Employment Training
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
Combat Engineer Course: 12 Weeks (Full-time)
At the completion of your basic military training you will undertake a Basic Combat Engineers Course of 12 weeks duration at the School of Military Engineering (SME), Moorebank, Sydney, NSW.
The Combat Engineer Course consists of 4 Phases as follows:
Phase 1
- Understand RAE Induction in corps history, organisation, trades and capabilities;
- Use Construction tools and equipment which includes OH&S and operation of chainsaws;
- Prepare for and conduct Basic Engineering including excavations, concreting, road and drainage repairs, construction of field defences and obstacles; and
- Operate and work in a Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear Threat Environment and demonstrate personal decontamination techniques.
Phase 2
- Water Purification system operation and conducting water analysis;
- Demolitions use including preparing explosives and landmines;
- Prepare for and conduct Search Operations; and
- Explosive Hazard Reduction Assistant training in locating and clearing explosive hazards and using hand-held mine detectors.
Phase 3
- Assist in the construction, operation and maintenance of the Medium Girder Bridge;
- Assist in the construction, operation and maintenance of the Fixed Modular Bridge;
- Small Watercraft Operation and maintenance; and
- Assist in the construction, operation and maintenance of the Floating Support Bridge.
Phase 4
- Basic Combat Communications;
- Grenade and Pyrotechnic use; and
- Weapons.
Following qualification as a Combat Engineer, soldiers in the RAE may have the opportunity to progress to a number of branch trades. Further details are available on the StayArmy website.
Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)
Training comprises three modules of 15 days each and one All Corps Soldier Training Module of 12 days duration:
Mod (1): This module can be conducted in RAE Units with training run either continuously or non continuously. Module 1 comprises of the following Combat Engineer Skills:
- RAE Corps history, organisation, roles and tasks;
- Operation and maintenance of a range of hand and power tools;
- Carry out construction tasks using expedient methods and materials;
- Assist in the construction of obstacles;
- Assist in the construction of basic field defences;
- Understand construction plant equipment, capabilities and safety;
- Assist in the setup, operation and maintenance of water supply equipment, pumps and water testing equipment; and
- Operate small powered watercraft and construct improvised watercraft applicable to RAE.
- Carry out mine laying and clearance tasks;
- Undertake battlefield area clearances;
- Use a range of explosives and accessories to carry out demolition tasks;
- Assemble, maintain and strip a section level dry gap military bridging; and
- Conduct Engineer search tasks.
- Fell, cut and trim selected trees;
- Operate a Mobile Dimensional Saw to mill timber as specified;
- Operate Powder Actuated Tools;
- Set up, operate and maintain larger capacity water supply equipment including a Reverse Osmosis machine;
- Set, operate and maintain watercraft designed to support RAE wet gap crossing operations; and
- Set up, construct, operate and maintain large scale military bridges and rafts.
- Employ defensive measures as a member of a section in defence;
- Act as a member of a Section on patrol;
- Employ individual NBCD protective measures;
- Identify and indicate targets using fire control orders;
- Navigate across country by day and night using a range of navigational aids;
- Operate selected night vision equipment;
- Operate selected service weapons in a simulated and on live fire ranges; and
- Comply with the conventions of armed conflict.