FM 3-34.22 - Army Electronic Publications & Forms - U.S. Army

Chapter 1
1-29. Countermobility operations are defined as operations that deny the enemy the freedom of maneuver
through the employment of reinforcing obstacles. (FM 3-34) Countermobility also includes the
construction of entry control points and other barriers to deny free access to fixed sites. The primary
purpose of countermobility operations is to slow or divert the enemy, increase the time for target
acquisition, and increase weapon effectiveness. Countermobility operations block, fix, turn, or disrupt the
enemy’s ability to maneuver, giving the commander opportunities to exploit enemy vulnerabilities or react
effectively to enemy actions. Countermobility must include proper obstacle integration with the maneuver
plan, adherence to obstacle emplacement authority, and rigid obstacle control.
1-30. Survivability operations are defined as the development and construction of protective positions
(earth berms, dug-in positions, overhead protection, countersurveillance means) to reduce the effectiveness
of enemy weapon systems. (FM 3-34) Survivability considerations are applied in support of battle
positions (BPs), combat outposts, base camps and, in many cases, HN and other infrastructure support.
Two key factors in the development of defensive fighting positions are—
� Proper siting in relation to the surrounding terrain.
� Proper siting for the most effective employment of weapon systems.
1-31. Defensive protective positions may include—
� C2 facilities and critical equipment (to include radars).
� Supply and ammunition storage or holding areas.
� Other items that are likely to be targeted first by enemy action.
Note. See FM 5-103 for more information on survivability operations.
General Engineering
1-32. General engineering is defined as those engineering capabilities and activities (other than combat
engineering) that modify, maintain, or protect the physical environment. Examples include—
� Infrastructure, facility, LOC, and base—
� Construction.
� Repair.
� Maintenance.
� Operation.
� Terrain modification and repair.
� Selected explosive hazard activities.
Note. See FM 3-34, FM 3-34.400, FM 3-100.4, FM 7-15, and JP 3-34 for additional information
on general engineering.
1-33. General engineering capabilities are not organic to the BCTs, and general engineering tasks are not
typically associated with close combat, which is the focus for combat engineers. However, general
engineering tasks may be performed in support of combat operations. While general engineering is
typically performed by general engineers, selected general engineering tasks may also be performed by
combat engineers.
Geospatial Engineering
1-34. Geospatial engineering is defined as the art and science of applying geospatial information to enable
understanding of the physical environment for military operations. The art is the ability to understand
METT-TC and the geospatial information available, including intent of use and limitations, in order to
explain the military significance of the terrain to the commander and staff and create geospatial products
for decisionmaking; the science is the ability to exploit geospatial information, producing spatially accurate
products for measurement, mapping, visualization, modeling, and all types of analysis of the terrain. (FM
3-34)
1-8 FM 3-34.22 11 February 2009