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

Shape
Urban Operations
H-6. Engineers help shape the AO by assuring the mobility of forces and helping to isolate objectives
(physically, electronically, and psychologically) to deny enemy sources of support and freedom of
movement. Engineers prevent an enemy unit from having contact with other enemy forces (cordon
technique) and averting isolation points that are critical to freedom of action. Engineers also provide civilmilitary
engineering and construction projects to influence a cooperative relationship with the civil political
system and protect portions of the civil population or critical infrastructure. This is especially true in
stability and civil support operations.
Engage
H-7. Engineers engage by applying the full range of engineer capabilities in support of friendly actions
against decisive points leading to centers of gravity. In offensive operations, engineers support strikes
against the enemy center of gravity (an enemy leader); enemy combat power; enemy communication
capability; or a physical structure of cultural, political, or economic significance. The forms of offensive
maneuver, types of offensive operations, and the engineer support and considerations of each (discussed in
chapter 6) still apply in UO. In defensive operations, engineers support efforts to deny enemy control of the
vital functions and critical infrastructure of the urban area. Engineers leverage defensive advantages of the
urban terrain in controlling the enemy direction of attack by reinforcing natural and man-made obstacles.
H-8. In stability operations, the ability to engage depends on the type of operation. Techniques used for
engagement vary according to the situation and as situations mature during long-term operations.
Engineers are postured to provide the entire range of engineer capabilities in synchronization with the
friendly concept of the operation. In civil support operations, engineers remain responsive and innovative
in applying engineer capabilities, typically in support of the lead agency.
Consolidate
H-9. Army forces protect and strengthen initial gains and ensure retention of the initiative. This includes
actions to eliminate isolated or bypassed threat forces and increase security and protect LOCs. It may
include activities in support of the civilian population, such as the restoration of key urban infrastructure. A
significant consolidation effort for engineers may be the reduction or elimination of numerous EHs within
the urban area. Consolidation follows each critical activity.
Transition
H-10. When planning UO, commanders ensure that they plan, prepare for, and manage transitions.
Transitions are movements from one phase of an operation to another or a change in responsibility from
one unit, organization, or agency to another. Transitions occur in UO frequently and are complex, often
involving agencies other than U.S. military organizations. For civil-military engineering and construction
projects, transitions and transfers of authority can result in the loss of momentum and the inability to affect
short-term objectives, due to the often lengthy lead times associated with various resourcing processes for
different types of funding sources. Master planning and the development of mid- and long-term plans and
their inclusion in budgeting cycles facilitate the short-term requirements for the organization or element
assuming control.
FUNDAMENTALS
H-11. Though UO may differ from one operation to the next, the UO fundamentals shown in figure H-1,
page H-4, are applicable regardless of the mission or level of command. These fundamentals are
particularly relevant to an environment dominated by man-made structures and a dense noncombatant
population. (See FM 3-06 for a detailed explanation of these fundamentals.) The fundamentals of
controlling the essentials, minimizing collateral damage, preserving critical infrastructure, and restoring
essential services are particularly important to engineers.
11 February 2009 FM 3-34.22 H-3