Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David R. Wolfe announced Oct. 2 that Air Force explosive ordnance disposal Airmen will earn a distinctive rust-colored beret, recognizing their specialized combat arms mission and contributions to the joint force.
The announcement took place virtually during the graduation of the inaugural Project MAMBA course at Tyndall Air Force Base's Silver Flag training site.
Project MAMBA, short for Multi-domain Airmen for Modern Battlefield Application, is the Air Force EOD community's redesigned pre-deployment training pipeline. The course incorporates recent combat lessons and prepares EOD Airmen to operate in complex, contested environments alongside joint and coalition forces.
"Today's graduates represent the capability, professionalism and warrior ethos that define our explosive ordnance disposal force," Wolfe said. "As you prepare to deploy and take on one of the Air Force's most demanding missions, carry forward the pride and combat identity you have earned. The EOD beret will stand as a visible recognition of that identity and your service to the joint force."
The EOD mission includes conducting specialized render-safe procedures and post-blast exploitation while supporting maneuver forces and protecting personnel, equipment and operations.
The rust beret reflects the EOD mission and the color historically associated with explosive hazards. Its metallic flash incorporates EOD and Air Force symbolism, representing the community's global mission, technical expertise and legacy of sacrifice.
The beret authorization aligns EOD's uniform distinction with its designation as a specialized conventional combat-arms career field and recognizes the community's role in delivering combat capability at the tactical edge.
"EOD Airmen bring disciplined expertise, courage and resolve to the joint force's most complex and hazardous missions," said Chief Master Sgt. Steven Harris, EOD career field manager. "The rust beret recognizes their combat-arms identity, honors the community they represent and reflects the capability they will continue to deliver wherever the mission demands."
Implementation guidance will be released through official Air Force channels as available.
