Editing Sapper (section)

{{short description|Soldier who performs a variety of military engineering duties}}
{{Other uses}}
{{more citations needed|date=January 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
[[File:Modern sapper equipment.jpg|thumb|Modern sapper equipment]]

A '''sapper''', also called a '''[[combat engineer]]''', is a [[combatant]] or [[soldier]] who performs a variety of [[military engineering]] duties,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Definition of SAPPER |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapper |access-date=2022-04-01 |website=www.merriam-webster.com |language=en}}</ref> such as breaching [[fortifications]], [[demolition]]s, [[bridge]]-building, laying or clearing [[minefield]]s, preparing field defenses, and road and airfield construction and repair.

Sappers are also trained and equipped to serve secondarily as provisional infantry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sapper Leader Course :: FORT LEONARD WOOD |url=https://home.army.mil/wood/index.php/units-tenants/USAES/Sapper |access-date=2022-04-01 |website=home.army.mil}}</ref>

Sappers facilitate and support the movement, defense, and survival of superordinate and allied forces, and impede those of enemies.

The term "sapper" is used in the British Army and [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] nations, the U.S. military, and the militaries of other countries.