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

Chapter 6
CHARACTERISTICS
6-71. The defending force arrives first on the battlefield and, with the help of engineers, shapes the OE to
its advantage. Based on the higher-commander’s intent, maneuver commanders and their fire support
officer (FSO) and engineer support site tactical obstacles to enhance the effects of direct and indirect fires
on the enemy. Engineers provide technical expertise and advice to the commander on tactical obstacle
emplacement. Fortifications allow fires from positions that best disrupt and destroy the attacker. Because of
defending-force survivability, the defender can postpone the commitment of major forces until the attack
develops and then strike the extended enemy over selected, prepared terrain.
6-72. Engineers provide essential combat engineering support to the defense. With this support, the force
can position itself and fight from terrain where it otherwise could not survive. EAB engineer augmentation
is typically required to support the intensive requirements for engineer support in the defense.
6-73. Preparation, security, disruption, massed effects, and flexibility characterize successful defensive
operations. The mission of the ENCOORD and engineer commanders is to plan and execute engineer
missions that enhance the maneuver unit’s ability to combine fires, obstacles, and maneuver to destroy an
attacking enemy. Developing an effective defensive plan requires the use of sequential planning and an
understanding of defensive characteristics. (See table 6-1 for enhanced-technology impacts.)
Table 6-1. Enhanced-technology impacts to defensive characteristics
Defensive Characteristic Impacts
� Enhanced, decentralized integration and execution
� Automated tracking and planning of engineer requirements
Preparation
� Enhanced terrain visualization to identify survivability and obstacle
requirements
� Improved ability to conduct parallel planning and warfighting function
integration
� Enhanced SA of the OE
Security
�
�
Simultaneous coordination and synchronization of the defense
Sensor munitions that disrupt enemy attacks, protect flanks, and protect
otherwise undefended portions of the AO
Disruption � Rapid obstacle emplacement capability to attack an enemy forward of EAs
Massed effects
Flexibility
Preparation
� Enhanced INFOSYS and intelligence that facilitate C2 and the
concentration of forces, obstacles, and fires
� Rapid adjustment and simultaneous dissemination of engineer plans
through digital FRAGOs, updated graphics, and situation updates
� Facilitated C2 and task organizing for transition to the offense
� Increased flexibility with improved sensors and munitions
6-74. Preparation of the defense includes planning and plan refinement, positioning of forces, constructing
obstacles and fighting positions, preparing other survivability requirements, planning and synchronizing
fires, positioning logistics, and conducting inspections and rehearsals. (See FM 90-7 for detailed
information on obstacle planning and resourcing and FM 5-103 for information on preparing fighting and
protective positions.)
6-75. To prepare for the defense, the commander must be familiar with the capabilities and limitations of
the enemy. The terrain must be analyzed in detail from all perspectives and then verified from the ground.
The commander then organizes the defense with a mixture of direct- and indirect-fire weapons (directed at
the enemy main threat). Capabilities of these weapons are enhanced by the terrain.
6-76. Engineers play an essential role in preparing the defense. Based on the commander’s intent,
engineers emplace tactical obstacles to produce specific effects on the enemy. They also construct
survivability positions that allow the maneuver unit to sustain the fight and protect critical C2 nodes.
6-16 FM 3-34.22 11 February 2009