Army Sapper Essay

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History of the Sapper Thomas J. Rivera 91l30 EN ALC 004-14 Abstract The history of the United States Army Sapper dates back to the early 16th century. They were first used by the French to dig positions and trenches to ward off enemy forces and provide reprieve during long wars. The name Sapper came from the French word “sapeur” which meant trench or spadework. They were on the front lines of nearly all the American wars from The American Revolution to the present Global War on Terrorism. To become a Sapper in the United States (US) Army is no simple task various skills are needed along with schooling and vigorous test. Throughout history the US Army Sappers proved to be an essential part in the victory of all the wars …show more content…

It all began around 1501 when the French enlisted a new type of infantry men called ‘sapeur d'infanterie’ also know as trench infantry. Their job back then was not as glorious to the front line as it is today. They were enlisted as hard laborers, sent in wave after wave to clear obstacles on the battle field so that the army following could march through to engage in battle. While the bulk of the army prepared for battles in camps the ‘sapeur d’infanterie’ would be preparing the battle field by digging entrenchments to protect the archers behind the hand to hand combatants of the French …show more content…

Times were getting hard in the new world and the American Revolution was at hand. The man that was put in charge of the newly utilized ‘sapeurs’ was none other then French General Duportail, and was given the title of Commandant of the Continental Army Corps of Engineers. Due to his experience as a Frenchmen he knew what need to be taught to his new formed companies. Duportail said unto the Congress that he need three companies of; the now titled Sappers and Miners, to be trained in military engineering. This was a big step in the military at this present time. This was the first time that the US Army would be giving Soldiers schooling for their field. For two years they would recruit and train new enlistees in the art of Army engineering. By March 11, 1779 Congressed passed a resolve to change the Continental Army to the Corps of

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