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

Flexibility
Figure 6-7. Obstacle effects
Engineer Support to Combat Operations
6-86. The commander maintains flexibility through—
� Detailed planning.
� Sound preparation.
� In-depth task organization.
� Reserve forces.
� Continuous reconnaissance.
� C2.
6-87. Ultimately, flexibility requires that the commander visualize the AO to determine the enemy scheme
of maneuver in adequate time to integrate the effects of fires and maneuver against it. Commanders must
be able to counterattack and employ reserve forces at any time. Engineers assist in maintaining flexibility
by—
� Using situational obstacles.
� Task-organizing for rapid transition to the offense.
� Providing necessary mobility and countermobility support to reserve and counterattacking
forces.
� Improving or maintaining routes needed to reposition forces within the defense.
TYPES
6-88. The three types of defensive operations are mobile defense, area defense, and retrograde operations.
The three types are significantly different and must be dealt with differently during planning and execution.
(See FM 3-90, FM 3-90.5, and FM 3-90.6 for more detailed information.)
11 February 2009 FM 3-34.22 6-19