Combat Engineering: Definition, Job Duties and How To Become One

Engineering has been integral to human progress since the earliest days of civilization. Over the years, the application of engineering principles has led to revolutionary advancements in fields ranging from healthcare to transportation, and the development of military technology is no exception. Today, combat engineering plays a vital role in the modern battlefield. Combat engineering involves the application of engineering principles to support the tactics and objectives of the military. It facilitates the movement of troops and equipment and defends against enemy attacks. It also plays an important role in maintaining infrastructure in forward-deployed areas, as well as providing vital support to humanitarian missions. Combat engineering is a complex and ever-evolving field, and requires an in-depth understanding of the principles of engineering and the specific needs of military operations. In this blog post, we will explore the essential role of combat engineering in today’s military, the history of combat engineering, and the many challenges that military personnel must face in order to succeed in this crucial field.

What is combat engineering?

Within the American Army, a position known as combat engineering entails creating barriers to keep teammates safe or removing any obstructions in the way of the troops. Combat engineers are typically in charge of efficiently and safely transporting their team from one location to another. The combat engineers will quickly construct a bridge for their team to cross if the soldiers need to go over water. Aside from building or clearing minefields, they could also fix or build roads or airports to make transportation more convenient.

Combat engineering job duties

You must enlist in the military and go through rigorous training in order to become a combat engineer. Follow these steps to become a combat engineer:

1. Earn your high school diploma or GED

Before being accepted into most military branches, especially the army, you must have a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Before being accepted, you must also adhere to certain height, weight, and physical health requirements. These standards typically vary depending on which branch you join. Experience engaging in challenging physical activities for extended periods of time can also be beneficial. As a combat engineer, you should also enjoy working outside because you’ll be doing it a lot.

2. Become an expert at using different hand tools

You should think about mastering the use of fundamental hand and power tools because this position requires you to complete construction projects while using a variety of heavy machinery and hand tools. This can typically put you ahead of training. Additionally, you can demonstrate this understanding by taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam.

Common tools you should learn include:

3. Select your military occupation specialty

To better understand the requirements to be met and the ASVAB exam score to achieve, you should decide which military occupation specialty to pursue. Each military occupation specialty has a specific category. For instance, MOS 12B, a combination of engineer and combat fighter, is the category that combat engineer candidates typically pursue under field 12, which is the Army’s engineering category.

4. Pass the ASVAB exam

You can take the ASVAB exam once you’re sure about the military occupation specialty you want to pursue. It consists of questions with multiple choices that will help you choose the Army jobs you are most qualified for. You will be tested on ten different topics in this exam to determine your areas of strength and expertise.

Typically, you can take these exams at the school where you are enrolled. If you are not currently enrolled in school, speak with a local Army recruiter to find out where other testing locations are located. You don’t need to study for this test because it will primarily be used to evaluate your current knowledge and abilities. The basic areas of the ASVAB exam are:

5. Undergo basic training

The initial screening, Army values instruction, skill development and marksmanship, tactical training, and your final assessments are among the four phases of basic training that you will go through. You will graduate from basic training once you have successfully completed all 10 weeks of training.

6. Gain advanced combat engineering training

You will receive advanced training in your specialized field after basic training. You must choose an engineering specialty as an Army engineer. Options include combat engineering, general engineering or geospatial engineering operations.

To concentrate more closely on your military occupational specialty, you’ll enroll in Advanced Individual Training. You learn the abilities required to succeed as a combat engineer in this training. Subjects youll study and learn through hands-on training include:

Combat Engineer US Army History

FAQ

Does a combat engineer fight?

As a result, all engineers are prepared to fight and defeat the enemy by being organized, trained, and equipped. Combat engineers’ secondary duty is to reform into infantry units and engage in infantry combat.

How do I become a combat engineer?

1. Earn your high school diploma or GED. …
2. Become an expert at using different hand tools. …
3. Select your military occupation specialty. …
4. Pass the ASVAB exam. …
5. Undergo basic training. …
6. Gain advanced combat engineering training.

What skills does a combat engineer have?

• Basic demolitions.
• Basic explosive hazards.
• Constructing wire obstacles.
• Fixed bridge building.
• Basic urban operations.
• Operating heavy equipment.