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Engineering · Army career profile

12N Horizontal Construction Engineer

As a Horizontal Construction Engineer, you’ll operate heavy construction equipment like bulldozers, tractors, backhoes, cranes, excavators, and road graders to help pave the way for fellow Soldiers and to make room for construction projects. Without safe roads to travel, it’s hard for Soldiers to move around, especially in unfamiliar territory. You’ll also assist Army engineers to analyze construction site needs and transport heavy construction equipment from one site to another.

ASVABGM 85
Training10 weeks of Basic Training + 9 weeks of Advanced Individual Training
Physical demandsSignificant
ClearanceNo security-clearance requirement is listed on the current public GoArmy profile

What the job involves

Typical duties

  • As a Horizontal Construction Engineer, you’ll operate heavy construction equipment like bulldozers, tractors, backhoes, cranes, excavators, and road graders to help pave the way for fellow Soldiers and to make room for construction projects.
  • Without safe roads to travel, it’s hard for Soldiers to move around, especially in unfamiliar territory.
  • You’ll also assist Army engineers to analyze construction site needs and transport heavy construction equipment from one site to another.

Transferable experience

Skills learned

Vehicle OperationsMaintenance & RepairsEngines & MachineryEnjoy working outdoorsWorking with handsEnjoy physical workInterest in machines and mechanics

Education insight

Training may support future education.

Estimated potential recommendation range: 0–9 semester hours.

EnlistReady estimate based on the longest training segment stated in the current public profile (10 weeks). Actual recommendations appear on an individual Joint Services Transcript and each college decides what it will accept and how credits apply.

Related degree ideas

  • Civil Engineering Technology
  • Construction Management

Civilian connection

Potential civilian jobs related to 12N experience.

Military experience does not guarantee civilian employment or a salary outcome. Requirements vary by employer, location, education, certification, licensing, and experience.

Potential role

Construction Contractor / Supervisor

Illustrative salary information: $45,000–$100,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and required credentials

Example employers: Construction firms, Utilities, Public works agencies

Credential note: A civilian license, certification, academy, or employer-approved credential may be required.

Search current Construction Contractor / Supervisor jobs on Indeed ↗

Verify important details

Official and supporting sources

Keep exploring

Related engineering MOS options

12BCombat EngineerSupports mobility, construction, obstacle reduction, and field engineering missions.12CBridge CrewmemberAs a Bridge Crewmember, you'll help construct bridges and rafts to help Soldiers cross rough terrain, bodies of water, and barriers they might encounter in the field. You'll help create floating bridges and rafts from a boat as well as help combat engineers create safe crossings on land by building structures or demolishing obstacles.12DDiverAs a Diver, you’ll have the unique skills to conduct reconnaissance, demolition, and salvage underwater. You’ll also assist with underwater construction and specialize in either scuba diving or deep-sea diving. You’ll support special warfare and explosive ordnance disposal troops while using diving gear.12GQuarrying SpecialistAs a Quarrying Specialist, you'll be responsible for moving earth and materials with heavy types of machinery to help construct airfields, roads, dams, and buildings. You will also operate heavy construction equipment such as rock crushers, explosives, and jackhammers to remove rock and debris from construction sites.

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