Very seriously considering reclassing to 89D Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist. Is it worth it?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 22:39:30 -0500

Very seriously considering reclassing to 89D Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist. I am looking for any advice from former/current EOD soldiers out there, was it worth it for you? Really, any no-BS account of the work (garrison/deployed), lifestyle, and training for this MOS is appreciated? I am a current 19D for reference.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2019 11:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 23:53:47 -0500

If you can get in contact with a recruiter please let me know

Response by SFC Luis (Coolwhip) Ochoa made Dec 10 at 2019 6:06 AM

SFC Luis (Coolwhip) Ochoa — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 06:06:54 -0500

It was definitely worth it for me from 11B to 89D, but it’s up to you now!
My advice is that you should go do some research on what EOD actually does , go visit the EOD units and ask the questions, then you make your decision from there! If you’re single it’ll be better for you

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2019 12:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 12:26:25 -0500

Response by SPC Phillip Smith made Dec 17 at 2019 12:15 PM

SPC Phillip Smith — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 12:15:08 -0500

Greatest job I have ever had in my life, until it got big Army. The small unit feel and relaxed rules( hands in pockets kind of stuff) made it fun. The washout was extremely high when I went through back in 2010. But that just means you'll be working with some really awesome people when you get through. The school was difficult to get through in my opinion, so if you do go for it, make sure that is what you want, and be ready for some suck.

Deployed life was crazy. I was in Afghanistan in 2012. I trusted my team and we worked really well together. Be ready to spend just as much if not more time outside the wire than other combat arms MOSs. The reason being, you're a 3 man team that covers a section of land. No matter what unit needs you, you respond. Some infantry love us, some hate us. Just be professional. You may get a chance to work with some SF teams , which was fun. Be ready to do a lot of work dismounted carrying a lot of gear to do your job. Not gear like rainweather gear, but gear like explosives and equipment like rope, evidence collection, minehound, that sort of stuff. I think my full Battle rattle with 1 day pack was around 85-90lbs. WHICH MEANS IM NOT ADDING A 60LB ROBOT TO IT SGT. MAJ.!!!
(You'll understand what I mean by that if you get in)

Just word of caution, you do need a certain amount of crazy to make it. If you can't handle taking a booby trapped suicide vest off of a fellow soldier that was taken captive( rare occurrence), then this field is not for you. You will have other people's lives directly in your hands were you cannot fail. "Initial Success or Total Failure".

Anyways, just my opinion of the job.

Response by SPC Russell Bradford made Dec 25 at 2019 6:47 PM

SPC Russell Bradford — Wed, 25 Dec 2019 18:47:03 -0500

I thoroughly enjoyed EOD school. It was very interesting and challenging, never a dull moment. It has close to a 70% attrition rate though, so stay buckled down and stay out of trouble. Alcohol gets a lot of people kicked out too. I’d say go for it.
761st EOD Ft Sill
704th EOD Ft Hood
OEF 11-12

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2019 7:24 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 07:24:08 -0500

Where are you located now?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2020 4:37 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 04:37:17 -0500

It was the best decision I’ve made with my army career. The grass I greener. You’ll actually do your job conus/oconus. Now is a good time to make the switch, we need people so there’s more incentives.

Response by SPC Herold Bush made May 8 at 2020 1:25 PM

SPC Herold Bush — Fri, 08 May 2020 13:25:26 -0400

If this helps, I was a 19D on the DMZ in Korea volunteered for EOD it was 55D at the time, best decision I made, loved school, loved the work, the units are a completely different environment then what you are use too, but go for it.