Civil engineer guide to fighting positions, shelters, obstacles

AFH 10-222 Volume 14 1 August 2008 11
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1. Overview. Although tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used in
modern warfare have evolved throughout history, the basic concepts of defense
and the use of earthworks remain critical elements of force protection
(FP). Historically, earthworks consisted of three parts: a ditch or trench, a
short mound of earth material (a parapet) on the enemy side of the ditch to
disrupt the enemy’s flow, and a higher mound on the defenders’ side of the
ditch for protection and to cover troop movements (Figure 1.1). Earthworks
were often reinforced with wood, stone, and rocks and fortified with stakes to
provide additional obstacles to slow down the enemy’s approach or defend
against larger weapons like the catapult and cannon. This concept of defense
and other methods of fortification carry over to modern uses of earthworks.
The TTPs covered in this handbook relate to the construction and employment
of defensive fighting positions, protective shelters, obstacles, and revetments.
Although the TTPs are aimed at mitigating the effects of blast and
fragmentation effects from conventional weapons, many of these measures
can also provide protection against the effects of nuclear weapons. However,
refer to AFTTP(I) 3-2.46, Multiservice Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures
for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) Protection, for guidance on
constructing fighting positions and using existing shelters for protection
against NBC effects. Before protective measures can be employed effectively
in an expeditionary environment, it is necessary to understand the threat.
Figure 1.1. Historic Earthworks.