MOBILITY,
COUNTERMOBILITY
AND
SURVIVABILITY
During offensive operations, finding and neutralizing obstacles is a critical task which should be performed in advance of the attack. This requires detailed reconnaissance, distinctive breach marking schemes, and continuous security at the breach until the main body arrives. These locations must also be concealed from the enemy for as long as possible. Guides, colored smoke, and aircraft marking panels are three techniques used to orient forces.
Armored personnel carriers must carry a basic load of materials for individual and crew fighting positions. For an infantry squad it might include 500-1,000 empty sand bags, 12-16 4x4s in six foot lengths, and several 3x6 sections of 3/4" plywood. PSP, M113 floor boards, and other material can be used in place of plywood. Some mines and concertina must also be carried.
Engineer work time is precious in defensive preparations. In almost all cases, there are a few obvious locations for obstacles regardless of task force plans and priorities. Work should start on those while company and battalion plans are being developed. Also, standard packages of class IV material and mines should be sent forward to company positions as soon as a defensive mission is assigned, preferably by helicopter. More refined demands can be satisfied as the plans are finalized.
Obstacles serve not only to delay and disorganize the enemy, but also can provide shock effect by holding the enemy in an engagement area. Ideally, obstacles are in locations unanticipated by the enemy. All obstacles should be reinforced with mines and, of course, covered with direct and registered indirect fire. Generally, the farther forward the obstacle the more difficult it is to conceal, secure, and cover by fire. Subtle obstacles with easily discovered bypasses which lead vehicles into prepared "fire sacks" can be very effective.
Field artillery FASCAM must be carefully planned by the engineer, FSO, and S-3. Like any obstacle, it is best used at a chokepoint covered by effective indirect and AT fire. It can be argued that these principles apply even more strongly to FASCAM because the mines are surface laid and visible. An undisturbed enemy in column can work through this type of field quickly. FASCAM can be very effective for lane and gap closure and for blocking enemy breaches. Preplanning FASCAM is a must.
In most cases, survivability positions should be prioritized over AT ditches. While priority must always be based on the conditions of METT-T, lengthy ditches clearly take from the defender far more resources to construct and secure than they require of the attacker to breach. Regardless of general priorities, a specific schedule of work for each piece of earth moving equipment must be established; i.e., "First AT ditch at 475867, then 15 survivability positions for Team A, then . . ." Use of limited brade assets is so critical that battalions should give maintenance priority to that equipment. Appointing a "Dozer CINC" -- an individual who coordinates the movement, refueling, and other care of bulldozers -- is a good idea. The function is so important that it is not inappropriate to give that responsibility to the Command Sergeant Major or S-3 Air.
Table
of Contents
Defense
Techniques
Combat
Service Support
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