A combat engineer (also called a sapper) performs a variety of construction and demolition tasks under combat conditions. The combat engineer's goals involve facilitating movement and support of friendly forces while impeding those of the enemy. Combat engineers build fighting positions, fortifications, and roads. They conduct demolitions missions and clear minefields using specialized vehicles. This may include the construction and breaching of trenches, tank traps and other fortifications; bunker construction; bridge and road construction or destruction; laying or clearing land mines; and combined arms breaching.
An Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist, is the preeminent tactical and technical explosives expert. With advanced training and critical skills needed to disable and defeat explosive devices and weapons of mass destruction. Assisting leadership in the preparation and use of advanced robotics, dispose of hazardous objects, and perform missions in support across all environmental conditions.
The SF Sapper is similar to a regular infantry combat engineer, except that they are also SF Operators as part of a special operations team. As the principle expert within the team on the employment of demolitions, defusing of explosives or IEDs and the employment of unconventional weapons as well as the maintenance of the team’s vehicles. Some SF units also carry their own SUAVs, ground or airborne autonomous unit, to which the Sapper also operates.
Like other special operations roles, when not operating in their specialty the SF Sapper is still a SF Operator, tasked with performing the most complex, classified, and dangerous missions directed.
