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Military

CHAPTER 3

Offensive Operations

The primary purpose of the offense is to destroy the enemy and its ability to resist. Offensive operations are designed to defeat, disrupt, and destroy the nucleus of the enemy's operations. They may also be conducted to--

  • Secure key or decisive terrain.
  • Deceive or misdirect uncommitted enemy forces.
  • Fix or isolate units.
  • Gain information.
  • Spoil an enemy's offensive preparation.

Gaining and retaining the initiative and forcing the enemy to fight and react at a time and place not of its choosing is critical to the success of offensive operations.

Although light brigades are employed as an entity, their normal method of operation is to disperse throughout an area and conduct synchronized but decentralized operations primarily at night or during periods of limited visibility. Mass is achieved through the combined effects of synchronized, small-unit operations and fires rather than through the physical concentration of forces on the battlefield. Massing of forces only occurs when the risk is low and the payoff is high.

Engineer offensive doctrine and considerations for the airborne, air-assault, or light infantry brigades are described in this chapter. It also serves as an extension of FM 7-30. The purpose of this chapter is twofold. It--

  • Explains how brigade engineers integrate into the brigade's military decision-making process for planning future operations and for tracking and controlling the current battle.
  • Defines the role of the company commander (and his company) in executing engineer missions in support of the maneuver commander.

OFFENSIVE CHARACTERISTICS

Offensive operations are the brigade's primary means of gaining and maintaining the initiative. Successful engineer support of the brigade attack depends on the brigade engineer's and supporting engineer company commanders' understanding of enemy doctrine and the following offensive characteristics:

  • Surprise.
  • Concentration.
  • Tempo.
  • Audacity.

SURPRISE

Surprise is achieved by attacking the enemy where it least expects. The brigade achieves surprise by avoiding the enemy's strength and attacking its weaknesses. During the military decision-making process, engineers provide input on terrain and enemy M/S capabilities. This allows the attack forces to bypass enemy forces or minimize the effects of enemy fortifications, natural and man-made, and countermobility effects. Engineer reconnaissance forces verify infiltration lanes and breach points, with follow-on engineer forces conducting assault and covert breaching to rapidly pass the maneuver forces to the objective.

CONCENTRATION

Concentration is achieved by massing combat power at the point of attack. The brigade engineer recommends task organizations and develops a scheme of engineer operations that masses the right type of engineer support at the right place and time. The engineer task organization must provide the most responsive support at the point of attack. The focus of engineer planning and execution is normally mobility (maintaining the speed of the attack and providing the force with protection during movement and while static).

TEMPO

Tempo is vital to infantry offensive operations. It prevents the enemy from using effective countermeasures against the force. Tempo, synchronized with surprise, can effectively compensate for the lack of mass by denying the enemy the time to recover or identify the main effort and react effectively. Well-thought-out engineer planning and synchronized engineer C2 facilitate quick and decisive engineer actions in support of the brigade. As part of the combined arms team, engineers perform drills and rehearsed movement techniques to enhance tactical mobility and to allow rapid movement.

AUDACITY

Audacity is the willingness to risk bold action to achieve decisive results. The commander's audacity is tempered and balanced with the knowledge of the--

  • Capabilities of his engineers.
  • Terrain.
  • Enemy.

This allows him to take an informed risk to gain an advantage over the enemy. Informed and well-trained engineers, who comprehend the commander's intent, aid the commander in his ability to see the battlefield and anticipate future operations.

BRIGADE OFFENSIVE FRAMEWORK

All tactical actions are based on a simple and complete concept of the operation. In planning and conducting the offense, the brigade concentrates on synchronizing the offensive battlefield framework--deep, close, rear, security, and reserve operations. Brigade engineer planners, commanders, and units each have a role in these five components. Understanding how engineers support the brigade's offensive framework is imperative to effective integration. Figure 3-1 shows the offensive framework and considerations for each component. Additional details on the offensive framework are found in FM 7-30.

BRIGADE OFFENSIVE MANEUVERS AND ENGINEER CONSIDERATIONS

The five basic forms of maneuver in the offense are--

  • Envelopment.
  • Penetration.
  • Frontal attack.
  • Turning movement.
  • Infiltration.

The brigade can conduct an envelopment, a penetration, and a frontal attack. Normally, the brigade only participates as one element of a turning movement conducted by a larger force; therefore, this form of maneuver will not be discussed in this chapter. Subordinate infantry units can conduct an infiltration as part of the brigade's larger mission. The brigade commander determines which form of maneuver to use based on his METT-T analysis.

The majority of light brigade combat operations are conducted under limited visibility conditions. These conditions are characterized by, but are not limited to, darkness, fog, heavy rain, and falling snow. Operations are conducted during limited visibility to--

  • Achieve surprise.
  • Gain superiority over the enemy through stealth.
  • Exploit success and maintain momentum.
  • Disrupt the enemy's defense by taking key terrain in its rear.
  • Exploit US technical and tactical advantages.

Technical ability, afforded by night-vision devices (NVDs), and tactical ability, afforded through realistic training, allow the infantry brigade to operate routinely in limited visibility conditions. Successful engineer support to the brigade and its maneuver battalions dictates that the engineers possess the same level, as a minimum, of technical and tactical ability as their supported force. NVDs organic in the engineer squad are vital in allowing the engineers to provide effective and responsive support in the same battlefield conditions as the infantry. This becomes especially critical during detailed manipulative tasks, such as breaching operations. NVD capabilities are further enhanced by continuous training in limited-visibility operations with the combined arms team.

The infantry battalions try to conduct limited-visibility attacks much like daylight attacks. The major difference is that limited-visibility conditions frequently require more control measures to conduct the operation. Engineer support to these operations frequently requires the same increased level of control measures to be applied. Limited visibility complicates tasks, such as obstacle detection, marking, and clearance. Movement of forces (such as breaching operations) takes longer under these conditions than in daylight. To simplify control of these types of operations, engineer planners and executors strive to simplify the scheme of engineer operations and the actual application of SOSR. Detailed and synchronized combined arms rehearsals of these operations are essential to mission success.

Most missions performed by engineer units in the offense are mobility missions. Therefore, the common focus of engineer mission planning, task organization, and support is maintaining the mobility of the brigade. The actual execution of breaching operations is primarily accomplished at TF level and below. The brigade plans for either instride, deliberate, assault, or covert breaches. Breaching is the employment of a combination of tactics and techniques to project combat power to the far side of an obstacle. FM 90-13-1 provides the doctrinal foundation for combined arms breaching operations. It is critical to the success of breaching operations that all members of the combined arms team understand its theory.

The selected form of maneuver expresses the intent and the overall concept of the operation; it also directs brigade planning. The brigade engineer and supporting engineer leaders must understand each brigade's form of maneuver and its implications on engineer mission development.

ENVELOPMENT

The envelopment is the basic form of maneuver. It seeks to apply friendly strength against an enemy's weakness. To accomplish this, one unit suppresses the enemy from the front while another unit maneuvers around and strikes its flank or rear. This forces the enemy to fight along lightly defended or undefended AAs. An envelopment requires the enemy to have an open flank, a weakness in its positions, or a gap in its lines, which affords the enveloping force an exploitable weakness. In an envelopment, the brigade normally makes a supporting attack with one or more battalions. The remaining units maneuver against the enemy's flank to destroy it or seize objectives in its rear.

Preliminary Considerations

Engineer support priorities for an envelopment are the mobility of the enveloping force and the protection of its extended flanks (see Figure 3-2).

The TFs that make up the enveloping force normally organize for in-stride breaching operations. Once committed, the enveloping force must have the capability to breach unforeseen obstacles with minimal delay and maneuver. Critical to this ability is--

  • Obstacle intelligence (OBSTINTEL) gathered before the enveloping-force mission. The brigade engineer must ensure that engineers are totally integrated into the brigade reconnaissance and surveillance (R& S) plan.
  • Engineers task-organized to the enveloping-force commander. They provide him with responsive and rapid obstacle-reduction capabilities and the ability to further task-organize forces to accomplish his mission.

Engineer task organization must provide for both flexibility and redundancy. The main effort cannot afford to wait for low-density equipment or units to be brought forward or replaced.

Main-Effort Considerations

Engineer support to the main effort is broken into two separate areas, requiring dedicated engineer forces to--

  • Protect the enveloping force's flanks.
  • Construct, maintain, or improve LOC.

Engineer support to protect the enveloping force's flanks centers on situational obstacles, which are planned at the brigade level. SCATMINE systems are one of the key components for this support.

A key aspect of mobility support to the main effort is maintaining the enveloping force's LOC. In an envelopment, the LOC for the main effort can quickly become extended, shifted in response to the attack, or threatened by bypassed units. Engineer support to the brigade's LOC effort is normally EAD assets under brigade control. This allows DIVENs to remain focused on mobility support to the main effort.

Actions-on-the-Objective Considerations

To provide engineer support to actions on the objective, the brigade engineer and staff must understand the enveloping-force mission. Fundamental to this understanding is the brigade engineer's involvement with the S2 and in the IPB process. Determining the task organization of engineer units to the enveloping force centers on the IPB process and the subsequent collection of information.

The mission of the enveloping force may be to attack and roll up a defending enemy force or reserve. The main effort of engineer support remains mobility. The task organization must provide attacking battalions with assault-breach capability. However, the mission may be to secure key terrain that cuts the enemy's LOC. The enveloping force may then establish blocking positions. Therefore, engineer support to actions of the objective may also require countermobility and survivability operations. In these cases, the brigade engineer, through war gaming, ensures that the enveloping force has the assets to--

  • Maintain its mobility during the attack.
  • Establish effective blocking positions.

Supporting-Attack Considerations

Providing the necessary assets to the supporting attack is the brigade the engineer's greatest challenge. While the main effort of engineer support and concentration of the engineer force is with the enveloping force, the supporting attack is too important to discount its engineer requirements. When the envelopment is successfully executed, the supporting attack is likely to be the only force required to breach extensive obstacles. More importantly, the success of the main effort may depend on the ability of the supporting attack to penetrate the prepared defenses and keep the enemy fully engaged during the movement of the enveloping force. This causes the enemy to fight in two directions.

The engineer role in the supporting attack is normally limited in scope because of support priorities to the enveloping force. The brigade engineer carefully analyzes the requirements of the supporting attack. This may require focusing on the maneuver plan two levels down (infantry company) through close coordination with the breaching TF commanders. The brigade engineer often has to recommend to the brigade commander to accept a degree of risk and allocate the minimum force necessary to accomplish the mobility requirements. However, the brigade engineer can reduce the risk by initially focusing OBSTINTEL collection to confirm or deny assumptions made about the enemy situation facing the supporting attack.

PENETRATION

The purpose of a penetration is to break through prepared enemy positions by concentrating overwhelming combat power on a narrow front. Units penetrate when--

  • Enemy flanks are not assailable.
  • Time does not permit some other form of maneuver (see Figure 3-3).

A successful penetration requires the concentration of all combat multipliers, to include the use of night, stealth, and covered and concealed terrain. Penetrations have three stages. They are--

  • The Initial rupture of enemy positions.
  • Roll-up of the flanks on either side of the gap.
  • Exploitation to deep objectives.

The brigade commander uses the penetration to--

  • Attack through the enemy's principal defensive positions.
  • Break the integrity of the defense.
  • Defeat the enemy in detail.

The brigade uses its main attack to rupture the enemy's defense. Supporting attacks protect the flank of the main effort and widen the gap by defeating adjacent enemy forces. Follow-and-support forces are used to--

  • Clear the zone.
  • Widen the penetration.
  • Secure the lodgment from counterattack.

The brigade reserve is positioned to assist the main attack and exploit success.

Main-Effort Considerations

Engineers support the brigade penetration by providing the lead battalion(s) in the main effort with overwhelming mobility to rupture the enemy's obstacles. This remains the engineers' main effort until a penetration is achieved. It requires the brigade engineer to mass obstacle-reduction assets in the main effort. Penetration requires the rapid projection of combat power to maintain the momentum of the attack and quickly divide the enemy force. To do so requires creating more lanes along a more narrow front than normally associated with breaching operations. Therefore, mass and redundancy drive engineer task organization to the main effort. Mass is commonly achieved by weighting the main effort with task-organized division and EAD engineers.

When penetration is achieved, the engineers' main effort shifts to providing mobility to forces widening the gap. The brigade may use supporting attacks or follow-and-support forces to widen the penetration, The brigade engineer must understand the brigade commander's intent for widening the penetration to ensure that forces have enough engineer support. When a follow-and-support force is employed to simultaneously clear the zone and widen the gap, the engineer task organization must support decentralized mobility operations. If the supporting attack is the primary mechanism for widening the gap, it may require a smaller, more centralized organization.

Countermobility Considerations

Depending on the enemy situation, countermobility may quickly become the main effort to help defeat counterattacks against the lodgment. The brigade normally uses follow-and-support forces to secure the lodgment and defeat any counterattacks. Therefore, the brigade engineer and supporting company commanders--

  • Anticipate the size of the counterattack force.
  • Analyze likely AAs.
  • Allocate the countermobility assets needed to disrupt or fix counterattack forces.

Engineer planners must design obstacle belts that permit the use of tactical and situational obstacles. Normally, these obstacle belts are developed and passed to the battalions for planning but are only active on the order of the brigade commander. Forces securing the lodgment require flexible and responsive obstacle capabilities, such as scatterable and smart mines.

Exploitation Considerations

Once the lodgment is secured, the engineer priority shifts to assisting the brigade in exploiting its success by ensuring the mobility of the exploiting battalion(s). The brigade engineer uses two mechanisms to support the exploitation. First, the scheme of engineer operations must allow for the rapid development of a lane network within the penetration. The lane network must support both the uninterrupted forward passage of the brigade reserve to subsequent objectives and the flow of sustainment to forces in the penetration. The brigade engineer recommends to the brigade commander that an engineer follow-and-support force (made up of corps assets) be created to establish, improve, and maintain the lane network. Secondly, the brigade engineer must ensure that the brigade reserve has the engineer task organization necessary to maintain its own mobility as it attacks deep in the enemy's rear area.

FRONTAL ATTACK

The purpose of a frontal attack is to--

  • Overrun and destroy or capture a weakened enemy.
  • Fix an enemy force in position to support another attack.

A frontal attack is the least desirable form of maneuver. The brigade normally conducts it as part of a larger force. The frontal attack strikes along the enemy's front within the brigade's zone (see Figure 3-4). During the attack, the brigade commander seeks to take advantage of the enemy's position. Subordinate units try to seize their objective from a direction other than the front if the terrain and enemy situation permit.

Mobility Considerations

The challenge to engineers supporting the brigade in a frontal attack is in providing enough mobility support across a wide front on multiple axes. Successful engineer support normally requires multiple division or corps engineer companies. From the brigade perspective, the nature of the mission may prevent the massing of overwhelming mobility support. However, the brigade engineer must ensure that the engineer task organization allows attacking TFs to mass engineers at their level, as required. Quickly attacking a weak or disorganized enemy with the situation relatively unclear warrants the consideration of providing an instride breach capability at the TF level. The brigade engineer balances division and supporting corps engineers in each attacking TF rather that just one TF.

Follow-and-Support-Force Considerations

The brigade engineer normally uses task-organized EAD engineer units as the engineer follow-and-support force. The mission of the engineer follow-and-support force is to upgrade breaching lanes, to include marking them, and to construct or improve MSRs. The nature of the frontal attack requires a follow-and-support force capable of decentralized operations but under the control of the brigade commander. DIVENs with the TFs create the lanes necessary to seize TF objectives. Therefore, EAD engineer efforts to upgrade lanes in each battalion zone of attack focus on passing sustainment traffic rather than combat power. MSR requirements are also decentralized to sustain multiple axes.

Hasty-Defense Considerations

The brigade engineer and the company commanders must consider the needs of each battalion to establish a hasty defense on its objective. With battalions attacking in zones, each will normally consolidate on separate objectives and establish distinct hasty-defense positions. The brigade engineer and staff must be sensitive to the decentralized nature of the brigade's hasty defense. They must ensure that each battalion has the assets necessary for immediate and responsive obstacle and survivability support. If the brigade plan is to establish a deliberate defense immediately upon consolidation, the brigade engineer must consider task-organizing corps assets to each battalion from the outset of the attack. The brigade engineer must also plan for and coordinate with the S4 to pre-position and push necessary Class IV/Class V (mines) supplies to the battalions.

INFILTRATION

The purpose of infiltration is to move a maneuver force by stealth to a more favorable position to accomplish the mission. This is the preferred form of infantry maneuver because it permits a smaller force to use stealth and surprise to attack a larger or fortified force. Infiltration is most feasible--

  • During limited visibility.
  • Over rough terrain.
  • Through areas unoccupied by the enemy.
  • Through areas not covered by enemy observation and fire.

Infiltrations are normally carried out by foot or air but can be executed by vehicle or watercraft.

IPB Considerations

Infiltrations require extensive reconnaissance to be successful. This reconnaissance--

  • Identifies the enemy disposition across the area to be infiltrated.
  • Identifies infiltration lanes.
  • Locates assault positions for the attacking force.
  • Identifies enemy weaknesses.
  • Observes enemy activity.

Reconnaissance assists the commander in determining the method of infiltration and the task organization and size of the infiltrating units. Reconnaissance is also vital in determining whether single or multiple infiltration lanes are used and the actual route(s).

Successful engineer support to the infiltration is predicated by the careful and detailed terrain analysis of the--

  • Brigade engineer.
  • Company commander.
  • Brigade staff.

It is critical that existing gaps in the enemy's defensive system and the locations of its security elements be identified. Natural obstacles and the templated enemy obstacles must also be considered (see Figure 3-5). Engineers infiltrating with the infantry battalion scouts verify, report, and mark (and breach as required) obstacles along the infiltration lane(s).

Engineer planners at the brigade also develop PIR for inclusion in the S2's collection plan. In addition to the PIR developed in support of the infiltration itself, others are identified specifically at the objective area. Examples are the-

  • Location, type, density and employment method of obstacles in and around the objective.
  • Potential breach lanes for the attacking units. Level of survivability of the enemy forces on the objective.
  • Possible enemy counterattack routes in support of the objective.

Mobility Considerations

Mobility support is the main focus of engineer units during the infiltration. Due to the decentralized nature of the maneuver, providing task-organized engineer support to each infiltrating unit is not feasible. Maneuver units must be trained and capable of executing those mobility operations anticipated on the infiltration lanes. The requirement for dedicated support during the infiltration is minimized due to the--

  • Detailed templating by staff planners.
  • Accurate and timely intelligence updates that engineers working with the scouts provide.
  • Detailed combined arms rehearsals.

This allows the brigade engineer to recommend the task organization of engineers in such a way as to ensure support to the main effort along the infiltration lane.

Actions-on-the-Objective Considerations

To provide enough support to the maneuver battalions during actions on the objective, detailed engineer planning at the brigade centers on the war gaming of contingencies. Normally, engineers will be task-organized to maneuver battalions in a command relationship during the infiltration and actions on the objective. This ensures the battalion commander's flexibility in further task-organizing the engineers and his absolute control during breaching operations, following actions on the objective. Subsequent, on order missions (such as a defense) may dictate a change in the task organization of engineer units. They may need to change from a command relationship to a support relationship with the maneuver battalions. This is done to speed up the response of engineer units in support of the main effort and to place the logistical support requirements directly with the FSB.

Sustainment Considerations

Infiltrations often require the clearance of extended MSRs from the line of departure (LD) to the attacking force. Appendix D, in conjunction with FM 20-32, Chapter 10, details route-clearance considerations. MSRs become particularly vital when the objective is secured and the attacking force requires support, such as Class V resupply, ground MEDEVAC, barrier materials, engineer equipment, or situational obstacle material for a hasty defense. The infiltrating force bypasses obstacles and the enemy forces focused on the high-speed AAs. Therefore, the clearance of these MSRs commonly resembles small-scale linkup operations and are planned and resourced accordingly. Breaching operations (predominantly in-stride) are common during MSR clearance, and corps engineer assets task-organized to the brigade normally execute them. The mine-clearing line charges (MICLICs) available in corps engineer units can speed up these operations and can become a critical combat multiplier for a light force conducting breaching operations. Caution must be exercised when using MICLICs on ground LOC. Repair capability must be available to the breaching force to sustain traffic on the LOC.

ENGINEER OFFENSIVE PLANNING

The brigade begins its preparation for offensive operations by receiving a FRAGO/OPORD from higher HQ and then using the military decision-making process. The considerations discussed in the following paragraphs may be applied to all types of offensive operations but must be applied according to the C2 process detailed in Chapter 2.

RECEIVE THE MISSION

The engineer estimate and offensive planning process begin with the brigade engineer receiving his mission. This mission is extracted from the brigade OPORD, engineer annex, graphics, and WARNORD. One of the first critical tasks the brigade engineer accomplishes is ensuring that the BREC and the supporting engineer company receive a WARNORD based on orders received from higher HQ. (This WARNORD does not circumvent the WARNORD that the brigade commander will issue; it only serves to enhance it by providing additional planning and reaction time to the BREC and the engineer company.) This also ensures the company commander's ability to initiate TLP and displace to the brigade main CP to integrate into the brigade's military decision-making process.

DEVELOP FACTS AND ASSUMPTIONS AND ANALYZE THE MISSION

The brigade engineer, with the help of the S2 and the S3, conducts the EBA. The EBA consists of analyzing the terrain and assessing the capabilities of the enemy and friendly M/S.

The brigade engineer and S2 conduct the terrain analysis using the OCOKA framework. The terrain analysis is then used to develop the enemy situation template and the corresponding friendly scheme of maneuver. The brigade engineer focuses his involvement in the terrain analysis on--

  • Possible effects the natural terrain imparts on the attacking brigade (or its battalions).
  • Likely places the enemy will reinforce or enhance the natural effects of the terrain, as well as identifying how and where the enemy will defend, where the brigade can move while conducting its offensive operation, and where the brigade is vulnerable to flank attacks and enemy counterattacks.

The brigade engineer works with the S2 in identifying the M/S capabilities of the enemy's maneuver and engineer forces. Based on this knowledge, the brigade engineer templates enemy obstacles and their estimated survivability status on the situation template. The brigade engineer develops specific enemy M/S intelligence requirements and nominates NAIs to incorporate into the brigade's reconnaissance plan.

The brigade engineer, with the S3's help, analyzes the friendly engineer capability based on current organic and corps assets available in both the engineer and maneuver organizations. To do this, the brigade engineer must account for all available and mission-capable engineer assets that support the brigade.

The brigade engineer continues the mission analysis by conducting a complete review of the higher command's OPLAN/OPORD, including the operational graphics. He focuses on the offensive considerations of the following:

  • Identification of specified and implied tasks.
  • Additional M/S assets available in the brigade.
  • Specified acceptable risk.
  • Time available to conduct the mission.

The brigade engineer determines what engineer tasks are mission-essential on the basis of this analysis. This information is provided to the S3 for inclusion in the brigade's restated mission.

ISSUE THE COMMANDER'S GUIDANCE

Following the development and approval of the restated mission, the brigade commander issues his guidance and intent. The brigade engineer must identify, from the brigade commander's guidance and intent, the form of maneuver and the type of attack the brigade will employ. Based on this, the brigade engineer confirms specified, implied, and essential engineer tasks and prepares to support the COA development.

DEVELOP COAs

On the basis of each COA, the brigade engineer develops a scheme of engineer operations, focusing on essential offensive engineer tasks. He does this by looking two levels down at the maneuver company. The brigade engineer focuses on mobility support first. He identifies required mobility tasks and the engineer assets needed to perform them using the--

  • Brigade commander's intent.
  • Terrain analysis.
  • Situation template.

Next, the brigade engineer looks at countermobility tasks, concentrating on those required to protect the attacking or moving support forces (such as flank and rear security during movement) and those required to support hasty defenses on the objective. The same process is applied for survivability, general engineering, and force-protection missions.

ANALYZE COAs

The ultimate outcome of this process is the task organization of engineers in support of the brigade. Based on the brigade commander's estimate, the brigade allocates resources to the battalions, as needed, to accomplish the assigned mission. Engineer assets are not distributed on a fair-share basis but are distributed based on the complete METT-T analysis. Normally, task organizations are changed during the operation only if changing conditions dictate.

Having identified the engineer tasks and assets required for a COA, the brigade engineer establishes where the engineer's main effort must be. After reviewing available engineer and maneuver assets, the brigade engineer, with input from the company commander, allocates engineer assets to accomplish mission-critical tasks. He also recommends allocating maneuver assets to accomplish those tasks that engineer assets cannot accomplish. If maneuver assets are not available or skilled in the shortfall tasks, more engineer assets are requested from the division through the brigade S3. If more engineer assets are not available, the brigade engineer focuses on main-effort tasks and reallocates assets to compensate for the shortfall. It is critical to the COA analysis to identify the risk associated with the shortage of engineer forces and to address it during war gaming and the COA comparison.

The brigade engineer coordinates the tracking of large amounts of fired dud-producing munitions in an area. Through the FSO, he tracks the location and type of submunitions used and provides this as a dud-warning report to units preparing to enter this area. The brigade engineer also notifies supporting engineers to provide them the opportunity to deal with this mission.

DECIDE ON A COA AND ISSUE ORDERS

Once COAs have been war-gamed, compared, and recommended, the brigade commander decides how the offensive mission will be conducted and gives his intent and concept of the operation. Based on this, he refines the brigade engineer missions and develops a scheme of engineer operations for inclusion in the execution paragraph of the brigade basic OPLAN/OPORD, focusing on total integration into the brigade scheme of maneuver. To accomplish these tasks, the brigade engineer--

  • Finalizes the engineer task organization and the command and support relationships.
  • Assigns engineer tasks to the brigade's subordinate units in subunit and coordinating instructions.
  • Provides engineer-specific input to the service and support paragraph.
  • Develops the engineer annex.

He then briefs the brigade engineer plan to the battalion commanders at the brigade OPORD. On completion of the OPLAN/OPORD, the brigade engineer distributes it to all engineer units working for the brigade and closely monitors mission preparation and execution.

COMPANY COMMANDER'S PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS

Throughout the planning process for offensive operations, the supporting company commander(s) are performing two parallel functions. They--

  • Integrate into the military decision-making process with the brigade engineer as outlined in Chapter 2.
  • Initiate their TLP.

Once the company commander issues his initial mission-planning guidance to the company, his focus is on integrating into the military decision-making process at the brigade main CP. During the military decision-making process, the company commander remains in contact with his company CP and provides additional guidance and insight to the company leadership regarding the upcoming mission. When the brigade commander decides what COA will be pursued, the company commander departs from the brigade main CP and returns to his company CP to complete and issue his plan, The company commander's responsibilities are discussed in Chapter 2.

The nature of light brigade offensive operations commonly supports decentralized engineer support to the battalions. Platoons, and sometimes companies, normally support the maneuver battalions in a command relationship rather than in a support relationship. This ensures responsive and dedicated support to the maneuver battalions. When the tactical situation allows the company commander to conduct his TLP parallel to the military decision-making process, it helps synchronize key activities for mission support to the brigade. When the brigade OPORD is issue, the engineer company and its platoons already know the task organization of engineers. This allows platoon leaders to initiate their TLP and still be present with their supported battalion to receive the brigade OPORD. This places the three principal echelons of engineer C2 together at one time (brigade engineer, company commander, and platoon leader), facilitating coordination and clearing up discrepancies or changes to the brigade plan.

TYPES OF OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS

The brigade conducts the following types of offensive operations:

  • Movement to contact (MTC).
  • Hasty attack (HATK).
  • Deliberate attack (DATK).
  • Exploitation.
  • Pursuit.

The brigade is trained and task-organized to pass from one type of offensive operation to another without delay. These operations may be conducted in sequence in a successful battle, beginning with a MTC to locate the enemy and ending with the destruction of the enemy through pursuit.

Engineer support to brigade offensive operations is characterized by careful mission analysis, detailed plans and preparations, and war-gamed engineer task organizations. Through this process with the brigade commander and his staff, optimum engineer support is secured for the operation.

MOVEMENT TO CONTACT

A MTC is an offensive operation to gain or reestablish contact with the enemy. Forces that are moving but are not in contact with the enemy are said to be moving to contact. Frequently, the goal of the MTC is to develop the tactical situation. To maintain flexibility and security, the brigade attempts to make contact with the smallest element possible. This is extremely important for light infantry brigades due to their limited mobility and their dependence on restrictive terrain. A light brigade MTC is best suited against other light infantry forces. Infantry brigades use one of two techniques to conduct a MTC:

  • Approach-march technique.
  • Search-and-attack technique.

The primary engineer considerations at brigade level in planning and preparing for a MTC are anticipating--

  • Engineer actions during the movement of the brigade.
  • Requirements for engineer support when contact is made.

During the advance, the maneuver commander continually analyzes the situation based on current reports and intelligence. Unit positioning in the formation is dictated by the mission, particularly the anticipated employment of maneuver units.

Five principles guide the brigade commander in planning and conducting a MTC. These principles drive engineer task organization and mission support. Therefore, engineer planners must understand them to support the brigade offensive operations. When possible, the brigade commander--

  • Leads with a small, mobile, self-contained force to locate and fix the enemy.
  • Task-organizes the brigade so they are able to deploy and attack rapidly in any direction.
  • Maintains mutual supporting distances to facilitate response.
  • Uses aggressive movement.
  • Uses decentralized execution.

Approach-March Technique

The approach march is the traditional technique for conducting a MTC (see Figure 3-6). Its goal is to--

  • Gain or reestablish contact with the enemy.
  • Develop the tactical situation, providing the brigade with a tactical advantage before decisive engagement.

An axis of advance, or zone, is assigned objectives designated to orient movement. Objectives are characterized by terrain that is easily recognizable and at a depth that is sufficient to ensure contact.

The movement formation is normally comprised of three elements:

  • Advance guard.
  • Flank and rear security.
  • Main body.

All elements are mutually supporting during the movement, ensuring the commander's synchronized action at the decisive point and time. The approach march ends when contact is made with the enemy.

Engineer responsibilities during the approach march are divided into two main categories:

  • Mobility.
  • Countermobility.

Figure 3-7 depicts these responsibilities using the example of battalions on multiple axis in a brigade MTC.

The advance guard operates 1 to 2 kilometers in front of the main body. Its primary mission is to--

  • Develop the situation by locating the enemy.
  • Ensure the uninterrupted advance of the main body.

It is organized to fight through small masses of enemy forces. The advance guard also--

  • Conducts reconnaissance.
  • Destroys enemy reconnaissance elements.
  • Secures key terrain, as required.
  • Protects the main body from surprise.
  • Covers its deployment into attack formations.

R&S elements and systems are frequently integrated into the advance guard to assist in the early detection of the enemy. Normally, the main body furnishes and controls the advance guard. Engineer support to the advance guard focuses on--

  • Engineer reconnaissance.
  • Obstacle reduction.
  • Location of obstacle bypasses.

Figure 3-6 shows a reinforced rifle company as the advance guard. It was established from forces of the 3d battalion and is under the direct control of the brigade.

Mobility missions are the focus of engineers supporting the advance-guard element. Their principal missions are--

  • Engineer reconnaissance.
  • Reporting OBSTINTEL to the main body.
  • Marking bypasses.
  • Breaching obstacles.

When the advance guard is required to fix the enemy, countermobility support may be required. Terrain and enemy information passed by the R& S element to the advance guard ensures a quick response with situational-obstacle execution.

Engineer support to the advance guard is usually broken into two elements by task-organized engineers:

  • R& S element support.
  • Advance-guard main-element support.

Engineer support to the R& S element is focused on assisting the element in reconnoitering routes or zones over which the battalions and the brigade advance and in locating the enemy. Engineers assist in a number of missions, to include--

  • Engineer reconnaissance.
  • Obstacle identification.
  • Obstacle marking.
  • Location of possible bypass routes.

It is important to remember the intent of engineer support to the R& S element. Their primary mission is the collection and dissemination of OBSTINTEL, not physical obstacle reduction. Engineer involvement in the IPB and subsequent collection plan, long-term training relationships, and detailed rehearsals between engineer squads and the R& S elements (normally the scout platoons within the brigade) is critical to enhancing the effectiveness of the R& S element.

Engineers are task-organized to the advance guard based on the number and priority of engineer missions required and the availability of engineers supporting the brigade. While a light engineer platoon is the smallest element to normally support the advance guard, METT-T may dictate a squad.

Flank and rear guards protect the main body from ground observation and surprise attacks. They normally operate about 1 to 2 kilometers from the main body, between the rear of the advance guard and the front of the rear guard. Rear guards operate about 1 to 2 kilometers behind the main body. Both guard elements have enough combat power to defeat enemy forces or to delay an enemy attack long enough to allow the main body to deploy. Flank and rear guards move parallel to the main body and are within supporting range of it.

Countermobility missions are the focus of engineer mission planning and execution for the flank and rear guards. The brigade engineer's primary mission is to plan, synchronize, resource, and control situational obstacle capabilities to protect the brigade's flanks and rear. Situational-obstacle planning is described in FM 90-7, Chapter 7. Engineer reconnaissance provides recommendations on locations for the optimal employment of situational obstacles, such as the air and ground Volcano, remote antiarmor mine/area denial artillery munition (RAAM)/(ADAM), and modular pack mine systems (MOPMS). Air and ground Volcano and rapid-obstacle teams are task-organized to execute situational obstacles in support of flank-and rear-guard forces.

Mobility requirements for the flank guards are based on the method they use to move to key positions on the flanks of the main body. The flank guard's principal methods of movement are by continuous marching or by bounding using vehicles or helicopters. Flank-guard elements bypass obstacles as their first priority, marking and reporting obstacle locations to higher HQ en route. Obstacle breaching is only attempted as a last resort since the momentum of the flank-guard elements must be constant with the main body.

The main body of the approach-march formation contains the bulk of the brigade's combat power. It is organized to conduct either a HATK or a hasty defense. The main body is selected to permit maximum flexibility during movement and upon contact with the enemy. When no enemy contact is made, the approach march ends with the occupation of the objective. However, when enemy contact is made, it ends in a series of meeting engagements and/or HATKs. A meeting engagement is the combat action that occurs when the brigade or elements of the division engage an enemy force, static or in motion, for which it has inadequate intelligence. The action ceases to be a meeting engagement when the enemy's situation is developed and subsequent planned and coordinated operations are undertaken.

Engineer support to the main body primarily focuses on mobility operations. Engineers also provide countermobility and some limited survivability support to the main body during the approach march and the subsequent meeting engagement. Mobility operations in support of the main body primarily consist of obstacle bypasses and in-stride breaches, with the capability to transition to a deliberate breach. Mobility reserves required for the transition to a deliberate breach are maintained either under brigade- or battalion-level control. They are established by weighting the main effort with division or EAD engineers.

Survivability support to the main body normally occurs after the main body transitions to a hasty defense as a result of a meeting engagement. Survivability support is focused on the protection of--

  • C2 nodes.
  • Fire support.
  • AD assets.
  • Critical crew-served weapons systems (possibly).

To achieve rapid survivability support, the brigade engineer identifies resource requirements during mission analysis. The BMEC troubleshoots Class IV supply problems, coordinating with the BREC, and tracks the critical status of survivability protection levels at the maneuver battalions.

The transition to the hasty defense requires that the BMEC plan for countermobility support contingencies. Detailed enemy and terrain intelligence help in developing the plan. The hasty defense may be executed after an objective is secured or from the march as a result of or in anticipation of enemy contact. Countermobility operations during a hasty defense center on protection of the main body. The brigade engineer supports hasty-defense countermobility operations through--

  • Planning.
  • Developing resource requirements.
  • Positioning obstacle belts (tentatively).

Countermobility priorities and missions are established during mission analysis, ensuring compliance with the commander's intent. Operations are planned for execution either once an objective is secured or from the march. Comprehensive knowledge of the contingency plans, constantly balanced against the developing tactical situation, is imperative since it drives the allocation of engineer resources to the main body.

The time available to conduct countermobility operations will be limited. Once FRAGOs are received to execute countermobility operations, the BMEC immediately focuses its efforts on the positioning of belts, ensuring that they are within the established divisional zones. The BMEC, working closely with the BREC, verifies resource delivery and monitors the progress of the execution. Synchronization with the combined arms team is key during this time. Guidance from the maneuver commanders and coordination with FSCOORDs must be accomplished.

During movement, the brigade normally retains execution authority for obstacles employed in belts. When the brigade is part of a larger MTC, execution authority may be retained at division level. This is done to reduce the potential impacts on future operations. Through this process, the DIVEN and the brigade engineer can ensure the flexibility and freedom of maneuver of the division and the brigade in future operations. The brigade engineer ensures that coordination with the FSB is accomplished for the delivery of obstacle materials in support of these contingency plans.

Search-and-Attack Technique

The search-and-attack technique is a decentralized MTC, requiring multiple coordinated patrols, squad-and platoon-sized, to locate the enemy (see Figure 3-8). It is used when the enemy is operating in small, dispersed elements or when the task is to deny the enemy movement in an area.

The battalion is the basic operational unit in search-and-attack operations. The brigade assists by ensuring the availability of supporting fires, transportation assets, timely and accurate intelligence, and reserve forces. The search-and-attack operation has at least one of the following purposes:

  • Enemy destruction.
  • Area denial.
  • Force protection.
  • Information collection.

Search-and-attack operations in the brigade can be divided into two areas of operation:

  • Brigade rear.
  • Brigade forward.

Brigade rear-area operations are focused on sustainment missions for the brigade. These missions are commonly executed on LOC at and around a lodgment area or the BSA. Brigade forward-area operations are characterized by small-unit, decentralized combat operations focused on finding, fixing, massing, and destroying small, dispersed enemy forces. Multiple, coordinated patrols are used to make enemy contact, and then maneuver and fire support are used to concentrate combat power against them. The enemy is either destroyed, fixed, or kept under surveillance until a larger force arrives.

Engineer mission priorities and the resulting task organization frequently change between rear-area and forward area operations. This is because of the decentralized and ever-changing tactical nature of search-and-attack operations (see Figure 3-9).

 

Brigade-level engineers influence the brigade's fight by maintaining an accurate picture of the brigade's AO and active cross talk with the entire combined arms staff. For example:

When it is confirmed that the enemy has limited OMF capabilities, engineer support priorities are usually focused on the brigade rear area. The brigade has centralized control of engineer task organizations. When the enemy has developed its obstacle/mine/fortification (OMF) capabilities or the tactical situation is unclear (such as during initial-entry operations), engineer-support priorities usually shift to providing support to decentralized, committed maneuver forces. Engineer task organizations are very decentralized (at times down to the engineer squad level) during these types of missions.

The brigade engineer, as well as the company commander, must be continuously proactive to this dynamic battlefield. They must support the entire brigade with engineer support that is flexible and sometimes rigid.

Engineer support to the rear area centers on force-protection operations. These operations concentrate on survivability, protective obstacle assistance for CS and CSS units, and countermobility missions around the BSA. Due to the decentralized nature of its tactics during search-and-attack operations, the enemy routinely focuses its efforts against high-value targets (HVTs), such as C2, CS, and CSS assets. The enemy will use one of the following to strike brigade targets:

  • Forced entry.
  • Covert entry.
  • Standoff weapons attack.
  • Exterior attack.
  • Terrorist attacks (for example, bombing).
  • Stationary-vehicle bomb.

To provide effective engineer support to the brigade rear area, the brigade engineer assists the maneuver commander in developing a comprehensive force-protection plan. The plan focuses on survivability and countermobility efforts based on the threat. Chapter 5 describes the force-protection planning process. The plan helps determine the attack probability, the consequences of inadequate protection to rear-area units, and the cost (resourcing) of protective measures. The commander's plan is developed parallel to the military decision-making process and follows these steps:

  • Define the threat and attack probability.
  • Determine the composition of assets (personnel, equipment, and facilities).
  • Determine the level of protection required.
  • Design systems and activities to counter the threat.

Engineer effort in the rear areas focuses on the following:

  • Survivability of key assets.
  • Countermobility efforts (predominantly protective obstacles) around key assets.
  • Mobility operations on and around LOC.

The involvement of the brigade engineer and the BREC in the IPB process is the foundation for developing and subsequently executing engineer missions in the rear area. This involvement helps the brigade engineer identify the enemy's capabilities, intentions, and COA. This identification is initially accomplished during the brigade engineer's EBA process and is continually updated based on the current tactical situation. The information helps the brigade develop a list of potential enemy targets, which is used to establish survivability priorities. While the brigade engineer establishes the initial estimate and recommendation of M/CM/S priorities, the BREC is responsible for controlling and tracking the engineer work effort in the rear area. The BMEC provides tactical updates and changes in the brigade mission focus, as required.

CS and CSS units provide survivability and protective-obstacle effort in the rear area except when it is engineer-equipment-intensive. Engineer squads or teams from division or EAD engineer companies provide technical assistance and advice to constructing units on the positioning, construction, and composition of obstacles and unit survivability positions. Tactical obstacles designed and positioned on natural lines of drift or dismounted infiltration lanes into the BSA can be constructed using nonengineer units. Obstacle groups and some force-protection measures require dedicated engineer effort.

Mobility support in the brigade rear area normally focuses on--

  • Route clearance for mines and other obstacles (see Chapter 5 and Appendix D of this manual and FM 20-32, Chapter 10).
  • Route reconnaissance.
  • FACE.

These missions can be continuous and cyclic in nature depending on enemy obstacle/mine activity on the LOC and the rate of the AO expansion. Route-clearance operations require combined arms coordination to provide security to clearance teams and ensure that traffic-control measures are synchronized with clearance plans and operations. Combat-trail construction capability by light DIVENs is limited. Extensive maintenance, repair, or upgrades of MSRs, ground LOCs, or FLSs require corps engineer support. FACE operations are usually associated with the aviation TF supporting the brigade. This requires initial close coordination and mission planning between the brigade engineer and the aviation LO. Because of the location of FARPs during operations other than war (OOTW), the BREC and the aviation TF HQ are responsible for controlling and tracking FACE support.

OOTW routinely require FLSs to support and sustain the force. Airfield operational concerns center on damage repair, maintenance, and improvements. Light DIVEN assets required to accomplish these missions are limited and require corps engineer augmentation. The brigade engineer has the responsibility of planning, controlling, and executing these missions while the LZ is under brigade control. Because of the logistics and resource impacts on the brigade, FLS responsibility needs to be transferred to the division as soon as possible.

When the enemy has limited OMF in the forward areas, M/CM/S requirements are the responsibility of the maneuver battalions. Engineer equipment support for survivability is allocated, when time permits, to each maneuver battalion. The brigade engineer and supporting company commander develop and constantly update contingencies to provide rapid support to the maneuver battalions in an on-order or a be-prepared status. TF staff engineers enhance this capability by maintaining continuous contact with the infantry battalion commander and staff. This ensures that the engineer company and its platoons, as well as the BMEC and BREC, maintain a current picture of the tactical situation within all of the battalion's AOs.

Mobility of the battalion TFs is the focus of engineer support when the--

  • Tactical situation changes.
  • METT-T analysis dictates that engineers be task-organized to the maneuver battalions.

The primary form of support to the infantry companies and platoons is assault breaching. It is conducted when a situation is developed to the point where HATKs or DATKs occur. Engineer squads and platoons are then held under battalion control or task-organized to the rifle companies for the attacks.

HASTY ATTACK

A HATK is normally conducted either following a MTC or a meeting engagement. It can be initiated from a defensive posture or employed as an extension of a MTC. Figure 3-10 depicts a HATK scenario conducted from a MTC.

Maneuver Considerations

When the brigade conducts a HATK, it is trading preparation time for speed to exploit the tactical situation. Decisive advantage is achieved by immediately attacking with available resources to maintain the momentum of the attack. Lead elements of the brigade may bypass obstacles and small pockets of stubborn resistance provided they do not threaten the overall success of the attack.

Engineer Support

The brigade engineer recommends allocating the engineer units required for mobility and countermobility support to the HATK before executing the meeting engagement (see Figure 3-11). The brigade engineer accomplishes several essential tasks parallel to and synchronized with the brigade plan. He--

  • Maintains a current and accurate picture of the current close fight and passes timely engineer-specific information to brigade planners and engineer leaders in the sector.
  • Develops contingency plans and keeps engineer leaders informed on upcoming tasks.

The planning process focuses on potential engineer responses to future operations through the shifting of assets and priorities.

Mobility operations are the primary mission that engineers conduct in support of attacking elements. Engineer reconnaissance operations in the lead elements focus on providing specific obstacle locations, bypasses, and types. This information is needed by engineers with the main and supporting attacks who must reduce these obstacles. As required, in-stride breaching operations are conducted until the assault on the objective. As the attack reaches the objective, mobility operations focus on assault or covert breaching. At the objective, engineers reduce key facilities, structures, and fighting positions, as required. Once the objective is secured, engineer support shifts to countermobility operations against counterattacks.

The brigade engineer plays an important role in recommending obstacle belts that protect the brigade from counterattacks and provide for the continuation of the attack. Countermobility operations are the focus of security and guard elements. These operations help isolate the attack from enemy counterattacks, ensuring the maneuver commander's freedom of action and initiative. These operations are characterized by the full spectrum of the family of scatterable mines (FASCAM) systems and the employment of select conventional obstacles. These obstacles are employed at main choke points on enemy ingress and egress routes and can be applied to either a mounted or dismounted force. Fundamental to these operations is an accurate terrain analysis, verified by ground or aerial reconnaissance, and the synchronization of all fire-support assets available to the brigade. Again, the same logic applies for caution with FASCAM systems as applied in the approach march. These systems must be employed carefully and in a well-coordinated operation to prevent the emplaced obstacles from affecting friendly operations. This ensures that the maximum benefit is realized from these operations.

DELIBERATE ATTACK

The only difference between a HATK and a DATK is the time dedicated to planning, preparation, and coordination before execution. The DATK is characterized by--

  • Thorough, detailed planning.
  • Rapid concentration of forces.
  • Exploiting enemy weaknesses.
  • Violent execution.
  • Early transition to exploitation.
  • Positive, aggressive leadership.

The DATK is conducted to overcome a strong enemy, in prepared positions, that cannot be turned or bypassed. It is only undertaken after--

  • A detailed reconnaissance.
  • Acquiring and developing targets.
  • The integrated analysis of all factors affecting the situation.

Maneuver Considerations

Normally, the DATK employs three elements:

  • Main effort.
  • Supporting effort.
  • Reserve (or follow-and-support forces).

The brigade is organized in depth to ensure flexibility during execution. Indirect-approach methods are commonly used since they serve multiple functions. They protect the force during movement and bypass the enemy's obstacles and concentrated fires.

Various techniques of the DATK may be used when conducting a DATK. Light forces normally use the infiltration. During an infiltration, engineers play a significant role in reconnaissance and covert breaching. See FM 90-13-1 for more information on covert breaching.

Engineer Support.

Engineer support to the DATK mirrors the HATK except that the brigade engineer has more time for planning.

Key planning time is dedicated to potential subsequent operations as delineated in the commander's intent and mission statements. Follow-on exploitation, pursuit, defense, HATKs, or continued DATKs are war-gamed, planned for, and resourced as required. Similar to the HATK, the plans and preparations completed for the DATK have the biggest impact on subsequent operations. Time will not be readily available to the brigade engineer to significantly influence a continuation of the DATK once underway. Combined arms rehearsals are essential to the success of an attack, especially when time is available.

EXPLOITATION AND PURSUIT

Exploitation and pursuit operations are the rapid continuation of a successful attack to maximize success and take advantage of weakened or collapsed enemy defenses.

Exploitation

This is planned as an integral part of the attack, with tentative objectives, forces, and zones identified for the exploitation. Its purpose is to--

  • Prevent the enemy from reconstituting its defenses and forces.
  • Deny the enemy's withdrawal.
  • Secure deep objectives.
  • Destroy enemy forces and C2 facilities.

Minimum control measures are used in the DATK, giving maximum latitude to subordinate commanders. C2 of an exploitation and the planning and preparation that precede it are initiated from the front of the formation rather than from the rear.

Pursuit

This is an extension of the exploitation, resulting in the relentless destruction or capture of fleeing enemy forces. Light brigades normally conduct pursuits against a similar force, although the brigades or subordinate elements can be part of a division pursuit directed against any type of force. In this role, light forces, especially airborne and air assault, are used to envelop enemy rear guards and to expedite its destruction. Pursuits are comprised of two forces: the direct pressure and the encircling.

Engineer Support

Exploitation and pursuit operations require decentralized command and a clear intent to be successful. The brigade engineer best supports these operations through detailed planning subsequent to their execution. Once exploitation and pursuit are underway, the brigade engineer is limited in his ability to shift engineer assets or change task organizations. The previous task organization of the majority, if not all, of his assets to the forward elements significantly reduces any flexibility to support other missions.

Contingency planning and logistics resourcing is a significant part of the brigade engineer's influence on these operations. The brigade engineer must understand the brigade commander's intent for the attack and the subsequent exploitation and pursuit to address and resource engineer support. Continual monitoring of the current close fight of both forces indicates where resourcing priorities can change, allowing the brigade engineer to influence immediate future operations. For example, once the pursuit force has completed its encirclement and is in a position to transition to a defensive posture, the resourcing of situational obstacles and survivability assets to the force are developed and executed on order.

Mobility is the primary mission of engineer assets with the direct-pressure forces. These forces must maintain contact with the enemy to deny it the ability to disengage. They must have the capability to use all available roads, trails, or corridors. Generally, any obstacles encountered will be hasty in nature unless the pursuit follows through a previously prepared defensive area. At every opportunist y, direct-pressure forces envelop, cut off, and destroy enemy elements. The destruction of enemy equipment and materials, if not used by the attacking forces, are primary engineer missions during these operations. This prevents bypassed enemy forces from using any of these assets.

To be effective, the encircling force must have a greater mobility then the retreating enemy. The encircling force must maintain a rapid rate of advance to allow it to get behind the enemy and block its escape so it can be destroyed. Air-assault and airborne forces are particularly effective in this role. The encircling force advances parallel to the enemy's line of retreat to secure defiles, communications centers, bridges, and other key terrain ahead of the enemy's main force. This is an excellent method to use to block or to emplace obstacles along an enemy's retreat route. Mobility efforts are used only to clear enough zone to allow the force to advance.



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