Combat Engineer
Provide mobility, counter-mobility, and survivability support to combat forces.
Job Overview
Combat engineers clear obstacles, breach fortifications, and build defensive positions.
12Bs conduct route clearance, breach obstacles with explosives, emplace obstacles, construct fighting positions, and use heavy engineer equipment.
History & Deep Dive
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Daily Responsibilities
- Use explosives to breach obstacles
- Detect and clear IEDs
- Emplace mines and obstacles
- Operate heavy equipment
- Conduct infantry-like ops
Training Pipeline
- 1OSUTFort Leonard Wood, MO · ~14 weeks
Official Qualification Requirements
Requirements being verified against the official service publication. We do not display unofficial or estimated scores — contact a recruiter for the current minimum.
SECRET
Last verified: 2026-08-14
Requirements are subject to change by the Department of Defense and each service. Always confirm the current standard with an official recruiter before making a decision.
Not required. GoArmy.com states you must "be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Green Card" to enlist, so green card holders qualify for this job (also 10 U.S.C. 504). Source: goarmy.com/how-to-join/requirements. Citizens of the Freely Associated States (Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau) may also enlist under 10 U.S.C. 504. Verified August 2026 against the official branch site, 10 U.S.C. 504, and AR 601-210 (20 March 2026).
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Career Progression
Team leader, squad leader, platoon sergeant.
Assignments & Special Schools
- Fort Leonard Wood, MO
- Fort Liberty, NC
- Fort Cavazos, TX
- JBLM, WA
Deployment: Frequent deployments with maneuver units.
Bonuses & Special Pay
Bonus availability changes frequently — confirm current amounts with a recruiter.
Lifestyle & Work-Life Balance
Mix of construction projects, mobility/counter-mobility training, and route clearance rotations. Good balance of hands-on trade work with soldier tasks.
Physical Fitness
Aim for 460+ with strong deadlift and sprint-drag-carry.
- Ruck marches
- Heavy carries
- Grip and forearm work
- Endurance runs
Advantages
- Hands-on problem solving
- Elite Sapper qualification
- Strong civilian trades pathway
Disadvantages
- Physically demanding manual labor
- Route clearance is a high-threat mission
- Work in extreme weather
- Frequent field time
Who Should Choose This MOS?
People who like building, demolition, and problem-solving under pressure — and who want a skill that transfers directly to civilian construction and heavy-equipment careers.