Introduction
A sapper — also known as an elite combat engineer — is a combatant skilled in a variety of military engineering duties such as minefield placement or clearing, bridge-building, demolitions, field defenses, and road and airfield construction. Sappers are responsible for tasks facilitating movement of allied forces and impeding those of their enemies.
The Sapper Creed
I am a Sapper, the cutting edge of my country's sword.
I will always endeavor to complete my Sapper mission, regardless of available assets.
My flexibility and special training shall provide my task force with the tools to overcome insurmountable odds.
I realize that I will be called upon for my expertise in all aspects of mobility, countermobility, and survivability.
The failure to effectively accomplish my mission could cost the lives of others.
I will set the example by keeping myself physically fit and mentally tough.
I will strive to sharpen my Sapper skills and the skills of those I support.
Sappers Lead The Way!
Medal of Honor Recipients
-
Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith
B Company, 11th Engineer Battalion,
3rd Infantry Division
See official citation -
Sergeant First Class Christopher A. Celiz
1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment
See official citation
How to Become A Sapper
Sapper Leader Course
The Sapper Leader Course is a demanding 28-day leadership development course for combat engineers that reinforces critical skills and teaches advanced techniques needed across the Army. This course is also designed to build esprit de corps by training Soldiers in troop leading procedures, demolitions - both conventional and expedient - and mountaineering operations.
The course culminates in an intense field training exercise that reinforces the use of the battle drills and specialized engineer techniques learned throughout the course. The Sapper Leader Course is often compared to the U.S. Army's Ranger School in terms of difficulty and intensity.
The Sapper Leader Course is a demanding 28-day leadership development course for combat engineers that reinforces critical skills and teaches advanced techniques needed across the Army. This course is also designed to build esprit de corps by training Soldiers in troop leading procedures, demolitions — both conventional and expedient — and mountaineering operations. The course culminates in an intense field training exercise that reinforces the use of the battle drills and specialized engineer techniques learned throughout the course.
Only Four
The U.S. Army only allows four elite service tabs to be worn on the uniform - the Special Forces tab, the Ranger tab, the President's Hundred tab, and the Sapper tab. In honor of the achievements of combat engineers, Army Chief of Staff General Peter Schoomaker authorized the wear of the Sapper tab as a military badge on June 28, 2004.
Image: Two-person Sapper teams participate in the 36th Engineer Battalion Best Medic Competition. Photo credit: 4th Infantry Division.
"When our Nation needs a tough job done, they call the Army. When our Army needs a tough job done, they call on the SAPPERS."Image: Two-person Sapper teams participate in the 36th Engineer Battalion Best Medic Competition. Photo credit: 4th Infantry Division.
-Lt. Gen. Robert B. Flowers
SAPPERS HAVE FOUGHT IN EVERY WAR IN U.S. HISTORY
In the American Army the Sapper is a combat engineer that supports the front-line infantry. Sappers install portable bridges, tank traps and other construction that provides tactical support. They also build major support facilities such as supply roads, fuel depots and airports and perform additional tasks such as the disarming and disposal of mines and unexploded ordnance. Sappers serve their country honorably and have played a critical role throughout U.S. military history.
BEST SAPPER COMPETITION
In 2005 the U.S. Army Engineer School launched the inaugural Best Sapper Competition to challenge and test the knowledge, physical prowess and mental fortitude of service members. The competition showcases the Army's elite Soldiers in combat engineering military occupation specialties.
"Many try, but only one team earns the right."
- Best Sapper Competition motto