What is the 12W job actually like?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 19:16:33 -0400

Response by SGT Jody Trapp made Aug 24 at 2017 10:24 PM

SGT Jody Trapp — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 22:24:25 -0400

U build stuff.... or u destroy stuff... ALOT of inventory... and u get to crostrain with other engineer MOS for the most part...

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Aug 25 at 2017 7:42 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 19:42:08 -0400

Best MOS I have, of course that was back in 1989-1991!

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Aug 27 at 2017 11:00 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Sun, 27 Aug 2017 23:00:42 -0400

I was only a 12W for a brief period of time, so my personal experience is a bit limited. I went in to MOS training with some basic knowledge under my belt, but I still learned worlds more.

At my unit, due to mandatory Army training requirements, we only worked on construction projects twice. Other than that, we went through the standard PMCS work on the vehicles in the motor pool and spent a few training weekends conducting tactical/combat training.

Prior to and after my time there, though, the unit (during AT) went to a variety of locations and worked on some pretty impressive construction projects. Many Soldiers also cross-trained on the electrical & plumbing construction fields & develop an enviable knowledge base.

Hopefully that answers your question a little, or is there something else/more you were wanting to know?

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2017 5:59 PM

SP5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 17:59:58 -0400

I've been a reservist for 8 years as a 12W, and I love it! First deployment I cross-trained and worked with 12N. We spents a couple months building bases from scratch, no showers, eating MREs all day, sleeping in our trucks, guard duty shifts, building tents decks, TOCs, storage sheds, guard towers. In between tasked we experienced IDF and Small-Arms Fire. Given that I was cross-trained with horizontal engineers I also drove a dump truck to build gravel roads for further our capabilities into more remote areas, then enhanced bases on the way. On my second tour I participated in the building of a Joint Operations Command Center in Kuwait. Work involved wall framing, insulation, drywall, spackling, sanding, painting, drop-down ceilings, etc. I also went to another country that I can't disclose due to OPSEC and worked in civilian attire.
During Annual Trainings, I've built, Concrete Pads, Baseball Fields, Guard Shacks, NCO Academy Billeting, and more.
I think being an Army Engineer is EXTREMELY versitile, functional, and relative to the civilian world. I recommend.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2017 9:27 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 09:27:49 -0500

12w national guard in Iraq I was the head carpenter for 2 of my 3 bases I was stationed at secondary mos is 12v so I also did heavy equipment you mainly do base improvement now from building shelves to office remodeling to in my experience electrical and equipment operations go to out post or outside the wire for repairs to buildings or ranges it all depends on your assignment at the time and your type of unit mine is an engineer utilities detachment so we did a bit of everything

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2019 8:10 PM

Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 20:10:43 -0400

I'm looking into this MOS. I've been working concrete for 5 years and I'm looking to fast track my retirement through the army. Is that possible in this MOS?