Civil engineer guide to fighting positions, shelters, obstacles

AFH 10-222 Volume 14 1 August 2008 74
4.4.2. Log Obstacles. During initial beddown, logs can be used to construct
different types of obstacles and expedient barriers. The following paragraphs
describe some of the different ways logs can be used to restrict movement
around and throughout a deployed location. These are considered temporary
measures. Once contingency operations begin to stabilize and material and
equipment are more readily available (locally or through supply channels),
these types of barriers should be complemented or replaced with more effective
means of impeding, blocking, or disrupting movement. Some of these
methods will be covered later in this chapter.
4.4.2.1. Log or Lumber Wall. A log wall, as illustrated in Figure 4.3, can be
constructed to block access to certain areas or to protect critical assets. This
type of barrier construction consists of short sections of 4- to 6-inch logs or
lumber stacked together between posts of the same size as the wall sections.
The posts are fastened together at the top and further held in place by guy
wires or ropes fastened to stakes. Several 10- to 12-foot wall sections should
be constructed toward the front of the position and placed in a staggered fashion
rather than building one long wall which could be destroyed by a single
detonation from enemy weapons.
Figure 4.3. Log Wall.