Job: Bridge Crewmember (21C)

JOIN THE U.S. ARMY!
To be a U.S. Army Soldier is to be a part of the strongest fighting force in the world. You'll spend your days training, working and serving together to protect America's freedoms. But you'll also have time after work for family, friends and personal interests. From recruitment to retirement, the U.S. Army provides a unique and diverse lifestyle for Soldiers.


Having a combination of combat ability and building skill is necessary when it comes to tackling rough terrain in combat situations. Bridge Crewmembers supervise or serve as a member of a squad, section or platoon. They provide conventional and powered bridge and rafting support for wet and dry gap crossing operations. Some of your duties as a Bridge Crewmember may include:

* Operate bridge truck and light vehicles
* Operate, launch, retrieve and perform duties as a deck hand on the bridge erection boat
* Assist in the preparation of a bridge site, handles shore lines, assists in rafting and bridging operations
* Assist in the installation of the overhead anchorage system
* Install kedge anchorage systems
* Launch and retrieve ribbon bridge bays
* Assist in the assembly and maintenance of military fixed and float bridges
* Prepare ribbon bridge equipment for air transport
* Operate the crane on the Dry Support Bridge (DSB)
* Prepare and install demolition firing systems
* Install wire obstacle material

Job training for Bridge Crewmembers requires 14 weeks of One Station Unit Training (OSUT), which includes Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field to include on-the-job instruction. Your on-the-job training primarily consists of manual work in a variety of construction projects. Some of the skills you'll learn are:

* Basic construction methods
* Basic engineering principles
* Bridge building
* Road maintenance and repair
* Rough carpentry and rigging
* Use of hand and power tools

Helpful attributes include:

* Ability to use hand and power tools
* Interest in construction and working with your hands
* Ability to think and remain calm under stress
* Interest in engineering
* Preference for working outdoors

Advanced level Bridge Crewmembers provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Bridge Crewmember, you may be involved in:

* Direct construction of fighting positions and wire entanglements
* Employ M-180 demolition charges
* Conduct engineer reconnaissance
* Direct crewmembers in the assembly and maintenance of fixed bridges
* Direct crew in the assembly of raft and float bridges
* Operate or supervise the use of bridge boats

Your training as a Bridge Crewmember easily prepares you for practically any position that interests you in the field of construction. The construction industry involves work on new structures as well as additions, alterations and repairs. Carpenter, electrician, insulator, roofer and steel worker-these are just a few of the civilian careers you'll be qualified to pursue with the skills you acquire as a Bridge Crewmember.

* Cannon Crewmember (13B)
* Construction Equipment Operator (21E)
* Plumber (21K)

Learn more about the relationship between military training and civilian certification requirements.