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Sappers - Combat Engineers

The Sapper tab is worn by those elite Soldiers that have passed the Sapper Leader Course. Sappers are combat engineers who advance to the front lines with infantry units. Find out what it's like being a Sapper, from the history to modern day.

Video - Sappers


Transcript

Introduction

My name is Major Aaron --- . I'm a 21 Alpha, and I have the Sapper Tab.
I am Captain --- . I'm a 21 Alpha combat engineer, and I have the Sapper Tab.

History of the Term "Sapper"

The term "sapper" comes from back in medieval times when people would dig trenches in order to get artillery close to castles to destroy those fortifications. The trenches that were dug were called saps, and they were dug by people that were called sappers. Those were the first combat engineers.

Role and Expertise

As a sapper, our area of expertise is mobility, to ensure the mobility of the unit. Sapper School is open to all combat engineers and company-grade engineer officers. It's also open to infantry scouts and other combat arms individuals.

Benefits of Being a Sapper

The benefits of being a sapper in the modern army are that when another leader or another soldier looks at you, they know that you have done the patrolling. They know that you're going to protect the soldier and lead from the front.

Personal Motivation and Achievement

I wanted to earn the Sapper Tab because it showed that I was a master of my craft. As a combat engineer, it gives you a little bit of instant credibility when you walk into a room. Getting the tab was a very proud moment in my life. It was really a moment of realization that I can do whatever I set myself out to do.

Recognizing Fellow Sappers

When I see another soldier with a Sapper Tab, I know what I'm getting. I know that I'm getting a tested leader. I know that I'm getting a combat engineer that is an expert in their craft. I know that I can depend on that individual..

Advice for Aspiring Sappers

I tell any soldier that approaches me wanting to go to the Sapper Leader Course that it is a very tough course with very rigorous training. You need to be prepared both mentally and physically to go through the training. To earn the Sapper Tab, you have to go to the Sapper Leader Course. You have to prove that you've got the physical and mental stamina and that you have what it takes to master combat engineering skills.

Definitions

Sapper Tab

  • Definition: A qualification tab awarded to graduates of the U.S. Army's Sapper Leader Course.
  • Authorization: Approved by the Chief of Staff, Army, on June 28, 2004.
  • Appearance:
    • Full color: 2+3⁄8 inches long, 11⁄16 inch wide, with a 1⁄8 inch red border and the word "SAPPER" in white letters.
    • Subdued versions: Olive drab background with black letters or khaki background with spice brown letters.
  • Wear: Worn 1⁄2 inch below the shoulder seam on the left sleeve of various uniforms.
  • Revocation: Can be revoked for misconduct or not upholding the standard as an Engineer.

Sapper Leader Course

  • Purpose: A 28-day leadership development course for combat engineers, teaching critical skills and advanced techniques.
  • Location: Conducted at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
  • Eligibility: Open to U.S. military personnel from various branches and selected allied nations.
  • Training Phases:
    • General Subjects: Includes physical training, demolitions, land navigation, mountaineering, and more.
    • Patrolling: Focuses on troop-leading procedures, battle drills, and small-unit operations.
  • Requirements: Students must pass the Sapper Physical Fitness Test and other evaluations to graduate.
  • Comparison: Often compared to the U.S. Army's Ranger School in terms of difficulty and intensity.

Sapper School

  • Definition: Another term for the Sapper Leader Course, emphasizing its role in training elite combat engineers.
  • Training Focus: Develops leaders capable of operating under harsh conditions, with a strong emphasis on mobility, countermobility, and survivability tasks.
  • Outcome: Graduates earn the Sapper Tab and return to their units with enhanced skills and leadership abilities.