Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search

              MOBILITY/COUNTERMOBILITY/SURVIVABILITY

    TOPIC:   Obstacle systems in a desert environment will be
difficult to tie in to the terrain.

    OBSERVATION:   The desert environment is relatively open and
does not provide significant terrain features as experienced in
Europe or at the NTC.   With few significant terrain features,
it will be difficult to tie the system in with the ground and
prevent the enemy from bypassing the obstacles.    It will also
require larger obstacle systems,  usually minefields, which
demand greater logistical support.

    LESSONS LEARNED:   It will be especially critical that the
engineer is working with the maneuver commander to site the
obstacles in support of the commander's intent.    There will be
no luxury to waste effort or material on obstacles which do not
support the commander's plan.   In addition, current intelli-
gence, coupled with rapid obstacle emplacement (such as
FASCAM), can allow obstacles to be emplaced when and where they
are needed.   Although some systems may not be tied in with the
terrain, the bypass provided may bring the enemy into an
engagement area, may disrupt his command and control, or may
provide flank shots for maneuver weapon systems.

    VIEWER NOTES:


    TOPIC:   Minefields work as well in the desert as in dummy
mine fields.

    OBSERVATION:   The Allies in North Africa and the Israelis
in the Middle East found that mine fields instill a false sense
of security in the soldier.   Unless the soldiers patrolled the
mine fields continuously, the enemy lifted   the mines and
created lanes in the obstacles.   Minefields were quick and
easy to emplace.   Many times dummy minefields, visually
identical to actual minefields, served the same purpose as
actual minefields by turning the enemy unit.    Curr~nt
conditions are probably little changed with respe~t to
mine fields.

    LESSON LEARNED:   Train every soldier in emplacina and
lifting U.S. and enemy mines so that minefields go in quickly
and the soldiers are confident in their proficiency.   Place a
layer of sandbags on the floor of every vehicle to lessen the
impact of mine detonations and decrease the number and
effectiveness of splinters.   Emplaced minefields must be
covered by direct fire to avoid rapid breaching.

    VTEWE~ NOTES:


                               12

Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search