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A pioneer () is a soldier employed to perform engineering and construction tasks. The term is in principle similar to sapper. Pioneers were originally part of the artillery branch of European armies. Subsequently, they formed part of the engineering branch, in the logistic branch, part of the infantry; or comprised a branch in their own right. Historically, the primary role of pioneer units was to assist other arms in tasks such as the construction of field fortifications, military camps, bridges and roads.〔() Pioneers 〕 Prior to and during the First World War, pioneers were often engaged in the construction and repair of military railways.〔Dooley, p.170.〕 During the 20th century, British Commonwealth military forces came to distinguish between small units of "assault pioneers" belonging to infantry regiments and separate pioneer units (as in the former Royal Pioneer Corps). The United States Marine Corps has sometimes organized its sappers into "Pioneer Battalions".〔Lane, p.160.〕 ==Origin of the term== The word pioneer is originally from France. The word ((フランス語:pionnier)) was borrowed into English, from Old French ''pionnier'', which meant a "foot soldier", from the root 'peon' recorded in 1523.〔Which is in turn derived from pedn-, from Late Latin, "one who has broad feet"〕 It was used in a military sense as early as 1626–1627.〔(English Ordnance 1626 to 1643 ) 〕 In the late 18th century, Captain George Smith defined the term as: :''PIONEERS, in war-time, are such as are commanded in from the country, to march with an army, for mending the ways, for working on entrenchments, fortifications, and for making mines and approaches: the soldiers are likewise employed in all these things. Most of the foreign regiments of artillery have half a company of pioneers, well instructed in that important branch of duty. Our regiments of infantry and cavalry have 3 or 4 pioneers each, provided with aprons, hatchets, saws, spades, and pick-axes.'' 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Pioneer (military)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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