Starting next year, civilians will also be able to apply for a job at DOVO, the army bomb squad. The measure is intended to address staff shortages. ‘You have to be stress-resistant and mature, and possess the technical skills,’ says DOVO's Jacques Callebaut.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Destruction Service (DOVO) is looking for new staff. Until now, the bomb squad only recruited among military personnel. But from next year, civilians will also be able to apply.
‘Several people are retiring,’ says adjutant major Callebaut, communications manager at DOVO . ‘Others will leave the profession. We need to be prepared for the future.’ Of the 400 DOVO staff, just under 200 are bomb disposal officers. How many people exactly DOVO wants or needs to recruit is not clear.
A bomb disposal officer’s duties include handling suspicious packages, dismantling bombs and clearing and destroying munitions left over from the wars. So can anyone sign up?
‘As a bomb disposal officer, you sometimes end up in unfamiliar and dangerous situations. So you have to be stress-resistant and able to perform under pressure. Applicants must see a psychologist to determine if they are suitable.’
‘In addition, the course is not for the faint-hearted. You need to know about different kinds of bombs. But people with a technical background or who have a natural technical aptitude, can look forward to a job at DOVO.’
Defence ministry pays for the training
DOVO starts recruiting civvies from next year. Before you can become a bomb disposal officer, you will need to join the military. ‘There are some aspects of the job that are totally unknown to civilians, such as the regulations. But candidates also have to be able to bivouac and work with others.’
Applicants can apply to become military volunteers or non-commissioned officers. Here, ‘volunteer’ is not used in the classic sense of the word. It is a fully-fledged position as an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) assistant. To become a volunteer, in 2026 you will have to take a course for a few weeks after your military training.
A non-commissioned officer has more (managerial) responsibilities and has to complete a one-year course. In both cases, the defence ministry pays all the study costs as well as a monthly salary. For officer roles, the army will continue to recruit internally.