In this photo by Chin-U Pak, an Explosive Ordnance Technician assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division, carefully probes for land mines during a contest for Best EOD Team at Camp Humphreys, South Korea. One of the most hazardous jobs in the military, the EOD Specialist must have sure hands and nerves of steel to defuse live munitions in a combat zone. Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians render safe all types of ordnance, including improvised, chemical, biological, and nuclear. They perform land and underwater location, identification, render-safe, and recovery of foreign and domestic ordnance.

These skills have saved thousands of American troops. Consider this, since 2001 the U.S. Military suffered 829 US military personnel killed in Afghanistan by IEDs – some 42% of all American forces killed there during the war. This experience has increased the need and urgency of training up new EOD Specialists.

So, what does it take to win such a glamorous job?

A candidate must pass 10 weeks basic training followed by 37 weeks advanced schooling in a wide range of topics including biology, chemistry, electronics, and the latest robotics. Army EOD Soldiers complete a seven-week preparatory course on Fort Lee, Virginia, followed by a 34-week course at the Naval EOD School on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

The U.S. Army McMahon Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training Center is located on Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. A branch of the U.S. Army's Ordnance School, McMahon trains soldiers and members of other services on EOD skills.

The McMahon Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Training Center is named in honor of Captain Jason T. McMahon  who was awarded the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts for bravery under fire in Laghman Province, Afghanistan.

At the center, soldiers learn how to research and identify ordnance, assist in the preparation and use of advanced robotics, explosively dispose of hazardous ordnance, and maintain tools, equipment, and vehicles. Interest in algebra, chemistry, physics, geometry, and trigonometry is very helpful as well as the ability to remain calm under tremendous stress.

After training, EOD Specialists are deployed around the world, particularly among front line combat units.