What types of projects are carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers?

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United States Army American soldiers during the Korean War.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is unique among the armed services for its dual focus on military and civil missions.1

Civil Works

The Corps’ civil activities primarily involve the planning, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure related to rivers, harbors, and waterways, as well as flood control. Modern efforts increasingly prioritize environmental sustainability and ecosystem restoration. Additionally, the Corps is a major supplier of hydroelectric power, managing numerous plants across the country. Other civil responsibilities include:1
* Preservation of wetlands and groundwater resources.1
* Disaster response.1
* Cleanup of hazardous waste.1

Military Projects

For the United States Army and Air Force, the Corps manages the construction and maintenance of buildings and utilities. Historically, this has included building ballistic missile bases and facilities for NASA. In wartime, engineer troops perform construction in theaters of operation, while in peacetime, such work is typically contracted to private industry. The Corps also provides combat support, mapping, terrain investigations, and supply support.1