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An Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (EOD) disarms, disposes, and renders an area as safe or unsafe. Additionally, they use explosives to demolish structures, loosen, remove, or move earth, rock, and other materials. Watch the following video to learn what an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician does in the military.
How to Become an EOD Technician
No high education is needed for this career, but a high school diploma or the equivalent is standard. If you have yet to graduate high school, you should begin taking math, geometry, calculus, statistics, and science classes. Studying engineering and computer technology while in school is also helpful. Though, many employers offer on-the-job training, it takes about one year working with an experienced professional. Training for this job can also depend on where you work. For instance, the military has specified programs requiring top-secret clearance for particular access areas.
There are many places an EOD technician can work in this job as well, such as construction companies, oil, gas, mining, rock and gravel quarries, or airline and airplane manufactures. They can work in law enforcement, the FBI bomb squad, the Secret Service, Firefighter, and Police Force. All of the above jobs provide their training in special schools or programs. There are specific skills that an explosive ordnance disposal person has, like problem-solving and communication. They are able to focus without being distracted and have a steady hand and finger coordination.
Job Description of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician
An explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) professional works in many different places. However, they typically perform the same job. They ensure blast areas are secure and safety laws observed before determining the amounts and kinds of explosive charges are needed. They put safety cones around blast areas to signal to others where the danger zones are and evacuate blast sites before explosions. The person ties specified lengths of delaying fuses together to time the blast adequately. They place, stuff, and pour the explosives, like dynamite, black powder, slurries, or ammonium nitrate into detonation holes. Once they put the ingredients into the pits, they shovel drill cuttings, pour water into boreholes, and press material into dense forms.
Other EOD technicians have a career disarming explosive devices. This professional has a tolerance for stress and has self-control. They have adaptability and are flexible, as well as dependable. Attention to detail is vital to this occupation as safety is always a priority. A career in explosive ordnance disposal exposes the person to all weather elements and works in hazardous conditions. They must also wear protective equipment on the job.