combat engineer team working on moving equipment

combat
engineering
Soldier
Reserve

Combat Engineer - Reserve

The combat engineer role is an exciting and fast paced trade that requires the Royal Engineer soldiers (known as Sappers) to learn a vast selection of combat engineer skills that support personnel across every part of the battlefield.

Royal Engineers

Starting day rate
£63.27
Age range
18 - 43

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Role details

Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.

Entry Requirements

Age

You can join between the ages of 18 – 43. At the time of your application you will need to be between 17 years old and 42 years & 6 months old.

Fitness

Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
2km run 11 min

More information about the fitness test

Education

No formal qualifications are required.

Need help?

Unsure about requirements? Your local Army Reserve unit can help you.

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About the Role

Royal Engineers

The Royal Engineers (RE) are multi-skilled soldiers, combat engineers and tradespeople, providing essential support to all areas of the British Army.

Combat Engineers in the Army Reserve have a role in every area of the battlefield. At the front we support the rest of the Army, bridging rivers, clearing routes through minefields or using explosives to gain entry into buildings and destroy bridges.

Behind the front line we improve transport routes, construct camps, build runways and carry out explosive disposal. We also use our specialist skills to help rebuild after conflict. We provide humanitarian support in the form of water production, electrical supply, infrastructure and support to medical facilities, which provide essential healthcare to local people. Wherever we are, our skill and versatility is a match for any challenge.

Key responsibilities

Provide water supplies to deployed personnel
Use demolitions to destroy objects or hinder movement
Build fortifications to protect personnel
Build bridges for personnel to get over obstacles
Use field engineering techniques to support personnel
Use watermanship techniques to travel over water obstacles

Training

Step 1
Basic Training consists of two main courses and some online training packages. You can book on the courses to fit around your daily life, so it could take you several months to finish your basic training.

Module 1: Foundation Training. 5 alternate residential weekends Fri - Sun at an Army training centre OR a nine-day residential course.
Module 2: Battlecamp. 15-day residential course at an Army training establishment. You will learn fieldcraft, Skill at Arms, fitness training, qualities of a soldier, military knowledge, Battlefield casualty drills, individual health and education. This will culminate with a Passing Off Parade which your family and friends can attend to celebrate your success.

Step 2
You head to the Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment near Camberley, Surrey, for 2 weeks. Here, you learn military engineering skills, such as knots and lashings, explosive demolitions, mine warfare and bridge building.

Pay and Benefits

Qualifications You'll Earn

Your application journey

From application to training, you can expect a timeline of at least 6 months.

Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.

1.1-2 days

Online application

Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.

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Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.

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What is Reservist training like

Most Reservists train one evening a week and one or two weekends a month alongside their civilian job.
One week I could be map reading, one week I could be doing rifle training, another week we might have fitness.

Reservist training fits around your life, with regular sessions in the evenings and longer training on some weekends. You’ll build skills step by step, alongside people balancing jobs, study and family life.

Cameron J

Infantry Reservist

How fit do I need to be before I apply?

Your future starts here

Every Reserve Combat Engineer started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.

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Contact us

0345 600 8080

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