What's a Sapper in the Army?

- A sapper - also known as an elite combat engineer or pioneer - is a combatant skilled in a variety of military engineering duties such as minefield placement or clearing, bridge-building, demolitions, field defenses, and road and airfield construction.

Why is a soldier called a sapper?

The term "sapper" is used in the British Army and Commonwealth nations, the Polish Army and the U.S. military. The word "sapper" comes from the French word sapeur, itself being derived from the verb saper (to undermine, to dig under a wall or building to cause its collapse).

Is Army Sapper School Hard?

Considered one of the most difficult leaders schools in the Army, graduates of Sapper School are considered masters in the basics of combat patrols, combat demolitions, and mountaineering. ... The average pass rate at the Sapper Leaders Course is around 40%.