PREFACE
1. Breaching minefields under fire is one of the most complex and challenging tasks in combat.
2. Breaching is a combined arms operation which is an integral component of any attack. Preparation for breaching operations begins with the maneuver commander's planning process and the provision for an effective reconnaissance. Prior to an attack, task forces conduct reconnaissance, push logistics forward, task organize, and rehearse the entire combined arms team along with numerous other actions. The key to breaching and taking the objective is to mass overwhelming combat power against the enemy's weakest point. During the attack, task forces develop the situation, isolate the enemy weakness, and further recon the minefield before deciding to breach or bypass. Finally, task forces suppress, obscure, and secure the far side by fire or maneuver as the prerequisite to breach.
3. This newsletter describes the threat and how task forces avoid the most common pitfalls during the attack/breach. We gleaned most of these lessons learned from observations made by Observer/Controllers and Subject Matter Experts during rotations at the National Training Center (NTC). These were verified with recent combat operations and countermine tests.
4. These lessons reflect the most current tactics put forth by the Engineer School.
5. Two future newsletters will describe:
6. If your unit has learned any combat relevant lessons during any training exercise, share them with the rest of the Army by contacting the Center for Army Lessons Learned, AV 552-2132. Your input will facilitate development of additional lessons learned and be included in future newsletters.
WILLIAM
J. MULLEN III
Brigadier
General, USA
Commander,
US Army
Combined
Arms Training Activity
WILLIAM
H. RENO
Major
General, USA
Commandant,
US Army
Engineer
School
Table
of Contents
The
Threat
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