STEM – Engineering in the North Dakota Army National Guard
Engineers shape the world. And the Guard employs experienced engineers—and trains new ones—with the skills that uphold civilization. These Soldiers bridge the impossible, restore damaged communities and master challenges far beyond the scope of traditional civil engineers.
Start your journey here. Explore STEM careers and connect with a recruiter.
Enlisted MOS Options
12B Combat Engineer
OVERVIEW
As a Combat Engineer, you’ll get your team out of any tough spot. You’ll supervise and assist your team as it tackles rough terrain during combat operations. You will also construct fighting positions, prime and detonate explosives, and become an expert in general engineering.
JOB DUTIES
- Build fighting positions, defensive positions, and floating or fixed bridges
- Place and detonate explosives
- Clear paths of obstacles
- Install firing systems for demolition
- Detect mines visually or with mine detectors
TRAINING
Job training for a Combat Engineer requires 14 weeks of One Station Unit Training, which includes Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field with on-the-job instructions.
One Station Unit Training: 14 weeks at Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Basic demolitions
- Basic explosive hazards
- Constructing wire obstacles
- Fixed bridge building
- Basic urban operations
- Operating heavy equipment
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Combat (CO): 87
Learn more about the ASVAB.
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Ability to use hand and power tools
- Ability to perform strenuous physical activities over long periods of time
- Interest in engineering
- Preference for working outdoors
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in the fields of construction, building inspection and building engineering.
12C Bridge Crewmember
OVERVIEW
Bridge Crewmembers provide bridge and rafting support for dry and wet gap-crossing operations when a squad, section or platoon tackles rough terrain in combat situations.
JOB DUTIES
- Operate bridge truck and light vehicles
- Perform duties as a deckhand on the bridge erection boat
- Assist in the preparation of bridge sites, rafts and bridge operations
- Participate in the installation of kedge anchorage systems, wire obstacle material, overhead anchorage systems and demolition firing systems
- Launch and retrieve ribbon bridge bays
- Participate in the assembly and maintenance of military fixed and float bridges
TRAINING
Job training for a Bridge Crewmember requires 14 weeks of One Station Unit Training, which includes Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field with on-the-job instructions.
Advanced Individual Training: 14 weeks at Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Basic construction methods and engineering principles
- Bridge building
- Road maintenance and repair
- Rough carpentry and rigging
- Use of hand and power tools
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Combat (CO): 87
Learn more about the ASVAB.
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Ability to use hand and power tools
- Ability to perform strenuous physical activities over long periods of time
- Interest in construction and engineering
- Interest in working outdoors
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for practically any position in the field of construction.
12G Quarrying Specialist
OVERVIEW
Quarrying Specialists help construct airfields, roads, dams and buildings by moving tons of earth and materials with heavy types of machinery. They operate powered machines used in cleaning, crushing, drilling, grading and detonating rock at construction sites.
JOB DUTIES
- Operate air compressors, pneumatic tools, hydraulic-powered rock drills, rock crushers and screening equipment
- Run the support equipment during crushing and screening (e.g., generators, conveyors, light sets and pumps)
TRAINING
Job training for a Quarrying Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and five weeks and three days of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field with on-the-job instructions.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Operation of different types of equipment
- Maintenance and repair of equipment
- General construction principles and information
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
General Maintenance (GM): 93
Learn more about the ASVAB.
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in operating quarry construction equipment
- Preference for working outdoors
- Interest in explosives and blasting techniques
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with building contractors, state highway agencies, rock quarries, well drillers and construction firms.
12K Plumber
OVERVIEW
Army National Guard Plumbers and Pipefitters are responsible for installing and repairing plumbing and pipe systems.
JOB DUTIES
- Maintain heating systems, basic water supply and water distribution systems
- Maintain pipe systems for wastewater
- Perform basic plumbing repair and maintenance
- Maintain plumbing fixtures, pipes, stacks, brackets, traps, vents and insulation
- Create and read construction plans and drawings
TRAINING
Job training for an Army National Guard Plumber requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and six weeks and three days of Advanced Individual Training at Sheppard Air Force Base, TX. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field with on-the-job instructions, including practice with carpentry and masonry tools.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Installation and repair of pipe systems, plumbing fixtures, boiler controls, and water purification and distillation systems
- Maintenance and repair of hydraulic and pneumatic systems
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
General Maintenance (GM): 88
Learn more about the ASVAB.
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in math and shop mechanics
- Preference for physical work
- Ability to work with detailed plans
WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
120 Utilities Operations and Maintenance Technician
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in a mechanical or plumbing contracting company.
12N Horizontal Construction Engineer
OVERVIEW
Horizontal Construction Engineers use bulldozers, cranes, graders and other heavy equipment to move tons of earth and material to complete construction projects for the Army National Guard. They are also responsible for operating tractors with dozer attachments, scoop loaders, backhoe loaders, hydraulic excavators, motorized graders and scrapers.
JOB DUTIES
- Analyze information on grade stakes and their placement
- Drive bulldozers, road graders and other heavy equipment to level earth
- Clear, grub, strip, excavate, backfill, stockpile and push scraper with tractor crawler
- Cut and spread fill material with scraper
- Transport heavy construction equipment with tractor-trailer
- Assist in performance of combat engineer missions
TRAINING
Job training for a Horizontal Construction Engineer requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and eight weeks and two days of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field with on-the-job instructions.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Operation of different types of construction and rough-terrain equipment
- Maintenance and repair of equipment
- Identification of soil types and placement of grade stakes
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
General Maintenance (GM): 90
Learn more about the ASVAB.
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in operating heavy construction equipment
- Preference for working outdoors
- Interest in working with your hands
WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
120A Utilities Operations and Maintenance Technician
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with building contractors, state highway agencies, rock quarries, well drillers and construction firms.
12R Interior Electrician
OVERVIEW
The Interior Electrician is primarily responsible for the installation and maintenance of all of the Army National Guard’s interior electrical systems.
JOB DUTIES
- Install transformers, junction boxes, circuit breakers, service panels, switches, electrical boxes and lightning rods
- Read blueprints, wire plans and repair orders to determine layouts/repair
- Test equipment for the operational conduction of circuits
- Inspect power distribution systems, shorts in wires and faulty equipment
- Repair and replace faulty wiring and lighting fixtures
TRAINING
Job training for an Interior Electrician requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and six weeks and four days of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field with on-the-job instruction, including instruction for installation and repair.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Fundamentals of electricity
- Electrical circuit troubleshooting
- Safety procedures
- Techniques for wiring switches, outlets and junction boxes
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORES(S)
Electronics (EL): 93
Learn more about the ASVAB.
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in electricity, science and math
- Ability to use hand tools
- Preference for doing physical work
WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
120A Utilities Operations and Maintenance Technician
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with an electrical contracting company.
12W Carpentry And Masonry Specialist
OVERVIEW
A Carpentry and Masonry Specialist is responsible for general heavy carpentry and masonry duties.
JOB DUTIES
- Construct and maintain rigging devices, trusses and other structural assemblies
- Assist in building layout, framing, sheathing, fabrication and roofing structures
- Perform basic carpentry and masonry skills
- Assist in the performance of combat engineer missions
- Construct concrete form work for slabs, walls and columns
TRAINING
Job training for a Carpentry and Masonry Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 7 weeks and 2 days of Advanced Individual Training at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, MO.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Basics in concrete technology, materials, proportioning and control tests
- Proper use of finishing tools
- Placing, consolidation and finishing
- Edging, jointing, curing and protection
- Basics in structure foaming, roofing and flooring
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
General Maintenance (GM): 88
Learn more about the ASVAB.
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Preference for physical work
- Interest in science and math
- Preference for working outdoors
- Interest in working with your hands
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in commercial and residential construction.
12Y Geospatial Engineer
OVERVIEW
Geospatial Engineers are responsible for using geographic data that support military/civilian operations for disaster relief and homeland security. They collect, analyze and distribute geospatial information to represent the terrain and its possible effects.
JOB DUTIES
- Extract geographic data from satellite imagery, aerial photography and field reconnaissance
- Create geographic data and compile them into maps
- Help commanders visualize the battlefield
- Create and maintain multiple geospatial databases
- Prepare military-style briefs covering all aspects of the terrain
TRAINING
Job training for a Geospatial Engineer requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 18 weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field with on-the-job instructions, including instruction for geographic information systems.
Advanced Individual Training: 18 weeks at Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Some of the skills you’ll learn:
- Basic knowledge of geographic information systems
- Geographic analysis
- Imagery interpretation and exploitation
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
- Skilled Technical (ST): 100
- General Technical (GT): 100
Learn more about the ASVAB.
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in geography, maps and charts
- Ability to demonstrate basic computer skills and work with drafting equipment
- Conceptualize ideas into computer-generated 2D/3D geospatial products
- Preference in a technical career field
WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
125D Geospatial Engineering Technician
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career as an engineer with the government or in the private sector.
18C Special Forces Engineer Sergeant
OVERVIEW
The Special Forces Engineer Sergeant is an expert builder. You will use your construction know-how to create buildings and field fortifications. The Special Forces Engineer Sergeant is also skilled in all areas of demolition, including land mine warfare and improvised munitions.
JOB DUTIES
- Perform and teach tasks in demolitions, explosives, field fortification, bridging, rigging, reconnaissance and civil action projects
- Read maps, overlays, photos, charts and blueprints
- Carry out demolition raids against enemy targets such as bridges, railroads, fuel depots and critical components of infrastructure
- Employ warfare tactics and techniques in infantry operations
REQUIREMENTS
Being a Special Forces Engineer Sergeant is very physically demanding. Good eyesight and physical conditioning are required to reach mission objectives via air, land or water. You will also be required to have excellent hand-eye coordination for detonating or deactivating explosives. All Special Forces Engineer Sergeants are required to be qualified parachutists. Most are also qualified Military Free Fall (HALO) parachutists and combat divers.
To serve as a Special Forces Engineer Sergeant in the Guard, you must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identifies which Army National Guard job is best for you.
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Minimum score of 50 on the ASVAB with an absolute minimum General Technical (GT) line score of 110.
TRAINING
To become a Special Forces Engineer Sergeant, you’ll attend 62 weeks of formal classroom training and practice exercises. Special Forces Engineer Sergeants are trained paratroopers and survival experts, as well as being trained in many forms of combat in preparation for the wide variety of their missions.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Physical conditioning and parachuting
- Using carpentry and construction tools and equipment
- Handling and using conventional explosives and improvised explosives
- Bomb and mine disposal
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Ability to work as a team member
- Readiness to accept any challenge
- Ability to stay in top physical condition
- Interest in construction and demolitions
- Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
88L Watercraft Engineer
OVERVIEW
Watercraft Engineers are primarily responsible for supervising or performing maintenance on Army National Guard watercraft and auxiliary equipment on marine vessels.
JOB DUTIES
- Perform daily systems checks
- Repair and maintain gasoline and diesel engines
- Troubleshoot and repair watercraft propulsion machinery
- Repair and service hoisting and lift machinery and engine-related electrical systems
TRAINING
Job training for a Watercraft Engineer requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and nine weeks and two days of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Eustis, VA with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Internal combustion engine theory
- Repair of electronic and electrical machinery systems
- Service and repair of fuel-injection systems
- Welding and machine shop fabrication
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in shop mechanics, fixing engines and machinery
- Ability to use hand and power tools
- Preference for physical work
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 99
Learn more about the ASVAB.
WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
881A Marine Engineer Officer
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with marine transportation, commercial fishing, oil exploration, facility maintenance, heating and air conditioning, or diesel engine maintenance or repair. You’ll also be able to consider a future as a marine engine mechanic.
