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WAR DEPARTMENT
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
JANUARY 31, 1941
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, January 31, 1941 .
PM 5-5, Engineer Field Manual, Troops and Operations, is
published for the information and guidance of all concerned.
[A. G. 062.11 (6-3-40) .1
By order op the Secretary op War:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff,
Official :
E. S. ADAMS,
Major General,
The Adjutant General .
Distribution:
D 2, 7, 17 (3) ; B 2, 6, 7, 17 (3) ; R 5 (10) ; Bn 5 (5) ;
C 5 (10).
n
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1. General. Paragraphs Page
Section I. General 1-4 1
II. Units 6^-8 7
III. Organization 9-14 12
IV. Equipment and armament 15-19 28
V, Training 20-28 31
VI. Combat 29-34 36
Chapter 2. Engineers with Infantry Units.
Section I. Combat battalion 35-40 44
II. Combat regiment, square divi-
sion 4W8 53
III. Operations 49-55 56
Chapter 3. Engineers with Cavalry and Ar-
mored Units.
Section I. Squadron, cavalry division 56-60 63
n. Battalion, armored division 61-66 66
Chapter 4. Nondivisional General Units.
Section I. Corps combat regiment 67-73 74
II. General service regiment 74-76 77
III. Aviation regiment 77-82 79
IV. Separate battalion 83-87 84
Chapter 5. Camouflage Units.
Section I. General 88-91 87
n. Army camouflage battalion 92-97 88
III. GHQ camouflage battalion 98-104 92
Chapter 6. Ponton Units.
Section I. Light ponton company 105-108 98
II. Heavy ponton battalion 109-113 105
Chapter 7. Railway and Inland Waterway Units.
Section I. Organization of military railways
and inland waterways, theater
of operations 114-121 110
II. Railway Units 122-126 114
III. Headquarters, inland waterways. 127-130 121
Chapter 8. Mapping Units.
Section I. General 131-135 124
II. Corps topographic company 136-142 126
III. Army topographic battalion 143-151 128
IV. GHQ topographic battalion 152-154 135
Chapter 9. Supply Units.
Section I. General 155 138
II. Water supply battalion 156-167 138
III. Depot company 168-171 144
IV. Mobile shop company 172-175 148
V. Dump truck company 176-179 151
Chapter 10. Troop Movements, Shelters and
Camps.
Section I. Troop movements 185-193 154
n. Shelters and camps 194-201 166
III. Engineer assistance to large units
for movements and shelters. _ 202-207 172
m
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 11. Supply, Paragraphs Page
Section I. Supplies and supply system 208-212 177
II. Trains 213-219 186
HI. Operations 220-232 189
IV. Map supply 233-241 203
Chapter 12. Traffic Circulation.
Section I. Control 242-247 210
II. Considerations affecting plans 248-253 215
III. Formulation of plans 254K257 221
Chapter 13. Operations and Technique.
Section I. Military operations, except river
crossings 258H275 230
IT River crossing operations 276-283 248
III, Reconnaissance 284r-293 260
IV. Estimates, orders, annexes, and
reports 294—304 274
Appendix I. References 285
IT Abbreviated Tables of Organiza-
tion 290
III. Check lists 375
Index 381
IV
FM 5-5
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
(This manual supersedes Engineer Field Manual, volume I, July
26, 1932.)
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL
Paragraphs
Section I. General 1-4
II. Units 5-8
III. Organization 9-14
IV. Equipment and armament 15-19
V. Training 20-28
VI. Combat 29-34
Section I
GENERAL
■ 1. Mission. — The mission of engineers in war is to increase
the combat effectiveness of the other arms through the execu-
tion of work to —
a. Facilitate movement of our troops.
t>. Impede movement of the enemy.
c. Provide for shelter and comfort of our troops.
■ 2. Duties (see AR 100-5) . — a. In theater of operations . —
(1) Engineers facilitate movement of our troops by —
(a) Removal or passage of obstacles.
(Z>) Execution of demolitions and creation of obstacles for
protection of flanks and rear against hostile raiding parties.
(c) Provision of bridges or other means for crossing
streams.
(d) Construction and repair of roads.
(e) Repair, extension, and operation of railroads.
(/) Provision of port facilities for movement by water and
maintenance and operation of inland waterways.
($0 Construction of landing fields, base and protective
facilities for movement by air and aerial operations.
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CORPS OF ENGINEERS
(h) Production, reproduction, and distribution of maps and
map substitutes to plan and guide the military effort as a
whole.
(2) Engineers impede movement of the enemy by execution
of demolitions and creation of obstacles; they increase combat
power of other arms by furnishing technical assistance, tools,
and engineer supplies for construction of defensive field
works and camouflage, and by construction of works requir-
ing special equipment and training; and finally they may be
committed to combat.
(3) In addition to the primary missions given above, engi-
neers contribute to the health and sustenance of troops by
providing for their shelter and water supply, together with
utilities and incidental installations (except signal communi-
cation).
b. In zone of the interior . — While engineers may be charged
with duties in the zone of the interior similar to those in the
theater of operations in connection with strictly military oper-
ations, they are charged with additional duties as follows:
(1) Providing defensive and protective works by —
(a) Joint participation in selection of sites.
(b) Preparation of plans and estimates.
(c) Construction and repair of fortifications, including
installation and maintenance of such accessories therefor as
searchlights, electric power and lighting systems, and fire-
control systems.
id) Developing camouflage technique and protective plans
for the passive aerial defense of vital military and industrial
installations.
(2) Preparing, reproducing, and distributing military maps,
including —
(a) Cooperation with other Government and private, map-
ping agencies.
(b) Reconnoitering and surveying for military purposes.
(3) Developing, procuring, storing, and issuing certain
classes of supplies and equipment.
(4) Executing river and harbor improvements and such
other civil works as may be assigned by law or by executive
order.
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TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
3
■ 3. Unit Relations op Engineers. — a. General. — Engineer
troops form part of the organization of all large tactical units
down to include the division, and are also assigned as needed
to certain headquarters in the communications zone and the
zone of the interior. The term “unit” is used herein to denote
those larger units of all arms of which the engineers form a
component part such as division, corps, army, etc.
b. Unit engineer. — Within each such unit or headquarters
engineer troops assigned thereto are commanded by an en-
gineer officer termed the “unit engineer.”
(1) Unit engineers of the several territorial and tactical
subdivisions have the following designations:
(a) Theater of operations, chief engineer.
(b) Communications zone, engineer, communications zone.
(c) Section, communications zone, section engineer.
(d) Army, army engineer.
(e) Corps, corps engineer.
(/) Division, division engineer.
(2) Engineer troops may also be assigned or attached to
any troop unit, combat team, or other tactical grouping.
Under such conditions the engineer officer commanding these
engineer troops will perform the duties and have the respon-
sibilities of a unit engineer (see par. 9) insofar as is necessary.
c. No statement of the duties of engineer troops should
be construed as limiting the authority of a unit commander.
d. To derive the greatest benefit from engineers the follow-
ing practices should be observed:
(1) Employment of engineer troops. — Engineers should be
employed primarily on work requiring technical skill or special
equipment, and should be assigned tasks suited to their equip-
ment and strength in accordance with priorities based on the
importance of the work to the entire unit. Unit commanders
should provide engineers with any additional transportation
or working parties from other arms needed to accomplish as-
signed tasks in accordance with priority schedules. See also
paragraph 259.
(2> Execution of engineer work by troops of other arms. —
Whenever an engineer officer is charged with execution of
works requiring labor by troops not under his command, he
should requisition the necessary troops from his unit or im-
3
3
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
mediate commander. This requisition should specify the num-
ber of officers and men required, together with the time and
place, and the name of the engineer officer to whom they will
report. The commander of the requisitioned troops should
provide officers and noncommissioned officers required to effect
execution of the work in accordance with the technical in-
structions given by the engineer officer in charge. The en-
gineer officer in charge, either directly or through officers or
noncommissioned officers representing him, should point out
on the ground what is to be done and should provide the
necessary technical assistants (see AR 100-5) .
(3) Normally all work of organization of the ground, in-
cluding obstacles and mine fields for close-in defense and
camouflage, is executed by the troops who are to occupy and
defend the work. Engineer troops furnish necessary engineer
tools, supplies, and technical advice and assistance. Engi-
neers are used to create obstacles and mine fields on exposed
flanks and in the rear and other works which distinctly bene-
fit the command as a whole or require special skill and equip-
ment. Siting and construction of rearward defensive posi-
tions are frequently delegated to engineers.
(4) Demolitions. — (a) When and in what tactical situa-
tions to prepare vital structures such as important bridges for
demolition is a major decision of the commander of the
forces affected. In a retrograde movement failure to effect
important demolitions or partial destruction of communica-
tions in the hope that they may be used later when our own
forces resume the attack is seldom justified. The probable re-
sult will be that advance of the enemy will not be hampered
as much as it might have been, and that he will execute com-
plete destruction if forced to withdraw in turn. Small hostile
armored forces or fighting groups and parachutists trans-
ported by air can seize and hold vital objectives such as
bridges for limited periods for the purpose of assisting the
rapid advance of hostile main forces or destroying such objec-
tives to deny their use by our own forces.
(b) Once prepared, the moment of effecting demolitions
assumes grave importance, and responsibility for ordering the
execution thereof must be definitely fixed. Major demoli-
tions such as destruction of vital bridges will be executed only
4
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS 3-4
in accordance with the orders of the commander of the forces
affected. The execution of less important demolitions may
be left to the discretion of local commanders. The engineer
officer detailed to prepare and execute a demolition should be
given orders in writing stating both the title of the officer
designated to give the order to fire the demolition, and also
the special emergency circumstances in which the demolition
will be fired should the officer indicated not be available.
(c) In any general plan of demolitions, there must be pro-
vided a system of communication, capable of functioning
under the most adverse conditions, between the responsible
tactical commander and the engineer demolition parties at
various sites. Only in this manner, coupled with accurate
information of location and movements of friendly forces,
can premature demolition or capture of vital crossings by the
enemy be avoided. Nevertheless, the commander of each
demolition party must take such security measures as are
necessary to prevent his surprise by fire or assault from any
direction. When it is apparent to the demolition party com-
mander that the structure cannot be kept from falling into
enemy hands, it should be destroyed. A plan of retirement
should provide for floating bridges or other emergency meas-
ures to cross rear-guard troops that have been cut off rather
than temporize in such situations.
(5) Engineers as combat reserve . — When combat is immi-
nent, engineers may be ordered to be prepared to assemble on
short notice as a general reserve. However, such action
should be taken only after carefully weighing their limited
value in combat against the limitations imposed by restrict-
ing their freedom of action in performing valuable engineer
work as well as its complete suspension. When sent into
action as infantry they should be committed as a unit under
their own commander.
■ 4. Basis for Engineer Planning. — To effect the maximum
coordination with other arms and to render them the greatest
service possible, engineers should base their actions upon the
following considerations:
a. Priorities . — The first necessity in engineer planning is
a clear determination of priorities of engineer work. Such
priorities are based upon the needs of the unit as a whole to
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4
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
fulfill its tactical mission in the most efficient and coordi-
nated manner. Normally the priority of engineer tasks in
any situation is determined by the unit engineer based on
study of the tactical plan and consultation with the general
and special staffs. However, in case of conflict or doubt,
the unit engineer should obtain a clear determination of
the relative importance of tasks, securing approval of the
unit commander if necessary. Only in this manner can the
work be kept within the scope of possible performance and
the engineer effort properly conserved and applied.
b. Simplicity . — All work of engineers in war should be
simple in conception, design, and execution. No construction
should be better than is necessary to meet bare require-
ments. It should be accomplished with greatest possible
economy of material and force in minimum time, and plans
therefor should be flexible to meet priorities changing with
the tactical situation. For most structures, factors of safety
can be extremely low and standards of durability limited.
Standardization is desirable and will facilitate work in rear
areas; however, in advanced areas economy of materials and
transportation may often dictate a deviation from standard
design and resort to expedients utilizing locally available
resources. Officers and men alike must be trained in locat-
ing materials by engineer reconnaissance, and in employing
maximum ingenuity, resourcefulness, and common sense.
c. Supply - — The enormous tonnage of engineer supplies
required in active operations of any magnitude makes it im-
perative to limit drastically the number of items to be
stocked through maximum use of standardization and use of
designs of the utmost simplicity. Local resources in such
supplies should be fully exploited in order to economize still
further in transportation, especially in moving situations.
d. Decentralization . — Tasks should be laid out in ad-
vance and assigned to specific units. Variety and range of
engineer tasks result in wide dispersion of engineer troops.
Best results are obtained by decentralizing reponsibility for
execution, delegating authority, and encouraging initiative.
Control is centralized under one head and effort is coordi-
nated by frequent inspections and periodic reports.
6
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
4-6
e. Reconnaissance. — Systematic engineer reconnaissance is
a continuing duty in order to permit careful anticipatory
planning.
/. Security. — Unless special provisions are made, engineers
at work are responsible for their own local security (see par.
34.)
g. Distribution . — The bulk of the engineer work is found
behind the area occupied by the front-line divisions and is
executed by engineers of the corps, the army, and the com-
munications zone. It is here that major construction proj-
ects and heavy work on routes of communication must be
executed. With front-line divisions, engineer work is of
pioneer and temporary nature to meet immediate needs.
Section II
UNITS
■ 5. Classification. — Engineer units are classified as general,
special, and headquarters.
a. General troop units . — Trained for general engineer work
and perform most of the engineer work in the theater of
operations.
b. Special troop units. — Trained for and perform their spe-
cial technical engineer tasks.
c. Characteristics. — All engineer troop units have certain
characteristics in common pertaining to their organization,
equipment, armament, training, and combat functions. These
common characteristics discussed in the following sections
supplement special instructions contained in succeeding chap-
ters covering the different types and technical duties of
general and special engineer units.
d. Engineer headquarters. — Provided for area commands,
for tactical units higher than the division, and for railway
operation and other special engineer activities. Division engi-
neer headquarters is provided by the organic engineer
component of the division.
■ 6. Types. — a. General engineer troops . — (1) Combat baf-
talion. — Organically assigned to the triangular infantry divi-
sion. it consists of a headquarters, headquarters company.
7
6
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
and three lettered companies. It is completely motorized,
including motors for all personnel.
(2) Combat regiment ( square division). — Organically as-
signed to the square infantry division. It consists of a head-
quarters, headquarters and service company, and two bat-
talions of three lettered companies each. It is completely
motorized, Including motors for all personnel.
(3) Squadron. — Organically assigned to the cavalry divi-
sion. It consists of a headquarters, headquarters and service
troop, and two lettered troops. It is completely motorized, in-
cluding motors for all personnel.
(4) Engineer battalion (armored). — Organically assigned
to the armored division. It consists of a headquarters and
service company, three lettered companies, and a bridge com-
pany. It is completely motorized, including motors for all
personnel.
(5) Combat regiment (corps). — Organically assigned to the
corps. In general, it is organized similarly to the divisional
combat regiment, square division, but is equipped for heavier
work than is the divisional combat regiment.- It is completely
motorized, including motors for all personnel.
(6) General service regiment. — Organically assigned to
army and higher echelons. Its organization and equipment
are in general similar to those of the combat regiment (corps)
It does not have motor transportation for all personnel.
(7) Engineer regiment (aviation). — Organically assigned
to the GHQ Air Force, and executes general engineer work
for air force units thereof. It consists of a headquarters,
headquarters and service company, and three battalions each
of a headquarters, headquarters company, and three lettered
companies. It is completely motorized, including motors for
personnel. It is equipped with a large amount of heavy equip-
ment for leveling and paving landing fields.
(8) Separate battalion. — Organically assigned to army and
higher echelons. It consists of a headquarters and service
company and four lettered companies. It has a smaller per-
centage of officers, smaller overhead, and fewer occupational
specialists than other general engineer units. It does not
have transportation for personnel.
8
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
6
b. Special engineer troops. — Where the need is so great as
to require additional special troops such units as forestry,
mining, inland waterway service, or other special units may
be organized. Special engineer units normally provided are —
(1) Camouflage. — (a) Army camouflage ’battalion . — Pri-
marily for camouflage inspection, discipline, and training in
the army areas.
<b) GHQ camouflage battalion. — Primarily for camouflage
manufacture and supply in rear of army areas.
(2) Ponton. — (a) Light ponton company. — Equipped with
the light ponton that provides a 10 -ton bridge that will take
normal division loads and can be reinforced for heavier loads.
It contains three units of equipage, each providing a bridge
250 feet long.
(b) Heavy ponton battalion < — Equipped with the heavy
ponton used for a bridge of 25 -ton capacity. It contains
equipage for four bridges, each 250 feet long.
(3) Railway . — (a) Railway operating battalion. — Operates
and maintains a railway division of from 50 to 120 miles, and
includes a company for train operation, a company for main-
tenance of way, and a company for light shop operation.
(b) Railway shop battalion. — Handles the heavy shop work
of several railway operating battalions. Its shop equipment
is not mobile.
(4) Mapping . — (a) Corps topographic company. — Makes,
procures, and reproduces maps for the corps. It increases the
density and extends control for field artillery fire. It is
equipped with mobile printing and photographic equipment
mounted in van-type trailers.
(b) Army topographic battalion. — Makes, procures, and
reproduces maps for the army. It includes units for survey,
topography and drafting, and a portable map reproduction
plant,
(c) GHQ topographic battalion. — Similar to the army bat-
talion except that its primary function is map reproduction
and printing. Its reproduction plant contains heavier ma-
chinery and has less mobility.
(5) Supply , maintenance , and transportation. — (a) Water
supply battalion. —Equipped to pump, purify, store, and trans-
9
6-8 CORPS OF ENGINEERS
port water. It includes 15 tank truck sections of six 750-gallon
tank trucks each, and 9 mobile water purification units.
(b) Depot company. — Operates engineer depots and other
engineer supply points. It contains three depot platoons.
(c) Mobile shop company. — Executes 3d echelon mainte-
nance for all equipment for which the engineers have mainte-
nance responsibility.
( d ) Dump truck company. — Transports road and other
materials for engineer operations.
c. Engineer headquarters. — Provide personnel and special
engineer equipment for offices of unit engineers and their
staffs. Engineer headquarters are provided for the corps,
army, communications zone and its section, GHQ, and GHQ
Air Force.
d. Special engineer headquarters. — Railway headquarters
and railway grand division headquarters control the opera-
tion of military railways in the theater of operations. Inland
waterways and other headquarters are organized to form the
command groups for inland waterways and other special
operations as necessary.
■ 7. Assignment. — a. Engineer troops are assigned to division
and higher units or headquarters in such numbers that it will
not normally be necessary to divert other troops to engineer
tasks. The number and types of engineer units so assigned
depend on size and composition of the division or higher unit,
and on amount and type of engineer work involved in the
particular situation.
b. Normal assignments of engineer units to various large
units and headquarters are shown in table I, appendix II,
including totals for their assignment to a balanced GHQ
force.
■ 8. Employment. — a. Divisional engineers execute all engi-
neer work in the division areas except those tasks taken over
by corps engineers or otherwise excepted from divisional
control. The work of divisional engineers can and must
satisfy only the most immediate tactical requirements and
hence is frequently of a temporary nature hurriedly done
with whatever materials are readily available. When the
situation demands, divisional engineers may be reinforced
10
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
8
by attachments of engineer^ units from corps or higher
echelons.
b. Corps engineers execute all engineer work within the
corps areas in rear of the component divisions. They nor-
mally extend their responsibility for construction and main-
tenance of roads and bridges into the rear of division areas
so as to free divisional engineers for work in the most ad-
vanced areas. The work of corps engineers is less dependent
on the immediate tactical situation than is the work of the
divisional engineers, and hence is usually of a more perma-
nent nature and more extensive. Heavy, intricate, or exten-
sive work required within the corps areas may be turned over
to army engineers, or the corps engineers may be reinforced
by attachments of engineer units from army or GHQ reserve.
If a corps is acting independently, it must be reinforced by
such engineer units as are required to perform tasks usually
handled by army engineers.
c. Army engineers execute all engineer work within the
combat zone in rear of the corps areas. They frequently take
over construction and maintenance of some routes of com-
munication and performance of some special tasks in corps
areas in order to free corps engineers for work farther for-
ward, Army engineer work is generally more dependent on
strategic requirements than on tactical situations, hence the
type of construction is of a more permanent nature than
that performed in the corps areas and is preceded by more
comprehensive planning. Army engineers are reinforced
from GHQ reserve as circumstances demand.
d. GHQ reserve engineers are provided to meet all con-
tingencies beyond the capacities of the engineers allotted to
the armies and lower units. They include sufficient engineers
to accomplish all engineer work in the communications zone,
plus a reserve of engineers available as reinforcements or for
separate missions under GHQ.
e. GHQ Air Force engineers are provided to perform any
engineer work, particularly extensive leveling, grading, drain-
ing, and construction of facilities needed for air fields used
by the GHQ Air Force.
11
9
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Section IH
ORGANIZATION
■ 9. Headquarters. — Engineer headquarters are separate
organizations contained in the corps and higher units.
Division engineer headquarters is organically part of the
engineer troop complement of the division. Regimental
and battalion engineer headquarters are organically part of
those units and are discussed in paragraphs 10 and 11. An
engineer headquarters organization consists essentially of
the unit engineer and his staff.
a. Unit engineer (see par. 3). — (1) Duties . — The unit en-
gineer is responsible for carrying out within the area over
which his unit commander has control (see fig. 1) the duties
prescribed for engineers (see par. 2), except those which may
have been taken over by higher echelons or otherwise ex-
empted by higher authority. The unit engineer is a mem-
ber of the special staff of the unit commander, and is in
command of all engineer troops directly assigned to the unit,
but not of those assigned to subordinate units.
(a) As the engineer officer on the special staff of the
unit commander, he advises the latter on matters pertain-
ing to the accomplishment of the engineer mission (see par.
1). He coordinates the work of all engineer troops by prep-
aration of plans and orders generally issued in the form
of annexes by the unit commander. He is responsible as a
staff officer for plans and preparation of certain general in-
structions for troops of all arms in matters closely related
to engineer work such as traffic control, regulations for use
of bridges, etc. He is also responsible for the supply of en-
gineer equipment and materials to the units. For a list of
detailed duties, see FM 101-5.
(b) In his capacity as commander of organic and attached
engineer troops, he is responsible for initiation and execution
of all engineer work necessary to further the tactical and
strategic operation of the unit (see AR 100-5) ,
(2) Functional relation (see fig. 2). — (a) The relationship
between the unit engineer of any unit and the unit engineer
of a subordinate unit is not one of command. Any instruc-
tions he desires carried out by lower units must be incorpo-
12
9
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
rated in the orders of his unit commander. Every unit en-
gineer haS authority to make technical inspections of en-
gineering work in progress in the area controlled by his unit
commander even though the troops engaged on such work are
not under his command. He also has authority to call for such
technical reports as are necessary direct from engineers of
14
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
9
subordinate units. It is his duty to supervise by means of
these inspections and reports the work of the subordinate
units to the extent necessary to insure its execution in accord-
ance with plans of the unit commander (see FM 101-5.) A
spirit of cooperation between the unit engineers of all echelons
is essential.
(b) The unit engineer confers with other members of the
special staff in preparation of plans or projects in which they
may be concerned so that when a plan is presented to the unit
commander for approval it will carry as full concurrence as
possible. The unit engineer keeps in close touch with com-
manders of all other components of his unit. By so doing he
develops an understanding of the engineer requirements of
these components and is able to give sound advice and timely
assistance in solution of their problems.
b. Staff. — (1) Size . — The size of the staff of an engineer
headquarters depends on the size of the unit to which it per-
tains and the extent and responsibility of engineer operations.
(2) Functional relation . — Staff officers, although charged
with duties and functions which apply to the unit as a whole,
must constantly bear in mind that these duties and functions
are primarily the responsibility of the unit commanders. Any
directions or instructions issued to subordinate staffs or units
must be transmitted through the proper channels of com-
mand, and not between corresponding staff officers of higher
and lower units. Staff officers render professional assistance
to unit engineers and act as their agents in harmonizing plans
and operations. In their relationship with subordinate en-
gineer commanders (organic and attached) , staff officers must
remember that, without responsibility, they have no preroga-
tives of authority.
(3) Organization . — The staff consists of an executive officer
and four sections, personnel and administrative, intelligence,
plans and training, and supply. In staffs of regiments and
smaller units these sections are termed S-l, S~2, S-3, and
S-A, and in divisions and larger units G-l, G--2, G-3, and
G-4, respectively. Due to the increased scope and technique
of engineer duties in the army and higher units, these four
sections constitute an “executive staff” group, and a second
staff group is added known as the “engineering staff.” In the
15
9
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
16
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
9
17
(T/O 5-601—1) .
AIDE Total tlrtngth
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
9
19
9
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
20
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
g
21
Figure 8- — Engineer headquarters, GHQ Air Force (T/O 5-400-1).
9
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
corps and below, the “executive staff” alone constitutes the
staff of the unit engineer (see Pigs. 3 to 8, incl.) .
(4) Executive officer, — The executive officer is responsible
for work of the staff, and for control and coordination of troop
operations under orders of the unit engineer. He must en-
joy the latter's complete confidence and have considerable
independence in order to be able to relieve the unit engineer
of details. The unit engineer is thus afforded time for recon-
naissance, inspection, and contact with the unit commander
and other staff officers for a better grasp of the situation as
a whole. The executive officer acts for the unit engineer in
the latter's absence.
(5) Executive staff. — The executive staff operates in ac-
cordance with the staff procedure prescribed in PM 101-5 and
PM 101-10.
(a) Personnel and administrative section, — Handles per-
sonnel and administrative matters for engineer units as pre-
scribed for the first staff section in PM 101-5.
(b) Intelligence section. — Plans and supervises collection,
evaluation, and dissemination of engineer information, and
for division engineer and lower units, combat intelligence in
the area or zone assigned the unit. Technical information
collected Includes natural and commercial resources and
data on engineering structures both in friendly and hostile
territory. This section also compiles information on tech-
nical accomplishments and progress of engineering operations.
It plans surveys and mapping activities involving participation
by the Air Corps and artillery. It has full responsibility for
all map distribution.
(c) Plaits and training section, — Allocates engineer troop
reinforcements to lower echelons based on the engineer situa-
tion. In accordance with the decision of the unit engineer,
it prepares orders for issue to troops under his command.
It prepares the engineer paragraphs of and the engineer
annexes to orders issued by the unit commander. It ar-
ranges details of the engineer troop movements based on
unit field and special orders. It prepares records and keeps
the unit engineer abreast of the current tactical and engineer
situations in such manner as to permit quickly the prepara-
tion of an engineer estimate. It devises policies for con-
22
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
9
duct of engineer training activities, including schools, and
for training troops of all arms in field engineering. In units
below the army it plans specific technical work and engineer
operations to accomplish the engineer mission, and functions
generally in this respect as does the engineering staff of higher
engineer headquarters (see (6) below).
(d) Supply section . — Cooperating with the intelligence
section, studies and collects detailed information on local
resources, available credits in depots and other stocks under
unit control, and captured enemy supplies in order to advise
the unit engineer as to availability of equipment and ma-
terials essential to proposed operations. The section plans
forward or rearward displacement of engineer depots and
stocks in accordance with the tactical situation. It ar-
ranges for conservation or destruction of engineer supplies
relinquished by lower echelons in forward or retrograde move-
ments. It allocates transportation to subordinate units. It
examines engineer requisitions, both for engineer troops
and other arms, and designates issuing depots or agencies.
Where stocks under unit control are insufficient, this section
studies engineer requirements in advance of operations and
determines credits to be requested or stockages under unit
control to be built up or replenished by higher echelons. Peak
labor demands at engineer depots or other installations are
foreseen as far as possible in advance and allocations or
transfer of engineer depot troops or labor organizations are
requested promptly.
(6) Engineering staff . — The engineering staff is primarily
a technical planning and inspection agency for engineer
operations. It does not direct or supervise the work. It
keeps the unit engineer informed as to progress and con-
formity of engineer work to provisions of his instructions and
orders of unit commanders. Such duties embrace such activi-
ties as roads and bridges, including traffic regulations; general
construction; water supply; utilities; railways; demolitions;
camouflage; and fortifications. While the foregoing are
normal activities, the situation in the particular theater of
operations may require sections for additional types of opera-
tions such as inland waterway transportation, forestry, and
military mining.
23
9-10
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
c. Engineer headquarters . — Include the unit engineer, the
executive officer, the officers of the various staff sections and
the enlisted personnel necessary for administration and oper-
ation in each section. They include such specialists as lithog-
raphers, draftsmen, surveyors, photographers, mechanics,
clerks, and construction, supply, and camouflage experts.
d. Assignment — Engineer headquarters are provided for the
corps, army, communications zone, communications zone
sections, GHQ, and GHQ Air Force. They are also provided
for special engineer services such as military railways, rail-
way grand division, and inland waterways. Although no
Tables of Organization are provided, it may be necessary to
organize special engineer headquarters for additional engineer
services in the theater of operation such as forestry, quarries,
etc., should the situation demand. For normal assignment
of engineer headquarters to a balanced GHQ force, see table I,
appendix n.
e. Equipment * — Equipment of an engineer headquarters in-
cludes standard sets of office, photography, drafting, and
map reproduction equipment, and a portable electric lighting
unit.
/. Office space , — -The following table gives minimum re-
quirements in office space necessary for the various engineer
headquarters:
Engineer headquarters
Square feet
Corps - , . , __ _
1,200
2,800
8,000
1,500
5,000
2,800
Army.. .
Communications zone
Communications zone section
GHQ
GHQ Air Force . „ „ _
■ 10, Regiment. — a. Components . — The regiment consists of
a headquarters, a band, a headquarters and service company,
two or more battalions, a medical detachment, and a chap-
lain. The headquarters includes the regimental commander
and his commissioned staff.
24
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
10
b. Headquarters . — (1) Where the regiment is the sole en-
gineer unit either organically or attached to a command, the
regimental commander is unit engineer (see par. 9a).
(2) Regimental staff. — Duties of the regimental staff cor-
respond generally to those of the executive staff described in
paragraph 9b (5) with the following modifications:
(a) Executive officer. — See paragraph 9b (4).
(b) Adjutant ( S-l ). — In addition to the duties prescribed
above, he commands the band, is responsible for administra-
tion of interior guard duty, and for regimental entertain-
ments and athletics.
(c) Intelligence officer iS-2) . — In addition to his mapping
and other technical duties prescribed above, the intelligence
officer of a general engineer unit is responsible for combat
intelligence. No specific personnel are provided for this pur-
pose as for other combat arms. When a general engineer unit
is employed in combat, the intelligence officer assisted by a
small detail of headquarters personnel collects, evaluates, and
distributes information of the enemy as prescribed in PM
101-5.
id) Operations officer (S-3) . — In addition to the duties
described in paragraph 9b, he is specifically charged with
preparation of training programs, schedules, and require-
ments for training inspections; disposition of electric lighting,
pumping, and similar units of special mechanical equipment
assigned to headquarters and service company; and is regi-
mental gas officer,
ie) Supply officer iS-4). — Responsible for the supply of
engineer materials and equipment for the unit when the
regiment is the sole engineer troop unit either organically
a part of or attached to a command. He makes or causes
to be made engineer reconnaissance within the unit area for
local sources of supply. He is responsible for the procure-
ment and issue of supplies of all classes (I, II, HI, IV, and V;
see FM 100-10) for the regiment.
if) Assistant division engineer . — Provided in the engineer
component of the cavalry and infantry divisions is the per-
sonal representative of the division engineer at division head-
quarters and acts for him in his absence in accordance with
his announced policies.
25
10-11
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
(g) Regimental sturgeon . — Senior medical officer with the
medical detachment and serves both in an advisory and
administrative capacity.
Ui ) Chaplain . — In charge of religious activities, and assists
in general welfare work, entertainment, athletics, and other
means of maintaining morale.
c. Headquarters and service company . — The headquarters
and service company is divided into a company headquarters;
a headquarters platoon which furnishes enlisted personnel
for the staff sections of regimental headquarters; and a
service platoon which furnishes transportation and repair
service and operators for certain equipment for the entire
regiment. The company headquarters, in addition to the
normal functions for the company administration, mess, and
supply (see par. 12a) operates the regimental (or battalion)
officers’ mess.
d. Band . — (1) The band is usually attached to the head-
quarters and service company for rations and quarters, but
may be attached to any company. Its primary function is
to furnish music for the regiment, but under combat condi-
tions it may be used to assist in maintenance of supply or
as litter bearers.
(2) The band leader is a warrant officer. He Is in im-
mediate charge of the band and responsible for musical
instruction.
■ 11. Battalion. — a. Independent engineer battalions and
squadrons are organized into a headquarters, a headquarters
and service company (troop) or headquarters company,
either two or more lettered companies or troops, and a
medical detachment. The duties of the battalion com-
mander and his staff are similar in general to those given
in paragraph 10 for the regimental commander and his staff,
except that in the battalion certain staff functions are com-
bined under one officer and the commanding officer of the
headquarters and service company or troop is also the bat-
talion supply officer (S--4) . The battalion headquarters and
service company (troop) or headquarters company has simi-
lar functions to the headquarters and service company of
the regiment (see par. 10c) but is organized into a company
26
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
11-13
or troop headquarters and various functional sections with-
out a platoon organization.
b. Battalions which are components of regiments (except
aviation) have a small battalion staff but no headquarters
and service company or medical detachment and hence are
not suited for independent missions unless provided with the
necessary service personnel. Aviation battalions have a head-
quarters company that permits it to operate independently.
■ 12. Company. — The company is divided into a company
headquarters and either two or three numbered platoons.
a. Company headquarters . — The company commander is
responsible for administration, training, supply, messing,
welfare, discipline, and employment of his company. In
some units there is an additional officer in company head-
quarters. The first sergeant is responsible under the com-
pany commander for maintenance of all company records,
interior administration, and police. The mess sergeant is
in charge of procurement and preparation of the ration and
of feeding the men. The motor sergeant is in general
charge of care and operation of motor vehicles. The
supply sergeant is in charge of procurement and issue of
equipment and supplies and care of company stocks. Other
sergeants are technical specialists charged with supervision
of special operations. The other personnel erf company
headquarters include cooks, clerks, chauffeurs, draftsmen,
and technical specialists.
b. Platoon .— The platoon is divided into a headquarters and
an operating section. The headquarters includes the platoon
commander (lieutenant), platoon sergeant, tool corporal, and
chauffeurs and motorcyclists. The operating section includes
the bulk of the platoon personnel organized into operating
units (squads) which in the case of completely motorized units
have organic tools and transportation.
■ 13. Medical Detachment. — Each regiment and independent
battalion includes a medical detachment of two or more medi-
cal officers and several enlisted men in its organization. Its
routine equipment and medical supplies are sufficient for first-
aid treatment and light sickness not requiring hospitalization.
For mess and routine supplies it is attached to one of the
27
13-16
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
companies. It is provided with its own transportation. The
medical detachment operates most efficiently when used as
a single unit. Its primary function is to set up aid stations
for collection of casualties from which the more serious cases
are evacuated by the division or higher unit ambulance serv-
ices. The detachment commander as surgeon on the staff
of the regimental or battalion commander is responsible for
sanitation and measures insuring health of the command.
The detachment maintains a routine dispensary and sick call
for minor ailments.
■ 14. Tables of Organization. — Detailed organization of
each engineer unit is prescribed by the War Department and
is published in a Table of Organization (T/O) . All Tables of
Organization for engineer units have the basic number 5
before the table subnumbers. Abbreviated engineer Tables
of Organization are given in appendix ET. Unless stated
otherwise the given strength of engineer units is the number
of engineer personnel alone and does not include medical
detachments and chaplains.
Section IV
EQUIPMENT AND ARMAMENT
■ 15. General. — Equipment issued engineer organizations is
prescribed in Tables of Basic Allowances (T/BA) and the En-
gineer Supply Catalog. For each supply arm or service there
is a section in these tables which lists the items furnished by
that arm or service (air corps, chemical warfare, engineer,
medical, ordnance, quartermaster) , and the basis of issue per
organization and individual. “Troop equipment” is the term
applied to all equipment issued to any particular unit as
abstracted from the tables. Although not so shown in Tables
of Basic Allowances, troop equipment is grouped for purposes
of discussion herein into certain major categories referred to
as organizational equipment, engineer equipment, transpor-
tation, and armament.
■ 16. Organizational Equipment. — Organizational equipment
consists of Individual clothing, accoutrements, messing equip-
ment, marking and cleaning kits, and other standard sets
28
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
16
issued generally to similar units of all arms. Since issue and
purpose of such equipment is the same for all engineer units,
they are not discussed in subsequent chapters but are sum-
marized below.
a. Companies are issued organizational equipment corre-
sponding to their distinctive functions of handling interior
administration and economy; messing, sheltering, and being
otherwise responsible for the daily sustenance of men and
care of equipment.
b. Regiments and independent battalions are issued addi-
tional organizational equipment corresponding to their in-
creased administrative functions. Such equipment is not
issued to the headquarters itself, but to pertinent head-
quarters and service companies or troops as part of their
organizational equipment. It includes additional tentage,
officers’ mess equipment, typewriters, mimeograph machines,
and similar administrative accessories. It also includes equip-
ment for signal communications.
c. Engineer headquarters are Issued organizational equip-
ment necessary for enlarged administrative duties; for shelter,
messing, and care of unit engineer and his staff; and for en-
listed personnel of the headquarters. The basis of issue in
Tables of Basic Allowances is the number of officers and men
comprising the particular headquarters. The items of equip-
ment correspond generally to those issued both to a company
and to a headquarters and service company.
d. Use. — Organizational equipment is utilized as a rule by
special personnel included in company headquarters. Thus
the first sergeant is assigned and held responsible for adminis-
trative equipment comprising field desks, typewriters, and
other equipment used by company clerks and orderlies. Simi-
larly, the mess sergeant is responsible for field ranges, cook-
ing utensils, kitchen tentage, etc., and the supply sergeant
for stock of all spare equipment, for marking and cleaning
equipment, repair kits, etc. In some cases platoons are
issued a few items of organizational equipment such as litters.
Similarly, squads are issued sewing kits and a few similar
items for field service conditions. Each individual is issued
and held responsible for clothing, individual equipment, and
arms issued him.
281989° — 41 2 29
17-19
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
■ 17. Engineer Equipment. — Tools and transportation are
the primary equipment; of engineer troops. Since they are
the basis of engineer work and differ with the type of organi-
zation, engineer equipment will be discussed in detail in sub-
sequent chapters under the unit to which it pertains. As a
general rule, tools and machinery issued are standard com-
mercial items. Hand tools form the basic equipment. They
are usually issued in tool sets such as pioneer, carpenter, demo-
lition, etc. Labor-saving machinery and mechanical devices
form part of the equipment to as great an extent as practicable
consistent with mobility. As a general rule, the more highly
technical equipment in each unit is found in the head-
quarters unit, either for performance of highly technical
work that forms a small but important part of the engineer
mission, or for assignment to subordinate units for reinforcing
purposes. Equipment issued to general engineer troops is
based on needs for performing a wide variety of missions,
while that issued to special engineer troops is designed
specifically for accomplishing the task for which they are
organized (for example, surveying and map reproduction
equipment for topographic battalions; water purification
equipment for water supply battalions, etc.) .
■ 18. Transportation (see sec. II, ch. 11). — All engineer
transportation is motorized. It consists principally of com-
mand or pick-up trucks for reconnaissance and inspection;
light trailers for tools, equipment, and supplies; light dump
trucks for hauling materials and supplies; heavy cargo trucks
and trailers for carrying heavy machinery, ponton equipment,
etc. Although cargo trucks are procured by the Quarter-
master Corps and issued under Tables of Basic Allowances,
trucks mounting special equipment such as air compressors,
water purification units, etc., constitute engineer equipment
and axe discussed under that heading in subsequent chap-
ters. All general engineer units except the general service
regiment and separate battalion are completely motorized to
include personnel carriers. Some special engineer units are
also completely motorized.
■ 19. Armament. — -The principal weapons issued combat en-
gineer troops are the Ml rifle with bayonet and the caliber .30
30
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
19-20
machine gun. The caliber .45 automatic pistol is issued offi-
cers, certain noncommissioned: officers, and a few specified
privates. In addition the armored battalion has caliber .50
machine guns and caliber .45 submachine guns.
Section V
training
fl 20. General. — a. Classes . — All engineer soldiers are given
basic military training. Engineer troop units are trained for
coordinated action in engineer work. Combat training covers
employment of the engineer in combat as infantry.
b. Characteristics. — (1) Basic training includes discipli-
nary, physical, and field service.
(a) Disciplinary training develops the habit of obedience,
promotes teamwork within the organization, and develops
morale and leadership. In order to emphasize smartness,
precision, and attention, close-order formations and drills
are prescribed for engineer units. Such drills will follow
procedure prescribed in FM 22-5, the actual formations being
modified as required due to differences in organization. The
purposes of drill stated In FM 22-5 will be the guide in all
drills. Any general procedures adopted by engineer units will
be uniform within all subordinate units; for example, for
all companies In a battalion or regiment.
(b) Physical training develops physique and physical con-
dition of the soldier and hardens him for combat conditions.
It Includes competitive games as well as calisthenic drills,
(c) Training for field service teaches the engineer soldier
how to care for himself and his individual equipment in the
field. Such knowledge is not only Important in fitting him
into routine demands made of his unit, but also is the basis
of his comfort and health. It includes care, maintenance, and
repair of his clothing and individual equipment; first aid;
healthful habits; Individual cooking; and camp and shelter
erection and routine.
(2) Engineer training (see pars. 23 and 24) embraces all
training undertaken for the purpose of qualifying Individuals
and units in performance of duties relating to special classes
of engineer work for which the units are responsible. While
31
20
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
basic and combat training are very similar in all engineer
organizations, engineer training varies considerably with the
type of organization. It will therefore be discussed in subse-
quent chapters. Procedure is first to train the individual to
execute duties pertaining to his assigned specialty in the
organization and then to train groups of individuals to exe-
cute combined tasks under their appropriate commanders.
Technical specialists and machinery operators in headquar-
ters and service companies and in company headquarters are
trained by attachment to companies and platoons on routine
work or engineer training which demands their specialties.
(3) Combat training prepares the unit for participation in
combat and for security when on the march, in bivouac, or
while employed on engineer work. In combat training engi-
neer units are employed as organized and are not reorganized
into provisional infantry organizations. Engineers use ex-
tended order drills as prescribed in FM 22^5. In combat,
infantry methods and formations prescribed in FM 7-5 will
be followed with such changes as are necessary due to differ-
ences in strength, armament, and organization.
c. Corhmand . — Command training applies only to leaders
but is of the greatest importance in accomplishing the in-
creased tasks imposed by war. In peacetime commanders
will delegate responsibility even at the expense of a few mis-
takes in order to develop leaders who will accept responsibility
in war. The tendency of commanders of all echelons to exer-
cise close supervision over all tasks assigned their units must
be deliberately avoided. The basis of successful command
training i s a maximum of decentralization and a minimum of
interference with subordinate commanders consistent with a
satisfactory performance of the unit as a whole. Officers
must know how to plan, estimate, and organize work, and
how to allot tasks to subordinate units so as to insure that an
assigned mission will be commenced promptly and executed
rapidly without frequent cautions or instructions from supe-
riors. Noncommissioned officers must know how to employ
each private on productive work in execution of an organi-
zational task.
d . Time . — The amount of time to be allotted to the various
classes of training depends upon amount of time available and
32
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
20—23
rapidity with which results are obtained, Such results de-
pend more on organization, interest, and value of training
rather than upon hours consumed. During peace individ-
uals may be trained to fill in a number of different positions
in the organization, but during mobilization time will rarely
permit training of such individuals in duties of more than one
specific position.
■ 21. Basic Training Texts. — For a list of official military
(War Department) publications that should be used as a
basis in the preparation for and in the conduct of all basic
training of engineers, see appendix I.
■ 22. Adaptation of Mobilization Training Programs
(MTP 5-1). — These programs, effective upon mobilization,
cover a 13 -week training period. When used as a basis for
training engineer units for different periods of time, the
methods of application, modification, and use given in that
publication should be followed.
■ 23. General Engineer Troops. — a. Problems of training
general engineer troops are similar to those common to other
combatant arms and services as set forth in FM 21-5 (now
published as TR 10-5) and MR 3-1. General engineer
troops are trained in —
(1) Construction of roads, bridges, and shelter.
(2) Obstacles, demolitions, military mining, and field
fortifications.
(3) Operation of utilities In the theater of operations for
which special troops of engineers or other arms are not
provided.
(4) Engineer reconnaissance.
(5) Engineer supply.
(6) Tactics applicable to their armament and organization.
b. Training of general engineer units may be carried out
in almost any locality, but if possible the terrain and
climate should approximate conditions expected in the pro-
posed theater of operations. Ample areas should be pro-
vided for the great variety of training subjects which include
most of those given infantry. Certain engineer subjects such
as explosives and demolitions which require isolated areas
as a safety precaution make additional areas necessary. The
33
23-25
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
terrain should vary from flat to rolling or mountainous, have
numerous types of roads and bridges, dry and muddy ground
conditions, with sand, clay, loamy, and rocky soils. There
should be all kinds and sizes of standing timber, and streams
and gullies of various depths and widths. The allotment
of time to weapon and tactical combat training will be less
than for infantry units as about half the time available will
be required for technical or specialized engineer training.
It is vital that engineers train with other arms and services
in later stages for combined training as part of a combat
team. If they can be trained together with the troops they
will actually serve (for example, division engineers with their
own division) , esprit and cooperation will be greatly benefited.
■ 24. Special Troops. — For special engineer troops the pro-
portion of time spent on various classes of training is modified
as follows:
a. Basic training, being common to all types of units, is
unchanged.
b. Combat training is given only the time necessary to
acquaint the troops with use of weapons with which they
are armed so that the unit may provide for security against
air and ground raids.
c. Technical engineer training is given maximum possible
time, especially in the military aspects of specialist work. Be-
cause of the skilled nature of the tasks on which these units
are employed, personnel should be recruited from men trained
in civil life to do the kind of work expected of them in the
special unit to which assigned. It may be impossible to give
specialist training in early stages of moblizaton where equip-
ment is not available. When equipment is available and dur-
ing actual military operations, commanders of such units
should constantly train additional personnel in all essential
tasks, utilizing the apprentice system, to avoid having to wait
for properly qualified replacements if losses occur. Casualties
cannot then cripple work of their units, and expansion of
units to meet emergencies may be made readily.
■ 25. Band. — Training of bands and field music is conducted
according to FM 28-5.
34
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
26-28
■ 26. Attached Medical. — Training of medical detachments
is conducted by the unit surgeon according to FM 8-5 and
other pertinent medical field manuals.
■ 27. Tactical Inspection. — The engineer commander super-
vises training of his unit and makes tactical inspections in
which the unit is given a tactical mission appropriate to the
unit and its equipment. This should be in the form of a prob-
lem or series of problems that will test the unit in march to,
organization for, and execution of a definite engineer mission.
Equipment and transportation are always present. Practical
tests are conducted in use of special equipment carried by the
unit either by requiring execution of a prescribed task or by
inspecting work that has been done by the unit with this
equipment.
■ 28. Drills and Training Inspections. — a. Drill — In general,
engineer work operations should not be hampered by formal
drills. Methods of procedure described in the Engineer Field
Manual are modified to suit conditions. Most tasks given an
engineer unit present problems that must be solved on the
ground by the unit commander using men, equipment, and
materials available. This can rarely be accomplished by fol-
lowing a formal drill. When a unit is employed upon a task
that involves a repetition of a number of identical operations
or use of standard equipment such as erection of wire en-
tanglements, construction of ponton bridges, and unloading
and loading of tools, systematized organization for work may
approximate a drill.
b. Inspection . — Inspections are executed in general accord-
ance with rules prescribed for the class of troops with which
the engineer unit is serving. They are not to be confused
with technical inspections of structures or engineer work.
(1) Inspections of troop units without transportation are
executed as for infantry. When held with transportation,
tools and spare parts normally are laid out for inspection.
Platoon commanders give commands to open and close ranks
and to lay out and load tools. Tools are laid out as prescribed
by the engineer or unit commander in several lines to the sides
and rear of each vehicle within frontage of the unit. Space
is left between sets to permit inspection.
35
28-29
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
(2) Training inspections are conducted from time to time
by the unit engineer or unit commander to determine training
progress and proficiency of engineer units in accomplishing
typical tasks bearing on the engineer mission (see par. 1)
under field conditions.
Section VI
COMBAT
■ 29. Basic Considerations. — a. The primary mission cf all
engineer troop units is engineer work. They are armed with
the rifle and automatic weapons primarily for their own
local security. However, in an emergency they may be re-
lieved of their engineer work and used as a tactical unit
in combat as infantry. Due to the frequency of their em-
ployment in forward areas, general engineer troops must be
thoroughly trained to meet such emergencies. In a division
the responsibility for such a decision rests with the division
commander, for he and his staff are the only ones who can
weigh the advantage of using engineers as infantry against
the disadvantage of abandoning engineer work. To permit
the engineers to continue on engineer work and yet make
them available for use as infantry in an emergency, the engi-
neer subparagraph of the field order ordinarily contains the
statement: “* * * engineers prepared to assemble at
on — hours' notice.”
b. When used in combat, engineers follow the doctrine
prescribed for infantry with such modifications as may be
necessary on account of the differences between infantry and
engineer units in organization, armament, and equipment.
Engineers with armored units when used for combat in or
with vehicles follow the doctrine prescribed for infantry with
armored troops. Engineers with cavalry units when used in
combat follow the doctrine prescribed for cavalry.
c. Engineer units are provided organically with a much
smaller proportion of heavy weapons than infantry and cav-
alry. They do not have certain infantry weapons or certain im-
portant means of signal communication which permit highly
effective teamwork. The combat power of engineer units is
therefore not as great as that of corresponding units of
infantry or cavalry.
36
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
29
d. Engineer units enter combat without changes in their
basic organization. Small modifications may be made in
order to employ with greatest effectiveness the weapons or-
PLATOON SERGEANT
controls support
□
□
&
a
□
□
□
□
0
SUPPORT ECHELON
(MAY BE I or 2 $QUA0§>
SQUAD COLUMN PREPARED
FOR ACTION To LEFT FLANK
OR REINFORCE LEADING
echelon. MAY BE USEO FOR
ENVELOPMENT or filling
GAPS TO FRONT.
\IN REAR OF
LEADING ECHELON
OURING ATTACK
FRONTAGE IOO~ 200 YDS.
schematic only
NOT TO ANY SCALE
distances variable
] MESSENGER
TO COMPANY
COMMANDER
E3 PLATOON NCO
OBSERVES TO
„ J FLANKS AND REAR
VEHICLES tN REAR
WITH Co. Rr. Ech.
Figure 9. — Disposition of an engineer platoon of three 12 -man
squads in an attack as riflemen.
ganically assigned to engineers. Engineer platoons and
larger units may be divided into forward and rear echelons
for combat as shown in figure 9. The forward echelon com-
prises the fighting elements and the command section of head-
37
29-31
CORPS OP ENGINEERS
quarters. The rear echelon comprises the transportation
and engineer equipment and the administrative and supply
sections of headquarters. All rear echelon personnel, trans-
portation, and equipment may be assembled under control of
the headquarters of the next higher unit. Composition of
these two echelons is not fixed and may be varied as conditions
require.
e. In preparation for combat as infantry, provision must
be made for protection and proper location of engineer equip-
ment and transportation, having in mind early resumption
of engineer work. Special arrangements must be made for
additional supply of ammunition.
■ 30. Special Troops. — Use of special engineer units in in-
fantry combat as riflemen is rare. Their principal combat
missions are to protect operations of the units themselves
when at work and to provide security when they are in move-
ment or in bivouac, particularly against air attack. So far
as practicable, they enter combat without changes in their
basic organization. Special provisions must be made for their
supply of ammunition.
■ 31. Combat Intelligence. — o. Definition . — Combat intel-
ligence is evaluated and interpreted information secured in
the field concerning the enemy or theater of operations, to-
gether with the conclusions drawn therefrom (FM 30-5) . It
includes a continuing knowledge of location, strength, com-
position, armament, equipment, supply, tactics, training, dis-
cipline, morale, movements, capabilities, conditions, and
situation of the enemy forces opposing a combat unit, and
terrain over which the combat unit is to operate or is operat-
ing. This intelligence furnishes a basis for the tactical de-
cisions of the commander (see also pars. 284 to 293).
b. Responsibility for collection . — Each commander of a
combat unit is responsible for securing information con-
cerning the enemy forces opposing him. In general, the
staff agency for combat intelligence is the intelligence (S-2)
section. Operating personnel may include any persons or
groups who may be directed to procure information; in addi-
tion, all units report regularly through command channels
enemy strength, dispositions, fires, movements, captured doc-
38
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
31-32
uments, and other information gained. Prisoners are ques-
tioned and handled as prescribed by higher authority.
c. Training and employment . — Personnel used for intelli-
gence work are trained and employed in accordance with the
doctrine prescribed in FM 30-5, 30-15, and 21-45. In en-
gineer units since no specific personnel is provided for com-
bat intelligence but only for engineer intelligence, a small
group should be trained in this duty.
■ 32. Ammunition Supply. — a. Initial . — Part of the initial
supply of ammunition carried by combat engineers is on the
individual soldier, part in the engineer train, and the bal-
ance in the unit quartermaster trains. (See Tables of Basic
Allowances 5 for amounts authorized.) The part carried in.
the engineer and quartermaster trains is issued prior to or
during combat. Vehicles in the engineer train normally are
used for procuring and distributing replenishments of ammu-
nition for elements of the unit.
b. Distribution. — (1) Distribution during combat is accom-
plished through ammunition dumps established by the regi-
ment, battalion, company or similar units which are stocked
initially by dumping the loads of the engineer and/or quar-
termaster train.
(2) In such units the supply officer is responsible for
procurement of ammunition and its delivery to battalion or
company ammunition dumps as far forward as is reasonably
safe. He uses vehicles from the units served or head'
quarters vehicles. If necessary carrying parties are used
to deliver ammunition to dumps.
(3) The battalion and company commanders are re-
sponsible that their units are supplied with ammunition from
dumps. They may handle this by detailing carrying parties
from the units in reserve. If desired such parties need not
return, but may remain as reinforcements or replacements
at the front. If it is not practicable to send carrying parties
forward, units in the firing line send back details to ammu-
nition dumps.
(4) The doctrine of ammunition supply given above applies
to all engineer units, general or special, when, engaged in
combat. The vital importance of providing adequate sup-
39
32-33
CORPS OP ENGINEERS
plies of ammunition for automatic weapons and the Ml rifle
requires that every effort be made to conserve existing sup-
plies and allow no waste or loss to occur.
■ 33. Signal Communication. — The term 4 ‘signal communi-
cation” includes all means and methods employed to transmit
messages. The agencies of signal communication ordinarily
available to engineer units for combat include the message
center, a limited wire system (telephone), and a messenger
service. The engineer regiment (aviation) and the armored
battalion have radio equipment in addition to these means.
The engineers with cavalry units and triangular infantry
divisions may be equipped with radio for special use on
reconnaissance and distant missions. The facilities used by
troops of other arms not available to engineer units are radio,
panels, pigeons, pyrotechnics, telegraph, and signal lamps.
a. Regimental signal agencies. — Engineer regiments other
than aviation establish wire communication from the regi-
mental command post to the battalion command posts or to
an advanced message center located as near as possible to the
command posts of the battalions. An engineer unit with a
brigade or division has wire communication established to the
unit command post by brigade or division signal personnel.
The regiment establishes a mesenger service of motorcyclists,
automobile messengers, or runners, as conditions warrant,
from the regimental command post to the command posts of
its battalions, attached units, adjacent regiments, to the divi-
sion command post or to the unit to which attached, to the
regimental rear echelon, and to supporting units.
b. Battalion and squadron signal agencies. — The regiment
establishes wire communications to the battalions whenever
possible. Wire communications from battalions to lower units
is not organically available except in divisional battalions and
squadrons which have equipment similar to the combat regi-
ment with the square division (see T/BA 5) . The battalion
establishes a message center and a messenger service from
the battalion command post to the command posts of the
companies, adjacent battalions, attached units, supporting
units, and the regiment or division command post.
c. Company signal agencies . — The first sergeant operates
the company message center, Messenger communication is
40
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
33-34
established to the platoons, to adjacent companies, to sup-
porting and attached units.
d. Reference . — Further information on the details of signal
communication such as forms for messages, operations of
message centers, and employment of the various means avail-
able to various units is given in FM 24-5.
■ 34. Security. — a. Engineers must always provide local se-
curity for themselves at work, in combat, during independent
movements, and may in unusual cases be called upon to fur-
nish detachments for general security. Hence, the doctrine
of security should be understood by all engineers (see FM 100-5
and 7-5.
b. When an engineer unit is engaged upon engineer work
the leader of the unit takes steps for the security of his com-
mand The types of enemy interference which must be par-
ticularly guarded against are enemy patrols which infiltrate
past our own front line, motor or mechanized raids, and air
attacks.
c. Protection against ground raids is obtained by detailing
one or more patrols of from two men to a half squad each to
circulate or take post in the vicinity of the work prepared to
fire upon any enemies and to give warning of their strength
and dispositions.
d % Protection against aerial activities is provided by detail-
ing one or more pairs of observers posted at distant vantage
points to give warning of approach of hostile aircraft. If it is
believed that the work is being observed or photographed by
the enemy, the leader causes his men to disperse and take
cover. Low-flying airplanes may be driven off by rifle or
machine-gun fire,
e. When it is known that the enemy uses poison gas, one or
more sentinels properly trained in gas detection should be
detailed to observe shell bursts and approaching clouds of
smoke or gas, and to give warning by prearranged signals in
order that the working troops may put on gas masks.
/. In stabilized situations, snipers may sometimes seriously
interfere with engineer work and may stop it altogether.
The best protection is to post sentinels in groups of two in
advantageous positions to observe and try to discover location
41
34
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
of the snipers. One man then fires while the other observes
through field glasses and reports results.
g. Spies may obtain employment with civilian groups doing
work under engineer troop supervision. Engineers handling
these groups should observe and report any person, whether
a soldier or civilian, who shows unusual curiosity about
the work or about troop activities in the vicinity, or is other-
wise subject to suspicion.
h. Engineer troops engaged upon work at or near the front
invariably keep their weapons nearby under guard. The
leader determines upon a plan of action in case of enemy
interference and in large units this plan may be published in
an order. In rear areas where enemy interference is im-
probable, arms may be kept in camp or barracks while the
troops are engaged upon engineer work, although some auto-
matic weapons should always be provided for warning uses
and for antiaircraft defense.
i. When engaged in subterranean mining operations, listen-
ers are posted to discover evidence of similar enemy opera-
tions. Plank galleries may be driven to permit listeners to
protect the main gallery from countermining activity. When
discovered, enemy underground structures are destroyed by
camouflets. See FM 5-25 for details of such operations.
j. In the unusual case when an engineer unit is furnishing
advance, flank, or rear guards, the formations prescribed for
infantry in similar circumstances . are adopted. Engineers
may have to furnish outposts for their own bivouacs in which
case the outpost doctrines for infantry apply with the obvious
limitations imposed by the different organization and equip-
ment of engineer units.
k . Commanders of engineer units and trains take steps to
protect their columns when on the march in unfriendly terri-
tory. The fundamentals of march security apply and where
personnel of the unit are Insufficient to furnish protection
demanded by conditions the commander applies to higher
authority for assistance from other troops.
I In addition to security against enemy activity, it is a
general rule that all engineer commanders take measures to
guard all equipment and stores in their possession against
theft and vandalism.
42
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS 34
?n. In case of very important construction, specific requests
should be made for higher authority to provide necessary
protective measures such as antiaircraft artillery, antitank
units, other organizations, or engineers to erect and defend
obstacles and barriers where there is danger of mechanized
ground attack, or other troops to guard against local raiding
parties of the enemy. Engineers will seldom have the means
to provide all these security measures, but they should not
fail to request whatever means are necessary.
43
CHAPTER 2
ENGINEERS WITH INFANTRY UNITS
Paragraphs
Section I. Combat bat till ion 35-^0
II. Combat regiment, square division 41-48
III. Operations 49-55
Section I
COMBAT BATTALION*
■ 35. General. — a. The combat battalion is the engineer
component of the triangular infantry division, and normally
performs the general engineer work for the division when
the division is operating as a part of a corps. The combat
battalion will often be reinforced when the. division acts
independently, and may be reinforced as required when the
division operates with larger units.
b. Figure 10 shows the organization of the battalion. For
details and Tables of Organization, see tables II. to V,
inclusive, appendix H.
c. Engineer tools and equipment include a motorized
power earth auger, motorized air compressors with tools,
medium -powered tractors with bulldozers, a portable electric
lighting set for division headquarters, water supply sets in-
cluding portable water purification units, gasoline motor-
driven pavement breakers and chain saws, assault boats, and
sets of blacksmith, carpenter, demolition, pioneer, drafting
and duplicating, sketching, surveying, sign-painting, pipe-
fitting, welding and cutting, tinsmith, supplementary, and
infantry intrenching equipment.
d. Transportation is sufficient to carry all personnel and
material. It includes 1^-ton dump trucks for hauling per-
sonnel, equipment, work parties, and supplies; 1-ton trailers
for hauling equipment and supplies; heavy cargo trucks with
trailers to carry the tractors; V^-ton trucks for command,
reconnaissance, and inspection purposes; and motorcycles
for messenger service.
44
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
35
e. Armament consists of rifles, bayonets, caliber .30 heavy
machine guns, and pistols. The battalion is trained for
combat as infantry (see pars. 20b and 29) .
/. The combat battalion commander is the division (unit)
engineer. He also commands any additional engineer troops
attached to the division.
45
36
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
B 36. Platoon. — a. Organization . — The platoon of the com-
bat battalion consists of a headquarters and an operating
section (see table II, appendix II). Functions of the different
elements of the platoon are as follows:
(1) The lieutenant in command of the platoon conducts
necessary reconnaissances, plans work of the platoon, initiates
supply arrangements, assigns tasks, and exercises general
supervision. The platoon sergeant (staff sergeant) assists
the platoon leader in these functions and exercises detailed
supervision of the work. The corporal and privates of pla-
toon headquarters operate the transportation assigned to
platoon headquarters, and care for, transport, and issue
platoon tools.
(2) The operating section performs the principal tasks
assigned the platoon. The operating units (or squads) may
be assigned separate tasks under their squad leaders, or may
work together under the platoon sergeant or the senior squad
leader. A squad can be broken up into two groups under
the squad leader and the assistant squad leader. The normal
work party is one squad with necessary tools, all trans-
ported on one dump truck. Supervision of work of the
squad is the normal duty of the squad leader, but he will
assist in the actual performance of work when necessary and
when this does not detract from proper supervision of the
work. Operating section personnel operate and care for
transportation and equipment assigned to the section.
b . Operations. — (1) The platoon constitutes a highly
mobile unit for executing general engineer work of the fol-
lowing classes:
(a) Digging . — Pioneer sets contain picks and shovels. The
gasoline hammer has clay diggers and pavement breakers.
(b) Clearing , — Pioneer sets contain axes, machetes, etc.
The gasoline chain saw fells trees.
(c) Rigging . — Pioneer sets contain tackle for erection pur-
poses and handling heavy loads, etc.
(d) Carpentry . — Pioneer and carpenter sets contain tools
sufficient for work by entire operating section on rough car-
pentry. The gasoline chain saw can be used to saw large
timbers.
46
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
36
( e ) Demolitions. — Demolition sets can equip several demoli-
tion parties; four using the electric exploder, the others using
time fuse. The gasoline hammer has rock drills and pavement
breakers.
(/) Wrecking. — Pioneer sets contain pinch bars, sledges,
etc., suitable for small wrecking operations.
(2) The platoon normally is employed on one or more engi-
neer tasks of the following nature :
(a) Road repair and maintenance. — Filling mine craters,
shell holes, and chuckholes; providing or improving drainage
ditches; placing or constructing culverts, and hauling and
placing road metal.
(b) Fixed bridges. — Constructing standard wooden trestle
and portable bridges; constructing temporary bridges from
materials locally available, making full use of expedients;
reinforcing existing bridges to take division loads ; and erect-
ing standard portable steel bridge.
(c) River crossings. — Constructing footbridges and operat-
ing assault boats. It may assist in construction of ponton
bridges.
C d ) Field fortifications. — Digging and revetting trenches,
weapon emplacements, etc.; constructing obstacles of all kinds;
laying antitank mine fields. Such work ordinarily is limited
to work for the division as a whole, or to technical work which
occupying troops are unable to do, or to rearward defensive
positions.
(e) Barriers and demolitions. — Destroying bridges and cul-
verts; creating mine craters; preparing tank traps, etc.
(/) Assisting advance of our troops. — Removing enemy
obstacles such as mine fields, traps, and wire entanglements.
(3) The platoon may be reinforced with equipment and
specialists from higher echelons. It then can perform ad-
ditional work, or tasks for which its organic equipment is
unsuited.
(4) The platoon is armed with the rifles and machine guns.
It may furnish security for other enginers at work, in bivouac,
etc., or may be used with other units of its battalion in
infantry combat.
c. Training. — (1) Platoon personnel are trained in use and
transportation of hand and mechanical tools, and mainte-
nance of transportation.
47
36-37
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
(2) For basic, technical, and tactical training see sections
V and VI, chapter 1,
■ '37. Company. — a. Organization. — The company of the com-
bat battalion consists of a company headquarters and three
platoons (see table IH, appendix H) . Functions of company
headquarters personnel are as described in paragraph 12a.
Z>. Operations . — (1) The company is the smallest unit
equipped to sustain itself in the field and is therefore the
smallest unit normally assigned an independent mission.
(2) Company headquarters normally operates as one group,
but may be separated into forward and rear echelons. In
combat the captain, first sergeant, and messengers may form
the forward echelon; other personnel and transportation
form the rear echelon. The company commander determines
composition and disposition of forward and rear echelons.
(3) The company commander divides the work assigned
the company into platoon tasks preferably keeping platoons
intact. He may assign company headquarters personnel and
equipment to assist the platoons. He must —
(а) Analyze work and divide it into tasks.
(б) Supervise execution of the work, seeing that correct
methods are used, that supply of material is maintained, that
difficulties are anticipated and provided for, and that platoons
are given all facilities possible in execution of their work.
(c) Train his company in all its functions.
(d) Lead his company in combat.
(4) The engineer work done by the company is in general
of the same nature as that done by the platoon. Company
headquarters can furnish additional assistance to platoons
as follows:
(а) Tractor with bulldozer . — TJsed on roadwork, to move
heavy objects, to pull trucks out of mudholes, etc. .
(б) Air compressor , motorized . — Used in many types of
work such as digging, clearing, carpentry, wrecking, and dem-
olitions, with the following pneumatic tools: pavement
breakers, rock drills, clay diggers, wood-boring machine,
circular saw, and chain saw.
(c) Blacksmith set. — Used to provide minor ironwork re-
quired for bridge and general construction, to sharpen and
48
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
37
repair shovels, picks, etc., and to assist in maintenance of
vehicles.
(d) Carpenter and wheelwright set — Provides additional
tools, principally for finer carpentry work.
(e) Sign-painting set. — Used as name implies.
(/) Drafting and duplicating set; sketching set. — Used to
prepare and reproduce sketch maps and field drawings for
distribution to company personnel.
(g) Additional personnel. — Company headquarters can, in
emergency, furnish a few men to platoons to provide addi-
tional workers. It can also furnish cooking equipment and
a cook for a platoon on a detached mission.
(h) Transportation. — Company headquarters vehicles may
supplement platoon vehicles in supplying platoons or in the
engineer operations of the platoons. Company headquarters
personnel assist platoons in motor repair.
( i ) Engineer reconnaissance and supply . — These are major
engineer functions of company headquarters. Platoons are
left free for work. Reconnaissance reports are submitted to
battalion headquarters, particularly locations and quantities
of local supplies. Platoon trucks not needed for platoon
work may be used for company supply operations.
(;) Mess and routine supply. — Company headquarters nor-
mally does all work in connection with the mess and routine
supply of the platoons.
(5) In combat, the operations of the company are similar
to the infantry rifle company. The engineer company how-
ever has less fire power than the infantry company, par-
ticularly in supporting weapons, and less training in infantry
combat.
c. Training. — (1) In company headquarters, certain indi-
viduals are trained in use of special engineer equipment.
Company headquarters is best trained by employing the com-
pany on the various tasks and operations which it may carry
on in war.
(2) The company commander is responsible for the train-
ing of his company as individuals, as a group of working units,
and as a company unit.
(3) Training In close-order drill as a company unit is ob-
tained by company drill and participation in battalion
ceremonies.
49
37-38
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
(4) Training in tactics is obtained by combat exercises by
the company alone and with the battalion. The company
trains in those maneuvers most likely to be needed for their
own security while at work and in their use as reserves to
reinforce or relieve infantry units.
(5) Long periods must be assigned for training in engineer
tasks, simulating war conditions.
(a) In moving to and from locations of engineer tasks
practice march formations.
(b) The company is trained to operate as a detached unit.
(c) The company is trained primarily to work by platoon.
(d) The work required of combat engineers is varied so
that a large amount of time cannot be spent on one class of
work to the exclusion of other classes.
(e) In company training, engineer work is preceded by
engineer reconnaissance, estimates are made, tasks are as-
signed platoons, and engineer supply is provided for during
the drill period.
■ 38. Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company. —
a. Organization.— Battalion headquarters and headquarters
company of a combat battalion are organized and equipped
as shown in table IV, appendix n.
b. Operations . — ;(1) The battalion staff in war operates
like the staff of a regiment (see par. 10b) except that separate
intelligence and operations officers are not provided, and the
commanding officer of headquarters company is also the bat-
talion supply officer. No chaplain is provided.
(2) Duties of the headquarters company are —
(a) Company headquarters operates its transportation and
takes care of administration and routine supply of the com-
pany. It provides messing facilities for battalion headquarters
and headquarters company.
(b) Division engineer , administrative , and supply sections
furnish personnel for staff sections of battalion headquar-
ters. The supply section operates the water supply equipment,
portable gasoline motor- driven purification units, and power
earth auger. It transports and cares for tools and equip-
ment assigned to the section.
(c) Motor section operates electric lighting set. It repairs
motor transportation beyond the capability of the operating
50
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
38—40
units. Part or all battalion transportation may be pooled
under the motor section for operations under battalion con-
trol if necessary.
(3) In some situations, particularly when the battalion acts
as infantry or is on engineer work close to the front lines, it
is desirable to split the headquarters into forward and rear
echelons. The composition of each echelon is decided by the
battalion commander to fit the particular situation. Normally
the forward echelon consists of the battalion commander and
executive officer with part of the division engineer section; the
balance of the headquarters forms the rear echelon under
S-4.
c. Training . — See section V, chapter 1.
■ 39. Attached Medical. — The medical detachment consists
of 3 officers and 11 enlisted men. It has one iy 2 -ton cargo
truck and one y 2 -ton command truck for carrying personnel
and medical supplies.
■ 40. Employment. — a. (1) More important duties which the
battalion may perform for its division are —
(a) Removal and passage of enemy obstacles, mine fields,
and road blocks.
(b) Demolitions and construction and defense of obstacles,
mine fields, and road blocks.
(c) River crossing operations, operation of assault boats,
preparation of fords, and construction of vehicle ferries, port-
able bridges, and ponton bridges for light and medium loads.
(d) Emergency repair of roads and reinforcement and
repair of bridges.
(2) Less important duties are —
(a) Rapid general lay-out of rear positions, marking routes,
and guiding units to sectors.
(b) Construction of fixed bridges and roads.
(c) Construction of advanced landing fields.
id) Local defense of engineer working parties.
(e) Combat as infantry.
b. Duties performed by specialists or small groups within
the battalion for its division are —
(1) Engineer supply of tools and equipment.
(2) Engineer reconnaissance.
51
40
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
(3) Water supply.
(4) Providing electric lights for division headquarters.
(5) Map supply.
(6) Marking routes and furnishing guides.
(7) Camouflage inspection and supply of camouflage
materials.
(8) In a stabilized situation construction of more elaborate
defensive installations requiring use of special engineer
equipment*
c. Battalion headquarters divides the engineer work in the
division area among the companies by making either area or
task assignments, or combinations thereof. In area assign-
ments, each unit is given all the engineer work in a part of the
division area; in task assignments, each engineer unit is as-
signed a definite task. In either case an engineer unit may
support other organizations such as a regimental combat team
by* assisting its supply and movement. Normally the battalion
operates as a unit under control of the battalion commander.
In some cases, usually when lack of rapid communication
makes direct control difficult, companies or platoons may he
attached to infantry regiments or other parts of the division.
When such attachments are repeatedly necessary, it is best to
attach the same engineer unit to the same infantry or other
unit in order to take advantage of the favorable liaison com-
mand relationship established between the two units.
d. The major items of engineer supply which the battalion
handles for the division are barbed wire, sandbags, and in-
trenching tools for field fortifications; camouflage materials;
maps and map substitutes; and materials such as road metal,
bridge timbers, and explosives needed for engineer work.
Stocks of materials normally carried by the battalion are very
small and are limited mostly to explosives, intrenching tools,
and field-fortification supplies. The division engineer must
anticipate engineer supply needs in each situation and secure
stocks from the corps or army to supplement those available
locally. The battalion has very limited map -reproduction
facilities. Maps and map substitutes are procured from the
corps or army engineers.
e. In infantry combat, the battalion is used as a unit rather
than attached piecemeal. It may be attached as a unit to an
52
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
40-43
infantry regiment. While its combat operations are com-
parable to those of the infantry rifle battalion (less heavy
weapons company), its fire power is less than that of the
infantry battalion because of comparative lack of supporting
weapons. See section in.
Section II
COMBAT REGIMENT, SQUARE DIVISION
■ 41. General. — a. The combat regiment is the engineer com-
ponent of the square infantry division, and performs the
normal general engineer work for the division whether the
division is operating independently or as part of a corps.
In situations requiring unusual amounts of engineer work the
regiment is reinforced, or corps engineers take over certain
work in the division area.
b. Organization of the regiment is shown in figure 11. For
details and Tables of Organization see tables VI to IX, in-
clusive, appendix II.
c. Engineer tools and equipment are similar to those of the
combat battalion.
d . Transportation is sufficient to carry all personnel and
material. Types of transportation are the same as for the
combat battalion.
e. Armament is similar to that of the combat battalion.
The regiment is trained for combat as infantry (see pars. 20t>
and 29).
/. The combat regimental commander is the division (unit)
engineer. He commands any additional engineer troops at-
tached to the division.
■ 42. Platoon. — The platoon of a combat regiment is iden-
tical to the platoon of a combat battalion with respect to
organization, operations, and training (see par. 36 and table
II, app. II).
■ 43. Company. — The company of a combat regiment is essen-
tially the same as the company of the combat battalion with
respect to organization, operations, and training (see par. 37
and table III, app. II) , except that it has only two platoons
instead of three.
53
44
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
■ 44. Battalion. — a. Organization . — The battalion of a com-
bat regiment consists of a battalion headquarters and three
companies, organized and equipped as shown in table VII,
appendix II. Battalion headquarters contains only com-
mand personnel. It has no organic engineer equipment and
no transportation, except that one Vk-ton command truck
in the regimental headquarters and service company is
normally reserved for use of each battalion headquarters
54
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
44-48
b. Operations. — The battalion has neither personnel nor
equipment for administration or supply. It organizes and
controls engineer work generally as prescribed in paragraph
40c and it engages in combat as prescribed in paragraph 40e
for the combat battalion of the triangular division. The
battalion can operate separately if it is provided with head-
quarters and medical detachments and additional battalion
staff officers.
c. Training . — Battalion headquarters must be trained in
issuing orders, in planning battalion operations, in properly
distributing work to companies, in handling combined trans-
portation, and in inspecting and supervising engineer work.
The battalion is trained as a unit in rapid and orderly organi-
zation for engineer work. For basic and combat training see
sections V and VI, chapter 1.
■ 45. Regimental Headquarters, and Headquarters and Serv-
ice Company. — Regimental headquarters and the head-
quarters and service company of a combat regiment are or-
ganized and equipped as shown in table VIII, appendix II.
They operate as described in paragraphs 10 b and c. The
headquarters and service company contains personnel and
equipment for mess and routine supply of all headquarters
personnel. For training see sections V and VI, chapter 1.
E 46. Band. — The band of the combat regiment consists of
a warrant officer and 28 enlisted men. Its mess, routine sup-
ply, and transportation are provided by headquarters and
service company (see par. 10d).
■ 47. Attached Medical. — The medical detachment with
the combat regiment consists of 6 officers and 38 enlisted
men with one ^-ton command truck and three lV^-ton cargo
trucks. For combat operations, the detachment normally is
divided into a headquarters section and two battalion sec-
tions of one officer, 12 men, and one truck each (see par. 13).
■ 48. Employment. — a . General organization and major
equipment of the combat regiment are shown in tables VI
to IX, inclusive, appendix II.
55
48-50
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
b. Employment of the combat regiment follows the same
lines described in paragraph 40 for the combat battalion
with minor exceptions:
(1) The combat regiment normally constructs ponton
bridges without being reinforced by other engineer troops.
(2) The combat regiment has reproduction equipment
capable of reproducing overprints, overlays, and sketches in
limited quantities.
c. For details of operations of the combat regiment as di-
visional engineers in various types of tactical situations, see
section in.
Section III
OPERATIONS
B 49. General. — Operations of engineers organically assigned
to a division vary according to the type of military operation
in which the division engages. The following paragraphs de-
scribe operations of divisional engineers in various situations
and apply to the combat battalion, combat regiment, and
squadron, or to any engineer unit assigned work in support of
a division. The fundamental tactical situations in which these
duties predominate are discussed in PM 100-5.
■ 50. Advance. — a. Duties . — In an advance the division en-
gineers are chiefly employed as indicated in paragraph 263.
b. Strength and position in column . — Engineer troops when
available are used invariably with the advance guard of a
column. The usual allotment varies from a platoon to a
company. In addition to engineers with the advance guard,
the main body of a column may include other engineers.
From information obtained from maps, aerial photographs,
and covering forces, a fairly accurate forecast of engineer
work can be made. This estimate and consideration of work
to be done by engineers at the end of the day's march de-
termines strength of engineers with the advance guard and
with the main body, and position of engineers in the column.
The division engineer recommends the number of engineers
to be included in each column; these engineers are attached
to columns by order of the division commander. The column
commander then attaches to- his advance guard such of these
engineers as may be required. Engineers in the advance
56
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
50
guard are accompanied by their tools. Where streams are to
be crossed, bridge equipage accompanies engineers of the
advance guard.
c. Command . — Engineers with an advance guard are under
orders of the advance guard commander. The engineer com-
mander in such a case makes timely recommendations to the
advance guard commander for employment of the engineers.
d. Execution 0 / vx>rk. — Engineers should have representa-
tives with the most advanced elements of the advance guard
to give timely warning of engineering work required. The
advance guard engineers leave work details at vital points
where need for engineer assistance exists or can be foreseen.
These details may rejoin their unit on completing their task,
but ordinarily need for continuous maintenance of these vital
points will prevent this until the column has passed. Thus
the advance guard engineers may become depleted and by the
end of the march may be strung out along the roads at a
number of points. The details are picked up by trucks and
returned to their organization when the column has passed.
It may be necessary therefore to renew the strength of the
advance guard engineers by attaching a new unit during the
march, this unit being brought up in motors.
e. Security . — Security for engineers In march column is
ordinarily provided by the infantry, but the leader of en-
gineer troops engaged on work assures himself that such se-
curity is provided. He disposes his own forces so that security
is maintained and so that his men have ready access to their
arms in case of attack.
/. Additional troops . — When work essential to the advance
is beyond capacity of advance guard engineers to perform,
they are assisted by troops of other arms. The additional
troops work under their own leaders with engineer advice, or
under engineer control.
g. Reconnaissance . — Continuous engineer reconnaissance is
maintained during an advance and periodic and special re-
ports of the results are made to the next higher engineer
echelons in accordance with the reconnaissance plan.
h. Employment . — (1) Platoon . — A platoon used with the
advance guard can only make minor repairs, remove simple
obstructions, and make a limited engineer reconnaissance.
57
50-51
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
(2) Company.— A company with the advance guard can
provide maintenance personnel for duty at critical points en-
countered during an ordinary day’s march. For long marches
over poor r'oads more than one company may be needed.
Company trucks are kept available for engineer supply of the
company.
(3) Division engineer . — The division engineer must be con-
stantly available to the division commander for consultation
concerning engineering features of the advance. He usually
will leave actual conduct of operations of his unit to his execu-
tive officer. He maintains liaison with the advance guard
engineers and other engineers attached to march columns.
If their strength is unduly depleted by detachments for engi-
neer work, he recommends to the division commander the
attachment of additional engineer troops to the advance
guard. He keeps informed of the results of engineer recon-
naissance by the advance engineer elements.
■ 51. Retirement or Withdrawal.— a. Duties. — In a retire-
ment or withdrawal some engineer troops are employed near
heads of retiring columns on duties similar to those described
in paragraph 50 for an advance and others are needed at
rear of columns for delaying operations. See paragraph 264
for duties and dispositions.
b. Demolitions (see par. 3d (4) ) . — Demolitions of important
bridges or other structures generally are prescribed or au-
thorized by the commander of the forces. When it is known
that a bridge is to be destroyed the man on the ground is often
the best judge of the proper time to destroy it. Engineer offi-
cers in charge of bridge demolitions must be thoroughly
familiar with the situation, know the plan of the commander
of the forces, and execute demolitions in accordance there-
with. Liaison with friendly bodies of troops between the
enemy and the line of demolitions is extremely important in
order to set up routes for their withdrawal. Demolitions are
executed as early as possible consistent with such withdrawal.
Demolitions will be endangered by waiting for stragglers or
small delayed bodies to cross.
c. Employment . — Engineer duties vary within wide limits.
Some of the duties which platoons and companies may per-
form are —
58
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
51
(1) Platoon . — (a) With leading troops. — Normally assists
movement of the main body by repairing roads and bridges.
It may place demolition charges which will be executed on
order of rear guard engineers acting under instructions of the
covering force commander concerned. In such case it leaves
a guard for each charge placed.
(t>) With rear guard . — Usually executes demolitions and
creates barriers and obstacles. For demolitions it may only
fire charges already placed; it may execute successive demo-
litions along a route of retreat, operating in two echelons, a
charging party and a firing party; or it may execute simul-
taneous demolitions along a line crossing the route of re-
treat, operating by squads or sections with each such unit
doing both charging and firing.
(2) Company. — (a) With leading troops. — Mission is gen-
erally to repair roads and bridges and leave detachments for
maintenance thereof. As the column retreats these detach-
ments tnay be picked up and returned to their unit, or may
augment rear guard engineers.
(t>) With rear guard . — Mission is generally to execute
demolitions and create barriers and obstacles. The company
moves by bounds and echelons.
d. Attached ponton units . — Ponton bridge units if avail-
able precede the movement in order to be available for
placing any ponton bridges required. Ponton bridges remain
in position until main bodies have crossed. If used by cover-
ing force equipment may be lost. Therefore the decision as
to time for removing floating bridges rests with the com-
mander of the main force or the major combat team com-
manders comprising the various divisional columns. Timely
recommendations concerning technical questions relating to
removal of bridges and ferrying operations are made by the
division engineer, or the engineers with the major combat
teams.
e. Division engineer. — The most important duty of the
division engineer in a retirement is to put into force an ade-
quate engineer plan which insures that roads over which
the division retires are kept passable, and that the enemy is
59
51-52
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
impeded by a thorough and systematic blocking of every route
by which he can approach flanks or rear of the division.
fl 52. Attack. — a. Duties. — In preparation for ana during an
attack divisional engineers are employed as indicated in
paragraph 265.
b. Preparations . — Prior to an attack dumps of engineer
material are established, especially of road material to be
used immediately following the first phases of the attack.
Where streams, gullies, etc., must be crossed, the portable
H-10 steel bridge or bridge -building material is concentrated
both for initial crossing of foot troops and for crossing ar-
tillery and trains of the division.
c. Consolidating new position . — If the attack is halted the
engineers may be used in consolidating the new positions.
This requires construction of certain field fortification works
such as tank obstacles, barriers, and command and observa-
tion posts, and provision of tools and materials for the in-
fantry. Relocation of engineer dumps, opening water supply
facilities, and placing direction signs may be required.
d. Pursuit. — In pursuit of the enemy following a successful
attack, duties of engineers accompanying the encircling force
or forces are similar to those described for engineers in an
advance but far more exacting as speed of movement is all
important. Employment of divisional engineer troops upon
a pursuit mission may involve temporary abandonment of
important engineer work for the direct pressure force or the
force as a whole, but this may be justified by the greater
necessity of cutting off the retreating enemy and destroying
him. Only motorized engineers under resourceful leadership
should be assigned to an encircling force.
e. Employment . — (1> Platoon . — The platoon may be at-
tached to a combat unit such as a battalion of infantry or to
a combat team. The platoon leader works in close coopera-
tion with the commander of the unit or team to which at-
tached. The platoon transportation is kept available to the
platoon. Usually, however, the platoon is not attached but
will be assigned some engineer task by the company
commander.
(2) Company ; — The company is usually employed upon im-
provement of routes of communication. The amount of work
60
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
52-53
that the company can do with its men and tools alone is
relatively small. It is generally necessary that special ma-
terial be procured and prepared in advance, and that ar-
rangements be made for supply of this material to the
working units. The company is given a definite mission.
(3) Battalion of combat regiment . — The battalion may be
assigned either a definite task, general engineer work within
a given area, or combination of both. When necessary units
from one battalion may be attached temporarily to the other.
(4) Division engineer . — The division engineer’s command
post is at his unit headquarters. He maintains contact with
division headquarters and with all engineering operations
within the division area. He transmits technical reports
directly to the corps engineer, informing him of the engineer-
ing features of the attack. . He revises the engineer plan when
necessary for a continued compliance with the engineer
mission. When needed, the division engineer requests ad-
ditional troops and from time to time arranges with the corps
engineer to relieve the division engineer troops of road main-
tenance and other tasks as far forward as practicable.
■ 53. Defense and Delaying Action. — a. Duties.— Duties of
engineers in defensive and in delaying actions are covered
in par. 267.
b. Employment. — (1) A company or platoon assigned to a
tactical unit in defense normally is employed upon improve-
ment of routes of communication; execution of demolitions^
obstacles, mine fields, and road blocks for the unit as a whole;
execution of defensive works requiring technical skill or
special tools; or preparation and supply of material to be
used in field fortifications such as revetment, trench ac-
cessories, and wire. When a company is assigned to the lay-
out of a rear position, contact is made with tactical com-
manders who will occupy the new position. Signs indicating
the position are provided and guides furnished. Platoon
transportation is kept available to the platoons.
(2) Battalions in the combat regiment are assigned tasks
as in attack (see par 52e (3) ) .
(3) The division engineer maintains his headquarters in
close proximity to that of the division commander. He
281989 °— 41 -
61
53-55
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
makes a careful reconnaissance of new defensive positions in
rear and prepares a plan for their organization should a
withdrawal be directed by the commander. He makes visits
to the subordinate echelons of his own command and visits
the command posts of other units to assure himself that
engineers ale furnishing assistance required by fighting
troops. He pays particular attention to supply to troops of
all arms, tools, and materials which are needed to increase
defensive strength of the position. He has a map of the
sector prepared and kept up to date. He maintains liaison
with the division engineers of adjacent divisions and with the
corps engineer.
■ 54. River Crossing. — General . — Since river crossings are
special tactical operations particularly relying on engineer
technique, they are discussed in detail in section H, chapter
13, of this manual, and in FM 5-270.
■ 55. Rest Area. — a. When a division is in a rest area, the
engineers of the division conduct their training and recuper-
ation activities in accordance with the general programs
and directives of the division commander. In addition, they
may be employed upon engineering work of a nature to in-
crease comfort and improve morale of the division troops
such as —
(1) Repairing billets, mess halls, and recreational
structures.
(2) Constructing target ranges.
(3) Improving water supply.
(4) Operating utilities.
(5) Maintaining roads in the area.
b. If necessary to assure that the engineer unit is receiv-
ing necessary rest and opportunity for reorganization, work
details from other arms should be requested.
c. Troops occupying a given rest area change from time
to time. In order to maintain a continuity of engineering
policy within the area, the unit engineer keeps a file of
pertinent information to turn over to his successor. This
includes approved construction projects and plans, an inven-
tory of engineer supplies and their location, condition and
needs of operating and maintenance projects (see par. 272) .
62
CHAPTER 3
ENGINEERS WITH CAVALRY AND ARMORED UNITS
Paragraphs
Section I. Squadron, cavalry division 56-60
II. Battalion, armored division 61-66
Section I
SQUADRON, CAVALRY DIVISION
■ 56. General. — a. The engineer squadron is the engineer
component of the cavalry division (horse) * and performs nor-
mal engineer work for the division.
b. Organization of the squadron is shown in figure 12. For
details and Tables of Organization see tables X and XI, appen-
dix II.
c. The squadron is similar in general to the combat bat-
talion in equipment, transportation, and armament. It con-
tains transportation for all personnel, equipment, and a
limited stock of supplies.
d . The squadron commander is the division engineer. He
also commands any additional engineer troops attached to
the division.
■ 57. Platoon. — The platoon of the engineer squadron is
identical in organization, equipment, and operations to the
platoon of the combat battalion (see table II, app. II, and par.
36) . Because of the special nature of engineer work with the
cavalry division, however, special emphasis in training should
be placed on the following classes of engineer operations:
a. Independent operations of small groups detached from
the platoon,
b. Antimechanized defense by rapid demolitions and instal-
lation of obstacles.
c. Engineer reconnaissance particularly covering engineer
information of value to higher echelons under which the
cavalry division is operating.
63
SQUADRON commander
64
Figuhe 12. — Engineer squadron (T/O 5-115) .
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
58-60
■ 58. Troop. — The troop of the engineer squadron is identical
in organization, equipment, and operations to the company
of the combat battalion (see table m, app. II, and par. 37) .
■ 59. Squadron Headquarters, and Headquarters and Service
Troop. — Squadron headquarters, and the headquarters and
service troop of the engineer squadron are organized, armed,
and equipped as shown in table X, appendix II. Its operations
are similar to those of the battalion headquarters and head-
quarters company of the combat battalion (see par. 38) .
■ 60. Squadron. — a. Organization, major engineer equip-
ment, and armament of the engineer squadron are given in
table XI, appendix II.
b. Employment of the squadron on engineer work follows
the procedure described in paragraph 40 for the combat bat-
talion. Since the horse cavalry division is capable of recon-
noitering a zone 30 miles wide to the depth of 20 miles per day,
the engineer squadron may have to conduct engineer recon-
naissance of roads and other important localities over a very
extensive area each day.
c. Engineers with cavalry will be used as combat troops only
in emergencies. When necessary to employ the squadron in
combat, its size, fire power, and mobility should be considered
carefully by the division commander. Engineers with cavalry
must also be prepared to take combat action on their own
initiative in self-defense or whenever such action is necessary
in order to accomplish an engineer mission. Dismounted
combat action for engineers with cavalry is conducted in
accordance with the doctrine for infantry combat.
d . Section EH, chapter 2, also applies to operations of the
squadron in most tactical situations. While these operations
are generally similar to those of the combat battalion with the
triangular division, the mobility of cavalry and the rapidly
changing situation call for a high degree of ingenuity and
resourcefulness, particularly by commanders of subordinate
engineer units. The cavalry horse unit can often negotiate
or circumvent obstacles without aid. Mechanized and motor-
ized units will frequently need engineer assistance but this
will normally be in the form of expedients to pass the column
over obstacles rather than erection of structures to carry
65
60-61
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
heavy and continuous two-way traffic. Ordinarily engineers
are attached to mechanized units for prompt engineer recon-
naissance or for effecting demolitions and erecting obstacles.
With a cavalry division in pursuit the principal engineer effort
is made with the advance cavalry forces to assist their rapid
movement and to disrupt or destroy the hostile routes of
retirement by flank operations.
Section II
BATTALION, ARMORED DIVISION
■ 61. General. — a. Mission . — The engineer battalion, ar-
mored division, is a part of the combat echelon of the armored
division. Its principal mission is to facilitate movement of the
division and to impede hostile ground forces, particularly
armored units attacking or interfering with operations of the
armored division. In facilitating movement of the division,
the primary demand upon the battalion will be that of pro-
viding crossings, either by reinforcement of existing crossings
or their rapid replacement by fixed or floating bridges from
equipage organically assigned to and transported by the
battalion. The critical load is the medium tank weighing
approximately 27 tons.
b. Assignment . — An engineer battalion, armored division,
probably will be assigned as part of the corps troops of the
armored corps in addition to an engineer aviation regiment;
an engineer combat regiment (corps) ; a topographic bat-
talion; a heavy ponton battalion; and a corps engineer head-
quarters.
c. Organization . — The battalion consists of a headquarters,
a headquarters company, three lettered companies, and a
bridge company as shown in figure 13 and table XII, appen-
dix II.
d. Equipment . — The engineer equipment other than that
of the bridge company corresponds generally to that of the
combat battalion. Specialized equipment of the bridge com-
pany is listed in table XIV, appendix II.
e. Transportation . — Most of the personnel is transported
in 13 -passenger, half-track, personnel carriers. The bat-
talion Is provided with V^-ton command cars, motorcycles.
66
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
61
and scout cars for command, messenger, and reconnaissance
purposes. In addition, the battalion is provided with y 2 -ton
weapon carrier trucks, half-track cars, various types of cargo
trucks, and special trucks and trailers for the bridge com-
pany.
/. Armament . — The battalion is armed with caliber .50 and
heavy and light caliber .30 machine guns, submachine guns,
67
61-62
CORPS OP ENGINEERS
rifles, and pistols. Armament of the scout cars and of half-
track cars consists of two heavy caliber .30 machine guns,
one caliber .50 machine gun and one submachine gun. Arma-
ment of the half-track personnel carriers consists of one heavy
caliber .30 machine gun and one submachine gun.
g. Communications. — Means of communication include 8
two-way radio sets and 14 motorcycles. Radios are assigned,
one to each lettered company (in the engineer battalion
net), and four to battalion headquarters and headquarters
company, of which one is assigned to the battalion commander
and division engineer (in division command net) , one to the
battalion executive (in the engineer battalion net), one to
the command post of headquarters company (in the bat-
talion net but makes scheduled contacts with the primary
station in the division administrative net), and one to the
reconnaissance platoon (in the battalion net) . Motorcycles
are especially valuable for speedy messenger service within a
limited radius of travel and are indispensable for traffic
control on the march.
h. Training , — Basic training is conducted as indicated in
section V, chapter 1.
■ 62. Platoon. — a. Organization. — Strength, armament, ma-
jor engineer equipment, and transportation of the platoon
are shown in table XIII, appendix II. It is organized into
a platoon headquarters and an operating section of three
squads similar to the platoon of the combat battalion (see
par. 36) .
b. Equipment and armament. — Equipment of the platoon
is similar to that of the platoon of the combat battalion.
In addition, supplies of explosives, antitank mines, and bridge
reinforcing materials are carried in the personnel carriers
not assigned to squads. Armament consists of rifles, pistols,
and automatic weapons of the half-track personnel carriers.
c. Transportation.— -The *4 -ton command truck and the
five half-track personnel carriers give the platoon the same
cross-country mobility as the combat elements of the armored
division.
d. Training . — For basic training, see paragraphs 20 to 23.
Combat training of the platoon will parallel that of the
68
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
62-63
platoon of the support echelon (infantry regiment) of the
armored division. The engineer training is similar to that
of the platoon of the combat battalion (see par. 36). How-
ever, special emphasis is given to training in rapid construc-
tion of obstacles and preparation of antitank mine fields, in
hasty repair, improvisation, and reinforcement of bridges
and culverts, and in preparation of fords and ferrying ex-
pedients for crossing armored vehicles on a broad front.
Structures erected must be capable of taking the load im-
posed by medium tanks, but their siting, revetment of their
approaches, and measures taken to guard against the elements
are secondary.
* 63. Company. — a. Organization . — The engineer company of
the armored battalion consists of a company headquarters
and two platoons (see table xm, appendix II). Company
headquarters is subdivided into an administrative section,
a reconnaissance section, and an equipment and transporta-
tion section, whose functions are as implied by the names.
The equipment and transportation section operates the motor
vehicles and reinforcing equipment not otherwise assigned
within the company and performs 2d echelon motor main-
tenance for the company. For equipment, armament, and
transportation see table XIII, appendix II.
b . Training . — For training, see paragraphs 20 to 23 and 37.
In addition to the engineer training ordinarily given to the
engineer combat company, the training of the engineer com-
pany of the armored battalion in its duties as a member of
the various armored combat teams is emphasized (see par.
66). The remarks made relative to the combat and engi-
neer training of the platoon applies to the company.
0. Operations . — For routine administrative functions, see
paragraph 12a. For technical employment, see paragraph
62 d. Requirements for engineer work will frequently neces-
sitate dispersion of the company over such a wide area that
special provision will have to be made for messing such as
by carrying reserve rations in containers on the vehicles.
If the company cannot furnish these facilities, an alterna-
tive procedure will be to attach engineer units to nearby
units for messing.
69
64-65
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
B 64. Bridge Company. — a. General .— The primary mis-
sion of the bridge company is to maintain and transport the
stream- crossing equipment carried by the company. It fur-
nishes trained personnel and power erection equipment to
assist in the erection of its stream -crossing means. The
bridges are erected by the armored companies or the recon-
naissance platoon of the headquarters company. The bridge
company maintains equipment after erection, furnishes
bridge guards, and operates ferry units.
b. Organization . — The bridge company consists of a com-
pany headquarters, a floating bridge platoon and a fixed
bridge platoon, organized, armed, and equipped as shown
in table XIV, appendix II. The company headquarters is
subdivided into an administrative section and a mainte-
nance section. The floating bridge platoon is subdivided into
a platoon headquarters, an assault boat section with 20
assault boats, a ferry section with two 30-ton ferry units,
and a heavy ponton section with one unit (250 feet) of heavy
ponton bridge. The fixed bridge platoon is subdivided into
a platoon headquarters, an H-10 bridge section with 72 feet
of H-10 bridge, an H-20 bridge section with 125 feet of
H-20 bridge, and a trestle bridge section with 300 feet of
portable trestle bridge.
c. Equipment . — For equipment see table XTV, appendix
II. In addition to its stream-crossing equipment the com-
pany has special trucks such as crane trucks and a wrecker
truck for operation and service of equipment.
d. Transportation . — The stream -crossing equipment and
the personnel of the company are carried on trucks, trailers,
and semitrailers of the company. Transportation of the com-
pany is shown in table XIV, appendix II.
■ 65. Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company
(see fig. 13 and table XV, appendix II). — a. Battalion head-
quarters consists of five officers, a lieutenant colonel who
is battalion commander and division engineer; a major (bat-
talion executive) ; and three captains (adjutant, S-2, and
S-3). The duties of S-2 require special mention. Not only
does he perform the normal duties of a unit S-2, but he
coordinates engineer reconnaissance activities of the re-
connaissance platoon of headquarters company and the
70
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
65
reconnaissance sections of the three armored companies. He
is charged with reconnaissance planning and compilation,
preparation, and dissemination of engineer reconnaissance
information.
b. Headquarters company . — Consists of a headquarters
platoon and a reconnaissance platoon organized, armed, and
equipped as shown in table XV, appendix II.
Cl) Headquarters platoon . — The headquarters platoon is
divided into a company headquarters, a division engineer sec-
tion, a supply section, an administrative section, an operations
section, and a motor maintenance section. The operations
section operates heavy equipment not assigned to companies
and maintains radio and engineer equipment of the battalion
except that which comes under motor maintenance. The
remaining sections have duties similar to those of their
counterparts in the combat battalion (see par. 38 b ) .
(2) Reconnaissance platoon . — This platoon consists of a
platoon headquarters, two reconnaissance sections of four
men each, and an operating section of three squads. It Is
normally attached to the division reconnaissance battalion
where it performs the engineer work for the battalion and
makes technical engineer reconnaissance lor the reconnais-
sance battalion and for the division engineer. The recon-
naissance platoon and the squads thereof are equipped with
the same engineer tools, equipment, and supplies as the
platoon of the armored company, and in addition has motor-
ized air compressor equipment as shown in table XV,
appendix IX
(3) Training . — The headquarters platoon is trained sim-
ilarly to the headquarters company of the combat battalion,
insofar as administrative, supply, motor maintenance, and
company headquarters functions are concerned. However,
the division engineer section operations must be modified
to correspond with those developed for the special staff of
the armored division. The primary training of the recon-
naissance platoon Is based on securing rapidly and accurately
engineer information on which to base the engineer plan.
Its training for signal communications, including radio, is of
paramount importance. For basic training of the company,
see section V, chapter I. The headquarters company ordi-
71
65-66
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
narily will be dispersed so widely throughout the division that
its use as a combat unit is unlikely. However, the personnel
are trained in use of organic weapons, particularly automatic
weapons, so as to be capable of fighting in small groups.
* 66. Employment.— a. General . — The usual employment of
the battalion as a part of the armored division is as follows:
(1) The normal engineer attachment to each of the two
light armored (tank) regiments is at least a platoon of engi-
neers plus a company reconnaissance section. In many
cases, an entire engineer company is attached. This engi-
neer component not only does engineer work of the regiment,
but it carries out reconnaissance to obtain information of
roads, strength of bridges, defiles, and obstacles for use of
the regimental commander, it is also charged with making
results of engineer reconnaissance known to the division
engineer.
(2) The third engineer company may be attached in
whole or in part to the medium armored (tank) regiment,
to the infantry regiment, or it may operate under the
engineer battalion commander.
(3) The bridge company will be in an assembly area or
on the march in the rear part of the forward echelon of the
division from where it can dispatch one or several of its
components to the several companies of the battalion, as
ordered by the battalion commander.
(4) The reconnaissance platoon of the battalion head-
quarters company is normally attached to the division recon-
naissance battalion with twofold functions. It aids the
battalion in overcoming obstacles and it obtains information
on roads, bridges, defiles, and obstacles for use of the divi-
sion and especially for use of the division engineer so that
he can recommend wisely disposition of engineer means of
the division and make plans for engineer work necessary to
facilitate the advance. In combat and during approach to
combat, the major engineer effort must be concentrated well
forward to assure rapid movement of the combat forces.
(5) The battalion is capable of performing the following
tasks for the division but not all at any one time:
(a) Make reconnaissance of routes, bridges, defiles* and
obstacles.
72
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
66
(b) Mark routes.
(c) Establish water points.
( d ) Assist in security measures.
(e) Reinforce existing bridges.
(/) Provide electric current for division and brigade head-
quarters.
(g) Prepare demolitions.
( h ) Construct obstacles.
(i) Remove obstacles.
(?) Reproduce sketches.
(fc) Bridge streams up to 250 feet wide with a ponton bridge
that will carry all armored division loads.
( l ) Bridge streams or gulleys up to 125 feet wide with a
fixed bridge that will carry all armored division loads.
( m ) Construct portable trestle bridges.
in) Perry tanks and other elements across wide streams.
(o) Move infantry elements across streams in assault boats.
(p) Fight as infantry when required.
b. Improvement of routes of advance . — The armored divi-
sion moves so rapidly and continuously while in forward areas
that there is little opportunity for engineers to improve roads.
Route improvement will consist primarily of filling shell holes,
strengthening and construction of bridges, and removal of
enemy obstacles.
C. Demolitions . — Engineers will be called upon to execute
demolitions to hinder or canalize movements of hostile forces.
All echelons of the engineer battalion are trained and equipped
for this work.
73
CHAPTER 4
NONDIVTSIONAL GENERAL UNITS
Paragraphs
Section I. Corps combat regiment 67-73
n. General service regiment 74-76
III. Aviation regiment 77-82
IV. Separate battalion 83-67
Section I
CORPS COMBAT REGIMENT
■ 67. General. — a . The corps combat regiment ordinarily
performs general engineer work in the forward part of the
corps area, and such engineer work in the division service
areas as may be taken over by the corps. It is the primary
source of engineer troops for reinforcing divisional engineer
units.
b. Organization of the regiment is shown in figure 14.
For details see tables XVI to XVIII, inclusive, appendix II.
c. Engineer tools and equipment are similar to those of
the combat battalion and combat regiment, square division,
and in addition the corps combat regiment has two power
shovels, a road grader, and one unit of footbridge.
d. Transportation is sufficient to carry all personnel and
material. Types of transportation are the same as for the
combat battalion except for one 7^ -ton cargo truck, prime
mover for the &-yard shovel.
e. Armament is similar to that of the combat battalion.
The regiment is trained for combat as Infantry. See para-
graphs 20b and 29.
■ 68. Platoon and Company. — The platoon and company of
the corps combat regiment are identical to the platoon and
company of the combat battalion with respect to organiza-
tion, equipment, operations, and training (see pars. 36
and 37) .
■ 69. Battalion. — The battalion consists of a headquarters
and three companies organized and equipped as shown in
74
RECImCntaL COMMANDER
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
69
75
Figxtre 14. — Engineer regiment, comfcat (corps) (T/O 5-175).
69-73
CORPS OP ENGINEERS
table XVI, appendix II. Battalion headquarters contains
only command personnel. It has no organic engineer equip-
ment and no transportation, except that one y 2 -ton command
truck in the regimental headquarters and service company is
normally reserved for the use of each battalion headquarters.
The battalion operates and is trained similarly to that of the
divisional combat regiment (see par. 44 b and c),
■ 70. Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters and
Service Company. — Regimental headquarters and the head-
quarters and service company of a corps combat regiment are
organized and equipped as shown in table XVH, appendix n.
They are trained and operate as described in paragraphs 10 b,
c, and 45, except that the functions of intelligence (S-2) and
operations (S-3) officers are combined under the operations
officer, and that there is no assistant division engineer,
H 71. Band. — The band consists of one warrant officer and
28 enlisted men. Its mess, routine supply, and transporta-
tion are provided by headquarters and service company
(see par. 10 d).
■ 72. Attached Medical. — The medical detachment is slightly
larger than, but generally similar to, that of the combat
regiment, square division, and operates as described in
paragraph 13.
■ 73. Employment. — a, The major function of the regiment
is to perform engineer work on roads, railroads, and bridges
within the service area of its corps; on field fortifications for
rearward defense of flanks of the corps; on corps command
posts, supply installations, etc,; and on camouflage for all
types of corps installations,
b. The corps combat regiment furnishes personnel and
equipment for supporting or for reinforcing the divisional
engineers, particularly for special operations such as river
crossings. Support is accomplished ordinarily by taking over
particular engineer work in a division rear area. Reinforce-
ment is accomplished by attaching subordinate units of the
regiment to the organic divisional engineer unit.
76
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
74-76
Section II
GENERAL SERVICE REGIMENT
■ 74. General. — The general service regiment performs gen-
eral engineer work, particularly that requiring a high per-
centage of skilled labor,, throughout the theater of operations.
■ 75. Organization. — The general service regiment is in gen-
eral similar to the corps combat regiment in organization,
equipment, operations, and training. General organization
of the regiment is shown in figure 15. For details see tables
XIX to XXII, inclusive, appendix II. Major differences
between it and the corps combat regiment are —
a. Transportation is sufficient for equipment and supplies
but is not provided for personnel, and hence trucks for work
purposes are materially reduced.
b. Squad does not have organic tools and transportation.
c. Both gasoline shovels in the headquarters and service
company are y 2 -y&rd and both prime movers for the shovels
are 7^2 -ton trucks. No assault boats, footbridge, or
intrenching equipment are provided.
d. An engineer section is in place of the camouflage section
in headquarters platoon of headquarters and service company.
■ 78. Employment. — a, The general service regiment is em-
ployed primarily on any of the following tasks:
(1) Building, repairing, and maintaining roads, railways,
and bridges of all types,
(2) Constructing contonments, wharves, depots, and the
like,
(3) Assisting in organization and preparation of rear
defensive positions, including preparation of military de-
molitions, and construction of certain field fortifications,
(4) Operating public utilities
(5) Installing and operating water supply facilities,
(6) Reinforcing or supporting corps engineers when
necessary.
b. General service regiments are assigned as shown in
table I, appendix n. This indicates that the mass of general
service regiments will be employed normally on work in rear
of the corps service areas.
77
is well adapted to work
method. If parts of work
iinforcing engineer units.
Figure 15. — Engineer regiment, general service (T/O 5-21).
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
77
Section in
aviatt6n regiment
■ 77. General.— a. The engineer aviation regiment is a gen-
eral engineer unit which is especially organized, trained, and
equipped to meet needs of the GHQ Air Force for engineer
work. Units of this type are assigned to the GHQ Air Force
and operate under technical supervision of the engineer and
camouflage section of the GHQ Air Force headquarters (see
par. 9 d and fig. 8).
b. Organization of the regiment is shown in figure 16.
For details of organization, see tables XXIII to XXV,
inclusive, appendix n.
c. Power equipment includes motorized air compressors
with air tools, road graders, carry-all scrapers, a trencher,
tractor cranes, compaction rollers of various types, plows,
gasoline shovels, a road material mixer, and tractors with
bulldozers. Hand tools consist for the most part of standard
carpenter, demolition, and pioneer sets (see par. 17).
d. The regiment is completely motorized including trans-
portation for all personnel (see par. 18) .
e. Armament consists of rifles and pistols but no machine
guns (see par. 19).
/. The engineer training of the unit covers basic engineer
subjects (see pars. 20 and 23) for general engineer units as
modified to apply to its organization and functions. A large
part of its personnel is selected from occupational specialists
in highway, paving, earth- moving, and airport work; it also
comprises mechanics, motor transport operators, and con-
struction foremen of all types. The unit is organized in
work teams corresponding to trained crews of specialized
civil construction organizations. Long hours under condi-
tions imposing peak loads and strain require that all per-
sonnel be maintained in the best possible physical condi-
tion. For basic, technical, and tactical training, see sections
V and VI, chapter 1. Antiaircraft rifle training and defense
against ground raids are emphasized for protection of air-
dromes and bivouacs as well as convoys on the road. The
organization should be trained in making rapid motor
movements at night without prior notice.
79
Figure 16. — Engineer regiment, aviation (T/O 5-411)
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
78-80
■ 78. Platoon and Company. — The platoon and company of
an engineer aviation regiment in general are similar to the
platoon and company of a combat battalion with respect
to organization, equipment, operations, and training (see par.
36 and 37) except —
a. The company has additional specialized equipment, in-
cluding a heavy disk plow, a tractor plow, and a 500 -gallon
capacity portable storage tank.
b. In training of the aviation unit special stress is laid on
technique of movement and stabilization of earth with the
aid of construction machinery furnished by the battalion
headquarters company and the headquarters and service
company. Building construction and camouflage are also
important.
c. The company is trained in route supply and mainte-
nance for operating while at a considerable distance from
other elements of the regiment.
d. No machine guns are assigned to platoons.
■ 79. Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company. —
The battalion headquarters and headquarters company is or-
ganized and equipped as shown in table XXIV, appendix EC.
The battalion is trained in general like the battalion of the
divisional combat regiment (see par. 44 b and c) . Its opera-
tions differ in that it has basically assigned to it a battalion
headquarters company which makes it self-sufficient for ad-
ministration and supply on detached missions. The battalion
headquarters company includes a company headquarters, a
headquarters platoon, and a service platoon.
■ 80. Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters and Serv-
ice Company. — a. Regimental headquarters and headquarters
and service company of an engineer aviation regiment are
organized and equipped as shown in table XXI II, appendix
II. They operate as described in paragraph 10 b and c, except
that a topographic officer performs the duties of intelligence
officer (S— 2) and the engineering officer performs the duties
of operations officer (S-3). The topographical section and
the camouflage section of the headquarters platoon have
personnel for handling normal amounts of such work.
81
80-81
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
b. The headquarters and service company of the aviation
regiment is, in general, similar in organization and operation
to the headquarters and service company of the corps combat
regiment. The major differences of the aviation regiment
unit are —
(1) It has a topographical section in the headquarters
platoon.
(2) It has a transportation section in the service platoon.
(3) The supply problem is of such magnitude that it is
handled by a supply pla toon instead of by a supply section as
in the corps combat regiment. The supply platoon has the
following sections:
( a ) Regimental supply section has duties similar to those
of the supply section of headquarters platoon of the head-
quarters and service company of the corps combat regiment.
<b) Air force engineer depot section has the duty of supply-
ing, storing, and distributing class IV engineer supplies, in-
cluding construction and camouflage materials, but excluding
small items of engineer issue to air units stocked by the
engineer section of the air force depot.
(c) Refilling point section provides camouflage instruction
and inspection service and operates the refilling point or
points for camouflage materials and sandbags for all air units
in the service area.
(d) Air depot section is the engineer section of the air
force general depot. It provides articles of engineer issue
to all air units in the air task force and stocks engineer items
necessary in the theater except construction and camouflage
materials.
c. The transportation section of the service platoon trans-
ports all equipment of the headquarters, and headquarters and
service company.
d. For administrative and service functions, see paragraphs
10c and 12a. The headquarters and service company provides
for the mess and routine supply of all headquarters personnel
not detached. Training of headquarters personnel is best
obtained by performing field duties with other elements of the
regiment.
■ 81. Attached Medical. — The medical detachment consists
of 11 officers and 54 enlisted men, organized into a
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
81-82
headquarters section and three battalion sections. Each sec-
tion has a l^-ton truck for the transportation of medical
supplies and equipment; the headquarters section has in addi-
tion a ^-ton truck and a motorcycle with side car for com-
mand purposes. Functions of each of the medical sections
are similar to those described in paragraph 13.
■ 82. Employment. — a. Principal functions of an aviation
regiment are —
<1) Improvement or provision of advanced airdromes to-
gether with all appurtenances such as runways, landing strips,
shelters, airplane parking areas, internal routes of communi-
cation, water supply, lighting, and other utilities.
(2) Improvement or provision of routes of communication
to such airdromes.
(3) Provisions for gasproofing and bombproofing essential
parts of such installations.
(4) Camouflage of advanced airdromes and other Air Corps
installations.
(5) Map supply.
(6) Assistance in antimechanized defense of advanced air-
dromes by construction and defense of road blocks and combat
against raids delivered by ground forces.
(7) Assistance in defense of advanced airdromes against
air attack.
(8) Maintenance and repair of airdromes, especially after
damage by enemy bombers.
b. Elements of the aviation regiment are employed on tasks
which are usually scattered over a large area. Requirements
of the air force for engineer work in various portions of the
theater vary widely with movement of supported ground
troops and aerial activity of the enemy. By proper use of its
mobility and flexibility the aviation regiment can quickly con-
centrate well -trained units with great work capacity on
emergency taskg which require rapid execution of large
amounts of engineer work at vital points, and then disperse
again in order to carry out less urgent tasks in numerous other
scattered areas.
83
83-85
CORPS OP ENGINEERS
Section IV
SEPARATE BATTALION
■ 83. General. — a. The separate battalion is organically as-
signed to the armies and to GHQ as indicated in table I,
appendix H. It performs general engineer work throughout
the theater of operations. It is frequently attached to re-
inforce other general engineer units in whole or in part.
b. Organization and equipment of the battalion are shown
in figure 17 and tables XXVI to XXIX, inclusive, appendix II.
c. Transportation is sufficient for equipment but not for
personnel (see par. 18).
d. Armament consists of rifles, bayonets, and pistols (set
par. 19).
e. For basic, technical, and tactical training see sections V
and VI, chapter 1.
■ 84. Platoon. — The platoon of the separate battalion con-
sists of a platoon headquarters and nine operating units
(squads) organized, armed, and equipped as shown in table
XXVI, appendix n. As compared to the platoon of the com-
bat battalion, it has three times as many operating units
(squads), but the squads do not have organic transportation
and tools. Functions of the various sections and training
of the platoon as a whole are similar to that of the platoon
of the combat battalion. However, because of the increased
number of squads the platoon of the separate battalion may
be organized for combat, close and extended order drills, and
inspections in a manner similar to the company of the combat
battalion (see par. 37). The platoon may operate on a
definite task assigned by the company commander or it may
be attached to some other engineer unit, in which case it is
assigned tasks by the commander of the latter. Technical
assistance may be provided by technical foremen and
specialists assigned from company or battalion headquarters,
or from the engineer unit to which the platoon may be
attached.
■ 85. Company. — The company of the separate battalion con-
sists of a company headquarters and two platoons organized,
armed, and equipped as shown in table XXVII, appendix H.
84
85-87
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
It is similar to the company of the combat battalion with
respect to Operations and training (see par. 37). The work
allotted or suballotted the company normally involves a low
order of technical skill. Company transportation is not
sufficient to keep up a constant supply of material for exten-
sive road and railroad work. Being administratively self-
sustaining, the company can be employed on detached mis-
sions without special arrangements being made for routine
supply. The company may be employed on a task under its
battalion commander or it may be attached to some other
engineer unit. It may be employed as a unit or its platoons
may be attached to subordinate units of the unit to which it is
attached.
■ 86. Battalion Headquarters, and Headquarters and Service
Company. — Battalion headquarters, and headquarters and
service company of the separate battalion are organized,
armed, and equipped as shown in table XXVm, appendix II.
The battalion staff functions as described in paragraph 10b,
except that no assistant division engineer is provided, that
functions of intelligence (S-2) and operations (S-3) officers
are combined under the operations officer, and that the com-
manding officer of headquarters and service company is also
the battalion supply officer (S-4). The headquarters and
service company performs administrative and supply func-
tions as prescribed in paragraphs 10c and 16b. For training,
see section V, chapter 1.
■ 87. Employment. — The separate battalion may be employed
independently or may be attached to another engineer unit to
augment its work capacity. In the latter case, normal assign-
ment is at the rate of one separate battalion per engineer regi-
ment. When working with a regiment the battalion may
work as a unit or may be used to reinforce the battalions of
the regiment. If the battalion is subdivided for attachment,
effort should be made to keep lower units intact as far as
practicable, remaining units being left for work under the
battalion commander. For purposes of estimating work, the
battalion may be considered as furnishing about 900 men,
exclusive of foremen and overseers.
86
CHAPTER 5
CAMOUFLAGE UNITS
Paragraphs
Section I. General - 88-91
II . Army camouflage battalion 92-97
III. GHQ camouflage battalion 98-104
Section I
GENERAL
■ 88. Mission. — The primary mission of camouflage units is
camouflage inspection, discipline, training, planning, experi-
mentation, manufacture, and supply. Erection of camouflage
is not normally the duty of camouflage troops. For camou-
flage technique see FM 5-20.
D 89. Personnel. — Personnel of camouflage units consists
largely of skilled technicians and specialists. In view of the
nature of the work on which units are employed it is essen-
tial that personnel be recruited from men trained in civil
life along lines of work expected of them in the military serv-
ice. Such specialists include men associated with motion pic-
ture and theatrical art departments such as art directors,
property men, model builders, scenery builders, special effects
men, etc.; landscape architects; painters; mechanics; rig-
gers; carpenters, etc.
■ 90. Training. — For basic and combat training of camou-
flage units see section V, chapter 1. Engineer training com^
prises characteristics and practice of camouflage technique;
construction and erection of devices used in camouflage oper-
ations; planning of general and special camouflage installa-
tions; manufacture of camouflage materials; instruction in
camouflage discipline for troops of all arms and methods of
Securing its enforcement; interpretation of aerial photographs
With reference to visibility of camouflage from the air and
detection of camouflaged enemy activities; selection of posi-
tions for installations of all kinds with a view to protection
87
90-92
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
from enemy observation and detection; and system of supply
of camouflage materials to all arms. In view of the general
nature of camouflage activities attention must be paid to
necessity for close cooperation with units of other arms.
■ 91. Combat. — See section VI, chapter 1.
Section II
ARMY CAMOUFLAGE BATTALION
■ 92. General. — a. Mission . — The primary mission of the
army camouflage battalion is camouflage inspection, disci-
Figure 18. — Army camouflage battalion (T/O 6-95) .
pline, and training in the army area. It also conducts
experiments for new camouflage methods and prepares
detailed plans for general or special camouflage installations.
b. Organization . — The army camouflage battalion consists
of a headquarters, a headquarters and service company, and
four companies organized generally as shown in figure 18.
For normal organic assignment to major units see table I,
appendix II.
c. Transportation and equipment . — The army camouflage
battalion is equipped to transport camouflage inspection and
demonstration parties, to operate schools for camouflage
instruction, to erect camouflage, and to fabricate camouflage
88
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
92-94
materials in limited quantities. For this latter function
equipment of the factory section of the service platoon of
the headquarters and service company is suitable principally
for adaptation of materials previously fabricated by camou-
flage factories of the GHQ camouflage battalion in the
communications zone.
■ 93. Battalion Headquarters. — Battalion headquarters (see
table XXX, app. II) includes the battalion commander and
his staff. The staff officers are an adjutant, an operations
officer, a supply officer, and a surgeon. Their duties are in
general as described in paragraph 11.
R 94. Headquarters and Service Company. — a. General. —
Headquarters and service company (see table XXXI, app.
II) , in addition to routine administration, mess, and supply,
adapts to local conditions camouflage materials obtained from
the army depot establishments and arranges for delivery of
the materials to the camouflage companies. The headquar-
ters and service company may also be charged with conduct-
ing a course of instruction in camouflage fundamentals and
technique in army or corps schools. Detailed organization
and qualifications of the principal noncommissioned officers
and specialists are given in T/O 5-96.
b. Company headquarters . — Operates as described in
paragraph 12.
c. Headquarters platoon . — (1) Administrative section. —
Includes usual headquarters clerical personnel.
(2) Operations section. — Under the operations officer plans
and sets up pilot models of camouflage installations, and gives
instruction to and furnishes drawings for use of personnel
of the camouflage companies.
(3) Supply section. — Under the supply officer handles
camouflage supply in addition to regular administrative
battalion supply.
d. Service platoon . — (1) Platoon headquarters includes the
officer who commands the platoon and a small technical and
command group.
(2) Factory section. — Under an officer conducts factory
operations, including planning, design, supervision, fabrica-
tion, painting, and supply.
89
94-95
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
(3) Transportation section.— Under a corporal truckmaster
maintains and operates all transportation of the service
platoon.
■ 95. Company. — a . General— The camouflage company (see
table XXXII, app. II) consists of a company headquarters and
four camouflage platoons. Detailed organization and quali-
fications of the principal noncommissioned officers and spe-
cialists are given in T/O 5-97.
b. Company headquarters. — Under the company com-
mander is responsible for routine administration of the com
pany and for its operation.
c. Platoon . — (1) Organization. — The camouflage platoon
is commanded by a commissioned officer and includes techni-
cal supervisors and command personnel, overseers for de-
tached sections of the platoon, camoufieurs, general car-
penters, painters, and chauffeurs for platoon transportation.
(2) Equipment . — ( a ) Equipment of this unit consists of a
camouflage set which includes hand tools and a paint-spray-
ing machine. The platoon carries a small quantity of camou-
flage materials such as wire, rope, osnaburg, cotton cloth, nets,
stakes, paints, etc.
(b) Additional transportation such as pick-up trucks or
motorcycles with side car, when needed for officers engaged in
field inspection work, is obtained from army or higher echelon
motor pools.
(3) Operations. — (a) The platoon is the basic operating
unit. Camouflage work is normally executed by troops of
the arm whose installations are being protected. Major
camouflage projects for installations common to all arms are
normally executed by general engineer troops, but the plan
for such major projects is prepared by the camouflage unit
or approved by the unit camouflage officer. Exceptionally,
minor camouflage projects common to all arms may be exe-
cuted by camouflage troops. Normal duties of the camouflage
platoon are to render assistance by demonstration and in-
struction to troops occupying an area, and to plan general or
special camouflage installations.
( b ) The area which one platoon can cover varies from 10
to 50 square miles, depending upon the road net and the
90
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
95-97
military concentration and installations. Members of the
platoon travel through their assigned areas, observe the state
of camouflage discipline, note where improvements or action
are necessary, lend assistance, and give expert advice as re-
quired. They are careful to report their observations only
through the immediate troop or installation commander con-
cerned, suggesting corrective measures where errors of camou-
flage technique are discovered. They may often aid and
facilitate distribution of camouflage supplies. They make
periodical and emergency reports tq the platoon commander
who takes appropriate action, preferably by direct conference
with commanders concerned, or through channels if other
action is not effective. The platoon may be subdivided into
sections and the latter given area missions.
■ 96. Attached Medical. — The medical detachment is organ-
ized in general as described in paragraph 13.
■ 97. Operations. — a. Operations of the army camouflage
battalion are those generally described by its mission Csee
par. 92).
b . It usually is made responsible for camouflage operations
within a prescribed area. Small detachments may be dis-
persed through this area or the unit may operate from a
Central point. The division of the battalion area into sub-
areas is published in army orders based upon approved recom-
mendations made to the army engineer by the commanding
officer of the camouflage battalion. The subdivision into
geographical areas is based upon the difficulty of carrying
out local camouflage operations. Under exceptional circum-
stances a camouflage unit may be attached to a tactical unit
such as a detached corps.
c. (1) It is essential that the battalion commence operations
as soon as practicable when assigned to a new area. Combat
troops must be informed promptly on local camouflage mat-
ters before they reveal their presence to the enemy by
exposing their equipment and personnel to air or ground
observation. When a situation has stabilized and construc-
tion of field fortifications commences, personnel of the bat-
talion must be available to assist In camouflage of the position.
Personnel assigned to areas should if possible be retained.
91
97-99
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
regardless of any changes in other tactical dispositions. This
insures a continuity of camouflage policy in the area. Their
study of characteristics of the terrain and the effect of
seasonal changes upon camouflage will insure success of the
battalion mission.
(2) In a rapidly moving situation work of the battalion
will be concentrated on those installations which will remain
in the same locality at least from several days to a few weeks,
and upon parks or sites for large or important supply in-
stallations. This will necessitate prompt and complete
knowledge of the army G-4 plan. The battalion commander
should be prepared to accompany representatives cf G-4 in
reconnaissance of such locations.
Section IU
GHQ CAMOUFLAGE BATTALION
■ 98. General. — a. Mission.— The GHQ camouflage battalion
Is primarily a manufacturing unit. Its mission also includes
camouflage inspection and training, experimentation for new
camouflage methods, preparation of camouflage plans for
large or special installations, and supply of camouflage mate-
rials. Its equipment is similar to that of the army camouflage
battalion, except that it has heavier and less mobile factory
equipment. It forms the nucleus for organization of large
camouflage factories and depots.
h. Organization . — The GHQ camouflage battalion consists
of a headquarters, a headquarters and service company, a
camouflage company, and a shop company organized generally
as shown in figure 19 and table XXXHI, appendix n. For
typical assignment to a GHQ force see table I, appendix II.
c. Equipment . — The GHQ camouflage battalion is equipped
to fabricate and erect camouflage materials, to transport
inspection and demonstration parties, and to operate schools
for camouflage instruction.
d . For drill of the unit, for disciplinary training, and for
movement with or without transportation, appropriate adap-
tations of the drills prescribed in FM 22-5 will be used.
■ 99. Battalion Headquarters. — Battalion headquarters (see
table XXXiLl, app. II) includes the battalion commander and
92
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
99
281989°— 41-
Figure 19. — GHQ camouflage battalion (T/O 5-135) .
99-101
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
his staff. The staff officers are an adjutant, a technical officer,
a supply officer, and a surgeon. Their duties are in general as
described in paragraph 11, except that the technical officer
combines S-2 and S-3 duties.
■ 100. Headquarters and Service Company. — a. General . —
Headquarters and service company (see table XXXIV, app. II)
includes personnel for operating the various staff sections of
battalion headquarters and for supply service for the bat-
talion. Its equipment includes organizational equipment and
supplies for the office of the battalion headquarters, routine
administration and supply, shelter, and the battalion mess.
Detailed organization and qualifications of the principal non-
commissioned officers and specialists are given in T/O 5-136.
b. Company headquarters. — Includes personnel for admin-
istration of the company, messing of the company and bat-
talion headquarters, and operation of its assigned motor
vehicles. The company commander is also the battalion sup-
ply officer. His commissioned assistant is the assistant supply
officer and regularly handles details of company administra-
tion and the battalion mess.
c. Administrative section . — Includes usual clerical person-
nel for routine administration, clerical work, mimeographing,
postal service, and operating the message center.
d. Technical section. — Under the technical officer includes
camoufleurs, clerks, draftsmen, and photographers. This
section makes studies of camouflage needs in the communica-
tions zone, recommends measures to meet these needs, and
by study of aerial photographs, reports, inspections, and other
means, determines effectiveness of measures adopted. It also
prepares technical instructional matter to be distributed to
troops of other arms in connection with camouflage operations
and prepares plans for camouflage of large installations.
e. Supply section. — Under the supply officer handles supply
of camouflage materials to be processed as well as routine
battalion supply,
■ 101. Camouflage Company. — a. General. — This company
(see table XXXV, app. II) operates in the areas behind the
armies as described in paragraph 95 for the army camouflage
company. Its camouflage equipment is similar to that of the
94
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
101
army camouflage company (see par. 95). Its transportation
carries necessary equipment and provides transportation for
normal reconnaissance, inspection, and camouflage parties,
together with usual supplies and equipment. Additional
transportation for personnel engaged on field inspection work
must be obtained from communications zone motor pools.
Detailed organization and qualifications of the principal
noncommissioned officers and specialists are given in T/O
5-137.
b. Company headquarters. — In addition to the company
commander and his commissioned assistant, includes enlisted
men for routine administration of the company. It is
charged with operation and maintenance of transportation
assigned to company headquarters.
c. Headquarters platoon . — (1) Platoon headquarters. — In-
cludes the platoon commander, a commissioned assistant who
is available for any duty, and a small command and super-
visory group.
(2) Depot section. — Consists of storekeepers, camoufleurs,
carpenters, mechanics, and clerks. It handles distribution of
camouflage material to supply points in the theater of opera-
tions and operates separate camouflage depots or dumps in
the communications zone. Personnel from this section may
be attached to engineer depots to assist in camouflage supply.
(3) School section . — Consists of camoufleurs, carpenters,
and painters. This section is employed for demonstration
and instructional purposes at training camps or schools in the
communications zone, and experimentation with new methods.
Schools should be under general charge of an officer.
d. Camouflage platoon. — Operates in a manner similar to
that described in paragraph 95 for the platoon of the army
camouflage company.
(1) Platoon headquarters. — Includes one officer who com-
mands the platoon, a commissioned assistant and a camou-
fleur who assist the platoon commander in planning, mes-
sengers, and chauffeurs.
(2) Camouflage section — Includes officers for field super-
vision of camouflage projects, foremen who take charge of
field groups engaged on camouflage operations, and camou-
fleurs, carpenters, painters, and chauffeurs for execution of
assigned work.
95
102
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
*102. Shop Company. — a. General. — The shop company (see
table XXXVI, app. II) furnishes personnel for manufacture
and adaptation of camouflage materials. Its transportation
provides for carrying messing facilities, and for transporta-
tion of reconnaissance and inspection parties, supplies, and
equipment. Detailed organization and qualifications of the
principal noncommissioned officers and specialists are given
in T/O 5-138.
h. Company headquarters. — In addition to their command
duties, the company commander and his commissioned as-
sistant are factory superintendent and assistant factory
superintendent, respectively. Enlisted personnel comprise the
complement for necessary routine administration.
c. Headquarters platoon. — Procures and distributes raw
materials for camouflage manufacture, designs camouflage
materials, and conducts experimental work.
(1) Platoon headquarters. — Consists of the platoon com-
mander, a commissioned assistant who is available for any
duty, and a small enlisted group for command purposes and
technical planning.
(2) Supply section. — Consists of mechanic foremen, store-
keepers, and clerks. It handles storage and issue of materials
for the factory and routine company supply.
(3) Transportation section. — Consists of a motor corporal
and chauffeurs who operate motor vehicles assigned to the
section.
(4) Repair and maintenance section. — Consists of a mill-
wright in charge of repair work, mechanic foremen, black-
smiths, electricians, pipe fitters, machinists, mechanics, and
welders. This section is charged with general maintenance of
factory equipment and transportation.
(5) Design section. — Consists of camoufleurs, a model
maker, carpenters, clerks, and draftsmen. This section sets
up pilot models of camouflage installations, develops new
camouflage devices, and gives instructions to and furnishes
drawings for use of personnel of the shop company. It is also
charged with compiling statistical information concerning
factory production.
d. Factory platoon . — Operates a central camouflage factory
for preparation of materials to be delivered to using troops in
96
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
102-104
either the communications or the combat zone. It sews and
weaves raw materials, makes nets, repairs salvaged materials,
and applies colors by brushing, spraying, or dipping. Its
equipment consists of paint grinding and mixing machines,
paint-s praying machines, and sewing machines for manu-
facture of camouflage material.
(1) Platoon headquarters . — Consists of the platoon com-
mander, a commissioned assistant who is available for any
duty, a platoon sergeant, a camoufleur, and a clerk.
<2) Sewing and weaving section . — Consists of mechanic
foremen, canvas workers, and camoufleurs who manufacture
camouflage fabrics. When the battalion forms the nucleus
for a large camouflage factory this section will employ native
civilian labor and hence personnel must be capable of
directing small groups of such labor.
(3) Painting section . — Consists of a paint mill foreman,
mechanic foremen, painters, and camoufleurs. This section
is charged with preparation and application of camouflage
paint.
■ 103. Attached Medical. — The medical detachment is or-
ganized in general as described in paragraph 13.
■ 104. Operations. — a. In addition to manufacturing and
supplying camouflage materials for the field forces, the bat-
talion may execute camouflage construction of a minor nature
where the works are for the benefit of all arms. In general,
however, camouflage construction is executed by troops of the
arms whose activity is being camouflaged, the camouflage
battalion furnishing instruction, inspection, and specialists
to assist in some cases. Major camouflage projects in the
theater of operations common to all arms are normally con-
structed by general engineer troops based on plans prepared
by the camouflage battalion or approved by the unit
camouflage officer.
b. The commander of the battalion has his headquarters
near that of the chief engineer of the field forces. He may
recommend to the chief engineer disposition and responsi-
bilities of the battalion which, if approved, are published in
general orders for guidance of the command.
97
CHAPTER 6
PONTON UNITS
Paragraphs
Section I. Light pontori company 105-108
II. Heavy ponton .bat tali on 109-113
Section I
LIGHT PONTON COMPANY
■ 105. General. — a. Mission . — The light ponton company
maintains and transports river-crossing equipment as listed
in d below. Construction of ponton bridges is a function of
general engineer troops. However, ponton company per-
Figure 20. — Light ponton company (T/O 5-87).
sonnel may supplement general engineer troops on this work
in an emergency. The company may be employed to instruct
other troops in use of the equipment, to guard and maintain
completed bridges, to regulate traffic thereon, and to dis-
mantle bridges.
b. Organization . — The light ponton company consists of a
headquarters platoon and three bridge platoons organized as
shown in figure 20 and table XXXVII, appendix H.
98
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
105
99
Figure 21. — Heavy ponton battalion (T/O 5-275),
105
CORPS OF engineers
c
G
“LEGEND—
DIRECT COMMAND
TECHNICAL SUPERVISION
TRAFFIC CONTROL
Figure 22. — Organization of military raih
100
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
105
□
,nd inland waterways, theater of operations.
101
105-106
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
c. Assignment. — Assignment of light ponton companies in
a GHQ force is given in table I, appendix II. Attachment of
light ponton companies to corps and divisions engaged in
river -crossing operations will be made in accordance with
needs of these units for the particular operation (see sec.
II, ch. 13),
d. Equipment . — (1) River-crossing equipment of the com-
pany Is of three types as follows:
(a) 3 units of light ponton equipage, 10-ton, M1938, each
unit providing sufficient equipment for a complete bridge ap-
proximately 250 feet in length.
(b) 3 units of footbridge, M1935, each unit providing equip-
ment for 432 feet of bridge.
(c) 120 assault boats, each with a capacity of 7 to 9 men
and a 2 -man crew,
(2) The company includes in its organically assigned trans-
portation all necessary vehicles except the prime movers for
the 99 trailers on which the ponton bridge equipage is trans-
ported, These prime movers must be furnished in whole or
in part by higher command, depending upon necessity for a
simultaneous or successive movement of the equipage. When
circumstances permit, the 24 trucks used for transportation
of assault boats and footbridge equipment can be used for
drawing trailers.
e. Training . — (1) Engineer , — The unit is trained in per-
formance of all duties listed in a above, including emergency
construction of foot or ponton bridges and supply of assault
boat crews,
(2) Basic, technical, and tactical. — See sections V and VI,
chapter 1,
/, Combat , — See paragraph 30. Antiaircraft defense is es-
sential,
■ 106, Headquarters Platoon (see fig, 20 and table XXXVH,
app, II), — a. Company headquarters , — Organization and du-
ties of this section are similar to those for a company head-
quarters as listed in paragraph 12a.
b. Assault boat section. — Cares for the 120 assault boats
assigned to the light ponton company.
c. Footbridge section. — Cares for the three footbridge units
assigned to the ponton company.
102
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
106-108
d. Service and repair section . — Consists of 1 lieutenant, and
19 enlisted men of various Qualifications necessary to main-
tain company transportation and equipment.
■ 107. Bridge Platoon (see fig. 20 and table XXXVII, app.
II). — The platoon has one unit (250 feet) of ponton equip-
ment, complete with all accessories. The unit proper is trans-
ported on' 33 two-wheeled trailers. Accessories are trans-
ported in three l^-ton trucks and a 1-ton cargo trailer.
a. Platoon headquarters. — Consists of one lieutenant, pla-
toon commander; command group, chauffeurs, and tractor
operators. It cares for the trailer load of spare trestle balk
assigned to the platoon and for the accessories.
h. Ponton section. — Consists of 1 sergeant, section leader,
1 corporal, assistant section leader, and 13 privates. The
sergeant commands the section and is responsible for 6 ponton
loads, 6 deck loads, 3 abutment, loads, 1 trestle load, and the
16 trailers which transport them.
■ 108. Operations. — a. In company ponton park. — The pri-
mary function of the ponton company while being held in a
rear area is to keep its transportation and equipment ready
for employment. In addition to storage maintenance, the
equipment should be tested periodically to eliminate parts
which may have deteriorated so that they are no longer safe.
However, this work may not employ full time of all men,
transportation, and equipment. When primary duties permit,
a part of the men of the company may be employed for
training their own or other personnel, to reinforce engineer
depot personnel, to maintain or repair roads near the ponton
park, or to assist other nearby engineer units in performance
of their duties.
h. Employment while moving forward 1 to river crossing. — (1)
The extra trucks for transporting the light ponton company
may be assigned from division, corps, or army quartermaster
trucks. In march column when closed up at a halt, the ponton
company with its attached truck units occupies about 1 mile
of road space. At night without lights the column can average
about 10 miles per hour and in the daytime about 25 miles
per hour. At these speeds it occupies about 2.1 and 6.9 miles
of road space, respectively.
103
108
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
(2) Subordinate elements of the ponton company may
be attached to different divisions for a river crossing. On
reaching the area of the division to which attached, each
such element usually will be attached to general engineer
units which are charged with construction of ponton or
footbridges or employment of assault boats. Personnel from
the ponton company accompanies equipment to which it
pertains. The footbridge and assault boat sections ordinarily
join the engineer units to which they are attached at the
bivouac area of these units. The bridge platoons, on the
other hand, join the engineer units to which they are at-
tached at initial control points as designated by orders of
higher command for the crossing. This difference is due
to the fact that the footbridge and assault boat sections are
fairly easy to conceal, occupying only a small amount of
road space, and must be greatly spread out along the river
line by the general engineer troops, while the ponton equip-
ment is much more difficult to conceal, occupies much road
space, and thus is vulnerable to hostile artillery and air
concentrations. The ponton equipment should be held well
back and moved rapidly to initial control points with only
leeway enough to avoid unnecessary delay at these points;.
For details covering selection of crossing points and bridge
sites and for erection procedure, see section n, chapter 13 ,
and TM 5-270.
c. Employment at bridge site. — (1) Bridges and ferries are
constructed by general engineer units. As long as heavy
traffic, effective bombardment, or adverse weather conditions
prevail, the general engineer unit will continue to maintain
and operate the equipment. However, when such units are
needed for other work in forward areas, operation and main-
tenance of floating biudges and ferries may be turned over
to the light ponton company. The ponton company may
also be required to dismantle the bridge and transport it
to a new park.
(2) Maintenance of a ponton bridge includes replacement
or repair of damaged sections resulting from hostile fire,
adverse river conditions, or traffic.
(a) Normally, construction is not undertaken until hostile
direct small- arms fire on the site is definitely overcome and
104
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
108-109
hostile terrestial observation greatly limited. However, high
angle artillery fire adjusted by aerial observation may be
effective during construction and later until the bridgehead
objective is secured. The bridge will always be a particular
target for hostile bombardment aviation. For these reasons
additional equipage is usually provided for reserve, the amount
depending on both tactical and technical estimate of the
situation. While the special antiaircraft defense forces fur-
nished will materially reduce damage, heavy surprise aerial
attacks must be expected until more important objectives
develop for the enemy. Actual replacements of damaged sec-
tions will be undertaken by general engineers when present,
repair or salvage devolving upon the ponton company.
(b) The bridge must be kept clear of drift and other float-
ing objects, especial attention being given to anchor cables.
If the floating objects are not too large or too numerous,
they may be passed under the bridge by men working with
pike poles from the boats and roadway. Floating objects may
be prevented from striking the bridge by guards upstream,
or by a drawspan in the bridge, or by a floating boom up-
stream crossing the stream obliquely.
(c) A continuous guard is always posted at a floating
bridge. Sentries are posted at each end, and if the bridge is
long, at intermediate points. The remainder of the guard
should be quartered near one end of the bridge. Sentries
notify the guard commander whenever the bridge is endan-
gered, They alternate one-way traffic over the bridge. A
telephone or signal system between the ends of the bridge
facilitates this operation. With approval of higher authority,
orders should be published showing characteristics of loads
permitted on the bridge, and furnished to column commanders
at some distance from the bridge and to sentries for en-
forcement.
d. Technical details of nature and use of equipment Of the
company are covered in TM 5-270 and FM 5-10.
Section* n
HEAVY PONTON BATTALION
■ 109. General. — a . Mission. — The heavy ponton battalion
maintains and transports the heavy ponton equipage, 25-ton,
105
109-110
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
M1940. The battalion is not organized primarily for con-
struction, its functions in this respect being similar to the light
ponton company (see par. 105) . However, under certain cir-
cumstances (see par. 113a), the battalion may construct the
bridge.
b. Assignment. — Assignment of heavy ponton battalions to
a balanced GHQ force is given in table I, appendix II.
c. Organization. — The battalion is organized into a bat-
talion headquarters, a headquarters and service company, two
lettered companies, and a medical detachment as shown in
figure 21 and table XXXVIII, appendix II.
d. Equipment. — (1) In contrast to the light ponton com-
pany, the heavy ponton battalion includes in its organic
equipment all transportation, including trucks, necessary for
movement of equipment and personnel.
(2) Bridging equipment of the battalion comprises four
complete units of heavy ponton equipage. One unit of the
equipage, affording about 250 feet of bridge, is carried by each
of the four bridge platoons of the two lettered companies.
The battalion equipment includes also tools and spare parts
necessary for ponton maintenance, and organizational equip-
ment for self-maintenance, interior administration, and sup-
ply. Equipment pertaining to the battalion as a whole is
carried and maintained by the headquarters and service
company.
(3) The four units of bridge equipage are carried on semi-
trailers.
(4) All other equipment is carried in the trucks assigned
to the battalion.
e. Training . — (1) Engineer. — The battalion is trained in
its principal duties of maintaining and transporting the heavy
ponton equipage, and in other duties referred to in a above.
(2) Basic , technical, and tactical . — See sections V and VI,
chapter 1.
f. Combat. — See paragraph 30.
■ 110. Battalion Headquarters (see table XXXIX, app. II) . —
Consists of the battalion commander and his adjutant who
is in direct charge of the administrative section of headquar-
ters and service company and handles the routine adminis-
trative clerical work for the battalion. The commander of
106
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
110-112
headquarters and service company is also the battalion supply
officer.
■ 111. Headquarters and Service Company (see table XXXIX,
app. II). — a. Mission. — In addition to duties and equipment
prescribed in paragraphs 10c and 165, the headquarters and
service company is charged with repair and upkeep of the
ponton equipage carried by lettered companies. Principal
engineer equipment includes blacksmith, carpenter, pipe-
fitting, tinsmith, and sign- painting.
5. Transportation. — See paragraph 18.
c . Training . — In addition to basic, technical, and tactical
training prescribed in sections V and VI, chapter 1, the head-
quarters and service company is trained in storage and main-
tenance of ponton equipment and motor vehicles.
d. Company head quarters. — See paragraph 12a.
e. Administrative section. — See paragraph 105.
/. Supply section . — See paragraph 105.
g. Maintenance platoon . — Has necessary personnel, includ-
ing mechanics, blacksmiths, carpenters, painters, riggers, and
wheelwright, principally for repair of trucks and trailers and
maintenance of ponton equipage beyond capabilities of the
lettered companies. It also includes necessary chauffeurs
and laborers for operation of trucks and tractors assigned to
the section for assistance of the lettered companies. Principal
duties in this regard will be moving ponton equipment in the
park or at the bridge site and assistance in heavy abutment
construction, etc.
■ 112. Lettered Company (see table XL, app. II) . — a.Mission . —
The primary function of the lettered company is trans-
portation and maintenance of two units of ponton equipage.
For organizational equipment see paragraph 16. Principal
engineer equipment is the ponton equipage, one unit of which
is assigned to each of the two bridge platoons.
5. Transportation. — The company as shown in table XL,
appendix H, includes in its organic equipment all transporta-
tion, including trucks necessary for movement of equipment
and personnel.
c. Training . — (1) Engineer. — The company is trained in
care, operation, and use of its ponton equipage, equipment,
and transportation.
107
112-113 CORPS OF ENGINEERS
(2) Basic , technical , and tactical. — See sections V and VI,
chapter 1.
d. Headquarters platoon . — (1) Administrative section . —
Consists of the company commander, his commissioned as-
sistant, and necessary enlisted personnel for routine company
administration.
(2) Service section. — Consists of necessary enlisted person-
nel, including mechanics, blacksmiths, carpenters, chauffeurs,
painters, riggers, wheelwright, and laborer for maintenance
and repair of company equipment and transportation.
e. Bridge platoon . — Has one unit of ponton equipage as-
signed within the platoon to the various sections as shown
in table XL, appendix n.
(1) Platoon headquarters section. — Contains the first
lieutenant, commanding; a staff sergeant (platoon sergeant) ;
a maintenance and operating group; and chauffeurs.
(2) Ponton sections. — Each of the three ponton sections
includes a sergeant (section leader) ; a corporal (assistant
section leader) ; a winch operator; riggers; and a chauffeur
for each of the four ponton loads assigned. The sergeant
(section leader) commands section and is responsible for
proper maintenance and transportation of equipment.
(3) Trestle sections. — Each of the two trestle sections
contains a sergeant (section leader) ; a corporal (assistant
section leader) ; a winch operator; a rigger; and two
chauffeurs.
■ 113. Operations. — a. Employment of the heavy ponton
battalion, while similar in general to that of the light ponton
company, differs in the following respects:
(1) Self-sufficiency of motor transportation. — The heavy
ponton battalion has all necessary transportation for
movement of personnel, baggage, and equipment. This
eliminates —
(a) Difficulty of promptly securing trucks for convoy
movements.
(b) Disagreement as to responsibility of ponton unit
commander and truck unit commander.
(c) Slow speed of convoys due to the fact that truck
drivers who have not had wide experience in hauling trailers
108
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS 113
are generally overcautious when assigned the duty of
transporting ponton equipage.
(d) Difficulties in forming convoy with inexperienced
truck units.
(2) Concealment . — The semitrailers of the heavy ponton
battalion are of such size that they seldom can be concealed
successfully in woods unless the foliage is very heavy; in
general, reliance must be placed on more complex camouflage
measures.
(3) Simplicity of duties . — The heavy ponton battalion pro-
vides only one type of stream -crossing equipment, that is,
the 2 5- ton equipment to provide ponton bridges and possibly
rafts to carry medium tanks, whereas the light ponton com-
pany provides for crossing by means of assault boats, foot-
bridges, individual ponton ferries, and raft ferries as well
as the ponton bridge.
(4) Simplicity of tactical employment . — The 25-ton pon-
ton bridge will normally not be built until advance of friendly
troops eliminates hostile artillery fire on definite bridge sites.
The equipage will then move in one comparatively long trip
(50 to 100 miles) direct to the sites.
(5) Adequacy of organic personnel for bridge construc-
tion . — For any stream requiring two or more units of 2 5- ton
equipage, organic personnel can furnish the working parties
necessary to construct the bridge and handle all equipment.
Where but one unit of equipage is needed, personnel of the
bridge platoon can supply about half the personnel neces-
sary for bridge construction, Greater experience and train-
ing in handling the heavier equipment is required than can
be expected from combat engineer units usually available.
Hence, the heavy ponton battalion may be charged with con-
struction of the bridge, supplemented as and when necessary
by general engineer troop units.
b. Primary duties will often permit employment of part
of the men of the battalion to train their own and other
engineer personnel, to reinforce engineer depot personnel, to
maintain or repair roads near the ponton park, or to assist
other nearby engineer units in performance of their duties.
c. Details of the 25-ton bridge, model 1940, and construc-
tion thereof are covered in TM 5-270 and in FM 5-10.
281989° — 41 5
109
CHAPTER 7
RAILWAY AND INLAND WATERWAY UNITS
Paragraphs
Section I. Organization of military railways and inland
waterways, theater of operations 114^121
II. Railway units 122_126
III. Headquarters, inland waterways 127-130
Section I
ORGANIZATION OF MILITARY RAILWAYS AND INLAND
WATERWAYS, THEATER OF OPERATIONS
■ 114. Military Railways. — a. General. — For discussion of
military railways in the theater of operations covering general
provisions, reconnaissance, location, construction, mainte-
nance, car loading, etc., see FM 5-10.
b. Organization. — (1) The standard railway system is di-
vided into grand divisions, each under a general superintend-
ent who reports to the manager, Military Railway Service.
A grand division comprises two or more divisions, each op-
erated and maintained by a railway operating battalion. A
railway shop battalion, under a general shop superintendent,
may serve two or more grand divisions. For command and
administrative purposes, the general shop superintendent may
report directly to the manager, Military Railway Service,
or to the general superintendent in whose grand division the
shops are located, as directed by the manager, Military Rail-
way Service. This organization is shown in figure 22 (see
also FM 5-10) . The direct chain of command for any oper-
ating battalion, as shown in figure 22, is commanding general,
theater of operations; commanding general, communications
zone; engineer, communications zone ; manager, Military Rail-
way Service; general superintendent, railway grand division;
superintendent, railway division. The chain of technical
supervision and control for railway operation and mainte-
nance is also shown in figure 22. Technical supervision and
coordination between the various staff departments and sub-
ordinate units of the manager, Military Railway Service;
110
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
114-117
general superintendents, railway grand divisions; and super-
intendents, railway divisions and shops, although not indicated
in figure 22, are essential.
(2) The organization shown in figure 22 follows generally
that employed by commercial railways adapted to fit into the
military organization.
c. Traffic corcfroZ. — Exercised directly from GHQ to the
railway grand division (or division) operating into and out
of regulating stations by the regulating officer concerned,
who operates directly under supervision of the assistant chief
of staff, G-4, GHQ.
d. Railway construction and reconstruction . — In the com-
munications zone and combat zone, as distinct from railway
operation and maintenance, railway construction and recon-
struction are canned out by general engineer troops under
supervision of the engineer, communications zone, and army
engineers, respectively. Technical supervision and coordina-
tion of railway construction projects is exercised by the chief
engineer, theater of operations, and the railway section of his
headquarters through the staffs of the engineer, communica-
tions zone, and the army engineers.
■ 115. Chief Engineer. — The chief engineer of the theater of
operations exercises supervision over all military railway and
inland waterway activities in the theater of operations (see
TM 5-400). His office includes a railway and waterway
section which coordinates all railway and inland waterway
construction, strategic and tactical utilization, and collection
and dissemination of statistics and intelligence in the theater
of operations.
■ 116. Engineer, Communications Zone. — The engineer, com-
munications zone, is responsible for construction on railways
in the communications zone, and for operation and mainte-
nance of all railways and inland waterways in the theater of
operations. His headquarters includes a railway construction
section and when necessary an inland waterway construction
section.
■ 117. Army Engineer. — The army engineer is concerned
only with railway construction in the army area that may be
assigned to him by higher headquarters.
Ill
118-119
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
■ 118. Manager, Military Railway Service. — The manager,
Military Railway Service, reports to the engineer, communica-
tions zone, and is responsible for operation and maintenance
of all military railways in the theater of operations. Control
of all train movements into and out of regulating stations is
exercised by regulating officers who are representatives of
GHQ (see par. 8, TM 5-400). The Military Railway Service
assigns train schedules and operates trains. The manager,
Military Railway Service, is the first person in the chain of
command in the theater of operations whose sole duty is
operation and maintenance of railways. For details see
TM 5-400, TM 5-^05, and TM 5-^10.
■ 119. Inland Waterways. — a. General . — Inland waterways
include all navigable rivers and canals used principally for
transportation of bulk supplies. They usually need little
maintenance over short periods of military use but their
capacity may be reduced and canalized streams may be
rendered valueless by damage to lock structures and gates
of dams. New construction on waterways after the advent
of war will normally be limited to construction or improve-
ment of terminal and freight handling facilities.
b. Employment . — To supplement railways and highways,
inland waterways will be used whenever available. No rules
applicable to all situations can be formulated. Nature of the
water routes, distance supplies are to be transported, quantity
and kinds of supplies, and military situation will determine
the most effective form of organization and plan of operation.
c. Considerations involved . — An existing system of service
may be put in operation in less time than would be required
to construct a highway or railroad; each unit of equipment
generally can carry more troops or material than rail or
highway equipment; and complete destruction of a water-
way is usually impracticable. However, water transport is
slower than other methods; routes are subject to interruption
by ice, bombing, accidents, floods, and droughts; and other
means of land transportation may be required, one at each
end of the water route, involving a transfer of loads each time.
d. Organization and operation . — Organization and opera-
tion of Inland Waterway Service headquarters and service are
112
TROOPS AND OPERATIONS
119-121
similar to those of the Military Railway Service. For details
see TM 5-400.
■ 120. Manager, Inland Waterway Service. — The manager.
Inland Waterway Service, has duties and functions similar
to those of the manager. Military Railway Service.
■ 121. Theater of Operations. — A typical theater of opera-
tions showing military railways and inland waterways is
shown in figure 23.
' Figure 23. — Typical theater of operations showing military railways
and
…[truncated]