FM 90-7
support current and future operations. Obsta-
emplacement authority and providing obsta-
cle control ensures that subordinate com-
cle control. Table 2-2 summarizes some con-
manders emplace obstacles to best support
siderations for use of obstacle-control
the higher commander’s scheme of maneuver.
measures. Figure 2-9 shows the obstacle-
Obstacle control also ensures that subordi-
control- measure graphics. Chapter 3 covers
nate commanders do not emplace obstacles
the use of obstacle-control measures to sup-
that will interfere with future operations.
port obstacle integration. Obstacle-control
Commanders maintain obstacle control by—
measures are—
Focusing or withholding emplacement
Zones.
authority.
Belts.
Restricting types or locations of obsta-
Groups.
cles.
Restrictions.
Commanders use control measures, specific
Obstacle Zones.
guidance, and orders to maintain obstacle
Obstacle zones are a
control.
graphic control measure that corps and divi-
sion commanders use to grant obstacle-
emplacement authority to brigades (includ-
Obstacle-Control Measures
ing armored cavalry regiments (ACR) and
Obstacle-control measures are specific control
other major subordinate units). Corps
measures that simplify granting obstacle-
and division commanders also use zones to
2-12 Obstacle Framework
FM 90-7
ensure that subordinates emplace obstacles
Obstacle zones do not cross brigade bound-
that support the higher commander’s
aries. Commanders assign zones to a single
scheme of maneuver and that do not
subordinate unit to ensure unity of effort,
interfere with future operations. Chapter 4
just as they would defensive sectors or battle
covers the use of obstacle zones for obstacle
positions (BPs). This keeps tactical obstacle
planning.
responsibility along the same lines as con-
trol of direct and indirect fires. This does not
Corps and divisions plan obstacle zones
normally create a vulnerability on the
based on brigade AOs. When defending
boundary between units since commanders
against an enemy of similar composition and
base both sectors and obstacle zones on
capability, they align brigades and zones
defined AAs.
with enemy division AAs as defined by
Adjacent brigades may rarely cover the
regimental MCs. However, a light division
same AA, but obstacle zones still do not
defending against a mechanized enemy may
cross unit boundaries. Commanders give
plan obstacle zones based on enemy regimen-
adjacent brigades obstacle zones that meet
tal AAs as defined by battalion-size MCs. In
along their boundaries. To ensure unity of
the offense, zone planning is more flexible.
obstacle effort, the commander designates a
Corps and divisions still align obstacle zones
contact point for obstacle coordination
with areas for which brigades are responsi-
between the adjacent brigades. The division
ble. In any case, if the obstacle zone encom-
commander also may assign more than
passes the entire brigade sector, another
one zone to a unit. This technique is useful
graphic is unnecessary. Commanders may
when the commander wants to constrain
designate the entire sector as an obstacle
tactical obstacle employment to two or more
zone, with the unit boundaries defining the
specific areas, leaving the remainder free for
geographical limits of the zone.
division maneuver.
Obstacle Framework 2-13
FM 90-7
Commanders can assign an obstacle intent
boundaries. A single unit is responsible for a
to an obstacle zone, but they normally do
belt; however, commanders may assign
not. Although the target (normally an enemy
more than one belt to a unit. TF command-
division) and relative location (the area of
ers cannot plan or emplace obstacles outside
the zone) are apparent, commanders nor-
brigade-directed obstacle belts. Command-
mally do not specify an obstacle effect for
ers use the same techniques as for obstacle
a zone. This allows the subordinate com-
zones to ensure coordination along unit
mander flexibility in using obstacles. Estab-
boundaries and may designate entire TF
lishing zone priorities helps identify the
sectors as obstacle belts.
division obstacle main effort to subordinates.
Brigade commanders normally assign an
Obstacle zones also assist the corps or divi-
obstacle intent to each obstacle belt. As with
sion staff to resource and plan obstacle logis-
the obstacle zone, the target and relative
tics throughput to the brigades. Staffs
location are apparent. The addition of a spe-
resource obstacle zones by anticipating how
cific obstacle effect gives purpose and direc-
the brigades will use obstacles based on
tion to TF obstacle planning. When brigade
their assigned mission, intelligence prepara-
commanders assign an obstacle effect, they
tion of the battlefield (IPB), task organiza-
ensure that obstacles within the belt com-
tion, and division commander’s intent.
Appendix C contains a detailed discussion of plement the brigade fire plan. The combina-obstacle resourcing and supply.
tion of obstacle belts with specific effects is
the commander’s obstacle intent. It conveys
Obstacle Belts. Obstacle belts are the the effect that must be achieved by fires and
graphic control measure that brigade com-
obstacles (obstacle effect) against a specific
manders use to constrain tactical obsta-
enemy (target) within the defined belt (rela-
cle employment. They plan obstacle belts
tive location) to his TF commanders.
within assigned obstacle zones to grant
obstacle-emplacement authority to their
Obstacle belts refine the area authorized for
major subordinate units. Obstacle belts also
tactical obstacles; however, they still give
focus obstacles in support of the brigade
TF commanders the latitude they need to
scheme of maneuver and ensure that obsta-
develop detailed obstacle plans based on
cles do not interfere with the maneuver of
direct-fire planning. The brigade com-
any higher HQ Chapter 4 contains a
mander’s obstacle intent is descriptive
detailed discussion of the use of obstacle
rather than prescriptive. Assigning a spe-
belts for obstacle planning.
cific obstacle effect to a belt does not prevent
Brigade commanders use obstacle belts to
TF commanders from employing the full
attack the maneuver of enemy regiments (or
range of tactical obstacle effects within the
enemy brigade-size units). They plan and
belt; however, the combined effect must
allocate belts against regimental AAs based
achieve the assigned intent of the belt.
on battalion MCs. This is consistent with
Obstacle belts are also critical tools in
brigade planning, which allocates companies
resourcing and planning obstacle logistics.
against battalion MCs and task organizes
There are two key components to logistically
TFs to defeat enemy regiments. As with
sustaining the obstacle effort:
obstacle zones, light units defending against
mechanized forces focus obstacle belts one
The commander and staff must
resource the belt with the material,
echelon down.
manpower, and time required to
For the same reasons as discussed in obsta-
emplace the obstacles to meet the
cle zones, obstacle belts do not cross unit
intent.
2-14 Obstacle Framework
FM 90-7
The brigade must develop a plan for
forces. Unlike obstacle zones or belts,
getting the necessary resources to the
obstacle groups are not areas but are rela-
right place, in the right amount, and in
tive locations for actual obstacles. Com-
sufficient time.
manders normally show obstacle groups
using the obstacle effect graphics. When
Obstacle belts help the staff to identify
detailed planning is possible (to include
requirements and plan transportation.
detailed on-the-ground reconnaissance),
Appendix C contains a more detailed descrip-commanders may show obstacle groups
tion of belt resourcing and supply.
using individual obstacle graphics. Chapter
NOTE: The commander at corps, di-
5 contains a detailed discussion of the use vision, or brigade level may autho-of obstacle groups in obstacle planning.
rize emplacement authority for
Commanders can plan obstacle groups with-
certain types of protective obsta-
in the limits of their obstacle-emplacement
cles outside of obstacle zones or
authority. Corps and division commanders
belts. Normally, the commander
can plan obstacle groups anywhere in
will authorize company team and
their AOs. Brigade and TF commanders
base commanders to emplace pro-
can plan them anywhere in their obstacle
tective obstacles within 500 meters
zones or belts, respectively. Because of the
of their positions (mission, enemy,
requirement for detailed integration with
troops, terrain, and time available
the fire plan, very few obstacle groups
(METT-T) dependent). The com-
are planned above TF level. Unless solely
mander usually limits the types of
integrated with indirect fires, obstacle
obstacles that a unit may use for
groups planned at corps, division, or bri-
protective obstacles that are out-
gade level ultimately are integrated with
side of obstacle-control measures
fire at the TF level. When given a belt with
(for example, allowing only wire
an assigned intent, the TF commander can
and antipersonnel (AP) mines out-
use any combination of group effects if the
side of control measures for protec-
sum effect of all groups achieves the belt
tive obstacles and requiring that
intent.
minefield be fenced on all sides to
prevent fratricide).
Obstacle groups impose strict limitations
on company team commanders to preserve
Obstacle Groups. Obstacle groups are one the link between obstacle effects and the
or more individual obstacles grouped to pro-
fire plan. The limitations are similar to the
vide a specific obstacle effect. TFs use obsta-
limitations imposed by a BP. A group does
cle groups to ensure that company teams
not give the exact location of obstacles in
emplace individual obstacles that support
the group just as a BP does not show the
the TF scheme of maneuver. In rare cases,
exact location of each weapon in the com-
brigades, divisions, or even corps may use
pany team. The company team commander
obstacle groups for specific tactical obstacles.
and the emplacing unit leader, usually an
Also, units integrate obstacle groups with
engineer, coordinate these details directly.
direct- and indirect-fire plans in detail.
The company team commander and the
Obstacle groups usually attack the maneu-
engineer can adjust obstacles in the group
ver of enemy battalions. Normally, com-
if the intent and link to the fire plan
manders plan obstacle groups along enemy
remain intact. Company team commanders
battalion AAs as defined by company MCs.
make minor changes to obstacles and fire-
They may plan a group along a company-size
control measures based on the reality of the
AA. This is especially true for friendly light
terrain. For example, a commander may
Obstacle Framework 2-15
FM 90-7
move a fixing obstacle group and direct-fire
that impair future operations. It also allows
target reference points (TRPs) a few hun-
commanders to focus the use of limited
dred meters to avoid having them masked
resources for the main effort by restricting
by rolling terrain. A major change to the
their use elsewhere. Commanders also may
obstacle-group location requires the
use restrictions to prevent subordinates
approval of the commander who ordered the
from emplacing obstacles in a certain area.
obstacle group emplacement.
This type of restriction may be shown graph-
Obstacle-ADgroup responsibility falls along
ically as an obstacle restricted area.
the same lines as fire control. Normally,
Units also may indicate this type of restric-
company team fire plans are relatively sim-
tion in the operation order (OPORD). For
ple, massing the company team’s fires on a
example, the order may state that there will
single AA at a time. Simplicity is essential in
be no obstacles along a designated main
ensuring that company team commanders
supply route (MSR) or no demolition of a
can focus their C2 on maximizing the
certain bridge. This type of restriction also
effects of the obstacle group. A TF should
may be implied. For example, a planned
not assign a company team more than
corps counterattack (CATK) axis implies to
two obstacle groups; however, it can effec-
the division that the axis is an obstacle
tively fight only one group at a time. To
restricted area. Subordinate commanders
mass fires on an obstacle group, more than
have the right to be more restrictive than
one company team will often cover a sin-
the higher commander; however, the subor-
gle obstacle group. In these cases, the com-
dinate commander cannot relax the higher
mander who is responsible for establishing
commander’s restrictions.
the EA is also in charge of integrating the
obstacle group. Normally, the TF com-
Obstacle Numbers
mander or Operations and Training Officer
(US Army) (S3) plays a significant role in
Obstacle zones, belts, and groups are labeled
building and synchronizing an EA covered
with alphanumeric designators. An obstacle
by two or more companies.
number is a twelve-character designator
that is given to each individual obstacle.
Obstacle groups, resource factors, and stan-
The first four characters designate the HQ
dard individual obstacles are the basis of TF
that ordered the obstacle zone. The next
obstacle logistics planning. They enable the
three characters are a letter for the obstacle
commander and staff to allocate the neces-
zone, a number for the obstacle belt, and
sary resources to each obstacle group, EA, or
another letter for the obstacle group. The
company team BP. These tools also enable
next two characters are an abbreviation of
the staff to identify critical shortfalls, plan
the individual obstacle type. This is fol-
the flow of materials within the TF area, and
lowed by a two-digit number indicating the
schedule resupply, Appendix C addresses
number of the individual obstacle in the
obstacle resourcing in detail.
group. The last character is a status code.
Obstacle Restrictions. Commanders at all Appendix B contains a detailed explanation levels may use obstacle restrictions to pro-of the use of the alphanumeric designator in
vide additional obstacle control. Command-
the obstacle reporting and recording system.
ers may use obstacle restrictions to limit the
The terms and definitions used in this chap-
specific types of obstacles used (for example,
ter lay the groundwork for understanding
no buried mines or no SCATMINEs). These
the remainder of this manual. The following
restrictions ensure that subordinates do
chapters explain obstacle integration and
not use obstacles with characteristics
planning.
2-16 Obstacle Framework
FM 90-7
Chapter 3
Obstacle-Integration
Principles
Obstacle integration is the process of ensur-
process (FM 34-130 covers the IPB process ing that the obstacle effects support the
in detail). The IPB integrates enemy doc-
scheme of maneuver. Obstacle integration
trine with the terrain and weather, mission,
cuts across all functional areas and all eche-
and current battlefield situation. The IPB
lons. An understanding of the basic princi-
process helps the commander to—
ples behind obstacle integration is essential
Decide where to kill the enemy.
for commanders and staffs at all levels.
Define the decisive point based on the
These principles are the cornerstone for
terrain, enemy doctrine, and vulnera-
obstacle planning discussed in Chapters 4
bilities.
and 5.
Key steps in the IPB process are to—
Commanders and staffs consider the follow-
ing to ensure that obstacles have the desired
Analyze the terrain.
impact on the battle:
Determine enemy force size.
Intelligence.
Determine enemy vulnerability.
Obstacle intent.
Fires and obstacle effects.
ANALYZE THE TERRAIN
Obstacles and operations in depth.
Staffs conduct terrain analysis based on the
Obstacle control.
five military aspects of terrain: observation
Echelons of obstacle planning.
and fields of fire, cover and concealment,
obstacles, key terrain, and avenues of
approach (OCOKA). The obstacles in
INTELLIGENCE
OCOKA are normally existing obstacles;
Battlefield success depends largely on the
however, reinforcing obstacles from previ-
ability of the commander to see the battle-
ous military operations may be present in
field. He identifies enemy vulnerabilities
some situations. The identification of MCs
and how the enemy may use the existing ter-
and AAs helps the commander to decide
rain to gain an advantage. The maneuver
where the enemy can maneuver and to iden-
commander does this through the IPB
tify any limitations on friendly maneuver.
Obstacle Integration Principles 3-1
FM 90-7
DETERMINE ENEMY FORCE SIZE
block. This provides a common expectation
The next step is to determine the size of the
of the effect that the commander wants
enemy force that each AA can support. The
their fires and obstacles to have on enemy
primary reason for determining the size of
maneuver.
the enemy force is to allocate friendly forces.
An important consideration is to identify
RELATIVE LOCATION
any terrain that may cause the enemy to
change formation.
Obstacle location is a vital component of
obstacle intent since it ties the obstacle
effect and target to the scheme of maneuver.
DETERMINE ENEMY VULNERABILITY
Subordinates must understand the relative
In the last step, the commander and staff
location of obstacles to ensure that the
consider where the enemy is vulnerable.
desired effect occurs at the right place. Com-
Attacking the enemy at the point of vulnera-
manders establish their obstacle intent con-
bility with fires and obstacles can lead to a
current with organizing and developing the
decisive victory. Also, obstacles should be
fire plan or scheme of maneuver. Each com-
designed against an enemy’s breaching vul-
ponent of obstacle intent directly influences
nerability. If some types of obstacles can be
the fire plan or scheme of maneuver. Obsta-
easily breached by the enemy, using those
cle planning does not drive fire planning or
obstacles to shape the battlefield may be
the scheme of maneuver. Subordinates
ineffective.
plan, adjust, and execute obstacles and fire-
and maneuver-control measures to meet the
commander’s obstacle intent.
OBSTACLE INTENT
Figure 3-1 illustrates the impact that obsta-The commander decides how he wants to use
cle intent can have on adjusting fire-control
obstacles to support his scheme of maneu-
measures at the TF level. The TF com-
ver. He defines the end result that fires and
obstacles must achieve. His obstacle intent
mander assigns Team A to occupy and
provides purpose and unity of effort to the
defend BP 10 oriented in EA Blue on TRPs
obst