Document text
FM 17-45
WAR DEPARTMENT
ARMORED FORCE FIELD
MANUAL
ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
November 13, 1942
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FM 17-45
ARMORED FORCE FIELD
MANUAL
ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 1942
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, November 13, 1942.
FM 17-45, Armored Force Field Manual, Armored Enginesr
Battalion, is published for the information and guidance of
all concerned.
[A. G. 062.11 (0-10-42).]
By order of the Secretary op War:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
Official :
J. A. ULIO,
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
Distribution:
D 17 (20) ; R 17 (3) ; Bn 17 (3) ; IBn 5 (10) ; C 17 (2) ;
IC 5 (20) ; R 18 (3) ; Bn 18 (2) ; C 18 (2).
(For explanation of symbols see FM 21-6.)
n
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraphs Page
Section I. General 1-11 1
II. Training 12-18 10
III. Control, orders, liaison, and recon-
naissance 23-25 32
IV. Marches 19-22 20
V. Security 26-31 39
VI. Offensive action 32-41 58
VII. Defensive action 42-46 72
III
FM 17-45
ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
Section I
GENERAL
■ 1. Purpose. — This manual covers the tactics and tech-
nique of the armored engineer battalion. It supplements
Basic and Engineer Field Manuals and Engineer Technical
Manuals, and will be used in conjunction with them in train-
ing the armored engineer battalion and its component parts.
■ 2. Mission. — a. The principal mission of the armored engi-
neer battalion is to facilitate the rapid movement of the
armored division of which it forms an organic part. It is
trained and equipped to perform the following tasks for the
division, but not all of them at any one time.
(1) Reconnoiter and mark roads, trails, and other routes.
(2) Reconnoiter bridges, defiles, obstacles, and areas.
(3) Construct, improve, or reinforce fords, bridges, and
culverts.
(4) Construct and maintain floating bridges and ferries.
(5) Transport infantry elements across streams with
assault equipment.
(6) Construct, defend, and remove obstacles.
(7) Fight as infantry when required.
(8) Execute demolitions.
(9) Establish and operate water points.
(10) Locate, and, if necessary, prepare advance landing
fields.
(11) Assist in the assault of fortifications.
b. For supply mission of the battalion see paragraph 9.
c. The armored division is characterized by great Are power
and mobility. Armored engineers are trained to work rapidly,
utilizing power tools and other time-saving expedients, to
enable the tank elements to maintain the high degree of
mobility without which they lose much of their effectiveness.
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
Elements of the battalion habitually provide their own local
security. Where necessary they fight to accomplish their
assigned task, but are not suitably armed for independent,
sustained combat.
■ 3. Organization. — The armored engineer battalion con-
sists of a headquarters and headquarters company, four engi-
neer companies, and a bridge company. Details of organiza-
tion are shown in current Tables of Organization.
B 4. Employment. — a. The armored division, with its large
number of heavy vehicles operating at great speed, requires
much engineer support for maximum battle effectiveness.
The armored battalion is the only engineer organization
designed to accompany the armored division in battle. It is
highly trained, both technically and tactically, and is spe-
cially armed and equipped to enable it to furnish the prompt
support demanded by the tank elements. Hence it must be
used economically, and not dissipated on unimportant or
unnecessary assignments. It should be supported closely by
other engineer troops, who will take over bridge maintenance,
ferry operation, and similar tasks, and release armored engi-
neers to accompany and maintain mobility of the division.
b. On the march and under average terrain and road con-
ditions, armored engineers are placed as shown in figure 1.
The engineer element is placed well forward in each echelon
so that necessary engineer work can be started with a mini-
mum of delay.
c. In combat, armored engineers are employed in accord-
ance with the tactical situation. By reason of its highly spe-
cialized training, missions involving combat should be as-
signed to the battalion only after carefully weighing the result
to be obtained against the effect upon the mobility of the
division.
■ 5. Equipment. — a. To facilitate its prompt employment on
independent tasks, each squad of the engineer battalion car-
ries in its armored personnel carrier certain carpenter,
pioneer, and demolition equipment and limited quantities of
engineer supplies and antitank mines. (See fig. 2.) Addi-
tional equipment and supplies are carried in platoon and
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ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
5
RECONNAISSANCE ELEMENT
COMBAT COMD A
m
DIV EN6R SEC
COMBAT COMD B
DIVISION HQ
(FWD)
DIVISION RESERVE
Figure 1. — Normal tactical disposition of engineer troops.
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
company transportation. Each engineer company has one
trailed angledozer and one or more air compressors whh
power tools.
b. The bridge company carries sufHcient equipment to con-
struct 1,080 feet of floating bridge or 720 feet of trestle bridge.
It may be broken down into units of 30 feet or multiples
thereof for attachment to combat groups or march columr.s.
Note A:
Adz, carpenter's.
Auger, ship ring.
Hacksaw and blades.
Chalk and crayons.
Chisel, socket, 1-inch.
2 flies, saw, 8-inch.
Level.
Screw driver.
Tape, metallic, 50 feet.
Note B.-
Bar, gooseneck, 30-inch.
3 hammers.
3 hatchets.
Line, chalk, 100-foot ball.
Saw, cc, hand, 36-inch.
3 saws, cc, hand, 26-inch.
Wrench, monkey.
3 pliers, side . cutting.
Note C:
2 boxes, cap.
Crimpers, cap.
Drill, detonating cord.
Galvanometer.
Machine, blasting, 10-cap.
Gage, tire pressure.
Note D:
2 cutters, wire.
3 machetes.
Oil, lard, pint can.
Tape, tracing.
3 axes.
Note E:
Bar, crow, 5-foot (carpentera'
set) .
Auger, post hole.
2 wedges.
2 blocks, steel.
Adz.
2 hooks, brush.
3 picks, railroad.
4 shovels, short-handled.
2 sledges.
Note F:
Cord, detonating.
Explosive.
Fuze and lighters.
Reel, wire, 500 feet.
Tape, friction.
Twine and marline.
30 bags, sand.
Nails, bag, assorted sizes.
2 nets, camouflage.
5 ropes, drag, for 37-mm gun
■ Armament. — The armament of the armored engineer
battalion is listed in current Tables of Organization. It is
sufficient, if employed properly, for the defense of engineer
working groups against small hostile mechanized or infantry
parties. Because of the rapid tempo of armored operations,
the attachment to small armored engineer groups of other
troops (armored infantry) for their defense is neither prac-
ticable nor desirable. The engineers are organically equipped
with a reasonable amount of armament for security and are
trained in its use, both because of the resultant gain in tacti-
cal efficiency and because troops not so armed and trained
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ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
6-7
inevitably lack the offensive spirit necessary to carry on the
required work under battle conditions.
■ 7. Communication. — a. For communication, the armored
engineer battalion is equipped with a limited number of radios
and messengers.
b. For distribution of radios see current Tables of Basic
Allowances. Radio nets are shown in figures 3 and 4.
Note. — The limited range of the SCB-510 radio set necessitates the
relaying of messages from the engineer battalion reconnaissance
platoon by the division reconnaissance battalion. Alternatively, a
medium power radio station from the division signal company may
be attached to the engineer reconnaissance platoon.
DEMOLITION SUPPLIES &
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1>n bo«» of l«rt teat)
hole f
Ths following TBA ig.uod equipment i» left out of Halt
end corned on plotoon tool true* 2 moule, ipfko Square, eteel
Jock.ljton 2(hovoli, long hapditd 2 troweli
CANNON (to»od)
PlONEEft TOOLS
-Nolo D
-Nolo E
—AMMUNITION ANO
Figure 2. — Loading chart of personnel carrier, half-track M3, for
engineer squad.
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
B 8. Engineer Attachments. — Armored engineer units are at-
tached to other units of the division as required by the situa-
tion. The division engineer must be prepared at all times to
recommend to the division commander the strength and coal-
position of these attachments. Hence, he must keep himself
informed constantly as to the tactical situation, the terrain,
road nets and their capacities, and the availability of en-
gineer materiel and supplies. The commander of the unit to
which an engineer element is attached may, in turn, attach
parts thereof to his lower units. Due to the speed and dis-
persion of armored units in battle and the resultant difficulty
of reinforcing them, initial engineer attachment should be
relatively strong. Under average conditions an engineer com-
pany, reinforced with appropriate quantities of bridge equi-
page and prefabricated engineer supplies, is attached to each
combat command.
■ 9. Supply. — The division engineer is the engineer supply
officer of the division. The S-4 of the armored engineer
battalion, besides handling the normal supply of the battaLon,
also handles the engineer supply of the division. The prin-
cipal engineer supplies for the division are water, maps, ex-
plosives, bridge materials, camouflage materials, and mate-
rials for field fortifications.
a. Water. — Water for the division is usually provided from
local sources by using the organic water purification units
with which each company except the bridge company is
equipped. Water points are established as needed. All water
is habitually filtered and chlorinated unless declared safe by
the division surgeon. When local sources are inadequate,
water is brought from the rear by nondi visional units.
b. Maps. — The division engineer section normally obtains
maps from the engineer of the next higher unit and delivers
them to G-2 for distribution.
c. Explosives. — Explosives are distributed at the engineer
battalion train bivouac.
d. Bridge materials. — Heavy lumber and other materials
for the construction or reinforcement of bridges may be pro-
cured locally, if available, or drawn from corps or army engi-
neer dumps. Each platoon normally carries a small quantity
for emergency work, and greater amounts when needed.
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ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
10-11
■ 10. Duties of Engineers. — a. Division engineer. — The com-
manding officer of the battalion is also the division engineer.
The primary tactical staff duties of the division engineer are
to—
(1) Advise the commanding general as to the strength and
composition of engineer attachments, and as a staff officer
supervise their execution of engineer duties.
(2) Prepare current and future plans for the use of that
part of the engineer battalion not attached to combat com-
mands or other units, and execute the plans as approved.
(3) Prepare engineer plans, tactical and technical, for the
division as a whole, and supervise their execution when they
are approved.
(4) Supervise the collection and dissemination of engineer
reconnaissance data.
(5) Oversee engineer supply of the division. (See par. 9.)
(6) Furnish tactical and technical advice to the division
commander on engineer matters, and assist him in prepara-
tion of training memoranda and demonstrations involving
engineer training for other units of the division.
(7) Examine captured engineer material.
b. Assistant division engineer. — The assistant division engi-
neer is the personal representative of the division engineer
at the forward echelon of the division headquarters, and is
liaison officer from the engineer battalion at division head-
quarters. He keeps a situation map showing the condition
of routes and bridges, the location of existing natural and
artificial barriers, possible defiles that can be blocked, ford-
ability of streams, and other pertinent engineer information.
He is prepared to present this information promptly to the
division commander and staff. He also collects and forwards
to the engineer battalion all information that may be of
value to the battalion. The assistant division engineer works
in close cooperation with G-2 on reconnaissance information
and map procurement, with G-3 on plans of operation, and
with G-4 on water and engineer supply.
■ 11. S-3 Air. — To effect close and rapid coordination be-
tween the armored engineer battalion and the air support, an
S-3 air officer is included in the armored engineer battalion
Tables of Organization. This officer is trained in the tactics
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
and technique of air support aviation, in air observation, and
in aerial photography. He is an assistant to the battalion
S-3. The principal duties of the S-3 air are to —
a. Advise the division engineer and battalion staff on
methods and desirability of using air facilities.
b. Prepare and expedite requests for air support, aerial
photography, and air observation pertaining to engineer
activities.
c. Inform the battalion of air action to be taken.
Section II
TRAINING
■ 12. General. — a. The fundamentals of training are pre-
scribed in FM 100-5, PM 21-5 and FM 5-5. Special instruc-
tions are published in periodic training directives.
b. The complexity of organization of the armored engineer
battalion, the comparatively large numbers of specialized
tools and vehicles with which it is equipped, the number and
variety of its weapons, and the many and varied methods of its
employment, require well-planned and coordinated training
and instruction of the highest type. Armored engineers must
be capable of executing their assigned tasks under hostile
fire, with maximum speed, with improvised means, if need be,
and often without officer supervision. This demands the
highest standards of individual and group training and dis-
cipline. Training must be thorough and continuous, and all
available training time must be used to maximum advantage.
A subject covered only hastily due to initial lack of training
time must be reviewed and gone into thoroughly at the first
opportunity. Practical application is stressed to the maxi-
mum; lectures, talks, and conferences are used only where
necessary. Night training is emphasized.
■ 13. Individual. — Each armored engineer soldier receives
basic training prescribed for all engineer privates during the
first 2 months of his service, usually at an engineer replace-
ment training center. After the soldier joins his battalion,
this basic training is extended to include thorough instruction
in the equipment and weapons peculiar to armored engineer
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ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
13-15
units. Special emphasis is given ferrying, hasty bridge and
culvert repair and construction, demolitions, and the placing
and removal of antitank and antipersonnel mines of all types.
The importance of speed of operation is stressed throughout
the program of training.
■ 14. Squad. — a. Under its regularly assigned squad leader
and assistant squad leader, the armored engineer squad is
given thorough training in the care, operation, and employ-
ment of its armored vehicles and its crew serviced weapons,
and is practiced in the execution of engineer tasks and combat
missions. This includes training both as part of the platoon
and when the squad is functioning alone. Combat training
is similar to that of the armored infantry squad. (See PM
17-40.) Engineer training stresses the proper organization
and functioning of the squad in the rapid execution of such
typical squad tasks as bridge and culvert reinforcement, mine
field removal, demolition of bridges, destruction of hostile
communication and supply installation, construction and op-
eration of ferries, and construction and defense of temporary
road blocks.
b. The importance of adequate security is emphasized con-
tinuously. Except under the unusual circumstance wherein
no possibility exists of hostile ground or air attack, the squad
always employs its four-man security group for its defense
and to avoid being surprised. This consists of the corporal
(second in command) and three well-trained privates, who
act as observers and as operators of crew weapons sighted
for the most effective defense of the squad. Where a threat
of hostile mechanized attack exists, the security group usually
places a few antitank mines across the most likely avenue of
hostile mechanized approach, covering the hasty block so
formed with antitank or machine-gun fire.
■ 15. Platoon. — The engineer platoon comprises a platoon
headquarters and three 12-man operating squads. It is the
basic armored engineer work unit, although the individual
squads are thoroughly trained in carrying out alone most
of the tasks assigned to armored engineers.
a. Combat. — The combat training of the platoon is similar
to that of the armored infantry platoon (FM 17-40). Al-
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
though the platoon is trained to fight as infantry, its combat
duties will generally be combined with engineer operations.
b. Engineer. — The platoon is capable of executing inde-
pendently any of the tasks normally assigned to engineers
in the support of armored units. In its training special
emphasis is placed on the proper coordination of the activi-
ties of its component squads with a view to securing maxi-
mum speed and efficiency. Advance planning on the part
of the leaders becomes of increasing importance.
c. Security. — When the platoon is employed as a unit the
three four-man squad security groups are habitually em-
ployed for defense of the platoon as a whole, and the
activities are coordinated and supervised by the platoon
sergeant as directed by the platoon leader. Whenever it is
necessary to prevent surprise attacks and otherwise insure
proper protection of the platoon, the four-man squads are
augmented by other men detailed from the working groups.
■ 16. Company. — a. Engineer. — The training of the engineer
company consists of perfecting the teamwork of the three
platoons and the company headquarters plus the training of
the specialist personnel in company headquarters. The tech-
nical training of the company is best accomplished by em-
ploying it upon definite engineer tasks.
b. Bridge. — The basic technical and combat training of the
bridge company is generally similar to that given to the engi-
neer company. In addition, the bridge company personnel
are thoroughly trained in the construction, . maintenance,
repair, loading, transporting, and unloading of the armored
force bridge equipage.
c. Headquarters. — The commanding officer of headquarters
company is responsible for the basic training of all men in
his company, and for the specialist training of those men
under his direct control. The training of the specialists
under control of a battalion staff officer is the function of
that staff officer.
■ 17. Battalion Training. — a. General. — The battalion staff
is trained in coordinating the operations of lower units.
This requires practice by the battalion commander in hi.s-
command functions and training of the battalion staff sec-
tions in their staff duties.
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ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
17-18
b. Schools. — The battalion conducts schools to instruct
officers and enlisted specialists in technical subjects. Use
is made of division and branch schools when they are avail-
able, and of training films and similar aids, but greatest
reliance is placed on practical application, particularly under
field conditions.
■ 18. Combined Training. — a. Armored engineers are almost
always utilized as parts of larger combat groups. Their ac-
tivities must, therefore, be coordinated carefully with those
of tank, infantry, or other elements. Every engineer officer
and noncommissioned officer must understand the general
characteristics of the other troops with whom his command
must function and when attached to another command, he
must recommend to the commander thereof the most effi-
cient method of utilizing the attached engineers.
b. The following fundamentals must always be kept in
mind: Armored engineers, to accomplish their mission, must
be well forward in combat groups. Typical assignments in-
clude the improving of stream crossings, such as reinforce-
ment of bridges or culverts, construction of fords, the re-
moval or aid in the removal of obstacles placed by the enemy,
including mine fields; the surprise attack of weakly held
enemy bridges and the prompt removal of emplaced ex-
plosives to prevent destruction by the enemy; demolitions
of all sorts, including the destruction of bridges in a retro-
grade movement, the construction and defense of hasty road
blocks for the protection of an exposed flank, and finally,
assisting the attack as infantry. Casualties in engineer
troops and equipment supporting leading tank elements will
necessarily be high and their subsequent reinforcement and
replacement difficult. Hence, the engineer reserve should
be placed well forward in the column, and the equipment
attachments should be of ample strength. Engineers should
be employed on combat missions only when such employ-
ment is determined to be more urgent than engineering
work.
c. The battalion commander must see to it that every
opportunity is seized for the combined training of engineers
with other troops. He will recommend details of such train-
ing to the division commander.
491343° — 42 2 13
ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
15
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
Section III
CONTROL, ORDERS, LIAISON, AND RECONNAISSANCE
■ 19. Control. — a. The armored engineer battalion does
not normally operate as a unit. However, the battalion com-
mander keeps himself informed at all times of the tactics.l
situation, maintains close communication with all engineer
operations, and makes immediate recommendations for the
necessary reinforcement or the release of attached engineer
units.
b. Control is exercised through the use of radio, messen-
gers, and personal visits. Periodic reports from outlying
units are required by battalion headquarters.
f3 20. Orders. — a. Oral orders, frequently fragmentary, are
customary. Warning orders are issued when possible.
Sketches, overlays, and marked maps are used to simplify
orders. Orders follow the outlines given in FM 101-5.
b. Orders must state a definite mission and are given in
such form that they cannot be misunderstood.
c. The adoption of standing operating procedure reduces
the amount of routine detail contained in orders. Standing
operating procedure should not become voluminous and :.t
should not be allowed to become so rigid that it interferes
with the flexibility required of the armored engineer battalion,
or prevent exercise of initiative.
■ 21. Liaison. — a. The assistant to the division engineer is
the engineer liaison officer at division headquarters. He col-
lects and forwards all information which may be of value
to the engineer battalion headquarters, to the engineer ele-
ments of the combat commands, and to the engineer recon-
naissance platoon.
b. An attached engineer unit provides a liaison officer at
the headquarters of the unit to which it is attached. His
duties and responsibilities are similar to those of the assistant
division engineer. For qualifications of liaison officers, see
FM 101-5.
■ 22. Reconnaissance. — a. General. — (1) The aggressive con-
duct of engineer reconnaissance, including the prompt
20
ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
22
transmission of essential data to the next higher tactical
headquarters and the next higher engineer echelon, is the
continuing responsibility of all elements of the engineer bat-
talion. The importance of this duty cannot be overempha-
sized. The engineer battalion is often widely dispersed, and
unless battalion headquarters receives accurate reconnais-
sance reports, the battalion cannot function properly. See
PM 5-5 for the general policies concerning engineer recon-
naissance.
(2) The armored division moves with great rapidity. Posi-
tive mobile means of engineer reconnaissance are therefore
essential. For this reason a reconnaissance platoon is incor-
porated in the headquarters company of the battalion.
b. Reconnaissance platoon. — (1) The reconnaissance pla-
toon of headquarters company is the normal engineer attach-
ment to the division reconnaissance battalion. It has the
dual mission of assisting the reconnaissance battalion in
engineering work, and of conducting engineer reconnais-
sance in the forward areas. It is organized into a platoon
headquarters, three reconnaissance sections, and three
engineer squads.
(2) The three engineer squads assist the movement of the
reconnaissance battalion by the hasty repair of bridges, con-
struction of fords, removal of obstacles, and operation of
assault boats and small ferries. The reconnaissance platoon
is reinforced when necessary by attachments from the
engineer or bridge company. The squads are generally held
under the control of the platoon leader.
(3) The three reconnaissance sections work for the divi-
sion engineer. They depend on the reconnaissance battalion
for protection and supply. In the absence of specific instruc-
tions they make technical reconnaissance of the most prob-
able routes of advance of the principal division columns.
They must be well forward to gain time for the close exami-
nation of bridges, but not ahead of the protection afforded by
leading elements of the reconnaissance battalion. The pla-
toon headquarters and the three operating squads, together
with any additional engineer attachments, form a unit which
is normally held under control of the reconnaissance bat-
talion commander and used to give engineer support to the
21
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
battalion along the main axis of advance or on special
missions.
(a) The platoon leader supervises operations of the pla-
toon, recommends to the reconnaissance battalion com-
mander a method of employing his engineer support, gives
technical advice on obstacles, condition of bridges, and on
a[CD|rcn
rcn IGDI
[cdi
b|( )|rcn
RON CD
CD
X
X
RCN
XL
CD RCN (-DET1
tee
CDI (-DET)
c ICDI rcn
Rcn ICDI
ids
X
X
Figure 11. — Normal disposition of reconnaissance platoon when
attached to the armored reconnaissance battalion.
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
25
22
APMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
26
ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
22
ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
22
other engineer functions, and makes certain that engineer
reconnaissance reports are relayed promptly over the recon-
naissance radio net, or by other means, to the division
engineer. (See par. 7.)
(b) The reconnaissance section leader employs his section
to gather and transmit necessary engineer information. He
must get his information back to his platoon leader without
delay, either by radio or special messenger.
c. Engineer company reconnaissance sections. — The re-
connaissance personnel of engineer companies attached to
combat commands usually accompany the reconnaissance ele-
ments of the respective combat commands. Their method
of operation is similar to that described above for the re-
connaissance sections of the reconnaissance platoon. In-
formation secured is transmitted by the most expeditious
means to the parent engineer company. Information of use
to the battalion or combat command is relayed promptly by
the company commander.
d. Reconnaissance reports. — The following are routine sub-
jects upon which information will be obtained and reported
under varying conditions encountered:
(1) Location, character, extent and means of avoiding
natural or artificial obstacles.
(2) Type, condition, load capacities, and traffic capabilities
of routes and bridges.
(3) Continuing brief estimate of the terrain indicating such
information as fordability of streams, commanding ground,
areas suitable for tank action, defiles, and suitable bivouac
areas.
(4) Location, type, suitability, and condition of landing
fields.
(5) Location, type, quantity, and condition of supplies and
resources; particularly construction materials, standing tim-
ber, water, fuel and lubricants, food, abandoned military
stores, and transportation.
e. Engineer situation map. — The assistant to the division
engineer at the forward echelon of division headquarters
keeps an engineer situation map on which is plotted all per-
tinent engineer information.
492343°— 42-
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ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
Section IV
MARCHES
■ 23. References. — For the conduct of marches see FM 25-10
and FM 17-50.
■ 24. Engineer Operations. — a. When the armored division
is on the march, the primary mission of the armored engi-
neers is to insure its uninterrupted progress.
b. In order to minimize delay to the movement of the divi-
sion, caused by obstructions on the route of march, engineer
reconnaissance must be rapid and complete. Engineer units
are placed as far forward as is practicable to reduce the time
necessary to bring up repair parties.
c. Engineers must insure usable approach routes from the
railheads or primary road nets, and from the bivouac areas
to the assembly areas. From the assembly areas, routes may
have to be prepared for the approach march.
■ 25. March Discipline. — March discipline must be of the
highest order. Due to the large number of vehicles in the
armored engineer battalion, commanders and drivers are
thoroughly trained in march discipline so that movements
can be efficiently conducted.
32
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
37
ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
26
Section V
SECURITY
■ 26. General. — a. The security provisions covered in PM
5-5 generally apply to armored engineer troops. FM 17-10
covers in detail the fundamentals of security for the armored
division.
o. Security embraces all measures taken for protection
against surprise, observation, and interference by the enemy.
It includes special measures taken for protection against
hostile aviation, mechanization, and chemical attacks.
c. Reports of battle-front observers have consistently
emphasized the fact that in modern mechanized warfare
every working group must provide its own protection or face
annihilation by fast-moving hostile raiding parties or by
paratroops. This is particularly true of armored engineer
units, which must support leading armored elements oper-
ating in enemy-held territory and moving with such speed
that attachment of other troops for the protection of engi-
neer working parties is impractical. Hence armored engi-
neer units must be trained to protect themselves against
infantry, mechanized, and air attack. Normally four spe-
cially trained men of each squad, commanded by the assistant
squad leader, are assigned to the defense of the squad.
When operating together the three squad security groups,
commanded by the platoon sergeant, are disposed for coordi-
nated defense of the platoon.
d. The division plan for general security usually includes
some engineer devices and effort. These may vary from a
few hasty obstacles and the hasty mining of bridges, to the
connecting of natural barriers with a system in depth of
deliberate and extensive artificial barriers including anti-
tank mines, personnel mines, bridge and ford demolition,
abatis, craters, and improvised obstacles, all properly con-
cealed. Engineers cover all such devices by fire until re-
lieved from that responsibility by higher authority. It is
emphasized that during the time engineers are engaged in
guarding these devices, their special engineering skills are
not being utilized. It is, therefore, highly desirable that
engineers be relieved by other troops as soon as practicable.
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
e. Each engineer unit from the highest to the lowest is
responsible for its own local security. Even the smallest
work party must provide for this defense.
H 27. On the March. — The extent to which an engineer unit
on the march provides for its security depends upon the
measures taken by other troops in the same column and
upon the expectation of contact with the enemy. Engineers
are not used as general security forces unless operating
alone. An engineer unit operating alone, however, provides
for its security on the march by forming advance, flank, and
rear guards. (For security formations, see FM 17-32, FM
17-33, and FM 17-40.)
■ 28. Against Air Attack. — a. Engineer units protect them-
selves against air attack by the use of cover and concealment,
night and cross-country marches, dispersion of vehicles,
and suitable distances on roads.
b. An aircraft warning system must be organized to pro-
vide timely warning of the approach of hostile airplanes.
Trained air sentinels are posted at all times to give warn-
ing of the approach of enemy aircraft. At the halt and in
bivouac they are posted in positions of good observation and
provided with adequate means of communication. One
radio of the unit should be tuned to the air warning net or
combat command net.
c. Slit trenches are dug at every halt of any appreciable
length. This precaution should become a habit. Natural
terrain features should be used to their fullest advantage.
d. Radio is normally silent on the march. It is silent in
bivouac and must be silent for at least 1 hour before reaching
bivouac.
e. On the march some weapons are directed to the front,
and left while others point to the right and rear. Be pre-
pared to repel low-flying attack from direction of hills or
woods.
■ 29. At Work. — a. The security of a working group may be;
provided by other troops. Infantry, artillery, aviation, and
tank units may be assigned this mission. However, local
security remains the direct responsibility of the engineer
commander, who must either utilize his own troops for this
40
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42
ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
29
purpose or satisfy himself that the local security measures
being taken by other troops are fully adequate.
b. Each engineer commander must make a plan of action
to be followed in case of enemy attack. This plan may pro-
vide for reinforcement of security elements from the working
party or for the withdrawal of working groups under the
protection of existing security elements as required by the
situation. Troops engaged in work always keep their
weapons nearby ready for instant use.
c. (1) Security against enemy ground action is provided
by an outpost system. The location and nature of the out-
posts are determined by the anticipated enemy threat and
by the location of working parties. The strength and com-
position of the outposts vary with the distance, mobility, and
the aggressiveness of the enemy, the time of day, the terrain,
the size of the command to be protected, the degree of resist-
ance the outpost is expected to offer and any special duties
assigned it. It is no stronger than is consistent with reason-
able security.
(2) In all cases the security measures include the planned
use of weapons mounted on vehicles and of towed weapons.
Antitank mines are used for hasty road blocks. Antitank
guns are of first importance in antimechanized security.
Their employment is based on an initial minimum of guns
in position to cover obstacles on routes of approach, with a
maximum held in mobile reserve. Close-in protection must
be provided by dismounted troops.
d. For security against chemicals see FM 21-40. For decon-
tamination of vehicles see FM 17-59.
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
■ 31. Check Lists for Security Plan. — While not applicable
to every situation the following points are of value as a check
for any particular security plan:
a. Provide for all around security.
b. Do not unnecessarily deplete the command by large secu-
rity detachments.
c. Security parties must have rapid means of communica-
tion with their headquarters. Pull use is made of motor-
cycles, Vi-ton trucks, and visual signals.
d. Each security detachment covering a possible route of
mechanized or armored approach must be equipped with
at least one antitank mine for each 2 feet of antitank mine
obstacle to be created.
e. Obstacles are covered by rifle, machine-gun, and anti-
tank gun fire.
Section VI
OFFENSIVE ACTION
■ 32. General. — Offensive action by armored units is covered
generally in FM 100-5, FM 17-10, and FM 17-100.
a. The primary mission of engineers in offensive action is
to insure the unobstructed movement of tank elements, par-
ticularly those in contact with the enemy. They build ana
reinforce bridges, remove mine fields, make paths through
antitank obstacles, and passages over or through antitank
trenches and craters.
b. Although some engineer work can be foreseen, much
unanticipated engineer work will arise during battle. Lead-
ers of engineer units from the smallest to the largest must
be prepared to accept responsibility, determine what is neces-
sary, and execute needed engineer operations without specific
instructions from higher authority. Time is the most
important factor in such operations.
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ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
32
60
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32 ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
62
ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
33-35
■ 33. Armored Tactics. — FM 17-100 indicates suggested
groupings and methods of attack for the armored division.
Irrespective of the size or composition of the unit an engineer
estimate must be available for use by each group commander
for each situation. The senior engineer officer makes this
estimate.
fl 34. Action in a Meeting Engagement. — Aggressive and
rapid engineer reconnaissance must be accomplished, followed
by a quick engineer estimate of the situation. Continuous
engineer battle reconnaissance must be executed. The prin-
cipal engineer effort is directed toward expediting the probable
envelopment by our own forces of either or both enemy
flanks. All engineer antitank guns must be ready for instant
action against hostile mechanization.
B 35. Attack From Assembly Area. — a. To assist the move-
ment of the division into the assembly area, engineers —
(1) Remove obstacles on approach roads.
(2) Improve fords, strengthen, repair, or construct bridges,
and install and operate ferries.
(3) Provide up-to-date map information secured through
engineer reconnaissance, study of air photographs, or from
other sources.
(4) Provide flank security by use of demolitions and ob-
structions on flanks and to the rear.
b. In the assembly area, engineers —
(1) Operate water points.
(2) Reconnoiter tank routes for the attack, prepare com-
plete plans for required work, and carry out such work in
advance of the attack where this procedure will not disclose
our plans to the enemy.
(3) Assemble engineer supplies and equipment needed to
support the contemplated operation.
(4) Furnish technical advice and supplies for the camou-
flage of vehicles of other units.
c. Engineers in the approach march —
(1) Prepare tank routes to the line of departure.
(2) Facilitate the advance beyond the line of departure by
providing and installing special means for vehicles to cross
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
streams, canals, marshes, gullies, trenches, antitank ditches,
and similar obstacles.
(3) Clear and work lanes through mine fields.
d. Engineers are available to insure the timely removal of
obstacles and mines. During these operations they must be
protected by tank, artillery, and infantry fire.
■ 36. Attack Against a Fortified Position. — a. Armored
units are seldom used to attack a fortified position. Usually
hostile positions such as fortifications on commanding
ground, cities or dense forests are bypassed. If it is necessary
to attack such a position, specially organized assault units,
including engineers, massed artillery support, and bombard-
ment aviation are used.
b. A procedure in the reduction of fortified position may be
as follows:
(1) Engineers preceded by tanks advance to the front and
flanks of the position as far as the protective bands of natural
and artificial barriers.
(2) Engineers and infantry covered by fire of tanks, ar-
tillery and combat aviation, if available, clear lanes through
barriers and then again follow the tanks.
(3) Tanks and flat trajectory, high muzzle velocity anti-
tank and antiaircraft artillery weapons close in and, firing
from defilade, cover the final assault of the engineers and
infantry.
(4) Engineers using explosives, flame throwers, and other
weapons destroy gun emplacements and breach walls.
■ 37. Mopping Up Operations. — An important mission which
may fall to engineer assault detachments is the capture and
clearing of street barricades and the mopping up of resist-
ance in buildings. The technique involved is similar to that
used in the . reduction of fortifications. Houses are usually
attacked and reduced by using explosives. Barricades are
outflanked by assault parties which advance from house to
house.
■ 38. Pursuit (see also FM 17-10). — a. Armored units must
pursue to the limit of their abilities even into the night. No
halts are made, even temporarily, for reason other than
depletion of fuel and ammunition supplies or enemy action.
64
ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
38-39
Tanks lead the engineers and infantry with the artillery in
close support. Heavily defended areas are avoided whenever
possible.
b. About twice the usual number of engineer troops is
allotted a combat command assigned to pursuit mission.
The engineer work, consisting of the seizure of bridges before
they are destroyed, hasty reduction and removal of barriers,
and bridging of streams, is pushed to the maximum ability
of the assigned engineers. Engineer supplies, particularly
hasty bridging equipment, are kept well forward in the ad-
vancing columns.
c. In the envelopment of retreating hostile troops, two pri-
mary functions of the engineers are —
(1) Expediting the movement of the tank units by hasty
removal of barriers and the bridging of streams.
(2) Retarding and isolating enemy units by placing hasty
obstacles in front of their retreating columns.
d. Engineer troops may be transported in tanks to accom-
plish these missions. They must be quick to recognize and
exploit opportunities. Control must be decentralized to
subordinate engineer unit commanders.
■ 39. Attack of a Stream Line. — a. General. — The subject
of river crossings is covered generally in FM 100-5.
(1) In the attack of a stream line full advantage is taken
of the mobility of the armored units and of engineer expedi-
ents. On occasion, a detour to use an existing bridge may
be made more quickly than a demolished bridge can be
repaired or replaced. To maintain the tempo of attack,
an improvisation which gets a tank column across a minor
stream in a few minutes is preferable to a more permanent
structure requiring an hour or more for construction.
(2) With advanced echelons, a bridge is never built initially
when a ford is sufficient. Speed of movement is never sacri-
ficed for perfection or even safety in a structure.
(3) So far as possible, standard bridge equipage consisting
of lumber, expanded metal mats, treadways and treadway
supports (both fixed and floating) should always be avail-
able for use with leading echelons. However, when time
permits, maximum use is made of local material so as to
conserve standard equipage for more critical occasions.
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ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
39
(4) In river crossings, the engineers are responsible for
operations from the time the crossing troops are met by the
engineers at the assembly areas until they are landed on the
far shore.
b. Hasty crossings. — In an exploitation or pursuit, attack-
ing forces may come upon a stream line before the defender
has had time to exploit its possibilities as a barrier. Engi-
neers with advance guard or pursuing detachments remove
partially placed demolitions, and utilize the fastest means
available to provide crossings over demolished or partially
demolished structures.
c. Weakly held crossings. — (1) Where crossings over un-
fordable streams are weakly held, the division reconnaissance
personnel, including elements of the engineer reconnaissance
platoon carrying reconnaissance boats, approach as close to
the stream as possible. Under cover of their own machine-
gun, antitank, mortar and assault gun fire, these troops in-
flate the boats, rush them to the water, and paddle across.
The crossing is made on as broad a front and with as much
speed as possible. After the enemy shore is reached, troops
seek initially to seize terrain which will prevent direct fire
of small arms on the crossing point. Often smoke is used to
screen the crossing.
(2) Immediately behind the initial wave, additional troops,
mortars, and antitank guns are crossed in assault boats and
rubber ponton floats. Meanwhile, the treadway bridge is
brought up, heavier ferries placed in operation, and finally
the floating treadway bridge constructed. Throughout the
whole operation, all ferries and ferry rafts are operated to
maximum capacity, pouring strength into the bridgehead.
d. Forced crossing. — (1) The armored division is not par-
ticularly adapted for use in forcing a major crossing against
an alert enemy. An attempt to force a crossing with an
armored division amounts to immobilization of the major
part of an arm and therefore the division loses its greatest
weapon, mobility.
(2) When the armored division forces a crossing alone
the procedure is generally as described in PM 5-5 and TM
5-270. Engineer reconnaissance elements, maps, and air
photographs supply general engineer information. Special
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
bridge reconnaissance data are secured through personal in-
spections by the division engineer and his staff and by the
reconnaissance elements of the engineer battalion. The
crossing is usually accomplished under the direct supervision
of the division engineer.
■ 40. Temporary Landing Field Construction. — On occa-
sion, armored engineers may be used to construct temporary
landing fields in forward areas to facilitate aviation support
for the armored division, although this is ordinarily the work
of troops of higher echelons. Such work is limited principally
to the conversion of sections of main highways to runways,
and the provision of means of bypassing vehicular traffic.
The specific tasks include —
a. Location of suitable sites.
b. Procurement of necessary construction materials and.
equipment.
c. Limited and rapid work on existing road surfaces and.
shoulders of the roadway.
d. Construction of bypasses for vehicles.
e. Removal of natural and artificial air traffic obstacles.
/. Camouflage of airplanes, field installations, and possibly
runways.
g. Maintenance of facilities provided.
■ 41. Bridge Company in Combat. — The use of the bridge
company as riflemen in offensive combat is rare. Their prin-
cipal combat mission is to protect operations -and equipment
of the unit when at work and to provide security when in.
movement or in bivouac.
Section VII
DEFENSIVE ACTION
■ 42. General. — o. The principal functions of armored engi-
neers in the defensive, including withdrawal and delaying
actions, conform to those prescribed for offensive action.
Other duties of engineers in defensive action include —
(1) Clearing and repairing routes for tank counterattack.
(2) Securing routes of withdrawal and supply by construc-
tion of road blocks, mine fields, and other obstacles.
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42
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
74
ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
42-44
(3) Guiding friendly troops through prepared obstacles.
o. All fords and bridges are prepared for destruction.
Those not to be used by withdrawing reconnaissance and
delaying elements are destroyed. Others are prepared for
destruction and defended by fire of automatic weapons, anti-
tank guns, and tank destroyers if available. A prepared
demolition is never left unguarded. An engineer officer or
noncommissioned officer is stationed at each bridge or ford
prepared to destroy it instantly if otherwise it would fall into
hostile hands.
c. Engineer platoons or squads will lay antitank mines
across approach roads at the most suitable bridge or defile
and defend the temporary block thus formed with their
organic weapons.
B 43. Action in a Withdrawal. — a. Armored engineers form
part of the rear guard, their chief mission being to impede
the enemy by demolitions and obstacles. The rear guard
usually moves by bounds by echelons. Demolitions may be
prepared and guarded by elements of the leading echelon,
and the demolition actually executed by echelons following
in the rear.
b. Engineer troops working on the flanks near the head
of the retiring column perform such demolitions on either
flank as are necessary to protect the column from attacks by
enemy armored or motorized units.
c. In withdrawals and delaying actions, the division engi-
neer should prepare for the approval of the commanding
general a plan of demolitions. Although the plan is directed
by the division engineer, the actual execution must be decen-
tralized.
B 44. Delaying Action. — a. Against an unarmored enemy,
our own delaying forces usually consists of infantry sup-
ported by engineers, tanks, and artillery.
b. Against an armored force, our delaying forces comprise
tanks supported by engineers, artillery, and tank destroyer
units. Engineers and infantry support the tank destroyer
unit in the protection of flanks.
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ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
45 46
■ 45. Defensive Action During Offensive. — Extensive engi-
neer defensive work on .the flanks may become of supreme
importance when the armored division is nearing its objec-
tive in a deep offensive drive. Although the major effort of
the engineers is intended to facilitate the movement of the
spearhead of the attack, the entire personnel of the armored
engineer battalion must be prepared on short notice to assist
in protection of the column's flank and rear.
■ 46. Defense of River Line. — a. In the defense of a river
line, a large part of the armored units is held in mobile
reserve, or reserves, prepared to strike at any point or points
of hostile crossing. Reconnaissance is conducted as long as
possible on the enemy side. Patrols are used to detect hostile
crossings.
b. Engineers mine all bridges, dams, and fords and demol-
ish all not needed for contemplated immediate operation.
Engineers and infantry prepare barriers on the near bank
and, if time is available, organize the occupied area into
barrier zones for defense in depth. Engineers insure good
routes for our reserves to possible hostile crossing points and
patrol the stream for enemy activity.
491343°— v.
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84
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86
87
INDEX
Paragraph Page
Allotment ; 4,8 2,8
Armament 6 4
Attachment 8 8
Attack:
Against fortified position 36 64
Prom assembly area 35 63
Of stream line 39 65
Bridge :
Company in combat 41 72
Data 10 9
Equipment 5 2
Maintenance 4 2
Materials 9 8
Bridging streams 39 65
Communication 7 5
Control 19 20
Defense of river line 46 77
Defensive action 42 72
Defensive action during offense 45 77
Delaying action 44 75
Division engineer:
Duties 8, 10 8, 9
Assistant 10 9
Duties of engineer battalion 2 1
Employment 4 2
Engineer, division 8, 10 8, 9
Engineer supply 9 8
Equipment ' 5 2
Explosives, supply of 9 8
Ferrying 4 2
Landing fields 40 72
Liaison 21 20
Map:
Supply 9 8
Situation 22 20
Marches :
Discipline 25 32
Employment on 4, 24 2, 32
Meeting engagement 34 63
Mission 2 1
89
INDEX
Offensive action: Paragraph Page
Attack against fortified position 36 64
Attack from assembly area 35 63
Attack of stream line 39 65
General 32 58
Landing fields in 40 72
Meeting engagement 34 63
Mopping up 37 64
Pursuit 38 64
Organization 3 I!
Pursuit 38 64
Radio 7 j>
Reconnaissance 10, 22 9, 20
Reports 22 20
Security 2, 15, 26-31 1, 11, 39
Situation map 22 20
S-3 air 11 9
Supply 9 3
Training:
Battalion 17 12
Combined 18 13
Company 16 12
General 12 10
Individual 13 10
Platoon 15 n
Squad 14 11
Water supply 9 8
Withdrawal 43 75
o
90