Explosive Ordnance Disposal

In order to respond to incidents and handle explosive materials, EOD technicians are divided into independent teams of 4–8 people with a variety of skills. Called detachments, these teams typically consist of an Officer, a Chief and six Sailors. The Navy EOD force is organized at three levels: EOD Groups (EODGRUs), EOD Mobile Units (EODMUs) and various EOD Companies (EOD Companies)

EOD Groups

There are two EOD Groups: EODGRU ONE at San Diego, California (Naval Amphibious Base Coronado), and EODGRU TWO at Norfolk, Virginia (Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek). Both groups report to the Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command.

EOD Mobile Units

Each group has readiness responsibility for several subordinate EOD Mobile Units (EODMU). Though defensive in nature, EODMUs are trained in combative skills and small unit tactics. The pressures placed upon an EOD team can be enormous. Not only can they be called upon to disarm explosive ordnance and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), but they may have to do so with enemy forces in close proximity. Regardless, EOD performs its mission when called upon.

EOD Companies

These teams consist of several shore-based EOD companies supporting key naval installations along the east and west coasts of the United States and at selected locations inland and overseas. EODMUs are also comprised of deployable Mine Countermeasures Companies (EODMCM Companies), Multimission Mobile Companies (EODMOB Companies), Naval Special Warfare Companies (NSW Companies) and Marine Mammal System Companies (MMS Companies).

EOD Mobile Detachments

Mobile detachments deploy throughout the world, providing EOD support wherever needed. Whether it’s clearing underwater shipping lanes of hazardous ordnance, supporting aircraft carrier battle groups and amphibious-ready group staffs, or even integrating with Navy Special Warfare or other service Special Forces, they are always on hand to respond to ordnance in any environment.

EOD Shore-Based Detachments

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) found on land or in the ocean needs immediate attention. That’s why EOD detachments are on hand to provide continuous support. Shore-based detachments are versed in general ordnance handling and disposal, live-fire training, range clearance, and underwater ordnance testing. They are on call to provide VIP protection for the Secret Service and State Department as well as to support local and federal law enforcement, fire departments, and hazardous material removal specialists.

EOD Badge

Commonly known as the “crab,” the EOD badge is issued in three levels and is identical for all branches of service. Although each service has its own requirements, the basic EOD badge is issued upon completion of explosive handling training and between 18–24 months of on-the-job field training. The Senior EOD badge is issued after 3–5 years as an Explosive Ordnance Specialist. The Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal badge is issued after 7–15 years of service in a senior supervisory position. First created in the 1950s, the badges incorporate symbols important to all EOD technicians. These include the wreath in memory of fallen EOD personnel, the bomb, the lightning bolts, the shield and the star representing those who have attained Master EOD competency.