-1 

7 	-
 v 


THE MAGAZINE FOR ARMY ENGINEERS 	 FALL/WINTER 198t 


COMBAT ENGINEER/TOPOGRAPtiIC ENGINEER TEAM 

ALSO: 	 LIGHTENING THE LIGHT ENGINEER'S LOAD THE BLADE EFFORT TRIANGLE 

THE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER EXAM 

-
Personal Viewpoint 

LKGMTENING THE LOAD OF TXE 

by :LT Thomas P. Smith 

0 f necess~tymost of the light . ' 2 . 

engmeer sold~er'sload will be 

demolitions-cratering roads,knocking down walls and felling trees to 

create landing zones or to build 

expedient bridges. 

But the Engineer School, the 

Waterways Experiment Station and 

the Army Materiel Command are 

realizing that the demolitions load 

is too heavy. Unless it's compact 

and versatile,it's incompatible with 

light engineers. 

For example, a road crater currently takes up to eight 40-pound 

cratering charges-charges that eat 

space and can only be used for one 

purpose-making craters.Similarly, 

Bangalores are bulky and tailored 

to a specific task. 

Last July, the 65th Combat Engineer Battalion, 25th Infantry Division (Light),helped the Army experiment with several explosives systems now under research and development for heavy forces, hoping they 

would hold promise for the light. 

Under the-supervisionof WES, we 

tested-

* Self-forging fragment weapons 

system ballistic disks. 

XM-268 slurry. 

The rifleman's assault weapon. 

We wanted to know not only 

whether ballistic disks will breach 

walls, but can they he hand-packed 

and fired from long distances? And 

can materials for the disks be found 

and fabricated on the battlefield? 

We were interested not only in 

whether slurrycreates better craters, 

but will it also breach walls? And 

can it be repackaged into flexible, 

backpackable loads? 

Theresultsraised someinteresting 

possibilities, and the Engineer 

School has asked WES to follow up 

with further research. 

Self-Forging Fragment 

Weapons System 

Ballistic disks-copper or aluminum disks of varying shapes and 

thicknesses-were tested. This type 

of system is already widely used in 

antiarmor munitions. 

The disks weigh only four pounds 

and don't take much space. They 

offerlight engineers apossibility for 

breaching walls and obstacles (or 

hitting targets such as fuel storage 

tanks) from extended standoff distances. 

The disks were placed inside short 

lengths of PVC pipe and packed on 

one side with C4-the engineer's 

most versatile explosive. 

The disks worked well against 

concrete walls at a standoff distance 

of 20 feet-blowing a 12-inchhole in 

reinforced concrete that was big 

enough for a soldier. It did not cut 

the rebar. however-a deficiency 

that must be overcome by research 

and development. 

The 65th also experimented with 

the ballistic disks as a way to make 

one-man fightingpositions by firing 

the disks directly at the ground. The 

results were less than hoped, but 

research efforts could improve the 

explosive foxhole digger concept. 

Overall, the tests demonstrated 

that the disks forge a slug that 

travels accurately over extended 

distances and offer a prospective 

low volume, lightweight breaching 

capability. 

Slurry 

If XM-268 slurry-a liquid explosive nearing the final stages of 

develo~ment-can be ~ackaeed - for

light soldiers, it offers an excellent 

alternative to standard military 

cratering charges. 

The slurry consists of two nondetonatable chemical ingredients 

that become explosive when mixed. 

It is under consideration as the 

liquid explosive for the Tactical 

Explosive Systems-to reduce embankments and create antitank 

ditches and road craters for the 

heavy force. Normally, it comes in 

55-gallon drums to be mixed inlarge 

batches. 

Possibly, smaller quantities could 

be packaged so soldiers could carry 

the ingredients in their rucksacks 

and mix them without special equipment. 

During experiments, the 65th 

successfully devastated a triplestandard concertina obstacle by 

pouring the slurry, like paint, into 

&foot lengths of schedule 40 PVC 

pipe. 

Arag was stuffedin oneend,then 

chemicals were poured in. The 

explosive was primed, and another 

rag was used to plug the pipe. 

Soldiers spent only five minutes 

preparing three pipes-demonstrating the slurry is easy to use if a 

suitable container can be improvised. 

The slurry also created a road 

crater larger than the conventional 

40-pound cratering charge. 

In another experiment, the 65th 

poured the slurry into an MRE bag 

and taped the bag to a telephone 

pole. One pound of the explosive cut 

a twelve-inch-diameter pole. 

Rifleman's Assault Weapon 

The RAW also offers interesting 

possibilities as a relatively light 

weight, compact alternative to recoilless weapons like the 90mm rifle 

and the LAW. 

This rifle-launched munition, 

which is in the early design stages, 

weighs less than 7 pounds. It fires 

lines of sight with little backblast. 

The RAW blew a hole 12inches in 

diameter in a 12-inch-thick, reinforced concrete wall. In an 18-inchthick wall, 3 rounds produced destructive spalling; 5 breached it. 

By comparison,it took 3 rounds to 

breach a 23-inch wall using the 

shoulder-launched multipurpose 

assault weapon-now used by the 

Marine Corps. 

Potentially, the RAW offers light 

infantry soldiers high firepower 

without significantly increasing 

their load. 

(continued on page 40) 
1 l 

VOLUME16 NUMBER 3 

UNITED STATES ARMY 

ENGINEER CENTER 

AND FORT BELVOIR, VA 

COMMANDER/COMMANDANT 

MG Richard S. Kem 

ASSISTANT COMMANDANT 

COL James R. Whitley 

CHIEF OF STAFF/DEPUTY 

INSTALLATION COMMANDER 

COL Robert R. Hardiman 

COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR 

CSM Matthew Lee Jr. 

DIRECTOR OF TRAINING 

AND DOCTRINE 

LTC Robert L. Keenan 

CHIEF OF PUBLICATIONS 

Patricia 5. Kitchell 

MANAGING EDITOR 

Marilyn Fleming 

Betty R. Graham 

FEATURE EDITORS 

Victoria McAllister 

Penelope Schmitt 

ASSOCIATE EDITOR 

PFC Eric Cramer 

DESIGNER 

Jim Wilson 

TYPOGRAPHER 

Linda Paradis 

Beverly Khosravi 

On the Cover 

Topographic engineers are a force 

multiplier for the combined arms 

team. 

Art: Jeanne Elmore 

I 

FALL-WINTER1986 

FEATURES 

10 	The Combat Engineer/Topographic Engineer Team 

by COL David F. Maune 

13 	Comhat Engineer and Topographic Engineer Missions Intertwine 

by MAJ Thomas E. Mathews 

17 	Topographic Support Around the World 

by Penelope Schrnitt 

19 	The Key is Teamwork-Germany to Vietnam 

by COL David F. Maune 

21 	Topograhic Research and Development 

COL Alan L. Laubscher and Sandra J Cleua 

24 	Terrain Analysis Data Bases-What's in Them for You? 

by CW2 Kathleen Hawes 

27 	 Terrain Analysis: Tailored to the Customer 

by CW2 Frederick N. Pessaro, Jr. 

30 	 Hey Engineer, Make your BET! 

by MAJRalph R. D'Elosua 

32 	 Gamelands Offer Realistic Training Sites for National 

Guard Engineers 

by LTC Charles M. Beehtel 

34 	 Antique Shop Find ...Timeless Values 

by CPT Joseph J. Miano 

36 	 Personal Computers at Work in the Battalion 

by MAJRobert R. McLaughlin 

37 	 Mobile Soils Labs: Immediate Quality Control 

by PFC Eric W. Cramer 

38 	 Maintenance Certification 

by CPT Thomas P. Bostick 

39 	 EOAC Making the Army's Best Better! 

by MAJ Randy R. Rapp 

41 	Earn Your Professional Engineer's License 

by CPT Calvin Evans 

DEPARTMENTS 

Inside Front Cover: A Personal Viewpoint 

2 Clear the Way 

3 Bridge the Gap 

4 News & Notes 

5 SchoolNews 

26 Engineer Problem 

29 LessonsLearned 

40 Engineer Solution 

42 Hotline Q & A 

43 Career Notes 

45 Past in Review 

ENGINEER(ISSN 0046-1989) is published quarterly by the US Amy PERSONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS are available through the SuperEngineer School, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060. Material does not necessarily intendent of Documents. US Government Printing Office. 

reflect official oolicv of the US Armv. Funds were aooroved .. bv . HQDA . Rates for domestic addresses includinr APO and FPO are $11.00 oer

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engineer related units by writing the magazine. DC 20402. 


CORRESPONDENCE, letters to the editor, manuscripts and phota- 


graphs should be sent to ENGINEER Magazine, ATTN: ATZA-TD-P, P0STMASTER:Second Class postageis paidat Fort Belvoir,VA, and 


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354. 	 Magazine, ATZA-TD-P, Stop 291D, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5291. 
by MG Richard S. Kern, Commandant. U.S.Army Engineer School 

View terrain through the eyes of topographic engineers 

Terrain must drive a commander's concept of to meet the growing demand for terrain analysis. 

operation. But too often its effects and limitations Terrain analysis has come a long way since 

are considered after the fact or not at all. 1981 when the first division terrain teams were 

When this happens, we sell the METT-Tanalysis fielded and commanders and staffs at all levels 

short and risk self-defeat...because two of those Ts routinely failed to consider terrain while develare crucial to the way commanders prepare the oping their operational plans. 

battlefield: When tactics were taught, instructors would 

T for terrain because you don't just consider it, sweep their hands across the wall map, moving 

you can do something about it. divisions here and there as if anything were 

Tfor time available because if you fritter away possible. Problems were assumed away, "Moue 

time trying to develop a concept, you can't the main attack along Avenue Strike,"regardless 

shape the terrain to your advantage. of terrain realities...realities like narrow corridors, 

Thus, all combat engineers have a stake in the poor off-roadmobility and difficult gap crossings 

topographic mission. We must give commanders that literally pinch the attacking brigade down to 

the answers they need to maneuver in the right a single column of moving tanks. 

place...without wasting resources. If we succeed, That picture has changed dramatically. Terrain 

this may well be our greatest single contribution to teams are now staffed with highly qualified 

future battles. enlisted soldiers and warrant officers who have 

That's why all combat engineers must be the access to tactical terrain analysis data bases and 

commanders' experts on the use of terrain and the All Source Intelligence Center. 

view terrain through the eyes of the topographic The result: commanders are discovering the 

engineer. Our goal must be to get commanders to value of consulting their engineers. For example, 

assess terrain implications before they prepare at Fort Bragg the G-3 once announced the terrain 

their commander's concept of operation. team had saved the 18th Airborne Corps from 

We recently revised Army doctrine for topo- certain disaster by determining that the terrain 

graphic operations to clarify intelligence and was ill suited for the airborne, airmobile and 

engineer staff responsibilities at all levels of mechanized infantry operations envisioned in the 

command. This issue of ENGINEER offers a commander's initial concept. 

preview of the new doctrine, FM 105-5, Topo- Similar lessons have been learned in other 

graphic Operations, which will be published divisions and corps. Thus, the expectations and 

during FY 87. demands on engineers are growing. You must 

The division engineer, in particular, has new acquire terrain sense and be prepared to integrate 

responsibilities as the chief terrain advisor to the your understanding of terrain into maneuver and 

division commander. The brigade engineer must firepower planning. You must be able to navigate 

fulfill this role for the maneuver brigade com- with assurance...to apply tactical principles to 

mander. infinite varieties of terrain quickly and 

Although the G-2 will continue to task the intuitively...to recognize the effects of weather on 

terrain team working in the All SourceIntelligence terrain and battlefield operations. 

Center at division, division engineers-who, All combat engineers must be closely allied with 

lamentably, have often had little interaction with their topographic counterparts. Get to know each 

terrain teams-must learn to tap this resource. An other personally-share one another's expertise. 

NCO from the terrain team will support the Get the special security clearances you need to 

division engineer by working in the assistant learn the capabilities of terrain analysts working 

division engineer's office. with the All Source Intelligence Center. 

The division terrain teamis alsobeing expanded You must know how tailored products derived 
- -- 

by CSM Matthew Lee Jr., U.S. Army Engineer Center and School 

There is something unique about a map. It's 

worthless unless it shows terrain of immediate 

interest. And then it's the most important piece of 

paper in the world. 

Without a map to negotiate the terrain, you are 

quite simply and literally lost. 

That was never clearer to me than while I was at 

a Chinese rough terrain school in Taiwan-rough 

terrain meaning you must air drop into any 

terrain and do your job. 

In the haste to deploy, the American members of 

the party jumped without a map. We landed in a 

rugged area-two men shattered their legs-and 

we hadn't a ghost of an idea where we were. We 

had radios, but without a map how could we tell 

the rescue party where to find us? 

Some of us struggled our way to a road. But 

which road? Where did it go? 

An operation that should have taken 4 hours 

took 15while the injured soldiers, one caught in a 

tree, waited-all for want of amap. A simple piece 

of paper was the vital missing link. 

A mapis your eyes beyond your eyes-it lets you 

see miles in front of you, to your right, to your left, 

and behind. 

Wrapped in mylar, it's the record where you 

make notes on your surroundings. It's where you 

identify your route and the conditions you found. 

What's been built? What's been demolished? How 

has mother nature altered the terrain? Are the 

road, bridge and soil classifications accurate? 

At theend of each mission, you must share your 

map notes. They hold invaluable information for 

the soldiers who come next. But only if topographic 

from terrain data bases can be used to guide 

tactical decisions and learn how you can help fill 

voids in those data bases during reconnaissance 

missions. 

Finally, give high priority to your responsibility to understand terrain ...to be the maneuver 

commander's expert on terrain, terrain effects on 

engineers get the chance to incorporate your 

findings into their terraindata bases and pass the 

word. 

If you think maps are worthless, you haven't 

learned their language. Maps are keepers of the 

faith for soldiers who know how to read them. 

They tell you what's on the other side of the 

hill...where the enemy is likely to hide ...how steep 

the slope is ...whether there is a short cut ...where 

the next drop zone will be ...where to stash a food 

cache, look for water or plan a rest stop. 

In Vietnam when my reconnaissance team went 

out, the first thing we asked for was a map. When I 

was chased, I'd throw everything away except my 

map, my compass and my weapons. If the pursuit 

continued, I'd shed the weapons; but I never gave 

up my map or the compass around my neck. They 

were the keys to coming out of the jungle. 

It is imperative that every engineer soldier be 

able to use a map as well as he uses a dozer. If you 

are set down by a river and told to build a bridge, 

you might as well not start if you don't have a 

map. That map is as essential a piece of your 

equipment as the reinforcement bar that goes into 

the bridge. 

After all, there is something that sets maps 

apart from the rest of a soldier's equipment. The 

infantryman can shoot his rifle, the aviatorfly his 

plane, the engineer operate his dozer anywhere in 

the world. But a pack full of the maps of Europe 

and Korea won't help you in Grenada. 

A map is worthless unless the terrain is of 

immediate interest. And then it's the most important piece of paper in the world. 

operations, movement through terrain, and terrain 

reinforcement through obstacle emplacement and 

construction of fighting positions. 

Terrain analysis is thelinchpin of the mobility, 

countermobility, survivability and general engineering missions ...the heart of our contribution to 

AirLand Battle. 
- News & Notes

~ssaultRiver Crossing Operation 

D . unng a recent field exercise,Company A, 326th Engineer 

Battalion (Air Assault), built an 

expedient footbridge using aircraft 

cargo pallets. This bridge enabled 

infantry units to maintain contact 

with opposing mechanized forces 

without losing momentum. 

The engineers used heavy drop 

pallets and 463L aircraft cargo pallets to build the bridge. Before the 

crossing started, engineers spanned 

the river with two steel cables. 

Anchored with deadmen, these 

cables provided extra stability for 

the bridge. 

The rest of the construction was 

easy; they floated the pallets on the 

water and,using rings on thepallets, 

attached the pallets to each other 

with snap links. Finally, they 

snapped the b'ridge to the cahles. 

The entire operation was performed 

quickly and quietly. 

Lessons learned on the operation 

includeThe 463L pallets are easier to use 

than the heavy drop pallets. Construction with 463Lstook halfthe 

time as with heavy drop pallets. 

Using the cable, 100 meters of 

bridge can he built in 1 hour. 

The cahles are not necessary, but 

add stability when crossing 

troops. 

Since each pallet can hold the 

weight of a man and his equip. 

ment, this bridge could span any 

gap. 

Engineer Mechanization 

ngineers from the 54th Engi- Eneer Battalion convov M577 

armored personnel carriers from the 

railhead to the motor pool. The 54th 

and 82d Engineer Battalions received APCs as part of a plan to 

change V and VII Corps engineer 

units from wheeled to mechanized 

TOES. Three more corps combat 

engineer hattalions-the 317th, 9th, 

and 547th-were mechanized in FY 

87. The 78th and 237th are to be 

Kedge anchors or shore guys 

could beused on bridges spanning 

rivers with strong currents. 

Because all preparation is below 

ground (deadmen)or below water 

(cables),equipmentmaybe placed 

without detection by aerial 

reconnaissance. 

An entire infantry battalion task 

force, including slice elements, 

can cross in under 3 hours. 

mechanized by FY 88. 

Units stationed at Fort Ord, CA, 

were the first to receive the M9 

armored combat earthmover as TOE 

equipment in May 1986.The fielding 

came after4 weeks of new equipment 

training, which included classes in 

operator/organizational maintenance and tactical employment. 

Many other units are scheduled to 

receive the ACE in the near future. 

MINE WARFARE VIDEO AVAILABLE 

A 17-minutevldeo tape, TVT 6- combat engineers with information Joint Visual Information Activity . 135, entrtled "Employment of on the use and capabilities of these ATTN: ASNV-OJVT-ID(McIntire) 

FASCAM" (family of scatterable rapidly deployable mines. If un- Tohyhanua Army Depot 

mines) was distributed to TASCs in available at your local TASC, the Tobyhanna, PA 18466-5102 

mid-November 1986. The tape pro- tapes may be obtained fromvides the maneuvercommander and US Army Audio/Visual Center 
School News 


Department of 

~ilitar~ Engineering (DME) 

BNCOC Changes: Bridge crewmen who graduated from the 12C primary technical 

course before 1June 1986 should attend 12B30 combat engineer 

BNCOC to receive credit for BNCOC attendance. This course 

provides BNCOC leadership training for skill level 2, but contains 

more advanced skill level 3 technical training. 

Graduates of this course are proficient in skill level 3 tasks and 

have received the progressive and sequential training required for 

NCOs. 

The 12C20 BNCOC combines the Sergeants Major Academy skill 

level 3 leadership training with skill level 2 technical training. 

Graduates of this course, which started at Fort Belvoir in June, 

receive credit for attending BNCOC. 

A 12C30 BNCOC for bridge crewmen will start at Fort Leonard 

Wood, MO, in FY 89. At that time, 12C soldiers will no longer attend 

the 12B30 combat engineer BNCOC. 

Directorate of 


Combat Developments (DCD) 


Management DCD is now applying two new management tools, the TRADOC 

Initiatives: Organization Management System (OMS) and the 1987 Engineer 

Functional Area Assessment (FAA). 

The OMS will make it easier to spot breakdowns between force 

structure and the personnel and equipment aspects of TOES. 

The 1987 Engineer FAA, scheduled for presentation to the Vice 

Chief of Staff of the Army in January 1987, will analyze specific 

units to identify and correct problems with training, doctrine, force 

structure and personnel. 

Using these techniques, DCD plans to survey selected engineer 

units to confirm what equipment field units have and correct the 

accuracy of TOE data. Engineers in the field can expect to hear from 

this property-book-level survey beginning in September 1987. 

For more information, contact LTC Robert H. McDonald, ATZACDO-FI, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5281, telephone (703) 664-3826, AV 

354. 
School News 


Hand-held The Directorate of Combat Developments has recommended that 

Calculator: CTA 50-909, Field and Garrison Furnishings and ~qui~mekt, be 

changed to allow engineers to requisition the TI-30 SLR solar 

calculator. Offering more than 50 functions, this calculator should 

help solve the many mathematical problems associated with typical 

field engineering tasks. 

For more information contact James E. Mason, ATZA-CDO, Fort 

Belvoir, VA 22060-5281, telephone (703) 664-3502, AV 354. 

Defense Mapping School (DMS) 


DMA Reviews 	 The Defense Mapping Agency is reviewing geodetic survey 

Survey Support 	 support requirements. New, user-operated precise positioning devices may eliminate the need for topographic surveyorsin the 1990s. Requirements: The basis for this review is The Army Position and Navigation 

Master Plan, April 1986, which is the Army plan for position and 

navigation systems. 

If these systems meet all geodetic survey support requirements, 

they will eliminate the topographic surveyor (82D) MOS. 

Address your comments to: Director, Defense Mapping School, 

ATTN: CW3 Besch, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5828. 

MOS Revisions for Several changes are in store for the topographic engineer career 

83E and 83F: management field. The Deputy Chief of Staff approved two revisions 

in June 1986. 

Photo and layout specialist (83E)-Revisions to this MOS include 

skill level progression to staff sergeant. A secret security clearance 

will be required for all skill level 3 personnel. 

Photolithographer (83F)-The title photolithographer will change 

to printingand bindery specialist. A secret security clearance will be 

required for all skill level 3 and 4 personnel. 

Both MOSS will have revised duty position titles and standards of 

grade authorization. Mandatory training will be added. 

CMF81 Streamlined: An electronicmaintenance study recommended the consolidation 

of MOSS for topographic instrument repair specialist (41B) and fire 

control instrument repair specialist (41C) to streamline 

maintenance-specific occupations. 

The Engineer School agrees with the concept and expects a final 

report with approval soon. 
Engineer Personnel 

~ro~onenc~ Office (EPPO) 

EPPO 24-hour 

Hotline: 

Regimental 

System Update: 

The Engineer Personnel Proponency Office now has a 24-hour 

hotline to answer questions-about structure, acquisition, deployment, sustainment, professional development or separation-that 

cannot he handled at the installation or MACOM level. 

EPPO hotline numbers are: toll free 1-800-336-3095, extension 

3646, (703) 664-3646, AV 354. 

The goal of the Corps of Engineers in the new regimental system 

is to enhance combat effectiveness by forming all engineers into one 

unit characterized by strong bonds of loyalty and commitment. 

Army Reserve and National Guard engineers are now recognized as 

part of the Corps, emphasizing the strong kinship between Active 

and Reserve Components. 

To further enhance the unity of the Corps, the Engineer School 

Brigade was redesignated the 4th Engineer Brigade, honoring the 

distinguished WWII unit of that name. In a November 7th ceremony, 

COL George T. LaBlonde turned over command of the brigade to 

COL Roger C. Strom, formerly Fort Belvoir's Director of Military 

Logistics. 

At the same time, the 1st and 3d Battalions became the809th and 

554th Engineer Battalions, respectively, both also units with historic 

combat records. 

At a ceremony held at Fort Leonard Wood on 28 September 1986, 

the following engineer units wereredesignated: 1st Training Support 

Brigade became 136th Engineer Brigade; 2d Training Brigade132d Engineer Brigade; 1st Battalion, 2d Brigade-35th Engineer 

Battalion; 2d Battalion, 2d Brigade-3lst Engineer Battalion; 4th 

Battalion, 2d Brigade-589th Engineer Battalion; 4th Training 

Brigade-1st Engineer Brigade; 2d Battalion, 4th Brigade-87th 

Engineer Battalion; 3d Battalion, 4th Brigade-169th Engineer 

Battalion; and 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade-577th Engineer 

Battalion. 

Distribution ofthe new Corps of Engineers crest has been delayed 

until FY 87 for active and reserve units. AAFES clothing sales 

stores began stocking these items in November. Ultimately, the 

crest will be issued to enlisted personnel, but officers and warrant 

officers must purchase their own. Wearing of the crest is governed 

by AR 670-1 and is optional for all personnel. 
School News 

Directorate of Evaluation and 

Standardization (DOES) 

Lessons Learned The USAES Quarterly Lessons Learned Message-containing 

Message: 	 information from NTC, Team Spirit, Blazing Trails and 

REFORGER-has replaced the Task Force Engineer/Combined 

Arms Package. 

For more information, contact: Commandant, USAES, ATTN: 

ATZA-ES, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5271. POC is CPT Craig Tavani, 

(703)664-4172, AV 354. 

DOES Staff LTC John Carey is the new director of the Directorate of EvaluaChanges: tion and Standardization at the US Army Engineer School. 

LTC Otis Williams is the new chief of the Evaluation and 

Standardization Division. DOES. 

Reserve Component 


Advisory Staff (RCS) 


Advice for If you are an Army Reserve officer planning to take the Engineer 

EOAC Students: Officer Advanced Course at Fort Belvoir, remember that most 

Reservists are on TDY status (less than 140 days). 

Plan to live off-post. Bring enough money to pay initial expenses. 

Fort Belvoir is a high-cost area and uses the "lodging plus" system. 

More details about this system are in the Advanced Course 

Welcome Packet. Complete your plans at least six weeks early so 

C Company, 3d Battalion, can send your packet on time. 

If you have received your orders but not your packet, call 

C Company toll free 1-800-336-3095, extension 2184, commercial 

(703)664-2184, AV 354. 
Directorate of 


Training and Doctrine (DOTD) 


SQT Cancellations: Changes in doctrine, publications or proponency cause skill 

qualifications tests to be cancelled. TRADOC has approved the US 

Army Engineer School's request to cancel the following SQTs for 

1987: 

52C1-3 Utility equipment repairer 

52D1-3 Power generation equipment repairer 

52F1-3 Turbine engine driven generator repairer 

52x4 Special purpose equipment repairer 

62N3 Construction equipment repairer 

Soldiers holding these MOSS will take their next SQTs in 1988. 

Scores from previous tests will be used for personnel management 

purposes as appropriate. 

Department of 


Military Logistics (DML) 


Proponency Moves Proponency for Moss utility equipment repairer (52C), turbine 

for 52C, 52D engine driven generator repairer (52F) and power generation 

equipment repairer (52D) is being transferred from the Engineer and 52F: School to the Ordnance School. The commanding generals of both 

schools signed a memorandum of agreement in June 1986. 

Proponency, training development, training and apprenticeship 

will transfer by October 1987. Command and control of troop units 

will move by October 1988.Training for MOSS 52C, 52D and 52F will 

continue at the Engineer School until facilities are available at the 

Ordnance School. 

New DML Director: COL Gerald M. Tippins is the new director of the Department of 

Military Logistics. 

COL Jack E. Weber is the new commander of 809th Engineer 

Battalion. 
castle and topogrdljbik 'EH.gi'?feers, th 

enter theportalandgo their separate ways without ., communicating? Unfortuliately, too often the answer i-... " '1 "

-

is, "Yes." 

by COL David F. Maune 

Combat engineers generally 

believe they alone are responsible for the engineer 

f'unr,tir,ns of mobility, countermobility, survivability and general engineering (FMs 5-101 through 5-104). 

Topographic engineers tend to take 

sole responsibility for the topographic function (FM 5-105). 

In reality, the outcome of future 

battles depends upon our ability to 

work together as a team. New doctrine laid out in FM 5-105, Topographic Operations, which will be 

published in FY 87, demands that 

all engineers become terrain experts. 

Every combat engineer must be a 

topographic engineer, just as every 

topographic engineer must be a 

combat engineer. 

FM 5-105 places topographic engineers squarely at the portal-not 

only of the engineer castle but of 

the supported command postgathering terrain information from 

and disseminating terrain information to all. 

The Army's keystonemanual, FM 

100-5, Operations, recognizes that 

"Weather and terrain have more 

impact on battle than any other 

physical factor, including weapons, equipment, or supplies .... Indeed, most battles have been 

won by theside that usedterrain 

toprotect itself and to reinforce 

fires to destroy the enemy." 

But terrain not only provides 

opportunities and imposes limitations; engineers can manipulateitgiving a decisive edge to the commander who uses it best. 

FM 100-5 stresses that terrain 

analysis, engineer operations and 

intelligence preparation of the 

battlefield are all basic to the commander's operational use of terrain. 

The command engineer, normally 

a combat engineer, is the terrain 

advisor at each level of command. 

He helps the commander see the 

battlefield and use the terrain-two 

fundamentals of war. 

The strength of his expertise depends on how well his combat and 

topographic engineers understand 

one another's business and exchange terrain information. 

For example, the combat engineer 

who understands topographic engineering can turn mobility and 

countermobility planning from artful guesswork into a science with the 

help of tailored products like the 

cross-country mobility analysis 

(story page 27). 

At the same time, topographic 

engineers-who work primarily with 

space-based sensors, aerial photography and terrain data base libraries-need eyes and ears in the 

field. They depend upon combat 

engineers to establish the ground 

truth of their information so confident command decisions can be 

made. 

They need reports on the latest 

status of minefields, obstacles, 

rivers, bridges, roads, railroads, 

ports, harbors, airfields, facilities 

and utilities. They need assistance 

to verify and update data bases on 

surface drainage, soils, vegetation 

and lines of communication. 

All engineer missions require a 

constant exchange of terrain information between topographic and 

combat engineers (story page 13). 

No system currently exists to support that exchange. But FM 5-105 

opens the door for change. 

New Doctrine 

Before 1981, the Army did not 

routinely have terrain teams in 

direct support of maneuver divisions, and there were no terrain 

analysis technicians (warrant officers) as we know them today. 

Until now, Army doctrine (FM 5-

146, Engineer Topographic Units, 

andFM 21-32, TopographicSupport) 
placed the five-man division terrain 

team totally under the division G-2 

with the "special staff cognizance" 

of the division engineer. 

Most division terrain teams 

worked in the All SourceIntelligence 

Center of theTOC. While this worked 

for most of the Army, it had disadvantages for engineers: 

Division engineers and assistant 

division engineers had little, if 

anything, to do with division terrain teams. Combat and topographic engineers did not 

routinely share terrain information because they did not consider themselves to be mutually 

supporting. 

Division engineers were not necessarily the terrain experts they 

were expected to be. They were, 

therefore, less effective in recommending optimum ways to reinforce the terrain. 

Division engineers had no direct 

terrain analysis support to handle 

topographic responsibilities. 

The organizational structure 

made it difficult for overworked 

division terrain teams to request 

backup supportfrom corpsterrain 

teams or reconnaissance support 

from divisional engineer battalions. 

While supported commanders, 

G-2s, G-3s and G-4s were generally 

pleased with their topographic support, the engineer house was not in 

order. To support AirLand Battle, 

we needed a more efficient, effective 

relationship between combat and 

topographic engineers. 

FM 5-105makes significant departures from the past by clarifying 

intelligence and engineer staff topographicresponsibilities at all levels. 

The division engineer becomes the 

division commander's chief terrain 

advisor. 

Intelligence Staff 

Responsibilities 

"From the assistant chief of staff 

for intelligence at HQDA down 

through the division G-2, the intelligence officer has general staff 

responsibility for topography," 

according to FM 5-105. 

"This means the intelligence officer is responsible for topographic 

policy, solicitation and validation of 

requirements, and establishment of 

priorities for topographic support 

within the command. 

"This always includes high priority, continuing terrain analysis 

support of the intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB)process. 

"The corps G-2 tasks the TOC 

support element of the corps terrain 

team and coordinates other topographic support requirements and 

priorities with the corps engineer. 

"Battalion and brigade S-2s compile and submit topographic requirements and priorities for their 

commands to their division G-2. 

"The G-2 consolidates these 

requirements with division staff 

requirements, establishes priorities, 

coordinates topographic support 

with thedivision engineer, and tasks 

the division terrain team." 

Engineer Staff Responsibilities 

FM 5-105gives the engineer officer, from the assistant chief of 

engineers at HQDA, down through 

the division level, special staff 

responsibility for topography. 

"This means the engineer officer 

is recognized as the terrain utilization expert responsible for topographic program execution, training, resourcing and coordinating 

technical topographic requirements 

with the staff and subordinate 

commands," FM 5-105says. 

"Battalion task force and brigade 

engineers are also terrain experts at 

their organizational levels. 

"All engineers regularly assist in 
terrain data collection(such asriver, 

soil, route and bridge classification) 

to fill data voids and verify data in 

terrain analysis data bases. 

"All engineers also exploitterrain 

data and analysis in order to focus 

reconnaissance efforts and otherwise assist in site selection,planning 

and estimating for performance of 

mobility, countermohility, survivability, and general engineering 

missions." 

The Division Engineer 

Most significantly, the division 

engineer has newresponsibilities to: 

Advise the division commander 

on effective terrain use. 

Coordinate division topographic 

support requirements and priorities with the G-2who tasks the 

division terrain team. 

Assist the G-2 in evaluating 

requirements, setting priorities 

and selecting alternatives. 

Coordinate terrain team deployment in support of the G-2. 

Coordinatesupport from the corps 

topographic company through 

the corps engineer. 

Task engineer units organic to 

thedivision to collectterrain data 

in the field. 

Prepare the topographic operations annex for division CONPLANS/OPLANS/OPORDS in 

coordination with the G-2, G-3, 

G-4 and chief of the division terrain team. 

FM 5-105 focuses responsibility 

for topographic engineering in the 

office of the assistant division 

engineer where one NCO from the 

division terrain team will be physically located. The NCO will provide 

a liaison with the terrain team and 

assist the division engineer in carrying out his new responsibilities. 

The remainder of the division 

terrain team is normally located 

with the G-2 staff. 

This allows timely support to the 

division staff and gives the terrain 

team immediate access to the all 

source intelligence data that is critical to prepare current products. 

It also helps the G-2and engineer 

work closely together to satisfydivision topographic responsibilities. 

A new TOE, which will be implemented in October 1988, increases 

the staff of the division terrain team 

from fivetoeight to meet the growing 

demand for terrain analysis. 

For the new doctrine to succeed, 

division and assistant division engineers must: 

Become familiar with the capabilities and limitations of topographic units. 

*Give high priority to the 

management of topographic engineer resources and execution of 

topographic responsibilities. 

Obtain the special security clearances necessary to operate in the 

all source intelligence arena. 

Corps and Above 

The only doctrinal changes at 

corps and above involve the TOES, 

which will also be implemented in 

October 1988. 

For unity of command, the new 

corps TOE merges the corps terrain 

team as two or more terrain squads 

within the corps topographic 

company. 

Modular TOES are being used to 

tailor engineer topographic organizations at all echelons to the unique 

requirements of the supported 

theater. 

Reach Out 

Whencombat engineersjoin forces 

with topographic engineers to analyze and reinforce the terrain to 

maximum advantage, everybody 

wins. 

The corps and division engineers 

are better advisors to their commanders. 

The G-2s-responsible for 

weather, enemy and terrain intelligence-are better able to carry out 

their intelligence preparation of the 

Arm3 

ent m 

The c ..-A 

.s.m he N 

,n map 6 

ering 40 

z inNor! 

battlefield mission. 

The G-3s can develop concepts of 

operation and detailed plans of execution based on accurate terrain 

information and realistic analyses. 

TheG-4scanoperate with superior 

knowledge of the capabilities and 

limitations of transportation networks. 

The commander knows his entire 

staff is coordinating with the best 

possible terrain information. 

Combat engineers, reach out and 

meet your teammates-the topographic engineers. Together, we can 

meet the challenges of AirLand 

Battle. Divided, we repeat past mistakes. Our choice is clear. 

COL Dauid F. Maune is the 

Director of the Defense Mapping 

School. 

His combat engineer assignments 

included company command at Fort 

Leonard Wood, MO, and S-3 of a 

combat engineer group in Korea. 

His topographic engineer assignments included company command 

and S-3of a topographic engineer 

battalion in Germany; map and 

weather officer for HQ, US Army 

Vietnam; topographicplans officer, 

OACSI, HQDA; command of a topographic battalion in Hawaii; and 

inspector general of the Defense 

Mapping Agency. 

COL Maune has a bachelor's 

degree in mechanical engineering 

from the Uniuersity of Missouri at 

Rolla plus master's and doctorate 

degrees in geodetic science/photogrammetry from the Ohio State 

Uniuersity. He is a graduate of the 

CGSC and the Naval War College. 

lu know? 

zg WWZZ,topographic support inEurope involved over 7,000 personnel who produced 30 

tons or 600,000 maps per day-at a cost of Sf3 

million per month. 

? topograohic unitsproduced 40.000 difi 

laps cov, 10,000square mi 

ampaig~ thernAfrica reg 

-ent map zypes-over 10 million aczuus map 

ormandy Znvasi - 70 

~heets. 

on requi 

,, 

lea. 

uired I,( . . 
Combat Engineer and 

Topographic Engineer 

Missions Intertwine 
- - 

Mobility 

Combat engineers need to detect 

enemy minefields and obstacles in 

order to plan countermine or 

counterobstacle missions. Topographic engineers can predict likely 

locations-saving time and focusing 

the engineer effort. As minefields 

and obstacles are reported, the 

topographic engineers can plot the 

locations and characteristics on map 

overlays for dissemination. 

When a minefield or obstacle is 

neutralized, engineers must report 

through the assistant division or 

corps engineer so the terrain team 

can annotate the master map overlays for dissemination to others. 

To plan a gap or river crossing, 

combat engineers need details about 

the river or gap not available on 

topographic maps. Reconnaissance 

is warranted if terrain and time 

permit. The findings should be funneled to the division or corps terrain 

team. 

When reconnaissance isn't possible, combat engineers should check 

with the terrain team to see whether 

information on the river or gap is 

available in the terrain data base 

(story page 27). Once the gap or river 

is crossed, combat engineers must 

COMBAT ENGINEERS 

share their findings with the terrain 

team so the master map overlays 

can be annotated. 

Reconnaissance is also preferred 

when planning construction and 

repairs of roads, trails or airstrips. 

But if conditions don't permit, the 

terrain team may have useful data. 

Once the roads, trails or airstrips 

are constructed or repaired, information must again be reported 

through the assistant division or 

corps engineer to the terrain team so 

master overlavs can he annotated. 

;RAPHIC ENGINEERS 

Lounfermlne or ~ounrerobstacle 	 repare~txp~olr sranoaro Terrain Factor Overlays 

*Detect minefields a nd obstacles jurface confi guration 

*Plan/e stimate Mace mate rials 

Neutrallre 	 jurface drain age ~~~ BYPass legetat~on 


BretICh Ibstacles 


Clear lransportatlo 


Mark minelields 

*Report 

Gap Cro ssing lit Tailored Overlays 

*Recon1loiter 1 moblltty r+im.+n 	 A *Plan/e,,,,,,.,, "1 >$,Cb"1C' " "c,#rb,c> 

Deploy br~dglng Wet or dry Ineather 

Prepare assault SI *Avenues of a pproach 

Prepare far shore *Landing zone S 

r""~+ruct/emplac, "",,.., ,, ., *Drop zones 

Cross *Prediction of enemy minefields and obstacles 

*Report *Location of construction materials 

--...- - .	Roads. Trails and Forward Aviation llpdate Topographic Map Information 

Combat 	Engineering Jpdate map information on roads, br~r tges, airfield: S

"Recon1	loiter Jpdate other map feature s lor currenl ;y, battle dar nage 

*Plan/e stimate leptct m~nef~elds and obs 
tacles

Construct/reoair 


* Task where terrain information should be exchanged between combat and topographic engineers. 

Do you know? - Maps and charts differ in that- 

*A map is a graphic representation- usually on a 

plane surface and at an established t3cale-01 f the .____:a:_
 earth's natural and artificial feat~rea~uarrroned 

relatine to a: coordinlate refe rence 83'stem. 

*A clzart is a special.-purpose? map, g enera113r designred the t~ srrain tc !am will tailor it. s answeirs to 

vour neeas. 
Countermobility 

Combat engineers normally per- and other tailored products that As countermobility missions are 

form map, ground or aerial recon- identify sites with potentially high executed, engineers and maneuver 

naissance to estimate the best loca- payoffs (story page 27). They are units mustreport them through their 

tions for emplacing minefields, ideal for obstacle planning, followed division and corps engineers so terobstacles and demolitions to deny by ground reconnaissance to verify rain teams can annotate master map 

the enemy mobility. the merits of the site. Without them, overlays and disseminate the inforTopographic engineers can pro- combat engineers can waste valu- mation. 

vide cross-country mobility analyses able time and still end up guessing. 

COMBAT E NGINEERS TOPOGR'APHIC ENGll UEERS 

fare. Obstac le Dernolitioins or ADMs Replroduce Map Overlays ., ...... - liter Sanie as all of the mob~l~ty tanra exLepr IIIUU~II~~rnuuelr 

*Selects1 uJcd for cross-CI suntry mobili ty analyses f 

*Plan/es taskIS are based on character lstlcs of ener 

Execut and wheeled vel iicles. 

*Report 

* Task where terrain information should be exchanged between combat and topographic engineers. 

Survivability 

Survivability involves camouflage Terrain teams can tailor products fighting, protective and decoy posiand concealment, as well as con- that provide information on cover tions, warehouses, hospitals, tunstruction of fighting, protective and and concealment, observation and nels, utilities, food stocks, and POL. 

decoy positions. Each requires a fields of fire, and other information To improve the data base, all new 

reconnaissance, if possible, before to assist in survivability planning. information must be funneled to the 

planning and estimating. They should also depict locations of terrain team. 

iT ENGINEER TOP! 

- ... ng, rrotectlve ana uecov rosltlons Prepareltxplolt btandara ierraln tactor Uvsrlays 

*Rect molter *Surface cor 

'Plan /estimate "Surface ma 

Dellloy assets *Vegetat~on 

Corbstruct 

lrt 

Camouflage and C loi it Tailorecl Overlays *,'.. '-....:. *Iden lily YUIIICII" 

/e Stlmate conceal me^it potential fl rom horizont. al/vertical 

110 y assets observat~on 

Cor1struct *Observat~or)/fields of fir e maps, line of sight for 

*Rep[~rt weapons ;~ndradar 

Enhance Tor lographic MI ~p lntorrnatlon ........... 
 UlUdfl dled maps 

r.*n,,,ar *n Fac~l~t~es (~a,,~,~~,,,. aqdsp~tals, tunnels)

Utilities 

Food stocks 

POL 

. ... Reproduce Map Overlays 

* Task where terrain information should be exchanged between combat and topographic engineers. 

ENGINEEWFall-Winter 1986 
Summary 

If you feel that combat and topo- MAJ Thomas E. Mathews is the and mobile assault bridge comgraphic engineers have totally dif- Mapping, Charting and Geodesy panies, S-I of combat heauy and 

ferent functions, think again. Both Doctrine Deuelopment Coordinator assault bridge battalions, and 

have the mission to exploit or rein- at theDefense MappingSchool. His assistant S-3 of a combat heauy 

force the terrain. Both advise their topographic engineer assignments battalion. 

commanders on how to best use the include command of the Terrain MAJMathews has bachelor'sand 

battlefield terrain. Both require AnalysisDetachmentsupportingZZZ master's degrees in physical geog 

"terrain sense." Both need the best Corps, and Chief of the Terrain raphy from the Uniuersity of 

possibleterraininformationandrely Evaluation Division, Defense Map- Michigan. He is a graduate of the 

on each other to get it. ping School. Command and General Staff 

The better we understand this His combat engineer assignments College. 

concept,the better engineers we are, include command of panel bridge 

and the stronger the Army we 

support. 

Do you know? 

The Defense Mapping Agency (DMA) inventories 

over 21,000 different 1:50,000 scale topographic 

maps-a fraction of the line items in the total DMA 

inventory. 

Even so, less than 50 percent of the world's land 

area has been mapped at a scale of 1:50,000 and 

only 80percent at a scale of1:250,000,according to 

a U.N. study. 

Writer's Guidelines 

Do you have any articles, photographs, or art- Letters to the Editor. 

work to submit to ENGINEER?Here are some tips. Lessons Learned. 

TOPIC: We focus on combat engineering; 

however, any articles of interest to engineers are 

welcome. Write inactivevoice and beasconcise as 

possible. Please give your article a title, too. 

LENGTH: Let your subject dictate length; 

generally, articles should be two to six pages, 

double spaced. 

PHOTOGRAPHS AND ARTWORK: Besides photographs and artwork which supplement 

articles, photographers and artists should submit 

any work that may be of interestto engineers. Your 

photos should be 5 x 7 black and white, glossy. 

Please include acaption and photocredit. Drawings 

should be legible, but do not have to be camera 

ready. 

News and Notes. 

Personal Viewpoint. 

ENGINEER PROBLEM: Please submit your 

challenging-but not too hard-Engineer Problems. Problemsshould be referenced to a manual, 

but must be original. They should be checked for 

accuracy and should strengthen combat engineer 

skills as well. 

COVER LETTER: When submitting materialto 

ENGINEER, enclose a cover letter with your name, 

address, and phone number. Also, please include 

biographical information such as military and 

civilian education and past and present assignments. 

If you have any questions, please call us. 

DEPARTMENTS: We are always looking for (703) 664-3082, AV 354. 

items for our departments: 
Topographic Support 

Around the World 

by Penelope Schmitt 

Today's topographic misand forward, moving toward flexibility and specialized 

services. Units provide field commanders with tailored terrain information; cartographic effort 

emphasizes command-unique products; decentralized product storage 

and distribution prevails; and surThe 30th Engineer Battalion, 

under the command of the 4th 

Engineer Brigade, receives peacetime missions from FORSCOM HQ 

and coordinates wartime planning 

with Third Army and CENTCOM. 

These linkages give the 30th an 

open line of communication throughout the Army. 

While its counterparts often operate by deploying special teams to 

contingency areas, the 30th deploys 

much of its complement to the area 

of operations in order to provide full 

topographic support. Strong in arid 

area operations, the unit exercises 

throughout the western and southwestern United States and has taken 

its specialized skills to Honduras, 

Egypt and Jordan. 

The 29th Engineer Battalion, 

based in Hawaii, provides topographic support to the Pacific 

Command. Operating over a vast 

area, the 29th'~ flexible force can 

sustain simultaneous operations in 

widely separated areas. 

The Rapid Mapping Support 

Team (RMST) 

The 29th'~ rapid mapping support 

teams provide swift, deployable, 

topographic support to contingency 

and wartime operations. The specialized teams field 16 to 20 members 

with up to four pieces of missionessential equipment. When deveyors support positioning and vironment and the special needs of 

alignment missions. the commands it serves. 

To meet these new challenges, the These four battalions can provide 

topographic battalions are devel- every US field commander in the 

oping programs unique to their world with flexible, deployable, 

missions. Each battalion-the 30th tailored topographic support on the 

at Fort Belvoir, VA, the 29th in AirLand battlefield. All you have to 

Hawaii, and the 649th in West do is ask. 

Germany and the 1203d (NG) in 

Alabama-reflects its theater en-

*'he 30th Engineer Battalion 

A Test Bed for New Systems- exercises followed, culminatingin a 

The Topographic Support battalion FTX to test the equipment 

System (TSS) in the field. 

The 30th, collocated with the US By January 1986, the 30th was 

Army Engineer School, is an ideal ready to deploy a fully trained rapid 

test bed for emerging doctrine and response element for exercise 

equipment. One of the battalion's Gallant Knight. On the way, the 

prime achievements this year is its battalion proved the TSS's excellent 

success in integrating, training and roadability and learned the limitatesting the TSS. tions of its air deployahility-only 

In October 1985, the battalion re- two of the system's loaded semiceived the TSS, and its soldiers trailerrigs could beairliftedon each 

trained on the new equipment. C5A transport. 

During the post-training phase, the In just four months, the 30th 

30th conducted an emergency de- successfully integrated and employment readiness exercise, per- ployedtheTSS,deployingeffectively 

forming a full load out and a static and providing a major exercise with 

load onto C5A aircraft, checking cartographic and reproduction 

personnelforoverseasdeployability, support. 

and conducting a convoy. Other 

'he 29th Engineer Battalion 

ployed, the RMST can support a uations, the RMST program gives 

limited operation or serve with other tactical commanders forward topounits to support follow-on echelon graphic support and createsaunique 

forces. training environment for topoThe29th trains two to four RMSTs graphic soldiers. 

each year. Selected soldiers are 

assigned to an RMST for intensive Tailored Topographic 

technical and tactical training. All Products-The World You Need 

team members cross-train in each to See 

other's MOSS to ensure full coverage The special maps produced by the 

of topographic and equipment 29th exemplify the made-to-order 

maintenance skills. support commands can expect from 

The RMSTs deployed in 1985 and all the topographic battalions. As 

1986 to the Team Spirit and Ulchi always, DMA's standard products 

Focus Lens exercises in Korea and are the maps of first resort. But 

the Balik-Samahan exercise in the standard maps can't always do the 

Philippines. In these and other sit- job.Topographicsupportcanmodify 

17 
existingproductsor createnew ones. LOCD information in a highlighted 

They can- color. 

Change scale. Team Spirit Black Map-Army 

Enhance or delete selected aviators needed to seemap features 

material. and flight hazards under blue-green 

Combinemap sheetstocenter the artificial light. The 29th developed 

area of interest. and tested four prototypes during 

Add information. Team Spirit 86.Thesemapsreversed 

Create or enhance a map with the normal use of colors. They were 

photography orintelligencedata. less reflective in the cockpit, more 

Create a photobased map. readable under all lighting, and 

compatible with night vision 

The 29th has recently worked with goggles. 

a variety of customersto design and DMZ Flight Map-The customer 

produce these tailored products: asked to see authorized flight corLines Of Communications Desig- ridors along the DMZ in Korea. 

nator (L0CD)-The customer Accuratedepictionofthesecomdors 

needed a graphic index for existing is critical, because aircraft outside 

computerized highway and railway them are treated as likely hostiles. 

data. The resulting map showed all Flight information was overprinted 

base map features except water in in highlighted colors on standard 

subdued black and overprinted the base maps. 

The 649th Engineer Battalio 

The expert in topography for climate conditions can shape milUSAREUR is the 649th Engineer itary operations. The 649th'~seven 

Battalion. Headquartered in terrain detachments provide direct 

Schwetzingen, the 649th has sub- IPB support to USAREUR corps 

ordinate units stationed throughout and divisions. During the 1986 

West Germany. The battalion is REFORGER Certain Sentinel exermobile throughout Europe, sending cise,the 526th Engineer Detachment 

elements to locations as diverse as proved the varied-and valuableSpain, Italy, Turkey and Holland. potential of terrain analysis. MaLike its counterparts, the 649th pro- neuver restriction maps based on 

vides a wide variety of topographic their intensive soil and weather 

support services, including stan- condition analysisdard, nonstandard and quick- *Prevented vehicles from miring 

response map products. in soft or wet terrain. 

Protected valuable farmland and 

Intelligence Preparation of the populated areas. 

Battlefield (1PB)-REFORGER The analysis thus contributed 

1986 immeasurably to a safe exercise. It 

One of thefastest-growingaspects also reduced the fiscal and political 

of topographic support is terrain priceof Certain Sentinelby avoiding 

analysis. Knowledge of natural and damage to host nation lands and 

manmade features, weather, and cutting the cost of reparations. 

Hokkaido Terrain Analysis 

Maps-The customer needed terrain 

analysis maps at 1:250,000 scale. 

Since no DMA standard terrain 

factor overlays existed for this area, 

the customer obtained host nation 

support. A montage of several map 

sheets formed each base map. To 

date,twosheets have been produced 

with overprints showing LOCs, 

cross-countrymovement for wheeled 

vehicles, and concealment. The last 

two overprints show winter/dry 

season and summer/wet season 

conditions. 

The ability to visualize the terrain 

the way you need to see it is vital to 

the success of your military operation. This sampling of the support 

the 29th provides the Pacific Command typifies the topographic resources that are yours to exploit. 

.. 

Planning topographic support for 

REFORGERstartsa year beforethe 

exercise. For Certain Sentinel, 

advance production and quickresponse support resulted in a distribution of 1.7 million map 

produets-12 maps for every soldier 

participating in the exercise. 

Nonstandard maps supplemented 

standard topographic, cross-country 

movement, and road and bridge 

maps. These were available for issue 

at all times at corps map supply 

points. 

The diversified 649th keeps pace 

with the demands of tactical commanders, providing both standard 

and tailored support that mirrors 

changing developments on the 

modern battlefield. 

The 1203d Engineer Battalion 

Based in Dothan, Alabama, the for all Reserve, ROTC and National analysis teams supply 8th Division 

1203dEngineerBattalion,Alabama Guard units in the Southeastern (NG) commanders with specialNational Guard, provides topo- United States. In overseas deploy- purpose map products, and team 

graphic support both in theU.S. and ment for NATO's topographic exer- elements have participated in FTXs 

overseas. Its HQ, cartographic, and cise, DOMINATE,the battalion has and CPXs in almost all 50 states. As 

survey companies, together with operated map depots under wartime a provider of timely, tailored map 

eight terrain analysis teams, offer conditions. products and terrain analysis, the 

high-quality topographic services. The 1203dcan also stand up to the 1203d exemplifies the high standThe 1203d. like its active Army active Army battalions in tailored ards of readiness and capability the 

counterparts, offers both standard support capability. It is now ac- National Guard maintains. 

and specializedtopographic support. quiring the new TSS, and will train 

For example, the battalion is the on the system in January and Penelope Schmitt is the Features 

primary source of maps and charts February of 1987. Its eight terrain Editor for ENGINEER magazine. 
The key is teamworkto Vietnam 

ALL topographic engineers are in the terrain 

information business. But terrain information 

is not generated in a vacuum. Data must come 

from those who know-combat engineers, 

infantrymen, aviators and others. 

by COL David F. Maune 

mIn the mid-l960s, I spent -

three years in key assign- 

-- ments with the engineer - topographic battalion in Germany. 

We produced terrain studies specified by FM 30-10, Military Geographic Intelligence (Terrain). 

These terrain studies included a 

series of 1:250,000 maps-each with 

separate map overprints depicting 

soils, rock types, drainage, vegetation and landforms. 

We compiled data from each 

country before publishing the final 

study-a 24- x 30-inch confidential 

book, 1inch thick. HQ USAREUR 

directed us to produce these terrain 

studies. But we never knew if they 

were needed or used. 

Reassigned to Vietnam, I served 

as the map and weather officer in 

the G-2 office at HQ, US Army 

Vietnam. I visited both corps (called 

field forces in Vietnam), every division and brigade, and several battalions. At each TOC, I asked the 

G-28, G-3s, S-2s and S-3s, "Are you 

satisfied or dissatisfied with your 

topographic support?" 

The answers I received from the 

two corps were totally opposite. 

In one corps, the consensus was 

that topographic engineers were 

worthless. In the other corps, the 

unanimous response was that topographic engineers were force multipliers essential to successful combat 

operations. 

Each corps was supported by an 

identical organization-one topographic company and one terrain 

team. I wanted to know what we 

were doing right in one half of 

Vietnam and wrong in the other. 

In the corps that had taken a dim 

view of its topographic support, the 

units were applying FM 30-10 doctrine...much as we had done in 

Germany. For security reasons, the 

units burned the 1:250,000 scale terrain studies upon receipt. 

Confidential analyses of soils, 

geology, drainage, vegetation and 

landforms at any scale were of no 

use to the combined arms team. The 

topographic engineers had not 

talked with their customers to see 

what they really wanted or needed. 

The doctrine clearly didn't fit the 

war in Vietnam ...and probably 

didn't serve the customer in 

Germany either. 

In the corps that considered topographic engineers indispensable, 

terrain analysts regularly visited 

the combat units. They explained 

topographic unit capabilities and 

limitations and asked their customers what they needed. A team spirit 

emerged. 

The combat units wanted their 

obsolete 1:50,000 scale maps updated 

regularly and wanted map overlays 

or overprints of intelligence and 

operations information. The combat 

units provided most of the data 

based on their reconnaissance, and 

the topographic engineers tailored 

products to meet their combat needs. 

Here's how the system worked: 

Whenever a reconnaissance patrol, task force, aviator or driver 

found map information to be obsolete, they reported the problem to the 

G-28, G-36, S-2s or 5-38 so the map 

could be updated. This data was 

funneled to the terrain team, which 

maintained mylar overlaysfor every 

1:50,000 scale topographic map 

within the corps' area of responsibility. 

I watched terrain analysts brief a 

reconnaissance team on expedient 

measurement techniques and specificitems tocheck when on patrol. I 

saw mapoverlays with approximate 
traces of jungle trails not found on 

standard topographic maps. Annotations showed where bridges had 

VMAlhas Opened a new customer assistance ottlceto handle lnquirles trom 

all users of DMA products and services. Located in the DMA Office of 

Distribution Services in Washington. DC, the customer assistance office- - klps to obtain DMA products and s ~ ~ ~ ~ ; ~ o ~ 

Ine customer a! 

le customer assistance' 26-0342,commercial 

17-2495,AV 287. 

te Mapping Agency Crisis Management Team. 

!6-0342. secure ~~34. commerctal (3u11LLI-~4~3.HV L 

The crisis management team also handles requirementsfor nonstandard 

mapping, chartingand geodesy products beyond thecapability of supporting 

Army topographic units. 

-During duty hours, call the crisis management team-commercial 

(202) 653-1401,secure 2305, AV 2! 

Outside normal duty hoc 

653-1375,AV 294. 

Defens ;e Mappir

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~gAgencyI Customt!r Assista 

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[nee Offic 

been destroyed or added since the 

maps were last revised. Some of the 

annotations depicted enemy intelligence-locationsof suspededenemy 

organizations and road locations 

with frequent enemy ambushes. 

A day or two before a combat 

operation, the TOC staff visited the 

terrain team to personally review 

the overlays and add intelligence 

and operations information-helicopter landing zones, unit boundary 

symbols, artillery fire control plans. 

The terrain analysts compiled this 

information so it could be overprintedon 1:50,000scaletopographic 

maps of the combat area. Then, 

cartographers drafted the information to make it suitable for reproduction. The map distribution platoon provided several hundred 

copies of the standard, bcolor topographic maps. Themap reproduction 

platoon used a 6th color to overprint 

this new intelligence and operations 

information on the maps. 

Just hours before a combat operation began, hundreds of unclassified, 

overprinted maps were furnished at 

the tactical scale. The information 

was so "hot off the press" there was 

no time for it to fall into enemy 

hands. 

On 24-hournotice,theterrainteam 

and corps topographic company 

furnished the combat units with indispensable topographic products. 

These topographic units effectively 

communicated with their customers 

and worked with them as a team. 

Published doctrine didn't fit, so -DOYOU know? 

topographic engineers improvised 

with astounding results. Although 

the terrain team performed many 

tasks normally done by the cartographic platoon of a topographic 

company, they did what was necessary to contribute to the success of 

combat operations. 

Thekey was teamwork. Thepayoff 

was a terrain data base that couldbe 

tapped at a moment's notice. The 

lesson is clear. If we exchange 

information habitually in peacetime, 

we will do it instinctively in war. 

COL Dauid F. Maune is Director, 

Defense Mapping School (DMS), 

Fort Beluoir, VA. 

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Tdpogrdphic Research 

arid I De~blopment I 

to know the layout before you can compete. Accurate, 

timely terrain information helps commanders make 

quick decisions-allowing them to fight outnumbered 

against superior firepower and win. 

by COL Alan L. Laubscher and Sandra J. Cleva 

Technology is about to numbers-already allows military map information that is stored, pro- mrevolutionize battlefield missiles to hit targets with extreme cessed and read by computers. 

topographic support. Dur- accuracy and lets fighter pilots fine- The Defense Mapping Agency being the next decade, commanders tune their skills on aircraft simu- gan producing digital topographic 

will be getting terrain information lators without leaving the runway. data in the 1970s. Although the 

at unprecedented speeds in new, New weapons systems-the agency still produces millions of 

more useful forms. Pershing 11, cruise missile and paper maps a year, digital data now 

Digital topographic data-trans- FIREFINDER counterartillery and accounts for more than half its 

lating the earth's surface into countermortar radars-depend on output. 
Theagency currently produces two 

basic types of digital topographic 

data: 

Digital terrain eleuation data 

uses a matrix of uniformlv soaced 

points to describe the shape bf the 

earth's surface-its mountains, hills 

and valleys in x, y, z coordinates. 

Digital feature analysis data 

describes the characteristics and 

geographic locations of manmade 

structures and natural landscape 

features using a series of x,y coordinates. DFAD depicts point features 

(towers, single buildings, silos), 

linear features (roads, rivers, power 

lines, runways, bridges) and areal 

features (fields, built-up areas, 

woods, lakes). 

Scientists at the Engineer Topographic Laboratories are now working to bring the digital data revolution to soldiers in the field. 

DTSS 

The Digital Topographic Support 

System-scheduled for fielding in 

1991-will automate much of the 

work now involved in terrain acalysis. Instead of hardcopy overlays, 

slide rules and calculators, terrain 

analysts will use computerized digital topographic data bases. 

DTSS will replace the direct support section of the topographic support system and will be mounted on 

a 5-ton truck. Plans call for one 

system per division, two per corps 

aid twdfor echelons above corps: 

DTSS will give terrain teams 

access to more than 20 different 

terrain analysis programs which fall 

into two categories: interuisibility 

and mobility. 

Intervisibility analyses use elevation and vegetation data to define 

areas that can be seen electronically 

or optically. 

Products include terrain profiles, 

masked area plots, perspective 

views, flight line masking graphics, 

minimum detection altitude computations and oblique projections. 

They help commandersdetermine 

the best locations for systems by 

showing the effects of terrain on-

* Weapons performance. 

Communications facilities. 

Short-rangeradar. 

Other battlefield sensors. 

DIGITAL TOPOGRAPHIC SUPPORT SYSTEM 

(DTSS) 

QUICK RESPONSE MULITCOLOR PRINTER 

(QRMP) 
For example, intervisibility analysis plots target acquisitionshowing radar's range of coverage 

for targets approaching at different 

altitudes. 

Mobility products help commanders in deciding where to maneuver men and equipment by-

* Computing the probability of 

aerial detection for troops and 

vehicles. 

Examining lines of communication. 

Predicting possible river crossing 

sites. 

Identifying optimal helicopter 

landing and drop zones, infiltration routes and air avenues of 

approach. 

For example, the cross-country 

movement model shows a vehicle's 

off-road speed capabilities by comparing performance characteristics 

like climb and override to the slope, 

soil and vegetation found in the 

proposed area of operation. 

QRMP 

The Quick Response Multicolor 

Printer will soon give the Army fast, 

combat-oriented reproduction capability-making it easier to copy terrain graphics, maps and other products in the field. 

What takes 27 soldiers and ten 30-

foot vans full of equipment today 

will take one soldier and a 20-foot 

container on a 5-ton truck. 

Fielding will begin in 1992.Plans 

call fortwo systems at corps and one 

Artificial Intelligence 

Scientists are experimenting with 

artificial intelligence as a way to 

transfer some of the slow,laborious 

work involved in interpreting aerial 

photos from man to machine. 

Artificial intelligence allows computers to manipulate symbolic data 

using informal decision-making 

rules. Like human specialists, the 

computers apply inferential reasoning, logic,deduction and a stored 

knowledge base to interpret information and solve problems. 

Two demonstration projects now 

focus on using artificial intelligence 

to determine drainage networks and 

identify urban features like roads 

and buildings. 

Researchers are also evaluating 

potential uses for terrain data from 

NASA space platforms and satellite-basedsensors. Information from 

multispectral sensors from NASA's 

Landsat program is being merged 

with terrain elevation data from the 

DefenseMapping Agency to produce 

three-dimensional perspectives. 

Future studies will explore ways to 

generate tactical terrain graphics 

from multispectral imagery. 

Computer Image Generation 

Computer image generationrealistic pictures created by combining digital terrain data with 

information from maps, photographs and satellite imagery-is 

also on the horizon. 

Computer-generated images are 

already being used for flight simulators and other training devices. 

The Engineer Topographic Laboratories are exploring possible applications for mission planning and 

battlefield management. 

These images may prove an ideal 

command and control tool by eliminating much of the interpretation 

involved in map reading. 

Commanders could then see the 

hills, trees,roadsand waterways that 

make up the battlefield while planning their operation. 

COL Alan L. Laubscher commands the Engineer Topographic 

Laboratories. He served previously 

as district engineer for the Corps of 

Engineers Galveston District. He 

commanded a combat engineer 

company in Korea and a combat 

engineer battalion in Germany. 

He has a bachelor's degree in 

industrial engineering from Stanford University and a master's degree in geodetic science from Ohio 

State. He is a graduate of the CGSC 

and the Army War College. 

Sandra J. Cleva,formerly apublic 

affairs specialist at the Engineer, 

Topographic Laboratories, now 

works for the Department of the 

Interior. 

system per terrain team at echelons nn.ma. bmn.~,? 

above corps, corps and division. 

The QRMP uses a dry printing 

process with a laser scanner. It will 

cut printing time for field-generated 

graphics from 8 hours to 5 

minutes-turning out 75 multicolor 

or 225 monochromecopies per hour. 

The first printers fielded will reproduce almost any type of hardcopy product-including standard 

maps, annotated maps, terrain 

analysis graphics, transparent 

overlays, photographs and captured 

enemy documents. 

Later, a digital interface will let 

soldiers print hardcopy products 

directly from digital terrain data 

provided by the Defense Mapping 

Agency or DTSS. 

DMA producespointpositioning data bases used 

by Army, Navy,Air Force andMarine Corpsunits 

equipped with the analytical photogrammetric 

positioning system to perform hasty point positioning surveys in friendly or enemy territory. 

System operators for all services are trained at 

the DefenseMapping School (DMS),FortBelvoir, 

VA. 

Although some courses are very modern-usi 

satellites to establish accurate positions on t 

ground-DMS also teaches technology that .I 

hundreds of years old-plane table surveying 

popular when George Washii as a topographic surveyor. 

agton w 
Terrain Analysis Data Bases- 


by CW2 Kathleen Hawes 

flA Topographic units, especially engineer terrain teams. are in the terrain 

information business. Every commander, staff officer, soldier and 

weapons system is a potential customer for our business. 

Ask terrain analysts about the 

terrain or the impact of weather on 

the terrain, and we give you a professional answer-the best we can 

in the time available. 

If we have a current terrain analysis data base covering the area in 

question, we can give good answers 

in minutes or hours. If we don't have 

the data base, we're all in a heap of 

The surface configuration 

factor overlay portrays the 

maximum slope of the surface at 

each point on the ground, expressed 

as percent of slope. Areas are expressed as maximum slope into 

categories: 0-3percent (A), 3-10 percent (B). 10-20 percent (C), 20-30 

percent (D), 30-45 percent (E), over 

45 percent (F)and open water (W). 

Data from this overlay is normally 

used only by terrain analysts, but 

combat engineers could determine 

locations for roads or airfields with 

slope limitations-for example, airfields with slopes under 3 percent. 

The surface materials factor 

overlay portrays the soil on the 

surface using the categories of the 

unified soils classification system. 

The CL in the example is an inorganic clay, and the ML is an inorganic silt. The third digit indicates 

surface roughness. Soil categories 

are further identified by moisture 

content. Dots underlining the category indicate a moist soil, and 

dashes indicate a wet soil. 

This information is useful for 

combat engineers when planning 

construction or repairs of roads, 

trails and airstrips. This information is vital to terrain analysts 

performing cross-country trafficability analyses. 

trouble; it might take days, weeks or 

months to collect the raw terrain 

data needed. 

The terrain analysis data base is 

our library of information from 

which analyses are prepared to 

answer specific questions. The data 

base consists of a series of terrain 

factor overlays described below. 

Terrain Factor Overlays 

Terrain factor overlays are normaliy produced by the Defense 

Mapping Agency (DMA) for use by 

terrain analysts, but may be produced by engineer terrain teams to 

DMA specifications. 

DMA produces these overlays at 

two scales-the tactical terrain 

analysis data base at 1:50,000 scale 

and the planning terrain analysis 

data base at 1:250,000 scale. 

There are six standard tactical 

terrain analysis overlays for each 

1:50,000 scale topographicmap. The 

data bases for overseas geography 

are usually classified confidential or 

higher because of their potential 

value to the enemy. Data bases of 

the United States are normally 

unclassified, but are available only 

for selected training areas. 

burtace contlguratlon 

A 0 


A 

aurtace materials 

qy * 


MLl ... 
What's in them for YOU? 


The surface drainage factor vurrace aralnage 

overlay portrays bodies of water on 

the earth's surface. Lakes, ponds 

and reservoirs are depicted as open 

bodies of water. 

Rivers, streams, canals and 

ditches are defined using a ninedigit code to indicate the type of 

feature, gap width, bottom materials, height of right and left banks 

looking downstream, slope of right 

and left banks, average water velocity, and average water depth. The 

overlay's legend explains the symbols and nine-digit codes. 

This information is extremely 

valuable to combat engineers plan- 

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413233171 0 -. w' 

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ning river-crossing operations. . I A 

The vegetation factor overlay 

divides vegetation into categories of 

tactical significance. Coded letters 

and numbers indicate types, canopy 

closure and tree height. 

A vegetation factor table provides 

detailed information on average tree 

diameter and tree spacing plus the 

vegetation roughness factor on the 

forest floor used in trafficability 

analyses. 

The vegetation factor overlay is 

also used by terrain analysts to calculateline-of-sight and provide cover 

and concealment information for 

survivability missions. 

The obstacles factor overlay 

portrays linear terrain features that 

form natural obstacles not normally 

identifiable on a toooeraohic .-. mao. 

All obstacles shown are over 1.5 

meters high and longer than 250 

meters. Obstacles include road and 

railroad cuts and fills, escarpments, 

embankments, depressions, fences 

and walls, and other microrelief 

features. 

This information is a tremendous 

benefit to combat engineers making 

obstacle plans. 
The transportation factor 

overlay portrays selected roads, 

bridges, tunnels, ferries, railroads 

and airfields over which troops and 

supplies could be moved during 

military operations. 

Information shown on theoverlay 

includes roadway widths; steep 

grades; length, width, and runway 

surfaces; and bridge information 

such as length, width, overhead 

clearance and bypass potential. A 

bridge identification number crossreferences a bridgedata table which 

gives added information, including 

construction material, span length 

and underbridge clearance. 

This is important information for 

combat engineers, G-3s, G-4s and 

others requiring lines of communication data. 

The planning terrain analysis 

data bases at the smaller scale are 

similar to the tactical terrain analysis data bases but also include 

special terrain overlays on water 

resources for arid areas. These are 

specifically designed to assist engineers in locating water supplies. 

Combat Engineer Input 

Combat engineers are uniquely 

qualified to fill voids in these data 

bases or to verify the accuracy of the 

data bases often derived through 

analyses of aerial photography. 

With the establishment of ground 

truth, engineer advice to commanders can be given with far 

greater confidence. 

Combat engineers are well qualified to classify soils, roads, bridges 

or airfields and provide data for the 

nine-feature codes for rivers on the 

surface drainage factor overlays. 

All engineers must recognize in 

peacetime the need for maintaining 

accurate and up-to-date terrain 

factor overlays. If and when the 

Airland Battle begins, we must be 

ready. 

Having our terrain analysis data 

base complete and ready at all times 

is the only way engineers can be 

prepared for war. This is the key to 

the library which contains answers 

to theinfinite variations ofquestions 

that commanders mieht ask about 

the terrain on whichthe battle is 

planned and fought. 

I Transportation 

CW2 Kathleen Hawes is the the2d Infantry Division. (For three 

Course Manager for the Basic Ter- consecutive years, thisterrain team 

rain Analysis Course at the Defense was cited as the key to success in the 

Mappingschool. She haspreviously annual Team Spirit exercises in 

served as Chief of the 527th Engi- Korea.) 

neer Detachment (Terrain) serving 

~n~ineer Problem 

I- I 

Before a field exercise, you carefully tape together two adjacent maps that 

cover yourareaof operation. Youobservethat thegridsofthetwomapsdonot 

line up. 

You are planning a night move from point A to point 8. At point A, the 

measured grid azimuth is 6Z0. At point B, the measured grid azimuth is 246'. 

What is the magnetic azimuth from point A to point B? I I
 I MAP A MAP B I 

Engrneer Problem/Solur~on submitted by MAJ Edward Wright. Advanced Tech- I nology Division, Defense Mapping School. I 

Terrain Analysis: 


Tailored to the Customer 


Did you ever ask a terrain analyst to give you a 

terrain analvsis " of the area of . o~erations? That's

like asking for an ice cream cone without 

knowing they come in many flavors. 

by CW2 Frederick N. Pessaro, Jr. 

mThere are hundreds of dif- Artillery unitsrequirechokepoint Intelligence personnel need a 

ferent kinds of terrain analyses to preplan artillery fires. variety of terrain analysis products 5-analyses, each designed to Engineers need analyses of rivers to support the intelligence preparaanswer specific questions from the to plan river crossing operations or tion of the battlefield. This includes 

supported commander or staff. Ter- forecast floods. They need to locate analyses of how the weather affects 

rain analyses are normally tailored water in arid regions. They need the terrain for both friendly and 

from information contained on analyses of soils, geology or timber enemy forces. 

appropriate terrain factor overlays for construction. They need analyses Signal units require analyses of 

(story page 24), augmented by the of roads, bridges, pipelines, airfields, intervisibility for site selection of 

latest information available in the ports, landing beaches and other communication facilities. 

All Source Intelligence Center with- features affecting movement of sup Transportation units require 

in the TOC. plies. They need many terrain anal- analyses of all forms of lines of 

The combined arms team as a ysis products to support mobility, communications for logistics planwhole needs analyses of the military countermobility, survivability and ning. 

aspects of terrain known as the general engineering site selection, Marines may ask for assistancein 

OCOKA factors: observation and planning and estimating. analyzing the terrain for special 

fields of fire. cover and concealment. 

obstacles, key terrain, and avenues 

of approach. 

Infantry units areinterestedin all 


of these, but airborne units need 


special drop zone analyses, and 


airmobile units need landing zone 


analyses. 


Aviation units requireanalysesof 


hazards to navigation, especially 


when flying nap-of-the-earth. They 


also need information on airfields 


and support facilities. 


Armor units require analyses of 

cross-country movement. This requires synthesis of several terrain 

factor overlays (surface configuration, materials and drainage, vegetation, obstacles), mobility characteristics of specified tracked or 

wheeled vehicles, and current moisture conditions which affect soil 

trafficability. (Terrain teams in 

Europe have analyzed these same 

factors in peacetime to reduce SP4 Rogers, 410, 688th Engineer Detachment, updates a terrain 

maneuver damage during recent overlay for Golden Saber XIII. 

REFORGER exercises.) 
M-60 tank Cross Country 

Mobility (CCM) analysis near 

Quantico, VA. CCM overlays 

are used by terrain teams in 

analyzing potential mobility 

corridors and avenues of 

approach for specified tactical 

formations. Best locations for 

demolitions, minefields or 

other obstacles are quickly 

apparent even though such 

locations are not obvious from 

topographic map analyses or 

actual reconnaissance. Such 

products are frequently 

classified because of their 

potential value to the enemy. 

Time constraints cause such 

overlays to be normally 

produced in black and white 

rather than in color as shown 

here for demonstration 

purposes. 

GO-AREA 


> 15 KPH 


SLOW-GO AREA 
 / 1.5-15 KPH 


NO-GO AREA 

< 1.5 KPH 

amphibious operations. rain; fire; and conventional, chemiAir Force units may ask for help cal or nuclear weapons on the 

in analyzing natural or man-made terrain. 

terrain features for selection of In high-intensity warfare, the teroptimal ordnance todestroy targets. rain is altered drastically. The terTerrain teams have been asked to rain analyst must continuously 

analyze the effects of smoke; fog; track those battlefield terrain 

D o you know? 

We did not have division terrain teams and terrain 

analysis warrant officers until 1981. The Defense 

Mappi ncy firr ved the missiolIto 

produc in anab c bases a few yt ears 

ago. 

n. 

mnce rnen, engcneer rerracn reams nave naa a 

dramatic influence in helping commanders see the 

battlefield and use the terrain to maximum advantage. 

Finally, com~s are using various forms ofterrain 

analyses to analyze the battlefield terrain before 

preparing the concept of operations. 

changes and analyze the effects on 

military operations. 

So, the next time you need a terrain 

analysis, considertheabove. If these 

options don't suit your taste, step 

right up so we can measure your 

needs and tailor our products to fit. 

CW2 Frederick N. Pessaro Jr. is 

Course Manager of the Aduanced 

Terrain Analysis Course at the 

Defense Mapping School. 

His previous assignments include: 

Chief, 524th Engineer Detachment 

(Terrain), 2d Armored Division, Fort 

Hood, TX; ISG, 526th Engineer 

Detachment (Terrain) (VIZ Corps); 

and NCOZC, Theater Terrain Team 

of the 649th Engineer Battalion 

(Topo) (TA), Schwctzingen, FRG. 

28 
Lessons Learned -621B Scraper 


Lessons Learned features thoughts on tactical issues worthy of reflection 

and professional debate. Many questions have arisen concerning the 

capabilities and limitations of the 621B scraper, which is replacing the 

290M tractor and 830MB scraper. The Engineer School is conducting a 

survey of 225 units to gather more data. Here are excerpts of comments 

from the 92d Engineer Battalion (CH), Fort Stewart, GA, based on 16 

months of experience with eight scrapers. The views expressed do not 

necessarily reflect doctrine or policy of the Engineer School. 

Issue. What is the 6218 supposed to do? 

Ob~e~ationS.Earthmoving contractors have used this Caterpillar 

scraper as their primary earthmover with great success. It is more 

maneuverable, faster and lighter than either the 830MB scraper or 

290M tractor. Extra weightcauses both maneuverability problemsand 

soil bearing problemsin many typesof soil.The621Blacksthepowerto 

pull itself in some soils-but notall. Forexample, it can often excavate 

the sandy soils of southern Georgia by the pan alone; however, this is 

notthe mosteconomical way tooperate. Whena scraper pullsitself.lhe 

heat exchanged through the tirecauses premature failure. Replacement 

tires cost $2.600 to $3,000. Some contractors have gone bankrupt by 

mismanaging this aspect of maintenance. 

Issue. The 6218 gets stuck. and units spend exorbitant amounts of 

time recovering it. 

Observation. The only reason for this is possibly inexperienced 

operators. When used with a push cat, this piece of equipment should 

never get stuck. If stuck, the 6218 can be retrieved by any dozer 

organic tothe unit. By comparison, we haveseen 290Mssostuck that. 

because of their weight, they had to be recovered by a tank retriever. 

Issue. The 6218 has no bull blade-a loss which has tremendous 

impact on production. 

Observation. Effective use in scraper/push cat operations will help 

alleviate the problem. A 1:l ratio of push cats to scrapers is wasteful 

and unnecessary.There arethree primary methodsof usinga push cat: 

back-track loading,chain loading and shuttleloading. If these are used 

wisely. a 3:l or 4:l scraper to push cat ratio can be achieved. 

Issue. Are there special maintenance or parts problems? 


Obse~atiOn. In 16 months, the only problem not due to normal wear 


and tear wasin thetachometersendingunit,and it was rectified. Parts 


for Caterpillar equipment are available worldwide-a major advantage 


over the 830MB and 290M, which were used only by the Army. Since 


the 6218 was fielded at the users' request, some units received it 


before parts were stocked in the Army inventory. This is not a problem 


with the equipment-just an example of getting the cart before the 


horse. 


Issue. What about stability or possible blind spots? 


Observation. Problems can only be attributed to inexperience. The 


Army should spend more time and effort training operators. The 


improved maneuverability of the 6218 definitely outweighs any 


possible blind spots. 


Issue. Durability. 


Observations. The 6218 has proven its durability and reliability. 


making it popular with earthwork contractors today. The Army has 


finally broken away from the concept that one piece of equipment can 


do everything. It has bought a tried and tested piece of name-brand 


equipment that performs scraping-its primary mission-well. 


The POC for Lessons Learned is DOES.The Engineer School wantsto 

hear your training experiences-good and bad-so the lessons 

learned can be shared with the rest of the force. Write: Commandant, 

USAES, ATTN: ATZA-ES, Stop 271, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5271, or call 

CPT Craig Tavani, (703) 664.4172, AV 354. 
ake your 


BY MAJ Ralph R. D'Elosua 

The Blade Effort Triangle, or 

BET, offers maneuver commanders and supporting engineers 

a method of agreeing on the blade 

effort required to support the scheme 

of maneuver. 

The Engineer School teaches the 

BET as a successful technique for 

integrating engineer plans with 

maneuver in combined arms operations, and it has been proposed for 

the Armor and Infantry schools. 

The BET 

Simply stated, the triangle(Figure 

1)shows the extent to which engineers can support the blade effort 

priorities first established by the 

maneuver commander. 

The Y-axis initially represents the 

amount of unconstrained countermobility effort (antitank ditch in 

meters) the commander wants. 

The X-axis represents the unconstrained level of survivability (described in FM 5-103, page 2-6) he 

desires. 

Since the engineer has a limited 

number of blades to support the 

operation, there is a direct relationship between theeffort available for 

survivability and the blade effort 

allocated to countermobility. What's 

directed toward countermobility is 

not available for survivability. 

Mutual Appreciation 

A quick look at the BET while 

planning his operation shows the 

maneuver commander the tradeoffs 

he must make in establishing priorities. Therearelimits on what can he 

accomplished given the time and 

assets available. Once he has a 

reasonable best guess estimate of 

the engineer effort required to 

achieve a goal, he quickly realizes 

the engineers cannot achieve the 

impossible. 

The BET gives the commander 

and eneineer a framework for discussing priorities, shortfall problems 

and options. It also gives the engineer an appreciation for the difficult 

decisions facing the commander. 

Simplicity 

The beauty of the BET is its 

simplicity. It can he drawn quickly 

by virtually anyone. Itcan hevague 

(describing only concepts) or specific 

(showing exactnumbers)-whatever 

is appropriate to the situation. 

The BET is of greatest benefit 

early in the planning process when 

it can be drawn up to support the 

unconstrained engineer estimate. 

This gives the engineer and his 

maneuver commander their first 

glimpse of how extensive the required engineer support will be. 

Once the constraints on time and 

resources are known, the BET is 

redrawn to show the optimum mix 

of countermobility andsurvivability 

support to be accomplished by 

"defend time." This gives the engineer and maneuver commander a 

working agreement. 

For example, a brigade with three 

battalion task forces (two mechanized infantry and one armored) is 

preparing to defend within 72hours. 

The brigade commander has 

directed effort to preparation of a 

counterattack route; overall priorities are to countermobility, survivability and other mobility tasks. 

He wants Survivability Level VI 

with one initial and one subsequent 

battle position for each task force 

(see page 2-6 of FM 5-103). 

The engineer has 20 blade equivalents within the brigade area for 

mobility, survivability and countermobility. The directed mobility effort 

requires 100 hours. (Note: a blade 

hour is a blade equivalent working 

for 1 hour.) 

After accounting for the effects of 

travel, maintenance and refueling, 

he estimates he has 980 blade hours 

remaining. That's enough time to 

construct either 33 km of antitank 

ditch or 1,633 survivability positions 
I \ Po~ntwhere maneuver commander 

" -z7 BET! 

or some combination thereof. 

Based on the unconstrained engineer estimate, he determines he 

needs 10kilometers of antitank ditch 

to support the countermobility plan. 

Survivability Level VI for two battle 

positions per task force requires 

1,110 blade hours-unattainable 

even if all blade assets weredirected 

to the mission. 

Given these realities, the question 

becomes how should the 980 blade 

hours available be allocated to best 

support the commander's intent? 

The BET (Figure 2) helps the engineer show thecommander the tradeoffs at a glance. 

The engineers can carry out the 

countermobility mission and provide 

Level IV or 1,133survivability positions (Point A). 

Orthe commander can direct Level 

Vfor 1,550battle positions and settle 

for less antitank ditch (Point B). 

During the planning stages for 

defensive operations, the BET 

accomplishes several things: 

The maneuver commander and 

engineer agree early on how to 

accomplish established priorities 

realistically. 

The triangle provides a simple 

picture of how the engineer support is programmed. 

I \ and engineer agree on optlmum 

mix of CM and S elfort. 

The hvootenuse denotes total I amouni of blade effort available -----

SURVIVABILITY (S1 

In levels and number of posltlons 

Figure 2 

*The graph becomes a point of 

reference for reallocating re. 

sources as the situation dictates. 

Planners have a basis for considering alternate countermobility methods such as employing 

minefields, reinforcing targets or 

using manpower instead of 

blades. 

Used properly, the BET is a tool 

for preparing engineer estimates in 

thedefense thatgreatly enhancethe 

integration of engineers into the 

maneuver plan. 

Engineer, are your ready to make 

your BET? 

MAJ Ralph R. D'Elosua is an 

infantry officer.He has commanded 

a BCT unit and an airborne rifle 

company and served as a battalion 

S-1 in the 82d Airborne Diuision. 

Recently, he was a tactics instructor 

in the Engineer School. He is a 

USMA graduate with a master's of 

sciencefrom Universityof Southern 

California. He is now attending the 

CGSC. 
Gamelands offer realistic 

training sites .for 

~ationalGuard 

engineers 

Guard unii ts that nee d Pen nsylvania Nation~alGuurc 

sn spaces 1For trainin g SUCl:essfully . works wit.h its stal 

not have to look f;~rther tha n gar~e commis sion to de vise annu; . . . A 
 . r scare game lands. rraining projecrs or mutual beneflr 

by LTC Charles M. Bechtel le 876th Engineer ~arrallun, to the state and the guard. 

leers fror n the 876th Engin, eer Batta lion, Pen .nsylvani 

Nationa1 Guard. , cut steel !towers i nto sectit Yns befor 

transpoirting the1 R to a ser,ap dealel 

'inter 198' 
Wlth 

that 

OPF 

that 

was 

land. 

win1

-. 

bast 

Site] 

in B, 

doub 

'or the past two summers, th 

nbat engineers have combine 

blic service engineering projecta realistic training scenario 

included air insel d 

OR play. They de~ d 

soldiers can successkuuy =rain 

state game lands without harm 

:the environment. 

rheir initial mission-to demolis.. 

mdoned steel electrical towerspart of a project to create 

ing zones for rotary and fixed 

q aircraft. Pilots from the 

ern Army Aviation Training 

xacticeday andnight landings 

ear Valley. The landing zones 

#leasfeeding plots for white tail 

deer. 

Bu 

dirt 

llnRB 

acre; 

reali 

lengl 

late. 

post. 

Al 

cludi 

t the battalion also constructe, 

roads and culverts, replace 

fe bridges and performed othe 

engineerine maintenance for th 

state 

Th to operate in 121,50 

----s UL rugged terrain provideu 

stic command and control chalss that are impossible to simuwhen confined to a 10,000 acre 

saua 

pend 

grat~ 

coml TL 

mized intt 

r would i 

T 

app 

stril 

solc 

I levels of the command, inhng platoons and line company 

ds, had room to overate indeently, but ?-

?d manne n 

>at. 

..ree FM I~U,~ ~~~.a~l.~~~~.a~wn 

itions on key terrain features 

rmitted the commander to comlnicateover mountain ranges with 

proj 

d cam 

d N 

lr mil, ...-. 

e mat 

tact 

0 rect J ". 

lpplied units located 115 mil, 

a &hour drive from the cor 

~d post. CH 54 flying cran, 

delivered 400-gallon water trailers 

to c, tes. 

Q parties w ?d 

by 2 

H-1sand LOH-6shelped provide 

Innaissance, aerial survey, and 

,-..imand and control during battalion moves. They served as both 

OPFOR aircraft and friendly aerial 

covering force during simulated 

NBC attacks. 

he 28th Infantry Division 

lied constant OPFOR pressureking by night and day, harrying 

liers working on construction 

ects and attempting to penetra 

~pperimeters. 

ightly back briefs at the cox 

~d post helped company comlders immediatelv analyze their 

~dtake coralmost all of the suhordinatr units. 

Hplirootersfrom thePennsvlvania 

National Guard were used extensively to give the 876th a chance to 

lin with aviators. I '8 

baLL8 

peoi 

abo 

the -

Dmpany si 

uartering 

iir. 

con 

val~ 

W .am 

~rlurougncuurulnarlun with sta 

officials is critical for units who a 

interestedin training on stateland 

The state game commission pr,~ 

pared the environmental impact 

statements and supporting documentation which set the parameters 

for the exercise. They provided fire 

fighting equipment an1 

the guard units on its us 

The state police playeu an lmpr 

'--:role-answeringquestionsfro~~~ 

ple living near the game lands 

ut aunfire and military trafficin 

ther guard units should take 

k of their ability to assist states 

I projects that don't otherwisefit 

the budget. The engineers' ability 

remove unwanted structures, co 

struct irrigation ditches and pond 

build and maintain access roads 

duct a wildlife census is a 

iable asset. 

hen working with state officials 

.-...ember to-

* Initiate planning and coordin 

tion early so environmental co 

cerns are fully addressed. 

Inform the public and all potentially concerned parties on the 

purpose and extent of the operation. Emphasize the community 

benefit. 

1 Use the news media to explain 

the exercise and create a positive 

attitude before the exercisestarts. 

Request additional equipment 

like transmission sets well in 

advance and check everything 

thoroughly before you need it at 

the site. 

1 Plan alternative transportation 

anytime aviation is the primary 

means for delivering critical 

supplies such as Class I items. 

Recognize local officials in the 

media with letters and awards. 

need the rt 

-

area. 

'The876th proved that theNationa1 Guard can work closelv with -0 

government agencies to developfield 

training exercises that benefit both 

the SC 

-

community and the 

'ou may 

gain. 

!ir suppo 

*L- ~~rcurlesM. BCL.,LLBL cummands the 876th Engineer BattaC 

ion. He is the state maintenance 

officer of the Pennsyluania Army 

National Guard at Fort Indiantown 

Gap. He is a graduate of the 

Command and General Staff College 

and holds an MBA from Penn State 

Uni 
Antigue ,- shop - find ...


...Timeless Yalnes 


by CPT Joseph J.Miano 

Ishop 

found a treasure in an antique 

m New Orleans last year. 

notes for a speech he apparently MAJ Brown's message rings 40 

gave newly commissioned officers years later ...by how clearly the 

For $3.00, I purchased Ralph E. during World War 11. attitudes and traditions hesought to 

Brown's copy of The Officers' The Officer's Guide that served foster are engrained in our heritage. 

Guide, printed in 1939. as the foundation for MAJ Brown's I thought about trying to find out 

Ralph Brown was an officer in the talk is one of those small lessons in more about MAJ Brown ...who he 

Coastal Artillery Corps. He stamped history we so often forget-a re- was...what he did ...and I'm still 

his nameplate inside the cover as a minder that the roots of today's curious. But in the end, I wanted to 

first lieutenant in the 202d Coast policies and procedures are in our share his thoughts unencumbered 

Artillery and updated it faithfully past. as I found them. His words, stand 

as he progressed to the rank of major Much has changed; yet much alone. They need no biographic 

in the 5th HQ, Special Troops, 4th remains the same. Values are a footnote to justify them. 

Army at Camp Swift, TX. timeless standard of shared Here are some excerpts of MAJ 

Within the well-thumbed pages of beliefs-a cement that binds the Brown's lecture notes some 40 years 

MAJ Brown's book. I found nine aggregate members of the Army ago: 

yellowed, handwritten pages of together. I was struck by how true 

Stand on your own feet. Your seniors are interested in your post only insofar 

as it may indicate your future worth. The fact that you are well educated, thot 

you spring from a fomous family, or that you beor a fine reputation from prior 

work ore oll matters of small concern to your superiors. They are interested in 

how well you execute the tasks of today, so they can better estimate how well 

you may function tomorrow. 

Most of us are men of ordinary capacity. Whenever on officer gets a secret 

suspicion that he is something more than an ordinary mortal, he is likely, 

unintentionally. to disclose his belief to others. The big fall is then not far 

distant. Ambition is normal and healthy, if wisely controlled. Officers, like 

other men in this"Lond of the Free," are sometimes prone to take advantage of 

the freedom of speech. I refer to the habit of sneering, carping, grumbling and 

criticizing those who are above us. 

The mon who is anybody ond who does anything is surely going to be 

criticized, vilified and misunderstood. This is part of the penalty for greatness: 

and every man understonds it, and understonds, too, thot it is not proof of 

greatness. The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure contumely 

without resentment. 
Mind your own business. Do this, or if for any reason you should prefer not to, 

then take your choice of these: get out or get in line. 

You must do one or the other-make your choice. If you work for a man, in 

heaven's name, work for him! If he pays the wages that supply your bread and 

butter, work for him ...speak well of hi m... stand by him ...and stand by the 

institution he represents. 

If put tothe pinch, an oun~ Ity is worth o potrnd of cleverness. 

If you must vilify, conden sparage, resign your position: and when 

you are outside, damn to your neart s content. 

But so long as you are part of an instittrtion, do not condemn it. Not thot you 

will injure the institution. But when you disparage it, you disparage yourself. 

Yotr cannot help the Old Man as long as you are explaining in undertone and 

whisper, bygestureandsc~ggestions,by thought and mentalattitude, thot heisa 

curmudgeon and his system dead wrong. You ore not menocing him by stirring 

up discontent and warming envy into strife, but you are doing this ...y ou ore 

getting yourself upon a well-greased chute thot will give you a quick ride down 

and out. 

Avoid thoughtless remarks. Once, in a large building on the East Coast, on 

officer was standing at a window gazing off or /er the cii !y. An associote asked 

what interested him so profoundly. 

"I was contemplating the damage we do our "selves b! y idle conversation. A .., year ago, I told o friend thot sometime I would like to oe stationed on the West 

Coost. 

"Recently, my friend has been on duty where he has something to do with 

assignments. This morning I receivedo letter telling how happy he was toobtain 

my orders for the far west. I am to leave at once because of o cosuol remork made 

a year ago. lsholl have togo too distant station, far removedfrom the part of the 

country it is now in my greot interest to remain." 

All this is intended to emphasize the importanceof ovoiding those thoughtless 

remarks which may cause reaction counter to your intentions ond, in the 

extreme case, may even creote the impression of disloyalty. 

You do mean to be loyal. Let no person have any doubt about it whatever. 

Disloyalty is a garment difficult to shed. 

CPTJoseph J. Mianois a trans- the S-3 for the 2d Mouements Officer Advanced Course. He has 

portation officer assigned to the Region, both in Germany. CPT a degree in English from the 

Department of Combined Arms, Miano is a graduate of the University of Virginia. 

USAES. He served as the S-2 for Engineer Officer Advanced 

the 78th Engineer Battalion and Course and the Transportation 

I

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hy MAJ Robert R. Mc1,aughlin 

The 3d Battalion, Engineer 

School Brigadeat Fort Belvoir, 

has successfully automated all 

aspects of its daily administration 

from training to duty rosters. 

Thanks to a personal computer, 

the battalion commander and his 

first sergeant are no longer desk 

bound. 

It handles many of the mundane 

operational burdens, freeing the 

staff to manage troops rather than 

administer records. 

The battalion is responsible for 

command and control of more than 

1,000 permanent personnel and 2,000 

student officers and NCOs annually. 

It has two garrison companies of 

approximately 500personseach and 

four student companies or detachments. 

Before automation, managing a 

500-man company with an authorized staff of two officers and two 

NCOs was a nightmare. The APRT 

cards alone required two file 

drawers. 

The first step was to collect all the 

forms (from the suspense snowflake 

to the APRT card) andexamine how 

they were used. Each had been 

maintained as a separate data base 

in its own unique file. If someone 

wanted a composite picture, he had 

to hand sort through piles of cards to 

collate the data. 

The logical question was, "Why 

can't we usedata basemanagement 

software to do this on a microcomputer?" 

Conceptually, a battalion system 

should encompass the functions of 

theS-1, S-2, S-3 and S-4. Thecompany 

should feed the battalion data base 

and the battalion should feed hrigade. Floppy discs can be used to 

transfer data from company to 

battalion. 

Security is important. The automated data processing security 

experts on post must accredit the 

system. 

The 3d Battalion's system works 

on an IBM PC using dBase 111. The 

softwareincludes a tutorial package 

that helps managers set up data 

bases and develop their own program applications. The battalion 

created electronic versions of the 

standard forms and developed programs so the computer will simultaneously update all appropriate 

forms. 

If, for example, a soldier fails the 

APRT, the computer calculates his 

score and annotates his APRTform. 

It also compares his weight against 

the screening table weight (AR 600- 

9). If the soldier is overweight, it 

annotates his reenlistmentcard. The 

computer also reminds managers to 

schedule a medical evaluation and 

enroll the soldier in remedial PTand 

an overweight program if doctors 

verify the problem. 

If the company commander wants 

to counsel the soldier, the reenlistment card, personal data card and 

quality point average can be called 

up at the touch of a button. 

For the firsttime, the3d Battalion 

commander has an instant handle 

on the status of all personnel in two 

large companies. He can get up-todate reports on any functional area 

in minutes. The battalion uses the 

unit reports and has established a 

check and balance on the SIDPERS 

data base. The staff generates 

SIDPERS reports, compares them 

to company reports and resolves 

differences. 

One of the biggest benefits is the 

ability to link the computer to a 

video projector. Charts and graphs 

on the computer can be projected on 

the big screen and edited during 

briefingrehearsals. Changes can he 

made on the spot if the boss has a 

better idea, if data changes or if 

mistakes were made. It now takes 

four hours to prepare the battalion's 

quarterly review and analysis instead of two weeks. 

Automated duty rosters are 

another time saver. Each unit maintains 10 to 15duty rosters. The clerk 

who used to spend two hours manually producing a duty roster for 60 

peoplenow spends fiveminutes. The 

computer completes the job in 45 

minutes while the clerk performs 

other duties in the orderly room. 

Computers are not a panacea for 

all that ails a battalion. Electronic 

forms aren't a complete substitute 

for the official hard copy forms and 

files. But they make it possible to 

keep accurate, up-todate records and 

analyze data. 

MAJ Robert R. Mchughlin now 

serves with the DCSOPS/G-3, US 

Army, Japan. He was previously the 

executiveofficer of the 3d Battalion, 

Engineer School Brigade, Fort 

Beluoir. He is a graduate of the 

USMA and the CGSC. He has a 

master's degree in engineering 

management. 
Mobile soil labs: 

Immediate quality control 

by PFC Eric W. Cramer 

Gett~ngaccurate, timely soils.il~phillt ' and con(:retrt~stingis 

a major problem engineers face 

when working on road or airfield 

construction. Poor or insufficient 

quality control results in construction delays andlimits the engineer's 

ability to make sound decisions in 

the field. 

Part of the problem is that 

materials testing labs are usually 

located at the command post miles 

from the construction site. Quality 

control testing takes only a short 

time. But transporting samples to 

the lab and results to the field takes 

much longer...whileexpensiveequipment and work crews are left 

waiting. This often encourages 

builders to cut corners by not taking 

the time to do proper testing. 

The 802d Engineer Battalion 

solved this problem by building a 

mobile soils lab. The lab is equipped 

for everything from the simplest 

sieve analysis to asphalt Marshall 

testing and concrete strength tests. 

Working directly with the construction crews, the specialists provide 

on-the-spot quality control without 

expensive lost time. 

SSG Kevin McCarn and SP5 

Robert Warner helped develop one 

of the first such labs while serving 

in Korea with the 802d. 

The mobile soils lab received a 

thorough workout during its first 

five days. Operations performed in 

the field included-

* Sieve analysis. 

Hydrometer analysis. 

Specific gravity test. 

Compaction test (CE55). 

Moisture content test. 

Density determination. 

California Bearing Ratio test 

(CBR). 

Field identification. 

Having thelab at theconstruction 

site saved four days for each test, 

according to SSG McCarn. Quality 

control specialists performed tests 

while surveyors compiled all the 

A materials specialist with the 802d Engineer Battalion in Korea 

weighs a soil sample for sieue analyeis. On the spot soils testing 

makes engineers faster and more efficient in the field. 

survey information needed. No one this equipment is heavy, so distribhad to leave the site until all impor- ute its weight carefully. 

tant data for both soils and survey The rest of the construction is 

had been obtained. straightforward carpentry. Plan 

Easy access to samplesfortesting shelving and cabinets in the shop 

was another advantage. "If we van to best suit the needs of your 

needed another sample to get clear unit and still permit access to the 

results, all we had to do was step out power bands in the sides of the van. 

the back door," SSG McCarn said. The mobile soils lab decreases 

A 2.5-ton shop van can easily be delays and increases the engineers' 

converted to a mobile soils lab with ability to make sound decisions in 

the following test kits: the field.Itis anidea whosetime has 

Soils, NSN 6635-00-641-3643. come. 

Asphalt, NSN 6635-00-641-3462. For more information on construcConcrete, NSN 6635-00-641-4361. ting a mobile soils lab for your unit, 

Four pieces of testing equipment contactJeffery Vernon, DME, Roads 

must be bolted down-the concrete and Airfields Branch, US Army 

beam breaker, the concrete cylinder Engineer School, Fort Belvoir, VA 

breaker, the Rotorex for asphalt 22060-5335.Histelephonenumberis 

analysis and the sieve shaker. You (703)664-3075,AV 354. 

may have to attach angle irons to 

the sides of the concrete cylinder PFC Eric W. Cramer is the assobreaker to bolt it down. Remember, ciate editor of ENGINEER. 
Maintenance 

Certification 

by CPT Thomas P. Bostick 

A surgeon cannot operate without be~ngprofessionally certified. Plumbers, mechanics and 

masons must serve apprenticeships 

to do their jobs. 

In the Army, however, it is not 

uncommon for junior officers and 

NCOs to have responsibility for 

equipment they have little chance to 

learn ahout. This makes maintenance a difficult area to manage. 

Many junior officers and first line 

supervisors lack sufficient knowledge to supervise correctly. 

To combat this problem, our 

commander, 1,TC Daniel W. 

Christman, developed a maintenance certification program for new 

supervisors. This program helped 

our unit, R Company, 54th Engineer 

Battalion, win the 1983Army Chief 

of Staff's award for maintenance 

excellence-given to the company 

with the best maintenance program 

in the Army. 

Our maintenance certification 

program ensures that new snpervisors arecompetent in maintenance 

and aware of problems often overlooked by equipment operators. For 

instance, the program teaches new 

supervisors the answers to specific 

maintenance questions such asReservist light vehicle mechanics SGT Spencer Jones and SP4 

Darryl Mortimer inspect a carburetor. Maintenance certification 

results in superior performance on maintenance inspections 

(Photo:CPT Gregory Taylor). 

platoon leader demonstrates the visors no longer have to learn their 

standard daily performance checks business by trial and error. The 

described in the operator's main- maintenance certification program 

tenancemanual.Thentheinstructor not only helps on inspections but 

explains problems typical to the also acts as a confidence builder for 

equipment in the unit. maintenance supervisors and as a 

The new supervisor gets both a means forunits'trainersto evaluate 

general overview of maintenance the quality of their training. 

If the hrake system hegins to problems and a working knowledge Maintenance certification proleak, which fitting is most likely ofday-to-daymaintenance problems vides leaders with the technical 

the problem based on past 

experiences? 

On a specific piece of equipment, 

which engine mounting bolts 

generally loosen first? 

Whereon the vehicle frame should 

1look for cracks? 

The certification program prepares the supervisor to quickly and 

accurately inspect the equipment. 

The actual operationofthis maintenanceprogram is simple. Training 

starts at the platoon level. New 

personnel are trained by platoon 

leaders in the company equipment 

shed. The maintenance sergeant or 

with the unit's equipment. 

Thecertification is complete when 

the new supervisor passes his written and hands-on examinations 

developed by the battalion maintenance officer. Officers are tested by 

the battalion maintenance officer: 

NCOs recelve their training from 

the company commander. The 

maintenance certification program 

instills the self-confidence and 

ability that comes from demonstrated performance. 

It also keeps maintenance supervisors abreast of ongoing problems. 

Best of all, new maintenance supercompetence to supervise vehicle and 

equipment operators to keep our 

forces ready for battle. 

CPT Thomas P. Rostick is an instructor in the Department of 

Mechanics, USMA. In 1983 he 

seruedascompany commander of B 

Company, 54th Engineer Battalion, 

Wildflecken. Germany, a combat 

engineer company which won the 

Army Chief of Staff award for 

nto~nrvnonc.~t .xcc/b,nc P. 

C'I'TH<j,<lic/:hos moslcr'i d+.dr?,,.. 

rn both ciuil and mechanical engineering from Stanford Uniuerslty. 
Making the Army's best better! 

By MAJ Randy R. Rapp 

he Enmneer School improved Tthe Engmeer .' OfficersAdvanced 

Course this summer. The changes 

derived from comments from EOAC 

graduates and suggestions fromlast 

year's Engineer Commanders 

Training Conference. 

New ideas and constructive criticismfromstudents, the field and the 

faculty have made EOAC the 

TRADOC model for all officer advanced courses. 

Improvements make officersmore 

responsible for their education and 

allocate time more efficiently. The 

course now places students in the 

team room,atthecomputerterminal, 

at home studying or at the library 

researching more than before. The 

improved course is still based on the 

seven pillars of EOAC. 

Irreconcilable demands on student 

time have been eliminated, but the 

course schedule remains challenging. A typical day finds officers in 

class from 0700-1500and at PTfrom 

1500-1630.Homeworkstillconsumes 

most evenings and some weekends. 

However, to make students' 

schedules less hectic-

*The course now sets aside 11 

Wednesday afternoons for student appointments. 

Post support activities come to 

-

Lecture 

Non-lectu 

I 

IBU rrrslructrorr, 

guest speaners, case sruores ano programmeo instruction. 

The seven pillars of EOA* 

1.Total fitness - ps the student's mind, body and 

-,=r+r spirit to ..,,, his and his unit's potential. 

3.Coml loenrs 

to tail nated ' IS ar rnelr own pacc 

reinforces learning by requiring students to 

orate concepts and skills from previous lessons into 

urrent instruction. 

,. .,,..i leader -teaches ,,.,mm,m.,, ,,~dle,,,,,,rm,, 

arlo- nlnges lnsrrucrron on arrameworKorrea1 worm 

ms and conditions. 

/. Challenge/reward -stimulates individual excellel 

academic and leadership skills and promotes team c 

lence in collective and cohesive performance. 

of stuc 

a. ~ 

lent hc 

Class 1-80 wass I-ao 

(October 84) (June 86) 

uter assis, - ~- ~~ ~~ - 2 

I group - ----- ..-

- focus I ng from I 

:Ae--

sxperienc

----...A2. Small 

encou 

e and 

nts. 

3uter assi 

or their ( 

. .. . 

sted instr 

,wn instr 

,uction- uction by encourag 

1 com~let 

lesthe S~L 

ing autor 

the ~choolduring a duty day to 

service students' needs. 

Many afternoons during the last 

four weeks students can attend to 

personal affairs. 

Small groups-facilitated by team 

leaders-now last for 16weeks.This itates 

perfor 

model 

tactics ar 

mance ar 

,and pro\ 

id engine 

id potent 

rides unit! 

~eringtrai 

ial, serve! 

to the in 

ning, eva 

;as a prl 

struction 

luates st1 

~fessiona 

of the cot 

dent 

I role 

me. 

adds small group instruction to the 

-. Rase ..Carnos . and Continnencies - and

the Operations Officer modules. 

Students do scheduled physical 

training during this period and also 

retain their team rooms. 

Communicative arts-with many 

improvements-remain a vital 

component of EOAC. Each of the 

first six modulesincludes one graded 

writing assignment. The course will 

6. Seen< 

proble 
soon use a new TRADOC writing 

program. Instruction in briefing 

techniques is more structured than 

before. 

Other improvements includeCombined arms tactics/ 

combat engineering. Eliminating 

the One-Day War Gameallows time 

for new modulesin Engineersupport 

of Light Infantry and Special Operations and Heavy Battalion Task 

Force in the Attack plus expansion 

of older lessons. Engineers learn to 

"talk tactics" with the perspectives 

of maneuver officers. 

Technical engineering. A revised scenario makes students 

thoroughly address tactical considerations in their construction plans. 

As a result of lessons learned in 

Germany and Central America, 

more time is devoted to drainage 

and concrete construction. Nonstandard fixed bridging is completely revised and consolidated into 

three days of instruction. Training 

in POL pipelines is reduced. 

(continued from inside front cover) 

Light engineers recognize better 

than anyone that highly specialized 

systems have no place in the light 

soldier's pack. We need versatile, 

light-weight, low-bulk explosives. 

We may never be able to significantly reduce the weight light 

engineers carry. But we can certainly increase the efficiency and 

utility of our load. 

Our mission and lack of organic 

resupply mean use what we can 

carry or find. I hope that the new 

technology, likeslurry ortheballistic 

disks, will someday findits wayinto 

our rucksacks. 

ILT Thomas P. Smith is currently 

the executive officer of C Company 

65th Combat Engineer Battalion, 

25th Infantry Division (Light). He 

served 18 months as a platoon 

leader, first of a combat engineer 

platoon, then for a light engineer 

platoon. He is a graduate of USMA 

and has completed EOBC, Airborne 

School, Jungle Warfare School, and 

the Sapper Leader Course. 

Senior team advisorprogram. 

A senior engineer officer stationed 

at or near Fort Belvoir voluntarily 

associates with a team, critiquing 

their solutions to tactical and engineering exercises. The mature 

officer's involvement is limited only 

by his schedule and his desire to 

help teach young engineers. 

Optional military studiesprogram. Especially dedicated students 

voluntarily study military history, 

advanced tactics or professional 

values during free afternoons, with 

the guidance of a senior faculty 

member. Six seminars in each of 

these topics lend structure to offduty efforts many students make to 

improve their professional competence. 

Professional development 

day.Teams visit a military activity 

or battlefield of their choice. Conducted the last day the teams are 

together, this exercise gives theteam 

leader a final shot at reinforcing 

course objectives. 

Research paper presentation 

program. Instead of oral book 

reviews, students deliver formal 

classes about the results of research 

for their papers. The program exposes the teams to less familiar 

military subjects. 

Theseimprovementsin theEOAC 

stem from the Engineer School's 

strong desire to provide the best 

captains' training possible. The infusion of new ideas from students, 

the field, and faculty makes the 

course the best it can be. 

The improved EOAC better 

accomplishes its mission-to train 

battle winners. 

MAJ Randy R. Rapp was the 

Senior Team Leader forthe EOAC. He 

served in the 293d. 94th and 326th 

Engineer Battalions. 

MAJRapp has a bachelor'sdegree 

from the USMA and a master's 

degree in ciuil engineering from the 

University of Missouri/Rolla. He is 

a licensed professional engineer in 

Virginia. 

Engineer Solution 

The magnetic azimuth from point A to point B is 64O. 

The fact that the grids do not line up is irrelevant. On either map sheet. the 

magnetic azimuth is determined using the magnetic declination diagram for 

that map sheet. 

Map A 

To convert from grid azimuth to magnetic azimuth, add the GM angle: 

Magnetic azimuth = grid azimuth + GM angle 

Magnetic azimuth = 6Z0t Z05' = 64O5' 

Magnetic azimuth = 6Z0+ Z05' - 64O 

Map B 

TO Convert from grid azimuth to magnetic azimuth, subtract the GM angle: 

Magnetic azimuth =grid azimuth - GM angle 

Magnetic azimuth = 246O - 1°40' = 244O20' 

Magnetic azimuth = 246O - 1°40' - 244O 

Magnetic azimuth (A to 6)= 244O. 1 80° = 64O 

The grids do not line up because the maps are compiled using different 

universal transverse mercator (UTM) gridrones. Thegrid in each zone isaligned 

with the central meridian (line of longitude) for each zone. As the meridians 

converge towards the pole, the two grids must also converge. 

The direction of magnetic north is independent of grid zones and will be the 

same-or very nearly the same-for two adjacent map sheets. 
Earn your professional 


engineer's license 


by CPT Calvin Evans 

competency in engineering skills 

and enjoys greater credibility in 

dealing with civilian engineers. He 

can also be proud of a major 

accomplishment-doing all it takes 

to acauire the license is an achievement in itself, requiring a large 

investment of time to apply and 

study for the test. 

I took the exam while I was 

attending the Engineer Officer 

Advanced Course at Fort Belvoir. 

After finishing the test, I thought I 

had passed, but I wasn't sure. So I 

wrote myself a few notes on things 

to do in case I had to take the test 

again. 

I based this article on my notes, 

hoping that lessons I learned in 

preparing for the exam will help 

other officers to succeed in getting 

their PE licenses. 

General Advice: 

Don't attempt the exam unless 

you can put the time into preparing 

for it. 

Acquire and read "Professional 

Engineer-AGuideto Registration." 

This pamphlet, published by the 

Engineer School, is a good explanation of the registration process and 

the exam's organization. It includes 

a fine bibliography of commercially 

available guides that can help you 

study. 

Applying to take the exam is 

extremely time consuming and expensive. For example, it costs $245 

to take the test and get a license in 

the state of New York. Most states 

require you to apply again and pay 

another fee if you fail the test the 

first time. 

When to Take the Exam 

During or shortly after aduanced 

civil schooling-If you plan toattend 

advanced civil schooling, this is the 

ideal time to take the PE exam. You 

can usually arrange an academic 

program that satisfies degree requirements while preparing you for 

thePE exam by including classes in 

your weak areas. This will also 

accustom you to studying for tests 

and give you time to study specificallv for the PE exam. 

During EOAC-This is a good 

time to take the PE exam for several 

reasons. First, some of the topics 

covered in EOAC are directly applicable to the PE exam (for example: 

concrete, drainage, horizontal and 

vertical curve calculations, soil 

phase relationships). Second, although homework has increased, 

study timeis available, and you will 

be accustomed to studying for tests. 

Third, many officers take the exam 

every year at Fort Belvoir, and your 

classmates can be valuable study 

aids. Any other point in your career 

whereregular study hours can beset 

aside for preparation is also a good 

time to take the test. 

Applying to Take the Exam 

Shop around-Unless you want a 

license from a particular state, it 

may be advantageous to request 

application materials from several 

different states. The requirements 

are similar for most, but the experience requirements and fees vary 

enough to makeit worth your time to 

shop around. Some states may not 

accept your military experience as 

meeting the requirements. Virginia 

accepts most military experience. 

Start early-Apply well in advance of the exam to ensure that the 

registration board receives all your 

materials before the deadline. 

Starting application paperwork 6 

months before the test is not too 

early. To allow for problems, 9 

months to a year is not unreasonable. Each state requires that its 

own forms be used for references 

and verification. You have to allow 

enough time, for example, to send a 

particular reference form to a registered professional engineer now 

stationed in Europe, wait for him to 

fill it in and mail it back to you, and 

get it to the board. 

Haue your endorsements sent to 

you rather than straight to the 

board-I recommend having -. sour 

references return their materials to 

you, then send the references to the 

board with your application. This 

way, you know your application is 

complete when youmailit. You won't 

need to call theregistration board to 

ask if your references have arrived. 

Ask for more references than are 

required-For onereason or another, 

one of the people you ask to write a 

reference may not get it to you on 

time. It is extremely frustrating and 

embarrassing to have to ask this 

person (usually a senior officer)if he 

has completed your reference or to 

try to hurry him up to meet your 

suspense date. It is better to ask for 

four or fivereferences, then send the 

first three you receive with your 

application. This should enable you 

to avoid wasting time following up 

on references. 

Ask for references before you leave 

your unit-If you plan ahead, you 

can get your references before you 

leave your unit and avoid mailing 

materials back and forth to Europe. 

This can save you a lot of time and 

expense. 

Studying for the Exam 

Get a study guide-This will tell 

you the areas covered and the kinds 

of problems you can expect. Professional Publications, Inc. publishes 

excellent review manuals for thePE 

exam in the four major areas (chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical 

engineering). 

Take a review course-Taking a 

course designed to prepare you for 

the PE exam can be very helpful, but 

is not necessary. The advantages 

are that this will force you to spend 
time studying and may help to 

expose areas on which you need to 

concentrate. Do not expect the prep 

course to teach you everything you 

need to know. Thesecourses usually 

hit only major concepts and work a 

few sample problems in each area. 

Most of what you learn must come 

from self-study. 

Start studying early-Don't wait 

for the day before the exam to try to 

learn a complete subject area. 

Organize your study materialsWhile reviewing, it will be very 

helpful to tab or index your notes or 

credit on all the problems rather 

than a "perfect" solutionto only one 

or two. 

Go for partial credit-If you are 

mnning out of time, write down the 

equations that show how you would 

solvethe problem. This will be worth 

more pointsthan numbercmnching. 

More weight is given to solution 

methods than to mathematical 

computations. 

Conclusion 

This advice may seem obvious. 

but it works. I hope the lessons I 

learned in obtaining my PE license 

can help those who are planning on 

taking the exam in the future. Good 

luck-and study hard! 

CPT Calvin Evans is a registered 

professional engineer in Virginia. 

He served as a platoon leader, 

company executiveofficer, battalion 

S-4 and company commander in the 

4th Engineer Battalion. A graduate 

of USMA, CPTEvans is doingpostgraduate work in civil engineering 

at Stanford University. 

books for quick reference during the ---- exam. Good sample problems are 

particularly useful. The less time 

you spend searching through your Hotline 0 & A 

references, the more time you will 

have to work the problems. 

Get a good civil engineering 

handbook-A good handbook, such 

as Memtt's Standard Handbook 

for Civil Engineers,is a helpful 

guide to the areas you have never 

studied before or for which you don't 

have a good reference. These are 

expensive, so you may want to try to 

borrow rather than buy one. 

Study the basics in every major 

subject-Even if you have never 

studied, say, sanitary engineering, 

the basic concepts are fairly easy to 

understand. Sometimes the prohlems in less popular areas are 

significantly easier than those in 

the more popular areas. 

Taking the Exam 

Read all the problems before you 

start to work-The problems that 

you feel you can solve easily should 

be highlighted. Then quickly rate 

the problems from easiest to most 

difficult. Thetime you take to dothis 

will be well spent. 

Work the easiest problems firstYou will feel more confident and 

relaxed after you have solved the 

first problem. All problems are 

equally weighted, so don't solve a 

large or difficult problem when an 

easier one is available. 

Don't waste time copying the 

problem or redrawing figures-Only 

do this if a figure will help to show 

how you reached certain values. 

Budget your time-If you are 

solving the easiest problems first, 

don't spend more than an hour on 

each one. It is better to get partial 

Q. What new 5-100 series field manuals are currently available? 

A. New field manuals 5-104. General Engineering. and 5-105. Topographic Operations, should be fielded by January 1987. 

Field manuals currently available are5-100, Engineer Combat Operations. 

5-101, Mobility. 

5-102. Countermobility. 

5-103, Survivability. 

5-106, Employment of Atomic Demolition Munitions. 

These manuals can be ordered from the US Army Adjutant General 

Publications Center. 2800 Eastern Boulevard. Baltimore. MD 

21 220-2896. 

Q. Are there refresher courses for field grade officers in engineer 

doctrine and equipment? 

A. Refresher courses for fieldgrade officers includeMapping and Charting GeodesyforTopographicAssignments -2 weeks. 

DEH Executive Management Course - 1 week. 

Combat Engineering Course. Phases II and 111 - 3 weeks. 

A separate, l-week refresher course to update field grade engineers 

being assigned as reserve component advisors or as engineer staff 

officers is scheduled for FY 88. 

0.How close can an M-16 rifle be to a magnetically fused mine before 

detonating it? How close can soldiers carrying helmets and weapons be 

to a mine before detonating it? 

A. Magneticallyfused minesare intendedto respondtothe metallic mass 

of a tank. It is unlikelythat a soldier'ssteel pot or M-16woulddetonate one 

of these mines. However, a good rule of thumb is to keep weapons and 

other metal objects at least 12 inches away. 

Q. Cansand grids beused in place of sandbagsfor bunkerconstruction 

in humid climateswheresandbags deteriorate rapidly? How can I order 

sand grids? 

A. No. Sandbags are meant to stabilize loose material without adding 

hazardous material to the potential area cf explosion. They are easily 

replaced whendamagedandtheentiresystem cannot be destroyedbyone 

impact. Sand grids provide the stability required, but are not easily 

replaced. Lining sandbags with sealed plastic bags preventsdeterioration 

in humid climates. 

Sand grids may be ordered through the standard AFCS channels under 

the NSN: 5680-01-198-7955. 
- Career Notes 


Commissioned Officers 

Branch 

Captains Promotion If you are aReserve commissioned officer-and wantto remain on 

Board: active duty after your obligation date-you must apply for conditional voluntary indefinite status between the 24th and 27th month 

of active federal commissioned service (AFCS). 

The captains promotion board and conditional voluntary indefinite (CVI) board are held at the same time. 

This year, 25 engineer officers failed to file their applications until 

June. As a result, their applications did not arrive at MILPERCEN 

in time to be reviewed by the board. 

To avoid delays in career decisions and uncertain career status, 

you should submit your application at least 60 days before the board 

meets. The next CPT/CVI board is from 27 January 1987 to 10 

February 1987. 

Promotion Packet Officers must have official photographs in their promotion 

Photos: packets. Officers should have a photograph taken as soon as 

possible after they are promoted to 1LT. 

When the last board met, 30 percent of the officers did not have a 

photograph in their promotion packet. Engineer Branch sent letters 

to all officers with no photograph in their packets, but 15 percent 

still did not provide a photograph. 

The photograph is essential to the promotion file. (See AR 640-30, 

Photographs For Military Personnel Files). 

Preference 	 You must have a current preference statement in your file. This 

Statement: 	 provides information on assignment preferences, duty and home 

addresses, and telephone numbers needed to contact you. Use the 

comments portion of DA Form 483 to explain your choices. 

Engineer Officer The Engineer Officer Bulletin gives up-to-date information on 

Bulletin: 	 assignments and professional development issues. The bulletin is 

published twice each year by MILPERCEN, Engineer Branch. The 

latest bulletin, Number 3, June 1986, was distributed to troop units, 

Engineer Districts, ROTC units and schools. The next issue will be 

published this winter. 
Officer Selection Selection boardsfor FY 87 involving Engineer officers-are listed 

Board: 	 below. Officers in the zone of consideration must submit current 

photographs, medical examinations and corrected Officer Record 

Briefs through their servicing MILPO in time to reach MILPERCEN 

for these boards. 

Board 	 Dates 

LTC Product Manager 	 20 Jan - 30 Jan 

CPT Army CVI 	 27 Jan - 10 Feb 

LTC Army 	 18 Feb - 27 Mar 

MAJ Army 	 3 Mar - 18Apr 

RA Army 	 27 Apr - 1May 

Brigadier General 	 9 Jun - 2 Jul 

Senior Services College 	 21 Jul - 21 Aug 

CPT Army CVI 	 9 Sep - 25 Sep 

Engineer Branch The following Engineer Branch visits are scheduled for FY 87. 


Visits: Contact Engineer Branch if your unit wants to schedule a visit. 


Engineer Branch visits are funded by the visiting unit. 

BC, USAREUR Engineer Conference 1-5 Mar 87 

BC, Engineer Proponent meeting, Fort Leonard 

Wood, MO 20-23 May 87 

Statement of Ownership, 

Management, and Circulation 

(required by 39 U.S. Code 3685) 

ENGINEER, an official periodical of the Department of 

the Army, is published quarterly by the US Army Engineer 

School, ATTN: ATZA-TD-P, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5291 

Date of Filing: September 29,1986 Paid circulation: none 

Publisher and Editor: Marilyn Fleming Requested circulation: 9,900 

Extent and Nature of Circulation: The following information Other free copies: 900 

shows actual number of copies of the singleissue nearest the Copies not distributed: 200 

filing date. Total number of copies: 11,000 
Past in Review 

Aviation Engineers 


in the Southwest Bacific, WWII 


by Dr. James Dunn 

Office of History, OCE 

The Army recognized the importance of aviation engineers 

shortly before the United States 

entered World War 11. The first unit 

-the 21st Engineer Regiment 

(Aviation) was activated June 1940 

at Fort Benning, GA. 

Following the Japanese attack on 

Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941, the 

engineer aviation battalionscontributed greatly to America's success in 

the Pacific. Charged with the mission of building air bases in remote, 

undeveloped islands and tropical 

jungles, these battalions played 

prominent roles in the Pacific theater of operations. 

The 804th from Hawaii and the 

805th from Panama participated in 

ADM Chester Nimitz's Central 

Pacific offensive and built air bases 

for the B-29 heavy bomber units. 

The 803d was captured in the 

Philippines when Bataan fell-but 

not before the battalion built 12 air 

bases on Luzon, moved and emplaced heavy guns for thedefenseof 

Bataan, builtricemills, and repaired 

roads and bridges. In the final days, 

the battalion fought as infantry in 

the front line. 

The 802d remained in Alaska for 

the Aleutian campaign. 

The 808th Engineer Aviation 

Battalion-activated in September 

1941, March Field. CA-bad little 

time to prepare for war. The commander, MAJ Elvin R. Heiberg, held 

the first formation on Saturday 

morning, 6 December 1941. Not 

knowingthe Japanese would attack 

Pearl Harbor the next day, he told 

his men how fortunate they were to 

have such fine barracks and living 

conditions. 

Alerted for tropical foreign service, 

the battalion sailed from San 

Francisco and anivedin Melbourne, 

Australia on 2 February 1942. 

The battalion moved to the Northern Territory to build air bases 

around Darwin. Over 2.000 miles 

from the closest America1 1depot, th~ 

808th with on11 

I 

C 

, 

, ..' . . .&, 

Engineers construct an ail 

three dump trucks and two tractors. 

The first mail was a month late, and 

February pay wasdelayed. However, 

local bread and beef were plentiful; 

and any spare time could be spent 

panning for gold. 

From February to July, the battalion built seven air bases in the 

Darwin area and developed a unique 

method of clearing the sites by 

stretching a cable between two 

tractors and moving back and forth 

across the field uprooting trees. 

In keeping with GEN Douglas 

MacArthur's strategy of confronting 

the Japanese in the forward area 

rather than waiting to be attacked, 

the 808th moved from Australia to 

Port Moresby, Papna, New Guinea, 

in July 1942. 

For the first time, the battalion 

encountered the difficulties of operating in an unfriendly, jungle 

environment: hordes of malariacarrying mosquitoes, jungle rot, 

leeches, flying foxes, heavy rain and 

Japanese air raids. Yet, the 808th 

built an air basein one month andbetween August 1942 and March 

1943-completed four sites in the 

vicinity of Port Moresby. 

These and other bases provided 

air support to stop the Japanese 

attack along the Kokoda Trail, aided 

MacArthur's attack on Buna, and 

royed an entire Japanese convoy 

te Battle of the Bismarck Sea. 

"m 


: ., . . 

rfield in the South Pacific. 

The 808th continued to operate in 

the Southwest Pacific area. At 

Finschhafen, New Guinea-in what 

the battalion considered its greatest 

accomplishment-the 808th hacked 

an air base out of the middle of the 

jungle in six weeks. 

On Leyte, in the Philippines, the 

808th started construction of the 

Dulag air base one day after the 

area was cleared of Japanese. The 

field was ready two days later for 

emergency use by Navy planes 

during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. 

Forty-four months after leaving 

San Francisco, the 808th sailed into 

Yokohama Harbor as part of the 

American occupational forces in 

Japan. 

The battalion-that had so little 

timetoDreDarefor . war-contributed A 


greatly to America's success. Among 

the first US Army troops to reach 

Australia in early 1942, the 808th 

Aviation Engineer Battalion helped 

build the long Pacific trail that 

eventually led to victory. 

Suggestions for furtherreading: 

George E. White, Jr., "From Pearl 

Harbor to Tokyo," The Military 

Engineer 38 (January 1946): 1-8. 

HQ Army Forces, Pacific, Office of 

the Chief Engineer,Engineers of the 

Southwest Pacific 1941-1945, 

Volume VI: Airfields and Base 

Deuelopment. 
- - 

The editor and staff of Engineer appreciate the 

concern of our dedicated readers about the article "Army 

Kills 41 Command, School Magazines" published 

November 17, 1986, in Army Times. Although the 

program under which Engineer was previously published has been discontinued, the function still exists. 

While there may be changes in funding and format, the 

function will not change, and we are assured that we will 

continue to publish. However, the publication may be 

called a professional bulletin instead of a magazine. 

While some readers may have to purchase their copies 

in the future, be assured that all of our Engineer units 

and students will continue to receive free copies. We 

encourage vour articles for Engineer.and look forward 

to your continued interest in our publication. 

Do not despair-Engineer IS NOT DEAD! I