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Image describing the meaning of the symbols on the Explosive Ordnance Disposal BadgeThe Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Department traces its origin to World War II when the U.S. Navy recognized the need for countering advanced and complex weapons systems deployed by other nations. Representing the largest concentration of EOD knowledge in the world, our mission is more relevant today than ever before. Ongoing global events and evolving threats have reemphasized how critical the EOD mission is to homeland security and the warfighter.

Mission: The EOD Department develops and delivers EOD knowledge, tools, equipment and life cycle support through an expeditionary workforce that exploits technology and information, enhances the technical intelligence process, and provides expertise that meets the needs of the Department of Defense EOD community, combatant commanders and our interagency partners.

DoD EOD technicians deployed worldwide are tasked with neutralizing unexploded ordnance of any kind, whether it be conventional, unconventional, improvised, chemical, biological or nuclear. Technicians also respond to the evolving threats posed by improvised explosive devices and weapons of mass destruction. Countering these threats requires EOD technicians to have quick and reliable access to a broad range of tools and information. To meet these needs, the EOD Department employs personnel in a variety of disciplines including mechanical and electrical engineers, information technology specialists, intelligence analysts, physicists, chemists, and numerous subject matter experts (SME) in unique fields.

To support EOD operators, the department uses multidisciplinary teams to develop tools and conduct research in a broad range of fields including information technologies, energetic materials, robotics, and laser technologies. Whether it be by reverse engineering existing ordnance and creating the procedures to make them safe, or spearheading the development of tools and technologies to counter emerging threats, the department is focused on exploiting technology and intelligence to develop, deliver and maintain tools and equipment to support the joint service EOD operating forces and other customers.

EOD Department slogan: Keep Them Off the Wall

Primary Products and Services

The EOD Department provides EOD support to joint service allies and partners through four divisions:​

  • Information Management (D1) Division develops and disseminates procedures and technical information to counter explosive threats while providing EOD knowledge and reach-back capabilities to the warfighter.
  • EOD Systems (D2) Division provides acquisition and engineering support to a diverse workforce of SMEs. Through technology development, integration, testing, in-service engineering and logistic support of explosive tools, equipment and security capabilities, D2 meets the needs of the EOD community and interagency partners.
  • Battle Laboratory (D3) Division provides timely, relevant capability analysis and recommendations to support equipment investment decisions and capability gap identification by engaging end users, technology providers, and SMEs in collaborative technology assessments. In order to accomplish this, D3 is split into three branches: Demonstration Assessment Team, Explosive Detection Equipment and EOD Technology Assessment Team.
  • International Programs Office (IPO) is responsible for assisting U.S. allies and partners with EOD publications and related material within the framework of federal laws, DoD policy and congressional guidance.

Capabilities

  • Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (IED)
  • Counter Radio Controlled IED Electronic Warfare (CREW)
  • EOD Publications
  • EOD Technology
  • Explosive Detection
  • Force Protection Systems
  • International Programs Office Support
  • Maritime Systems
  • Prototyping
  • Unexploded Ordnance
  • Unmanned Systems

Major Facilities

  • Foreign Ordnance Electronics Exploitation Laboratory
  • Magnetic Signature Test Facility
  • Ordnance Disassembly Complex
  • Chemical Laboratory (Explosives)
  • Explosive Test Ranges
  • Hypervelocity Test Facility
  • Model Shop