engineering
Soldier
Reserve

EOD and Search - Reserve

Learn how to find and make safe unexploded devices at home and abroad as part of a highly trained Explosive Ordnance Disposal & Search Team.

Royal Engineers

Starting day rate
£63.27
Age range
18 - 43

Apply now

Role details

Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.

Entry Requirements

Age

You can join between the ages of 18 – 43. At the time of your application you will need to be between 17 years & 9 months old and 42 years & 6 months old.

Fitness

Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3m (Army Reserve 2.7m)
2km run 11 min

More information about the fitness test

Education

No previous experience or formal qualifications are required, however you will be assessed on your numeracy and literacy. You will also undertake a trainability test to identify your suitability for this technical role.

Need help?

Unsure about requirements? Your local Army Reserve unit can help you.

Find a Reserve unit

About the Role

Royal Engineers

The Royal Engineers (RE) are multi-skilled soldiers, combat engineers and tradespeople, providing essential support to all areas of the British Army.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Search operators are the Royal Engineers' bomb disposal and high-risk search experts. Whether helping to make safe a World War II bomb found in a back garden, or locating and destroying improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on operations, you'll be working as part of a highly skilled team. We'll teach you everything you need to know to help you start your specialism in this field. You'll also be part of a friendly Sapper family, enjoying sports, Adventurous Training and more in the Army Reserve.
EOD and Search is part of the Trade Roles of the Royal Engineers. All the Royal Engineer soldier job roles are divided into 5 groups. When you apply to the Engineers, you will apply to the trade group rather than the specific trade.

Key responsibilities

Study explosives and their properties
Learn how to locate and safely dispose of IEDs and manufactured munitions
Learn how to use specialised equipment including bomb disposal robots

Training

Step 1
Basic Training consists of two main courses and some online training packages. You can book on the courses to fit around your daily life, so it could take you several months to finish your basic training.

Module 1: Foundation Training. 5 alternate residential weekends Fri - Sun at an Army training centre OR a nine-day residential course.
Module 2: Battlecamp. 15-day residential course at an Army training establishment. You will learn fieldcraft, Skill at Arms, fitness training, qualities of a soldier, military knowledge, Battlefield casualty drills, individual health and education. This will culminate with a Passing Off Parade which your family and friends can attend to celebrate your success.

Step 2
Then it's off to the Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment near Camberley, Surrey. Here, you learn military engineering skills and complete the two-week Reservist Combat Engineer Foundation course, which teaches you engineering skills that you will call upon throughout your career.

Step 3
Finally, you go to the Defence EOD, Munitions and Search Training Regiment, Bicester, for two weeks. This is where you will train to become a specialist EOD & S team member.

All of the above training is delivered at a pace to suit your availability and it will be a two-way partnership with guidance from your Unit training team.

Pay and Benefits

Qualifications You'll Earn

Your application journey

From application to training, you can expect a timeline of at least 6 months.

Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.

1.1-2 days

Online application

Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.

Ask a Soldier

Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.

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How fit do I need to be before I apply?

What is Reservist training like

Most Reservists train one evening a week and one or two weekends a month alongside their civilian job.
One week I could be map reading, one week I could be doing rifle training, another week we might have fitness.

Reservist training fits around your life, with regular sessions in the evenings and longer training on some weekends. You’ll build skills step by step, alongside people balancing jobs, study and family life.

Cameron J

Infantry Reservist

Your future starts here

Every Reserve EOD and Search started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.

Apply now

Not ready to apply? Get in touch

Contact us

0345 600 8080

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Full time opportunity

This role is also available in the Regular Army

Serve full time as a EOD and Search and be part of a team serving the country. Get comprehensive training, competitive salary and opportunities to serve around the world.

Commitment

Full time

Training

Full training & other qualifications

View Regular role information

Benefits of Regular Army

Travel & adventure
Gain world-class training
Free gyms & healthcare
Cheaper housing
30 days annual leave

More about Regular Army

Ready to start your Royal Engineers journey?

Apply now

EOD and Search - Reserve

Role details

Entry Requirements

Age

Fitness

Education

Need help?

About the Role

Royal Engineers

Key responsibilities

Training

Pay and Benefits

Qualifications You'll Earn

Your application journey

Online application

Meet your unit

Medical Checks

Assessment centre

Security clearance

Ask a Soldier

How fit do I need to be before I apply?

What is Reservist training like

Your future starts here

Not ready to apply? Get in touch

Contact us

Find your local Reserve Centre

More roles like this

Combat Engineer - Reserve

Driver - Royal Engineers - Reserve

Logistic Specialist - Royal Engineers - Reserve

This role is also available in the Regular Army

Commitment

Training

Benefits of Regular Army

Ready to start your Royal Engineers journey?