Army MOS · Engineering
12B Combat Engineer
Overview
A combat engineer serves as a member of or supervises a team, squad, section, or platoon. The engineer provides mobility, counter-mobility, and survivability support to combat forces.
Core Skills
- combat engineering operations
- construction and field fortifications
- demolitions and explosives handling
- route clearance and obstacle reduction
- basic surveying and site layout
- equipment operation and maintenance
- risk assessment and safety management
- team leadership and supervision
- technical drawing interpretation
- problem solving under stress
Civilian Software & Tools
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Blaster's Tool and Supply Company Blaster's Calculator
- Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Civilian Career Paths
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Management
- Project Management
- Facilities Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Architect Registration Examination (ARE)
- Certified Associate Construction Manager (CACM)
- Certified Associate Constructor (CAC)
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM) · Funded · Promotion points
- Certified Facility Manager (CFM)
Career Growth
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
- Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) · Funded · Promotion points
- Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner (CHMP)
- Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam: Chemical · Funded · Promotion points
- Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam: Industrial and Systems · Funded · Promotion points
Also Common
- Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam: Other Disciplines · Funded · Promotion points
- Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
What the Work Involves
- Read plans, instructions, or specifications to determine work activities.
- Measure, mark, or record openings or distances to layout areas where construction work will be performed.
- Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, or adjustment of machinery, equipment, or materials.
- Examine blast areas to determine amounts and kinds of explosive charges needed and to ensure that safety laws are observed.
- Place explosive charges in holes or other spots; then detonate explosives to demolish structures or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials.
Related Occupations
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
- Pipelayers
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a high school diploma and some on-the-job training.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into 12B. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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