Chief master sergeant of the Air Force unveils distinctive beret for EOD airmen

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David R. Wolfe announced Oct. 2 that explosive ordnance disposal Airmen will receive a distinctive rust-colored beret, a move intended to underscore the community’s specialized combat-arms role and contributions across the joint force.

Wolfe delivered the news virtually during the first graduation of Project MAMBA at Tyndall Air Force Base’s Silver Flag training site. “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.”

Project MAMBA—short for Multi-domain Airmen for Modern Battlefield Application—serves as the EOD community’s revamped pre-deployment pipeline, integrating recent combat lessons and preparing Airmen to operate in complex, contested environments alongside joint and coalition partners.

EOD teams conduct specialized render-safe procedures, analyze and exploit post-blast sites, and support maneuver elements to safeguard personnel, equipment and operations.

The new beret’s rust color nods to the hazards associated with explosives, while a metallic flash blends EOD and Air Force iconography to reflect the community’s global mission, technical mastery and long record of sacrifice.

Authorizing the beret brings the community’s uniform distinctions in line with its designation as a specialized conventional combat-arms career field and affirms its role in delivering combat power 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.”

The Air Force said detailed guidance on how and when the beret will be worn will be released through official channels.