Aviation Standard Test Battery-E (ASTB E) Practice Test

Which branch of the Navy are civilians not typically a part of?

1. Explosive Ordinance Disposal

2. Judge Advocate General

3. Hospital Corpsman

4. Information Technology

The correct answer is: Explosive Ordinance Disposal

Civilians are generally not part of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal branch of the Navy due to the highly specialized and dangerous nature of the work involved in handling explosives and ordnance. This branch is primarily composed of military personnel who are trained specifically in the skills required for bomb disposal, ordnance disposal, and ensuring safety in combat situations. Their training includes rigorous physical and technical components that are necessary to operate effectively in high-risk environments and to respond to threats that can endanger lives and property. In contrast, roles like those found in the Judge Advocate General Corps, Hospital Corpsman, and Information Technology can include civilian employees. The Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, for instance, has both military lawyers and civilian attorneys who provide legal assistance to service members. The Hospital Corpsman, while primarily a military role, can have civilian counterparts in medical positions within military healthcare facilities. Similarly, Information Technology roles can encompass civilian professionals who support Naval operations, maintaining and enhancing electronic communication systems and technology infrastructure. Civilians therefore play important supportive and specialized roles in various Navy branches, but the need for unique military qualifications and training in Explosive Ordnance Disposal excludes civilian participation.