Center for Explosive Ordnance Disposal & Diving

Prior to World War II, the Navy had no formal Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) program. Incidents and accidents which would now be handled by Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians, were then handled by the best-qualified ordnance personnel available. Early in World War II, because of the high casualty rate, it became obvious to the British that a need existed for a corps of skilled technicians to render safe or dispose of an increasing number of unexploded ordnance items which presented hazards to their people and operations.

Shortly before U.S. entry into World War II, an agreement was reached with the British whereby a nucleus of U.S. Naval officers and enlisted personnel would work with the British units in the field and subsequently bring the skills back home. When this group returned, the decision was made to provide formal Explosive Ordnance Disposal training in the United States. In June, 1941, the first Mine Disposal Class was convened at the Naval Gun Factory, Washington, DC. In December of the same year, the Bomb Disposal School was also established at the same location. The Bomb Disposal School was later moved to American University. The Advanced Mine School stayed at the Gun Factory (Washington Navy Yard) until it moved to the Naval Receiving Station, Anacostia in 1942. The School was renamed to the Mine Disposal School on October 21, 1943. In November 1945 the two schools were combined and established at the Naval Powder Factory, Indian Head, Maryland.

In 1947, responsibility for Explosive Ordnance Disposal training for all services was delegated to the Navy, and officers and enlisted of all services were added to the staff. This relationship flourished, and as the performance of the newly formed Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians improved, the demand for their unique talents increased. By 1958, facilities required to meet these increased requirements were met by the dedication of Surface and Nuclear Training Buildings. Subsequently, a half million-gallon diving pool (underwater training facility) was constructed greatly expanding the capability of the school to train Naval Officers and enlisted personnel in the peculiarities of EOD diving. In late 1971, the Department of Defense consolidated the EOD Training and Technology Programs under the single managership of the Navy. This action, along with improving the training of the EOD technicians, resulted in the establishment of district organizations by the other services at NAVSCOLEOD and the creation of the DOD EOD Technical Training Acceptance Board.

To meet increased requirements for trained Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians, as well as to support expanding curriculum requirements, the Chief of Naval Operations, on 1 October 1985, established the Naval School, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachment at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Construction of these facilities began in October 1986 and was officially opened for business on 24 June 1988. On 15 November 1996, a groundbreaking ceremony was conducted at Eglin AFB. Construction began on the $16.2 million military construction project which, on completion, would provide the facilities for all the basic EOD training at Eglin.

Today the consolidated Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Training Facility supports the Department of Defense Joint Service EOD training mission. This military construction project centralizes all basic EOD training at Eglin AFB, Florida. The consolidation saves the DoD $4.3 million in annual recurring costs. The project provided for five new buildings totaling 117,000 square feet at a cost of $16.2 million. In addition, a current Chief of Naval Education and Training (CNET) Technology Infusion Project is underway which will upgrade our curriculum delivery technology with state-of-the-art computer-based hardware and software.[3]

Prospective Navy EOD techs undergo screening while in recruit training. Candidates who pass basic eligibility screening will advance to preparatory training at Naval Station Great Lakes where swimming and physical conditioning will occur. Candidates will then continue to NDSTC in Panama City for nine weeks of dive training, before actually beginning EOD training at NAVSCHOLEOD.