I have been writing several posts on positions within Army Special Forces. Each and every member of a Special Forces team has a primary job which is known as their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
In today’s post, we will look at the Army 18C MOS: Special Forces Engineer. I will give a brief description of this Special Forces job. I will also provide the responsibilities and duties of the Army 18C. Along with that, I will go through the requirements and prerequisites an individual needs to fill to attain this position. I will also explain the training that is required to become a Special Forces Engineer.
Before I start, keep in mind that if a soldier desires to enter training for Army Special Forces, they cannot choose which MOS they will be trained for. A soldier starts out the training as an 18X and at a certain point, the decision will be made which of the Special Force MOS’ the soldier will be trained for.
Basic Job Description For The Army 18C Special Forces Engineer
The term engineer can fit into many different categories, and the Special Forces Engineer also falls into that same situation. His job can consist of many things, but primarily, he handles the position of leading such things as demolition, construction, electronic wiring and more. Essentially, anything that would require any type of engineer would mean the 18C has the reigns of that particular task.
We will go into more detail in the 18C’s responsibilities and duties.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Army 18C Special Forces Engineer
The first and foremost duty of the Army 18C is following the orders given him even if it has nothing to do with engineering. I say this because the responsibilities and duties of this MOS can veer into many areas, but I will provide the primary duties and responsibilities.
Performs and teaches operations in explosives, demolitions, and landmines both setting and countering.
Performs and teaches construction activities such as bridges, electrical wiring and civil action projects.
Interprets maps and charts for navigational requirements on both land and water.
Plans, performs and teaches sabotage operations.
Supervises combat engineering projects.
Provides technical and tactical advice and guidance to Commanders and staff in regards to combat engineering.
Plans and trains personnel and allies on offensive and defensive engineering operations.
Again, this is just a brief look at the duties and responsibilities of the Army 18C. They are experts in all matters of the engineering process, so their functions can be utilized in many areas.
Other posts you may enjoy:
- Army 18F MOS: Special Forces Operations & Intelligence Sergeant
- Army 18E MOS: Special Forces Communications Sergeant
- and, Army 18D MOS: Special Forces Medical Sergeant
- Army 18B MOS: Special Forces Weapon Sergeant
- Army 180A Warrant Officer: Special Forces Warrant Officer
Requirements and Prerequisites to Become an Army 18C Special Forces Engineer
Not just anyone can become an 18C. There are a long list of prerequisites, and at this time, this position is closed to women. Some of the primary requirements are:
United States citizen
Must have a minimum of 24 months left on Time in Service, or the willingness to extend or reenlist.
Must be at the rank of E4 to E7.
No court martial convictions or any Article 15 disciplinary procedures.
Must not be barred to reenlistment or under suspension.
Not terminated from Special Forces, Rangers or Airborne unless for extreme family situations.
Not have 30 days or more of lost time.
Have a score of 229 or more on the APFT with no less than 60 on any event.
Must be able to swim 50 meters in full combat uniform including boots before the start of the Special Forces Qualification Course.
These are just the basic requirements. Now we will look at the training you will have to attend to become an 18C.
Training to Become an Army 18C Special Forces Engineer
Each, and every Special Forces soldier must be airborne qualified, so the first step will be attending “jump school” at Fort Benning, Georgia. Once you have completed and passed that, you are off to Fort Bragg, North Carolina which you may think is hell for the next several months. You will go through several phases in the Special Forces Qualification Course. Before this, you will go through a pre qualification to make sure you can fit into the Special Forces method. Afterwards you will start these phases:
This is 7 weeks of course orientation and history. You will also learn adaptive leader methodology, and family programs.
This phase lasts anywhere from 18-24 weeks and deals with language and culture. You will learn basics in multiple languages and the use of interpreters.
This phase delves into Special Forces combat skills. This is when you will have to pass SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape). For 12 weeks you will learn much about combat.
This is when you will do your MOS training. If you were selected as an 18C, you will learn about the many engineering operations and the skills you need to know for that MOS. It normally lasts for 14 weeks, and there is the possibility you will attend other engineering education at a later date.
Phase V is the Robin Sage stage. For 1 month, Special Forces soldiers will conduct “mock” operations within a large area of North Carolina. You will use everything you learned thus far as you plan and react to various situations that could be faced against a real enemy.
Graduation. This is the week you have trained for this whole time. At the end of this week, you will be given the coveted green beret and recognized as an Army Special Forces soldier.
Final Thoughts
This is a great MOS to get in the United States Army. Even after the Army, the experience in being an 18C can lead to some great civilian careers.
We would love to hear from any current or former Special Forces Engineers. If you can, please tell us more about the job you have, and any tips you would provide someone who would like to become an Army Special Forces Engineer.
You can post all comments, questions or suggestions below. Thanks for visiting.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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