Introduction

[eodjw]

I stumbled on this board by accident. I'm an Active Duty Navy Master EOD Technician (Not an EOD, there's no such thing) serving in an instructor billet at a Training Unit. I've done most of the gigs in EOD with the exception of the mammals. I see a lot of misconceptions as to who and what we are and do, so if you have a question, I'll try and give you a straight answer.

[cadre2]

Welcome, eodjw!

Please fill out your profile with a minimum of age, gender, and current military status. Click on "My Profile" in left column to do so.

Cadre2, moderator

[eodjw]

Done

[cadre2]

Done

Thank you.

[WILLWALTON]

EODJW,
MAY I PLEASE E-MAIL YOU AND ASK YOU SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT EOD, AND THE NAVY?
MY E-MAIL IS *ADOLFWALTON@HOTMAIL.COM*

[eodjw]

E-mail out

[gymmer13]

Well I for one am glad you accidentally stumbled upon this board. There is a lot of misconceptions and hardly any information out there on EOD. (unless I am looking in the exact opposite direction, which has been known to happen.) I plan on joining up when I graduate college, although I don't know if I want to go commisioned or not. But hopefully I'll get to go EOD. That's what I plan anyway, unless they stop allowing girls in.

But anyway, welcome to the boards!

-Curtis

[eodjw]

All, feel free to ask any questions on EOD, and I will answer what I can within the confines of OPSEC. Please do not ask me about utilizing my program to springboard your future career into another program. Just like the other programs on this board, it takes years to grow highly skilled EOD Technicians capable of leading teams. If you want to go in another direction, I'm sure there are many on this board that can help you.

[gymmer13]

Please do not ask me about utilizing my program to springboard your future career into another program.


Nope strictly EOD for me. :)

Now there's specializations inside EOD right? Can you tell me more of what they would be. Like i know there's the marine mammal section, is there Nuclear section and other sections as well??

-Curtis

[eodjw]

MCM: Mine Countermeasures- Diving on sea mines
CES: Combat Expiditionary Support-Baghdad bomb squad. Army/Marine augmentation.
ESG: Expeditionary Strike Group- Gator freightors
CSG: Carrier Strike Group
NSW: Working with SEAL's
SOF: Working with SF
Mammal systems
Mobile Detachment-Jack of all trades
VSW: Very Shallow Water MCM- Clearing beaches for landings

[SIGdude989]

NSW: Working with SEAL's
SOF: Working with SF


How "hard" would this be. No, I'm not looking for an easy way to do cool stuff. I am wondering because these are very hard core units and don't want any dummies with them. What tests have to be done to become a EOD tech loaned to these dudes? Any PT tests? Interviews?

Thanks, SIG

[eodjw]

First and formost, there are very few 'dummies' in this business. Start with the EOD screening to get into the program, then the time spent at Great Lakes ( http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=26129 ) , followed by Dive School (2+ months) followed by EOD School (10 months) followed by Tac training at EODTEUONE in San Diego (six weeks(?)) prior to reporting into your Mobile Unit and first detachment. This is all a weeding out process. Once on the det you will be trained by the det Chief and LPO, as well as Readiness from the MU and then go to the Training Unit (1 or 2) prior to deployment. If we find we have a problem with an individual that cannot be corrected, there is the process in place of a Review Board, which may recomend to the CO to pull said individual's badge and send them to the fleet.

Add the fact that once you finish school you have a Basic Tech badge, and must wait two years (mabey moving back to three) prior to being eligable to take the Senior Tech board, (not everyone passes the first time) at which time you must wait three years before being eligable to take a Master Tech Board (not eveyone passes) .

Now, to your question. In the past we have tried to send seasoned Techs to these units, as many times these Techs will be working in a two man (EOD) element or even possibly alone. That's a lot of weight on your shoulders if you don't have experience to fall back on. Once assigned to a det that specializes in these mission areas, if a Tech fails to perform to the level expected he may be removed from a detacment (this is true of any mission area) Very seldom has a Tech been sent home from another unit he's been attached to.

As to your comment about the easy way. While we do not go to BUD/S or SFAS, I would not consider this the easy way. You should not come into this program to specifically do those missions, but to be a Navy EOD Tech with all that entails. You are on these teams to function as an EOD Tech/explosives spcialist/force protection. Anything else you bring to the table (and we bring a lot) is just icing. If you want to kick down doors, you need to go to a different program, the above mentioned units have enough door kickers.

[gymmer13]

I suppose VSW could be some tricky diving. Sounds like fun. You aren't stuck doing one thing the entire time you're a EOD tech are you? Could I first be assigned to CSG and then to VSW or whichever groups. Can you request?

Thanks so much for answering.

-Curtis

[gymmer13]

Could I first be assigned to CSG and then to VSW or whichever groups.



I realized the idiocracy of this question. I figured it out by your first post. It must be because I just woke up. (It's not 1130 like it says, its only 0730 here.) I just want to know now if you can request.

-Curtis

[eodjw]

Each Mobile Unit has a set of missions they are responsible for. Depending on which MU you go to will determine which missions you will be assigned. As you enter the program you will see who does what.

[clutchngo16]

Hey everyone, im currently in the Navy DEP as a CTN. But after thinking about it, I got in to that program for the wrong reasons. So now im thinking about changing my rating to an EOD Tech. I cant find much about the training. I know the most people who dont make it through programs like SEAL and SWCC is because they DOR ( drop on request). Im not to sure, but ive heard that this isnt the case for EOD Tech training. Ive heard that some people drop because the pyhsical training is too much (DOR) and then others because of the technical aspoect of training. Example they arent learning the information quick enough or arnt making an attempt to. So basically what im asking is, is any of this correct? If not how does it work?

[eodjw]

The physical aspect of the training is challenging, and many that attempt the training find that they did not prepare themselves properly. However this is being addressed with different programs coming on line such as the training at Great Lakes.

The technical aspect is difficult, but obviously not impossible. Example: walking into a room. The wallls are lined floor to ceiling with landmines, grenades, artillery projectiles and rockets from around the world. It's Monday. Wednesday you will have an ID test on two of these catagories listing country of origin, type by function (ordnance), type by function (fuze), condition (armed/unarmed/other) and any safeties that pertain. By Friday you'll take the ID test on the other two catagories. Come the following Monday, you'll be out in the practical area putting this information to use, hands on. You'll be doing things at this pace for ten months if you make it straight through. Many get rolled in training.

This is long before any of the cool guy training that everyone wants to do.

[clutchngo16]

Thanks for the reply. Sounds good. You wouldnt happen to know where I can find the next EOD school start up date? I asked my recruiter he said he doesnt know.

[eodjw]

I'm not sure how many they're putting through right now. Probably between six and ten. i believe one may start up in December, and then Jan/Feb.

[clutchngo16]

Well thanks for all the help eodjw. But I have another question. Do they assign orders after EOD school the same as any other "A" school. i.e. - Who ever is the top of the class get to pick orders first and so on. Also I know there is a shortage of EOD Techs in Iraq, so theres a good chance of ending up there. But would you happen to know the average deployment length to Iraq? Thanks again for the help.

[gator28]

hey jw,
I just happened to find this place the other day and just saw your post. Good to see you always helping us wannabes out. I received my orders and am going to GL the first week of Feb and start dive school feb 26th. I don't know when I am allowed to move my wife. There are only 2 days between each phase so I don't know if I'll be moving her down before GL or after dive school. I'm really not worried about it. She said she can do the move on her own if she has to. We've already done 3. I had a question about working out with rowing machines. Have you ever utilized it? I like them and was wondering if it would be a better sub for swimming while out to sea. I have an underway in December. I'm very curious as to what GL will be about. Have you heard anything about NSCT1 becoming EODMU1? Thanks again.

If you guys want to check out the start dates for the classes, you can log in to CANTRAC vol. 2 and check all starting dates.

gator

[eodjw]

Gator, good to see you over here also. GL is about screening out those that don't have the desire to be complete the pipeline before they start. I don't know what to advise you on the move, other than to tell you to bring her down there. The school is too long, both months, and hours of the day to be dealing with family issues over the phone. As far as the rowing machine, Ive used them and like them a lot.

I've heard about NSCT 1 becomming an MU, but other than that not much. There are big changes comming on this coast as well. By the time you finish school, there may be some new #'s to choose from

[gator28]

She's definitely coming down with me. I just don't know when we're supposed to move down there now with the pipeline starting in GL. I'm thinking it must be before that since there are only 2-3 days between each phase. I may only have about a week of leave left by the end of January, but I'll go in the hole a little if I can to move her down there. I bet it is very tough to deal with all of the problems that would come up over the phone. Is there a pool at Little Creek that anybody can use. I hear there's one at Dam Neck. I usually use the one across from the pier where we're moored at. I guess the first class at the EOD prep in GL just got finished not too long ago. I was surprised at the low screen test scores by a lot of guys I screened with and soon thereafter. It'll be interesting to see how the changes in the community go. I'm really going to start focusing on finning and some longer runs without over training. Are you going to stay on the same coast after your stint at shore duty is over? Have a good Sunday. I'm still a little pissed that Cal didn't beat USC. Now I'm really pulling for Notre Dame next week.

[JCS79]

EODJW,
I'm interested in going to EOD following my next duty assignment in Bahrain. Could you email me a POC over there so I can get my package started when I get there. I've got some work to do especially in the area of swimming and pullups, but I'll be in Bahrain a year before I can go to school anyway. Thanks in advance. my email address is john.c.smith1@navy.mil
V/R
MA2 Smith

[eodjw]

Just track down Mobile Unit Four. They'll move your package along.

[clutchngo16]

I saw part of the EOD Tech training on the military channel, pretty cool stuff. They said EOD has a pretty high drop out rate, and I was wondering since EOD is its own rating now, what happens if your dropped out of training.

[eodjw]

Don't believe everything you see on TV. That show gives you the flavor of what we do without showing any TTP's. As far as what they'll be doing with those that don't make it through, I believe they'll be looking at reclassing them.

[Deep-Sea]

eodjw may I send you an e-mail . I am looking for some help on EOD reserves and don't want to mention names over the open forum.

Thanks.

[eodjw]

Deep Sea, Give me your E-mail and I'll shoot you mine out.

[Deep-Sea]

Deep Sea, Give me your E-mail and I'll shoot you mine out.

Deep-Sea@navyseals.com. When I send you an e-mail I will give you my other e-mail address. I was just going to send you an e-mail here so as not to clog up your personnal account. Thanks for the help.

[eodjw]

E-mal out

[monkey999]

MCM: Mine Countermeasures- Diving on sea mines
CES: Combat Expiditionary Support-Baghdad bomb squad. Army/Marine augmentation.
ESG: Expeditionary Strike Group- Gator freightors
CSG: Carrier Strike Group
NSW: Working with SEAL's
SOF: Working with SF
Mammal systems
Mobile Detachment-Jack of all trades
VSW: Very Shallow Water MCM- Clearing beaches for landings

oh, hey EODjw, i would like to more about the nsw ( working with SEALs ) and mcm ( mine countermeasures ). I plan on becoming a an EOD tech for navy after highshcool. plz message back with more information

[eodjw]

Really there's not much more to it than that, that I can discuss on an open forum. MCM teams deal with aquire/re-aquire and destruction/disablement of sea mines. NSW dets/platoons work with SEAL's.

[monkey999]

Really there's not much more to it than that, that I can discuss on an open forum. MCM teams deal with aquire/re-aquire and destruction/disablement of sea mines. NSW dets/platoons work with SEAL's.

so alot of wat they do is classified?

also, are you able to tell me more about the EOD school? i would like to know more about wat u learn in the classroom, like physical princapls, chemistry ect. because i am currently in a physics class, but i would like to know wat to expect at the EOD school.

[gator33]

if you do a google search for "Navy EOD school" you'll find a lot of info. There are a lot of posts on this subject over on the military.com discussion forum, as well. I just did a google search and found quite a bit, including links to those forums. I'm not giving you a hard time, just trying to get you the most info that you want. I know how you feel. When I was coming to school, I was searching everything I could. There are also some vids on youtube from EOD dive school. I think my class had a video on there, and the class ahead of me. Good luck.

Gator

[brownwaternavybrat]

Hello,

Name: JeanneMarie.

Thank you for allowing me access to this web-site.

In my never-ending search for information about my father and understanding of what his life was like I came across this web site. Most of my friends are retired military. Growing up our home always had an open door to any soldier who wanted a home cooked meal, a place to put his feet up or just some family time esp. around the holiday's. My father began this practice while alive and to this day it is still honored.

I know that my life, liberty and freedom has been secured by military personnel and the sacrifices of their families.

This said I give you all my sincerest thanks for all that you do and the upmost respect.

Sincerely
BWNB

[eodjw]

Most of what we do is classified, or at least sensitive in nature. Gator is currently in school, and will soon be joining our ranks. If you have questions about school, he would have the most up to date information.

so alot of wat they do is classified?

also, are you able to tell me more about the EOD school? i would like to know more about wat u learn in the classroom, like physical princapls, chemistry ect. because i am currently in a physics class, but i would like to know wat to expect at the EOD school.

[csbergeron@hotmail.com]

EODJW
Hello, I have training here in Iraq with some some of the EOD guys getting ready to submit my package and would love to speak to you to get maybe some fresh ideas and help as far as success in this community. My email is csbergeron@hotmail.com. Thank you.
SB

[eodjw]

I'm happy to help, but I have to ask what specifically are you looking for? If you are with Navy Techs right now, they should be able to answer most of your questions.

[csbergeron@hotmail.com]

Any advice about training, what to perepare for. I have met a lot of Techs here with each giving me some really good advice, and any new advice couldnt hurt. Thanks.

[gator33]

If you check through some of the threads on this EOD section, I think you will find some more posts on the pipeline and some of what to expect. Good luck.

Gator

[csbergeron@hotmail.com]

Thank you for the help. Have one last question for eodjw. As a Master Tech, when you screen candidates, what are you expecting from them. Ie. education wise, physical wise and water competency wise? I get the HooYah part the heart and determnation, but as what are you really expecting from the sailor itself, what do you expect to see. Once again thank you. HooYah!!!

[ddssdv]

eodjw may I send you an e-mail . I am looking for some help on EOD reserves and don't want to mention names over the open forum.

Thanks.

As with any use of something you do not earn please remove "deepsea" from your monniker.

[ddssdv]

Thank you for the help. Have one last question for eodjw. As a Master Tech, when you screen candidates, what are you expecting from them. Ie. education wise, physical wise and water competency wise? I get the HooYah part the heart and determnation, but as what are you really expecting from the sailor itself, what do you expect to see. Once again thank you. HooYah!!!


EOD guys...I think this guy has "issues"...

[csbergeron@hotmail.com]

With all due respect this "guy" does not have issues. Just trying to be one step ahead and do everything to highest degree so I am successful. So I am sorry if my eagerness and motivation were percieved as something else.

[eodjw]

I want someone that is obviously switched on. Has some common sense. Is respectful, but can speak well and with confidence to a peer, a Chief or an officer. I'm not as concerned with the physical fitness, as long as they put out and do above the minimums. I've seen too many super athletes fail out of the program when something didn't come easy. Water competency is a must. They have to be comfortable in the water.

[csbergeron@hotmail.com]

Thank you EODJW, your input was very much appreciated.

[firsttimeeverytime]

EODjw, do you think you could email me at hiltoncc@email.uc.edu ? I have a number of questions and do not want to flood the thread. thanks a ton..

[eodjw]

I shot you an E-mail on Friday.

[sniperp_99]

EODJW do you have any training material or study material you can give out that i can study before heading to school. I noticed your profile says VB and since im in norfolk i can just swing by and pick it up if you have any.
thanks
FC2 Conto
Contopm@lpd19.navy.mil

[tech_intraining]

Made it to IED's today!

[oldswabbie]

Made it to IED's today!

Careful.... :) <opsec>

[Deep-Sea]

As with any use of something you do not earn please remove "deepsea" from your monniker.
Haven't been here in quite awhile. dfc5343 I agree with you and can asure you I earned it. I was a 5343 and a 5348. Good luck to all.

[jjrjr]

EODJW, do you think you could send me an email? If you have some spare time I have a few questions that I would really like to ask you but would rather not take up space here. RICHAR25 (at) tcnj.edu.

-JR