12B Combat Engineer - Construction and Engineering Specialist
About the role
Combat Engineers are essential to mission success by assisting fellow Soldiers in tackling unpredictable environments. As a member of an Army National Guard Combat Engineer team, you'll design and build bridges, roadways, secure perimeters, and tactical firing systems, as well as detect and safely neutralize mines and other dangers to safeguard your team and repel the enemy.
Responsibilities
- Construct fighting positions, fixed/floating bridges, obstacles, and defensive positions
- Place and detonate explosives
- Conduct operations that include route clearance of obstacles and rivers
Skills You’ll Learn
- 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
- Ability to perform strenuous physical activities over long periods of time
- Interest in engineering
- Enjoy working outdoors
Civilian Career Opportunities
Through your training, you will develop the skills and experience to enjoy a civilian career in construction, building inspection, and building engineering.
Training
Instead of paying to learn these skills, you will get paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.
- 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills
- 14 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT)
- On-the-job training primarily consists of hands-on work in a variety of construction projects
Benefits
- Paid training
- A monthly paycheck
- Montgomery GI Bill
- Federal and State tuition assistance
- Retirement benefits for part-time service
- Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage)
- 401(k)-type savings plan
- Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000, for existing loans)
- Health care benefits available
- VA home loans
- Bonuses, if applicable
Most non-prior service candidates will earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change.
Requirements
- Military enlistment in the Army National Guard
- Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
- Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
- Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards
- Must meet citizenship requirements (see NATIONALGUARD.com for details)
Programs and benefits are subject to change. Ask your Army National Guard recruiter for the most up-to-date information. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.