The soldiers are trained to be able to build basic structures such as school houses and clinics. The instructors are quick to point out that the buildings are intended to serve a temporary purpose and are not up to building codes. The training includes masonry. Wood is not the main building material in many Third World countries. The students learn to mix concrete, prepare a site for a concrete project and build forms into which concrete will be poured.
Instruction also includes electricity.
Special Forces soldiers often face situations where wiring is old or there is no power supply. Some of the instructors have studied at Fayetteville Technical Community College. Engineers also are taught to do reconnaissance on bridges, roads, ferries, tunnels and fords. They might be working with a tank battalion that needs to cross a stream or a commander might want to know if a bridge would bear the weight of his heavy vehicles. During combat, engineers can be called upon to construct barriers or build fighting positions.