 months of obligated service after completing training
  • Have no non-judicial punishments (NJP) or court-martial convictions in the past 12 months
  • Pass all medical requirements outlined in the NAVMED P-117
  • Meet the minimum performance standards for your role
  • Successfully complete a hyperbaric pressure tolerance test
  • Serve at your current command for at least two years
  • Pass a screening interview conducted by an EOD Officer or a Master EOD Technician (E-6 or above)
  • Obtain a recommendation from your Commanding Officer

These requirements ensure only the most qualified candidates move forward in the EOD program.

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Physical Screening Test (PST) Requirements

To qualify for the Navy EOD program, you’ll need to meet these minimum PST requirements:

  • Swim: 500 yards using sidestroke or breaststroke in 14 minutes
  • Rest: 10 minutes
  • Push-ups: 42 in 2 minutes
  • Rest: 2 minutes
  • Sit-ups: 50 in 2 minutes
  • Rest: 2 minutes
  • Pull-ups: 6 (no time limit)
  • Rest: 10 minutes
  • Run: 1.5 miles in 12 minutes, 45 seconds

These are just the basics. Since selection is competitive, candidates should aim to go above and substantially beyond these standards.

To evaluate the current minimum Navy PST criteria, go to the Navy PST Calculator.

You gotta be in top shape. Strong swimmer. Ready to handle tough situations. No way around it.

Before jumping into training, check with a doctor. Make sure your body can handle it. Especially if you or your family have any medical issues that could get worse with hard workouts.

Don’t start unless a doctor says you’re good to go. No shortcuts.

Education Opportunities

You will have several chances to expand your expertise as a member of the Naval Special Warfare/Naval Special Operations (NSW/NSO) group.

The courses in this profession are rigorous, but those who embrace the difficulties will be rewarded not only with more income, but also with remarkable duty assignments anywhere on the globe.

Promotions are provided regularly, however, they are competitive and dependent on performance.

Navy EOD Officer positions are available for members with further leadership ambitions and a college degree, allowing them to lead and train others.

Also Read: Become a U.S. Navy SEAL—Top Navy Enlisted Job

Post-Service Opportunities

Naval Special Warfare and Naval Special Operations (NSW/NSO) build leaders. Teach discipline. Push self-reliance.

Whether you stay in the military or transition to civilian life, employers will respect your skills and drive. Finishing some of the toughest training in the country proves you can handle whatever job comes your way.

NSW/NSO careers line up with civilian roles like high-level security, emergency medical response, or Chemical-Biological-Radiological (CBR) protection.

The opportunities? Plenty. And they pay well too.

Next Steps to Become a Navy EOD Tech

Here is how to continue if you have been motivated and genuinely interested in Navy EOD:

First, read this comprehensive guide: “How to Become a United States Navy Enlisted Sailor

Contact your local recruiter

Submit an Application

Begin Training

  • Attend Navy Boot Camp in Great Lakes, Illinois to begin your training
  • Enter the Navy EOD Tech training pipeline
  • You are then ready to serve as a Sailor and recognized Navy EOD professional.

More Information

If you wish to learn more about becoming a Navy EOD Technician, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.

You may also be interested in the following high-speed, low-drag Navy Enlisted jobs:

Ted Kingston
I’m a Navy veteran who used to serve as a Navy recruiter. This website is the most reliable source of information for all Enlisted Navy Sailor aspirants. In coordination with a network of current and former Navy recruiters, my goal is to make reliable information easily available to you so you can make informed career decisions.

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