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

Integration of Engineer Operations
2-5. Many factors are considered when task-organizing units and determining the appropriate command
or support relationships. A major determining factor is the expected longevity of the relationship with the
headquarters involved. The type of operation is also a factor, which is described further under Planning
Considerations, paragraph 2-19. Another important factor is based on variances in unit organizations, with
an aim to leverage existing C2 structures. The C2 structure for the organic engineer company in each of the
BCTs varies. Within the IBCT and HBCT, the organic engineer company is under the C2 of the BSTB and
this battalion level headquarters is able to provide C2 for most engineer augmentation to the BCT, short of
an engineer battalion. The situation in the SBCT and ACR is significantly different because its organic
engineer company is a separate element under the SBCT or regimental headquarters without a BSTB to
function in the role of a C2 headquarters for engineer augmentation. In this instance, the C2 for
augmenting engineer elements may require special consideration by engineer planners. In certain
situations, the augmentation of a BCT by a task-organized engineer battalion TF provides the necessary,
additional C2 to orchestrate engineer operations and support, but even this does not address a lack of an
organic TF engineer cell in many of the maneuver battalions and the RS of the BCTs.
2-6. Command relationships define superior and subordinate relationships between unit commanders. A
command relationship over engineer units allows maneuver commanders the ability to optimize
subordinate forces with maximum flexibility. Command relationships can be designated as attached or
operational control (OPCON). Attached engineer units are temporarily associated with the gaining unit and
return to their parent unit when the reason for the attachment ends. Engineer units are normally assigned
OPCON to a gaining unit for a given mission, lasting perhaps a few days. In both attached and OPCON
relationships, the augmenting engineer unit is tasked and provided priorities by the gaining unit. In an
OPCON relationship, all logistical support comes from the parent unit unless coordinated otherwise;
however, the gaining unit usually furnishes Class IV and V barrier materials. The OPCON relationship is
appropriate when the gaining unit needs task organization authority over the supporting unit and there is a
need for the parent unit to remain responsible for providing logistical support or to minimize the impact on
the gaining unit’s sustainment infrastructure.
2-7. Commanders establish support relationships when subordination of one unit to another is
inappropriate; typically when maximum flexibility is needed to rapidly move key engineer capabilities
between multiple units. All command, administrative, and logistical responsibilities remain with the parent
unit in a support relationship. The parent unit commander organizes the unit and allocates tasks in a
manner that most effectively meets the needs of the supported commander. Support relationships are
graduated from a supporting relationship between two units (direct support [DS]) ) to a broad level of
support extended to all units under the control of the higher headquarters (general support [GS]). In a DS
relationship, the supporting unit answers directly to the supported commander’s request for support. A DS
relationship is typically used when it is anticipated that a change to the engineer task organization may
require frequent shifting of an engineer unit to multiple locations. In a GS relationship, the supporting unit
receives all missions and support from its parent unit and the supporting unit aids the unit as a whole and
not as any particular part or subdivision. A GS relationship is appropriate when central control and
flexibility in employing limited engineer forces is required. Engineers in sustainment areas are typically
employed using a GS relationship.
CONTROL OF ENGINEER OPERATIONS
2-8. Control is the regulation of forces and warfighting functions to accomplish the mission according to
the commander’s intent. (FM 3-0) The primary function of the staff is to help the commander and
subordinate commanders exercise control. Control includes information management (IM) (the provision
of RI to the right person, at the right time, in a usable form, to facilitate SU and decisionmaking). IM uses
procedures and information systems (INFOSYS) to collect, process, store, display, disseminate, and protect
knowledge products, data, and information. (See FM 3-0.)
11 February 2009 FM 3-34.22 2-3