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Military Construction Specialists

Military Career

General Information

Description

Construction specialists perform and manage the construction of buildings, bridges, foundations, utility systems, dams, and bunkers. They manage, construct, repair, and modify structural systems and wooden, masonry, metal, and concrete buildings. They also oversee bridge building, rafting, and river crossing operations to coordinate the building of structures during combat. Construction specialists must have a working knowledge of carpentry and masonry.

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Work Environment

Construction specialists work indoors and outdoors on construction sites.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Architecture & Construction

Related Military Careers

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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Enlisted
    • Hands-on/specialized
    • High school diploma required

Military Workforce

Construction Specialists in the Military

32,850

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Salary

Average Salary

$65,712

What makes up a military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • High school 34%
  • Less than high school 32%
  • Post-secondary certificate 27%
  • Associate's degree 4%
  • Some college 0%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Bachelor's degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

Military training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Job training for construction specialists consists of classroom and on-the-job instruction, including practice with carpentry and masonry tools. Training content varies depending on specialty, and may include: Basic construction methods and engineering principlesConstruction of wire obstaclesTypes and uses of construction joints and bracesUse of hand and power toolsHow to mix and set concrete, mortar, and plasterPrinciples and procedures for the safe use of explosivesBridge design and constructionRoad maintenance and repair

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Military training

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All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Job training for construction specialists consists of classroom and on-the-job instruction, including practice with carpentry and masonry tools. Training content varies depending on specialty, and may include:

  • Basic construction methods and engineering principles
  • Construction of wire obstacles
  • Types and uses of construction joints and braces
  • Use of hand and power tools
  • How to mix and set concrete, mortar, and plaster
  • Principles and procedures for the safe use of explosives
  • Bridge design and construction
  • Road maintenance and repair

Knowledge

  • Building and Construction
  • Mechanical
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership
No Information for this section

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.