The Army’s combat engineers, wearing the Sapper tab, were responsible for building berthing, defensive fortifications, and route clearance. They also built bridges that could support armored units and reduced enemy obstacles with demolition.

Those who want to become combat engineers must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. They then go through weeks of One Station Unit Training and Basic Combat Training.

Combat Engineer Duties

A combat engineer is tasked with building things that help military personnel get around and into areas of conflict. This includes constructing bridges, clearing obstacles, and doing general construction tasks. He is also responsible for demolition and route clearance in support of combat operations. He conducts bridging, obstacle removal and route clearance missions, directs the construction of fighting positions, wire entanglements, minefield emplacement and removal, hasty and deliberate breaching operations and prepares demolition and engineer reconnaissance reports. He is responsible for operating and maintaining engineer-wheeled and tracked vehicles.

These Army enlistees are also experts in explosives, and they can place them to inhibit enemy targets or clear the way for other soldiers. They can also construct defensive mechanisms to protect their fellow troops, such as bunkers or trenches.

Those interested in this role must have a high school diploma or GED and meet the different military branches’ height, weight, and other physical requirements. They also need to pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, which helps determine what type of Army job is right for them. This test includes questions that measure an individual’s ability to work with hand and power tools, participate in strenuous physical activities for extended periods, and enjoy working outdoors. They are also required to undergo 14 weeks of One Station Unit Training, including basic combat and advanced individual training.

Combat Engineer Training Requirements

If you want to become a combat engineer, start by passing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. The test will determine which Army jobs you are eligible for based on your score. Field 12 is the Army engineers category, and MOS is a military occupational specialty code. You need a MOS of 12B to become a combat engineer. The next step is to complete a 14-week One Station Unit Training program. In this course, you will receive job training in demolitions, hazard evaluations, bridge building, and obstacle creation. You will also learn to operate heavy equipment.

Once you have completed your military service, you can get civilian engineering jobs, particularly those related to construction and inspection. Civilian employers know that combat engineers have proven their mettle in high-stress situations and are natural leaders.

If you plan on going back to school to get an engineering degree, talk to your recruiter about a ROTC program. These are Army programs that offer college credit for the time you spend in the military. It’s also possible to join the National Guard or Reserve while you are in school and use those military years as your college time. This will help you avoid a break in your education and work on the things you love most in life.

Combat Engineer Experience Requirements

When writing your resume, include a skills section detailing your experience related to the combat engineer position. This is the space where you can list things like power tools, heavy equipment, steel manufacturing, masonry, and security clearance. Reading the job listing closely will help you decide which of these to mention so that you can tailor your resume to the requirements of the specific position you are applying for.

Combat engineers are able to complete a wide variety of construction projects, including building bridges for troop passage over water crossings and clearing obstacles that might hinder the movement of military vehicles. They are also able to construct and operate airfields, build defense systems on military bases, and conduct field inspections. Having this type of engineering experience can make it easier to find civilian employment after leaving the military.

Those interested in becoming combat engineers must meet basic qualifications, such as having a high school diploma or GED certificate and passing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. They will also need to be able to pass medical and physical fitness standards and possess analytical, decision-making, problem-solving, and communication skills. If you’re interested in joining this position, the Army provides full-tuition for school and allowances to cover living expenses during your training. Once you’ve completed your training, you can expect to be promoted from 2nd lieutenant (2LT / O-1) to 1st lieutenant (1LT / O-2), depending on performance.

Combat Engineer Average Salary

Depending on location, the salary of a combat engineer varies between about $81,000 and $127,500. The average annual salary of a Combat Engineer is $106,000, and this can go up with experience and years of service. 12B Combat engineers oversee a team as they tackle rough terrain during combat operations and perform a wide range of military engineering, tunneling, and construction tasks. Their duties include clearing barriers with explosives, constructing fighting positions, designing bridges, and securing perimeters. They also conduct mine warfare operations and are trained to operate heavy machinery like tractors and bulldozers.

Soldiers in this career have a military occupational specialty (MOS) of 12B and serve as enlisted ranks from private to master sergeant pay grade E-8. They can be a member of any branch of the United States military. For example, other nations have similar jobs, and soldiers in these roles can be found in the British Army and the Canadian Forces.

In addition to military construction and engineering tasks, these personnel perform administrative duties and are also trained in communication, decision-making, and leadership skills. In this way, they are prepared for a civilian career as an engineer or in the construction industry after leaving the U.S. military. The career is a great fit for those who enjoy working in high-pressure situations and are natural leaders.