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Home/Rates/EOD
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician sailor
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician rating badgeEOD

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician(EOD Navy Rating)

Identifies, renders safe, and disposes of explosive ordnance and improvised explosive devices.

ATFAdvanced Technical Field

Overall

6.0/10
Burnout4.5
Lifestyle7.0
Civilian ROI5.3
Happiness7.5
Manning %1.2
$$$ Pay6.8

Quick Stats

Enlistment Bonus$30,000
Civilian Sector Transferability$55k–$90k
Advancement OutlookStrong opportunity
Manning %109%
Initial Contract4 yr active /
Medical Requirements
  • ✓Vision: Normal color perception; uncorrected ≤ 20/200 each eye, corrects to 20/25; no color-deficiency waivers
  • ✓Normal color perception

Security Clearance

Top Secret~$10K–$30K civilian sector value

Requires a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) covering your financial history, personal references, and criminal record. Processing takes 4–8 months and begins during your training pipeline.

ASVAB Requirements

AFQT Minimum

50

Who This Is Best For

Best for exceptionally composed, intelligent, and physically fit individuals seeking one of the most respected special operations careers in any branch. Intense selection and training with high attrition, but those who make it command respect everywhere. Civilian bomb squad, federal law enforcement, and defense contractor roles actively seek former EOD techs. Not for the faint-hearted — high reward requires high tolerance for risk and pressure.

+Pros

  • ✓Active enlistment bonus available
  • ✓Strong opportunity advancement outlook
  • ✓Strong civilian career transition

–Cons

  • ✗Long A-school pipeline

Real Opinions

+Positive

✓

“Not gonna lie, the pipeline is the hardest thing I have ever done. But the community is tight and the job is incredible.”

r/navy|
✓

“The job itself is incredible. You are the person everyone calls when something might explode. The responsibility and trust placed in you is immense.”

Indeed|

–Negative & Mixed

✗

“Attrition rate is insane. Most people who start the pipeline do not finish. Have a backup plan.”

r/newtothenavy|
⚬

“EOD school is one of the longest and hardest pipelines in the military. The washout rate is extremely high.”

Reddit|

Page 1 of 3

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Recruiter vs Reality

What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.

🫡 Recruiter says

“This is the most elite program in the military. You will be among the best of the best!”

💀 Reality

Source: MyNavyRates research

The attrition rate is 50-80%. Most candidates do not complete the pipeline and get reassigned to fleet needs. Physical and mental demands are extreme and ongoing.

🫡 Recruiter says

“EOD is like being in Special Forces.”

💀 Reality

Source: veteran feedback

EOD is special operations adjacent and works with SOF units, but the primary mission is rendering explosive ordnance safe, not direct action. The pipeline is brutally demanding with over 50% attrition.

Page 1 of 7

😱

Horror Stories

Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.

💀

“EOD2 Taylor Morris, 23, stepped on an IED in Kandahar that blew off all four limbs. While bleeding out he verbally warned incoming medics not to approach — afraid other mines would kill them too. He became the 5th quadruple amputee to survive.”

Source: missionrollcall.org|

Story 1 of 6

Share a horror story about EOD

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Related Reading

Guides on picking a rate, ASVAB, bonuses, promotion, and life after the Navy.

Getting Started

How do you choose the right Navy rate for you?

Choosing a Navy rate means weighing your ASVAB scores, lifestyle preferences, civilian career goals, and willingness to deploy or go to sea. Start by identifying which ratings you qualify for, then narrow the list by what matters most to you.

Getting Started

What is the ASVAB and what scores do you need?

The ASVAB is a multi-aptitude test that determines which Navy ratings you qualify for. Your sub-test scores combine into line scores, and each rating has minimum line-score requirements. Higher scores open more options.

Career & Pay

Which Navy rates have the biggest enlistment bonuses in 2026?

Active Component (Active Duty) only. Per the CNRC GENADMIN dated 24 July 2026, the biggest source-rate bonus is $40,000 — Nuclear Field on FY26 ship dates ($75,000 EB cap). Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) follows at $35,000, then EOD and SEAL (SO) at $30,000, and Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR) and Cryptologic Technician Maintenance (CTM) at $25,000. Special Operations Future Sailors who clear the elevated PST standards add a flat $20,000 EBPST. Most rates cap at $50,000 total EB. The Loan Repayment Program adds up to $65,000 on top, separately. Reserve component (SELRES) bonuses are governed by a different message and are not covered here.

Real Opinions

+Positive

✓

“Not gonna lie, the pipeline is the hardest thing I have ever done. But the community is tight and the job is incredible.”

r/navy|
✓

“The job itself is incredible. You are the person everyone calls when something might explode. The responsibility and trust placed in you is immense.”

Indeed|

–Negative & Mixed

✗

“Attrition rate is insane. Most people who start the pipeline do not finish. Have a backup plan.”

r/newtothenavy|
⚬

“EOD school is one of the longest and hardest pipelines in the military. The washout rate is extremely high.”

Reddit|

Page 1 of 3

Share your opinion about EOD

0 chars
Select one:

Recruiter vs Reality

What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.

🫡 Recruiter says

“This is the most elite program in the military. You will be among the best of the best!”

💀 Reality

Source: MyNavyRates research

The attrition rate is 50-80%. Most candidates do not complete the pipeline and get reassigned to fleet needs. Physical and mental demands are extreme and ongoing.

🫡 Recruiter says

“EOD is like being in Special Forces.”

💀 Reality

Source: veteran feedback

EOD is special operations adjacent and works with SOF units, but the primary mission is rendering explosive ordnance safe, not direct action. The pipeline is brutally demanding with over 50% attrition.

Page 1 of 7

😱

Horror Stories

Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.

💀

“EOD2 Taylor Morris, 23, stepped on an IED in Kandahar that blew off all four limbs. While bleeding out he verbally warned incoming medics not to approach — afraid other mines would kill them too. He became the 5th quadruple amputee to survive.”

Source: missionrollcall.org|

Story 1 of 6

Share a horror story about EOD

0 chars

Line-score options — meet any one

  • VE+AR≥109 and MC≥51
  • GS+MC+EI≥169
Calculate your score →

Medical Requirements — detail

Uncorrected vision can be no worse than 20/200 in each eye. Both eyes must correct to 20/25. No color deficiency waivers authorized. Hearing in either ear must not be greater than 35dB at 500/1000/2000; not greater than 45dB at 3000/4000.

Remarks

Must meet physical requirements per reference (e) and pass the physical screening test IAW reference (b). See MILPERSMAN 1220-410 and 1220-200. Must be 30 years of age or less at time of accession. Special Requirements for Warrior Challenge: Candidates for the Warrior Challenge Program with following conditions are disqualified and no waiver will be approved: 1. Lack of normal color perception. No color vision waivers will be approved for any program; 2. Any broken bone or joint from which applicant was cleared within the last 6 months (Must be 6 months since the date cleared from treatment); 3. Any surgery from which cleared within last 6 months (must be 6 months since date cleared from treatment); 4. Stress fractures occurring within the last 6 months; 5. More than a single kidney stone; 6. Seizures (other than childhood seizures); 7. Concussions that resulted in a coma or have persistent neurologic deficits; 8. Any drug use except for marijuana (CNRC Warrior Challenge Program Manager may conduct a program eligibility determination for ONE misdemeanor drug abuse conviction marijuana ONLY OR a possession of drug paraphernalia (marijuana ONLY). Determinations will be made strictly on a case-by-case basis.) 9. Any daily Asthma medications after the age of 13; 10. Anaphylaxis (all allergies should be documented as to what the reaction is); 11. Angioedema; 12. Inability to perform Valsalva maneuver (Chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction); 13. Ulcers; 14. Pneumothorax (spontaneous); 15. Pulmonary Blebs; 16. Emphysema; 17. COPD; 18. Central blood clots (strokes, pulmonary emboli); 19. Suicidal ideations; 20. ADHD (No medications or symptoms in the last 12 months prior to accession); 21. Any history of mental health issues/disorders.

Source: CNRC / ECM Rating List, 19 Jan 2026. Verify current guidance with your recruiter before signing.

Training Pipeline — Total ~50 weeks (12 months)

8w
42w
Boot Camp— 8 weeks
RTC Great Lakes, IL
Basic military training for all recruits
A-School— 42 weeks
NAVSCOLEOD Eglin AFB, FL
44.7% washoutDifficulty: 6.0/10
Technical training for rating qualification
Fleet Assignment— 0 weeks
First duty station
Report to operational command

Calculate Your End Training Date and Holidays and Events You Will Miss During Training

Ship dates are approximate and based on the weekly RTC Great Lakes schedule. Confirm your exact date with your recruiter. Source: bootcamp.navy.mil

Career Progression Milestones

Estimated timeline based on current advancement rates. Actual timing varies by individual performance and Navy needs.

1yr
1 mo
1yr 5mo
6 mo
1yr 6mo
Training Complete— 1yr
Pipeline finished (~12 mo) — NAVSCOLEOD Eglin AFB, FL
First Duty Station— 1yr 1mo
Sea or shore duty assignment
NEC Specialization Options— 2yr 6mo
18 specializations available
M00AM01AM02A

Advancement Outlook

E-2 to E-4 Advancement Outlook

Time to E-4: 30 months total

  • E-1 → E-2: 9 months at E-1. Automatic
  • E-2 → E-3: 9 months at E-2. Automatic
  • E-3 → E-4: 12 months at E-3. Automatic

E-4 is automatic — competitive advancement starts at E-5

How to advance faster to E-4

Your recruiter can process you in at E-2 or E-3 on day one if you qualify. Every rung skipped shortens the path to E-4 by months. Official transcripts / certificates required at enlistment.

  • E-2 →Easy
    2 years of JROTC completed. Easiest common path if your high school offers JROTC.
  • E-2 →Moderate
    24+ semester hours/ 36+ quarter hours of college credit (below the associate's threshold). Roughly one full year of college.
  • E-2 →Moderate
    Civil Air Patrol Billy Mitchell Award. Achievable with consistent cadet participation, but requires testing and leadership time.
  • E-2 →Moderate
    Sea Cadet Corps — reaching the Sea Cadet E-2 rate (join by age 17).
  • E-2 to E-3 →Moderate
    Boot camp leadership roles — roles don't auto-pin rank. Advancement comes from earning Honor Recruit or Hall of Fame at graduation (one award only, not stacked).
    • Honor Recruit up to E-2 — effectively the #1 ranked recruit in your division (~60-80 recruits), one Sailor per division per cycle. Selection is based on cumulative performance across all three academic exams, Physical Readiness Test (PRT) scores, uniform and personnel inspections, military bearing, and peer/Recruit Division Commander (RDC) evaluations. Roles that typically compete at this level:
      • Assistant LPO (ALPO) — deputy to the LPO.
      • Master-at-Arms (MAA) — barracks cleanliness, standards, and discipline.
      • Yeoman (YN) — division admin, paperwork, and tracking.
      • Educational Petty Officer (EPO) — study groups, test prep, and academic remediation.
      • Religious Petty Officer (RPO) — coordinates chapel and religious services.
      • Athletic Petty Officer (APO) — leads PT and fitness assessments.
      • Mail Petty Officer — handles mail distribution and tracking.
      • Section Leaders — squad-level leaders below the division-wide roles.
    • Hall of Fame up to E-3 — the most elite recognition at Recruit Training Command (RTC), awarded Navy-wide rather than per division. Requires exceptional performance in every training metric: top-tier scores on all three academic exams (typically 90%+), "Outstanding" on the final Physical Readiness Test (PRT), near-perfect uniform and personnel inspections, held a division leadership role with strong performance, and zero remediation, infractions, or negative marks across the full training cycle. Senior leadership roles positioned to compete:
  • E-3 →Moderate
    3 years of JROTC completed (any service branch). Straightforward if your high school has the program — three school years of enrollment.
  • E-3 →Hard
    Eagle Scout (BSA) or Gold Award (GSUSA) — the highest youth scouting awards. Typically takes years of participation and a capstone service project.
  • E-3 →Hard
    Associate's degree (or 48+ semester hours / 72+ quarter hours of college credit, 100-level or higher from an accredited institution). Two years of full-time college.
  • E-3 →Hard
    Civil Air Patrol Earhart Award. Uncommon — only a small fraction of CAP cadets reach this level.
  • E-3 →Hard
    Sea Cadet Corps — reaching the Sea Cadet E-3 rate (join by age 16).

Ceiling is E-3 at accession — stacking qualifications doesn't push you to E-4 out of the gate.

Ways to accelerate E-4 after you're in

  • HardAdvanced Technical Field (ATF) ProgramAuto E-4 — EOD is on the ATF roster. Per MILPERSMAN 1510-030 §3a the full ATF list is the Naval Aircrewman service ratings (AWF / AWR / AWS / AWO / AWV), the cryptologic / cyber ratings CTI, CWT, the special-operations ratings EOD, ND, SB, SO, plus IC, IS, IT, the submarine-IT ratings ITE / ITN / ITR, and specific HM advanced NECs (L00A, L02A, L08A, L17A, L24A, L27A, L31A). ATF Sailors advance to E-2 on RTC graduation (§2b), E-3 after 9 months TIG (§9c), and E-4 after A-school + required advanced training + 6 months TIG at E-3 (§9d). Governed by MILPERSMAN 1510-030 (CH-94, 16 Mar 2026) and MILPERSMAN 1430-010. Requirements (§9d):
    • All requirements for advancement in rate completed
    • CO recommendation via NAVPERS 1336/3
    • PFA / body-composition standards (OPNAVINST 6110.1K)
    • Required advanced training complete
    • Sufficient obligated service — ATF carries a 6-year OBLISERV (§7)
    ATF is an enlistment-level election at MEPS / RTC (§2a). Fleet Sailors may request enrollment while at a training activity; conversion into an ATF-only rating auto-enrolls. EOD special case (§8e): Sailors disenrolled from EOD A-school but awarded NEC M00A (EOD Mobile Unit Apprentice) are still eligible for automatic E-4 advancement. Advanced training for EOD is included in the A-school pipeline itself (§4b.1.c), so the 6-months-TIG-at-E-3 clock starts at A-school completion.
  • Very Hard

Rules can change — verify current criteria with your recruiter and in the latest Navy Recruiting Manual (COMNAVCRUITCOM) before signing any paperwork that assumes a specific entry paygrade.

E-5 and E-6 Advancement Outlook

Strong opportunity★★★☆

2 of 4 factors working in your favor · 1 working against you

  • ▼

    Manning

    E5 110%E6 107%(E-5/E-6)
    Community is at or above authorized strength. Limited BBA billet gaps — expect more competition and slower promotion.

    Source: N12 Community Health Indicator brief (FY26)

  • ▲

    Initial Enlistment Bonus

    Yes — active bonus

    The Navy currently pays an enlistment bonus to new recruits who select this rate. An active bonus usually signals the community is short on accessions, which is the same pressure that keeps senior billets open.
  • ▲

    Overall Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) Outlook

Bonuses — Click here to see your military pay

All Active CNRC Enlistment Incentives

Active Duty

Source: CNRC GENADMIN 24 JUL 26 — effective Jul 27, 2026, contracts authorized through Dec 31, 2026 (NDAA 2026)

Active Component only. Reservist (SELRES) shipping bonuses are set by a separate CNRF incentive message — ask your recruiter.

Bonuses can stack up to the rating's EB cap; LRP is independent. Footnote numbers match the source GENADMIN.

Source-Rate Bonus (EBSR)

Earned at school graduation; only EB type that can be partially recouped.

EOD-ATF

Any

$30,000[5, 6]

Physical Screening Test Bonus (EBPST)

NSO ratings only — for FSs who exceed elevated PST standards.

EOD-ATF

October–September Any

$20,000[1, 2]

Loan Repayment Program (LRP)

Stacks on top of EB cap. AFQT ≥ 50, ~25% tax withheld, DD 2475 required per payment.

EOD-ATF

October–September Any

Up to $65,000[1]

EBSR Notes

  • 5EOD ATF: payment after EOD "A" school. Navy Diver (ND) ATF: payment after Dive "A" school. Special Warfare Operator (SO) ATF: payment after SEAL Qualification Training (SQT).
  • 6Sailor must have earned the rating Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) and a security clearance.

EBPST Notes

  • 1EBPST eligibility exists only while the FS is in DEP. May not reclassify at RTC. Earned and payable upon RTC graduation. Cannot be recouped for post-RTC reclassification or separation.
  • 2When a Future Sailor meets the elevated PST standards in COMNAVCRUITCOMINST 1121.2D (Navy Special Operations program guidance), the EBPST is added to the Enlistment Guarantee (NAVCRUIT 1133/52).

LRP Notes

  • 1Future Sailor must access into Active Component and have LRP listed as a guarantee on their current Annex to DD Form 4 (NAVCRUIT 1133/52). The NRC LRP Manager approves prior to a new Annex being generated. LRP can stack with all other EB types up to its own $65,000 maximum. Applicants need AFQT 50+, must submit a DD 2475 for each payment, and roughly 25% of each payment is withheld for taxes (a W-2 is issued).

Cross-cutting Policy Notes

  • 1Future Sailors with Tier 3 education credentials (e.g., HiSET / GED / alternative credential) are NOT authorized any EB.

Always verify with a recruiter before signing — eligibility depends on AFQT, education tier, security-clearance adjudication, ship date, and program availability. Funding subject to congressional reauthorization of 37 USC § 331.

How to qualify & get paid

  1. Sign a contract for this rate at MEPS with the bonus(es) listed on your NAVCRUIT 1133/52 Enlistment Guarantee — eligibility is locked at signing.
  2. Ship to Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes inside the authorized window — EBSHP and EBPST are earned and paid at RTC graduation and cannot be recouped after.
  3. Complete A-school (and any required follow-on C-school or qualifying course) for your rating — EBSR is earned and paid at school graduation, except for the Special-Operations pipelines, which pay later (AIRR after FRS + first duty station; SO after SQT; SB after SWCC Charlie phase; EOD/ND after their respective A-schools).
  4. LRP is paid annually upon submission of a DD 2475; ~25% is withheld for federal taxes, and a W-2 is issued. LRP must be on your contract at accession — it cannot be added later via reclassification.

Important details & disqualifiers

  • •All bonuses on this page are Active Component (Active Duty) only. Reservists (SELRES) follow a separate CNRF incentive message — ask your recruiter.
  • •Future Sailors with Tier 3 education credentials (HiSET / GED / alternative) are NOT authorized any EB.
  • •AFQT score must be ≥ 31 for EBSHP and ≥ 50 for LRP.
  • •EBSR is the only EB type that can be partially recouped if you separate before completing the obligated service. EBSHP / EBPST cannot be recouped after RTC.
  • •Bonus payments are subject to federal income tax withholding.
  • •EB-for-High-School (EBHS) is currently NOT authorized in the July 2026 GENADMIN — distinct from earlier cycles when it was offered.
  • •Funding: NDAA 2026 authorizes contracts through 31 December 2026; appropriations cover obligations through 30 September 2026; max-EB authority extends through 10 January 2027 — all subject to congressional reauthorization of 37 USC § 331.
  • •This rate requires a security clearance — failure to obtain clearance may affect bonus eligibility (and several special-operations footnotes explicitly require an earned NEC + clearance before payment).

Historical Bonus Trend by Contract Length

Past NAVADMIN cycles, broken out by contract years. The current CNRC GENADMIN's source-rate bonus (EBSR) is a single amount per rate and appears above; the four-line chart below shows the older multi-contract structure for trend context only.

You May Qualify for a Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC)

Specialties within this rate you can select, some with additional compensation. Each NEC has its own training, bonus potential, and career path.

M04AMaster EOD Technician

In addition to M03A also plans Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operations.

Requirements

  • Only personnel with NEC code M03A are eligible for this NEC code.
  • NEC code may be awarded to personnel 48 months after Senior EOD Warfare Specialist (EWS) qualification date.
  • NEC code M04A requires the completion of Master EWS PQS (NAVEDTRA 43171-3 Series) and Master EWS Screening Board.

Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB)

—

First Reenlistment (17 mo to 6 yrs Active Duty)

Not eligible

🟡

Second Reenlistment (6 to 10 yrs Active Duty)

$100,000

Max

Reduced · effective 2025-12-18

🟡

Third Reenlistment (10 to 14 yrs Active Duty)

Potential Civilian Post-Navy Outcomes

Bomb Technician

Transferability: 7/10

$55k–$90k

UXO Specialist

Transferability: 8/10

$60k–$100k

Post-Navy Salary Trajectory

Estimated civilian salary growth after separating from the Navy, based on industry data for this rating's skill set.

Year 1

$55K

Year 5

$75K

Year 10

$100K

10-year growth: +82%

Retention & Burnout

First-Term Retention

60%

choose to reenlist

Burnout Index

4.5/10

Moderate

Watch Intensity

5

Hours/Day

9

Deploy Tempo

8

Manning Strain

0

Low Morale Risk

3

Attrition Signal

4

What this means: The Burnout Index combines watch intensity (25%), daily hours (20%), deployment tempo (15%), manning strain (15%), morale (15%), and attrition (10%) into a single risk score.

Lifestyle7/10

Ship vs. Shore Split

55% / 45%

Sea Duty Tempo

High — 8/10

Physical Demand

high — outdoor

Sea Duty Tempo measures how much of a career is spent in deployable billets — ships, submarines, deploying squadrons, and expeditionary units — and how often those units leave homeport. It is separate from physical demand: an administrative job aboard a deployed unit still deploys, and a hands-on maintenance job at a shore command does not.

Watch Standing

Mission-dependent rotation, no fixed schedule

Watch standing is a 24-hour duty rotation where sailors take turns manning critical positions aboard the ship or at their command. The rotation determines how frequently you stand watch and how much rest time you get between shifts.

Operational tempo drives schedule. Extended field exercises and real-world missions are common.

OPNAVINST 3120.32DUSNI ProceedingsNavy Watch Standing Manual

Life on Watch — Sea Stories

“I was on standby duty when the call came in at 0400 — a fisherman off the coast had netted what appeared to be a WWII-era naval mine. Coast Guard was on scene and needed EOD. We loaded the boat, transited out in the dark, and found a corroded but very much live contact mine tangled in fishing nets. I suited up and went in the water to assess it while my team set up a safe perimeter. We ended up doing a controlled detonation at sea. The fisherman watched from 500 yards away and later told the news he thought it was just a metal ball. It was 600 pounds of TNT that had been waiting 80 years for someone to disturb it.”

Veteran account (composite)

Story 1 of 4

Common Duty Stations

Naval Station NorfolkSea
Family Friendly

6.9/10

Schools + spouse jobs

Base Housing Wait

10 months

Avg waitlist for on-base

Cost of Living

95

100 = national avg

Naval Base San DiegoSea
Family Friendly

7.9/10

Schools + spouse jobs

Base Housing Wait

14 months

Avg waitlist for on-base

Cost of Living

135

100 = national avg

Naval Station JacksonvilleShore
🎓

Step-by-Step Strategy Guide to Getting an Associate's Degree After Boot Camp — For Free

Most sailors don't know they already have 9 or more general education college credits just from graduating boot camp.

Based on your rate, you may have more.

You can earn an associate's degree for free in 12-30 months without spending a dime.

Strategy Guide & Boot Camp College Credit Calculator →
Not the rate for you? See other ratings side by side →

Talk to a Sailor

Community Poll

If you could go back, would you pick EOD again?

Career & Pay

How does promotion work in the Navy?

Navy advancement depends on exam scores, evaluations, time in rate, and available quotas. Some ratings promote over 50% of eligible sailors while others promote less than 5%. Your rate choice directly affects how fast you can advance.

Career & Pay

Which Navy jobs set you up best for a civilian career?

Information warfare ratings (IT, CTN, IS) and medical ratings (HM) offer the strongest civilian career pipelines. Security clearances, technical certifications, and hands-on experience make these sailors highly competitive in the private sector.

Browse all articles →

Life on Watch — Sea Stories

“I was on standby duty when the call came in at 0400 — a fisherman off the coast had netted what appeared to be a WWII-era naval mine. Coast Guard was on scene and needed EOD. We loaded the boat, transited out in the dark, and found a corroded but very much live contact mine tangled in fishing nets. I suited up and went in the water to assess it while my team set up a safe perimeter. We ended up doing a controlled detonation at sea. The fisherman watched from 500 yards away and later told the news he thought it was just a metal ball. It was 600 pounds of TNT that had been waiting 80 years for someone to disturb it.”

Veteran account (composite)

Story 1 of 4

M03A
+ more
C-School / Advanced Training— 3yr
2 follow-on schools available
Shore Duty Rotation— 4yr 6mo
First shore rotation opportunity
  • Leading Petty Officer (LPO) — runs day-to-day ops inside the division.
  • Assistant RCPO (ARCPO) — backs up the RCPO and steps in when needed.
  • Recruit Chief Petty Officer (RCPO) — senior recruit in the division, overall accountability to the RDCs. Highest visibility for meritorious advancement.
Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP) — Command-nominated promotion that skips the exam entirely. Each command gets a small seasonal quota of MAP slots and hands them to the top performers based on evaluation ranking. Fastest path on paper, but you're competing directly with every other sailor at your command.
Competitive+0 SRB added/increased · −3 SRB reduced/eliminated
$100,000 max
Navy is paying a substantial bonus to retain sailors. Strong signal that billets are staying empty at senior paygrades.
  • ●

    Billet-Based Advancement eligibility

    Legacy exam cycles

    This rating has not been integrated into Billet-Based Advancement yet. Advancement still runs through the traditional exam and Final Multiple Score (FMS) system — your exam score is one of the main factors in how you promote.

    • Sources: Manning NAVADMIN · SRB NAVADMIN · Billet-Based Advancement Handbook (NAVADMIN 255/24, updated via NAVADMIN 112/25). How to interpret these factors →

  • 2Prior-service members re-enlisting onto Active Duty must enter at pay grade E-4 or below, must not have received a bonus on their first enlistment, and (Navy prior-service) must have been separated from active duty for at least 12 months before shipping.
  • 3EBHS (EB for High School) is currently NOT AUTHORIZED in this message — distinct from prior cycles when EBHS was offered.
  • 4During lapsed appropriations, classifiers may still include EB on a contract if the DD 1966 carries the funding-availability disclaimer; payment is then subject to a future appropriation.
  • 5Bonuses are paid in installments. Only the unearned portion of EBSR is eligible for recoupment; EBSHP/EBPST cannot be recouped due to post-RTC reclassification or separation.

    • $100,000

    Max

    Reduced · effective 2025-12-18

    M03ASenior EOD Technician

    In addition to M02A skills, also performs, supervises and provides training in EOD operations.

    Requirements

    • Only graduates of Explosive Ordnance Disposal A School with NEC code M02A are eligible for this NEC Code.
    • NEC Code may be awarded to personnel 24 months after permanent assignment to an EOD Unit.
    • Completion of Senior EOD Warfare Specialist (EWS) PQS (NAVEDTRA 43171-2 Series) and Senior EWS Screening Board is required to earn this NEC code.

    Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB)

    🟢

    First Reenlistment (17 mo to 6 yrs Active Duty)

    $75,000

    Max

    Active (unchanged)

    🟡

    Second Reenlistment (6 to 10 yrs Active Duty)

    $90,000

    Max

    Reduced · effective 2025-12-18

    🟢

    Third Reenlistment (10 to 14 yrs Active Duty)

    $60,000

    Max

    Active (unchanged)

    M02ABasic EOD Technician

    Performs EOD operations to include: location, identification, render safe and disposal of foreign and domestic ordnance including conventional, chemical, biological, nuclear, underwater, and improvised explosive devices enabling access during military operations in support of Carrier and Expeditionary Strike Groups, Mine Countermeasures, Naval Special Warfare, and Army Special Forces.

    Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB)

    🟢

    First Reenlistment (17 mo to 6 yrs Active Duty)

    $60,000

    Max

    Active (unchanged)

    🟢

    Second Reenlistment (6 to 10 yrs Active Duty)

    $60,000

    Max

    Active (unchanged)

    —

    Third Reenlistment (10 to 14 yrs Active Duty)

    Not eligible

    M00AExplosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) Apprentice

    Performs diving, demolition, ordnance location and identification, operational support, and logistics support to EOD commands.

    Requirements

    • Members must complete EOD "A" School through "CORE DIVISION" of DOD JOINT EOD COMMON CORE (CIN A-431-0134); graduation of the complete CIN formal training not required to earn this NEC code.
    • Member must perform as an apprentice at an EOD operational command with the intent to return to and complete the EOD "A" School training pipeline.
    • Members who fail to complete training upon return to EOD "A" School or refuse to return to training, will be Force Converted IAW MPM 1220- 200 and MPM 1440-011.
    • Member must submit NAVPERS 1221/6 to BUPERS-3129F (EOD ECM) with Commanding Officer/OIC endorsement for awarding of this NEC code.
    • Member will not be advanced to E5 unless they hold either M02A, M03A or M04A NEC codes. Member shall not be advanced to E5 while holding this NEC code as their primary NEC code.
    • Members who are dropped from training for misconduct, academic dishonesty or drug/alcohol related offenses shall not be awarded this NEC code. 110
    M01A(EOD) Apprentice Diver (Student Status)

    Member is in an EOD training student status. Performs basic EOD related diving procedures, including bottom and hull searches, day or night, using SCUBA, surface supplied, and mixed or gas diving equipment. Tests, repairs, and adjusts scuba and associated underwater equipment.

    M04CMaster Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician Company Leading Chief Petty Officer (CLCPO)

    Member has successfully completed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician Company Leading Chief Petty Officer (CLCPO) milestone as outlined in the EOD Career Path.

    M04LMaster Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician Leading Petty Officer (LPO)

    Member has successfully completed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician Leading Petty Officer (LPO) milestone as outlined in the EOD Career Path.

    M04MMaster Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician Command Master Chief (CMC)

    Member screened and selected for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician Command Master Chief.

    Requirements

    • Member must complete the CMC/COB COI and the EOD Senior Leadership COI.
    • Commodore waiver is required for non-attendance top the ESL COI.
    • Member must submit NAVPERS 1221/6 with Commanding Officer's endorsement to BUPERS-3129F for awarding of this NEC Code.
    M04PMaster Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician Platoon Leading Chief Petty Officer (PLCPO)

    Member has successfully completed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician Platoon Leading Chief Petty Officer (PLCPO) milestone as outlined in the EOD Career Path.

    M05AExplosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exploitation Specialist

    Perform, supervise, manage and provide training in Level 1 and 2 Technical Intelligence exploitation. Responsibilities include explosive triage activities; initial tactical and technical categorization of materials of interest; and initial intelligence analysis related to the exploited items.

    Requirements

    • Member must complete prescribed OJT; complete training and task certifications as outlined in the EOD Exploitation Specialist JQR; and complete the Navy Expeditionary Exploitation Unit ONE Readiness and Training Department's Technical Exploitation Platoon pre-deployment training cycle.
    • Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance eligible.
    717BSmall Arms Marksmanship Instructor

    Performs specific duties as a Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor. Conducts training in all phases of basic marksmanship, both ashore and afloat, including firearms safety, mechanical training on small arms, instructional and qualification firing, basic range operations, records and reports. Performs preventive maintenance on small arms.

    Requirements

    • Personnel who have previously earned either M01A, M02A, M03A, M04A, M05A, O20A, O23A, O26A, O29A or 757B NEC code may be awarded this NEC code upon completion of formal training.
    • Source ratings AW, AWR, and AWS must hold NEC code G02A prior to assignment of this NEC code.
    • For all additional Source Ratings other than AO, AW, AWF, AWR, AWS, BU, CB, CE, CM, CU, EA, EO, EOD, FC, FCA, GM, MA, MN, ND, SB, SO, STG, SW, TM and UT, this NEC code may be awarded to personnel but will not be used to identify additional Source Ratings on billets.
    • Awarding of this NEC code for Source Rating AW (E9) only applies to SELRES personnel.
    718BCrew Served Weapons (CSW) Instructor

    Provides Command personnel training to qualify as command anti-terrorism (AT) watchstanders as a Crew Served Weapons operator. In addition, this person will assist the AT Training Supervisor in the development and conduct of AT exercises, CSW Casualty Control drills and tactical employment of CSW training.

    Requirements

    • For all additional Source Ratings other than AO, AW, BU, CB, CE, CM, CU, EA, EO, EOD, FC, FCA, GM, MA, MN, ND, SB, SO, STG, SW, TM and UT, this NEC code may be awarded to personnel but will not be used to identify additional Source Ratings on billets.
    • Awarding of this NEC code for Source Rating AW (E9) only applies to SELRES personnel.
    746BOutboard Engine Maintenance Technician

    Performs periodic and routine maintenance, preoperational and operational inspections, troubleshooting procedures, and repairing outboard eng1nes.

    772ASenior Naval Parachutist

    Directs most phases of parachute operations at activities that employ parachutists as part of their mission. Leads high-risk static-line parachute operations on land and at sea. Supervises drop zone activities during the conducting of jump operations.

    Requirements

    • NEC code is assigned to personnel in paygrades E4 and above who have been assigned to parachute jumping duty by competent orders. Must be designated as a Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist and have completed approved static-line, Military Freefall (MFF) and Static-Line Jumpmaster (SLJM) courses prescribed by competent authority, as well as the following: a. 2-night static line jumps with combat equipment. b. 75 MFF jumps. c. 2 water landing jumps (1 Day/1 Night). d. 4 MFF jumps with combat equipment requiring the use of oxygen (2 Day/2 Night). e. Performed as SLJM for a minimum of 10 parachute operations.
    • A NAVPERS 1221/6 with supporting documentation shall be submitted to BUPERS-312 by the Commanding Officer via the respective ECM for NEC code 772A award upon member's completion and documentation of all applicable prerequisite requirements.
    773AAir Operations Parachute Rigger

    Packs and maintains premeditated personnel parachute equipment unique to Naval Special Warfare (NSW) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Operations.

    Requirements

    • Member must complete the Army 92R (CIN: C-860-0014/28EY) course and the Navy Phase IV pipeline (CIN: C-860-0011 (P/L)) course to earn this NEC code.
    • Member may earn this NEC code via OJT if attached to an EOD rigger unit for 1 year and must be observed by an Army/Navy school graduate who has been qualified prior to 1 July 1990 (OPNAV WASH DC 110512Z Aug 90 refers).
    • All E3 EOD, ND, SB and SO personnel who previously earned this NEC code shall retain it for future inventory management and tracking purposes.
    787ANaval Special Warfare Small Arms Organizational Level Maintenance Technician

    NEC will provide personnel with enhanced organizational level maintenance training on all small arms and gun mounts fielded by Naval Special Warfare. Personnel will possess the unique skills required to conduct preventative and limited corrective maintenance on small arms and gun mounts in support of SEAL/SDV Teams and Special Boat Teams.

    789AUnmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) Operator

    Performs duties as a member, or in support of a UUV activity, to include sortie planning, launch and recovery, local or remote watch, post mission analysis, and organizational level maintenance.

    Requirements

    • To be eligible for this NEC Code member must have: a. Qualified on a Navy UUV system. b. Completed at least two weeks of formal classroom instruction on the operation and maintenance of UUVs (e.g., factory schooling, university short-course, MK-18 operator course, etc.). c. Completed twelve months of OJT and primary duties involved UUV operations.
    • Reserve Force members may satisfy the OJT requirement by 100 days of Annual Training (AT) and Active Duty for Training (ADT) or 18 months of Individual Duty for Training (IDT) and AT in support of UUV operations.
    • Submit NAVPERS 1221/6 to BUPERS-312 with endorsement from UUV activity. 277
    790AMaster Naval Parachutist

    Directs all phases of parachute operations at activities that employ parachutists as part of their mission. Specializes in the instruction of students/ parachutists during static-line and military freefall (MFF) day and night jumps to include oxygen and combat equipment. Supervises drop zone activities during the conducting of jump operations.

    Requirements

    • NEC code is assigned to personnel in paygrades E6 and above who have satisfactorily completed an instructor's course and have been assigned to parachute jumping duty by competent orders. Must have satisfactorily completed approved static-line, MFF, static-line Jumpmaster and MFF Jumpmaster courses prescribed by competent authority, as well as the following: a. 150 MFF jumps. b. 4 water landing jumps (2 day/2 night). c. Performed as MFF Jumpmaster for a minimum of 15 parachute operations.
    Family Friendly

    6.8/10

    Schools + spouse jobs

    Base Housing Wait

    8 months

    Avg waitlist for on-base

    Cost of Living

    92

    100 = national avg

    View all stations →

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