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12b combat engineers

U.S. Army•32 members

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About this Unit

12b combat engineers

U.S. Army

The 12B Combat Engineers trace their origins to the U.S. Army’s commitment to mobility and fortification on the battlefield, with the “12B” designation referencing the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) for Army Combat Engineers. Historically, these units have played pivotal roles in every major conflict since World War II, including clearing mines, constructing fortifications, building bridges, and demolishing obstacles to support infantry and armored units. Their expertise in both construction and demolition makes them indispensable during both offensive and defensive operations. Over the decades, 12B Combat Engineers have continually adapted to new technologies and tactics, ensuring their critical contributions to modern military missions worldwide.

About 12b combat engineers

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Versatile Builders and Fighters: The 12B Combat Engineer is a U.S. Army Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) responsible for both construction and demolition tasks on the battlefield, making them one of the Army's most versatile combat support roles.
Origins in World War I: The combat engineer role traces its roots to "sapper" units in World War I, who dug trenches, built fortifications, and cleared obstacles under enemy fire.
Breaching Normandy Beaches: During D-Day in World War II, combat engineers played a crucial role in breaching beach obstacles and clearing mines, enabling the Allied forces to advance inland.
Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Experts: 12Bs are extensively trained in detecting, neutralizing, and safely removing IEDs, especially crucial during recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Bridge Builders: Combat engineers regularly construct temporary bridges, such as the iconic Bailey bridge, allowing troops and vehicles to cross rivers and gaps during combat operations.
Combat Role: Unlike many other engineering units, 12Bs are trained to fight as infantry if necessary, and often operate close to the front lines.
Blowing Up Obstacles: Demolitions are a key part of the 12B’s duties, including destroying enemy bunkers, clearing obstacles with explosives, and creating anti-tank ditches.
“Essayons” Motto: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ motto, “Essayons” (French for “Let us try”), reflects the can-do spirit of combat engineers, including 12Bs.
Honoring Fallen Engineers: The Engineer Memorial Grove at Fort Leonard Wood, where 12Bs are trained, honors those who gave their lives in service as combat engineers.
Modern Engineering Vehicles: 12Bs operate specialized vehicles like the M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV) and the Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge (AVLB), which help clear minefields and deploy bridges in combat zones.

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12b combat engineers

U.S. Army•32 members

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About this Unit

12b combat engineers

U.S. Army

Unit members

Jesse Kesler

U.S. Army · 1981 - 1984

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Michael LeValley

U.S. Army · 1988 - 1992

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Moses Bridges

U.S. Army · 1965 - 1967

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BRIAN SHEA

U.S. Army · 1988 - 1992

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About 12b combat engineers

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Versatile Builders and Fighters: The 12B Combat Engineer is a U.S. Army Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) responsible for both construction and demolition tasks on the battlefield, making them one of the Army's most versatile combat support roles.
Origins in World War I: The combat engineer role traces its roots to "sapper" units in World War I, who dug trenches, built fortifications, and cleared obstacles under enemy fire.
Breaching Normandy Beaches: During D-Day in World War II, combat engineers played a crucial role in breaching beach obstacles and clearing mines, enabling the Allied forces to advance inland.
Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Experts: 12Bs are extensively trained in detecting, neutralizing, and safely removing IEDs, especially crucial during recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Bridge Builders: Combat engineers regularly construct temporary bridges, such as the iconic Bailey bridge, allowing troops and vehicles to cross rivers and gaps during combat operations.
Combat Role: Unlike many other engineering units, 12Bs are trained to fight as infantry if necessary, and often operate close to the front lines.
Blowing Up Obstacles: Demolitions are a key part of the 12B’s duties, including destroying enemy bunkers, clearing obstacles with explosives, and creating anti-tank ditches.
“Essayons” Motto: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ motto, “Essayons” (French for “Let us try”), reflects the can-do spirit of combat engineers, including 12Bs.
Honoring Fallen Engineers: The Engineer Memorial Grove at Fort Leonard Wood, where 12Bs are trained, honors those who gave their lives in service as combat engineers.
Modern Engineering Vehicles: 12Bs operate specialized vehicles like the M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV) and the Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge (AVLB), which help clear minefields and deploy bridges in combat zones.