Civil engineer guide to fighting positions, shelters, obstacles

AFH 10-222 Volume 14 1 August 2008 24
2.4.3. Prone Position. The prone position, illustrated in Figure 2.1, is an
improved skirmisher’s trench that conforms to the position and body length
of its occupant. It serves as a good firing position and provides better protection
from direct fire weapons than the crater or skirmisher’s trench. Parapets,
18 inches in height, should be constructed around the position for protection
against indirect fire. However, because this is essentially a hasty position,
overhead cover is not usually constructed.
Figure 2.1. Hasty Fighting Position.
2.5. Deliberate Fighting Positions. Deliberate fighting positions are designed
to accommodate personnel, their equipment, and certain weapons to
be employed from the position. These positions are more protective and
should be constructed if a unit will be in a particular location for an extended
time. Several types of deliberate fighting positions can be constructed based
on (1) the weapon to be employed from the position, (2) the number of personnel
that will occupy the position, and (3) the amount of gear and equipment
the position must accommodate. Supervisors ensure positions are properly
constructed and overlapping fields of fire are provided with adjacent
fighting positions. The next few paragraphs describe procedures for constructing
deliberate fighting positions. Although some guidance is provided
here, refer to FM 5-103 for details on constructing intercepting trenches for
fighting positions sited in areas that may experience ground shock.