How to Become an Army Engineer
As an army engineer officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) your duties will be diverse but extremely important. For instance, you will be responsible for performing search and rescue missions, building bridges, generating electrical power and training your team members. To join the more than 750 military engineers and 30,000 civilians who comprise the USACE, according to goarmy.com, you need to follow both the army requirements and those of the Army Corps of Engineers.
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Instructions
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Obtain education. To become an army engineer, you must graduate with a bachelor’s degree. According to the USACE, an engineering degree is not required to become an army engineer. However, an engineering degree is highly preferred.
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Contact a recruiter. An army recruiter will help you determine if you meet the general army requirements to enlist. In addition, the recruiter can explain the enlistment options and if there are any current openings for an army engineer.
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Join the army. To join, you must pass a physical examination and sign the enlistment contract. You must be fit and perform under mental and physical pressure. With the enlistment contract, you’ll agree to certain options, such as the time frame of your active duty and your enlistment date.
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Complete training. To become an army engineer, you must complete a 6- to 13-week training camp, also known as boot camp or basic training. During this particular training camp, you’ll learn the army protocol, necessary skills and about military life.
You’ll also need to complete the Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC), which lasts approximately 13 weeks. Throughout the BOLC training, you’ll learn via classroom instruction and on-the-job training or field exercises.
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Tips & Warnings
A useful skill to have to become an army engineer is leadership. You should be able to make quick, focused decisions to successfully complete your mission. Also, you need to be confident, intelligent, self-disciplined and enterprising.
Your first-term enlistment will typically be 4 years. However, the length of time can include 2-, 3- and 6-year terms. Your enlistment agreement may also include any bonuses and training you will receive.
If the army can’t fulfill the obligations of the enlistment agreement, such as the training or army engineer position, the contract may be voided.
References
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