So, I've always been interested in engineering and want to apply those skills on the battlefield as a combat engineer. Does anyone know which military branch would be best for a combat engineer?
If you're interested in becoming a combat engineer, you might want to consider the U.S. Army. The Army has a specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) (12B) designated as Combat Engineer. Combat Engineers in the Army mainly handle construction and demolition operations while in combat. They use their expertise in building and repairing bridges, clearing pathways, operational explosives, and more.
Training for this role usually includes Basic Combat Training (BCT), followed by Advanced Individual Training (AIT) where you'd learn a variety of skills like basic urban operations and conducting defense operations. It goes without saying, it's a challenging role that requires physical strength, mental toughness, and technical savvy.
The Marine Corps also offers a similar role (MOS 1371), and it's akin to the Army's role of a Combat Engineer. They both generally involve similar tasks, although the specifics might vary depending on the branch's needs and your assigned unit.
Remember, each branch of the military has its own unique benefits and culture, so it would be a good idea to dig deeper into what life would be like in the Army or the Marine Corps before making your decision. You might also want to reach out to recruiters from both branches to gain more insight, and if possible, speak to actual military engineers to hear about their experiences.
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