Print this page Let Us Try, Let Us Dare, Let Us Do
J.M. Syken
Course Outline
Through the viewing of several archival/documentary films produced in the 1940s/50s/60s, we will examine the history and work – in both war and peace, of the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
We will examine its roles during wartime including construction of fortifications, facilities, bases, ports, roads, bridges (temporary and permanent), water purification, fuel supply, mine laying/clearing etc. We will also examine its peacetime roles in improving rivers and harbors, building artic bases, nuclear power applications, disaster relief etc.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Understand/appreciate the historical background of the Corps of Engineers;
- Understand/appreciate the many operations of the Corps during wartime and the role played by the combat engineer;
- Understand/appreciate the important role played by the Corps in WWII;
- Understand/appreciate the important role played by the Corps during the Korean War, the Cold War and the Vietnam War; and
- Understand/appreciate the various peacetime/civil operations/roles of the Corps.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for architects, engineers, contractors and other design/construction professionals.
Benefit to Attendees
The attendee/s will gain an intimate knowledge and insight into the history and responsibilities/achievements of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Course Introduction
The course incorporates the viewing of several archival/documentary films broken down as follows;
- Part 1 – Overview
- Part 2 – Wartime/Combat Engineering
- Part 3 – Peacetime/Civil Engineering
Part 1 examines provides an historical overview of the Corps; from its founding in 1775 to the opening of the west, through the Civil and both World War/s up to the Korean War. Part 2 examines the operations/roles of the Corps in modern warfare; from WWII, Korea, the Cold War, concluding with the Vietnam War. Part 3 examines the many civil/peacetime/domestic roles of the Corps.
Course Content
Part 1 – Overview;
TITLE: The Engineer Mission (1954)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.dod.dimoc.69352
DURATION: 25:23
TITLE: Partners in Progress (1961)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.dod.dimoc.30134
DURATION: 28:32
Part 2 – Wartime/Combat Engineering;
WWII;
TITLE: Engineers in Combat (1957)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.dod.dimoc.23082
DURATION: 23:20
TITLE: Alaska Highway (1949)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.archives.arc.23437
DURATION: 35:20
Cold War;
TITLE: Operation Blue Jay (ca.1961)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.archives.arc.2569497
DURATION: 27:44
TITLE: City Under Ice (ca.1961)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.archives.arc.2569752
DURATION: 28:54
TITLE: Research and Development in the Artic (ca.1961)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.archives.arc.2569635
DURATION: 27:10
TITLE: Mapping Adventure (ca.1962)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.archives.arc.2569819
DURATION: 28:16
Vietnam War;
TITLE: They Clear the Way (1968)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.dod.dimoc.30216
DURATION: 31:44
Part 3 – Peacetime/Civil Engineering;
TITLE: Engineering for Tomorrow (1970)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.dod.dimoc.30259
DURATION: 28:10
Course Summary
The combat engineers’ mission, simply understood, is to aid the advance of friendly forces and impede the advance of unfriendly forces. That sounds relatively simple, but in reality it’s one of the most important, dangerous and difficult tasks in wartime. The engineer/soldier must not only be skilled in the art/science of military engineering, but also do double-duty as a combatant. Their civil responsibilities are no less important, providing flood control, harbor improvement and disaster relief to a grateful nation.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbofWRDiVOY
(Film - History of Military Engineering - 1:18:00)
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
