Soldiers across the Pacific region recently laid a foundation for operational success upon which they can build, during a 12W Carpentry and Masonry Specialist course hosted by the 4960th Multi-Functional Training Brigade (MFTB), from July 12 – August 09, 2025, at Fort Shafter Flats, Oahu, Hawaii. The four-week course trains Soldiers and equips them with the hands-on skills and technical knowledge necessary to support construction operations in both garrison and deployed environments. Students learned the essential competencies for the 12W Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). They learned and trained on blueprint reading, structural layout, concrete mixing and finishing, framing, and military construction safety standards, preparing them to execute mission-critical construction tasks with precision, resilience, and confidence in any operational setting.
“These Soldiers learn valuable skills they apply once back at their assigned units or during a deployment. Their skills can vary based upon their prior military education or civilian employment and certifications. Once 12W is completed the Soldiers are well equipped with the knowledge we taught them here at the 4960th, and applied in a peer to peer type learning environment located at the VSB (vertical skills building)” said Master Sgt Jerome Duarte, Course Manager for the school’s engineer proponent.
12W Carpentry and Masonry Specialists serve a critical role in enabling mobility, survivability, and sustainment on the battlefield. Whether constructing fighting positions, shelters, bridges, or base facilities, these engineers ensure that Soldiers have the infrastructure they need to operate effectively in any environment.
For the 4960th Multi-Functional Training Brigade (MFTB), this training directly supports its mission to deliver high-quality, Army-approved education to Soldiers throughout the U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) theater. The brigade’s strategic location in the Pacific enables it to conduct training within the theater—eliminating the need for travel to the continental U.S. This regional presence allows the 4960th MFTB to extend professional development opportunities to remote and under served areas more efficiently and effectively.
“We here at the 4960th MFTB, pride ourselves in providing outstanding instruction, leadership and development in the next generation of Engineers,” said Duarte.
In an era when operational environments remain fluid, where things can shift rapidly, and natural disasters or humanitarian missions can arise at any time, having highly skilled engineer Soldiers on hand is vital to Army and joint-force success.
By delivering this 12W course, the 4960th MFTB continues to develop capable, confident leaders—those who don’t just follow blueprints, but set the groundwork of Army readiness.
| Date Taken: | 09.07.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.15.2025 20:55 |
| Story ID: | 547471 |
| Location: | HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 6 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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