The doctrine presented in this manual seeks to develop the full potential of obstacles as a component of combat power.
Each chapter contains tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) that take the doctrinal foundation and provide the "How To" connection.
This manual initially defines and establishes the principles for obstacle operations then applies them at echelons from corps to company team, concentrating on essential TTPs. Chapter 2 provides the key obstacle terms that will be used throughout the manual. Chapter 3 covers obstacle integration theory. Chapter 4 covers obstacle planning from corps through brigade level. Chapter 5 covers obstacle planning from task force (TF) through company team level. Chapters 4 and 5 build on the foundations in Chapters 1, 2, and 3 and establish echelon–specific TTPs. Chapters 6, 7, and 8 provide considerations for specific types of obstacles.
Three appendixes provide the additional tools that facilitate successful planning and execution. Appendix A provides information on individual obstacles. Appendix B addresses the critical activities in reporting, recording, and tracking. Finally, Appendix C describes obstacle resourcing and supply.
Throughout this manual, the terms brigade, TF, and company team are used to refer to all friendly brigade–, battalion–, and company–size units (to include cavalry units) unless otherwise noted. The terms regiment, battalion, and company are used only when referring to enemy units unless otherwise noted.
Topics covered in this complete guide include:
Chapter 1. Obstacles and the Combined Arms Team
- Historical Use of Obstacles
- Characteristics of Obstacles
- Dynamics of Combat Power and Obstacle Integration
- Maneuver
- Firepower
- Protection
- Leadership
- Other Obstacle Considerations
- Obstacle Clearing
- Effects on Noncombatants
Chapter 2. Obstacle Framework
- Obstacle Classification
- Existing Obstacles
- Reinforcing Obstacles
- Tactical Obstacles
- Directed Obstacles.
- Situational Obstacles.
- Reserve Obstacles.
- Tactical Obstacle Design.
- Protective Obstacles
- Hasty Protective Obstacles.
- Deliberate Protective Obstacles.
- Obstacle Intent
- Target
- Obstacle Effect
- Disrupt Effect
- Turn Effect
- Fix Effect
- Block Effect
- Obstacle Effect Graphics
- Relative Location
- Obstacle Protection
- Counterreconnaissance
- Breaching Asset Destruction
- Obstacle Repair
- Phony Obstacles
- Obstacle Command and Control
- Obstacle–Emplacement Authority
- Obstacle Control
- Obstacle–Control Measures
- Obstacle Zones.
- Obstacle Belts.
- Obstacle Groups.
- Obstacle Restrictions.
- Obstacle Numbers
Chapter 3. Obstacle–Integration Principles
- Intelligence
- Analyze the Terrain
- Determine Enemy Force Size
- Determine Enemy Vulnerability
- Obstacle Intent
- Target
- Obstacle Effect
- Relative Location
- Fires and Obstacle Effect
- Fires and Disrupt Effect
- Fires and Turn Effect
- Fires and Fix Effect
- Fires and Block Effect
- Obstacles and Operations in Depth
- Deep Operations
- Close Operations
- Rear Operations
- Obstacle Control
- Support Current Operations
- Maximize Subordinate Flexibility
- Facilitate Future Operations
- Echelons of Obstacle Planning
- Corps–Level Planning
- Division–Level Planning
- Brigade–Level Planning
- Task–Force–Level Planning
- Company–Team–Level Planning
Chapter 4. Obstacle Planning at Corps, Division and Brigade Levels
- Decision–Making Process and Obstacles
- Mission Analysis
- Determine Facts and Develop Assumptions
- Intelligence Estimate.
- Logistics Estimate.
- Fire–Support Estimate.
- Engineer Estimate.
- Analyze Higher Headquarters' Mission and Commander's Intent
- Intent.
- AOs and Deception.
- Tasks.
- Limitations.
- Assets Available.
- Risks.
- Time Analysis.
- Analyze Relative Combat Power
- Issue Commander's Guidance
- Course–of–Action Development
- Course–of–Action Analysis
- Decision and Execution
- Recommendation and Decision
- Plans and Orders
- Execution and Supervision
- Division Defensive Scenario
- Mission Analysis
- Course–of–Action Development
- Course–of–Action Analysis
- Decision and Execution
- Offensive Obstacle Planning
- Types of Offensive Operations
- Movement to Contact
- Attack
- Exploitation
- Pursuit
- Techniques for Offensive Obstacle Planning
- War–Game
- Use a Grid System
Chapter 5. Obstacle Planning at Task–Force Level and Below
- Obstacle Planning at Task–Force Level
- Mission Analysis
- Determine Facts and Develop Assumptions
- Analyze Relative Combat Power
- Analyze Higher Headquarters' Mission and Commander's Intent
- Issue Commander's Guidance
- Course–of–Action Development
- Fires Analysis
- Obstacle Intent Integration
- Obstacle Priorities
- Course–of–Action Analysis
- Mobility Requirements
- Obstacle Design and Resourcing
- Decision and Execution
- Scheme–of–Obstacles Overlay
- Obstacle–Execution Matrix
- Task–Force Obstacle Scenario
- Obstacle Planning Below Task–Force Level
- Coordination with the Maneuver Commander
- Siting the Obstacle
- Obstacle Turnover and Transfer
Chapter 6. Reserve Obstacles
- Employment Principles
- Responsibilities
- Authorizing Commander
- Guard Commander
- Firing Commander
- Reserve–Obstacle Planning Considerations
- Additional Facts and Assumptions
- Fires Analysis
- Obstacle Intent Integration
- Obstacle Priorities
- Mobility Requirements
- Obstacle Design and Resourcing
- Decision and Execution
- Scheme–of–Obstacles Overlay
- Obstacle–Execution Matrix
- Demolition Order
- Rehearsals
Chapter 7. Situational Obstacles
- Employment Principles
- Identify the Need
- Plan For Resources
- Intigrate with Friendly Fires
- Plan the Obstacles
- Identify Execution Triggers
- Withhold Execution Until Needed
- Situational Obstacles in the Defense
- Situational Obstacles in the Offense
- Situational Obstacle Planning
- Mission Analysis
- Course–of–Action Development
- Course–of–Action Analysis
- Fires Analysis
- Obstacle Intent Integration
- Obstacle Priorities
- Mobility Requirements
- Obstacle Design and Resourcing
- Decision and Execution
- Scheme–of–Obstacles Overlay
- Situational–Obstacle–Execution Matrix
- Rehearsals
- Execution
Chapter 8. Protective Obstacles
- Types of Protective Obstacles
- Hasty Protective Obstacles
- Deliberate Protective Obstacles
- Employment Guidelines
- Integrating
- Emplacing Unit
- Emplacing Authority
- Planning Level
- Resourcing
- Reporting, Recording and Tracking
- Protective–Obstacle Planning
- Mission Analysis
- Protective–Obstacle Bands
- Band One.
- Band Two.
- Band Three.
- Band Four.
- Protective–Obstacle Capabilities
- Course–of–Action Development
- Course–of–Action Analysis
- Decision and Execution
- Fires and Observation
- Obstacle Integration
- Obstacle Priorities
- Mobility Requirements
- Obstacle Design and Resourcing
- Band One
- Band Two
- Band Three
- Band Four
- Sources for Materials
- Unit Basic Load.
- Push Packages.
- Requisitioned Material.
- Other Design Considerations
- Employment in Depth.
- Obstacle Protection.
- Protective–Obstacle Overlay
Appendix A. Individual Obstacles
- Individual Obstacle Types
- Demolition Obstacles
- Bridges
- Road Craters
- Abatis
- Constructed Obstacles
- Wire Obstacles
- Tetrahedrons and Hedgehogs
- Antitank Ditches
- Land Mines
- Conventional Mines
- Scatterable Mines
- Improvised Obstacles
- Complex Obstacles
- Phony Obstacles
- Individual Obstacle Designs
- Armor Threat
- Width
- Depth
- Antitank Mines
- Antipersonnel Mines
- Antihandling Devices
- Irregular Outer Edges (IOEs)
- Light Threat
- Width
- Depth
- Antitank Mines
- Antipersonnel Mines
- Antihandling Devices
- Irregular Outer Edges
- Individual Obstacle Array
Appendix B. Obstacle Numbering, Reporting, Recording, and Tracking
- Obstacle Numbering
- Obstacle Reporting
- Report of Intention
- Obstacle–Control Measures
- Operation Plan
- Report of Initiation
- Report of Completion
- Additional Reports
- Report of Progress
- Report of Transfer
- Obstacle Recording
- Obstacle Tracking
Appendix C. Obstacle Resourcing and Supply Operations
- Obstacle Resourcing
- Requirement–Based Resourcing
- Capability–Based Resourcing
- Obstacle Supply Operations
- Obstacle Resupply Nodes
- Class IV/Class V Supply Point
- Mine Dump
- Obstacle Resupply Rules
- Obstacle Supply Locations
- Carrying Capacity
- Traffic Circuit
- Camouflage and Cover
- Defense
- Time
- Operators
- Obstacle Material Resupply Methods
- Supply Point
- Advantages.
- Disadvantages.
- Service Station
- Advantages.
- Disadvantages.
- Tailgate
- Advantages.
- Disadvantages.
