Combat Engineer (12B)

COMBAT ENGINEER (12B)  

• Enlisted 
• Officer 
• Active Duty 
• Army Reserve 
• National Guard 
• Entry Level 

OVERVIEW 

Combat engineers primarily supervise, serve, or assist as a member of a team when they are tackling rough terrain in combat situations. They provide their expertise in areas such as mobility, counter-mobility, survivability, and general engineering. 

JOB DUTIES 

• Construct fighting positions, fixed/floating bridges, obstacles and defensive positions 
• Place and detonate explosives 
• Conduct operations that include route clearance of obstacles and rivers 
• Prepare and install firing systems for demolition and explosives 
• Detect mines visually or with mine detectors 

REQUIREMENTS 

• Must meet DoD requirements. 
• Those who want to serve must first take the ASVAB, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you. 

TRAINING 

Job training for combat engineers requires 14 weeks of One Station Unit Training, which includes Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field with on-the-job instructions.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are: 

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

HELPFUL SKILLS 

• Ability to use hand and power tools 
• Perform strenuous physical activities over long periods of time 
• Interest in engineering 
• Enjoy working outdoors 

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S) 

Combat (CO): 87 

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for. 

COMPENSATION 

Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation. 

EARN CASH FOR IN DEMAND JOBS 

You could earn up to $40,000 in cash bonuses just for enlisting under certain Military Occupational Specialties. Visit Jobs in Demand to see if this job qualifies for an enlistment bonus. 

EDUCATION BENEFITS 

In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits. 

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS 

The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in the fields of construction, building inspection or building engineering. 

PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUTH SUCCESS (PAYS) PROGRAM 

Those interested in this job may be eligible for civilian employment, after the Army, by enrolling in the Army PaYS program. The PaYS program is a recruitment option that guarantees a job interview with military friendly employers that are looking for experienced and trained Veterans to join their organization. Find out more about the Army PaYS Program at  

• AT&T, Inc. 
• Hewlett-Packard Company 
• Kraft Foods Global, Inc. 
• Sears Holdings Corporation 
• Time Customer Service, Inc. 
• Walgreen Co.