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That is Marines MOS 2336. Civilian jobs, federal paths, and how the work reads on a resume.
What is in this guide
What the translation looks like
How it reads in service
Executed render-safe procedures on 15 IEDs during combat deployment, coordinating with intelligence and maneuver elements
How a hiring manager reads it
Developed and executed systematic hazard mitigation protocols for 15 critical incidents, coordinating cross-functional teams and real-time intelligence to eliminate threats with zero safety incidents
Roles this background maps to
Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024
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Marine Corps Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians (MOS 2336) are trained to identify, render safe, recover, and dispose of all types of ordnance — conventional, nuclear, chemical, biological, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). EOD techs operate across the full spectrum of military operations, from controlled demolitions on training ranges to downrange IED defeat in active combat zones.
The training pipeline is one of the longest and most academically rigorous in the military. NAVSCOLEOD at Eglin AFB is a joint-service school with a historically high attrition rate. Marines who complete it emerge with deep knowledge of electronics, chemistry, mechanical systems, radiological hazards, and robotics. Many EOD techs go on to advanced courses in counter-IED operations, weapons of mass destruction (WMD) disposal, and explosive breaching.
What makes Marine EOD techs uniquely marketable in the civilian world is the combination of technical precision under extreme pressure, independent decision-making authority, and specialized knowledge that few civilian training programs can replicate. An EOD tech who has rendered safe a device in a combat zone has demonstrated composure, analytical thinking, and risk management at a level that translates across industries — not just in explosive-related fields.
EOD techs are some of the most direct hires in federal law enforcement — ATF, FBI, DHS, and Department of State diplomatic security all recruit EOD veterans actively. From the federal hiring side, the credentialed-EOD background plus clearance is the package civilian-side bomb tech roles can rarely match. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
The number that decides most of this: how does civilian pay compare to what the paycheck looks like now?
Marines mid-career
$58K to $82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.
Civilian Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician
$46K to $98K
BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.
Federal, GS-9 to GS-13
$58K to $120K
10 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.
Comparable on average
Civilian pay for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians lands in the same range as mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate and moves with location and dependents. Civilian is the BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. The real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step and overtime.
The civilian explosive ordnance disposal and UXO remediation industry is a specialized but well-paying field. According to BLS, the broader category of hazardous materials removal workers earns a median of $48,560 (O*NET 47-4041.00, May 2024), but this figure significantly understates what experienced EOD-qualified technicians earn in specialized UXO remediation and defense consulting roles.
Beyond direct EOD work, former techs move into defense contracting, physical security consulting, emergency management, and safety engineering. The analytical and electronics troubleshooting skills developed through years of diagnosing and defeating complex devices open doors in quality assurance, industrial safety, and even robotics.
Security clearance is a major asset. Many EOD techs hold Top Secret or TS/SCI clearances, which saves employers months of processing and thousands of dollars. Defense contractors and three-letter agencies actively recruit from the EOD community for this reason alone.
| Civilian job title | Industry | BLS median salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazardous Materials Removal Worker (UXO Technician)O*NET 47-4041.00 | Environmental Remediation / Defense | $48,560 | About as fast as average (5%) | strong |
| Occupational Health & Safety SpecialistO*NET 19-5011.00 | Government / Manufacturing / Construction | $83,910 | Faster than average (12%) | strong |
| Emergency Management DirectorO*NET 11-9161.00 | Government / Healthcare / Education | $86,130 | About as fast as average (3%) | strong |
| Criminal Investigator (Federal)O*NET 33-3021.00 | Federal Law Enforcement | $97,500 | About as fast as average | strong |
| Industrial Engineering TechnologistO*NET 17-3026.00 | Manufacturing / Defense / Energy | $60,200 | Little or no change | moderate |
| Quality Control InspectorO*NET 51-9061.00 | Manufacturing / Defense / Aerospace | $45,680 | Little or no change | moderate |
| Security Management SpecialistO*NET 33-9032.00 | Government / Corporate / Defense | $66,650 | About as fast as average | moderate |
| First-Line Supervisor of Protective Service WorkersO*NET 33-1099.00 | Government / Security / Law Enforcement | $59,400 | About as fast as average | moderate |
Major counter-IED and explosive hazard remediation contractor. Hires EOD techs for UXO projects, weapons technical intelligence, and threat assessment roles worldwide.
One of the largest UXO remediation contractors in the U.S. Active projects on former military installations nationwide. Formerly TtEC.
Global engineering firm with significant UXO remediation and environmental cleanup contracts. SkillBridge partner.
Counter-IED technology development, robotics systems, and defense electronics. Values TS/SCI clearances.
EOD robotics, sensor systems, and counter-threat technology. Direct application of electronics troubleshooting and ordnance knowledge.
Primary federal agency for explosives enforcement. Certified Explosives Specialist and Special Agent positions directly leverage EOD background.
FBI Bomb Data Center and Hazardous Devices School at Redstone Arsenal. Special Agent and bomb technician positions.
WMD defeat, counter-proliferation, and threat reduction. Directly aligned with EOD WMD training. Civilian and contractor positions.
Non-profit research organization with significant DOD contracts in counter-WMD, chemical demilitarization, and explosive hazard research.
Missile systems, electronic warfare, and defense electronics. EOD techs with electronics and weapons systems knowledge are strong candidates.
Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) program manages UXO cleanup nationwide. Hires EOD-qualified personnel as project managers and technical leads.
Protective intelligence, technical security countermeasures, and explosive detection. EOD background highly valued.
BMR rewrites your 2336 experience for any of the roles above, in the language the people reading actually scan for.
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Federal agencies aggressively recruit former EOD technicians. The ATF, FBI, Secret Service, and Department of State all maintain bomb technician programs that value military EOD experience. Many of these positions use Direct Hire Authority for veterans, which can accelerate the hiring process significantly.
Beyond law enforcement, agencies like DTRA (Defense Threat Reduction Agency), DOE (nuclear security), and DHS need personnel with WMD and CBRN expertise. The explosives safety series (GS-0017) is a direct match, while safety management (GS-0018) and emergency management (GS-0089) roles leverage the hazard analysis and risk mitigation training that defines EOD operations.
Intelligence community positions (GS-0132) are another strong path, particularly for techs who deployed with intelligence fusion cells or conducted post-blast analysis. The technical intelligence gathered during IED defeat operations — circuit analysis, signature identification, network mapping — is directly applicable to counterterrorism intelligence roles.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0017 | Explosives Safety | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | 5 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0018 | Safety and Occupational Health Management | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0019 | Safety Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0089 | Emergency Management | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1811 | Criminal Investigator | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-13 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0132 | Intelligence | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0301 | Miscellaneous Administration and Program | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0340 | Program Management | GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1801 | General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0080 | Security Administration | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 2 of 5 | View details |
Federal raters match your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement. BMR writes the federal format for any GS series above, with the hours per week and supervisor detail a rater looks for.
Free to start. Federal and private sector formats included.
Not everyone stays in a related field. These paths run on the transferable half of the job: leadership, risk, logistics, planning.
Operating a reactor is the same psychology as a render-safe procedure: follow the steps precisely, never improvise, and own a decision where a mistake is irreversible. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission values that temperament more than any single technical skill.
Transfers: Executing render-safe-style procedures exactly, every step, High-consequence decision-making where error is catastrophic, Calm operation under sustained pressure, Strict procedural and checklist discipline.
How to get there: Most operators start as non-licensed plant operators, then complete utility-sponsored training and pass the NRC licensing exam over 1-2 years. Veterans with reactor or EOD discipline are actively recruited.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 2% (Little or no change)
EOD techs run robots and teleoperated tools to handle what they cannot touch by hand, which is exactly what mechatronics work is on a factory floor. The robot-handling instinct that kept a Marine at standoff distance transfers straight into automation.
Transfers: Operating and maintaining robotic and teleoperated systems, Integrated electronics and mechanical troubleshooting, Remote manipulation of equipment in hazardous settings, Methodical fault isolation under pressure.
How to get there: Earn an associate degree in mechatronics or robotics technology, GI Bill eligible. Some automation integrators hire veterans with robot-operation experience into field technician roles and train on specific platforms.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 2% (Little or no change)
Post-blast analysis and device exploitation are forensic work: reconstruct what happened from fragments, preserve evidence, and document it to a standard that holds up later. That deliberate, methodical mindset is what forensic labs hire for.
Transfers: Methodical processing of a sensitive scene, Evidence handling and chain-of-custody discipline, Reconstructing how a device or event was built, Precise documentation under scrutiny.
How to get there: Earn a bachelor degree in forensic or natural science, GI Bill eligible. Some crime labs hire veterans with evidence-handling backgrounds into technician roles and train on specific disciplines.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 14% (Much faster than average)
A control-room operator keeps a dangerous process inside safe limits and acts decisively the instant something drifts, which is the same composure an EOD tech brings to an unstable device. The stakes-aware discipline carries directly.
Transfers: Operating high-risk systems by strict procedure, Continuous monitoring and rapid response to abnormal conditions, Calm judgment in a control environment, Lockout and safety-interlock discipline.
How to get there: Enter as a plant operator trainee at a generation facility. A power technology certificate or associate degree accelerates promotion, and utilities recruit veterans for the temperament the work demands.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 4% (As fast as average)
Standing at an operating table demands the same steady hands and procedural exactness as defeating a device: no shortcuts, full focus, and ownership of a high-stakes outcome. The composure transfers even though the field is entirely new.
Transfers: Manual precision where one error has serious consequences, Following an exacting procedure step by step, Sterile and tool discipline under time pressure, Staying composed inside a high-stakes environment.
How to get there: Complete a 1-2 year surgical technology program, GI Bill eligible, then earn the CST credential. The clinical rotation builds the operating-room experience employers want.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 6% (Faster than average)
Flying rewards the exact habits EOD builds: run the checklist, assess the risk honestly, and make a committed decision you cannot take back. The cockpit and the render-safe procedure ask for the same discipline.
Transfers: Disciplined checklist execution before every action, Decisive judgment in high-consequence situations, Calm performance under physical and mental stress, Methodical risk assessment.
How to get there: Earn FAA private, instrument, and commercial certificates at a Part 141 or 61 school, GI Bill eligible for approved programs. Build hours as a flight instructor before charter or regional flying.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 5% (Faster than average)
The skills behind the specialty carry further than the specialty. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the paths above without making it sound like you have never done the work.
Free to start. Try as many angles as you want.
If you are applying to defense contractors, law enforcement bomb squads, or UXO remediation companies, your EOD terminology translates directly — those employers know exactly what render-safe procedures and post-blast analysis mean. This section is for Marines targeting careers outside of explosive ordnance work.
The challenge for EOD techs moving into non-EOD careers is that your most impressive skills sound like action movie dialogue to a civilian hiring manager. The key is reframing the underlying competencies — methodical analysis, electronics troubleshooting, independent decision-making under pressure, team leadership in hazardous environments — using language that resonates in corporate, industrial, or government settings outside the defense world.
Before, in service
Executed render-safe procedures on 15 IEDs during combat deployment, coordinating with intelligence and maneuver elements
After, on the resume
Developed and executed systematic hazard mitigation protocols for 15 critical incidents, coordinating cross-functional teams and real-time intelligence to eliminate threats with zero safety incidents
Before, in service
Conducted post-blast analysis on 8 IED incidents, identifying device components, signatures, and threat network indicators for intelligence exploitation
After, on the resume
Led root cause analysis investigations for 8 critical technical failures, identifying contributing factors, documenting findings, and producing actionable intelligence reports for senior leadership
Before, in service
Served as EOD team leader for 12-month deployment, directing 3-person teams on 45+ EOD responses with full tactical authority
After, on the resume
Led specialized technical operations team through 45+ critical response scenarios over 12 months, exercising independent decision authority and maintaining 100% mission success rate
Before, in service
Developed and executed counter-IED tactics that reduced IED effectiveness by 40% across the AO during deployment
After, on the resume
Designed and implemented technical problem-resolution methodologies that reduced critical incident impact by 40% across the operational area, briefing results to senior leadership weekly
Before, in service
Operated TALON and PackBot robotic systems for 30+ remote reconnaissance and render-safe missions in complex urban environments
After, on the resume
Operated advanced robotic inspection systems for 30+ remote assessment missions in challenging environments, reducing personnel risk exposure while maintaining operational effectiveness
Before, in service
Led range clearance operations on 200+ acres, identifying and disposing of UXO items IAW DDESB standards with zero incidents
After, on the resume
Managed environmental hazard remediation across 200+ acres, conducting systematic site assessments, documenting findings per regulatory standards, and achieving zero safety incidents throughout the project
Before, in service
Delivered pre-mission briefs to 15-person elements covering threat assessment, movement plans, contingency procedures, and abort criteria before every operation
After, on the resume
Conducted comprehensive risk assessments and delivered operational briefings to cross-functional teams of 15, covering threat analysis, mitigation strategies, contingency procedures, and success criteria
Before, in service
Trained and qualified in WMD response procedures including chemical agent identification, radiological survey, and biological hazard containment
After, on the resume
Certified in hazardous materials incident response including chemical identification, radiological monitoring, and biological containment protocols, maintaining qualifications through annual recertification
BMR turns your 2336 duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets aimed at the job you are applying for. No manual translation.
Free to start. Tailored to each posting.
Which ones you need depends on where you are headed.
BeneficialCost $400 - $500Time 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligibleEntry point for cybersecurity careers. DoD 8570 compliant — valid for DOD IT security positions. Leverages the threat assessment mindset from EOD.
BeneficialCost $300 - $500Time 3-6 months prepFor emergency management career path. Requires documented emergency management experience — CBRN response and EOD emergency planning count toward requirements.
RequiredCost $2,000 - $5,000Time 2-6 weeksGI Bill eligibleIndustry standard for UXO remediation work. Military EOD qualification covers much of the material. Level depends on supervisory responsibility.
RequiredCost $500 - $1,000Time 1 weekRequired for UXO/environmental remediation sites. Some EOD techs complete this during service. Annual 8-hour refresher required.
RecommendedCost $75 - $150/yearTime OngoingProfessional networking and continuing education for bomb techs. Annual conference connects you with federal, state, and local bomb squad recruiters. Join before separating.
BeneficialCost $300 - $500Time 2-4 monthsGI Bill eligibleProcess improvement methodology used across industries. Analytical problem-solving from EOD diagnostics provides a strong foundation.
BeneficialCost $400 - $600Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleFor transition to project management. EOD operational planning hours count toward the experience requirement. Widely recognized across industries.
BeneficialCost $400 - $600Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleFor quality assurance career path. Technical inspection precision from EOD translates to QA methodology. Requires qualifying experience.
RecommendedCost $150 - $300Time 4 daysStandard safety certification. Available online. Many employers require it. Quick win before separation.
BeneficialCost $300 - $500 (exam)Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleGold standard for safety careers. Requires bachelor's degree or equivalent experience plus qualifying safety experience. EOD safety program management counts.
Placement decides whether a screener ever sees it. BMR knows where each one ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it.
Free to start. Built around your real certs and clearance.
SkillBridge Programs: Several defense contractors and UXO remediation firms participate in DOD SkillBridge, including Parsons, Tetra Tech, and AECOM. Check the SkillBridge database 180 days before separation. Some federal law enforcement agencies also offer SkillBridge-like pathways for bomb technician roles.
IABTI Membership: The International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (IABTI) is the professional organization for bomb techs worldwide. Join before separating — the networking alone is worth it. Annual conferences connect you with federal, state, and local bomb squad recruiters.
UXO Technician Certification: For UXO remediation work, the UXO Technician I/II/III certifications through DDESB-approved programs are the industry standard. Your military EOD qualification covers much of the material.
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) validates your planning and execution skills for any industry. EOD operations — pre-mission planning, resource coordination, risk assessment, after-action reporting — map cleanly to PMP methodology. Cost: ~$555 (PMI member).
Safety & EHS Careers: Start with OSHA 30-Hour ($150-300, can do online). For the long game, target the CSP (Certified Safety Professional) — your EOD safety experience counts toward requirements.
Federal Law Enforcement: USAJobs is your gateway. Key agencies: ATF (Special Agent or Explosives Enforcement Officer), FBI (Bomb Technician), Secret Service, U.S. Marshals, CBP. Apply 6+ months before separation — federal hiring is slow. Federal resumes are 2 pages max. Build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from executives in your target industry. Completely free for veterans.
Clearance Leverage: Your TS or TS/SCI clearance has significant market value. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions requiring active clearances. Start leveraging this before it lapses — you have up to 24 months after separation.
Education Benefits: Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval before enrolling. For EOD techs, certifications often provide faster ROI than a 4-year degree.
Marine Infantry Resume Guide | Complete Military Resume Guide | Top Companies Hiring Veterans | Build Your Resume Free
Most people do this backwards: wait for terminal leave, then panic. This is the sequence that works. Already out? Same plan, day one is today.
Days 0 to 30
Days 30 to 60
Days 60 to 90
Direct paths include UXO remediation technician, federal law enforcement bomb technician (ATF, FBI, Secret Service), defense contractor (counter-IED advisor, weapons technical intelligence analyst), and explosives safety specialist. Beyond the explosives field, EOD techs move into project management (BLS median $100,750, O*NET 13-1082.00), safety management (BLS median $83,910, O*NET 19-5011.00), emergency management (BLS median $86,130, O*NET 11-9161.00), and quality assurance. Your electronics troubleshooting background also opens doors in industrial maintenance and engineering technology roles.
It varies widely by career path. BLS reports hazardous materials removal workers (which includes UXO techs) at a median of $48,560 (May 2024, O*NET 47-4041.00), but this aggregates many different specialties. Experienced UXO project managers and defense consultants earn well above this figure. For non-EOD paths: project managers earn a BLS median of $100,750, safety specialists $83,910, and emergency management directors $86,130. Federal law enforcement positions (GS-1811 Criminal Investigator) typically start at GS-7/9 with Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) adding 25% above base.
Depends on your target career. For UXO remediation, your military EOD qualification is your strongest credential — some firms require DDESB-approved UXO Tech certifications. For federal law enforcement, each agency has its own academy (FLETC for most). For safety careers, OSHA 30-Hour and eventually the CSP are the benchmarks. For project management, the PMP certification validates your skills to civilian employers. Check with your target employer before paying for certifications — your military training may already satisfy their requirements.
Many former EOD techs successfully transition into completely different careers. The analytical reasoning, electronics knowledge, independent decision-making, and leadership under pressure transfer to project management, operations management (BLS median $102,950), quality assurance ($100,560), IT management, and consulting. The key is reframing your experience — see the Skills Translation and Career Change Paths sections above for specifics on how to translate EOD experience for non-defense employers.
Extremely. An active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance saves employers $5,000-15,000+ and months of processing time. Defense contractors, intelligence agencies, and federal law enforcement all require clearances. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions specifically. Your clearance stays active for up to 24 months after separation if not renewed, so begin your job search before it lapses.
Veterans Preference gives you 5 or 10 extra points on federal hiring assessments. Disabled veterans get 10 points. You need your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and SF-15 form for documentation. Some positions use Direct Hire Authority which can bypass normal competitive processes — ATF, FBI, and DHS frequently use this for veteran hires. Apply to positions at or below GS-11 initially where VPref is strongest. Build your federal resume at bestmilitaryresume.com — federal resumes follow different rules than private sector.
Depends on your target career. For UXO remediation, certifications and your military quals are enough — save the GI Bill. For federal law enforcement, each agency has its own training; a criminal justice degree helps but is not always required. For project management or safety, certifications (PMP, CSP) give faster ROI than a 4-year degree. For engineering or highly technical corporate roles, a degree may be required. Use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval before enrolling anywhere.
For UXO remediation: Former military installations nationwide (there is remediation work in virtually every state). For defense contracting: DC Metro, San Diego, Tampa (SOCOM), Huntsville, and anywhere with major military installations. For federal law enforcement: DC Metro and major field offices (NYC, LA, Chicago, Miami). For non-EOD careers leveraging your skills: any major metro area works, but defense hubs give you the best clearance leverage.
Yes — and you should. Start 12 months before your EAS. At 180 days out, you may be eligible for DOD SkillBridge to work full-time at a civilian employer while still receiving military pay. At minimum: have your resume ready 6 months out, start networking on LinkedIn 6 months out, apply to federal positions 6 months out (federal hiring takes 3-6 months). Use terminal leave strategically — it is your transition runway.
Focus on the transferable competencies, not the ordnance. Instead of describing render-safe procedures, talk about systematic problem analysis under time pressure. Instead of IED defeat, explain how you assessed unknown technical problems with incomplete information and developed solutions in real time. Quantify everything — number of operations led, team sizes, dollar values of equipment managed, training programs developed. The EOD context is interesting background, but the analytical and leadership skills are what get you hired outside of defense.
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
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