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Size of obstacle required to meet the

obstacle intent.

the same obstacle emplacement asset in sev-

eral TAIs with the expectation that the

Location of the obstacle.

enemy target will appear in only one. How-

Accuracy of the emplacement asset.

ever, the unit controlling the obstacle

Trigger for obstacle execution and the

emplacement capability must understand

DP.

which obstacle has priority, should the situa-

Time for the enemy to move from the

tion call for the same asset in different loca-

NAI to the TAI.

tions at the same time. The commander and

Time to commit the obstacle emplace-

staff must ensure that the element with the

ment asset to the TAI.

Situational Obstacles 7-7

FM 90-7

Time for the asset to emplace the obsta-

location of the obstacle required and the

cle.

requirement for accuracy in emplacing the

Arming and SD time for SCATMINEs,

obstacle. For example, locations far forward

if applicable.

of friendly positions or behind enemy posi-

Time for allocated fires or force to cover

tions may eliminate the possibility of using

the TAI.

conventional obstacles or ground-emplaced

SCATMINEs. The large size requirements

Availability of the obstacle emplace-

of an obstacle could eliminate the use of

ment asset.

ADAM/RAAM. The accuracy required may

C2 requirements, to include observa-

also eliminate ADAM/RAAM or Gator from

tion of the NAI and reporting responsi-

consideration.

bilities.

The trigger and time considerations reflect

The staff considers the feasibility of

the necessity of having the obstacle

using obstacle assets based on the size and

emplaced and armed before the enemy

7-8 Situational Obstacles

FM 90-7

arrives at the TAI. The commander must be

DECISION AND EXECUTION

able to—

The staff provides subordinate units with

Decide to emplace the obstacle.

information on the situational obstacle plan

Move the asset to the TAI.

in the scheme of obstacles overlay and the

Emplace the obstacle, to include ensur-

situational obstacle execution matrix. Sub-

ing that it is armed and has not

unit instructions or the operational execu-

reached its SD time.

tion matrix refer appropriate subunits to the

Ensure that the TAI is covered by

situational obstacle matrix.

friendly fires before the enemy arrives.

The staff must select an obstacle design and

Scheme-of-Obstacles Overlay

emplacement asset that can meet the time

As with reserve obstacles, the staff uses the

requirements.

obstacle effect graphic and the specific indi-

The availability of an emplacement asset is

vidual obstacle symbols (because the com-

a major consideration. The staff identifies

mander normally intends to use a specific

other mission requirements that may com-

type of individual obstacle). This ensures

pete for the same asset. For example, the

that the force attacking the enemy in the

artillery may not be able to fire ADAM/

TAI and the unit emplacing the obstacle

RAAM at the expected point in the battle

understand the intent of the obstacle.

because of other mission requirements.

The staff also determines who will observe

Situational-Obstacle-Execution Matrix

the event that triggers the situational-

The situational-obstacle-execution matrix is

obstacle execution. The unit must clearly

identify the observer and a backup observer.

similar to other obstacle-execution matrixes

If situational obstacles are tasked to subor-

(see Figure 7-6, page 7-10). Information nor-dinate units, they must have the observation

mally shown on the matrix includes—

platform to identify the target. The unit

Zone/belt/group designation and indi-

must also identify clear and concise execu-

vidual obstacle numbers.

tion criteria and ensure that communication

Location (to include TAI designation

links are understood. Control procedures

and exact grid coordinates), effect, and

should be clearly established. For example,

priority.

if the higher commander retains the obstacle

Emplacing and owning unit.

at his level, the C2 needed to gain approval

Trigger for the obstacle.

at a later time should be clearly defined.

NAI/DP for the obstacle.

The staff relies on the expertise of special

Emplacing asset and its source.

staff officers, depending on the assets

Unit responsible for observing and

needed, to emplace the obstacle. The engi-

reporting on the NAVDP.

neer may work closely with the ALO or air

Any special instructions for each group.

mission commander in planning the delivery

of air Volcano mines in the right configura-

tion to achieve the desired effect. When

Rehearsals

planning ADAM/RAAM use, the FSO and

Once the order is published, the next

FSCOORD are involved to ensure that the

step is to rehearse the execution of the

batteries are in position at the right place

obstacle. The focus of the rehearsal is to

and time with the right mix of ammunition

confirm the timing requirements and

to emplace the minefield.

ensure that all persons involved in the

Situational Obstacles 7-9

FM 90-7

7-10 Situational Obstacles

FM 90-7

obstacle execution understand their respon-

the NAI to the TAI. If possible, it does this

sibilities. The situational-obstacle rehearsal

by actually moving subunits from the NAI to

normally is conducted as part of a larger

the TAI at a doctrinal enemy movement

rehearsal, although each situational obstacle

rate. It modifies the movement rate based

is covered.

on expected weather and light conditions.

The unit may need to adjust the location of

There may be several different rehearsals at

the observation platform that is observing

several different levels, For example, a TF

the NAI, based on the terrain or expected

and an artillery battalion rehearsal might

weather or light conditions. The location of

include the same ADAM/RAAM target. An

the NAI or DP may require marking with a

air Volcano minefield might be covered dur-

TRP.

ing a brigade rehearsal and the aviation unit

rehearsal.

Next, the unit verifies how long it will take to

commit the obstacle asset to the target loca-

The intent of the rehearsal is to synchronize

the execution of the obstacle. The unit veri-

tion. This includes the time required to—

fies and refines the timing requirements

Report the trigger (enemy arrival at

considered during obstacle design (see

the NAI or friendly action that serves

Figure 7-7). First, if the trigger includes an as the trigger).

enemy action, the unit determines the

Decide to execute.

time required for the enemy to move from

Order the execution.

Situational Obstacles 7-11

FM 90-7

Move the emplacing asset to a location

reduce emplacement time. The unit may

where it can begin emplacing.

change the DP location by accepting risk

The unit confirms the emplacement time of

and putting the DP farther out than the NAI

and deciding to execute based on a probable

the obstacle. This may be determined by an

rather than a confirmed enemy action. The

actual physical rehearsal (such as how long

unit also can change emplacement asset

it will take a ground Volcano system to drive

numbers or locations, such as increasing the

the obstacle trace or a similar piece of ter-

number of firing batteries for ADAM/RAAM

rain). The unit may need to estimate the

or positioning emplacing systems closer to

emplacement time, based on previous experi-

the obstacle location.

ence or training, such as in the case of artil-

lery-delivered ADAM/RAAM.

The unit also compares the emplacement

time with the time required to integrate

If the unit uses SCATMINEs for the situa-

fires and maneuver with the obstacle. The

tional obstacle, it figures arming time into

unit ensures that the time requirements

the total time required for emplacement. For

allow it to synchronize the effects of the

example, it takes 45 minutes for a Flipper

obstacle with fires on the enemy at the TAI.

mine to arm. Another time factor the unit

Another important element to consider dur-

considers is the duration of the effect. The

ing the rehearsal is the availability of

SD time for short duration ADAM/RAAM, for

assets. The staff must ensure that the assets

instance, is four hours from the time the

necessary to emplace the situational obsta-

mine is armed (the first mines will begin to

cle are available for the mission. During the

SD after 3.2 hours). Consequently, it is

rehearsal, it is very important to determine

important that the obstacle is not executed

the availability of the asset and potential

too early.

situations where the asset may not be avail-

Once the unit verifies the total time required

able. The priorities for all emplacing assets

for the situational-obstacle execution, it com-

must be very clear.

pares this time with the time required for

enemy movement from the NAI to the TAI. If

Execution

the time to execute exceeds the enemy move-

Situational obstacles provide a tremendous

ment time, the unit may need to modify

capability to the unit. The success of situa-

the emplacement plan. The unit may change

tional obstacles depends on a good plan,

the design of the obstacle, such as reducing

rehearsed preparation, and disciplined exe-

the density of a scatterable minefield to

cution.

7-12 Situational Obstacles

FM 90-7

Chapter 8

Protective

Obstacles

Protective obstacles are obstacles that com- final assault. Base cluster and installation manders use to protect soldiers, equipment, commanders may emplace hasty protective supplies, and facilities from enemy attacks or obstacles to protect against all levels of other threats. These other threats range from threat when they occupy sites temporarily enemy surveillance to the theft of supplies or until they can plan and emplace deliber-and equipment by noncombatants. In tactical ate protective obstacles.

operations, protective obstacles provide

friendly forces with close-in protection and

help finish the enemy’s complete destruction.

DELIBERATE PROTECTIVE OBSTACLES

However, in OOTW, protective obstacles may These are protective obstacles that are focus primarily on preventing unauthorized more permanent and require more detailed access to facilities and installations by civil- planning and usually a greater expenditure ians, rather than assisting in the destruction of resources. Units employ deliberate pro-of an enemy force.

tective obstacles in strongpoints or at

relatively fixed sites. During tactical opera-

TYPES OF PROTECTIVE

tions, company teams and platoons

OBSTACLES

may emplace deliberate protective

obstacles if they have considerable time

There are two types of protective obstacles.

available. For example, forces that conduct

They are—

early entry operations before the onset

Hasty protective obstacles.

of hostilities may have time to con-

Deliberate protective obstacles.

struct deliberate protective obstacles. Dur-

ing OOTW, units emplace deliberate

HASTY PROTECTIVE OBSTACLES

protective obstacles as part of their force

These protective obstacles are temporary in protection plan.

nature. They are obstacles that soldiers can

rapidly emplace and recover or destroy. Pla-

EMPLOYMENT GUIDELINES

toons and company teams employ hasty pro-

tective obstacles next to their positions to There are basic guidelines that apply to protect the defending force from the enemy’s protective obstacles, some of which apply to Protective Obstacles 8-1

FM 90-7

tactical obstacles as well. These guidelines

EMPLACING AUTHORITY

are—

Unlike tactical obstacles, the emplacement

Obstacles do not stand alone.

authority for protective obstacles is not nor-

The owning unit is normally the

mally tied to obstacle-control measures.

emplacing unit.

Higher commanders authorize subordinates

Emplacement authority is not tied to

to emplace protective obstacles outside of

obstacle-control measures.

obstacle zones, belts, or groups with mini-

Planning occurs at the company-team

mal restrictions. Commanders may specify

and base commander level.

in SOPs that subordinates can emplace pro-

Planning includes resourcing that is tective obstacles except as restricted in sub-separate from tactical obstacles.

sequent OPORDs.

Obstacles are reported, recorded, and

tracked.

PLANNING LEVEL

INTEGRATING

Planning occurs at the company team and

base-cluster commander level.

Company

Protective obstacles do not provide protec-

team commanders plan protective obstacles

tion by themselves. In tactical operations,

to support their defensive positions. The

leaders integrate protective obstacles with

lack of a staff and limited time usually

direct and indirect fires and observation. As

require that the company team commander

with tactical obstacles, integration with

plan only hasty protective obstacles. Base

friendly fires is critical if the obstacle is to be cluster and installation commanders con-effective and destroy the enemy force.

duct detailed planning for deliberate protec-

In OOTW, integrating fires and destroying

tive obstacles around their sites.

an enemy force may not be considered if the

obstacles are to prevent noncombatants from

RESOURCING

accessing a facility or installation; however,

the obstacles must remain under constant

Units plan resourcing separately for protec-

observation. Leaders must also allocate suf-

tive and tactical obstacles. They plan for suf-

ficient force to protect the integrity of the

ficient Class IV and Class V obstacle

obstacle, consistent with the rules of engage-

material to emplace the protective obstacles.

ment for the operation.

They may transport and collocate these

materials with those for tactical obstacles;

however, the material allocation to subordi-

EMPLACING UNIT

nate units is planned separately from tacti-

The unit that occupies a position generally

cal obstacles. Also, most units carry a basic

emplaces its own protective obstacles. Engi-

load of Class IV and Class V materials spe-

neers provide technical expertise and equip-

cifically for protective obstacles. This basic

ment, as required. Commanders focus

load is only enough for rudimentary hasty

engineer effort on tactical obstacles, but

protective obstacles. Staffs from corps to TF

engineers may be responsible for installing

level plan to push obstacle material to sub-

protective obstacles, especially for large

ordinate units so that the materials are

installations or compounds or in support of a

available early during preparation of a

strongpoint.

defense.

8-2 Protective Obstacles

FM 90-7

REPORTING, RECORDING, AND TRACKING

enemy is very detailed because it focuses

Units report, record, and track protective

only on the area and threat around subunit

obstacles as described in Appendix B. Unlike locations.

tactical obstacles, owning units recover pro-

During protective-obstacle planning, units

tective obstacles, or transfers them to a

evaluate the area around their positions out

relieving unit, before leaving an area. Some-

to about 500 meters (METT-T dependent).

times, units may be forced to abandon protec- Although they can conduct an initial evaluative obstacles. Units report any of these

tion by map, the unit must conduct physical

events on a case-by-case basis.

reconnaissance of the area. They incorporate

threat considerations during this evalua-

tion. Some considerations are—

PROTECTIVE-OBSTACLE PLANNING

The likelihood of an assault against the

Units develop protective-obstacle plans as

position.

part of the decision-making process. They

The type of enemy forces that can, and

make detailed plans for protective obstacles

are most likely to, operate in the area.

after they have decided on a COA. At com-

Mounted and dismounted AAs into or

pany team level, for example, this includes

within the position.

selection of the location and orientation of

Templated methods and weapon sys-

platoon positions. For base cluster or instal-

tems the enemy can employ for close

lation commanders, this might include

assault.

selecting base locations or fixed installation

Dead space and natural lines of drift

sites. (For clarity, all subunit positions, loca-

for an attacker.

tions, or sites are referred to as positions for

Possible assault positions or other posi-

the remainder of this chapter.) The following

tions favoring the templated attacker.

paragraphs contain a technique for planning

protective obstacles.

Protective-Obstacle Bands

To evaluate the area close to a position for

MISSION ANALYSIS

protective obstacles, it is useful to segment

Units determine their authority to emplace

the area into bands. Figure 8-1, page 8-4, protective obstacles from the higher HQ’s

shows a sample area divided into four

OPORD. Units also determine if the higher

bands. METT-T drives the number and

HQ has placed any restrictions on the types

dimensions of each band.

or locations of protective obstacles or if the Band One. This band is farthest from the higher HQ’s scheme of maneuver implies the position, normally 300 to 500 meters away.

need for restrictions on protective obstacles.

Primary threat considerations are heavy

Units at every level conduct continuous IPB

weapons, such as tank or infantry fighting

activities during planning. Following selec-

vehicle (IFV) main guns, heavy or medium

tion of a COA, units conduct detailed terrain hand-held AT weapons, and heavy machine analysis of the area adjacent to planned or

guns. Another consideration is the location

actual subunit locations. They also analyze of possible enemy assault positions.

the threat to subunits. They figure out threat Band Two. This band is from beyond 30

capabilities, vulnerabilities, and potential

meters to 300 meters away. Primary