Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge
| Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Awarded by United States Armed Forces | |
| Type | Badge |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Statistics | |
| Established | 1950s |
| Last awarded | On going |
| Army Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Special Operations Diver Badge |
| Next (lower) | Pathfinder Badge |
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge is a military badge of the United States Armed Forces which recognizes those service members, qualified as explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians, who are specially trained to deal with the construction, deployment, disarmament, and disposal of high explosive munitions and may include other types of ordnance such as nuclear, biological and chemical weapons along with improvised explosive devices (IED) and improvised nuclear devices (IND). Also known as the “EOD Badge” or "Crab", the decoration is issued by the United States Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. The EOD Badge is the only occupational badge awarded to all four services under the United States Department of Defense.
First created in the 1950s, the EOD Badge is issued in three levels and is identical for all branches of service. Although each service has its own requirements the basic EOD badge is issued upon completion of explosive handling training and between 18–24 months of on-the-job field training. The Senior EOD Badge is issued after 3–5 years as an explosive ordnance specialist and the Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge is issued after 7–15 years of service in a senior supervisory position.
The "crab", as it is commonly known, is the only joint service badge and can only be earned upon successful completion of the 38 week course at the Naval School of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD) located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Prior to attending NAVSCOLEOD, Navy service members attend Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC) in Panama City, FL for a 9 week EOD Diver Course, Additionally the Naval students will attend the maritime ordnance section known as "Area 8" followed by Underwater division. After NAVSCOLEOD, Navy service members attend a 3-4 week course to earn "jump wings" at the Army's Ft. Benning, GA. Army service members will attend a course at Fort Lee, VA for 9-11 weeks before attending NAVSCOLEOD.
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