Dream Job
Each week, the USA TODAY Online Career Center asks celebrities, businesspeople and folks who are just plain happy in their work exactly what makes their jobs great.
This week: A career in the military may not be everyone's cup of tea, but U. S. Navy Special Operations Officer Chris Moore has found a happy home there. As a Lieutenant Commander with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, he serves as a bomb technician, trained in specialized diving, to handle responses to all types of potentially explosive situations ("ordnance" - mines, bombs and the like.).
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Navy Special Operations Officer Salary: $25,000.00 as an Ensign; officers such as Lieutenant Commander (11 years experience)make $60-70,000/year plus benefits, commissary/exchange privileges, etc. Notes Moore: "Also, about a third of my income is tax free!" Education: A bachelor's degree is required to receive a commission as a Naval Officer Getting started: Says Moore: "Contact your local recruiter or contact me and I'll help you find the right person (Work: 361-776-4195). " Resources: U.S. Navy jobs; Occupational Outlook Handbook: Armed Forces |
How did you obtain this job?
I started out as a Surface Warfare officer (ships) after graduation from the University of Florida (I was on a Navy four-year scholarship). During the Persian Gulf War, I watched these small teams of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians working off of our ship. This bunch seemed to be having more fun and enjoying their work more than the rest of us shipboard guys. They were jumping out of helicopters with explosives on their back, blowing up mines and doing it
professionally. After doing some research on the community, I put in a package and was selected for training after returning from the Middle East.
When did you know this was your dream job?
I knew this was potentially my dream job during the Gulf War, but it was really confirmed through the training phases (dive school, EOD school), which lasted nearly two years. I can honestly say that my enthusiasm for working in this community is renewed almost every day. I'm in an operational setting. Nothing beats working with the pros and team-oriented people I work with every day.What do you like most about being an explosives expert?
The thing I enjoy most is executing a well-planned operation, training evolution or event. Whether it's a 200-pound helium-oxygen dive, parachuting operation or a response to a potentially damaged nuclear weapon, being a part of the team that makes an operation run smoothly, all the way to completion, brings the ultimate job satisfaction.
What is an average day like?
There truly is no average day, which is one of the most appealing aspects of the job. I literally have rendered safe ordnance in the Republic of Palau, parachuted out of an airplane in Guam and gotten on a ship headed to the Republic of Korea, all in one week! EOD training, diving, and yes, maintenance of gear and paperwork can all be a part of the normal work day. It rarely gets boring.
What is your educational and professional background?
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I have been a Naval Officer all of my post-college career. My degree is in political science, but my toughest courses were in the 11-month-long EOD school pipeline. The quantity of information learned and the challenge to solve problems "down range" on a hazardous pieces of ordnance gave me the background and skills necessary for the job. Dive training was taught in a physically challenging, six-month course, with an additional two months for surface-supplied helium-oxygen schooling. Again, this training gave me the skills to do the job. The Navy also funded 75% of my post-graduate education that I worked on after-hours on shore duty. This education has help shape my ability to lead people and manage assets.
What has been the biggest sacrifice you have made for this job?
This biggest sacrifice is a common one among military folks: The occasional separation from family during peace time operations and the potential for a much longer separation during war or contingency operations. Secondary to this sacrifice is the money that could have been earned in the civilian sector. Money, obviously, is not a big motivating factor in my career choice.Who or what has been your biggest influence in entering this field?
My motivation or influence for staying with the Navy and this program comes from a feeling of working for a cause that is worth the sacrifices and potential sacrifices faced in the military. I guess you can say I'm patriotic, but more than that, I believe in just, humane treatment of all people, and I feel the United States does the best job of that (despite our countries obvious short-comings) in the global perspective, bar none.
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What advice would you give someone who wanted to enter this field?
My advice to someone who wanted to enter this profession would be: stand by for a gut-check, both physically and mentally. It's a lot of work and takes patience to get through the lengthy training pipeline. The job is not for everyone, but for a person who desires challenge and a fast-paced routine, there are few jobs that will provide this much satisfaction.
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About Chris Moore
Navy Lieutenant Commander Chris Moore was born June 23, 1966, at the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Naval Base. He grew up in Panama City, Fla. and earned a B.A. in political science from University of Florida, and a Masters of Public Administration from Valdosta State University (Ga.). He is married to Tammy and they have a son, Stephen (2). They currently reside in Portland, Texas, stationed at Mine Countermeasures Squadron ONE (Naval Station, Ingleside, Texas) as the Operations Officer.
Moore's interests include sailing, camping, sports and cooking.