What's the reality of being a combat engineer?

Heavy equiptment/mechanical, was my choice, mechanical always was a benifit and still does, heavy equitpment is a trade that'll allways be needed for service, in the civil or military.
Had some good friends that were electrician, carpenters and plumbers, hung around those guys and learned the trade, to do things for myself at my own home. I still do my electrical, plumbing and picked up maisonary skill too.
Mechanical gave me the insight and willingness to learn fixing things, I did my own Harley repairs. Now, a wife might not like a husband that is always in the company with his new love, his Harley.

William Abbott Below is a previous post with information about the Combat Engineer MOS. Search on "12B" and "Combat Engineer" to find other posts. Gather as much information as you can and then talk to your wife so that you are both on the same page. Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-is-it-being-a-12b-combat-engineer-on-active-duty

Combat engineers have a wide skillset that covers alot of things. They do everything from demo, mine clearance, digging holes, cutting trees, breaching, clearing landzones, and also building to include carpentry. I saw them do everything from blowing doors, clearing trees from potential landing zones, digging vehicle fighting positions and even building walls, barriers and even putting together wooden structures for new op centers or new huts for troops to call home. Your wife will always have reservations regardless of what you choose.