89D Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist at Army National Guard

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists are the tactical and technical explosive experts of the Army National Guard. EODs are trained, equipped, and integrated to attack, defeat, and exploit unexploded ordnance, improvised explosive devices, chemical, biological, and nuclear ordnance, and weapons of mass destruction. 

Specific duties of the EOD Specialist include: locating, identifying, disarming, and disposing of all explosive ordnance; intelligence gathering operations; and supporting very important persons (VIP) missions for the U.S. Secret Service, State Department, and other federal agencies. Additional responsibilities include researching and identifying ordnance; disposal of hazardous ordnance; preparation and maintenance of EOD tools, equipment, and vehicles; use of advanced robotics; and training Soldiers in IED awareness.

Some of the Skills You’ll Learn
• Basic electronics/electricity fundamentals
• Hazards and identification of United States and foreign munitions

Helpful Skills
• Interest in algebra, chemistry, physics, geometry, and trigonometry
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Aptitude for planning and organizing
• Ability to work calmly under stress
• Effectively use computers

Through your training, you will develop the skills and experience to enjoy a civilian career with government agencies and private industries performing ordnance research and development, and the development, implementation, and enforcement of explosive safety and security measures, as well as civil law enforcement. You might also consider a future as a bomb disposal expert, gunsmith, or munitions handler.

Earn While You Learn
Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.

Job training for an EOD Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills. Advanced Individual Training is conducted in two phases. Phase 1 is approximately 11 weeks at Redstone Arsenal, Ala. Phase 2 is approximately 29 weeks at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.