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MOBILITY/COUNTERMOBILITY/SURVIVABILITY BOS

The idea of a chemical, barrier/obstacle overlay to track battlefield clutter is not new. Many CLUTTER units at the NTC have done this to help avoid 're-engaging' minefields and contaminated areas. Similar problems exist at division and corps level.

Positive action must be taken to disseminate obstacle (friendly and enemy) and NBC contaminated areas to every corner of the organization. If not, plan for the next unit down that route to hit the same obstacle. Chemical contamination in the rear areas seems to be one of the bigger problems in defining the area and getting the word out. Failure to get a handle on this strains already scarce decon assets and may result in the reserve fighting contaminated. In addition, contaminated ammunition may be delivered to front line units.

Some things to consider are:

• Providing a link to those responsible for terrain management.

• Establishing traffic control points along routes through contaminated areas to prevent inadvertent drive-throughs.

• Establishing a "CINC" battlefield clutter. This could be the staff engineer, G3 current ops, the staff NBC officer or others. Who it is is not important, but you need someone and everyone needs to know who it is. This individual/section would:

  • Maintain a consolidated overlay showing the location of all barriers, obstacles, contaminated areas, and other battlefield clutter regardless of source.

  • Ensure that copies of the overlay are disseminated on a regular basis to the staff, all subordinate units, and higher and adjacent headquarters (both maneuver and log).

  • Follow up on all reports in the rear area to ensure immediate dissemination to the rear CP. The rear CP must have a means of notifying transiting units of contaminated areas along routes.

  • Ensure that the overlay is considered during planning (for future ops, contingencies, or counter attack) and in updating IPB products.

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Fire Support BOS
Air Defense BOS