Explosive Ordnance Disposal - 3E8X1 Mission Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) work begins in dangerous situations and ends in safe solutions. EOD members apply classified techniques and special procedures to lessen or totally remove the hazards created by the presence of unexploded ordnance. This includes conventional military ordnance, criminal and terrorist homemade items, and chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. In addition to manufactured munitions, EOD Technicians also deal with improvised explosive devices. They are also experts in chemical, biological, incendiary, radiological, and nuclear materials. EOD personnel provide support to VIPs, help civilian authorities with bomb problems, teach troops about bomb safety, and aid local law enforcement. Some duties are dangerous, but EOD members are fully trained and equipped to safely deal with any situation. EOD personnel are part of an elite group of highly trained technicians that have a proud heritage of protecting personnel and property from the effects of hazardous unexploded ordnance Qualifications For entry into this specialty, completion of high school or general educational development equivalency is mandatory. Courses in physics, mechanics, and basic electronic theory are desirable. Applicants must also posses normal color vision and depth perception, have no history of emotional instability and be eligible to receive a Secret security clearance. Applicants must also be able to lift more than 50 pounds and earn a general score of 64 and a mechanical score of 60 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery entrance exam. Training Prospective EOD Technicians attend a grueling course of instruction at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., where they learn the principles behind recognizing, disarming and neutralizing explosive materials. This school is not easy and has a high attrition rate because of the very high standards necessary.