30 June 2011

Joint Engineer Operations

Joint Publication 3-34
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i 

PREFACE 

1. Scope 

This publication provides doctrine for the planning, command and control, execution, 

and assessment of joint engineer operations. 

2. Purpose 

This publication has been prepared under the direction of the Chairman of the Joint 

Chiefs of Staff. It sets forth joint doctrine to govern the activities and performance of the 

Armed Forces of the United States in operations and provides the doctrinal basis for 

interagency coordination and for US military involvement in multinational operations. It 

provides military guidance for the exercise of authority by combatant commanders and other 

joint force commanders (JFCs) and prescribes joint doctrine for operations and training. It 

provides military guidance for use by the Armed Forces in preparing their appropriate plans. 

It is not the intent of this publication to restrict the authority of the JFC from organizing the 

force and executing the mission in a manner the JFC deems most appropriate to ensure unity 

of effort in the accomplishment of the overall objective. 

3. Application 

a. Joint doctrine established in this publication applies to the commanders of combatant 

commands, subunified commands, joint task forces, subordinate components of these 

commands, and the Services. 

b. The guidance in this publication is authoritative; as such, this doctrine will be 

followed except when, in the judgment of the commander, exceptional circumstances dictate 

otherwise. If conflicts arise between the contents of this publication and the contents of 

Service publications, this publication will take precedence unless the Chairman of the Joint 

Chiefs of Staff, normally in coordination with the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 

has provided more current and specific guidance. Commanders of forces operating as part of 

a multinational (alliance or coalition) military command should follow multinational doctrine 

and procedures ratified by the United States. For doctrine and procedures not ratified by the 

United States, commanders should evaluate and follow the multinational command’s 

doctrine and procedures, where applicable and consistent with US law, regulations, and 

doctrine. 

For the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: 

WILLIAM E. GORTNEY 

VADM, USN 

Director, Joint Staff 
Preface 

ii JP 3-34 

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SUMMARY OF CHANGES 

REVISION OF JOINT PUBLICATION 3-34 

DATED 12 FEBRUARY 2007 

 Adds a discussion on engineer support to stability operations to include a 

discussion on the Department of State Civilian Response Corps and Interagency 

Management System. 

 Clarifies engineer considerations in planning to be consistent with Joint 

Publication 5-0, Joint Operation Planning.

 Expands definition of combat engineering. 

 Updates the capabilities and functions of the Service engineer forces. 

 Adds/updates capability discussions for United States Army Corps of Engineers 

and the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment. 

 Provides greater depth on typical funding and command and control (C2) 

relationships. Also adds a discussion on engineer C2 alternatives. 

 Updates the Service Engineer Capability matrix.

 Adds definitions of route classification, relocatable building, operation and 

maintenance, mobile mine, explosive ordnance disposal, explosive ordnance 

disposal unit, base development plan, apron, and advanced base.

 Updates references and acronyms.

 
Summary of Changes 

iv JP 3-34 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PAGE 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................... ix 

CHAPTER I 

JOINT ENGINEER FUNDAMENTALS 

 Role of Engineer Support in Joint Operations ........................................................... I-1 

 Engineer Operations and the Principles of Joint Operations ..................................... I-1 

 Engineer Support Throughout the Range of Military Operations ............................. I-1 

 Engineer Functions .................................................................................................... I-2 

 United States Military Engineering Capabilities Overview ...................................... I-6 

CHAPTER II 

COMMAND AND CONTROL 

 Responsibilities .........................................................................................................II-1 

 Authority and Control ...............................................................................................II-3 

 Command and Control Options ................................................................................II-3 

 Command and Control Considerations .....................................................................II-6 

 Engineer Organization Considerations .....................................................................II-9 

 Engineer Boards, Bureaus, Centers, Cells, and Working Groups ..........................II-14 

 Interorganizational Coordination ............................................................................II-21 

CHAPTER III 

ENGINEER PLANNING 

 Strategic, Operational, and Tactical Planning ........................................................ III-1 

 Planning Process ..................................................................................................... III-3 

 Development of Time-Phased Force and Deployment Data .................................. III-9 

 General Planning Considerations ......................................................................... III-10 

 Functional Planning Considerations ..................................................................... III-15 

 Detailed Planning Considerations ......................................................................... III-19 

CHAPTER IV 

ENGINEER FUNCTIONS 

 Combat Engineering ............................................................................................... IV-1 

 General Engineering ............................................................................................... IV-5 

 Geospatial Engineering ......................................................................................... IV-27 

APPENDIX 

A Engineer Support to Homeland Security ................................................... A-1 

B Service Engineer Organizations and Capabilities ......................................B-1 

C Contract Construction Agents ....................................................................C-1 
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vi JP 3-34 

D Environmental Considerations .................................................................. D-1 

E Contingency Authorities and Funding ....................................................... E-1 

F References .................................................................................................. F-1 

G Administrative Instructions ....................................................................... G-1 

GLOSSARY 

Part I Abbreviations and Acronyms .................................................................. GL-1 

Part II Terms and Definitions ............................................................................. GL-7 

FIGURE 

I-1 Engineer Functions and Activities .............................................................. I-3 

I-2 Engineer Support to Joint Functions ........................................................... I-5 

II-1 Service Component Command ...................................................................II-4 

II-2 Functional Component Command .............................................................II-5 

II-3 Notional Engineer Staff ............................................................................II-10 

II-4 Engineer Staff Functions ..........................................................................II-11 

II-5 Example of Engineer Command and Control ..........................................II-15 

II-6 Joint Civil-Military Engineering Board Inputs and Outputs ....................II-17 

III-1 Engineer Planning .................................................................................... III-1 

III-2 Engineer Considerations During the Joint Operation Planning Process .. III-4 

III-3 Operation Plan Annexes ........................................................................... III-7 

III-4 Engineer Planning Considerations ......................................................... III-10 

III-5 Geospatial Planning Information ........................................................... III-12 

III-6 Engineer Reconnaissance and the Engineer Functions .......................... III-13 

III-7 Infrastructure Assessment and Survey Model ........................................ III-14 

III-8 Facility Requirements Factors ................................................................ III-24 

III-9 Force Beddown/Base Development ....................................................... III-25 

III-10 Contingency Construction Standards in Theater .................................... III-26 

III-11 Host Nation Areas of Support ................................................................ III-36 

IV-1 General Engineering Capabilities and Activities ..................................... IV-6 

IV-2 Battle Damage Repair Priorities ............................................................. IV-10 

IV-3 Engineering Support to Civil Support Operations ................................. IV-12 

IV-4 Engineering Support to Foreign Humanitarian Assistance Operations . IV-13 

IV-5 Engineering Support to Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore Operations ...... IV-20 

IV-6 Environmental Support Operations ........................................................ IV-21 

A-1 Civil Support Operation Categories and Operation Types ........................ A-2 

B-A-1 Core Engineer Units .............................................................................. B-A-4 

B-A-2 Specialized Army Engineer Force Pool Capabilities ............................ B-A-6 

B-D-1 Marine Air-Ground Task Force Engineer Formations .......................... B-D-1 

B-E-1 Matrix of Service Engineer Capabilities ................................................ B-E-1 

C-1 Designated Geographical Areas of 

Department of Defense Construction Agents .............................................C-2 

C-2 United States Army Corps of Engineers Organization ..............................C-3 

C-3 Echelon IV/Fleet/Navy Crane Center/Global Contingency Construction 

Alignment ...................................................................................................C-6 
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C-4 Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Command and Control ..............C-8 

C-5 Naval Facilities Engineering Command, 

Naval Facilities Engineering Specialty Centers .........................................C-9 

D-1 Joint Operation Planning and Execution System Annexes and 

Appendices with Significant Environmental Considerations ................... D-2 

E-1 Typical Funding and Command and Control Relationships ...................... E-2 

E-2 Contingency Construction Funding Model ................................................ E-3 

E-3 Contingency Construction Funding Model 

(Unspecified Minor, $750,000-$2,000,000) ............................................... E-4 

 
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

COMMANDER’S OVERVIEW 

• Presents Joint Engineering Fundamentals 

• Describes Command and Control of Joint Engineering Operations 

• Discusses Engineer Planning and Planning Considerations 

• Describes the Engineer Functions of Combat Engineering, General Engineering, 

and Geospatial Engineering 

Joint Engineering Fundamentals 

Role of Engineer Support 

in Joint Operations. 

Engineer capabilities are a significant force multiplier in 

joint operations, facilitating the freedom of action 

necessary for the joint force commander (JFC) to meet 

mission objectives. Engineer operations modify, maintain, 

provide understanding of, and protect the physical 

environment. 

Engineer Operations and 

the Principles of Joint 

Operations. 

Joint doctrine for engineer operations is built upon, and 

consistent with, the principles of joint operations described 

in Joint Publication (JP) 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces 

of the United States, and JP 3-0, Joint Operations. 

Engineer operations enhance the ability of the JFC to 

successfully apply these principles to joint operations. 

Engineer Support 

Throughout the Range of 

Military Operations. 

Major operations and campaigns frequently require ground 

combat (or the possibility of ground combat), as do crisis 

response and contingency operations. Such operations will 

require engineers who can integrate their activities with the 

fires and maneuver of ground combat forces to assure the 

mobility of friendly forces, alter the mobility of 

adversaries, and enhance the protection of friendly forces. 

Some activities require engineer capabilities as an inherent 

part of a mission to provide support outside the joint force. 

Engineer support is inherent in the tasks of stability 

operations to restore or provide essential services, such as 

water, power, and transportation, and to repair critical 

infrastructure. 

Engineer Functions. Engineer functions are categories of related engineer 

capabilities and activities grouped together to help JFCs 

integrate, synchronize, and direct engineer operations. 
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These functions fall into three basic groups. 

Combat engineering consists of those engineer 

capabilities and activities that support the maneuver of land 

combat forces and requires close support to those forces. 

General engineering consists of those engineer 

capabilities and activities, other than combat engineering, 

that modify, maintain, or protect the physical environment.

Geospatial engineering consists of those engineer 

capabilities and activities that portray and refine data 

pertaining to the geographic location and characteristics of 

natural and constructed features and boundaries in order to 

provide engineering services to commanders and staffs. 

United States Military 

Engineering Capabilities 

Overview. 

Planners must be careful 

to accurately identify the 

capabilities required for 

an operation and the 

forces that have those 

capabilities.

Services often use the engineer functions to categorize 

forces and assets based on their primary function (i.e., 

combat engineers, general engineers, and geospatial 

engineers). Forces can sometimes perform some tasks 

from other functions, but engineer forces and assets are 

not interchangeable. 

The US Army maintains engineer forces that have the 

capability to perform most combat, general, and geospatial 

engineering operations. They provide the JFC with 

significant engineering capabilities at each echelon within 

the command. 

Navy engineers, organized under the First Naval 

Construction Division or the naval beach groups are 

commonly known as the naval construction force. They 

have rapidly deployable units of various sizes and 

configurations, tailored to provide responsiveness and 

flexibility. Navy engineers also provide engineering 

support to the Marines at various levels to include, 

depending on the scope and level of support provided, 

functioning as a major subordinate command to a Marine 

air-ground task force (MAGTF). 

Marine Corps engineers’ have both combat and limited 

general engineering that primarily support MAGTFs. 

MAGTF engineers are employed in a way that requires the 

close support and integration noted above for embedded 

combat engineers. Combat engineer battalions provide 

mobility, countermobility, and survivability to the ground 

combat element of the MAGTF while engineer support 
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xi 

battalions provide general engineering support to the 

MAGTF. 

Air Force engineers are organized as Prime Base Engineer 

Emergency Force [Prime BEEF] and Rapid Engineer 

Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer 

[RED HORSE] units to provide a broad array of general 

and geospatial engineering capabilities. The primary 

tasking for Air Force engineers is to enable rapid global 

mobility for airlift, bombers, fighters, and to support other 

manned and unmanned aerial weapon systems. 

In addition to US military engineer forces, multinational 

partner military engineers can provide valuable capabilities. 

Host nation (HN), multinational, and US Government 

agencies, and civilian contractors, in addition to providing 

labor, material, infrastructure, and services, may possess 

certain engineering capabilities specifically adapted to the 

local environment. 

Command and Control 

Responsibilities. The engineer staff of a joint force assists the JFC by 

furnishing engineer advice and recommendations to the 

commander and other staff officers; preparing those 

portions of plans, estimates, and orders that pertain to 

engineering; participating on boards and working groups, 

as necessary; and coordinating and supervising specific 

engineer activities for which the engineer staff division is 

responsible. 

Command Engineer Staff. The engineer staff assists the 

geographic combatant commander (GCC) by performing a 

variety of functions to synchronize engineer operations in 

the area of responsibility (AOR). 

Subordinate Joint Force Engineer Staff. The joint force 

engineer serves as the principal advisor to the JFC for 

matters pertaining to the planning and execution of joint 

engineering support operations. 

Authority and Control. Combatant commanders (CCDRs) have broad authority 

and control over subordinate commands and forces. 

Particularly pertinent to engineer operations are: 

 The directive authority for logistics that CCDRs have 

and their authority to delegate directive authority for 
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xii JP 3-34 

common support capabilities, which includes 

engineering support. 

 The authority to employ mines, which originates with 

the President. 

A subordinate JFC normally exercises operational control 

(OPCON) over assigned or attached forces and is 

responsible for the employment of their capabilities to 

accomplish the assigned mission or objective. 

Additionally, the JFC ensures that cross-Service support is 

provided and that all engineering forces operate as an 

effective, mutually supporting team. 

Command and Control 

Options. 

Most often, joint forces 

are organized with a 

combination of Service 

and functional component 

commands.

Service Component Command. Service component 

commanders maintain OPCON over their Service engineer 

forces under this organizational option. This structure 

maintains traditional command relationships and is best 

used when the JFC chooses to conduct operations through 

Service component commanders and when engineer forces 

are used in direct support of Service component missions. 

A Service component command may be delegated OPCON 

or tactical control of engineer forces from another Service 

to accomplish the assigned mission or tasks. 

Functional Component Command. The JFC may also 

organize using one or more functional component 

commands. Under this organizational option, the JFC 

establishes command relationships for engineer forces 

based on the requirement for engineer missions. The JFC 

is responsible for establishing the appropriate relationships 

between components to accomplish the required tasks.

Subordinate Joint Task Force (JTF). Some operations, 

such as civil support, mitigating the consequences of an 

incident, or foreign humanitarian assistance (FHA), are 

extremely engineer-intensive. In such cases, the JFC may 

opt to establish a subordinate JTF to control extensive 

engineer operations and missions. 

Command and Control 

Considerations. 

Service engineering forces must be flexible to allow the 

JFC to organize them in the most effective manner. A 

CCDR may delegate responsibility for engineering support 

to the Service component having a preponderance of forces 

and expertise. In addition to or coinciding with component 

missions specified by the CCDR or subordinate JFC, each 

Service component may provide engineering support to the 
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xiii 

other components or multinational partners, as required or 

directed. 

Supporting engineer forces with an effective 

communications system for command and control is an 

essential consideration for the JFC and the joint force 

engineer. Engineer forces have organic communications 

capabilities within Service channels up to the component 

headquarters (HQ). When operating in a joint environment, 

engineer units retain organic communications capabilities, 

but may also require additional communications system 

support from the Service component, other Service 

components, or the joint force. 

Engineer Organization 

Considerations. 

The JFC should establish an engineer staff for engineering 

matters. When a functional component command employs 

forces from more than one Service, the staff should reflect 

each Service represented. 

The CCDR and subordinate JFC will organize their staffs 

to carry out their respective assigned duties and 

responsibilities. Based on mission specific requirements, 

the engineer staff may be placed within the operations 

directorate of a joint staff, logistics directorate of a joint 

staff, or organized as a separate staff to the JFC. 

Engineer Boards, 

Bureaus, Centers, Cells, 

and Working Groups. 

A JFC may establish engineer boards or cells to manage 

engineer-intensive activities and to ensure an effective use 

of resources to meet mission requirements. Engineer 

boards establish policies, procedures, priorities, and 

oversight to coordinate efficient use of engineer resources. 

Engineer boards serve as the forum to address issues 

outside of daily operations and to ensure coordination at the 

leadership level and across staff directorates. Working 

groups conduct staff coordination at the action officer level 

and prepare materials for decisions to be made at a board. 

Cells within the JTF are a group of personnel with specific 

skills who are listed together on the HQ joint manning 

document to accomplish key functions. 

Interorganizational 

Coordination. 

Because engineers are likely to operate with the other 

government agencies, foreign governments, nongovernmental 

organizations, and intergovernmental organizations in a 

variety of circumstances, their participation in the JFC’s 

interagency coordination is critical. Two methods for 

facilitating such coordination are the civil-military operations 

center and the joint interagency coordination group. 
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xiv JP 3-34 

Engineering Planning 

Strategic, Operational, 

and Tactical Planning. 

The challenges of 

planning successful 

engineer operations within 

diverse theaters are vast 

and varied. 

The engineer staff must be involved in the planning of 

strategic, operational, and tactical operations from the 

initial stage of the process. The omission of engineer 

considerations in any phase of an operation may adversely 

impact the entire plan. Engineer planning activities at the 

strategic level include force planning, engineer policy and 

doctrine development, and the execution of campaigns and 

operations, focusing primarily on the means and 

capabilities to generate, mount, sustain, and recover forces. 

The GCC’s engineer planning [operational level] concepts 

for the AOR focus on the impact of geography and forceprojection infrastructure on the concept of operations. 

Engineer planning activities at the tactical level focus on 

support to the ordered arrangement and maneuver of 

combat elements in relationship to each other and to the 

enemy that are required to achieve combat objectives. 

Planning Process. The joint operation planning process underpins planning at 

all levels and for missions across the full range of military 

operations. Engineering considerations are similar for both 

contingency planning and crisis action planning. 

Step 1 (Initiation). During these activities, the joint force engineer assembles 

the resources required to support course of action (COA) 

development and begins the initial engineer staff estimate.

Step 2 (Mission Analysis). Engineer considerations during this step of planning 

include, but are not limited to: 

 Terrain and related weather analysis in support of 

operational area (OA)/environment visualization. 

 HN infrastructure and facilities assessment. 

 Assessment of multinational and HN engineer 

capabilities. 

 Additional digital mapping requirements for projected 

missions. 

 Capabilities of assigned engineer forces. 

 Threat engineer capabilities. 
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 Environmentally sensitive areas and other 

environmental considerations. 

 Historic and cultural resources. 

 Beddown requirements for the supported friendly force. 

 Lines of communications (LOCs) and aerial port of 

debarkation (APOD) and seaport of debarkation 

(SPOD) supportability. 

Step 3 (Course of Action 

[COA] Development). 

The engineer assesses all available information derived 

from the mission analysis process to provide the 

commander with input required to develop the initial 

COAs. 

Steps 4 and 5 (COA 

Analysis and COA 

Comparison). 

The engineer participates in wargaming, analyzing, and 

comparing available COAs to produce a commander’s 

estimate to support a COA comparison matrix. 

Step 6 (COA Approval). The engineer ensures that all requirements developed 

during the mission analysis and staff estimate processes are 

accounted for in the COA and supportable from an 

engineering perspective. 

Step 7 (Plan or Order 

Development). 

The engineer prepares several annexes and appendices, 

provides significant input to others, and must review still 

others due to their possible significant impact on engineer 

operations. 

Development of TimePhased Force and 

Deployment Data. 

Engineer participation in developing the time-phased force 

and deployment data (TPFDD) is critical to ensure that: 

 Critical engineer reconnaissance capabilities are 

positioned early in the TPFDD. 

 Engineer capabilities (units) arrive in the OA in a 

manner that supports the desired preparation of the 

OA/environment. 

 Facilities required to support force projection and joint 

reception, staging, onward movement, and integration 

are in place and available to deploying units. 

Construction materials, equipment, and resources are 

available when required, including those required to 
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xvi JP 3-34 

achieve the CCDR’s standards for base camp beddown. 

General Planning 

Considerations. 

In tailoring the engineer support to operations, the joint 

force engineer should address a number of general 

considerations for engineer planning, including speed, 

economy, flexibility, decentralization of authority, and 

establishment of priorities. 

Assured Mobility. Assured mobility is the framework of 

processes, actions, and capabilities, that assures the ability 

of the joint force to deploy and maneuver where and when 

desired, without interruption or delay, to achieve the 

mission. 

Joint Intelligence Preparation of the Operational 

Environment (JIPOE). Engineers play a major role in the 

JIPOE process by anticipating and providing terrain 

analysis products of likely contingency areas. 

Engineer Reconnaissance. Organization of engineer 

reconnaissance capabilities (mix of engineer specialties, 

expertise, and equipment) and required supporting assets 

(environmental, preventive medicine, or other specialties 

and force protection elements) is a critical planning 

consideration to ensure an accurate and sufficient 

reconnaissance. 

Logistics. The engineer support planning effort focuses on 

supporting the mobilization, deployment, employment, 

sustainment, and redeployment of the joint force. 

Joint Engineer Planning and Execution System 

(JEPES). JEPES is a tool used to support quantitative 

aspects of engineering support planning and execution. It 

provides the general requirements for the engineer support 

plan and provides a common automated system for the joint 

force engineer planners to determine the appropriate 

amount of engineer assets and capabilities to support the 

selected COA. 

Functional Planning 

Considerations. 

Each engineer function has unique planning considerations. 

Some of those that are most significant to the joint force 

engineer’s planning activities include: 

Combat Engineering. Emplacing barriers and obstacles, 

and countering their use by adversaries are often 
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xvii 

significant requirements for engineers.

General Engineering. One of the challenges joint force 

engineers face in planning general engineering is access to 

specialized technical expertise. Much of this expertise 

resides within the Services, and can greatly assist joint 

force engineers.

Geospatial Engineering. The geospatial engineer 

products are also extremely useful in the engineer planning 

process as a means of identification and feasibility 

determination for beddown and staging areas, possible 

resource (gravel, sand, etc.) locations, and capability of 

LOCs.

Detailed Planning 

Considerations. 

Transitions. Engineering planning for operational phase 

transition is essential to ensuring uninterrupted support to 

the joint force. Engineers, together with logisticians, must 

anticipate the JFC’s phase transition decisive points in 

order to ensure adequate resources are available for the 

next phase of the campaign. 

Force Protection. Engineers have unique equipment and 

personnel capabilities that can be used to support force 

protection efforts. Engineers construct protective facilities, 

bunkers, emplacements, vehicle barriers, fences, 

environmental and sanitation systems, and other structures.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). EOD 

augmentation to the engineer force is not only essential, but 

critical. The speed and efficiency with which unexploded 

ordnance hazards, weapons caches, and improvised 

explosive devices are eliminated directly impacts overall 

mission success, both militarily and politically. 

Real Estate Requirements. Joint force engineers must 

plan for the acquisition of uncontaminated land and 

facilities, and their management and ultimate disposal to 

support joint operations. 

Construction Planning. The joint force engineer and 

Service component engineers must ensure that facilities are 

available to support the joint force. This will often require 

new construction, but where possible, it is important to 

maximize the use of existing facilities. 
Executive Summary 

xviii JP 3-34 

Construction Contracting Support. Joint engineers must 

consider the capabilities of all Services when addressing 

how to support contingency contracting requirements. 

Environmental Considerations. Successful planning and 

execution of joint engineering operations requires everincreasing attention to environmental considerations. 

Host-Nation Support (HNS). Since then, deployments 

have become increasingly expeditionary, with greater 

dependency on HNS and a greater engineering effort to 

develop secure ports and forward operating bases. 

Multinational Support. Coalition or alliance forces will 

require a multinational force (MNF) commander and may 

require an MNF engineer and staff to plan and coordinate 

engineer efforts. In multinational operations, the MNF 

engineer is responsible for coordinating all engineering 

operations that affect the MNF. 

Foreign Assistance. While all elements of the joint force 

are focused on providing immediate FHA to avert the loss 

of life, the engineering contribution is focused on logistic 

support, securing an area to allow relief efforts directed by 

other agencies to proceed, and projects that open LOCs and 

provide shelter, water, and the infrastructure to relieve 

human suffering and support life. 

Engineering Functions 

Combat Engineering. Combat engineering activities are focused on the tactical 

level of war, though they can also contribute directly to the 

achievement of strategic and operational objectives. There 

are three types of combat engineering capabilities and 

activities: mobility, countermobility, and survivability. 

Mobility. Combat engineering mobility capabilities and 

activities assure the ability of land combat forces to 

maneuver. They only include tasks that meet the definition 

of combat engineering, and they typically include tasks 

associated with conducting combined arms breaching 

operations, clearing operations, and gap crossing 

operations; constructing and maintaining combat roads and 

trails; and performing forward aviation combat 

engineering. 
 Executive Summary 

xix 

Countermobility. Combat engineering countermobility 

capabilities and activities reinforce terrain to delay, disrupt, 

and destroy the enemy. Their primary purpose is to slow or 

divert the enemy, to increase time for target acquisition and 

fires, and to increase weapons’ effectiveness. 

Survivability. Combat engineering survivability 

capabilities and activities enhance the protection of land 

combat forces. They only include tasks that meet the 

definition of combat engineering, and they typically include 

tasks associated with the construction of fighting and 

protective positions, recovery after attack actions, and 

tactical camouflage, concealment, and deception. 

General Engineering. General engineering is a very diverse function often 

involving horizontal and vertical construction, but also 

encompassing numerous specialized capabilities. 

Examples of general engineering facilities construction

include: shelter, warehouses, terminals, hospitals, water 

and electric power facilities, sanitation and environmental 

facilities, fuel storage and distribution facilities, and APOD 

and SPOD facilities. Specialized support examples 

include: fire and emergency services; explosive hazard 

disposal; engineering support contracting, and engineering; 

technical support; facilities engineering and management; 

water well drilling; concrete and asphalt production and 

quarry operations; power generation and distribution 

support; environmental support operations; airfield damage 

repair; support to joint logistics over-the-shore; and disaster 

preparation and chemical, biological, radiological, and 

nuclear response. 

Geospatial Engineering. Geospatial engineering provides the JFC with terrain 

analysis and visualization of the operational environment 

through the utilization and display of accurate terrain and 

other geospatially referenced information and derived 

actionable advice that is referenced to precise locations on 

the earth’s surface. 

CONCLUSION 

This publication provides doctrine for the planning, 

command and control, execution, and assessment of joint 

engineer operations. 

 
Executive Summary 

xx JP 3-34 

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I-1 

CHAPTER I 

JOINT ENGINEER FUNDAMENTALS 

1. Role of Engineer Support in Joint Operations 

Engineer capabilities are a significant force multiplier in joint operations, facilitating 

the freedom of action necessary for the joint force commander (JFC) to meet mission 

objectives. Engineer operations modify, maintain, provide understanding of, and protect the 

physical environment. In doing so they assure the mobility of friendly forces, alter the 

mobility of others, enhance the protection and enable the sustainment of friendly forces, 

contribute to a clear understanding of the physical environment, and provide support to 

civilians, other nations, and civilian authorities and agencies. 

2. Engineer Operations and the Principles of Joint Operations 

Joint doctrine for engineer operations is built upon, and consistent with, the principles of 

joint operations described in Joint Publication (JP) 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the 

United States, and JP 3-0, Joint Operations. Engineer operations enhance the ability of the 

JFC to successfully apply these principles to joint operations. 

3. Engineer Support Throughout the Range of Military Operations 

a. Engineer operations occur throughout the range of military operations. 

b. Joint forces conducting almost any activity will benefit from a clear understanding of 

the physical environment. Therefore geospatial engineering capabilities are almost always 

needed. 

c. Major operations and campaigns frequently require large numbers of forces in 

theater, as do crisis response and contingency operations. Military engagement, security 

cooperation, and deterrence activities sometimes require large numbers of forces. These 

forces will need infrastructure, lines of communications (LOCs), and bases to support their 

sustainment. Even in areas with well-developed existing infrastructure, significant engineer 

effort will often be required to plan, design, construct, acquire, operate, maintain, integrate 

with, or repair infrastructure in order to support operations in theater. Such an effort will 

require engineers on the ground. 

d. Major operations and campaigns frequently require ground combat (or the possibility 

of ground combat), as do crisis response and contingency operations. Such operations will 

require engineers who can integrate their activities with the fires and maneuver of ground 

combat forces to assure the mobility of friendly forces, alter the mobility of adversaries, and 

“I’ve on many occasions wondered what it would be like to be a real soldier...if 

only I was an engineer.” 

General George S. Patton 
Chapter I 

I-2 JP 3-34 

enhance the protection of friendly forces. This will often require a significant number of 

engineers on the ground. 

e. Some activities require engineer capabilities as an inherent part of a mission to 

provide support outside the joint force. For instance, many crisis response operations 

include the provision of essential governmental services, humanitarian relief, and emergency 

infrastructure reconstruction, such as humanitarian assistance and civil support (CS). 

Military engagement, security cooperation, and deterrence include nation assistance and 

Department of Defense (DOD) support to counterdrug operations. Such activities will often 

require engineers on the ground. 

f. Stability operations encompass various military missions conducted outside the 

United States in coordination with other instruments of national power to maintain or 

reestablish a safe and secure environment, provide essential governmental services, 

emergency infrastructure reconstruction, and humanitarian relief. Department of Defense 

Instruction (DODI) 3000.05, Stability Operations, establishes stability operations as a core 

mission of the US military and requires proficiency equivalent with combat operations. 

Engineer support is inherent in the tasks of stability operations to restore or provide essential 

services, such as water, power, and transportation, and to repair critical infrastructure. 

Although DOD provides this initial capability, transition planning in stability operations is a 

key engineer task requiring coordination with other departments and agencies to ensure unity 

of effort. 

For further details, refer to JP 3-06, Joint Urban Operations, and JP 3-07, Stability 

Operations.

4. Engineer Functions 

a. Engineer functions are categories of related engineer capabilities and activities 

grouped together to help JFCs integrate, synchronize, and direct engineer operations. These 

functions fall into three basic groups—combat engineering, general engineering, and 

geospatial engineering (see Figure I-1). 

(1) Combat engineering consists of those engineer capabilities and activities that 

support the maneuver of land combat forces and requires close support to those forces. 

Combat engineering consists of three types of capabilities and activities: mobility, 

countermobility, and survivability. Examples include combined arms breaching operations, 

gap crossing operations, and constructing and maintaining combat roads and trails; 

development of barriers, obstacles, and minefields; and construction of fighting and 

protective positions. 

(2) General engineering consists of those engineer capabilities and activities, 

other than combat engineering, that modify, maintain, or protect the physical environment. 

Examples include the construction, repair, and maintenance of infrastructure, Class III/V 

storage area requirements, LOCs, and bases; protection of natural and cultural resources; 

terrain modification and repair; and selected explosive hazard (EH) activities. 
 Joint Engineer Fundamentals 

I-3 

(3) Geospatial engineering consists of those engineer capabilities and activities 

that portray and refine data pertaining to the geographic location and characteristics of 

natural and constructed features and boundaries in order to provide engineering services to 

commanders and staffs. Examples include: terrain analysis, terrain visualization, digitized 

terrain products, nonstandard tailored map products, precision survey, geospatial data 

management, baseline survey data, identification of significant cultural sites and natural 

resources, facility support, and force beddown analysis. 

b. Engineer reconnaissance, though not a separate engineer function, is a critical part 

of each one. Timely and effective engineer reconnaissance is essential to effective planning 

and execution of engineer tasks, and can often provide information that allows the JFC to 

avoid or reduce the need for engineer activities. While engineer reconnaissance capabilities 

exist in many forms and capabilities, there are few engineer reconnaissance organizations 

Figure I-1. Engineer Functions and Activities 

ENGINEER FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

MOBILITY COUNTERMOBILITY SURVIVABILITY

COMBAT 

ENGINEERING

Mobility

Countermobility

Survivability

Engineer 

reconnaissance

GEOSPATIAL

ENGINEERING

Generation of geospatial 

information

Management of geospatial 

databases

Terrain analysis and 

visualization

Dissemination of geospatial 

information

Digital and hard copy 

Engineer reconnaissance

GENERAL ENGINEERING

Countering barriers, obstacles, 

mines, and unexploded 

ordnances/improvised 

explosive device

Clearance operations

Assault bridging

Combat roads and trails

Forward aviation combat 

engineering (airfields and 

heliports)

Engineer reconnaissance

Fighting positions

Force protection 

construction support

Camouflage, concealment, 

and deception

Engineer reconnaissance

Barriers, obstacles, mines 

and 

operations development 

and integration

Engineer reconnaissance

,

unexploded ordnance

Road construction, maintenance, 

and repair

Bridging

Railroad construction, 

maintenance, and repair

Support to joint logistics overthe-shore operations

Port construction, maintenance, 

and repair

Environmental support

Enemy prisoner of war facilities

Facilities for dislocated civilians

Base camp/forward operating 

base construction

Engineer reconnaissance

Airfield construction, 

maintenance, and repair
Chapter I 

I-4 JP 3-34 

permanently assigned, organized, and designed specifically for the reconnaissance mission. 

Most engineer reconnaissance planned by the joint engineer will be in support of general 

engineer tasks, as planning for engineer reconnaissance in support of combat engineering is 

typically conducted at lower levels. 

c. The engineer functions help JFCs integrate the actions of the joint force in a coherent 

manner. The operation plan/order describes the way that the engineer functions are used in 

the operation.

d. Levels of war and the engineer functions. The engineer functions are not 

categorized according to the levels of war because all three functions can contribute directly 

to the achievement of tactical, operational, and strategic objectives. However, the nature of 

the activities within each engineer function causes some functions to be more closely 

associated with certain levels of war than with others. Since combat engineering is 

conducted in close support of land combat forces, its focus is on the tactical level. General 

engineering is most closely associated with the operational and strategic levels. Geospatial 

engineering is equally associated with all three levels of war. 

e. Joint functions and engineer functions. There is not a one-to-one relationship 

between engineer functions and the joint functions. Each engineer function is associated 

with multiple joint functions, but is more closely associated with some than with others. 

Figure I-2 illustrates the association between some typical engineer functions and their 

corresponding joint function. 

For additional information on joint functions, refer to JP 3-0, Joint Operations. 

f. Distinction between combat and general engineering. 

(1) The primary differences between combat and general engineering result from 

combat engineering’s requirement for close support to land combat forces. Inherent in 

close support is a requirement for detailed integration or coordination with the fires, 

movement, or other actions of those forces. This requirement: 

(a) Results in significantly different types of tasks; shorter time requirements 

to accomplish those tasks; and, a much higher probability that those tasks will have to be 

performed in close combat conditions. However, combat engineering must not be confused 

with “engineering under combat conditions.” This could apply to general and geospatial 

engineering activities, but only activities requiring close support to land combat forces are 

combat engineering activities. 

(b) Results in different performance measures for tasks that may seem to be the 

same. Thus, a task to reduce an obstacle as part of a combined arms breaching operation has 

different performance measures than a similar task to reduce the same obstacle where the 

requirement for detailed integration does not exist (for example, such a situation might occur 

as part of a road construction effort). The former is a combat engineering task while the 

latter is a general engineering task. 
 Joint Engineer Fundamentals 

I-5 

(c) Is established by the commander responsible for the operational area (OA) 

in which engineering activities are conducted. 

(2) Although general engineering activities do not require the detailed integration 

inherent in close support that combat engineering activities require, they still must be 

coordinated with the supported unit and the unit responsible for the OA in which the 

activities are conducted. 

g. Combat engineering is almost always conducted in support of military forces. 

General engineering is also conducted in support of military forces, but is also frequently 

employed in support of others (e.g., civilians, other nations, civilian authorities, civilian 

agencies) as a critical element of civil-military operations (CMO). Likewise, geospatial 

engineering is often employed in support of military forces and in support of others. For 

additional CMO information, see JP 3-57, Civil-Military Operations.

h. Combat engineering and general engineering often require significant logistic support 

with long lead times to obtain and deliver equipment and supplies. Combat engineering 

typically requires large quantities of barrier materials and explosives. General engineering 

often requires very large amounts and many varieties of construction materials. These 

supplies may not be readily available in the OA, and this can be a significant factor which 

limits the application of engineer capabilities and the options available to the JFC. 

Figure I-2. Engineer Support to Joint Functions 

ENGINEER SUPPORT TO JOINT FUNCTIONS

SUSTAINMENT

Force Beddown

Base Camp Development

Real Estate Management

Construction and Repair of

 Infrastructure and Facilities

Infrastructure and Facilities

 Operation and Maintenance

Environmental Considerations

Engineer Reconnaissance

INTELLIGENCE

 Terrain Visualization

 Digitized Mapping

 Site Surveys

FIRES

 Target Analysis

 Shaping Operations

 Obstacle Effects

MOVEMENT AND MANEUVER

Combat Roads and Trails

Gap Crossing

Lines of Communications

and/or Main Supply Routes

Intermediate Staging Bases

Barriers and Obstacles

Breaching and Countermine 

 Operations

COMMAND AND CONTROL

 Monitor Engineer Forces and Assets

 Explosive Hazards Coordination

 Engineer Reconnaissance

 Geospatial Support

PROTECTION

Hardening

Field Fortification Support
Chapter I 

I-6 JP 3-34 

5. United States Military Engineering Capabilities Overview 

a. Services often use the engineer functions to categorize forces and assets based on 

their primary function (i.e., combat engineers, general engineers, and geospatial engineers). 

Forces can sometimes perform some tasks from other functions, but engineer forces and 

assets are not interchangeable. Planners must be careful to accurately identify the 

capabilities required for an operation and the forces that have those capabilities. 

(1) Combat engineering requires forces with the capability to integrate their 

engineering activities with, or operate as part of, a combined arms team of ground forces. 

Usually this requires combat engineers, which are organic to most ground combat forces at 

the brigade or regimental level or lower. Only combat engineers are organized, trained, and 

equipped to perform the range of combat engineering tasks required by land combat forces; 

to integrate their activities with the fires and maneuver of those forces; and to operate as part 

of a combined arms team in close combat. Some general engineers (or even non-engineers) 

may be able to perform some combat engineering tasks, but their capabilities to perform such 

tasks are very limited. JFCs should be cautious about using general engineers to perform 

combat engineering tasks. 

(2) General engineering often can be performed by civilians and contractors, but 

the nature of some tasks, or the conditions under which they must be performed, often 

demands that military engineers perform them. The general engineering requirements for an 

operation will often exceed the capabilities of available military engineers, so JFCs will need 

to employ a combination of military engineers, civilians, contractors, and multinational and 

host nation (HN) capabilities to fulfill these requirements. Most combat engineers are able 

to perform some general engineering tasks, but their capabilities to do so are often limited by 

their training and equipment. JFCs should be cautious about using combat engineers to 

perform general engineering tasks without appropriate augmentation and training. Even with 

such augmentation and training, the use of combat engineers to perform general engineering 

tasks can create significant risk if it reduces the combat engineering capabilities available to 

land combat forces. 

(3) Geospatial engineering tasks require highly technical and specialized 

capabilities. These may include processing data from disparate sources such as remote 

sensed imagery, field reconnaissance, digital data, intelligence data, existing topographic 

products, and other collateral data. Geospatial engineers also perform digital manipulation 

of topographic, hydrographic, and aeronautical information by querying, viewing, 

evaluating, and downloading digital data. They support operational needs such as the 

production of tactical decision aids or temporal and special analysis to support the JFC’s 

decision cycle. They can assist in predictive analysis of the impact that terrain and weather 

may have on transportation, communications, and intelligence systems. Fusion of geospatial 

engineers and intelligence personnel leverage data accessibility, exploitation, visualization, 

and distribution. 

b. Each Service has core engineering units and capabilities that stem from their 

traditional roles and associations to meet specific operational needs and to support 

accomplishing a variety of mission requirements in any environment. An understanding of 
 Joint Engineer Fundamentals 

I-7 

the Services’ combat, general, and geospatial engineering capabilities allows the JFC and the 

joint force engineer to tailor the engineer force to effectively and efficiently accomplish the 

mission. The JFC should understand multinational, interagency, nongovernmental 

organization (NGO), and intergovernmental organization (IGO) engineer capabilities to 

better coordinate coherent activity, develop viable courses of action (COAs) and, when 

appropriate, to properly integrate them into the joint operation. The joint force engineer is 

responsible for providing comprehensive recommendations to the JFC on the effective 

employment of all engineer capabilities in support of joint operations. The JFC, with the 

assistance of the joint force engineer, analyzes mission requirements to tailor optimal 

engineer force packages. The engineering capabilities of each Service component may 

provide engineering support to the other components to meet joint force requirements. 

c. Army Engineers. The US Army maintains engineer forces that have the capability 

to perform most combat, general, and geospatial engineering operations. They provide the 

JFC with significant engineering capabilities at each echelon within the command. 

Generally, engineer units at the brigade combat team (BCT) level and below focus on 

combat engineering. Engineers at levels above the BCT reinforce the engineering capability 

within the BCT and possess various combat and general engineering capabilities. Army 

engineer command and control (C2) units are designed to provide C2 of additional forces 

added at the brigade and echelons above brigade levels. The size and scope of the engineer 

requirement will drive the selection of the appropriate C2 capability (i.e., engineer battalion, 

brigade, theater engineer command [TEC]). Geospatial engineering capabilities exist at 

brigade level and higher staffs. Some capabilities that are categorized as engineering by 

other Services reside in other branches of the Army (e.g., explosive ordnance disposal [EOD] 

and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear [CBRN] capabilities). The US Army 

Corps of Engineers (USACE) is the Army’s direct reporting unit assigned responsibility to 

execute Army and DOD military construction (MILCON), real estate acquisition, 

environmental management, and development of the nation’s infrastructure through the civil 

works program. Field forces assigned to the operational Army include forward engineer 

support teams (FESTs) and the 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime Power). Other services 

include wetlands and waterway management and disaster relief support operations (USACE 

has primary responsibility to execute Emergency Support Function #3, Public Works and 

Engineering, for DOD). USACE also provides technical assistance and contract support to 

joint forces deployed worldwide. 

d. Navy Engineers. Navy engineers, organized under the First Naval Construction 

Division (1NCD) or the naval beach groups (NBGs) are commonly known as the naval 

construction force (NCF). They have rapidly deployable units of various sizes and 

configurations, tailored to provide responsiveness and flexibility. NCFs provide advanced 

general engineering to include airfields, LOCs, upgrade and maintenance, battle damage 

repair, underwater and amphibious construction, and logistic facilities construction. Navy 

engineers also provide engineering support to the Marines at various levels to include, 

depending on the scope and level of support provided, functioning as a major subordinate 

command to a Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF). The Naval Facilities Engineering 

Command (NAVFAC) also provides engineering planning, design engineering, project 

management, environmental engineering support, construction contracting, and operations 
Chapter I 

I-8 JP 3-34 

and maintenance for shore-based and ocean facilities. NAVFAC also maintains a reachback 

capability for forward engineer units. 

e. Marine Corps Engineers. Marine Corps engineers’ have both combat and limited 

general engineering that primarily support MAGTFs. MAGTF engineers are employed in a 

way that requires the close support and integration noted above for embedded combat 

engineers. Combat engineer battalions (CEBs) provide mobility, countermobility, and 

survivability to the ground combat element (GCE) of the MAGTF while engineer support 

battalions (ESBs) provide general engineering support to the MAGTF. Additionally, Marine 

wing support squadrons (MWSSs) provide limited combat engineering to the aviation 

combat element (ACE), but provide a more robust general engineering capability, especially 

in terms of airfield damage repair (ADR). The Marine Corps has limited geospatial 

engineering capabilities, with one topographic platoon supporting each Marine expeditionary 

force (MEF). 

f. Air Force Engineers. Air Force engineers are organized as Prime Base Engineer 

Emergency Force (Prime BEEF) and Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair 

Squadron Engineer (RED HORSE) units to provide a broad array of general and geospatial 

engineering capabilities. The primary tasking for Air Force engineers is to enable rapid 

global mobility for airlift, bombers, fighters, and to support other manned and unmanned 

aerial weapon systems. Air Force engineers are trained and equipped with organic 

capabilities to support all aspects of airfield operations where heavy strategic airlift, 

bombers, or fighters will operate on a daily or frequent basis. The Air Force has the 

capability to rapidly deploy general engineer units organized as part of an air and space 

expeditionary task force (AETF) to open, establish, and maintain airbase power projection 

platforms. These same units can deploy as detached units operating in support of specific 

missions and operational tasks such as airfield pavement evaluations (APEs); crash and fire 

rescue; EOD; emergency management (EM) response; ADR; facility construction and 

maintenance; and utility systems construction and maintenance; aircraft arresting system 

installation and maintenance; and airfield lighting, marking, and installation of navigation 

aids. The Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment (AFCEE) provides 

environmental engineering support, construction contracting, and project management, and 

maintains a reachback capability for forward engineer units. 

A more extensive description of Service engineer capabilities is provided in Appendix B, 

“Service Engineer Organizations and Capabilities.” 

g. Other Engineering Capabilities. In addition to US military engineer forces, 

multinational partner military engineers can provide valuable capabilities. HN, 

multinational, and US Government (USG) agencies, and civilian contractors, in addition to 

providing labor, material, infrastructure, and services, may possess certain engineering 

capabilities specifically adapted to the local environment. There are other benefits to the use 

of multinational, HN, and US contractors, but these need to be weighed against their 

potential limitations. This mixture of capabilities may change during the phases of an 

operation and may require management across Service lines to ensure that the JFC has 

appropriate forces in place. 
 Joint Engineer Fundamentals 

I-9 

(1) Department of Defense Construction Agents. The Secretary of Defense 

(SecDef) has designated the USACE and the NAVFAC as construction agents for the design 

and construction execution of US military facilities worldwide. AFCEE is the designated 

DOD construction agent for MILCON in the British Isles. The USACE, NAVFAC, and 

AFCEE provide a significant engineering capability to be leveraged in joint operations. Both 

USACE and NAVFAC have the capability to support general engineering operations with 

technical assistance and contract support to joint forces deployed worldwide. They also 

maintain in-depth expertise in engineering research and development. Inherent in their 

mission support capabilities is a planning and engineering capability for advanced base and 

infrastructure development. Combatant commanders (CCDRs) may use USACE, NAVFAC, 

and AFCEE to provide technical engineering assistance for design and award of construction 

contracts to civilian companies in support of military operations. 

Specific information on the responsibilities of DOD construction agents is contained in 

Appendix C, “Contract Construction Agents,” and in Department of Defense Directive 

(DODD) 4270.5, Military Construction. 

(2) Standing Contingency Contracts. Civil augmentation programs, such as the 

Army’s logistics civil augmentation program (LOGCAP), the Navy’s global contingency 

construction contract (GCCC) and global contingency service contract (GCSC) program, and 

the Air Force contract augmentation program (AFCAP), also play a significant role in 

mission accomplishment by providing the JFC and joint force engineer with additional 

options and flexibility in general engineering and logistic support. 

For further guidance on service civil augmentation programs, refer to JP 4-10, Operational 

Contract Support. 
Chapter I 

I-10 JP 3-34 

Intentionally Blank 
II-1 

CHAPTER II 

COMMAND AND CONTROL 

1. Responsibilities 

a. The responsibilities and functions of CCDRs and their subordinate JFCs are specified 

and described in the Unified Command Plan and JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the 

United States. The engineer staff of a joint force assists the JFC by furnishing engineer 

advice and recommendations to the commander and other staff officers; preparing those 

portions of plans, estimates, and orders that pertain to engineering; participating on boards 

and working groups, as necessary; and coordinating and supervising specific engineer 

activities for which the engineer staff division is responsible. 

b. Command Engineer Staff. The engineer staff assists the geographic combatant 

commander (GCC) by performing a variety of functions to synchronize engineer operations 

in the area of responsibility (AOR). These include: 

(1) Planning and coordinating theater engineering support. 

(2) Providing recommendations to the GCC on the assignment of engineering 

missions to subordinate commanders. Recommendations may include which subordinate 

commander (Service/functional component, subordinate joint task force [JTF], or subunified 

commander) will be assigned the mission, the scope of the project, and which commanders 

will be placed in a supporting role. 

(3) Furnishing recommendations on the tasking of components for theater 

engineering missions, tasks, or projects. 

(4) Recommending policies and priorities for construction and real estate 

acquisition, and for Class IV supplies (construction materials). 

(5) Furnishing advice on the impact of joint operations on the environment in 

accordance with (IAW) applicable US, international, and HN laws and agreements. 

(6) Recommending construction standards. 

“Engineers, both Army and Seabees, were under Commander Construction 

Troops who, in turn, was under the Island Commander, Major General Fred C. 

Wallace, USMC. Airfield construction and supply roads had priority; other base 

developments could wait until the island was secured. The face of the island was 

changed more than it had been for thousands of years by multi-lane roads, traffic 

circles, water points, Quonset villages, tank farms, storage dumps, and hospitals.” 

Okinawa Secured, Victory in the Pacific 

Samuel Eliot Morrison 

History of US Naval Operations in World War II 
Chapter II 

II-2 JP 3-34 

(7) Identifying engineering support requirements that exceed component funding 

authorizations and organized engineer capabilities. 

(8) Furnishing advice on the assessment of the risk to mission accomplishment of 

engineering support shortfalls. 

(9) Furnishing advice on the feasibility, acceptability, and suitability of component 

engineering plans. 

(10) Preparing, as part of the joint operation planning process (JOPP), the engineer 

parts of operation plans (OPLANs) and operation orders (OPORDs), see Figure III-3. 

(11) Reviewing all engineer-related annexes/appendices (see Chapter III, “Engineer 

Planning”) of OPLANs and OPORDs. 

(12) Providing input to the theater campaign plan. Develop humanitarian civil 

assistance and exercise related construction programs to support building partner capacity. 

(13) Developing training and exercise programs to evaluate and improve 

preparedness for engineering missions. 

(14) Planning and coordinating the procurement and distribution of required 

materiel based on established priorities. Service components are responsible for 

procurement and distribution of their Class IV requirements. 

(15) Coordinating with DOD construction agents and other engineer support 

agencies. 

c. Subordinate Joint Force Engineer Staff. The joint force engineer serves as the 

principal advisor to the JFC for matters pertaining to the planning and execution of joint 

engineering support operations. The joint force engineer manages several engineering 

functions to include the following: 

(1) Planning for and coordinating the conduct of operational mobility, 

countermobility, and survivability tasks. 

(2) Construction and maintenance of required facilities and LOCs. 

(3) Coordination of materiel requirements. 

(4) Environmental management. 

(5) Geospatial support in conjunction with the geospatial information and services 

(GI&S) officer. 

(6) Real estate acquisition and management. 

 
 Command and Control 

II-3 

(7) Other specialized engineering support functions. 

(8) Emergency repair of war damage to facilities and infrastructure. 

2. Authority and Control 

a. Commander of a Combatant Command. CCDRs have broad authority and control 

over subordinate commands and forces. Particularly pertinent to engineer operations are: 

(1) The directive authority for logistics that CCDRs have and their authority to 

delegate directive authority for common support capabilities, which includes engineering 

support. 

For more information about directive authority for logistics and directive authority for 

common support capabilities, see JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States. 

(2) The authority to employ mines, which originates with the President. 

For more information on mine employment authority, see JP 3-15, Barriers, Obstacles, and 

Mine Warfare for Joint Operations. 

b. Subordinate Joint Force Commander. A subordinate JFC normally exercises 

operational control (OPCON) over assigned or attached forces and is responsible for the 

employment of their capabilities to accomplish the assigned mission or objective. 

Additionally, the JFC ensures that cross-Service support is provided and that all engineering 

forces operate as an effective, mutually supporting team. The JFC assigns engineering tasks 

to subordinate commanders. 

For further guidance on joint C2, refer to JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United 

States; JP 3-31, Command and Control for Land Operations; and JP 3-30, Command and 

Control for Joint Air Operations. 

3. Command and Control Options 

a. Simplicity and clarity of command relationships are paramount to the effective and 

efficient use of engineer forces due to the varied nature of engineer tasks, units, and 

capabilities. Engineering forces are extremely adaptable and can be tailored to any joint 

force organizational structure. In addition, the structure that is developed needs to be 

flexible enough to change as the situation warrants. Transitions between offensive, 

defensive, and stability operations will have a significant effect on the frequency and type of 

missions performed and therefore the type of engineer support required. The different 

authority and control options presented in this chapter are designed to take advantage of this 

flexibility. Most often, joint forces are organized with a combination of Service and 

functional component commands. 

b. Service Component Command. Service component commanders maintain OPCON 

over their Service engineer forces under this organizational option (see Figure II-1). This 

structure maintains traditional command relationships and is best used when the JFC chooses 
Chapter II 

II-4 JP 3-34 

to conduct operations through Service component commanders and when engineer forces are 

used in direct support of Service component missions. A Service component command may 

be delegated OPCON or tactical control (TACON) of engineer forces from another Service 

to accomplish the assigned mission or tasks. For example, Navy engineer forces may be 

placed under OPCON or TACON of the Marine component commander for general 

engineering support. In addition, the JFC may also establish support relationships between 

subordinate commanders to aid, protect, complement, or sustain another force. 

c. Functional Component Command. The JFC may also organize using one or more 

functional component commands (see Figure II-2). Under this organizational option, the 

JFC establishes command relationships for engineer forces based on the requirement for 

engineer missions. The JFC is responsible for establishing the appropriate relationships 

between components to accomplish the required tasks. For example, Air Force or Navy 

engineers may be placed TACON to the joint force land component commander (JFLCC). 

Use of engineering forces either in direct support of or attached to a functional component 

commander is a viable option when providing capabilities tied directly to the functional 

component’s mission. The functional component command will not normally be responsible 

for providing common logistic support (e.g., beddown construction) to the joint force. When 

Figure II-1. Service Component Command 

SERVICE COMPONENT COMMAND

AFCEE Air Force Center for Engineering 

and the Environment

NAVFAC Naval Facilities Engineering 

Command

1NCD 1st Naval Construction Division

Prime BEEF Prime Base Engineer Emergency 

Force

RED HORSE Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy 

Operational Repair Squadron 

Engineer

Seabee naval construction force 

unit/detachment

TEC theater engineer command

USACE United States Army Corps of 

Engineers

operational control

LEGEND

Joint Force

Commander

TEC

USACE 

Elements

Marine Corps

Engineers

Seabees

Amphibious 

Construction 

Battalions

Seabees

NAVFAC Units

1NCD

RED HORSE

Prime BEEF

AFCEE

Army

Component

Air Force

Component

Navy

Component

Marine

Component
 Command and Control 

II-5 

a joint force component commander does not have adequate engineer forces assigned, the 

component commander will coordinate engineering support requirements through the JFC to 

obtain the support from other components of the JTF. There are numerous variations in 

organizing engineer forces under this command structure that provide significant flexibility 

to the joint force. The key advantage of this option is that it provides the JFC with the ability 

to tailor the engineer capabilities within the joint force by crossing Service component lines 

to best achieve mission requirements. 

d. Subordinate Joint Task Force. Some operations, such as CS, mitigating the 

consequences of an incident, or foreign humanitarian assistance (FHA), are extremely 

engineer-intensive. In such cases, the JFC may opt to establish a subordinate JTF to control 

extensive engineer operations and missions. Such a JTF may be formed around an existing 

TEC, naval construction regiment (NCR), or RED HORSE squadron. The JFC designates 

the military engineer capabilities that will be made available for tasking and the appropriate 

command relationships. Engineer forces could be placed under OPCON, TACON, or in a 

supporting role, depending on the degree of control that the JFC desires to delegate to the 

subordinate JTF. The engineer assets attached to the subordinate JTF will normally be made 

up of a mix of engineer assets drawn from the entire force’s engineer resources. If the 

subordinate JTF is to provide a common support capability, it will require a specific 

delegation of directive authority from the CCDR for the common support capability that is to 

be provided. 

For further guidance on the organization of joint forces, refer to JP 3-0, Joint Operations. 

Figure II-2. Functional Component Command 

FUNCTIONAL COMPONENT COMMAND

Joint Force

Special

Operations

Component

Joint Force 

Land 

Component

Engineering 

Forces and

Capabilities 

Made Available

Engineering 

Forces and 

Capabilities 

Made Available

Engineering 

Forces and

Capabilities 

Made Available

Engineering 

Forces and

Capabilities 

Made Available

Joint Force Air 

Component 

Joint Force 

Maritime 

Component

JOINT FORCE COMMANDER

operational control

LEGEND
Chapter II 

II-6 JP 3-34 

4. Command and Control Considerations 

a. Service Engineer Considerations. Service engineering forces must be flexible to 

allow the JFC to organize them in the most effective manner. A CCDR may delegate 

responsibility for engineering support to the Service component having a preponderance of 

forces and expertise. In addition to or coinciding with component missions specified by the 

CCDR or subordinate JFC, each Service component may provide engineering support to the 

other components or multinational partners, as required or directed. While deployed, 

engineers from all Services may use reachback from the field to USACE, NAVFAC, 

AFCEE, and Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency (AFCESA) for technical support, 

assistance in planning and designing infrastructure, environmental assistance, real estate 

acquisition, geospatial engineering, and contract construction. Prior coordination with these 

organizations to establish support procedures is critical. 

A description of Service engineer organization and capabilities is provided in Appendix B, 

“Service Engineer Organizations and Capabilities.” 

b. Establishment of a Joint Task Force

(1) Deliberate Planning. The delegation of functions from the CCDR to a 

subordinate JFC is a requirement that is critical to the success of joint operations. The 

subordinate JFC should have the benefit of any deliberate planning conducted by the 

CCDR’s staff and associated planning elements for the conduct of contemplated operations. 

The requisite information and expertise should be embedded within the JTF staff as early as 

possible so that the JFC can plan and execute mission requirements, including engineering 

support operations that will serve to prepare the joint operations area (JOA). 

(2) Crisis Action Planning (CAP). When CAP is initiated for an operation, 

effective interaction between the combatant command (CCMD) and the JTF staff is essential 

to optimize information flow and coordinate planning activities. To enhance the planning 

process, the JFC may form a planning group that will include members of the CCDR’s staff, 

members of the JTF staff, and representatives of associated planning and advisory elements. 

Composition of the group will depend on the activities being conducted and will include 

engineer participation as required. 

For further guidance on the CAP process, refer to JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning.

(3) Joint Enabling Capabilities Command (JECC). The JECC consists of 

capability modules that can be tailored to specific needs. It includes seven deployable 

modules of joint functional area expertise including operations, plans, knowledge 

management and information superiority, and logistics. The command is responsible for the 

current employment, management, and development of existing joint enabling capabilities as 

well as identifying new requirements and developing new capabilities for joint force 

commanders worldwide. 

(4) The Deployable Joint Task Force Augmentation Cell (DJTFAC). The 

DJTFAC is another planning and C2 augmentation capability that the CCDR may establish. 

The DJTFAC is a multi-Service, multi-disciplined augmentation cell comprised of members 
 Command and Control 

II-7 

of the CCDR’s staff and components’ staff. Members can assist the JTF headquarters (HQ) 

in planning and organizing for a contingency, particularly in the early stages of crisis 

response. Composition of the DJTFAC will include engineer participation, as required, to 

enhance the planning and execution support activities of the JTF engineer staff. As the full 

JTF staff is formed and becomes operational, the CCDR’s staff, through the DJTFAC, may 

transfer applicable functions to the JTF staff that are necessary for fulfillment of operational 

requirements. 

c. Communications System Support for Engineer Forces. Supporting engineer 

forces with an effective communications system for C2 is an essential consideration for the 

JFC and the joint force engineer. Engineer forces have organic communications capabilities 

within Service channels up to the component HQ. When operating in a joint environment, 

engineer units retain organic communications capabilities, but may also require additional 

communications system support from the Service component, other Service components, or 

the joint force. Specific requirements will depend on the C2 arrangement of the engineer 

forces within the joint force, mission tasking, and geographic location in the JOA. Tactical 

communications can be a challenge between the Services, and options must be considered by 

the joint engineer initially during the planning phase. The following description of 

capabilities may be helpful in developing the communications for engineer forces supporting 

the joint force: 

(1) Army. Army engineers have sufficient capabilities to perform internal 

communications to communicate to higher, subordinate, and adjacent HQ, as part of a 

Service component command. Army engineers at the BCT level employ secure voice 

systems over frequency modulation, ultrahigh frequency (UHF), very high frequency (VHF), 

and tactical satellite, and can communicate by Nonsecure Internet Protocol Router Network 

(NIPRNET) and SECRET Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET) (including Voice 

over Internet Protocol) using systems organic to the BCT. In addition to those capabilities, 

the Army Battle Command System is used at the tactical level for extended range of 

communications and commanders’ situational awareness. When employed with an 

intermediate tactical or higher HQ, such as a Corps or Service Component HQ, Army 

engineers can access the Global Command and Control System (GCCS) and the Global 

Combat Support System (GCSS) for access to the Joint Operation Planning and Execution 

System (JOPES), joint engineer planning and execution system (JEPES), and other 

information management tools. Many Army Engineer units possess the TeleEngineering 

Toolkit (TETK), a secure video teleconferencing communications device with a valuable 

suite of analysis tools, to reach back to the USACE Reachback Operations Center to leverage 

technical engineering capabilities across USACE. 

(2) Navy. 1NCD has sufficient combat information systems resources to satisfy 

internal requirements. Its communications detachment is responsible for the installation, 

operation, and maintenance of single- and multi-channel radio, tactical telephone, and 

satellite systems. However, access is required to pertinent supported unit local area networks 

and wide area networks. Access is also required to the GCCS, Joint Worldwide Intelligence 

Communications System, SIPRNET, and NIPRNET for all operations. The NCR has 

adequate organic communications capabilities to install, operate, and maintain 

communications systems for internal and limited external communications requirements, 
Chapter II 

II-8 JP 3-34 

including secure tactical voice, video, and data links using high frequency (HF), VHF, superhigh frequency (SHF), UHF, and military and commercial satellite, telephone, wire, wireless, 

and fiber optic connectivity. The unit requires bandwidth allocation by the supported unit to 

use satellite communications (SATCOM) equipment. Communications support is provided 

by a small permanent staff of information system technicians (ITs), electronics technicians 

(ETs), and construction electricians. 

(a) The naval mobile construction battalion (NMCB) possesses sufficient 

organic communications capabilities to install, operate, and maintain communications 

systems for internal and limited external communications requirements including secure 

tactical voice, video, and data links using HF, VHF, SHF, and UHF, and military and 

commercial satellite, telephone, wire, wireless, and fiber optic connectivity. The unit 

requires bandwidth allocation by the supported unit to use SATCOM equipment. 

Communications support is provided by a small permanent staff of ITs, ETs, and 

construction electricians. A communications platoon organized with trained personnel from 

across the battalion is a secondary function that is stood up as required to establish the 

communications infrastructure and to meet mission requirements. Other unit capabilities are 

degraded when the communications platoon stands up. 

(b) The construction battalion maintenance unit (CBMU) possesses sufficient 

organic communications capabilities to install, operate, and maintain communications 

systems for internal and limited external communications requirements including secure 

tactical voice and limited data links using HF, VHF, telephone, and wire assets. The CBMU 

requires tactical data network (TDN) support from its parent NCR or supported command. 

Communications support is provided by the communications officer and a small permanent 

staff of ITs, ETs, and construction electricians. CBMU detachments only have sufficient 

organic communications capability to provide internal and external communications 

including tactical, secure voice, and limited data systems. 

(c) The underwater construction team (UCT) has both conventional and 

underwater communications systems capabilities in order to support diving operations. It 

possesses sufficient organic communications capabilities to install, operate, and maintain 

communications systems for internal and limited external reachback communications 

requirements, including secure voice and data links through HF, VHF, and UHF using 

military and commercial satellite, telephone, wire, wireless, and fiber optic connectivity. 

The unit requires bandwidth location by the supported unit to use SATCOM equipment. 

Detachments have limited TDN capability at the workgroup level without pulling network 

services from a third party. The UCT does not have stand alone TDN assets. 

Communications support is provided by a small permanent staff of ITs, ETs, and 

construction electricians. UCT members are only trained as basic communications 

equipment operators and support technicians. Each detachment has an IT petty officer 

assigned to it that operates the detachment’s communications equipment. 

(d) The amphibious construction battalion (PHIBCB) possesses sufficient 

organic communications capabilities to install, operate, and maintain communications 

systems for internal and limited external communications requirements. These requirements 

include voice, video, and data links using HF, VHF, SHF, UHF, and military and 
 Command and Control 

II-9 

commercial satellite, telephone, wire, wireless, and fiber optic connectivity. The unit 

requires bandwidth allocation by the supported unit to use SATCOM equipment. 

Communications support is provided by a small permanent staff of ITs, ETs, and 

construction electricians. A communications platoon organized with trained personnel from 

across the battalion is a secondary function that is stood up as required to establish the 

communications infrastructure and to meet mission requirements. Other unit capabilities are 

degraded when the communications platoon stands up. 

(3) Marine Corps. Marine Corps engineers have the minimum required capability 

to perform internal communications operations and to communicate with subordinate, 

adjacent, and higher HQ at the division, Marine logistics group, Marine aircraft wing, and 

below when in a non-contingency or contingency status. Marine Corps engineer units may 

rely on higher HQ capabilities or request additional C2 assets during operations, particularly 

when subordinate units support multiple task-organized units. With appropriate 

augmentation, Marine Corps engineer units can maintain voice communications with 

subordinate units and higher authority by secure telephone, VHF, HF, and limited UHF and 

transmit data and achieve limited NIPRNET and SIPRNET access via UHF satellite 

communications. When employed as part of a MEF or a MEF-sized MAGTF, engineer units 

have access to GCCS-Marine Corps via the MEF operations section. When operating in a 

joint force, Marine Corps engineers rely on organic communications capability but also 

require additional support. 

(4) Air Force. Air Force engineer forces’ communications requirements beyond 

unit level capability are provided by deployed installation communications elements. These 

communications elements are embedded in the base information infrastructure (BII). 

Developed as part of the Air Force’s expeditionary air and space expeditionary force 

concept, BII packages are scalable, modular communications support packages that offer 

deployed personnel access to such standard services as secure and unsecured telephones and 

facsimiles, NIPRNET, SIPRNET, and land mobile radio repeaters. When operating out of 

an Air Force, joint, or combined operations center, Air Force engineer forces can gain access 

to a wide range of mission support systems. These systems provide linkage to the GCCS, 

JOPES, GCSS (JEPES), and other intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) 

systems necessary for mission planning. 

5. Engineer Organization Considerations 

a. Engineer Staff Organization. The JFC should establish an engineer staff for 

engineering matters. When a functional component command employs forces from more 

than one Service, the staff should reflect each Service represented. A notional engineer staff 

is depicted in Figure II-3, and key engineer staff functions are noted in Figure II-4. 

(1) Plans. The engineer staff participates in the planning process through 

representation on the joint planning staff (e.g., plans directorate). The engineer staff 

addresses all potential engineer requirements during the planning process. 

(2) Operations. The engineer staff monitors the deployment, employment, 

mission, and redeployment status of major subordinate Service component engineer forces. 
Chapter II 

II-10 JP 3-34 

The engineer staff works directly with the operations staff (e.g., representation in the joint 

operations center [JOC]). It provides engineer representation on the joint targeting 

coordination board (JTCB) to prevent destruction of key infrastructure essential to future 

operations, integrates environmental considerations, and provides guidance on emplacing 

obstacles, barriers, and mines. The engineer staff is also represented on numerous other 

boards, bureaus, centers, cells, and working groups as determined by the joint force’s 

standard operating procedure (SOP). 

For further guidance on the organization of the JFC’s staff, see JP 3-0, Joint Operations; JP 

3-33, Joint Task Force Headquarters; and JP 3-31, Command and Control for Land 

Operations. 

(3) Facilities. The section has the responsibility for oversight of base 

establishment and development, real estate contracting and management, facility 

construction, and operation and maintenance (O&M). Key considerations should include: 

guidance on base master planning, construction policies, priorities, and standards, setting 

repair or replace policy for real property, and maintenance support contracts. 

(4) Environmental. Key tasks should include providing advice on applicable laws 

and actions, mitigation and actions for mishaps, coordination for completion of all 

environmental baseline surveys (EBSs), and providing input to annexes and appendices with 

significant environmental considerations. 

Figure II-3. Notional Engineer Staff 

NOTIONAL ENGINEER STAFF

Plans Operations Facilities Environmental Logistics Reconstruction Special 

Functions

Real Estate Design and

Construction

Real Property

Maintenance

Contract 

Construction 

Agent

JOINT FORCE ENGINEER

Deputy Joint 

Force

Engineer

GI&S

Officer

GI&S geospatial information and services lines of coordination

LEGEND

REACHBACK
 Command and Control 

II-11 

(5) Logistics. Key tasks of the section should include monitoring Class IV 

materials and Class V ammunition and the coordination of service support via LOGCAP, 

GCSC program, and AFCAP. Oversight of operational needs statements and distribution of 

engineer equipment also is executed by the logistics section. 

(6) Reconstruction. If this section is established, it is responsible for coordination 

and integration of outside the wire construction projects. It also serves as executive secretary 

of the joint civil-military engineering board (JCMEB) and acts as the key engineer linkage to 

the assessment working groups/boards. 

Figure II-4. Engineer Staff Functions 

ENGINEER STAFF FUNCTIONS

Develops and coordinates combat engineering, general engineering, and 

geospatial engineering requirements for the joint force.

Acts as the intermediary, facilitator, and coordinator between joint task force 

elements, including nonmilitary elements, requesting engineering services. 

Receives guidance and reports actions to joint civil-military engineering board 

(JCMEB) if established.

Develops and coordinates tasks for component engineer forces.

Coordinates and facilitates the joint facilities utilization board (JFUB), JCMEB, 

and joint environmental management board. Integrates actions from these 

boards, assigns tasking based on board recommendations, and monitors 

completion.

Screens, validates, and prioritizes all engineering projects and mission 

assignments.

Plans, programs, and controls facility utilization. Receives guidance and reports 

actions to JFUB if established.

Prepares logistic reports on engineer resources using the Joint Operation 

Planning and Execution System.

Develops the engineer support plan.

Plans and coordinates the distribution of construction and barrier materials and 

engineer munitions based on established priorities.

Functions as the primary interface between the joint force, host nation, and 

contingency contractors, and other theater construction organizations.

Establishes the statement of work, development of contracts, and employment 

of services. 

Plans and provides guidance for environmental considerations that impact joint 

operations.

Serves as the program manager for all engineer-related functions.
Chapter II 

II-12 JP 3-34 

(7) Special Functions. The joint force engineer may have staff responsibility for 

the following areas dependent on Service capabilities. These following functions reside 

within the engineer capability of at least one Service: 

(a) Geospatial engineering support. 

(b) Intelligence. Throughout the intelligence process, the engineer staff assists 

the intelligence directorate of a joint staff (J-2) in coordinating intelligence requirements and 

providing geospatial products and services to support operations. The engineer staff 

provides technical assistance in identifying, prioritizing, and validating engineer intelligence 

needs and assists in coordinating collection of engineer information. The joint force 

engineer, joint force J-2, GI&S officer, and joint force legal staffs should coordinate for the 

use of intelligence from both classified and open sources in addressing environmental 

considerations and considering potential collateral damage associated with targeting. 

(c) EOD. 

(d) Fire and emergency services. 

(e) Support to CBRN and monitoring, reporting, decontamination, and 

recovery operations within Service limitations. 

b. Joint Manning Document (JMD). The joint engineer staff JMD should reflect 

representation from each Service. When possible, a memorandum of understanding or 

equivalent should be developed to ensure effective wartime augmentation with Service and 

Reserve Component (RC) organizations. Staff engineers should work closely with civilian 

and multinational partner organizations to develop wartime organization augmentation 

manning. The JMD should be built based on analysis of the mission and the engineer staff 

capabilities required to support the operation. 

c. Staff Engineer Training. The Services and CCMDs should ensure engineer 

personnel augmenting the JFC’s staff are qualified to fill JFC staff billets, trained in joint 

operations, or with multi-Service deployment experience. The joint force engineer must 

clearly identify his personnel requirements and closely coordinate with the manpower and 

personnel directorate of the joint force to ensure that qualified personnel are requested. 

Several opportunities also exist for individual augmentee training to help prepare personnel 

for assignment to the JTF. 

d. Engineer Assignment. Careful planning for the assignment of engineers to the joint 

force engineer allows the joint force engineer to more effectively matrix limited engineer 

assets throughout directorates and to boards, bureaus, centers, cells, and working groups. 

Other advantages of centralized engineer assignment include: 

(1) Better situational awareness for the joint force engineer. 

(2) More efficient utilization of engineer resources. 

 
 Command and Control 

II-13 

(3) Better engineers focus on engineer issues. 

(4) Best engineer skills aligned with engineer tasks irrespective of Service 

affiliation. 

e. Engineer Placement Options. The CCDR and subordinate JFC will organize their 

staffs to carry out their respective assigned duties and responsibilities. Based on missionspecific requirements, the engineer staff may be placed within the operations directorate of a 

joint staff (J-3), logistics directorate of a joint staff (J-4), or organized as a separate staff to 

the JFC. The JFC may choose to organize geospatial engineers or geospatial intelligence 

(GEOINT) officers within the J-2. Regardless of the option or combination of options 

utilized, the requirement for the staff engineer remains, as well as the need for constant 

communication, liaison, and coordination throughout the entire staff. 

(1) Operations Directorate Staff. When the focus of engineer effort 

predominantly supports operational movement and maneuver, fires, and force protection, the 

JFC should consider placing the engineer staff as a cell within the J-3. This option will 

provide the fastest exchange of information during CAP and optimize the use of supporting 

capabilities. 

(2) Logistics Directorate Staff. When the engineer effort predominantly supports 

sustainment of the joint force, the JFC should consider placing the engineer staff as a cell 

within the J-4. This option facilitates planning and coordination among engineers and 

logisticians for construction and repair of LOCs, main supply routes (MSRs), airfields, other 

logistic facilities, and infrastructure in general. 

(3) Separate Engineer Staff. When the engineer effort is a significant focus or a 

key element of the joint operation, or where the engineer effort is primarily combat support 

and combat service support (CSS) operations, the JFC should consider establishing a 

separate engineer staff element that reports directly to the JFC. This option provides the 

greatest flexibility in orchestrating diverse engineer operations. The joint force 

commander’s vision of the integration of engineer capabilities into the campaign drives the 

choice between a Joint Engineer Command versus a Joint Engineer Staff. 

(4) Separate Engineer Command. (Engineer commander could be dual-hatted as 

the JFC staff engineer). When the engineer effort is a significant focus or a key element of 

the joint operation, and there are a significant number of theater level engineer requirements 

which can only be accomplished with high-demand engineer assets, the JFC may consider 

establishing a separate engineer command that reports directly to the JFC. Establishment of 

this command will require GCC approval based on the command relationship the JFC has 

with the other Service forces. This option provides maximum flexibility in synchronizing 

diverse engineer operations and provides the greatest unity of effort through visibility of 

engineer capabilities, requirements, and responsibilities throughout the staff. Figure II-5 

shows the Joint Force Engineer Command option referred to in the vignette. 
Chapter II 

II-14 JP 3-34 

6. Engineer Boards, Bureaus, Centers, Cells, and Working Groups 

a. Engineer Specific Boards and Cells. A JFC may establish engineer boards or cells 

to manage engineer-intensive activities and to ensure an effective use of resources to meet 

mission requirements. Engineer boards establish policies, procedures, priorities, and 

oversight to coordinate efficient use of engineer resources. Engineer boards serve as the 

forum to address issues outside of daily operations and to ensure coordination at the 

leadership level and across staff directorates. The joint force engineer and staff will carry 

out responsibilities of the engineer-specific boards until the boards are formed. An important 

distinction between a board and a working group is that a board is usually a decision-making 

body. Working groups conduct staff coordination at the action officer level and prepare 

materials for decisions to be made at a board. Cells within the JTF are a group of personnel 

with specific skills who are listed together on the HQ JMD to accomplish key functions. It is 

important for the Services and components to be represented on the engineer boards to 

facilitate vertical and horizontal integration that will allow the joint force engineer to 

capitalize on the advantages of joint capabilities. Collaborative tools allow components to 

participate in boards without having to physically be present at the joint force HQ. The joint 

force engineer is responsible for the following boards: 

(1) Joint Civil-Military Engineer Board. The JCMEB provides overall direction 

for civil-military construction and engineering requirements in the theater or JOA. The 

JCMEB is a temporary board, activated by the GCC or subordinate JFC and staffed by 

personnel from the components and agencies or activities. It recommends policies, 

procedures, priorities, and overall direction for civil-military construction and engineering 

requirements in the theater or JOA. The JCMEB evaluates and prioritizes engineer resource 

utilization to ensure the JFC’s operational requirements are supported. The JCMEB is an 

integral link to the civil-military coordination board (CMCB); the CMCB consists of JTF 

staff representation to coordinate CMO support. Figure II-6 depicts some typical inputs and 

outputs for the board as well as primary membership and outside stakeholders. 

For further details on CMCBs, refer to JP 3-08, Interorganizational Coordination During 

Joint Operations. 

 (2) Joint Facilities Utilization Board (JFUB). The JFC may establish a JFUB to 

assist in managing Service component use of real estate and existing facilities. The JFUB is 

a temporary board chaired by the CCMD or subordinate joint force engineer, with members 

from the joint force staff, components, and any other required special activities (e.g., legal, 

 

The Joint Force Engineer Command (JFEC) was established in Afghanistan 

in October 2009. The JFEC integrates and synchronizes engineering, 

planning, and operations across the wide range of engineer operations 

within the Combined Joint Area of Operations Afghanistan for commander, 

US Forces–Afghanistan (USFOR-A) in coordination with and in support of 

USFOR-A to ensure engineer forces are trained, equipped, and ready to 

perform their mission. The JFEC commander is dual-hatted as the USFOR-A 

staff engineer. 
 Command and Control 

II-15 

 Figure II-5. Example of Engineer Command and Control 

EXAMPLE OF ENGINEER COMMAND AND CONTROL

AFCEE Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment

AFCENT Allied Forces Central Europe

AMEMB American embassy

ARCENT US Army Central Command

ASFF Afghanistan Security Forces Fund

COMISAF Commander, International Security Assistance Force

CSTC-A Combined Security Transition Command–Afghanistan

EE emergency establishment

EPBG Expeditionary Prime BEEF Group

ERHG Expeditionary RED HORSE Group

EWG Environmental Working Group

GIRoA Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

IJC

ISAF International Security Assistance Force

JFEC

JPIO Joint Project Integration Office

MARCENT US Marine Corps Central Command

MoEW Ministry of Energy and Water

ISAF joint command (North Atlantic Treaty 

Organization [NATO])

Joint Force Engineer Command

MoPW Ministry of Public Works

MoRRD

NAMSA

NAVCENT

NGO nongovernmental organization

NTM-A NATO Training Mission–Afghanistan

RC-C Regional Command Capital (NATO)

RC-E Regional Command East (NATO)

RC-N Regional Command North (NATO)

RC-S Regional Command South (NATO)

RC-W Regional Command West (NATO)

TAN Transatlantic Division North

TAS Transatlantic Division South

USAID United States Agency for International 

Development

USFOR-A US Forces–Afghanistan

USFOR-A (S) US Forces–Afghanistan (South)

USFOR-A (W) US Forces–Afghanistan (West)

Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development

NATO Maintenance Supply Agency

US Naval Forces Central Command

NCR naval construction regiment

USCENTCOM United States Central Command

AFCENT

USCENTCOM

ARCENT NAVCENT MARCENT

NTM-A

CSTC-A

Title 10

ASFF

GIRoA

MoEW MoPW MoRRD

AMEMB

USAID

EWG

NGOs

RC-N RC-S RC-W RC-C RC-E

IJC

ISAF

USFOR-A/

COMISAF

Staff Plans and 

Operations

Basing and 

Facilities

JPIO

EE

Task Force 

Power

JFEC

Army

Engineer Brigade

USFOR-A

Staff

TAN TAS

Title 10/ASFF

Provincial 

Reconstruction 

Teams

Technical 

Support

Coordination

USFOR-A

(S)

Title 10

USFOR-A

(W)

NCR ERHG EPBG

AFCEE NAMSA
Chapter II 

II-16 JP 3-34 

force protection, comptroller, contracting, and civil affairs [CA]). If the JFC decides that all 

engineer-related decisions will be made at the JCMEB, then the JFUB functions as a 

working group to forward recommendations for decision to the JCMEB. The JFUB 

evaluates and reconciles component requests for real estate, use of existing facilities, interService support, and construction to ensure compliance with priorities established by the 

JFC. It serves as the primary coordination body within the JTF for approving construction 

projects within the wire to support troop beddown and mission requirements. For longstanding JTFs, the JFUB may issue master planning guidance and develop the JTF MILCON 

program to support enduring base operations. The joint force engineer handles most of the 

JFUB’s work with assistance from other selected board members. Unresolved issues may be 

forwarded to the JCMEB. 

(3) Joint Environmental Management Board (JEMB). The CCDR or 

subordinate JFC may establish a JEMB to assist in managing environmental requirements. 

The JEMB is a temporary board, chaired by the CCMD or subordinate joint force engineer, 

with members from the joint force staff, components, and any other required special 

activities (e.g., legal, medical, and CA). The board establishes policies, procedures, 

priorities, and the overall direction for environmental management requirements in a JOA. 

The JEMB will coordinate its activities with the CCMD or subordinate joint force 

engineering staff. The JEMB also provides guidance on development of annex L 

(Environmental Considerations) of the OPLAN, and, if appropriate, assumes responsibility 

for preparation and appropriate updates of this annex. 

For additional information on environmental considerations, refer to Appendix D, 

“Environmental Considerations.” 

During Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, the joint civil-military engineering 

board (JCMEB) has played a key role. The United States Central Command 

(USCENTCOM) JCMEB is chaired by USCENTCOM J4-Engineer and includes 

voting members from J5-Security Cooperation, J5-Civil Military Operations, 

J3-Development Support Division, J3-P-CASA, J2-JIC, J4-Plans, J4-

Contracting, J8-FM, and the staff judge advocate. Attendees include US 

Army Corps of Engineers liaison officer, CCJS [Combatant Command Joint 

Security], CCPA [Combatant Command Public Affairs], political advisor, and 

United States liaison officer/Office of Military Cooperation. It provides a 

critical node in the command and control architecture of engineering forces 

by facilitating the prioritization of construction projects and provides the 

joint force commander the ability to match limited contract execution 

resources to requirements in the execution of the whole of government 

strategy for Afghanistan. The JCMEB allows for the dovetailing of 

interagency priorities with the operational commander’s priorities and 

requirements. This results in the optimal concentration of engineering 

capabilities in a complex multi-player environment to achieve the unity of 

effort necessary for mission success. 

Various Sources 
 Command and Control 

II-17 

(4) Explosive Hazards Coordination Cell (EHCC). The JFC may establish the 

EHCC to predict, track, distribute information on, and mitigate EHs within the theater that 

affect force application, focused logistics, protection, and awareness of the operational 

environment. The EHCC should establish and maintain an EH database, conduct pattern 

analysis, investigate mine and improvised explosive device (IED) strikes, and track 

unexploded ordnance (UXO) hazard areas. The cell provides technical advice on the 

mitigation of EHs, including the development of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP), 

and provides training updates to field units. The EHCC coordinates EH teams. Key 

capabilities of the EHCC include: 

(a) Establishing, maintaining, and sharing the EH tracking database within the 

joint force. 

Figure II-6. Joint Civil-Military Engineering Board Inputs and Outputs 

JOINT CIVIL-MILITARY ENGINEERING BOARD

INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

JCMEB

DC

NGOs IGOs

UN

USAID

DOS

SJA

J-4

J-3 Plans

ENG

CA

J-8

Inputs Outputs

Strategic Level Reconstruction 

Projects

Proposed Civil Affairs Projects

Funding Guidance

List of Ongoing Component Projects

Campaign Plan Objectives

Current Assessment

Host Nation Issues

IGO/NGO Projects

Policy and Guidance

Civil Affairs/Humanitarian and Civic 

Assistance Projects Synchronized 

with Campaign Plan

Unfunded Projects to Send Higher

Identified Resource Limitations

Construction Priorities

Project Approvals

Input to Effects WG

Input for Information Operations WG

Budget Allocations Tied to Effects

CA civil affairs

DC deputy commander

DOS Department of State

ENG engineer

IGO intergovernmental organization

J-3 operations directorate of a joint staff

J-4 logistics directorate of a joint staff

J-8 resources directorate of a joint staff

JCMEB joint civil-military engineering board

NGO nongovernmental organization

SJA staff judge advocate

UN United Nations

USAID United States Agency for International 

Development

WG working group

LEGEND
Chapter II 

II-18 JP 3-34 

(b) Ensuring accuracy of EH information. 

(c) Coordinating site evaluations or strike incident investigations. 

(d) Conducting unit EH training. 

(e) Assisting ISR planners with EH pattern analysis and intelligence collection 

management. 

(f) Providing updated TTP and guidance for route and area clearance 

operations. 

b. Other Boards, Bureaus, Centers, Cells, and Working Groups. Engineer 

participation in a number of other boards, bureaus, centers, cells, and working groups is 

essential to joint mission accomplishment. Compared to the formal, non-standing nature of 

the boards, centers are standing organizations typically operating 24 hours, and cells are 

functionally oriented groups meeting on a regular basis. Engineer staff participation and 

support to these organizations will be significant, but the resultant exchange of relevant 

information is vital in maintaining situational awareness and facilitating the horizontal staff 

integration of the joint force engineer. Joint force engineer participation in the following 

boards, centers, and cells include: 

(1) Planning Groups. Engineers are represented on the planning group to enhance 

the formulation of joint force plans. The engineer planner ensures joint force plans are 

supportable from an engineer perspective. Support by the rest of the joint force engineer cell 

with products facilitates engineer input and impact into the planning cycle. The engineer 

planner should leverage the rest of the engineer staff to provide products throughout the 

planning process. The key for the engineer is to ensure representation and establish hand-off 

procedures for products developed within all three planning horizons within the joint force—

future plans, future operations, and current operations. 

(2) Joint Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (JIPOE) 

Coordination Cell. Representation in the JIPOE coordination cell provides engineers with 

access to military intelligence related to infrastructure, hydrography, and other geospatial 

engineering and GEOINT topics. It also provides a venue in which engineers can directly 

support the JIPOE effort. 

(3) Joint Operations Center. The JOC plans, monitors, and guides the execution 

of the JFC’s decisions. The joint force engineer maintains a presence in or close contact 

with this center. This is the engineer’s link to current operations, and the engineer watch 

officer is responsible for keeping the rest of the engineer staff situationally aware. 

(4) Joint Targeting Coordination Board. On the JTCB, the joint force engineer 

contributes to the planning and integration of minefields into the barrier plan and participates 

in target coordination to ensure critical infrastructure preservation. The joint force engineer 

should assure that implications on stability operations are considered during the targeting 

process for decisive operations. Engineer expertise can enable the JFC to achieve objectives 
 Command and Control 

II-19 

with minimal long-term infrastructure damage and protection of significant cultural and 

natural resources in the OA. 

(5) Information Operations Cell. In the information operations cell, the joint 

force engineer coordinates with other staff elements on the preservation of critical adversary 

facilities and infrastructure. During stability operations, engineer reconstruction efforts 

focused on the HN can help support the commander’s strategic communication plan. 

ENGINEER BRIGADE IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM 

Since the liberation of Iraq and end of major combat operations, the 130th 

Engineer Brigade has contributed to Operation IRAQI FREEDOM by 

completing more than 3,000 missions in support of Combined Joint Task 

Force (CJTF)-7, major subordinate commands, Coalition Provincial Authority 

(CPA), and the Iraqis, including the following highlights: 

• Provided combat, construction, topographic, design, prime power, 

infrastructure assessment, bridging, riverine, firefighting, and diving 

support throughout Iraq. 

• Executed the original Task Force Neighborhood missions in Baghdad. 

• Organized and stood up the C-7 for CJTF-7. 

• Developed the prisoner holding areas, interrogation facilities, helipad, 

and coalition base camp for the Baghdad Central Confinement Facility. 

• Constructed the largest CJTF-7 base camp (Logistics Support Area 

Anaconda) and repaired the heavily damaged airfield by placing more 

than 8,000 cubic meters of concrete. 

• Provided construction support to both the Office for Reconstruction and 

Humanitarian Assistance for Iraq and CPA. 

• Installed a 20-megawatt power plant at the Basara oil refinery. 

• Worked with Iraqis to repair high-tension electrical power lines in 

support of CPA. 

• Upgraded a 100-kilometer stretch of Highway 1 in southern Iraq. 

• Reduced hundreds of kilometers of berms and fighting positions. 

• Hauled tons of captured enemy ammunition to secure sites for 

destruction. 

• Secured and destroyed dozens of surface-to-air missiles. 

• Executed more than 100 humanitarian and civic action projects 

throughout Iraq, to include the renovation of schools, health clinics, 

playgrounds, and sports facilities. 

• Managed nearly $900 million worth of contractor or contractorequivalent construction. 

• Trained forces on the South African Interim Vehicle-Mounted MineDetection System (IVMMDS). 

• Developed Task Force Right of Way, using the IVMMDS, sappers, and 

earthmoving equipment to detect and neutralize improvised explosive 

devices along main supply routes. 

• Trained forces for the new Iraqi Civil Defense Corps. 

SOURCE: Engineer, October-December 2003 
Chapter II 

II-20 JP 3-34 

(6) Civil-Military Operations Center (CMOC). The CMOC provides the joint 

force engineer a meeting place to coordinate nonmilitary activities with other agencies, 

departments, organizations, and the HN. If formed, the CMOC is the focal point where 

engineers coordinate any support provided by the joint force to IGOs and NGOs. Outputs 

from the CMOC (e.g., lists of IGO and NGO projects) are useful input into the JCMEB and 

help facilitate unity of effort. 

(7) Joint Logistics Operations Center (JLOC). Engineers are represented at 

JLOC to respond to information received from supporting command, Service components, 

and external sources for presentation to the CCDR. 

(8) Operational Protection Working Group (PWG). The PWG will often 

generate engineer requirements as they develop or modify JTF force protection policy and 

guidance. Examples include hardening of key facilities and modifications to entry control 

points. 

(9) Special Purpose Boards, Centers, Working Groups, and Cells. Through 

necessity, new boards, centers, and cells may be formed and require engineer participation. 

For example, an IED working group may be required as a central clearinghouse for 

developing solutions to an IED problem within the JOA. The engineer should also have 

representation at the protection and assessment working groups/boards, if established. 

Engineer construction efforts, whether inside or outside the wire, are closely tied to the 

issues addressed at these two working groups/boards. 

c. Contingency Engineering Management Organizations

(1) Augmenting the Joint Force Staff. Experience in contingency operations has 

emphasized the importance of timely planning and preparation in providing essential 

engineer support requirements to the joint force. The JFC may form a contingency 

engineering management organization as an option to augment the joint force staff with 

additional Service engineering expertise to support both deliberate planning and CAP and 

provide construction management in contingency and wartime operations. When 

established, the contingency engineering management organization is led by the joint force 

engineer and coordinates daily operations to ensure the delivery of engineering services to 

the joint force. The contingency engineering management organization also functions as a 

clearinghouse for engineering plans, reports, and external coordination. The contingency 

engineering management organization directly interfaces with component engineer staffs and 

the JFC. 

(2) Contingency Engineering Management Cells. The CCDR may form a 

theater contingency engineering management (TCEM) cell and similar organizations, such as 

regional contingency engineering management (RCEM) cells or joint task force contingency 

engineering management (JTFCEM) cells, may be formed at subordinate levels of command. 

Standing organizations that may logically become the base for the creation of a TCEM are 

the TEC or NCR. These contingency engineering management cells should be staffed with 

Service component engineer personnel with expertise across the engineer functions. The 

TCEM, RCEM, and JTFCEM organizations support OPLAN development and the 
 Command and Control 

II-21 

management of contingency engineering operations. These organizations provide additional 

engineering capability to include planning, construction management, regional or country 

expertise, or specific technical support. Service components with operational forces 

supporting a contingency operation and DOD construction agents may provide liaison 

officers (LNOs) to the TCEM or RCEM organizations to enhance coordination. The TCEM 

and RCEM organizations can assist in plan development during peacetime and in the 

management of contingencies by completing the following: 

(a) Analyzing the JFC’s intentions for joint operations across the range of 

military operations, assisting in preparation of OPLANs, and formulating engineer support 

and a construction program based on the commander’s priorities. 

(b) Identifying potential shortfalls in construction capabilities, assessing 

associated risks, and developing related options. 

(c) Developing construction policies, including construction standards, project 

approval procedures, recommendations for resource allocation, and reporting requirements. 

(d) Reviewing and monitoring host-nation support (HNS) agreements as they 

pertain to the general engineering effort. This includes tracking HN construction, 

infrastructure, facility support capabilities, and the status of projects accomplished by HN 

forces or agencies. 

(e) Monitoring and recommending the use of construction assets based on 

operational requirements and tasking for general engineering assets. 

(f) Monitoring the operational status of engineering forces and influencing 

engineering, construction, and logistic support issues for those forces. 

(g) Monitoring and influencing the management of funds for the construction 

effort. 

(h) Advising on environmental management requirements. 

7. Interorganizational Coordination 

a. Because engineers are likely to operate with the other government agencies, foreign 

governments, NGOs, and IGOs in a variety of circumstances, their participation in the JFC’s 

interagency coordination is critical. Several organizations, including the United States 

Agency for International Development (USAID) and USACE, work together to establish 

civil security and civil control, restore essential services, repair critical infrastructure, and 

provide humanitarian relief. Two methods for facilitating such coordination are the CMOC 

and the joint interagency coordination group (JIACG). 

b. The Department of State (DOS) has developed the Civilian Response Corps and the 

Interagency Management System whose mission is to lead, coordinate, and institutionalize 

USG civilian capacity to prevent or prepare for post-conflict situations, and to help stabilize 
Chapter II 

II-22 JP 3-34 

and reconstruct societies in transition from conflict or civil strife so they can reach a 

sustainable path toward peace, democracy, and a market economy. 

(1) The Civilian Response Corps consists of a Washington, DC-based interagency 

decision-making body, supported by a full-time interagency secretariat that performs 

planning and operations functions and mobilizes resources. The Civilian Response Corps is 

co-chaired by the regional assistant Secretary of State for the country in question, the 

Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization, and the appropriate National Security 

Council senior director. It is a group of civilian federal employees who are specially trained 

and equipped to deploy rapidly to provide reconstruction and stabilization assistance to 

countries in crisis or emerging from conflict. An innovative partnership, the Civilian 

Response Corps leverages the necessary range of expertise and experience from eight federal 

departments and agencies to accomplish the USG’s various reconstruction and stabilization 

objectives. 

(2) The Interagency Management System for Reconstruction and Stabilization is 

designed to provide policymakers in Washington, DC, chiefs of mission, and military 

commanders with flexible tools to achieve: 

(a) Integrated planning processes for unified USG strategic and 

implementation plans, including funding requests; 

(b) Joint interagency field deployments; and 

(c) A joint civilian operations capability including shared communications and 

information management. 

For further guidance on interagency coordination and support to the JTF engineering 

forces, refer to Chapter IV, “Engineer Functions,” and JP 3-08, Interorganizational 

Coordination During Joint Operations. 

BUILDING AN UNDERSTANDING IS NECESSARY 

“Not only do United Nations, international organizations, and 

nongovernmental and private voluntary organizations not understand the 

military organization, we likewise do not understand them. They often have 

exaggerated impressions as to our capabilities, and little or no 

understanding of our limitations and restrictions. On the other hand, the US 

military personnel did not realize that those organizations do not have a real 

chain of command as we are used to—we simply never had any idea who to 

listen to...and they lacked one voice that could speak for all subordinates.” 

SOURCE: Operation SUPPORT HOPE After Action Review, 

Headquarters, United States European Command 
III-1 

CHAPTER III 

ENGINEER PLANNING 

1. Strategic, Operational, and Tactical Planning 

The challenges of planning successful engineer operations within diverse theaters are 

vast and varied (see Figure III-1). The engineer staff must be involved in the planning of 

strategic, operational, and tactical operations from the initial stage of the process. 

Understanding how engineer actions affect air, land, and maritime operations equips the 

planner with the background to form a comprehensive plan of engineer actions. The 

omission of engineer considerations in any phase of an operation may adversely impact the 

entire plan. 

“Planning is everything—plans are nothing.” 

Field Marshall Helmuth Graf von Moltke (1800–1891) 

Figure III-1. Engineer Planning

The challenges of planning successful engineer operations in support of joint 

operations within diverse theaters are vast and varied. The engineer staff must 

be involved in planning from the initial stage of the process.

Planning activities at the strategic level include force planning, 

engineer policy and doctrine development, 

execution of campaigns and operations. 

rough order of 

magnitude estimates for programmatic elements of work, and 

STRATEGIC 

Engineer planners must determine the basic yet broad mobilization, 

deployment, employment, and sustaining requirements of the 

combatant commander’s concept of operations. Engineer planners 

must secure funding within authorities and plan for procurement of 

Class IV and services. 

OPERATIONAL

Engineer planners must determine the best methods to accomplish assigned 

missions or tasks that are detailed and usually local in nature through the 

employment of tasked engineering forces and other forces made available. At 

this level the focus is primarily on combat engineering support and execution 

of funded efforts within authorities.

TACTICAL

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ENGINEER PLANNING
Chapter III 

III-2 JP 3-34 

a. Strategic Planning. Engineer planning activities at the strategic level include force 

planning, engineer policy and doctrine development, and the execution of campaigns and 

operations, focusing primarily on the means and capabilities to generate, mount, sustain, and 

recover forces. Additionally, infrastructure development is a critical aspect of enabling and 

sustaining force deployments and places a heavy demand on engineer requirements. 

Engineers at the strategic level advise on terrain, infrastructure (to include seaports of 

debarkation [SPODs] and aerial ports of debarkation [APODs]), force generation, priorities 

of engineer support, LOCs, air base and airfield operations, base camp placement and design, 

Class III and Class V storage considerations, joint targeting, FHA, environmental 

considerations, engineer interoperability, input to the rules of engagement, rules for the use 

of force (RUF), and force protection. Environmental issues can have strategic implications 

and affect mission success and end states if not recognized early and incorporated into 

planning and operations. Natural resources protection can be a key strategic mission 

objective, important to HN reconstruction. Failure to recognize environmental threats can 

result in significant health risks to the JTF, adversely impacting readiness. If not 

appropriately addressed, environmental issues have the potential to negatively impact local 

community relations, affect insurgent activities, and create diplomatic problems for the JTF. 

b. Operational Planning. The GCC’s engineer planning concepts for the AOR focus 

on the impact of geography and force-projection infrastructure on the concept of operations 

(CONOPS). Engineer planners must determine the basic yet broad mobilization, 

deployment, employment, and sustaining requirements of the CCDR’s CONOPS. 

Operational planning merges the OPLAN/OPORD of the joint force, specific engineer 

missions assigned, and available engineer forces to achieve success. JFC engineer planners 

also need to understand the limitations of Service engineer forces in both capacity and force 

strength. Many of the engineer planning activities conducted for strategic operations are also 

performed at the operational level. At the operational level, engineers prioritize limited 

assets and mitigate risks. Engineers conduct OA/environment assessments and work with 

intelligence officers to analyze the threat during the JIPOE. Engineers seek ways to 

contribute to decisive, shaping, and sustaining operations by setting the conditions for 

success and facilitating the JFC’s objectives. Engineers anticipate requirements and request 

capabilities to meet them. They develop geospatial products and services and make 

recommendations on joint fires and protecting the force. As the link to tactical engineer 

integration, operational planning ensures adequate engineer capabilities are provided to 

accomplish combat engineering support requirements. 

c. Tactical Planning. Engineer planning activities at the tactical level focus on support 

to the ordered arrangement and maneuver of combat elements in relationship to each other 

and to the enemy that are required to achieve combat objectives. While tactical planning is 

conducted by each of the Services, in the context of engineer operations this translates to a 

focus on combat engineering tasks and planning done within tactical organizations. 

Operational planners set the conditions for success at the tactical level by anticipating 

requirements and ensuring capabilities are available. Engineer tactical planning is typically 

focused on support to combat maneuver and support of the JFLCC, but also supports 

amphibious operations and some aspects of both air operations and air base planning. 

Engineer planners at the tactical level use the engineer assets provided by operational 

planners to support the tactical mission tasks assigned to those combat maneuver units they 
 Engineer Planning 

III-3 

support. With the support of the engineer, the subordinate JFC ensures that engineer 

capabilities are effectively integrated into the scheme of maneuver and the performance of 

assigned tasks. Tactical missions are complex, and planning must consider both symmetric 

and asymmetric threat capabilities. Special consideration includes performing terrain 

analysis with an understanding of these threat capabilities. Engineer reconnaissance (both 

tactical and technical) is a critical capability to the combat maneuver commander at the 

tactical level. Threat information must be very specific. Engineers must discern and identify 

patterns and plan specific detection strategies based on the threat. The proliferation of mines 

and IEDs requires engineers to continuously develop new counter procedures. The tactical 

integration of EOD capabilities has become an increasing requirement. 

2. Planning Process

The JOPP underpins planning at all levels and for missions across the full range of 

military operations. This planning process applies to deliberate planning and CAP within the 

context of the responsibilities specified by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Manual 

(CJCSM) 3122 series (JOPES). Engineering considerations are similar for both contingency 

planning and CAP. This section illustrates some of the engineer planning activities during 

each phase of JOPP. Figure III-2 shows some additional planning activities specific to 

engineering. 

For additional information about the deliberate planning and CAP processes, see CJCSM 

3122.01A, Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES), Volume I (Planning, 

Policies, and Procedures), and JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning.

a. Step 1 (Initiation). During these activities, the joint force engineer assembles the 

resources required to support COA development and begins the initial engineer staff 

estimate. The joint engineer also develops request for information required for mission 

analysis and prepares engineer experts for a JOA survey team to gather reception, staging, 

onward movement, and integration (RSOI) planning data. Initial expectations for geospatial 

support are also forwarded to allow the lead time necessary for focusing geospatial assets 

and beginning the production of required geospatial products and services to support the 

planning process. 

b. Step 2 (Mission Analysis). The end product of the mission analysis process is a 

restated mission statement and the development, preparation, and issuance of planning 

guidance to the staff and subordinate commands in correlation to the plan. Development of 

an end state and a clear understanding throughout the chain of command contribute to 

mission accomplishment and achieving the desired objectives. Engineer considerations 

during this step of planning include, but are not limited to: 

(1) Terrain and related weather analysis in support of OA/environment 

visualization. 

(2) HN infrastructure and facilities assessment. 

(3) Assessment of multinational and HN engineer capabilities. 
Chapter III 

III-4 JP 3-34 

ENGINEER CONSIDERATIONS DURING THE

JOINT OPERATION PLANNING PROCESS

Planning Process Engineering 

Step 1, Initiation 

1. CCDR receives planning task from 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

(CJCS) 

2. Major forces available for planning 

 Review joint orders, particularly Appendix 6 

(Engineer Support Plan), Annex D 

(Logistics), Appendix 15 (Force Protection), 

Annex C (Operations), Annex G (Civil 

Affairs), Annex L (Environmental 

Considerations). 

 Receive higher HQ construction directive(s).

Step 2, Mission Analysis 

1. Mission statement is deduced 

2. Subordinate tasks are derived 

3. CCDR's strategic concept is developed 

Product: Concept of Operations

 Determine availability of construction 

materials. 

 Review availability of construction assets to 

include Service, joint, multinational, host 

nation, and contract. 

 Determine/review theater construction 

standards and base camp master planning 

documentation (if required). 

 Review unified facilities criteria as required. 

 Conduct site reconnaissance, request 

geospatial products and services, 

environmental baseline surveys, 

environmental health site assessments, and 

determine the threat (to include mine, UXO, 

IED, and environmental hazards). 

 Obtain necessary geological, hydrologic, 

climatic data. 

 Determine the level of interagency 

cooperation required. 

 Determine funding sources as required. 

Step 3, Course of Action (COA) 

Development 

1. Forces selected and time-phased 

2. Support requirements computed 

3. Strategic deployments simulated/analyzed 

4. Shortfalls identified and resolved 

5. Operation plan (OPLAN) completed 

Product: Complete OPLAN

 Produce different options that meet the 

commander's intent. 

 Determine alternate construction location, 

methods, means, materials, and timelines in 

order to give the commander options. 

(Utilize JEPES to supplement this action.) 

 Determine real property and real estate 

requirements. 

 Utilize the Critical Path Method to determine 

length of different COAs and their ability to 

crash the project. 

 Determine the most feasible, acceptable, 

and suitable methods of completing the 

engineering effort in terms of cost, time, and 

assets available. 

 Determine and compare risks of each 

engineering COA. 

 Gain approval or assist others in gaining 

approval construction management plan, 

safety plan, security plan, logistic plan, and 

environmental plan as required. 

Figure III-2. Engineer Considerations During the Joint Operation Planning Process 
 Engineer Planning 

III-5 

ENGINEER CONSIDERATIONS DURING THE

JOINT OPERATION PLANNING PROCESS

Planning Process Engineering 

Step 4, COA Analysis 

1. OPLAN/CONPLAN reviewed and approved 

by CJCS 

2. CCDR revises plan IAW review comments 

Product: Approved Plan

 Produce construction directives as required. 

 Provide input to the appropriate plans and 

orders. 

 Ensure all resources are properly allocated. 

 Conduct construction pre-briefings. 

 Conduct pre-inspections and construction 

meetings. 

 Synchronize construction plan with local 

and adjacent units. 

 Maintain as-built and red line drawings. 

 Project turnover activities.

Step 5, COA Comparison 

1. Supporting plans prepared

 Provide input to supporting plans. 

Step 6, COA Approval 

Step 7, COA Plan or Order Development 

Legend

CCDR 

COA 

CONPLAN 

HQ 

IAW

combatant commander 

course of action 

concept plan 

headquarters 

in accordance with

IED 

JEPES 

UXO

improvised explosive device 

joint engineer planning and 

execution system 

unexploded ordnance

Figure III-2. Engineer Considerations During the Joint Operation Planning Process 

(4) Additional digital mapping requirements for projected missions. 

(5) Capabilities of assigned engineer forces. 

(6) Threat engineer capabilities. 

(7) Environmentally sensitive areas and other environmental considerations. 

(8) Historic and cultural resources. 

(9) Beddown requirements for the supported friendly force. 

(10) LOCs and APOD and SPOD supportability. 

c. Step 3 (COA Development). The engineer assesses all available information 

derived from the mission analysis process to provide the commander with input required to 

develop the initial COAs. The joint force engineer uses this combined assessment to identify 

the resources required to support each COA, to make recommendations based upon available 

time and resources, and to recommend force tailoring to best support the CCDR’s intent. 

This assessment is the linchpin of successful engineer integration into operations. As part of 

the staff, engineers conduct parallel planning and analysis and prepare the engineer staff 

estimates to ensure that the engineer effort will support the COA. During COA 

development, the engineer may consider the following: 
Chapter III 

III-6 JP 3-34 

(1) Options for joint force operational movement and maneuver, force protection, 

and the ramifications for engineer support to tactical operations. 

(2) Recommendations on intermediate staging bases (ISBs), forward operating 

bases, beddown sites, forward logistic support sites, munitions storage areas, and avenues of 

approach. 

(3) MSRs and available APODs/SPODs and railway stations to facilitate effective 

joint reception, staging, onward movement, and integration (JRSOI). 

(4) Construction standards given planned disposition of JTF constructed or 

modified infrastructure upon redeployment. 

(5) Staff Estimates. As part of staff estimates, the engineer develops a detailed 

engineer assessment of each COA and its supportability from an engineer perspective. At 

this point in planning, the engineer considers the following: 

(a) Specific engineer tasks necessary to support each COA. 

(b) Identify and address any engineer factors that may influence or affect force 

deployment. 

(c) Availability of engineer assets to meet requirements. Use of engineer 

planning factors (e.g., equipment, personnel, and unit capabilities) is essential in determining 

engineer support for each COA. 

(d) Engineer logistics requirements to support each COA. 

(e) Construction requirements to support each COA. 

(f) Force protection. 

(g) Engineer actions and capabilities, plus the resources needed during 

transition from sustained combat operations to termination of joint operations. 

(h) Identification and planning for engineer transition points. 

d. Steps 4 and 5 (COA Analysis and COA Comparison). The engineer participates 

in wargaming, analyzing, and comparing available COAs to produce a commander’s 

estimate to support a COA comparison matrix. At a minimum, the engineer evaluates the 

following: 

(1) Criteria for risk assessment (includes environmental risk). 

(2) Resource requirements. 

(3) Resources available. 

(4) Advantages and disadvantages of each COA for each engineer function. 
 Engineer Planning 

III-7 

e. Step 6 (COA Approval). The engineer ensures that all requirements developed 

during the mission analysis and staff estimate processes are accounted for in the COA and 

supportable from an engineering perspective. 

f. Step 7 (Plan or Order Development) 

(1) The engineer prepares several annexes and appendices, provides significant 

input to others, and must review still others due to their possible significant impact on 

engineer operations as shown in Figure III-3. Some considerations for their development 

and review include: 

(a) Annex A (Task Organization). Engineers provide significant input to 

annex A (Task Organization) to ensure there is sufficient engineer capability to meet 

identified requirements and that command relationships are clear and appropriate. 

Additionally, planners provide input to the flow of the engineer force and materials as 

detailed on the time-phased force and deployment data (TPFDD). 

(b) Annex B (Intelligence). As part of the JIPOE process, engineers evaluate 

impacts on engineer operations and integrate engineer intelligence requirements. 

(c) Annex C (Operations). Engineers review and participate in the writing of 

annex C (Operations). Their participation is, or may be, required in many of the subordinate 

appendices as well. Each of the following appendices require special engineering 

considerations:

OPERATION PLAN ANNEXES

Subject Annex Subject Annex

Task Organization A Personnel E

Intelligence B Public Affairs F 

Operations C Civil Affairs G

App 4, Special Operations Meteorological H 

App 10, Air Base Operability Command Relationships J

App 13, Explosive Ordnance Communications System K 

Disposal Environmental Considerations L

App 14, Amphibious Geospatial Information and M

Operations Services 

App 15, Force Protection Space Operations N 

App 16, Critical Infrastructure Host-Nation Support P 

Protection Medical Services Q 

Logistics D Special Technical Operations S 

App 5, Mobility and Contingency Contracting W 

Transportation Execution Checklist X 

App 6, Engineer Support Plan Distribution Z 

The joint force engineer: 

 Prepares italicized annex and appendix. 

 Provides significant input for the development of bolded annexes and appendices.

 Reviews all other annexes and appendices due to their possible significant impact on 

engineer operations and provides input as appropriate. 

Figure III-3. Operation Plan Annexes 

 
Chapter III 

III-8 JP 3-34 

1. Annex C (Operations), Appendix 10 (Air Base Operability). 

Engineer input to this appendix focuses on engineer support to airfield operations, including 

the five basic functions: to defend (installations), survive (provide expedient force 

protection), recover (assess damage, make repairs), generate (work-around for damaged 

systems), and support (the recovery effort). 

2. Annex C (Operations), Appendix 12 (Counterattack). Engineer 

input to this appendix should focus on the employment of those engineering capabilities that 

are critical to a successful counterattack. Mobility and countermobility are key 

considerations to ensure freedom of maneuver for the force. 

3. Annex C (Operations), Appendix 13 (EOD). Engineer input to this 

appendix must ensure that it is integrated with engineer operations to defeat explosive 

hazards (including operations of the military mine action center [MMAC] and/or the EHCC). 

4. Annex C (Operations), Appendix 14, (Amphibious Operations). 

Engineer input to this appendix should focus on those engineering capabilities that are 

critical to amphibious operations (breaching, clearing, gap crossing, improving ground 

trafficability, and beach to support ship-to-shore maneuver/movement improving 

survivability of critical supplies/infrastructure). 

5. Annex C (Operations), Appendix 15 (Force Protection). Engineer 

input to this appendix focuses on engineer support to force protection, including the 

following: facility hardening, revetments, berms, and installation security improvements 

(barriers, perimeter fencing, monitors, and cameras). This appendix does not typically 

include those force protection actions associated with close combat such as the development 

of fighting and protective positions. 

6. Annex C (Operations), Appendix 16 (Critical Infrastructure 

Protection). This appendix supports the critical infrastructure protection plan with input 

provided by the joint force engineer. 

(d) Annex D (Logistics). The engineer planner should review all of annex D 

(Logistics) for engineer inputs, which will likely be required throughout.

1. Annex D (Logistics), Appendix 5 (Mobility and Transportation). 

Engineer input to this appendix will be general or geospatial engineering-related and will 

include LOCs/MSRs and staging areas. 

2. Annex D (Logistics), Appendix 6 (Engineer Support Plan). The 

engineer support plan (ESP) is the principal engineer document in a joint plan and is written 

by the engineer. It addresses essential engineer support requirements, and its development 

ensures that essential engineering capabilities, to include those for combat, general, and 

geospatial engineering, are identified and will be provided as required to support the JFC’s 

plan. The ESP establishes theater-level requirements for facilities, facility support, projected 

construction, Class IV construction materials, and engineering capability in support of joint 

forces. The ESP should identify the overall facility requirements and summarize the existing 

US assets, HNS and multinational assets, and construction needed to satisfy those 
 Engineer Planning 

III-9 

requirements. It should include consideration of the apportionment and allocation of 

engineering forces under existing plans, TPFDD (or other force flow model), and Servicespecific capabilities. It should include the requirements for HN, contract, multinational, and 

US engineering forces and identify the engineering capability available for accomplishing 

construction, as well as essential combat engineering; emergency war damage repairs; 

maintenance of LOCs and MSRs; troop beddown; base camp construction (and associated 

standards); arms, ammunition, and explosives storage and maintenance facilities; 

construction support to force protection; and acquisition of construction and engineering 

support. The ESP should summarize shortfalls in terms of unsatisfied requirements. 

For further guidance on the ESP, refer to Appendix 6 to Annex D of CJCSM 3122.03C, Joint 

Operation Planning and Execution System, Volume II, Planning Formats. 

(e) Annex G (Civil Affairs). Engineer input to this annex focuses on engineer 

plans for assistance to dislocated civilians, humanitarian and civic assistance (HCA), 

humanitarian demining operations (HDO), government stability, and the reconstruction of 

civilian utilities and infrastructure. A thorough understanding of CA plans, and interface 

with NGOs and IGOs, is essential for success. 

(f) Annex L (Environmental Considerations). Engineers write this annex, 

receiving significant support from medical service personnel and other members of the staff. 

(g) Annex M (Geospatial Information and Services). This annex identifies 

the geospatial engineering forces assigned or attached, their manner of employment, and the 

required geospatial products and services. Engineers assist the CCDR in identifying 

geospatial assets available to support the plan. Engineers should review available geospatial 

products and services for adequacy and recommend additional geospatial support. 

For additional information about OPLAN annexes, see CJCSM 3122.03C, Joint Operation 

Planning and Execution System, Volume II, Planning Formats. 

3. Development of Time-Phased Force and Deployment Data 

Additionally, engineers should be involved in the development of the TPFDD, one of 

the most time-consuming and intensely managed aspects of plan development. The use of 

JEPES can help facilitate this action. Engineer participation in developing the TPFDD is 

critical to ensure that: 

a. Critical engineer reconnaissance capabilities are positioned early in the TPFDD. 

b. Engineer capabilities (units) arrive in the OA in a manner that supports the desired 

preparation of the OA/environment. 

c. Facilities required to support force projection and JRSOI are in place and available to 

deploying units. 

d. Construction materials, equipment, and resources are available when required, 

including those required to achieve the CCDR’s standards for base camp beddown. 
Chapter III 

III-10 JP 3-34 

4. General Planning Considerations 

a. In tailoring the engineer support to operations, the joint force engineer should address 

a number of general considerations for engineer planning, including speed, economy, 

flexibility, decentralization of authority, and establishment of priorities (see Figure III-4). 

b. Assured Mobility. Assured mobility is the framework of processes, actions, and 

capabilities that assures the ability of the joint force to deploy and maneuver where and when 

desired, without interruption or delay, to achieve the mission. This construct is one means of 

enabling a joint force to achieve the commander’s intent. Assured mobility emphasizes 

proactive mobility and countermobility actions and integrates all of the engineer functions in 

accomplishing this. Assured mobility should not be confused with the limited application of 

the mobility function. While focused primarily on the joint function of movement and 

maneuver, it has linkages to each of the joint functions and both enables and is enabled by 

those functions. While the engineer has the primary staff role in assured mobility, other staff 

members support its integration and have critical roles to play. Ultimately assured mobility is 

the commander’s responsibility. The fundamentals of assured mobility include: 

Figure III-4. Engineer Planning Considerations 

SPEED. 

ECONOMY.

FLEXIBILITY.

DECENTRALIZATION OF AUTHORITY.

ESTABLISHMENT OF PRIORITIES.

Engineering tasks are resource intensive in terms of time, 

materials, manpower, and equipment. Practices that support speed 

include utilization of existing facilities, standardization, simplicity of design 

and construction, bare-base construction, and construction in phases.

 Engineering demands efficient use of personnel, equipment, 

and materials. Practices that support economy include the conservation of 

manpower, equipment, and materials and the application of environmental 

consideration early in the process.

 Standard plans that allow for adjustment, expansion, and 

contraction will be used whenever possible. For example, forward airfields 

should be designed and located so that they can be expanded into more 

robust facilities.

 Dispersion of forces requires that 

engineer authority be decentralized as much as possible. The engineer 

commander at a particular location must have authority consistent with 

responsibilities.

 Establish priorities and resource 

allocation to determine how much engineer effort must be devoted to a 

single task. All levels of command, beginning with the joint force 

commander, will issue directives establishing broad priorities. Resources 

are initially assigned to the highest priority tasks while low priority tasks 

may be left undone while recognizing and mitigating the risk. 

ENGINEER PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
 Engineer Planning 

III-11 

(1) Predict. Engineers and other planners must accurately predict potential enemy 

impediments to joint force mobility by analyzing the enemy’s TTP, capability, and 

evolution. Prediction requires a constantly updated understanding of the operational 

environment. 

(2) Detect. Using ISR assets, engineers and other planners identify the location of 

natural and man-made obstacles, preparations to create/emplace obstacles, and potential 

means for obstacle creation. They identify both actual and potential obstacles and propose 

solutions and alternate COAs to minimize or eliminate their potential impact. 

(3) Prevent. Engineers and other planners apply this fundamental by denying the 

enemy’s ability to influence mobility. This is accomplished by forces acting proactively 

before the obstacles are emplaced or activated. This may include aggressive action to 

destroy enemy assets/capabilities before they can be used to create obstacles. 

(4) Avoid. If prevention fails, the commander will maneuver forces to avoid 

impediments to mobility, if this is viable within the scheme of maneuver. 

(5) Neutralize. Engineers and other planners plan to neutralize, reduce, or 

overcome obstacles/impediments as soon as possible to allow unrestricted movement of 

forces. The breaching tenets and fundamentals apply to the fundamental of “neutralize.” 

(6) Protection. Engineers and other elements plan and implement protection 

measures that will deny the enemy the ability to inflict damage as joint forces maneuver. 

This may include countermobility missions to deny the enemy maneuver and provide 

protection to friendly maneuvering forces. 

c. JIPOE. Engineers play a major role in the JIPOE process by anticipating and 

providing terrain analysis products of likely contingency areas. Engineer reconnaissance and 

geospatial operations assist in describing the operational environment’s effects on adversary 

and friendly capabilities and broad COAs. Examples of geospatial information useful for 

planning purposes are shown in Figure III-5. Many data management, analysis, and 

visualization tools are available to assist in the geospatial planning effort. For further 

information on JIPOE, see JP 2-01.3, Joint Intelligence Preparation of the Operational 

Environment, and JP 2-03, Geospatial Intelligence Support to Joint Operations.

d. Engineer Reconnaissance

(1) The joint force engineer must identify requirements for engineer reconnaissance 

and see that they are met. These requirements will occur throughout an operation, and the 

timing of reconnaissance missions is critical. While engineer reconnaissance capabilities 

exist in many forms, few engineer reconnaissance organizations are permanently organized 

and designed specifically for the engineer reconnaissance mission. Organization of engineer 

reconnaissance capabilities (mix of engineer specialties, expertise, and equipment) and 

required supporting assets (environmental, preventive medicine, or other specialties and 

force protection elements) is a critical planning consideration to ensure an accurate and 

sufficient reconnaissance. Most engineer reconnaissance planned by the joint engineer will 

be in support of general engineering tasks as planning for engineer reconnaissance in support 
Chapter III 

III-12 JP 3-34 

of combat engineering is typically conducted at lower levels. The range of engineer 

reconnaissance and its basic relationship to the engineer functions is shown in Figure III-6. 

(2) One critical engineer reconnaissance mission highlighted here is the 

infrastructure reconnaissance. The assessment and the survey are two types/levels of 

infrastructure reconnaissance used to gather necessary infrastructure information. The 

purpose of the assessment is to provide immediate feedback concerning the status of the 

basic services necessary to sustain the local population. The basic services or categories 

evaluated depend on the situation, mission, and commander’s intent. While the assessment 

is typically performed by, or under the leadership of, engineers, other specialties can become 

important participants in infrastructure reconnaissance. The basic assessment may even be 

accomplished by others when an engineer is not available, depending on the expertise 

available and the type and quality of information required. If available, leaders should also 

consult military and NGOs in the area to determine if there are extenuating circumstances 

that may influence the outcome of the assessment. Typically, engineer and other planners 

 

Figure III-5. Geospatial Planning Information

GEOSPATIAL PLANNING INFORMATION

Geospatial engineering provides commanders with terrain analysis and 

visualization, which improve situational awareness and enhance decision 

making. Examples of information that can be obtained include: 

Three-dimensional terrain fly-throughs

Avenues and routes for joint forces, as well as likely enemy avenues of 

approach

Obstacle-zone locations

Potential engagement areas

Potential unit positions/beddown sites

Airfield and port information and capabilities

Maneuver options

Support to urban operations

High-payoff target information

Deep-target information

Communications or visual line of sight

Locations of lines of communications and main supply routes and potential locations of base camps

Identification of flood plains and potential landing zones

Ability to use fused data from multiple databases to enhance awareness
 Engineer Planning 

III-13 

use this information to define immediate needs and determine priorities of work. Leaders 

must continue to expand and refine the assessment as time and specific expertise become 

available. 

Figure III-6. Engineer Reconnaissance and the Engineer Functions 

ENGINEER RECONNAISSANCE AND

THE ENGINEER FUNCTIONS

Technical Capabilities

Tactical Capabilities

Maps, terrain analysis, etc.

Climatology, soil conditions, etc.

Infrastructure survey

Other special capabilities

Environmental assessment

Airfield assessment

Road reconnaissance

Infrastructure assessment

Environmental reconnaissance

Tunnel reconnaissance

Bridge reconnaissance

Route classification

Crossing site reconnaissance

Route reconnaissance

Area reconnaissance

Obstacle reconnaissance

G

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Chapter III 

III-14 JP 3-34 

(3) As follow-on to the assessment, the infrastructure survey provides a very 

detailed description of the condition of specific major services. Both the assessment and 

survey should pursue available documentation to identify environmental hazards and 

sensitive natural and cultural resources and sites. The primary difference between the 

assessment and the survey is the degree of technical information and the expertise required. 

They are not always clearly distinguishable from each other. See Figure III-7 for a visual 

representation of the infrastructure assessment and survey model. The model contains seven 

areas to assess: sewage, water, electricity, academics, trash, medical, security, and other 

considerations; the acronym SWEAT-MSO is used as a memory aid for these infrastructure 

and assessment areas. The survey is normally conducted by a core of engineering specialties 

that will integrate necessary engineer specialties, expertise, and equipment with other 

technical specialties (e.g., medical, CA, military police) to enhance the quality and 

completeness of the survey. 

e. Logistics. The JFC’s concept of logistics helps synchronize joint operations. The 

engineer support planning effort focuses on supporting the mobilization, deployment, 

employment, sustainment, and redeployment of the joint force. Since engineering 

requirements are often unique and situation-specific, logistics and engineering support 

Figure III-7. Infrastructure Assessment and Survey Model 

INFRASTRUCTURE ASSESSMENT AND SURVEY MODEL

Essential 

services 

operational, 

critical 

positions 

staffed, 

infrastructure 

and

populace 

secure,

civil order 

attained

Municipal sewage

system fully operational

Water treatment plants

functional/distributing

Electric plant open;

all power lines intact

All schools open,

staffed, and supplied

Trash service in place;

city dump open

Hospitals and clinics

open and staffed

Vital infrastructure

secure, patrols ongoing

Includes all other

considerations not otherwise

already specified

Sewage

Water

Electricity

Academics

Trash

Medical

Security

Other considerations

S

W

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 Engineer Planning 

III-15 

planning should be conducted in concert with each other to accurately forecast requirements 

(e.g., Class IV equipment and construction materials requirements; hazardous materials 

[HAZMAT] and waste management requirements). Logistics requirements, including 

general engineering support, will affect the flow of forces into the OA by necessitating the 

early deployment of support units to enlarge the force reception throughput. 

f. JEPES. JEPES is a tool used to support quantitative aspects of engineering support 

planning and execution. It provides the general requirements for the ESP and provides a 

common automated system for the joint force engineer planners to determine the appropriate 

amount of engineer assets and capabilities to support the selected COA. JEPES assists the 

engineer planners in determining the correct engineer capability for the proper location, 

timed correctly to support the CONOPS. Further, it is used to: 

(1) Generate time-phased facility requirements based on the OPLAN. 

(2) Analyze and assess engineering support by comparing facility requirements to 

in-theater facility assets and HN, contract, and troop engineering capability. 

(3) Provide facility feasibility assessment, manpower, equipment, and construction 

materials, and nonunit cargo requirements for other processes. 

(4) Provide infrastructure data to assist in mission analysis and COA development. 

(5) Provide real-time monitoring capability needed to track plan execution. 

5. Functional Planning Considerations 

Each engineer function has unique planning considerations, many of which are 

addressed in Chapter IV, “Engineer Functions.” Some of those that are most significant to 

the joint force engineer’s planning activities include: 

a. Combat Engineering. Emplacing barriers and obstacles, and countering their use by 

adversaries are often significant requirements for engineers. Collectively these roles are 

covered primarily by the functional categories mobility and countermobility. Under combat 

engineering, these are focused on support to combat maneuver forces conducting operations 

on land and as a part of amphibious operations. This planning includes both the creation of 

barriers and obstacles and breaching or crossing those placed by nature or the enemy. This is 

a primary focus of the engineer role assuring mobility for the joint force. Survivability is 

also performed as a part of combat engineering and is focused on the hardening of facilities, 

personnel, equipment, and critical supplies in support of the maneuver commander at the 

brigade or regimental and lower echelons. It includes camouflage, concealment, and 

deception (CCD) support to tactical ground maneuver forces. This may include employing 

barriers, walls, shields, berms, and the construction of fighting positions and/or protective 

positions. Combat engineers typically provide the “lower end” hardening and CCD support 

while general engineering support is focused on aspects that are not involved with close 

combat. The joint force engineer should consider the following: 
Chapter III 

III-16 JP 3-34 

(1) Analyzing intelligence data, including ground and aerial reconnaissance and 

geospatial data to identify existing barriers, obstacles, and areas that require friendly barriers 

or obstacles. 

(2) Evaluating terrain and climate to determine and enhance the integration of 

barriers and obstacles into the overall plan. This includes accounting for controlling the 

movement of civilians as well as anticipating how the enemy may use the terrain and 

identifying any critical intelligence requirements to verify this information. 

(3) Evaluating terrain, climate, and enemy capabilities to assess the magnitude of 

survivability support that will be required from combat engineers. 

(4) Assessing how much general engineering support will be required to 

augment/reinforce available combat engineer capabilities to meet the desired/required levels 

of protection and security. 

(5) Identifying the weapon systems and delivery assets available to deliver or 

employ the selected barriers and obstacles. 

(6) Coordinating with operations on the limitations and expenditure of selected 

obstacles and the designation of restricted areas. 

(7) Publication of the barrier and obstacle plan, mine-recognition handbooks, and 

land mine recognition and warning posters for deploying forces. 

(8) Establishing, disseminating, and enforcing route and area land mine clearance 

and marking procedures. 

(9) Providing engineer input to the appropriate annexes and appendixes to the 

OPLAN or OPORD. 

(10) Planning for the removal or deactivation of barriers, obstacles, and mines 

when they are no longer needed. 

(11) Assessing base and ADR. 

For further guidance on barriers, obstacles, and minefield planning, refer to Chapter IV, 

“Engineer Functions,” and JP 3-15, Barriers, Obstacles, and Mine Warfare for Joint 

Operations. 

b. General Engineering 

(1) Technical Expertise. One of the challenges joint force engineers face in 

planning general engineering is access to specialized technical expertise. Much of this 

expertise resides within the Services, and can greatly assist joint force engineers. Joint force 

engineers should understand how to access this expertise. A good place to start is by 

establishing contact with the Services’ engineer organizations (USACE, NAVFAC, and 

AFCESA). These organizations have vast expertise in engineer planning and operations 
 Engineer Planning 

III-17 

with various capabilities to reachback to technical subject matter experts, augment JFC 

planning staffs, and rapidly deploy specialized teams for engineering assessments and 

analyses. 

(2) Requirements for Facilities. The general engineering planning process 

includes requirements for facilities (to include the standards to be applied). The 

requirements should reflect the general engineering support necessary for the expected 

duration and intensity of operations, be limited to the forces employed (to include 

multinational, HN, and contractors), and time-phased. The JFC determines what facilities 

are needed to satisfy operational requirements. 

(a) Categories. Facilities are grouped into six broad categories that emphasize 

the use of existing assets over new construction. To the maximum extent possible, facilities 

or real estate requirements should be met from these categories in the following priority 

order: 

1. US-owned, occupied, or leased facilities (including captured facilities). 

2. US-owned facility substitutes pre-positioned in theater. 

3. HN and multinational support where an agreement exists for the HN 

and partner nation to provide specific types and quantities of facilities at specified times in 

designated locations. 

4. Facilities available from commercial sources. 

5. US-owned facility substitutes stored in the United States. 

6. Construction of facilities that are considered shortfall after an 

assessment of the availability of existing assets. 

(b) Construction. The joint force engineer should plan expeditious 

construction of facility requirements that are considered shortfalls (e.g., those facilities that 

cannot be sourced from existing assets). In these circumstances, the appropriate Service, 

HN, or partner nation should to the extent possible perform construction during peacetime. 

Contracting support should be used to augment military capabilities. If new construction 

cannot be finished in time to meet mission requirements, the CCDR and joint force engineer 

should seek alternative solutions to new construction. Expedient construction (e.g., rapid 

construction techniques such as prefabricated buildings, clamshell structures) should also be 

considered, as these methods can be selectively employed with minimum time, cost, and 

risk. 

(c) Funding. Adequate funding (see Appendix E, “Contingency Authorities 

and Funding”) must be available to undertake early engineer reconnaissance and acquisition 

of facilities to meet joint force requirements, whether by construction or leasing. Funding 

constraints are a planning consideration. The JFC articulates funding requirements for 

construction and leasing of facilities by considering the missions supported and the amount 

of funds required. The JFC should take steps to assure that the Service components allocate 
Chapter III 

III-18 JP 3-34 

sufficient funds for facility construction, including associated contract administration 

services and real estate acquisition and disposal services. Facility construction planning 

must be routinely and repetitively accomplished to ensure that mission-essential facilities are 

identified well in advance of the need and, wherever possible, on-the-shelf designs are 

completed to expedite facility construction in time of need. 

c. Geospatial Engineering

(1) Information Requirements. Geospatial data provides the foundation for 

analysis and visualization of the operational environment, is required for many military 

functions such as navigation, mission planning, mission rehearsal, targeting, obstacle and 

minefield reconnaissance, and terrain analysis. Engineers assist in visualization of the 

operational environment through theater geospatial assets. When coupled with threat 

analysis, environmental effects, weather, the friendly situation, and the logistics situation, 

geospatial information may lead to identification and location of operational centers of 

gravity (both friendly and enemy), a more accurate view of the operational environment, and 

improved situational awareness of environmental conditions and related health threats. 

Accurate visualization of the area in which joint forces conduct operations allows 

commanders to plan for branches to current operations. Requirements for geospatial 

information and services are determined and validated by the GI&S officer and J-2 during 

the deliberate planning and CAP processes. 

For further guidance on GI&S, refer to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction 

(CJCSI) 3901.01B, Requirements for Geospatial Information and Services; JP 2-01.3, Joint 

Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment; and JP 2-03, Geospatial 

Intelligence Support to Joint Operations. 

(2) Geospatial Engineer Support. Joint operations may be conducted in areas 

that have limited up-to-date geospatial coverage. When providing geospatial support to the 

joint force, the geospatial engineer should coordinate the following with the GI&S officer 

and J-2: 

(a) Evaluating the availability of standard and nonstandard map and imagery 

products in the OA. If shortfalls exist, the geospatial engineer, the GI&S officer, and the J-2 

should define specific requirements and coordinate the collection and creation of necessary 

data to build the joint force geospatial database. Standard data sets that are created should be 

coordinated back to the national level to update the Geospatial Intelligence Knowledge Base 

for the benefit of the rest of DOD and interagency organizations. 

(b) Early collection of both classified and open-source geospatial information 

in the OA through reconnaissance, topographic survey, site survey, data mining, and satellite 

imagery. 

(c) Requesting digital geospatial and imagery information from the National 

Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) immediately after mission requirements are 

established. NGA produces a variety of digital geospatial data sets. During peacetime, 

CCDMs may establish a basic requirement for these standard data sets. As contingencies 
 Engineer Planning 

III-19 

arise, data sets tailored to the specific operation should be requested early in the planning 

process to ensure that these products will be available to the joint force. The request should 

also include data sets for all the subordinate units involved in the operation and should 

identify the expected capacity of geospatial engineers in the CCMD and subordinate joint 

force to assist in producing and maintaining required data. 

(d) Ensuring that terrain analysis and other geospatial capabilities are available 

to the joint force early in the JOA or through split-basing capabilities from the United States. 

Engineer forces deploy worldwide on short notice. It is important to define geospatial data 

requirements early and focus limited geospatial assets on the most important areas. 

(e) Establishing a geospatial product storage and distribution capability in 

conjunction with the J-2, J-4, and GI&S officer. Requirements are established by the CCDR. 

(f) Establishing special geospatial support procedures with special operations 

forces and other deployed forces. 

6. Detailed Planning Considerations 

a. Transitions. Engineering planning for operational phase transition is essential to 

ensuring uninterrupted support to the joint force. Many times operational planning details 

are not known in enough time to adequately respond with fully resourced engineer support 

plans, given that design, material, sourcing, and funding approvals may require long lead 

times. Accordingly, engineers, together with logisticians, must anticipate the JFC’s phase 

transition decisive points in order to ensure adequate resources are available for the next 

phase of the campaign. For example, basing arrangements for US and/or 

coalition/indigenous forces must be anticipated far ahead of the JFC’s decision to transition 

from Phase III to Phase IV in order to set the conditions for a smooth transition from the 

engineer’s perspective. Another JFC decision that is important to engineers is the transition 

from organic support equipment and tentage to a more robust, efficient, and sustainable base 

support system. These engineering and logistics decisions must be made in coordination 

with multiple stakeholders, including the operational contract support community, as many 

engineering services functions can be provided by the CAP (LOGCAP, AFCAP, and 

GCCC/GCSC) given the right conditions. 

TERRAIN DATA 

The availability of terrain data was a critical aspect in joint operations in 

Afghanistan and Iraq. Army terrain teams, working with joint and coalition 

forces, defined helicopter landing zones, avenues of approach, and 

trafficability analyses using geospatial data. After major combat operations 

ceased and nation building started, geospatial products were used for 

follow-on-stability operations and support operations. Mapping urban 

regions in more detail is very important, with route analysis and emerging 

urban terrain products becoming more relevant as lessons learned are 

incorporated into newer geospatial tools. 

SOURCE: Engineer, January–March 2003 
Chapter III 

III-20 JP 3-34 

(1) Engineer Force Organization. Engineer force packages must contain the right 

mix of capabilities to assure timely and relevant engineer support to the JFC. This mix will 

often need to change drastically during transitions, and the joint force engineer must 

anticipate and plan for these changes. For example, in early operational phases combat 

engineers often make up the majority of engineer forces in theater during sustained combat 

operations, but they must be reinforced during transition later phases as they typically do not 

have the right capabilities to accomplish all the general engineering tasks required. Also, 

since EOD support requirements during transition operations are often significantly higher 

than during combat operations, more EOD capabilities will be required. 

(2) Engineer Missions. Engineer missions related to this type of transition will 

typically fall into four general categories:

(a) Engineer Reconnaissance. The joint force engineer must anticipate 

requirements for engineer reconnaissance, for example: the condition of the civilian 

infrastructure, facilities requiring immediate engineer effort, and hindrances to mobility. The 

reconnaissance conducted at this time will ideally be focused on refining plans created as a 

result of initial proactive planning. The initial EBS for base camps and other selected sites 

should also occur as a part of this reconnaissance if possible and be linked to the 

environmental health site assessment (EHSA). 

(b) Base Camp Construction and Maintenance. Each Service is responsible 

to meet its own expeditionary basing requirements to support contingency beddown of their 

forces. Services are also responsible to perform the contingency base engineering functions 

on designated joint expeditionary bases where that Service has the majority of the forces. 

Theater construction policies will dictate the level of effort for construction and management 

of Service or joint expeditionary bases in each theater. Engineer planners must also consider 

Services’ organic ability to provide base engineering maintenance services at combatant 

command designated joint bases. This is especially critical in instances where one Service is 

required by the JFC to act as a joint base operating support (BOS-I). In instances where the 

BOS-I chooses to use the civil augmentation program to provide base services, early 

planning by engineers and logisticians for these and other base camp support requirements 

will help remove undue burdens from the operational staff during critical points in the 

campaign. Considerations include the size of the force projected to operate from the base 

camp(s) and the duration the base camp will be required, and the level of construction 

standards to be applied. Other important parameters include geographical location, weather, 

available construction materials, resources, utilities, political concerns for permanency, 

localized environmental hazards and health threats, and impact on the local populace. These 

decisions should be included early in the planning process for all projected/potential base 

camp locations. 

(c) Civilian Infrastructure Repair and Maintenance. Rapid repair or 

improvement in the infrastructure will have far-reaching impacts on mission success at all 

levels. Engineers typically work in conjunction with CA to conduct civilian infrastructure 

reconnaissance and assessment. 
 Engineer Planning 

III-21 

(d) Other General Engineering Considerations

1. Construction support to force protection operations and post-combat 

beddown. 

2. SPOD and APOD facilities maintenance and expansion. 

3. Repair and construction of MSRs and facilities to support future 

retrograde and redeployment operations. 

4. Termination of real estate rights of entry, leases, and conduct of 

closeout activities. 

5. Destruction of remnants of war, such as ammunition, mines, and UXO. 

6. Conduct of HN infrastructure and operational environment damage 

assessment. 

7. Clearance of debris and emergency repairs to critical HN infrastructure. 

8. Control and removal of HAZMAT and waste. 

9. Conduct of environmental remediation (see Appendix D, 

“Environmental Considerations”). 

10. Reconstitution of assets. 

11. Management and quality assurance of contracted construction projects. 

(3) Intelligence. The JFC obtains the greatest intelligence benefit by focusing the 

right engineer expertise on the right missions. The engineer staff officers must maintain 

close liaison with the intelligence staff to provide, coordinate, and integrate technical 

expertise, engineer priority information requirements (IRs), and specialized engineer assets 

to enhance information collection efforts. Engineer reconnaissance teams are particularly 

valuable in this role. Special operations forces can also provide valuable information for the 

engineer planner due to their early presence in the OA. 

(4) Logistics. Timely delivery of the proper engineer supplies, personnel, and 

equipment is essential for success during transition. Logistical requirements change as 

operations transition to stability operations. Construction and specialized equipment 

requirements will impose different Class IX repair parts requirements than combat 

engineering equipment, and Class IV construction materials will differ from those required 

during combat operations. Estimates should be revised over time as more up-to-date 

intelligence is gathered. Engineers should work closely with logisticians to monitor Class IV 

stock levels to ensure materials are on hand when required. 

(5) Coordination with USG Agencies and other Organizations. USG agencies, 

IGOs, NGOs, multinational partners, civilian contractors, and the HN will all have a role in 
Chapter III 

III-22 JP 3-34 

the transition to peace and normalcy. As the joint force mission begins to shift, more and 

more of these organizations will become involved. A successful military and political 

transition to USG agencies, IGOs, and NGOs requires knowledge and understanding of the 

roles, responsibilities, constraints, and capabilities of these agencies and organizations. The 

joint force engineer will play a key role during this process. 

b. Force Protection. Engineers have unique equipment and personnel capabilities that 

can be used to support force protection efforts. Engineers construct protective facilities, 

bunkers, emplacements, vehicle barriers, fences, environmental and sanitation systems, and 

other structures. Combat engineering tasks like the development of fighting and protective 

positions (survivability) are also a part of force protection. Engineer support to force 

protection also includes the support of CCD. Planners should consider the following: 

(1) Establishing the required level of protection based on the expected threat. 

(2) Identifying and implementing force protection construction standards, including 

requirements for security fencing, lighting, obstacles, and guard posts. Publish proper safety 

standards for construction of long-term fortifications, fighting positions, bunkers, and berms. 

(3) Ensuring that early-entry forces have adequate force protection construction 

materials, materials handling equipment (MHE), and holding areas. Service component 

engineers should review these materials annually to ensure the theater stocks are sufficient to 

meet initial entry requirements. 

(4) Establishing facility security inspection procedures with military and local law 

enforcement personnel to quickly identify and repair breaches. 

(5) Delineating force protection construction responsibilities between engineer 

units and supported units. 

(6) Providing adequate engineer capabilities to facilitate survivability for combat 

maneuver forces as a part of combat engineering. 

c. EOD. EOD augmentation to the engineer force is not only essential, but critical. 

The speed and efficiency with which UXO hazards, weapons caches, and IEDs are 

eliminated directly impacts overall mission success, both militarily and politically. Selective 

EOD staff integration into engineer staffs and in organizations like the EHCC or MMAC are 

both desirable and in some cases essential. 

d. Real Estate Requirements. Joint force engineers must plan for the acquisition of 

uncontaminated land and facilities, and their management and ultimate disposal to support 

joint operations, including: 

(1) Operational facilities (e.g., command posts [CPs], airfields, ports). 

(2) Logistics facilities (e.g., maintenance facilities, supply points, warehouses, 

ammunition supply points, and APOD/SPOD for sustainment). 
 Engineer Planning 

III-23 

(3) Force beddown facilities (e.g., dining halls, billeting, religious support facilities, 

clinics, and hygiene facilities). 

(4) Common-use facilities (e.g., roads, JRSOI facilities). 

(5) Force protection planning considerations (e.g., site selection, proximity to 

potential threat areas, sniper screening). 

For additional information about real estate management, see Chapter IV, “Engineer 

Functions.” 

e. Construction Planning. The joint force engineer and Service component engineers 

must ensure that facilities are available to support the joint force. This will often require new 

construction, but where possible, it is important to maximize the use of existing facilities. 

Facility requirements are dependent on numerous factors as indicated in Figure III-8. 

Planning will include those facilities that are considered shortfalls, i.e., those facilities that 

cannot be sourced from existing assets. In these circumstances, the appropriate Service, HN, 

or partner nation should to the extent possible perform construction during peacetime. 

Because construction is time-consuming and entails the risk of not being finished in time to 

meet mission requirements, the joint force engineer should seek alternative solutions to new 

construction. Expedient construction (e.g., rapid construction techniques such as 

prefabricated buildings, clamshell structures) should also be considered, as these methods 

can be selectively employed with minimum time, cost, and risk. Besides military engineers, 

construction assets include HN and civilian engineers and contractors. While all of these 

assets are capable of executing similar projects, they are not necessarily interchangeable. 

The engineer planner should consider the strengths, capabilities, and availability of each. 

Specialized unit requirements such as water well drilling or underwater demolition or 

construction teams should be identified early in the planning process. Joint force engineers 

must also plan to ensure the joint force has adequate construction management capability. 

(1) Funding and Resource Management. Joint force engineers must understand 

funding authorities and references. Engineers should coordinate with comptrollers and legal 

staff and be familiar with peacetime construction authorities and procedures. However, 

contingency and wartime construction require different procedures. See Appendix E, 

“Contingency Authorities and Funding,” for more detailed information. 

(2) Construction Standards. Construction standards provide a framework to 

ensure efficient application of limited engineering assets and to responsively support the 

commander’s intent and executing the theater CONOPS. The CCDR in coordination with 

Service components and the Services, specifies the construction standards for facilities in the 

theater to optimize the engineer effort expended on any given facility while assuring that the 

facilities are adequate for health, safety, and mission accomplishment. Figure III-9 

illustrates the beddown and basing continuum and highlights the need for early master 

planning efforts to help facilitate transition to more permanent facilities as an operation 

develops. Timelines provide a framework to plan for the transition of standards, but the 

actual trigger for transition will be based on conditions. In addition to using these guidelines 

when establishing initial construction standards, the JFUB should be used to periodically 
Chapter III 

III-24 JP 3-34 

revalidate construction standards based on current operational issues and provide 

recommendations to the JFC on potential changes. Ultimately it is the CCDR who 

determines the exact construction type based on location, materials available, etc. The joint 

engineer must recommend the most feasible solutions to each requirement. Construction 

standards are guidelines, and the engineer must consider other factors in planning such as US 

policy and HN limitations on permanency. Example standards for expeditionary, initial, and 

temporary construction are detailed in Figure III-10. 

(a) Contingency phase (typically 0 to 2 years) 

1. Organic. A subset of initial standard construction, organic standard 

construction is set up on an expedient basis with no external engineer support, using unit 

organic equipment and systems or HN resources. Intended for use up to 90 days, it may be 

used for up to 6 months. It typically provides for initial force presence and maneuver 

activities until force flow supports arrival of engineer resources.

Figure III-8. Facility Requirements Factors 

FACILITY REQUIREMENTS FACTORS

Mission and operational objectives

Total force structure to be supported

Expected duration of force deployment

Types of equipment to be employed

Number of days of supply to be stocked in the operational area

Standards of construction

Operational area medical policy

Operational area climatic conditions

Time-phasing of force deployment

Force protection (e.g., antiterrorism/force protection standoff distances)

Hazardous material management and waste disposal

Proximity to lines of communications

Utility requirements

Availability and suitability of existing host-nation infrastructure

Real property factors

Environmental restrictions

Cultural and historic sites and sensitive natural resources

Safety requirements (e.g., explosive safety distances, airfield clearances, 

fire prevention)
 Engineer Planning 

III-25 

2. Initial. Characterized by minimum facilities that require minimal 

engineer effort and simplify material transport and availability, initial standard construction 

is intended for immediate use by units upon arrival in theater for up to 6 months. Typical to 

transient mission activities, it may require system upgrades or replacement by more 

substantial or durable facilities during the course of operations. 

3. Temporary. Characterized by minimum facilities and effort with 

material transportability or availability, temporary standard construction is intended to 

increase efficiency of operations for use extending to 24 months, but may fulfill enduring 

phase standards and extend to 5 years. It provides for sustained operations and may replace 

initial standard in some cases where mission requirements dictate and require replacement 

 

Figure III-9. Force Beddown/Base Development 

FORCE BEDDOWN/BASE DEVELOPMENT

Initial 90 Days 6 Months 5 Years 10 Years

Entry Transition

Some camps may mature out of contingency to 

enduring standards. Others may never go 

beyond initial standard.

Transition to mature status may occur anywhere 

in the 6 month to 5 year period.

Demands early master planning.

Potential enduring bases and conditions for transition to be addressed in 

operations plan.

Master planning for enduring bases to begin not later than 90 days into operation.

May be performed “reach back” or in a collaborative environment.

2 Years

Maximized Use of Existing Facilities

Expeditionary

Contingency

Initial

Enduring

Semi-Permanent

Permanent

Master 

Planning

Temporary
Chapter III 

III-26 JP 3-34 

CONTINGENCY CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS IN THEATER

Expeditionary Standard 

 Support on expedient basis with no external engineer support. 

 Uses unit organic equipment and systems and/or host nation resources. 

 Mission duration typically 1-90 days. 

 Provides for initial force presence and maneuver activities until force flow supports arrival of 

engineer resources. 

Initial Standard 

 Characterized by austere facilities requiring minimal engineer effort. 

 Intended for immediate operational use by units upon arrival for a limited time ranging up to 

6 months. 

 May require replacement by more substantial or durable facilities during the course of 

operations. 

Temporary Standard 

 Characterized by austere facilities requiring additional engineer effort above that required for 

initial standard facilities. 

 Intended to increase efficiency of operations for use up to 24 months. 

 Provides for sustained operations. 

 Replaces initial standard in some cases where mission requirements dictate. The temporary 

standard may be used initially if so directed by the combatant commander. 

Type of 

Construction Expeditionary Initial Temporary 

Site Work Minimal to no site 

work; maximized use 

of existing facilities 

Clearing and grading 

for facilities including 

drainage, revetments 

of petroleum, oils, 

and lubricants, and 

ammo storage and 

aircraft parking; 

aggregate for heavily 

used hardstands; and 

soil stabilization 

Engineered site 

preparation, including 

paved surfaces for 

vehicle traffic areas 

and aircraft parking, 

building foundations, 

and concrete floor 

slabs 

Troop Housing Unit tents Tents (may have 

wood frames and 

flooring) 

Wood frame 

structures, 

relocatable 

structures, and 

modular building 

systems 

Electricity Unit tactical 

generators 

Tactical generators: 

high and low voltage 

distribution 

Nontactical or 

commercial power 

and high or low 

voltage 

Water Water points and 

bladders 

Water points, wells, 

and/or potable water 

production and 

pressurized water 

distribution systems 

Limited pressurized 

water distribution 

systems that support 

hospitals, dining halls, 

firefighting, and other 

major users

Cold Storage Contracted or unit 

purchased 

Portable refrigeration 

with freezer units for 

medical, food, and 

maintenance storage 

Refrigeration installed 

in temporary 

structures 

Figure III-10. Contingency Construction Standards in Theater 
 Engineer Planning 

III-27 

Type of 

Construction Expeditionary Initial Temporary 

Sanitation Unit field sanitation 

kits, pit latrines 

Organic equipment, 

evaporative ponds, 

pit or burnout 

latrines, lagoons for 

hospitals, and 

sewage lift stations 

Waterborne to 

austere treatment 

facilities—priorities 

are hospitals, dining 

halls, bathhouses, 

decontamination 

sites, and other highvolume users 

Airfield Pavement* Tactical surfacing, 

including matting, 

aggregate, soil 

stabilization, and 

concrete pads 

Conventional 

pavements 

Fuel Storage Bladders Bladders Bladders and steel 

tanks 

* The type of airfield surfacing to be used will be based on soil conditions and the expected 

weight and number of aircraft involved in operations. 

Figure III-10. Contingency Construction Standards in Theater 

during the course of extended operations. Temporary standard construction can be used 

from the start of an operation if directed by a CCDR. It is typical for non-transient mission 

activities. 

(b) Enduring phase (typically 2 years and beyond). DOD construction 

agents (USACE, NAVFAC, or other such DOD-approved activity) are the principal 

organizations to design, award, and manage construction contracts in support of enduring 

facilities which shall be in accordance with the applicable Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC). 

1. Semi-Permanent. Designed and constructed with finishes, materials, 

and systems selected for moderate energy efficiency, maintenance, and life-cycle cost, semipermanent standard construction has a life expectancy of more than 2, but less than 10, years. 

The types of structures used will depend on duration. It may be used initially if directed by 

the CCDR after carefully considering the political situation, cost, quality of life, and other 

criteria. 

2. Permanent. Designed and constructed with finishes, materials, and 

systems selected for high energy efficiency and low maintenance and life-cycle costs, 

permanent standard construction has a life expectancy of more than 10 years. Construction 

standards should also consider the final disposition and use of facilities and any long-term 

goals for these facilities to support HN reconstruction. The CCDR must specifically approve 

permanent construction. 

(c) Transition and Strategic Support. Facilities should transition from 

contingency to enduring standards when appropriate, typically any time within a 6-month to 

5-year period. Relative timelines of acquiring funds and resource availability will challenge 

execution of any planned efforts. Potential enduring bases and conditions for transition 

should be addressed in OPLANs, along with early master planning of the required bases. 

This planning may be performed by reachback to distribute engineer staff workloads to other 
Chapter III 

III-28 JP 3-34 

support areas or centers of excellence. Given the implications the transitions bring about, 

centralized management of these decisions is essential to effective theater support and 

consistency. In any case, the joint engineers at the strategic, operational, and tactical level 

must all be involved to ensure the best utilization of engineer resources. 

(d) Construction Standard Considerations. Decisions on construction 

standard are not to be based on time alone; there are many other factors to consider. For 

example: 

1. Is it cost-effective to use building systems (facility-equivalent 

equipment) or local labor and materials? Does it make sense to use a temporary standard for 

a mission that has an expected duration of less than a year? Consider the use of tent 

extendible modular personnel (TEMPER) systems (or similar systems) and the fact it may 

cost more to relocate these systems than to hire local labor to build initial standard 

indigenous tent systems or semi-permanent structures with local material. Assuming there is 

no political constraint limiting the visibility of permanency and the local labor source can 

build the facilities within the required time, it may be more cost-effective to build to the 

semi-permanent standard with a higher quality of life for the troops. 

2. Should different standards be applied to the same location if variations 

in missions warrant it? Consider a base camp with units permanently assigned to the 

location compared with units transiting through the location. 

3. When planning for new construction, one must also account for 

supervisory and administrative costs, planning and design costs, and contingency costs in the 

overall project amount when incorporating any of the DOD contract construction agents 

(CCAs) into construction management. 

(e) Construction Standards Implementation. Construction standards need 

not be stepped through progressively; there are many other factors to consider. For example: 

1. For troop housing, the initial standard may be met by billeting 

personnel in available facilities or constructing general purpose medium or equivalent 

indigenous tents. Expeditionary base camp sets (i.e., TEMPER-based or similar systems) 

could be considered initial standard when austerely configured and requiring minimal 

engineer effort. Otherwise these complete expeditionary base camp systems meet the 

minimum facility requirements of the temporary standard and when directed by a CCDR can 

be used from the start of an operation. Likewise, construction of basic Southeast Asia (SEA) 

huts may meet this temporary need. Development of semi-permanent and permanent 

standard facilities would include SEA huts, expeditionary structures, local contract brick or 

steel frame construction, and prefabricated buildings according to their life expectancy. 

2. Other requirements may follow different timelines. Power production 

facilities, for example, may follow a much quicker timeline than the facilities they support. 

The initial standard of tactical power production may move to the temporary standard local 

contractor generation followed by semi-permanent connection to commercial power all 

within the contingency timeframe. 
 Engineer Planning 

III-29 

3. It may sometimes be prudent to “step” over standards. For example, a 

unit supported with initial standard systems may be enhanced to semi-permanent structures if 

the situation justifies it. Likewise, forces may transition from organic standards to a 

temporary standard construction. 

(3) Building Systems. Building systems may provide a rapid solution to facilities 

requirements. The engineer planner analyzes cost, availability, and timeline for execution of 

construction when considering the procurement and use of building systems (e.g., fabric 

skin, metal frame structures, steel arch structures, and panel building systems). 

(a) The Services maintain and deploy a number of expeditionary basic camps 

(e.g., US Air Force’s base expeditionary airfield resources [also known as BEAR sets] and 

US Army’s FORCE PROVIDER sets) consisting of tents and fabric skin, together with metal 

frame structures that are rapidly assembled. These systems may require engineer support for 

site preparation and set layout and assembly. 

(b) Commercial building systems are also available worldwide. These systems 

include basic shelters and modular building systems complete with built-in utility wiring and 

utilities. While rapidly assembled and usually capable of being relocated, they are typically 

more expensive than austere facilities constructed in the field. 

(4) Service Standard Designs. Service standard designs should be considered for 

use in support of joint operations and are starting points for Service component general 

engineer planners. The designs may be modified based on operational, environmental, and 

unusual site conditions or unique customer requirements. Examples of standard designs can 

be found in the Theater Construction Management System for land and maritime 

components. 

(5) Procurement of Construction Materials. Engineer planners must understand 

the commander’s intent and CONOPS, including expected duration of operations, to ensure 

appropriate material selection. Sustaining military operations usually requires large amounts 

of construction materials. Obtaining materials on time and in the quantity and quality 

needed must occur in order to bring other resources (time, personnel, and equipment) 

together to complete the project. The ESP is used to establish the initial requirements during 

initial planning. Materials can be procured through military supply channels, local 

procurement, or can be produced locally. Each method has inherent costs and benefits. 

(a) Military Supply Channels. Obtaining materials through the normal 

military supply channels requires extensive planning and material forecasting, and in cases 

where the objective is building partner capability or economic development, it is less 

desirable than local procurement, but will often be necessary if materials are not locally 

available. To support these shipments, adequate port or airfield facilities must be available 

for early reception of required equipment and materials. If adequate facilities are not 

available or existing facilities cannot be adapted or modified, it may be necessary to establish 

sites for joint logistics over-the-shore (JLOTS) operations. Many Class IV materials are 

bulky, require handling and transportation over long distances, and are in high demand. Due 

to long lead time, it may take several months for certain materials to arrive. For these 
Chapter III 

III-30 JP 3-34 

reasons, initial construction material forecasts based on the ESP are usually submitted by the 

Service components. 

(b) Local Procurement. Procuring construction materials locally from 

countries within or near the AOR is often the most advantageous. To maximize its benefits, 

local procurement should occur as close as possible to the actual construction site in order to 

minimize transportation requirements. Use of local building materials and techniques 

minimizes shipping of materials and produces structures that are best suited to the local 

environment. 

(c) Quality of Materials. The quality of locally available materials often 

varies widely and may differ significantly from those used in standard designs. This can 

have a significant effect on a structure’s safety and constructability. 

(d) Quantity of Materials. The ESP gives an order of magnitude for the 

quantities of materials required to support the operation. Because operational requirements 

may change after the materials have been ordered and shipped, engineer planners should 

consider materials and building systems that can be adapted for other uses. 

(e) Production of Construction Materials. Certain materials required in 

large quantities make it advantageous to be produced locally. Engineers may operate borrow 

pits and quarries or contract with suppliers. Significant environmental restrictions may be 

placed on joint forces when creating or operating these sites. 

(f) Cost. The cost of construction materials is highly visible to the JFC. 

Whether built by military engineering forces or contractors, procurement of materials is 

funded by the Service components for support to joint operations. The engineer planner 

must consider the impact of limited funding on the overall priority of projects to meet 

essential facility requirements of the joint force. 

For additional information on construction costs and funding, refer to Appendix E, 

“Contingency Authorities and Funding.” 

f. Construction Contracting Support. Construction contracting in contingency 

operations is conducted in a highly dynamic and uncertain environment. Often, 

reconstruction is begun before or even in the midst of combat operations. Multiple partners 

from the military, government agencies, NGOs, HN and partner nations coupled with 

tenuous security and political environments can severely impact planning, execution, 

oversight, and completion of construction projects. Overlapping jurisdictions, competing 

interests, and changing goals further complicate the task of rebuilding. Joint engineers must 

consider the capabilities of all Services when addressing how to support contingency 

contracting requirements. 

(1) Contractor Planning Considerations. The challenge for engineer planners is 

to achieve the optimal mix of engineering capabilities, which may include contractor 

support. Planning considerations influencing the use of contractors include: 
 Engineer Planning 

III-31 

(a) Duration, scope of work, security, and stability. 

(b) Availability of local resources (labor and construction materials). 

(c) Impact on intratheater lift and port facilities. 

(d) Availability of funding. 

(e) Impact on local area political and economic stabilization. 

(f) Impact of force limitation imposed by force caps that could limit the 

number of military engineering forces. 

(g) Capabilities of contractors. 

(2) DOD Construction Agents. The DOD CCAs (see DODD 4270.5, Military 

Construction) are USACE, NAVFAC, or other approved DOD activity such as AFCEE. 

Their responsibilities include the design, award, and management of construction contracts 

for projects associated with the peacetime MILCON program. Overseas, USACE, 

NAVFAC, and the Air Force are assigned specific geographical areas under DODD 4270.5, 

Military Construction. 

(3) Contingency CCAs. The GCC may also use USACE, NAVFAC, and, where 

approved, AFCEE as contingency CCAs for design, award, and management of construction 

contracts in support of military operations. For countries where there is no designated DOD 

construction agent, the GCC will usually designate a CCA for support in a contingency. 

USACE and NAVFAC also provide facilities planning, contract administration, and 

technical engineering support to JFCs (e.g., advanced base master planning, geospatial 

engineering, force protection engineering, and cold weather mobility). 

For additional information on CCAs, refer to Appendix C, “Contract Construction Agents.” 

CONTRACTING IN A CONTINGENCY 

“The United States struggled in Iraq to establish integrated contracting and 

program management systems that could provide effective direction, support, and 

oversight of the reconstruction program. Beginning with the creation of the CPA’s 

[Coalition Provincial Authority’s] Program Management Office in August 2003, a 

succession of contracting and program management offices suffered under varying 

sets of complex contracting regulations, divergent chains of authority, changing 

program requirements, and shifting reconstruction priorities. A shortage of 

qualified contracting officers, continuous staff turnover, and poor program 

management practices, particularly regarding quality assurance programs, 

weakened oversight of reconstruction projects. Finally, contracting officers did not 

have adequate information systems to track contract activity.” 

“Hard Lessons,” Stuart W. Bowen, Jr., US Government Printing Office, 

2 February 2009
Chapter III 

III-32 JP 3-34 

(4) Civil Augmentation Programs. Civil augmentation programs, such as the 

Army’s LOGCAP, the Navy’s GCCC and GCSC program, the Air Force’s AFCAP, and 

DOD’s civilian employee volunteers are additional support sources that can provide 

worldwide facilities construction support and provide the JFC and joint force engineer with 

additional options and flexibility in facilities construction. Civilian contractor augmentation 

programs are managed by a contract agent and are structured with one contractor responsible 

for providing support that effectively integrates construction, facility maintenance, and 

logistic support to the joint force. Funding of these programs is a key issue. A single 

contractor prevents multiple agencies and their contractors from bidding against one another 

for services and materials in the JOA. Use of civilian augmentees requires planning and 

operational oversight as well as quality control and assurance to ensure that costs are 

effectively controlled, while support is provided consistent with the JFC’s CONOPS. 

(a) Army. LOGCAP is an Army umbrella support contract that can be utilized 

to provide broad based logistic and selected engineering support in contingency operations. 

Currently, LOGCAP is a cost-plus award fee contract managed by the US Army Materiel 

Command (USAMC). An important aspect is that, in peacetime, the LOGCAP contractor 

maintains an on-call, preplanned, ready capability. The contractor demonstrates readiness 

through the development of a worldwide plan, supporting plans to OPLANs, specific 

regional plans, and participation in exercises. 

1. USAMC Support Contract. The USAMC support contract provides 

engineering, construction, and general logistic services. USAMC is supported by USACE for 

engineering and construction contract administration and by the Defense Contract 

Management Agency (DCMA) for logistic services contract administration. 

2. LOGCAP Support Contract. In the JOA, the USAMC Army Field 

Support Brigade, which is OPCON to the senior Army logistics commander in the JOA, 

manages the contract. The contract can support all DOD components and missions and is a 

cost-plus award fee service contract that provides support to the joint force in three major 

areas: facilities repair and construction, base operations and maintenance, and logistic 

services. 

(b) Navy. The Navy’s GCCCs and GCSCs are cost-plus award fee indefinite 

delivery/indefinite quantity, multiple-award contracts administered by NAVFAC Atlantic 

and Pacific, respectively. Each command provides on-site support in their respective OA for 

both contract programs. The contracts offer responsive, rapid engineering and construction 

capabilities for a wide range of engineer missions. The GCCC is a construction-oriented 

contract with incidental facility/BOS, mobilization, and material liaison functions that may 

be used worldwide, including in the United States. Major capabilities include, but are not 

limited to, planning, design, and construction. The GCSC is service-oriented with incidental 

construction that may be used worldwide, including in the United States. The capabilities of 

this contract are far ranging, including, but not limited to, air operations; facility/base 

support; galley; morale, welfare, and recreation; environmental; and health care services. 

(c) Air Force. AFCAP is a cost-plus award fee contract established to 

augment engineer and services capabilities to support worldwide contingency planning and 
 Engineer Planning 

III-33 

deployment operations. The AFCESA at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, manages AFCAP. 

AFCAP may augment a base sustaining force at any Air Force base where engineer and 

services forces have been deployed. Furthermore, AFCAP can provide construction support 

at existing overseas locations and can support base recovery operations as a result of natural 

disasters, accidents, or terrorist attacks. Major capabilities include the full scope of engineer 

capabilities and logistics, with the exception of EOD and flight line fire and emergency 

services including aerospace rescue firefighting, to include the following: 

1. Professional engineering services and infrastructure support, including 

architectural and engineering design, maintenance, repair, and construction. 

2. Emergency incident management, firefighting, technical rescue, 

emergency medical care, HAZMAT response, weapons of mass destruction 

(WMD)/terrorism response, EM capabilities, facility hardening, dispersal, obstacles, 

redundancy measures, reconstitution of assets, and non-environmental site restoration. 

3. Environmental management services including permits and HAZMAT 

and/or waste management and disposal. 

4. CSS capabilities and logistics to include food service, troop support, 

lodging, laundry, fitness, and recreation (excludes mortuary affairs and field exchange). 

LOGISTICS CIVIL AUGMENTATION PROGRAM SUPPORT IN BOSNIA 

In order to complete all the Bosnia camps by March 1996, Brown & Root was 

integrated with Army engineer units, Navy Seabees, and Air Force RED 

HORSE [Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron 

Engineer] engineers on a fast-tracked scenario. Specifically, Brown & Root’s 

tasks were to: 

Set up 12 camps; 

Provide flooring materials for the Army, Navy, and Air Force engineer units 

charged with setting up all other camps; 

Upgrade all camps to meet the Army’s sustaining base standards with hardback tents or modular buildings (in areas with the harshest conditions); 

Provide all basic life-support services, such as food services, laundry, water 

delivery, garbage collection, and shower and sanitary facilities; and 

Provide other logistics services, such as transportation and cargo handling, 

vehicle maintenance and washing, port operations, road repair and 

maintenance, and storage yards. 

SOURCE: LOGCAP: Providing Vital Services to Soldiers, 

Engineer, March 1997 
Chapter III 

III-34 JP 3-34 

For further guidance on construction contracting and civilian augmentation programs, refer 

to Appendix C, “Contract Construction Agents.” 

g. Environmental Considerations

(1) Shared Responsibility. Successful planning and execution of joint engineering 

operations requires ever-increasing attention to environmental considerations. 

Environmental considerations extend far beyond the engineer and logistic communities. 

Operators, intelligence staffs, medical representatives, legal counsel, and other members of a 

JFC’s staff have a shared responsibility to ensure that environmental considerations are 

incorporated into operation planning. An environmental site assessment (i.e., a multi-branch 

effort to include engineering and medical expertise at a minimum) should be conducted prior 

to deployment whenever possible to document current/known environmental conditions of 

specific sites. This provides a screening mechanism and will also support the completion of 

an EBS for each of those sites. Coordination with preventive medicine functions assessing 

environmental health risks to deployed personnel is essential. Joint force engineers develop 

annex L (Environmental Considerations) to OPLANs in coordination with other staff 

elements and the JEMB, to include medical, logistics, operations, intelligence, legal, and CA. 

Coordination with other DOD agencies, such as the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), and 

other US agencies, such as DOS and the Department of Energy, may also be necessary. In 

the event other nations are involved in the operations, coordination with appropriate 

multinational counterpart staff agencies must also be considered. Requirements related to 

environmental considerations can be divided into overseas requirements and requirements 

applicable in the United States and its territories, and are discussed in detail in Appendix D, 

“Environmental Considerations.” 

(2) Environmental Planning. Executive Order (EO) 12114, Environmental 

Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions, and DODD 6050.7, Environmental Effects Abroad 

of Major Department of Defense Actions, provide direction and policy guidance regarding 

environmental planning when major federal actions have significant effect on the 

environment outside the United States and its territories. For operations within the United 

States, its territories, and jurisdictions, environmental planning must be accomplished as 

required by the National Environmental Policy Act, the implementing regulations of the 

Council on Environmental Quality, and DODI 4715.9, Environmental Planning and 

Analysis. In cases of emergency or where national security interests are involved, DOD 

actions may be exempted from environmental planning requirements or applicable 

requirements may be modified. Legal counsel should be consulted to determine applicable 

requirements and confirm DOD actions are lawful. USACE, NAVFAC, and AFCEE have 

capabilities (either deployable or through reachback) available to the joint engineer to assist 

with environmental planning with the JOA. 

(3) Natural and Cultural Resources. Joint operations have the potential to 

adversely affect natural and cultural resources. As required by law, and as practicable and 

consistent with operational requirements, planners should identify these resources, including 

endangered or threatened species, historic and archeological resources, and other cultural or 

natural resources in the OA, whether overseas or in the United States, so that appropriate 

action can be taken to minimize potential damage. 
 Engineer Planning 

III-35 

For further guidance on environmental considerations, refer to Appendix D, “Environmental 

Considerations.” 

h. Host-Nation Support. HNS can be an important, and in some cases an essential 

source of support for US joint forces or multinational forces (MNFs). During the Cold War, 

deploying US forces planned on predeployed equipment and supplies in mature theaters with 

HNS. Since then, deployments have become increasingly expeditionary, with greater 

dependency on HNS and a greater engineering effort to develop secure ports and forward 

operating bases. Through national planning channels, HNS and contingency mutual support 

agreements are developed to facilitate joint operations. Whenever possible, available and 

suitable HNS should be considered as an alternative to deploying major or specialized 

support. HNS may also increase the timeliness of response to a developing situation. While 

HNS may be encouraged for common support items, the use of HNS must be weighed 

against mission requirements. The JFC must carefully balance the advantages of using HNS 

with the danger of establishing dependence on potentially unreliable sources. See Figure IIIENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH 

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM 

In the first year of deployment to Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, US forces 

faced numerous challenges in protecting the environment from the effects of 

the coalition footprint and protecting the force from existing environmental 

hazards. These hazards, in many cases, were the result of years of 

inconsistent application of environmental laws, regulations, and programs 

by the host nation. 

Environmental guidance was provided from three command levels: the 

combatant commander, the coalition joint task force commanders, and the 

local base operations commanders. Environmental considerations were 

integrated into daily activities from the base camp design stage to presentday operations. 

As force protection infrastructure improved, such as the establishment of a 

fixed perimeter, more effort was focused on environmental issues. These 

issues included waste stream and wash rack operations, construction of 

landfills, and construction of hazardous waste and used oil collection points. 

Environmental conditions that presented an acute health hazard received the 

highest priority at all base camps and were quickly resolved. This included 

construction of consolidated landfills and information messages to help 

soldiers avoid potential chemically contaminated sites. 

Engineers conducted and maintained an environmental baseline survey 

(EBS) for use in base camp planning and as a basis for comparison against a 

site closure report. Both the EBS and site closure report are critical 

documents that record activities of US forces and are maintained with the 

resident facility engineer team, which doctrinally assumed the role of the 

deployed public works directorate. 

SOURCE: Engineer, October–December 2003 
Chapter III 

III-36 JP 3-34 

11 for HNS areas. In addition, HN military engineer forces may supplement joint force 

engineer assets. 

For guidance on environmental considerations during North Atlantic Treaty Organization 

(NATO) operations, refer to Allied Joint Publication 3.12, Allied Doctrine for Engineer 

Support to Joint Operations, and NATO Standardization Agreement 2238. 

(1) Host-Nation Engineer Considerations

(a) Deployment Preparations. Joint force engineers should review HNS 

agreements, identify logistic support items requiring negotiation, and coordinate additional 

support requirements through the joint force engineer. 

(b) APODs and SPODs. Engineering support includes the evaluation of the 

quantity and type of HN facilities available for offloading and staging of personnel, 

equipment, and supplies. Engineering support operations may include the construction, 

improvement, and maintenance of APOD, SPOD, and RSOI facilities. Because existing HN 

capabilities can vary widely, especially at APODs, SPODs, and RSOI facilities, military 

engineers may supplement HNS through the civilian augmentation programs. 

(c) Government Infrastructure. A viable HN government infrastructure at 

all levels for stability during negotiations and coordination of logistics is essential. Countries 

without a government infrastructure may provide limited support, resulting in strained 

engineer assets. To maximize the logistic effort, HNS functions should be centralized and 

coordinated within the J-4. 

(d) HN Forces and Personnel Considerations. Doctrine, operational 

competence, training, experience, types and quality of equipment, and types of units can vary 

Figure III-11. Host Nation Areas of Support 

Deployment and distribution

Joint security operations

Petroleum, oils, and lubricants

Telecommunications

Facilities

Acquisition of equipment

Services

HOST NATION AREAS OF SUPPORT

Can include, but are not limited to:

Supplies

Geospatial information

Utilities

Civilian labor

Health services support

Contracting
 Engineer Planning 

III-37 

substantially among HN military engineer forces. To facilitate matching missions with 

capabilities, the joint force engineer will implement measures to assess the capabilities, 

strengths, and weaknesses of HN engineer forces. Where HN engineer forces have unique or 

special capabilities (i.e., engineering capabilities specifically adapted to the local 

environment), those capabilities should be appropriately integrated into operations. 

Interpreters and advisory personnel can often facilitate interoperability, provide 

communications links among engineer forces, and share area expertise of HN needs and 

reactions to joint force engineering projects. 

(e) Infrastructure. Infrastructure construction issues should be factored into 

the development of host-nation support agreements (HNSAs). The joint force engineer and 

staff, in coordination with the staff judge advocate (SJA) or legal officer and civil-military 

staff officer, can assist the JFC in identifying facility construction and other issues to address 

with the HN. These aspects are critical in terms of support to deploying forces and costs of 

construction to the USG. HNSAs should include the authority for the JFC and joint force 

engineer to coordinate directly with the HN for support, acquisition, use of facilities and real 

estate, and facility modifications necessary to meet applicable UFCs. 

(f) Duties and Taxes. The status-of-forces agreement (SOFA) and/or HNSA 

should address the duty and tax status of USG contractors. US contractors are critical for 

support in joint and multinational operations for equipment maintenance, logistic services, 

and construction. Special provisions within the SOFA or HNSA may need to be added to 

eliminate import and export duties, value-added taxes on goods acquired by or on behalf of 

the US, and HN corporate taxes. 

(g) Host-Nation Resources. Access to the HN labor, equipment, construction 

materials, infrastructure, and services should be delineated in the HNSA. Balance between 

reducing costs to the United States and hyper-inflating the local economy is an essential 

consideration. In consultation with the CMO officer, the joint force engineer and staff 

should take measures to avoid exposing HN personnel to possible HN liability, such as 

environmental management. 

(h) DOD Civilians and Contractor Personnel. The SOFA should address 

the status afforded to DOD civilians and US contractor personnel. If the status of DOD 

civilians and US contractor personnel is not adequately addressed in the SOFA, there will be 

increased risk of disruption to operations. 

(2) Redeployment and Transition from Military Engineers to Contractors and 

HNS. Redeployment can be a significant engineer challenge, particularly when terminating 

overseas contingencies. In planning for redeployment operations, the JFC should consider 

the priority for redeploying units. Engineers support force redeployment through the 

preparation of facilities for retrograde, completion of construction projects, and 

refurbishment and turnover of property and real estate to the HN. Additionally, engineers 

terminate leases and facility contracts, construct wash racks and other redeployment 

facilities, prepare collection points, vehicle and equipment holding areas, and customs 

inspection points, and coordinate for the safe disposition of HAZMAT and hazardous waste 

(HW). Even without follow-on missions, engineers are among the last to leave. As engineer 
Chapter III 

III-38 JP 3-34 

forces begin to redeploy, the CCA and its contractors remain in the OA to complete 

engineering tasks. Transition planning should be fully coordinated between the joint force 

engineer and staff, military engineering forces, the CCA, and the HN. Important engineering 

planning considerations include the following: 

(a) Identify Projects. The joint force engineer and staff should identify 

ongoing projects and maintenance responsibilities to be assigned to the CCA or HN for 

continuation and/or completion. The CCAs are experienced in using contractors to complete 

military engineering projects, provide facilities to support redeployment of forces, and 

engage in HN infrastructure recovery activities. 

(b) Funding Requirements. Funding requirements for projects will need to 

be coordinated with the CCA and HN. HN infrastructure projects may be funded by 

international development bank loans, foreign aid, or the HN’s own funds. The CCA may 

provide technical assistance to the HN as part of the transition. Often, the CCAs are used by 

USG agencies and others to oversee expenditure of funds provided for HN infrastructure 

projects. 

(c) Transition of Engineer Tasks to the HN. Key engineering planning 

considerations for transition of engineer tasks to the HN include: 

1. HN technical capabilities. 

2. HN ability to handle the additional workload. 

3. HN ability to fund the work. 

(d) Transition of Engineer Tasks to the CCA. Key engineering planning 

considerations for transition of engineer tasks to the CCA for contractor execution include 

the following: 

1. CCA management and contract funding. 

2. Security of contractor personnel. 

3. Status of contractors in the HN after US forces redeploy. 

4. CCA relationships in the HN with respect to the GCC and the US 

ambassador. 

i. Interagency Support. Because of the leverage of their wide range of expertise and 

funding resources, USG agencies can support the JFC’s mission objectives and can greatly 

expand the capabilities of the joint force. This is true whether the response is international in 

nature or within the United States (e.g., during incident response in the United States, 

engineers might provide support in the cleanup, which requires close coordination with USG 

agencies). Coordination and a clear understanding of the commander’s intent are critical 

when synchronizing operational efforts involving multiple USG agencies. The JFC will be 

required to coordinate with USG agencies in order to achieve overall US objectives. Joint 
 Engineer Planning 

III-39 

force engineers should have an understanding of the capabilities of these agencies and their 

direct support functions. While USG agencies may increase the resources engaged in a given 

operation, they may also increase and complicate the coordination efforts. Stability 

operations are now regarded as a core US military mission and are given priority comparable 

to combat operations. Since integrated civilian and military efforts are key to successful 

stability operations, DOD engineer personnel must be prepared to conduct or support 

stability operations by working closely with US departments and agencies, foreign 

governments and security forces, global and regional international organizations, US and 

foreign NGOs, and private sector individuals and for-profit companies. Following are some 

of the USG agencies which joint force engineers will interface with: 

(1) Joint Interagency Coordination Group. The JIACG is an interagency staff 

group that establishes regular, timely, and collaborative working relationships between 

civilian and military operational planners within a CCMD staff. Composed of USG civilian 

and military experts accredited to the CCDR and tailored to meet the requirements of a 

supported CCDR, the JIACG provides the CCDR with the capability to collaborate at the 

operational level with other USG civilian agencies and departments. JIACGs complement 

the interagency coordination that takes place at the strategic level through the National 

Security Council System. 

(2) Department of Defense Agencies. DOD has a major role in the interagency 

arena. It interacts with almost every government agency and department and is involved in 

interagency coordination at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. 

(a) Defense Logistics Agency. DLA is a logistics combat support agency 

whose primary role is to provide supplies and services to US military forces worldwide. In 

addition, DLA provides contract, administrative, technical, and logistic services to the joint 

force. With respect to engineering support operations, DLA provides the following: 

1. Conducts a logistics sustainability analysis of the CCDR’s OPLAN. 

2. Manages Class IV construction materials, including procurement, 

distribution, and resupply support. 

3. Manages the reuse of materials. 

4. Conducts bulk map and NGA hard-copy geospatial distribution. 

5. Establishes capabilities and manages the disposal of HW and personal 

property. 

(b) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. The NGA provides essential 

GI&S to the JFC. With respect to engineering support operations, NGA can provide the 

following: 

1. Digital surface models (e.g., digital terrain elevation data [DTED] and 

higher resolution terrain elevation data). 
Chapter III 

III-40 JP 3-34 

2. Feature data (e.g., digital nautical charts, digital aeronautical flight 

information file, and mission specific data). 

3. Precise positioning (e.g., digital point positioning database, targeting 

support). 

4. Digitized maps and charts (e.g., compressed ARC digitized raster 

graphics, eCHART). 

5. Orthoimagery (e.g., controlled image base). 

6. Other standard and nonstandard maps, charts, and specialized geospatial 

products and services. 

(c) Defense Contract Management Agency. The DCMA provides 

deployable contract administration services, primarily for large civil augmentation program 

contract work such as seen in LOGCAP in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. 

(3) Other US Government Agencies

(a) Department of State. DOS is the lead agency responsible for planning 

and implementing the foreign policy of the United States as directed by the President. DOS 

is usually the first USG agency to respond to international crises, including those that may 

require significant engineering support. DOS also conducts negotiations and concludes 

agreements with en route and OA countries, including overflight/access agreements and 

SOFAs, which can serve to facilitate the deployment and employment of the joint force, 

including engineering assets. In a foreign country, the US ambassador is responsible to the 

President for directing, coordinating, and supervising all USG elements in the HN except 

those under the command of a CCDR. 

(b) US Agency for International Development. USAID is the USG agency 

that implements America’s foreign economic and humanitarian assistance programs. 

USAID is the principal US agency to extend assistance to countries trying to escape poverty, 

engaging in democratic reforms, and recovering from disaster. 

(c) Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). When disasters strike 

in foreign countries, the response within USAID is led by the OFDA, which coordinates 

response to international disasters and is organized under the USAID Bureau for Democracy, 

Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance. When a disaster occurs, US representatives to that 

country determine if there is a need and desire for US assistance. If US assistance is 

requested, OFDA, the US embassy, and the USAID mission in the affected country 

determine what OFDA assets are best suited for the specific disaster. Military engineers are 

often requested in the response teams. 

(d) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA is part of the 

Department of Homeland Security and is the USG’s lead agency for coordinating federal EM 

activities within the United States and its territories. The director of FEMA has the authority 

to establish policies and coordinate civil defense and civil emergency planning, management, 
 Engineer Planning 

III-41 

and mitigation, including coordination of assistance from other federal executive agencies. 

FEMA coordinates the activities of the USG, military, and civilian engineering organizations 

to ensure effective assistance and prevent duplication of effort. FEMA prioritizes the use of 

engineering resources in support of emergency management activities. 

A more extensive description of the engineer support provided for homeland security is 

provided in Appendix A, “Engineer Support to Homeland Security.” 

(e) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA has responsibilities for 

administration and enforcement of laws related to environmental media (air, water, and land) 

in the United States and its territories. After consulting the joint force SJA, the joint force 

engineer and staff may need to consult with the EPA regarding environmental compliance 

issues for operations under the purview of the EPA. See Appendix D, “Environmental 

Considerations,” for an outline of specific environmental considerations and guidance for the 

JFC and staff when planning and conducting joint operations and exercises. 

(4) Nongovernmental Organizations Coordination. In addition to USG 

agencies, the joint force engineer and staff may have to coordinate engineering activities 

with NGOs. Where long-term problems precede a deepening crisis, these organizations are 

frequently on-scene before the military. Agreements may be made at the strategic level, but 

the JFC interfaces and coordinates with these organizations at the operational level. 

Agreements should be established through negotiation and be in a written memoranda of 

understanding or terms of reference to ensure understanding and avoid confusion. 

Agreements may have significant legal implications on using military personnel and 

equipment and must be negotiated IAW DODD 5530.3, International Agreements. In all 

cases, authority must exist for direct coordination. Once coordinating authority is granted, 

coordination and negotiations are normally conducted through the joint force’s CMOC. 

NGOs may have unique engineering capabilities that can be leveraged as part of the overall 

operational effort. One example of great interest to engineers is their ability to conduct 

HDO. These organizations may also request extensive military engineer support for their 

activities and programs. It is critical to establish an effective engineer liaison in the CMOC 

to coordinate and execute engineering support with these organizations. 

For further guidance on interagency coordination, refer to JP 3-08, Interorganizational 

Coordination During Joint Operations, and JP 3-57, Civil-Military Operations. 

j. Multinational Support. The US often participates in multinational operations with 

other nations within the structure of a coalition or alliance. A coalition is an ad hoc 

arrangement between two or more nations for common action. An alliance is the result of 

formal agreement between two or more nations to further the common interests of the 

members. Multinational operations may include combat and are often conducted during 

contingency operations. Each multinational operation will create the command structure that 

will best meet the objectives of the participating nations. The arrangement may include 

placing US forces under the OPCON of a foreign commander. 

(1) Intergovernmental Organizations. IGOs are usually equipped with the 

resources and expertise to participate in complex multinational operations, allowing joint 
Chapter III 

III-42 JP 3-34 

force engineering projects to be more thoroughly planned and resourced. A JFC and a joint 

force engineer and staff will coordinate within the agreed-upon command structure of an 

MNF to achieve MNF engineering goals. 

(2) Organizational Considerations. The organization and mechanisms used for 

C2 within an MNF depend on the structure of the multinational operation. Coalition or 

alliance forces will require a multinational force commander (MNFC) and may require a 

MNF engineer and staff to plan and coordinate engineer efforts. In multinational operations, 

the MNF engineer is responsible for coordinating all engineering operations that affect the 

MNF. MNF engineers will be responsible for a broad range of operational and tactical level 

engineer tasks. Control of engineer assets is dependent on the MNF arrangement in theater. 

(3) Responsibilities of the MNF Engineer. Whatever the specific coordinating 

organization, it is the responsibility of the MNF engineer and staff to conduct centralized 

planning and decentralized execution of the engineering effort and to ensure a unified and 

efficient use of engineering resources for common support of MNF operations. Close 

cooperation is ensured when the US and its MNF allies preplan engineering activities that 

collectively support the MNFC’s intent. Specific planning considerations for the joint force 

engineer and staff for multinational engineer plans and operations include: 

(a) Identify and prioritize requirements for engineer projects that support MNF 

operations. 

(b) Work with participating nations to obtain engineer capabilities to execute 

common engineer projects. 

(c) Arrange local engineer capabilities, if available. 

(d) Prioritize and centrally coordinate the procurement by nations of engineer 

materials for both common and national specific engineer projects. 

(e) Establish funding policies and agreements to finance projects. 

(f) Identify standards to be achieved in the construction of facilities. 

(g) Task units provided by nations for common infrastructure projects. 

(h) Employ engineer LNOs with participating nations and at critical 

geographic locations. 

(i) Develop multinational command relationships and coordination cells that 

will assist the MNF engineer and JFC in leveraging engineer capabilities throughout the OA. 

(4) JFC Considerations. Working within an MNF may result in unique 

challenges for a JFC. The joint force engineer and staff must determine what engineering 

support can be provided by other participating nations, what engineering support will be 

required from US forces by the participating nations, and what the overall facility 

requirements will be for the MNF. 
 Engineer Planning 

III-43 

(a) Engineer Coordination Element. To assist the MNF engineer, an 

engineer coordination element may be established. In a US-led multinational operation, this 

coordination element will normally comprise a staff element within the combined force 

logistics staff and will usually involve a number of functionally specific joint engineer 

boards—for example, JFUB, JCMEB, and JEMB. These engineer boards would be 

expanded with personnel from multinational partners to form combined organizational 

elements with multinational engineer coordination functions. In NATO doctrine, the central 

coordinating organization for engineering is called an engineer coordination cell (ECC) and 

may directly support the force engineer, who is a special staff officer under the MNFC. If 

joint engineer boards have been established in support of US forces in a NATO operation, 

they should coordinate closely with the ECC. The theater engineer may also establish 

regional/component subordinate offices to assist the ECC in coordinating multinational 

engineering activities. 

(b) Engineering Capabilities. The engineering capabilities of other MNF 

nations often differ based on doctrine, organization, training, leader development, 

equipment, history, and budget. In a US-led multinational operation, the joint force engineer 

and the engineer staff must consider these differences when assigning missions and 

conducting operations. For example, several nations have engineers that are experts in mine 

detection and removal. Others focus on specific missions, such as disaster relief. 

1. Missions assigned to MNF partners should be consistent with their 

capabilities. The joint force engineer and staff should anticipate the requirement to augment 

those engineering forces. 

2. MNF partners may lack an engineering capability. The joint force 

engineer and engineer staff should plan to provide engineering capabilities, as required. 

3. Where participating forces have the capability for advanced 

construction, those engineering forces can be assigned major projects in support of the 

overall MNF. Those engineering forces will most likely support their own engineering 

requirements first. 

(c) Engineering Integration. The basic challenge in multinational operations 

is effective integration and employment of all assets toward achievement of a common 

objective. The objective can be achieved through unity of effort despite disparate 

capabilities, equipment, and procedures. The following aspects should be considered in the 

planning process: 

1. To reduce disparities among MNFs, engineering standards should be 

established once agreed to, and a certification process developed. These standards should 

include standards of materials as well as training, equipment, and procedures. 

2. There are cases where international standardization agreements (ISAs) 

may already exist. For example, within NATO, the United States is party to a number of 

standard NATO agreements. In addition, the United States has signed other ISAs, such as 

the American, British, Canadian, and Australian Standardization Program (US Army), Air 
Chapter III 

III-44 JP 3-34 

Standardization Coordinating Committee (US Air Force), and Naval Quadripartite 

Standardization Program (US Navy), which require implementation as an allied common 

approach to conducting military engineering. These ISAs are authoritative directives for 

implementation by US forces and forces of other signatory nations operating as part of an 

alliance. 

3. Standards and agreements are more difficult to establish and implement 

when operating within a coalition, as these are typically arranged in short timeframes for 

limited purposes. Usually, there is little time before deployment to establish these standards 

and agreements. 

4. Identified engineering shortfalls should be satisfied by either bilateral or 

multinational support agreements prior to the deployment of forces. This aspect will require 

detailed coordination between prospective forces and the MNF. 

(d) Employment of Engineer Assets. After a determination of the 

engineering tasks required to achieving the objectives, specific engineering tasks should be 

assigned to specific elements of the MNF based on an assessment of the capabilities of each 

nation’s forces. If there are several elements that can complete a particular task, 

consideration should be given to assigning the task in a manner that ensures that all capable 

elements of the MNF can make a meaningful contribution. 

For further guidance on multinational operations, refer to JP 3-16, Multinational 

Operations. 

k. Foreign Assistance. In support of disaster relief efforts, the United Nations (UN), 

DOS, or OFDA within USAID may generate requirements for DOD assistance (e.g., 

Operation UNIFIED ASSISTANCE, 2004-2005 South Asian tsunami relief and recovery 

efforts). FHA is conducted to relieve or reduce the results of natural or man-made disasters 

or other endemic conditions such as human pain, disease, hunger, or privation that might 

present a serious threat to life or that can result in great damage to or loss of property. While 

all elements of the joint force are focused on providing immediate FHA to avert the loss of 

life, the engineering contribution is focused on logistic support, securing an area to allow 

relief efforts directed by other agencies to proceed, and projects that open LOCs and provide 

shelter, water, and the infrastructure to relieve human suffering and support life. Engineer 

rapid response capabilities and the ability of engineers to work with HN forces are especially 

effective in quickly mitigating human suffering and stabilizing the situation. The joint force 

engineer and staff must work closely with the servicing legal office and through the CMOC 

and with representatives of the HN and US embassy country team to formulate effective 

engineering support to the disaster relief efforts. 

(1) Humanitarian and Civic Assistance. HCA programs are separate and distinct 

programs from FHA, specifically authorized under Title 10, United States Code (USC), 

Section 401. HCA are preplanned activities designed to provide assistance to the HN 

populace, conducted in conjunction with military operations and exercises. They are usually 

planned in advance and are included in a GCC’s theater security cooperation planning as part 

of the theater campaign plan. These operations typically fulfill a unit-training requirement 
 Engineer Planning 

III-45 

(i.e., training and skills development) that incidentally creates humanitarian benefit to the 

local population. They are usually not in response to disasters, although HCA activities have 

been executed following disasters at the direction of the GCC. Specific engineer activities 

for which HCA funds can be used include construction of rudimentary surface transportation 

systems; water well drilling; construction of basic sanitation facilities; rudimentary 

construction and repair of public facilities (e.g., schools, medical clinics, community 

centers); training and skills development of HN personnel; and site surveys and development 

of construction plans. 

For further guidance on HCA, refer to JP 3-22, Foreign Internal Defense.

(2) Foreign Humanitarian Assistance. FHA support provided by US forces is 

generally limited in scope and duration and is intended to supplement or complement efforts 

of HN, government agencies, NGOs, and IGOs. US military forces may be the only 

organization in the OA capable of providing assistance of a large magnitude. US military 

forces transition FHA support to civilian authorities as soon as possible. Requests for 

military support, including engineering support, should be initiated and coordinated through 

the CMOC or appropriate military/civilian authority established for coordination. 

For further guidance on FHA operations, refer to JP 3-29, Foreign Humanitarian 

Assistance. 

 
Chapter III 

III-46 JP 3-34 

Intentionally Blank 
IV-1 

CHAPTER IV 

ENGINEER FUNCTIONS 

1. Combat Engineering 

a. Overview. Combat engineering consists of those engineering capabilities and 

activities that support the maneuver of land combat forces and which require close support to 

those forces. Therefore, combat engineering activities are focused on the tactical level of 

war, though they can also contribute directly to the achievement of strategic and operational 

objectives. Most combat engineering activities are planned and executed by a joint force’s 

Service or functional components. Even so, the joint force engineer must understand how 

combat engineering requirements are affected by the operational environment and the joint 

force’s CONOPS and how combat engineering capabilities can affect a joint force’s ability 

to execute the CONOPS. There are three types of combat engineering capabilities and 

activities: mobility, countermobility, and survivability. (Mobility, countermobility, and 

survivability also have broader meanings which encompass capabilities and activities that are 

outside the combat engineering function. This section focuses on their combat engineering 

application.) 

(1) Mobility. Combat engineering mobility capabilities and activities assure the 

ability of land combat forces to maneuver. They only include tasks that meet the definition 

of combat engineering, and they typically include tasks associated with conducting 

combined arms breaching operations, clearing operations, and gap crossing operations; 

constructing and maintaining combat roads and trails; and performing forward aviation 

combat engineering (FACE). Joint forces should be prepared to encounter obstacles 

(including IEDs, mines, and other UXO) across the range of military operations. (Mobility 

also has a broader meaning which encompasses capabilities and activities that are outside the 

combat engineering function. For example, to ensure rapid global mobility, Air Force 

general engineers open, establish, and maintain airbases for mission generation and followon air operations after airbases are acquired from the HN or by forcible entry operations.) 

For additional information, see JP 3-15, Barriers, Obstacles, and Mine Warfare for Joint 

Operations. 

(2) Countermobility. Combat engineering countermobility capabilities and 

activities reinforce terrain to delay, disrupt, and destroy the enemy. Their primary purpose is 

to slow or divert the enemy, to increase time for target acquisition and fires, and to increase 

weapons’ effectiveness. They only include tasks that meet the definition of combat 

engineering, and they typically include tasks associated with the development of barriers 

and obstacles and their integration with fires and with the maneuver of land forces. 

Countermobility supports the JFC’s CONOPS by adding depth in space and time, attacking 

“My engineers can do anything. There just aren’t enough of them.” 

Major General Raymond Odierno 

Commander 4th Infantry Division, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 
Chapter IV 

IV-2 JP 3-34 

the enemy’s ability to maneuver its forces, and attacking the enemy’s ability to execute its 

plan. Emplacement of large-scale barriers or obstacles will likely require support from 

general engineers. 

For additional information about barriers, obstacles, and mines, see JP 3-15, Barriers, 

Obstacles, and Mine Warfare for Joint Operations.

(3) Survivability. Combat engineering survivability capabilities and activities 

enhance the protection of land combat forces. They only include tasks that meet the 

definition of combat engineering, and they typically include tasks associated with the 

construction of fighting and protective positions, recovery after attack actions, and tactical 

CCD. In most cases, survivability support is designed to reduce vulnerability to enemy fires 

and is a means to enhance force protection. 

(4) While combat engineering mobility, countermobility, and survivability tasks are 

primarily performed by combat engineers organic to land combat forces, general 

engineers can sometimes assist them. However, the capabilities of general engineers limit 

them from performing those tasks requiring them to integrate their activities with the fire and 

maneuver of land combat forces or to operate as part of a combined arms team in close 

combat. 

For additional information about combat engineering, see Chapter I, “Joint Engineer 

Fundamentals.” 

b. Information and Intelligence Requirements. The basic principles for engineer 

intelligence are the same at all levels: liaison with other elements that gather engineer 

technical information and intelligence, brevity, accuracy, and timeliness. Accurate and 

current intelligence is critical to combat engineering activities. 

(1) Engineer reconnaissance is critical to all three types of combat engineering 

activities and must be integrated into the planning of mobility, countermobility, and 

survivability activities. Engineer reconnaissance in support of combat engineering may be 

tactical and/or technical in nature. 

For additional information about engineer reconnaissance, see Chapter I, “Joint Engineer 

Fundamentals,” and Chapter III, “Engineer Planning.” 

(2) Evaluating the Terrain. Combat engineering activities require a detailed 

understanding and evaluation of terrain, how it will affect operations, and how friendly and 

enemy forces may use it to their advantage. This requires accurate and current geospatial 

information. Even though most combat engineering activities are planned and executed by a 

joint force’s Service or functional components, it is critical that the joint force engineer 

identifies geospatial IRs. Sources of geospatial information include the J-2, the GI&S officer 

(who can obtain NGA products and services), other staff functional elements (weather, 

medical, planners, etc.), Service geospatial capabilities (e.g., Army topographic units), and 

engineer reconnaissance. 
 Engineer Functions 

IV-3 

(3) History of the Operational Area. Combat engineering activities require an 

understanding of the history of the OA. For example, foreign armies mark obstacles and 

minefields differently, and adversaries have different methods of employing mines and 

obstacles. An understanding of the joint operational environment must include knowledge of 

both symmetric and asymmetric methods and techniques used by adversaries, such as how 

adversaries use IEDs. 

c. Combat Engineer Reporting. Through the reporting, recording, and marking of 

barriers, obstacles, and minefields, combat engineers are able to discern and identify enemy 

patterns, develop detection strategies, integrate friendly intelligence plans, and ensure the 

safety of friendly forces and civilians. Procedures for reporting, recording, and marking are 

in place for conventional minefields, scatterable minefields, enemy minefields, UXO, joint 

mine laying operations, and obstacles other than minefields. 

For additional information on reports, records, and marking, refer to JP 3-15, Barriers, 

Obstacles, and Mine Warfare for Joint Operations. 

d. Other Considerations

(1) Offensive and Defensive Operations. The requirements for combat 

engineering capabilities are highest during offensive and defensive land operations. When 

land forces conduct sustained offensive and defensive operations, combat engineering 

requirements often exceed organic combat engineering capabilities, requiring augmentation 

by additional combat engineers and severely limiting the availability of combat engineers for 

general engineering tasks. When offensive and defensive operations diminish, combat 

engineering requirements diminish also, often making combat engineers available to perform 

selected general engineering tasks. 

(2) Forcible Entry Operations. In forcible entry operations, the joint force will be 

faced with natural and man-made obstacles intended to restrict or halt movement and allow 

the enemy to mass its forces and repulse the assault. The role of combat engineering in 

forcible entry operations is to keep the force moving forward and protect the force. Combat 

engineers focus on support to the combined arms force and its conduct of close combat as the 

assault forces are inserted. Initially, mobility is the primary focus to support the needs of the 

maneuver commander and ensure the seizure and control of the entry site. Special 

consideration will be given to techniques for breaching obstacles and clearing beaches, ports, 

roads, and airfields of obstacles (including mines, UXO, and IEDs), to tactical gap crossing, 

for repairing airfields for friendly use, and for hasty airfield construction to enhance the 

mobility of assault and follow-on forces. The enemy will contest the insertions and 

counterattack to recover them. This will require combat engineers to perform 

countermobility and survivability tasks early in the insertion. Combat engineers facilitate 

insertion of assault forces and prepare for onward movement to the objective. 

For additional information on forcible entry, refer to JP 3-18, Joint Forcible Entry 

Operations. 
Chapter IV 

IV-4 JP 3-34 

(3) Amphibious Operations. In an amphibious operation, combat engineers 

ensure their combat maneuver units are provided with terrain analyses and other geospatial 

products and analysis during the planning process and throughout the conduct of the 

operation. This includes location suitability evaluations and level-of-effort estimates for 

various amphibious scenarios and sites. Intelligence (or geospatial elements) units provide 

imagery and maps, while hydrographic surveys are typically provided by Navy and selected 

Marine or Army reconnaissance assets. Navy assets clear and breach natural and man-made 

obstacles from the three and one-half fathom curve (a depth of 21 feet) to the high-water 

mark. Army or Marine combat engineers clear and breach natural and man-made obstacles 

from the high-water mark to the objective area as part of their combat engineering tasks. 

Engineers are critical in developing and maintaining beach support areas and beach 

throughput and enhancing unit RSOI. Engineers continue supporting force projection from 

the sea by sustaining the logistic operations ashore. As the lodgement expands, general 

engineers are brought in to free combat engineer units to move forward in support of combat 

maneuver forces. 

(4) Engineer and EOD Considerations. The joint term for UXO includes mines 

and minefields; however, the breaching, neutralization, or large-scale clearing of land-based 

mine hazards is the responsibility primarily of combat engineer units and special units of the 

Navy. The neutralization or clearing of all other UXO hazards, to include IEDs and booby 

traps, is the responsibility primarily of US military EOD units. Each Service has EOD 

organizations, personnel, and equipment that can perform a variety of common Service EOD 

capabilities. The role of each unit is unique, but similar, and necessitates close coordination 

between combat engineer and EOD units in the planning process and throughout the OA. 

The linkage of EOD and combat engineers at the tactical level to support combat operations 

is essential to the conduct of combat engineering and provision of complete support to 

combat maneuver forces. The tremendous increase in IEDs/booby traps and other related 

UXO hazards encountered by combat maneuver forces dictate a broader participation by 

EOD in tactical operations. Combat engineers within the task-organized clearance force 

detect and mark EHs, and they then reduce the hazard or allow an EOD unit to respond 

appropriately based on mission variables and the commander’s guidance. Combat engineers 

do not possess the technical skills to disarm or render safe explosive ordnance and devices.

(a) Assisting EOD Units. UXO and other hazardous devices (e.g., IEDs) in a 

theater will often threaten military forces and operations. UXO and IEDs threaten not only 

military forces, but also civilians, who are unfamiliar with military ordnance. While Service 

components usually deploy with, and are supported by, their own EOD assets, the number of 

these assets is very limited and in high demand. In many situations, the GCC, through his 

directive authority for logistics, can achieve economy of effort by organizing his EOD forces 

using common servicing. Common servicing may allow the JFC to provide more efficient 

and effective EOD support to the joint force, depending upon the situation. The joint EOD 

force could also include integration of multinational EOD forces in a joint/multinational 

EOD task force. EOD forces are the only personnel authorized to render safe UXO, to 

include IEDs and booby traps. 

(b) Coordination. Operational and tactical considerations for engineers and 

EOD units should include: LNOs working together in the planning process; engineers 
 Engineer Functions 

IV-5 

exchanging reporting and tracking information on mines, UXO, IEDs, and booby traps; 

establishing a training scenario to teach mine awareness and the most current procedures; 

and using combat engineers to detect, mark, and record UXO in concert with the tracking 

system for other similar obstacles. 

(5) Humanitarian Demining. Because of the threat to peace and safety, HDO 

have become a significant disarmament and peace operations activity. Disarming may 

include seizing ammunition, collecting and destroying weapons and supplies, closing 

weapons and ammunition factories, and preventing resupply. Demining is ultimately an HN 

responsibility; however, the US promotes its foreign policy interests by assisting other 

nations in protecting their populations from landmines through mine awareness education 

and training of HN personnel in the surveying, marking, and clearing of mines. Engineers do 

not remove mines, but will assist and train others in demining techniques and procedures. 

EOD personnel may participate in destroying UXO. Special forces, CA, and military 

information support operations personnel are the primary participants in the execution of the 

GCC’s HDO program. EOD and engineer personnel are also included in these programs and 

integrated into operational training missions, mine awareness education, and most 

importantly, training of HN personnel in the surveying, marking, and clearing of mines.

For additional information on barriers, obstacles, and mines, refer to JP 3-15, Barriers, 

Obstacles, and Mine Warfare for Joint Operations. 

2. General Engineering 

a. Overview 

(1) General engineering consists of those engineer capabilities and activities, other 

than combat engineering, that modify, maintain, or protect the physical environment. As 

shown in Figure IV-1, general engineering is a very diverse function often involving 

horizontal and vertical construction, but also encompassing numerous specialized 

capabilities. General engineering often is a supporting or sustaining operation, however, the 

commander’s intent may dictate that it be the supported function, for example in recovery, 

reconstitution, or reconstruction operations. General engineering operations can encompass 

large-scale tasks requiring detailed design and logistic support as well as expedient 

operations in environments across the range of military operations. General engineering 

tasks are usually resource and time-sensitive, demanding a high degree of preplanning and 

control to effectively manage the limited general engineering resources. 

(2) Strategic and Operational Roles. General engineering support is closely 

linked to the strategic and operational levels of war, and vital to the successful attainment of 

national security objectives. 

(a) Strategic Role. General engineering operations are conducted to prepare 

an OA for future joint operations. Engineering operations are planned and conducted in 

support of a CCDR’s strategic concepts, as well as in support of crisis response and limited 

contingency operations. Support includes the improvement of infrastructure, construction of 

bases, and activities to support joint and multinational operations. General engineering 
Chapter IV 

IV-6 JP 3-34 

facilitates strategic deployment of the joint force to reception, staging, and marshalling areas 

and supports pre-positioning through various contracting methods, facility construction to 

store material, and real estate management. Exercise-related construction and humanitarian 

and civic assistance projects and engineer assessments often provide significant strategic 

leverage in many countries. General engineering projects enhance the ability to project and 

sustain combat power. Due to their large scope, these projects are typically programmed and 

constructed during peacetime. 

(b) Operational Role. General engineering operations support the JFC’s 

CONOPS and enhance logistic support in the OA. General engineering support addresses 

major facilities, construction policies, environmental considerations, and allocation of 

general engineering resources in support of mobilization, deployment, employment, 

Figure IV-1. General Engineering Capabilities and Activities 

GENERAL ENGINEERING CAPABILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

FACILITIES.

SPECIALIZED SUPPORT.

 Construction, repair, modification, maintenance, and operation of 

facilities (often related to lines of communications, bases, aerial ports of 

departure/seaports of departure, infrastructure, force protection, or camouflage, 

concealment, and deception). Examples include:

Roads

Airfields

Bridges

Bases and camps (including airbases, expeditionary base camps, etc.)

Buildings

Seaports

Utility systems

Railroads

 Examples include:

Fire and emergency services

Explosive hazard disposal (including explosive ordnance disposal)

Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives defense

Civil-military operations

Construction contracting, engineering support contracting, and engineering 

technical support

Facilities engineering and management

Water well drilling

Concrete and asphalt production and quarry operations

Power generation and distribution support

Environmental support operations

Real estate acquisition and management

Airfield damage repair

Support to joint logistics over-the-shore

Disaster preparation and civil support

Disaster preparation and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear response
 Engineer Functions 

IV-7 

sustainment, redeployment, and demobilization of the joint force across the range of military 

operations. CCDRs may exercise directive authority for logistics to ensure the effective use 

of limited general engineering resources, to include the reallocation of these resources 

between Service components to achieve strategic and operational goals. 

For further guidance on Service capabilities, refer to Appendix B, “Service Engineer 

Organizations and Capabilities.” 

b. General Engineering Throughout the Range of Military Operations. General 

engineering operations are conducted throughout the range of military operations and will 

vary by type and level of effort depending on the type of operation conducted. Multiple joint 

operations occurring simultaneously within an AOR may have different general engineer 

requirements. Major combat operations may occur or be initiated while transitioning to 

stability operations. General engineer units must be flexible and be prepared to transition 

from activities supporting combat operations to activities supporting stability operations or 

from stability operations back to combat operations. General engineers may be required to 

perform selected combat engineering tasks. 

(1) Major Operations and Campaigns. General engineer activities during major 

operations and campaigns ensure theater access, sustain operations, protect the force, 

ENGINEER UNITS HELPING TO REBUILD SOUTH ASIA’S 

INFRASTRUCTURE 

Various engineer units were helping to improve land access to hard-to-reach 

areas and to clear debris after the tsunami that struck South Asia on 

December 26, 2004. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Navy 

Seabees, a Marine engineer battalion, Air Force airfield pavement experts, 

even a US Coast Guard environmental strike team, joined forces in the 

massive effort. 

The Combined Support Force 536 engineer team’s main goal is to develop a 

plan to help facilitate the flow of supplies to those who need it. The engineer 

team consists of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 40 in 

Indonesia and the NMCB 7 in Sri Lanka, as well as the Marine Corps’ 9th 

Engineer Support Battalion. The engineer battalions brought their typical 

equipment, such as bulldozers, backhoes, and dump trucks. The Navy’s 

Underwater Construction Team 2 is on its way and another 270 Seabees are 

now in Okinawa in a “ready status.” USACE technical experts are on hand, 

as well as expeditionary construction unit survey teams are headed to 

Indonesia and Thailand. 

In Indonesia, with as many as 30 to 40 bridges out and much of the road 

running down Sumatra’s west coast washed away, the engineers had to 

clear and repair roads and bridges to get supplies to remote areas. 

SOURCE: Pacific Stars and Stripes 

January 13, 2005 
Chapter IV 

IV-8 JP 3-34 

facilitate maneuver of forces, and include: construction and upgrade of ports, airfields, and 

JRSOI facilities; construction and repair of interconnecting routes; repair of ports, railroads, 

pipelines, and other assets; construction of bridging; construction of enemy prisoner of war 

facilities; construction of hardened facilities; construction of decontamination facilities; and 

tent and base camp construction. Engineer activities vary by phase, as follows: 

(a) Shape. General engineering activities during the shape phase, such as 

improving HN infrastructure and preparing of overseas bases and facilities to support force 

deployment, help prepare the potential OA, shape perceptions, and influence the behavior of 

both adversaries and allies. 

(b) Deter. General engineering operations during the deter phase prepare the 

OA. Successful accomplishment of general engineering support is essential to maintain the 

schedule for force deployment and employment, as contained in the OPLAN and/or OPORD 

and TPFDD documents. One of the principal general engineering tasks during this phase is 

to establish advanced bases. Advanced bases support the reception, beddown, and 

employment of personnel, equipment, and logistics. Engineers may also be tasked to 

establish ISBs. While these bases may be identified in OPLANs and OPORDs, final 

placement of bases will depend on an evaluation of mission requirements, threat level, 

supporting infrastructure, expected duration of the deployment, and specific weapon system 

requirements. Support could be required from geospatial engineering, ground maneuver 

forces, naval vessels, aircraft, space support, or information systems. 

1. Resources. Advanced base development relies on the resources made 

available from pre-positioned sources, HN agreements, local contracting for existing 

facilities and infrastructure, multinational assistance, and deployed specialized teams and 

equipment. These resources can include billeting sets, vehicles, power generation systems, 

and consumable supplies. 

2. General Engineering and Service Capabilities. General engineering 

supports advanced base development by the following means: constructing, repairing, and 

maintaining facilities for staging and force beddown facilities; providing systems 

improvements in support of JRSOI and JLOTS; providing potable water and utility support; 

erecting bridges; installing bulk fuel and distribution systems; erecting prefab shelters, to 

include collective protection systems; analyzing existing force protection capabilities and 

recommending areas requiring improvement to ensure protection of the force; and repairing 

and maintaining airfield pavements. Advanced base development includes construction of 

facilities in support of rest and refit sites, airfield operations, and base camps for the joint 

force in the conduct of crisis response and limited contingency operations such as FHA, 

disaster relief, and peace operations. General engineers enhance the survivability of the joint 

force by recommending to the JFC essential construction in support of force protection 

measures (e.g., hardening of essential facilities and utilities). 

(c) Seize Initiative 

1. General engineering support operations during the “seize initiative” 

phase focus on providing the facilities and infrastructure systems necessary to move, receive, 
 Engineer Functions 

IV-9 

and bed down deploying forces. These support operations include JRSOI, JLOTS, and real 

property support, not only in the OA, but also at locations within the United States and at en 

route support sites. In noncombat operations, such as humanitarian relief operations, 

engineers can provide immediate assistance to help resolve the crisis. 

2. Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration. 

General engineering supports JRSOI through a variety of means, including improving or 

constructing advance bases, APODs, SPODs, highways, railroads, bridges, tunnels, and 

communications infrastructure. 

a. Engineering Considerations. Initially, the engineer must facilitate 

the establishment of beddown standards for an operation. Once these standards are 

established, the engineer can determine and make arrangements to obtain the real property 

needed to support the reception, marshalling, and staging areas. Transportation and support 

infrastructure strongly influence the ability to rapidly execute JRSOI. An engineering survey 

of the transportation infrastructure will be needed to evaluate roads, bridge limitations and/or 

restrictions, rail lines, airfields, and tunnels. A robust infrastructure of modern air and sea 

ports, highways, railroads, and inland waterways will expedite the flow of forces, equipment, 

and logistic support. A lesser-developed or austere infrastructure can impede JRSOI, thereby 

slowing the deployment of the forces and may require an early deployment of support 

capabilities such as port opening teams and engineering units. 

b. General Engineer Support. Engineers can perform expedient 

repairs to battle-damaged JRSOI infrastructure and support systems and subsequent 

operations to restore them to fully capable status. General engineering support involves 

evaluating the quantity and type of HN facilities available for offloading and staging of 

personnel, equipment, and supplies. Construction in support of force protection and 

antiterrorist measures in vulnerable marshalling and staging areas are also high-priority 

tasks. 

For additional information on JRSOI, refer to JP 3-35, Deployment and Redeployment 

Operations. 

3. Battle Damage Repair. Engineer support to battle damage repair is 

one of the focal points of recovery operations after hostile actions. General engineers have 

responsibility for battle damage repair of the various systems and support facilities required 

to sustain, maintain, and restore base operations. Engineers assess and repair those facilities 

deemed mission-essential by the JFC for continuing force projection. The joint force 

engineer, in concert with the joint force J-4 and J-3, develops and prioritizes the list of 

requirements and monitors repairs. The major engineer tasks of battle damage repair include 

rubble clearance, fire protection services, EOD capabilities, electrical power production and 

restoration, and infrastructure repair, particularly to airfields, port facilities, fueling and 

electrical systems, MSRs, defense emplacements, and key C2 facilities. General engineering 

tasks may also include emergency repair of damaged property or structures that may be used 

by the HN. More permanent repairs can be planned and executed as mission requirements 

warrant. Battle damage repair typically occurs during seize initiative, dominate, and stabilize 

phases of an operation. Selected battle damage repair priorities are listed in Figure IV-2. 
Chapter IV 

IV-10 JP 3-34 

(d) Dominate 

1. General engineering support to sustainment is essential during this 

phase. General engineering operations can also support base defense, force protection, and 

battle damage repair. 

2. In a linear, contiguous joint operation, general engineering tasks are 

typically performed at rear boundaries by theater-level engineer units. As the OA becomes 

less contiguous and more nonlinear, general engineering tasks are required in forward areas 

near front-line units. The impacts of the noncontiguous, nonlinear battlefield on general 

engineering tasks include: 

a. Need for increased general as well as local work site security. 

b. Increased number and length of LOCs and MSRs. 

c. Increase in the facilities construction effort. 

d. Augmentation of combat engineer units to conduct selected general 

engineering tasks. 

e. Task organization general engineering assets in either a command 

or support relationship to a much lower level. 

(e) Stabilize. General engineering operations in this phase help to sustain the 

force, operate bases, assist in coordination with the CA staff in infrastructure repair, and 

support force protection. Engineer and joint forces conduct these activities in support of the 

other USG agencies, NGOs, IGOs, and the HN. This support must be planned as part of 

combat operations as there is no clear break from combat operations to stability operations. 

Environmental support operations will often be required during stability operations. US 

Figure IV-2. Battle Damage Repair Priorities 

BATTLE DAMAGE REPAIR PRIORITIES

Command posts and operations centers

Runways, ports, piers, and mission-essential roads

Mission-essential infrastructure fuel systems and munitions infrastructure

Critical utility systems water, electrical power, and communication systems

Defensive positions, obstacles, barriers, and shelters

Operational maintenance and repair facilities
 Engineer Functions 

IV-11 

interests and objectives in the stabilization of the region determine the magnitude of engineer 

support to foreign governments. 

(f) Enable Civil Authority. General engineering operations, established 

during the stabilize phase, continue. During redeployment of the force, engineers undertake 

preparation of facilities for retrograde, including close out of construction projects, 

refurbishment and turnover of property and real estate to the HN, construction of wash racks 

and other redeployment facilities, and preparation of collection points and coordination with 

DLA and other appropriate activities for the safe disposition of HAZMAT. 

(2) Crisis Response and Limited Contingency Operations. Engineers often have 

a significant role in crisis response and limited contingency operations. The general 

engineering level of effort may be very high at the onset and decrease as the operation 

continues. Preparing for crisis response and limited contingency operations requires 

examining a broad range of potential missions. Early engineer assessments are critical to 

tailoring initial engineer assets and to supporting follow-on engineer operations. Sending 

only those engineer capabilities that are actually required reduces the burden on the 

deployment system as well as minimizing the engineer footprint on the ground in theater. As 

the operation continues, the general engineering effort may transfer to civilian contractors. 

(a) Military Support to Homeland Security. Engineer forces play an 

essential role in homeland security operations. 

(b) Civil Support. US military engineer units with their varied capabilities 

play a major role in responding to domestic emergencies and, when mobilized, closely 

coordinate with the lead federal agency in providing assistance. Typical general engineering 

missions in CS operations are listed in Figure IV-3. In many cases, joint forces will 

encounter National Guard engineers operating under the C2 of the state governor which 

requires close coordination to assure unified action. 

For additional information on homeland security, homeland defense, CS, and military 

support of civil authorities, refer to Appendix A, “Engineer Support to Homeland Security”; 

JP 3-27, Homeland Defense; and JP 3-28, Civil Support. 

(c) Foreign Humanitarian Assistance. Typical engineer missions for FHA 

are listed in Figure IV-4. The level of assistance can vary from limited, highly specialized 

teams to complete engineer units. Limited teams are used to assess damage or estimate 

engineering repairs and can assist in specialized support such as power supply and 

distribution, utilities repair work, water purification, and well drilling operations. The joint 

force engineer and staff may participate in the CMOC that serves as the interface between 

civil and military authorities. Assistance provided by US forces is intended to supplement or 

complement efforts of the HN, government agencies, NGOs, and IGOs. In large FHA and 

disaster relief operations, engineer units provide essential general engineering support 

including facility construction, structural repair, and camp construction for deployed forces. 

Initially, US military forces may be the only organization in the JOA capable of providing 

assistance, and military engineers will normally be tasked to provide extensive cleanup and 

construction services. US military forces will transition support to civilian authorities as 
Chapter IV 

IV-12 JP 3-34 

soon as possible. Requests for military support, including engineering support, should 

continue to be initiated and coordinated through the CMOC. 

For additional information on civil and military coordination, refer to JP 3-57, CivilMilitary Operations. 

Figure IV-3. Engineering Support to Civil Support Operations 

ENGINEERING SUPPORT TO CIVIL

SUPPORT OPERATIONS

Clearing debris

Reestablishing utilities

Restoring public facilities

Restoring infrastructure

Emergency power and lighting

Sanitation

Potable water production and distribution

Support to urban search and rescue

Construction of temporary facilities

Construction and operation of camps and temporary shelters

Wildfire response and support operations

Environmental assistance (e.g., oil spill and hazardous material response)

Utility isolation

Typical engineering support missions include:

Conduct power assessments and install emergency generators to provide 

emergency power

Clear debris, build temporary shelters, and conduct emergency repairs to public 

facilities using contractors

US Army Corps of Engineers immediate response missions under the 

National Response Framework include:

Emergency debris clearance from critical transportation facilities

Emergency repairs to public facilities

Emergency power for critical public facilities

Joint task force engineers may conduct the following immediate response 

missions:

Perform emergency debris removal from roads and transportation facilities

Clear, reduce, and dispose of debris

Provide temporary housing

Provide temporary roofing for housing

Major infrastructure recovery missions for engineers include:
 Engineer Functions 

IV-13 

For additional information on FHA operations, refer to JP 3-29, Foreign Humanitarian 

Assistance. 

(d) Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEOs). Engineers supporting 

NEOs may construct temporary facilities and protective structures, conduct reconnaissance, 

repair airfields, and clear helicopter landing zones (LZs). 

(e) Peace Operations. The engineer’s role in peace operations typically 

changes as the operation progresses. For example, peace enforcement operations in East 

Timor were initially complex, multifaceted relief operations, then transitioned to rebuilding 

efforts that included assistance by US military engineers. These long-term operations 

require significant engineering support, especially in the initial phases of a joint operation. A 

long-term operation requires a higher degree of facility construction and services (e.g., 

utilities) to maintain morale and quality of life. As the operation transitions to a more stable 

environment, military engineers can be replaced by external support contracting. General 

engineering missions could include rebuilding roads, utility systems, and essential 

infrastructure. 

1. Peacekeeping Operations. Engineers participate as part of a combined 

arms force and may construct and maintain roads, airfields, LZs, ports, pipelines, force 

protection enhancements, and other associated missions such as land mine detection and 

Figure IV-4. Engineering Support to Foreign Humanitarian Assistance Operations 

ENGINEERING SUPPORT TO FOREIGN HUMANITARIAN 

ASSISTANCE OPERATIONS

Training

Construction of rudimentary surface transportation systems

Well drilling

Clearing debris

Construction of relief centers and camps for dislocated civilians

Sanitation

Potable water production and distribution

Emergency power and lighting

Restoring public facilities and transportation routes

Reestablishing rudimentary utilities

Support to urban search and rescue

Construction of temporary facilities
Chapter IV 

IV-14 JP 3-34 

destruction. Clearance of mines by engineers during peacekeeping operations is based on 

necessity. HDO will provide the preponderance of mine removal. 

2. Peace Enforcement Operations. Engineers may participate in 

disarming to include seizing ammunition, collecting, and destroying weapons and supplies, 

closing weapons and ammunition factories, and preventing resupply. Engineer participation 

in HDO focuses on mine-awareness education and, most importantly, training of HN 

personnel in the surveying, marking, and clearing or lifting of mines. US military personnel 

are prohibited from conducting humanitarian demining, but they may assist and train others 

in demining techniques and procedures. Specialists, such as EOD personnel, may destroy 

UXO, including munitions shells, fuses, grenades, and rockets. Special forces, CA, and 

military information support operations personnel are currently the primary means to execute 

the GCC’s programs of HDO. EOD and engineer personnel are also included in these 

programs and integrated into operational training missions. 

For additional information on peace operations, refer to JP 3-07.3, Peace Operations. 

(3) Military Engagement, Security Cooperation, and Deterrence. These 

operations may involve engineer forces in diverse activities and services as part of smallscale operations conducted by tactical units or special forces. 

(a) Antiterrorism. Measures taken to establish a defense may include the use 

of engineer assets for force protection or construction of obstacles and barriers, fortification, 

and fixtures. 

For additional information on antiterrorism, refer to JP 3-07.2, Antiterrorism. 

(b) Nation Assistance (Foreign Internal Defense, Security Assistance, and 

HCA). US military assistance to the local populace is provided in conjunction with military 

operations and exercises. Engineer assistance may include training, construction of 

rudimentary surface transportations systems, well drilling and construction of basic 

sanitation facilities, and rudimentary construction and repair of public sanitation facilities. 

c. Information and Intelligence Requirements. A wide variety of national and DOD 

intelligence organizations, as well as open sources, can provide information essential to 

general engineering support planning efforts. In addition, the joint force engineer and staff 

can play an effective role in the identification of intelligence requirements and assist in the 

collection and assessment of that data. The joint force engineer and staff determine IRs and 

submit those that concern the enemy to the joint force J-2 and those covering HNs, allies, 

and coalition partners to the joint force J-3 for resolution. 

(1) Joint Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment and 

Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment Products. Engineer 

participation in the JIPOE process improves planning by identifying the most effective use of 

terrain and infrastructure. General engineering operations may require additional data and 

information beyond that required by other staff planners. The following are general 

engineering IRs at the operational level: 
 Engineer Functions 

IV-15 

(a) Geology. Knowledge of the surface and subsurface strata for foundation 

designs and selection of anchoring systems. 

(b) Hydrology. Planning and design require site surveys of the hydrologic 

characteristics of the OA as critical considerations in the placement of logistic base 

complexes and base camps. 

(c) Hydrography. Hydrographic conditions in the near shore and surf zones 

of shore areas impact the selection of sites for amphibious assault, assault follow-on, 

maritime pre-positioning force (MPF), and JLOTS operations. 

(d) Weather and Climate. The immediate impact of weather or seasonal 

aspects of climate can limit the progress of general engineering operations and project 

execution. Certain types of general engineering work are especially impacted by adverse 

weather or climatic conditions. 

(e) Infrastructure. Information on infrastructure (e.g., facilities, airfield data, 

utilities systems, and transportation structures) includes HN design, construction, and 

maintenance practices as well as overall condition assessment (particularly of roads, bridges, 

ports, and airfields). This should include detailed engineering data on APOD/SPODs, road 

networks, etc., including surface and subsurface soil conditions, quantities (mile of road), 

and construction materials. This will probably require technical engineer reconnaissance to 

facilitate an infrastructure assessment. 

(f) Availability of Construction Resources in the HN and Region. Class IV 

construction materials may be acquired anywhere in the world; however, not all construction 

material is of adequate quality and quantity to meet mission needs. Adoption of local 

building design practices and use of local materials often provide facilities that meet mission 

needs while reducing costs and demands on logistic support systems. Capability of 

construction contracting resources, labor, and equipment available for rent are also key 

elements of information. 

(g) Effect on HN Economy. Significant general engineering operations can 

have an impact on the HN economy. As the United States increases its reliance on 

contracting for logistic support, more is demanded from the HN and regional economies. The 

JFC should closely manage the US military demands on the local economy to maintain the 

minimum capabilities (e.g., skilled personnel, materials, and equipment) needed to sustain 

the HN’s own requirements. 

(h) Environmental Information. Environmental characteristics may affect 

the JFC’s COA and should be considered in the planning process. These characteristics 

include, but are not limited to: important cultural and historical resources; sensitive flora and 

fauna; environmental hazards and health threats; and valuable natural resources such as coal, 

oil, clean air and water supplies, and arable land. Institutional information (e.g., 

environmental procedures and standards expressed in treaties, conventions, SOFAs, and HN 

laws or standards) is also critical to planning. 
Chapter IV 

IV-16 JP 3-34 

(2) Engineer Information Collection. Engineer organizations may also be 

considered sources of intelligence information to satisfy the CCDR’s or subordinate JFC’s 

priority intelligence requirements (PIRs) and IRs. As the result of engagement activities 

over the years, the CCMD, subordinate joint force engineer, and Service engineer 

organizations (e.g., USACE, NAVFAC, AFCESA) have acquired vital engineering data and 

information not otherwise available from traditional intelligence resources. For example, the 

AFCESA pavements evaluation team provides an array of information on airfields around 

the world. Engineers can also make important contributions to the intelligence information 

collection effort by conducting onsite reconnaissance and discussions with local officials. 

Engineers can determine if the local infrastructure can support military operations through 

technical engineer reconnaissance. 

(3) Engineer Assessment of Intelligence. As data and information are collected, 

the joint force engineer can contribute to the assessment of that information. Additionally, 

the joint force engineer can support the development of special products, studies, and new 

materials and systems. The engineer assessment process serves the following purposes: 

(a) Contributes to the JFC’s development of COAs. 

(b) Allows the joint force engineer and staff to consider potential support for 

anticipated engineering missions. 

(c) Leads to refinement of the engineer force list. 

(d) Documents and disseminates lessons learned. 

(4) General Engineer Reporting. The JFC requires accurate status on general 

engineering support as part of ensuring timely logistic support and sustainment of joint 

operations, as well as the prioritization of future projects within the context of the JFUB, 

JCMEB, and JEMB. Status of the following general engineering support is essential: 

deployment of engineering forces and assets; construction and improvement of LOCs 

including APODs, SPODs, and MSRs; force beddown and construction of advanced bases, 

base camps, operations, maintenance, and logistic facilities; engineer manpower, equipment, 

and construction materials; and environmental conditions. Components generally submit 

reports to the JFC varying from daily to weekly, depending on the situation and established 

reporting requirements from the JFC and higher HQ. The joint force engineer and staff 

provide guidance and collect, consolidate, and track essential general engineering status 

reports to effectively monitor execution and recommend changes to the JFC in a timely 

manner. The joint force engineer and staff develop specific format, contents, and rating 

systems, based on JFC requirements and instructions. Important aspects in general 

engineering status reports may include the following: 

(a) APOD construction and improvement—runway condition, the condition of 

the airfield lighting and navigation systems, maximum-on-ground number, capability to 

refuel aircraft, aircraft arresting barriers, and construction projects. 

(b) SPOD construction and improvement—port berthing status, beach status, 

littoral support assets, and construction projects. 
 Engineer Functions 

IV-17 

(c) LOCs—MSRs, bridges, railroads, and waterways. 

(d) Force beddown—advanced base and ISB status, force protection 

construction support, and major projects. 

(e) Engineer manpower and capabilities—military, civilian, HN, and 

contractors. 

(f) Engineer equipment—in-service rates and critical maintenance. 

(g) Class IV material—quantity reports, delivery dates, and HNS status. 

(h) Environmental—reportable incidents and materials. 

(i) Other project status—humanitarian, CA, reconstruction, force protection. 

d. Sustaining Military Operations. Sustaining military operations include the general 

engineering support activities required for effective operation of advanced bases, LOCs, 

ISBs, and other general engineering support activities. Examples include installing central 

power plants, contracting base service support, replacing field latrines with dedicated 

portable assets, implementing quality of life improvements to billeting areas, and replacing 

tents and other equipment with more robust temporary structures. These structures can be 

acquired, installed, and operated by deployed engineering units or through contingency 

contracting procedures. General engineers are essential to ensuring the continuous operation 

of airfields. 

(1) Base Defense and Force Protection. Engineers play an important role in 

supporting force protection and in helping to protect the force from a variety of threats—

including crimes of opportunity against US personnel and property, deliberate environmental 

contamination, terrorist acts, and WMD. Engineers analyze existing terrain and advise on its 

optimal use for force protection. Engineers support the force protection effort through the 

construction of protective structures such as berms, revetments, obstacles, fortifications, 

specially designed and reinforced buildings, and sophisticated facility alarm systems. 

Engineers are also members of force protection assessment teams. General engineering 

operations also accomplish specific requirements for area damage control (ADC) in support 

of base defense. ADC includes the measures taken before, during, and after hostile action or 

natural and accidental disasters to reduce the probability of damage and minimize adverse 

effects. Plans for base construction and operations must consider ADC requirements. Plans 

for ADC should also include the joint force capabilities and a summary of potential threats 

against the advanced base. General engineering support for base defense includes: 

(a) Hardening of structures and shelters to include incorporating “stand-off” 

distances when creating or improving base infrastructure. 

(b) Protecting utility systems and establishing redundant capabilities. 

(c) CCD measures. 
Chapter IV 

IV-18 JP 3-34 

(d) Construction and emplacement of obstacles and barriers. 

For additional information on base defense, refer to JP 3-10, Joint Security Operations in 

Theater. 

(2) Facilities Construction. Facilities are fundamental to the success of force 

projection, play a critical role in preparing the OA and infrastructure to support the joint 

force, and are critical to sustaining joint operations. Facilities are fundamental to JRSOI, 

logistic sustainment, and some combat operations. The GCCs are responsible for 

prioritizing, planning, and coordinating the proper siting construction and maintenance of 

facilities necessary to support their mission and should ensure that minimum essential 

engineering capabilities and facilities required to support theater operational and tactical 

requirements are assigned to the Service components. All Services are capable of some 

facilities construction to support the JFC in a variety of mission requirements in any 

environment. Examples of general engineering facilities construction include: shelter, 

warehouses, terminals, hospitals, water and electric power facilities, sanitation and 

environmental facilities, fuel storage and distribution facilities, and APOD and SPOD 

facilities. General engineering facilities construction includes new construction to satisfy 

force beddown and expeditionary airfield (EAF) construction. 

(3) Power Generation. Electrical power is of critical importance as the military 

relies on electricity for the conduct of daily business. Consideration of electrical power 

requirements must occur from the lowest tactical level to the strategic level. As joint forces 

move forward, access to safe, reliable power is an operational necessity and a basic life 

support requirement. In some cases, the level of electrical service available may serve as a 

measure of success for the operation itself. Since power generation is a component of 

general engineering, this consideration must include synchronizing work on power systems 

with the overall general engineering effort and associated environmental considerations. 

(4) Pipelines. The joint force is dependent on petroleum products. Bulk petroleum 

is delivered through ports or JLOTS, off-loaded into storage facilities, and shipped forward. 

The preferred method of shipment of petroleum products to joint forces on the battlefield is 

pipeline. The engineer mission is to provide general and specialized assistance in 

constructing and maintaining pipeline systems. For example, engineers install the inland 

petroleum discharge system. Environmental considerations are huge and can impact the JFC 

simply due to the volume of petroleum and the hazards associated with its movement. 

(5) Wells and Water Distribution. Maintaining a constant supply of water is 

critical to sustaining the joint force. Specialized engineer teams are capable of drilling water 

wells and supporting water distribution systems. However, for engineers to successfully drill 

producing wells, sufficient data on location and availability of ground water is required. 

Such data is maintained for DOD in the Water Resources Database at the US Army 

Topographic Engineering Center. Engineers also have water purification capabilities to 

include reverse osmosis water purification units which can be used to purify most above 

ground water sources including salt or brackish water. 
 Engineer Functions 

IV-19 

(6) Logistic Support Facilities. Engineers contribute to theater logistic operations 

by constructing and upgrading logistic bases, troop beddown facilities, airfields, ports, and 

MSRs. Engineers at all levels construct, maintain, and repair facilities for receiving, storing, 

and distributing all classes of supply, and supporting all other logistic functions, to include 

HAZMAT management facilities. Engineers tasked to support logistic installations have 

three major missions: provide new facilities; maintain existing facilities; recover and repair 

facilities damaged by hostile actions. In some AORs, peacetime construction and HN 

agreements provide extensive facilities. In less-developed theaters with no preexisting 

logistic facilities, adapting and converting commercial property to military use or 

constructing new facilities may be required. 

(7) Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore Operations. The establishment of JLOTS 

capability requires a period of preparation and facility installation that will precede the 

initiation of JLOTS operations. Engineer support to JLOTS operations may be considerable 

and may include, but is not limited to: improving beaches and port facilities to increase cargo 

and personnel throughput; shore stabilization, site grading, drainage, facility construction 

and improvements at SPODs; environmental damage mitigation; and utility installation. 

Navy PHIBCBs also operate the Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS) to accomplish in 

stream off-load activities in support of JLOTS. Engineers also support sea-delivered bulk 

fuel and water systems such as the offshore petroleum discharge system (OPDS) and 

amphibious assault fuel system. General engineering operations may also include the 

assembly and insertion of modular causeways, elevated causeways, and petroleum 

distribution systems. However, Army modular causeway units include organic equipment 

and forces to conduct general engineering operations associated with floating modular 

causeway placement. Typical engineering support activities in support of JLOTS operations 

are shown in Figure IV-5. 

For additional information on JLOTS operations, refer to JP 4-01.6, Joint Logistics Overthe-Shore (JLOTS). 

(8) Environmental Support Operations. The intent of environmental support 

operations is to minimize adverse environmental impact, ensure the safety and health of 

personnel, and reduce post-deployment environmental cleanup. Typical environmental 

support operations are listed in Figure IV-6. While deployed engineering units may have the 

capability to provide environmental support, the use of contractors is usually required for 

long-term or large-scale projects. 

For additional information on environmental considerations, refer to Appendix D, 

“Environmental Considerations.” 

e. Lines of Communications Support. There are strategic, operational, and tactical 

LOCs, and establishing and maintaining them may be a combat or general engineering 

operation. JFCs ensure that the concept of logistics supports the CONOPS. The logistics 

concept of the COA does this by planning for a base of operations and opening and 

maintaining MSRs and LOCs, providing intermediate bases of operations to support phasing 

and sustainment, and establishing priorities for service and support. Combat and general 

engineers provide the JFC with maneuver options through MSRs and LOCs by constructing 
Chapter IV 

IV-20 JP 3-34 

and repairing roads, bridging, railroads, ports, and airfields that link tactical- and operationallevel logistics. Combat engineers provide MSR upgrade for tactical units to ensure mobility. 

General engineers support mobility by providing LOC development and sustainment support 

at the operational level through base development, facilities and infrastructure construction, 

and real estate management. Changes to base development and adjustments to LOCs by 

general engineers continue as forces adjust to phases of the JFC’s campaign or operations. 

The joint force depends on ports and airfields for OA access and links to the United States 

base of operations. The joint force depends on roads and railroads, of which bridges are a 

necessary element, for a link to its base of operations. 

(1) Ground LOC Network. An adequate ground LOC network is a critical part of 

the logistic network and one of the keys to sustaining operations. Engineers are responsible 

for the construction and maintenance of roads and railroads. 

(a) Roads. When suitable road networks do not exist or cannot be used, roads 

must be upgraded or constructed to support operational requirements. The degree of 

permanence varies depending on how long the roads are needed. Combat trails or earthen 

roads may be hastily cut pathways designed to initial standards to enhance mobility for only 

a short time (less than 6 months). More permanent road networks such as MSRs and 

primary LOCs are designed to temporary standards to sustain mobility for a longer period of 

time (up to 2 years). During contingency operations, nearly all roads are constructed to 

temporary standards. 

(b) Railroads. Railroads are often the preferred means of transportation 

during contingency operations. Engineering requirements may include the construction, 

Figure IV-5. Engineering Support to Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore Operations 

Conduct beach reconnaissance

Perform hydrographic surveys

Conduct and document baseline environmental survey

Establish, operate, and maintain lighterage and amphibious discharge sites

Establish and maintain beach roadways, landing pads, and storage areas

Install and maintain bulk fuel and/or water systems and storage points

Prepare beach interfaces for amphibious systems

Clear obstacles

ENGINEERING SUPPORT TO 

JOINT LOGISTICS OVER-THE-SHORE OPERATIONS
 Engineer Functions 

IV-21 

rehabilitation, and repair of railroads. The focus of engineer effort should be on modifying 

and repairing existing railroads to meet mission requirements. 

(2) LOC Bridging. Few ground LOCs will exist without some form of bridge, 

bypass, or detour. Engineers assure mobility of ground forces through construction, repair, 

and reinforcement of bridges, bypasses, and detours. New construction of LOC bridges is 

possible, however, improving existing structures is the primary engineering focus because of 

the intense resource requirements of new construction. 

f. Real Estate Management. Real estate operations involve planning, acquisition, 

management, and disposal of land and facilities to support joint operations. General 

engineering encompasses real estate management from acquisition of real property to final 

turnover of land and facilities upon completion of an operation. USACE (contingency real 

estate support team) and NAVFAC have experts who can deploy in support of these 

requirements. 

(1) Responsibilities. GCCs are responsible for coordination of real estate 

requirements within the theater. GCCs will resolve conflicting requirements for additional 

real estate and incompatible use of existing real estate. The Services are normally 

responsible for facility acquisition funding and support. 

(2) Planning, Acquisition, and Coordination. Real estate planning should be 

initiated as OPLANs are developed to identify land and facility requirements needed in 

support of joint operations. Real estate planning and surveys are initiated as campaign plans 

are developed to provide timely and adequate facilities to sustain the combat force. 

Deployment of real estate personnel is essential early in an operation to ensure that needed 

Figure IV-6. Environmental Support Operations 

ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT OPERATIONS

Initial environmental baseline surveys

Site surveys to determine environmental and cultural conditions

Integration of environmental considerations into plans

Recommendations for nontoxic, environmentally benign material substitution

Emergency response plans, training, and initial actions

Establishment of solid and liquid waste disposal systems

Establishment of hazardous material distribution centers

Establishment of hazardous waste collection, long-term storage, and shipment center

Sampling of water sources for contaminants

Closure environmental baseline surveys and removal of wastes and excess supplies
Chapter IV 

IV-22 JP 3-34 

uncontaminated land and facilities are acquired in a timely manner. Real estate acquisition, 

maintenance, and disposal require special contracting procedures that are performed by 

USACE, NAVFAC, or a designated executive agent. When facilities and real estate can be 

obtained through HNS and commercial leases, or through international agreements, facilities 

acquisition and real estate management becomes an important component of general 

engineering. Local HN officials can help identify available facilities or land that meets 

military requirements. If local governments are capable of maintaining or improving 

existing infrastructure, agreements may be developed for their support. Engineer real estate 

teams coordinate with HN agencies and private owners to acquire and dispose of real estate 

and establish the terms of lease agreements. CA and real estate personnel may be required to 

work through HN governments to settle agreements with property owners. Acquisition of 

land and facilities not owned by the USG is accomplished through assignment, international 

agreements such as SOFAs, memoranda of agreement, leasing from the HN, or direct leasing 

from the private sector. Within the DOD, the Secretaries of the Military Departments are 

authorized to use leases to acquire real property relating to structures in foreign countries that 

are needed for urgent military purposes (see Title 10, USC, Section 2675, General Overseas 

Leasing Authority [other than Family Housing]). 

g. Airfield, Port, and Beddown Engineering Operations

(1) Airfield Engineering Operations and Contingency Planning. Engineer 

support to airfields and heliports is a vital mission for joint forces. Engineers should be 

included in airfield contingency planning because of their understanding of an airfield’s 

operational mission and the impact the types and numbers of aircraft will have on the 

airfield’s complex system of collective facilities and utility networks. Engineer units 

selected to open, establish, and sustain airfield operations will deal with complex issues of 

safety, compatible land use, test and evaluation of pavements, certification of pavements for 

specific military aircraft types, installation and maintenance of visual air navigation systems, 

and mitigation of environmental impact from airfield operations. For joint airbases, the JFC 

should establish clear responsibilities for engineering support to the base. 

(a) Opening Airfields. Early in the planning process, operations, logistics, 

and engineer planners should identify potential forward airfields to support offensive air 

operations and logistics buildup, and outline the engineer tasks necessary to open the 

airfields. It is critical that joint force engineers ensure early and effective coordination 

between airfield planners and the commands which will operate aircraft at the airfield. Many 

of the decisions made early in the airfield planning process (e.g., airfield siting and layout) 

can have critical impacts on an airfield’s utility for aircraft operations. In non-permissive 

environments, engineers should plan to repair major damages to airfield pavements and clear 

airfield obstructions as part of the initial airfield seizure operations. Follow-on engineer 

actions are required to complete airfield repairs, provide aircraft rescue and firefighting, 

EOD operations, airfield lighting, and aircraft arresting systems, and support tactical airlift 

control, air traffic control, communications, and petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) 

systems installation. Engineers support the installation of EAF systems that include: AM-2 

mat; folded fiberglass matting; airfield lighting; minimal operating lighting systems and field 

marking lighting systems; aircraft terminal guidance systems; and aircraft arresting systems. 

Use of one or more of these systems provides the commander with the ability to conduct and 
 Engineer Functions 

IV-23 

support flight operations from existing airfields, highways, parking lots, rooftops, and open 

fields. Engineers also accomplish all earthmoving tasks to install these systems and 

construct expeditionary fueling locations and systems, expeditionary munitions storage, and 

all aircraft beddown infrastructure. 

(b) Airfield Damage Repair. Engineer support is critical to quickly restoring 

airfields after damage from enemy attack. Airfield repair operations normally are done on an 

emergency basis. All Services have capabilities to participate in ADR and may be called 

upon to assist such operations. In order to enable air operations to resume quickly, engineer 

teams must be predesignated, trained, and prepared for short-notice employment and 

adequate materials must be stockpiled nearby. 

(c) Air Force Engineering Support to Airfield Operations. The primary 

mission of Air Force engineers is to provide mission-ready base systems, to include force 

beddown and aircraft beddown. Air Force engineer units, organized as Prime BEEF or RED 

HORSE units, are structured, trained, and equipped to provide the full range of support 

required to establish, operate, and maintain garrison and contingency airbases that support 

fixed-wing aircraft. Due to their specialized expertise in airfield operations, Air Force 

engineers take the lead role to open, establish, and sustain airfield operations that support 

large and high-performance aircraft, or at locations where primarily Air Force aircraft will 

operate because of a specialized expertise in airfield operations. Another Service may 

provide BOS engineers. Prime BEEF units are typically assigned OPCON to a specific 

installation to provide force beddown, infrastructure maintenance and repair, firefighting, 

PRIME BASE ENGINEER EMERGENCY FORCE TEAM DIGS EXPEDIENT 

RAMP PROJECT 

The tasking was to construct a 385,000-square-foot expeditionary aircraftparking ramp at a forward operating location, to support Operation 

ENDURING FREEDOM, by a must-have completion date of 28 February. We 

had 66 days to clear enough land and build a 228- by 1,688-foot asphalt ramp 

that would support the weight of the aircraft. The challenge was that 80 

percent of the area to be excavated was solid rock. About a week into the 

project, it became evident that it was going to take a combined effort and 

more equipment to finish on time. They brought in help from Navy Seabees 

stationed nearby and contracted help from United Gulf Asphalt. Their 

excellent leadership and the combined efforts of contractor, Navy, and 384th 

Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron (ECES) troops moved 90,000 cubic 

meters of rock and sand and expended 30,000 man-hours of labor. Civil 

engineers changed the entire scope of the 384th Air Expeditionary Wing’s 

capabilities by adding 50 percent more available parking space to 

accommodate the base’s increase in aircraft. This gave the wing flexibility to 

bring in different missions and expand the current one. In just two months, 

the 384th ECES Prime BEEF [Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force] team 

rose to the challenge of this awesome task, saving both time and money 

while providing agile combat support. 

SOURCE: Air Force Civil Engineer, Spring 2003 
Chapter IV 

IV-24 JP 3-34 

EM services, EOD, and CBRN defensive operations for that installation’s weapon systems, 

organizations, and personnel. Normally, RED HORSE units are assigned OPCON to the Air 

Force forces and are tasked through the commander , Air Force forces (COMAFFOR), to 

provide force beddown, construction, heavy repair, or other general engineering and limited 

combat engineering capabilities as needed throughout the theater of operations. Other 

Service engineers may provide these and other services in support of airfield operations.

(d) Army Engineering Support to Airfield Operations. In addition to the 

participation of combat engineers in airfield seizure, Army general engineers are capable of 

survey, design, construction, or improvement of airfields and bases. Army engineers assist 

Air Force teams to repair critical airfield or base support facilities when such repairs exceed 

the Air Force’s capability. The preponderance of work may be performed by Army engineers 

due to the availability of general engineering assets, and in some cases it may be preferable 

for Army (or other Service) engineers to take the lead role for support to the operation of 

certain airfields. The level and focus of general engineering support to airfields is 

significantly more specialized than the combat engineering skills associated with the 

mobility task of FACE. 

(e) Navy Engineering Support to Airfield Operations. The NCF can 

perform the full range of support required for EAF construction supporting fixed- and rotarywing aircraft. Construction capabilities include runways, taxiways, aircraft maintenance 

hangars, ADR, and other infrastructure that directly supports airfield operations. The NCF 

also constructs base operations facilities. The NCF is a viable first responder and can deploy 

an air detachment within 48 hours. The NCF may be assigned in a supporting role to the 

Marine Corps MAGTF to sustain MAGTF operations and support Marine Corps engineers in 

the construction of EAFs, and to provide construction of more permanent facilities at 

forward operating bases. 

(f) Marine Corps Engineering Support to Airfield Operations. Marine 

wing support group (MWSG) provides aviation ground support (AGS) to ACE within the 

MAGTF. The MWSSs are the operational arm of the MWSG. MWSG coordinates AGS in 

support of the Marine aircraft wing; AGS is provided by four MWSSs. The engineer 

company of the MWSS is capable of survey, design, construction, repair, and improvement 

AIRFIELDS 

The expeditionary Air Force relies on the airfield as a critical weapon system. 

Many airfields are situated in austere locations without much in the way of 

preexisting infrastructure, equipment, or material resources for sustained 

high-tempo operations. During contingency and, especially, crisis action 

planning, Air Force commanders must account for those capabilities that 

ensure airfields are well suited for all intended operations. In addition to 

tactical airlift control elements, combat support, and contingency response 

units, the Air Force relies upon airfield operations capabilities to prepare 

airfields for their combat missions. 

SOURCE: HQ Air Force, Task Force Enduring Look, 

“Quick Look Report #9” September 2002 
 Engineer Functions 

IV-25 

of EAFs and bases. The NCF may be assigned in a supporting role to the MAGTF to sustain 

MAGTF operations and to provide construction of more permanent facilities. Additionally, 

AGS provides the following functions to the MAGTF ACE: internal airfield 

communications; EAF services; aircraft rescue and firefighting; aircraft and ground refueling 

EOD; motor transport; field messing; medical; CBRN; security and law enforcement; air 

base commandant functions to include air base ground defense (ABGD); and organic and 

support unit personnel training. The MAGTF commander may direct the ESB to 

reinforce/augment MWSS efforts during the construction of EAFs or improvement/repair of 

a base air facility. 

(2) Port Engineering Operations. The GCC’s plans for the entry of joint forces 

into the AOR and sustaining those forces may include the availability and use of ports. Use 

of existing ports has immediate advantages over the construction of new ports and facilities. 

Construction of new port facilities is a large task not recently undertaken by military 

engineers without the support of contractors. 

(a) Considerations Prior to Port Occupation. Before occupying a port, 

planners must consider the current and expected physical condition and the logistic 

capabilities of the port. Army and Navy engineers would be involved in initial 

reconnaissance and survey teams to determine an existing port’s physical condition, repair 

requirements, bare beach transfer sites, and in the leasing of port facilities. Reconnaissance 

and survey teams should be identified and sent into existing port facilities as soon as possible 

to assist the planners by collecting crucial information on the existing port and infrastructure. 

Planners study the relative value of rehabilitation and construction and the value of specific 

facilities to the construction effort required. The JFC coordinates indicated changes and their 

impact on logistics through Army engineer, transportation, and other command channels, as 

well as with naval units engaged in clearance, dredging, and other harbor projects. 

EXPEDITIONARY AIRFIELD 

The expeditionary airfield (EAF) is a shore-based aviation support system 

that permits landing force aircraft to operate from forward operating bases 

(FOBs) within effective range of ground forces. Engineers work closely with 

EAF personnel to construct EAFs or enhance FOBs. Although a FOB may be 

a simple grass landing zone supporting helicopter operations to the 

installation of airfield surfacing material, the installation and use of one or 

more EAF subsystems will add versatility and durability to the site selected. 

Airfield surfacing installation requires formal training and familiarization with 

equipment characteristics and design requirements beyond that of the 

organic engineers resident in the Marine wing support squadron. The 

airfield design and construction must be in accordance with Naval Air 

Systems Command certification requirements. Therefore, Marine engineers 

and EAF personnel have a habitual supporting relationship while 

constructing expeditionary airfields. 

Various Sources 
Chapter IV 

IV-26 JP 3-34 

(b) Improvements to Existing Facilities. Army transportation and Navy 

expeditionary logistics groups operate port facilities and coordinate construction and repair 

requirements with Service engineers. Army or Navy divers clear underwater mines and 

obstructions, conduct underwater surveys, and investigate bottom materials. They inspect 

sunken vessels and other obstructions and assist in developing salvage plans and removal 

requirements. General engineers construct shelters that increase the length or height of 

natural formations such as reefs and islands and build breakwaters or jetties as protection for 

the inner water. General engineers construct or repair container ports, non-container cargo 

ports, and other loading/unloading facilities, elevated causeways, and piers. Army and Navy 

engineers provide waterfront utilities and services of potable water, electricity, fire 

protection, and fuels. Geospatial IRs include hydrographic surveys from which topographic 

units create products for engineer use. The joint force engineer coordinates the work of all 

topographic units. Concurrent supporting engineer construction outside the port area may 

include roads, railroads, canals, and storage facilities to keep pace with port operations. 

(c) Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore. JLOTS requires significant engineer 

support for site survey and to prepare access routes to and from the beach. Army and Navy 

engineer units will provide the majority of construction and transportation equipment and 

most engineering construction tasks. 

For further guidance on logistics over-the-shore (LOTS) and JLOTS, refer to JP 4-01.6, 

Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS). 

(3) Beddown Engineering Operations. Most contingency operations of any 

significant size conducted by joint forces require facilities for rapid beddown. General 

engineer support optimizes facility and force beddown requirements consistent with expected 

operational requirements, duration of need, and forces to be supported. Early assessment by 

engineers is critical in site selection for troops and aircraft beddown. Geospatial engineer 

products are extremely useful in identifying adequate geographical sites. Engineers will 

consider the adequacy of roads, ports, airfields and construction material supply, and existing 

real estate facilities. Site selection includes engineer requirements for force protection, 

countermine, counter obstacle, and early entry force support operations. Environmental 

engineers will consider sites that safeguard human health and do not harm the environment. 

The ESP will include guidance on general engineer requirements for force beddown 

During Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Marine Wing Support Group-37 (REIN) 

was tasked with establishing support of over 15,000 Marines and almost 400 

aircraft. Augmented by Seabees, they poured an 880,000 square foot aircraft 

parking ramp, laid almost 1.7 million square feet of AM-2 matting, and 

erected over 900 hardbacks. They constructed an expeditionary airfield in 

the desert and set up 21 forward arming and refueling points and eight KC130 tactical landing zones using highways, empty fields, repaired Iraqi 

airfields, and concrete building slabs in a leapfrog manner, thereby allowing 

the aviation combat element to provide continuous air support to I Marine 

Expeditionary Force as they attacked north into Iraq. 

SOURCE: No FARP Too Far! Marine Corps Gazette. 

Quantico: December 2003, Vol. 87, Issue 12, p. 24. 
 Engineer Functions 

IV-27 

construction. On-site, a principal task of the joint force general engineer is to provide 

beddown facilities and infrastructure for reception, onward movement, and sustainment of 

deploying forces. Beddown planning is also key during the transition to stability operations 

after decisive combat operations. Successful joint engineer beddown support operations also 

require adequate logistics and strategic lift capabilities. All the Services are capable to some 

extent of planning and executing beddown support operations. However, differences among 

each Service’s equipment, construction standards, and doctrine may pose compatibility, 

equivalency, or interoperability challenges. 

3. Geospatial Engineering 

a. Overview. Geospatial engineering encompasses those tasks that provide geospatial 

information and services to enhance awareness, understanding, and effective use of the 

operational environment for commanders and staffs across the range of military operations. 

Geospatial engineering provides the JFC with terrain analysis and visualization of the 

operational environment through the utilization and display of accurate terrain and other 

geospatially referenced information and derived actionable advice that is referenced to 

precise locations on the earth’s surface. This geospatial data forms the foundation upon 

which all other information on the operational environment is layered to form the common 

operational picture (COP) for the JFC and is an element of GEOINT. Geospatial engineer 

units provide strategic, operational, and tactical terrain analysis; terrain visualization; digital 

terrain products; nonstandard or updated map products; and baseline survey data to combat, 

combat support, and CSS forces. 

FORWARD OPERATING BASE 

One of the most formidable challenges faced by a maneuver commander 

during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM was that of establishing a forward 

operating base. After an area of operations was secured, forward operating 

bases were established to house and support troop occupation as well as 

provide adequate force protection. These facilities were constructed in urban 

areas with many fixed structures and areas completely void of any hardened 

structures. Commanders had to make decisions concerning base camp 

footprint, resource requirements to construct each camp, and facilities to 

support the Soldier. Decisions had to be made concerning the utilization of 

containerized troop housing versus tent cities. Electrical and 

communications grids had to be designed and constructed. Water for 

shower facilities had to be piped to the correct areas and gray water 

accumulated at the proper discharge points. Dining facilities had to be 

constructed to protect food processing areas and troop service areas. And 

once completed, these facilities had to be maintained for extended 

durations. 

SOURCE: Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 

Combined Arms Assessment Team II Initial Impressions Report 

Center for Army Lessons Learned 
Chapter IV 

IV-28 JP 3-34 

(1) Geospatial engineering support is provided based on OPLAN, concept plan 

(CONPLAN), and training requirements. These requirements are determined and validated 

by the GI&S officer in coordination with the joint force engineer. It is required to support all 

joint operations and should meet the anticipated needs of the JFC. Examples of geospatial 

engineering support include: terrain analysis, terrain visualization, creating digital geospatial 

products, special map production, general and precision survey, and geospatial data 

management and conflation, all of which contribute to an understanding of the battlefield 

environment and its effect on operations. 

(2) The joint community requires geospatial data to function effectively on the 

battlefield and to help establish the COP. Joint forces use geospatial data to provide an 

understanding of the terrain. Lower-resolution terrain data enables leaders at the theater 

level to plan operations, while higher-resolution products facilitate tactical-level operations. 

Because forces deploy worldwide on short notice, there will never be enough terrain data 

immediately available to meet all needs. It is important that data be requested as early as 

possible and that the terrain data requirements be defined carefully to focus the limited 

geospatial production assets on the areas that are the most important. 

(3) The NGA is the functional manager for GEOINT with the responsibility to 

provide standard geospatial products and services. The GI&S officer serves as the primary 

link to ensure that support from NGA and the extended National System for Geospatial 

Intelligence community, including allies and the geospatial assets of the Services, is 

developed and provided during all phases of an operation throughout the theater. Geospatial 

content may be delivered as maps, imagery, elevation data, and feature data. Maps, whether 

in digital form or hard copy, are the geospatial mainstay for joint forces and provide the 

foundation for the COP. It is important to have both a hard copy and digital versions 

depending on type of use. To be useful all imagery needs to be georeferenced. 

Orthoimagery provides a digital map-like “photo” of the terrain, enabling it and other 

geospatial content to be “stacked” on top of each other like overlays. DTED provides a 

digital representation of the bare earth’s surface; it is a key element for terrain reasoning as it 

is used to derive slope and other reference aspects of the surface of the earth that directly 

impact maneuverability. DTED also gives a basic understanding of the land when its threedimensional surface is draped with imagery. Higher resolution digital surface models 

provide a detailed representation of structures in urban and complex environments. 

(4) Feature data identifies and provides attributes for natural and man-made entities 

like roads, bridges, rivers, utilities, and buildings. Attribution conveys detail, such as bridge 

specifications, number of lanes in a road, stream velocity and bank height, for use with 

analysis-type software and high-end computer systems to predict mobility, cover and 

concealment, countermobility, and other aspects of the terrain important to the force. 

(5) C2 systems and platforms require the ability to evaluate the terrain and use 

terrain reasoning tools and planning tools to meet mission requirements. Geographic 

information system (GIS) software using terrain reasoning gives the CCDR the ability to 

perform “what if” terrain analysis based on changes in the terrain using a C2 system in real 

time. For example, if a bridge is destroyed or suddenly blown, the user can enter an icon to 

indicate the road is blocked and the terrain reasoning GIS tool will conduct a new route 
 Engineer Functions 

IV-29 

analysis yielding several choices for the commander. Parameters such as fastest route, most 

concealed from the ground, most concealed from the air, on-road, off-road, or a best 

combination are set by the user. Terrain reasoning requires elevation and feature data that is 

detailed and complete enough to enable automated analysis. Geospatial engineers have 

access to and help build and maintain the data sets required for terrain reasoning predictions. 

b. Collection and Development of Accurate Information. Detailed and accurate 

geospatial information may require long lead times for collection and extraction. The GI&S 

officer must carefully plan for product support from the total geospatial community and 

ensure that the most critical requirements are met in time. Stereo imagery and ranging 

sensors such as interferometric synthetic aperture radar and light detection and ranging 

provide elevation data and some indications of features and their attributes. Ephemeris and 

attitude data, which accompanies the imagery and other sensed data, allows for the precise 

positioning of the images and mensuration of features. Commercial systems supplement 

national imaging systems and meet a critical need when images must be shared with 

coalition partners, NGOs, and others. Once geospatial data has been collected, it must be 

extracted and processed into useful geospatial information. While NGA fulfills the bulk of 

DOD standard geospatial data extraction requirements through contracts and agreements 

with allies, the Services and joint forces also possess limited data extraction capabilities best 

suited for the production of system- or theater-specific data and the update of standard data 

sets. 

c. Information Management. Detailed, high-resolution data is subject to rapid change 

as the forces of nature and man modify the landscape and seas with the construction of roads 

and obstacles and the shifting of beaches and waterways. The JFC requires up-to-date 

GEOINT in order to make the best tactical decisions. Digital systems allow the JFC access 

to tremendous amounts of updated geospatial data and current information. The 

management of the enhanced data must not become a burden as the GI&S officer, engineer, 

J-2, and the JFC determine what data is tactically significant. 

d. Development of Geospatial Knowledge. The geospatial terrain analyst evaluates 

available content for fitness for use in needed analyses or visualizations, filters needed data 

to remove irrelevant content that would slow analysis or clutter displays, checks the integrity 

of content to ensure its completeness and logical consistency, and then performs analyses to 

generate tactical decision aids. These analyses move geospatial content from information to 

knowledge, generating actionable advice for supported commanders and staff. 

e. Geospatial Visualization. Geospatial engineers assemble geospatial content for 

visual presentation to decision makers. This might involve bringing together data such as 

orthoimagery and elevation surfaces, information such as road networks, and knowledge 

such as mobility predictions within three-dimensional space for fly-throughs, or 

superimposing the content in plan view and clipping it into combat graphics for printing in 

the quantity needed for an operation. Geospatial engineers use standardized symbology and 

processes to assure quality of visualization products and services. 

f. Sharing Geospatial Knowledge. Geospatial content in databases, the results of 

analyses, and products and other services are shared across the geospatial engineering 
Chapter IV 

IV-30 JP 3-34 

community and disseminated to commanders and staffs in many ways. Standard products on 

media (such as compact discs or printed hard copy) from NGA and its co-producers are 

distributed through the DLA. Tailored products on media from the national level may move 

through DLA channels or be shipped directly to customers depending on urgency. Most 

products and services are digital or have digitized versions and are hosted on NGA’s portal, 

through which geospatial engineers, commanders, and staff may also reach hosted geospatial 

content from databases. Several GCCs have established theater geospatial databases that 

hold content from NGA that is relevant to the theater as well as additional content obtained 

or collected in theater and integrated to provide a trusted, maintained data store for theater 

operations. For major operations, NGA may deploy support teams to theaters and augment 

organic or assigned geospatial engineers in producing and sharing geospatial data across the 

force. 

g. Geospatial Engineering Integration. Geospatial engineering plays a key role in the 

range of military operations. The JFC uses geospatial information to help determine friendly 

and enemy COAs and to plan for the deployment of forces. Coupled with intelligence data, 

the disposition of friendly forces, weather, and the logistics situation, geospatial information 

assists the JFC to visualize and develop the operational environment. Joint forces require 

geospatial data for targeting. During planning, the JFC GI&S officer and J-2 work closely 

with subordinate command GI&S officers, J-2s, and with NGA to develop a strategy to 

provide GEOINT support for future operations. The GI&S officer coordinates and shares 

information with other directorates. Services provide GEOINT-capable forces and 

requirements to the joint force to support planning. Army geospatial engineers and Marine 

Corps geographic intelligence analysts can provide special geospatial products that support 

mobility, countermobility, and survivability operations. The geospatial engineer products 

are also extremely useful in the engineer planning process as a means of identification and 

feasibility determination for beddown and staging areas, possible resource (gravel, sand, etc.) 

locations, and capability of LOCs. 

TERRAIN UNDERSTANDING 

Engineer delivery of terrain analysis was a huge success. They enabled 

maneuver commanders to “see” the terrain like never before. Commanders 

continuously sought high-resolution imagery, special map products, 

operational overlays, slope tints, moisture content analysis, and terrain 

analysis briefings. 

Terrain visualization products, in combination with intelligence data from 

multiple sources, especially the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, 

were critical to developing a coherent plan whose details were well 

understood, and allowed fairly detailed understanding of the terrain’s 

limitations on operations. 

SOURCE: Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Engineer Lessons Learned 

US Army Engineer School 
A-1 

APPENDIX A 

ENGINEER SUPPORT TO HOMELAND SECURITY 

1. General 

The Armed Forces of the United States support the homeland security strategy through 

two distinct but interrelated mission areas—homeland defense and CS. Homeland defense is 

the protection of US territory, sovereignty, domestic population, and the critical defense 

infrastructure against external threats and aggression or other threats as directed by the 

President. CS refers to DOD support to US civil authorities for domestic emergencies, and 

for designated enforcement and other activities. Since US military forces do not operate, 

train, and equip specifically for homeland defense, this appendix focuses only on the CS 

portion of the homeland security strategy. 

2. Civil Support 

a. In an emergency situation, such as managing the consequences of a terrorist attack or 

natural disaster, DOD may receive requests for assistance to provide additional capacity or 

unique capabilities in support of state and local governments. DOD has the capability to 

provide self-deploying, self-sustaining forces with a wide variety of skills and equipment, 

including engineer forces, which can play a major role in support of civil authorities. 

b. Support of civil authorities usually consists of catastrophic emergencies such as 

natural or man-made disasters. Emergency response is managed locally, with response 

capability growing, to include the state government, and, if the disaster is large enough in 

scope to exceed local and state resources, the federal government becomes involved. If 

federal support is required, it is managed under authority of the Secretary of Homeland 

Security using the National Response Framework (NRF). CS falls into several categories 

illustrated in Figure A-1. While the military can be called upon to provide support in any of 

these categories, the most common CS categories that can potentially employ engineer forces 

include: 

(1) National Security Special Events. SecDef may also designate special events 

to receive military support. Examples include the Olympic Games or support to the UN 

General Assembly. 

(2) Disasters and Declared Emergencies. DOD support to a disaster or 

emergency involves a response to requests for assistance during domestic incidents in 

support of the NRF primary or coordinating agencies. When appropriate, military 

commanders and responsible DOD civilians may respond under the authority of immediate 

response in order to save lives, prevent suffering, and mitigate great property damage under 

imminently serious conditions. The President may also direct DOD to support the response 

to a disaster or emergency as well as assign DOD temporary lead responsibility. Under this 

category, CS may consist of support for high-profile emergencies that often invoke 

presidential or state emergency/disaster declarations. Engineers would potentially deploy in 

response to: 
Appendix A 

A-2 JP 3-34 

(a) Natural Disasters. Natural disasters include, but are not limited to, severe 

weather, earthquakes, and wildfires. Engineers can expect to respond with equipment assets 

to remove rubble and debris. Engineers may be tasked to maintain or restore essential 

services and activities, to mitigate damage, and take actions to avoid hardship and human 

suffering. Engineers may be called upon to provide manpower support or general 

engineering support such as water purification operations. Other engineer contributions 

include technical advice and assessments, construction planning, management and 

inspection, emergency contracting, and emergency repair of wastewater and solid waste 

facilities. 

 

Figure A-1. Civil Support Operation Categories and Operation Types 

CIVIL SUPPORT OPERATION CATEGORIES

AND OPERATION TYPES

Disaster and

Declared

Emergencies

Natural

Disasters

Postal

Services

Support to Law

Enforcement

Olympics

Support

Super Bowl

Sensitive

Support

Community

Relations

CBRN

Incidents

Civil

Disturbances

Civil

Disturbances

Animal/Plant

Disease

Eradication

World

Fairs

National Special

Security Events

Inaugural Support

National

State Funerals

Military

Training

Military Lab

Support

Critical

Infrastructure

Restore 

Public Health 

and

Services and

Civil Order

Special

Events

Periodic

Planned

Support

Civil Support

Categories Types

chemical, biological, radiological, 

and nuclear

CBRN
 Engineer Support to Homeland Security 

A-3 

(b) Man-Made Disasters. Examples of man-made disasters include oil spills, 

terrorist acts, or a CBRN incident. These events can produce catastrophic loss of life, 

destruction of property, or irreparable damage to the environment. Support to domestic 

CBRN incidents is a major support requirement for military forces and may be an extensive 

support operation for military engineers. Engineers possess mobility and heavy equipment 

assets and may provide support similar to that provided in response to a natural disaster. 

(3) Support to Civilian Law Enforcement Agencies. Military support to civilian 

law enforcement is carried out in strict compliance with the Constitution. Military forces 

performing in this role will normally work in support of a primary agency (PA) (e.g., 

Department of Homeland Security or Department of Justice/Federal Bureau of 

Investigation.) Depending on the circumstances, and with SecDef approval, units providing 

this support may be armed. When armed, forces will adhere to the standing RUF unless 

SecDef has approved mission-specific RUF. Examples of support include general engineer 

missions to support counterdrug operations, maritime security, and general support (e.g., 

training and equipment loans). Support to law enforcement agencies may also include maps, 

geospatial services, and manpower support. 

(4) Support of Civil Disturbance Operations. It is unlikely that engineer forces 

will be directly involved in civil disturbance operations. The President is authorized by the 

Constitution and US statutes to employ the Armed Forces of the US to suppress 

insurrections, rebellions, and riots, and provide federal supplemental assistance to the states 

to maintain law and order (Insurrection Act Title 10, USC, Sections 331-335). Responsibility 

for the coordination of the federal response for civil disturbances rests with the Attorney 

General. Any DOD forces employed in civil disturbance operations shall remain under 

military authority at all times. 

3. Organization and Coordination of Missions 

DOD engineer forces may serve in a supporting role to a PA in support of civil 

authorities. Deployed DOD forces remain under the C2 of SecDef at all times. Engineer 

forces may operate under the following scenarios: 

a. Immediate Response. Local military commanders or responsible DOD officials 

may respond immediately to a request from local or state governments to an emergency that 

has imminent serious conditions that require immediate response to prevent loss of life, 

human suffering, or major property damage, but may not be a Presidential declared 

emergency. Engineer assets on military installations may be directed to respond in support 

of public fire, search and rescue services, and public works. DOD support for local 

environmental operations can begin immediately within the authority delegated to 

installation commanders. The commander’s authority is limited to the initial 72 hours of an 

emergency. 

b. Support to a Primary Agency or as part of a JTF. Requests for assistance follow 

the NRF procedures. If the PA determines that existing resources are inadequate or not 

available, a request is initiated and passed to the defense coordinating officer (on site with 

the PA) who validates the request and forwards to the Joint Director of Military Support 
Appendix A 

A-4 JP 3-34 

(JDOMS) and the geographic combatant command for approval. JDOMS coordinates, 

validates, and provides the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and 

Americas’ Security Affairs with recommendations, and then passes it to SecDef for approval. 

Once approved, JDOMS processes the request (in the form of deployment and execute 

orders) to task the Services for the best-matched capability to meet the requested 

requirement. A JTF may be established with engineering support under a joint force 

engineer, or supporting engineer forces may be assigned to an existing JTF under the 

supported commander (i.e., JTF-Civil Support, JTF-Alaska, JTF-National Capital Region, or 

JTF-North). 

4. Engineer Planning Considerations 

a. General engineering planning in support of civil authorities is focused on taking 

actions to save lives and property, assisting in stabilizing a disaster area, and assisting state 

or federal agencies where needed. Typical engineer units include the NMCBs, Air Force 

Prime BEEF and RED HORSE units, Army construction engineering battalions, and 

battalion, reinforced company, or detachment-sized task-organized Marine Corps units. 

Specialized units may include capabilities for bridging, water well drilling, power 

generation, and water purification. 

b. DOD planning for general engineering response action should include the following: 

(1) Emergency infrastructure repairs (e.g., emergency public facilities and 

debris/road clearing operations). 

(2) Damage assessment and technical assistance. 

(3) Possible requirement for military tactical bridging assets. 

(4) Base camp support to deployed forces (temporary base camp construction) and 

possible requirement to provide emergency shelter for disaster victims. 

(5) Need for protective equipment for operating in a contaminated environment due 

to CBRN contamination or other environmentally threatening event. 

(6) Use of geospatial products to include imagery of the disaster area (e.g., 

inundation zones, flood zones). 

(7) Transition from military engineering forces to USACE- or PA-contracted 

capabilities (ensure a clear end state is identified). 

c. Unique planning considerations for joint engineer operations in the homeland: 

(1) Incident awareness analysis. 

(2) FEMA approach to the infrastructure and assessment survey model (Figure 

III-7). 
 Engineer Support to Homeland Security 

A-5 

(3) National Guard role in engineering support in the homeland. 

(4) USACE role in emergency support functions. 

For additional information, see JP 3-27, Homeland Defense; JP 3-40, Combating Weapons 

of Mass Destruction; and JP 3-41, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear 

Consequence Management, as appropriate; and JP 3-28, Civil Support, for discussion of the 

National Incident Management System and the NRF. 

 
Appendix A 

A-6 JP 3-34 

Intentionally Blank 
B-1 

APPENDIX B 

SERVICE ENGINEER ORGANIZATIONS AND CAPABILITIES 

 Annex A Army Engineer Organizations and Capabilities 

 B Navy Engineer Organizations and Capabilities 

 C Air Force Engineer Organizations and Capabilities 

 D Marine Corps Engineer Organizations and Capabilities 

 E Matrix of Service Engineer Capabilities 

 
Appendix B 

B-2 JP 3-34 

Intentionally Blank 
B-A-1 

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX B 

ARMY ENGINEER ORGANIZATIONS AND CAPABILITIES 

1. General 

a. Army engineers operate at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels across the 

range of military operations. Units are organized in a scalable, modular, adaptable manner to 

support combat, general, and geospatial engineering requirements. Army engineers operate 

as an integral member of the combined arms team during peace and war to provide a full 

range of joint engineering capabilities. They execute combat engineering tasks at the tactical 

and operational levels of war in support of combat maneuver forces and provide general and 

geospatial engineering throughout the entire OA and at all levels of war. 

b. Fighting as Engineers and Fighting as Infantry. Throughout history, combat 

engineer organizations have been required to fill the role of infantry as a secondary mission. 

Combat engineer units are well armed and equipped, and capable of executing many of the 

infantry tasks, although they do have some organizational shortcomings for such missions. 

These include shortfalls in organic fire-control support, communications equipment, and 

necessary medical personnel. If a combat engineer unit has been designated to fight as 

infantry it requires the same combined arms support as other maneuver units would receive 

(fire support, air and missile, or other elements) and potentially the integration of other armor 

or other maneuver elements into its task organization to accomplish a specific mission. 

While combat engineers are normally involved in the close fight as engineers, reorganizing 

engineers to fight as infantry is an operational-level decision that requires corps commander 

or higher authorization due to the nature and considerations involved with reorganization and 

the impacts (resourcing, training, etc.) on both the engineer unit and the higher organization. 

While combat engineer units have the capability to be reorganized to fight as infantry, the 

JFC should carefully weigh the gain in infantry strength against the loss in combat engineer 

support. Normally, it is better to have combat engineers fight as engineers since this does 

not require reorganization and allows the combat engineers to quickly transition back to 

engineering tasks when conditions permit. 

c. Engineer Reconnaissance Capabilities. Although the Army has no dedicated 

engineer reconnaissance units, commanders routinely form mission-tailored engineer 

reconnaissance teams to collect engineer-specific tactical and technical information. These 

teams are a critical source of information for engineers and combined arms commanders and 

staffs, playing an important role in the JIPOE. 

2. The Modular Construct 

a. The modular construct of the Army engineer force is a complementary and 

interdependent relationship between four major categories of units (that includes the 

USACE-provided engineering technical and contract support). The four categories include 

organic engineers and staffs and the engineer force pool (all engineer units not organic to a 

BCT or embedded in a BCT/HQ staff). The assets in the force pool exist to augment organic 

BCT engineers and provide echelons above the BCT with necessary engineer capabilities. 

The pool consists of engineer C2 units, core units, and specialized engineer capabilities. All 
Annex A to Appendix B 

B-A-2 JP 3-34 

categories form a team whose diversity, breadth, and flexibility are among its greatest 

strengths. 

b. Engineer C2 is the basis for integrating engineer functions, elements, and 

capabilities. They consist of the TECs, the engineer brigade, and the engineer battalion. 

Each has a staff that allows the commander to battle command assorted and various engineer 

organizations. They each are also capable of C2 of other selected non-engineer units to 

support missions that require this. Organic engineers of the three types of BCTs provide the 

baseline requirements for combat and geospatial engineering and very limited selected 

general engineering capability in focused support of the BCTs. Core engineer units consist 

primarily of tactically/operationally focused combat and general engineering units that may 

augment the organic forces of the BCTs or be assigned to other supporting operations to 

include those typically performed under the C2 of the combat support brigade (maneuver 

enhancement brigade) (CSB [MEB]) at the division or corps levels. All of these units may 

also perform roles/missions under the C2 of the functionally focused engineer brigade or the 

TEC. The remaining category of engineer support is the specialized engineer capabilities 

units. These units are technically focused units that (while providing selected support at the 

tactical level) are focused on providing their specialized engineering capabilities in support 

of the operational/strategic levels throughout the range of military operations. 

For additional details about the capabilities of these units, see Army Field Manual (FM) 3-

34, Engineer Operations. 

c. Command and Control Units. Engineer C2 is provided by three echelons of 

engineer units with staffs. These include the TEC, the engineer brigade, and the engineer 

battalion. 

(1) The TEC provides battle command for all assigned or attached Army engineer 

brigades and other engineer units and missions for the CCDR or JTF commander. When 

directed it may also provide battle command (or simply C2) for engineers from other 

Service, allied or coalition, and contract construction engineers. The TEC is focused on 

operational C2 of engineer operations across all three of the engineer functions and typically 

serves as the theater or land component engineer. 

(a) Tasks performed by the TEC include providing the support for all 

operational planning for the theater across all of the engineer functions. The TEC 

synchronizes all engineer planning and support for the CCDR or JTF commander, providing 

peacetime training and support of military engagement for their supported respective 

CCDRs. It plans and operates in close coordination with the senior CCAs in the OA. 

(b) Both the TEC and the USACE are capable of rapid deployment of modular 

deployable staff elements and organizations to support the needs of the operational 

commander. Together they are capable of providing a wide range of technical engineering 

expertise and support from USACE, other Service technical laboratories and research 

centers, and other potential sources of expertise in the civilian community. They are enabled 

by the global reachback capabilities associated with field force engineering (FFE). TEC 

resources are synchronized with the USACE for peacetime engagements and to provide 
 Army Engineer Organizations and Capabilities 

B-A-3 

operational FFE capabilities. These capabilities include technical assistance, project 

planning and design, contract construction, real estate acquisition, infrastructure support, and 

support to nation-building capacities. 

(2) The engineer brigade is one of the Army’s functional brigades and is capable of 

planning, integrating, and directing the execution of engineer missions conducted by up to 

five mission-tailored engineer battalions and integrating missions across all three of the 

engineer functions. It may also provide battle command to other non-engineer units focused 

on the performance of such missions as support of a division deliberate gap (river) crossing. 

(a) One or more engineer brigades are required in the division or corps 

whenever the number of engineer units or the functional nature of engineer missions exceed 

the C2 capability of the multifunctional CSB (MEB). Once deployed, engineer brigades 

become the focal point for apportioning and allocating mission-tailored engineer forces 

within the OA. The engineer brigade is capable of supporting the JTF commander or 

component commander (land, air, or maritime) and providing C2 to all Service engineers and 

contracted engineering within an OA, and battle command as directed. The engineer brigade 

has the ability to provide deployable CPs and staffs’ expertise to meet engineer-specific C2 

as required. With augmentation, it may serve as a joint engineer HQ. 

(b) The engineer brigade has the capability to simultaneously provide two 

deployable CPs. It provides engineer specific technical planning, design, and quality 

assurance and quality control during 24-hour operations. The engineer brigade provides 

training, readiness, and oversight for up to five assigned engineer battalions, preparing them 

for deployment in support of the brigade or other organizations. 

(3) The engineer battalion is capable of planning, integrating, and directing the 

execution of engineer missions conducted by any mix of up to seven assigned engineer 

companies. They are typically found within the engineer brigade, the CSB (MEB), or in 

support of a BCT. With the exception of those battalions performing specific technical roles 

(prime power or topographic) all engineer battalion HQ are capable of providing C2 for 

either combat or general engineering missions when they have been task organized to 

perform in those roles. Training relationships will make certain battalion HQ more capable 

in either combat or general engineering roles. For the conduct of construction of EH 

clearance missions, the battalion will receive design/survey or EH teams from an engineer 

brigade. 

(a) One or more engineer battalions may support a CSB (MEB) for combat 

and/or general engineering missions. In this role, or when operating as a part of an engineer 

brigade, the engineer battalion is typically tasked with either a combat or general engineering 

focus. The engineer battalion provides training, readiness, and oversight for up to seven 

assigned engineer companies, preparing them for deployment in support of the battalion or 

other organizations. 

(b) When in support of a BCT, an engineer battalion will provide engineer 

battle command of engineer operations. The engineer battalion may be organized to perform 

as a breach force commander when the BCT is conducting a brigade combined arms breach, 
Annex A to Appendix B 

B-A-4 JP 3-34 

and during a brigade gap (river) crossing operation the engineer battalion provides the option 

to function as the crossing site commander. 

d. Organic Engineer Units. Each of the three types of BCTs has an engineer 

capability organic to it. The heavy BCT and infantry BCT each has one combat engineer 

(sapper) company, organic to the brigade special troops battalion. The Stryker BCT contains 

a single organic combat engineer (sapper) company and is positioned as a separate unit under 

the brigade. These organic combat engineer units provide the minimum combat and 

geospatial engineering capability to support BCT operations and may also perform some 

very limited and selected general engineering tasks. During offensive and defensive 

operations they will require augmentation by core elements to include potentially an engineer 

battalion HQ. Other specialized engineer units and equipment may also provide missiontailored engineer support when their specialized engineer capabilities are required. EOD 

elements may be included in this augmentation. Organic engineers train with and remain an 

integral part of their parent BCT. Additionally, engineers are organic within the staffs of all 

Army command level echelons, providing engineer staff planning functions and integrating 

geospatial engineering support. 

e. Core Engineer Units. Core engineer units include both combat and general engineer 

units (see Figure B-A-1). They are the primary building blocks for the organization of most 

engineer battalions. These units are used to augment the organic engineer capabilities of 

BCTs and may be task-organized under engineer battalion HQ to serve under a variety of 

larger HQ, providing the specific tailored capabilities needed to support any particular 

mission requirements. 

(1) Combat Engineer Units. Core combat engineer units are focused on support 

to combat maneuver organizations at the tactical level and are designed to participate in close 

combat as necessary. All have the capability of fighting as engineers, or, if required, as 

infantry. An engineer battalion HQ will typically provide the necessary C2 and staff 

Figure B-A-1. Core Engineer Units

CORE ENGINEER UNITS

Combat Engineer Units

Sapper company

Mobility augmentation 

company

Clearance company

General Engineer Units

Engineer support company

Multi-role bridge company

Horizontal construction 

company

Vertical construction 

company
 Army Engineer Organizations and Capabilities 

B-A-5 

supervision for attached and assigned units when they are assigned to BCTs, maneuver 

enhancement brigades, or other organizations. Combat engineer (sapper) units may 

construct tactical obstacles, defensive positions, fixed and float bridges; repair CPs, LOCs, 

tactical routes, culverts, fords, and other selected general (horizontal and vertical 

construction-related) engineering tasks. Combat engineer units also provide engineer 

support for gap (to include river) crossing operations, assist in assaulting fortified positions, 

and conduct breaching operations. Airborne and air assault capable engineer units also have 

the unique ability to employ air-droppable rapid runway repair kits in support of forcible 

entry operations. The more specialized combat engineering capabilities of assault bridging, 

breaching, and route and area clearance are added to the organic engineer capabilities in 

BCTs (or to deployed core sapper companies) to allow them to accomplish their broader 

mission requirements. 

(2) General Engineer Units. These general engineer units are comprised of 

bridging, support, and construction capabilities. The horizontal and vertical companies have 

a construction focus and are capable of constructing, rehabilitating, repairing, maintaining, 

and modifying landing strips, airfields, CPs, MSRs, supply installations, building structures, 

bridges, and other related aspects of the infrastructure. These units may also perform repairs 

and limited reconstruction of railroads or water and sewage facilities. The basic capabilities 

of these construction units can be expanded significantly. Through the augmentation of 

specialized personnel and equipment these baseline construction units can provide 

bituminous mixing and paving, quarrying and crushing, and major horizontal construction 

projects such as highways, storage facilities, and airfields. Additional augmentation could 

also include pipeline construction or dive support, depending on the type and scope of the 

construction mission. 

f. Specialized Engineer Capabilities. The specialized engineer capabilities portion of 

the force pool provides for general and geospatial engineering capabilities at the operational 

and strategic levels and for specific augmentation to the tactical level (see Figure B-A-2). 

Some of these capabilities are among the FFE capabilities provided by the USACE. These 

key capabilities translate into units that are typically of a lower availability and density than 

the core engineer units. These smaller more specialized units are designed to typically 

support larger engineer-related missions/tasks or provide augmentation to selected HQ 

elements. 

(1) Explosive Hazards Support. Focused on providing specialized C2 elements 

and the integration of other EH capabilities. 

(2) Construction Support. Provides construction support to C2, management, 

procurement and contract support, greater capabilities for asphalt, concrete, and haul 

operations. All of these capabilities also have a role in infrastructure support. 

(3) Infrastructure Support. Engineer prime power units generate electrical power 

and provide advice and technical assistance on all aspects of electrical power and distribution 

systems. Prime power units have a limited electrical engineering capability (design and 

analysis), provide electrical surveys, and operate, maintain, and perform minor repairs to 

other electrical power production equipment, to include HN fixed plants. Facilities 
Annex A to Appendix B 

B-A-6 JP 3-34 

engineering teams assist in real estate acquisition, design, and construction support. Pipeline 

construction companies construct and rehabilitate pipeline systems. 

(4) Geospatial Support. Geospatial (topographic) engineer units provide terrain 

and digital imagery analysis and support the integration of other geospatial information to 

the HQ that they support. 

(5) United States Army Corps of Engineers-Related Support. USACE support

provides for technical and contract engineering support, integrating its organic capabilities 

with those of other Services, civil engineering, and all other sources of engineering-related 

reachback support. 

Figure B-A-2. Specialized Army Engineer Force Pool Capabilities 

1

 Army capability is limited in scope for Army engineers and is primarily resident in the EOD 

specialty of the ordnance branch.

2

 Army capability is within scope of horizontal company with subject matter expert support.

EHCC explosive hazards coordination cell

USACE US Army Corps of Engineers

FFE field force engineering

EOD explosive ordnance disposal

SPECIALIZED ARMY ENGINEER FORCE POOL CAPABILITIES

Explosive

Hazards

Support

EHCC

Explosive

hazards 

team

EOD

Mine dog 

team

Area 

clearance 

platoon

1

Construction

Support

Survey and 

design

section

Construction

management

section

Real estate team

Diver team

Asphalt team

Concrete team

Quarry platoon

Well drilling 

team

Pipeline 

company

2

Infrastructure

Support

Facility

engineer

detachment

Prime power

detachment

Firefighting

team

Geospatial

Support

Topographic

engineer 

company

Geospatial

planning cell

USACE-Related

Support

FFE (see below)
 Army Engineer Organizations and Capabilities 

B-A-7 

(a) Engineering technical and contract support is provided by a variety of 

supporting organizations and is a category of specialized engineer capability support. The 

USACE is the Army’s major command assigned responsibility to execute Army and DOD 

MILCON, real estate acquisition, and development of the nation’s infrastructure through the 

civil works program. Other services include wetlands and waterway management and 

disaster relief support operations (USACE has primary responsibilities to execute Emergency 

Support Function #3 for DOD). With its subordinate divisions, districts, laboratories, and 

centers, USACE provides a broad range of engineering service support to the Military 

Departments, federal agencies, state governments, and local authorities. The USACE also 

provides technical assistance and contract support to joint forces deployed worldwide. The 

USACE operates the US Army Engineer Development Center, a comprehensive network of 

laboratories and centers of expertise, to include the Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, 

Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Construction Engineering Research 

Laboratories, and Topographic Engineering Center. 

(b) Field Force Engineering. USACE has expertise at the strategic, 

operational, and tactical levels in engineer planning and operations and can leverage 

reachback to technical subject matter experts in districts, divisions, labs and centers of 

expertise, other Services, and private industry. USACE FFE is a means to access specialized 

engineer capabilities that can augment JFC planning staffs. Teams can rapidly deploy to 

meet requirements for engineering assessments and analyses in support of the full array of 

engineer operations. The two types of FESTs provide support to primarily general 

engineering efforts through forward-deployed engineer elements that can communicate with 

TETKs and reach back to technical experts within USACE. Facility engineer teams (FETs) 

assist in the reception and staging of troops. FETs and facility engineer detachments from 

the TECs provide a wide variety of services to forward deployed forces in a public works 

capacity. 

1. FEST-A. Its mission is to provide additional planning capability to 

CCMD and Army Service component command engineer staffs. It can also deploy in 

support of a JTF with a limited execution capability. Its capabilities include: multiple 

engineer planning and design, real estate acquisition and disposal, and contracting personnel. 

FIELD FORCE ENGINEERING 

This is the first conflict where field force engineering concepts led to a total 

engineer regimental effort. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and 

forward engineer support teams in Iraq brought expertise to the strategic, 

operational, and tactical level engineer effort. They evaluated and assessed 

the Iraqi infrastructure systems of power, water, and oil and helped solve 

field-engineering problems associated with bridging, power generation, and 

field sanitation. USACE provided a TeleEngineering Kit that was a valuable 

link back to centers of expertise. In one instance, this link enabled 

communication with the very best experts on bridge design. 

SOURCE: Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Engineer Lessons Learned 

US Army Engineer School 
Annex A to Appendix B 

B-A-8 JP 3-34 

The FEST-A may provide an initial technical infrastructure assessment/survey, technical 

engineer assistance, contracting support, and real estate acquisition support. 

2. FEST-M. Its mission is to provide C2 for USACE teams in the OA 

and sustained USACE engineering execution capability within an OA. This team generally 

supports a JTF or the land component of a JTF. The FEST-M provides LNOs and USACE 

engineering planning modules to supported units, as required. It is a flexible, self-sustaining 

organization with a mission of providing USACE capabilities through forward presence and 

reachback for the following primary mission areas: infrastructure engineering planning and 

design, technical engineering expertise, contract construction, real estate acquisition and 

disposal, environmental engineering, and geospatial engineering support. 
B-B-1 

ANNEX B TO APPENDIX B 

NAVY ENGINEER ORGANIZATIONS AND CAPABILITIES 

1. General 

a. Navy engineers provide services across a full range of civil and military operations. 

Engineering projects, services, and missions are generally handled between two major 

organizations: NAVFAC and the NCF. 

(1) The NCF, commonly known as Seabees, conducts peacetime, contingency 

engineering, and expeditionary construction operations in support of Navy, United States 

Marine Corps (USMC), and joint forces. The NCF provides the JFC with an expeditionary 

toolkit of scalable and rapidly deployable military engineers who provide contingency 

construction and public works in support of mission objectives. 

(2) NAVFAC manages the Navy and Marine Corps MILCON projects, 

environmental restoration programs and supports Commander, Navy Installations 

Command’s (CNIC’s), shore installation management program. Providing engineering 

services, acquisition, and technical support to shore facilities and real property are the 

responsibilities of NAVFAC. NAVFAC also provides support to the joint warfighter. 

Though not a part of an operating force, CCDRS and component commanders receive 

support from NAVFAC in three areas: 

(a) Execute contract construction funded from the MILCON appropriation. 

(b) Provide construction supplemental and contingency contracting capability 

for planning, designing, and executing construction in theater, including architectengineering services, real estate, environmental compliance, and BOS facility services. 

(c) Provide a broad spectrum of technical support capabilities in engineering 

and scientific disciplines during both deliberate planning and CAP, and solve challenging 

problems related to engineering, infrastructure, and environmental compliance during 

contingency operations. 

b. Although the missions differ between these two naval engineering organizations, they 

do provide support when necessary and vital. Both organizations provide support for FHA 

missions and natural disasters. 

c. The NCF is organized, trained, and equipped to construct, maintain, operate, and 

repair advanced bases and their associated logistic pipelines. The force also provides 

disaster recovery and relief assistance and performs civic action projects to complement 

military and other national programs. NCF units are organized for quick and effective 

response as required by planning assumptions and guidance. Seabee units are trained in 

force protection operations and in limited defensive combat. The common thread that is 

woven throughout all Seabee units is responsiveness and flexibility. Most NCF units are 

organized under the 1NCD, headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek/Fort 

Story, Virginia. 
Annex B to Appendix B 

B-B-2 JP 3-34 

2. Engineer Structure 

a. 1NCD exercises administrative control (ADCON) and OPCON (when delegated) 

over NCRs and Seabee readiness groups (SRG), which encompass about 16,000 active duty 

and reserve NCFs. These commands are responsible for C2 over NMCBs, UCTs, and 

CBMUs. As a force provider, 1NCD provides ready combat construction forces to fulfill 

operational and forward engagement requirements of CCDRs and their component 

commanders for expeditionary construction, contributory support to naval shore activities 

and USMC bases and camps, and FHA and disaster recovery operations. 1NCD also 

provides contingency engineer planning in support of CCDR planning efforts. 

b. During normal homeport operations (when delegated) NCF units are under the 

ADCON of the Navy component commander of their assigned CCDR. When deployed 

during peacetime, NCF units are normally transferred to the supported theater Navy 

component commander under the GCC. During contingencies when NCF units deploy in 

support of a MAGTF, NCF units are generally transferred to the theater Marine Corps forces 

component commander. When not directly supporting Navy or Marine Corps forces, Seabee 

units may be assigned as part of a JTF, or assigned to operate with other Service engineers 

under a special engineering task force. 

3. Naval Construction Regiment 

a. NCRs are organized under 1NCD as operational commands. Two Active Component 

NCRs, 22nd and 25th NCRs, are under 1NCD which reports to Commander, Second Fleet, 

and the 30th NCR is assigned under 1NCD Pacific, which reports to Commander, US Pacific 

Fleet. There are also four RC NCRs with readiness support sites spread across the 

continental United States (CONUS). 

b. The NCR is an independent, permanently structured command element (CE) that 

conducts construction and engineer project management operations. They exercise OPCON 

over assigned units only when tasked to do so via OPORD. The NCR provides C2 over 

assigned subordinate engineer and other expeditionary units when deployed to an assigned 

geographical area. The NCR also implements general engineering policy, guidance, and 

standards, and conducts limited construction contracting capability when augmented by 

NAVFAC. 

c. Mission of the NCR. In addition, NCRs are responsible for ensuring subordinate 

units assigned to them achieve maximum operational readiness prior to the unit’s 

deployment to a contingency or forward deployment site. Responsibilities include the 

following tasks:

(1) Exercise TACON and OPCON when delegated. 

(2) Provide construction project management oversight for all NCF units in a 

designated OA. 

(3) Perform engineering reconnaissance and assessments. 
Navy Engineer Organizations and Capabilities 

B-B-3 

(4) Manage Class IV stocks. 

(5) Provide policy recommendations. 

(6) Determine the detailed composition of the engineer force in a designated OA. 

(7) Coordinate development of tactical plans for C2, intelligence, maneuver, fires, 

logistics, and force protection. 

(8) Coordinate intelligence support requirements and assessment, guidance, and 

reports to assigned units. 

(9) Plan and coordinate support to CA, civic action matters, and militarydiplomatic operations. 

(10) Plan, conduct, and maintain communications and information systems 

operations with various forces. 

(11) Coordinate NCR MPF operations. 

(12) Provide fiscal oversight and resources to subordinate commands and ensure 

accountability for the maintenance and management of items for which the command is 

responsible. 

(13) Coordinate the requirements for the receipt and distribution of material 

resources. 

(14) Function as a joint force engineer group functional HQ when designated. 

(15) Coordinate NCF embarkation requirements for assigned units. 

(16) Provide safety program oversight to assigned units. 

(17) Maintain oversight of subordinate units and personnel readiness conditions. 

(18) Function as the immediate superior-in-command and the certifying authority 

for subordinate assigned units per the requirements of the NCF fleet response training plan 

(FRTP). Certify units as they achieve their warfighting capabilities. 

Refer to Commander 1NCD Instruction 3501.4, Naval Construction Forces (NCFs) Fleet 

Response Training Plan (FRTP), for additional information on the FRTP and unit 

certification. 

4. Seabee Readiness Groups 

a. Mission. The SRG provides training, equipment, maintenance, and logistical support 

to combat-ready active and reserve NCF units in support of the GCCs. SRG support is 

provided to those units under its ADCON to the level necessary to achieve their assigned 

Navy mission-essential tasks and to the associated capabilities contained in their required 
Annex B to Appendix B 

B-B-4 JP 3-34 

operational capabilities document. The SRG also prepares units for deployments in support 

of a Navy component commander, JFC, or MAGTF. 

b. Responsibilities. The SRG is organized to accomplish the following functions and 

tasks: 

(1) Provide ADCON over assigned NCF units during the entire FRTP, both 

homeport and deployment phases. 

(2) Provide oversight of Service operational requirements and coordinate with the 

cognizant NCR for construction project management oversight. 

(3) Execute unit homeport training IAW the 1NCD-published FRTP and the 

gaining NCR. 

(4) Provide homeport construction project logistics support. 

(5) Provide table of allowance (TOA) management for 1NCD and its subordinate 

NCF units. 

(6) Provide mobilization support of reserve forces (31 SRG only) to the NCF. 

(7) Provide personnel support to 1NCD deployed units. 

5. Naval Mobile Construction Battalions 

a. NMCBs provide responsive military engineering and construction support to Navy, 

Marine Corps, and other forces in military operations. NMCBs have extensive heavy 

horizontal and vertical construction capabilities. NMCBs construct and maintain roads and 

bridging for supply routes, build EAFs and advanced bases, construct or extend airfield 

pavements, establish ammunition supply points, install, repackage and redeploy Mabey 

Johnson bridges and medium girder bridges, construct base facilities and force beddown 

facilities, and conduct defensive combat activities. Additional functions include repair, 

maintenance, and construction of shore facilities and LOCs during contingency, emergency, 

or FHA/CS operations. NMCBs also perform specialized construction such as water well 

drilling, quarry and rock crusher operations, asphalt and concrete placement, and battle 

damage repair such as ADR. They are able to work and defend themselves, including selfdecontamination of organic equipment and personnel at construction sites outside of their 

base camp and execution of tactical convoys. 

b. NMCBs are operationally self-sustainable for up to 60 days, requiring only 

replenishment of consumables. In times of emergency or disaster, NMCBs conduct FHA/CS 

operations. NMCBs are capable of limited operations in a CBRN environment. They are 

outfitted with individual personal protective gear, limited chemical and radiological 

detection equipment, and decontamination apparatus capable of decontamination of 

personnel, facilities, and equipment organic to the unit. Other configurations of the NMCB’s 

manpower and equipment such as those pre-positioned on the maritime pre-positioning 

ships, have been tailored to meet various missions. An NMCB can task-organize and deploy 
Navy Engineer Organizations and Capabilities 

B-B-5 

away from its main body a number of detachments, details, and teams depending on the 

operational tasking and theater requirements. Active duty NMCBs are homeported at 

Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Mississippi, and Naval Base Ventura County 

(NBVC) Port Hueneme, California, and reserve NMCBs are headquartered at various reserve 

support sites throughout CONUS. 

c. NMCBs have standing 89-person air detachments capable of deploying anywhere in 

the world within 48 hours of notification, using Air Mobility Command intertheater airlift or 

GCC controlled intertheater airlift. Air detachments can be reinforced in total end strength 

from 89-125. 

6. Underwater Construction Teams 

a. UCTs are specially trained and equipped units that perform underwater engineering, 

construction, repair, and inspection. UCTs facilitate port-opening operations with 

underwater surveys, damage repair, and obstacle removal through the use of precision 

demolitions, as well as detailed beach and port hydrographic and side-scans surveys for MPF 

or amphibious operations. UCTs conduct battle damage repair and assessments to ocean and 

waterfront and port facilities and are capable of a light salvage capability. 

b. UCTs perform complex inshore and deep ocean underwater construction tasks in any 

climate, including extreme cold weather environments. They provide ocean bottom surveys 

for appropriate site selection of underwater facilities. UCTs are capable of diving to and 

working at 190 feet and rely on self-contained underwater breathing apparatus and surfacesupplied-air driving systems. Typical projects include underwater repair of wharves, piers, 

pipelines, moorings, boat ramps, and underwater utility systems. The unit also supports 

OPDS operations by sinking, installing/connecting, and maintaining the single anchor let 

moorings. 

c. A UCT is divided into three construction diving detachments and a platoon-sized 

shore echelon, capable of deploying as one unit or separately. Each construction diving 

detachment carries its own transportable recompression chamber to support diving 

operations anywhere in the world. The shore echelon is composed of additional and larger 

unit equipment for sustained operations. There are two active UCTs, one at Naval 

Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia, and the other at NBVC Port Hueneme, California. 

7. Construction Battalion Maintenance Units 

CBMUs provide initial construction and continuous public works support to the Navy’s 

expeditionary medical facilities deployed in support of a contingency. The CBMU can 

provide follow-on public works operations to maintain and repair existing advanced base 

shore facilities or facilities constructed by NMCBs during contingency operations. The unit 

is capable of equipping, manning, and maintaining water production as well as steam and 

electrical power generation and distribution systems for advanced base facilities of up to 

5,000 personnel. A CBMU performs battle damage repairs to base camps, power, sewage, 

POL, and water systems. A CBMU also operates and maintains automotive and construction 
Annex B to Appendix B 

B-B-6 JP 3-34 

equipment including MHE. There are two active CBMUs, one on each coast of the CONUS, 

headquartered in San Diego, California, and Little Creek, Virginia. 

8. Amphibious Construction Battalion 

Amphibious construction battalions (PHIBCBs) are organized under the two NBGs, 

Atlantic and Pacific. The NBGs provide an administrative and CE from which personnel 

and equipment are formed in tactical elements and made available to appropriate 

commanders to support beach and waterfront operations, especially amphibious and MPF 

off-load operations. The PHIBCBs provide LOTS movement (ship-to-shore or shore-toshore) and construction support to amphibious forces. PHIBCBs are part of the naval 

support element and report to the NBG, which is responsible for in-stream offload of 

maritime ships in support of amphibious operations or the pier-side offload of a maritime 

pre-positioning squadron in support of a more permissive operation. Primary tasking of 

PHIBCBs is to provide ship-to-shore transportation of fuel, materials, and equipment in 

support of amphibious operations. Transport is accomplished primarily by means of 

assembling INLS powered and non-powered causeway sections into causeway ferries. 

Additional tasks include operating INLS causeways, installing and operating OPDS and 

assault bulk liquid transfer systems, and meeting the salvage requirements of the NBG. 

PHIBCBs construct elevated causeways and INLS floating causeway piers, erect 1,300-man 

expeditionary camps, and provide camp public works support, perimeter defense, and other 

beach improvement construction support. 

9. General Engineering Support to the Marine Corps 

The NCF provides general engineering support to reinforce and augment the general 

engineering capability of the Marine Corps. The normal employment of the NCF is as a 

major subordinate element within the MAGTF to maximize engineering capabilities 

available to the MAGTF commander. NCFs are an essential support element to any size 

MAGTF and routinely deploy and exercise with Marine Corps units. The NCF constructs 

and maintains base facilities, repairs battle damaged facilities, accomplishes disaster 

recovery efforts and FHA construction projects, and conducts limited defensive operations as 

required by the operating environment. 

10. Engineering Technical and Contract Support 

a. Engineering technical and contract support is provided by a variety of supporting 

organizations. NAVFAC provides engineering planning, design engineering, project 

management, environmental engineering support, construction contracting, and operations 

and maintenance for shore-based and ocean facilities. In particular, NAVFAC has mobile 

utilities support equipment (MUSE) teams, which provide temporary or short-term utility 

support. Typical MUSE team missions include support for MILCON and special projects, 

pier-side naval vessel support, emergency response to natural disasters (e.g., typhoon 

damage recovery), and joint contingency operations. The officer in charge of construction 

(OICC) is an organizational element within NAVFAC that’s established primarily for large 

temporary construction programs lasting 3 to 7 years. Their responsibilities range from 

design and acquisition to post-award construction oversight. The resident officer in charge 
Navy Engineer Organizations and Capabilities 

B-B-7 

of construction (ROICC) is another element traditionally responsible for only acquisition and 

post-award construction oversight particularly in support of non-Navy commands, such as 

Marine Corps and Air Force. During contingencies, the OICC and ROICC organizations can 

either expand or be established to support contingency construction requirements. 

b. NAVFAC is designated as a CCA by DOD. It administers the Navy’s GCCC and 

GCSC program. One method of execution is through the use of NAVFAC’s contingency 

OICC team. It’s capable of performing contingency engineering and acquisition services in 

any operational environment. Its mission is to provide technically competent engineering 

and mobilization-ready personnel to rapidly deliver NAVFAC products and services in 

support of NAVFAC mission requirements for contingency operations including surge and 

operational support for: 

(1) CCDR engineer requirements across the range of military operations. 

(2) Homeland defense. 

(3) Natural disasters. 

(4) Other contingency/expeditionary support. Another method is to employ 

contingency engineering response teams (CERTs). CERTs are temporary task-organized 

detachments formed to support specific missions, normally in response to emergent 

requirements and contingencies such as natural disaster or man-made event. Their mission is 

to provide responsive, technical engineer expertise, and assistance support for emergency 

response to natural disasters, such as typhoon damage recovery, and naval and joint 

contingency operations. 

c. The Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center (NFESC) provides a variety of 

technical and scientific expertise in facilities engineering, technology, and specialized 

products and services on a worldwide basis. NFESC also serves as a research consultant to 

operating forces in the following areas: 

(1) Contingency engineering, 

(2) Amphibious and expeditionary systems, 

(3) Logistics C2, 

(4) Explosive safety and blast mitigation, 

(5) Ordnance facilities, 

(6) Utilities and energy, 

(7) Environmental engineering, 

(8) Ocean engineering, 
Annex B to Appendix B 

B-B-8 JP 3-34 

(9) Shore facilities engineering, and 

(10) Force protection services. 

For additional information on the naval civil engineering refer to Navy Warfare Publication 

(NWP) 4-04, Naval Civil Engineering; Navy Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (NTTP) 4-

04.2, Naval Construction Force Operations; NTTP 4-04.3, Naval Contingency Engineering 

Operations; and Navy Tactical Reference Publication (NTRP) 4-04.2.1, Doctrinal Reference 

for the Naval Construction Force. 
B-C-1 

ANNEX C TO APPENDIX B 

AIR FORCE ENGINEER ORGANIZATIONS AND CAPABILITIES 

1. General 

The primary mission of Air Force civil engineers is to provide basing for beddown of 

forces, aircraft, and Air Force weapon systems. Air Force civil engineers focus primarily on 

general engineering and installations support activities including base establishment and 

survivability, force protection, ADR, and base denial. Air Force civil engineers organize as 

Prime BEEF and RED HORSE forces to support contingencies. They are highly trained and 

equipped to rapidly mobilize and establish airbases to enable the projection of air, space, and 

cyberspace power across the globe and throughout all phases of military operations. 

Engineering technical and contract support for Air Force civil engineer mobility forces are 

provided by a variety of other supporting organizations. AFCESA provides technical 

engineering support and training, and administers the AFCAP. Additionally, AFCESA 

provides specialized teams to assess pavement and runway conditions along with teams to 

conduct depot-level maintenance and repair of power generation equipment and aircraft 

arresting systems. The AFCEE provides a full range of environmental program support, 

base planning, construction, and contract services. 

2. Organization and Command 

Air Force engineer forces are assigned to CCMDs through the Service component. The 

CCDR exercises command authority over Air Force civil engineers through the 

COMAFFOR. During deployments, engineers remain under OPCON of the COMAFFOR. 

Although RED HORSE units are considered theater assets not assigned or attached to any 

wing structure, OPCON for these forces also remain with the COMAFFOR. Air Force 

engineers deploy as part of an AETF, or as detached units supporting limited missions or 

taskings. Air Force engineer forces are organized by unit type codes (UTCs) that can be 

tailored to meet specific mission requirements. These UTCs can be combined to provide the 

full range of support needed to achieve the CCDR’s objectives. 

3. Prime BEEF Capabilities 

a. Prime BEEF teams consist of total force military Air Force personnel assigned to 

home-station civil engineer organizations. During contingencies, engineers transition to an 

expeditionary mode capable of rapidly responding worldwide, providing the full range of 

engineering support and emergency services to establish, sustain, and recover bases for 

employing Air Force weapon systems and supporting joint/multinational forces. Prime 

BEEF capabilities include site surveys, bare base construction, concrete and asphalt paving, 

utility system installation and maintenance, installation GI&S, ADR, fire protection/crash 

rescue, EOD operations, and EM. Prime BEEF UTCs are rapidly deployable via airlift with 

team kits to support initial beddown taskings. 

b. Prime BEEF teams can be formed into an expeditionary civil engineer squadron 

(ECES) to sustain bases as they transition from short-term bases with initial standards of 

construction to more enduring bases with temporary or permanent infrastructure. The ECES 
Annex C to Appendix B 

B-C-2 JP 3-34 

would provide installations support, consisting of activities necessary for effective real 

property life cycle management and installation services (e.g., planning, providing 

installation assets, operating and maintaining utilities systems and infrastructure, 

environmental management, energy conservation, recapitalization, disposal, economic 

adjustment activities). This capability focuses on managing real property facilities and 

infrastructure on US or enduring bases in foreign theaters of operations while providing 

protection, safety, security, and sustainability for personnel and mission critical assets. 

Sustainment supplies and project materials can be procured from pre-positioned stockpiles, 

war readiness materiel depots, or contract sources. 

c. Prime BEEF core competencies are expeditionary engineering and emergency 

services. Expeditionary engineering consists of those capabilities Prime BEEF teams provide 

to establish, sustain, and recover bases, while emergency services includes fire emergency 

services (FES), EOD, and EM activities.

(1) Expeditionary Engineering 

(a) Air Force expeditionary engineering capability consists of civil engineer 

activities to establish, sustain, and recover airfields, and conduct force beddown operations, 

infrastructure maintenance, and base sustainment activities. It focuses on operating and/or 

maintaining aircraft arresting systems, airfield lighting, heavy equipment, airfield surfaces, 

roads, and temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent facilities; and includes the specialized 

capabilities of operating/maintaining aircraft arresting systems, and power generation and 

distribution systems. Teams perform light horizontal and vertical construction; provide pest 

management and environmental services; provide overall bare base master planning, design, 

and contract support, to include specialized augmentation at echelons above wing level; and 

conduct base recovery after attack, to include ADR and repairs to facilities and infrastructure 

systems. 

(b) A specialized Air Force expeditionary engineering capability inherent in 

Prime BEEF is offered by the civil engineer maintenance, inspection, and repair team 

(CEMIRT). CEMIRT consists of experts in electronic industrial controls, 

electrical/electronic equipment, system integrators, and electrical systems that provide 

remote monitoring and control of core utility equipment and systems, such as dispersed 

emergency backup generator sets, water/wastewater systems, and electrical distribution 

equipment. CEMIRT provides intermediate and depot-level repair support on power 

generation, electrical distribution, and aircraft arresting systems and technical support for 

heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. 

(c) Another specialized Air Force expeditionary engineering capability 

inherent in Prime BEEF is offered by APE teams. APE teams conduct structural evaluations 

of airfields around the world. APE teams perform routine and emergency evaluations using 

an array of lab and field equipment and state-of-the-art modeling software to help evaluate 

the strength and viability of airfields and determine the types of aircraft and number of 

takeoffs and landings the airfields can support. 
Air Force Engineer Organizations and Capabilities 

B-C-3 

(d) Other examples of specialized Air Force expeditionary engineering 

capabilities available through Prime BEEF are engineering command and control, base 

master planning, project programming and design, construction project/contract 

management, and construction quality assurance. These capabilities are available at the 

wing/base level, but can be used to support higher echelons (i.e., major command, numbered 

air force, or JTF levels). These specialized engineering capabilities are provided by 

established Prime BEEF staff augmentation team (S-Team) force packages, or tailored Prime 

BEEF force packages to meet the mission requirement. Established S-Team force packages 

include: 

1. Civil engineer S-Teams made up of 10 professionally registered 

engineering officers plus two senior enlisted personnel, 

2. Fire protection S-Teams made up of three senior enlisted firefighters, 

3. Civil engineer staff nuclear, biological, chemical, and conventional 

theater/joint staff support teams with two senior enlisted personnel, 

4. Prime BEEF engineering assistance teams made up of three enlisted 

engineering assistants for surveying, drafting, and other engineer assistance as required. 

(2) Emergency Services 

(a) FES provides incident management, fire prevention, and protection to 

minimize loss to lives, property, and the environment occurring throughout all phases of 

military operations. Included are fire suppression, hazard mitigation, rescue, mitigation or 

containment of releases of HAZMAT, and emergency medical responses. FES is 

capabilities-based, tailored to specific missions and geographic locations, and based upon 

environmental and threat conditions for different locations. During contingencies, 

firefighters are the primary installation emergency response team, responsible for supporting 

the commander’s requirement to launch and recover sorties. When Air Force firefighters are 

deployed in support of major operations where Air Force beddown and sustainment support 

is unavailable, the supported command, Service, or agency must provide logistical 

sustainment requirements.

(b) EOD provides the capability to mitigate or defeat the hazards presented by 

enemy or friendly employment of explosive ordnance, to include IEDs, explosive remnants 

of war, UXO, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives 

(CBRNE), WMD, and incendiary material. The Air Force provides distinctive EOD 

expertise to protect the mission, resources, and the environment in airfield operations, 

ground combat, homeland operations, defense support to civil authorities, and worldwide 

contingencies. EOD is a high demand capability that can be employed alone or as part of an 

Air Force, joint, interagency, or MNF to support CCDR objectives. Air Force EOD forces 

are primarily postured to support airbase operations, with primary missions to support sortie 

generation and force protection by eliminating explosive threats to airfield operations. 

Priority employment is in support of base security zones (BSZs) and EOD missions outside 

of the BSZ in support of air operations or land battlespace enabling freedom of maneuver. 
Annex C to Appendix B 

B-C-4 JP 3-34 

An important EOD mission, independent of air operations, is weapons technical intelligence 

(WTI). WTI includes investigating explosive events in order to capture bomb emplacers, 

identify bomb builders, and unravel extremist networks. EOD plays a pivotal role during 

WTI in the safe handling of military, commercial, and homemade explosives; assessing 

weapons and devices; and preserving forensic evidence from rendered safe devices, postblast scenes, and cache discoveries. EOD provides a critical capability to rapidly 

disseminate and share critical threat information and targeting opportunities. 

(c) EM personnel provide theater and in-garrison EM, CBRN, passive defense 

and response expertise working within the air operations center, JTF, or in-garrison 

emergency operations center. EM personnel are responsible for CBRN defense operations, 

coordination of incident management efforts, hazard identification/plotting, CBRN warning 

and reporting system, and establishing a COP for the commander. Additionally, EM 

personnel integrate counter-CBRN, force protection, critical infrastructure protection, 

antiterrorism, and medical requirements as they relate to all hazards incident response and 

recovery operations. EM provides detection, identification, and sampling capabilities for 

CBRN and HAZMAT incidents, and expertise in decontamination operations for personnel 

equipment, vehicles, aircraft, and other resources. 

4. RED HORSE Capabilities 

a. RED HORSE units are self-sustaining heavy construction forces that contain organic, 

self-sustaining, logistical support, and special construction capabilities. These units execute 

heavy horizontal and vertical construction projects; site development; construction and repair 

of runways, taxiways, aprons, roads, and revetments; heavy earthwork; construction and 

repair of facilities and infrastructure; and water purification. RED HORSE capabilities 

include all of the functions of Prime BEEF teams, but are more focused on providing a heavy 

construction capability including the specialized engineering capabilities of water well 

drilling, small-scale explosive demolition, quarry operations, concrete/asphalt batch plant 

operations, concrete/asphalt paving, materials testing, large expedient facility erection, and 

the installation of specialized assets such as aircraft shelters, dome shelters, clamshells, and 

expanded shelters. 

b. RED HORSE teams are capable of being deployed in a hub-and-spoke operation. 

This hub-and-spoke concept centers on primary and secondary beddown echelons which 

support specialized construction teams tailored to individual project requirements. The 

concept is to deploy the entire squadron, including augmentees, to a single AOR along with 

the appropriate equipment and vehicles. As the COMAFFOR establishes work requirements 

and priorities, the squadron will deploy teams to accomplish projects. They can be organized 

as squadrons or groups, depending on the mission. RED HORSE typically reports to a 

numbered air force in peacetime. During wartime, they are utilized as a theater asset 

reporting directly to the COMAFFOR and not tied to a particular base or weapon system. 

OPCON remains within Air Force channels, regardless of the type of operation supported.

c. Specialized RED HORSE capability is offered by Airborne RED HORSE flights to 

conduct expedient repairs to airfield surfaces and evaluate supporting infrastructure for 

potential COMAFFOR follow-on forces. This capability is used in Level III threat 
Air Force Engineer Organizations and Capabilities 

B-C-5 

environments when supported by security forces personnel, special operations, or other 

combat forces. Airborne RED HORSE forces can be deployed by airdrop, air-insertion, or 

air-delivery. Fundamental capabilities for Airborne RED HORSE flights include initial site 

survey assessment, UXO clearing, assess site for CBRNE materials, removal/demolition of 

obstructions, expedient force protection construction, repair airfield surfaces for limited 

airlift operations, install contingency airfield lighting, test for potable water sources, and 

perform pavement evaluations. Airborne RED HORSE engineers can be augmented by 

EOD and/or FES personnel to clear small areas of UXO and EHs, provide limited 

firefighting, rescue, and provide medical services. 

 
Annex C to Appendix B 

B-C-6 JP 3-34 

Intentionally Blank 
B-D-1 

ANNEX D TO APPENDIX B 

MARINE CORPS ENGINEER ORGANIZATIONS AND CAPABILITIES 

1. General 

The MAGTF is the Marine Corps’ principal organization for all missions across the 

range of military operations. MAGTFs are balanced, combined arms forces consisting of 

four organic elements: the CE, ACE, GCE, and logistics combat element (LCE). MAGTFs 

range in size from a MEF, Marine expeditionary brigade (MEB), Marine expeditionary unit 

(MEU), to a special purpose marine air-ground task force (SPMAGTF). A MEF has a 

Marine division as the GCE, a Marine air wing as the ACE, and a Marine logistics group as 

the LCE. A MEB has a regiment as the GCE, a Marine air group as the ACE, and a combat 

logistics regiment as the LCE. A MEU has a battalion as the GCE, a squadron as the ACE, 

and a combat logistics battalion as the LCE. The element sizes that make up a SPMAGTF 

vary according to mission. Depending on mission assigned, MAGTFs of MEF and MEB 

size may be augmented by NCF. When this occurs, the NCF forms a separate (or 5th) 

element of the MAGTF. Engineers are organic to each of the four elements of a MAGTF. 

See Figure B-D-1. 

2. Engineers in the Command Element 

Engineers within the CE provide advice and guidance to the MAGTF commander and 

coordinate the overall engineer efforts of the MAGTF. CE engineers work closely with 

Figure B-D-1. Marine Air-Ground Task Force Engineer Formations 

MARINE AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE 

ENGINEER FORMATIONS

(as required)

(Marine Wing Support 

Squadron Engineering 

Capability Location)

Command 

Element

Combat 

Engineer 

Battalion

Marine Wing 

Support Group

Engineer 

Support 

Battalion

Ground Combat 

Element

Aviation Combat 

Element

Logistics 

Combat Element

Naval 

Construction 

Force

Marine AirGround Task 

Force Engineer
Annex D to Appendix B 

B-D-2 JP 3-34 

other staff sections to integrate engineer considerations and requirements into all phases of 

planning and execution. 

3. Engineers in the Aviation Combat Element 

A MWSG is organic to each Marine aircraft wing. The MWSG is an HQ element that 

has subordinate MWSSs. The MWSS provides the following AGS functions: internal 

airfield communications; EAF services; aircraft rescue and firefighting; aircraft and ground 

refueling EOD; motor transport; field messing; medical; CBRN defense; security and law 

enforcement; air base commandant functions to include ABGD; and organic and support unit 

personnel training. These functions allow the ACE to project its assets ashore and generate 

sorties at a rate beyond that capable from sea-based platforms. AGS is compatible with 

Navy aircraft and can support and accommodate Army rotary-wing aircraft and most Air 

Force aircraft. The three main categories of engineer services provided by the engineer 

company of the MWSS are general engineering services, utilities, and material handling and 

heavy equipment services. The engineer company provides a host of general engineering 

services necessary to support the ACE during operations. They include: engineer 

reconnaissance; construction and maintenance of mission-essential base camp requirements; 

technical and equipment assistance for erection and construction of prefabricated structures; 

development, improvement, and maintenance of airfield and air base drainage systems; 

camouflage expertise; technical expertise in assessing bomb damage and providing the 

personnel and equipment necessary to perform ADR; limited mine detection capability; 

limited combat engineer services; construction, improvement, and maintenance of 

vertical/takeoff and landing and vertical/short takeoff and landing facilities; soils 

engineering; and soil stabilization and dust mitigation. The MWSS can be reinforced by 

MAGTF ESBs or NCF as necessary to perform missions such as constructing airstrips in 

excess of 900 feet. Generally, four MWSSs compose the MWSG. The MWSS is composed 

of an HQ company, airfield operations company, engineer company, and motor transport 

company. 

4. Engineers in the Ground Combat Element 

A CEB is organic to the Marine division. The CEB mission is to enhance the mobility, 

countermobility, and survivability of the division through combat and limited general 

engineering support. CEB tasks include: engineer reconnaissance; emplacing obstacle 

systems; breaching operations; mine/countermine; demolitions; limited combat road and trail 

construction and maintenance; temporary vertical and horizontal construction; and provide 

provisional infantry. A CEB contains a headquarters and service (H&S) company, engineer 

support company, and three or four combat engineer companies. A mobile assault company 

provides armored bridging, mechanized breaching, and mobile route reconnaissance and 

clearance capabilities in order to enhance the mobility of the Marine division. 

5. Engineers in the Logistics Combat Element 

The ESB is organic to the LCE. The ESB provides general support to the MAGTF by 

providing combat engineering and limited general engineering, bulk liquid (fuel and water), 

and utility support. ESB tasks include: combat engineering support; standard and non-
 Marine Corps Engineer Organizations and Capabilities 

B-D-3 

standard bridging; mine/countermine; demolitions; EOD; handling, storing, and dispensing 

bulk fuel and water; water purification; engineer reconnaissance and survey; construction 

and maintenance of base camps to include survivability; horizontal and vertical construction; 

laundry and shower services; mobile electric power; refrigeration; expedient road 

construction, repair, and maintenance; drafting and surveying; obstacle emplacement; 

breaching operations; and EAF construction. The ESB can reinforce either the MWSS or 

CEB to support specific requirements that exceed organic ACE or GCE engineer 

capabilities. The ESB works in concert with the NCF to provide comprehensive engineer 

support to the MAGTF. The ESB is composed of an H&S company, engineer support 

company, bridge company, EOD company, bulk fuel company, and two or three combat 

engineer companies. 

6. Seabee Support to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force 

The Navy typically provides a NMCB from the NCF to enhance the MAGTF through 

complementary, not duplicative, general engineering support. NMCB tasks include: 

construction of pre-engineered buildings, bunkers, towers, ammunition supply points, 

concrete and masonry buildings; surveying and drafting; materials testing; well drilling 

operations; rapid runway repair; bulk liquid distribution and storage; forward arming and 

refueling point sites; water purification; horizontal construction such as paved and unpaved 

roads; MSR maintenance; EAFs; asphalt and concrete runways; parking areas; beach 

improvements; and installation of both standard and non-standard bridging. 

 
Annex D to Appendix B 

B-D-4 JP 3-34 

Intentionally Blank 
B-E-1 

ANNEX E TO APPENDIX B 

MATRIX OF SERVICE ENGINEER CAPABILITIES 

The Matrix of Service Engineer Capabilities lists engineer capabilities by Service. The 

intent is to provide the JFC and his staff a snapshot of Service-specific engineer capabilities 

across the range of military operations. Capabilities are provided by the unit types listed 

under each Service in the matrix. The unit types are either specifically designated or are 

specialized capabilities not inherent in the designated unit types. Additionally, the matrix 

identifies if a capability is primary or secondary to a Service. A primary capability 

(designated as “P” in the matrix Figure B-E-1) is one in which the ability to perform the 

function is organic to the unit and is a specified task within the unit mission. The unit is also 

equipped or trained to accomplish the task. A secondary capability (designated as “S” in the 

matrix of Figure B-E-1) is one in which the unit has a limited ability (training, expertise, 

equipment) to accomplish the task. The task is either an implied task within the mission of 

the unit, or is specified as a secondary role for the unit. The matrix does not provide a 

standard formula for the integration of Service engineer elements and their capabilities 

within joint force operations. The JFC and his staff must consult with the joint force 

engineer for advice on engineer capability integration and interoperability. For additional 

information on Service engineer capabilities, roles, and missions, refer to the previous 

chapters of this publication or the respective Service’s publication for engineering. 

MATRIX OF SERVICE ENGINEER CAPABILITIES

USMC NAVY ARMY USAF 

 These reflect 

the highest 

USMC 

engineer 

capability. 

Applies to all 4 

unit types 

unless noted. 

Key: 

1 = CEB 

2 = ESB 

3 = MWSS 

4 = 

Specialized 

These reflect 

the highest 

USN engineer 

capability. 

Applies to all 7 

unit types 

unless noted. 

Key: 

1 = NMCB 

2 = UCT 

3 = CBMU 

4 = NCFSU 

5 = PHIBCB 

6 = 

Specialized 

7 = NAVFAC 

These reflect 

the highest 

USA engineer 

capability. 

Applies to the 

preponderance 

of both baseline 

types unless 

noted. 

Key: 

1 & 2 are 

Baseline 

1 = Combat 

2 = 

Construction 

3 = Specialized 

4 = Tech 

Expertise 

(USACE) 

These reflect 

the highest 

USAF 

engineer 

capacity. 

Applies to all 4 

unit types 

unless noted. 

Key: 

1 = Prime 

BEEF 

2 = RED 

HORSE 

3 = 

Specialized 

4 = Tech 

Expertise 

(AFCEE, 

AFCESA) 

Combat Engineering Capabilities

Baseline 

Conduct Engineer 

Reconnaissance 

P S P N 

Employ Specialized Demolitions P1,2,3 S P1 N 

Provide Technical Engineer 

Advice 

P S P N 

Fight as Infantry/Engineers S/S1 N/S P1,2(-) N/N 

Figure B-E-1. Matrix of Service Engineer Capabilities 
Annex E to Appendix B 

B-E-2 JP 3-34 

MATRIX OF SERVICE ENGINEER CAPABILITIES

USMC NAVY ARMY USAF 

 These reflect 

the highest 

USMC 

engineer 

capability. 

Applies to all 4 

unit types 

unless noted. 

Key: 

1 = CEB 

2 = ESB 

3 = MWSS 

4 = 

Specialized 

These reflect 

the highest 

USN engineer 

capability. 

Applies to all 7 

unit types 

unless noted. 

Key: 

1 = NMCB 

2 = UCT 

3 = CBMU 

4 = NCFSU 

5 = PHIBCB 

6 = 

Specialized 

7 = NAVFAC 

These reflect 

the highest 

USA engineer 

capability. 

Applies to the 

preponderance 

of both baseline 

types unless 

noted. 

Key: 

1 & 2 are 

Baseline 

1 = Combat 

2 = 

Construction 

3 = Specialized 

4 = Tech 

Expertise 

(USACE) 

These reflect 

the highest 

USAF 

engineer 

capacity. 

Applies to all 4 

unit types 

unless noted. 

Key: 

1 = Prime 

BEEF 

2 = RED 

HORSE 

3 = 

Specialized 

4 = Tech 

Expertise 

(AFCEE, 

AFCESA) 

Perform Complex Demolition 

Operations 

P1,2,3 P P1,2,3 N 

Perform Explosive Ordnance 

Disposal Activities 

P2,3 N P1

 N 

 

Mobility 

Breach Obstacles P1,2 N P1 N 

Construct Combat Roads and 

Trails 

P1 S2

 S P N 

Assault Bridging P1 S1 P1 N 

Clear Mines P1 S2 N P1 N 

Clear Helicopter Landing Zones P1,2,3 S P N 

Initial Beach Improvement P1 S2 P P N 

Build/Repair Expedient 

Airstrip/Landing Zone 

P2,3 P P N 

 

Countermobility 

Place Mines P1,2 N P1 N 

Plan/Install Obstacles and 

Barriers 

P1,2,3 N P1,2(-) N 

 

Survivability 

Construct Field Fortifications P S P N 

General Engineering Capabilities

Baseline 

Conduct Engineer 

Reconnaissance/Site Survey 

P2,3 P P P 

Surveying and Drafting P2,3 P P2,3,4 P 

Plan and Estimate Projects P P P1,2,3,4 P 

Engineering Design P2 S3 P P2,3,4 P 

Provide Technical Engineer 

Advice 

P2,3 P P P 

Project Management S P P1,2,3,4 P 

Fight as Infantry S1,2,3 S P1,2(-) N 

Figure B-E-1. Matrix of Service Engineer Capabilities 
Matrix of Service Engineer Capabilities 

B-E-3 

MATRIX OF SERVICE ENGINEER CAPABILITIES

USMC NAVY ARMY USAF 

 These reflect 

the highest 

USMC 

engineer 

capability. 

Applies to all 4 

unit types 

unless noted. 

Key: 

1 = CEB 

2 = ESB 

3 = MWSS 

4 = 

Specialized 

These reflect 

the highest 

USN engineer 

capability. 

Applies to all 7 

unit types 

unless noted. 

Key: 

1 = NMCB 

2 = UCT 

3 = CBMU 

4 = NCFSU 

5 = PHIBCB 

6 = 

Specialized 

7 = NAVFAC 

These reflect 

the highest 

USA engineer 

capability. 

Applies to the 

preponderance 

of both baseline 

types unless 

noted. 

Key: 

1 & 2 are 

Baseline 

1 = Combat 

2 = 

Construction 

3 = Specialized 

4 = Tech 

Expertise 

(USACE) 

These reflect 

the highest 

USAF 

engineer 

capacity. 

Applies to all 4 

unit types 

unless noted. 

Key: 

1 = Prime 

BEEF 

2 = RED 

HORSE 

3 = 

Specialized 

4 = Tech 

Expertise 

(AFCEE, 

AFCESA) 

Infrastructure Damage 

Assessment and Repair 

S2,3 P P P1,2,3

Disaster Preparedness S2,3 P P P1,2

Environmental Protection S2,3 S P P1,4

Hazardous Materials Waste 

Management 

N S P P1

Tactical Bridging P1 S1 P1 N 

Fixed/LOC Bridging S1 P1 P1 N 

Provide Real Estate Services S N P2,4 S4

 

Base Camps 

Plan/Construct/Repair/ Maintain 

Base Camps 

(0-6 months) 

P2,3 P P P1,2

Plan/Construct/Repair/ Maintain 

Base Camps 

(6-12 months) 

P2,3 P P P1,2

Plan/Construct/Repair/ Maintain 

Base Camps 

(> 12 months) 

P2,3 P P P1

Construct Logistic Support 

Bases 

P2

 P P P2

Construct/Improve/Maintain 

Logistic Support Area 

P2

 P S2 S2

Construct Semi-Permanent 

Staging/Marshalling Areas 

S P P P1,2

Provide Structural Firefighting 

Support 

S3

 N P3 P1

Erect Pre-Engineered 

Structures 

P2,3 P P S1

 P2

Erect Field Hospitals S2 P P S2

 

Infrastructure 

Vertical/Horizontal Construction P2,3 P P2,3 P1,2

Asphalt Placement Operations N P P3 P2

Figure B-E-1. Matrix of Service Engineer Capabilities 
Annex E to Appendix B 

B-E-4 JP 3-34 

MATRIX OF SERVICE ENGINEER CAPABILITIES

USMC NAVY ARMY USAF 

 These reflect 

the highest 

USMC 

engineer 

capability. 

Applies to all 4 

unit types 

unless noted. 

Key: 

1 = CEB 

2 = ESB 

3 = MWSS 

4 = 

Specialized 

These reflect 

the highest 

USN engineer 

capability. 

Applies to all 7 

unit types 

unless noted. 

Key: 

1 = NMCB 

2 = UCT 

3 = CBMU 

4 = NCFSU 

5 = PHIBCB 

6 = 

Specialized 

7 = NAVFAC 

These reflect 

the highest 

USA engineer 

capability. 

Applies to the 

preponderance 

of both baseline 

types unless 

noted. 

Key: 

1 & 2 are 

Baseline 

1 = Combat 

2 = 

Construction 

3 = Specialized 

4 = Tech 

Expertise 

(USACE) 

These reflect 

the highest 

USAF 

engineer 

capacity. 

Applies to all 4 

unit types 

unless noted. 

Key: 

1 = Prime 

BEEF 

2 = RED 

HORSE 

3 = 

Specialized 

4 = Tech 

Expertise 

(AFCEE, 

AFCESA) 

Operate Base Central Power 

Plant 

N P P3

 P1

Provide Tactical Water/Hygiene P2,3 P3 N P1,2

Provide Tactical Electrical 

Supply 

P2,3 P3

 P2,3 P1,2

Develop Sewage and Water 

Systems 

N P P P1,2

Bulk Fuel Support P2,3 P P3 S2

Concrete Placement/Paving 

Operations 

P2,3 P, S2,3 P1,2,3 P2

 

Airfields 

Build/Repair/Maintain 

Expeditionary Airfield/Landing 

Zone 

P2,3 P P P1,2,3

Perform Airfield Damage Repair P2,3 S P P1,2

Perform Rapid Runway Repair P3 P P P1,2

Improve/Sustain Airfields P2,3 P P P1

Construct Aircraft 

Revetment/Dispersal Sites 

P3

 P P2,3 P2

Provide Aircraft 

Crash/Fire/Rescue Support 

P3

 S P3 P1

Install and Maintain Airfield 

Lighting/Navigating Systems 

P3

 N P2,3 P1,2

Install, Certify, and Maintain 

Aircraft Arresting Barriers 

P3

 P7 P2,3,4 P1,2

Airfield Planning P3 P6 P2,3,4 P1,2

 

Seaports 

Perform Pile Driving Operations N P P N 

Construct/Repair 

Port/Waterfront Structures 

N P P N 

Over-the-Shore Causeway N P P N 

Underwater 

Construction/Maintenance 

N P P3

 N 

Figure B-E-1. Matrix of Service Engineer Capabilities 
Matrix of Service Engineer Capabilities 

B-E-5 

MATRIX OF SERVICE ENGINEER CAPABILITIES

USMC NAVY ARMY USAF 

 These reflect 

the highest 

USMC 

engineer 

capability. 

Applies to all 4 

unit types 

unless noted. 

Key: 

1 = CEB 

2 = ESB 

3 = MWSS 

4 = 

Specialized 

These reflect 

the highest 

USN engineer 

capability. 

Applies to all 7 

unit types 

unless noted. 

Key: 

1 = NMCB 

2 = UCT 

3 = CBMU 

4 = NCFSU 

5 = PHIBCB 

6 = 

Specialized 

7 = NAVFAC 

These reflect 

the highest 

USA engineer 

capability. 

Applies to the 

preponderance 

of both baseline 

types unless 

noted. 

Key: 

1 & 2 are 

Baseline 

1 = Combat 

2 = 

Construction 

3 = Specialized 

4 = Tech 

Expertise 

(USACE) 

These reflect 

the highest 

USAF 

engineer 

capacity. 

Applies to all 4 

unit types 

unless noted. 

Key: 

1 = Prime 

BEEF 

2 = RED 

HORSE 

3 = 

Specialized 

4 = Tech 

Expertise 

(AFCEE, 

AFCESA) 

Provide Technical Bulk Fuel 

Storage/Dispersing (Over-theShore) 

N P P3

 N 

Perform Light 

Salvage/Recovery Operations 

N S2,6 S3

 N 

Perform Dredging Operations N S7 S4 N 

 

Lines of Communications 

Improve Beaches P2 P P N 

Construct/Repair/Reinforce 

Standard/Non-Standard Bridges 

P2

 P P N 

Concrete Batch Plant 

Operations 

N P P3

 P2

Asphalt Batch Plant Operations N P P3 P2

Perform Quarry Operations N P P3 P2

Perform Rock Crusher 

Operations 

N P P3

 P2

Airfield Pavement Evaluation 

and Certification 

S3

 N P2,3,4 P3

Drill Wells N P P2,3,4 P2

Provide Fixed Site Material 

Handling Equipment Services 

P2,3 N P2,3 N 

Provide Contingency 

Contracting Services 

N P6

 P2,4 S2 P4

Construct Roads P2 P1,7 P1,2,4 P1,2

Construct Pipelines P2 P1,2,5,7 P2,3,4 P1,2

Construct Railbeds N P1,7 P2,4 N 

Geospatial Engineering Capabilities

Provide Existing Data for 

Operational Environment 

Visualization 

N P7

 P3,4 P 

Develop/Manage 

Georeferenced Terrain 

Information 

N P7

 P3,4 P1,2

Figure B-E-1. Matrix of Service Engineer Capabilities 
Annex E to Appendix B 

B-E-6 JP 3-34 

MATRIX OF SERVICE ENGINEER CAPABILITIES

USMC NAVY ARMY USAF 

 These reflect 

the highest 

USMC 

engineer 

capability. 

Applies to all 4 

unit types 

unless noted. 

Key: 

1 = CEB 

2 = ESB 

3 = MWSS 

4 = 

Specialized 

These reflect 

the highest 

USN engineer 

capability. 

Applies to all 7 

unit types 

unless noted. 

Key: 

1 = NMCB 

2 = UCT 

3 = CBMU 

4 = NCFSU 

5 = PHIBCB 

6 = 

Specialized 

7 = NAVFAC 

These reflect 

the highest 

USA engineer 

capability. 

Applies to the 

preponderance 

of both baseline 

types unless 

noted. 

Key: 

1 & 2 are 

Baseline 

1 = Combat 

2 = 

Construction 

3 = Specialized 

4 = Tech 

Expertise 

(USACE) 

These reflect 

the highest 

USAF 

engineer 

capacity. 

Applies to all 4 

unit types 

unless noted. 

Key: 

1 = Prime 

BEEF 

2 = RED 

HORSE 

3 = 

Specialized 

4 = Tech 

Expertise 

(AFCEE, 

AFCESA) 

Provide Terrain Analysis S1,2,3 P6 P3,4 P1,2

Provide Standard/Non-Standard 

Geospatial Products and 

Services 

N P7

 P3,4 P1,2

Provide Port/Water Bathymetric 

Services 

N P7

 P3,4 N 

Legend 

P = Primary capability: Organic within the unit, specified task within the mission of the unit. Trained 

and/or equipped to accomplish this capability. 

S = Secondary capability: Unit has a limited ability (training, expertise, and equipment) to accomplish 

the task. Implied task for the unit. Task specified as a secondary role for the unit. 

N = Not a capability of this organization. 

- = Limited capacity within identified unit. 

Note: Contractors are being asked to perform many of the general engineering tasks listed above. 

Acronym List 

AFCEE 

AFCESA 

CBMU 

CEB 

ESB 

LOC 

MWSS 

NAVFAC 

NCFSU 

NMCB 

PHIBCB 

Prime BEEF 

RED HORSE 

UCT 

USA 

USACE 

USAF 

USMC 

USN

Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment 

Air Force Civil Engineering Support Agency 

construction battalion maintenance unit 

combat engineer battalion 

engineer support battalion 

line of communications 

Marine wing support squadron 

Naval Facilities Engineering Command 

naval construction force support unit 

naval mobile construction battalion 

amphibious construction battalion 

Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force 

Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer 

underwater construction team 

United States Army 

United States Army Corps of Engineers 

United States Air Force 

United States Marine Corps 

United States Navy 

Figure B-E-1. Matrix of Service Engineer Capabilities 
C-1 

APPENDIX C 

CONTRACT CONSTRUCTION AGENTS 

1. General 

a. The DOD construction agents are the USACE, NAVFAC, or other approved DOD 

activity such as AFCEE (see DODD 4270.5, Military Construction). These organizations 

and their contractors are a powerful force multiplier, allowing military engineers to 

concentrate on engineering missions in high-threat areas. USACE and NAVFAC also 

provide the JFC with a significant engineering capability to be leveraged in joint operations. 

USACE and NAVFAC are the principal organizations to plan, design, construct, and acquire 

(lease or buy) facilities and real estate. AFCESA and AFCEE also have the authority to 

design and construct projects to support joint and Air Force requirements. Inherent in their 

mission support capabilities is a planning and engineering capability for theater advanced 

base and infrastructure development. These organizations also maintain in-depth expertise in 

engineering research and development. 

b. Responsibilities. The responsibilities of the DOD construction agents include the 

design, award, and management of construction contracts for projects associated with the 

peacetime MILCON program. Overseas, USACE, NAVFAC, and the Air Force are assigned 

specific geographical areas under DODD 4270.5, Military Construction (see Figure C-1). 

Related to these responsibilities is the leasing of real estate. 

c. Construction Contracting in Contingencies. The CCDR may also use USACE, 

NAVFAC, and where approved, AFCEE as contingency CCAs for design, award, and 

management of construction contracts in support of military operations. For geographical 

areas where there is no designated DOD construction agent, the CCDR will usually designate 

a CCA for support in a contingency. USACE and NAVFAC also provide facilities planning, 

contract administration, and technical engineering support to JFCs (e.g., advanced base 

master planning, geospatial engineering, force-protection engineering, environmental 

engineering, and cold-weather mobility). AFCEE provides planning, contract 

administration, and technical engineering support to JFCs and critical oversight and 

execution support to Air Force contingency MILCON programs overseas. 

2. United States Army Corps of Engineers 

a. USACE is the Army activity assigned responsibility to execute the following 

Army and DOD mission areas: 

(1) Engineering and design. 

(2) Contract construction. 

(3) Real estate acquisition. 

(4) Technical assistance. 
Appendix C 

C-2 JP 3-34 

(5) Geospatial engineering support. 

(6) The Army’s civil works program. 

b. Organization. USACE’s subordinate commands are organized geographically and 

functionally. There are three major organizational structures. 

(1) Divisions. The division is the major subordinate C2 organization for USACE. 

The division commander provides executive direction to and management of the subordinate 

district commands. The division’s orientation is regional and provides broad interface with 

regional interests and management of division-wide programs (see Figure C-2). 

(2) Districts. The district command is the operating arm of the division. All 

USACE districts in the United States have civil works responsibilities. In the United States, 

their boundaries are delineated along major watershed basins and their work lines are set on 

Figure C-1. Designated Geographical Areas of 

Department of Defense Construction Agents

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

Afghanistan

Canada, excluding Newfoundland

Central America

Europe, excluding Spain, Portugal, Italy, 

Greece, and the British Isles

Northen Eurasia, which makes up Russia 

and the former Soviet republics

Japan, including the Ryukyu Island 

(Okinawa)

Korea

Marshall Islands

Mexico

Middle East, including the Saudi Arabian 

Peninsula

South America

Southern Asia, from Iran to Myanmar

(Burma)

Sub-Sahara Africa, excluding Kenya and 

Somalia

Turkey 

Greenland

Iraq

Taiwan

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

Atlantic Ocean area

Australia and New Zealand

Caribbean Sea area

Greece

Iceland

Indian Ocean area

Italy

Newfoundland

North Africa, including Somalia and 

Kenya but excluding Egypt

Pacific Ocean area, including the 

Commonwealth of the Northern 

Marianas Islands, but excluding the 

Marshall Islands

Portugal, including the Azores

Republic of the Philippines

Southeast Asia, from Thailand to Vietnam

Spain 

British Isles

DESIGNATED GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS OF

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CONSTRUCTION AGENTS
 Contract Construction Agents 

C-3 

 

Figure C-2. United States Army Corps of Engineers Organization 

UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

ORGANIZATION

OTHER COMMANDS

Engineer Research and Development Center

Huntsville Engineer Support Center

249th Engineer Battalion

LEGEND

HQ headquarters

MILCON military construction

RHQ regional headquarters

PACIFIC OCEAN DIVISION

MILCON

Only

MILCON

Only

MILCON

Only

TRANSATLANTIC DIVISION

North

South

North

South

HQ

EUROPE

HQ

HQ

HQ

RHQ

HQ

HQ

Great Lakes and 

Ohio River

Division

South

Atlantic

Division

South Pacific

Division

Northwestern Division

Southwestern

Division Mississippi Valley

Division

HQ

RHQ

HQ

North Atlantic

Division
Appendix C 

C-4 JP 3-34 

state boundaries. In addition, some of the districts also have military execution 

responsibilities. The districts maintain in-house core capabilities in planning, engineering, 

construction, operations, project management, and contract administration. 

(3) Laboratories. The Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is the 

USACE’s distributed research and development command headquartered in Vicksburg, 

Mississippi. ERDC consists of the following seven unique laboratories: 

(a) Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, Vicksburg, Mississippi. 

(b) Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, New 

Hampshire. 

(c) Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, Champaign, Illinois. 

(d) Environmental Laboratory, Vicksburg, Mississippi. 

(e) Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, Vicksburg, Mississippi. 

(f) Information Technology Laboratory, Vicksburg, Mississippi. 

(g) Topographic Engineering Center, Alexandria, Virginia. 

c. Military Support. USACE designs and constructs military facilities and supports 

military installations worldwide. The military engineering expertise of the Corps is focused 

on the engineering required to plan, design, and construct military facilities, and the 

environmental engineering necessary to execute DOD installation environmental restoration 

projects. USACE maintains specialized expertise in its laboratories and centers for cold 

weather engineering, remote sensing and imagery, force protection design, airfield design, 

weapons effects (e.g., support for operational targeting—assess the target, recommend 

appropriate weapon systems, and attack profile), terrain analysis for mobility and 

countermobility, geospatial engineering, security systems engineering, environmental 

management, and environmental engineering. USACE’s 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime 

Power) can conduct power assessments and install generators to provide emergency power. 

d. Contingency Operations Support. USACE initially provides support to CCDRs 

and subordinate JFCs through assigned LNOs who define requirements. HQ USACE will 

task support as necessary. 

3. Naval Facilities Engineering Command 

a. NAVFAC Mission. NAVFAC is the Navy’s global shore facilities manager. It is an 

Echelon II systems command reporting to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). NAVFAC 

provides acquisition and technical support to the operating forces of the Navy. It is 

headquartered on the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, DC, with facilities engineering 

commands (FECs) located at naval stations throughout the world. NAVFAC provides 
 Contract Construction Agents 

C-5 

contingency services, which support both adaptive planning and CAP, and technical 

engineering services to the operating and expeditionary forces of the Navy, Marine Corps, 

and other joint forces. 

(1) NAVFAC Business Lines. NAVFAC delivers its services through six business 

lines: 

(a) Capital improvements, 

(b) Environmental, 

(c) Asset management, 

(d) Public works, 

(e) Expeditionary programs, and 

(f) Contingency engineering. 

(2) NAVFAC Organization. NAVFAC is commanded by a US Navy Civil 

Engineer Corps rear admiral who is also designated as the Chief of Civil Engineers and the 

Chief Operating Officer for the Naval Expeditionary Combat Enterprise. NAVFAC’s global 

component command organization is comprised of two subordinate HQ commands 

(NAVFAC Atlantic and NAVFAC Pacific) and 10 FECs. 

b. NAVFAC Atlantic and Pacific. NAVFAC Atlantic and Pacific are Echelon III 

commands headquartered on the east and west coasts (see Figure C-3). They oversee 

NAVFAC products and services within each fleet’s operational AOR. They also provide 

centralized production of specialized engineering services beyond the organic capability of 

the regional commands at the Echelon IV level. Both commands provided contingency 

engineering support and each is designated by DOD as a CCA for the Navy’s GCCC and 

GCSC program. 

c. NAVFAC Vertical and Horizontal Roles and Responsibilities. With regard to 

vertical roles, NAVFAC Atlantic and Pacific (Echelon III) are the immediate superior in 

command for the FECs (Echelon IV) within their OA. NAVFAC Atlantic and Pacific and 

the specialty centers (Echelon III) report to NAVFAC HQ (Echelon II). NAVFAC Atlantic 

and Pacific coordinate priorities with the FECs in their OA based on fleet and CNIC 

priorities. The FEC (Echelon IV) commands are the primary point for delivery of client 

products and services. With regard to horizontal roles, NAVFAC HQ (Echelon II) is the 

primary manager and NAVFAC Atlantic and Pacific (Echelon III) coordinate responsibilities 

among the FECs (Echelon IV) within their AOR. The NAVFAC Specialty Centers (NFESC, 

Naval Facilities Expeditionary Logistics Center [NFELC], and Navy Crane Center) provide 

support (coordinated with business and support lines) to NAVFAC commands and to 

supported commands. NAVFAC programming and budgeting are fully coordinated at 

Echelon II. NAVFAC Atlantic and Pacific perform both budget formulation and budget 

execution within their OA. Echelon IV commands submit general fund requirements and 
Appendix C 

C-6 JP 3-34 

Navy working capital fund budget formulations through their respective Echelon III 

commands. Budget issues are worked as a team through all echelons. 

d. Naval Facilities Engineering Commands (see Figure C-4). FECs are located 

around the globe and are Echelon IV commands aligned to each Navy region. FECs are the 

single provider of all NAVFAC products and services for Navy and Marine Corps clients in 

their geographic OA/region. FECs are OPCON/additional duty to the Navy regional 

commander and are primary duty/ADCON to the respective NAVFAC Atlantic or Pacific 

Command. They play a significant role in contingency operations through globally 

dispersed subordinate organizations such as OICC, ROICCs, and public works department 

facilities 

Echelon IV/Fleet/Navy Crane Center/Global Contingency Construction Alignment 

GCC NCC 

Navy 

Operational 

Forces 

Navy 

Regions 

NAVFAC 

Component 

Commands 

CDR, US Pacific 

Command 

(CDRUSPACOM) 

COMUSPACFLT 

(Tailored MOC) 

CDR, Third Fleet 

(MOC) 

CDR, Seventh 

Fleet (MOC) 

(JFMCC-PACIFIC)

 NAVFACPAC 

CNR 

Hawaii 

FEC Hawaii 

CNR 

Marianas 

FEC Marianas

CNR 

Japan 

FEC Far East 

CNR 

Korea 

NRAC 

Singapore 

CDR, US Northern 

Command 

(CDRUSNORTHCOM) 

COMUSFLTFORCOM 

(Tailored MOC) 

CDR, Second 

Fleet (MOC) 

 NAVFACLANT

CDR 

NDW 

FEC 

Washington 

CNR MidAtlantic FEC MidAtlantic

CNR 

Southeast 

FEC 

Southeast

CNR 

Southwest 

FEC 

Southwest

CNR 

Northwest 

FEC 

Northwest

Figure C-3. Echelon IV/Fleet/Navy Crane Center/Global Contingency Construction 

Alignment 
Contract Construction Agents 

C-7 

Echelon IV/Fleet/Navy Crane Center/Global Contingency Construction Alignment 

GCC NCC 

Navy 

Operational 

Forces 

Navy 

Regions 

NAVFAC 

Component 

Commands 

 CNR 

Midwest 

FEC Midwest 

CDR, US European 

Command 

COMUSNAVEUR CDR, Sixth Fleet 

(COMSIXTHFLT) 

(MOC) 

(JFMCCEUROPE) 

CNR 

Europe 

FEC Europe/ 

Southwest 

Asia 

CDR, US Central 

Command 

COMUSNAVCENTCOM CDR, Fifth Fleet 

(MOC) 

(JFMCCCENTRAL) 

CNR 

Southwest 

Asia 

CDR, US Southern 

Command 

COMUSNAVSO 

(Tailored MOC) 

CDR, Fourth Fleet 

(MOC) 

 NAVFACLANT

FEC 

Southeast

CDR, US Africa 

Command 

US Naval Forces Africa; 

fleet level command: 

Task Force 80. 

COMSIXTHFLT 

(MOC) 

 NAVFACLANT

FEC Europe/ 

Southwest 

Asia 

Legend 

CDR 

CNR 

COMUSFLTFORCOM 

COMUSNAVCENTCOM 

COMUSNAVEUR 

COMUSNAVSO 

COMUSPACFLT 

FEC

GCC 

JFMCC 

MOC 

NAVFAC

NAVFACLANT 

NAVFACPAC 

NCC 

NDW 

NRAC

commander 

Commander, Navy Region 

Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command 

Commander, United States Naval Forces Central Command 

Commander, United States Naval Forces Europe 

Commander, United States Naval Forces Southern Command 

Commander, United States Pacific Fleet 

facilities engineering command 

geographic combatant commander 

Joint Force Maritime Component Command 

maritime operations center 

Naval Facilities Engineering Command 

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic 

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific 

Navy component commander 

Naval District Washington 

Naval Research Advisory Committee 

Figure C-3. Echelon IV/Fleet/Navy Crane Center/Global Contingency Construction 

Alignment. 
Appendix C 

C-8 JP 3-34 

engineering and architecture department. They are capable of providing construction contract 

support, real estate support and they also manage the Navy’s GCCC and GCSC contract 

programs after award. 

e. NAVFAC Specialty Centers (see Figure C-5) 

(1) Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center. NFESC is an Echelon III 

command located in Port Hueneme, California, with a detachment in Washington, DC. The 

NFESC provides specialized engineering and technical expertise and serves as a research 

consultant to operational forces in the following areas: 

(a) Contingency engineering, 

(b) Amphibious and expeditionary systems, 

(c) Logistics C2, 

(d) Explosive safety and blast mitigation, 

(e) Ordnance facilities, 

(f) Utilities and energy, 

(g) Environmental engineering, 

(h) Ocean engineering, 

Figure C-4. Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Command and Control 

NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING COMMAND, 

COMMAND AND CONTROL

NAVFAC HQ

NAVFAC

Atlantic

NAVFAC

Pacific

HQ headquarters NAVFAC Naval Facilities Engineering Command
 Contract Construction Agents 

C-9 

(i) Shore facilities engineering, and 

(j) Force protection services. 

(2) Naval Facilities Expeditionary Logistics Center. NFELC is an Echelon III 

command located in Port Hueneme, California, that provides overarching asset management 

and expeditionary logistics support, and is responsible for life-cycle management of the 

equipment, materials, and training required to enable the readiness of the NCF and other 

expeditionary units. Specific support to the NCF includes the following: 

(a) Management and maintenance of the Seabee TOA. 

(b) Communication and information technology development. 

(c) Management of prepositioned war reserve material and stock for the NCF. 

(d) Primary procurement of the Navy’s inventory of automotive and 

construction equipment. 

(e) Management of the MUSE program. 

(f) Sealift support. 

(3) Navy Crane Center. The Navy Crane Center mission is to establish and 

maintain a safe and effective weight handling program for the Navy’s shore activities 

Figure C-5. Naval Facilities Engineering Command, 

Naval Facilities Engineering Specialty Centers 

NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING COMMAND,

NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING SPECIALTY CENTERS 

Naval 

Facilities 

Engineering 

Service Center

Naval Facilities 

Expeditionary 

Logistics Center

Naval Facilities 

Engineering 

Service Center

Navy

Crane Center
Appendix C 

C-10 JP 3-34 

worldwide. It also provides engineering acquisition, technical support, training, and 

evaluation services for the safe operation of NCF crane assets. 

(4) Naval Facilities Engineering Command Support of Contingency 

Operations. NAVFAC is capable of providing a forward element dedicated to support the 

GCC or JTF for contingency operations. NAVFAC has elements designed to provide 

deployed facilities engineering and construction contracting capabilities. Linked to the rest of 

the global interdependent NAVFAC organization, by way of reachback, these elements are 

capable of delivering the complete range of NAVFAC products and services to support 

contingency operations in most threat environments worldwide. The following 

organizational elements directly support component commanders for planning and execution 

of contingency operations: 

(a) The CERT assesses damaged facilities and environmental disasters and 

implements repairs and response to restore essential operational requirements in support of a 

contingency response mission. CERTs are task-organized to meet the needs of specific 

situations and are staffed with subject matter experts as required by the mission. The most 

common operational environment for a CERT is within DOD installations after a significant 

natural or man-made disaster. CERTs may respond to events outside DOD installations 

worldwide on a case-by-case basis. CERTs may also individually augment staffs to assist 

with management of funding and execution of design, construction, leasing, and other 

engineering functions during a contingency mission. CERTs support the CNO’s emergency 

management plan, CNIC’s command EM programs, and any other contingency missions 

tasked to NAVFAC. 

(b) The contingency OICC is an RC unit that provides technically competent 

engineering personnel for contingency and CAP, construction management, 

OPORD/OPLAN support, engineering support plan development, environmental, real estate, 

and facilities contract management. The contingency OICC provides GCC/component 

commander and theater/expeditionary support deploying as a unit, a standing CERT, or via 

the individual augmentee program. 

Refer to NTTP 4-04.3, Naval Contingency Engineering Operations, for further information 

on NAVFAC support to contingency engineering operations. 

4. Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment 

AFCEE is a field operating agency of the Air Force Civil Engineer. It provides Air 

Force leaders with the comprehensive and diverse expertise needed to support the warfighter 

by protecting, preserving, restoring, developing, and sustaining the nation’s environmental 

and installation resources. AFCEE employs more than 500 civilian and military personnel 

and is partnered with numerous, nationally respected and capable contractors. Their multibillion dollar contracting capacity covers the entire range of environmental and construction 

management services. AFCEE Capital Investment Management Execution Divisions 

manage MILCON housing and environmental programs, contingency operations and support 

of non-Air Force organizations. 
 Contract Construction Agents 

C-11 

a. AFCEE Technical Division provides technical expertise, develops environmental 

restoration execution strategies, and finds the most effective technical and contractual 

approaches. 

b. AFCEE Capital Investment Management Division houses the MILCON program 

management office (PMO) and has oversight over the Atlantic and Pacific regional 

management offices. The MILCON PMO manages all capital improvement work, including 

design and construction of MILCON and military housing projects. 

c. AFCEE Environmental Restoration Division is the PMO responsible for the Air 

Force environmental restoration program 

d. AFCEE Contingency Construction Division provides critical oversight and execution 

support to Air Force and CCMD contingency MILCON programs overseas. 

e. Regional environmental offices serve as advocates for the Air Force before the local, 

state, regional, and federal authorities that legislate and enforce environmental regulations 

and laws. These offices also represent the DOD and the Air Force as regional environmental 

coordinators in the EPA agency regions. 

 
Appendix C 

C-12 JP 3-34 

Intentionally Blank 
D-1 

APPENDIX D 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS 

1. General 

While complete protection of the environment will not always be possible due to its 

competition with other risks that the commander must assess, planning must carefully and 

continuously address the full range of environmental considerations in joint operations. This 

appendix describes many of the roles and responsibilities for integration of environmental 

considerations. It presents environmental requirements that a commander must meet in both 

domestic and foreign training and operations, although many of the environmental 

compliance requirements do not apply outside the United States. The aim of this appendix is 

to make environmental considerations a constant part of a commander’s training, planning, 

and operations while at the same time using established procedures and capabilities to 

implement that integration for the commander. Environmental considerations include the 

spectrum of environmental-related media, resources, programs, or effects that may impact 

on, or are affected by, the training, planning, and execution of military operations. Factors 

include, but are not limited to: environmental compliance, pollution prevention and 

conservation, protection of flora and fauna, protection of historical and cultural sites to 

include their relationship to CMO, and the health of personnel. 

For a more in-depth discussion of environmental considerations, refer to the multi-Service 

manual, FM 3-34.5/Marine Corps Reference Publication (MCRP) 4-11B, Environmental 

Considerations. 

2. Environmental Roles and Responsibilities 

a. CCDR and Subordinate Joint Force Commander. JFCs are responsible for 

integration of environmental considerations during training, planning, and the conduct of 

operations. JFCs demonstrate proactive environmental leadership during all phases of joint 

operations across the range of military operations. JFCs instill an environmental ethic in 

subordinate commands and promote awareness of environmental considerations throughout 

the joint force. JFCs identify specific organizational responsibilities and specific joint force 

environmental requirements. These responsibilities should have clearly defined goals, 

strategies, and measures of success. JFCs should ensure compliance with US law, including 

with all applicable domestic environmental laws; relevant country-specific final governing 

standards; the DOD Overseas Environmental Baseline Guidance Document (OEBGD); 

relevant international agreements; environmental considerations annexes to relevant 

OPLAN, OPORD, or other operational directives; and any other environmental requirements 

that apply to the operation. For subordinate commanders, most of this will be articulated in 

the HQ OPLAN/OPORD, or covered by unit SOPs. The goal of compliance is to minimize 

potential adverse impacts on human health and the environment while maximizing readiness 

and operational effectiveness. Although the engineer is the staff proponent for integration of 

environmental considerations, all members of the staff have a role in integrating 

environmental considerations and many must include guidance for these considerations in 

their respective JOPES annexes/appendices as demonstrated in Figure D-1. 
Appendix D 

D-2 JP 3-34 

JOINT OPERATION PLANNING AND EXECUTION SYSTEM ANNEXES AND 

APPENDICES WITH SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Joint Operation 

Planning and 

Execution 

System (JOPES) 

Location Proponent Staff 

Principal Staff 

and Special 

Capabilities Comments 

Annex A J-3 (Operations) All, primarily 

engineer, 

surgeon, and civil 

affairs 

Ensure elements to perform 

critical environmental missions 

are included in the task 

organization, especially engineer, 

medical, and civil affairs. Timephased force and deployment 

data sequence may be critical to 

perform missions in a timely 

fashion. 

Annex B, 

Appendix 1 

J-2 (Intelligence) All, primarily 

engineer, 

surgeon, and civil 

affairs 

Environmental priority intelligence 

requirement may include 

information on planned base 

camps and other sites. 

Annex B, 

Appendix 4 

J-2 (Intelligence) Fire support 

element, 

engineer, civil 

affairs, staff judge 

advocate 

Cultural considerations and the 

environmental effects of specific 

targeting must be addressed. 

Annex C, 

Appendix 2 

Chemical Officer Staff judge 

advocate, 

surgeon 

Use of riot control agents and 

herbicides require integration of 

environmental considerations. 

Annex C, 

Appendix 8 

Engineer Chemical officer, 

explosive 

ordnance 

disposal 

Clearing of hazards for air base 

operability may have 

environmental considerations. 

Annex C, 

Appendix 13 

Engineer Explosive 

ordnance 

disposal, 

chemical officer 

Clearing of unexploded ordnance 

for base camps and other similar 

sites may be necessary. 

Annex D, 

Appendix 1 

J-4 (Logistics) Engineer, 

surgeon 

Petroleum, oils, and lubricants 

always have significant 

embedded environmental 

considerations. 

Annex D, 

Appendix 2 

J-4 (Logistics) Engineer, 

surgeon 

Water sampling, well site 

selection and preparation contain 

environmental considerations. 

Annex D, 

Appendix 6 

Engineer J-4 (Logistics), 

civil affairs, 

surgeon, staff 

judge advocate 

The engineer support plan must 

integrate environmental 

considerations. 

Annex E, 

Appendix 4 

Staff Judge 

Advocate 

J-3 (Operations), 

J-4 (Logistics), 

fire support 

element, 

engineer 

This includes those 

considerations associated with 

the environmental laws. 

Figure D-1. Joint Operation Planning and Execution System Annexes and 

Appendices with Significant Environmental Considerations 
 Environmental Considerations 

D-3 

JOINT OPERATION PLANNING AND EXECUTION SYSTEM ANNEXES AND 

APPENDICES WITH SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Joint Operation 

Planning and 

Execution 

System (JOPES) 

Location Proponent Staff 

Principal Staff 

and Special 

Capabilities Comments 

Annex F Public Affairs 

Officer 

Civil affairs, staff 

judge advocate, 

surgeon, 

engineer 

Environmental considerations will 

be of concern for the public 

affairs officer. 

Annex G Civil Affairs Engineer, 

surgeon, staff 

judge advocate 

Civil affairs covers the spectrum 

of environmental considerations 

although it has a special focus on 

civil considerations. 

Annex L Engineer J-4 (Logistics), 

staff judge 

advocate, 

surgeon 

Civil affairs, engineering, legal, 

medical implications, J-2 and 

other intelligence activities and 

may involve all members of the 

joint environmental management 

board. 

Annex M Engineer J-2 (Intelligence), 

J-3 (Operations), 

J-4 (Logistics), 

any staff requiring 

geospatial 

information to 

support planning 

Geospatial information for base 

camps and other similar sites 

needs to be identified in this 

annex. Geospatial information is 

important in identifying past 

environmental contamination and 

other health and safety threats 

and in identifying sensitive 

cultural and natural resources for 

protection. 

Annex Q Surgeon Numerous places throughout with 

environmental considerations 

embedded besides Appendices 6 

and 10. 

Figure D-1. Joint Operation Planning and Execution System Annexes and 

Appendices with Significant Environmental Considerations 

b. Combatant Command and Subordinate Joint Force Engineer. The joint force 

engineer (as the staff proponent for the integration of environmental considerations) is 

responsible for providing guidance to the JFC on environmental considerations in planning 

and executing joint operations. The staff engineer advises the commander and staff (in 

conjunction with the SJA, surgeon, and others) on environmental issues. Working with other 

staff officers, the engineer determines the impact of operations on the environment, the 

corresponding effect of the environment on service members, and integrates environmental 

considerations into the decision-making process. The engineer may function as the chairman 

of the JEMB and is the integrator for the writing, publishing, and updating of annex L 

(Environmental Considerations). The engineer works primarily with the J-4 and the surgeon 

in performing site assessments for installations, facilities, base camps, and other sites. The 

engineer and the SJA advise the commander on the necessity for environmental assessments 

to meet HN, EO 12114, Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions, or 

OPORD/OPLAN requirements. All EBSs are coordinated through the engineer and with the 
Appendix D 

D-4 JP 3-34 

surgeon to synchronize the performance of an EHSA whenever possible at the time it is 

completed. The engineer is also responsible for advising the J-2 on significant 

environmental factors and ensuring these impacts are integrated into the JIPOE process. As 

a member of the targeting cell, the engineer integrates environmental considerations into the 

process of target nomination, incorporating legal/CA expertise as appropriate. Coordination 

for geospatial products and potential EOD support for the clearing of base camps (or other 

locations) is done through the engineer. 

c. Combatant Command and Subordinate Joint Force Staff Judge Advocate. The 

CCMD and subordinate joint force SJA advise the commander and staff on legal matters, 

including legal advice relating to environmental laws, regulations, treaties, relevant 

international conventions, and the law of armed conflict concerning collateral damage to the 

environment. The SJA also interprets existing SOFAs and may assist in the drafting of 

additional agreements, supplements, and amendments to the SOFA. The SJA provides legal 

advice on environmental assessment requirements and receives and processes civilian claims 

resulting from environmental damage. The SJA provides legal advice to the commander on 

how to deal with important HN historic and cultural sites, and environmentally sensitive 

natural areas. The SJA assists other members of the joint force staff and DOD agencies in 

negotiating transit agreements in advance of the actual deployment, to permit the transit of 

regulated (hazardous) wastes for disposal in an environmentally sound manner. The SJA 

provides legal advice on EBS requirements, participates in the development of any EBS 

exemptions as they may apply, and processes claims resulting from environmental damage. 

The SJA helps other staff officers to understand the legal aspects involved in their respective 

specialties and areas of concern for environmental considerations as they develop their 

respective annexes. Prior to operations, environmental lawyers assist in the planning process 

by providing legal advice concerning environmental reviews and environmental 

requirements in the area of operations and by reviewing plans to ensure they address 

environmental law and policy agreements. The environmental plan should address 

certification of local water sources, waste management, hazardous material management, 

protection of flora and fauna, archeological and historic preservation, the base field spill 

plan, and policies and responsibilities to protect the environment. Environmental lawyers 

ensure that an environmental survey is completed to provide a baseline against which later 

claims for damage may be assessed. SJAs coordinate with the organization’s environmental 

team and CA section as well as with the DOS country team and local environmental legal 

authorities. 

d. Combatant Command and Subordinate Joint Force Surgeon. The CCDR and 

subordinate joint force surgeon are responsible for regional health matters and services (e.g., 

preventive medicine and occupational health) to the joint force. Priorities include water 

vulnerability assessment support, sanitation, waste disposal (e.g., hazardous and infectious 

waste), health risk assessment, environmental health sampling and surveillance, and vector 

control to protect human health and welfare within the OA. The surgeon advises on the 

health threat, including environmental, endemic, and epidemic diseases. The surgeon also 

has direct access to environmental, preventive medicine, and public health services. The 

surgeon provides health risk assessment guidance (e.g., base camps selection) to support the 

commander’s risk management decision-making process. The surgeon relates environmental 

hazards to the environmental health of service members. The commander and the unit staff 
 Environmental Considerations 

D-5 

may call on the surgeon to assist in determining the public health implications of damage to 

critical environmental resources. The surgeon is responsible for planning and ensuring the 

implementation of EHSAs, whenever possible, in conjunction with EBSs, of base camps and 

similar sites. 

e. Joint Force Public Affairs Officer. The joint force public affairs officer (PAO) 

coordinates with appropriate staff and commanders to plan and accomplish public affairs 

efforts in support of mission objectives. Public perceptions of environmental threats may be 

more significant to mission accomplishment than the threat itself. In this role, the PAO 

coordinates with the plans directorate and CA personnel to ensure the commander has taken 

all appropriate cultural and environmental considerations into account. Communication 

activities should be fully integrated in command operational planning and execution 

processes, so that there is consistency in intent or effect between command actions and 

information disseminated about those actions. The PAO advises the commander and staff 

on methods of conveying information to and responding to information from the public. 

When deployed overseas, the PAO coordinates with appropriate staff and commanders to 

plan and execute public affairs efforts in support of mission objectives. In the US, various 

environmental laws require public involvement. The PAO identifies and prepares plans for 

meeting these requirements. The joint force PAO coordinates with appropriate staff and 

commanders to plan and accomplish public relations efforts in support of mission objectives. 

Special attention should be given to potentially sensitive environmental issues associated 

with a joint operation. The joint force PAO will be a significant participant in public 

outreach efforts and should participate in development of and be aware of assigned 

responsibilities in environmentally related OPLANs. 

For additional information on other joint force PAO responsibilities, refer to JP 3-61, Public 

Affairs. 

f. Joint Force J-4. As the principal staff officer for coordinating the logistic integration 

of supply, maintenance, and services for the command, the joint force J-4 oversees many 

functions with a potential for generating HW. The J-4 also establishes procedures for 

reducing and controlling HAZMAT. He recommends command policies for solid waste and 

HAZMAT/HW disposal. The J-4 is responsible for all aspects of HAZMAT and regulated 

HW management to include minimizing use, storage, transportation, disposition, and return 

to home station of excess materials. In this capacity, the J-4 will coordinate closely with 

DLA early and throughout the operation. The J-4 also recommends command policies for 

pollution prevention and, in coordination with the J-3, oversees the preparation of spill 

prevention and response plans. The J-4 coordinates the SJA and other appropriate staff 

officers to ensure that current environmental considerations (such as water or soil 

contamination), epidemiological surveys, and disease risk assessments have been completed, 

are sustained, and comply with legal requirements. The J-4 ensures that the data has been 

recorded for future review and potential remediation consideration. 

g. Joint Force J-3. The J-3 is the principal staff officer for all matters concerning 

training, operations, and plans. It is the J-3’s responsibility to ensure that any significant 

collateral environmental damage caused by command-directed operations is understood and 

approved by the commander during the decision-making process. Geopolitical concerns that 
Appendix D 

D-6 JP 3-34 

include architectural and cultural issues, and force health protection issues, must be 

integrated into OPLANs/OPORDs and CONPLANs. The J-3 establishes and supervises the 

command training programs to include environmental skill and awareness training that 

supports the unit mission. The J-3 also ensures that the unit protects and maintains training 

areas. As the overall ground manager and planner of troop movements, bivouacking, and 

quartering, the J-3 understands and considers environmental vulnerabilities and the 

associated force health protection during operations. Placement of base camps and other 

such sites is of critical concern to the J-3 and some environmental considerations may be as 

important as the considerations of force protection. The J-3 may assign special missions to 

tactical units to secure and safeguard critical environmental resources, such as wastewater 

treatment plants in urban areas in order to mitigate risks to and from the environment, or 

cultural locations such as museums/sacred sites. When appropriate, the J-3 prepares 

counterterrorism and security plans to combat possible environmental sabotage. The J-3 

exercises coordination staff responsibility over the staff engineer (if it is not a separate staff 

element) in the preparation and implementation of an EBS for each base camp or similar site. 

The J-3 ensures that the data has been recorded for future review and potential remediation 

consideration. 

h. Joint Force J-2. As the staff officer responsible for conducting JIPOE and defining 

and characterizing the OA, the J-2 is responsible for incorporating significant environmental 

factors and integrating intelligence requirements associated with environmental 

considerations. The staff engineer, surgeon, SJA, J-4, and other staff elements generally 

provide these environmental factors. Environmental considerations will generate IRs and 

some of those (to include intelligence on base camp locations) may even become PIRs 

during the planning process to ensure Service members are not placed in hazardous sites. 

i. Joint Environmental Management Board. A JEMB may be established by the 

CCDR or subordinate JFC for a joint operation in order to integrate the environmental 

protection efforts of all participating components under a single authority and to ensure unity 

of effort for environmental protection activities. The JEMB can be chaired by the CCDR, 

deputy commander, chief of staff, or subordinate joint force engineer, and includes 

representatives from each Service component and joint force staff representatives as 

necessary (e.g., legal, occupational health, preventive medicine, intelligence, safety, 

comptroller, planning, operations, and logistics). The JEMB should participate in the 

operation planning process by ensuring that baseline environmental surveys are conducted 

and updated when appropriate and identifying exemptions and management requirements to 

the JFC. The JEMB assists the JFC in establishing the joint force environmental policies, 

practices, procedures, and priorities and providing oversight of environmental protection 

standards and compliance. Establishment of a dedicated and appropriately staffed 

environmental engineering staff that is supported with expertise from other joint force staff 

members (e.g., legal and medical) may obviate the need for a JEMB in smaller operations. It 

may be appropriate to create this board early in the planning process to support mission 

analysis. It may also be necessary/desirable to maintain it on a permanent basis to support 

sustainment of operations. The JEMB can be used to assist the commander with 

environmentally related risk management. 
 Environmental Considerations 

D-7 

j. Unit Commanders. Unit commanders are responsible for complying with the 

applicable environmental requirements and guidance established by the JFC in the OPLAN 

or OPORD. Unit commanders should keep the JFC and staff informed of conditions that 

may result in noncompliance with the requirements or guidance associated with 

environmental considerations. That certain environmental considerations may not be able to 

be implemented during one portion of an operation, or in one part of an OA, does not justify 

failure to implement them at other times and locations within an OA. Operational necessity 

should never become a blanket excuse for excluding environmental considerations and 

protection of the environment. 

k. Unit-Level Points of Contact. Unit commanders should appoint and train a unitlevel point of contact for communication of environmental information with the joint force 

engineer and/or JEMB, as required. The unit level point of contact should be the unit 

commander’s advisor on environmental considerations and perform these functions in a 

fashion similar to that of a unit safety officer. The environmental point of contact should be 

knowledgeable in both preventing adverse environmental impacts and responding to 

environmental incidents. 

l. Other DOD Environmental Structures, Governmental Agencies, or 

Nongovernmental Organizations. During operations, such as those involving responses to 

disasters or support to civilian governmental agencies (e.g., cleanup of major oil or 

hazardous substance spills), the JFC may have to work with other DOD or governmental 

agencies or NGOs to ensure successful completion of the operation. Where appropriate, 

these representatives should be a part of the environmental planning process. The JFC may 

also consider their participation as ad hoc members of the JEMB. 

3. Environmental Requirements 

In general, environmental requirements can be divided into overseas requirements and 

requirements applicable in the United States and its territories, although some US 

environmental requirements may have extraterritorial application. For example, EO 12114, 

Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions, establishes requirements for 

environmental studies for activities conducted overseas, somewhat similar to the 

environmental analysis requirements regarding operations conducted within the United 

States mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act. The joint force SJA should be 

consulted to determine extraterritorial applicability and to confirm the applicability of other 

environmental requirements. 

a. Requirements Applicable within the United States. All joint operations within the 

United States and its territories and possessions generally are required to be conducted in 

compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations and 

under the planning authorities of US Northern and Pacific Commands. A number of federal 

statutes establish environmental requirements that may impact joint operations. The 

President may exempt federal activities from compliance with most environmental 

requirements for up to a year at a time if an exemption would be in the paramount interests 

of the US. Absent a war or other exigent circumstances, however, it is highly unlikely that 

Presidential exemptions will be granted excusing federal facilities from complying with 
Appendix D 

D-8 JP 3-34 

federal, state, or local environmental requirements. Many US environmental laws allow for 

national security exemptions for specified activities, but only upon action by the President. 

These exemptions are rarely granted and should be coordinated up the chain of command 

before they are relied upon. Legal counsel should always be consulted to determine 

applicable requirements. 

b. Requirements Applicable in Overseas Areas. Joint operations in areas outside US 

territory will be conducted IAW US law, applicable treaties, conventions, international 

agreements (to include basing agreements), final governing standard (FGS) or the OEBGD, 

unified CCMD directives, annex L (Environmental Considerations) of the OPLAN or 

OPORD, and other environmental requirements or command guidance that apply to the 

operation. In the absence of definitive environmental guidance within applicable 

international agreements, JFCs should establish guidance in the OPLAN and/or OPORD that 

will protect force health, limit adverse public health impacts, consider the US liability, and 

be consistent with mission goals. In addition to requirements contained in international 

agreements, the following references provide guidance and requirements that may impact 

joint operations beyond US territory and, as appropriate and applicable, should be considered 

in developing annex L (Environmental Considerations) to an OPLAN or OPORD. Annex L 

should be viewed as a living document to be updated with changes in mission, operational 

maturity, and improved environmental intelligence and information. The OEBGD may be a 

valuable source and reference document for the development of environmental standards for 

joint operations. 

(1) DODD 6050.7, Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Department of 

Defense Actions. This directive implements EO 12114, Environmental Effects Abroad of 

Major Federal Actions, which provides definitions of key terms, establishes review 

procedures, and describes documentation requirements for the environmental impact analysis 

process. DODD 6050.7 provides specific categorical exclusions and general exemptions for 

procedural and other requirements in conducting environmental assessments (e.g., actions 

taken by or pursuant to the direction of the President or a cabinet officer when the action 

occurs in the course of armed conflict). 

(2) DODI 4715.5, Management of Environmental Compliance at Overseas 

Installations. This instruction establishes environmental compliance standards for 

protection of human health and the environment at DOD installations in foreign countries 

and provides for designation of DOD environmental executive agents (EEAs). DODI 4715.5 

requires development and maintenance of an OEBGD. DODI 4715.5 does not apply to offinstallation operational and training deployments. However, the OEBGD may be a valuable 

source and reference document for development of additional environmental standards for 

joint operations. 

(3) DODI 4715.8, Environmental Remediation Policy for DOD Activities 

Overseas. This instruction implements policy, assigns responsibilities, and prescribes 

procedures for remediation of environmental contamination on or away from DOD 

installations or facilities that was caused by DOD operations outside the United States. 

DODI 4715.8 does not specifically apply to operations connected with actual or threatened 
 Environmental Considerations 

D-9 

hostilities, security assistance programs, peacekeeping missions, or relief operations. 

However, it may provide valuable information that could be used in operational planning. 

(4) Air Force Handbook 10-222, Volume 4, Environmental Guide for 

Contingency Operations. This handbook presents practices that can minimize adverse 

impacts to human health and the environment and facilitate compliance during contingency 

operations. These strategies are designed to reduce or eliminate negative impact on mission 

accomplishment caused by health hazards and regulatory noncompliance. It outlines these 

strategies for exercises, deployments, contingency operations, and armed conflict within the 

United States, at overseas DOD installations, and at overseas non-DOD installations. 

(5) FM 3-34.500/MCRP 4-11B, Environmental Considerations. This manual 

provides guidance for applying environmental considerations during planning, training, and 

during the conduct of contingency operations. 

(6) NWP 4-11, Environmental Protection. This publication provides guidance to 

Navy operational commanders and their staffs for maritime operations during peacetime, 

contingency operations, and war. It provides guidance on the development of a nautically 

focused annex L (Environmental Considerations) to an OPLAN or OPORD. 

c. HN Agreements and SOFAs. These are bilateral or multilateral agreements that 

affect the conduct of military operations within HNs. Although in the past these agreements 

have not always addressed environmental protection, HNs have recently reflected greater 

concern with environmental issues associated with military operations within their borders. 

Joint forces are expected to comply with these agreements. 

d. The Overseas Environmental Baseline Guidance Document and Environmental 

Final Governing Standards. The OEBGD specifies criteria and management practices for 

environmental compliance at DOD installations at overseas locations. It is designed to 

protect human health and the environment and reflects generally accepted environmental 

standards applicable to DOD installations, facilities, and actions in the United States. It also 

incorporates requirements of US law that apply to DOD installations and activities outside 

the United States and its territories. Designated DOD EEAs (see Attachment 3 to DODI 

4715.5, Management of Environmental Compliance at Overseas Installations) use the 

OEBGD to develop and update country-specific FGSs for all DOD components. To develop 

and update the FGS, the EEAs compare OEBGD standards with the requirements of 

applicable international agreements (e.g., SOFAs) and relevant local, regional, and national 

HN standards. The EEAs normally incorporate in the FGSs those standards that provide 

more protection to human health and the environment. The OEBGD applies in countries 

where no FGSs have been established. Neither FGSs nor the OEGBD apply to the 

operations of US military vessels, the operations of US military aircraft, or to off-installation 

operational and training deployments. The FGSs or the OEBGD in countries where no FGSs 

exist apply to support functions for US military vessels and aircraft. Although the OEBGD 

and FGSs are not applicable to the operation of US military vessels, the operations of US 

military aircraft, or to off-installation operational and training deployments, they provide 

valuable information for environmental planning and can aid the conduct of joint operations. 
Appendix D 

D-10 JP 3-34 

e. International Regulations, Treaties, and Conventions. An increasing number of 

environmental international regulations, treaties, and conventions apply to joint military 

operations. For example, management and processing of HW for disposal overseas may be 

affected by the Basel Convention, an international agreement governing the transboundary 

shipment and disposal of HW. Another international convention that may impact a joint 

operation is the London Dumping Convention that precludes the dumping at sea of wastes 

generated ashore. The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 

will affect maritime operations. The JFC should consult the joint force SJA regarding these 

requirements and their potential impact on operations. 

f. Law of Armed Conflict. The law of armed conflict is derived from treaties and 

international agreements to which the US is a party and applicable customary international 

law. It establishes certain limits on the means and methods of warfare that could impact 

upon general engineering operations. JP 3-60, Joint Targeting, addresses how the principles 

in the law of armed conflict are to be observed to avoid unnecessary damage to the 

environment and to avoid excessive incidental civilian injuries. The joint force SJA can 

provide specific advice on the applicability of the law of armed conflict. 

4. Environmental Planning 

a. Need for Environmental Planning. By considering environmental issues early in 

the planning process, the JFC may continue to achieve operational objectives while 

minimizing the impact on human health and the environment. Failure to consider the 

environmental impacts of all activities may adversely affect the operation. Potential effects 

include delaying operation commencement, limited future use of exercise or HN areas, and 

adverse public opinion, potentially impacting the success of an operation. Commanders 

should make environmental considerations an integral part of the mission planning and 

operational decision-making process. In joint operations, it is important that all Services 

implement these requirements in a consistent manner. JFCs develop, publish, and update 

environmental policies and procedures in annex L (Environmental Considerations) to the 

OPLAN or OPORD that will minimize the impact of environmental health effects on an 

operation and the operational effects on the environment. By early assessment of 

environmental considerations, commanders may become aware of the potential 

environmental effects or impacts of mission accomplishment while alternatives still exist to 

address mitigating actions. By planning early, the JFC and joint force staff will be aware of 

the environmental requirements, and will be able to plan more efficiently and act 

accordingly. Furthermore, careful and visible attention to environmental considerations in 

the conduct of a military operation can assist in shaping a positive image both internationally 

and domestically. 

b. Elements of Environmental Planning. The joint force staff should plan the 

operation to achieve mission objectives while minimizing environmental impact and 

observing environmental requirements. Although not all of the following elements will be 

applicable to all operations (e.g., some, such as identification of alternatives to obtaining 

objectives, are not required for operations overseas), they may prove helpful in the planning 

process. 
 Environmental Considerations 

D-11 

(1) Identification of operational objectives and the activities that are proposed to 

obtain these objectives, including logistics and identification of HAZMAT that may be used. 

(2) Identification of potential alternative means of obtaining operational objectives. 

Alternatives may include new technologies or systems that minimize impacts on the 

environment. 

(3) Identification of the environmental requirements applicable to the operational 

area. 

(4) Identification of adverse environmental health and environmental impacts that 

may result from conducting the operation. 

(5) Establishment of formal relationships and coordination with other disciplines 

that have roles in environmental planning and operations (e.g., medical, legal, intelligence, 

CA). 

(6) Identification of possible environmental contingencies that may occur during 

the operation, such as accidental spills. 

(7) Determination of how an environmental contingency would affect the 

environment in the OA and how it could be prevented or mitigated should it occur. 

(8) Determination of the environmental and operational risk associated with the 

operation. If risks are unacceptable, identify alternatives that will mitigate associated risks. 

(9) Early coordination with applicable agencies to negotiate applicable agreements 

to allow for the unimpeded transit of HAZMAT or HW by military and contracted assets for 

environmentally sound treatment or disposal IAW international agreements. 

(10) Determination of contractor status, to include privileges, liabilities, and 

immunities in support of the operation. 

(11) Identification of organic environmental resources and reachback capabilities. 

c. Key Environmental Planning Factors. JFCs should consider environmental and 

force health protection during each phase of an operation. In planning and conducting joint 

operations, regardless of geographic location, commanders should give appropriate 

consideration to the following: 

(1) Legal requirements and constraints. 

(2) Cultural, historic, and religious factors. 

(3) Environmentally sensitive ecosystems to include endangered or threatened 

species and marine mammals. 

(4) Potential preexisting environmental health risks to the force. 
Appendix D 

D-12 JP 3-34 

(5) Potential environmental terrorism against the force. 

(6) Targeting considerations to avoid damage to cultural, historic, or religious sites. 

(7) Site selection for base camps and other facilities. 

(8) Camp closure and site remediation. 

(9) Management of HAZMAT and POL and disposal of HW. 

(10) Spill prevention, containment, and response. 

(11) Transportation, storage, and disposal of medical and infectious waste. 

(12) Water and wastewater management. 

(13) Pollution prevention and recycling efforts to reduce waste generation and 

logistic efforts. 

(14) Potential remediation of contaminated areas. 

(15) Environmental requirements pertaining to sensitive site exploitation and 

associated liabilities of operations. 

(16) Environmental controls pertaining to construction operations. 

(17) Noise abatement. 

(18) Air emissions. 

d. Environmental Risk Management. Environmental risk management is the process 

of assessing, detecting, and controlling the environmental risk arising from operational 

actions and balancing environmental risk with mission benefits and gains. Knowledge of the 

environmental factors is key to planning and decision making. With this knowledge, leaders 

can promote operational success, quantify environmental risks, detect problem areas, reduce 

the possibility of injury or death to military personnel and affected civilian populations, 

reduce property damage, and ensure that operations are consistent with environmental 

requirements. The JFC should integrate environmental risk management into the overall 

planning of operations in the same fashion as other risks. For additional information on risk 

management see the multi-Service FM 3-100.12, MCRP 5-12.1C, NTTP 5-03.5, and Air 

Force Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (AFTTP) 3-2.34, Risk Management. 

5. Environmental Contingencies 

a. Oil and Hazardous Substance Spills. The laws and policies that control oil and 

hazardous substances protect water, soil, and air from harmful levels of contamination. Joint 

forces should ensure that they minimize environmental contamination from oil and 

hazardous substances. JFCs should complete an oil and hazardous substance spill 

contingency plan for an operation as part of annex L (Environmental Considerations) to an 
 Environmental Considerations 

D-13 

OPLAN or OPORD prior to commencing joint operations. Spill contingency plans should 

address prevention procedures and practices, spill reporting, initial control and recovery 

actions, cleanup actions, and C2 responsibilities. The plans should also address the 

availability and location of equipment (to include personal protective equipment) for control 

and cleanup, safety and health of personnel, and training. 

b. Environmental Noncompliance. During an operation, environmental 

noncompliance or delay in assessment may occur due to machinery and equipment 

breakdown or malfunction, enemy actions, or the inadvertent or willful disregard or violation 

of environmental requirements by force or contractor personnel. Failure to take prompt and 

appropriate action may endanger human health and safety, and exacerbate the consequences 

of the incident, e.g., increased cost to remediate, negative press, adverse diplomatic 

consequences, diverting JTF resources. Annex L (Environmental Considerations) to an 

OPLAN or OPORD should address such environmental contingencies, including reporting 

requirements. 

 
Appendix D 

D-14 JP 3-34 

Intentionally Blank 
E-1 

APPENDIX E 

CONTINGENCY AUTHORITIES AND FUNDING 

1. Introduction 

a. Participating in joint engineering boards and engineer-related working groups, as 

required. 

(1) Figure E-1 provides a general view of the funding and potential command 

relationships that engineers might encounter in a given theater. Every element in the figure 

has an engineer cell. If there is no theater HQ, the JTF engineer will coordinate with the 

component engineers on BOS-I and construction projects. The CCMD engineer receives 

construction project requests from the components and advocates them to the Office of the 

Secretary of Defense for eventual approval by Congress. The theater or JTF engineer may 

also have a direct line to the CCMD engineer due to the C2 relationship established in the 

theater. However, construction projects still require support of the components, since the 

components commands receive the money from DOD. Figure E-1 is not meant to be 

authoritative but rather illustrative. This is merely an example of the relationships that the 

engineers must maintain in order to ensure accurate and efficient project approval. 

(2) The special operations task force will have Title 10, USC, requirements that are 

funded by the theater, whether through the JTF or the theater HQ. For special operations 

forces-specific requirements, they will receive funding from the special operations 

component command. 

b. It is especially important that engineers understand contingency authorities and the 

associated funding. These are the tools that set the conditions for success during 

contingency operations and provide the basis for legal spending to fund DOD personnel and 

activities in support of contingency operations. Contingency operations comprise a very 

large portion of the operations conducted by joint forces. 

c. This appendix is intended as a basic introduction to contingency authorities and 

funding. However, the information in this appendix is subject to change due to changes in 

legislation, policy, or regulation. The reader should consult with legal and resource 

management personnel for the latest definitive guidance. 

2. Legal Personnel 

Legal personnel can provide invaluable advice and guidance on authorities and sources 

of funding for general engineering activities in a variety of situations. From the earliest 

stages of planning, execution, and redeployment, legal professionals play a vital role in 

preparing the JOA by identifying and assisting in the resolution of legal and political 

constraints, and provide relevant and responsive readiness programs to the individual general 

engineering members. 
Appendix E 

E-2 JP 3-34 

3. Types of Authorizations and Sources of Funding 

a. Services are generally authorized to use annual O&M funds for minor construction 

projects costing not more than $750,000 ($1.5 million to correct a life, safety, or health 

threatening condition [Title 10, USC, Section 2805, “Unspecified Minor Construction”]). 

This is a peacetime provision, applicable during contingencies and emergencies; however, 

“life threatening” is generally considered a safety issue vice an emergency in the context of 

contingency operations. During combat or designated contingency operations, O&M may be 

used to fund construction projects exceeding these thresholds under certain circumstances 

with appropriate authorization. The JFC must consult with the SJA before making a 

determination to use O&M in such a case. 

b. Several broad authorities have been established under Title 10, USC, that enable the 

JFC to carry out contingency construction, including procuring materials for construction by 

Figure E-1. Typical Funding and Command and Control Relationships 

TYPICAL FUNDING AND 

COMMAND AND CONTROL RELATIONSHIPS

C2 command and control

CSTC-A Combined Security Transition 

Command–Afghanistan

GCC geographic combatant commander

MNSTC-I Multinational Security Transition 

Command–Iraq

USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers

USC United States Code

USF-I US Forces–Iraq

USFOR-A US Forces–Afghanistan

LEGEND

GCC/Services

Funding/Projects

C2

Army

Component

Air Force

Component

Navy

Component

Marine

Component

Special 

Operations

Component

Special 

Operations

Task Force

Joint Force 

Headquarters

This command may 

not exist. Examples 

include CSTC-A and 

MNSTC-I

If theater command 

does not exist, this 

headquarters may 

assume Title 10, 

USC, responsibility.

This level may not exist. 

Examples include USFOR-A 

and USF-I.

Functional 

Component 

Command

Joint Task 

Force
 Contingency Authorities and Funding 

E-3 

military forces and the funding of civilian contracts. Figures E-2 and E-3 depict decision 

trees for the contingency construction funding options. 

Figure E-2. Contingency Construction Funding Model 

CONTINGENCY CONSTRUCTION FUNDING MODEL

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

False

True

All 

maintenance 

and repair

CCDR

MILCON

combatant commander

military construction

LEGEND

O&M

SecDef

operation and maintenance

Secretary of Defense

Construction

<$2M

Construction

>$750K

Deferral is 

not in the 

national 

interest

Declaration 

of war or 

national 

emergency?

SecDef approves for 

execution after 14-

day congressional 

notification

Section 2804

Can

project wait 

until next 

MILCON 

submission?

SecDef 

approves and 

notifies 

Congress 

(no wait)

Is 

unobligated 

SecDef 

contingency 

funding 

available?

Section 

2808 Section 2803

Determine if 

unspecified minor 

MILCON applies

Service 

approves 

(O&M)

Unspecified minor 

MILCON model

Can project 

wait until next 

MILCON 

submission?

Is total 

requirement 

<$50M/FY 

for the 

service? Are 

adequate 

unobligated 

MILCON 

funds 

available?

Service secretary approves for 

execution after 14-day 

congressional notification

Submit through 

the appropriate 

service in next 

MILCON 

program

Section

2805 Section 

2805

Appropriate to lease?

CCDR 

submits 

prioritized 

projects CCDR 

validated 

need

Vital to 

national 

security or 

vital to health, 

safety, or 

environment
Appendix E 

E-4 JP 3-34 

(1) Title 10, USC, Section 2803, “Emergency Construction,” authorizes each 

Service to use $50 million per year of appropriated, but not obligated MILCON funds for 

projects that cannot wait for the normal MILCON submission procedures. Projects must 

comply with a 21-day congressional notice and wait period before proceeding (7 days for 

electronic notification [Title 10, USC, Section 480]). Generally, a previously 

congressionally approved project must be canceled to free the $50 million. 

Figure E-3. Contingency Construction Funding Model 

(Unspecified Minor, $750,000-$2,000,000) 

CONTINGENCY CONSTRUCTION FUNDING MODEL

(UNSPECIFIED MINOR, $750,000 $2,000,000)

No

No

Yes

Yes

CCDR combatant commander O&M operation and maintenance

Service 

approves 

(O&M)

Service secretary approves for 

execution after 21-day 

congressional notification

All 

maintenance 

and repair

Construction

>$750K

Yes

Yes

CCDR 

validates

Yes

Cannot use 

Section 2805

Go to 

2803/2804/2808 

or normal budget 

process

No

Section 2805 

funds (up to 

125% of 

appropriation) 

available

No

Construction

<$2M

LEGEND

Section 

2805
 Contingency Authorities and Funding 

E-5 

(2) Title 10, USC, Section 2804, “Contingency Construction,” authorizes SecDef a 

specific MILCON line item amount for contingency construction projects that cannot wait 

for the normal MILCON program submission process. A project must comply with a 14-day 

congressional notice and wait period before proceeding (7 days for electronic notification 

[Title 10, USC, Section 480]). Generally, funding for this section is limited to less than $10 

million per year. 

(3) Title 10, USC, Section 2805, “Unspecified Minor Construction,” authorizes 

each Service to carry out unspecified minor MILCON projects. Projects must be less than $2 

million each or $3 million to correct a life, health, or safety condition. Projects greater than 

$750,000 require a congressional notice and wait period before proceeding. 

(4) Title 10, USC, Section 2808, “Construction Authority in the Event of a 

Declaration of War or National Emergency,” authorizes SecDef to undertake MILCON 

projects that are necessary to support the use of the armed forces for the war or national 

emergency within the total amount of funds that have been appropriated for MILCON that 

have not been obligated. Congress must be notified of each project, but there is no wait 

requirement before the project may begin. 

(5) Title 10, USC, Section 2811, “Repair of Facilities,” authorizes SecDef and 

Military Department secretaries to use available O&M funds to carry out repair of facilities. 

Repair projects over $7.5 million require congressional notification. 

(6) CCDRs do not need specific authority to request projects under Title 10, USC, 

Sections 2803 and 2804. To gain approval for a project under either authority, it is necessary 

to provide the appropriate Service secretary or SecDef with a justification of need, estimated 

costs, and source of funding. 

(7) Title 10, USC, Section 166(a), “Combatant Commander Initiative Fund 

(CCIF)” authorizes the use of funds for CCMDs to react to unexpected contingencies and 

opportunities. CJCSI 7401.01(Series) describes the use of funds and how they can be used 

for HCA, to include urgent and unanticipated humanitarian relief and reconstruction 

assistance. Requests for use of CCIF funds should be carefully evaluated to ensure they 

comply with the intent of CCIF prior to submission. 

c. Other Authorities and Sources of Funding. Other authorities may be used for 

executing MILCON projects in support of a JFC. Some of them are listed below: 

(1) Title 10, USC, Section 2350(j), “Burden Sharing Contributions by Designated 

Countries and Regional Organizations,” authorizes SecDef, after consultation with the 

Secretary of State, to accept burden sharing cash contributions from any country or regional 

organization designated for certain purposes of the DOD, including MILCON. SecDef, and 

Military Department secretaries with approval from SecDef, may carry out MILCON, 

subject to the 21-day congressional notice and wait requirement, except in cases of declared 

war or national emergency. For additional information, see DOD Financial Management 

Regulation (DOD 7000.14-R), Volume 12, Chapter 24. 
Appendix E 

E-6 JP 3-34 

(2) Title 22, USC, Section 2357, “Furnishing of Services and Commodities.” 

Subject to Presidential approval, this section of the USC may provide for DOD restoration of 

HN civil infrastructure. This provision of law allows any USG agency to provide goods and 

services to friendly countries and NGOs on an advance-of-funds or reimbursable basis. 

(3) Title 22, USC, Section 2769, “Foreign Military Construction Sales.” HN 

military facilities may be restored under the foreign military sales provisions of this 

authority. 

(4) Title 22, USC, Section 1535, “Agency Agreements.” This section allows USG 

agencies to support each other, provided that the supported agency has the funds and 

authority to do the work requested. 

(5) Title 10, USC, Section 401, “Humanitarian and Civic Assistance Provided in 

Conjunction with Military Operations.” In HCA facilities projects, the JFC and joint force 

engineers may work with HN government agencies to repair or improve infrastructure and 

public facilities. These authorized and funded projects are designed to provide assistance to 

the HN populace in conjunction with a military operation or exercise. The operation or 

exercise is usually planned well in advance and is not usually planned in response to 

disasters, although HCA activities have been executed following disasters. Specific engineer 

activities for which HCA funds can be used include the construction of rudimentary surface 

transportation systems, well drilling, construction of basic sanitation facilities, and 

rudimentary construction and repair of facilities. 

(6) Title 22, USC, Section 2292, “General Provisions for International Disaster 

Assistance.” In disaster operations, the UN and the DOS OFDA may generate funded 

requirements for DOD assistance. FHA programs focus on the use of DOD excess property, 

emergency transportation support, disaster relief, or other support to alleviate urgent needs 

resulting from a disaster or catastrophe in a host country. While other elements of the joint 

force are focused on immediate FHA, general engineering planning may focus on projects 

that provide immediate shelter for dislocated civilians. The joint force engineers must work 

in a close relationship with the representatives of the HN and US country team. 

(7) Title 22, USC, Section 2318, “Special Authority to Drawdown Defense Articles 

and Services.” Drawdown authority is a means to respond to unforeseen military 

emergencies or humanitarian relief situations. There are annual limitations on the value of 

articles and services that may be drawn down in any fiscal year. 

(8) Department of Defense Directive 5100.46, Foreign Disaster Relief. 

Normally, DOD components may participate in foreign disaster relief operations only after 

DOS makes a determination that such relief shall be provided. This directive does not 

prohibit, however, a military commander at the immediate scene of a foreign disaster from 

undertaking disaster relief operations without prior approval of the ambassador or chief of 

mission when the emergency time is of the essence and when humanitarian considerations 

make it advisable to do so. 
F-1 

APPENDIX F 

REFERENCES 

The development of JP 3-34 is based upon the following primary references. 

1. General 

a. Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste 

and their Disposal. 

b. EO 12088, Federal Compliance with Pollution Control Standards.

c. EO 12114, Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions.

d. National Environmental Policy Act. 

e. National Response Framework. 

f. Title 10, USC. 

g. Title 22, USC. 

h. Title 31, USC. 

2. Department of Defense 

a. DODD 3000.5, Stability Operations. 

b. DODD 4270.5, Military Construction.

c. DODD 5100.1, Functions of the Department of Defense and its Major Components.

d. DODD 5100.46, Foreign Disaster Relief.

e. DODD 5530.3, International Agreements.

f. DODD 6050.7, Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Department of Defense 

Actions. 

g. DODI 4165.3, Department of Defense Facilities Classes and Construction 

Categories.

h. DODI 4715.5, Management of Environmental Compliance at Overseas Installations.

i. DODI 4715.8, Environmental Remediation Policy for DOD Activities Overseas.

j. DODI 4715.9, Environmental Planning and Analysis.

k. DOD 4715.05-G, Overseas Environmental Baseline Guidance Document (OEBGD).
Appendix F 

F-2 JP 3-34 

3. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

a. CJCSI 3901.01B, Requirements for Geospatial Information and Services. 

b. CJCSM 3122.01A, Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES), 

Volume I, Planning, Policies, and Procedures.

c. CJCSM 3122.03C, Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES), 

Volume II, Planning Formats .

d. JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States. 

e. JP 1-02, Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms.

f. JP 2-0, Joint Intelligence. 

g. JP 2-01, Joint and National Intelligence Support to Military Operations. 

h. JP 2-03, Geospatial Intelligence Support to Joint Operations. 

i. JP 3-0, Joint Operations. 

j. JP 3-02, Amphibious Operations. 

k. JP 3-07.2, Antiterrorism. 

l. JP 3.07.3, Peace Operations. 

m. JP 3-08, Interorganizational Coordination During Joint Operations.

n. JP 3-10, Joint Security Operations in Theater. 

o. JP 3-11, Operations in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) 

Environments.

p. JP 3-13.4, Military Deception.

q. JP 3-15, Barriers, Obstacles, and Mine Warfare for Joint Operations.

r. JP 3-16, Multinational Operations. 

s. JP 3-18, Joint Forcible Entry Operations.

t. JP 3-22, Foreign Internal Defense. 

u. JP 3-27, Homeland Defense.

v. JP 3-28, Civil Support. 
 References 

F-3 

w. JP 3-29, Foreign Humanitarian Assistance.

x. JP 3-60, Joint Targeting.

y. JP 3-61, Public Affairs. 

z. JP 4-0, Joint Logistics.

aa. JP 4-01.6, Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS).

bb. JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning.

cc. JP 6-0, Joint Communications System. 

4. Service Publications 

a. Air Force Doctrine Document (AFDD) 2-4, Combat Support. 

b. AFDD 2-4.4, Airbase Establishment and Mission Generation. 

c. AFDD 10-4, Operational Planning. 

d. AFTTP 3-4X, Environmental Considerations in Contingency Operations. 

e. Air Force Handbook 10-222, Volume 4, Environmental Guide for Contingency 

Operations. 

f. Air Force Instruction 10-404, Base Support and Expeditionary Planning.

g. Army Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (ATTP) 3-34.20, Explosive Hazards 

Operations.

h. ATTP 3-34.40, General Engineering. 

i. FM 3-34, Engineer Operations. 

j. FM 3-34.3, Survivability. 

k. FM 3-34.5/MCRP 4-11B, Environmental Considerations. 

l. FM 3-34.39, Camouflage, Concealment, and Deception.

m. FM 3-34.170/Marine Corps Warfighting Publication (MCWP) 3-17.4, Engineer 

Reconnaissance.

n. FM 3-34.230, Topographic Operations. 

o. FM 3-90.4, Combined Arms Mobility Operations. 
Appendix F 

F-4 JP 3-34 

p. FM 3-90-8, Combined Arms Obstacle Integration.

q. FM 3-100.12/MCRP 5-12.1C/AFTTP 3-2, Risk Management. 

r. FM 20-32, Mine/Countermine Operations. 

s. FM 100.38, UXO Multiservice Procedures for Unexploded Ordnance Operations. 

t. MCWP 3-17, MAGTF Engineer Operations. 

u. MCWP 3-17.2, MAGTF Explosive Ordnance Disposal. 

v. Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Explosive Ordnance Disposal 

in a Joint Environment. 

w. NTRP 4-04.2.1, Doctrinal Reference for the Naval Construction Force. 

x. NTTP 4-04.3, Naval Contingency Engineering Operations. 

y. NWP 4-04, Naval Civil Engineering Operations. 

z. NWP 4-04.1M/MCWP 4-11.5, Seabee Operations in the MAGTF. 

aa. NWP 4-11, Navy Environmental Protection Doctrine. 

bb. Office of the Chief Naval Operations Instruction 3501.93 Series, Projected 

Operational Environment (POE) and Required Operational Capabilities (ROC) for Naval 

Beach Groups and their Elements. 

cc. NTRP 4-04.2.13/FM 3-34.469/Air Force Manual 32-1072, Water-Well Drilling 

Operations.
G-1 

APPENDIX G 

ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS 

1. User Comments 

Users in the field are highly encouraged to submit comments on this publication to: Joint 

Staff J-7, Deputy Director, Joint and Coalition Warfighting, Joint and Coalition Warfighting 

Center, ATTN: Joint Doctrine Support Division, 116 Lake View Parkway, Suffolk, VA 

23435-2697. These comments should address content (accuracy, usefulness, consistency, 

and organization), writing, and appearance. 

2. Authorship 

The lead agent for this publication is the US Army. The Joint Staff doctrine sponsor for 

this publication is the Director for Logistics (J-4). 

3. Supersession 

This publication supersedes JP 3-34, Joint Engineer Operations, 12 February 2007. 

4. Change Recommendations 

a. Recommendations for urgent changes to this publication should be submitted: 

TO: CSA WASHINGTON DC//DAMO-SSP// 

 JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J7-JEDD// 

b. Routine changes should be submitted electronically to the Deputy Director, Joint and 

Coalition Warfighting, Joint and Coalition Warfighting Center, Joint Doctrine Support 

Division and info the lead agent and the Director for Joint Force Development, J-7/JEDD. 

c. When a Joint Staff directorate submits a proposal to the CJCS that would change 

source document information reflected in this publication, that directorate will include a 

proposed change to this publication as an enclosure to its proposal. The Services and other 

organizations are requested to notify the Joint Staff J-7 when changes to source documents 

reflected in this publication are initiated. 

5. Distribution of Publications 

Local reproduction is authorized and access to unclassified publications is unrestricted. 

However, access to and reproduction authorization for classified JPs must be in accordance 

with DOD 5200.1-R, Information Security Program.

6. Distribution of Electronic Publications 

a. Joint Staff J-7 will not print copies of JPs for distribution. Electronic versions are 

available on JDEIS at https://jdeis.js.mil (NIPRNET), and http://jdeis.js.smil.mil 

(SIPRNET), and on the JEL at http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine (NIPRNET). 
Appendix G 

G-2 JP 3-34 

b. Only approved JPs and joint test publications are releasable outside the CCMDs, 

Services, and Joint Staff. Release of any classified JP to foreign governments or foreign 

nationals must be requested through the local embassy (Defense Attaché Office) to DIA, 

Defense Foreign Liaison/IE-3, 200 MacDill Blvd., Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, 

Washington, DC 20340-5100. 

c. JEL CD-ROM. Upon request of a joint doctrine development community member, 

the Joint Staff J-7 will produce and deliver one CD-ROM with current JPs. This JEL CDROM will be updated not less than semi-annually and when received can be locally 

reproduced for use within the combatant commands and Services. 
GL-1 

GLOSSARY 

PART I—ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 

ABGD air base ground defense 

ACE aviation combat element (MAGTF) 

ADC area damage control 

ADCON administrative control 

ADR airfield damage repair 

AETF air and space expeditionary task force 

AFCAP Air Force contract augmentation program 

AFCEE Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment 

AFCESA Air Force Civil Engineering Support Agency 

AFDD Air Force doctrine document 

AFTTP Air Force tactics, techniques, and procedures 

AGS aviation ground support 

AOR area of responsibility 

APE airfield pavement evaluation 

APOD aerial port of debarkation 

ATTP Army tactics, techniques, and procedures 

BCT brigade combat team 

BII base information infrastructure 

BOS base operating support 

BSZ base security zone 

C2 command and control 

CA civil affairs 

CAP crisis action planning 

CBMU construction battalion maintenance unit 

CBRN chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear 

CBRNE chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and 

 high-yield explosives 

CCA contract construction agent 

CCD camouflage, concealment, and deception 

CCDR combatant commander 

CCIF Combatant Commander Initiative Fund 

CCMD combatant command 

CE command element (MAGTF) 

CEB combat engineer battalion 

CEMIRT civil engineer maintenance, inspection, and repair team 

CERT contingency engineering response team 

CJCSI Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff instruction 

CJCSM Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff manual 

CMCB civil-military coordination board 

CMO civil-military operations 

CMOC civil-military operations center 
Glossary 

GL-2 JP 3-34 

CNIC Commander, Navy Installations Command 

CNO Chief of Naval Operations 

COA course of action 

COMAFFOR commander, Air Force forces 

CONOPS concept of operations 

CONPLAN concept plan 

CONUS continental United States 

COP common operational picture 

CP command post 

CS civil support 

CSB (MEB) combat support brigade (maneuver enhancement brigade) 

CSS combat service support 

DCMA Defense Contract Management Agency 

DJTFAC deployable joint task force augmentation cell 

DLA Defense Logistics Agency 

DOD Department of Defense 

DODD Department of Defense directive 

DODI Department of Defense instruction 

DOS Department of State 

DTED digital terrain elevation data 

EAF expeditionary airfield 

EBS environmental baseline survey 

ECC engineer coordination cell 

ECES expeditionary civil engineer squadron 

EEA environmental executive agent 

EH explosive hazard 

EHCC explosive hazards coordination cell 

EHSA environmental health site assessment 

EM emergency management 

EO executive order 

EOD explosive ordnance disposal 

EPA Environmental Protection Agency 

ERDC Engineer Research and Development Center 

ESB engineer support battalion 

ESP engineer support plan 

ET electronics technician 

FACE forward aviation combat engineering 

FEC facilities engineering command 

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency 

FES fire emergency services 

FEST forward engineer support team 

FET facility engineer team 

FFE field force engineering 
Glossary 

GL-3 

FGS final governing standard 

FHA foreign humanitarian assistance 

FM field manual (Army) 

FRTP fleet response training plan 

GCC geographic combatant commander 

GCCC global contingency construction contract 

GCCS Global Command and Control System 

GCE ground combat element (MAGTF) 

GCSC global contingency service contract 

GCSS Global Command Support System 

GEOINT geospatial intelligence 

GI&S geospatial information and services 

GIS geographic information system 

H&S headquarters and service 

HAZMAT hazardous materials 

HCA humanitarian and civic assistance 

HDO humanitarian demining operations 

HF high frequency 

HN host nation 

HNS host-nation support 

HNSA host-nation support agreement 

HQ headquarters 

HW hazardous waste 

IAW in accordance with 

IED improvised explosive device 

IGO intergovernmental organization 

INLS Improved Navy Lighterage System 

IR information requirement 

ISA international standardization agreement 

ISB intermediate staging base 

ISR intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance 

IT information system technician 

J-2 intelligence directorate of a joint staff 

J-3 operations directorate of a joint staff 

J-4 logistics directorate of a joint staff 

JCMEB joint civil-military engineering board 

JDOMS Joint Director of Military Support 

JECC joint enabling capabilities command 

JEMB joint environmental management board 

JEPES joint engineer planning and execution system 

JFC joint force commander 

JFLCC joint force land component commander 
Glossary 

GL-4 JP 3-34 

JFUB joint facilities utilization board 

JIACG joint interagency coordination group 

JIPOE joint intelligence preparation of the operational 

 environment 

JLOC joint logistics operations center 

JLOTS joint logistics over-the-shore 

JMD joint manning document 

JOA joint operations area 

JOC joint operations center 

JOPES Joint Operation Planning and Execution System 

JOPP joint operation planning process 

JP joint publication 

JRSOI joint reception, staging, onward movement, and 

 integration 

JTCB joint targeting coordination board 

JTF joint task force 

JTFCEM joint task force contingency engineering management 

LCE logistics combat element (MAGTF) 

LNO liaison officer 

LOC line of communications 

LOGCAP logistics civil augmentation program 

LOTS logistics over-the-shore 

LZ landing zone 

MAGTF Marine air-ground task force 

MCRP Marine Corps reference publication 

MCWP Marine Corps warfighting publication 

MEB Marine expeditionary brigade 

MEF Marine expeditionary force 

MEU Marine expeditionary unit 

MHE materials handling equipment 

MILCON military construction 

MMAC military mine action center 

MNF multinational force 

MNFC multinational force commander 

MPF maritime pre-positioning force 

MSR main supply route 

MUSE mobile utilities support equipment 

MWSG Marine wing support group 

MWSS Marine wing support squadron 

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization 

NAVFAC Naval Facilities Engineering Command 

NBG naval beach group 

NBVC Naval Base Ventura County 
Glossary 

GL-5 

NCF naval construction force 

NCR naval construction regiment 

NEO noncombatant evacuation operation 

NFELC Naval Facilities Expeditionary Logistics Center 

NFESC Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center 

NGA National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency 

NGO nongovernmental organization 

NIPRNET Nonsecure Internet Protocol Router Network 

NMCB naval mobile construction battalion 

NRF National Response Framework 

NTRP Navy tactical reference publication 

NTTP Navy tactics, techniques, and procedures 

NWP Navy warfare publication 

1NCD 1st Naval Construction Division 

O&M operation and maintenance 

OA operational area 

OEBGD Overseas Environmental Baseline Guidance Document 

OFDA Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance 

OICC officer in charge of construction 

OPCON operational control 

OPDS offshore petroleum discharge system 

OPLAN operation plan 

OPORD operation order 

PA primary agency 

PAO public affairs officer 

PHIBCB amphibious construction battalion 

PIR priority intelligence requirement 

PMO program management office 

POL petroleum, oils, and lubricants 

Prime BEEF Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force 

PWG protection working group 

RC Reserve Component 

RCEM regional contingency engineering management 

RED HORSE Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair 

 Squadron Engineer 

ROICC resident officer in charge of construction 

RSOI reception, staging, onward movement, and integration 

RUF rules for the use of force 

SATCOM satellite communications 

SEA Southeast Asia 

Seabee Navy construction engineer 

SecDef Secretary of Defense 
Glossary 

GL-6 JP 3-34 

SHF super-high frequency 

SIPRNET SECRET Internet Protocol Router Network 

SJA staff judge advocate 

SOFA status-of-forces agreement 

SOP standard operating procedure 

SPMAGTF special purpose Marine air-ground task force 

SPOD seaport of debarkation 

SRG Seabee readiness group 

S-Team staff augmentation team 

TACON tactical control 

TCEM theater contingency engineering management 

TDN tactical data network 

TEC theater engineer command 

TEMPER tent extendible modular personnel 

TETK TeleEngineering Toolkit 

TOA table of allowance 

TPFDD time-phased force and deployment data 

TTP tactics, techniques, and procedures 

UCT underwater construction team 

UFC Unified Facilities Criteria 

UHF ultrahigh frequency 

UN United Nations 

USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers 

USAID United States Agency for International Development 

USAMC United States Army Materiel Command 

USC United States Code 

USG United States Government 

USMC United States Marine Corps 

UTC unit type code 

UXO unexploded ordnance 

VHF very high frequency 

WMD weapons of mass destruction 

WTI weapons technical intelligence 
GL-7 

PART II—TERMS AND DEFINITIONS 

advanced base. A base located in or near an operational area whose primary mission is to 

support military operations. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02 with JP 3-34 as 

the source JP) 

apron. A defined area on an airfield intended to accommodate aircraft for purposes of 

loading or unloading passengers or cargo, refueling, parking, or maintenance. 

(Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02 with JP 3-34 as the source JP.)

base complex. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

base development (less force beddown). The acquisition, development, expansion, 

improvement, construction and/or replacement of the facilities and resources of a 

location to support forces. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

building systems. Structures assembled from manufactured components designed to 

provide specific building configurations. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

combat engineering. Engineering capabilities and activities that closely support the 

maneuver of land combat forces consisting of three types: mobility, countermobility, 

and survivability. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

common servicing. Functions performed by one Service in support of another for which 

reimbursement is not required. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

contingency engineering management organization. An organization formed by the 

combatant commander, or subordinate joint force commander to augment their staffs 

with additional Service engineering expertise for planning and construction 

management. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

countermobility operations. The construction of obstacles and emplacement of minefields 

to delay, disrupt, and destroy the enemy by reinforcement of the terrain. (JP 1-02. 

SOURCE: JP 3-34) 

crash rescue and fire suppression. Extraction of aircrew members from crashed or burning 

aircraft and the control of related fires. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

Department of Defense construction agent. The Corps of Engineers, Naval Facilities 

Engineering Command, or other such approved Department of Defense activity, that is 

assigned design or execution responsibilities associated with military construction 

programs, facilities support, or civil engineering support to the combatant commanders 

in contingency operations. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-34) 

emergency repair. The least amount of immediate repair to damaged facilities necessary 

for the facilities to support the mission. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 
Glossary 

GL-8 JP 3-34 

engineer support plan. An appendix to the logistics annex or separate annex of an 

operation plan that identifies the minimum essential engineering services and 

construction requirements required to support the commitment of military forces. Also 

called ESP. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-34) 

environmental baseline survey. A multi-disciplinary site survey conducted prior to or in 

the initial stage of a joint operational deployment. Also called EBS. (Approved for 

incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

environmental cleanup. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

environmental considerations. The spectrum of environmental media, resources, or 

programs that may affect the planning and execution of military operations. (Approved 

for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

environmental stewardship. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

excess property. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

exercise. A military maneuver or simulated wartime operation involving planning, 

preparation, and execution that is carried out for the purpose of training and evaluation. 

(Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

explosive ordnance. All munitions containing explosives, nuclear fission or fusion 

materials, and biological and chemical agents. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-

02.) 

explosive ordnance disposal. The detection, identification, on-site evaluation, rendering 

safe, recovery, and final disposal of unexploded explosive ordnance. Also called EOD. 

(Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

explosive ordnance disposal unit. Personnel with special training and equipment who 

render explosive ordnance safe, make intelligence reports on such ordnance, and 

supervise the safe removal thereof. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

facility. A real property entity consisting of one or more of the following: a building, a 

structure, a utility system, pavement, and underlying land. (Approved for incorporation 

into JP 1-02 with JP 3-34 as the source JP.) 

facility substitutes. Items such as tents and prepackaged structures requisitioned through 

the supply system that may be used to substitute for constructed facilities. (JP 1-02. 

SOURCE: JP 3-34) 

final governing standards. A comprehensive set of country-specific substantive 

environmental provisions, typically technical limitations on effluent, discharges, etc., or 

a specific management practice. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-34) 
Glossary 

GL-9 

force beddown. The provision of expedient facilities for troop support to provide a platform 

for the projection of force. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

forward aviation combat engineering. A mobility operation in which engineers perform 

tasks in support of forward aviation ground facilities. Also called FACE. (Approved 

for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

general engineering. Those engineering capabilities and activities, other than combat 

engineering, that modify, maintain, or protect the physical environment. Also called 

GE. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

geospatial engineering. Those engineering capabilities and activities that contribute to a 

clear understanding of the physical environment by providing geospatial information 

and services to commanders and staffs. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

hardstand. 1. A paved or stabilized area where vehicles are parked. 2. Open ground with a 

prepared surface used for the storage of materiel. (Approved for incorporation into JP 

1-02.) 

joint facilities utilization board. A joint board that evaluates and reconciles component 

requests for real estate, use of existing facilities, inter-Service support, and construction 

to ensure compliance with Joint Civil-Military Engineering Board priorities. Also 

called JFUB. (Approved for replacement of “Joint Facilities Utilization Board” in JP 1-

02.) 

military construction. Any construction, alteration, development, conversion, or extension 

of any kind carried out with respect to a military installation. Also called MILCON. 

(JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-34) 

mobile mine. A mine propelled to its laying position by propulsion equipment, such as a 

torpedo, that sinks at the end of its run placing the mine. (Approved for incorporation 

into JP 1-02.) 

naval construction force. The combined construction units of the Navy that are part of the 

operating forces and represent the Navy’s capability for advanced base construction. 

Also called NCF. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

operation and maintenance. Maintenance and repair of real property, operation of utilities, 

and provision of other services such as refuse collection and disposal, entomology, snow 

removal, and ice alleviation. Also called O&M. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-34) 

Overseas Environmental Baseline Guidance Document. A set of objective criteria and 

management practices developed by the Department of Defense to protect human health 

and the environment. Also called OEBGD. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-34) 

prime mover. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 
Glossary 

GL-10 JP 3-34 

Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer. Air Force 

units wartime-structured to provide a heavy engineer capability that are mobile, rapidly 

deployable, and largely self-sufficient for limited periods of time. Also called RED 

HORSE. (Approved for replacement of “RED HORSE” and its definition in JP 1-02.) 

real property. Lands, buildings, structures, utilities systems, improvements, and 

appurtenances, thereto that includes equipment attached to and made part of buildings 

and structures, but not movable equipment. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

relocatable building. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

route classification. Classification assigned to a route using factors of minimum width, 

worst route type, least bridge, raft, or culvert military load classification, and 

obstructions to traffic flow. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02 with JP 3-34 as 

the source JP.) 

survivability. All aspects of protecting personnel, weapons, and supplies while 

simultaneously deceiving the enemy. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

topographic map. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

underwater demolition. The destruction or neutralization of underwater obstacles that is 

normally accomplished by underwater demolition teams. (Approved for incorporation 

into JP 1-02.) 

underwater demolition team. A group of officers and enlisted specially trained and 

equipped to accomplish the destruction or neutralization of underwater obstacles and 

associated tasks. Also called UDT. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 
JOINT DOCTRINE PUBLICATIONS HIERARCHY JOINT DOCTRINE PUBLICATIONS HIERARCHY

JP 4-0 JP 5-0 JP 6-0

LOGISTICS COMMUNICATIONS

SYSTEM PLANS

JP 1

JOINT

DOCTRINE

JP 1-0

PERSONNEL

Maintenance

Approval Development

Initiation

JOINT

DOCTRINE

PUBLICATION

ENHANCED

JOINT

WARFIGHTING

CAPABILITY

JP 3-0

OPERATIONS

JP 2-0

INTELLIGENCE

STEP #4 - Maintenance









JP published and continuously

assessed by users

Formal assessment begins 24-

27 months following

publication

Revision begins 3.5 years after

publication

Each JP revision is completed

no later than 5 years after

signature

STEP #3 - Approval STEP #2 - Development

STEP #1 - Initiation







JSDS delivers adjudicated matrix to JS J-7

JS J-7 prepares publication for signature

JSDS prepares JS staffing package

JSDS staffs the publication via JSAP for

signature













LA selects Primary Review Authority (PRA) to develop the

first draft (FD)

PRA develops FD for staffing with JDDC

FD comment matrix adjudication

JS J-7 produces the final coordination (FC) draft, staffs to

JDDC and JS via Joint Staff Action Processing

Joint Staff doctrine sponsor (JSDS) adjudicates FC

comment matrix

FC Joint working group













Joint Doctrine Development

Community (JDDC) submission to fill

extant operational void

Joint Staff (JS) J-7 conducts frontend analysis

Joint Doctrine Planning Conference

validation

Program Directive (PD) development

and staffing/joint working group

PD includes scope, references,

outline, milestones, and draft

authorship

JS J-7 approves and releases PD to

lead agent (LA) (Service, combatant

command, JS directorate)

All joint publications are organized into a comprehensive hierarchy as shown in the chart above.

is in the series of joint doctrine publications. The diagram below illustrates an overview of the

development process:

Joint Publication

(JP) 3-34 Operations