Army MOS · Combat & Infantry
89D Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist
Overview
An Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist locates, identifies, renders safe, and disposes of foreign and domestic conventional, chemical, and nuclear ordnance and explosive devices. This specialist also supports VIP missions for the U.S. Secret Service, State Department, and other federal agencies.
Minimum clearance: Top Secret
Core Skills
- threat assessment
- hazard identification and mitigation
- technical procedures under stress
- incident response coordination
- forensic-minded documentation
- use of robotics and remote tools
- intelligence and information reporting
- interagency coordination
- safety and compliance
- decision making under pressure
Civilian Software & Tools
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Blaster's Tool and Supply Company Blaster's Calculator
Civilian Career Paths
- Emergency Management
- Physical Security
- Private Security
- Executive Protection
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) · Funded · Promotion points
- Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner (CHMP)
- Safety Trained Supervisor (STS)
- Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) · Funded · Promotion points
- Associate Safety Professional (ASP) · Funded · Promotion points
Career Growth
- Associate Protection Professional (APP) · Funded · Promotion points
- Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)
- Certified Dangerous Goods Professional (CDGP)
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP) · Funded · Promotion points
- Hazardous Material Endorsement (H)
What the Work Involves
- Examine blast areas to determine amounts and kinds of explosive charges needed and to ensure that safety laws are observed.
- Tie specified lengths of delaying fuses into patterns in order to time sequences of explosions.
- Place safety cones around blast areas to alert other workers of danger zones, and signal workers as necessary to ensure that they clear blast sites prior to explosions.
- Place explosive charges in holes or other spots; then detonate explosives to demolish structures or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials.
- Insert, pack, and pour explosives, such as dynamite, ammonium nitrate, black powder, or slurries into blast holes; then shovel drill cuttings, admit water into boreholes, and tamp material to compact charges.
Related Occupations
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
- Helpers--Extraction Workers
- Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a high school diploma and some on-the-job training.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into 89D. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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