About SAME

Who We Are

The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) builds leaders and leads collaboration among government and industry to develop multidisciplined solutions to national security infrastructure challenges. Founded in 1920, the Society has a storied history of uniting public and private sector individuals and organizations from across the architecture, engineering, construction, environmental and facility management, cyber security, project planning, contracting and acquisition, and related disciplines in support of national security.

With a National Office in Alexandria, Va., and 100 Posts around the world, SAME provides its nearly 28,000 members with extensive opportunities for training, education, and professional development through a robust offering of conferences, workshops, networking events, leadership training, publications, webinars, technical presentations, and other member-driven programs.

With a membership that includes recent service academy graduates and retired military officers, enlisted personnel and NCOs, project managers, corporate executives, academic leaders, uniformed and public sector professionals and private sector experts, SAME bridges the gaps between critical stakeholders to help secure our nation. 

SAME consists of 100 Posts and more than 50 Student Chapters and Field Chapters along with a National Office staff. Additional groups within the organization that support SAME’s mission and vision include the Communities of Interest, Academy of Fellows, Engineering & Construction Camps, Leader Development Program, and Executive Advisory Group. Nationally, the Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Direction that comprises six National Officers, 17 Regional Vice Presidents, the Chairs of the Communities of Interest, as well as 12 Elected Directors who serve three-year terms and are elected in groups of four annually by the membership. There are also several Appointed Directors selected on an annual basis and certain non-voting members. Over the the last century, some of the most esteemed names in military engineering have served as Society President.

In 2016, the SAME Foundation was established with a compelling purpose of “fostering engineering leadership for the nation.” Today, the SAME Foundation serves an invaluable philanthropic role by investing in programs that provide Society members, America’s youth, veterans, and others within the engineering community unmatched opportunities to develop and grow both personally and professionally.

2023 SAME Annual Report


SAME Mission

Build leaders and lead collaboration among government and industry to develop multidisciplined solutions to national security infrastructure challenges.

SAME Vision

Serve our nation as the foremost integrator for leadership development and technical collaboration within the A/E/C profession.

SAME Values

Integrity: Unwavering commitment to always do what is right, regardless of consequences.

Patriotism: Support our national ideals and take pride in our country.

Public Service: Recognize the critical contribution that public servants make in supporting the economic and environmental needs of the nation.

National Security: Recognize the dedication of our national security team, comprised of the uniformed services, civil service and contractors, in defending freedom.

Technical Competence: Deliver high-quality solutions.

Excellence: Strive for the highest standards of performance in all actions, both personal and professional.

Environmental Stewardship: Preserve, protect, conserve and restore our national resources through sustainable practices.

In 2020, SAME celebrated its 100th Anniversary, reaffirming a legacy of service to the nation and support to strengthening the engineering profession. As the Society moves forward in its second century, we are focused on delivering value and impact to our members, partners, and stakeholders. Whether strengthening engagement between industry and government, building and sustaining resilient communities, developing leaders for the profession, enriching the STEM pipeline for the nation, or preparing veterans and servicemembers for the A/E/C industry, SAME is working to help secure America’s future, together.

Learn More About SAME

Given the magnitude of the workload that military engineers/federal agencies must execute, the economic challenges and the war for talent, we must all work together. Only by expanding our partnering efforts will we be able to achieve our mutual goal of delivering multidisciplined solutions to our national security infrastructure challenges. We have truly entered a Golden Age of Industry-Government Engagement. Let’s continue to Make it Happen.   

Rear Adm. Mark Handley, P.E., F.SAME, USN (Ret.), 102nd SAME National President | 2021-2022