Becoming a Military Explosives Specialist

The idea of working with explosives in a military role fascinates me. What are the different paths to becoming an explosives specialist, and what qualifications or skills do they typically look for before enlisting?

To become an explosives specialist in the military, typically referred to as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician, the journey involves several steps involving education, physical training, and special military training.

Firstly, the minimum basic requirements are a high school diploma or GED and U.S. citizenship. Some branches of the military may prefer that you’ve taken high school courses in math and science, as these skills are useful in the EOD role.

Next, you'll need to enlist in one of the military branches. All military personnel, regardless of their intended job, must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test as part of the enlisting process. Your results on this test can determine your eligibility for the EOD training program. Usually, high scores in the areas of Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mechanical Comprehension (MC), General Science (GS) and Verbal Expression (VE, which is a combination of Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension) are typical prerequisites.

EOD candidates must be in excellent physical shape, as the job is highly strenuous. Passing a physical and mental screening process, including a physical screening test, is also required. This test might include running, swimming, pushups and sit-ups.

After enlistment, you'll attend basic training, followed by EOD school. This school can be quite tough and physically demanding. Training includes learning how to handle, defuse, and dispose of explosives, hazardous material training, dive school, parachute training, and more. This process often takes up to a year to complete.

Lastly, EOD techs also need to be detail-oriented and able to work well under pressure. They often work in high-stress situations where a wrong move could lead to serious injury, or worse.

Note that each branch of the military has its own specific requirements and training for their EOD specialists. For instance, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps each have slightly different roles for their EOD techs based on their operations. It's advisable to research each branch and speak to a recruiter to understand which path might be the right fit for your specific interests and career goals.