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

Engineer Support to Combat Operations
both structural and shielding components are most often indigenous rocks, boulders, and rocky soil. Often,
rock formations are used as structural-wall components without modification. Conventional tools are
inadequate for preparing individual and crew-served weapons fighting positions in rocky terrain. Engineers
assist with light equipment and tools (pneumatic jackhammers) delivered to mountain areas by helicopter.
Explosives and demolitions are used extensively for positions requiring rock and boulder removal. (FM 3-
97.6 and FM 3-97.61 provide detailed information on mountain operations.)
DESERTS AND EXTREMELY HOT AREAS
6-117. Deserts are extensive, arid, treeless environments that suffer from a severe lack of rainfall and
possess extreme daily temperature fluctuations. The terrain is sandy with boulder-strewn areas, mountains,
dunes, deeply eroded valleys, areas of rock and shale, and salt marshes. Effective natural barriers are found
in steep-slope rock formations. Wadis and other dried up drainage features are used extensively for
protective position placement. Camouflage, concealment, light, and noise disciplines are important
considerations in desert terrain. Target acquisition and observation are relatively easy in desert terrain.
(FM 90-3 provides detailed information on the considerations associated with desert operations.)
ARCTIC AND COLD REGIONS
6-118. Cold regions of the world are characterized by deep snow, permafrost, seasonally frozen ground,
frozen lakes and rivers, glaciers, and long periods of extremely cold temperatures. Digging in frozen or
semifrozen ground is difficult with equipment and virtually impossible for a Soldier with an entrenching
tool. Construction fighting and protective position in snow or frozen ground takes up to twice as long as
positions in unfrozen ground. Operations in cold regions are affected by wind and the possibility of thaw
during warming periods. An unexpected thaw causes a severe drop in the soil strength, which creates mud
and drainage problems. Positions near bodies of water must be carefully located to prevent flood damage
during the spring melting season. Wind protection greatly decreases the effects of cold on Soldiers and
equipment. (FM 31-70 provides detailed information on the considerations associated with arctic and cold
region operations.)
FOCUSED SUPPORT TO OTHER UNITS WITHIN AND
AUGMENTING THE BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM
6-119. Engineers provide focused and specific support to various units within and augmenting the BCT.
Much of the following discussion has to do with the hardening aspects of survivability (see FM 5-103) and
the requirement for engineer support to properly protect vital equipment and personnel. Another significant
aspect may be engineer reconnaissance (see FM 3-34.170). Most often, organic engineers are focused on
and dedicated to the tactical mission in support of maneuver units within the BCT. Many of the tasks are
performed by augmenting engineer units, although combat engineers organic to the BCT may also perform
them.
ARTILLERY
6-120. Most engineer missions in support to FA units and assets are through survivability operations.
Artillery units often require engineer support to construct survivability positions for individual howitzers,
fire direction centers (FDCs), and radars. These survivability positions are built to protect Soldiers and
equipment from the effects of direct and indirect fires.
6-121. Q36 and Q37 radars are used by artillery units to facilitate counterfire missions. These are
valuable assets to the BCT commander and often a high priority for protection. Most often, berms are used
around radars to protect them from enemy fires. These radars are HVTs for enemy forces and have no
armor or self-protection capability. During operations, engineer planners must consider survivability for
these assets.
11 February 2009 FM 3-34.22 6-25