United States Army Corps of Engineers facts for kids
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), often called the Corps of Engineers, is a special part of the U.S. Army. It is a government agency under the Department of Defense. About 36,500 people work for USACE. These workers include both civilians and military members.
Many people know the Corps of Engineers for building dams and canals. They also work on flood control projects in the United States. But USACE does many different public works projects all over the world. They also create places for outdoor fun, like parks and lakes. The Corps of Engineers even helps produce 24% of the country's hydropower, which is electricity made from water.
What Does the USACE Do?
The main goal of the Corps of Engineers is to "Deliver vital public and military engineering services." This means they help make our nation stronger and safer. They also help the economy grow and reduce risks from natural disasters.
Their most important jobs include:
- Building and Managing Waterways: They plan, design, build, and run locks and dams. These help boats travel safely on rivers. They also work on flood control and keep waterways clear for navigation. This includes digging out riverbeds, a process called dredging.
- Protecting from Floods: They design and build systems to prevent floods. This keeps communities safe from rising waters.
- Military Construction: They design and manage building projects for the Army. They also work for the Air Force and other defense groups.
- Caring for the Environment: USACE helps protect the environment. They work to restore natural areas and make sure rules about the environment are followed.
A Look at USACE History
The Corps of Engineers has a long history. Their vision is to find "Engineering solutions for our Nation’s toughest challenges." During the American Civil War, another group called the Corps of Topographical Engineers joined with the Army Corps of Engineers. This made the Corps even stronger.
Images for kids
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District Headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia.
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Colonel Debra Lewis, a commander, with Sheik O'rhaman Hama Raheem, an Iraqi councilman, at the opening of a women's center in Assriya Village that the Corps helped build in 2006.
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Mississippi River improvement, 1890.
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Plan of the military academy at West Point, New York.
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Pontoon bridge across the James River, Virginia, 1864.
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A bulldozer operated by Sgt. C. G. McCutcheon on the Ledo Road, Burma, 1944.
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Gatun Lock construction, Panama Canal, 12 March 1912.
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Map of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Engineer divisions and districts.
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20th Engineer Brigade soldiers build a bridge on the Euphrates River.
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Soldiers putting together parts of a HESCO collapsible barrier in Fargo, North Dakota.
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Removing something dangerous to boats on the Hudson River.
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The Martis Creek Wetland Project in California.
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A team member, wearing a special suit, tests soil that has been dug up.
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A meeting about money for the Army Corps of Engineers in 2007.
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A project manager checks the Little Blue River in 2007.
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Mississippi River in New Orleans, Louisiana, 2006.
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Lavon Lake, located in Wylie, Texas.
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gold castle symbol, worn by engineer officers.
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Secretary of the Army Francis J. Harvey (right) talks about Corps of Engineers work in New Orleans with Brigadier General Robert Crear in 2006.
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USACE civil works activities in 2005.
See also
In Spanish: Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército de los Estados Unidos para niños
