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6485 Career Guide

Navy

6485: Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer

Career transition guide for Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer (6485)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6485 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Explosives Expert

$95K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ATF certificationHAZMAT certification

Hazardous Waste Management Specialist

$80K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

EPA certificationsRCRA training

Avionics Technician

$77K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Technician

$88K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

40-hour HAZWOPER training

Security Consultant

$75K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationSecurity-related certifications (e.g., CPP, CISSP)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6485 training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

As an EOD officer, you constantly assess threats and prioritize actions in high-pressure situations, determining which ordnance requires immediate attention and the safest, most efficient method of neutralization.

This translates to an ability to quickly assess complex problems and allocate resources effectively in time-sensitive environments. You are adept at making critical decisions under pressure.

Procedural Compliance

EOD work demands strict adherence to protocols and safety procedures to prevent accidents and ensure mission success. There is little room for error.

Your meticulous approach and commitment to following established procedures make you a reliable and trustworthy professional, capable of handling tasks with precision and care.

Situational Awareness

You are trained to constantly assess your surroundings, anticipate potential hazards, and adapt to changing conditions during EOD operations and VIP protection details.

This honed awareness allows you to identify potential risks and opportunities, make informed decisions, and maintain composure in dynamic and unpredictable situations. You're a natural problem-solver.

System Modeling

Understanding how explosive devices are designed and function requires mental models of complex systems. You are also able to visualize repair processes in electronics and hull integrity.

You possess strong analytical capabilities and an ability to grasp complex systems. Your experiences allow you to break down intricate systems into understandable and actionable parts. You have a strong ability to not just understand, but also communicate and teach.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Insurance Risk Assessor

SOC 13-2053.00

You've been trained to identify and mitigate risks in potentially explosive situations. Your attention to detail and ability to assess complex scenarios directly translate to evaluating risks in insurance claims and policies.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

Your background in EOD demands unwavering adherence to protocols and regulations. This makes you ideally suited to ensure companies comply with industry standards and legal requirements.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been at the forefront of responding to dangerous events. Your expertise in handling crises and coordinating resources is invaluable in developing and implementing emergency preparedness plans for communities or organizations.

Technical Trainer

SOC 25-9041.00

You've honed your abilities by training others on emergency destruct procedures, diving tasks, and monitoring for nuclear, biological, and chemical agents. Now, you can leverage that experience to make technical training more engaging and effective for a commercial audience.

Training & Education Equivalencies

EOD School, Eglin Air Force Base

1,040 training hours26 weeksUp to 27 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Basic Explosives
  • Demolitions
  • U.S. Ordnance
  • Foreign Ordnance
  • Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
  • Chemical and Biological Ordnance
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Underwater EOD

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Explosives Specialist (ISEE)60% covered

Requires study of specific state and federal regulations related to explosives handling and storage in a civilian context, as well as focusing on quarrying and construction applications.

OSHA 30-Hour General Industry70% covered

While the military provides extensive safety training, OSHA focuses on specific regulatory requirements and documentation procedures within civilian workplaces. Study OSHA standards related to hazard communication, control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), and confined space entry.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Safety Professional (CSP)Hazardous Materials Manager Certification (CHMM)Certified Aviation Technician (A&P)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
ANDROS F6A RobotRemote-controlled bomb disposal robots
Med-Eng EOD 9 Bomb SuitExplosive protective suits
AN/PVS-7 Night Vision GogglesNight vision devices for security or search and rescue
Minehound VMR3 Metal DetectorAdvanced metal detectors for construction or land surveying
RExO Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Render Safe ProceduresHAZMAT and emergency response protocols
MK25 Underwater Breathing ApparatusCommercial diving equipment for underwater inspections and repair
EOD Information Management System (EODIMS)Incident management and reporting software

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