EOD

(ee-oh-dee)

Explosive Ordnance Disposal; sometimes mistakenly called "Explosive Ordnance Demolition". The EOD skill badge is derived from the 1942 Bomb Disposal School insignia, approved for Specialist and Supervisor ratings on 31 July 1957, and redesignated as Basic, Senior, and Master gradations in June 1969.

The "crab", as it is commonly known, is the only joint service badge and can only be earned upon successful completion of The Naval School of Explosive Ordnance Disposal.

THE WREATH

Symbolic of the achievements and laurels gained in minimizing accident potentials, through the ingenuity and devotion to duty of its members. It is in memory of those EOD officers and military personnel who gave their lives while performing EOD duties.

THE BOMB

Copied from the design of the world war II Bomb Disposal Badge, the bomb represents the historic and major objective of the EOD attack, the unexploded bomb. The three fins represent the major areas of nuclear, conventional and chemical/biological interest.

LIGHTNING BOLTS

Symbolize the potential destructive power of the bomb and the courage and professionalism of EOD personnel in their endeavors to reduce hazards as well as to render explosive ordnance harmless.

THE SHIELD

Represents the EOD mission-prevent a detonation and protect the surrounding area and property to the utmost.