You will have a chance to apply for programs like EOD. These spots are extremely limited, but here's a list of things you want to do, before you pull the trigger:.
1. Soul Search
Make sure you are really dedicated to the EOD community. Your job will be extremely hard, and the community is not for the faint of heart.
2. Understand the history
Learn what EOD is all about from a historical perspective.
3. Know the community
Meet, contact, and research existing or retired EOD techs and officers. Ask them questions and learn about their community. Be a part of it early because they are very tight-knit people.
4. Know the job
Know what EOD does. Not just what you do; know what an Academy officer who is EOD will be expected to do. It's not what you think it is.
5. PT
PT now. Workout! EOD officers are held to a higher standard than your enlisted teammates. Working out goals should be the same as for a Naval Academy SEAL officer. Use those requirements.
6. Midi Programs
We had a lot of Mids come visit us on their summer breaks. You can definitely take time off to workout at places like EODMU-2 in Norfolk with the mudpups.
7. Apply for summer programs.
If you can apply for anything that will help you during your off time, do it. I have also seen midshipmen at dive school. I don't know about jump school, but if you can knock out static line school, do it early.
8. Shooting Quals
If you can knock out shooting quals, do it. Shoot for expert pistol and rifle.
9. Clearance
Make sure you can get clearance.
10. Intelligence
If you can get into the academy, we have to assume you are smart. Just make sure you like chemistry, physics, and math.
11. Health
You need to be in supreme health. Essentially flawless. You'll need to pass a dive physical. Having something like a PFO will disqualify you. If you smoke or chew dip, cut that out now. Guys will still do it, girls too, when you get to a mobile unit, but cut out anything that's unhealthy for you.
12. Physical Exertion
Be ready to do some extremely demanding exercises and training. This job will require you to be very strong. Bomb suits are heavy.
13. Dive School
Dive school is no joke. You will get to experience some of the best diving there, but you will also be washed out if you show any weakness. As an officer, there is little sympathy for you not being able to be successful at an evolution. There is even less tolerance for failure as a dive school student from the academy.
14. After Graduation Pipeline
You will go to dive school in Panama City Beach, Florida, then Eglin Air Force Base. Read up on the areas. Learn about the schools and training. Know that the humidity is extreme there from late spring to early fall. Hydrate a lot.
After Florida, you'll need to go to Freefall Jump School. We have some of those spread out throughout the US, but if you can try to go to North Carolina. You'll have a couple more schools to go to after that to finalize your qualifications; however, the ones I mentioned are the big ones.
15. The Zero Concept of Failure
Whether you are enlisted, an officer, a ring knocker, a mustang, or have a bachelor's from a civilian college, you need to know one of the most important things about the Navy.
There is no concept of failure. It is weird, but that's the culture. So, that means you need to adopt this idea early. If you have your sights set on something, go get it. Do not let anyone tell you, "you can't". The best way to do this is through preparation. Know as much as you can about what you want to achieve before you commit to it.
SEAL, that's beast mode. EOD, not as beast mode, but still pretty much beast mode. You need to be amped and excited 10,000% at all times. The hooyah in you should be so saturated that it's leaking out of your eyes.
I wish you the best and can't wait to see a picture of you getting your crab!
