17 June 2011

Barriers, Obstacles, and

Mine Warfare for Joint Operations

Joint Publication 3-15
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i 

PREFACE 

1. Scope 

This publication provides doctrinal guidance for planning and executing barrier, 

obstacle, and mine warfare for joint operations as they relate to strategic, operational, and 

tactical mobility and countermobility across the range of military 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, education, 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 Joint Staff, 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 3-15 

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iii 

SUMMARY OF CHANGES 

REVISION OF JOINT PUBLICATION 3-15 

DATED 26 APRIL 2007 

• US Land Mine Policy changes incorporated fully into this publication. As of 1 

January 2011, US forces are no longer authorized to utilize persistent land mines 

anywhere (previously allowed only in Korea through end of 2010). 

• Changed acronym for mine warfare from MIW to MW. 

• Revised Appendix A, “Reporting” 

— No longer need reports for intention to lay, initiation, and completion of 

conventional minefields. 

— Modified reports for reporting mines of any type laid by non-US forces. 

— Added report for unexploded ordnance/explosive remnants of war. 

• Revised Appendix E, “Maritime Mine Warfare and Mine Countermeasures 

Organization and Capabilities.” 

• Deleted Appendix G, “Improvised Explosive Devices Defeat.” All counterimprovised explosive device material now in Joint Publication 3-15.1, CounterImprovised Explosive Device Operations. 

• Revised Appendix H, “References.” 

• Changed antipersonnel mines to antipersonnel land mines. 

• Changed antitank mines to anti-vehicular land mines. 

 
Summary of Changes 

iv JP 3-15 

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v 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PAGE 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................. vii 

CHAPTER I 

INTRODUCTION 

 Introduction ................................................................................................................ I-1 

 Operational Framework ............................................................................................. I-1 

 The Threat .................................................................................................................. I-4 

 Legal Considerations ................................................................................................. I-6 

CHAPTER II 

JOINT PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS 

 Authorities and Responsibilities ...............................................................................II-1 

 General Considerations .............................................................................................II-2 

 Planning Sequence ....................................................................................................II-8 

 Planning Support ....................................................................................................II-11 

CHAPTER III 

LAND OPERATIONS 

 General Discussion ................................................................................................. III-1 

 Mobility Considerations ......................................................................................... III-3 

 Countermobility Considerations ............................................................................. III-8 

 Command and Control .......................................................................................... III-17 

CHAPTER IV 

MARITIME OPERATIONS 

 General Discussion ................................................................................................. IV-1 

 Mine Warfare Command and Control .................................................................... IV-2 

 Environmental Considerations ................................................................................ IV-2 

 Elements of Mine Warfare ...................................................................................... IV-4 

 Mining ..................................................................................................................... IV-4 

 Mine Countermeasures ........................................................................................... IV-6 

 Service Considerations ......................................................................................... IV-15 

APPENDIX 

A Reporting ................................................................................................... A-1 

B Land Mobility Capabilities .........................................................................B-1 

C Land Countermobility Capabilities ............................................................C-1 

D Maritime Mining Capabilities ................................................................... D-1 
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vi JP 3-15 

E Maritime Mine Warfare and Mine Countermeasures 

Organization and Capabilities .................................................................... E-1 

F Humanitarian Mine Action ......................................................................... F-1 

G References ................................................................................................. G-1 

H Administrative Instructions ....................................................................... H-1 

GLOSSARY 

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

Part II Terms and Definitions ............................................................................. GL-5 

FIGURE 

I-1 Types of Obstacles ...................................................................................... I-5 

I-2 The Hague Convention (VIII) Provisions ................................................... I-8 

II-1 Barriers, Obstacles, and Minefields Objectives .........................................II-5 

II-2 The Joint Operation Planning Process .......................................................II-8 

II-3 Intelligence Support Tasks .......................................................................II-12 

III-1 Breaching Fundamentals .......................................................................... III-4 

III-2 Breaching Considerations ........................................................................ III-5 

III-3 Example of Networked Munitions ......................................................... III-13 

IV-1 Environmental Considerations in Mine Warfare ..................................... IV-3 

IV-2 Elements of Mine Warfare ....................................................................... IV-4 

IV-3 Maritime Mine Countermeasures ............................................................. IV-7 

IV-4 Maritime Mine Countermeasure Mission Objectives ............................ IV-10 
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

COMMANDER’S OVERVIEW 

• Presents the Framework and Context for Employing and Countering Obstacles 

• Discusses Joint Planning Considerations 

• Explains Barriers, Obstacles, and Land Mines Role in Land Operations 

• Describes Mine Warfare in Maritime Operations 

Framework and Context for Employing and Countering Obstacles 

In many types of 

operations, joint forces 

can employ obstacles as a 

significant force 

multiplier. 

Joint forces should be prepared to encounter barriers, 

obstacles (including improvised explosive devices [IEDs], 

mines, and other unexploded explosive ordnance [UXO]) 

and to conduct mine warfare (MW), employing mines on 

land and sea across the range of military operations. 

Employing and countering obstacles differ on land and at 

sea. For example, while obstacles on land are primarily 

employed and countered by combat engineers, this is not 

the case at sea, where ships, aircraft, and underwater 

elements deploy and/or counter obstacles, naval mines, and 

IEDs. 

The Role of Obstacles in 

Joint Operations 

Throughout the range of 

military operations, joint 

forces may encounter, or 

be required to employ 

obstacles of any type. 

They use obstacles 

offensively and defensively 

to attack the mobility of 

adversaries, enhance the 

effectiveness of friendly 

fires, deny adversaries the 

use of terrain, disrupt 

sustainment operations, 

and inflict damage to 

enemy forces. 

Employing and countering obstacles impacts (or is 

impacted by) all six of the joint functions. Command 

and control (C2) is critical to ensure that obstacle 

employment supports the concept of operations 

(CONOPS), does not violate law or policy, and avoids 

unintended consequences. Intelligence must provide joint 

forces with as much understanding as possible about 

obstacles—and about adversaries’ capabilities to employ 

them. The political, social, cultural, and economic 

environments are critical elements in understanding the 

operational environment in which obstacles will be used. 

Joint forces can use obstacles to enhance the effectiveness 

of fires by increasing target acquisition time, creating 

target-rich environments, and creating vulnerabilities to 

exploit. Obstacles can also degrade the ability of friendly 

forces to employ fires by limiting or denying access to 

areas needed to launch and recover aircraft or areas from 

which other weapon systems can employ fires. Obstacles 

can significantly inhibit the movement and maneuver of 

joint forces and threaten their fighting potential and 
Executive Summary 

viii JP 3-15 

sustainment. Joint forces must assure their mobility, 

conserve their fighting potential, and protect their ability to 

provide personnel, logistics, and other support. Joint forces 

can use obstacles to delay, channel, or stop the movement 

and maneuver of adversaries or for protection against an 

enemy’s assault or against unauthorized access to facilities 

and bases. 

Assured Mobility Assured mobility is the framework of processes, actions, 

and capabilities that assure the ability of the joint force to 

deploy and maneuver where and when desired, without 

interruption or delay, to achieve the mission. 

Obstacle Framework Obstacles can be either natural or man-made (or a 

combination of both). 

Natural obstacles are terrain features, such as rivers, 

forests, or mountains. 

Man-made obstacles can be explosive or nonexplosive. 

Nonexplosive obstacles do not contain explosives 

(although explosives may be detonated to create the 

obstacle). They include cultural, constructed, and 

demolition obstacles. Explosive obstacles contain 

explosives and include mines, IEDs, UXO, and other 

explosive hazards (EHs). 

Some obstacles are present as inherent aspects of the terrain 

and are called existing obstacles. 

Obstacles that are specifically created as obstacles are 

sometimes called reinforcing obstacles. 

The Threat Joint forces typically encounter obstacles in two physical 

domains: land and maritime. 

Land. Joint forces may encounter obstacles on land across 

the range of military operations. This is especially true in 

areas with highly restrictive terrain such as mountains, 

jungles, or urban areas. Adversaries may make extensive 

use of obstacles, including mines and IEDs, and a variety of 

countermeasures to defeat friendly obstacles. 

Maritime. Enemy mine emplacement operations may be 

conducted against friendly ports, harbors, and sea lines of 

communications. Mines may also be used in other areas 
 Executive Summary 

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vital to US and multinational maritime forces such as 

amphibious objective areas, fire support, and carrier strike 

group operating areas. The ease of emplacing mines by 

ship, aircraft, or submarine presents a valid threat to a 

commander who must rely on naval support or on seaborne 

reinforcement and resupply. 

Air. Control of airspace is essential to effective surface 

operations. The enemy could emplace nonexplosive 

obstacles to hamper or impede friendly air maneuver. 

Cables, balloons, high power transmission line towers 

(painted to make them difficult to see by friendly air crews) 

are a couple of examples. Scatterable mines could 

seriously disrupt and delay air base launch and recovery 

operations, disrupt logistics sustainment operations to the 

air base, and thereby limit friendly air operations. 

Legal Considerations The use of some obstacles, specifically mines, is governed 

by international and US laws and US policies. The United 

States regards mines as lawful weapons when employed in 

accordance with accepted legal standards. US policy also 

governs some demining operations. 

Joint Planning Considerations 

Authorities and 

Responsibilities 

The President and Secretary of Defense (SecDef) 

promulgate policy and guidance concerning the 

employment of mines and humanitarian mine actions 

(HMAs). 

The Secretary of State and ambassadors obtain 

permission from host nation for employment of mines 

within their territories or waters. 

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff transmits 

policy and guidance concerning the employment of mines 

and HMAs from the President and SecDef to the combatant 

commanders. 

Joint force commanders (JFCs) provide guidance and 

direction with respect to employment of barriers, obstacles, 

and mines. 

General Considerations Barrier, Obstacle, and Minefield Levels of Employment

Strategic Employment. Before hostilities, barriers, 

obstacles, and minefields can be used as flexible deterrent 
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To maximize the 

effectiveness from an 

operational barrier, 

obstacle, or minefield, 

certain factors must be 

considered. 

options without posing an offensive threat. Should 

deterrence fail, offensive maritime mining of enemy ports 

and waters can constrict enemy seaborne economic war 

sustainment efforts and reduce enemy ability to safely 

deploy maritime forces. Similarly, offensive employment 

of scatterable mines can deny or restrict enemy strategic 

mobility and sustainability efforts. 

Operational Employment. Defensive barrier, obstacle, 

and minefield employment can help protect friendly ports, 

lines of communications, and key facilities and free combat 

forces for offensive employment and denial operations. 

Offensive employment can protect friendly maneuver while 

disrupting the enemy’s ability to concentrate or maneuver 

forces. 

Tactical Employment. The employment of barriers, 

obstacles, and minefields at the tactical level is normally 

done to achieve offensive or defensive objectives to include 

enhancement of friendly direct/indirect fires, delay/destroy 

enemy formations, or as an economy of force technique. 

Placement Considerations. On land, barriers, obstacles, 

and minefields are usually formed around or tied into an 

existing terrain feature (e.g., mountain chain or strait) or 

formed around a man-made structure (e.g., air base, canal, 

highway, or bridge). At sea, the placement of minefields is 

usually determined by environmental considerations such 

as depth, bottom characteristics, and littoral geography. 

The effects that these operational barriers, obstacles, and 

minefields will have on both the friendly and enemy forces’ 

ability to maneuver on land and sea or to conduct effective 

air operations must be analyzed. Reinforcement is 

achieved by integrating systems of barriers, obstacles, 

minefields, and fires. 

Offensive. The purpose of offensive barrier, obstacle, and 

minefield employment (to include air-delivered scatterable 

mines) is to impede or prohibit enemy movements while 

enhancing or protecting friendly force’s maneuverability 

through or around. 
 Executive Summary 

xi 

Defensive. The purpose of defensive barrier, obstacle, and 

minefield emplacement is to degrade the enemy’s ability to 

maneuver, defeat the enemy attack, regain initiative, gain 

time, concentrate forces, control terrain, and exhaust the 

enemy prior to assuming the offensive. 

Denial Considerations. A denial measure is an action to 

hinder or deny the enemy the use of territory, personnel, or 

facilities. 

Political and Psychological. The primary objective of 

employing barriers, obstacles, and minefields may be 

deterrence rather than physical destruction. 

Planning Sequence 

The joint operation 

planning process 

underpins planning at all 

levels and for missions 

across the full range of 

military operations. 

The initial planning guidance includes the identification of 

areas or zones that require operational-level barriers, 

obstacles, or minefields; critical targets or enemy functions 

for attack; sequencing of barrier, obstacle, and minefield 

employment and desired effects; logistics priorities; rules 

of engagement; and the employment of obstacles and 

minefields to support denial operations. 

During course of action determination, the JFC’s staff 

initially assesses the terrain, weather, and climate to 

identify existing operational-level barriers, obstacles, and 

limits imposed by expected weather. The need for 

additional barriers, obstacles, and minefields is identified. 

During CONOPS development, the JFC’s staff initiates the 

development of the formal barrier and obstacle plan. When 

completed, the plan should clearly delineate operational 

barriers, obstacles, and minefields and their intended effect 

and potential unintended effects on the campaign or 

operation. 

The JFC reviews and approves the concept of employment 

for operational barriers, obstacles, and minefields as well as 

the denial plan which is designed to prevent potential 

aggressors from the use of certain resources, and/or to deny 

them access to certain areas. 

The barrier, obstacle, and MW plan is published, if 

required, as an appendix of an annex to the theater 

campaign plan, operation plan, or operation order. 
Executive Summary 

xii JP 3-15 

Planning Support Intelligence. Planning for operations involving barrier, 

obstacle, and MW requires timely, continuous, and reliable 

all-source counterintelligence and intelligence support. For 

each potential operation, analysts must evaluate types, 

quantities, and capabilities of mines, barriers, and obstacles 

available to the adversary. 

Logistics. Planning for the use of barriers, obstacles, and 

mines involves the acquisition, storage, maintenance, 

distribution, and security of the materiel. 

Communications. Planning for and employment of 

barriers, obstacles, and mines requires communication to 

facilitate joint and multinational coordination and 

information flow to inform friendly forces (and, when 

necessary, other government agencies, intergovernmental 

organizations, and nongovernmental organizations, as well 

as civilians) of locations. 

Explosive Hazards Database. The joint force should 

establish a single EHs database for the entire operational 

area to facilitate a common understanding within the joint 

force and with multinational forces, other government 

agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and 

nongovernmental organizations. This database should 

include all known and suspected mines, IEDs, UXO, and 

other EHs and be compatible with common operational 

picture tools to enhance situational awareness and support 

situational understanding. 

Land Operations 

Barriers, obstacles, and 

land mines continue to be 

a condition in the 

environment in which 

land operations are 

conducted. The condition 

is significant across the 

range of military 

operations; from civil 

support in an area littered 

with hurricane debris, 

through stability 

operations in which 

insurgents employ 

Scatterable Mines and Networked Munitions. The 

employment of scatterable mines and networked munitions 

requires close coordination between components during 

both the planning and employment phases of the operation. 

The coordination for the employment of scatterable mines 

and networked munitions is a combined effort of the joint 

targeting coordination board, the joint force engineer, and 

the joint force air component commander, if established. 

Coordination is essential if scatterable mines or networked 

munitions are deployed where friendly forces may be 

operating or in locations that lie within the operational area. 

Once emplaced, scatterable mines or networked munitions 

remain active until detonated or until the mines selfdestruct or self-deactivate after a preset period of time. 
 Executive Summary 

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explosive hazards, to 

offensive or defensive 

operations employing 

complex man-made and 

natural obstacle systems. 

Support to Movement and Maneuver. The focus is on 

supporting the maneuver commander’s ability to gain a 

position of advantage in relation to the enemy; conducting 

mobility operations to negate the impact of enemy 

obstacles, conducting countermobility to impact and shape 

enemy maneuver, or a combination of both. While support 

to movement and maneuver provides the broader 

framework of enabling capabilities, the discussion of 

barriers, obstacles, and MW focuses specifically on 

mobility and countermobility (and the supporting 

survivability) tasks. 

Engineer Functions. Countering barriers, obstacles, and 

mines is included within mobility operations. The 

employment of barriers, obstacles, and scatterable 

mines/networked munitions is included within 

countermobility operations. At the tactical level, 

mobility and countermobility operations are typically 

supported by combat engineers as combat engineering 

tasks, although selected combat engineering tasks may also 

be performed by general engineers. 

Mobility Considerations Mobility operations include five functional areas, three 

[breaching operations, clearing operations, and gap 

crossing operations] of which are designed directly to meet 

challenges from barriers, obstacles, land mines, and other 

EHs. 

Conduct Combined Arms Breaching Operations: 

detect, breach or bypass, mark, and proof mined areas and 

obstacles. Combined arms breaching operations are 

typically performed in a close combat environment. 

Conduct Clearing Operations: employ tactics and 

equipment to detect and eliminate obstacles, mines, and 

other EHs. Clearing operations are conducted to 

completely eliminate obstacles, whether along a route or in 

a specified area. 

Conduct Gap Crossing Operations: fill/cross gaps in the 

terrain/man-made structures to allow personnel and 

equipment to pass. Gap crossing operations are conducted 

to project combat power over linear obstacles or gaps. 

Countermobility 

Considerations 

Terrain Considerations. Engineers must discern and 

identify patterns and plan specific detection strategies 
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xiv JP 3-15 

The objective of barrier, 

obstacle, and mine 

warfare employment is to 

disrupt, fix, turn, or block 

enemy forces and protect 

friendly forces. 

based on the threat. The proliferation of mines and IEDs 

requires engineers to continually develop new countering 

procedures. The integration of explosive ordnance disposal 

capabilities into route or area clearance engineer units has 

become an increasing requirement. 

Countermobility Employment Principles Include: 

 Barriers, obstacles, and minefields should be evaluated 

from both an offensive and a defensive posture. 

 Barriers, obstacles, and minefields should directly 

support the maneuver plan. 

 Reinforcing obstacles should be integrated with 

existing barriers and obstacles to support the 

commander’s intent and operational concept. 

 Barriers, obstacles, and minefields are more effective 

when employed in depth. 

 By varying the type, design, and location of reinforcing 

obstacles, the enemy’s breaching operation is made 

more difficult. 

 The effectiveness of barrier, obstacle, and mine 

employment can be affected by the air situation. 

 Coverage by observation and by direct or indirect fire is 

essential to restrict enemy breaching efforts, maneuver, 

and massing of forces and to increase the destruction of 

enemy forces. 

Command and Control 

(C2) 

Planning. Commanders and staffs consider both friendly 

and enemy use of obstacles when planning operations. 

Reconnaissance. Tactical reconnaissance supporting 

mobility operations should focus on obstacle intelligence—

those collection efforts conducted to detect the presence of 

enemy (and natural) obstacles, determine their types and 

dimensions, and provide the necessary information to plan 

appropriate combined arms breaching, clearance, or bypass 

operations to negate the impact on the friendly scheme of 

maneuver. 

Control Means. The purpose of obstacle control is to 
 Executive Summary 

xv 

synchronize subordinate obstacle efforts with the 

commander’s intent and scheme of maneuver. 

Commanders exercise obstacle control by granting or 

withholding obstacle emplacement authority or restricting 

obstacles through orders or other specific guidance. 

Reporting, Recording, and Marking. Intelligence 

concerning enemy minefields is reported by the fastest 

means available. Spot reports are the tactical commander’s 

most common source of minefield intelligence. Lane or 

bypass marking is a critical component of obstacle 

reduction. Effective lane marking allows commanders to 

project forces through an obstacle quickly, with combat 

power and C2 intact. It gives an assault force and followon forces confidence in the safety of the lane and helps 

prevent unnecessary casualties. 

Maritime Operations 

General Discussion Maritime MW consists of the strategic, operational, and 

tactical employment of sea mines and mine 

countermeasures (MCM). MW is divided into two 

categories: the emplacement of mines to degrade the 

enemy’s capabilities to wage land, air, and maritime 

warfare; and the countering of enemy mining capability or 

emplaced mines in order to permit friendly maneuver. 

Mine Warfare C2 JFC. Naval MW is an enabler of joint force operations. 

The JFC is supported in MW by the Navy component 

commander (NCC), or if assigned, a combined or joint 

force maritime component commander (JFMCC). 

NCC or JFMCC. The NCC or JFMCC staff supports the 

JFC with all operational-level military operations at sea, 

including MW. As such, the NCC staff should integrate 

MW into their planning. The Naval Mine and AntiSubmarine Warfare Command (NMAWC) maintains a 

deployable staff to provide phased, scalable MW expertise 

and support to NCCs. 

Mine Warfare Commander (MIWC). The MIWC is a 

supporting warfare commander to the NCC or the officer in 

tactical command and is the commander’s primary advisor 

on all aspects of MW—both mining and MCM. NMAWC 

can serve as the MIWC and perform the MW functions in 

support of the NCC. 
Executive Summary 

xvi JP 3-15 

Mine Countermeasures Commander (MCMC). The 

MCMC is the supporting commander to the MIWC or 

designated commander for MCM within an assigned area. 

The MCMC controls the operations of MCM assets 

(surface MCM vessels, airborne MCM [AMCM] 

squadrons/detachments, and underwater MCM [UMCM] 

elements) in the operational area.

Environmental 

Considerations 

Environmental considerations are significant in MW and 

affect both mining and MCM. Mine cases, mine sensors, 

target signals, and MCM systems are all impacted by 

environmental factors and impact the selection of 

equipment and procedures. 

Elements of Mine Warfare MW can be applied across the range of military operations 

and can be divided into the subdisciplines of mining and 

MCM. 

Mining Mining is used to support the broad tasks of establishing 

and maintaining control of essential sea areas. Mining 

embraces all methods whereby naval mines are used to 

deny sea area or inflict damage on adversary shipping to 

hinder, disrupt, and deny adversary operations. 

Mine Countermeasures MCM includes all actions undertaken to prevent enemy 

mines from altering friendly forces’ maritime plans, 

operations, or maneuver. MCM reduces the threat of mines 

and the effects of enemy-emplaced sea mines on friendly 

naval force and seaborne logistics force access to and 

transit of selected waterways. 

Service Considerations Army–Navy. Naval MW includes mining and MCM in all 

sea areas, the littoral operating area in an amphibious 

operation to include the surf zone (SZ) and the beach (as 

determined in the amphibious planning process), and in 

certain cases may extend inland where waters are navigable 

from the sea. In short, if maritime assets are capable of 

conducting MCM in any waterway where Army craft need 

to navigate, it is likely that the maritime component 

commander will be directed to clear those mines. 

Air Force–Navy. The United States Air Force (USAF) 

plays two important roles in supporting MW forces (in 

addition to supporting offensive MCM). USAF bomber 

aircraft can deliver large quantities of mines per sortie at 

long distances from their bases, playing a critical part in 
 Executive Summary 

xvii 

accomplishing mining plans directed by joint commands. 

USAF strike platforms are also a key component of the 

assault breaching system in support of amphibious 

operations. The second USAF role is the Air Mobility 

Command’s (AMC’s) deployment of AMCM and UMCM 

forces, and MW C2 elements and the continuing delivery of 

critical repair parts via AMC aircraft. 

Marine Corps–Navy. During amphibious operations, 

MCM at sea—whether in the deep or shallow water where 

amphibious ships and their escorts operate, or in the very 

shallow water and SZ where assault craft bring troops and 

weapons to the beach—is conducted by a Navy MCMC. 

Normally, the MCMC is a subordinate and supporting 

commander to the commander, amphibious task force. 

United States Coast Guard (USCG). Coast Guard area 

commanders are empowered to assign appropriate USCG 

forces to the JFMCC to support MW operations. USCG 

assets will likely support route survey and MCM forces 

conducting MW operations in US territorial waters in times 

of conflict. 

CONCLUSION 

This publication provides doctrinal guidance for planning 

and executing barrier, obstacle, and MW for joint 

operations as they relate to strategic, operational, and 

tactical mobility and countermobility across the range of 

military operations. 

 
Executive Summary 

xviii JP 3-15 

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I-1 

CHAPTER I 

INTRODUCTION 

1. Introduction 

a. Joint forces should be prepared to encounter barriers, obstacles (including improvised 

explosive devices [IEDs], mines, and other unexploded explosive ordnance [UXO]) and to 

conduct mine warfare (MW), employing mines on land and sea across the range of military 

operations. In many types of operations, joint forces can employ obstacles as a significant 

force multiplier. 

b. Employing and countering obstacles differ on land and at sea. For example, while 

obstacles on land are primarily employed and countered by combat engineers, this is not the 

case at sea, where ships, aircraft, and underwater elements deploy and/or counter obstacles, 

naval mines, and IEDs. This chapter establishes the basic framework and context for 

employing and countering obstacles. Considerations that are unique to the land and maritime 

domains are covered in Chapter III, “Land Operations,” and Chapter IV, “Maritime 

Operations.” 

2. Operational Framework 

a. The Role of Obstacles in Joint Operations 

(1) Throughout the range of military operations, joint forces may encounter, or be 

required to employ obstacles of any type. In any type of offensive or defensive operation, 

obstacles can help joint forces to protect personnel, equipment, and facilities and maintain 

our lines of communications (LOCs). Joint forces conducting military engagement, 

security cooperation, and deterrence activities sometimes use obstacles to enhance 

deterrence and demonstrate resolve. (In some cases, though, the use of obstacles constitutes 

an act of war.) In operations such as humanitarian and civic assistance, the very purpose of 

the operation might be focused on the reduction or elimination of obstacles. Such obstacles 

may have been emplaced years prior to the operation or by someone other than a current 

adversary. In major operations and campaigns, and some crisis response and limited 

contingency operations, joint forces will be involved in armed conflict. They use obstacles 

offensively and defensively to attack the mobility of adversaries, enhance the effectiveness 

of friendly fires, deny adversaries the use of terrain, disrupt sustainment operations, and 

inflict damage to enemy forces. 

(2) Employing and countering obstacles impacts (or is impacted by) all six of the 

joint functions. Command and control (C2) is critical to ensure that obstacle employment 

supports the concept of operations (CONOPS), does not violate law or policy, and avoids 

“Everything that is shot or thrown at you or dropped on you in war is most 

unpleasant, but of all horrible devices, the most terrifying...is the land mine.” 

Sir William Slim, Unofficial History, 1959 
Chapter I 

I-2 JP 3-15 

unintended consequences. Obstacles are a part of the operational environment that can have 

significant impacts on joint forces. Intelligence must provide joint forces with as much 

understanding as possible about obstacles—and about adversaries’ capabilities to employ 

them. The political, social, cultural, and economic environments are critical elements in 

understanding the operational environment in which obstacles will be used. Joint forces can 

use obstacles to enhance the effectiveness of fires by increasing target acquisition time, 

creating target-rich environments, and creating vulnerabilities to exploit. Obstacles can also 

degrade the ability of friendly forces to employ fires by limiting or denying access to areas 

needed to launch and recover aircraft or areas from which other weapon systems can employ 

fires. Obstacles can significantly inhibit the movement and maneuver of joint forces and 

threaten their fighting potential and sustainment. Joint forces must assure their mobility, 

conserve their fighting potential, and protect their ability to provide personnel, logistics, and 

other support. They do this by predicting and preventing enemy use of obstacles, detecting 

their existence, avoiding them, neutralizing them, and protecting against their effects. Joint 

forces can use obstacles to delay, channel, or stop the movement and maneuver of 

adversaries or for protection against an enemy’s assault or against unauthorized access to 

facilities and bases. 

(3) Obstacle employment can create significant advantages for the joint forces 

within the operational area. Likewise, obstacle employment can also create challenges that 

require consideration prior to emplacement: 

(a) The creation and removal of obstacles is often manpower-intensive, 

hazardous, and can consume a significant amount of time, materiel, equipment, and 

transportation resources. 

(b) Obstacles must be protected to prevent adversaries from bypassing, 

breaching, or clearing them. 

(c) To create certain effects (i.e., disrupt, fix, turn, and block), obstacles 

require surveillance and dedicated fires. 

(d) Obstacles can be just as hazardous to friendly forces and civilians as they 

are to adversaries. Explosive obstacles must be rendered safe following their operational 

usefulness. 

(e) Obstacles are designed to inhibit the mobility of both enemy and friendly 

forces. 

(f) Employment can have an adverse effect on the perception of mission 

validity and undermine popular support. 

(g) Employment can have an adverse effect on local commerce and can have 

political and psychological impacts detrimental to stability operations and counterinsurgency 

operations. 

b. Assured Mobility. Assured mobility is the framework of processes, actions, and 

capabilities that assure the ability of the joint force to deploy and maneuver where and when 
 Introduction 

I-3 

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 (and supporting survivability) actions and integrates 

all of the engineer functions to accomplish these actions. 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, assured mobility 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 assured mobility and 

have critical roles to play. Ultimately, assured mobility is the commander’s responsibility. 

The fundamentals of assured mobility are: 

(1) Predict. Engineers and planners must accurately predict potential enemy 

impediments to joint force mobility by analyzing the enemy’s tactics, techniques, procedures 

(TTP), capability, and evolution. Prediction requires a constantly updated understanding of 

the operational environment. Through the use of joint intelligence preparation of the 

operational environment (JIPOE), which is designed to be used at the operational level while 

intelligence preparation of the battlespace (IPB) is a process used by individual commanders 

within a joint task force to analyze their individual areas of responsibility at the tactical level. 

JIPOE generally differs from IPB in terms of its relative purpose, focus, and level of detail. 

While a joint force commander (JFC) will utilize JIPOE to estimate the adversary’s overall 

intent and capability to counter the friendly joint mission, IPB is specifically designed to 

support the individual ground/naval operations. 

(2) Detect. Using intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets, engineers 

and 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 courses of action (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 enacting proactive measures 

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) Protect. Engineers and other elements plan and implement survivability and 

other protection measures that will deny the enemy the ability to inflict damage as joint 

forces maneuver. Protection may include countermobility missions to deny the enemy 

maneuver and provide protection to friendly maneuvering forces. 
Chapter I 

I-4 JP 3-15 

(7) Respond. Overarching objective of response actions are upon saving lives and 

maintaining mission capability. Response must be scalable, flexible, and adaptable to 

operational capabilities, including a well-developed public information and information 

operations (IO) component. Effective response hinges upon well-trained leaders and 

personnel who have invested in response preparedness and training. Response will depend 

on the amount and kind of damage caused by the incident and resources that can be applied. 

c. Obstacle Framework. Obstacles can be either natural or man-made (or a 

combination of both), as shown in Figure I-1. 

(1) Natural obstacles are terrain features, such as rivers, forests, or mountains. 

(2) Man-made obstacles can be explosive or nonexplosive. 

(a) Nonexplosive obstacles do not contain explosives (although explosives 

may be detonated to create the obstacle). They include: 

1. Cultural obstacles are man-made terrain features that were not created 

for the purpose of obstructing military forces. Examples include archaeological sites, 

industrial/commercial infrastructure, major roads and electrical grid components, towns, 

canals, and railroad embankments. 

2. Constructed obstacles are created without the use of explosives. 

Examples include wire obstacles and anti-vehicle ditches. 

3. Demolition obstacles are created by the detonation of explosives. 

Examples include bridge demolition, road craters, and abatis. 

(b) Explosive obstacles contain explosives and include mines, IEDs, UXO,

and other explosive hazards (EHs). 

For additional information about IEDs, see Joint Publication (JP) 3-15.1, CounterImprovised Explosive Device Operations.

(3) Some obstacles are present as inherent aspects of the terrain and are called 

existing obstacles. Natural and cultural obstacles comprise this category. 

(4) Obstacles that are specifically created as obstacles are sometimes called 

reinforcing obstacles. This category includes constructed obstacles, demolition obstacles, 

IEDs, and mines. 

3. The Threat 

Joint forces typically encounter obstacles in two physical domains: land and maritime. 

However, obstacle warfare can impact, and be impacted by, operations in other portions of 

the operational area. 
 Introduction 

I-5 

a. Land. Joint forces may encounter obstacles on land across the range of military 

operations. This is especially true in areas with highly restrictive terrain such as mountains, 

jungles, or urban areas. Joint forces may face adversaries with highly mobile conventional 

forces supported by lethal air and ground fires. Enemy surveillance capabilities may 

determine the effectiveness of employing friendly obstacles. The timing and methods of 

Figure I-1. Types of Obstacles 

Types of Obstacles

existing obstacles reinforcing obstacles

Legend

IED improvised explosive device

UXO unexploded explosive ordnance

Notes:

1. A description of all explosive hazards is beyond the scope of this publication.

2. A description of all UXO types is beyond the scope of this publication.

3. Scattered and networked munitions that have self-arming, self-destructing, and self-deactivating features 

are examples of nonpersistent land mines.

Obstacles

Natural Man-Made

Nonexplosive

Cultural Constructed Demolition

Explosive

IED UXO All Other

Explosive

Hazards

(see Note 1)

(see Note 3)

Mines

(see Note 2)

Land

Mines

Persistent

Sea

Mines

Nonpersistent

Scattered/

Networked 

Munitions
Chapter I 

I-6 JP 3-15 

emplacement may be determined by the air situation. Adversaries may make extensive use 

of obstacles, including mines and IEDs, and a variety of countermeasures to defeat friendly 

obstacles. Joint forces may encounter both modern and technologically obsolete mines. The 

relatively low cost of mines and IEDs and their worldwide availability makes them an ideal 

weapon for all nations and for anyone with access to them. In addition, enemy use of 

nuclear munitions and chemical mines should not be ruled out. The threat of terrorist 

employment of mines, explosives, and booby traps may necessitate defensive measures to 

reduce the vulnerability of United States (US) personnel, equipment, and facilities. 

b. Maritime. Enemy mine emplacement operations may be conducted against friendly 

ports, harbors, and sea lines of communications (SLOCs). Mines may also be used in other 

areas vital to US and multinational maritime forces such as amphibious objective areas, fire 

support, and carrier strike group operating areas. The application of technology by 

industrially advanced countries has produced a sophisticated, effective form of maritime 

MW. Nevertheless, older mine technologies remain effective. The ease of emplacing mines 

by ship, aircraft, or submarine presents a valid threat to a commander who must rely on naval 

support or on seaborne reinforcement and resupply. Maritime power projection and resupply 

forces originate from friendly ports. During amphibious operations, assault and assault 

follow-on shipping must transit narrows and operate in shallow waters. The enemy can 

place these forces at risk, with little cost to its own forces, by emplacing only a few mines. 

Vessels in port are vulnerable to mines attached to their hulls or other forms of underwater 

attack by swimmers/divers. Another means of attack while in port or during transits of 

SLOCs or narrows is by means of suicide and non-suicide waterborne IEDs (WBIEDs). The 

use of such devices has been demonstrated by al Qaeda in attacks on USS COLE and the 

Motor/Vessel LIMBURG. 

c. Air. Control of airspace is essential to effective surface operations. The enemy 

could emplace nonexplosive obstacles to hamper or impede friendly air maneuver. Cables, 

balloons, high power transmission line towers (painted to make them difficult to see by 

friendly air crews) are a couple of examples. Enemy use of mines could pose a major threat 

to the ability to conduct effective air operations. The enemy might employ sea mines in an 

area where aircraft carriers would need to operate to be within effective range of the enemy. 

The enemy might also employ scatterable mines, along with munitions that have immediate 

effects, in attacks against friendly air bases ashore. Scatterable mines could seriously disrupt 

and delay air base launch and recovery operations, disrupt logistics sustainment operations to 

the air base, and thereby limit friendly air operations. 

4. Legal Considerations 

The use of some obstacles, specifically mines, is governed by international and US laws 

and US policies. The United States regards mines as lawful weapons when employed in 

accordance with accepted legal standards. US policy also governs some demining 

operations. In conducting mining operations, joint forces use the Chairman of the Joint 

Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) standing rules of engagement in the development of the rules of 

engagement (ROE) to ensure their actions are consistent with such laws and policies. These 

laws and policies are complex and occasionally change, so it is critical that joint forces 

carefully consider them when developing their local ROE and ensure staff judge advocates 
 Introduction 

I-7 

review them for legal sufficiency. All commanders and staff involved with MW should be 

familiar with the specific ROE concerning mines. This section identifies the laws, 

agreements, and policies that are most significant to the employment and 

counteremployment of obstacles. 

a. International Law. International law and practice regulate the initiation and conduct 

of armed conflict, limiting the use of certain types of weapons. 

(1) The law of armed conflict, also called the law of war, is that part of 

international law that regulates the conduct of armed hostilities. It postulates four principles: 

military necessity, the avoidance of unnecessary suffering, proportionality, and 

discrimination or distinction.

(2) The Hague Conventions. Commencing in 1899, signatories to the various 

Hague Conventions sought agreements providing, among others things, regulations for the 

commencement of hostilities, the conduct of belligerents and neutral powers towards each 

other and other nations, and limiting the use of certain types of weapons in warfare. The 

Hague Convention VIII of 1907 addressed contact sea mines and sought to restrict and 

regulate their use. The relevant provisions of Hague VIII are summarized in Figure I-2. 

(3) International Agreements. There are two international agreements that bear 

indirectly on maritime MW. 

(a) The Seabed Arms Control Treaty of 1971 prohibits placing nuclear 

weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) on the seabed or subsoil thereof 

beyond a 12-mile coastal zone. WMD other than nuclear weapons are not defined in this 

arms control treaty. 

(b) The navigation and exclusive economic zone overflight provisions of the 

1982 United Nations (UN) Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) reflect customary 

international law and codify the rights and duties of nations with respect to the use of the 

ocean. Though the US has not ratified UNCLOS, US policy is to consider all navigation and 

overflight provisions of UNCLOS except those germane to Part XI (deep sea mineral 

resources) as reflective of international law and, thus, binding on US forces. Mine 

emplacement operations must consider the applicability of international law and the rights 

and freedoms enjoyed by all nations. 

(4) The UN Charter requires member states to refrain from the threat or use of 

force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, except in two 

situations: individual or collective self-defense and as authorized by the UN Security 

Council or other competent regional organizations. 

(5) The 1980 United Nations Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the 

Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May be Deemed to be Excessively 

Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects, commonly referred to as the 1980 United 

Nations Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW), is a law of war treaty governing 

the use of certain conventional weapons which may be deemed to be excessively injurious or 

to have indiscriminate effects. The US has fully integrated the CCW into land mine doctrine 
Chapter I 

I-8 JP 3-15 

and practices. Protocol II (as amended on 3 May 1996) of the CCW refers to prohibitions 

or restrictions on the use of land mines, booby traps, and other devices. The protocol does 

not apply to the use of antiship mines at sea or in inland waterways. Requirements and 

restrictions on land mines include: requirements to mark, record, and publicize minefield 

locations at the conclusion of hostilities; joint operations after cessation of hostilities to 

remove or render ineffective mines and booby traps; requirements on the use of mines or 

booby traps in areas containing concentrations of civilians; and prohibition on types of 

booby traps. A 1996 amendment to Protocol II applies to internal conflicts as well as 

conflicts between states. 

(6) The Mine Ban Treaty (Ottawa Convention) of 1997, to which the US is not 

a party, bans the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of antipersonnel (AP) land mines 

(APLs) (to include self-destruct/self-deactivating nonpersistent systems) and came into force 

Figure I-2. The Hague Convention (VIII) Provisions 

The Hague Convention (VIII) Provisions

Some of the provision are:

It is forbidden—

1. To lay unanchored automatic contact mines, except when they are so constructed 

as to become harmless one hour at most after the person who laid them ceases to 

control them;

2. To lay anchored automatic contact mines which do not become harmless as soon 

as they have broken loose from their moorings;

It is forbidden to lay automatic contact mines off the coast and ports of the enemy, with 

the sole object of intercepting commercial shipping.

When anchored automatic contact mines are employed, every possible precaution 

must be taken for the security of peaceful shipping. The belligerents undertake to do 

their utmost to render these mines harmless within a limited time, and, should they 

cease to be under surveillance, to notify the danger zones as soon as military 

exigencies permit, by a notice addressed to ship owners, which must also be 

communicated to the governments through the diplomatic channel.

At the close of the war, the contracting powers undertake to do their utmost to remove 

the mines which they have laid, each power removing its own mines. As regards 

anchored automatic contact mines laid by one of the belligerents off the coast of the 

other, their position must be notified to the other party by the power which laid them, 

and each power must proceed with the least possible delay to remove the mines in its 

own waters.

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Article 5
 Introduction 

I-9 

on 1 March 1999. The treaty does not restrict the use of antitank mines or anti-vehicle land 

mines (AVLs), to include those fitted with antihandling devices (AHDs). (Throughout this 

publication the term AVL is used to represent any antitank or anti-vehicle mine.) The 

Ottawa Treaty and national implementing legislation in countries party to the treaty establish 

legal restrictions that necessitate careful planning with US and partner nations when 

contemplating any activities related to APLs. This position is under review; however, 

accession to this treaty would prohibit US military use of certain munitions and impacts on 

political-military relationships, training, plans, and operations with non-Ottawa parties that 

have APLs for their national defense. Although not applicable to the US, many nations, 

including many of our allies, have signed the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, 

Stockpiling, Production, and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and on Their Destruction. 

The US is committed to eliminating the humanitarian risks posed by all persistent land 

mines, including the AVLs currently permitted under the Ottawa Treaty. 

b. US Law and Policy 

(1) Land Mines 

(a) The primary treaty that restricts US use of mines is amended Protocol II, 

which amends Protocol II to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of 

Certain Conventional Weapons. Amended Protocol II: 

1. Expands the scope of the original Protocol to include internal armed 

conflicts. 

2. Requires that all remotely delivered APLs be equipped with selfdestruct devices and backup self-deactivation features (making them “smart” mines). 

3. Requires that all non-remotely delivered APLs not equipped with such 

devices (“dumb” mines) be used within controlled, marked, and monitored minefields. The 

US, as a matter of policy, has committed itself to not use persistent land mines after 2010. 

4. Requires that all APLs be detectable using available technology. 

5. Requires that the party emplacing mines assume responsibility to ensure 

against their irresponsible or indiscriminate use. 

6. Provides for means to enforce compliance. 

7. Clarifies the use of the M18 Claymore “mine” when used in the tripwire 

mode. (Claymores used in command-detonated mode are not subject to amended Protocol 

II’s restrictions.) Claymores may be used in the tripwire mode without invoking the above 

“dumb” mine restrictions of amended Protocol II if: 

a. They are not left out longer than 72 hours. 

 
Chapter I 

I-10 JP 3-15 

b. The Claymores are located in the immediate proximity of the 

military unit that emplaced them. 

c. The area is monitored by military personnel to ensure civilians stay 

out of the area. 

(b) The US land mine policy addresses humanitarian land mine concerns while 

balancing legitimate warfigher requirements. Under this policy: 

1. The policy supports continued use of self-destructing/self-deactivating 

APLs and AVLs. Self-destructing land mines are not the cause of humanitarian land mine 

concerns. 

2. The US ended the use of persistent land mines of all types at the end of 

2010, with the exception of use for mine action/demining training and research purposes. 

3. The policy supports the bilateral agreement that directs persistent APLs 

and AVLs stockpiled in the Republic of Korea (ROK) for use by ROK forces for the defense 

of the Korean Peninsula may be used but only until the end of 2018. 

4. The US no longer uses non-detectable land mines of any type. 

(c) CCW Protocol V (Explosive Remnants of War). On 28 November 2003, 

CCW States Parties adopted Protocol V concerning explosive remnants of war (ERW). It 

was ratified by the US on 21 January 2009. Protocol V contains no restrictions or 

prohibitions on weapons or munitions. It addresses what must be done by parties to a 

conflict with respect to ERW that place civilians at risk and post-conflict remediation. Its 

focus is on pre-conflict preventive measures and post-conflict corrective measures. Its 

Technical Annex suggests “best practices” that parties are encouraged to follow on a 

voluntary basis to achieve greater munitions reliability. Obligations concerning clearance, 

removal, destruction, recording, precautions, and cooperation and assistance related to ERW 

apply only to ERW created after entry into force of Protocol V for the state party on whose 

territory the ERW are located; that is, the obligations are not retroactive. 

For additional information on the employment of mines by US forces, refer to Field Manual 

(FM) 3-100.38/Marine Corps Reference Publication (MCRP) 3-17.2B/Navy Tactics, 

Techniques, and Procedures (NTTP) 3-02.4.1/Air Force Tactics, Techniques, and 

Procedures (Instruction) (AFTTP[I]) 3-2.12, UXO-Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and 

Procedures for Unexploded Explosive Ordnance Operations; Navy Warfare Publication 

(NWP) 3-15, Naval Mine Warfare; Marine Corps Warfighting Publication (MCWP) 5-

12.1/NWP 1-14M/Commandant of the Coast Guard Publication P5800.7A, The 

Commander’s Handbook on the Law of Naval Operations (section 7.7 and 9.2); and FM 4-

30.51/MCRP 3-17.2A, Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Procedures.

(2) US Policy on Humanitarian Demining. The US Humanitarian Mine Action 

Program has supported and funded humanitarian demining (HDM) efforts since 1988. 

Because of the threat to peace and safety, HDM operations have become a significant 

disarmament and peace operations activity. Demining is ultimately a host nation (HN) 
 Introduction 

I-11 

responsibility; however, the US promotes its foreign policy interests by assisting other 

nations in protecting their populations from land mines through mine awareness education 

and training of HN personnel in the surveying, marking, and clearing of mines. While 

providing such assistance US military forces are prohibited from engaging in the physical 

detection, lifting, or destroying of land mines, except in limited circumstances. See 

Appendix F, “Humanitarian Mine Action;” JP 3-34, Joint Engineer Operations; and JP 3-29, 

Foreign Humanitarian Assistance, for additional information. 

 
Chapter I 

I-12 JP 3-15 

Intentionally Blank 
II-1 

CHAPTER II

JOINT PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS 

1. Authorities and Responsibilities 

a. The President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense (SecDef)

(1) Mine Release Authority. The authority to employ mines originates with 

the President. Since the employment of mines in international waters or in foreign 

territories (including territorial seas) is generally a hostile act, the President must authorize 

them. Employing mines in allied territory or waters is permissible with HN permission and 

Presidential authorization. US joint forces will only employ nonpersistent mines: those that 

are capable of self-destruction and/or self-deactivation. 

(2) The President and SecDef:

(a) Approve ROE established by the geographic combatant commander (GCC) 

for the theater. 

(b) Promulgate policy and guidance concerning the employment of mines and 

humanitarian mine actions (HMAs). 

b. The Secretary of State and ambassadors obtain permission from HN for 

employment of mines within their territories or waters. 

c. CJCS

(1) Issues standing ROE. 

(2) Transmits policy and guidance concerning the employment of mines and HMAs 

from the President and SecDef to the combatant commanders (CCDRs). 

d. JFCs

(1) CCDRs

(a) Augment ROE (with approval by the President and SecDef as required). 

(b) Distribute ROE to subordinate and subordinate commands for compliance. 

“Battles are won through the ability of men to express concrete ideas in clear and 

unmistakable language.” 

Brigadier General S.L.A. Marshall 

US Army (1900–1977) 
Chapter II 

II-2 JP 3-15 

(c) Provide guidance and direction with respect to employment of barriers, 

obstacles, and mines. 

(2) Joint Task Force Commanders

(a) Request supplemental ROE for MW as required. 

(b) Provide guidance and direction with respect to employment of barriers, 

obstacles, and mines. 

2. General Considerations 

a. Barrier, Obstacle, and Minefield Levels of Employment

(1) Strategic Employment. Before hostilities, barriers, obstacles, and minefields 

can be used as flexible deterrent options without posing an offensive threat. Defensive 

employment along a hostile land border can demonstrate friendly resolve. Maritime 

defensive and protective mining can help protect friendly ports and waters. Pre-hostility 

employment will be as directed by the President. Presidential determination will be based, in 

part, on diplomatic conditions and on concurrence by affected friendly nations. Should 

deterrence fail, offensive maritime mining of enemy ports and waters can constrict enemy 

seaborne economic war sustainment efforts and reduce enemy ability to safely deploy 

maritime forces. Similarly, offensive employment of scatterable mines can deny or restrict 

enemy strategic mobility and sustainability efforts. 

(2) Operational Employment. Defensive barrier, obstacle, and minefield 

employment can help protect friendly ports, LOCs, and key facilities and free combat forces 

for offensive employment and denial operations. Offensive employment can protect friendly 

maneuver while disrupting the enemy’s ability to concentrate or maneuver forces. Barriers 

and obstacles of operational significance usually differ in scale from those of tactical 

significance. However, size alone does not make an obstacle operationally significant. At 

the operational level, the primary use of obstacles is to restrict enemy maneuver options or to 

create friendly maneuver options. Major natural terrain features and enemy disposition 

provide the foundation for the development of an obstacle or barrier plan. Operational 

barriers and obstacles may be created by the composite effect of many closely coordinated 

tactical obstacles or by the reinforcement of natural obstacles to form large terrain or massive 

obstacles. An example of a massive obstacle is the temporary flooding caused by the 

destruction of a major river dam. Mines can also contribute to gaining air superiority. Mines 

can delay efforts to repair damage to air bases caused by munitions that have immediate 

effects, thus degrading or denying the base’s capability to launch or recover aircraft. Mines 

can also restrict the deployment of mobile, surface-based air defenses, as well as surface-tosurface systems, because rapid movement in a mined area increases the risk of a mine 

encounter. Mines can also disrupt logistics sustainment operations being performed in the 

enemy’s rear area. 

(3) Tactical Employment. The employment of barriers, obstacles, and minefields 

at the tactical level is normally done to achieve offensive or defensive objectives to include 
Joint Planning Considerations 

II-3 

enhancement of friendly direct/indirect fires, delay/destroy enemy formations, or as an 

economy of force technique. 

b. Placement Considerations. To maximize the effectiveness from an operational 

barrier, obstacle, or minefield, certain factors must be considered. 

(1) On land, barriers, obstacles, and minefields are usually formed around or tied 

into an existing terrain feature (e.g., mountain chain or strait) or formed around a man-made 

structure (e.g., air base, canal, highway, or bridge). At sea, the placement of minefields is 

usually determined by environmental considerations such as depth, bottom characteristics, 

and littoral geography. Although there is little flexibility in positioning these large-scale 

obstructions, flexibility exists in selecting and designating features that will be enhanced or 

reinforced. Operational barriers, obstacles, and minefields are placed to manipulate the 

enemy in such a way that supports the commander’s intent and scheme of maneuver and 

should be observed or covered by fire. 

(2) The effects that these operational barriers, obstacles, and minefields will have 

on both the friendly and enemy forces’ ability to maneuver on land and sea or to conduct 

effective air operations must be analyzed. Effects of obstacles include disrupt, fix, turn, or 

block enemy forces. Operational barriers, obstacles, and minefields do more than just 

degrade the maneuver of enemy forces. Because of their size and the pattern of placement, 

they virtually dictate the maneuver options of both friendly and enemy forces; moreover, 

they serve to fix opposing maneuver elements within a “target window,” thus increasing 

lethality of supporting arms. 

(3) The element of surprise can also be achieved through the employment of 

barriers, obstacles, and minefields. Because of their operational significance, both friendly 

and enemy forces usually know of their existence and location. Surprise can result when a 

barrier, obstacle, or minefield perceived by one force as significant fails to effectively 

obstruct the opponent. This implies that the operational significance of a barrier, obstacle, or 

minefield depends both on its physical obstruction capability and the way in which the 

opposing forces perceive it. Joint forces can achieve surprise through the use of air- or 

artillery-delivery systems that permit rapid mining in the operational area. These can 

confront the attacker with a completely new situation almost instantly. The use of hard-todetect employment means such as submarines is another way to achieve surprise. Surprise 

can be further gained through the use of lanes and gaps, phony minefields and obstacles, and 

self-destructing or self-deactivating mines. Friendly forces should avoid readily discernible 

or repetitive employment methods and utilize deceptive measures. When the type, location, 

and design are varied, the enemy’s understanding and breaching of friendly barriers, 

obstacles, and minefields is made more difficult. 

(4) Tactical barriers, obstacles, and minefields can be used offensively and 

defensively to help secure the population and provide protection for forward operating bases. 

(5) Barriers are also used in humanitarian assistance/disaster relief and civil support 

operations for population and resource control. Civil affairs (CA) personnel should be 
Chapter II 

II-4 JP 3-15 

consulted regarding the appropriate use of this capability in these types of operations and the 

potential impact on local attitudes. 

(6) Reinforcement is achieved by integrating systems of barriers, obstacles, 

minefields, and fires. The objective is to degrade enemy movement, assist counterattacks, 

and facilitate future friendly offensive operations. 

(7) Reinforcing obstacles and minefields are identified as early as possible, because 

the development of a barrier, obstacle, or minefield system in depth requires time, the 

commitment of engineer or specialized resources, extensive logistics support, or other forces 

such as overwatching maneuver elements. 

(8) Plans include the identification of assets to restore the integrity of a barrier, 

obstacle, or minefield if breached by the enemy. This is especially important if the 

obstruction is critical to operational success. 

(9) In operations involving land forces, the creation of massive obstacles should be 

considered in situations where friendly forces control a major river dam. Control of the dam 

provides the option of limited, controlled flooding or destruction of the dam to create both a 

destructive flood surge and flooded areas. The same might be applied to the destruction of 

large bridges that cross substantial watercourses or other large gaps. However, such actions 

should only be considered after carefully considering the treatment of any such actions under 

the law of war and the ROE for the operational area. Any commander considering 

destruction of dams, bridges or other civilian infrastructure must carefully conduct a 

proportionality analysis with the staff judge advocate to ensure the military gain is 

significant enough to outweigh the likely impact to civilian personnel and property. 

Commanders should also coordinate with the public affairs office to enable a coordinated 

response to any public or media interest in such destruction. 

c. Offensive. The purpose of offensive barrier, obstacle, and minefield employment (to 

include air-delivered scatterable mines) is to impede or prohibit enemy movements while 

enhancing or protecting friendly force’s maneuverability through or around. This is 

achieved by influencing or controlling the movement of enemy ground and naval forces and 

degrading enemy air bases operations. The enemy’s ability to counterattack or reinforce is 

restricted, and the operational area is isolated. Barriers, obstacles, and mines have five main 

objectives in offensive operations (see Figure II-1). 

(1) Prevent Enemy Reinforcement or Counterattack. To prevent the enemy 

from reinforcing or counterattacking, critical routes are interdicted to hinder movement of 

reserves and logistics. Speed and depth are vital. 

(2) Facilitate Economy of Force. Barriers, obstacles, and minefields permit fewer 

forces to defend selected sectors, thereby allowing relieved maneuver units and other combat 

resources to be concentrated in other zones for attack. Similarly, they become a combat 

multiplier, amplifying the firepower effectiveness of the friendly forces defending them by 

creating optimum fields of fire. Easily defended choke points can be effectively reinforced 

with obstacles, supported by on-call fire support, and held by relatively small forces. 
Joint Planning Considerations 

II-5 

(3) Provide Security. Barriers, obstacles, and minefields can be used in critical 

areas along the flanks of advancing forces to restrict enemy attacks. At the operational level, 

river systems, mountain ranges, deserts, and snow- or ice-covered areas are natural barriers 

and obstacles that can enhance flank security. Shallows, reefs, and other maritime hazards 

can be used at sea. Existing barriers and obstacles can be strengthened with reinforcing 

obstacles and minefields to counter an enemy threat. 

(4) Degrade Enemy Air Capability. Mines can pose a significant obstacle to the 

enemy’s ability to recover and resume operations after an air base attack. Any delays in the 

enemy generating sorties can provide friendly forces with an important opportunity to further 

suppress the enemy’s ability to defend against follow-on attacks, leading to the enemy’s loss 

of control of the air. 

(5) Fix the Enemy. Air- and artillery-delivered scatterable mines and emplaced 

mines can disrupt and delay the enemy’s retreat during pursuit and exploitation. They can 

also be used to disrupt the commitment of the enemy’s reserve and follow-on forces. 

d. Defensive. The purpose of defensive barrier, obstacle, and minefield emplacement is 

to degrade the enemy’s ability to maneuver, defeat the enemy attack, regain initiative, gain 

Figure II-1. Barriers, Obstacles, and Minefields Objectives 

Barriers, Obstacles, and Minefields Objectives

OFFENSIVE

Enhances and protects the friendly force’s ability to maneuver

DEFENSIVE

Directed toward degrading the enemy’s ability to maneuver or protect the force

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



Prevent enemy reinforcement or counterattack

Facilitate economy of force

Provide security

Degrade enemy air capability

Fix the enemy

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





Destroy or attrit the enemy force

Support economy of force measures

Retention of key terrain or areas of significant strategic, operational, or 

tactical value

Force protection
Chapter II 

II-6 JP 3-15 

time, concentrate forces, control terrain, and exhaust the enemy prior to assuming the 

offensive. Naval MW distinguishes between defensive minefields, which are minefields laid 

in international waters or international straits with the declared intention of controlling 

shipping in defense of sea communications, and protective minefields, which are minefields 

laid in friendly territorial waters to protect ports, harbors, anchorages, coasts, and coastal 

routes. Barriers, obstacles, and mines have four main objectives in defensive operations (see 

Figure II-1). 

(1) Destroy or Attrit the Enemy Force. Barriers, obstacles, and mines can 

enhance the effectiveness of friendly fires or delay the enemy’s advance, upset timing, 

disrupt, and channelize formations, and delay or destroy follow-on forces. 

(2) Support of Economy of Force Measures. Barriers, obstacles, and mines can 

be used in the economy of force role to strengthen a naturally strong existing obstacle area so 

that it need only be lightly defended, thus freeing forces to be concentrated elsewhere. 

Similarly, obstacles can be used in conjunction with mobile forces to protect flanks and other 

lightly defended areas. 

(3) Retention or Denial of Key Terrain. Barriers, obstacles, and mines can be 

used to deny the enemy access to key terrain or areas of significant strategic, operational, or 

tactical value. 

(4) Force Protection. Create barriers and obstacles for force protection. 

A main priority in defense is the degradation of enemy ability to maneuver. 
Joint Planning Considerations 

II-7 

e. Denial Considerations. A denial measure is an action to hinder or deny the enemy 

the use of territory, personnel, or facilities. It may include destruction, removal, 

contamination, or erection of obstructions. 

(1) The GCC establishes the theater policies governing denial operations in 

coordination with allied or friendly governments. Detailed planning and execution are 

subsequently delegated to subordinate commanders. In developing denial policies, 

consideration must be given to those facilities and areas required to support life in the posthostility period regardless of the outcome of the conflict. The long-range social, economic, 

political, and psychological effects of destruction of civil properties and material must be 

weighed against the military advantages gained. The law of war requires that denial 

operations be targeted toward the enemy’s forces and not be used to cause unnecessary 

human suffering and physical destruction. 

(2) Denial operations usually do not focus upon immediate enemy destruction, but 

rather on contributing to future friendly operations. Denial operations may have a major 

impact on the civilian population. Denial targets frequently involve civil facilities and 

structures, such as electrical power generation facilities and ports, and require careful 

judgment regarding the military importance versus the impact on the civilian population. 

f. Deception. Deception is defined as those measures designed to mislead the enemy 

by manipulation, distortion, or falsification of evidence to induce the enemy to react in a 

manner prejudicial to enemy interests. There are two basic approaches to deception. The 

first is to increase uncertainty in order to forestall the enemy’s timely reaction. The second 

is to misdirect the enemy toward a COA that favors friendly operations. Barriers, obstacles, 

and minefields can support the aims of both approaches. Time and enemy surveillance 

techniques will determine the best method of employing barriers, obstacles, and minefields 

in support of deception. Allowing the enemy to observe units or vessels engaged or 

preparing to engage in seemingly realistic employment or breaching operations transmits a 

specific message to the enemy. Operations must be planned so that their execution will not 

inadvertently reveal friendly plans. The employment of phony obstacles and minefields is a 

deception technique. Allowing the enemy access to manipulated or distorted friendly 

operation plans (OPLANs) that support observations of friendly activity may significantly 

enhance the believability of the deception. 

See JP 3-13.4, Military Deception.

g. Political and Psychological. The primary objective of employing barriers, obstacles, 

and minefields may be deterrence rather than physical destruction. Accordingly, political 

and psychological considerations are key aspects that have far-reaching implications. From a 

political perspective, such measures will signal friendly resolve to take actions required to 

protect national interests. Psychological deterrence is also achieved. Although the degree of 

psychological deterrence cannot be quantified, the mere suspicion that mines have been 

emplaced can adversely affect enemy planning and operations in excess of the actual threat. 

The psychological impact of mines can be increased by news media exposure of their 

existence and lack of a ready capability to implement countermeasures. These 
Chapter II 

II-8 JP 3-15 

considerations should be included in the development of the IO portion of the joint 

operation. 

3. Planning Sequence 

The joint operation planning process (JOPP) underpins planning at all levels and for 

missions across the full range of military operations. It applies to both supported and 

supporting JFCs and to joint force component commands when the components participate in 

joint planning. The primary steps of JOPP are shown in Figure II-2 and are discussed in the 

remainder of this section. 

a. Planning Initiation. JOPP begins when an appropriate authority recognizes a 

potential for military capability to be employed in response to a potential or actual crisis. At 

the strategic level, that authority—the President, SecDef, or the CJCS—initiates COA 

Figure II-2. The Joint Operation Planning Process

The Joint Operation Planning Process

STEP 1 

Initiation

STEP 2 

Mission Analysis

STEP 3 

Course of Action (COA) 

Development

STEP 4 

COA Analysis and 

Wargaming

STEP 5 

COA Comparison

STEP 6 

COA Approval

STEP 7 

Plan or Order 

Development
Joint Planning Considerations 

II-9 

development by deciding to develop military options. In an actual crisis, the CJCS will issue 

a warning order. CCDRs and other commanders also may initiate COA development on 

their own authority when they identify a planning requirement not directed by higher 

authority. 

b. Mission Analysis. The joint force’s mission is the task or set of tasks, together with 

the purpose, that clearly indicates the action to be taken and the reason for doing so. The 

primary products of mission analysis are a revised mission statement, the JFC’s initial intent 

statement, initial planning guidance, and the commander’s critical information requirements. 

The initial planning guidance includes the identification of areas or zones that require 

operational-level barriers, obstacles, or minefields; critical targets or enemy functions for 

attack; sequencing of barrier, obstacle, and minefield employment and desired effects; 

logistics priorities; ROE; and the employment of obstacles and minefields to support denial 

operations. 

c. COA Determination. COA determination consists of four primary activities: COA 

development, analysis and wargaming, comparison, and approval. A good COA 

accomplishes the mission within the commander’s guidance and positions the joint force for 

future operations, and provides flexibility to meet unforeseen events during execution. 

During COA determination, the JFC’s staff initially assesses the terrain, weather, and climate 

to identify existing operational-level barriers, obstacles, and limits imposed by expected 

weather. The need for additional barriers, obstacles, and minefields is identified. Areas 

suitable for enhancement and reinforcement are identified. Special attention is given to 

identifying areas that could be reinforced to form massive area obstacles. The terrain is 

evaluated from both friendly and enemy perspectives. The evaluation considers the enemy’s 

ability and willingness to cross difficult terrain. Friendly capabilities should not be assumed 

to be the same as enemy capabilities. Both friendly and enemy perspectives and capabilities 

are evaluated to estimate options available to each side. The terrain and climate assessments 

during the initial stage of the plan development phase will enhance the integration of 

barriers, obstacles, and minefields into the overall plan. Once the COA is approved, the staff 

converts the COA into a CONOPS. 

d. Plan or Order Development. Contingency planning will result in plan 

development, while crisis action planning will lead directly to operation order (OPORD) 

development. During plan or order development, the commander and staff, in collaboration 

with subordinate and supporting components and organizations, expand the approved COA 

into a detailed joint OPLAN or OPORD by first developing an executable CONOPS. The 

CONOPS describes how the actions of the joint force components and supporting 

organizations will be integrated, synchronized, and phased to accomplish the mission, 

including potential branches and sequels. During CONOPS development, the JFC’s staff 

initiates the development of the formal barrier and obstacle plan. This may include the 

employment of reinforcing barriers, obstacles, and minefields. Emphasis is placed on 

maximizing the effectiveness of existing barriers and obstacles. Each barrier and obstacle 

plan requires an estimate of possible or probable enemy actions to identify opportunities for 

offensive and defensive action. When completed, the plan should clearly delineate 

operational barriers, obstacles, and minefields and their intended effects and potential 

unintended effects on the campaign or operation. 
Chapter II 

II-10 JP 3-15 

(1) The JFC and staff must consider the various component weapons systems and 

delivery assets available to deliver or emplace the selected reinforcing barriers, obstacles, 

and minefields. The delivery or emplacement assets must be identified and allocated 

accordingly. The JFC is also responsible for integrating this support into the overall 

campaign or operation. 

(2) The barrier and obstacle plan formulation should also identify areas that must 

remain free of obstacles or minefields to facilitate friendly maneuver. Such areas are 

necessary to exploit the advantages gained from enemy reactions and vulnerabilities. At the 

tactical level in ground operations, this is achieved through the designation of obstacle zones 

and belts. 

(3) Although sustainment is a Service component responsibility, the JFC must 

consider the capabilities, vulnerabilities, and limitations of logistics systems in the planning 

and execution of the operation. To achieve flexibility, the JFC must anticipate current and 

future requirements, the potential for degradation by enemy action, and the ability to sustain 

operations throughout an entire operation or campaign. 

(4) The barrier, obstacle, and minefield guidance contained in the OPLAN should 

provide for the necessary control of obstacle or minefield areas and obstacle or minefield 

restricted areas. It may designate critical obstacles and reserve the execution of selected 

obstacles. However, restrictions placed on subordinate commanders should be limited to 

those deemed necessary by the JFC. At a minimum, guidance should delineate any special 

reporting, recording, and marking responsibilities. 

(5) The development of the joint campaign or OPLAN necessarily includes 

estimates from the component commanders as to how their assets and capabilities can best 

support the JFC’s objectives. 

e. The JFC reviews and approves the concept of employment for operational barriers, 

obstacles, and minefields as well as the denial plan which is designed to prevent potential 

aggressors from the use of certain resources, and/or to deny them access to certain areas. As 

part of this approval process, the JFC verifies that the CONOPS meets intent and guidance 

and facilitates synchronization to produce the most effective employment of operational 

barriers, obstacles, and mines. 

f. Once formal approval of the OPLAN is obtained, subordinate and supporting 

commanders develop their own plans. In doing so, they can determine how existing and 

reinforcing barriers, obstacles, and minefields will affect maneuver, what conditions are 

imposed on battle plans, and how to employ supporting obstacles. Although this is 

addressed as a separate step, subordinate and supporting commanders develop plans 

concurrently with those of the JFC. 

g. The barrier, obstacle, and mine warfare plan is published, if required, as an appendix 

of an annex to the theater campaign plan, OPLAN, or OPORD. In addition, the reporting of 

execution or employment of barriers, obstacles, and minefields should be addressed in 
Joint Planning Considerations 

II-11 

OPLAN or OPORD annexes and appendices (e.g., ROE and unit standard operating 

procedure [SOP]). 

h. Although employment is addressed separately in this publication, planning and 

employment is a continuous process. As one operation is executed, the next one is planned, 

coordinated, and executed. In addition, planners must closely monitor execution and be 

prepared to adapt the plan, and future plans, in response to changing circumstances. This 

may involve reapportioning and reallocating assets and reprioritizing support for barrier, 

obstacle, and minefield emplacement. 

i. Plans for the removal or deactivation of mines, barriers, and obstacles may need to be 

formulated and employed during or after hostilities or other operations. 

4. Planning Support 

a. Intelligence. Planning for operations involving barrier, obstacle, and mine warfare 

requires timely, continuous, and reliable all-source counterintelligence and intelligence 

support. Figure II-3 identifies some typical intelligence support tasks. During the planning 

process, engineers require a variety of intelligence products to include geospatial intelligence 

(GEOINT) provided by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. 

(1) Collection, production, and dissemination of intelligence information must start 

during peacetime. Tasks include identifying and evaluating worldwide mine production 

facilities and storage capabilities (to include on-hand quantities). For each potential 

operation, analysts must evaluate types, quantities, and capabilities of mines, barriers, and 

obstacles available to the adversary. The evaluation includes technical information on each 

type of mine (characteristics, description, capability, and vulnerabilities). 

(2) JIPOE is a process used to identify adversary mine, barrier, and obstacle storage 

locations; topographic, hydrographic, and oceanographic information; actual and potential 

locations of adversary mine, barrier, and obstacle employment; the adversary’s doctrine, TTP 

for countering and employing it; fire support to support mine, barriers, and obstacles 

(doctrine, capabilities, unit locations); breaching capabilities (assets, doctrine, and TTP); and 

current and future operational capabilities (see JP 2-01.3, Joint Intelligence Preparation of 

the Operational Environment). 

(3) Once conflict begins, intelligence collection (including reconnaissance and 

combat units) must locate enemy barrier, mine, and obstacle locations; identify and locate 

enemy fire support; identify remaining enemy employment capabilities; and locate enemy 

breaching assets. This information, particularly any updates, must be pushed down to 

tactical echelons. Given known enemy doctrine, TTP, intelligence must advise the JFC as to 

how the enemy will react to friendly operations. 

Doctrine and responsibilities for intelligence support are addressed in JP 2-0, Joint 

Intelligence.

b. Logistics. Planning for the use of barriers, obstacles, and mines involves the 

acquisition, storage, maintenance, distribution, and security of the materiel. Logistics 
Chapter II 

II-12 JP 3-15 

planners must be included early in the planning process to ensure proper coordination and 

timely acquisition of the resources that will be needed to execute the plan. 

(1) Acquisition and Storage. Anticipation is key to a sound acquisition and 

storage plan. Planners must ensure that the proper mix of mines and minefield, obstacle, and 

barrier emplacing materials and counterobstacle equipment and materiel are made available 

in time to meet the demands of the OPLAN. Requirements at the operational level must be 

anticipated to prevent delays in delivery of the material to a theater. Unless they are special 

munitions, the storage of mines will normally be handled like any other munitions. 

(2) Distribution. The execution of this logistics function is crucial to the success 

of the OPLAN. It helps transform the OPLAN into tactical operations. Logistics planners 

must ensure the availability of sufficient resources to transport barrier or obstacle material 

and mines to the place of employment or deployment. 

Figure II-3. Intelligence Support Tasks 

Intelligence Support Tasks

Tasks include identifying and evaluating...

Worldwide mine production capabilities and facilities

Types, quantities, and capabilities of mines, barriers, and obstacles 

available

Technical information on each type of mine (characteristics, description, 

capability, and vulnerabilities)

Enemy mine, barrier, and obstacle storage locations

Topographic, hydrographic, and oceanographic information

Actual and potential locations for enemy mine, barrier, and obstacle 

employment

The enemy’s doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures for employing 

mines, barriers, and obstacles

Enemy fire support for mines, barriers, and obstacles (doctrine, capabilities, 

unit locations)

Enemy breaching capabilities (assets, doctrine, and tactics, techniques, 

and procedures)

The enemy’s current and future operational capabilities

Increased activity near suspected storage sites indicative of enemy intent 

to mine






















Joint Planning Considerations 

II-13 

(3) Legal Concerns. Because the use, possession, transfers, and stockpiling of 

land mines is closely regulated under various international agreements and because countries 

have differing legal obligations related to the possession, use, storage, and transport of land 

mines, the international movement and storage of mines must be carefully coordinated to 

avoid legal and political repercussions. 

c. Communications. Planning for and employment of barriers, obstacles, and mines 

requires communication to facilitate joint and multinational coordination and information 

flow to inform friendly forces (and, when necessary, other government agencies, 

intergovernmental organizations, and nongovernmental organizations, as well as civilians) of 

locations. These activities require that secure, interoperable communications systems are 

available to support the mission. 

d. Explosive Hazards Database. The joint force should establish a single EHs 

database for the entire operational area to facilitate a common understanding within the joint 

force and with multinational forces, other government agencies, intergovernmental 

organizations, and nongovernmental organizations. This database should include all known 

and suspected mines, IEDs, UXO, and other EHs and be compatible with common 

operational picture (COP) tools to enhance situational awareness and support situational 

understanding. The rapid and timely declassification of military data on locations of mines 

and other EHs is essential for information sharing and development of a COP, which allows 

friendly forces the ability to safely navigate around or through these known obstacles. 

For more information, see JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning. 

 
Chapter II 

II-14 JP 3-15 

Intentionally Blank 
III-1 

CHAPTER III

LAND OPERATIONS 

1. General Discussion 

Barriers, obstacles, and land mines continue to be a condition in the environment in 

which land operations are conducted. The condition is significant across the range of 

military operations; from civil support in an area littered with hurricane debris, through 

stability operations in which insurgents employ EHs, to offensive or defensive operations 

employing complex man-made and natural obstacle systems. This chapter discusses the 

framework for planning and conducting land operations to minimize the impact from 

barriers, obstacles, and land mines and to synchronize their employment. 

a. Scatterable Mines and Networked Munitions. The employment of scatterable 

mines and networked munitions requires close coordination between components during 

both the planning and employment phases of the operation. The coordination for the 

employment of scatterable mines and networked munitions is a combined effort of the joint 

targeting coordination board (JTCB), the joint force engineer, and the joint force air 

component commander (JFACC), if established. The JFACC is responsible for planning and 

delivery of air-delivered scatterable mines. The planning and integration of minefields into 

the barrier plan is the responsibility of the joint force engineer. The JTCB is responsible for 

facilitating joint forces targeting operations by establishing a forum to ensure support and 

synchronization of JFC objectives as well as integrating and deconflicting all joint force 

component operations. To ensure a coordinated effort, a general CONOPS is developed that 

includes such issues as identification of objectives, timing, minefield placement, and ingress 

or egress routes. Coordination is essential if scatterable mines or networked munitions are 

deployed where friendly forces may be operating or in locations that lie within the 

operational area. Once emplaced, scatterable mines or networked munitions remain active 

until detonated or until the mines self-destruct or self-deactivate after a preset period of time. 

Required self-destruct or self-deactivate times depend upon the operational or tactical 

situation and are not necessarily related to the proximity of friendly forces. US scatterable 

mines and networked munitions are all designed to self-destruct and/or self-deactivate. 

Scatterable mines and networked munitions are selected when they are the optimum means 

available to support the JFC’s CONOPS. 

(1) Employing scatterable mines and networked munitions requires prior 

coordination with and approval from the commander within whose boundaries the mines are 

employed. Specific coordination procedures should provide an optimum balance between 

requirements for control and flexibility in execution. In areas close to friendly forces or 

“Gentlemen, I don’t know whether we will make history tomorrow, but we will 

certainly change geography.” 

Sir Herbert Plumer (to press conference 

the day before the blowing up of 

Messines Ridge, 6 June 1917) 
Chapter III 

III-2 JP 3-15 

where friendly forces may operate before the mines self-destruct, detailed coordination is 

essential. Upon approval, the location of employment will be reported by the employing 

force to the appropriate ground force commander. 

(2) Scatterable mines and networked munitions are most effective when combined 

with other weapons to delay, disrupt, destroy, or turn enemy forces. They can complement 

organic capabilities. For example, scatterable mines and networked munitions can be used to 

secure flanks of ground units, close breaches in minefields and obstacles, or protect an 

amphibious objective area (AOA). 

(3) In early stages of contingency operations or at extended ranges, air-deliverable 

scatterable mines may be the only available mining capability. 

(4) Minefields employed in direct support of ground forces have limited 

effectiveness if unobserved and not covered by some means of fire or fire support. 

(5) If scatterable mines are the only type of ordnance that will satisfy the ground 

force commander’s requirements, their use should be specified in the ground force 

commander’s request. Similarly, if employment of scatterable mines in a specified area is 

not acceptable (i.e., likely to create an undesired effect) this should also be specified in the 

ground force plan. 

b. Support to Movement and Maneuver. Support to movement and maneuver is the 

integrated application of assured mobility throughout the operational area to preserve combat 

power. It is the framework within which consideration of barriers, obstacles, and mine 

warfare occurs. Support to movement and maneuver consists of the subtasks, capabilities, 

and systems within the joint functions that enable both mobility and countermobility 

operations. The focus is on supporting the maneuver commander’s ability to gain a position 

of advantage in relation to the enemy; conducting mobility operations to negate the impact of 

enemy obstacles, conducting countermobility to impact and shape enemy maneuver, or a 

combination of both. Support to movement and maneuver includes more than the capability 

to employ or counter obstacles. For example, it includes the regulation of traffic in the 

maneuver space, the handling of displaced persons, and other capabilities to support the 

maneuver plan. While support to movement and maneuver provides the broader framework 

of enabling capabilities, the discussion of barriers, obstacles, and mine warfare focuses 

specifically on mobility and countermobility (and the supporting survivability) tasks. 

Countermobility and supporting survivability operations are also linked to the joint function 

of protection since survivability is one of the subordinate tasks of that function. 

c. Engineer Functions. The three engineer functions are combat, general, and 

geospatial engineering. Countering barriers, obstacles, and mines is included within 

mobility operations. The employment of barriers, obstacles, and scatterable 

mines/networked munitions is included within countermobility operations. At the tactical 

level, mobility and countermobility operations are typically supported by combat engineers 

as combat engineering tasks, although selected combat engineering tasks may also be 

performed by general engineers. Combat engineers are specifically organized, trained, and 

equipped to perform these tasks in close combat in support of a combined arms force. (For 
 Land Operations 

III-3 

further information about the engineer functions and the differences between combat and 

general engineers, see JP 3-34, Joint Engineer Operations.) The remainder of this chapter 

discusses those combat engineering mobility, countermobility, and supporting survivability 

tasks that shape or deny land operational environment by employing or countering the 

employment of barriers, obstacles, and land mines. General engineering may also support 

mobility, countermobility, and survivability operations at all levels of war. Geospatial 

engineering is present to support all engineer operations.

2. Mobility Considerations 

a. General. Mobility operations include five functional areas, three of which are 

designed directly to meet challenges from barriers, obstacles, land mines, and other (EHs). 

These three (breaching operations, clearing operations, and gap crossing operations) are 

discussed further in paragraphs b through d below. The five functional areas of mobility 

operations for Army units and Marine air-ground task forces (MAGTFs) are covered in 

detail in FM 3-90.4/MCWP 3-17.8, Combined Arms Mobility Operations. 

(1) Conduct Combined Arms Breaching Operations: detect, breach or bypass, 

mark, and proof mined areas and obstacles. Combined arms breaching operations are 

typically performed in a close combat environment. 

(2) Conduct Clearing Operations: employ tactics and equipment to detect and 

eliminate obstacles, mines, and other EHs. While this is not always part of a combined arms 

breaching operation and is typically not performed in a close combat environment, it will 

still generally include the task of breach. 

(3) Conduct Gap Crossing Operations: fill/cross gaps in the terrain/man-made 

structures to allow personnel and equipment to pass. 

(4) Construct/Maintain Combat Roads and Trails: expediently prepare or repair 

routes of travel for personnel and equipment. This includes temporary bypasses of damaged 

roads and bridges. 

(5) Perform Forward Aviation Combat Engineering: construct/maintain 

forward airfields and landing zones (LZs), forward arming and refueling points, landing 

strips, or other aviation support sites in the forward combat area. This task also includes 

those actions performed in support of airfield seizure. 

b. Breaching Operations

(1) Successful breaching operations are characterized by applying the breaching 

tenets. These tenets should be applied whenever an obstacle is encountered in the 

operational area, whether during an attack or a route clearance operation. These tenets are: 

(a) Intelligence (includes obstacle intelligence [OBSTINT]). 

(b) Breaching fundamentals (see Figure III-1). 
Chapter III 

III-4 JP 3-15 

(c) Breaching organization.

(d) Mass.

(e) Synchronization.

(2) Combined arms breaching operations are some of the most complex of modern 

warfare but are not an end in themselves. They exist only as a part of the maneuver forces’ 

operation that is focused on the objective. The goal of breaching operations is the continued, 

uninterrupted momentum of ground forces to the objective; therefore, these operations 

should be planned and executed in support of the ground forces’ needs to ensure that actions 

at the objective are supported by actions at the breach. A typical sequence for a breaching 

consideration is shown in Figure III-2. 

(3) As the combined arms team conducts planning for future operations, it may 

develop a COA requiring breaching operations. Enemy obstacles that disrupt, fix, turn, or 

block the maneuver force can affect the timing and flow of the operation. Most obstacles 

will be observed by the enemy and protected with fires; obstacles should be bypassed if 

possible. For those obstacles that must be breached, constant coordination and integration of 

all elements of the combined arms team are vital for success. Combat engineers provide 

significant capability to the combined arms operation and are focused on tactical engineer 

reconnaissance to include OBSTINT and employing techniques necessary to penetrate 

obstacles in the path of the force. Geospatial engineering may assist the planning of a 

deliberate breach. At the brigade combat team (BCT) and the regimental combat team 

(RCT) level, organic combat engineer companies will typically require augmentation by 

additional engineer capabilities for most breaching operations. Appendix B, “Land Mobility 

Capabilities,” provides information on those capabilities that are most likely to augment joint 

forces to conduct mobility operations. 

Figure III-1. Breaching Fundamentals 

Breaching Fundamentals

S

O

R

S

A

uppress

bscure

educe

ssault

ecure
 Land Operations 

III-5 

(4) Breaching operations must be adapted to best exploit the situation. The 

breaching tenets apply across the continuum of offensive operations, with the level and type 

of planning distinguishing which of the three general types of breaching operations 

(deliberate, hasty, and covert) are used to meet the factors of mission, enemy, terrain and 

weather, troops and support available—time available (METT-T). 

(a) Deliberate Breach. A deliberate breach is used against a strong defense or 

complex obstacle system. It is similar to a deliberate attack, requiring detailed knowledge of 

both the defense and the obstacle systems. It is characterized by prior planning, preparation, 

and buildup of combat power on the near side of obstacles. Subordinate units are taskFigure III-2. Breaching Considerations 

Breaching Considerations

NOTE:

Reducing a major barrier, obstacle, or minefield is a difficult and risky task. Forces must execute breaching 

aggressively. Forces and supporting fires are synchronized to minimize losses and enhance rapid passage 

through the obstruction.

Obtain any special 

equipment or material 

required

PREPARATION

Detect minefields and 

other major obstacles

DETECTION

Bypass may not meet

operational constraints

BYPASS

BREACHING

Training and 

Rehearsals 

Throughout

Determine the 

characteristics and 

limitation of enemy barriers, 

obstacles, and minefields

RECONNAISSANCE
Chapter III 

III-6 JP 3-15 

organized to accomplish the breach. The breach often requires securing the far side of the 

obstacle with an assault force before or during reduction. 

(b) Amphibious Breach. An amphibious breach is an adaptation of the 

deliberate breach specifically designed to overcome antilanding defenses to conduct an 

amphibious assault. 

(c) Hasty Breach. A hasty breach is an adaptation to the deliberate breachconducted when less time is available. It may be conducted during either a deliberate or 

hasty attack due to lack of clarity on enemy obstacles or changing enemy situations to 

include the emplacement of scatterable mines and/or networked munitions. 

(d) In-Stride Breach. An in-stride breach is a variant of a hasty breach that 

consists of a rapid breaching adaptation conducted by forces organic to (or task-organized 

with) the attacking force. It consists of preplanned, well-trained, and well-rehearsed 

breaching battle drills and the use of the unit’s SOP. The in-stride breach takes advantage of 

surprise and momentum to penetrate obstacles. The force uses the in-stride breach against 

either weak defenders or very simple obstacles and executes the battle drill on the move. 

Attacking forces should be configured to execute an in-stride breach except when a 

deliberate breach is planned. 

(e) Covert Breach. Covert breaching operations are used to secretly pass 

through obstacles. The covert breach uses elements of the deliberate and hasty breach as 

required. Covert breaching is the creation of lanes through minefields or other obstacles that 

is planned and intended to be executed without detection by an adversary. Its primary 

purpose is to reduce obstacles in an undetected fashion to facilitate the passage of maneuver 

forces. A covert breach is conducted when surprise is necessary or desirable. Covert 

breaching is characterized by using stealth to reduce the obstacles, with support and assault 

forces executing their mission only if reduction is detected. Covert breaches are normally 

conducted during periods of reduced visibility. 

(5) Combined arms breaching operations require the constant application of 

METT-T factors and the concentrated use of supporting arms. Fundamentals of combined 

arms breaching operations have evolved in concert with the fundamentals of ground combat 

and provide a logical and time-proven set of rules. These fundamentals are reflected in the 

acronym and memory aid SOSRA as shown in Figure III-1. 

(6) The most effective means of countering a mine or other EH is to prevent their 

employment. Proactive counter operations destroy enemy mine or other EH manufacturing 

and storage facilities or emplacement capabilities before the mines or EHs are emplaced. 

Planners must consider enemy storage and mine production facilities and assets for inclusion 

on the target lists. In addition to destroying mine or EH manufacturing and storage facilities 

of sites, units must consider targeting enemy engineers and equipment capable of emplacing 

mines or personnel designated for placing or activating EHs. 

c. Clearing Operations. Clearing operations are conducted to completely eliminate 

obstacles, whether along a route or in a specified area. Obstacles may be explosive or 
 Land Operations 

III-7 

nonexplosive. Clearing operations involving explosive obstacles are especially difficult 

because the detection systems employed are imperfect and available neutralization systems 

are only partially effective. Clearing operations will not generally be conducted under 

enemy observation and fire. As with all mobility operations, an intensive reconnaissance 

effort is imperative to clearing operations. Clearing operations may be conducted in 

conjunction with or in support of any of the other mobility operations. For example, the 

establishment of a forward LZ may require an area or route clearance operation to support 

access to the site. 

For additional information about defeating IEDs, see JP 3-15.1, Counter-Improvised 

Explosive Device Operations.

For a general discussion of clearing (route and area) operations see FM 3-90.4/MCWP 3-

17.8, Combined Arms Mobility Operations. For a discussion of clearing TTP, see FM 3-

34.210/MCRP 3-17.2D, Explosive Hazards Operations; FM 3-34.214/MCRP 3-17.7L, 

Explosives and Demolitions; and FM 3-90.119/Marine Corps Interim Publication (MCIP) 3-

17.01, Combined Arms Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Operations.

d. Gap Crossing Operations. Gap crossing operations are conducted to project 

combat power over linear obstacles or gaps. There are three general types of gap crossing 

operations (deliberate, hasty, and covert). The commander, with recommendations from the 

engineer and other staff members, task-organizes capabilities to support gap crossing 

operations. At the BCT/RCT level, organic combat engineer companies will typically 

require augmentation by additional engineer capabilities for most gap crossing operations. 

Appendix B, “Land Mobility Capabilities,” provides information on those capabilities that 

may be required to augment the BCT/RCT for mobility operations. Combat engineers 

conduct gap crossings in support of combat maneuver using tactical (assault) bridging 

equipment to span smaller gaps, heavy equipment (or the employment of fascines and other 

solutions) to modify the gap, or through the use of expedient bridging (rope bridges, small 

nonstandard bridging using local materials). Engineers may be tasked to provide additional 

crossing capabilities such as bridging equipment. River crossing is a unique gap crossing 

mission that requires specific and dedicated assets from all of the warfighting functions. 

For a discussion of river crossing and other types of gap crossings, refer to FM 3-

90.12/MCRP 3-17.1, Combined Arms Gap Crossing Operations.

e. Special Considerations

(1) The amphibious breach is a type of deliberate breach specifically designed to 

overcome antilanding defenses in order to conduct an amphibious assault. Units conduct an 

amphibious breach when no other landing areas are suitable for the landing force (LF). 

Bypassing an integrated antilanding defense is preferred over conducting an amphibious 

breach whenever possible; however, the commander must always consider whether a bypass 

would produce additional risks. Synchronization and teamwork are essential for a successful 

amphibious breach, which is characterized by thorough reconnaissance, detailed planning, 

extensive preparation and rehearsal, and a buildup of combat power. 
Chapter III 

III-8 JP 3-15 

See MCWP 3-17.3, MAGTF Breaching Operations; FM 3-90.4/MCWP 3-17.8, Combined 

Arms Mobility Operations; NWP 3-15, Naval Mine Warfare; MCRP 3-31.2A/NTTP 3-15.24,

Mine Countermeasures in Support of Amphibious Operations; and JP 3-02, Amphibious 

Operations, for detailed discussions of amphibious breaching operations. 

(2) Urban terrain is complex terrain that affects the tactical options available to the 

commander and requires a thorough knowledge of unique terrain characteristics, detailed 

planning down to the smallest unit level, and sound leadership at all levels. The 

complexities of the urban environment, such as line of sight restrictions, inherent 

fortifications, limited intelligence, densely constructed areas, and the presence of civilians 

restricts current military technology. US forces do not possess the same overwhelming 

technological advantages in an urban environment as in other environments. 

See FM 3-06.11, Combined Arms Operations in Urban Terrain, and JP 3-06, Joint Urban 

Operations, for a broader discussion of urban operations. 

3. Countermobility Considerations 

a. General. The objective of barrier, obstacle, and mine warfare employment is to 

disrupt, fix, turn, or block enemy forces and protect friendly forces. Employment is not an 

end in itself, but supports the maneuver plan. This section discusses the employment of 

barriers, obstacles, and scatterable mines/networked munitions employed to counter the 

enemy’s freedom of maneuver. Survivability operations are often integrated with 

countermobility operations (especially during defensive operations) to support the protection 

of personnel and equipment overwatching the barriers, obstacles, and minefields as a part of 

an engagement area. 

See FM 90-7, Combined Arms Obstacle Integration, for a more detailed discussion of the 

employment of barriers, obstacles, and land mines. Also see Appendix C, “Land 

Countermobility Capabilities.” 

b. Terrain Considerations. Engineers must discern and identify patterns and plan 

specific detection strategies based on the threat. The proliferation of mines and IEDs 

requires engineers to continually develop new countering procedures. The integration of 

explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) capabilities into route or area clearance engineer units 

has become an increasing requirement. 

(1) Engineers play a major role in the JIPOE process by anticipating and providing 

terrain analysis products of likely contingency areas. Geospatial products assist in 

describing the environmental effects on enemy and friendly capabilities and broad COAs. 

Planners use modern automated tools and equipment to create a very detailed analysis of the 

terrain and weather. The utility and availability of these tools continues to increase, and they 

provide timely support to time-strapped planners. 

(2) Many data management, analysis, and visualization tools are available to assist 

in the geospatial planning effort. Geospatial engineering provides commanders with terrain 

analysis and visualization, which improve situational awareness and enhance decision 

making. Examples of geospatial information useful for planning purposes are as follows: 
 Land Operations 

III-9 

(a) Three-dimensional terrain fly through capability. 

(b) Avenues and routes for joint forces, as well as likely enemy avenues of 

approach. 

(c) Obstacle zone locations. 

(d) Potential engagement areas. 

(e) Potential unit positions or sites. 

(f) Airfield and port information and capabilities. 

(g) Support to urban operations and other complex terrain. 

(h) High-payoff target information. 

(i) Deep-target information. 

(j) Communications or visual line of sight. 

(k) Locations of LOCs and main supply routes and potential locations of base 

camps. 

(l) Identification of flood plains and potential LZs. 

(m) Fused data from multiple databases. 

(3) Terrain analysis is a key product of geospatial support. It is the study of the 

terrain’s properties and how they change over time, with use, and under varying weather 

conditions. Terrain analysis starts with the collection, verification, processing, revision, and 

construction of source data. It requires the analysis of climatology (current and forecasted 

weather conditions), soil conditions, and enemy or friendly vehicle performance metrics. 

Terrain analysis and geospatial information and services (GI&S) are necessary to support 

mission planning and operational requirements. GI&S requires the management of an 

enterprise geospatial database at every echelon from combatant command to deployed 

maneuver forces. Terrain analysis is a technical process and requires the expertise of 

geospatial information technicians and a geospatial engineer. 

(4) Geospatial engineering is generating, managing, analyzing, and disseminating 

positionally accurate terrain information that is tied to some portion of the earth’s surface. 

These actions provide mission-tailored data, tactical decision aids, and visualization products 

that define the character of the zone for the maneuver commander. Key aspects of the 

geospatial engineering mission are databases, analysis, digital products, visualization, and 

printed maps. Both organic and augmenting geospatial engineer capabilities at the theater, 

corps, division, and brigade levels are responsible for geospatial engineering. 
Chapter III 

III-10 JP 3-15 

(5) The characterization of effective geospatial engineering lies in this ability to 

effectively go outside the engineer community and work with other staff sections, 

organizations, and agencies. As such, coordination across functional areas focused on 

supporting various missions becomes critical. This coordination contains, but is not limited 

to, the ability to fully define requirements; discover and obtain the geospatial data; put it into 

a usable form; and then use, share, and maintain with those mission partners. It is the 

geospatial engineer who, through this process, enables the commander and staff to leverage 

geospatial information to the fullest extent possible. 

(6) Geospatial information that is timely, accurate, and relevant is a critical enabler 

for the operations process. Geospatial engineers assist in the analysis of the meaning of 

activities and significantly contribute to anticipating, estimating, and warning of possible 

future events. Geospatial information provides the foundation for developing shared 

situational awareness and improving understanding of our forces, our capabilities, the 

adversary, and other conditions of the operational environment. Geospatial regional analysis 

product examples include the following: 

(a) Statistical analysis—IED and insurgent networks. 

(b) Significant activities database analysis to determine tactics and emerging 

trends. 

(c) Capabilities and readiness of enemy forces. 

(d) Climatic impacts on operations. 

(e) Route analysis. 

(f) Sectarian demographics. 

(g) Nonstandard or mission-specific geospatial products. 

(7) Geospatial functional analysis sample products graphically describe the 

following: 

(a) Industries and energy. 

(b) Telecommunications infrastructure. 

(c) Underground facilities and caves. 

(d) Political boundaries. 

(8) The geospatial engineer uses analysis and visualization capabilities to integrate 

people, processes, and tools using multiple information sources and collaborative analysis to 

build a shared knowledge of the physical environment. Whether it is using one of the 

examples indicated above, or through some other special product, the geospatial engineer, in 
 Land Operations 

III-11 

combination with other engineers and staff officers, provides support to the unit’s mission 

and commander’s intent. 

(9) Geospatial engineering is provided to joint forces based on echelon. It is 

focused on data generation, data management, and quality control at the combatant command 

level. At the corps and division levels, the majority of the workload is required to support 

database management, mission planning, and the JIPOE process. Below division level, 

geospatial engineering is increasingly focused on current operations and updating the 

geospatial database (database management). 

(10) The geospatial engineering units available to the commander may become part 

of the command’s GEOINT cell. The GEOINT cell is comprised of the people and 

capabilities that constitute the GEOINT support, to include the imagery and geospatial 

assets. The cell ensures that GEOINT requirements are coordinated through appropriate 

channels as applicable and facilitates shared access. 

(11) This cell may be centrally located or distributed throughout the command and 

connected by networks. Cell members do not have to work directly for a designated 

GEOINT officer; they may still work for their parent unit, but coordinate efforts across staff 

directorates. The key to a successful process is collaboration across the functional areas 

within the command and between the GEOINT cell, higher headquarters, and the rest of the 

stakeholders. 

c. Employment Principles

(1) Barriers, obstacles, and minefields should be evaluated from both an offensive 

and a defensive posture. 

(2) Barriers, obstacles, and minefields should directly support the maneuver plan. 

(3) Reinforcing obstacles should be integrated with existing barriers and obstacles 

to support the commander’s intent and operational concept. 

(4) Barriers, obstacles, and minefields are more effective when employed in depth. 

(5) By varying the type, design, and location of reinforcing obstacles, the enemy’s 

breaching operation is made more difficult. 

(6) The effectiveness of barrier, obstacle, and mine employment can be affected by 

the air situation. 

(7) Coverage by observation and by direct or indirect fire is essential to restrict 

enemy breaching efforts, maneuver, and massing of forces and to increase the destruction of 

enemy forces. Planned on-call fires (indirect and/or direct) are ideal for this purpose. 

d. Countermobility Resources. The employment of scatterable mines/networked 

munitions and other obstacles to support the friendly scheme of maneuver is resourceintensive. Combat engineers and others must have the barrier materials, mines, demolitions, 
Chapter III 

III-12 JP 3-15 

and wire as well as the equipment needed to emplace/build the obstacles. There will often be 

competing priorities for the use of engineers and the materials and equipment needed to 

perform the work to support the obstacle effort. The following four categories provide a 

useful framework for identifying the resources required for effective countermobility 

operations: 

(1) Land mines are categorized as either persistent or nonpersistent. Both 

categories provide anti-vehicle and AP capabilities. Persistent mines are no longer 

authorized for use by US forces (except as noted in Chapter 1, “Introduction,” 

paragraph 4.b, “US Law and Policy”). Many persistent mines are activated by pressure or 

contact. These mines are emplaced by hand or mechanical means, buried or surface 

emplaced, and normally emplaced in a pattern that aids recording. Mechanical emplacement 

may be restricted by terrain conditions. The emplacement of persistent minefields is 

normally time-, manpower-, and logistics-intensive. Scatterable mines are most 

commonly used by technically advanced nations and are emplaced without regard to 

classical patterns. Although locations of each individual mine cannot be precisely recorded, 

scatterable minefields can be accurately recorded to within 10 meters when emplaced. They 

are emplaced by ground mine dispensing systems, artillery, aircraft, or by hand. They are 

designed to self-destruct after a set period of time, ranging from four hours to 15 days. 

Scatterable mines significantly reduce manpower requirements associated with MW. 

Smaller and lighter, these mines reduce logistics requirements because of their reduced bulk 

and weight. Scatterable mines also make it possible to emplace minefields quickly and, 

importantly, to do so deep in the enemy’s rear area such as at an air base, LOCs, air defense 

site, or an assembly area. Aircraft and artillery are the most flexible and responsive means of 

scatterable mine delivery; however, they often have other competing roles. Other 

disadvantages include time and high number of artillery rounds or aircraft sorties required to 

emplace a minefield. These factors increase the exposure of emplacing artillery to counter 

battery fires and emplacing aircraft or helicopters to enemy air defenses. Networked 

munitions are a class of remotely controlled, interconnected weapons systems that can be 

rapidly emplaced, consisting of nonpersistent (self-destructing/self-deactivating) AVL/APL 

munitions that provide ground-based countermobility and protection capabilities through 

persistent surveillance and the scalable application of lethal and nonlethal means (see Figure 

III-3).

(2) Demolition obstacles are created by the detonation of explosives. 

Demolition is generally used to create tactical level obstacles. However, it can also be used 

to create operational obstacles such as the destruction of major dams, bridges, and railways, 

as well as highways through built-up areas or terrain choke points. Demolition obstacles are 

An example of networked munitions is the newly fielded Spider system. This 

system is interoperable with the Army Battle Command by utilizing data feed 

sets to populate a common operating picture. This system provides man-inthe-loop operations and on-off-on capability, permitting the passage of 

friendly forces on demand and reducing incidents of fratricide and 

unintended engagements on civilians. 
 Land Operations 

III-13 

typically classified as preliminary or reserved obstacles. Preliminary obstacles are those 

planned by subordinate commanders, are not considered critical to the JFC’s plan, and can 

be detonated as soon as they are prepared or as the situation dictates. Reserved obstacles 

are those deemed critical to the JFC’s or subordinate commander’s plan and are 

detonated only when directed by the commander who designated them. Demolition 

obstacles may require lengthy completion time and large quantities of demolition materials 

because of the size and characteristics of the target. 

(3) Constructed obstacles are man-made, created without the use of explosives. 

Typical tactical examples are barbed wire obstacles and anti-vehicle ditches. Operational 

and strategic barriers and obstacles may also be constructed. Examples are fortified areas 

and lines. These large-scale obstructions generally require extensive time, manpower, 

equipment, and material. In general, engineers will play a major role in obstacles of this 

magnitude. Constructed barriers and obstacles should be emplaced before hostilities or in 

Figure III-3. Example of Networked Munitions 

Example of Networked Munitions

Spider

Enables man-in-the-loop command 

and control of all munitions in the field

RCU with transceiver 

makes up the remote 

control station 

Provides for 

extended range 

and/or to 

overcome difficult 

terrain

Remote Control Unit (RCU)

Transceiver

Repeater

Munition Control Unit

500 meters

1,000 meters

(3,500 meters with 

variable height 

antenna mast)

Hand emplaced, remotely controlled 

munitions. Detects intrusions, controls 

lethal and nonlethal munitions.
Chapter III 

III-14 JP 3-15 

areas not subject to observed fires, because construction personnel can be exposed to all 

types of enemy fire. 

(4) Field expedient obstacles. When mines, barrier materials, or engineer 

resources are not available or are in short supply, the JFC may have to rely on field 

expedients such as abatis, flame field expedient, or IED for employment in place of obstacles 

and minefields. Field expedients can be hastily constructed from materials found on the 

battlefield, such as containers, fuel, and explosive devices. They can provide a quick, 

effective means for providing a limited offensive and defensive obstacle capability when 

conventional resources are not available. 

e. Offensive Employment. During offensive planning, the JFC, through the joint force 

staff, identifies priority locations and plans and coordinates the joint emplacement of 

barriers, obstacles, and minefields. Under some circumstances, the JFC may designate the 

systems that subordinate commanders utilize for emplacement. These barriers, obstacles, 

and minefields generally focus on isolating the battlefield, facilitating economy of force, 

enhancing overall force security, and blocking or disrupting an enemy’s withdrawal. During 

planning and deployment, care must be taken to ensure that the mobility of the attacking 

force is not hindered. Key factors for consideration in offensive employment are: 

(1) The scheme of maneuver for the operation. 

(2) Current enemy situation capabilities, intent, and probable COAs. 

(3) Accurate terrain analysis to determine where friendly forces are vulnerable to 

counterattack. 

(4) Preplanning, deconfliction, and coordination with other components. 

(5) C2 of obstacle and mine emplacement. 

(6) Information flow to inform friendly forces of friendly and enemy barrier, 

obstacle, and minefield locations using the standard report formats. 

f. Defensive Employment. During defensive planning, the JFC, through the joint force 

staff, identifies priority locations and plans and coordinates the joint emplacement of 

barriers, obstacles, and minefields. Under some circumstances, the JFC may designate the 

systems that subordinate commanders use for emplacement. The primary intent of defensive 

barrier, obstacle, and mine warfare employment is to degrade enemy capabilities by 

disrupting combat formations and their movement, interfering with C2, and confusing enemy 

commanders. The secondary intent is to destroy or attrit enemy forces. Key factors for 

consideration in defensive employment are as follows: 

(1) Current enemy situation, capabilities, intent, and probable COAs. 

(2) Confirmation of where the maneuver commander has designated engagement 

areas and intends to engage the enemy. 
 Land Operations 

III-15 

(3) Confirmation of the scheme of maneuver for the defense. 

(4) Accurate terrain analysis to determine where friendly forces are vulnerable to 

enemy attack. 

(5) Preplanning, deconfliction, and coordination with other components. 

(6) C2 of obstacle and mine emplacement. 

(7) Information flow to inform friendly forces of friendly and enemy barrier, 

obstacle, and minefield locations using the standard report formats. 

(8) Integration of barrier, obstacle, and minefield emplacement complements the 

plan for defense. 

(9) Emplacement of nonpersistent minefields and other time- or labor-intensive 

obstacles before the beginning of hostilities in order to reduce the exposure to enemy fire. 

(10) Preplanned employment of scatterable minefields throughout the operational 

environment. The choice of scatterable systems is mission-dependent. Ground emplaced 

mine scattering systems are best for rapidly emplacing large minefields in friendly controlled 

areas. Artillery or aircraft-delivered systems are employed throughout the battlefield. The 

appropriateness of artillery or aircraft delivery systems varies depending on the threat 

conditions and other mission priorities; however, organic systems should be employed 

whenever possible. 

Logistics planning must provide for replacement of special equipment and 

materials to support breaching operations.
Chapter III 

III-16 JP 3-15 

(11) The timetable for friendly operations may be upset or cause fratricide if the 

wrong self-destruct settings are used. Emplacement of nonpersistent scatterable minefields 

is not nearly as labor-intensive as the old conventional munitions, but the planning has to be 

precise for their placement and the time duration set on the munitions for the self-destruct 

time of four hours, 48 hours, or 15 days. 

(12) Obscurants, used as a limited obstacle to canalize or slow advancing enemy 

forces. When combined with barriers, obstacles, and/or minefields, obscurants can enhance 

the vulnerability of enemy forces by limiting their visual, target-acquisition, and intelligencegathering capabilities. 

g. Other Considerations. The overriding consideration in planning obstacles is 

accomplishment of the mission; however, there are three considerations that are key to the 

military mission. 

(1) Legal Restrictions. The creation and employment of countermobility barriers, 

obstacles, and mines must comply with the law of war, international law, and US law and 

policy. The JFC will ensure that the staff judge advocate is integrated throughout the 

planning process and that countermobility plans—especially those involving the 

emplacement of mines—receive a final legal review prior to execution. 

(2) Obstacle-Clearing Operations at the Cessation of Hostilities. Obstacleclearing operations continued for years in Kuwait following the end of the 1990–1991 

Persian Gulf War, largely due to a lack of accurate minefield records by the defending Iraqi 

forces. Mine and minefields continued to threaten civilians long after hostilities were 

concluded and caused numerous casualties to military and civilian personnel. Accurate 

reporting, recording, and tracking not only will prevent fratricide but will expedite clearing 

operations when peace is restored. 

For a general discussion of clearing (route and area) operations see FM 3-90.4/MCWP 3-

17.8, Combined Arms Mobility Operations. For a discussion of clearing TTP, see FM 3-

34.210/MCRP 3-17.2D, Explosive Hazards Operations; FM 3-34.214/MCRP 3-17.7L, 

Explosives and Demolitions; and FM 3-90.119/MCIP 3-17.01, Combined Arms Improvised 

Explosive Device Defeat Operations. See also Appendix F, “Humanitarian Mine Action,” 

for more discussion. 

(3) Impacts of Obstacles on Civilians and Their Environment. Obstacles 

frequently modify terrain through demolition, excavation, and other means. Some obstacle 

actions, such as destroying levees, setting fires, felling trees in forested areas, or demolishing 

bridges, may have immediate impacts on civilians and often will have long-term effects on 

them and the environment and are governed by the law of armed conflict. Commanders 

must minimize the impact of obstacles on civilians and the environment if militarily possible. 

For example, if the enemy can be prevented from using a bridge by means other than 

demolishing it, commanders may choose the less damaging COA. Efforts should be 

undertaken to mark minefields to prevent harm to civilians. Commanders must avoid 

unnecessary destruction of farmland or forests or pollution of water sources when creating 

obstacles. Care exercised by commanders will alleviate long-term negative effects on 
 Land Operations 

III-17 

civilians, friendly forces, and the environment. Moreover, application of the principles of 

proportionality and military necessity are legal requirements under the law of armed conflict. 

4. Command and Control 

a. Planning. Commanders and staffs consider both friendly and enemy use of obstacles 

when planning operations. At the tactical level, assured mobility planning brings focus to 

mobility, countermobility, and survivability task planning in support of breaching, clearing, 

and gap crossing operations. At the tactical level, commanders focus on identifying the 

scheme of maneuver that must be supported by mobility and/or countermobility efforts. At 

the operational level, countermobility planning focuses on granting obstacle emplacement 

authority or providing obstacle control. At each level, commanders include obstacle 

planning in the decision-making process. This ensures that a combined arms approach to 

mobility operations, as well as countermobility obstacle integration, is effective in support of 

the maneuver plan. 

b. Reconnaissance. Reconnaissance is performed before, during, and after mobility 

operations to provide information used in the planning process as well as by the commander 

to formulate, confirm, or modify the COA. The information gathered through 

reconnaissance, other geospatial products, and terrain analysis supports the mobility 

operation. Tactical reconnaissance supporting mobility operations should focus on 

OBSTINT—those collection efforts conducted to detect the presence of enemy (and natural) 

obstacles, determine their types and dimensions, and provide the necessary information to 

plan appropriate combined arms breaching, clearance, or bypass operations to negate the 

impact on the friendly scheme of maneuver. Tactical reconnaissance also allows friendly 

forces to anticipate when and where the enemy may employ obstacles that could impede 

operations as well as verify the condition of natural or other man-made obstacles. 

c. Control Means. The purpose of obstacle control is to synchronize subordinate 

obstacle efforts with the commander’s intent and scheme of maneuver. Commanders 

exercise obstacle control by granting or withholding obstacle emplacement authority or 

restricting obstacles through orders or other specific guidance. However, commanders must 

be cognizant that lack of obstacle control measures may result in obstacles that interfere with 

the higher commander’s scheme of maneuver, while excessive obstacle control may result in 

a lack of obstacles that support the refined fire plans of subordinate commanders. 

Commanders and staffs consider width, depth, and time when they conduct obstacle-control 

planning. The following considerations guide this planning: 

(1) Support current operations.

(2) Maximize subordinate flexibility.

(3) Facilitate future operations.

d. Reporting, Recording, and Marking

(1) Intelligence concerning enemy minefields is reported by the fastest means 

available. Spot reports (SPOTREPs) are the tactical commander’s most common source of 
Chapter III 

III-18 JP 3-15 

minefield intelligence. They originate from patrols that have been sent on specific minefield 

reconnaissance missions or from units that have discovered mine information in the course 

of their normal operations. The information is transmitted to higher headquarters and 

tracked in joint minefield and obstacle databases. 

(2) Lane or bypass marking is a critical component of obstacle reduction. Effective 

lane marking allows commanders to project forces through an obstacle quickly, with combat 

power and C2 intact. It gives an assault force and follow-on forces confidence in the safety 

of the lane and helps prevent unnecessary casualties. 

FM 3-90.4/MCWP 3-17.8, Combined Arms Mobility Operations, and MCWP 3-17.3, 

MAGTF Breaching Operations, provide detailed discussions of marking operations. 
IV-1 

CHAPTER IV

MARITIME OPERATIONS 

1. General Discussion 

a. General. Maritime MW consists of the strategic, operational, and tactical 

employment of sea mines and mine countermeasures (MCM). MW is divided into two 

categories: the emplacement of mines to degrade the enemy’s capabilities to wage land, air, 

and maritime warfare; and the countering of enemy mining capability or emplaced mines in 

order to permit friendly maneuver. Naval MW has played a significant role in every major 

armed conflict involving the United States since the Revolutionary War. Mines can be 

inexpensive, easy to procure, reliable, effective, and difficult for intelligence agencies to 

track. More than 50 of the world’s navies have mine emplacing capability while a 

considerable number of countries, many of which are known mine exporters, actively engage 

in development and manufacture of new models. Although many of these stockpiled mines 

are relatively old, they remain lethal and can often be upgraded. 

b. As adversaries have pursued irregular means they have introduced the IED threat to 

the maritime domain. Boats laden with explosives or WBIEDs can be used against ships and 

areas connected to water. An early example of this type was the Japanese Shinyo suicide 

boats during World War II. These explosive-laden boats were successful in damaging or 

sinking several American ships. More recently, suicide bombers used a WBIED to attack the 

USS COLE in the port of Aden. In Iraq, US and United Kingdom troops have been killed by 

WBIEDs. The next few years are likely to bring maritime conflict and WBIEDs into sharp 

focus as the proliferation of IED knowledge spreads in extremist networks. A further use of 

minefields by adversaries is to accentuate the effectiveness of other weapons and thereby 

provide a suitable environment for their use rather than a primary weapon. This may be 

achieved by using minefields to channel shipping into selected killing areas or restrict their 

maneuverability. 

c. Naval MW employs a broad campaign approach, incorporating offensive and 

defensive aspects of MW throughout the range of military operations. To achieve national 

and military objectives in the short term, mining campaigns may be defeated without 

necessarily having to destroy the minefields. If US forces can prevent mines from being 

employed, avoid the minefield, or force the enemy to deploy a tactically insignificant 

minefield, then objectives can be achieved. 

d. Legal Considerations in the Employment of Mines. The use of naval mines is 

governed by Hague Convention VII of 1907, which limits the type, method of use, and 

tactics used by nations employing mines. Other international agreements, as well as US and 

allied peacetime ROE and ROE during armed conflict, constrain the commander 

“The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the 

enemy’s will to be imposed on him.” 

Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Chapter IV 

IV-2 JP 3-15 

contemplating their use. All joint commanders involved in MW, whether mining, MCM, or 

both, should be familiar with these legal considerations. A more detailed discussion of 

international law relative to naval mines is contained in NWP 3-15, Naval Mine Warfare. 

2. Mine Warfare Command and Control 

a. JFC. Naval MW is an enabler of joint force operations. The JFC is supported in MW 

by the Navy component commander (NCC), or if assigned, a combined or joint force 

maritime component commander (JFMCC). 

b. NCC or JFMCC. The NCC or JFMCC staff supports the JFC with all operationallevel military operations at sea, including MW. As such, the NCC staff should integrate MW 

into their planning. The Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command (NMAWC) 

maintains a deployable staff to provide phased, scalable MW expertise and support to NCCs. 

c. Mine Warfare Commander (MIWC). The MIWC is a supporting warfare 

commander to the NCC or the officer in tactical command and is the commander’s primary 

advisor on all aspects of MW—both mining and MCM. NMAWC can serve as the MIWC 

and perform the MW functions in support of the NCC. 

d. MCM Commander (MCMC). The MCMC is the supporting commander to the 

MIWC or designated commander for MCM within an assigned area. Depending on the 

extent of operations and geography, it is conceivable to have multiple MCMCs under the 

coordination of a single MIWC. United States Navy (USN) MCM squadrons (MCMRONs) 

exist to fulfill the MCMC role, and are the preferred choice for MCM planning and force C2. 

The MCMC controls the operations of MCM assets (surface MCM [SMCM] vessels, 

airborne MCM [AMCM] squadrons/detachments, and underwater MCM [UMCM] elements) 

in the operational area. 

3. Environmental Considerations 

a. Environmental considerations are significant in MW and affect both mining and 

MCM. Mine cases, mine sensors, target signals, and MCM systems are all impacted by 

environmental factors and impact the selection of equipment and procedures. 

b. Influence of the Environment. In strategic, operational, and tactical planning for 

both mining and MCM, the environment must be considered. Mining success depends 

largely on the suitability of the environment for both weapons delivery and effectiveness 

after mine placement. Environmental factors that should be considered when deciding to 

conduct exploratory and reconnaissance operations, as well as employment techniques, are 

provided in Figure IV-1. 

 
 Maritime Operations 

IV-3 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS IN MINE WARFARE

Category Factors Major Operation Impact

Coastal 

topography 

and landmarks 

Marginal topography, natural and 

man-made landmarks, aircraft 

flight path hazards, shoals, and 

other underwater hazards to 

surface craft 

Navigational control, accuracy flight restrictions, 

and pattern controls 

Atmospheric 

characteristics 

Climatic conditions, duration of 

darkness and light, visibility, air 

temperature, winds, precipitation, 

storm frequency, and icing 

conditions 

All operational limitations and restrictions common 

to adverse atmospheric conditions, platform and 

equipment selection, force level requirements, and 

logistic concerns 

Water depth Bathymetry, seasonal storms, 

river run-off 

Extent of operational area in relation to mine type 

to be countered, choice of countermeasures, 

platforms, gear and tactics; limits to diver 

employment 

Sea and surf Sea and swell condition, surf 

characteristics 

Operational limits for surface craft, explosive 

ordnance disposal personnel, and mine 

countermeasures equipment; actuation probability 

for pressure mines; rate and direction of sweep or 

hunt; mine detection capability 

Currents Surface and subsurface current 

patterns, including tidal, surf, and 

riverine-originated currents 

Navigation and maneuver of displacement craft 

and towed equipment; navigational error; diver 

operation limitations; effect on mine burial 

Ice conditions Thickness and extent of sea ice Modify, restrict, or preclude operations depending 

on extent and thickness of ice 

Water column 

properties 

Water temperature, salinity, and 

clarity 

Temperature effects on diver operations; ability to 

visually or optically locate moored or bottom 

mines; temperature/salinity compilation of 

conductivity for magnetic sweep; sonar depth and 

effectiveness 

Seabed 

characteristics 

Bottom roughness, material, 

strength, and stability 

Decision to employ minehunting techniques; 

limitations on mechanical sweep gear; extent to 

which a mine will bury 

Acoustic 

environment 

Sound velocity profile, acoustic 

propagation/attenuation, acoustic 

scattering, and reverberation 

Sonar settings, ranges, and effectiveness, 

acoustic sweep path and sweep safety, number of 

minelike contacts, and sonar hunting efficiency 

Magnetic 

environment 

Electrical conductivity, number of 

magnetic minelike contacts, 

ambient magnetic background 

Ability to employ open electrode sweeps; extent 

and strength of magnetic field established by 

magnetic sweep gear; number of minelike targets 

limiting magnetic hunt efficiency; effectiveness of 

magnetometer detectors 

Pressure 

environment 

Natural pressure fluctuations due 

to wave action 

Actuation probability for pressure mines and, 

hence, the selection of conventional or guinea pig 

sweep techniques 

Biologic 

environment 

Bio-fouling conditions, hazardous 

marine life 

Ability to detect and classify mines visually or with 

sonar; marine life presenting potential hazard to 

divers 

Figure IV-1. Environmental Considerations in Mine Warfare 
Chapter IV 

IV-4 JP 3-15 

4. Elements of Mine Warfare 

MW can be applied across the range of military operations and can be divided into the 

subdisciplines of mining and MCM. These are further divided into various areas, depicted in 

Figure IV-2, and discussed below. 

5. Mining 

Mining is used to support the broad tasks of establishing and maintaining control of 

essential sea areas. Mining embraces all methods whereby naval mines are used to deny sea 

area or inflict damage on adversary shipping to hinder, disrupt, and deny adversary 

operations. 

a. Mining Objectives. In MW, mining has application in all phases of joint operations. 

US mining can be employed to reduce the adversary’s threat to friendly forces and preserve 

access. Mining complements and comprises an essential part of other warfare areas, 

particularly strike, antisubmarine, and antisurface warfare. Sea mines, or the implicit threat 

of their possible presence, may deny the enemy use of sea areas vital to their operations. 

Figure IV-2. Elements of Mine Warfare 

Elements of Mine Warfare

Legend

MCM mine countermeasures

Mine Warfare

Mining

Active Passive

Offensive

Minehunting Locate 

Threat

Defensive Offensive

Minesweeping Localize 

Threat

Defensive

MCM

Protective

Neutralization Reduce 

Platform Risk
 Maritime Operations 

IV-5 

Conversely, mines may be used to protect friendly harbors, channels, and shores. Delays and 

interruptions in the shipping of war-sustaining materiel may deprive the enemy of critical 

offensive and defensive capabilities. Enemy ships confined to their bases or deterred in 

transit by mining operations become ineffective in their contribution to the war effort, and 

delays in shipping may be as costly as actual losses. 

b. US Mining Policy. In the event of war, US policy will be to conduct offensive, 

defensive, and protective mining as necessary. The decision to employ mines is typically 

made by the CCDR or higher authority, depending on ROE. The purpose is to reduce the 

enemy threat by destruction and disruption of their operations, to interdict the enemy SLOCs 

and designated ports in order to neutralize or destroy combatant and merchant ships, and to 

defend US and allied shipping. More specifically, naval mines may be used in conjunction 

with other warfare forces to aid in sea control by: 

(1) Deterring enemy use of naval mines. 

(2) Denying enemy use of designated ocean areas, ports, or waterways for 

diplomatic, economic, or military purposes. 

(3) Influencing enemy maneuver and direction or otherwise restricting the enemy’s 

movements to buttress the operational effectiveness of friendly forces. 

 MK-65 Quickstrike mine being attached to airframe. 
Chapter IV 

IV-6 JP 3-15 

(4) Protecting ports, coastal lines of passage, opening preplanned shipping lanes 

(Q-routes), and designated operating areas. 

(5) Destroying enemy ships and submarines directly. 

(6) Establishing blockades to provide political leverage in a limited war situation. 

(7) Denying the enemy the ability to carry out amphibious operations, or in support 

of friendly amphibious operations. 

c. Mining Assets. Mining is generally conducted by United States Air Force (USAF) 

or USN strike aircraft. Submarines and surface ships can also be configured for mine 

emplacement operations. Given the joint warfare aspects of mining, the NCC’s MW staff 

must work in coordination with the strike and target planning staffs. 

For additional information on maritime mining capabilities, refer to Appendix D, “Maritime 

Mining Capabilities,” and NTTP 3-15.1, Maritime Mining.

6. Mine Countermeasures 

MCM is the second area of MW. MCM includes all actions undertaken to prevent 

enemy mines from altering friendly forces’ maritime plans, operations, or maneuver. MCM 

reduces the threat of mines and the effects of enemy-emplaced sea mines on friendly naval 

force and seaborne logistics force access to and transit of selected waterways. 

a. MCM operations are divided into two broad areas: offensive and defensive MCM 

(see Figure IV-3). 

(1) Offensive MCM. The most effective means of countering a mine threat is to 

prevent the emplacement of mines. Offensive MCM involves deterring or destroying enemy 

mining capability before the mines are emplaced. Although essential to offensive MCM, 

these operations are not normally conducted by naval MW forces. MW planners must 

ensure that enemy mine emplacer, mine storage and, ultimately, mine production facilities 

and assets are considered for inclusion on joint target lists. 

(2) Defensive MCM. Defensive countermeasures are designed to counter mines 

once they have been emplaced. MCM can be conducted following the termination of 

conflict solely to eliminate or reduce the threat to shipping posed by residual sea mines. 

However, most defensive MCM operations are undertaken during conflict to support 

(enable) other maritime operations, such as sea control or power projection. Defensive 

MCM includes passive and active MCM. 

(a) Passive MCM reduces the threat from emplaced mines without physically 

attacking the mine itself, through reduction of ship susceptibility to mine actuation. Three 

primary passive measures are practiced: localization of the threat, detection and avoidance 

of the minefield, and risk reduction. 
 Maritime Operations 

IV-7 

1. Localization of the threat is aided by the establishment of a system of 

transit routes for friendly forces. These routes may be designated as Q-routes, to be used by 

friendly shipping to minimize exposure in potentially mined waters. Establishment of transit 

routes should be one of the first steps taken by MCM planners, if routes have not been 

designated previously. 

2. Detection and avoidance of minefields can be accomplished by 

exploiting intelligence information or by MCM efforts. When mine location has been 

established, shipping may be routed around the area. 

3. Risk reduction consists primarily of ship self-protection measures rather 

than MCM force activity. Risk may be reduced by controlling the degree of potential 

interaction with a mine sensor. Against contact mines, a reduction in draft and posting 

additional lookouts can reduce the number of mines the ship’s hull might strike. Influence 

mines can be denied the required activation signals by controlling the ship’s emissions. Use 

of on-board magnetic field reduction equipment or external degaussing, silencing a ship to 

minimize radiated noise, or using minimum speeds to reduce pressure signature are examples 

of operational risk reduction. Other types of risk reduction involve the enhancement of ship 

survivability in the event of mine detonation. 

Figure IV-3. Maritime Mine Countermeasures

Maritime Mine Countermeasures

Offensive

Defensive

Prevent the emplacement of mines through...

destroying enemy mine manufacturing facilities

destroying enemy mine storage facilities

destroying enemy mine emplacing platforms







Counter mines once they have been emplaced through...

Passive mine countermeasuares

localization of threat utilizing Q-routes

detection and avoidance of minefields

risk reduction

Active mine countermeasures

minehunting

minesweeping










Chapter IV 

IV-8 JP 3-15 

(b) Active MCM is employed when passive countermeasures alone cannot 

protect shipping traffic. This entails physical interference with the explosive function of the 

mine or actually destroying it. Minehunting and minesweeping are the primary techniques 

employed in active MCM. Both require detailed intelligence and planning by the MCMC to 

counter the threat. 

1. Minehunting. Minehunting is the employment of sensor and 

neutralization systems, whether air, surface, or subsurface, to locate and dispose of 

individual mines. Minehunting is conducted to eliminate mines in a known field when 

sweeping is not feasible or desirable, or to verify the presence or absence of mines in a given 

area. When mines are located, mine neutralization is performed through the use of systems 

such as remote-controlled vehicles, EOD divers, or marine mammal systems. Minehunting 

poses less risk to MCM forces, covers an area more thoroughly, and provides a higher 

probability of mine detection than minesweeping. 

2. Minesweeping. Minesweeping is conducted by either surface craft or 

aircraft and involves the towing of mechanical or influence sweep systems. Mechanical 

sweeping employs specially equipped cables to sever moored mine cables so that the mines 

USS DEVASTATOR, avenger class 

mine countermeasure vessel. 
 Maritime Operations 

IV-9 

float to the surface, where they can be destroyed by EOD divers. Influence sweeping 

involves the use of towed or streamed devices that emit signals emulating target ships to 

trigger influence mines. 

b. Intelligence Support

(1) Intelligence Gathering. Prior to MW operations, intelligence may indicate the 

types, quantities, or locations of mine storage sites. This information can cue the 

surveillance of mine storage sites to detect the movement of mines. Intelligence of mine 

movement to mine emplacing platforms and the subsequent movement of the mine 

emplacing platforms can provide advance information to ascertain the type, size, and 

location of minefields. Where mining is a possible threat, tracking and intelligence 

collection should begin early and be sufficiently systematic to provide confident estimates of 

mine activity. 

(2) Mine Exploitation. A key element of mine countermeasure is detailed 

knowledge of the mine sensor and targeting circuitry. Intelligence on enemy mine 

emplacement operations can aid in determining the type of sensor and style of target 

processing used. Accurate data can be acquired by actually exploiting a mine recovered 

during MCM operations. Exploitation may provide information on mine settings and mine 

modification intelligence. 

 

Minesweeping is a method of active maritime countermeasure and is conducted by either 

surface craft or aircraft. 
Chapter IV 

IV-10 JP 3-15 

c. Planning Considerations. The MCM planning process starts with an estimate of the 

situation and a mission statement that results in production of an MCM tasking order. Some 

aspects of the mission definition must be provided by the supporting commander. 

(1) Objectives. The mission statement includes an objective for active MCM, an 

acceptable risk factor, and a specific operational area. The MCMC shall choose a specific 

objective from the list in Figure IV-4, as described below. 

(a) Exploratory. The objective of exploration is to determine whether or not 

mines are present and is usually the first objective when an enemy minefield is suspected. 

(b) Reconnaissance. Reconnaissance operations are designed to make a rapid 

assessment of the limits of a mined area and the estimated number and types of mines 

present. 

 

Figure IV-4. Maritime Mine Countermeasure Mission Objectives 

Maritime Mine Countermeasure Mission Objectives

Exploratory

Reconnaissance

Breakthrough

Attrition

Clearing

Determine whether mines are present.

Make a rapid assessment of mined area limits, types of mines, 

and numbers.

Open channels and staging areas for amphibious operation or

break-in and/or break-out of a port.

Make continuous or frequent efforts to keep the threat of mines to

ship traffic low.

Attempt to remove all mines from assigned areas.
 Maritime Operations 

IV-11 

(c) Breakthrough. The breakthrough objective is directed when rapidity is 

required to open channels and staging areas for an amphibious operation or port break-in 

and/or break-out. The goal is to reduce the threat to friendly shipping passing through the 

mine threat area in the specified time available for MCM. 

(d) Attrition. Attrition objectives call for continuous or frequent MCM efforts 

to keep the threat of mines to ship traffic as low as possible when traffic must continue to 

transit the mined waters for a comparatively long period of time. 

(e) Clearing. The objective of clearing is to remove the greatest number of 

mines from the assigned area, thus reducing risk to friendly shipping to a specified 

acceptable risk. 

(2) Risk Directives. MCM techniques are inherently hazardous when used against 

certain mine types. To determine the proper MCM technique to employ, the MCMC must, 

in addition to an objective, be given direction regarding the maximum acceptable degree of 

risk to MCM forces. When operations are constrained by time, a greater degree of risk is 

generally required to accomplish the objective. 

(3) MCM Asset Availability. MCM tactics are determined by the threat, 

environment, time, and available assets. The time required for MCM forces to arrive at the 

mined area and the time available for completion of MCM operations are key factors. 

AMCM forces usually provide short-notice, rapid response to any mining threat. These 

forces sacrifice some degree of effectiveness and stamina to maximize response capability. 

SMCM forces are often more effective but have relatively slow transit speeds and longer 

response times. For long distances, heavy-lift ships can transport SMCM units to the area 

more quickly with reduced SMCM wear and tear. 

(4) Amphibious Operations. The performance of forcible entry assured access 

missions through the use of amphibious ships continues to evolve as designed according to 

espoused fundamentals in JP 3-02, Amphibious Operations. However, MCM and 

amphibious breaching is still required to support amphibious operations and must be 

synchronized within the overall amphibious task force (ATF) timeline. Planning a 

successful MCM or amphibious breach requires the combined efforts of the commander, 

amphibious task force (CATF), supported by the MCMC, the commander, landing force 

(CLF), and the MCMC. Early dialogue between these commanders will aid planners to 

identify detailed mission requirements. These considerations include: 

(a) Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance. A collection plan is a 

joint effort of the ATF intelligence organizations. Intelligence efforts should concentrate on 

identifying the type and location of the mine threat in the AOA, AOA characteristics, enemy 

locations, and intelligence on obstacles in the surf zone (SZ) and beyond. 

(b) Synchronization. MCM and amphibious breaching operations require 

precise synchronization to ensure maximum effectiveness of supporting arms and to 

minimize the risk to friendly forces. The determination of the ATF general COA dictates the 

size and composition of the LF and the general location and number of lanes required. Lane 
Chapter IV 

IV-12 JP 3-15 

requirements and obstacle construction will dictate size and composition of the breach force. 

Reverse planning should be used to ensure that actions at the obstacles support actions on the 

objective. 

(c) Breaching Fundamentals. Suppression, obscuration, security, and 

reduction are applied to all amphibious breaching operations to ensure success when 

breaching against a defending enemy. 

(d) Organization. ATF forces must be organized to quickly and effectively 

reduce obstacles and expedite LF movement to the objective. Forces should be taskorganized into support, breach, and assault organizations. 

(e) Command and Control. Unity of command is critical in MCM and in 

amphibious breaching operations. The CATF and the CLF share responsibility for MCM in 

the AOA, and the line of demarcation for their respective areas of responsibility for MCM is 

dependent on the particular topographic, hydrographic, meteorological, and tactical 

conditions of the AOA. As in other areas of amphibious warfare where the CATF and the 

CLF share planning responsibility, this line of demarcation should therefore be determined 

as part of the joint amphibious planning process. The CATF has overall responsibility for 

MW within the sea areas of the operational area. This includes the planning and execution of 

all facets of MW (working through the MIWC or MCMC as assigned) and providing the 

logistics support and force protection for MCM assets. The CATF is also responsible for 

conducting assault breaching operations from shallow water through the SZ and onto the 

beach, up to point or line of demarcation on the beach. The CLF is responsible for 

conducting mine and obstacle breaching and clearing operations landward from the CATF 

and the CLF mutually agreed upon line of demarcation on the beach, and for follow-on 

clearance operations on the beach. 

(5) Support Requirements. Deployed MCM ships, helicopters, and EOD units 

are not self-sustaining. Communications, ordnance, recompression chambers, supply, 

personnel support, and petroleum, oils, and lubricants must be provided for these units. In 

addition, ships will require magnetic and acoustic calibration range services and intermediate 

maintenance support. Helicopter units will require hangar space, maintenance, and support 

equipment, either afloat or ashore depending upon the specific operation. Support may be 

provided to ships and EOD units by an assigned MCM support ship or an adjacent shore 

facility. Helicopter support may be provided by an adjacent airfield or by an air-capable 

MCM support ship. When operating near hostile enemy areas, force protection requirements 

exist for all MCM platforms. 

(6) Control Measures and Reporting. The MCM operations report is used to 

exchange MCM tactical information between all components and joint headquarters. It 

provides the location and status of Service component MCM operations, including breaching 

and clearing. It is also used to request, task, plan, report, modify, and approve MCM 

operations, as appropriate. The report format is specified in Military Standard (MIL-STD)-

6040, US Message Text Formatting Program, and listed in Appendix A, “Reporting.” 
 Maritime Operations 

IV-13 

(a) Structured Operation Tasking MW Support. The operation task 

(OPTASK) series of structured messages provide functional warfare area (e.g., MW, 

STRIKE, COMMS ) specific policy and guidance. NMAWC is responsible for preparing 

and submitting the USN-wide OPTASK MW message and subsequent updates or changes to 

Third Fleet for review and promulgation by Commander, United States Fleet Forces 

Command (USFF)/Commander, United States Pacific Fleet (COMUSPACFLT) (NMAWC 

and Commander, Mobile Mine Assembly Group, provide input to the standing USN-wide 

OPTASK STRIKE message for mining operations). The standing USN-wide OPTASK MW 

is intended to be supplemented by numbered fleet commanders regarding mission and area 

of operations specifics, including issuance of fleet-level OPTASK MW and/or MCM 

addressing unique theater characteristics, command relationships, and operational-tactical 

direction. Prior to the commencement of an operation or exercise, an OPTASK MCM will 

normally be issued to the MCMC by the appropriate operational control authority. When 

required, the MCMC will prepare an additional OPTASK MCM to provide specific 

information to assigned MCM forces and any supported or supporting forces. 

(b) Mine Report. The mine countermeasure report (MCMREP) is used by 

individual MCM organizations or a commander, task unit (CTU), to report results of MCM 

operations. The MCMC will specify the frequency for MCM assets or CTUs to submit 

MCMREPs. 

Additional reports and reporting requirements for maritime mining and countermeasures 

can be found in NWP 3-15.2, Maritime Mine Countermeasures.

d. Organizational Support

(1) Coast Guard Defense Forces. Coast Guard Defense Forces East and West are 

commands established under the respective JFMCC to conduct maritime homeland defense 

missions for Commander, US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), and Commander, US 

Pacific Command (USPACOM), including support for domestic MW operations. 

(2) NMAWC is responsible to the Chief of Naval Operations for oversight of USN 

MW programs and, through the Navy chain of command for the integrated training and 

readiness of MW forces. The forces include AMCM, SMCM, UMCM, and MCMRONs, 

that can deploy on short notice to support CCDRs, as required. NMAWC supports these 

commanders in planning MCM exercises and operations. 

e. Operational Considerations. When an enemy minefield is encountered, a number 

of decisions must be made. If the minefield is not on a primary SLOC or operational route, 

the best action may be to warn and divert shipping around the area. If the minefield is in an 

essential area, the decision must be made as to what type of MCM to employ. The number 

and types of mines, availability of MCM forces, and time will determine the type of MCM to 

employ. It may also be possible to counter a minefield in a critical area by sending forces 

over it (e.g., vertical envelopment or vertical resupply) rather than through or around it. 

(1) Integrated Operations. Integrated MCM operations optimize available MCM 

assets and tactics to meet the needs of the mission. Consideration must be given to both 
Chapter IV 

IV-14 JP 3-15 

mutual support and mutual interference. For example, support from MCM helicopters may 

significantly reduce the risk to SMCM vessels if shallow moored mines and sensitive 

influence mines are swept before the SMCM employment. However, if influence sweeping 

is performed concurrent with EOD operations, this presents risk to EOD divers in proximity 

as a result of sweep-generated mine detonations. The MCMC must plan operations to 

exploit the strong capabilities of each MCM element and schedule events to accomplish the 

mission in the most efficient manner consistent with the risk directive. 

(2) Multinational Force Coordination. Operations against enemy mining are 

often carried out by a multinational MCM effort. MCM operations may be conducted by 

several national forces in close proximity. To conduct such operations safely and efficiently, 

agreements to coordinate operational areas and communications, as a minimum, must be 

established to prevent mutual interference. 

(3) Q-Routes and Route Survey. The Q-route system is a preplanned set of 

shipping routes that can be activated partially or totally by the area commander after 

determining that mining is imminent or has occurred. Activating Q-routes minimizes the 

area an MCMC has to clear to provide safe passage for shipping and reduces the force 

required to conduct MCM. Survey operations are conducted along Q-routes during 

peacetime to determine if the route is favorable for minehunting. If it is not, a change of 

route may be required. Once established, the route is surveyed to collect environmental and 

contact data to support wartime operations. The route is periodically surveyed to locate, 

US Navy and Allied mine countermeasure forces during an exercise. 
 Maritime Operations 

IV-15 

evaluate, and catalog contacts and environmental changes. This database can be used in 

conflict to determine if mining has occurred and, if it has, to reduce the time required to clear 

the route. 

For additional information on maritime MCM capabilities, refer to Appendix E, “Maritime 

Mine Warfare and Mine Countermeasures Organization and Capabilities.” 

7. Service Considerations 

a. Army–Navy. Naval MW includes mining and MCM in all sea areas, the littoral 

operating area in an amphibious operation to include the SZ and the beach (as determined in 

the amphibious planning process), and in certain cases may extend inland where waters are 

navigable from the sea. In short, if maritime assets are capable of conducting MCM in any 

waterway where Army craft need to navigate, it is likely that the maritime component 

commander will be directed to clear those mines. A mining threat in the US, at choke points 

along SLOCs, or at ports of debarkation can delay or completely halt the movement of 

material required to support overseas campaigns. Commander, joint task force, confronted 

by a mining threat, will request MCM assets through the CCDR. In some cases, combined 

MCM forces or forces from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or other allied 

nations may, after appropriate national coordination, provide MCM. 

b. Air Force–Navy. The USAF plays two important roles in supporting MW forces (in 

addition to supporting offensive MCM). The first role is performed by USAF strike 

platforms. USAF bomber aircraft can deliver large quantities of mines per sortie at long 

distances from their bases, playing a critical part in accomplishing mining plans directed by 

joint commands. USAF strike platforms are also a key component of the assault breaching 

system in support of amphibious operations. The second USAF role is the Air Mobility 

Command’s (AMC’s) deployment of AMCM and UMCM forces, and MW C2 elements and 

the continuing delivery of critical repair parts via AMC aircraft. Under US Transportation 

Command direction, AMC integrates its effort in support of MCM with heavy sealift, 

whether of SMCM platforms or of personnel and materiel. 

c. Marine Corps–Navy. During amphibious operations, MCM at sea—whether in the 

deep or shallow water where amphibious ships and their escorts operate, or in the very 

shallow water and SZ where assault craft bring troops and weapons to the beach—is 

conducted by a Navy MCMC. Normally, the MCMC is a subordinate and supporting 

commander to the CATF. MCM in the sea areas will be performed by a combination of the 

“MCM triad” of SMCM, AMCM, and UMCM assets; MCM in the very slow water will be 

performed by UMCM. When insertion of US Marine Corps forces (other than those already 

embarked on amphibious shipping) is accomplished by airlift of personnel to a benign 

location where they can be united with equipment stored on maritime pre-positioning ships 

squadron (MPSRON) ships, USN MCM assets may be required to assure access to seaports 

of debarkation for the use of those MPSRON vessels. In some situations the MPSRON ships 

will join the amphibious ships and be supported by MCM forces to establish logistics overthe-shore operations. 
Chapter IV 

IV-16 JP 3-15 

d. United States Coast Guard (USCG). The Commanders, Atlantic and Pacific Coast 

Guard areas, are USCG flag officers who are also designated Commanders, Coast Guard 

Defense Forces East and West, respectively, for the joint force maritime component 

commands USNORTHCOM and USPACOM. Coast Guard area commanders are 

empowered to assign appropriate USCG forces to the JFMCC to support MW operations. 

USCG assets are frequently included in exercises where mining and MCM are involved. 

Prior to initiating mining and MCM exercises in areas that are not regular USN operational 

areas, the Commander, Mine Warfare Command, must establish liaison with Commander, 

Coast Guard Defense Forces East or West, as appropriate. Commander, Coast Guard 

Defense Forces East or West, will notify subordinate USCG commands and coordinate 

USCG participation/support as required. USCG Juniper class buoy tenders have been and 

may be used to conduct survey operations in a number of scenarios using portable side-scan 

sonar equipment. USCG assets will likely support route survey and MCM forces conducting 

MW operations in US territorial waters in times of conflict. 

For additional information on maritime mining capabilities, refer to Appendix D, “Maritime 

Mining Capabilities.”
A-1 

APPENDIX A 

REPORTING 

1. Land Forces Reports 

Minefield reports will be submitted by the emplacing unit commanders through 

operations channels to the appropriate operations officer or operations directorate of a joint 

staff of the authorizing headquarters. That headquarters will integrate the reports with terrain 

intelligence and disseminate them through tactical intelligence. The reports should be sent by 

secure means. Once emplaced and activated, minefields are lethal and unable to distinguish 

between friendly forces and enemy. For this reason, positive control and continuous flow of 

information is necessary. Reporting, recording, and marking of minefields must be 

performed using methods that are consistent and well understood. 

a. Enemy/Friendly (Allied Nation)/Minefield/Obstacle Report. Any detection, 

encounter, or knowledge of enemy minefields or mining activities must be reported by the 

fastest reliable means. The report is made to the next higher commander, and must include 

all known information about the minefield. 

General Instructions: Use to report all obstacles on the battlefield after developing a report. 

Disseminate information and report to all command posts and units in the area of operation as soon 

as possible. From FM 6-99.2: 

LINE 1 – DATE AND TIME _____________________________ (DTG) 

LINE 3 – EMPLACING UNIT ____________________________ (Emplacing Unit, if Known 

(Enemy, Friendly Unit, Unit)) 

LINE 4 – APPROVING AUTHORITY _____________________ (Approving Authority, if 

Required or Known) 

LINE 5 – TARGET/OBSTACLE NO. ______________________ (Target/Obstacle Number, if 

Required or Known) 

LINE 6 – TYPE OF EMPLACING SYSTEM ________________ (Type of Emplacing System, if 

Required or Known) 

LINE 7 – TYPE MINES/OBSTACLES _____________________ (Type Mines/Obstacle, if Known 

Include Width and Depth) 

LINE 8 – TYPE MARKING SYSTEM _____________________ (Type Minefield/Obstacle 

Marking System, if Emplaced) 

LINE 9 – LIFE CYCLE DTG ____________________________ (DTG of Life Cycle/SelfDestruct Time, if Known) 

LINE 10 – CORNER LOCATIONS _______________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid 

Coordinate With MGRS Grid 

Zone Designator of Corners) 

LINE 11 – REDUCE __________________________________ (Obstacle/Minefield Reduced, 

YES or NO) 

LINE 12 – NO. OF LANES _____________________________ (Number of Lanes) 

LINE 13 – REDUCTION ASSET USED ___________________ (MICLIC, Mine Plow, Mine 

Roller, Demolitions, and so on) 
Appendix A 

A-2 JP 3-15 

LINE 14 – WIDTH ____________________________________ (Width of Lane) 

LINE 15 – DEPTH ____________________________________ (Depth of Lane) 

LINE 16 – GRID TO START OF LANE ____________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid 

Coordinate With MGRS Grid 

Zone Designator of Start of 

Lane (Entrance)) 

LINE 17 – GRID TO END OF LANE ______________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid 

Coordinate With MGRS Grid 

Zone Designator of End of Lane 

(Exit)) 

LINE 18 – LANE MARKING ____________________________ (Type of Marking System, if 

Emplaced) 

LINE 19 – BYPASS ___________________________________ (YES or NO) 

LINE 20 – BYPASS GRID ______________________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid 

Coordinate With MGRS Grid 

Zone Designator to Bypass) 

LINE 21 – BARRIERS _________________________________ (Concertina Wire, Pickets, 

and/or Trenches, and any other 

obstacle information necessary) 

LINE 22 – NARRATIVE ________________________________ (Free Text for Additional 

Information Required for 

Clarification of Report) 

LINE 23 – AUTHENTICATION __________________________ (Report Authentication) 

b. Scatterable Nonpersistent Minefield Reporting. Accurate, timely, and uniform 

reporting and dissemination of scatterable nonpersistent minefield emplacement information 

is a must. Fluid and fast-moving tactical situations require that complete information on 

scatterable nonpersistent mine employment be known and passed on in a simple, rapid 

manner to all units that could be affected. The variety of emplacing systems and emplacing 

units preclude the use of locally devised reporting and dissemination methods. Scatterable 

nonpersistent minefields must also be recorded to facilitate clearing of possible UXO/duds. 

Shown below is a relatively simple reporting procedure that will be used for scatterable 

nonpersistent mines. It is applicable for all delivery systems and can be sent in a voice, 

digital, or hard copy mode. As in FM 6-99.2: 

(1) Scatterable Minefield Warning 

General Instructions: Use to request authority to execute a planned scatterable minefield 

(SCATMINE) obstacle. Use the SCATMINREQ to request authority to plan a SCATMINE obstacle 

and the SCATMINREC to record an executed SCATMINE obstacle. 

LINE 1 – DATE AND TIME _____________________________ (DTG) 

LINE 2 – UNIT _______________________________________ (Unit Making Report) 

LINE 3 – TGT/OBSTCL NO. ____________________________ (Target/Obstacle Number, as 

per Unit SOPs) 

 
 Reporting 

A-3 

LINE 4 – EMPLACING SYSTEM ________________________ (Emplacing System (Volcano 

(Air or Ground), Artillery (Type), 

MOPMS, Air Delivered (Air 

Force), or Gator) 

LINE 5 – ANTIVEHICULAR MINES ______________________ (Antitank Mines (YES or NO)) 

LINE 6 – ANTIPERSONNEL MINES ______________________ (Antipersonnel Mines (YES or 

NO)) 

LINE 7 – AIMING POINTS _____________________________ (Grid Coordinates of 

Aimpoints/Corner Points, if 

Required Due to Refinement 

When Authorized) 

LINE 8 – SAFETY ZONE ______________________________ (Size of Safety Zone) 

LINE 9 – MINEFIELD MARKING ________________________ (Type of Marking, if Applicable) 

LINE 10 – LIFE CYCLE ________________________________ (DTG of Life Cycle) 

LINE 11 – ACTIONS __________________________________ (Actions Taken by Personnel 

Involved) 

LINE 12 – NARRATIVE ________________________________ (Free Text for Additional 

Information Required for 

Clarification of Report) 

LINE 13 – AUTHENTICATION __________________________ (Report Authentication) 

(2) Scatterable Minefield Request 

General Instructions: Use to request authority to plan emplacement of SCATMINE. IAW unit SOPs 

or the SCATMINE planning and execution policy, units will prepare and submit SCATMINREQ in 

enough time to allow the request to be staffed at the appropriate level and approval or disapproval 

returned to the requesting unit. Once a unit receives permission to plan a SCATMINE obstacle, it 

must still receive release authority before proceeding. This process is normally given when a 

scatterable minefield warning (SCATMINWARN) is sent 30 minutes prior to execution and the higher 

commander acknowledges and approves the release. Once the minefield is in place, a 

minefield/obstacle report (SCATMINREC) is sent to register the minefield. This is key, as the 

minefield may be on a unit boundary or beyond the FLOT. As in FM 6-99.2: 

LINE 1 – DATE AND TIME _____________________________ (DTG) 

LINE 2 – UNIT _______________________________________ (Unit Making Report) 

LINE 3 – TGT/OBSTCL NO. ____________________________ (Target/Obstacle Number, as 

per Unit SOPs) 

LINE 4 – EMPLACING SYSTEM ________________________ (Emplacing System (Volcano 

(Air or Ground), Artillery (Type), 

MOPMS, Air Delivered (Air 

Force), or Gator) 

LINE 5 - ANTIVEHICULAR MINES _______________________ (YES or NO) 

LINE 6 - ANTIPERSONNEL MINES ______________________ (YES or NO) 

LINE 7 – ATTITUDE __________________________________ (Attitude of Minefield) 

LINE 8 – DIMENSIONS ________________________________ (Dimensions of Minefield) 

LINE 9 – AIMPOINTS _________________________________ (Number of Aimpoints/Corner 

Points With Grid Coordinates) 
Appendix A 

A-4 JP 3-15 

LINE 10 – SAFETY ZONE _____________________________ (Size of Safety Zone) 

LINE 11 – MINEFIELD MARKING _______________________ (Type of Marking, if Applicable) 

LINE 12 - UNIT OBSERVING ___________________________ (Unit Observing) 

LINE 13 – MISSION __________________________________ (Task, Purpose, and Intent) 

LINE 14 - LIFE CYCLE ________________________________ (DTG of Life Cycle Planned) 

LINE 15 – ACTIONS __________________________________ (Actions Taken by Personnel 

Involved) 

LINE 16 – NARRATIVE ________________________________ (Free Text for Additional 

Information Required for 

Clarification of Report) 

LINE 17 – AUTHENTICATION __________________________ (Report Authentication) 

(3) Scatterable Minefield Record 

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: Use to report emplacement of SCATMINE. IAW unit SOPs or 

SCATMINE planning and execution policy, units will prepare and submit SCATMINREC in enough 

time to allow the request to be disseminated to all affected units. Once executed, it is critical to report 

each obstacle as a separate SCATMINREC to ensure it gains immediate visibility. (Placing 

SCATMINREC in the obstacle database, which is how most of the normal obstacles will be reported, 

slows dissemination.) This is especially important if the obstacle is on a unit boundary or beyond the 

FLOT. As in FM 6-99.2: 

LINE 1 – DATE AND TIME _____________________________ (DTG) 

LINE 2 – UNIT _______________________________________ (Unit Making Report) 

LINE 3 – TGT/OBSTCL NO. ____________________________ (Target/Obstacle Number, as 

per Unit SOPs) 

LINE 4 – EMPLACING SYSTEM ________________________ (Emplacing System (Volcano 

(Air or Ground), Artillery (Type), 

MOPMS, Air Delivered (Air 

Force), or Gator) 

LINE 5 - ANTIVEHICULAR MINES _______________________ (YES or NO) 

LINE 6 - ANTIPERSONNEL MINES ______________________ (YES or NO) 

LINE 7 - LIFE CYCLE _________________________________ (DTG of Life Cycle Planned 

(Emplacement DTG and SelfDestruct/Self-Deactivating 

DTG)) 

LINE 8 – AIMPOINTS _________________________________ (Aimpoints/Center Point of the 

Minefield) 

a. _________________________________________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid of One 

Corner) 

b. _________________________________________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid of One 

Corner) 

c. _________________________________________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid of One 

Corner) 

d. _________________________________________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid of One 

Corner) 
 Reporting 

A-5 

LINE 9 – AIMPOINTS _________________________________ (Aimpoints/Center Point of the 

Minefield) 

a. _________________________________________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid of One 

Corner) 

b. _________________________________________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid of One 

Corner) 

c. _________________________________________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid of One 

Corner) 

d. _________________________________________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid of One 

Corner) 

LINE 10 – AIMPOINTS ________________________________ (Aimpoints/Center Point of the 

Minefield) 

a. _________________________________________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid of One 

Corner) 

b. _________________________________________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid of One 

Corner) 

c. _________________________________________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid of One 

Corner) 

d. _________________________________________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid of One 

Corner) 

LINE 11 – AIMPOINTS ________________________________ (Aimpoints/Center Point of the 

Minefield) 

a. _________________________________________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid of One 

Corner) 

b. _________________________________________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid of One 

Corner) 

c. _________________________________________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid of One 

Corner) 

d. _________________________________________________ (UTM or Six-Digit Grid of One 

Corner) 

LINE 12 – AIMPOINTS ________________________________ (Aimpoints/Center Point of the 

Minefield) 

LINE 13 – AIMPOINTS ________________________________ (Aimpoints/Center Point of the 

Minefield) 

LINE 14 – EMPLACING _______________________________ (Unit Emplacing Mines and 

Report Number) 

LINE 15 – SAFETY ZONE _____________________________ (Size of Safety Zone) 

LINE 16 – MINEFIELD MARKING _______________________ (Type of Marking, if Applicable) 

LINE 17 – APPROVING AUTHORITY ____________________ (Approving Authority 

Commander) 

LINE 18 – POC THIS REPORT _________________________ (Person Completing This 

Report) 

LINE 19 – ACTIONS __________________________________ (Actions Taken by Personnel 

Involved) 
Appendix A 

A-6 JP 3-15 

LINE 20 – NARRATIVE ________________________________ (Free Text for Additional 

Information Required for 

Clarification of Report) 

LINE 21 – AUTHENTICATION __________________________ (Report Authentication) 

c. Unexploded Ordnance/Explosive Remnants of War Reporting. The UXO SPOTREP 

is a detailed, swift, two-way reporting system that makes clear where the UXO hazard areas 

are, what their priorities are, and which units are affected by them. The report is used to 

request help in handling a UXO hazard that is beyond a unit’s ability to handle and that 

affects the unit’s mission. This report helps commanders set priorities based on the 

battlefield situation. The UXO SPOTREP is the first-echelon report that is sent when a UXO 

is encountered. The report consists of nine lines and is sent by the fastest means available. 

As in FM 4-30.51 / MCRP 3-17.2A: 

LINE 1 – DATE TIME GROUP __________________________ DTG item was discovered 

LINE 2 – REPORTING ACTIVITY ________________________ (Unit identification code) and 

location (grid of UXO). 

LINE 3 – CONTACT METHOD __________________________ Radio frequency, call sign, point 

of contact and telephone 

number. 

LINE 4 – TYPE OF ORDNANCE ________________________ Dropped, projected, placed or 

thrown. If available, supply the 

subgroup. Give the size of the 

hazard area. 

LINE 5 – CBRN CONTAMINATION ______________________ Be as specific as possible. 

LINE 6 – RESOURCES THREATENED ___________________ Report any equipment, facilities, 

or other assets that are 

threatened. 

LINE 7 – IMPACT ON MISSION _________________________ Provide a short description of 

current tactical situation and 

how the presence of UXO 

affects mission. 

LINE 8 – PROTECTIVE MEASURES _____________________ Describe any measures you 

have taken to protect personnel 

and equipment. 

LINE 9 – RECOMMENDED PRIORITY____________________ Recommend a priority for 

response by EOD or engineers. 
B-1 

APPENDIX B

LAND MOBILITY CAPABILITIES 

1. Operational Environment 

The operational environment includes significant challenges to both mobility and 

maneuver. Within the threat dimension, potential adversaries span the spectrum from 

modern heavy conventional forces to unconventional forces employing asymmetric means. 

Potential challenges to maneuver range from conventional obstacles and mines employed in 

depth to booby traps, and other EHs employed in improvised and adaptive attacks. 

Adversaries may seek refuge in terrain that by its nature and remoteness challenges 

maneuver. They will use complex terrain and urban areas to disperse US and multinational 

forces and limit many of our capabilities. Support to movement and maneuver tends to be 

focused at the tactical and lower operational levels in support of combat maneuver. It is 

primarily related to forces operating on land. Mobility support is applicable at all echelons 

and for all military forces. The focus of this appendix is on providing a concise discussion of 

enemy countermobility capabilities and their employment of land mines and other EHs. It 

includes a discussion of the US units and potential capabilities to provide mobility and 

support to movement and maneuver against these countermobility capabilities. 

a. Land Mines. Whether buried conventionally in patterns, emplaced on the surface in 

seemingly random fashion, or intentionally scattered, land mines will likely be present in 

prolific numbers on the battlefield. Potential adversaries with conventional military 

capabilities will employ large numbers of land mines to offset our maneuver advantages. 

Highly developed adversaries may employ large numbers of scatterable mines. Less 

developed adversaries are likely to employ more conventional mines and other EHs in lieu of 

scatterable mines. Terrorists will obtain and employ land mines in any manner possible to 

inflict losses on our friendly forces as well as civilians. Their most likely choice will be EHs 

to include IEDs rather than mines, but their use of mines remains a very real possibility. The 

numbers and types of land mines available to potential adversaries are extensive and include 

APLs and AVLs with numerous types of firing mechanisms (see FM 3-34.210/MCRP 3-

17.2D, Explosive Hazards Operations; Training Circular [TC] 20-32-3, Foreign Mine 

Handbook [Balkan States]; TC 20-32-4, Foreign Mine Handbook [Asia]; TC 20-32-5, 

Commander’s Reference Guide: Land Mine and Explosive Hazards [Iraq]). Conventional 

employment of mines will typically be integrated with other obstacles such as wire and tank 

ditches to create complex obstacles. 

b. Explosive Hazards. An EH is any hazard containing an explosive component. FM 

3-90.119/MCIP 3-17.01, Combined Arms Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Defeat 

Operations, describes EHs currently encountered on the battlefield in five categories: UXO 

(including land mines), booby traps (some booby traps are nonexplosive), IEDs, captured 

enemy ammunition, and bulk explosives. Information in this manual focuses on the enemy’s 

employment of EHs as a direct challenge to friendly freedom of maneuver. IEDs and UXO 

are the two types of EHs that are of greatest concern for movement and maneuver. 

See FM 3-34.210/ MCRP 3-17.2D, Explosive Hazards Operations, for additional supporting 

information. 
Appendix B 

B-2 JP 3-15 

(1) The Improvised Explosive Device System. IEDs are not a new phenomenon, 

but recent use of IEDs has greatly expanded the methods in which they are used and the 

types of materials used to create them, which poses an increasing challenge to our freedom 

of maneuver. The improvised version can be almost anything containing explosive material 

and initiator. It is an improvised device that is designed to cause death or injury by using 

explosives alone or in combination with other materials—to include projectiles, toxic 

chemicals, biological toxins, or radiological material. IEDs can be produced in varying 

sizes, functioning methods, containers, and delivery methods. Commercial or military 

explosives, homemade explosives, or military ordnance and ordnance components can be 

used to make them. IEDs are primarily conventional high-explosive charges, also known as 

homemade bombs. A chemical and biological agent, or even radiological material, may be 

included to add to the destructive power and the psychological effect of the device. They are 

unique because the IED builder has had to improvise with the materials at hand. Designed to 

defeat a specific target or type of target, they generally become more difficult to detect and 

protect against as they become more sophisticated. The sophistication of IEDs varies greatly 

from a crude design fabricated from common materials to premanufactured kits, and ranging 

in size from a cigarette pack to a large vehicle. IEDs can be detonated in numerous ways 

including radio control, heat/sound/motion sensor, command wire, and victim initiated. The 

degree of sophistication depends on the ingenuity of the designer and the tools and materials 

available. Cached, stockpiled munitions within the theater of operations may provide the 

explosive materials to would-be enemy bombers. 

For more information on IEDs and countering IEDs, see JP 3-15.1, Counter-Improvised 

Explosive Device Operations. 

(2) Unexploded Explosive Ordnance. UXO includes ordnance items that have 

been fired, projected, dropped, or placed in such a way that they propose a hazard to 

personnel or property. Whether in an area by design or accident, these items have not yet 

fully functioned or detonated and are hazards. UXO poses the risk of injury or death to 

personnel but also can pose a challenge to maneuver along a key route or within a significant 

area. 

See FM 3-100.38/MCRP 3-17.2B/NTTP 3-02.4.1/AFTTP(I) 3-2.12, Multi-Service Tactics, 

Techniques, and Procedures for Unexploded Explosive Ordnance Operations, and FM 4-

30.16/MCRP 3-17.2C/NTTP 3-02.5/AFTTP(I) 3-2.32, Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, 

and Procedures for Explosive Ordnance Disposal in a Joint Environment.

2. Staff Integration for Support to Movement and Maneuver 

Each maneuver force echelon down to the BCT and the RCT level has organic staff 

capability (engineers, military police [MP], chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear 

[CBRN], and others such as EOD when augmented) to integrate their collective combat 

support (CS) mobility capabilities into the combined arms fight. These CS planners are the 

primary members of the battle staff responsible for understanding and integrating mobility 

capabilities to support movement and maneuver. Those capabilities may be organic to or 

augment the maneuver force. These staff members synchronize their collective capabilities 
Land Mobility Capabilities 

B-3 

to support the needs of the maneuver commander and enable movement and maneuver for 

the force. 

3. Mobility Units and Capabilities 

a. Army

(1) Organic Mobility Units and Capabilities. The Army is a brigade-based force. 

The major combat and support capabilities a brigade needs for most operations are organic to 

its structure. Each BCT has one or more organic combat engineer companies whose primary 

focus is supporting combined arms mobility operations. Other engineer elements in the BCT 

include a terrain team and engineer planners. See JP 3-34, Joint Engineer Operations, for 

more information about these units and their capabilities. Other mobility support assets 

within the BCT include reconnaissance elements and, in some cases, MP platoons. 

Additional information on the structure of each of the BCTs and their subordinate units can 

be found in FM 3-90.6, Brigade Combat Team, and FM 3-90.61, Brigade Special Troops 

Battalion. Additional information on the capabilities and structure of the organic combat 

engineers can be found in FM 3-34, Engineer Operations, and Army Tactics, Techniques, 

and Procedures (ATTP) 3-34.22, Engineer Operations-Brigade Combat Team and Below. 

(2) Augmenting Mobility Units and Capabilities. The organic structure of the 

BCT does not include all the combat engineer mobility support needed to conduct mobility 

operations. The BCT has organic engineer elements as shown previously in this appendix, 

but may need additional breaching, clearing, gap crossing, or other selected capabilities 

based on mission requirements. The BCT commander and staff must identify and address 

required capability shortfalls through mission analysis and augmentation. 

(a) Engineer Augmentation. Organic engineer capability within the BCTs 

may require augmentation to support mobility operations. The engineer force pool includes 

engineer units not organic to a BCT or embedded in a headquarters staff. For combined 

arms breaching operations; the BCT will generally require augmentation of one or two 

mobility augmentation companies, a combat engineer company, and additional route 

clearance platoons. The type and number of augmentation units required will vary with 

METT-T. For a gap crossing operation, the BCT would require the augmentation listed 

above plus at least one multi-role bridge company. In clearance operations, the BCT may be 

augmented by numerous clearance and combat engineer elements (and perhaps a mine dog 

detection team). Engineer units and capabilities likely to augment the BCT in mobility 

operations include the combat engineer company, mobility augmentation company, clearance 

company, engineer support company, explosive hazards coordination cell (EHCC), and 

engineer mine dog detection unit. The EHCC’s mission is to predict, track, distribute 

information on, and mitigate EHs within the theater that affect force application focused 

logistics, survivability, and awareness of the operational environment. The EHCC maintains 

an EH database, conducts pattern analysis, investigates mine and IED strikes, and tracks 

UXO hazard areas. The cell provides technical advice on the mitigation of EH, including the 

development of TTP, and provides training updates to field units. For more information 

about these units, see JP 3-34, Joint Engineer Operations. Army, Marine Corps, and Navy 

units may form engineer reconnaissance teams (ERTs). An ERT is not an engineer unit but 
Appendix B 

B-4 JP 3-15 

rather an engineer capability. The current engineer force structure does not provide for 

engineer personnel or equipment dedicated to reconnaissance efforts. However, experience 

has shown that employment of engineers in a reconnaissance role enhances the effectiveness 

of reconnaissance in support of mobility operations. Because an engineer unit has limited 

assets to draw from, the formation of ERTs can subsequently degrade the capabilities of the 

organization from which they are drawn. The commander must understand the trade-offs 

between using engineer assets in a reconnaissance role versus using them in other roles. 

(b) Other Mobility Support Augmentation 

1. EOD units provide the capability to neutralize hazards from 

conventional UXO, IED, CBRN and high-yield explosives, and associated materials that 

present a threat to operations, installations, personnel, and/or material. EOD forces also may 

dispose of hazardous foreign or US ammunition, UXO, individual mines, booby-trapped 

mines, and chemical mines. EOD forces serve as a combat multiplier by neutralizing UXO 

that is restricting freedom of movement and denying access to supplies, facilities, and other 

critical assets. EOD forces equip, train, and organize to support tactical land forces across 

the range of military operations. 

2. Rotary and fixed wing joint aviation assets will provide critical 

augmentation to the BCT to support mobility operations. Aviation support will augment the 

BCT reconnaissance and fire support capability, provide airborne mine dispensing capability, 

support the BCTs ability to maneuver and bypass obstacles. 

3. CBRN. CBRN assets that can support the BCT and its engineers 

include: 

a. CBRN Reconnaissance Platoon (infantry BCT [IBCT]). This 

platoon conducts dismounted CBRN reconnaissance and consequence management support. 

b. CBRN Reconnaissance Platoon (heavy BCT [HBCT]). This 

platoon conducts mounted CBRN reconnaissance and can conduct biological surveillance if 

properly equipped. 

c. CBRN Reconnaissance Platoon (Stryker BCT [SBCT]). This 

platoon conducts mounted CBRN reconnaissance and can conduct biological surveillance if 

properly equipped. 

d. CBRN Decontamination Platoon (Heavy). This platoon conducts 

thorough equipment and troop decontamination. 

e. CBRN Decontamination Platoon (Light). This platoon conducts 

operational level decontamination. 

f. CBRN Platoon (Obscuration) (Mechanized). This platoon conducts 

sustainment and temporary obscuration. 
Land Mobility Capabilities 

B-5 

g. CBRN Platoon (Obscuration) (Wheeled). This platoon conducts 

sustainment and temporary obscuration and military deception operations. 

4. CA teams execute a variety of activities such as civil-military relations, 

military civic action, population and resource control, and care of refugees. CA team 

interaction with the local authorities or populace can be employed to gather terrain and 

OBSTINT and to control access to routes or areas in support of mobility operations. CA 

elements assess the needs of civil authorities; act as an interface between civil authorities and 

the military supporting agency and as liaison to the civil populace. CA units develop 

population and resource control measures and coordinate with international support agencies. 

CA personnel are regionally oriented and possess cultural and linguistic knowledge of 

countries in each region. 

5. Tactical-level military information support operations (MISO) 

supports battles and engagements by bringing psychological pressure on hostile forces and 

by persuading civilians to assist the tactical supported commander in achieving the 

commander’s objectives. Another primary focus of MISO is to reduce interference with 

military operations. MISO personnel assist the commander by encouraging civilians to 

avoid military operations, installations, and convoys. MISO teams support counterterrorism 

by decreasing popular support for terrorists, terrorist activities, and terrorist causes. 

b. Marine Corps. The Marine Corps deploys units based on the MAGTF construct. 

Each MAGTF consists of four elements: the command element, ground combat element 

(GCE), aviation combat element (ACE), and logistics combat element (LCE). 

(1) The GCE of all MAGTFs includes task-organized combat engineer detachments 

that provide mobility and countermobility support. They range in size from a platoon 

reinforced, company reinforced, to entire combat engineer battalion (CEB). 

(2) Combat engineer platoons and companies can be reinforced by elements of the 

CEB’s mobility assault company (MAC) and engineer support company. MAC consists of 

six route, reconnaissance, and clearance platoons and one assault breaching platoon. 

Engineer support company consists of heavy equipment and motor transport assets to 

transport it. 

(3) The LCE of all MAGTFs includes task-organized engineer support battalion 

(ESB) detachments that provide general support, general engineering, and combat 

engineering (mobility/countermobility). Engineer platoons and companies can be reinforced 

by elements of engineer support company, bridge company, and EOD company. 

For additional information about Marine Corps engineer units and capabilities, see JP 3-34, 

Joint Engineer Operations. 

 
Appendix B 

B-6 JP 3-15 

Intentionally Blank 
C-1 

APPENDIX C

LAND COUNTERMOBILITY CAPABILITIES 

1. Employment of Barriers, Obstacles, and Mines 

As with the support of mobility, countermobility operations will be affected by the 

operational environment. Countermobility execution is primarily the responsibility of 

combat engineers, although many other capabilities are integrated with their efforts. The 

engineer and the tactical commander must decide early in the planning process how to best 

position obstacles (including mines and other obstructions) to increase the effectiveness of 

friendly fire and maneuver and deny or channel the maneuver of the enemy. Combined arms 

obstacle integration is a necessary function of countermobility operations. Countermobility 

operations are also a part of support to movement and maneuver and have the likelihood of 

requiring and competing for many of the same combat engineer assets that are also required 

for mobility or survivability operations. Properly integrated obstacles, obscurants, and fires 

help to wrest the initiative from the enemy and deny him his objectives. 

a. Barriers. A barrier is a coordinated series of obstacles designed or employed to 

channel, direct, restrict, delay, or stop the movement of an opposing force and to impose 

additional losses in personnel, time, and equipment on the opposing force. Barriers can exist 

naturally, be man-made, or be a combination of both. The construction of barriers may 

require extensive engineer support, time, and materials and is more likely to employ general 

engineers in their construction than obstacles or minefields.

b. Obstacles. An obstacle is any obstruction designed or employed to disrupt, fix, turn, 

or block the movement of an opposing force. They are also employed to impose additional 

losses in personnel, time, and equipment on the opposing force. Obstacles can exist 

naturally, be man-made, or be a combination of the two. The effectiveness of obstacles is 

enhanced considerably when covered by observation and fire. Obstacles include abatis, 

AVL ditches, blown bridges, built-up areas, minefields, rivers, road craters, terrain, and wire. 

As mentioned above, mines are employed in combination with other obstacles to create 

complex obstacles. 

c. Land Mines. Mines are explosive devices that are emplaced to kill, destroy, or 

incapacitate enemy personnel and/or equipment. They can be employed in quantity within a 

specified area to form a minefield, or they can be used individually to reinforce nonexplosive 

obstacles. They can also be emplaced individually or in groups to demoralize an enemy 

force. Mines may be emplaced by hand or delivered by other means. A minefield is an area 

of ground that contains mines or an area of ground that is perceived to contain mines (a 

phony minefield). Minefields may contain scatterable mines and/or networked munitions. 

By executive order, US forces may no longer use non-self-destructing APLs, except to train 

personnel engaged in demining and countermine operations. The use of the M18A1 

Claymore used in the command-detonation mode is not restricted under international law or 

executive order. Tactical minefield effects include disrupt, turn, fix, and block. Minefields 

are used to: 
Appendix C 

C-2 JP 3-15 

(1) Produce a vulnerability to enemy maneuver that can be exploited by friendly 

forces. 

(2) Cause the enemy to piecemeal his forces. 

(3) Interfere with enemy C2. 

(4) Inflict damage to enemy personnel and equipment. 

(5) Exploit the capabilities of other weapon systems by delaying enemy forces in 

an engagement area. 

(6) Protect friendly forces from enemy maneuver and infiltration. 

d. Types of Minefields. There are four general types of minefields: protective, 

tactical, nuisance, and phony. Each type is determined by its distinct operational 

environment purpose. Therefore, minefields are employed differently and they target the 

enemy in unique ways that support the overall concept of the operations. 

(1) Protective minefields are employed to protect the force, equipment, supplies, 

and facilities from enemy attacks or other threats. Protective minefields are usually 

employed and emplaced at the small-unit level (platoon or company/team). The authority to 

emplace protective minefields is normally delegated to the company/team commander. In 

some cases, such as a hasty defense, protective minefields are emplaced on short notice by 

units that use mines from their basic load or local stock. More commonly, protective 

minefields are used as part of a unit’s deliberate defense. The mines are emplaced so that 

they are easy to detect and recover by the emplacing unit. Much like final protective fires, 

protective minefields provide the defender with close-in protection during the enemy’s final 

assault. Protective minefields serve two purposes. First, they impose a delay on an attacker 

that allows the defender time to break contact as the unit displaces to another battle position. 

Secondly, they break up the enemy’s assault to complete its destruction. The composition of 

a protective minefield is driven by the vulnerability of the defender. 

(2) Tactical minefields directly affect the enemy’s maneuver in a way that gives 

the defending force a positional advantage. Tactical minefields may be employed by 

themselves or in conjunction with other types of tactical obstacles. They attack the enemy’s 

maneuver by disrupting its combat formations, interfering with its C2, reducing its ability to 

mass fires, causing it to prematurely commit limited breaching resources, and reducing its 

ability to reinforce. The defender masses fires and maneuver to exploit the positional 

advantage created in part by tactical obstacles. Tactical minefields add an offensive 

dimension to the defense. They are a commander’s tool for recapturing and maintaining the 

initiative that is normally afforded to an attacker. Combined with fires, tactical obstacles 

force the attacker to conform to the defender’s plan. Tactical minefields may be emplaced 

during offensive operations to protect exposed flanks, isolate the objective area, deny enemy 

counterattack routes, and disrupt enemy retrograde. 

(3) Nuisance minefields impose caution on enemy forces and disrupt, delay, and 

sometimes weaken or destroy follow-on echelons. Nuisance minefields are a form of tactical 
Land Countermobility Capabilities 

C-3 

minefields. Once nuisance minefields are emplaced, they do not require cover by 

observation or direct fire. Nuisance minefields are usually irregular in size and shape; they 

can be a single group of mines or a series of mined areas. They can be used to reinforce 

existing obstacles and can also be rapidly emplaced on main avenues of approach. Selfdestruct/self-deactivating mines, scatterable mines, and/or networked munitions may be used 

in nuisance minefields. 

(4) Phony minefields deceive the enemy about the exact location of real 

minefields. They cause the attacker to question his decision to breach and may cause him to 

expend his reduction assets wastefully. Phony minefields may be employed in conjunction 

with other minefields, but should be used only after the enemy has become mine-sensitive. 

The success of phony minefields depends on the enemy’s state of mind. The bluff succeeds 

best when the enemy is mine-conscious and has already suffered the consequences of a mine 

encounter. A fear of mines can quickly evolve into paranoia and break the momentum of the 

enemy’s attack. Therefore, phony minefields are normally employed in conjunction with 

real minefields and are seldom employed alone. Once the enemy has become mineconscious, phony minefields may produce considerable tactical effects with very little 

investment in time, labor, and material. Phony minefields may also be used to extend the 

front and depth of live minefields when mines or labor are in short supply or when time is 

restricted. They may be used to conceal minefield gaps through live minefields. There is no 

guarantee that phony minefields will achieve their purpose.

e. It is important to distinguish the difference between the types of minefield and the 

means of emplacement. Volcano, Modular Pack Mine System, standard-pattern, and row 

mining are not types of minefields; they are just some of the means used to emplace tactical, 

nuisance, and protective minefields. They may also be the method of emplacement that is 

replicated by a phony minefield. 

f. Types of Mines

(1) Anti-Vehicle Mines. AVLs are designed to immobilize or destroy vehicles and 

their occupants. 

(a) Types of Kills. An AVL produces a mobility kill (M-Kill) or a 

catastrophic kill (K-Kill). An M-Kill destroys one or more of the vehicle’s vital drive 

components (for example, breaks a track on a tank) and immobilizes the target. An M-Kill 

does not always destroy the weapon system and the crew; they may continue to function. In 

a K-Kill, the weapon system or the crew is destroyed. 

(b) Types of Sensing. Anti-vehicle fuzes fall into three design categories: 

1. Track-width. Usually pressure-actuated, requiring contact with the 

wheels or tracks of a vehicle. 

2. Full-width. Activated by several methods—acoustics, magnetic 

influence, tilt-rod, radio frequency, infrared sensor, command, or vibration. Tilt-rod or 

magnetic-influence fuzes are the most common. Full-width fuzes are designed to be 

effective over the entire target width and can cause a K-Kill from penetration and spalling 
Appendix C 

C-4 JP 3-15 

metal or from secondary explosions. When a full-width fuze is activated solely by contact 

with the wheels or tracks of the target vehicle, it usually causes an M-Kill because most of 

the energy is absorbed by the wheels or tracks. 

3. Off-route. Designed to be placed along the side of a route likely to be 

taken by armored vehicles. It has numerous fuzing possibilities, including infrared, seismic, 

break wire, and magnetic. It produces an M-Kill or a K-Kill, depending on the location of 

the target at the time of mine detonation. 

(c) Types of Warheads. AVLs can be identified by their warheads: 

1. Blast AVLs derive their effectiveness from the force generated by highexplosive detonation. They usually produce an M-Kill when the blast damages the track or 

the vehicle, but a K-Kill is also possible. 

2. Shaped-charge mines use a directed-energy warhead. A shaped charge 

is formed by detonating an explosive charge behind a cone of dense metal or other material. 

Upon detonation, the cone collapses and forms a metal slug and a gaseous metal jet that 

penetrate the target. A K-Kill is probable if the crew or ammunition compartment is hit. 

3. Explosive-formed penetrating mines have an explosive charge with a 

metal plate in front. Upon detonation, the plate forms into an inverted disk, a slug, or a long 

rod. A K-Kill is probable if the crew or ammunition compartment is hit. 

(2) AP Mines

(a) Types of Kills. AP mines can kill or incapacitate their victims. The 

injuries and deaths they cause commit medical resources, degrade unit morale, and damage 

nonarmored vehicles. Some types of AP mines may break or damage the track on armored 

vehicles. 

(b) Types of Sensing. AP mines can be fuzed in many ways, to include 

pressure, seismic, wire, or command detonation: 

1. Pressure fuzes usually activate an AP mine when a load is placed on the 

fuze. 

2. Seismic fuzes activate an AP mine when the sensor detects vibrations. 

3. Trip wires or break wires activate an AP mine when something disturbs 

barely visible wires. 

4. Command-detonated mines are activated by an individual when he 

detects the enemy in the mines’ blast area. 

(c) Types of Effects. AP mines contain five types of effects: 
Land Countermobility Capabilities 

C-5 

1. Blast. Cripples the foot or leg of an individual who steps on it; can also 

burst the tires of a wheeled vehicle that passes over it. 

2. Bounding fragmentation. Throws a canister into the air; the canister 

bursts and scatters shrapnel throughout the immediate area. US policy prohibits the use of 

bounding fragmentation APLs. 

3. Direct-fragmentation. Propels fragments in the general direction of 

enemy soldiers. 

4. Stake-fragmentation. Bursts and scatters shrapnel in all general 

directions. 

5. Chemical. Disperses a chemical agent to whoever activates it; 

contaminates the surrounding area. 

(3) AHDs. AHDs perform the function of a mine fuze if someone attempts to 

tamper with the mine. They are intended to prevent moving or removing the mine, not to 

prevent reduction of the minefield by enemy dismounts. An AHD usually consists of an 

explosive charge that is connected to, placed next to, or manufactured in the mine. The 

device can be attached to the mine body and activated by a wire that is attached to a firing 

mechanism. US policy no longer allows employment of persistent mines of any type; 

therefore, we will not put AHDs on conventional mines. Other countries continue to employ 

AHDs on AVLs and APLs. Some mines have extra fuze wells that make it easier to install 

AHDs. An AHD does not have to be attached to the mine; it can be placed underneath the 

mine. Mines with AHDs are sometimes incorrectly called booby-trapped mines. 

2. Staff Integration of Countermobility and Support to Movement and Maneuver 

Each maneuver force echelon down to the BCT and the RCT level has organic staff 

capability (engineers, MP, CBRN, and others such as EOD when augmented) to integrate 

their collective CS countermobility capabilities into the combined arms fight. These CS 

planners are the primary members of the battle staff responsible for understanding and 

integrating countermobility capabilities to support movement and maneuver. Those 

capabilities may be organic to or augment the maneuver force. These staff members 

synchronize their collective capabilities to support the needs of the maneuver commander 

and assure movement and maneuver for the force. Countermobility focuses on denying the 

enemy movement and maneuver as well as enabling freedom of movement and maneuver of 

the friendly force. 

3. Countermobility Units and Capabilities 

a. Army 

(1) Organic Countermobility Units and Capabilities. Modular force brigades 

are strategically flexible. The major combat and support capabilities a brigade needs for 

most operations are organic to its structure. Each BCT has one or more organic combat 

engineer companies, whose primary focus includes supporting combined arms 
Appendix C 

C-6 JP 3-15 

countermobility operations. Other engineer elements in the BCT include a terrain team and 

engineer planners. See JP 3-34, Joint Engineer Operations, for more information about 

these units and their capabilities. Other countermobility support assets within the BCT 

include reconnaissance elements and, in some cases, MP platoons. Additional information 

on the structure of BCTs and their subordinate units can be found in FM 3-90.6, Brigade 

Combat Team, and FM 3-90.61, Brigade Special Troops Battalion. Additional information 

on the capabilities and structure of the organic combat engineers and those engineer 

organizations and capabilities likely to augment each of the BCTs can be found in FM 3-34, 

Engineer Operations, and ATTP 3-34.22, Engineer Operations—Brigade Combat Team and 

Below. 

(2) Augmenting Countermobility Units and Capabilities. The organic structure 

of the BCT does not include all the combat engineer and other elements needed to conduct 

countermobility operations. The BCTs have organic engineer elements as shown previously 

in this appendix, but may need additional capabilities based on mission requirements. The 

BCT commander and staff must identify and address required capability shortfalls through 

augmentation. 

(a) Engineer Augmentation. Organic engineer capability within the BCTs 

will require augmentation to support countermobility operations exceeding their close CS 

capability. The engineer company within the HBCT is equipped with four Volcano mine 

dispensers. The single engineer company of the SBCT is equipped with three Volcano mine 

dispensers, while the IBCT has no organic Volcano mine dispensing equipment. The 

engineer force pool includes engineer units not organic to a BCT or embedded in a 

headquarters staff. For a deliberate defense, the BCT will generally require augmentation of 

an engineer battalion headquarters with countermobility and survivability augmentation that 

includes mobility assault, sapper, and engineer support companies to perform 

countermobility tasks in support of the BCT. The type and number of augmentation units 

required will vary with METT-T. Engineer units and capabilities likely to augment the BCT 

in countermobility operations include the sapper company, mobility augmentation 

company, and engineer support company. 

For more information about these units, see JP 3-34, Joint Engineer Operations.

(b) Other Countermobility Support Augmentation

1. Rotary- and fixed-wing joint aviation assets will provide critical 

augmentation to the BCT to support countermobility operations. Aviation support will 

augment the BCT reconnaissance capability, add fire support capability including the 

possible employment of scatterable mines, and support the BCT’s ability to maneuver in 

relation to the natural or emplaced obstacles. 

2. Indirect fires are integrated with the countermobility effort to magnify 

the effects of the barriers, obstacles, and mines. The organic artillery battalion in each of the 

BCTs will be augmented or reinforced to provide the requisite fire support for the BCT. 

3. CBRN assets that can support the BCT and its engineers include: 
Land Countermobility Capabilities 

C-7 

a. CBRN Reconnaissance Platoon (IBCT). This platoon conducts 

dismounted CBRN reconnaissance and consequence management support. 

b. CBRN Reconnaissance Platoon (HBCT). This platoon conducts 

mounted CBRN reconnaissance and can conduct biological surveillance if properly 

equipped. 

c. CBRN Reconnaissance Platoon (SBCT). This platoon conducts 

mounted CBRN reconnaissance and can conduct biological surveillance if properly 

equipped. 

d. CBRN Decontamination Platoon (Heavy). This platoon conducts 

thorough equipment and troop decontamination. 

e. CBRN Decontamination Platoon (Light). This platoon conducts 

operational level decontamination. 

f. CBRN Platoon (Obscuration) (Mechanized). This platoon conducts 

sustainment and temporary obscuration. 

g. CBRN Platoon (Obscuration) (Wheeled). This platoon conducts 

sustainment and temporary obscuration and military deception operations. 

b. US Marine Corps. The GCE of all MAGTFs include task-organized combat 

engineer detachments that provide mobility and countermobility support. These detachments 

are sourced from the Marine division’s CEB. The ESB of the Marine logistics group 

provides general engineering support in support of MAGTF countermobility requirements. 

The Marine wing support squadron of the ACE provides limited countermobility support, 

especially at MAGTF air facilities. 

For additional information about Marine Corps engineer units and capabilities, see JP 3-34, 

Joint Engineer Operations. 

 
Appendix C 

C-8 JP 3-15 

Intentionally Blank 
D-1 

APPENDIX D

MARITIME MINING CAPABILITIES 

1. The Minefield 

a. The Minefield Compared with Other Weapons 

(1) In naval warfare, a minefield is defined as an area of water containing mines 

emplaced with or without a defined pattern. If the field is not declared or the mine 

emplacement operation goes unobserved, it may not create its desired effect until sometime 

after the mining agents have departed. Although able to discriminate between target types, 

mines are unable to determine the nationality of a target. Unless sterilizers or self-destruct 

features are incorporated, the mine continues to be effective until swept or otherwise 

neutralized. 

Note: A mine sterilizer is a countermeasure device designed to make a mine harmless after a 

preset number of days. 

(2) When used, mines have inflicted disproportionate casualties compared with the 

mine emplacement effort. The collateral effects of mining operations, such as the diversion 

of shipping, the exposure of ships to other weapon systems, and the cost of MCM efforts, 

can have a major impact on war aims. 

(3) The design of a naval minefield, and the type and number of mines to be used, 

depends on the field’s purpose, expected adversary traffic, geographical location, amount of 

countermeasures to which it will be subjected, and the mining platforms to be used. Clever 

minefield design enables mining forces to achieve their objectives without excessive mining 

effort. Although neutralizing a single mine can prove easy, an entire minefield is considered 

to be the real challenge. 

b. Types of Minefields. Naval minefields can be characterized by their purpose and 

where they are laid, as follows: 

(1) Offensive minefield: a minefield laid in enemy territorial water or waters under 

enemy control. 

(2) Defensive minefield: a minefield laid in international waters or international 

straits with the declared intention of controlling shipping in defense of sea communications. 

(3) Protective minefield: a minefield laid in friendly territorial waters to protect 

ports, harbors, anchorages, coasts, and coastal routes. 

c. Mine Classification. Naval mines are typically classified in one of three ways: 

(1) Final position in the water. Discussed in follow-on paragraphs. 

(2) Method of actuation. This includes contact, magnetic, acoustic, seismic, and 

pressure. 
Appendix D 

D-2 JP 3-15 

(3) Method of delivery. This includes air, surface, and submarine. 

d. Final Position in the Water. When classified according to the position they assume 

in the water after placement, mines fall into three primary categories: 

(1) Bottom mines. 

(2) Moored mines. 

(3) Moving mines. 

Note: In US usage, the term “bottom mine” is always used, and the term “ground mine” 

should be avoided. In Allied usage, while “bottom mine” is the preferred usage, the term 

“ground mine” is still used in some contexts. 

e. Bottom Mines

(1) Bottom mines are non-buoyant weapons. When planted, the mine case is in 

contact with the seabed and is held in place by its own weight. In areas with a soft bottom 

they may be completely or partially embedded. Such mines are referred to as buried mines. 

A mine that is resting on the bottom (unburied or partially buried) may also be referred to as 

a proud mine. 

(2) There are two special categories of bottom mines that react differently from 

other bottom mines when they are initially emplaced, but they become similar once they 

have reached their final plant position: 

(a) A moving bottom mine is a collective description for those designed to 

move along the bottom after being planted, but before becoming armed. 

(b) A self-propelled mine is fitted with propulsion equipment, such as a 

torpedo, that is used to propel it to an intended final position. For example, a submarine 

could fire a self-propelled mine from a standoff point that is outside of the intended 

minefield location, and the mine would then propel itself to the desired location. 

f. Moored Mines

(1) Moored mines have a buoyant case set at a certain depth beneath the surface. 

The mine is held in place above the seabed by means of a cable or chain that is attached to an 

anchor. The mines are frequently fitted with a self-destruct device that will cause them to 

flood and sink if separated from the anchor. Mines that separate from their anchors and rise 

to the surface are known as floaters. These may continue to float until they are struck and 

detonated, or they may deteriorate from their exposure to the seawater. Moored mines are 

designed for deep water, for use against both submarines and surface ships. The length and 

weight of the mooring cable and the mine case crush-depth will limit the maximum water 

depth in which they may be emplaced. 
Maritime Mining Capabilities 

D-3 

(2) A major disadvantage of moored mines is that the mooring cable can be cut 

with mechanical sweep apparatus. When this occurs, the case floats to the surface and must 

be avoided or destroyed. Another disadvantage is that they can be affected by current and 

tidal variations that cause the case to dip below its intended depth and change the angle for 

intended operation, thereby reducing its effectiveness against a surface target. 

(3) There are two special types of moored mines that contain propulsion systems 

that enable them to quickly reach the intended target: 

(a) Homing or guided mines are self-propelled moored mines that use guidance 

equipment to home onto a target once the target has been detected. 

(b) A rising mine is a self-propelled or buoyant moored mine that releases 

from its mooring and rises to detonate on contact with (or proximity to) a target. It does not 

incorporate a homing device to guide it to the target, but contains logic circuitry that enables 

it to calculate an estimated target location. 

g. Moving Mines. Moving mines are classified as either drifting or oscillating mines. 

(1) Drifting Mines

(a) This is a mine that is buoyant or neutrally buoyant, but does not have an 

anchor or any other device to maintain it in a fixed position. It is free to move under the 

influence of wind, tide, or current. It may float at the water’s surface or may be kept at a set 

depth beneath the surface by a depth-controlling hydrostatic device. It may be attached to a 

small piece of flotsam or other innocent-looking object, or even to another drifting mine. 

Two or more may be tethered together to increase the probability of striking a ship. 

(b) Although banned from international waters by the 1907 Hague Treaty, 

these mines have been used on occasion. A drifting mine is classified differently from a 

moored mine that has become a floater, as a floater was designed to be anchored, while a 

drifter was designed to float freely with the tides and currents. 

(c) The principal advantage of drifting mines is that their use is independent of 

bottom depth. The major drawback is that they scatter and may imperil friendly shipping. 

Consequently, drifters are usually fitted with devices designed to sink them after a short life 

span. As such, the most useful application has been in tactical situations in which they are 

placed in the path of an adversary to cause a delay or diversion. 

(2) Oscillating Mines

(a) This is a drifting mine that regulates its depth by means of a hydrostatic 

control mechanism. 

(b) The hydrostatic control mechanism causes it to oscillate at or near a preset 

water depth, which permits the mining of waters that are too deep for bottom or moored 

mines. 
Appendix D 

D-4 JP 3-15 

2. United States and Allied Mine Emplacement Assets 

a. Mines reach their maximum effectiveness only when they are accurately positioned 

in time to be armed and ready for the transit of the first target ship. This requirement places 

the burden on operational forces to employ delivery vehicles with acceptable capabilities. 

As previously stated, mines may be delivered by aircraft, submarine, or surface craft. 

Selection depends on the various environmental and operational factors associated with each 

situation. The factors to be considered include: 

(1) Type of minefield (defensive, offensive, or protective). 

(2) Number and type of mines to be delivered. 

(3) Number of sorties required. 

(4) Defensive capabilities in area, attrition rate expected for delivery vehicles, and 

the need for standoff delivery systems. 

(5) Environmental characteristics, such as water depth and bottom composition. 

(6) Required accuracy in delivery. 

(7) Logistics for coordinating stockpiled mines and delivery system. 

b. US Mine Inventory. The US mine inventory consists of a variety of air- and 

submarine-delivered, influence-actuated mines. Sizes vary and include 500 to 2,000 pounds. 

The US mining program is designed to support offensive, defensive, and protective mining 

operations. Detailed discussion of these systems can be found in NTTP 3-15.1, Maritime 

Mining. 

c. Air Delivery. Aircraft are the most suitable delivery vehicles for most offensive 

mining operations. In general, any aircraft capable of carrying bombs can carry a similar 

load of sea mines of the same weight class. There are some constraints and limitations 

imposed by matching suspension lugs on some mines to certain bomb racks, the shape and 

dimensional changes of some mines brought about by the addition of flight gear or fins, and 

the high drag and buffeting characteristics of mines carried on external stations. Several 

incompatibilities can be corrected with existing adapters and modification kits, but the 

performance limitations imposed on high-speed aircraft are also factors. Range, weather 

conditions, auxiliary equipment, and armament must be considered, as each can affect the 

maximum permissible load aboard the aircraft. The tactical manual of the individual aircraft 

is the final authority on mine carriage. 

(1) Advantages of Air Delivery. There are a number of advantages associated 

with aerial delivery: 

(a) Aircraft can penetrate areas inaccessible to ships and submarines and can 

replenish existing fields without danger from previously emplaced sea mines. 
Maritime Mining Capabilities 

D-5 

(b) Aircraft have a faster reaction time than surface ships or submarines. 

(c) Aircraft are generally more readily available and can typically complete 

their mining mission quickly. 

(d) Aircraft can carry a wide variety of naval mines. 

 (2) Disadvantages of Air Delivery. There are a number of disadvantages 

associated with air delivery, but for offensive scenarios, many of these can be overcome 

through proper planning. 

(a) The payload-per-sortie is relatively small except for large, bomber aircraft. 

However, this disadvantage can be overcome by the ability to rapidly execute multiple 

sorties. 

(b) Mine emplacement accuracy of aircraft is lower than for a surface ship but 

is adequate for offensive mining. 

(c) Many aircraft types can be restricted by weather conditions. 

(d) The range of aircraft is more restricted than that of surface ships or 

submarines. 

(e) In general, aircraft deploy mines in a less clandestine manner than 

submarines (but more so than surface ships). 

(f) Aircraft are vulnerable to enemy defenses, especially if the area to be mined 

is within the envelope of an enemy integrated air defense system. 

(3) Helicopter Delivery. It is possible to deliver sea mines by helicopter, but such 

use is inefficient due to limited range and carrying capacity. 

d. Submarine Delivery. Submarines are most effective in areas that are too well 

protected for surface or aircraft delivery. Normally, they will be used in offensive fields, but 

may be used to emplace defensive fields as well. This can take place day or night, surfaced 

or submerged. The availability of the Submarine-Launched Mobile Mine enhances the 

submarine capability. 

(1) Advantages of Submarine Delivery. The advantages of submarine-delivered 

mines are: 

(a) The clandestine nature of submarine delivery. 

(b) Mission radius. 

(c) Unrestricted by weather conditions. 

(2) Disadvantages of Submarine Delivery. The disadvantages of submarinedelivered mines are: 
Appendix D 

D-6 JP 3-15 

(a) Limited payloads and weapons mix. 

(b) Slow reaction time (i.e., if not loaded with mines for a contingency, 

submarine must return to a port for loading of naval mines). 

(c) Slow transit speed when compared with aircraft delivery. 

(d) Submarine availability with respect to competing mission requirements. 

(e) Delay incurred in reconfiguring mines to fit a torpedo tube. 

(f) Cannot replenish existing fields without danger from previously laid sea 

mines. 

e. Surface Delivery. This is the preferred method for protective and defensive 

minefields where transit distances are limited and the area to be mined is benign. Any 

surface ship can be configured to emplace sea mines by hoisting or rolling them over the side 

or by using temporarily installed mine rails or tracks. Although mine emplacing ships of 

various types appeared on the Navy roster for about 60 years, there are no active surface 

ships in service today. However, should an operational requirement develop, this capability 

could be provided by crafting appendages and then engineering them to fit available ships. 

Suitable conversion of cargo ships is also an option. Some allies do have a surface mine 

emplacement capability. 

(1) Advantages of Surface Delivery

(a) Able to carry a larger payload than aircraft or submarine mine emplacers. 

(b) Surface assets have the ability to position mines more accurately than the 

other delivery assets. 

(2) Disadvantages of Surface Delivery

(a) Surface ships have a slow reaction time and are not suitable when time is 

critical. 

(b) Surface mine emplacement is not covert. 

(c) They are vulnerable to attack, so they are not effective offensively. 

(d) Surface ships are unable to replenish existing minefields. 

3. Additional Information 

Additional information on naval maritime MW capabilities can be found in the NWP 3-

15, Naval Mine Warfare, series of publications, or by contacting Commander, NMAWC. 
E-1 

APPENDIX E

MARITIME MINE WARFARE AND MINE COUNTERMEASURES 

ORGANIZATION AND CAPABILITIES 

1. Maritime Mine Warfare Force Organization 

The Commander, USFF, and COMUSPACFLT are the administrative and operational 

commanders for the maritime MW forces. When other fleet commanders require maritime 

MW support, forces are provided through the numbered fleet commanders, with NMAWC 

coordination. Commander, USFF, and COMUSPACFLT normally exercise operational 

control over Navy Munitions Command (NMC) units—deployable mine assembly teams 

which are administratively consolidated with larger NMC detachments. These NMC units 

are directed by Commander, Mobile Mine Assembly Group, in response to mine-build orders 

generated by the NMAWC MW staff or the designated MIWC. The respective type 

commanders are responsible for maritime MW force readiness, and NMAWC, as the USN 

principal maritime MW advisor and Warfare Center of Excellence, is responsible for the 

integrated training, tactics, and interoperability of the maritime MW forces. These forces are 

required to be prepared to deploy on short notice to meet the CCDR’s operational 

requirements. NMAWC maintains a deployable, scalable maritime MW staff to support fleet 

or combatant command staffs and provides technical advice to NATO and allied countries. 

Additionally, the USN maintains deployable tactical MCMRONs that report to NMAWC or 

other designated commander. These MCMRONs are operational staffs that exist to exercise 

tactical C2 of specified MCM forces (air, surface, and underwater). 

a. Command Relationships and Mission-Related Terminology. The following 

command relationships are defined by joint doctrine, but are presented here for clarification 

as they relate to maritime MW-MCM (mining forces are considered strike warfare assets and 

are not discussed here). Assigned MCM units are placed within a command organization on 

a relatively permanent basis. An MCM 1 Class ship that deploys as part of an MCM task unit 

and a landing craft air cushion control ship (LCS) that is organized in an MCM task unit are 

examples of assigned MCM units.

(1) Attached. MCM units are temporarily placed within a command organization 

for short duration and specific operation. An MCM 1 Class ship or MW-configured LCS 

operating within a strike group to protect maneuver space are examples of an attached MCM 

unit. 

(2) Supporting. MCM units that operate in general, mutual, direct, or close 

augmentation of a supported force, but remain assigned or attached to the supporting force 

commander. 

b. MCM Force Response Categories. Current and future MCM forces fall into three 

categories based on response capability:

(1) Immediate Response Force. Immediate response forces are MCM forces in 

theater and in close proximity available for countering imminent threats and protecting 
Appendix E 

E-2 JP 3-15 

maneuver space. Immediate response forces are structured to provide MCM coverage rates 

that permit freedom of maneuver with minimal delay. 

(2) Rapid Response Force. Rapid response forces are MCM contingency forces 

that can quickly arrive in theater. They consist of continental US (CONUS)-based, rapidly 

deployable forces and in-theater, forward-deployed naval forces, available to commence 

operations within 96 hours. The rapid response forces can augment immediate response 

forces for direct support to a strike group operation or provide theater mission support in 

advance of approaching forces. 

(3) Follow-On Force. Follow-on forces are MCM forces that are time-phased to 

arrive in theater after combat operations commence. Follow-on forces execute large-scale 

MCM campaigns to expand the battlespace initially cleared by rapid response forces and 

conduct post-hostility mine clearance. These forces include CONUS-based AMCM and 

EOD forces not employed in the rapid response force and CONUS-based SMCM ships, 

which can self-deploy or be heavy-lifted into theater. 

c. US Mine Countermeasures Assets. This section describes resources of the current 

USN MCM triad of forces, consisting of AMCM, SMCM, and UMCM systems and 

platforms. In most MCM operations, the US approach is to employ the triad working in 

concert. Each functional component of the triad offers complementary capabilities in MCM. 

The following paragraphs briefly describe US systems and platforms in service and planned.

(1) AMCM. This section describes the general capabilities of AMCM helicopters 

and their systems. Additional information on AMCM functions and capabilities are 

contained in NTTP 3-15.22, Airborne Mine Countermeasures Operations. The AMCM 

force consists of two squadrons of MH-53E helicopters, HM-14 and HM-15, and the AMCM 

Weapon Systems Training School. The operational squadrons are organized and trained for 

rapid deployment, and can be largely self-sustaining when operating in detachments from a 

large deck amphibious ship or a shore site. Principal capabilities of the aircraft include sonar 

minehunting/bottom mapping, with laser bottom mine identification; mechanical 

minesweeping; influence minesweeping; precision navigation; environmental 

reconnaissance. Typically, AMCM helicopters can carry and employ one MCM system at a 

time. The decision on which system to employ must be made well before the mission in 

order to configure the aircraft before flight.

(a) MH-53E Helicopter. The AMCM helicopter is the MH-53E Sea Dragon, 

a three-engine heavy-lift helicopter. Discussion of maximum and operational lift limitations 

can be found in Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) 

Flight Manual A1-H53ME-NFM-000, Navy Model MH-53E Helicopters. The aircraft can 

fly for approximately four hours, assuming that environmental conditions do not restrict fullcapacity fueling. More specific discussion of endurance and other limitations can also be 

found in NATOPS. 

(b) AMCM Systems. The major equipment used by the current AMCM 

systems includes mechanical and influence (acoustic, magnetic, and combination) 
 Maritime Mine Warfare and Mine Countermeasures Organization and Capabilities 

E-3 

minesweeping equipment and minehunting sonar. The systems are modular to permit 

installation and removal.

(2) Surface Mine Countermeasures. The surface element of the MCM triad is the 

AVENGER (MCM 1) Class, which has the capability to hunt and sweep moored and bottom 

mines. MCM 1 Class vessels have minehunting and neutralization capabilities, and can 

conduct mechanical, influence, and combination minesweeping. Their hulls are constructed 

of wood with a laminated glass reinforced plastic outer shell to reduce magnetic signature. 

Propulsion is primarily diesel engines driving twin shafts, with backup electric light load 

propulsion motors powered by a marine minesweeping gas turbine generator for reduced 

acoustic signature. The gas turbine generator can also power a bow thruster, for stationkeeping and low-speed maneuvering, or the magnetic influence sweeping equipment. These 

vessels participate in coordinated operations with amphibious and other supported forces, 

conduct independent operations, and participate in integrated MCM operations. While these 

vessels can operate for extended periods of time, their transit speed is slow, and therefore 

they are unable to deploy rapidly in support of contingency operations. They are often 

deployed by heavy-lift shipping, and availability of such assets must be considered. Some 

MCM 1 Class ships are permanently forward deployed to alleviate this circumstance. MCM 

equipment used aboard the MCM 1 Class includes mechanical and influence (acoustic, 

magnetic, and combination) minesweeping gear, a hull-mounted variable depth highfrequency sonar, and a tethered pilotable minehunting unmanned underwater vessel (UUV) 

capable of identifying and neutralizing naval mines. Additional information on SMCM 

functions and capabilities is contained in NTTP 3-15.21, Surface Mine Countermeasures 

(SMCM) Operations. Principal SMCM operational capabilities are:

(a) Minehunting sonar. 

(b) Remotely operated vehicle mine neutralization. 

(c) Mechanical moored minesweeping. 

(d) Influence minesweeping. 

(e) Combination sweeping (mechanical-acoustic and magnetic-acoustic). 

(f) Support of EOD operations to neutralize, destroy, and exploit mines. 

(g) Magnetic silencing. 

(h) Precision navigation. 

(i) Environmental measuring. 

(j) Buoying equipment. 

(k) Nonferrous design throughout to reduce magnetic signature. 

(l) Propulsion designed to reduce acoustic signature. 
Appendix E 

E-4 JP 3-15 

(3) UMCM. This section describes the general capabilities of UMCM assets and 

their systems. Additional information on UMCM functions and capabilities contained in 

NTTP 3-15.23, Underwater Mine Countermeasures (UMCM).

(a) EOD. EOD platoons and combat systems provide mine detection, 

classification, identification, neutralization, and exploitation capability in confined areas, 

including inland waterways. Strike group EOD platoons are multi-mission assets that 

perform UMCM operations to reacquire, identify, and neutralize floating, moored, and 

bottom mines. 

(b) EOD MCM Platoons. EOD MCM platoons are functionally specialized 

to locate, identify, neutralize, recover, exploit, and dispose of ordnance in the UMCM 

environment. EOD MCM platoons normally work in conjunction with marine mammal 

systems detachments, in support of SMCM and AMCM platforms. They are capable of 

independent MCM operations.

(c) EOD Mobile Unit One (EODMU)-1. EODMU-1 executes MCM from 

over-the-horizon to the seaward edge of the SZ (normally the 10-foot depth contour). The 

team conducts low-visible exploration and reconnaissance to locate and prepare sea mines 

and obstacles for neutralization, in support of amphibious assaults. EODMU-1 also provides 

hydrographic reconnaissance reports to the MIWC to support MCM missions.

(d) Navy Oceanographic Mine Warfare Center (NOMWC). NOMWC 

provides ongoing support for the Navy’s MW forces to neutralize threats and to allow for 

assured access of maritime assets. It also provides the Navy’s MW operators with access to 

products and services of the Naval Oceanographic Office. The NOMWC UUV platoon 

provides operational employment of UUVs for oceanographic survey in support of MW. 

The platoon also supports test and evaluation of UUV systems in support of the MW 

oceanographic mission. NOMWC reports to the Naval Oceanography Operations 

Command, a subordinate of the Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography 

Command, which directs all of the Navy’s meteorology and oceanography programs. All are 

located at Stennis, Mississippi.
F-1 

APPENDIX F

HUMANITARIAN MINE ACTION 

1. Evolution of United States Humanitarian Mine Action 

a. Modern US HMA began in 1986, when US Army special forces teams in southern 

Honduras trained Honduran Army engineers to clear land mines from agricultural land north 

of the Nicaraguan border. 

b. In 1988, a United States Agency for International Development team traveled to 

Afghanistan to assess the land mine situation following the Soviet occupation. The National 

Security Council officially established the US Humanitarian Demining Program in 1993. 

c. The current Department of Defense (DOD) Humanitarian Mine Action Program 

began in 1995, under the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Special Operations/Low-Intensity 

Conflict and Interdependent Capabilities) (ASD[SO/LIC&IC]), the DOD office most closely 

associated with US special operations forces (SOF). 

d. US Army special forces, MISO teams, CA officers, and other SOF and DOD 

elements began working toward the goal of assisting mine-affected nations in developing 

self-sustaining indigenous military action programs. 

e. In June 1998, the Department of State (DOS) established the Office of Humanitarian 

Demining Programs in its Bureau of Political-Military Affairs to coordinate overall United 

States Government (USG) HMA work. An interagency working group (IWG) was 

established to facilitate HMA cooperation within the USG. 

2. Humanitarian Mine Action Program 

a. Mission. The USG HMA program assists countries in relieving the suffering of the 

adverse effects of uncleared land mines while promoting US interests. To achieve these 

goals, the USG balances various political, military, economic, and technological capabilities 

with available resources. 

b. The DOD program is directly supervised by the GCCs and is a critical component of 

the overall USG program. DOD’s program concentrates on training HNs in the procedures 

of land mine clearance, mine awareness, and victims’ assistance, as well as the development 

of leadership and organizational skills necessary to sustain the programs after US military 

‘‘I think we do agree on one central goal, and that is the need to end the threat that 

land mines pose to civilians. The best way to do that is to proceed full speed 

ahead with the job of pulling mines from the soil like the noxious weeds that they 

are. I am proud that the United States is far and away the world leader in mine 

removal programs.’’ 

Madeleine K. Albright 

Secretary of State, 8 April 1999 
Appendix F 

F-2 JP 3-15 

trainers have redeployed. This approach provides unique training and readiness-enhancing 

benefits to US SOFs while advancing GCCs’ theater security cooperation strategies. The 

program is authorized by Title 10, US Code (USC), Section 401. In 2004, DOD support for 

HMA expanded to include conventional forces. 

c. Title 10, USC, Section 401(a)(4), prohibits members of the Armed Forces of the 

United States from engaging in the physical detection, lifting, or destroying of land mines 

(unless the member does so for the concurrent purpose of supporting a US military 

operation). Additionally, members of the Armed Forces of the United States shall not 

provide such humanitarian and civic assistance as part of a military operation that does not 

involve the armed forces. This humanitarian and civic assistance, per Title 10, USC, Section 

401(e)(5), includes “detection and clearance of land mines and other ERW, including 

activities relating to the furnishing of education, training, and technical assistance with 

respect to the detection and clearance of land mines and other explosive remnants of war.” 

d. Significant benefits accrue to DOD: the program provides access to geographical 

areas otherwise not easily accessible by US forces. It also contributes to unit and individual 

readiness by providing unique in-country training opportunities that cannot be duplicated in 

the United States. For example, US military forces hone critical wartime, civil-military, 

language, cultural, and foreign internal defense skills. 

3. Oversight and Policy Direction 

a. The US DOS sets policy and provides overall direction for US HMA. Within DOS, 

the Office of Humanitarian Demining Programs serves as the lead organization in 

coordinating US HMA activities worldwide. The office develops and implements countryspecific HDM programs and oversees the interagency strategic planning and policy 

development processes supporting US global military activities. The DOS Office of 

Humanitarian Demining Programs directly supports the work of the IWG on HDM. Within 

DOS, HDM oversight is located within the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, 

Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. 

b. US Policy and DOD Role in HMA. DOS makes several important points regarding 

DOD HMA work: 

(1) The USG provides HMA assistance to many countries throughout the world to 

relieve human suffering from the dangers of land mines, to promote regional peace and 

stability and to promote US foreign policy and national security goals. A collateral benefit to 

the program is the enhancement of operational readiness skills of participating US forces. 

(2) Within the overall USG HMA program, DOD provides training to foreign 

nations in mine clearance operations, mine awareness education and information campaigns, 

assistance in the establishment of HMA centers, emergency medical care, and leadership and 

management skills needed to successfully conduct a national-level HMA program. 

(3) When called upon for mine-action training, the ultimate goal of DOD 

participation is to develop a self-sustaining, indigenous demining capability within each 
Humanitarian Mine Action 

F-3 

recipient country. SOF normally conduct HMA training, using the “train-the-trainer” 

concept, with augmentation from EOD and engineer personnel, as needed. 

(4) The GCCs execute the HMA program, providing them an excellent military-tomilitary engagement opportunity. DOD participation in HMA programs allows the GCCs to 

work closely with country teams to show mine-affected countries how military forces can 

support the civilian population. 

(5) By participating in these activities, the combatant commands and the country 

teams demonstrate the US commitment to provide direct, bilateral humanitarian assistance, 

relieve suffering, improve the socio-economic environment, promote regional stability, and 

support democratic ideals. 

(6) DOD Roles. Generally, DOD funds an HMA program’s start-up costs, and 

DOS provides subsequent funds to procure the necessary equipment for mine-affected 

countries to conduct mine clearance operations. Additional funds support DOD-sponsored 

demining technology research and development. DOD roles can be summarized as follows: 

(a) In coordination with the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) 

allocates DOD funds for the DOD element of the USG HDM program. 

(b) Assists host countries in the establishment of HDM organizations. 

(c) Coordinates US HDM training with Fort Leonard Wood Humanitarian 

Demining Training Center. 

(7) The components of the DOD humanitarian HMA program are:

(a) Mine awareness education. 

(b) Mine action center development. 

(c) Civil-military cooperation. 

(d) Victim assistance. 

(e) HMA training—or train-the-trainer—the core of the program. More than 

4,000 indigenous trainers have benefited from this core program. 

4. The Interagency Working Group on Humanitarian Demining 

An IWG on land mines and demining has been established at the request of the National 

Security Council. The announcement of the Demining 2010 Initiative in October 1997 

created a separate responsibility, generating increased international coordination and 

contributions for HDM, complementary to the mandate of this IWG. 

a. IWG Members. IWG members include: 

(1) National Security Council. 
Appendix F 

F-4 JP 3-15 

(2) DOS (chairman). 

(3) DOD (vice chairman). 

(4) United States Agency for International Development. 

(5) Designated members of the intelligence community. 

b. Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, 

DSCA, Office of Humanitarian Assistance, Disaster Relief and Mine Action.

(1) Acts as DOD’s lead HDM agency by exercising overall responsibility, 

corporate level policy, planning, and oversight for DOD HDM programs conducted pursuant 

to Title 10, USC, Section 401. The HMA program assists countries that are experiencing the 

adverse affects of uncleared land mines and other ERW. The program is directly managed 

by the CCDRs and contributes to unit and individual readiness by providing unique incountry training opportunities that cannot be duplicated in the US. 

(2) Provides the vice chairman of the IWG and cochairs the sub-IWG. 

(3) Develops and implements DOD HDM activities based on applicable 

presidential policy guidance coordinated through the IWG. 

(4) Coordinates and authorizes funding for DOD HDM operations and related 

activities. 

(5) Oversees the CCDRs’ operational mine action, humanitarian, and civic 

assistance programs. 

c. DSCA 

(1) Coordinates and monitors execution of DOD HDM training operations and 

related program activities. In coordination with ASD(SO/LIC&IC), plans, programs, 

budgets for, and allocates budget authority from the Overseas, Humanitarian, Disaster, and 

Civic Aid appropriation to support the DOD HDM program. 

(2) Assists the Joint Chiefs of Staff, US Special Operations Command, GCCs, host 

countries, and other organizations in planning for, establishing, and executing HMA 

programs. 

(3) Coordinates with DOS on security assistance policy, budget planning, and 

execution issues for demining activities. 

(4) Manages host countries’ foreign military financing and specified 

nonproliferation, antiterrorism, demining, and related projects accounts. 

(5) Sells defense articles and services, through the Foreign Military Sales program, 

to host countries for support of HMA programs. 
Humanitarian Mine Action 

F-5 

d. CJCS:

(1) The Joint Staff/J-3 Operations Directorate is the office of primary responsibility 

for HMA activities. 

(2) Coordinates requested HMA operations and force allocation with GCCs and 

supporting CCDRs. 

(3) Provides HMA mission taskings, guidance, specific instructions, and 

operational control authority to the GCCs. 

(4) Ensures that plans developed by CCDRs include, at minimum, the number of 

training deployments anticipated for each mine-affected country in the area of responsibility 

and time-phasing and milestones for each operation. Any subsequent training missions or 

assessments required should also be included, as well as other factors (such as projected 

resource requirements) that will be necessary to plan for and execute the proposed mission. 

(5) Provides oversight Armed Forces of the United States training programs outside 

CONUS with partner nations. 

e. GCC:

(1) Plans, manages, and conducts HDM training operations within the GCC’s area 

of responsibility. 

(2) Recommends and prioritizes theater HDM program recommendations through 

the Joint Staff to Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, DSCA, and the IWG. 

(3) Executes DOD-funded HDM programs in host countries. 

(4) Coordinates US participation in specified multilateral HDM operations (e.g., 

those sponsored by the Organization of American States). 

(5) Conducts assessment for HDM programs and HMA technologies. 

(6) Formulates polices for HMA training within DOD, in coordination with Deputy 

Assistant Secretary for Stability Operations, Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict. 

5. Interagency Humanitarian Demining Strategic Plan 

The plan, written by DOS, defines roles of the various USG agencies. In recent years, 

changing roles and responsibilities among USG agencies participating in the US 

Humanitarian Demining Program and the rapid expansion of the program have necessitated 

updates in the Interagency Humanitarian Demining Strategic Plan. These revisions are based 

on experiences and lessons learned over the last few years on HDM efforts. The strategic 

plan is designed to accelerate and make more effective USG efforts to make mine-affected 

countries around the world mine-safe. A complete summary of the US Demining Policy: 
Appendix F 

F-6 JP 3-15 

USG Interagency Humanitarian Demining Strategic Plan can be found at the DOS Web site 

at www.state.gov/t/pm/wra. 

6. Additional Information 

Additional and up-to-date information on HDM can be found by contacting: 

a. Humanitarian Demining Contact Information 

 Mailing address:

 US DOD 

 Humanitarian Demining Training Center 

 ATTN: ATSE-HAMA-HDM 

 Bldg 5415, FLW Hwy 38 

 Ft. Leonard Wood, MO 65473 

 Map and driving directions on student information page of Web site. 

 Telephone:

 Commercial: 573-563-6199 

 DSN: 676-6199 

 Fax: 573-563-5051 

 E-mail: atsedotHDM@wood.army.mil 

 Ft. Leonard Wood home page: www.wood.army.mil 

b. DSCA Contact Information 

 Mailing address:

 DSCA 

 Office of Humanitarian Assistance and Mine Action 

 1111 Jefferson Davis Highway 

 Suite #402 

 Arlington, VA 22202 

 Telephone:

 Commercial: 703-601-3657 

 Fax: 703-602-0075 

 E-mail: LPA-WEB@dsca.mil 

 DSCA HA home page: http://www.dsca.osd.mil/programs/HA/HA.htm 

 
G-1 

APPENDIX G

REFERENCES 

The development of JP 3-15 is based upon the following primary references. 

1. Public Laws

a. Title 10, USC. 

b. Title 13, USC. 

c. Title 14, USC. 

2. Strategic Guidance and Policy 

a. National Military Strategy of the United States of America. 

b. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Between the Department of Defense and the 

Department of Homeland Security on the Use of the US Coast Guard Capabilities and 

Resources in Support of the National Military Strategy. 

3. Department of Defense Publications 

DOD Directive 5101.2, DOD Executive Agent for Construction/Barrier Material.

4. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Publications

a. CJCS Instruction 3150.25D, Joint Lessons Learned Program.

b. CJCS Instruction 3207.01B, Military Support to Humanitarian Mine Action.

c. CJCS Manual 3122.03C, Joint Operation Planning and Execution System, Vol. II, 

Planning Formats. 

d. CJCS Manual 6120.05, Manual for Tactical Command and Control Planning 

Guidance for Joint Operations—Joint Interface Operational Procedures for Message Text 

Formats. 

e. JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States. 

f. JP 2-0, Joint Intelligence.

g. JP 2-01.3, Joint Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment.

h. JP 2-03, Geospatial Intelligence Support to Joint Operations.

i. JP 3-0, Joint Operations.

j. JP 3-02, Amphibious Operations.
Appendix G 

G-2 JP 3-15 

k. JP 3-05.1, Joint Special Operations Task Force Operations.

l. JP 3-06, Joint Urban Operations.

m. JP 3-13, Information Operations.

n. JP 3-18, Joint Forcible Entry Operations. 

o. JP 3-34, Joint Engineer Operations.

p. JP 3-59, Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations.

5. Multi-Service Publications 

a. FM 3-90.119, MCIP 3-17.01, Combined Arms Improvised Explosive Device Defeat 

Operations.

b. FM 3-100.38, MCRP 3-17.2B, NTTP 3-02.4.1, AFTTP(I) 3-2.12, Multi-Service 

Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Unexploded Explosive Ordnance Operations. 

c. FM 21-16, MCRP 3-17.2A, Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Procedures.

d. FM 3-34.300/MCWP 17.6, Survivability Operations. 

e. FM 3-34.210, MCRP 3-17.2D, Explosive Hazards Operations.

f. FM 3-34-214, MCRP 3-17.7L, Explosives and Demolitions. 

g. FM 3-90.4, MCWP 3-17.8, Combined Arms Mobility Operations. 

h. FM 3-90.119/MCIP 3-17.01, Combined Arms Improvised Explosive Device Defeat 

Operations. 

g. FM 4-30.16/MCRP 3-17.2C/NTTP 3-02.5/AFTTP(I) 3-2.32, Multi-Service Tactics, 

Techniques, and Procedures for Explosive Ordnance Disposal in a Joint Environment. 

h. MCRP 3-31.2A/NTTP 3-15.24, Mine Countermeasures in Support of Amphibious 

Operations. 

i. MCWP 5-12.1, NWP 1-14M, Commandant of the Coast Guard Publication 

P5800.7A, The Commander’s Handbook on the Law of Naval Operations. 

6. US Army Publications 

a. FM 3-06.11, Combined Arms Operations in Urban Terrain. 

b. FM 3-34, Engineer Operations. 

c. FM 3-34.22, Engineer Operations—Brigade Combat Team and Below.
 References 

G-3 

d. FM 3-90.6, The Brigade Combat Team.

e. FM 3-90.61, Brigade Special Troops Battalion.

f. FM 90-7, Combined Arms Obstacle Integration.

g. ATTP 3-34.22, Engineer Operations—Brigade Combat Team and Below.

7. US Navy Publications 

a. NWP 3-02.4, Explosive Ordnance Disposal. 

b. NWP 3-05, Naval Special Warfare.

c. NWP 3-15, Naval Mine Warfare.

8. US Marine Corps Publications 

a. MCWP 3-17.3, MAGTF Breaching Operations.

b. Marine Tactical Publication (MTP) 6, Vol. II, Naval Mine Countermeasures 

Operations Planning and Evaluation. 

c. MTP 24, Vol. I, Naval Mine Countermeasures Tactics and Execution. 

9. Other Publications 

a. Variable Message Format (VMF) Message Number K05.16, Land Minefield Laying 

Report, TIDP-TE, Vol. III, Annex A. 

b. TC 20-32-3, Foreign Mine Handbook (Balkan States). 

c. TC 20-32-4, Foreign Mine Handbook (Asia).

d. TC 20-32-5, Commander’s Reference Guide: Land Mine and Explosive Hazards 

(Iraq). 

e. Allied Tactical Publication (ATP) 1 (C), Vol. I, Allied Maritime Tactical Instructions.

f. ATP 1 (C), Vol. II, Allied Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures. 

g. Allied Procedural Publication-4, Allied Formatted and Standard Messages.

h. ATP 6C (Navy) (Air), Volume I, Allied Doctrine of Mine Warfare, Policies, and 

Principles. 

i. ATP 24 (C) (Navy), Tactical Instructions and Procedures for the Conduct of Mine 

Warfare Operations.
Appendix G 

G-4 JP 3-15 

j. Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 2036, Land Minefield Laying, Marking, 

Recording, and Reporting Procedures.

k. STANAG 2430, Land Force Combat Engineer Messages, Reports, and Returns 

(AEngrP-2).

l. STANAG 2485, Countermine Operations in Land Warfare. 

m. United States Joint Forces Command Handbook, Organizing for Improvised 

Explosive Device Defeat (IEDD) at the Operational Level.
H-1 

APPENDIX H

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 Joint Staff Logistics Directorate (J-4). 

3. Supersession 

This publication supersedes JP 3-15, 26 April 2007, Barriers, Obstacles, and Mine 

Warfare for Joint Operations. 

4. Change Recommendations 

a. Recommendations for urgent changes to this publication should be submitted: 

TO: CSA WASHINGTON DC//DAMO-FDQ// 

INFO: JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J7-JEDD// 

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. 

b. 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 StaffJ-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. 
Appendix H 

H-2 JP 3-15 

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). 

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 

ACE aviation combat element (MAGTF) 

AFTTP(I) Air Force tactics, techniques, and procedures (instruction) 

AHD antihandling device 

AMC Air Mobility Command 

AMCM airborne mine countermeasures 

AOA amphibious objective area 

AP antipersonnel 

APL antipersonnel land mine 

ASD(SO/LIC&IC) Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and 

 Low-Intensity Conflict and Interdependent Capabilities 

ATF amphibious task force 

ATP allied tactical publication 

ATTP Army tactics, techniques, and procedures 

AVL anti-vehicle land mine 

BCT brigade combat team 

C2 command and control 

CA civil affairs 

CATF commander, amphibious task force 

CBRN chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear 

CCDR combatant commander 

CCW 1980 United Nations Convention on Conventional 

 Weapons 

CEB combat engineer battalion 

CJCS Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

CLF commander, landing force 

COA course of action 

COMUSPACFLT Commander, United States Pacific Fleet 

CONOPS concept of operations 

CONUS continental United States 

COP common operational picture 

CS combat support 

CTU commander, task unit 

DOD Department of Defense 

DOS Department of State 

DSCA Defense Security Cooperation Agency 

EH explosive hazard 

EHCC explosive hazards coordination cell 

EOD explosive ordnance disposal 

EODMU explosive ordnance disposal mobile unit 
Glossary 

GL-2 JP 3-15 

ERT engineer reconnaissance team 

ERW explosive remnants of war 

ESB engineer support battalion 

FM field manual (Army) 

GCC geographic combatant commander 

GCE ground combat element (MAGTF) 

GEOINT geospatial intelligence 

GI&S geospatial information and services 

HBCT heavy brigade combat team 

HDM humanitarian demining 

HMA humanitarian mine action 

HN host nation 

IBCT infantry brigade combat team 

IED improvised explosive device 

IO information operations 

IPB intelligence preparation of the battlespace 

IWG interagency working group 

JEL Joint Electronic Library 

JFACC joint force air component commander 

JFC joint force commander 

JFMCC joint force maritime component commander 

JIPOE joint intelligence preparation of the operational 

 environment 

JOPP joint operation planning process 

JP joint publication 

JTCB joint targeting coordination board 

K-Kill catastrophic kill 

LCE logistics combat element (MAGTF) 

LCS landing craft air cushion control ship 

LF landing force 

LOC line of communications 

LZ landing zone 

MAC mobility assault company 

MAGTF Marine air-ground task force 

MCIP Marine Corps interim publication 

MCM mine countermeasures 

MCMC mine countermeasures commander 

MCMREP mine countermeasure report 
Glossary 

GL-3 

MCMRON mine countermeasures squadron 

MCRP Marine Corps reference publication 

MCWP Marine Corps warfighting publication 

METT-T mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support 

 available—time available 

MIL-STD military standard 

MISO military information support operations 

MIWC mine warfare commander 

M-Kill mobility kill 

MP military police (Army and Marine) 

MPSRON maritime pre-positioning ships squadron 

MTP Marine tactical publication 

MW mine warfare 

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization 

NATOPS Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures 

 Standardization 

NCC Navy component commander 

NMAWC Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command 

NMC Navy Munitions Command 

NOMWC Navy Oceanographic Mine Warfare Center 

NTTP Navy tactics, techniques, and procedures 

NWP Navy warfare publication 

OBSTINT obstacle intelligence 

OPLAN operation plan 

OPORD operation order 

OPTASK operation task 

RCT regimental combat team 

ROE rules of engagement 

ROK Republic of Korea 

SBCT Stryker brigade combat team 

SecDef Secretary of Defense 

SLOC sea line of communications 

SMCM surface mine countermeasures 

SOF special operations forces 

SOP standard operating procedure 

SPOTREP spot report 

STANAG standardization agreement (NATO) 

SZ surf zone 

TC training circular 

TTP tactics, techniques, and procedures 
Glossary 

GL-4 JP 3-15 

UMCM underwater mine countermeasures 

UN United Nations 

UNCLOS United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea 

US United States 

USAF United States Air Force 

USC United States Code 

USCG United States Coast Guard 

USFF United States Fleet Forces Command 

USG United States Government 

USN United States Navy 

USNORTHCOM United States Northern Command 

USPACOM United States Pacific Command 

UUV unmanned underwater vessel 

UXO unexploded explosive ordnance 

WBIED waterborne improvised explosive device 

WMD weapons of mass destruction 
GL-5 

PART II—TERMS AND DEFINITIONS 

antitank mine. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

anti-vehicle land mine. A mine designed to immobilize or destroy a vehicle. Also called 

AVL. (Approved for inclusion in JP 1-02.) 

arming. As applied to explosives, weapons, and ammunition, the changing from a safe 

condition to a state of readiness for initiation. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02 

with JP 3-15 as the source JP.) 

barrier. A coordinated series of natural or man-made obstacles designed or employed to 

channel, direct, restrict, delay, or stop the movement of an opposing force and to impose 

additional losses in personnel, time, and equipment on the opposing force. (Approved 

for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

barrier, obstacle, and mine warfare plan. A comprehensive, coordinated plan that 

includes responsibilities; general location of unspecified and specific barriers, obstacles, 

and minefields; special instructions; limitations; coordination; and completion times; 

and may designate locations of obstacle zones or belts. (Approved for incorporation 

into JP 1-02.) 

bottom mine. A mine with negative buoyancy which remains on the seabed. (JP 1-02. 

SOURCE: JP 3-15) 

canalize. To restrict operations to a narrow zone by use of existing or reinforcing obstacles 

or by fire or bombing. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02 with JP 3-15 as the 

source JP.) 

chemical horn. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

clearing operation. An operation designed to clear or neutralize all mines and obstacles 

from a route or area. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-15) 

command detonated mine. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

contact mine. A mine detonated by physical contact. (Approved for incorporation into JP 

1-02 with JP 3-15 as the source JP.)

conventional mines. Land mines, other than nuclear or chemical, that are not designed to 

self-destruct; are designed to be emplaced by hand or mechanical means; and can be 

buried or surface emplaced. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

counterbattery fire. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

creeping mine. None. (Approved for removal JP 1-02.) 
Glossary 

GL-6 JP 3-15 

defensive minefield. 1. In naval mine warfare, a minefield laid in international waters or 

international straits with the declared intention of controlling shipping in defense of sea 

communications. 2. In land mine warfare, a minefield laid in accordance with an 

established plan to prevent a penetration between positions and to strengthen the defense 

of the positions themselves. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02 with JP 3-15 as 

the source JP.) 

degaussing. The process whereby a ship’s magnetic field is reduced by the use of 

electromagnetic coils, permanent magnets, or other means. (Approved for incorporation 

into JP 1-02 with JP 3-15 as the source JP.) 

denial measure. An action to hinder or deny the enemy the use of territory, personnel, or 

facilities to include destruction, removal, contamination, or erection of obstructions. 

(Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

dip. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

dormant. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

enabling mine countermeasures. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

exclusive economic zone. A maritime zone adjacent to the territorial sea that may not extend 

beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea 

is measured. Also called EEZ. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02) 

explosive hazard. Any hazard containing an explosive component to include unexploded 

explosive ordnance (including land mines), booby traps (some booby traps are 

nonexplosive), improvised explosive devices (which are an improvised type of booby 

trap), captured enemy ammunition, and bulk explosives. Also called EH. (Approved 

for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

flame field expedients. Simple, handmade devices used to produce flame or illumination. 

Also called FFE. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-15) 

gap. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

ground mine. None. (Approved for removal Upon approval of this revision, this term and 

its definition will be removed from JP 1-02.) 

hasty breach. The creation of lanes through enemy minefields by expedient methods such 

as blasting with demolitions, pushing rollers or disabled vehicles through the minefields 

when the time factor does not permit detailed reconnaissance, deliberate breaching, or 

bypassing the obstacle. (Approved for replacement of “hasty breaching (land mine 

warfare)” in JP 1-02.) 

Hertz-Horn. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 
Glossary 

GL-7 

humanitarian mine action. Activities that strive to reduce the social, economic, and 

environmental impact of land mines, unexploded ordnance and small arms 

ammunition—also characterized as explosive remnants of war. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 

3-15) 

improvised mine. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

influence mine. A mine actuated by the effect of a target on some physical condition in the 

vicinity of the mine or on radiations emanating from the mine. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 

3-15) 

influence sweep. A sweep designed to produce an influence similar to that produced by a 

ship and thus actuate mines. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02 with JP 3-15 as 

the source JP.) 

land mine warfare. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

magnetic circuit. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

magnetic mine. A mine that responds to the magnetic field of a target. (Approved for 

incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

make safe. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

mechanical sweep. In naval mine warfare, any sweep used with the object of physically 

contacting the mine or its appendages. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02 with JP 

3-15 as the source JP.) 

mine. 1. In land mine warfare, an explosive or other material, normally encased, designed to 

destroy or damage ground vehicles, boats, or aircraft, or designed to wound, kill, or 

otherwise incapacitate personnel and designed to be detonated by the action of its 

victim, by the passage of time, or by controlled means. 2. In naval mine warfare, an 

explosive device laid in the water with the intention of damaging or sinking ships or of 

deterring shipping from entering an area. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

mineable waters. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

mine-cluster. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

mine countermeasures. All methods for preventing or reducing damage or danger from 

mines. Also called MCM. (JP 1-02. SOURCE JP 3-15) 

mine disposal. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

minefield. 1. In land warfare, an area of ground containing mines emplaced with or without 

a pattern. 2. In naval warfare, an area of water containing mines emplaced with or 

without a pattern. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 
Glossary 

GL-8 JP 3-15 

minefield breaching. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

minefield density. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

minefield lane. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

minefield marking. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

minefield record. A complete written record of all pertinent information concerning a 

minefield, submitted on a standard form by the officer in charge of the emplacement 

operations. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

minefield report. An oral, electronic, or written communication concerning mining 

activities (friendly or enemy) submitted in a standard format by the fastest secure means 

available. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-15) 

minehunting. Employment of sensor and neutralization systems, whether air, surface, or 

subsurface, to locate and dispose of individual mines in a known field, or to verify the 

presence or absence of mines in a given area. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-

02.) 

minesweeping. The technique of clearing mines using either mechanical sweeping to 

remove, disturb, or otherwise neutralize the mine; explosive sweeping to cause 

sympathetic detonations, damage, or displace the mine; or influence sweeping to 

produce either the acoustic or magnetic influence required to detonate the mine. 

(Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

mine warfare. The strategic, operational, and tactical use of mines and mine 

countermeasures either by emplacing mines to degrade the enemy’s capabilities to wage 

land, air, and maritime warfare or by countering of enemy-emplaced mines to permit 

friendly maneuver or use of selected land or sea areas. Also called MW. (Approved for 

incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

moored mine. A contact or influence-operated mine of positive buoyancy held below the 

surface by a mooring attached to a sinker or anchor on the bottom. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: 

JP 3-15) 

networked munitions. Remotely controlled, interconnected, weapons system designed to 

provide rapidly emplaced ground-based countermobility and protection capability 

through scalable application of lethal and nonlethal means. (Approved for inclusion in 

JP 1-02.) 

nuisance minefield. A minefield laid to delay and disorganize the enemy and to hinder the 

use of an area or route. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02 with JP 3-15 as the 

source JP.) 

obstacle. Any natural or man-made obstruction designed or employed to disrupt, fix, turn, 

or block the movement of an opposing force, and to impose additional losses in 
Glossary 

GL-9 

personnel, time, and equipment on the opposing force. (Approved for incorporation into 

JP 1-02.) 

obstacle belt. A brigade-level command and control measure, normally given graphically, 

to show where within an obstacle zone the ground tactical commander plans to limit 

friendly obstacle employment and focus the defense. (Approved for incorporation into 

JP 1-02.) 

obstacle clearing. The total elimination or neutralization of obstacles. (Approved for 

incorporation into JP 1-02 with JP 3-15 as the source JP.) 

obstacle intelligence. Those collection efforts to detect the presence of enemy and natural 

obstacles, determine their types and dimensions, and provide the necessary information 

to plan appropriate combined arms breaching, clearance, or bypass operations to negate 

the impact on the friendly scheme of maneuver. Also called OBSTINT. (Approved for 

incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

obstacle restricted areas. A command and control measure used to limit the type or 

number of obstacles within an area. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-15) 

obstacle zone. A division-level command and control measure, normally done graphically, 

to designate specific land areas where lower echelons are allowed to employ tactical 

obstacles. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-15) 

offensive minefield. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

operational control authority. The naval commander responsible within a specified 

geographical area for the naval control of all merchant shipping under Allied naval 

control. Also called OCA. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02 with JP 3-15 as 

the source JP.) 

ordnance. Explosives, chemicals, pyrotechnics, and similar stores, e.g., bombs, guns and 

ammunition, flares, smoke, or napalm. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02 with 

JP 3-15 as the source JP.) 

oscillating mine. A mine, hydrostatically controlled, which maintains a pre-set depth below 

the surface of the water independently of the rise and fall of the tide. (Approved for 

incorporation into JP 1-02 with JP 3-15 as the source JP.) 

passive mine. 1. A mine whose anticountermining device has been operated preventing the 

firing mechanism from being actuated. 2. A mine which does not emit a signal to detect 

the presence of a target. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

percentage clearance. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

phony minefield. An area free of live mines used to simulate a minefield, or section of a 

minefield, with the object of deceiving the enemy. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: 3-15) 
Glossary 

GL-10 JP 3-15 

pressure mine. 1. In land mine warfare, a mine whose fuse responds to the direct pressure 

of a target. 2. In naval mine warfare, a mine whose circuit responds to the 

hydrodynamic pressure field of a target. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-15) 

pressure mine circuit. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

proactive mine countermeasures. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.)

proof. To verify that a breached lane is free of live mines by passing a mine roller or other 

mine-resistant vehicle through as the lead vehicle. (Approved for replacement of 

“proofing” and its definition in JP 1-02.) 

propelled mine. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

protective minefield. 1. In land mine warfare, a minefield employed to assist a unit in its 

local, close-in protection. 2. In naval mine warfare, a minefield emplaced in friendly 

territorial waters to protect ports, harbors, anchorages, coasts, and coastal routes. 

(Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

Q-route. A system of preplanned shipping lanes in mined or potentially mined waters used 

to minimize the area the mine countermeasures commander has to keep clear of mines 

in order to provide safe passage for friendly shipping. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-15) 

reduction. The creation of lanes through a minefield or obstacle to allow passage of the 

attacking ground force. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-15) 

reinforcing obstacles. Those obstacles specifically constructed, emplaced, or detonated 

through military effort and designed to strengthen existing terrain to disrupt, fix, turn, or 

block enemy movement. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-15) 

reserved obstacles. Those demolition obstacles that are deemed critical to the plan for 

which the authority to detonate is reserved by the designating commander. (JP 1-02. 

SOURCE: JP 3-15) 

rising mine. In naval mine warfare, a mine having positive buoyancy which is released 

from a sinker by a ship influence or by a timing device. (Approved for incorporation 

into JP 1-02.) 

scatterable mine. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

ship counter. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

sinker. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

spoiling attack. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

standard pattern. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 
Glossary 

GL-11 

sterilizer. In mine warfare, a device included in mines to render the mine permanently 

inoperative on expiration of a pre-determined time after laying. (Approved for 

incorporation into JP 1-02 with JP 3-15 as the source JP.) 

strategic mining. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

tactical minefield. A minefield that is employed to directly attack enemy maneuver as part 

of a formation obstacle plan and is laid to delay, channel, or break up an enemy 

advance, giving the defending element a positional advantage over the attacker. 

(Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02 with JP 3-15 as the source JP.) 

tactical obstacles. Those obstacles employed to disrupt enemy formations, to turn them into 

a desired area, to fix them in position under direct and indirect fires, and to block enemy 

penetrations. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-15) 

terrain intelligence. Intelligence on the military significance of natural and man-made 

characteristics of an area. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

unexploded explosive ordnance. Explosive ordnance which has been primed, fused, armed 

or otherwise prepared for action, and which has been fired, dropped, launched, 

projected, or placed in such a manner as to constitute a hazard to operations, 

installations, personnel, or material and remains unexploded either by malfunction or 

design or for any other cause. Also called UXO. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-15) 
Glossary 

GL-12 JP 3-15 

Intentionally Blank 
JOINT DOCTRINE PUBLICATIONS HIERARCHY JOINT DOCTRINE PUBLICATIONS HIERARCHY

JP 1-0 JP 2-0 JP 3-0

PERSONNEL

JP 4-0 JP 5-0 JP 6-0

INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS LOGISTICS

COMMUNICATIONS

PLANS SYSTEMS

JP 1

JOINT

DOCTRINE

Maintenance

Approval Development

Initiation

JOINT

DOCTRINE

PUBLICATION

ENHANCED

JOINT

WARFIGHTING

CAPABILITY

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/USJFCOM 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

US Joint Forces Command

(USJFCOM) conducts front-end

analysis

Joint Doctrine Planning Conference

validation

Program Directive (PD) development

and staffing/joint working group

PD includes scope, references,

outline, milestones, and draft

authorship

Joint Staff (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) 3-15 Operations

JOINT DOCTRINE PUBLICATIONS HIERARCHY JOINT DOCTRINE PUBLICATIONS HIERARCHY

JP 1-0 JP 2-0 JP 3-0

PERSONNEL

JP 4-0 JP 5-0 JP 6-0

INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS LOGISTICS

COMMUNICATIONS

PLANS SYSTEMS

JP 1

JOINT

DOCTRINE

Maintenance

Approval Development

Initiation

JOINT

DOCTRINE

PUBLICATION

ENHANCED

JOINT

WARFIGHTING

CAPABILITY

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

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) 3-15 Operations













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)













LA selects Primary Review Authority (PRA) to develop the

first draft (FD)

PRA/JS J-7 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