by 
The Curious Bag
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Engineers have been integral to the U.S. Army since the Revolutionary War. In the modern army, engineer brigades are often attached to mechanized infantry and armor divisions. They provide engineering support in combat, non-combat and humanitarian roles.
The Brigade Within Army Structure
An army is composed of corps, which are further divided into divisions. Three or more brigades form a division and a brigade consists of 3,000 to 5,000 soldiers.
Engineer Brigade
There are 12 active engineer brigades in the U.S. Arm, and each brigade is divided in specific engineer battalions. They are concerned with combat support in the construction of facilities, dealing with enemy obstacles, terrain analysis, road construction and other duties.
Combat Engineers
The combat engineer battalion provides support for ground maneuver operations in a division's operational area. In combat, they primarily support mechanized infantry and armor divisions.
Heavy Engineers
The combat heavy engineers are involved in earth moving and large-scale construction in rear areas behind active combat zones. They are also heavily involved in humanitarian and relief efforts.
Topographic Engineers
The engineer topographic battalion performs terrain analysis in advance of combat activities. They are involved in the placement of roads, bridges, pipelines and other terrain-crossing facilities.
Source:
US Army: Operational Units Diagram
Command and General Staff College: The Modern Brigade, 1991-2003
588th Engineer Battalion: A History of the Corps of Engineers
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