Editing Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge (section)

==The Meaning of the EOD Badge==
The "crab", as it is commonly known, is the only joint service badge and can only be earned upon successful completion of the 42-week course at the [[Naval School of Explosive Ordnance Disposal]] (NAVSCOLEOD) located at [[Eglin Air Force Base]], [[Florida]].  Prior to attending NAVSCOLEOD, Navy service members attend Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC) in [[Panama City, FL|Panama City]], [[Florida|FL]] for a 9 week EOD Diver Course. Additionally the Naval students will attend the maritime ordnance section known as "Area 8" followed by Underwater division.  After NAVSCOLEOD, Navy service members attend a 3-4 week course to earn [[Parachutist Badge (United States)|"jump wings"]] at the [[United States Army|Army's]] [[Fort Moore|Ft. Moore]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|GA]]. Army service members will attend a course at [[Fort Gregg-Adams]], [[Virginia]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=News|first=A. P. G.|date=2021-07-26|title=U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Soldiers tackle critical missions around world|url=https://apgnews.com/community-news/u-s-army-explosive-ordnance-disposal-soldiers-tackle-critical-missions-around-world/|access-date=2022-01-22|website=APG News|language=en-US}}</ref> for 7 weeks before attending NAVSCOLEOD.

'''The Wreath'''
Symbolic of the achievements and [[Laurel wreath|laurels]] gained minimizing accident potentials through the ingenuity and devotion to duty of its members. It is in memory of those EOD 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 weapon|nuclear]], [[Explosive material|conventional]] and [[Chemical warfare|chemical]]/[[Biological warfare|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{{snd}}to prevent a detonation and protect the surrounding area and property to the utmost.