In the French army of 1799, there were six companies of miners, consisting of 24 officers and 576 men.

In 1804, Napoleon increased these troops to nine companies, containing 36 officers and 864 men.

The present French peace establishment contains six companies of miners, organized much the same as under Napoleon.

In the French army of 1799 there were two regiments of pontoniers, of 38 officers and 960 men.

But this number was found too small in the remaining campaigns, and the deficiency was temporarily supplied by organizing sailors for these duties.