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

Engineer Support to Combat Operations
6-42. The commander directing a turning movement task-organizes resources into a turning force, a main
body, and a reserve. Each of these forces conducts security and reconnaissance operations. The turning
force or the main body can conduct the echelon decisive operation, given the appropriate mission variables.
The BCT is not likely to conduct a turning movement by itself, but it may be one of the components for a
training operation.
Main Effort
Figure 6-3. Example of a turning movement
6-43. Engineer support to the main effort requires dedicated engineer forces to—
� Conduct engineer reconnaissance and provide geospatial support.
� Provide mobility including the reduction of obstacles.
� Protect the flanks.
� Provide countermobility and survivability on the objective.
6-44. A key aspect of mobility support to the main effort is maintaining the turning-force LOC. In a
turning movement, the LOC for the turning force can quickly become extended, shifted in response to the
attack, or threatened by bypassed enemy units. Engineers organic to the BCT have limited sustainment
capability and rely on EAB assets for augmentation, which should be determined early in the planning
phase.
Actions on the Objective
6-45. To provide engineer support to actions on the objective, the ENCOORD and staff must understand
the scheme of maneuver. Fundamental to this understanding is ENCOORD involvement with the S-2 in the
IPB process. Determining the task organization of engineer units to the turning force centers on the IPB
process and the subsequent collection of information. Success of the turning movement implies the
potential requirement to transition to the defense to support the maneuver force fight against
counterattacking enemy forces.
11 February 2009 FM 3-34.22 6-9