Basic Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Badge

Criteria: Awarded to service members specially trained in dealing with the construction, deployment, disarmament, and disposal of high explosives munitions – and may include other types of ordnance such as nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons along with improvised explosive devices (IEDS), vehicle-born explosive devices (VBIEDS), and improvised nuclear devices. Also known as the “EOD Badge” or "Crab,” the decoration is issued by the United States Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. 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 and 24 months of on-the-job field training. The Senior EOD Badge is issued after three to five years as an explosive ordnance specialist. The Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge is issued after seven to 15 years of service in a senior supervisory position. The EOD Badge is the only occupational badge awarded to all four services.