What exactly is it about EOD training that causes such a high washout rate? Is it the amount of learning that must be accomplished, any physical training, or just some people decide to change heir mind during the training? And as for officers do they get any time at all to be out in the field defusing bombs themselves before they're assigned to a desk job? I'm pretty sure they do because I read a report on a female West Point graduate who had to try on the suit, but I'd like to be sure. Any EOD techs please say what you have on the matter please.
NavyCrab2010-07-23T05:32:16Z
Favorite Answer
It's pretty much all that you listed that caused the attrition rate to be very high. EOD School is a very long school (in comparison to other military trainings) and quite a few recruits cannot keep focused for that long period of time. Also, some recruits got kicked out because they got caught doing things that they should not be doing. For the Navy, the physical part is tougher than EOD in other branches (not being biased, it is what it is), and the class time is longer by about 2 months as well (for Underwater Ordnance).
As a junior officer, you will be in the field. But as far as getting your hands dirty? Well, if you are nice to the senior enlisted techs, then, they may let you play a little bit ; ) Otherwise, go hang out with the junior guys doing 'route clearances' (and don't fall asleep, ha,ha)
If you want to be in EOD, you have to pass the Bomb Suit Test, regardless of whether you are going in as an officer or enlisted. It is pretty simple enough: put the suit on, perform few tasks, doing a little push up, running around, do a little math etc...
The high wash out rate is because of the steep learning curve, I know, I went out of basic training, and failed out on land mines in the ground division, then went back later and made it through with a lot more studying. Officers don't really have too much problem making it through the school because they are not going to be going out and diffusing bombs, its more a tryout to see if the techs teaching it want to work with you, if you aren't a douche you should do fine. I am in Iraq right now and out Captain went through school at the same time I did and while I am out doing route clearances and going on IED calls, he is briefing the base commanders on what EOD is up to and meeting with the intel people about what special projects we do and getting us a new car to train Iraqis on. Every once in a while he has time enough to get away and come on a route clearance with us, but his job is mostly administrative which is how it is with most officer jobs in the Air Force.
Stranger, that is very very not an Engineers job, that is an EOD Techs job, engineers blow and go, EOD Techs diffuse and obtain evidence, Do through post blasts and can tell the type of munition used by the size of the hole and little metal shards left over, do VIP support for the Secret Service looking for bombs. Its a common misconception that Engineers play in the same ball park as EOD but they don't. CRABS OVER CASTLES!
EOD officers go to Ordnance school, during Ordnance School they can apply for EOD. Most of the times there are roughly 2 to 10 slots open for EOD. People are not forced into EOD they have to apply for it and most of the times there are slots left over. Meaning, most people do not go out of their way for the position. The physical training is average, nothing special. As an officer you will not go around defusing bombs that's more of an Engineering job. Take it easy.
Well from what I've come to understand ( haven't actually done EOD but alot of them wash out into my career field *munitions systems expert*) The reason EOD has a high washout rate is due to both physical and mental. One guy I work with washed out into my career field because he couldn't put the suit on, run and pickup a 50lb package and run back in under the required time. also if you fail any of the tests more than 2 times, you are re-classed. Like I said I have never done it, but i Hope this helps you out a little bit at least. Very interesting career field though from what i've heard. Wish I would have gave it a shot myself, then i could have just been reclassed to where i am now if i had failed. Good luck!