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12B Combat Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army

Combat Engineer (12B)

Sicklerville, NJ · On-site

$24K - $30K/yr

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 ...

U.S. Army

Combat Engineer (12B)

Chambersburg, PA · On-site

$23K - $97K/yr

As a Combat Engineer, you'll work quickly and skillfully to help Soldiers navigate while on combat missions by clearing barriers with explosives and detecting and avoiding mines and other ...

U.S. Army

US Army Combat Engineer (12B)

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$50K/yr

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 ...

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12B Combat Engineer information

What is a 12B Combat Engineer?

12B Combat Engineers are soldiers in the U.S. Army responsible for a variety of construction and demolition tasks under combat conditions. Their duties include building bridges and roads, clearing obstacles, detecting and neutralizing mines and explosives, and constructing defensive fighting positions. They often work closely with infantry and armored units to facilitate movement and increase survivability on the battlefield. Combat Engineers are trained to adapt quickly and perform essential engineering tasks while under fire. This role requires both physical endurance and technical skills.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a 12B Combat Engineer?

To thrive as a 12B Combat Engineer, you need physical fitness, knowledge of explosives and construction, and completion of Army Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training. Familiarity with specialized tools, demolition equipment, and military vehicles is essential, along with certifications in handling explosives. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability under pressure are crucial soft skills for this demanding role. These skills and qualities ensure mission effectiveness, safety, and the ability to overcome challenges in diverse and high-risk environments.

What challenges do 12B Combat Engineers face during field operations, and how can they prepare for them?

12B Combat Engineers often encounter physically demanding conditions, such as working in adverse weather, carrying heavy equipment, and operating in potentially hazardous environments. They must be prepared to quickly adapt to changing mission requirements, work collaboratively with infantry and other units, and maintain high attention to detail to safely conduct tasks like constructing fortifications or clearing obstacles. Proactive training, maintaining physical fitness, and strong communication skills are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring mission success.

What is the difference between 12B Combat Engineer vs 12C Bridge Crewmember?

Aspect12B Combat Engineer12C Bridge Crewmember
CertificationsMilitary engineering, combat skillsBridge construction, military engineering
Work EnvironmentCombat zones, construction sites, training exercisesBridge sites, combat zones, field operations
Employer & IndustryU.S. Army, military engineering unitsU.S. Army, engineering units

Both 12B Combat Engineers and 12C Bridge Crewmembers serve in the U.S. Army, focusing on engineering tasks. While 12B Combat Engineers handle a broad range of combat engineering duties including demolition, obstacle removal, and construction, 12C Bridge Crewmembers specialize in building and maintaining military bridges. The roles share similar certifications and work environments, but 12B Combat Engineers have a wider scope of responsibilities beyond bridge work.

How much do 12B combat engineers make?

12B Combat Engineers in the military typically earn a base salary that ranges from approximately $25,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on rank, experience, and years of service. Additional benefits such as housing allowances, special duty pay, and overtime can increase total compensation. Entry-level soldiers usually start at the lower end of the pay scale, with increases as they gain experience and rank.

What jobs can I get as a 12B Combat Engineer?

A 12B Combat Engineer primarily works in construction, demolition, obstacle removal, and fortification building within the military. Skills in operating heavy equipment, explosives, and engineering tools are essential, and certifications like OSHA safety training can enhance job prospects. After service, these skills can translate to careers in construction, civil engineering, or infrastructure maintenance.
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12B Combat Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various 12B Combat Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Combat Engineer (12B)

Sicklerville, NJ • On-site

U.S. Army
National Security • 10K+ employees

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 495 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense

People enjoy working here

Paid breaks

Learn new skills

Learn more about U.S. Armyexternal

$24K - $30K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

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 http://www.armypays.com. 
  • AT&T, Inc. 
  • Hewlett-Packard Company 
  • Kraft Foods Global, Inc. 
  • Sears Holdings Corporation 
  • Time Customer Service, Inc. 
  • Walgreen Co. 
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About US Army

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Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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