any info on combat engineer

[roadwarrior038]

i am considering joining the california guard as a combat engineer. does anyone have any info on what this job is really like. is it a good job to have and what do these guys do normally.

[Devin1983]

Combat Engineer is an interesting job..it can be fun at times but other times it is very boring..i just got back from my AIT Feb 8th and most of AIT is very boring as well..most of it is in the class..The best part of AIT is getting the chance to train with live explosives which is fun..anyway..i hope it helps..if u are joining the NG u wont get much of an opportunity to use the skills that u learned in AIT..Combat engineer to me is a job that is best for Active Duty because u get to learn more about the job because u use it everyday unlike a reserve staus such as National Guard..anyway..i hope this helps

[roadwarrior038]

yes it does..thanks...i am now leaning towards the heavy equipment operator...hopefully i would get a chance to use those skills.

[Javier Lopez]

Be aware that a combat engineer goes out to look for mines and IEDs. Very dangerous, although a very important job. Be certain...... well, I am prior USMC, 0481 (Landing Support Specialist; Port Ops), formal MOS schooling at Camp Lejeune, NC. Combat Engineer School. We had to deal with lots of explosives, mine recovery, C-4, blasting caps, the works. Interesting, but very ^*$% dangerous.

Although you might spend a lot of time in the classroom; recently the 130th CE BN, from the PRARNG came from a tour from the Far East, where they went out every single day looking for mines and IEDs. They had only 2 casualties during the tour, and they all came back with a CAB (Combat Action Badge) meaning they all were under enemy fire at some point during their mission.

[DGAKLE]

I served in Iraq as a NG Combat Engineer. We did alot of route clearance, (finding IEDs and reducing them). We also went on raids, patrols, and provided security. If you become a 21B you will likely go to Iraq at some point. The Combat Engineer is a jack of all trades when deployed. By the way we all got CABs and 26 Purple Hearts.

Tall afar, Iraq 05

[TreeDawg]

Maybe a stupid question....what's a CAB? I'm really leaning toward Combat Engineer

[WIBecky74]

http://www.armystudyguide.com/content/army_board_study_guide_topics/awards_and_decorations/combat-action-badge-cab.shtml explains the CAB I didnt know the acronym either and was curious.

[TreeDawg]

Thank you Becky, I feel kinda silly now LOL

[Hickman]

apparently something new since I've been out, but nice

http://www.military.com/NewContent/0,13190,SS_063005_Badge,00.html

[DGAKLE]

CAB is the Combat Action Badge. It started in 04 or 05. Basicly its the same as the Combat Infantry Badge but for all other MOS other than 11B.