c. Centralized and decentralized control.
A discussion of offensive
and defensive considerations is necessary to better understand
centralized and decentralized forms of control.
(1) Offensive. Mobility is the primary offensive engineer function,
so most division engineers are task-organized in command
relationships with forward elements. The leading TFs of both the
main-effort brigade and its supporting brigades usually receive a
division engineer battalion.
This battalion is almost totally
oriented on mobility and rapid breaching and assault support.
Its assets provide countermobility obstacles that protect the
maneuver force's flank.
(2) Defensive. Maneuver forces can use a mobile or an area defensive
scheme or a combination of both, depending on METT-T factors.
Engineer operations differ based on the selected pattern.
(a) Mobile.
Mobile defenses employ a combination of offensive,
defensive, and delaying action to defeat the enemy attack.
Their exact design varies from case to case and must be
described in each instance. Commanders who conduct mobile
defense deploy small forces forward and use maneuver
supported by fire and obstacles to wrest the initiative
from the attacker after he has entered the defended area.
The force's mobility must equal or exceed the enemy's
mobility.
It must form a large reserve to conduct a
decisive counterattack. A mobile defense is designed for
the temporary loss of some terrain with the thinning of
committed enemy forces.
It allows the large reserve to
destroy remaining enemy forces in the counterattack.
Division and larger formations normally conduct mobile
defense; however, large brigades and cavalry regiments can
conduct mobile defense in some circumstances.
Armored
forces are required for the reserve and can be used as
security forces or to contain anticipated penetrations.
Light forces usually hold strongpoints in suitable terrain
within or adjacent to the area of the enemy's penetration;
or in some cases, they stop the enemy during the
counterattack.
Engineer
planning is highly centralized to ensure that
obstacle
zones and belts support the planned maneuver.
Engineer
execution, in contrast is decentralized. Each TF
requires
an OPCON division engineer company that responds
to rapid
movements
2-3
EN5483
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