Pioneer, in the British infantry, is a military artisan employed during peace in such work as painting and repairing barrack-rooms, &c., and in war marching at the head of each battalion to clear a passage for it through woods or other obstructions, improve roads, make bridges, and generally to do any minor engineering or constructive work that may be necessary. One is selected from each company. Instead of a rifle each carries a saw-backed sword, an axe, and two gun-spikes, other necessary tools being distributed among them.
Cavalry Pioneers, one from each troop, are instructed at the School of Military Engineering, Chatham, in the best method of rapidly destroying railways, telegraph lines, &c., and carry gun-cotton and the tools necessary for this purpose.