QUESTIONS? WE HAVE THE ANSWERS!

Mike asks:

michael.mcquiston@fe.navy.mil

My detailer is currently in process of cutting me orders to EODOSU 7. I have been unable to find any information online, and everyone's "knowledge" on the billet is pretty vague. Any information that anyone could provide would be appreciated. Thanks.

Jared asks:

Jared.goulart@yahoo.com

My name is Jared I'm a BM1 stationed in VA Boat Det 211 out of Portsmouth,, I'm currently Deployed in the middile east,( man what a hell hole) anyways I'm looking for a command with highly motivated personnel that care about fitness and like what they do, EOD or Seals seem like just the place to find them,, I'm too old to join the teams but the support team sounds great!!! I'm just wondering since I saw orders to EOD ESU 2 it you guys deploy much and if so what time frame is the next deployment in months. I'm asking becouse I have two young boys 4-5yrs old and I would hate to pick orders that would send me right out on another deployment right away..
thanks a ton.

William asks:

williamwesley2@att.net

I ship out for EOD Feb. 24 just wanted to get an idea of deployment times, mission specs etc. I went to the navy website wasn't much help. If anyone know of a better resource let me know.

Answer:

Try www.eod.navy.mil and also explore the video page on this website. You may also get a private email from someone who can give you more info.

Adam asks:

NAVYMEDIC73@gmail.com

I am A Navy electricans Mate with the option to pick orders for EOD OSU 7. Just curious on what the deployments are for personell attached to EOD and normal life working for them besides Outboard Engine Mechanic

AM1 Griffis asks:

tracey.griffis@navy.mil

I'm up for orders and the detailer just told me that EOD MU1 has an open. I cannot find a POC list for EOD MU1. Would like to know on which base is it located? And a POC list for questions. Thank you.

Cheryl asks:

whalenworx@comcast.net

My son is interested in EOD school after he re-enlists. He is currently a corpsman in Iraq. I am interested in any and all information regarding EOD.

Answer:

You can go to www.eod.navy.mil and get some information on EOD as well as explore the video page of this website.

Leslie asks:

leslie.schmidt@navy.mil

I am possibly transferring to EOD ESU 2 and can not find a command website for them? Is there any info you can give me?

Answer to Leslie Schmidt's question, I will put you in contact with the CMC of EODESU 2 via separate email...

Cm1 Brien asks:

robert.e.brien@navy.mil

I'm up for orders. What are your deployments like and how long do u deploy for?

Britaini asks:

bnmccrory@gmail.com

My fiancee is in the Coast Guard and has become really interested in EOD. I want to be supportive but I also want to know what to expect if he does decide to pursue EOD. I have done some research but I wanted to get a perspective from people, wives, families who have gone through it themselves. I really have no clue what to expect because the entire time we have been together, I have learned and grown accustom to how the Coast Guard works and not the Navy. I would greatly appreciate and and all thoughts anyone may have!

Answer:

You and your husband can visit www.eod.navy.mil there is some information on there about recruiting events and you may find some information on school as well. You can also look on the deployment video part of this website, there are some dive school videos for your husband to watch.

As far as being the supportive spouse..It isnt easy. The guys are gone alot either training or deployed. So if you are a strong person and can handle not only the fact they have a dangerous job but the deployment and training schedule you will be just fine. We have a great community that is only getting better with the support systems being put in place for the families and of course this website.

Take Care and I hope this helps you out a little.

Christopher asks:

cheneyc@lpd10.navy.mil

I will be transferring to EOD OSU 7 in November. There was no contact info for anyone at the command in my orders nor were there any on the website. I was hoping someone could help me out and send me the info for a point of contact.

Very Respectfully,
BM3 (SW) Christopher Cheney

Answer:

Christopher, Here are two email addresses: Contact me at william.tyrrell@navy.mil or OSU-7 CMC at gator.franklin@navy.mil
Bill Tyrrell, EOD Family Readiness and Support Coordinator

Chris asks:

poetker@sbcglobal.net

I am interesting in EOD but want to make sure I am right for EOD.
Is there anything you can tell me that might help?

Thanks,
Chris

Answer:

You can visit www.eod.navy.mil there is some information on there about recruiting events and you can get some insight into EOD school aand other things.

Also you can look on the deploment video part of this website, there are some dive school videos to look at and might give you an idea of what you will go through. Good Luck.

Paul asks:

IM down in Mayport FL for a few weeks and came across a building for EODMU 6. I though they were in Little Creek? Is there a Det down here and if so can i get some info on contacting them because id like to see if i can go over and get some training while im down here.

Answer:

Paul, There is indeed a Detachment in Mayport, EODMU SIX Det Mayport. Don't have the numbers handy but if you are in Mayport, all you have to do is open a base phone book and look for EOD.

Bill Tyrrell EODCM (Ret)
EOD Family Readiness Coordinator

Donald asks:

I am trying to contact Master Cheif Lee. If he is the same Bill Lee that was stationed at EODMU2 in the eighties I was on his team aboard the Coral Sea.

Answer:

Donald, Bill Lee and I are old friends. We first served together at MU-2 in the mid 80's, then again at MU-11 98-02. He is indeed still active and the CMC of one of our Mobile Units. Contact me at william.tyrrell@navy.mil or (619) 522-3387...

Carl asks:

I'm a Lieutenant (j.g.) due to go on a GWOT Support Assignment next year. I'll be working as a Brigade Electronic Warfare Officer, for counter-IED work (my detailer says), and I understand that they work closely with EOD units of all services. I'm considering going into EOD most likely on the Army side (because I'm considering putting an IST package in after my GSA anyway). I did consider Navy EOD, but I'm not sure someone who didn't make it through Surface Rescue Swimmer School (I got canned on the last day, due to the fact that I missed a piece of line around my survivor's neck during my final multi-scenario). Can anyone help me in this area

Answer:

LTJG Carl, Just because you made a mistake in the past and didn't make it through a school does not mean that you could not make it through Dive and EOD School. Before you do something so rash as switch from BLUE to GREEN, contact your nearest NAVY EOD Unit about transferring designators Shipmate!!!

Bill Tyrrell EODCM (Ret)

Chloeann asks:

Has Cdr. Beck EOD, now Stationed at Millington retired or was he promoted to Capt and accepted?

Answer:

Chloeann, Mr. Beck is indeed a Captain and is still in uniform

LT Tineal Suggs asks:

My name is Tineal Suggs. Im currently in EOD school phase 1 at Redstone Arsenal, AL. I am a female and i know that there aren't that many of us in this field and even fewer officers so I am wondering where and/or how I can find out how many there are in this field.

Answer:

LT Suggs... LT, contact your Officer Community Manager in Millington. I wish I had the number handy but I don't. We are getting more and more females in EOD, both in the enlisted and commissioned ranks. I am thinking maybe you met EODCS Robbie Keefover at Dive School and if you did, I would hope that she offered you good advice and mentoring. She is one of my protoges from my days in EOD. If there are any further questions, don't hesitate to contact me or anyone else. We take care of our own!!! Bill (2 Feathers) Tyrrell, EODCM (Retired), EOD Family Readiness and Support Coordinator william.tyrrell@navy.mil

Paul asks:

Im about to submit my package to go EOD and was looking at a time frame of about november heading off to school, depending on when a class starts in that time frame. My ship will be in the yards starting in Sep and i wasn wondering if it would be possible to go TAD to EODMU2 during those 2 months before going to school. Any help would be greatly arreciated.

V/R

FC2 Conto, Paul

LPD19 Mesa Verde

Answer:

Hi FC2 if you could shoot me an email at eodmu2ombuds@yahoo.com I will give you the contact information for the person who can assist you. I look forward to hearing from you!

Susan Fornicola

Addison asks:

I am trying to find out general info on EOD OSU 7, as I am thinking about applying for a billet. The page is blank.

Answer:

Hello Addison!! unfortunetly EOD OSU 7 has not posted anything to there webpage as of yet!! I will see what I can do about getting you some information!!

We have many people in our community that visit this website daily so hold tight and I am sure we will get you some answers shortly!

Welcome to EOD Family and I hope you will come back often!

Marissa asks:

My husband has just returned from tac training and is assigned to 6, however, he is to report and check in at Little Creek. When is 6 returning from deployment, and when is the rest of 6, currently in SC, moving up here? I ask because I would like to get involved with family programs/wives club and I am in Virginia. Also, who is the ombudsman for 6? Thanks.

Answer:

Marissa, I am the Admin Officer at EODMU SIX, Chief Guillory. EODMU SIX is currently scheduled to start work no later than 14 July in Little Creek. Unfortunately, I can not post any deployment dates online, however the OMBUDSMAN, Mrs. Jarae Smith may be reached at jarae_smith@yahoo.com or (843) 408-5516, or you may contact the Little Creek Family Readiness Group Coordinator, Barbara Bellott at (757) 621-6507 or barbara.bellott@cox.net. I can be reached at chad.guillory@navy.mil. Take Care. YNC Guillory

Answer:

Marissa, MU-6 will be returning from deployment in late June. I can't specify a date as that would be breaking OPSEC. However, they will be shifting homeport to Virginia very soon thereafter. I have CC'd MU-6's Ombudsman and the Team Leader for the Tidewater Area Combined EOD/MDSU FRG, Mrs. Barbara Bellott. You will get all the info you need from them and I am quite certain Barbara could use someone willing to get involved with our Family Support in Tidewater!!!

Answer:

Marissa, hello, I am Jarae Smith, Ombudsman for EODMU 6. I hope all is well in VA and that your settle. Marissa, has your husband reported to the command yet, because I don't see his name on any rosters that I have. The entire command is tentatively suppose to be in VA by July 14, 2008. That is an awful long time to delay in reporting...but not sure of your families circumstances.

If your husband has specific questions about the command and its schedule/mission, he should call the command in Charleston at 843-743-0525, ext. 117 or 108 or 121. There are not many personnel that were left behind here, but there are enough to get moves and info taken care of.

I will be more than happy to help you out if you need any assistance at all.

Thanks for writing and again, if you need anything else, please let me know.

Jarae

Heather asks:

Thank-you Julie and Bill...and to everyone else who's so helpful on here. As I read this post I notice alot about Navy on here. Mark and I are Army...does he still go through everything you mentioned? IE- dive school, jump school, etc? Also that link posted, the...www.eod.navy.mil... since this is a joint type MOS and training is similar (as I understand) does what applies to Navy apply to Army?

Answer:

Heather, I am glad you mentioned that you all are Army. The Army does not got through Dive school and they only do a portion of the EOD School. All of the branches of military attend the same EOD school in Florida but certain branches only go so far in depth at the school. I did a search for you and found this website that may have some helpful information http://www.bragg.army.mil/eod/

I wasnt able to find a family website for you but you are more than welcome to come here and get answers. I will do my best to help you and search for anything I do not know. Bill may also have more knowledge about Army EOD as well. You might email the webmaster at the above Army EOD website and ask if there is a family support system in place that you could inquire with as well!

If not do not hesistate to come here! We will help you as much as we can!

Take Care, Julie

Heather asks:

My husband is and has been considering being a part of EOD for over a year now. I see that he is very serious about this now...I didn't want to hear it at first.

I would like to learn everything about EOD and being a wife of a bomb squad member. Will I be stationed with him when he gets to his first duty station? Is their first duty station always in the sandbox? How often do they deploy and is it definetly for 6 months?

Answer:

Hello Heather, I am only one wife and I hope others will give there advice as well but being an EOD wife isnt easy. You have to be a pretty strong person, I think!

I dont want to scare you at all but I dont want to sugar coat it either~! Our guys & gals deploy alot and at the moment it seems to be about every 6 months, and if they are not deployed they are in some sort of schooling to better and update there skills.

As far as I know your first duty station after school is not in the sandbox especially for guys just out of school but someone else may be able to better answer that for you. Most deployments are for 6 months some are longer! If you choose to accompany him to his duty station you are welcome unless he choses a duty station that requires he not bring his family I think the only one is BAhrain (not sure).

There is alot of preparation that is required before they are sent off to the sandbox!

Schooling in itself is about 2 years or more depending on the person.

Most commands have great support systems that are getting even better as we speak and I know Mr. Bill Tyrrel will give you his thoughts on that since he heads that up!

My advice to you is to get yourself very educated and familiar with the job and what they do and also after you do that discuss and decide with your husband how you feel and if you think you can support him in his decision to be an EOD Tech! You can also get alot of info at www.eod.navy.mil and also ask alot of questions here as well ! We can tackle any question you may have as far as being a spouse! Look around read all you can and just know that once you get into the EOD Family you truly are part of a family! Hope that helped out!!

If you have any other questions please ask away!

Answer:

Heather, Julie was spot on in her answer. It is true that EOD is hard pressed to meet all of our commitments in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), as well as the Global War on Terrorism. If your husband does choose to go EOD, he will receive Dive training (Panama City, FL), followed by EOD School (Eglin AFB FL), followed by Jump Training (Fort Benning GA), followed by EOD Tactical Training at my last Command, EOD Training and Evaluation Unit ONE (San Diego CA). Once training is complete he will go to and EOD Mobile Unit where he likely will deploy overseas with an EOD Platoon. There are no EOD Mobile Units currently where the Spouse/Family can not accompany and EOD Tech. The only location that families can't go is Bahrain however, we no longer have a Mobile Unit there so it is unlikely that he would be assigned there as that is a Staff job.

Bottom line, one of the keys to the success of our EOD troops is support from the family. To that end, EOD has stood up a Family Readiness and Support program that I believe is light years ahead of the curve. We are serious about supporting our familes as they make huge sacrices for the mission and I am proud to be heading that program.

I wish you and your husband the best of luck if he endeavors to become an EOD Technician and I stand ready to support you and every EOD Family. We really are A FAMILY... Bill Tyrrell

Rebecca asks:

How will I know if the FRG's are run by good groups of wives that are not gossiping spouses?

How will the people in charge control that?

I am concerned that this could be a reason why some EOD wives may not contribute and chose to be a part of these groups. We have significant others that are deploying more often than other commands our children are without a parent and we are alone most of the time.

How will this change that in a positive way and how can they keep it from getting out of control with gossip?

This website is the first thing I have found that has good information on it, I enjoy being a part of it, I wish my command and all other commands that aren't on it yet would get involved.

Answer:

Rebecca, I would like to address your comments head on. Have you experienced these negative things in the past or recently?

Every Commanding Officer I know (and I know and have served with most of them when I was a CMC in EOD) have made it adbudantly clear that the FRG is not a gossip club and that attitudes and egos will be checked at the door as we are working for the greater good of the Command and our Family. I have not heard of any problems since we have embarked on the FRG journey, and all the CO's I have talked to and heard address our spouses have said categorically that they will dissolve any FRG's that engage in attitudes and egos in a heart beat and start from scratch. The days of the wives' gossip clubs are long gone.

I have seen and taken part in some great things in the way of activities for the kids and families, and in support and assistance rendered to those families who find themselves in a crisis or time of need.

If you have specific comments, questions, or concerns, please contact me directly. My contact information appears in my "EOD FAMILY READINESS COORDINATOR" page to the left. I look forward to hearing from you.

Barbara asks:

Smiling, Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! I need to know how to post a blog on our part of the website and if there's a date/time stamp attached to the entries.

Answer:

YES! I can help you with that..The package i am signed up for includes a blog builder I will send you the info right now!

Let me know if I can help you in any other way anytime!

Tyler asks:

Do you have anything for teenagers? Like paintball, camping, movies or even mall trips?

Answer:

Tyler, Thank you for your question. One of the reasons I am having Spouse/Family "Town Hall" meetings in Virginia and San Diego for all EOD Command families is to hear comments, questions, and concerns like this one to better serve our families. Rest assured that I have your back on this one and will get the word out to all my FRG's! Thank you for your desire to participate Tyler!

Bill Tyrrell

EOD Family Readiness and Support

Barbara asks:

I need to know how we can get things posted and we are interested in using the EOD ESU link to host a silent auction to raise $$$ for the EODGRU-2 FRG.

Answer:

I have emailed you and sent you some information! I am so glad you want to be part of the website I will help in anyway I can!

Lindsey asks:

If our command doesnt have a family readiness group how do we start one? I dont even think we have an ombudsman!

Answer:

Lindsey, I don't know what command you are speaking of but I do know there presently is just one Command in EOD/MDSU without an Ombudsman due to a PCS Transfer. You can contact me at william.tyrrell@navy.mil and I will point you in the right direction Lindsey. Respectfully, Bill

Lindsey comments:

Thanks for the information, I found out that we are going to have one, it is in the works.

Thank you and this is a wonderful website you have started Mr. Tyrrell

Bill comments:

Lindsey, I am glad you have been put in contact with the right person/people. As for the website, I just collaborate to answer questions in the Family Readiness and Support arena. It is not my website rather, the brainchild of Julie Alvarez. V/r Bill

Timothy asks:

I am thinking of going to EOD school How hard is dive school and what should I do to prepare?

Answer:

Hopefully someone else will have a better answer for you but you can visit www.eod.navy.mil there is some information on there about recruiting events and you may find some information on school as well. Thanks for visiting the site and come back often!

Answer:

Look on the deploment video part of this website, there are some dive school videos to look at Good Luck.

Jordan asks:

Love this website! Who do I talk to about joining Navy EOD?

This is the only site I found so far.

Answer:

You can also go to www.eod.navy.mil and get information about school, EOD recruiters and what EOD is all about. The link is also on my links page! Thanks for coming and I am glad you like the website!

Carlee asks:

My husband is graduating from EOD school soon how do we find someone to help us when we find out where we are going?

Answer:

Hi Carlee - once you find out what command your husband has been assigned to, you should receive a Welcome Aboard package from the Command. That packet will contain information about the Command, the Base and the local area. In the event that you do not receive a packet, you can contact the local Fleet and Family Support Center to find out more about the area as well as who the Ombudsman for the command is. The Ombudsman can give you a great deal of helpful information. Good luck at your next command!

Jeff asks:

Why is this family ready group thing being pushed so hard?

Answer:

To answer Jeff's question on why the Family Readiness Group is being pushed would take all day and much more space than available. However Jeff, let me just say that for too long Families have been WAY DOWN on the Commands' priority list. However, to be effective in the number one priority of all commands; THE MISSION, you need focused Sailors. If there is not a support network for the families, our Techs and Divers can not totally focus on their mission. So, it goes that Command Mission, Focused Sailors, and Support for the Families at home are all equally important. A Family Readiness Group, or Support Network is absolutely necessary to help families through problems, from minor to crisis-level while a spouse is deployed. Additionally, A FRG can be just as valuable and effective to our Command Families when a spouse isn't deployed. I hope this answers your question Jeff. Respectfully, Bill Tyrrell

Anni asks:

What is the Town Hall meeting all about?

Answer:

Anni, The Town Hall Meeting will be an opportunity for the spouses and families of all EOD/MDSU Commands in the Tidewater Area or San Diego Area to meet with myself, EOD Family Readiness and Support Coordinator, Ombudsmen, FRG members, and Command Leadership. We will discuss Family Support Initiatives within NECC, and field questions or hear your concerns. Bottom line, we are serious about supporting our Families, who also SERVE and want to know how best to do that. I hope this answers your question Anni.

Respectfully, Bill Tyrrell

Tanya asks:

Are girlfriends of EOD Techs aloud to participate or be on mailing lists?

Answer:

Hi Tanya - It has been my experience that most Commands are more than happy to include girlfriends, however it is up to the Command's discretion. One suggestion is to ask your boyfriend to get in touch with his Command's Ombudsman to find out what the Command is choosing to do. Hope this was helpful.

Answer:

Tanya, In response to your question concerning girlfriends participating in FRG; Our Type Commander, NECC, will be releasing a Family Readines