Document text
FM 5-5
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
ENGINEER TROOPS
«
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : iW
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington 25, D. C., 11 October, 1943.
FM 5-5, Engineer Field Manual, Engineer Troops, is pub?
lished for the information and guidance of all concerned.
[A. G. 300.7 (10 Apr 43).]
By order of the Secretary of War:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
Official:
J. A. ULIO,
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
Distribution :
D (20); R 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 17, 18, 44 (6); R 5 (10);
Bn 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 17, 18, 44 (4); Bn 5 (6); C 5
(10).
(For explanation of symbols see FM 21-6.)
n
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph
Chaptes 1. General 1-10
Chapter 2. Staff duties and organization of
engineer units.
Section I. The unit engineer 11
II. Engineer staffs 12-14
III. Staff of division engineer 15-20
IV. Engineer staffs of higher units. . 21-29
V. Engineer regimental, battalion,
and company organization. . . . 30-32
Chapter 3. Equipment and armament of engi-
neers 33-40
Chapter 4. Training of Engineers.
Section I. Mobilization Training Programs
(MTP) 41-48
II. Unit training 47-60
III. Training management 61
TV. Engineer drills and inspections. 62-64
Chapter 5. Engineer units, combat, with Army
Ground Forces.
Section I. Engineer combat battalion, in-
fantry division 65-77
II. Engineer combat battalion, non-
divisional 78-83
III. Engineer squadron 84-95
IV. Armored engineer battalion 96-107
V. Engineer motorized battalion.. . . 108-120
VI. Engineer mountain battalion. . . . 121-132
VII. Airborne engineer battalion 133-144
VIII. Engineer light ponton company. 145-155
IX. Engineer heavy ponton battalion. 156-167
X. Treadway bridge company 168-176
Fage
1
8
10
11
20
28
33
38
39
45
45
48
53
66
58
64
69
73
80
83
87
in
Paragraph
Page
Chapter 6. Engineer Units, Service, with Army
Ground Forces.
Section I. Engineer light equipment com"
pany 177-183 90
II. Engineer depot company 184-192 91
III. Engineer parts supply company. 193-202 96
IV. Engineer maintenance company. 203-212 98
V. Engineer dump truck company., 213-221 103
VI. Engineer topographic company,
corps 222-230 106
VII. Engineer topographic battalion,
army type ■ 231-242 109
VIII. Engineer camouflage battalion,
army type 243-254 11^
IX. Engineer camouflage company,
separate 255-262 120
X. Engineer water supply battalion. 263-274 122
Chapter 7. Engineer Units with Army Air Forces.
Section I. Engineer aviation battalion 275-287 130
II. Airborne engineer aviation bat-
talion 288-298 136
III. Engineer aviation topographic
company 299-306 143
XV. Engineer air force headquarters
company 307-317- 145
Chapter 8. Engineer Units with Army Service
Forces.
Section I. Engineer general service regi-
ment 318-330 149
II. Engineer special service regi-
ment 331-342 , 153
III. Engineer base equipment com-
pany 343-351 156
IV. Engineer heavy shop company. . 352-361 159
V. Engineer topographical battalion;
base 362-374 164
VI. Engineer port repair ship 375-382 169
VII. Engineer port construction and
repair group 383-392 171
iv
Paragraph Page
Vm. Engineer petroleum distribution
unit 393-398 174
IX. Engineer gas generating unit... 399-405 179
X. Engineer utilities detachment. . . 406—112 180
XI. Engineer forestry battalion 413-423 181
XII. Engineer flre-flghting platoon... 424-430 *186
Endbx 000
FM 5-5
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
ENGINEER TROOPS
(This manual supersedes PM 5-5* 31 January 1941* including C 1,
17 January 1942.)
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL
■ 1. Purpose and Scope.- — This manual is designed to serve as
a general reference on engineer organization. It covers the
mission, classification, organization, equipment, armament,
and training of engineer units.
/
■ 2. Classification. — Engineer troops are classified as combat
units or service units in accordance with Circular No. 422,
War Department, 1942.
a. Combat classification. — (1) Combat units are those whose
functions require close contact with the enemy. They include
general engineer and some special engineer units attached or
assigned to divisions, corps, and armies. They receive exten-
sive combat and tactical training.
(2) Engineer headquarters of corps and higher units, includ-
ing all bases and defense commands, are in the combat classi-
fication.
b. Service classification . — Service units are those whose
functions are characterized by service activities rather than
combat. They include some general engineer and a majority
of special engineer units attached to corps and higher head-
quarters. They are organized, trained, and equipped to do the
more technical and permanent engineer work. Service units
receive less extensive Combat and tactical training than com-
bat units.
■ 3. Assignment. — The Army of the United States is divided
into Army Ground Forces, Army Air Forces, and Army Service
Forces. Regardless of where or with what units they are serv-
ing, engineer troops generally are identified with one of these
three forces, as shown in the following paragraphs,
1
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
■ 4. Engineer Units, Combat, with Ground Forces. — a. Engi-
neer combat battalion. — This battalion is an organic part of
the infantry division. It consists of a headquarters, headquar-
ters and service company, three lettered companies, and a
medical detachment. It is completely motorized, including
transportation for all personnel.
b. Engineer combat battalion, nondivlsionctl ( attached to
corps or army). — This unit is organized, trained, and equipped
the same as the engineer combat battalion of the infantry
division. The number of battalions attached to corps and army
depends upon the situation.
c. Engineer squadron. — This squadron is an organic part of
the cavalry division. It consists of a headquarters, headquar-
ters and service troop, two lettered troops, and a medical de-
tachment. It is completely motorized, including transportation
for all personnel.
d. Armored engineer battalion.- -This battalion is an organic
part of the armored division. It consists of a headquarters,
headquarters company, four lettered companies, and a medical
detachment. It is completely motorized.
e. Engineer motorised battalion. — This battalion is an or-
ganic part of the motorized division. It consists of a headquar-
ters, headquarters and service company, three lettered com-
panies, a reconnaissance company, and a medical detachment.
It is completely motorized, including transportation for all
personnel.
f. Engineer mountain battalion. — This battalion is an organic
part of the mountain division. It consists of a headquarters,
headquarters and service company, a motorized company, two
pack companies, and a medical detachment. It has not suffi-
cient transportation to move all personnel and equipment,
g. Airborne engineer battalion.- — This battalion is an organic
part of the airborne division. It consists of a headquarters,
headquarters and service company, a parachute company, two
glider companies, and a medical detachment. Personnel, arma-
ment, vehicles, and equipment required for each mission are
transported by aircraft to the scene of operations.
h. Engineer light ponton company.- — This company is
equipped with the M3 pneumatic bridge, which can handle all
normal infantry division loads and may be reinforced to carry
heavier loads. It has two bridge platoons each equipped with
one unit of M3 pneumatic bridge, and a light equipage platoon
which has one unit of footbridge and equipment for ferrying.
The company is an organic unit of army and higher echelons.
2
ENGINEEK TROOI’S
i. Engineer heavy ponton battalion . — This battalion is
equipped with heavy ponton equipage to provide means of
stream crossing for military vehicles too heavy to pass over a
light ponton bridge. It has two lettered companies of two
bridge platoons each. Each bridge platoon is equipped with
one unit of heavy ponton equipage. The battalion is an
organic unit of army and higher echelons.
j. Engineer treadway bridge company . — This company con-
sists of company headquarters and two bridge platoons. It is
ait organic unit of the armored force, and normally is attached
to an armored engineer battalion. Each bridge platoon trans-
ports one unit of steel treadway bridge equipage for construc-
tion of ferries and bridges in river-crossing operations of the
armored division.
■ 5. Engineer Units, Service, with Ground Forces.— a. Engi-
neer light equipment company . — This unit consists of a com-
pany headquarters and two equipment platoons. It furnishes
supplementary equipment, with operators, to combat bat-
talions, and also operates as a replacement pool for construc-
tion equipment. It is attached to corps or army.
b. Engineer depot company ( with Army Service Forces as
well as Army Ground Forces). — This company operates engi-
neer depots and other engineer supply points. It has three de-
pot platoons, and a depot section in the headquarters platoon.
Organic equipment is that necessary for operating depots. It
is attached to army and higher echelons.
6. Engineer parts supply company . — A provisional organiza-
tion for this unit includes a headquarters platoon, a procure-
ment platoon, and a warehouse platoon. Its mission is to
establish and operate an engineer spare parts supply depot
and other spare parts supply agencies. It may operate as an
individual supply unit. Sections or detachments may assist
in operation of supply points in army service areas and in
corps.
d. Engineer maintenance company . — This company consists
of a headquarters platoon, two maintenance platoons, and a
contact platoon. It executes third-echelon maintenance of all
equipment for which the Corps of Engineers has maintenance
responsibility. This includes engineer equipment used by other
arms and services as well as that used by engineers. It is
attached to corps and higher echelons.
e. Engineer dump truck company (with Army Service Forces
as xoell as Army Ground Forces ). — This unit consists of com-
3
ENGINEER HELD MANUAL
pany headquarters and two platoons of two operating sections
each. It furnishes dump trucks to transport road and other
construction materials on engineer work. Exclusive of dump
trucks, the organic equipment is that necessary for mainte-
nance of the unit in the field. It is attached to army and
higher echelons.
/. Engineer topographic company (corps). — This company
makes, procures, and. reproduces maps for a corps. It in-
creases the density of control and extends control for field
artillery fire. It is equipped with mobile printing and photo-
graphic equipment mounted in van type trailers.
g. Engineer topographic battalion (army). — This battalion
procures and reproduces maps for an army. It makes con-
trolled and uncontrolled mosaics ana maps of limited areas.
It contains a survey company which may extend surveys in
army areas to corps units. All equipment is mobile.
h. Engineer camouflage battalion (army). — This battalion
may be attached to an army. It consists of a headquarters,
headquarters and service company, four lettered companies,
and a medical detachment. It gives technical assistance in
camouflage methods and inspects camouflage work.
i. Engineer camouflage company (separate). — This company
operates with an independent corps or task force. Its duties
are similar to those of the army camouflage battalion.
j. Engineer water supply battalion. — This battalion consists
of a headquarters, headquarters and service company, three
lettered companies, and a medical detachment. It is equipped
to procure, pump, purify, store, distribute, and transport water.
It is attached to army and higher echelons.
■ 6. Engineer Units, Combat, with Army Air Forces. — a. Engi-
neer aviation battalion. — Thi3 battalion consists of a head-
quarters, headquarters and service company, three lettered
companies, and a medical detachment. It constructs inde-
pendently an airdrome with all appurtenances. Organic equip-
ment includes many items of heavy construction machinery
not found in other engineer units.
b. Engineer aviation company. — This company is identical
to the lettered company of the aviation battalion. It is used
for small construction programs or for maintaining airdromes
in. remote localities. It may be reinforced with additional
equipment and operators for particular missions.
c. Airborne engineer aviation battalion.— This battalion con-
sists of a headquarters, headquarters and service company,
4
ENGINEER TROOPS
three construction companies, and a medical detachment. Per-
sonnel, lightweight construction machinery, and supplies are
transported by aircraft to the scene of operations. The unit is
designed to provide quickly the minimum base facilities neces-
sary for limited operation from an advanced landing field.
■ 7. Engineer Units, Service, with Army Air Forces. — a. Engi~
neer aviation topographic company. — This company consists of
company headquarters, two drafting and mapping platoons, a
reproduction platoon, and a geodetic control platoon. It pre-
pares and reproduces maps, aerial photos, and aeronautical
charts for the Army Air Forces.
b. Engineer air force headquarters company. — This Company
consists of an engineering platoon, a camouflage platoon and
a reproduction platoon. It is attached to an air force head-
quarters or to an air service command, and executes technical
missions in connection with activities of engineer aviation
units. One or more such units is provided for each air force.
M S. Engineer Units with Army Service Forces.— A ll such
units are classified as service troops. They may be organized,
trained, and equipped to do either general or special engineer
work.
a. The engineer general service regiment includes a head-
quarters, headquarters and service company, two battalions of
three lettered companies each, and a medical detachment.
The regiment is trained and equipped to undertake all types
of general engineer work in the communications zone. It does
not have sufficient motor transportation to carry all personnel.
b. The engineer special service regiment consists of a head-
quarters, headquarters and service company, two battalions of
three lettered companies each, and a medical detachment. It
is designed to undertake the more important engineer con-
struction projects of a permanent nature. In strength it is
similar to the engineer general service regiment. There is a
high proportion of noncommissioned personnel who specialize
in design, preparation of plans, and supervision of difficult
construction work.
c. The engineer heavy equipment company consists of a
headquarters platoon and a service platoon. Its principal
mission Is to make available to general engineer units various
items of heavy engineer mechanical equipment and some
skilled operators.
d. The engineer heavy shop company is composed of a head-
5
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
quarters platoon, a manufacturing platoon, and a repair
platoon. Its mission is to do fourth-echelon maintenance of
all equipment for which the Corps of Engineers has mainte-
nance responsibility. The manufacturing platoon is equipped
with heavy-duty fixed shops. Its repair platoon is equipped
with mobile repair shops.
e. The engineer topographic battalion, GBQ, is about twice
the strength of the army type topographic battalion. It re-
produces maps on four 22- by 29-inch rotary presses with
auxiliary equipment. The equipment is fixed. The battalion
also is equipped to prepare maps by photogrammetrical meth-
ods and it may, if necessary, advance horizontal and vertical
control to the zones of army type topographic battalions. Fre-
quently it may be required to reinforce these units.
f. The engineer port repair ship is divided into a headquar-
ters section and an operating section. It maintains channel
markings and other aids for pilots, and removes obstructions
from channels or ship berths.
g. The engineer port construction and repair group is a
special unit which includes a headquarters, headquarters com-
pany, engineer group, and the necessary additional operating
personnel from available engineer and other service units.
It does engineer work in the repair or rehabilitation of water-
front facilities and installations of ports of debarkation in a
theater of operations.
h. The engineer petroleum distribution detachment is com-
posed of a headquarters section and several operating sections.
Its mission is to design, construct, operate, and maintain mili-
tary pipe-line systems as a means for transporting, distribut-
ing, and storing gasoline in bulk in a theater of operations. ■
t. The engineer gas generating unit consists of a commis-
sioned officer and a small group of occupational specialists or-
ganized as two similar sections. It produces and supplies
oxygen, acetylene, and nitrogen gases.
j. The engineer utilities detachment is flexible in organiza-
tion; number and composition of officer and enlisted personnel
depend upon population, location, area, and facilities of the
post or military installation the unit serves. Its mission and
responsibilities are explained in detail in ATI 100-80.
k. The engineer forestry battalion includes a headquarters,
headquarters and service company, three or more forestry
companies, and a medical detachment. Its mission is to ex-
ploit woodlands in or near a theater of operations so as to
provide an abundant and ready supply of forest products,
especially lumber.
6
ENGINEER troops
l. The engineer parts supply company is composed of a
depot headquarters staff section, a headquarters platoon, a
procurement platoon, and a warehouse platoon. Its mission is
to establish and operate an engineer parts supply depot and
other spare parts supply agencies. The company may form
part of an engineer supply depot or of the engineer section of
a general depot, or it may operate as a separate supply unit.
m. The engineer parts supply separate platoon is composed
of a depot headquarters staff section, a detachment head-
quarters, a technical section, and a warehouse section. Its
mission and operation are similar to those of the engineer
parts supply company.
n. The engineer mobile searchlight maintenance unit is com-
posed of a small group of occupational specialists equipped
with a motorized third-echelon electrical repair shop. It pro-
vides mobile third-echelon maintenance for searchlights.
■ 9. Engineer Combat Group Headquarters. — This is primarily
a tactical command group, composed of a headquarters, head-
quarters company, and attached engineer units. Engineer
combat group headquarters are organized, in general, on the
basis of one per four engineer combat battalions or the
equivalent in other engineer units. They are attached to
corps and army, and through them the corps or army engineer
exercises his control of engineer units.
B 10- Engineer Headquarters. — Engineer headquarters are pro-
vided for corps, army, communications zone and its sections
when established, theater of operations headquarters, general
headquarters, army air forces and separate air forces, task
forces, base commands, and defense commands.
7
CHAPTER 2
STAFF DUTIES AND ORGANIZATION OF
ENGINEER UNITS
Paragraphs
Section I. The unit engineer 11
II. Engineer staffs 12-14
III, Staff of division engineer 15—20
IV. Engineer staffs of higher units 21-29
V. Engineer regimental, battalion, and com-
pany organization 30-32
Section I
THE UNIT ENGINEER
■ 11. General. — a . Within each combined arms unit, engineer
troops are commanded by an engineer officer termed the “unit
engineer.”
b. Dual capacity. — (1) The unit engineer commands engineer
troops and also functions as a staff officer on the special staff
■of the commander of the higher unit. This special staff
function is exercised by the unit engineer of all echelons down
to and Including the platoon commander when his unit is
attached to an infantry unit.
(2) As a staff officer the unit engineer must have a proper
appreciation of the problems of the commander and the staff
of the unit.
c. Duties. — (1) The unit engineer is responsible without
specific instructions for carrying out the duties prescribed for
engineers (see FM 5-6 and 101-5) except those taken over by
higher echelons or otherwise exempted by higher authority.
(2) The unit engineer has the following responsibilities (see
FM 101-5):
( a ) Advising his commander and staff on engineer matters.
(b) Preparing plans for use of engineer troops, including
recommendations for their apportionment to smaller units.
(c) Determining requirements of engineer equipment and
supplies, including camouflage materials, and methods of
procurement, storage, and distribution.
(d) Construction, maintenance, and repair of the following
works: camps, cantonments, warehouses, hospitals, and other
8
ENGINEER TROOPS
structures, including incidental installations except signal
communication; roads and trails; all means of river crossings;
docks; and airdromes and landing fields.
(e) Supply of all fortification materials, and construction of
defensive works not assigned to other troops.
(f) Construction, repair, maintenance, and operation of
portable and fixed electric light plants, water supply systems,
and ail other utilities of general service not otherwise as-
signed, and construction of railways.
(g) Military mining, demolitions, and construction and re-
moval of obstacles.
(h) Surveys and mapping, and procurement, production, and
distribution of maps.
(i) Engineer reconnaissance.
(j) Kecommendatlons for traffic regulations on roads and
bridges.
(k) Preparation of signs for marking routes.
Cl) Supervision, within limits prescribed by the commander,
of engineer and camouflage activities in subordinate units,
including work performed by troops other than engineers.
(m) Development within the unit of measures for camou-
flaging personnel and installations; preparation of instructions
concerning Camouflage, use of camouflage materia], and pro-
tective coloration of all equipment except aircraft.
(n) Examination of captured engineer equipment and in-
telligence regarding its Use.
Co) Preparation of terrain estimates.
d. Relations. — (1) The relationship between a Unit engineer
and the unit engineers of subordinate units is not one of
command. Any instructions to be carried out by an engineer
of a lower unit must be incorporated in orders of his unit
commander. However, every unit engineer has authority to
make technical inspections of engineering work In progress
in the area controlled by his unit commander, even though
troops engaged on such work are not under the latter’s com-
mand. He also has authority to require technical reports
direct from engineers of subordinate units. By these inspec-
tions and reports he supervises the work of subordinate units
to Insure its execution in accordance with plans of his unit
commander. A spirit of cooperation between unit engineers of
all echelons is essential,
(2) The engineer of a large unit must have close relation-
ships with the general staff of that unit, as laid down in PM
101-5. His contacts are in the dual capacity of commander of
9
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
engineer troops and special staff officer. Contacts with G^
and G-3 are of special importance. He should also maintain
contact with commanders of subordinate elements of the unit.
t3) The unit engineer confers with other members of the
special staff in preparing plans or projects in which they are
concerned, so that a plan presented to the unit commander
for approval will carry as full concurrence as possible. Certain
special staff officers whom he must consult frequently are:
(a) The ordnance officer, who supplies ammunition and anti-
tank mines, and maintains most engineer vehicles (third
echelon) .
(b) The signal officer, who maintains wire communication
between the engineer headquarters and higher headquarters,
and may train engineer radio personnel.
(c) The provost marshal, who puts into effect the traffic
circulation plan.
(d) The quartermaster, who supplies food, gasoline, and oil,
and, at times, furnishes additional transportation.
(e) The artillery officer, who often is consulted on routes
for movement of artillery units, and on camouflage and survey
requirements of artillery.
(f) The antiaircraft officer, who provides antiaircraft pro-
tection during employment of engineer troops, especially in
river-crossing operations, construction of landing fields, and
road and railroad work.
Section II
ENGINEER STAFFS
■ 12. General. — a. Sire. — An engineer headquarters consists
mainly of the engineer commander and his staff. The size of
the staff of an engineer headquarters depends on the extent
and the importance of the engineer operations.
b. General functions.— The staff obtains information re-
quired by the commander, prepares plans, translates decisions
into orders, causes orders to be transmitted to troops, sifts the
multitude of details coming into the command post and brings
to the commander’s attention matters which require his action
or about which he should be informed. It makes a continuous
study of the situation and prepares tentative plans for possible
contingencies. Within the scope of its authority it supervises
execution of plans and orders and takes action as necessary
to carry out the commander’s decisions.
10
ENGINEER TROOPS
■ 13. The Staff Officer. — a. General . — The staff officer
should have a thorough knowledge of the policies of his com-
mander, should be helpful to commanders of subordinate units
and cultivate friendly relations with them. He should organize
and train his assistants to do routine work. He is expected to
think and to plan, to make a continuous study of the situa-
tion, and always to have a plan ready for a possible contin-
gency. To perform his functions properly he must inspect
constantly to see that plans approved by the commander are
being carried out correctly.
■ b. Mutual assistance . — Staff officers and their sections must
be prepared to assist other staff sections when required by
the situation. Each staff officer frequently will be required
to take over the functions of an absent one. This mutual
assistance and cooperation is essential for the proper func-
tioning of a small staff, but does not relieve any officer of the
responsibility for carrying out assigned duties.
c. Functional relation . — A staff officer as such has no com-
mand except as delegated by the commander to varying ex-
tents, depending on the situation. All policies, decisions, and
plans must be authorized by the commander before they are
put into effect. When a staff officer issues an order in the
name of the commander the responsibility for it is the com-
mander's, even though he may not know of the order.
■ 14. Organization. — A staff generally consists of an executive
officer and four sections — personnel and administrative, intel-
ligence, operations and training, and supply. In staffs of engi-
neer units, heads of these sections are termed S-l, S-2, S-3,
and S-4, respectively. Due to the increased scope and tech-
nique of engineer duties of army and higher unit engineers,
the four sections of their staffs constitute an “executive staff”
group, and a second staff group is added known as the "engi-
neering staff.” In the division and lower units, the “executive
staff” alone constitutes the staff of the unit engineer.
Section hi
STAFF OF DIVISION ENGINEER
■ 15. The Executive Officer. — a. In addition to being second
in command, the executive officer is responsible for the work
of the staff, and for the control and coordination of operations
in accordance with orders and policies of the division engi-
11
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
neer. The division engineer delegates to the executive officer
much of the active command of the unit in field operations. It
is essential that the executive officer enjoy the division engi-
neer’s complete confidence.
b. The executive officer must be familiar with the situation
of the division as a whole and assist the division engineer in
accomplishing his functions as a special staff officer.
c. The executive officer normally remains at the unit com-
mand post when the division engineer is away. When he
leaves the command post the next senior member of the unit
staff represents the commander.
■ 16. Adjutant (S-l). — a. General. — The adjutant handles
communications, personnel, and administrative matters for
the unit. He is responsible for athletics, entertainments, and
morale work when no officers are specially designated for
those duties.
b. Duties. — Under field service conditions his specific duties
may include:
(1) Keeping records relative to classification, reclassifica-
tion, assignment, pay, promotion, transfer, retirement, and
discharge of all personnel.
(2) Obtaining award of decorations, citations and other
honors.
(3) Handling details of leaves and furloughs.
(4) Supervising punishments, including courts martial
matters.
(5) Maintaining strength, casualty, and prisoner of war
reports, and other personnel statistics.
(6) Obtaining replacements and making arrangements for
receiving, processing, assigning, and quartering them.
(7) Laying out the command post and establishing routine
procedures affecting its operation.
(8) Making recommendations with regard to shelter, com-
mand, and administration of quartering areas.
(9) Supervising maintenance of sanitation, through the
surgeon.
(10) Obtaining means for recreation and for maintaining
or building morale. General supervision over the work of
the chaplain, and contact with welfare agencies.
(11) Operating the postal service.
(12) Taking charge of the collection and evacuation of
prisoners of war in cooperation with S— 2 and S— 4.
(13) Maintaining the unit Journal.
12
ENGINEER TROOPS
■ 17. Intelligence Officer (S-2). — a. General. — The intelli-
gence officer is S-2 on the staff of the unit engineer and com-
mands the intelligence section. He is also the unit camouflage
officer.
b. Duties. — (1) Collection, evaluation, and dissemination of
engineer information. — The principal duty of the intelligence^
officer is to gather and evaluate engineer information and
furnish it as needed. He recommends to the battalion com-
mander missions for the reconnaissance section and other
agencies. The information collected pertains to maps; routes
of communication; terrain; sources of engineer supplies or
usable equipment; engineering structures, both on friendly
and hostile territory; all mine fields, booby traps, and ob-
stacles laid J)y either friendly or enemy troops; and examina-
tion of enemy engineer equipment and enemy practices re-
garding its use. This information is available to S-3, S-4, and
the division staff, and must be made available as promptly as
possible to all others concerned. S-2 must conserve the efforts
of reconnaissance agencies by specifying what information is
of especial importance during a stated period, and by issuing
definite reconnaissance instructions to the gathering agencies.
(See FM 5-6.)
(2) Engineer situation map. — As an aid in collecting, eval-
uating, and disseminating the information gained, S-2 keeps
a. situation map showing the engineer situation and the results
of engineer reconnaissance. The results of engineer recon-
naissance should also be passed on to the staff officer directly
concerned with the information.
(3) Training schedules. — S-2 also assists S-3 in the super-
vision of training in engineer reconnaissance and combat in-
telligence. Training must be carefully planned and supervised
so engineer troops gain a proper viewpoint on the scope and
importance of engineer reconnaissance and the making of
engineer reconnaissance reports.
(4) Combat intelligence. — S-2 is charged with — fa) Conduct
of combat intelligence activities of the engineer unit.
(b) Counterintelligence duties and cooperation with S— 1 in
censorship of postal matter and in secrecy requirements in
handling messages.
(c) Training, inspection, and supervision of camouflage ac-
tivities of the engineer unit.
(d) Examination of enemy personnel, captured documents,
and materiel of immediate importance to the unit,
(e) Procurement and distribution of maps to all units of the
13
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
division. For this purpose he must operate in accordance with
general policies laid down by division G-2, and in close co-
operation with the assistant division engineer and with S-4. In
addition, S-2 plans surveying and mapping activities involving
participation by the air force and artillery.
({) Assisting division engineer in carrying out his functions
as a special staff officer by furnishing him, through the as-
sistant division engineer, detailed information on which to
base his advice to the division commander.
■ 18. Operations and Training Officer (S-3). — it. General . —
S-3 is primarily concerned with the operations and training
of the unit. He supervises the operations section. He is also
the unit chemical officer.
b. Duties. — In performing his duties S-3 does the following:
<1) Flans and supervises training as directed by the com-
mander.
(2) Flans the allocation of engineer troops to various tasks
in accordance with the situation and the decisions of the com-
mander; prepares orders for issuance to troops under the
division engineer's command; and prepares recommended
engineer paragraphs of, or annexes to, orders issued by the
division commander. He coordinates his plans with S— 1 to be
sure the plan of operations is adequately supported by the
plan of supply.
(3) Arranges details of movement of the battalion.
(4) Makes a continuing study of the situation so as to be
able to make recommendations at any time on employment of
the battalion.
(5) Recommends policies and training schedules for conduct
of engineer training, including schools.
(6) Utilizes his assistants in the operations section to make
technical reconnaissance and plans for accomplishing engineer
tasks.
(7) Recommends to the division engineer priorities of as-
signment of major engineer equipment.
(8) Assists the division engineer in preparing his recom-
mendations to the division commander regarding the division
traffic circulation plan.
(9) Assists the unit engineer in making plans concerning
employment of demolitions and other obstacles to hinder move-
ment of the enemy. This requires a continuing study of the
tactical situation of the division, of enemy capabilities, and
of terrain.
14
ENGINEER TROOPS
(10) Trains, inspects, and supervises chemical activities of
the engineer unit.
(11) Keeps an operations map based on information fur-
nished by the assistant division engineer, by division orders,
and by messages picked up by the engineer radio which is in
the division command net. S-3 generally should keep dis-
positions of the engineer unit and of major units of the
division on his division situation map, and also important ele-
ments of the engineer situation. He should not, however,
clutter up his map with details, relying on the S-2 engineer
situation map for this information. The S-3 situation map
enables all engineer staff officers to make a continuing study
of the division situation so they may plan their operations to
meet contingencies which may arise and which can be pre-
dicted, at least tentatively, from a study of the general
situation.
(12) Recommends security measures for battalion head-
quarters and the battalion.
(13) Prepares tactical reports as directed.
(14) When necesary, he recommends that the division en-
gineer request attachment of additional engineer troops from
the corps, or that the corps assume responsibility for engineer
work In a portion of the divisional area.
■ 19. Supply Officer ( S — 4 ) . — a. General. — S— 1 is the supply
officer of the engineer unit and functions as the engineer sup-
ply officer for the entire division. S-4 supervises the supply
section of the engineer unit and is responsible for its func-
tioning in accordance with plans of the unit engineer and of
higher headquarters. In general he must keep in close touch
with S-2 and S-3, with the tactical situation, with headquar-
ters and service company, with subordinate commanders and
their troops, with division G-4, and with all supply installa-
tions.
b. Duties. — Duties of S^i are:
(1) He studies and collects detailed information of the sup-
ply situation in cooperation with S-2. This includes such data
as local resources, available credits in depots and other stocks
under unit control, and captured engineer supplies. With this
information he advises the unit - engineer as to availability of
equipment and materials essential to a proposed operation.
(2) He supervises stockages, operations, and displacement
of engineer distributing points in accordance with the tactical
situation, and arranges for conservation, or destruction when
necessary, of engineer supplies.
15
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
(3) He examines engineer requisitions both from his own
unit and from other arms, makes recommendation for priori-
ties of issue, and recommends issuing supply points.
(4) He recommends to the division engineer allocation of
available engineer supplies, estimates future requirements,
and arranges in advance for obtaining and issuing them. This
is especially important in the case of fortification materials.
(5) S — 4 is water supply officer for the division. He recom-
mends to the unit engineer the number and location of water
supply points. These recommendations, when approved by the
unit engineer and division G-4, are incorporated into drafts of
paragraphs prepared by S-3 for inclusion in division field and
administrative orders.
(6) S-4 keeps a continuing inventory of available stocks of
engineer materials both in distributing points and available
locally. He arranges for taking over and distributing engineer
supplies found locally.
(7) He furnishes transportation and truck drivers required
for the actual procurement and distribution of maps.
(8) S-4 allocates transportation, other than organic, to
subordinate units.
■ 20. Special Staff Officers, Division Engineer. — a. General . —
Certain staff functions may be handled by officers of the unit
staff as additional duties or they may be the primary duty
of officers not on the unit staff. In the latter case these officers
are members of the special staff of the unit engineer.
b. Assistant division engineer. — (1) His principal duty is
liaison with division headquarters, where he makes available
engineer information of interest to the division staff, and
obtains information of value to the unit engineer. He keeps
himself informed of the results of engineer reconnaissance, the
dispositions and strength of the engineer unit, and the status
of engineer supply. Staff officers cooperate with the assistant
division engineer in this regard and make all pertinent in-
formation available to him immediately. This information
should be posted on an engineer situation map kept at the
division command post by the assistant division engineer and
his section.
(2) The assistant division engineer keeps the headquarters
of his unit constantly informed of the division's tactical situa-
tion and such information of the enemy as may affect division
plans materially. This knowledge is gained through discus-
sion of the situation with G— 2 and G—3 and their assistants.
16
ENGINEER TROOPS
and through frequent inspections of the G—2-3 situation maps.
In gathering such information the assistant division engineer
should be careful not to annoy the division general staff sec-
tions more than is absolutely essential.
(3) In the absence of the division engineer, the assistant
division engineer acts for him at the division command post.
If the situation permits he communicates with the executive
officer on important matters concerning the employment of
engineers; otherwise, he does not hesitate to give appropriate
advice.
(4) The assistant division engineer exercises immediate
supervision over the division engineer section at the division
command post. He must be there at all times when the
division engineer is absent.
(5) He anticipates requirements of the division for maps
and advises S-2 of the requirements in advance. He also re-
ceives requests for maps from G-2 and forwards these re-
quests to S-2.
c. Personnel officer. — (1) The warrant officer in the adminis-
trative section of headquarters and service company is the
personnel adjutant and assistant S-l.
(2) He is responsible under the adjutant for the adminis-
tration of ail company and detachment records of which the
adjutant is custodian. These do not include basic company
records retained by company commanders.
(3) He is charged with preparation, maintenance, and safe-
keeping of all records, reports, rosters, returns, flies, docu-
ments, correspondence, and statistics of a personnel and ad-
ministrative nature that are not required to be kept at com-
pany headquarters.
(4) He i3 charged with custody of company funds when the
companies go into combat or when, in the opinion of the
commander, funds might be lost because of casualties. (See
TM 12-250.)
(5) He is charged with training of personnel to replace ad-
ministrative section clerk3.
d. Transportation officer. — (1) In the combat battalion and
the squadron he is called a motor officer and commands the
repair section. In the armored battalion he commands the
motor section and in the motorized battalion he commands
the transportation platoon. -
(2) He must be qualified through training and experience
to direct supply and maintenance operations of his platoon or
section and to advise the Unit commander, his staff, and
17
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
subordinate commanders on technical aspects of automotive
operations and maintenance.
(3) In addition, he has the duties of a platoon commander.
He employs his platoon, as directed by the headquarters and
service company commander, to procure and distribute spare
parts and supplies and to perform second-echelon maintenance
on motor vehicles of the battalion. (See PM 25-10.)
e. Communications officer . — This officer is designated by T/O
for the motorized battalion. The commander of the combat
battalion, armored battalion, squadron, mountain battalion, or
airborne battalion assigns an officer as communications officer.
For detailed description of duties of the communications
officer in combat, and for the manner of their performance,
$ee FM 7-25. In general he must —
(1) Advise the unit engineer and staff on matters of signal
communication technique.
(2) Prepare plans and recommendations for the battalion
communication system, <md establish, operate, and maintain it.
(3) Supervise technical training of communication person-
nel, when so directed.
(4) Offer technical advice and assistance to S-4 regarding
supply of signal communication materials for the battalion.
(5) Make recommendations for initial and successive loca-
tions of the command post of his unit, if not prescribed by
higher authority.
(6) Make recommendations for procuring and replacing
signal communication personnel.
/. S-3, air . — To effect close and rapid coordination between
the armored engineer battalion and the air support, an S-3
air officer is included in the T/O for the armored engineer
battalion. This officer is trained in the tactics and technique
of air support aviation, in air observation,' and in aerial pho-
tography. He is an assistant to the battalion S-3. The principal
duties of the S-3 air officer are to —
(1) Advise the division engineer and battalion staff on use
of air facilities.
(2) Prepare and expedite requests for air support, aerial
photography, and air observation pertaining to engineer ac-
tivities.
(3) Inform battalion headquarters of air action to be taken.
g ^ Camouflage officer,- Normally S-2 of the unit staff per-
forins the duties of camouflage officer, which are to —
(1) Advise the division engineer and battalion staff on
camouflage technique.
18
engineer troops
(2) Assist in supervising training of division personnel in
camouflage methods and in adaptation of local materials in
camouflage work.
(3) Recommend camouflage standards and regulations for
the division.
(4) Make frequent inspections of camouflage work and
camouflage discipline, and recommend necessary corrective
measures.
(5) Supervise training of battalion personnel in camouflage
methods.
h. Reconnaissance officer. — The reconnaissance officer exer-
cises immediate supervision over the reconnaissance section
of headquarters and serviee company. He utilizes this section
for and personally participates in reconnaissance missions as-
signed by the battalion commander. He works in close co-
operation with S-2, S-3, and S— 4.
i. Chemical officer. — Normally S-3 of the unit staff performs
the duties of chemical officer. He is the adviser to the unit
commander and staff in all matters involving the use of gas
and smoke, and defense against chemicals. His duties are:
(1) Recommendation to S-4 concerning supply of chemical
munitions and antichemical protective equipment.
(2) Supervision and coordination of gas defense training in
unit, and periodic inspections of gas defense equipment.
(3) Supervision of installation and maintenance of gas de-
fensive measures.
(4) Supervision of use of decontaminating agents.
(5) Supervision of gas reconnaissance of routes and areas
before their use by troops.
(6) Recommendations concerning use of chemicals and
smoke.
(7) Checking to see that standing orders concerning gas
defense measures are issued and executed.
(8) Studying types and characteristics of chemicals and
chemical equipment used by the enemy, and his methods of
employing them.
j. Battalion surgeon . — (1) General. — The battalion surgeon
commands the battalion medical detachment and supervises
the medical service of the battalion. He serves as adviser to
the battalion commander and staff on matters affecting the
health of the command and the sanitation of the battalion
area.
(2) References. — Duties and operation of the medical de-
tachment and evacuation service, FM 7-30 and 8-10. Military
19
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
sanitation and first aid, FM 21-10. Field sanitation, FM 8-40.
Records of sick and wounded, FM 8-45. Medical reference
data, FM 8-55.
(3) Duties. — The duties of the surgeon are given in Army
Regulations and in FM 8-10. In general the battalion surgeon:
(a) Instructs the battalion's personnel in personal hygiene,
military sanitation, and first aid.
(b) Makes medical and sanitary inspections, and keep3 the
battalion commander informed of the medical situation, in
the battalion.
(c) Establishes and operates battalion first aid station and
dispensary. ^
(d) Requisitions medical and dental supplies and equipment
required by medical detachment.
(e) Prepares medical plan, including recommendation for
location of battalion aid station.
(f) Verifies status of medical supplies in all elements of
the battalion, and takes steps to insure timely replenishment.
(g) Supervises collection and evacuation of wounded.
(h) Supervises preparation of casualty lists and other re-
quired records pertaining to the medical service.
k. Battalion chaplain . — (1) General . — The engineer armored
battalion has a chaplain. Normally he is adviser to the com-
mander and staff on all matters pertaining to religious and
moral activities of the command.
(2) Duties. — -The duties of the chaplain are more specifically
covered in AR 60-5 and TM 16-205. In general his duties are —
(a) Supervision of spiritual welfare of command.
(b) Conducting religious services, including funerals.
(c) Spiritual ministrations to sick and wounded.
(d) Correspondence with relatives of deceased personnel.
(e) Coordination of religious work of various welfare so-
cieties.
(f) Preparation of estimates and allotment of funds for
religious activities not specifically charged to other agencies
of the command.
(g) Preparation of reports relative to religious and moral
activities of the command.
Section IV
ENGINEER STAFFS OF HIGHER UNITS
■ 21. Corps Engineer and Staff. — a. Organization. — The corps
engineer section is organized as shown in figure 1. The staff
20
ENGINEER TROOPS
includes an executive officer and an operations officer. A small
group of enlisted personnel handles routine matters.
Figure 1. — Corps engineer section (see T/O 5-100-1).
6. General. — The corps engineer headquarters supervises en-
gineer operations in the corps. Because of the small size of the
staff, each officer must be familiar with practically all work
of the office in addition to the special functions of his position.
c. Corps engineer. — (1) General. — The corps engineer is a
unit engineer. He commands all engineer troops assigned or
attached to the corps and is a member of the staff of the corps
commander.
(2) Duties. — The corps engineer has the following principal
duties :
(a) Maintenance of roads and bridges.
(b) Liplson with division engineers, with Special attention
to relieving division engineer troops as far forward as his
resources permit.
(c) Allocating and distributing engineer supplies to corps
troops.
(d.) Providing for taking over accumulated engineer mate-
rials, especially those captured from the enemy.
(e) Procurement and distribution of maps for corps troops.
(fj Establishing corps engineer depots.
(gj Establishing third-echelon maintenance and repair facil-
ities.
(h) Keeping corps commander informed a3 to the engineer-
ing situation and its effect upon operations of the corps.
(i) Making technical reports to army engineer, arranging
with him for attachment to the corps of such additional en-
21
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
gineer troops and transportation as the situation demands, and
reporting to him upon adequacy of operations of army engi-
neer troops working in his corps area.
(j) Assisting G-4 to prepare the traffic circulation plan by
recommending traffic regulations and the direction, amount,
and kind of traffic to be authorized on various roads.
(k) Planning and inspecting engineer operations in the
corps area.
(l) Executing general supervision of camouflage work and
seeing that camouflage discipline is maintained.
d. The staff. — (1) General . — The members of the staff make
studies, compile and distribute engineering information, draw
up projects, draft orders, and make technical inspections. The
corps engineer assigns work to attached units.
(2) The executive officer is responsible for the work of the
staff, and for the control and coordination of troop operations
in the corps in accordance with orders and policies of the
corps engineer.
(3) The operations officer supervises collection, evaluation,
and distribution of engineer information; compiles data on
such subjects as water and forest resources and technical
operations of engineer troops; plans surveys and mapping ac-
tivities in which air force and artillery take part; is respon-
sible for all map distribution in the corps; and coordinates,
plans, and supervises operations of engineer units attached to
the corps.
ATTACHED UNITS *
Figure 2. — Engineer combat group (T/O tentative).
* Attached units will consist of four engineer battalions or
the equivalent thereof, using any combination of combat,
heavy ponton, topographic, camouflage Or water supply bat-
talions and light equipment, maintenance, depot, dump truck,
light ponton, or topographic companies to set up the desired
operational or training team.
22
ENGINEER TROOPS
■ 22. Engineer Combat Group Headquarters. — a. Organization . —
The engineer combat group headquarters is a special tactical
engineer group assigned or attached to corps and higher
echelons. It consists of command, staff, and service groups,
and is organized as shown in figure 2. The group is flexible
and may be composed of the approximate equivalent of four
battalions. For example, it may consist of three combat bat-
talions, a light equipment company, a maintenance company
and a depot company; or other combination of combat, ponton,
maintenance or other units to set up the desired operational or
training team.'
b. Mission . — Its mission is to supervise, under the direction
of the corps engineer or engineer of a higher headquarters,
the operations of such engineer combat battalions and other
engineer units as may be attached to it.
■ 23. Staff of the Army Engineer. — a. Organization. — Organi-
zation of the army engineer headquarters is shown in figure 3.
Figure 3. — Army engineer headquarters (T/O 5-200-1).
6. Army engineer . — The army engineer is a member of the
special staff of the army commander and commands all engi-
neer units assigned or attached to the army. He also com-
mands engineer supply establishments within the army area
that are not controlled by higher headquarters.
c. Intelligence section . — Duties of this section include the
collection and dissemination of all engineer information in
the form of maps and map revisions for army headquarters
and lower echelons, terrain estimates, advice to the engineer
of the necessary engineer operations and the available supplies
and equipment, and intelligence of enemy equipment and
practices regarding its use.
23
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
d. Operation section. — Duties of this section involve the co-
ordination, planning, and supervision of the execution of all
engineer works in the army area and aa far forward into
corps areas as it is feasible to support these echelons.
e. Duties of the army engineer. — The duties of the army
engineer include —
(1) Attachment, when necessary, of engineer troops under
his command to corps and divisions.
(2) Maintenance of routes of communication, particularly
main supply routes.
- (3) Maintenance of army and corps engineer depots.
(4) Diaison with the corps engineers.
(5) Informing army commander of engineer situation and
making recommendations when situation demands use of
troops other than engineers on engineering work.
(6) Distributing to all echelons information secured from
engineer reconnaissance so full use may be made of engineer
supplies captured from the enemy; and seeing that intelligent
use is made of available roads.
(7) Collaborating in preparation of traffic circulation plan
for army by recommending such traffic regulations on roads
and bridges as may be required by their condition.
(8) In a defensive situation, submitting coordinating plana
for defense positions to be organized by corps.
(9) Insuring adequacy of engineer supply.
■ 24. Staff of the Engineer, Communications Zone Section. —
a. If a theater of operations is of any considerable size,
theater reserves are organized and communications zones
ENGfi HO,
COM Z SEC
PERS SEC
•EXECUTIVE STAFF-
k
IL.
i 1 r
Isecs formed! | |
|as required! I I
I 1 1 I
ENGINEERING staff
-I
Figure 4. — Engineer headquarters, communications zone sec-
tion (T/O 5-600-1) .
24
ENGINEER, TKOOPS
established. The functions of the commanding general of the
communications zone and the various members of his staff are
usually so extensive as to require division of the area behind
the armies into a number of communications zone sections,
designated by number, area, or location, each under a com-
manding general with his own staff.
b. The organization for engineer headquarters, 'communica-
tions zone section, is shown in figure 4. While the activities
outlined for engineer headquarters, army, are normal for a
higher headquarters, the situation in any particular theater
of operations may require sections for additional types of
operations such as forestry and military mining. These sec-
tions are formed as required.
c. The communications zone engineer commands all engi-
neer troops assigned or attached to his section and is a mem-
ber of the special staff of the commanding .general,
communications zone section. He is responsible for the exe^
cution in his area of the various duties and activities with
which engineers are charged, except those which have been
reserved from the commanding general of his section by some
higher commander.
d. The executive staff is organized the same as the unit staff
described in section II of this chapter,
e. The organization of the headquarters engineering staff
of the communications zone section is not fixed, as explained
in b above, but varies according to the military situation and
the character and location of the theater of operations.
■ 25. Staff of Engineer, Communications Zone.— Figure 5
shows the organization of engineer headquarters, communica-
Figure 5. — Engineer headquarters, communications zone (T/O
5-600-1).
25
engineer Meld manual
tions zone. The executive staff is similar to the unit staff de-
scribed in section II of this chapter. The engineering staff
consists of separate sections for each engineer activity.
■ 26. Staff of the Engineer, Theater Headquarters. — The or-
ganization of this staff is shown in figure 6 and consists of
an executive officer in charge of the executive staff, and a
director of construction in charge of the engineering staff.
Each staff is organized and has functions similar to those of
the engineer headquarters for the communications zone.
Figure 6. — Engineer headquarters, THQ (GHQ) (T/O
5-300-1).
■ 27. Staff of Air Force Engineer. — a. Figure 7 shows the
organization of the engineer section, headquarters, air force.
This section consists of the air force engineer and his staff,
the staff being divided into sections-
Figure 7. — Engineer section, headquarters, air force (T/O
5-800-1).
26
ENGINEER TROOPS
b. The duties of the executive, intelligence, and supply staff
sections are similar to the duties of those sections in head-
quarters already described. The duties of the general engi-
neering and camouflage staff sections are to plan and inspect
engineer and camouflage work performed under control
of the air force engineer. These sections are expanded to fit
conditions.
c. The air force engineer is the unit engineer and com-
mands all engineer troops either assigned or attached to the
air force, except those assigned or attached to subordinate
units thereof. He is responsible for meeting the demands and
needs of the air force for engineer work. As unit engi-
neer, he is a member of the special staff of the air force
commander.
d. Staff duties of the air force engineer are:
(1) Furnishing, to air force commander, technical advice
and assistance on engineer problems.
(2) Planning and supervising employment of all aviation
engineer units assigned to air force.
(3) Reconnaissance and recommendations in conjunction
with A-3 as to selection of sites for advanced airdromes.
(4) Preparation of air force engineer administrative plans,
instructions, orders, and training directives.
(5) Diasion with engineers of Army Ground Forces and
Army Service Forces.
(6) Determination of engineer equipment and material re-
quirements for contemplated air force operations.
(7) Administration of supply credits for engineer material
and administration of engineer funds for air force.
(8) Inspection of engineer work, troops, equipment, and
material.
e. Duties of the air force engineer exercised through units
under his command include:
(1) Command of all engineer troops not assigned to subordi-
nate units.
(2) Construction of field airdromes and advanced landing
fields.
(3) Rehabilitation of captured airdromes through employ-
ment of aviation battalions or airborne aviation battalions.
<41 Reproduction of maps, charts, and overlays, and, in
conjunction with photographic squadrons, preparation of
charts and target maps as required.
■ 28. Staff of Engineer, Air Service Command. — The engineer
section of the air service command, headquarters, consists of
27
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
the engineer, his staff, and enlisted personnel. The staff officers
assist the engineer in work connected with the expansion,
maintenance, and servicing of existing airdromes or air bases
occupied by the air force. In static situations, all construction
activities and the troops to execute them may be placed under
the direction of this headquarters. Normal duties of the air
service command engineer and his staff are:
a. Supervision and control of engineer activities in air
service command.
b. Maintenance and improvement of air force facilities.
c. Provision of engineering construction, maintenance, and
supply services for service center area.
d. Inspection and training of engineer units attached to air
service command.
e. Technical inspection and supervision of engineer installa-
tions at airdromes, air bases, and other air force installations.
/. Assistance to air force units in providing and maintaining
camouflage; provision for instructing air force units in
camouflage.
g. Recommendations to A-4 on traffic regulation when re-
quired.
I 29. Other Engineer Staffs, Air Forces. — There will be
additional engineer staffs with fighter, bomber, and air sup-
port commands.
Section V
ENGINEER REGIMENTAL, BATTALION, AND COMPANY
ORGANIZATION
■ 30. Regiment. — a. Organisation . — Engineer regiments include
both general and special service. They are organized into a
headquarters and headquarters and service company, two bat-
talions, a medical detachment, and attached chaplain.
b. Attachments . — An engineer regiment may have other
engineer units or elements of other arms and services attached
to it. The regimental commander coordinates the action of
attached units with that of his own,
c. Regimental headquarters . — Regimental headquarters con-
sists of the regimental commander and his staff. The regi-
mental staff is similar to the staff of divisional engineer units
discussed in section III of this chapter. In general, duties and
responsibilities of regimental commanders in commanding and
28
ENGINEER TROOPS
supervising operations are the same as those of the com-
mander of a divisional engineer battalion except that the regi-
mental commanders have no staff functions with higher
command. Functions, duties, and relationships of staff officers
of engineer regimental headquarters are the same, in principle,
as those of the staff officers of battalion headquarters of divi-
sional battalions.
d. Headquarters and service Company. — Headquarters and
Service company of the regiment consists of company head-
quarters, which includes the command personnel for routine
administration, messing, and supply of the company; a head-
quarters platoon, which furnishes enlisted personnel for the
staff sections .of regimental headquarters; and a service
platoon, which furnishes transportation, special equipment and
operators,' and repair service for the entire regiment. Com-
pany headquarters also operates the regimental officers’ mess.
e. Battalion. — (1) Battalions which are components of regi-
ments consist of a small headquarters and headquarters de-
tachment and three lettered companies. They are unsuited for
independent missions away from their regiments unless pro-
vided with a provisional service unit. Such a unit would be
made up of detachments from headquarters and service
company.
(2) Independent battalions and squadrons are made up of
headquarters, a headquarters and service company or troop,
two or more lettered companies or troops, and a medical de-
tachment. The battalion headquarters and service company
or troop is organized into a company or troop headquarters
and various functional sections without a platoon organization,
and has functions similar to those of the headquarters and
service company of a regiment.
/. Attached medical. — (1) General. — Bach regiment or inde-
pendent battalion includes a medical detachment of, two or
more medical officers, one of which is dental. In the case of
the mountain battalion one is a veterinary officer. The senior
medical officer is the unit surgeon. Enlisted personnel include
medical, dental, sanitary, and surgical technicians, truck
drivers, litter bearers, and first-aid men. The mountain bat-
talion also has veterinary personnel. For mess and routine
supplies it is attached to one of the companies, usually head-
quarters company. Transportation of the usual medical de-
tachment consists of a cross-country ambulance and light
trucks and trailers for command, personnel, equipment, and
supplies. Its routine equipment and medical supplies are suf-
29
engineer field manual
ftcient for first-aid treatment and care of sick persons not
requiring hospitalization.
(2) Duties.— The primary functions of the medical detach-
ment are to collect casualties, and to set up and operate aid
stations from which the more serious cases are evacuated by
the division or higher unit ambulance services. The medical
detachment operates most efficiently when used as a single
unit. It maintains a routine dispensary and sick call for minor
ailments. Duties of the unit surgeon are described in section
III of this chapter.
(3) Since the medical detachment has neither the strength
nor the equipment for adequate care of an engineer unit when
dispersed, ordinarily engineers use the facilities of the nearest
aid stations regardless of arm or service.
U 31. Company. — a. General . — The engineer company is desig-
nated as a lettered company or an independent company. In
either case it is the basic administrative unit that can sustain
itself in the field. It is the smallest engineer unit commonly
employed on a detached mission.
b. Lettered company . — The lettered company is a component
of an engineer battalion, and normally consists of company
headquarters and either two or three numbered platoons. The
following organization is typical of the combat company or
troop:
(1) Company headquarters include the following personnel
and their duties:
(a) A company commander, responsible for administration,
discipline, training, messing, welfare, and operation of the
company.
(b) An administrative officer, in most engineer companies a
lieutenant in company headquarters who relieves company
commander of normal routine duties of company administra-
tion, supply, messing, and operation and repair of transpor-
tation.
(c) A first sergeant, who assists company commander in
administration of company, and is responsible for maintenance
of all company records, interior administration, and police.
(d) A mess sergeant responsible to company commander for
training of cook and cook's helpers, and charged with pro-
curement and preparation of rations and feeding the men.
(e) A motor sergeant responsible to company commander
for servicing, repair, and operation of all transportation as-
signed to company; and charged with training of all truck
30
ENGINEER TROOPS
drivers, supervising loading and movement of company trans-
portation, and directing activities of company automobile
mechanics.
(1) A supply sergeant , who supervises activities of supply
personnel and is charged with procurement and issue of
clothing, armament, equipment, and supplies; maintenance of
supply records; and storage and care of company stocks.
(g) Other noncommissioned officers, technical specialists
charged with supervision of special operations and advising
company commander on special problems.
(h) Technicians of third, fourth, and fifth grades, receiving
pay allowances of noncommissioned officers of same grade.
These men are skilled occupational specialists and include
tractor drivers, automobile mechanics, and air-compressor
operators.
( i) Privates, including privates, first class, or privates who
have routine assignments as bugler, orderly, or cook's helper.
Basics are Used as fillers and replacements as circumstances
require.
(2) The platoon is usually divided into headquarters and
three squads or operating units. The headquarters usually in-
cludes a lieutenant as platoon commander, a platoon sergeant,
and enlisted men for routine work. The platoon commander is
responsible for training, discipline, and employment of his
platoon. Actual handling of the platoon in engineer work is
the duty of the platoon sergeant, the lieutenant remaining free
to exercise general supervision.
(3) The squad is the basic operating unit and usually con-
sists of a sergeant, unit foreman; a corporal, assistant unit
foreman; and other enlisted personnel including carpenters,
electricians, mechanics, riggers, demolition men, and truck
drivers. In completely motorized units, the squad has organic
transportation for tools, equipment, and personnel.
■ 32. Independent Company. — An independent company nor-
mally consists of a headquarters platoon and one or more
other platoons. Generally they are organized, trained, and
equipped to do special work.
a. Headquarters platoon includes company headquarters and
one or more sections variously designated as administrative,
service, supply, maintenance and repair or other overhead
function for the benefit of the entire company. Headquarters
platoon functions are similar to those of company headquar-
ters of a lettered company.
31
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
b. Platoons of independent companies are normally divided
into platoon headquarters and one or more operating sections,
the headquarters supervising and controlling work of the sec-
tions. Each section has personnel and equipment for doing
technical work or for executing special engineer missions.
c. Organization of independent companies is not uniform.
32
CHAPTER 3
equipment and armament of engineers
■ 33. General. — a. Basis . — Equipment issued to engineer or-
ganizations is prescribed in tables of basic allowances
(T/BA-5) or tables of equipment (T/E-5 series). These are
supplementary to AR 310-60, in which general provisions gov-
erning their preparation and application are given. For each
supply service there is a section in T/BA-5 or the T/E-5 series
which lists items furnished by that supply service, and basis
of issue per organization or subdivision thereof, or per individ-
ual. Supply services which prescribe allowances of equipment
for engineer troops are the Chemical Warfare Service, the
Corps of Engineers, the Medical Department, the Ordnance
Department, the Quartermaster Corps, and the Signal Corps.
Modifications in the issue of equipment are made from time
to time in accordance with' developments in weapons, equip-
ment, and organization; critical shipping requirements; and
changing conditions of warfare.
b. Arm and service publications . — Components of sets and
kits, spare parts and accessories to articles, and supplies issued
to organizations on a time basis are found in supply publica-
tions of the supply services. For engineer supplies the publica-
tion is Engineer Supply Catalog, Parts I, II, and III.
c. Organizational balance . — In the preparation of engineer
tables of organization and engineer tables of equipment a
balance has been maintained among the controlling factors of
personnel, duties, equipment, weights, and mobility. Weights
of tools, accessories, spare parts, and organizational equipment
have been kept within the safe capacity of the assigned trucks
and trailers. Special heavy equipment and machinery are
organically assigned to engineer units or carried in depots
in a theater of operations for issue when necessary. This
issue is affected by the nature of the engineer work to be
accomplished, the importance of time for completion of the
work, and the capacity of the engineer unit in trained per-
sonnel and repair facilities fully to utilize the maximum per-
formance of the equipment. In order to maintain organizational
balance, the factors outlined above must be considered along
with the special requirements for each theater of operations.
33
engineer field manual
■ 34. Organizational Equipment. — a. General. — Organizational
equipment consists of individual clothing and equipment,
messing equipment, marking and cleaning kits, and other
standard sets issued generally to similar units of ail arms.
Since issue and purpose of such equipment is the same for all
engineer units, they are not discussed in subsequent chapters
but are summarized below.
b. Companies. — Companies are issued organizational equip-
ment for interior administration; for messing, sheltering, sup-
plying, and otherwise providing for the men; and for the
maintenance and repair of transportation and equipment.
Functional equipment is discussed in subsequent paragraphs.
C. Regiments and independent battalions. — Additional or-
ganizational equipment is not issued to the headquarters itself,
but to pertinent headquarters and service companies or troops.
It includes additional tentage, officers’ mess equipment, field
safes, typewriters, duplicating machines, and similar adminis-
trative accessories.
d. Engineer headquarters. — Engineer headquarters is issued
organizational equipment necessary for enlarged administra-
tive duties; for shelter, messing, and care of the unit engineer
and his staff; and for enlisted personnel of the headquarters.
The basis of issue in the tables of basic allowances is the
number of officers and men comprising the particular head-
quarters. The items of equipment correspond generally to
those issued to companies and headquarters and service com-
panies for similar purposes.
e. Use. — Organizational equipment as a rule is used by spe-
cial personnel included in company headquarters. Thus the
first sergeant is assigned and held responsible for administra-
tive equipment such as field desks, typewriters, and other
equipment used by company clerks, stenographers, and order-
lies. Similarly, the mess sergeant is responsible for items
such as field ranges, cooking utensils, and kitchen tentage;
and the supply sergeant, for stock of spare parts and equip-
ment, for marking and cleaning equipment, and for repair kits.
■ 35. Engineer Equipment. — a. General. — Tools, machinery, and
transportation are equipment primarily for engineer work and
differ with each engineer organization. As a general rule
tools and machinery used by engineer troops are standard
commercial items.
b. Basie sets. — For convenience of issue, engineer tools have
been assembled into sets suitable for different classes of work.
34
ENGINEER TROOPS
Basic tool sets include blacksmith, carpenter, demolition, pio-
neer, and tinsmith. These sets are made up of essential hand
tools and a small amount of miscellaneous materials required
for the usual types of engineer work. Other basic sets are
issued for drafting, duplicating, sign painting, and sketching
work. All basic sets are issued to general engineer Units, and
some are issued to special engineer units.
c. Supplementary sets. — In addition to the basic sets, sup-
plementary sets are issued to specific engineer units. These
sets augment the equipment in basic sets, so as to give each
engineer unit tools to suit its strength, and to enable It to do
a wider variety of engineer work.
d. Mechanical equipment.— Mechanical equipment consists
of power and construction machinery. All general and some
special engineer units are authorized various items of this
equipment. It enables small numbers of engineers to execute
greater missions, and to accomplish missions in less time.
Engineer units are organically equipped with labor-saving
machinery and mechanical devices to as great an extent as
practicable, consistent with mobility. Certain items of equip-
ment are issued, to lettered companies; other items are issued
to headquarters and service company, 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. Mechanical equipment may be
classified as —
(1) Standard, including pieces of mechanical equipment
such as medium tractor with angledozer, motorfzed air com-
pressor, road grader, concrete mixer, motorized earth auger,
and powered shovel.
(2) Special, including pieces that are organic equipment with
engineer aviation units and that are designed to expedite
construction, maintenance, and repair of airdromes. Items of
special mechanical equipment are carryall scraper, trencher,
sheepsfoot roller and asphalt mixer.
e. Special , equipment. — Special engineer units are issued
equipment designed specifically for the task for which they are
organized. Thus, forestry units are equipped with portable
sawmills, ponton Units with floating bridge equipage, mapping
units with surveying and map reproduction equipment, and
water supply units with well-drilling machinery and mobile
water purification trucks.
35
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
■ 36. Transportation. — a. Transportation organic with all en-
gineer troop units and engineer headquarters is .motorized,
except in pack companies of the engineer mountain battalion;
it has riding horses and pack and riding mules.
b. Vehicles issued to engineers are in accordance with cur-
rent tables of basic allowances. They include engineer special-
purpose trucks and trailers, ordnance trucks, trailers, half-
track vehicles, and scout cars.
■ 37. Armament. — a. Engineer troops are armed for —
(1) Personal protection.
(2) Security.
(3) Tank hunting.
(4) Combat as infantry in an emergency.
(5) Protection and defense of barriers, mine fields, prepared
demolitions, and obstacles.
(6) Defense of airdromes, dumps, depots, and other instal-
lations.
b. Individual weapons include bayonet, pistol, carbine, rifle,
caliber .45 submachine gun, antitank rifle grenade, and hand
grenades.
c. Supporting weapons are crew-served; they include caliber
.30 machine guns, caliber .50 machine gun’s, and antitank
rocket launcher.
d. The portable flamethrower is an assault weapon used
against fortifications.
■ 38. Signal Communication. — a. General. — The term “signal
communication” includes all means and methods used to send
messages. The normal agencies of signal communication avail-
able to engineer units in their operations include the message
center, a field telephone system, radio equipment, pyrotechnics,
and a messenger service. Messenger service employs available
light transportation, such as 14-ton trucks and %-ton command
cars, and runners; in the pack company of the mountain bat-
talion animals are used. Signal equipment issued to engineer
units is discussed below.
b. Radio. — ‘Radio communication equipment is Issued to all
Army Ground Forces engineer combat units and to engineer
aviation battalions. It is organic with headquarters and ser-
vice companies of the battalions of all of the above units, and
with lettered companies of the armored engineer battalion
only. In divisional units, one set is for operation in the divi-
sional command net, the others are distributed to other eche-
lons as directed by the commanding officer. Although the
36
ENGINEER TROOPS
portability of radio sets favors their use by engineers, the sets
should supplant other types of communication only in emer-
gencies.
c. Wire communication. — (1) Signal equipment used in es-
tablishing wire communication includes switchboards, tele-
phones, and accessories. This equipment is issued to the
headquarters and service company of engineer units.
(2) Engineer regiments establish wire communication from
the regimental command post to the battalion command posts
or to an advanced message center located as near as possible
to the command posts of the battalion. An engineer unit with
a brigade or division has wire communication established to
the unit command post by brigade or division signal personnel.
Wire communications from battalions to lower units are estab-
lished by personnel in the engineer unit. The heavy ponton
battalion and light ponton company establish wire communica-
tions when constructing floating bridges and for traffic control
on bridges.
d. Other signal facilities . — Other signal facilities include
panels, flares, Very pistols, and signal lamps for air-ground
recognition.
■ 39. Air Forces Equipment. — Airborne engineer units are
provided with cargo parachutes, individual parachutes, and
aerial-delivery type container assemblies.
■ 40. Chemical Warfare Equipment. — For chemical warfare
the principal items issued to engineer troops, in addition to
portable flamethrowers, are service gas masks, decontamina-
tion apparatus, incendiary grenades, and chemical land.mines.
Special gas masks are issued for animals of the pack com-
panies of the mountain battalion.
37
CHAPTER 4
TRAINING OF ENGINEERS
Paragraphs
Section I. Mobilization Training Programs (MTP).... 41-46
II. Unit training 47-60
III. Training management 61
TV. Engineer drills and inspections 62-64
Section I '
MOBILIZATION TRAINING PROGRAMS (MTP)
■ 41. General. — a. Mobilization training programs provide for
basic training of the individual soldier. They are effective
upon activation.
b. The 5-series of MTP Is prescribed for engineer troops.
The programs furnish a general guide for the balanced train-
ing of troops so they may be prepared to take the field on
short notice.
■ 42. Training Objective. — The training of all engineer troops
follows the basic instructions in FM 21-5, .with the objective
of developing an offensive spirit in the soldier and the unit.
■ 43. Basic Training. — All engineer soldiers are given basic
military training. (See FM 21-5.)
■ 44. Engineer Training. — a. Military engineer training under-
takes to qualify individuals for duties necessary to the engi-
neer work for which units are responsible. Training varies
with the type of organization. The procedure is first to train
the individual In his assigned specialty and then to train
groups of Individuals in combined tasks under their appro-
priate commanders.
b. The objective of engineer training is to develop effective
military operating units, such as squad, platoon, and company.
Squads and platoons should be kept intact. These are ele-
mentary engineer teams, held together by the spirit of Com-
radeship and the direct personal influence of their leaders.
c. Specialist training varies with the individual’s prior ex-
perience. Technical specialists and machine operators in
38
ENGINEER TROOPS
headquarters and service companies and in company head-
quarters are trained by attachment to companies and platoons
doing work that demands exercise of their specialties.
■ 45. Command Training. — Although command training ap-
plies only to leaders, It is vital. Command should be decen-
tralized and interference with subordinate commanders held
to the minimum consistent with coordinated effort. Officers
must know how to plan, estimate, organize, and supervise
work, and how to allot tasks to subordinate units to insure
that, without supervision, an assigned mission will be begun
promptly and executed rapidly.
■ 46. Combat Training.— a. Combat training instructs the unit
in combat and in security when on the march, in bivouac,
and while engaged in engineer work. Engineers use extended
order drill as prescribed in FM 22-5. Infantry methods and
formations prescribed in FM 7-10 are modified only to conform
with engineer strength, armament, and organization. (See
FM 5-6.) Any general procedures adopted by engineer units
are uniform within all subordinate units.
b. Engineer troops are armed with a variety of weapons..
Engineers must be trained to care for their individual and
supporting weapons, to be proficient in their use, to know
their capabilities, and to keep them clean and ready for imme-
diate use at all times.
Section II
UNIT TRAINING
■ 47. General. — a. The primary purpose of unit training is to
provide balanced training with emphasis upon well-organized
and well-trained squads and platoons. Unit training programs
are put into operation after completion of individual training.
b. This section is prepared as a guide to Unit training of the
engineer combat battalion. Its principles, modified by differ-
ences in organization, mission, and equipment, apply to other
engineer units.
c. The Unit commander supervises and inspects training to
determine its progress and adequacy. Constant supervision is
essential, but it must be informal and should not interrupt
continuity of training. In addition, each commander, from
the platoon up, must test his units to insure the mastery of
each subject before passing to the next.
39
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
■ 48. Scope. — a. A unit training program is interested only in
training units. Combined training follows. Enlisted men re-
ceiving unit training should have completed individual train-
ing and be reasonably well trained as individual soldiers and
as basic members of the squad and platoon, ready to progress
to more advanced training. Advanced training should include
practical application of previous training. It should carry
training of individuals, specialists, and small units to stand-
ards considerably higher than those reached at the end of
individual training. It should prepare platoons, companies,
and the battalion for combined training.
6. Divisional engineers need almost no unit training in gen-
eral construction as practiced in the zone of the interior or in
peacetime. Construction projects in camps, such as building
barracks, target ranges, bayonet courses, and grenade courses,
and normal peacetime road maintenance, while affording ex-
cellent training for other general engineer units, are not
proper training assignments for combat engineer units.
c. During unit training, officers and enlisted men of the
combat battalion should be developed into an engineer unit
capable of performing any duty normally assigned to it in a
combat situation. (Duties are listed in sec. I, ch. 5.)
d. Any training program, once decided on and started, may
require modification for many reasons. However, progressive
and balanced training should be preserved.
■ 49. Training Facilities. — a. Site. — Problems of training com-
bat engineer troops are similar to those common to other
combatant arms and services as set forth in FM 21-5 and
MR 3-1. Training may be carried out in almost any locality,
but if possible terrain and climate should approximate condi-
tions in the probable theater of operations. Large areas are
necessary; for the prescribed training subjects include not
only most of those given infantry but also certain engineer
subjects, such as explosives and demolitions, which require
additional isolated areas as a safety precaution. The terrain
should vary from flat to rolling or mountainous, contain nu-
merous types of roads and bridges, have both dry and muddy
ground conditions, and include sand, clay, loamy, and rocky
soils. It should also contain all kinds and sizes of standing
timber, and streams and gullies of various depths and widths.
b. Equipment . — Full use of all equipment must be made to
insure efficient and complete execution of engineer training
missions. When the amount of training equipment is inade-
40
ENGINEER TROOPS
quate for the number to be trained, schedules must be pre-
pared for rotating the available equipment. When shortages in
training equipment occur, substitute equipment should be
obtained or improvised. Resourcefulness in devising training
expedients is essential.
■ 50. Training Texts. — a. For a list of War Department publi-
cations and visual training aids for conducting engineer train-
ing, see FM 21-6 and 21-7.
b. Normally, Field and Technical Manuals contain sufficient
material for training purposes, but ingenuity must be used to
apply this material to specific training tasks.
c. Training films, film strips, and graphic portfolios are valu-
able aids to instruction and are employed where practicable.
■ 51. Time. — Unit training programs normally are based on a
48-hour training week. More time is utilized when desirable,
especially in marches and field exercises. Open time is used
to compensate for interruptions; for additional instruction in
subjects inadequately learned; to provide refresher training;
and for subjects given local emphasis, such as orientation
talks. Formal athletic competitions, or preparation for ath-
letic competitions should be conducted in time outside the
prescribed training week.
I 52. Procedure and Methods of Instruction. — Instruction is
conducted as prescribed in FM 21-5. The subordinate unit
commanders are the instructors in all unit training. Only in
schools, review of MTP training, and other allied subjects,
should instruction be centralized. Advanced training should
be practical and should repeat MTP training only when
necessary.
a. Basic training. — (1) Review of basic and' general subjects
must be continued regularly to maintain a high standard of
individual proficiency.
(2) In order to avoid monotony, periods devoted to review
of basic training should be short.
b. Field exercises. — Squads, platoons, companies, and bat-
talions should cover an engineer subject by field exercises
involving a tactical situation. Emphasis should be placed on
solving the tactical as well as the engineer problems. Where
applicable, training in the supply of engineer materials, ra-
tions, water, gasoline, and ammunition should form a part of
the exercise. Periods should be long enough to permit the
41
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
performance of the assigned task under the assumed tactical
situation; frequently this will mean several days for a single
exercise. Night operations should include technical operations,
such as bridge building and laying mine fields, as well as
tactical operations. One or more of the subjects included in
the weekly program should be covered in a night operation.
All operations should be conducted without lights. Every exer-
cise should be followed by a thorough critique.
c. Organizational unity. — In combat zones, combat battalions
normally accomplish their technical engineer tasks by break-
ing up into small units. Therefore the emphasis in technical
training should be placed on making squads and platoons
effective operating units. For bridging missions companies
must be trained as units.
d. Troop schools. — Troop schools for officers and noncommis-
sioned officers will be conducted throughout the entire train-
ing period as preparation for subsequent instruction Qf units.
The schools should rehearse basic principles of each exercise
before execution. The schools will be held as directed by
higher authority.
e. Troops’ preparation. — Troops should be grounded in the
fundamentals of each task prior to its execution.
f. Performance .- — Whenever any unit performs an exercise
in an unsatisfactory manner, the exercise should be repeated
until it is done satisfactorily.
■ 53. Engineer Training. — The military application of all engi-
neer work will be stressed constantly so all personnel may see
it in its proper perspective.
M 54. Tactical Training. — The primary mission of the engineer
combat battalion is engineer work. However, in an emergency
the battalion may be held in mobile reserve and used as in-
fantry in combat. Therefore tactical training must be con-
ducted in order to meet that emergency.
a. Scope. — Tactical training that is stressed includes protec-
tion of working parties, defense of road blocks and other
obstacles, combat actions of squads and platoons, motor move-
ments, entraining and detraining, entrucking and detrucking,
night tactical operations, field tactical operations, and field
tactical training of the battalion.
b. Combat intelligence. — Each commander of a combat unit
is responsible for obtaining Information on the enemy forces
42
ENGINEER TROOPS
opposing him. In general, in the combat battalion, the staff
agency for combat intelligence is the intelligence (S-2) section.
Personnel used for intelligence work are trained and employed
in accordance with the doctrines prescribed in FM 30-5, 30-15,
and 30-25. Since the reconnaissance section of the combat
battalion is not available for combat intelligence most of the
time a small group should be trained in this duty. Training
of the engineer squad should include additional training for
combat or reconnaissance patrol.
c. Security on the inarch. — The doctrine of security is found
in FM 100-5 and 7—10 and should be followed at all times by
all engineers. Moving columns make excellent targets for
low-flying aircraft. A11 engineer troops must be instructed
thoroughly in protective measures against such attacks.
d. Local security. — Engineer troops engaged in work at or
near the front are trained to keep their weapons immediately
available. During unit training, leaders will stress this prac-
tice and decide plans of action under simulated enemy inter-
ference.
■ 55. Training in Chemical Warfare. — a. To meet the probable
use of toxic gas by the enemy, engineer troops must be trained
thoroughly in chemical warfare; in how the enemy can use
it; and in defense against chemical attack.
b. For thorough training, all instruction is practical rather
than theoretical, making maximum use of the training muni-
tions and supplies authorized by AR 775-10, Tables of Basic
Allowances, and Tables of Equipment for engineers.
c. References.— Principles governing offensive and defensive
use of chemicals, together with combined operations and
security in connection therewith, are found in FM 100-5, 3-5,
and TM 3-305.
■ 56. Training in Operation and Maintenance of Equipment. —
Motor maintenance, training of driver, and maintenance, care,
and operation of engineer mechanical equipment are stressed
concurrently with other training. Maintenance or organiza-
tional transportation and mechanical equipment is taught by
training in —
a. First-echelon maintenance. — This training is essentially
preventive maintenance by operator or driver and assistants.
It includes —
(1) Correct operation.
(2) Operator servicing, lubricating, and cleaning.
43
engineer field manual
<3) Tightening and minor adjustments.
(4) Inspections within companies and similar units.
b. Second-echelon niaintenance . — This training is essentially
preventive maintenance by organizational mechanics and
maintenance specialists. It includes—
(1) Centralized organizational servicing and lubrication.
(2) Preventive maintenance, adjustments, minor repairs, and
unit replacements within the limits of time available and
equipment authorized.
(3) Systematic maintenance inspections within independent
battalions and similar units.
■ 57. Specialist Training. — a. Technical or specialist schools
will be conducted as necessary to perfect the individual in his
technical specialty. Such schools should be scheduled to inter-
fere a3 little as possible with unit exercises. Each individual
specialist normally should attend any exercise scheduled by
his unit.
6. Specialist training should include training of such com-
munication personnel as radio and switchboard operators, mes-
sage center clerks, and code clerks.
c. Technical engineer training, especially the military aspects
of specialist work, is given maximum time. Because of the
skilled nature of the tasks on which engineer units are em-
ployed, personnel should be recruited from men already
trained in civil life for those tasks. A lack of equipment may
make it impossible to give specialist training in early stages
of training periods. But when equipment is available and
units are operating under combat conditions, unit commanders
should utilize the apprentice system continually to train addi-
tional personnel as replacements. Casualties cannot then
cripple work of their units, and expansion of units to meet
emergencies can be made readily.
■ 58. Staff Training. — a. Headquarters of the engineer com-
bat battalion is perfected in its duties by training in —
(1) Staff functions and operations.
(2) Mechanics of issuing orders,
(3) Planning of battalion operations.
(4) Proper distribution of work to companies.
(5) Inspection of the execution of engineer work.
(6) Engineer 'needs of troops of other arms of the division.
6. (1) To plan and put into operation the unit training pro-
gram of an engineer organization, battalion headquarters
44
ENGINEER TROOPS
must develop and put into practice a standing operating pro-
cedure based on that of the next higher unit.
(2) The will of the commander should be expressed in stand-
ing operating procedure for technical and tactical emergen-
cies. To be effective it must be revised from time to time.
Modern warfare is characterized by speed of movement and
rapidly changing situations. No unit commander should per-
mit a standing operating procedure to standardize the techni-
cal or tactical employment of his troops, to narrow the scope
of training, or to destroy the opportunities for use of initiative.
■ 59. Service Training. — Members of headquarters and service
company are perfected in their specialties by additional tech-
nical instruction and training carried on concurrently with
the performance of their duties.' Training is scheduled for
small groups when it will interfere least with the normal
functional duties of the company.
60. Medical Training. — Members of the medical detachment
are perfected in their specialty by additional technical Instruc-
tion and training conducted concurrently with the perform-
ance of their duties. In addition, training is given in basic,
technical, combat, and tactical subjects. First-aid training is
conducted under the supervision of the unit surgeon and is in
accordance with the doctrines contained in FM 8-5 and other
pertinent Medical Field Manuals.
Section III
TRAINING MANAGEMENT
■ 61. Training Management. — a. Fundamental training doc-
trines are prescribed in FM 100-5 and 21-5.
b. Detailed instructions in regard to military training of
engineers are contained in Engineer Field and Technical Man-
uals and in special instructions in Mobilization Regulations,
Training Circulars, and periodic training directives.
Section IV
ENGINEER DRILLS AND INSPECTIONS
■ 62. Engineer Drills. — a. Training . — Engineer drills are uti-
lized in training the individual to use special tools and equip-
45
BNUINEER FIELD MANUAL
ment, and in training groups of individuals to execute definite
engineer tasks under the command and supervision of com-
missioned and noncommissioned officers.
b. Purpose . — The primary purpose of drills for engineers is
to develop efficient work units. Drills develop group feeling
and teamwork, establish standardized training procedures, and
assist in development of leadership and maintenance of
discipline.
c. General . — Actual engineer operations generally are not
conducted according to formal drills. Methods of procedure
described in engineer field and technical manuals are modi-
fied to suit conditions. Most tasks given an engineer unit pre-
sent problems that require improvised solutions. This rarely
can be accomplished by following a formal drill. When a task
involves repeating a number of identical operations or use of
standard equipment, such as erection of wire entanglements,
construction of ponton bridges, and unloading and loading
tools, systematized organization for work may approximate
a drill.
■ 63. Formal Inspections. — a. Formal inspections are executed
according to rules for the class of troops with which the engi-
neer unit is serving. Thus, formal inspection for the engineer
combat battalion follows the rules prescribed for the infantry
rifle battalion, except that the inspection normally includes
engineer transportation, equipment, and tools.
b. Formal inspections of troop units without transportation
are executed as for infantry.
c. When held with transportation, unless otherwise directed,
tools and spare parts are inspected. Ordinarily each company
should be inspected in its own area or at a designated place
where companies will be inspected successively. Platoon com-
manders give commands to open and close ranks and to lay
out and load tools. Tools are laid out in lines to the sides and
rear of each vehicle, within the frontage of the platoon. Space
is left between and around sets to permit easy inspection. The
manner in which tools are laid out is prescribed by the unit
commander.
■ 64. Tactical Inspections. — a. Purpose . — Tactical inspections
of engineer units consist of practical examinations and tests.
They have two purposes:
(1) Reviewing essentials of subjects of instruction included
in the master training program.
46
engineer TROOPS
(2) Determining whether or not individuals and the engineer
unit as a whole habitually apply the Information taught.
b. Value . — Tactical inspections are invaluable training aids
in that they stimulate the unit to its best effort and indicate
where corrective measures should be applied. Examinations
and tests are not the final goal of achievement but are merely
a gage of proficiency and of the quality of instruction. The
goal of any engineer unit is the ability to perform quickly and
effectively its missions under actual combat conditions.
c. Scope. — Tactical inspection of an engineer unit is made
by testing the unit with a tactical mission appropriate to the
unit and its equipment. The inspection should embody prob-
lems that test the unit in the march to, the organization for,
and the execution of a definite engineer mission. The equip-
ment and transportation always are present. Practical tests
are conducted in the use of special equipment carried by the
unit. This can be done either by requiring execution of a
prescribed task or by inspecting work that has been done by
the unit with this equipment. Tactical inspection is primarily
a test of the organization as a working unit. Allowance is
made for the experience and training of the unit.
d. Influencing factors . — Inspecting officers must consider cer-
tain factors that will influence their evaluation of perform-
ances of the units inspected.
(1) Inspectors must be thoroughly familiar with the units.
(2) Availability and condition of facilities and equipment
for training must be taken into account.
(3) Where balanced training has been impossible, for exam-
ple, where no target range or ponton bridge or mechanical
equipment has been available, ratings should be proportioned
to show actual points earned by the unit as against possible
earned points had conditions been ideal.
47
CHAPTER 5
ENGINEER UNITS, COMBAT, WITH ARMY GROUND
FORCES
Paragraphs
Section I. Engineer combat battalion, infantry
division . 65- 77
II. Engineer combat battalion, nondivisional. 78- 83
III. Engineer squadron 84- 95
IV. Armored engineer battalion 96-107
V. Engineer motorized battalion 108-120
VI. Engineer mountain battalion 121-132
VII. Airborne engineer battalion 133-144
VIII. Engineer light ponton company 145-155
IX. Engineer heavy ponton battalion 153-167
X. Treadway bridge company 168-176
Section I
ENGINEER COMBAT BATTALION, INFANTRY DIVISION
■ 65. Mission. — The mission of the engineer combat battalion
of the infantry division is to increase the division's combat
effectiveness by means of general engineer work. It is often
reinforced when the division acts independently, and may be
reinforced as required when the division operates with larger
units.
■ 66. Organization. — The battalion consists of headquarters,
a headquarters and service company, three lettered companies,
and a medical detachment. Organization is shown in figure 8.
(For details see T/O 5-15.)
■ 67. Equipment.— Organic equipment consists of engineer
tools and machinery necessary to execute the ordinary engi-
neer work required by the division. Most of the tools are in-
tegral parts of basic squad and platoon sets such as carpentry,
demolition, and pioneer. Stream-crossing equipment, includes
assault boats, pneumatic reconnaissance boats, and pneumatic
floats. The battalion has a few items of mechanical equipment,
including motorized air compressors and medium tractors.
■ 68. Transportation. — Enough transportation is provided for
simultaneous movement of all personnel and equipment. Vehi-
48
engineer troops
cles include light trucks tor command and reconnaissance,
light cargo trucks and trailers for transportation of tools and
equipment, and 2%-ton dump trucks for engineer work.
■ 69. Armament.— -Individual weapons include the bayonet,
carbine, rifle, and pistol. Supporting weapons include caliber
.30 and caliber .50 machine guns, caliber .45 submachine guns,
antitank rocket launchers, and antitank rifle grenades.
■ 70. Training. — Basic and unit training, are in accordance
with principles outlined in chapter 4. Tactical training is al-
lied with engineer field training. In an emergency, the combat
battalion fights as infantry. Training for combat includes
general tactical disposition of the entire battalion.
■ 71. Platoon. — a. Organization. — The platoon consists of
platoon headquarters and three squads of 13 men each. (For
details see T/O 5-17.)
b. Platoon headquarters. —The platoon headquarters con-
ducts reconnaissance, plans the work of the platoon, initiates
supply arrangements, assigns tasks to the squads, and exer-
cises general supervision over the execution of engineer work.
c. Squad . — The squad performs the principal tasks assigned
to the platoon. A squad may be assigned a separate task under
its leader; or, the three squads may work under the platoon
sergeant. The squad may be divided into two groups, one
under the squad leader and one under the corporal. However,
the normal work party is one squad with its own tool sets: a
carpenter set, a pioneer set, and a demolition set, all trans-
ported in a 2%-ton dump truck. The normal duty of the squad
leader is to supervise the work of the squad, but he will do
actual work when necessary and when it does not detract from
proper supervision. The squad operates and cares for trans-
portation and equipment assigned to it.
d. Duties. — (1) The platoon is a highly mobile unit for
executing general ' engineer work. Its duties include digging,
clearing, and grubbing; rigging; carpentry; construction;
demolitions; wrecking; and care of tools.
(2) When the platoon is reinforced with equipment and
specialists from company headquarters, or from headquarters
and service company, it can perform tasks for which its or-
ganic personnel and equipment are inadequate.
(3) The platoon is armed with the weapons listed In para-
graph 69. With this firepower, and its mobility, the platoon
49
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
can participate in defense against air and ground attack, and
in offense when fighting as infantry.
I 72. Company. — a. Organization . — The company consists of
company headquarters and three platoons. (For details see
T/O 5-17.)
b. Company headquarters. — (1) Company headquarters di-
rects, controls, and assists the operations of the three platoons.
It includes personnel and equipment for administration, mess-
ing, and routine supply; for engineer reconnaissance, supply,
planning, and estimating; and for execution of special engi-
neer tasks.
(2) The company commander divides company tasks into
platoon tasks, preferably keeping platoons intact. He may
assign company headquarters personnel and equipment to as-
sist platoons. His duties are to —
(a) Analyze the task, divide it into its components, and
allot work and available means to his subordinate com-
manders, making as full use as possible of platoon organi-
zation.
(b) Supervise execution of work, seeing that tasks are car-
ried out properly, that correct methods are used, that supply
of material is maintained, that difficulties are anticipated and
provided for, and that platoon commanders are given all pos-
sible facilities in executing their work.
(c) Train his company in all its functions.
(d) Lead his company in combat.
(e) Make engineer reconnaissance rapidly, accurately, and
continuously; and submit information properly and promptly.
(3) Engineer work done by the company is the same as
that done by platoons. Company headquarters can furnish its
mechanical equipment and engineer tool sets to assist platoons.
I 73. Battalion Headquarters. — Battalion headquarters con-
sists of the unit (division) engineer and his staff, with duties
and functions explained in detail in chapter 2. T/O 5—16
shows its organization. Battalion headquarters directs, con-
trols, and assists headquarters and service company and three
lettered companies in executing engineer work and in combat.
■ 74. Headquarters and Service Company. — Headquarters and
service company is composed of company headquarters and
sections designated as division engineer, administrative, intel-
ligence, operations, reconnaissance, supply, and repair. For
50
ENGINEER TROOPS
details see T/O 5-16. For functions and duties of the company
see chapter 2.
a. Company headquarters. — Company headquarters consists
of the company commander, an administrative officer, and per-
sonnel for handling routine administrative, mess, and supply
functions for headquarters, and headquarters and service
company.
b. Division engineer section. — The division engineer section
is supervised by the assistant division engineer. Duties of the
section conform to duties outlined for an assistant division
engineer in chapter 2. Enlisted personnel assigned to this sec-
tion prepare sketches, plans, designs, and graphical reports
for general use. Additional personnel from other sectioas of
headquarters and service company is required from time to
time to assist in this work. Standard topographic map work
is not a normal duty.
c. Administrative section. — Duties of the administrative sec-
tion are in accordance with duties of the adjutant (S-l) out-
lined in chapter 2. In general, this section is charged with han-
dling all battalion administrative matters and operating the
message center, and signal communication equipment at bat-
talion headquarters.
d. Intelligence section. — The intelligence section is super-
vised by S-2, who also is camouflage officer for the battalion.
Functions of the section conform to duties of S-2 outlined in
chapter 2. It does miscellaneous surveying, drafting, camou-
flage inspection, and photography, but extensive tasks of this
nature are not expected of the unit. Surveying is an occasional
job, limited to simple field work.
e. Operations section. — The operations section is supervised
by S-3, with duties as outlined in chapter 2. In general, this
section is charged with formulating plans, specifications, and
detailed orders for all operations of the battalion, preparation
of training programs and schedules, training inspections, and
engineer reconnaissance. ,
f. Supply section. — The supply section supervised by S-4,
has duties in accordance with those of S-4 outlined in chapter
2. It operates the portable water supply equipment of the
battalion. It transports and cares for tools and equipment
assigned to the section. Supplementary equipment and sup-
plies for reinforcing lettered companies are transported by
this section.
g. Repair section. — The repair section operates under the
commander of headquarters and service company, and super-
51
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
vises the second-echelon maintenance of all battalion motor
transportation and engineer mechanized equipment. Respon-
sibility for maintenance is a command responsibility of the
commander of the unit to which the vehicle or equipment is
assigned. The section’s equipment includes a motorized main-
tenance shop, welding, equipment, a 4-ton wrecking truck, and
miscellaneous tools. Part or all of the battalion’s transporta-
tion may be pooled under this section for operation under
battalion control.
■ 75. Echelons. — In many cases it isi desirable to split bat-
talion headquarters and headquarters and service company
into forward and rear echelons. Composition of each echelon
is decided by the battalion commander to fit each situation.
■ 76. Attached Medical. — a. The medical detachment consists
of two officers, one a dentist, and enlisted men. (For details
see T/O 5-15.) The detachment provides two company aid
men for each lettered company; however, it does not have
strength to provide litter bearers- Personnel for this purpose
must be drawn from engineer elements of the battalion, or
obtained from the division medical battalion.
b. Organic transportation includes a light truck for com-
mand and reconnaissance, and for transporting personnel,
medical equipment, and supplies.
c. The medical officer is battalion surgeon and a member of
the special staff of the battalion commander. His duties and
functions are explained in chapter 2.
d. Duties of the medical detachment in the field are outlined
in chapter 2. In general, the medical detachment contributes
to the health and hence to the general efficiency of the bat-
talion.
I 77. Duties. — a. Duties the battalion Is most commonly called
upon to perform are —
(1) Removal and passage of enemy obstacles, including
mine fields and booby traps.
(2) Preparation of obstacles by demolitions and other means,
including laying mine fields and setting booby traps.
(3) River-crossing operations to include use of assault boats,
preparation of fords, and other stream-crossing expedients;
and construction of vehicle ferries, portable bridges, and, in
emergencies, ponton bridges -capable of sustaining combat-
team loads. (.See ch. 5, sec. VtH.)
52
ENGINEER TROOPS
(4) Emergency repair and maintenance of roads, and rein-
-'orcement, repair, and maintenance of bridges.
(5) Engineer reconnaissance.
(6) Providing local security for own working parties.
b. Important duties less common than those given above
are —
(1) Rapid genera] lay-out of rear positions, signs for mark-
ing routes, and guiding units to sectors.
(2) Construction of fixed bridges and roads.
(3) Construction, improvement, and maintenance of advance
landing fields.
(4) Defense of mine fields and other obstacles.
(5) Combat as infantry.
(6) In a stabilized situation, construction of the more elab-
orate defensive installations requiring the use of special engi-
neer equipment.
(7) Tank hunting.
c. Duties performed by specialists or other small groups of
the battalion are —
(1) Advising division commander on technical matters.
(2) Supply of engineer tools, equipment, and materials.
(3) Water supply.
(4) Map supply.
(5) Camouflage inspection.
d. For modification of normal organization of engineer units
for combat see FM 5-6.
Section II
ENGINEER COMBAT BATTALION, NONDIVISIONAL
■ 78. General. — Engineer combat battalions, nondi visional, are
attached to corps and army. The number of battalions at-
tached at any one time varies according to the situation.
I 79. Mission. — a. When attached to corps, these units do gen-
eral 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 corps. They reinforce divisional engineers or
relieve them of engineer tasks so they may work farther to
the. front.
b. When attached to army, they do general engineer work
in the army area as far forward as possible.
53
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
■ 80. Organization and Equipment. — Organization and equip-
ment are identical with those of the engineer combat battalion
described in section I of this chapter. Organization is shown
in figure 8. For details see T/O 5-15.
Figure 8. — Engineer combat battalion, infantry division, or
nondivisional <T/0 5-15).
■ 81. -Training. — Since engineer combat battalions, nondivi-
sional, have missions similar to those of combat battalions of
the infantry division, their training is the same.
■ 82. Employment. — a. This unit, when attached to corps, is
employed under tUe tactical command of engineer combat
group headquarters, assigned to corps. They follow closely
behind the infantry divisions and take over the maintenance
of roads to relieve the division engineer troops; replace the
temporary bridging expedients with more substantial struc-
tures capable of carrying the heaviest military loads; and take
over the engineer dumps released by the division engineers.
b. When attached to army, the unit is employed under the
direction and supervision of engineer combat group head-
quarters assigned to army. It is used in preparation for, dur-
ing, and after an attack, principally upon the maintenance of'
routes of communication in rear of the several corps.
54
ENGINEER TROOPS
■ 83. Duties.— a. When attached to corps.— 1) Most common
duties are:
(a) Improvement and maintenance of roads, bridges, and
landing fields, mainly in the corps service area.
(b) Construction of or extension of barrier zones.
(c) Engineer assistance to corps troops and to troops at-
tached to the corps.
(d) Engineer reconnaissance.
(e) Reinforcement of divisional engineer units either by
taking over engineer work in division rear areas or by attach-
ment of subordinate units, to divisional engineer units.
(J) River-crossing operations to include use of assault boats,
preparation of fords and other stream-crossing expedients, and
construction of vehicle ferries, portable bridges, and ponton
bridges capable of sustaining combat-team loads.
(g) Providing local security for own working parties.
(h) Removal and passage of enemy obstacles, including
mine fields.
(2) Important duties less common than those given above
are :
(a) General construction, including construction of roads
and bridges.
(b) Operation of utilities to a limited extent.
(c) Defense of mine fields and other obstacles.
(d) Rapid general lay-out of rear positions, marking routes,
and guiding units to sectors.
(e) In a stabilized situation, construction of the more elab-
orate defensive installations requiring the use. of special engi-
neer equipment.
(f) Combat as infantry.
(g) Tank hunting.
(3) Duties performed by specialists or other small groups
of the battalion are:
(a) The supply of engineer tools, equipment, and materials,
to a limited extent.
(b) Water supply.
b. When attached to army. — Most common duties are:
(1) Construction, improvement, and maintenance of roads,
bridges, and landing fields; and construction of railways. .
(2) Engineer assistance to corps when necessary.
(3) Engineer assistance to army troops and troops attached
to army.
(4) Construction of army depots and other installations.
(5) Installation and operation of water supply facilities.
55
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
(6) Engineer reconnaissance.
(7) Provision of engineer materials for use of corps and
divisions.
(8) Operation of utilities in army area.
(9) Provision of local security for own workipg parties.
(10) Construction of deliberate field fortifications including
concrete structures.
Section III
ENGINEER SQUADRON
■ 84. Mission.- — a. The engineer squadron is the engineer com-
ponent of the cavalry division, and does general engineer
work.
b. The squadron may be reinforced with other engineer
troops when the cavalry division acts independently, operates
as part of a cavalry corps, or is assigned or attached to an-
other echelon.
■ 85. Organization. — The engineer squadron consists of head-
quarters, a headquarters and service troop, two lettered troops,
and a medical detachment. Organization is shown in figure 9.
(For details see T/O 5-115.)
Figure 9. — Engineer squadron (T/O 5-115).
■ 86. Equipment. — The unit’s engineer tools, equipment, and
machinery are generally the same as those of the engineer
combat battalion.
56
ENGINEER TROOPS
■ 87. Transportation. — The squadron is completely motorized.
Types of vehicles and their use are generally the same as in
the combat battalion.
■ 88. Armament. — A rmament is similar to that of the engi-
neer combat battalion.
■ 89. Training. — Engineer squadrons are trained to operate
with the cavalry division. In addition to basic and unit train-
ing prescribed for engineer troops in chapter 4, their training
includes principles of tactics and technique of cavalry.
■ 90. Platoon. — The platoon is identical in organization, aripa-
ment, and equipment with the platoon of the combat battalion
discussed in section I of this chapter. Because of the special
tactical operations of the cavalry division certain duties are
emphasized in training the platoon. These include proficiency
in —
a. Independent operations, including detachment of small
groups for execution of hasty repairs to insure passage of ad-
vance cavalry elements.
b. Engineer ground reconnaissance in forward zones.
c. Engineer work with the rear guard, including rapid prep-
arations for demolitions and construction of obstacles.
■ 91. Troop. — The troop of the engineer squadron is Identical
with the company of the combat battalion in organization,
armament, and equipment. (For details see T/O 5-17.)
■ 92. Squadron Headquarters. — Squadron headquarters in-
cludes the division engineer and his staff. (For details see T/O
5-116.) Command and staff duties explained in chapter 2 are
applicable.
■ 93. Headquarters and Service Troop— The headquarters and
service troop consists of troop headquarters and several
service sections. There are sections to provide personnel for
operation of the staff sections of squadron headquarters, a
section for supply, and a section for motor maintenance and
repair.
■ 94. Medical Detachment. — The medical detachment consists
of two officers, one medical and one dental, and enlisted men
as shown in T/O 5-115. Transportation includes a cross-coun-
57
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
try ambulance, command and reconnaissance truck, and a
2%-tOn cargo truck for transporting personnel, equipment, and
supplies. Functions and duties of the squadron surgeon and
of the detachment as a whole are explained in chapter 2.
■ 95. Duties.. — The duties of the engineer squadron are gen-
erally similar to those of the engineer combat battalion. Be-
cause of the mobility of the cavalry division and the rapidity
with which the situation changes in distant operations the
squadron —
a. Keeps routes of communication and supply open for
movement of the entire column,
b. Erects and overcomes obstacles.
c. Makes maximum use of demolitions and engineer ex-
pedients.
d. Disrupts or destroys hostile routes of enemy withdrawal,
by flank operations.
e. Engages In combat whenever necessary to accomplish its
mission.
/. Performs continuous engineer reconnaissance.
Section IV
ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
■ 96. Mission. — a. The armored engineer battalion facilitates
the rapid movement of the armored division and impedes
hostile ground forces by means of general engineer work.
Figure 10. — Armored engineer battalion (T/O 5-215).
58
ENGINEER TROOPS
b. In facilitating movement of the division, a treadway
bridge company, when required, is attached to the battalion to
provide crossings by either ferries or floating bridges.
M 97. Organization. — The battalion consists of headquarters,
headquarters company, four lettered companies, and a medical
detachment. Organization of the battalion is shown in figure
10. (For details see T/O 5-215.)
■ 98. Equipment. — a. Basic engineer tool sets are the same
as those issued to engineer combat battalions. This battalion
is equipped with air compressors, trailed angledozers, portable
engineer water-supply equipment sets, a motorized general
purpose repair shop, and trailer-mounted welding equipment.
b. Stream-crossing equipment includes pneumatic recon-
naissance boats and pneumatic floats.
■ 99. Transportation. — There is sufficient transportation for
the simultaneous movement of all personnel and equipment.
For details see current Tables of Organization, Tables of
Equipment, and Tables of Basic Allowances for engineers.
■ 100. Armament. — Individual weapons include the bayonet,
carbine, pistol, rifle, and caliber .45 submachine gun. Support-
ing weapons are sufficient for the defense of engineer work-
ing groups against small hostile mechanized or infantry
parties. For details see current Tables of Organization.
M 101. Radio Communication. — The armored engineer battalion
is equipped with radios, the detailed distribution of which is
shown in current Tables of Basic Allowances and Tables of
Equipment.
■ 102. Training. — a. Basic and unit training outlined in
chapter 4 are applicable to troops of the armored engineer
battalion.
b. Technical training of radio operators is covered in FM
24-5. Radio operators should be permanently assigned to the
same sets and to the same stations. They are required to
inform their leaders promptly of any messages received or
intercepted, and to report when, outgoing messages have
been cleared.
c. Combined, training emphasizes coordination of engineer
operations with tactics and technique of armored force units.
Engineer troops must be familiar with the capabilities, limita-
69
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
tiong, and general employment of tanks. During combined
operations the staff must adjust the performance of its func-
tions to those developed for the special staff of the armored
division.
■ 103. Lettered Company. — The lettered company consists of
company headquarters and three platoons. (For details see
T/O 5-217.)
a. Company headquarters. — Company headquarters is
divided into a headquarters section, an engineer section, a
maintenance section, and an administrative, supply, and mess
section (trains).
(1) Headquarters section. — This section consists of a captain
as company commander, a lieutenant as reconnaissance and
communication officer, and enlisted personnel for operation of
the section.
(2) Engineer sectiore.-^This section is supervised and con-
trolled by a staff sergeant. Its personnel performs special
engineer tasks for the whole company, Including operation of
a portable water-purification unit, provision of a medium
tractor and a motorized air compressor with operators, and.
execution of drafting and carpenter work.
(3) The maintenance section. — This section is supervised by
a maintenance sergeant. Its personnel performs normal
maintenance and repair of all company motor vehicles.
(4) Administrative, supply, and mess section. — This section
is charged with routine duties of company administration,
mess, and supply. It is supervised by a first sergeant, and
includes necessary operating personnel.
b. Platoon of the lettered company . — This platoon consists
of platoon headquarters and three squads.
(1) Platoon headquarters. — Headquarters includes a lieu-
tenant and enlisted personnel necessary for operations.
Platoon headquarters has radio equipment for use when act-
ing on detached missions. It can reinforce the squads with
platoon tool sets including carpenter, demolition, and pioneer.
(2) Squad. — The squad is organized to perform the basic
engineer tasks normally encountered in armored force opera-
tions. For details of composition see T/O 5-217.
(3) Training. — The platoon is trained in combat principles
which parallel those of attached infantry units of the armored
division. Engineer training is similar to that of the platoon
of the engineer combat battalion, infantry division. Special
emphasis is given in training the platoon for —
60
ENGINEER TROOPS
(a) Overcoming enemy obstacles, including passage of
enemy mine fields.
(b) Hasty repair of roads and detours.
(c) Hasty repair, improvisation, and reinforcement of
bridges and culverts.
(d) Use of pneumatic floats for ferrying; preparation of
fords, and use of other expedients for crossing armored
vehicles and attached troops over streams on a broad front.
(e) Rapid construction of obstacles, and preparation of
antitank mine fields, including their defense when required.
(f) Engineer reconnaissance.
c. Company training. — Company training Is designed to de-
velop the unit to a high degree of proficiency in the Orderly
and rapid execution of engineer work as a member of the
various armored combat teams.
■ 101. Battalion Headquarters. — Battalion headquarters is
divided into a command section, a personnel section, an in-
telligence section, an operations section, a supply section, and
a division engineer section. (For details see T/O 5-216).
а. Command section. — This section consists of the battalion
commander (division engineer) and his staff. Duties and
functions of the staff are explained in chapter 2.
б. Personnel section. — A first lieutenant, personnel officer,
assisted by a warrant officer, clerical, is in charge of the per-
sonnel section. Enlisted personnel are designated for specific
personnel record tasks such as morning report, pay roll, and
service records.
c. Intelligence section.— This section furnishes personnel
for the activities of the battalion S-2. In addition to perform-
ing the normal duties of a unit S-2 as explained in chapter 2,
the intelligence officer coordinates all engineer reconnaissance
activities.
d. Operations section. — This section has personnel for
maintaining and operating engineer equipment not assigned to
the companies. This mechanical equipment may be used for
a special task, to assist in operations of the reconnaissance
platoon, or for reinforcement of the lettered companies. A
chemical sergeant, under S-3, supervises all matters involving
the use of gas and smoke, and defense against chemicals.
e. Supply section. — The officer in charge of the supply sec-
tion is assistant to the battalion supply and transportation
officer. Enlisted personnel have routine supply duties.
/. Division engineer section. — This section is under the
61
ENCINEER FIELD MANUAL
supervision of the assistant division engineer. This section
does drafting and operates duplicating equipment. It is as-
signed a radio which operates in the division command net.
A staff sergeant, camoufleur, assists' the assistant division
engineer in formulating and directing camouflage activities.
M 105. Headquarters Company. — Headquarters company is
divided into a company headquarters, a reconnaissance
platoon, and a transportation platoon, as detailed in T/O 5-216.
а. Company headquarters . — Company headquarters consists
of a headquarters section, a maintenance section, and an
administrative, supply, and mess section.
(1) Headquarters section. — The headquarters section is the
battalion, as well as the company communications section..
The officer commanding headquarters company is also bat-
talion supply (S-4) and transportation officer. He is a member
of the battalion staff. His chief assistant commands the
supply section of battalion headquarters. Enlisted personnel
give routine assistance. His noncommissioned assistant is a
technical sergeant, communications, who assists in the train-
ing, instruction, and supervision of work of the battalion com-
munication personnel.
(2) Maintenance 'section. — Maintenance section personnel
includes a staff sergeant and other necessary enlisted person-
nel. This section handles maintenance and repair of motor
vehicles assigned to battalion headquarters arid headquarters
company.
(3) Administrative, supply, and mess section. — A first ser-
geant supervises activities of this section. Personnel, equip-
ment, and routine duties are generally the same as those of
similar sections in lettered companies.
б. Reconnaissance platoon. — This section consists of platoon
headquarters, three reconnaissance sections, and three squads.
(X) Platoon headquarters. — The platoon commander controls
and supervises work of the three reconnaissance sections and
squads, and coordinates their activities with operations of
divisional reconnaissance groups. Platoon headquarters can
reinforce the sections and squads with basic engineer tool
sets. It is equipped with a radio for keeping the battalion
command post informed of its movements, and for transmis-
sion of reconnaissance information.
(2) Reconnaissance section. — This section works in con-
junction with the advanced reconnaissance groups of the
armored division. Forms for engineer reconnaissance reports
shown in FM 5—6 are used.
62
ENGINEER TROOPS
(3) Squad. — Organization, functions, and duties are the
same as those of the squad of the lettered company,
(4) Duties. — In operations the reconnaissance platoon of
the armored engineer battalion normally is attached to the
reconnaissance battalion of the armored division. The platoon
performs the following duties:
(a) Assists advance of the battalion by removing obstacles
and road blocks,' and by providing passage of enemy mine
fields which cannot be detoured.
(b) Obtains engineer information, and transmits to the
engineer command post information necessary for the engi-
neer battalion to make timely preparation for repair of roqds
and bridges to be used by the armored division.
( c) Prepares road blocks and demolitions to delay or halt
hostile forces.
C. Transportation, platoon. — The transportation platoon - is
divided into platoon headquarters, a transport section, and a
battalion maintenance section.
(1) Platoon headquarters. — The transportation platoon is
commanded by a lieutenant as assistant transportation officer.
Functions and duties of this headquarters are in accordance
with the duties of a unit transportation officer described in
chapter 2.
(2) Transport section. — This section is under supervision of
a sergeant as truckmaster. The section cares for and trans-
ports the battalion- supply of ammunition, antitank mines,
explosives, division engineer supplies, and fuel and lubricants.
(3) Battalion maintenance section. — -This section is respon-
sible for second-echelon maintenance and repair of all trans-
portation and motorized equipment for which the battalion is
responsible. It is equipped with a general-purpose motorized
repair shop and trailer-mounted and portable welding equip-
ment.
- d. Personnel. — Personnel are trained in the use of organic
weapons, particularly automatic weapons, so as to be capable
of fighting in small groups.
■ 106. Attached Medical. — The medical detachment is com-
manded by the unit surgeon. He is assisted by two lieutenants,
one medical and one dental, and necessary enlisted personnel.
Transportation is shown in Current Tables of Organization.
The duties of the unit surgeon and of the detachment as a
whole are explained in chapter 2.
63
engineer field manual
■ 107. Duties. — The armored engineer battalion must —
(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 floating bridges and ferries.
(5) Transport infantry elements across streams, using
pneumatic equipment.
(6) Construct, defend, and remove obstacles, including
mine fields.
(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) Provide emergency road repair and* maintenance.
(12) Supply maps, including reproduction of maps.
(13) Provide engineer supply.
(14) Provide local security for its own working parties.
(15) Supervise and inspect camouflage.
(16) Engage in tank hunting.
Section V
ENGINEER MOTORIZED BATTALION
■ 108. Mission.— a. The mission of the engineer motorized
battalion is to increase combat effectiveness of the infantry
motorized division by performing all engineer work required
to facilitate its movement in the advance, and to impede
hostile forces interfering with its operations.
b. Operations of the motorized division are conducted with
a maximum of speed. Components of the engineer battalion
must be well forward to insure expeditious advance of lead-
ing elements in difficult areas.
c. The battalion is reinforced by attachment of additional
motorized engineer troops as required when the division is
operating either independently or with larger units.
■ 109. Organization. — The battalion consists of battalion head-
quarters, a headquarters and service company, three lettered
companies, a reconnaissance company, and a medical detach-
ment. Its organization is shown in figure 11. (For details see
T/O 5-75.)
64
ENGINEER TROOPS
■ 110. Equipment. — a. Basic engineer tool sets and equipment
are similar to those in the combat battalion. This equipment
includes a motorized general-purpose repair shop and trailer-
mounted welding equipment.
b. Stream-crossing equipment includes pneumatic floats,
assault boats, and pneumatic reconnaissance boats.
■ 111. Transportation. — Trucks and trailers are similar to
those of the combat battalion. The engineer motorized bat-
talion has sufficient transportation for simultaneous movement
of all personnel and equipment. <
M 112. Armament.— -Individual weapons include the bayonet,
carbine, rifle, and pistol. Supporting weapons are similar to
those of the combat battalion.
■ 113. Radio Communication. — Radio communication is availa-
ble down to include squads of lettered and reconnaissance
companies.
■ 114. Training. — Basic and unit training outlined in chapter
4 are applicable. Combined training emphasizes —
a. Close cooperation and coordination of reconnaissance ■
with divisional ground reconnaissance groups.
b. Rapid execution of engineer work in preparing routes and
overcoming obstacles to insure expeditious advance of division
elements and a maximum exploitation of mobility.
Figure 11. — Engineer motorized battalion (T/O 5-75).
65
engineer field manual
c. Tactics and technique of the motorized division in Com-
bat, including development of an aggressive fighting spirit in
engineer troops operating with the most advanced divisional
groups and combat teams,
■ 115. Lettered Company.— T he lettered company consists of
company headquarters and two platoons. Its organization is
shown in figure 11. For details see T/O 5-77.
a. Company headquarters. — This headquarters consists of
an administrative section, a reconnaissance section, and an
equipment and transportation section.
(1) Administrative section personnel. — The personnel in-
cludes that necessary for handling company administration,
supply, and mess.
(2) Reconnaissance section. — This section operates with
advance reconnaissance groups of combat teams and is re-
sponsible for sending in timely reports for transmission to
battalion headquarters. In addition it evaluates and con-
solidates reconnaissance information gathered by the two
platoons of the company.
(3) Equipment and transportation section. — This section in-
cludes operators for the heavy equipment and mechanics for
handling motor maintenance and repair for the company.
Heavy equipment for reinforcing the platoons includes a
motorized air compressor and a medium tractor.
b. Platoon . — The platoon consists of a platoon headquarters
and three squads.
(1) Platoon headquarters. — This headquarters controls and
supervises operations of the squads. It is equipped with
platoon tool sets for reinforcing the squads.’
(2) Squad. — The squad is smaller than that of the combat
company but its organization is generally the same. It has
tool sets for carpenter, demolition, and pioneer work.
c. Training. — Engineer training is the same as that of the
combat company. Special emphasis is placed on training the
company and platoons for offensive action as part of a mo-
torized division combat team. Platoon training emphasizes
(1) Rapid removal of enemy obstacles and passage of
enemy mine fields.
(2) Hasty repair of roads including use of expedients and
improvisation of detours.
, (3) Hasty repair or reinforcement of bridges and culverts.
(4) Expeditious employment of stream-crossing equipage.
66
engineer troops
■ 116. Reconnaissance Company. — The reconnaissance com-
pany consists of company headquarters, a combat platoon and
a reconnaissance platoon. Its organization is shown in figure
11. (For details see T/O 5—78.)
o. Company headquarters. — The headquarters consists of an
administrative section, a reconnaissance section, and an equip-
ment and transportation section.
(1) Administrative section personnel. — The personnel in-
cludes that necessary for handling routine administrative,
mess, and supply functions.
(2) Reconnaissance section. — This section directs and super-
vises activities of the reconnaissance platoon. It is the clear-
ing point for information sent in by the reconnaissance pla-
toon and compiles it for early transmission to the battalion
command post.
(3) Equipment and transportation section. — This section is
directed and supervised by a staff sergeant. Heavy equipment
consists of a motorized air compressor and a medium tractor.
The section does company motor repair and maintenance.
b. Combat platoon. — This platoon has the same organiza-
tion, armament, equipment, and supplies as the platoon of the
lettered company. It employs its squads in conjunction with
operations of the reconnaissance platoon.
c. Duties. — The company works in cooperation with other
reconnaissance groups. It facilitates advance of reconnaissance
elements by overcoming obstacles and making hasty repairs to
roads and bridges.
■ 117. Battalion Headquarters. — Battalion headquarters con-
sists of the unit (division) engineer and his staff, with duties
and functions outlined in chapter 2. T/O 5-76 shows the or-
ganization. This headquarters assists, directs, and controls its
subordinate units in the execution of engineer work.
■ 118. Headquarters and Service Company. — a. Organisation of
headquarters and service company (fig. 11). —It consists of
company headquarters, a headquarters platoon, and an engi-
neer train, (For details see T/O 5-76.)
b. Company headquarters personnel. — The personnel handles
company transportation and routine administrative, mess, and
supply functions of the company.
c. Headquarters platoon.— The platoon is divided into an
administrative section, a division engineer section, a supply
section, and a motor section. Each section provides personnel
67
ENOINEER HELD MANUAL
and equipment for operation of various staff sections of bat-
talion headquarters.
d. Engineer train. — This consists of train headquarters', a
bridge section, and an explosives and equipment section.
(1) Train headquarters. — The train is commanded by a
lieutenant, assisted by a technical sergeant as train leader.
They supervise and control its operations.
(2) Bridge section. — The bridge section includes necessary
personnel for transportation and maintenance of stream-cross-
ing equipment.
(3) Explosive and equipment section. — This section is com-
manded by a staff sergeant. Its personnel handles transporta-
tion of demolition equipment, and the battalion supply of
explosives and antitank mines.
■ 119. Attached Medical. — The medical detachment of the
motorized battalion consists of the unit surgeon, a medical
and a dental officer, and enlisted personnel as shown in T/O
5-75. Transportation includes a cross-country ambulance, a
command and reconnaissance truck, and a 2%-ton cargo truck
with trailer for transportation of personnel, equipment, and
supplies. Duties of the unit surgeon and of the detachment
are explained in chapter 2.
■ 120. Duties. — a. Duties which the engineer motorized bat-
talion will most commonly be called upon to perform are:
(1) Rapid removal and passage of enemy obstacles, includ-
ing mine fields.
(2) Preparation of obstacles by demolition and other means,
including laying mine fields.
(3) River-crossing operations.
(4) Emergency repair of roads and bridges, and limited
construction of detours.
(5) Engineer reconnaissance.
(6) Provision of local security for own working parties.
(7) Defense of mine fields and other obstacles.
(8) Combat
(9) Water supply.
(10) Engineer supply.
(11) Map supply.
(12) Technical advice and assistance in camouflage.
(13) Tank hunting.’
b. The battalion moves so rapidly and continuously while
in forward areas that there is little opportunity to improve
68
ENGINEER TROOPS
routes of advance. All engineer efforts will be expended
toward insuring expeditious advance of division elements.
Section VI
ENGINEER MOUNTAIN BATTALION
■■ 121. Mission. — a. The engineer mountain battalion is the
engineer component of the infantry mountain division and
does general engineer work for it.
b. The battalion may be reinforced with other engineer
troops as circumstances and conditions require.
■ 122. Organization. — The mountain battalion consists of head-
quarters, a headquarters and service company, a motorized
company, two pack companies, and a medical detachment.
Organization is shown in figure 12. For details see T/O 5-235.
Figure 12. — Engineer mountain battalion (T/O 5-235).
H 123. Equipment. — a. Engineer equipment is generally the
same as that of the combat battalion. Stream-crossing equipage
consists of pneumatic floats carried in headquarters and
service company.
b. Individual clothing is designed to protect the troops from
rigors of the climate and to conserve their physical endurance
under fatiguing conditions.
69
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
■ 124. Transportation. — The battalion uses both motor and
animal transportation. Organic motor transportation in head-
quarters and service company and the motorized company is
sufficient to move all personnel, supplies, and equipment of
those units. Animal transportation organically assigned to the
two pack companies is sufficient for moving all supplies and
equipment, but not ail personnel. Most of the animals are
riding and pack mules, but there are a few riding horses, and
a bell horse for each pack company.
■ 125. Armament. — Individual weapons include the bayonet,
carbine, pistol, and rifle. Supporting weapons consist of caliber
.30 machine guns.
■ 126. Training. — a. Basic and unit training for engineer
troops discussed in chapter 4 are applicable to all troops of
the engineer mountain battalion. These troops are trained to
fight as infantry. Combat principles for mountain infantry
are applicable.
b. Basic training for personnel of pack companies includes
stable management and the care of animals. Practice marches
with full pack convoys are helpful in the detection, correction,
and prevention of badly fitted saddles, poorly adjusted loads,
and the leaving of loads on animals for excessive periods.
Training in the preparation of loads for pack transport
stresses balance, stability, and proper distribution of pressure.
c. Unit' training of pack companies should be conducted in
geographical areas and under climatic conditions similar to
those to be encountered in the theater of operations. Subor-
dinate units are trained to operate as detached groups. In
mountain operations the independent mission is the rule.
d. Troops are trained in principles and practice of mountain
climbing and in overcoming terrain difficulties. Mountain
march training must be frequent in order to teach technique
of —
(1) Posture, tread, rhythm and deep breathing, and halts
and march In ascent and in descent.
(2) Using march compass, altimeter, and clinometer, in-
cluding making march sketches.
(3) Construction and use of hanging scaffoldings and seat.
(4) Roping down, and safety measures.
(5) Recognition of mountainous dangers.
(6) Body care and protection.
(7) Care and use of special clothing and equipment.
70
ENGINEER TROOPS
M 127. Motorized Company. — T he motorized company is divided
into company headquarters and three platoons. (For detailed
organization see T/O 5-237.)
а. Company headquarters. — The headquarters performs rou-
tine administration, mess, and supply functions of the com-
pany. Its field duties in performance of engineer work are
similar to those of the company headquarters of an engineer
combat company, explained in section I of this chapter. Com-
pany headquarters can furnish assistance to the platoons with
its mechanical equipment and engineer tool sets. Principal
items of equipment include air compressors and a medium
tractor. Field operations are restricted in movement through
mountainous country, and its duties consist of performing
engineer work at locations reasonably easy of access.
б. Platoon. — (1) The platoon is composed of platoon head-
quarters and three squads.
(2) Platoon headquarters. — This headquartez’S controls op-
erations of the squads by assigning tasks and supervising work.
It carries platoon carpenter, demolition, and pioneer sets for
reinforcing the squads, and caliber .30 machine guns for their
protection.
(3) Squad. — The squad executes the principal tasks; its
organic transportation is a 2^-ton. dump truck. Squad equip-
ment includes carpenter, demolition, and pioneer sets.
■ 128. Pack Company. — T he pack company includes company
headquarters, a Supply section, and three platoons. It is or-
ganized, trained, and equipped to Operate in relatively inac-
cessible and restricted areas.
a. Company headquarters.— Headquarters performs admin-
istration, mess, and general routine duties. It has a caliber
.30 machine gun for its own protection or for assignment to
a platoon. Pack mules carry basic engineer tools and equip-
ment.
b. Supply section.- — (1) Supply is so difficult in mountain
terrain that it is handled by a special supply section. Move-
ment is slow and delivery irregular because of difficulties of
terrain and climate, and because elements of the company
often operate on widely separated independent missions.
(2) The pack mules transport supplies such as ammunition,
pack artillery, forage, and rations. Water for the company
normally is carried in 2-gallon containers; suitable means for
filling these must be provided at water supply points.
c. Platoon. — (1) The pack platoon is organized into a platoon
headquarters and three squads.
71
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
(2) Platoon headquarters controls and supervises operations
of the three squads; it is trained to perform engineer work on
detached missions in relatively inaccessible places. Pack mules
transport basic platoon tool sets and other equipment.
(3) The squad has a sergeant as unit foreman. The pack
mules carry carpenter, demolition, and pioneer basic squad
tool sets, and explosives. In actual operations each squad, is
assigned a caliber .30 machine gun from platoon headquarters
for local security while af work.
d. Duties. — The pack platoon has duties in execution of
engineer work similar to those of the platoon in the motorized
company. It is organized and equipped to construct, repair,
and maintain pack trails. It is engaged in this work most of
the time.
■ 129. Battalion Headquarters. — Battalion headquarters di-
rects, controls, and assists the headquarters and service com-
pany, the motorized company, and the two pack companies in
execution of engineer work. It consists of the unit (division)
engineer and his staff. Duties and functions are outlined in
chapter 2. T/O 5-236 shows organization of battalion head-
quarters. The battalion supply officer (S-4) commands head-
quarters and service company.
■ 130. Headquarters and Service Company. — a. Headquarters
and service company consists of company headquarters, a
division engineer section, an administrative section, a supply
section, and a motor section. These sections, except the motor
section, provide personnel and equipment required for operat-
ing various staff sections of battalion headquarters.
b. All transportation is motorized. The company does not
have mechanical equipment for reinforcing subordinate units.
The pneumatic floats in the supply section are employed as
in the engineer combat battalion. The company does not
render assistance to pack companies in maintenance and re-
pair of their animal equipment.
I 131. Attached Medical. — a. Medical detachment. — This de-
tachment consists of medical, dental; and veterinary officers,
and necessary enlisted personnel. Transportation consists of
a cross-country ambulance, and light trucks for command and
reconnaissance and transportation of personnel, equipment,
and supplies. Functions and duties of the unit surgeon and
of the detachment are explained in chapter 2.
72
ENGINEER TROOPS
b. Veterinary personnel. — The veterinary personnel super-
vise the care and well being of the animals organic with the
pack companies. They render medical and surgical treatment
in healing local injuries and curing animal diseases. They
instruct enlisted personnel in administering first-aid treat-
ment to animals.
■ 132. Duties. — Mountain warfare is characterized by diffi-
culties which terrain offers to movement. The importance of
engineers increases with the difficulties of terrain. Duties of
the battalion normally include —
a. Maintenance and repair of existing roads and pack trails,
and construction of new roads and trails as required.
b. Minor repairs to railroads.
c. Preparation and execution of demolitions, including use
of chemicals in cooperation with chemical troops.
d. Destroying or overcoming enemy obstacles; blocking
passes and other defiles on routes of communication by con-
structing obstacles, laying , antitank mines, and the like, in-
cluding defense of same.
e. Engineer reconnaissance, including employment of re-
liable local guides when advantageous.
/. Providing, locat security while at work.
< 1 . Map supply.
h. Water supply.
i. Construction of shelters.
j. Construction, maintenance, and operation of aerial tram-
ways in a stabilized situation.
k. Combat as mountain infantry in an emergency.
l. Engineer supply.
m. Instruction and technical assistance in camouflage
practice.
Section VII
AIRBORNE ENGINEER BATTALION
I 133. Mission. — a. The airborne engineer battalion increases
the combat effectiveness of the airborne division by means
of engineer work.
b. This battalion and its equipment are carried by aircraft
to the scene of operations. It assists the division to seize and
exploit strategical and tactical localities in hostile territory
that are not immediately accessible to ground troops. A rear
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
echelon with earth-bound equipment remains at the base area
until it can be moved overland.
c. The battalion assists in missions of destruction and de-
moralization in hostile rear areas; it hinders the movement of
enemy reserves and supplies, blocks hostile avenues of retreat,
closes passes and defile, and destroys river crossings.
d. Engineer troops may be among the first landed where
obstacles must be cleared from the runways to permit subse-
quent landings. They improve and maintain glider landing
areas, and initiate work to provide landing areas for powered
aircraft.
■ 134. Organization. — The airborne engineer battalion is com-
posed of a headquarters, a headquarters and service company,
a parachute company, two glider companies, and a medical
detachment. Organization is shown in figure 13. (For details
see T/O 5-225.)
■ 135. Equipment. — a. The battalion is equipped with basic
engineer squad and platoon tool sets. Stream-crossing equip-
ment includes pneumatic reconnaissance boats and pneumatic
floats. It carries no bridge equipment. Engineer mechanical
equipment consists of lightweight tractors with angledozers,
and portable timber chain saws.
b. Battalion equipment is generally small and compact so
it can be moved fairly easily by airplane. It is sufficient for
accomplishment only of essential engineer tasks. This em-
phasis on small size and compactness also is found in types of
transportation and armament organic with the battalion.
■ 136. Transportation.- — Vehicles are sufficient for administra-
tion, training, and supply when the battalion is in bivouac or
at an emplaning area, and for limited operational use on engi-
neer missions. There is insufficient transportation for all per-
sonnel and equipment. Most light vehicles are taken into
action, and the heavy vehicles left behind.
■ 137. Armament. — Individual weapons include the carbine,
pistol, rifle, and caliber .45 submachine gun. Supporting
weapons are caliber .30 light machine guns and antitank
rocket launchers.
H 138. Training. — a. Basic and unit training of engineers as
outlined in chapter 2 is applicable to troops of airborne engi-
74
ENGINEER TROOPS
neer units. Additional basic training is given in parachute
jumping, emplaning and deplaning, and going into action upon
landing.
b. Combat training of airborne engineer troops is similar to
that of the engineer combat battalion. Airborne troops must
be trained to fight upon landing, when they are especially
vulnerable.
c. Combined training includes detailed planning and re-
hearsal for specific engineer operations in coordination with
the other arms and services.
■ 139. Parachute Company. — The parachute company is or-
ganized into a company headquarters and three platoons. It
normally is attached to the parachute regiment of the airborne
division for specific operations.
a. Company headquarters. — Officer personnel includes a cap-
tain as company commander and a lieutenant as administra-
tive officer. There is personnel for handling routine adminis-
tration, maintenance, and Supply. All personnel mess with
headquarters and service company. Principal items of equip-
ment for reinforcing the platoons are portable timber chain
saws. Lack of organic transportation reduces company sup-
plies to a minimum.
b. Parachute platoon. — This platoon consists of a platoon
headquarters and three squads or operating units. Parachute
platoons may be detached for operation with subdivisions of
the parachute infantry regiment.
(1) Platoon headquarters.—Officer personnel includes a first
lieutenant as platoon commander and a second lieutenant as
his assistant. Enlisted personnel includes a platoon sergeant
and other operating personnel. Principal items of equipment
for reinforcing the squads consist of a pneumatic reconnais-
sance boat and a platoon pioneer set. Squads may be de-
tached for operation with elements of the airborne division.
(2) Squad. — The parachute squad operates under direct con-
trol of a sergeant as unit foreman, assisted by a corporal. It.
can perform such engineer duties as to —
(a) Execute hasty demolitions for destruction of enemy
communications, stores, utilities, and installations.
(b) Assist in capture of enemy fortified positions.
(c) Construct or remove obstacles.
(d) Assist in seizure of bridges and other important works
which the enemy may have prepared for demolition, includ-
ing removal of charges.
75
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
(e) Assist in capture of enemy mechanical equipment and
motor vehicles.
(f) Execute minor, haaty rehabilitation work on landing
fields to make them available to gliderborne elements.
■ 140. Glider Company. — The glider company is organized into
a company headquarters and two platoons. Glider companies
normally accompany the glider regiments of the airborne
division for specific operations. All personnel and equipment
are transported to the objective by gliders and cargo planes.
a. Company headquarters. — (1) Officer personnel consists of
a captain as company commander and a lieutenant as admin-
istrative officer. There is personnel for handling routine ad-
ministration, maintenance, mess, and supply. Organic trans-
portation include a t4'ton truck with a 14-ton cargo trailer
for company supply, inspection, and general utility. Company
headquarters can reinforce the platoons with basic tool sets
and a lightweight angledozer.
(2) The commander of a glider company concentrates his
unit as quickly as possible to initiate general engineer wotk
and to assist or relieve elements of the parachute company
which may be hard pressed. A glider company is capable of
executing more extensive engineer work than the parachute
company, and one of its principal duties is to rehabilitate
landing fields and remove obstructions to make possible
reasonably safe landings of powered aircraft. More extensive
work on landing areas normally is executed by airborne avia-
tion engineers, as explained in section II, chapter 7. They are
transported by aircraft to the objective in the later stages of
the operation.
b. Glider platoon. — This platoon consists of a platoon head-
quarters and three squads. Platoons normally are employed
under company control but frequently may be detached for
operation with other elements of the airborne division.
(1) Platoon headquarters. — The platoon commander is a
lieutenant. Enlisted personnel includes a staff sergeant and
other operating personnel. Principal items of equipment are
a. %-ton truck with a 14 -ton cargo trailer, squad sets of engi-
neer equipment, and a portable timber chain saw.
(2) Squad. — The glider squad operates under control of a
sergeant as unit foreman, assisted by a corporal. Its engineer
duties are to —
(a) Fill shell holes and clear landing strips of obstructions.
(b) Construct and defend obstacles,
76
ENGINEER TROOPS
(c) Prepare and execute planned demolitions.
(d) Improve and erect bridges over unfordable streams,
and reinforce existing bridges.
(e) Destroy and remove enemy obstacles.
(}) Neutralize prepared enemy demolitions.
(g) Make minor repairs to routes of communication.
(h) Seize enemy vehicles and equipment. ,
(i) Make minor Improvements for local water supply.
■ 141. Battalion Headquarters.— Battalion headquarters con-
sists of the unit (division) engineer and his staff with duties
and functions explained in detail In chapter 2. T/O 5-226
shows the organization of battalion headquarters. Battalion
headquarters directs, controls, and assists the operations of
all subordinate units. The staff should be thoroughly familiar
with the tactics and technique of airborne units, their capa-
bilities and limitations in actual operations, and the difficulties
Involved in executing airborne troop missions. Their special
duty, in addition to their general duties referred to in chapter
2, is cooperation with the division and the air forces in a
detailed map-study of the objective and study of the tactical,
technical, and strategical considerations involved in planning
the operation.
Figure 13. — Airborne engineer battalion (T/O 5-225).
77
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
■ 142. Headquarters and Service Company. — a. Headquarters
and service company. — This company consists of a company
headquarters, an administrative section, an operations and
intelligence section, a supply section, and a motor repair sec-
tion. Organization is shown in figure 13.
b. Company headquarters. — Officer personnel includes a cap-
tain as company commander and battalion supply officer, and
a lieutenant as headquarters and service company administra-
tive officer and assistant battalion supply officer. There are
enlisted personnel for routine administration and supply work.
Overhead is about 50 percent of the strength of the head-
quarters and service company of the engineer combat bat-
talion. There are extra facilities for providing mess for the
parachute company. Transportation includes 14-ton trucks
and a 14-ton trailer which are transported by aircraft to the
objective, and 2 la-ton cargo trucks each with a 1-ton cargo
trailer which comprise the heaviest transportation in the
battalion and which remain with the rear echelon at the base
area. Two of these heavier trucks and trailers are organic
transportation for headquarters and service company, and one
truck and trailer is organic transportation for each glider
company. All personnel normally is transported to the objec-
tive, Truck drivers operate captured or requisitioned vehicles,
and cooks and clerks are used for messenger service or for
other duties.
c. Administrative section .- — This section is under supervision
of the battalion adjutant. It includes a small group of ad-
ministrative personnel, and a communications group. Trans-
portation is provided by a 14-ton truck and a 14-ton trailer.
d. Operations and intelligence section. — This section is un-
der supervision of the battalion S~2 and S-3 officer. There is
personnel for water supply, operation of mechanical equip-
ment, drafting, and carpenter work. Transportation is pro-
vided by a %-ton truck and a 14-ton trailer.
e. Supply section ■ — This section is supervised by battalion
S-4. Supply personnel is held to a minimum. Transportation
is provided by 14-ton trucks and trailers. This section can
reinforce lettered companies with a limited amount of equip-
ment including platoon carpenter and pioneer sets, and
pneumatic floats.
f. Motor section . — -This section is under supervision of a
warrant officer who is qualified in general motor transport.
The motor section performs normal maintenance and repair
of battalion transportation and mechanical equipment, and
executes repairs to captured or requisitioned vehicles.
78
ENGINEER TROOPS
■ 143. Attached Meokial. — T he medical detachment of the air-
borne engineer battalion consists of two officers, and enlisted
men as detailed in T/O 5—225. The detachment is organized to
set up one field aid station and a battalion aid station. No
dental personnel are provided. Dental service is a function
of the division medical unit. Transportation includes a %-ton
truck and a Vi-ton trailer for transporting medical equipment
and supplies. The truck may be used as an improvised am-
bulance. Special medical equipment includes a crash splint
unit and a flight service chest. Duties and functions of the
battalion surgeon and of the detachment are explained in
chapter 2.
■ 144. Duties. — Principal duties of the airborne engineer bat-
talion are:
a. Performing its assigned mission on short notice.
b. Assisting in seizure and exploitation of strategical and
tactical localities by —
(1) Rapid execution of engineer reconnaissance.
(2) Attacking hostile fortified positions.
(3) Removal and passage of enemy obstacles.
(4) Constructing obstacles by demolition and other means.
(5) Minor, hasty rehabilitation of landing areas, including
removal of crashed planes and other obstructions.
(6) Hasty repair to routes of communication.
(7) Rapid strengthening of existing bridges and construc-
tion of small bridges over unfordable streams.
(&) Neutralizing- prepared enemy demolitions to bridges and
other structures.
(9) Constructing and operating vehicle ferries using pneu-
matic floats.
(10) Providing local security for own working parties.
c. Assisting in creating destruction and demoralization in
hostile rear areas by —
(1) Demolishing lines of communications.
(2) Rendering inoperative important public utilities.
(3) Destroying landing fields and other installations.
(4) Raiding and capturing enemy personnel at radio sta-
tions and other communication centers to obtain information.
(5) Destroying enemy stores by fire and other means.
d. Seizing and repairing enemy vehicles and mechanical
equipment.
e. Supplying maps and aerial photographs.
{. Supplying water.
79
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
g. Supplying engineer tools and equipment,
ft. Combat as infantry in an emergency,
i. Tank hunting.
Section VIII
ENGINEER LIGHT PONTON COMPANY
■ 145. Mission.— a. This combat engineer unit is organized
and trained to transport and maintain its stream-crossing
equipage; to construct floating bridges and rafts with this
equipage; to guard and maintain completed bridges; to regu-
late traffic thereon; and to dismantle bridges and rafts.
b. The construction of floating bridges and rafts is a func-
tion of light ponton companies assisted by general engineer
troops.
c. The other stream-crossing equipment listed below nor-
mally is turned over to divisional or corps engineer units for
use in initial stages of the river crossing. (Operations during
that part of the offensive situation are fully discussed in PM
5-6.
d. Attachment of light ponton companies to divisions en-
gaged in stream-crossing operations will be made in accord-
ance with the tactical situation.
■ 146. Organization. — The light ponton company consists of
a headquarters platoon, two bridge platoons, and a light
equipage platoon. Its organization is shown in figure 14. (For
details see T/O 5-87.)
Figure 14. — Engineer light ponton company (T/O 5-87).
80
ENGINEER TROOPS
M 147. Equipment.— (i. The company is equipped with basic
engineer tool sets.
b. Mechanical equipment includes a motorized air com-
pressor, a truck-mounted crane, and tractor-mounted angle-
dozers.
c. Stream-crossing equipment, also stocked in engineer de-
pots, is as follows:
(1) Two units of M3 pneumatic bridge equipage or two units
of M1938 10-ton ponton bridge equipage.
(2) One unit of footbridge, M1938.
(3) Twelve sets of infantry support raft.
(4) Seventy assault boats M2,
(5) Pour ferry sets, infantry support.
d. Signal equipment includes radios and telephones. {For
details see current Tables of Basic Allowances.)
■ 148. Transportation. — The light ponton company has suffi-
cient organic transportation for simultaneous movement of all
personnel, equipment, and supplies.
■ 149. Armament. — Individual weapons include carbine and
pistol. Supporting weapons include caliber .30 heavy machine
guns and caliber .50 machine guns.
■ 150. Training.— a. Individual basic and unit training is in
accordance with principles stated in chapter. 4.
b. Unit training Includes —
Cl) Care and operation of transportation and heavy equip-
ment assigned to the company.
(2) Nomenclature, tise, repair, and maintenance of bridge
equipage and light stream-crossing equipage.
(a) Training in use of pontoon equipage Includes employ-
ment of outboard motors.
fb) Training in repair of equipage is confined to repairs
readily accomplished.
(3) Frequent drills and field training in safe and rapid
transportation of bridge equipage to crossing sites; in un-
loading and launching of equipage; in construction of bridges
and rafts; in operational maintenance, care, guarding, and
dismantling of bridges and rafts; and in loading of compo-
nent parts on company vehicles.
(a) Special effort is made in training to keep the bridge
clear of drift and other floating objects, especial attention
being given to anchor cables.
81
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
(b) Training in guarding bridges is of vital importance to
insure uninterrupted flow of traffic.
(4) Training all personnel in road movements including—
(a) Organization of column.
(b) Movements under cover of darkness.
(c) Secrecy and discipline.
(d) Security.
(e) Other fundamental principles prescribed in FM 25-10.
(5) Training in concealment of vehicles.
c. Combat training includes the use of individual and sup-
porting weapons for local security. Proficient gun crews must
be developed for employment of machine guns under defensive
combat conditions.
■ 151. Headquarters Platoon. — This platoon consists of com-
pany headquarters and a service and repair section.
а. Company headquarters j — Officer personnel consists of the
company commander and an administrative officer. Enlisted
personnel handle routine administration, mess, and supply
functions for the company.
б. Service and repair section . — This section is commanded
by a lieutenant. Personnel includes enlisted specialists for
maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and heavy mechani-
cal equipment, and operators of mechanized equipment and
vehicles.
■ 152. Bridge Platoon. — The bridge platoon consists of platoon
headquarters and a ponton section.
a. Platoon headquarters. — The platoon headquarters super-
vises and controls activities of the ponton section, and is
responsible for installation, maintenance, and operation of its
field telephone equipment.
b. Ponton section. — The ponton section transports one unit
of bridge equipage.
■ 153. Light Equipage Platoon.— This platoon consists of
platoon headquarters, an assault boat section, a raft section,
and a footbridge section.
a. Platoon headquarters. — The platoon headquarters is re-
sponsible for the care and safe transportation of the equipage
assigned to the platoon.
b- Assault boat section. — This section cares for and trans-
ports M2 assault boats.
c. Raft section. — This section cares for and transports the
infantry support rafts and ferry sets.
82
ENGINEER TROOPS
d. Footbridge section. — This section cares for and transports
the unit of footbridge.
■ 154. Duties. — a. The light ponton company normally per-
forms the following duties when in bivouac:
(1) Maintains local security against hostile air and ground
attacks.
(2) Takes camouflage measures for concealment of trans-
port and equipment.
(3) Maintains transport and equipment ready for employ-
ment at all times.
(4) Periodically tests equipment to eliminate parts which
have deteriorated.
(5) Reinforces engineer depot personnel.
(61 Maintains or repairs roads near the ponton park.
(7) Assists nearby engineer units in performance of their
duties.
b. The light ponton company normally performs the follow-
ing duties when not in bivouac:
<11 Route reconnaissance, and reconnaissance for ponton
bridge crossings.
(2) Moves its equipment forward to the site or sites of
stream crossings, allowing ample time for moving out of
bivouac and for approach march.
(3) Unloads and conceals vehicles.
(4) Constructs bridges and rafts using M3 pneumatic or
M1938 ponton bridge equipage, and infantry support rafts.
(5) Maintains and repairs floating bridges and rafts.
(6) Operates raft ferries.
(7) Guards completed bridge.
(8) Regulates traffic on bridge.
(9) Dismantles and loads bridge equipage on trucks and
trailers.
(10,1 Provides for hasty demolition of bridge.
■ 155. References. — Operations of the light ponton company
are discussed in FM 5-6, and technical details in TM 5-270,
5-271, 5-273, 5-275, and FM 5-10.
Section IX
ENGINEER HEAVY PONTON BATTAJLION
I 156. Mission. — a. This unit transports and maintains four
units of heavy ponton equipage, 25-ton, M1940.
83
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
b. In a river-crossing operation the battalion is attached to
corps to provide a bridge capable of supporting the heavier
loads. Bridges and rafts are constructed of 25-ton ponton
equipage with the assistance of general engineer troops.
■ 157. Organization. — The heavy ponton battalion consists of
battalion headquarters, headquarters and service company,
two bridge companies, and a medical detachment. Its organi-
zation is shown in figure 15. (For details see T/O 5-275.)
■ 158. Equipment. — a. Standard engineer tool sets and draft-
ing equipment, and portable water supply equipment, are
issued to the battalion.
b. Its mechanical equipment includes an air compressor,
truck-mounted cranes, medium tractors, and tractor-mounted
angledozers.
e. Maintenance and repair equipment includes ft motorized
general purpose repair shop and trailer-mounted welding
equipment.
d. Signal equipment consists of radios and telephones, (For
details see current Tables of Basic Allowances.)
M 159. Transportation. — The heavy ponton battalion has suffi-
cient organic transportation for the simultaneous movement
of all personnel, equipment, and supplies.
84
ENGINEER TROOPS
■ 160. Armament. — Individual and supporting weapons are
similar to those of the light ponton company. (See current
Tables of Organization.)
■ 161. Training. — Ail training discussed for the light ponton
company is applicable to the heavy ponton battalion.
■ 162. Bridge Company. — The bridge company consists of a
headquarters platoon and two bridge platoons. (For details
see T/O 5-277.)
a. Headquarters platoon consists of an administrative sec-
tion and a service section.
(1) The administrative section includes the company com-
mander and an administrative officer. Enlisted personnel per-
form routine administration, mess, and supply functions for
the company.
(2) Service section enlisted personnel includes operators for
mechanical equipment, specialists for second-echelon repair
of automotive and mechanical equipment and marine engines
in the utility power boats, and for emergency repairs to metal
pontons and wood equipage.
b. The bridge platoon consists of platoon headquarters and
a ponton section.
(1) Platoon headquarters supervises platoon operations.
Communication personnel are attached to headquarters and
service company to maintain and operate a telephone system
for use while constructing the bridge and for directing bridge
traffic.
(2) The ponton section transports one unit of 25-ton ponton
bridge equipage on semitrailers drawn by tractor trucks.
Personnel load and unload equipage, care for it, and construct
bridges and rafts with it.
■ 163. Battaijon Headquarters. — Battalion headquarters con-
sists of the battalion commander and his staff. (For details
see T/O 5-276.) Functions and duties are in general those out-
lined in chapter 2.
■ 164. Headquarters and Service Company.- — Headquarters and
service company is composed of company headquarters, a
headquarters platoon, and a service platoon. (For details see
current Tables of Organization.)
a. Company headquarters. —The commanding officer of head-
quarters and service company is also the battalion supply
85
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
officer (S— 4). His commissioned assistant is a lieutenant
who supervises headquarters company personnel in handling
the routine administration, mess, and supply functions of the
company.
b. Headquarters platoon.— The headquarters platoon consists
of an administration section, an operations and intelligence
section, and a supply section.
(1) Administration section. — This section is under the
supervision of the battalion adjutant. Its routine administra-
tive duties are discussed in chapter 2.
(2) Operations anti intelligence section. — This section is com-
manded by a staff officer who combines S~2 and S-3 duties.
It is responsible for reconnaissance for route movements of
the battalion, and for selecting bivouacs with suitable conceal-
ment for vehicles and equipment.
(3) Supply section, — This section is under the direct super-
vision of a warrant officer who is assistant battalion S -4. In
addition to normal personnel for handling battalion supply
there is personnel for operating the portable Water supply
equipment.
c. Service platoon. — The service platoon consists of platoon
headquarters, an equipment section, and a repair section.
(1) Platoon headquarters. — The service platoon is command-
ed by a lieutenant. Personnel maintains records of servicing
and repair of equipment, procures repair stock and parts, and
supervises and controls work of the two sections.
(2) Equipment section. — The equipment section furnishes all
transportation for battalion headquarters and headquarters
and service company, except the repair section of the service
platoon. It reinforces the bridge companies in their construc-
tion tasks with the motorized air compressor and the truck-
mounted crane and with personnel to operate them. Principal
duties in this regard are moving ponton equipment in the
ponton park or at the bridge site, assistance in heavy abut-
ment construction, and preparation of bridge approaches.
(3) Repair section, — This section performs maintenance and
repair of bridge equipage, mechanical equipment, and trans-
portation.
■ 165. Attached Medical. — The medical detachment consists of
the battalion surgeon, a dental officer, and necessary enlisted
personnel. Its transportation includes a cross-country ambu-
lance and a 2%-ton cargo truck for personnel, equipment, and
86
engineer troops
supplies. Duties and functions of the unit surgeon and the
detachment are explained in chapter 2.
■ 166. Duties. — The heavy ponton battalion performs duties
similar to those prescribed for the light ponton company.
I 167. References. — Manuals containing supplementary ma-
terial on this section include —
a. FM 5-6, Operations of Engineer Field Unit.
b. FM 5-10, Communication, Construction, and Utilities.
c. FM 100-5, Field Service Regulations, Operations.
d. TM 5-273, 25-ton Ponton Bridge, Model 1940.
Section X
TREADWAY BRIDGE COMPANY
■ 168. Mission. — a. The treadway bridge company transports,
maintains, and constructs bridges with its steel treadway
bridge equipage; and guards, maintains, regulates traffic upon,
and dismantles completed bridges.
b. Treadway bridge companies are assigned to armored
corps and normally are attached to armored divisions for river-
crossing operations. Troops of the armored engineer battalion
assist the company in bridge construction.
■ 169. Organization. — The company consists of a company
headquarters and two bridge platoons. Organization is shown
in figure 16. (For details see T/O 5-218.)
Figure 16. — Engineer treadway bridge company (T/O 5-218).
87
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
■ 170. Equipment. — a. In addition to basic engineer tool sets
the company has mechanical equipment, including air com-
pressors and cranes, to facilitate handling bridge equipage
and to expedite construction. '
b. Stream-crossing equipment includes utility powerboats,
pneumatic floats, and two units of steel treadway bridge equi-
page, each unit providing a floating bridge about 540 feet long.
c. Organic radio equipment is shown in current Tables of
Basic Allowances.
■ 171. Transportation. — The company is provided with suffi-
cient transportation for simultaneous movement of all per-
sonnel and equipment. Vehicles include light trucks and trail-
ers for command, reconnaissance, and administration and sup-
ply; and 6-ton trucks for transporting bridging equipage.
■ 172. Armament, — Individual weapons include carbine and
pistol. Supporting weapons Include Caliber .30 light machine
guns, caliber .50 machine guns, caliber .45 submachine guns,
antitank rocket launchers, and antitank rifle grenades.
■ 173. Training. — a. Basic, technical, and combat training of
the bridge company is generally similar to that given to the
lettered company of the armored engineer battalion.
b. Unit training Includes thorough instruction and proficient
performance in construction, maintenance, repair, loading,
transporting, and unloading the treadway bridge.
■ 174. Company Headquarters. — Company headquarters con-
sists of a headquarters section; engineer section; maintenance
section; and an administrative, supply, and mes~ section.
a. Headquarters section. — The bridge company is commanded
' by a captain assisted by a lieutenant who is company main-
tenance officer in addition to his other du ies. Enlisted person-
nel assist in reconnaissance and communication functions. A
communication sergeant is charged with supervision and exe-
cution of details of company radio communication.
b. Engineer section, — This section is supervised by a staff
sergeant as foreman mechanic. Personnel includes operators
for special mechanical equipment, and boats, which are pooled
in this section. This section transports bridging and stream-
crossing equipment not transported by the bridge platoons,
c. Maintenance section . — Work of the maintenance section Is
controlled by the lieutenant in headquarters section. Personnel
ENGINEER TROOPS
are responsible for maintenance and repair of all transporta-
tion and motorized equipment in the company.
d. Administration, supply, and mess section. — Under super-
vision of a first sergeant, this section handles routine overhead
duties for the company.
■ 175. Bridge Platoon. — The bridge platoon consists of a pla-
toon headquarters and two bridge sections.
a. Platoon headquarters. — A lieutenant assisted by a non-
commissioned officer supervises activities of the bridge sec-
tions. These activities include movement out of bivouac, move-
ment of column, delivery of equipment at site, unloading, and
maintenance and care of equipment.
b. Bridge section. — The bridge section is responsible for
transporting treadway bridge equipage. Personnel includes
truck drivers, and noncommissioned officers as foremen.
■ 1 76. Duties. — Principal duties of the engineer treadway
bridge company are to —
a. Transport its bridge equipment as ordered.
b. Construct bridges.
c. Care for and maintain bridge equipage when not in use.
d. Maintain completed bridges.
e. Provide for hasty demolition of bridges when necessary.
f. Furnish bridge guards.
g. Provide security for own working parties.
89
CHAPTER 6
ENGINEER UNITS, SERVICE, WITH ARMY GROUND
FORCES
Paragraphs
Section I.< Engineer light equipment company 177-183
II. Engineer depot pompany 184-192
III. Engineer parts supply company 193-202
IV. Engineer maintenance company 203-212
V. Engineer dump truck company 213-221
VI. Engineer topographic company, corps. . . . 222-230
VII. Engineer topographic battalion, army type 231-242
VIII. Engineer camouflage battalion, army type 243-254
IX. Engineer camouflage company, separate. . 255-262
X. Engineer water supply battalion. 263-274
Section I
ENGINEER LIGHT EQUIPMENT COMPANY
■ 177. Mission. — ct. The engineer light equipment company
furnishes supplementary equipment with operators to engineer
combat battalions and operates as a replacement pool for
construction equipment.
b. Light equipment companies are attached to corps and
army. One company normally is attached to a corps.
■ 178. Organization. — The unit consists of company headquar-
ters, twh equipment platoons, and personnel for service and
maintenance. For details see current Tables of Organization.
I 179. Equipment. — Equipment is for construction and demoli-
tion operations. It Includes that which is necessary to supple-
ment organic equipment of divisional and general headquarters
engineer combat battalions, and replacement items for those
units. It consists of such items as air compressors, tractor-
mounted angledozera, road graders, and power shovels.
■ 180. Transportation. — a. There are sufficient trucks and trail-
ers for simultaneous movement of all personnel, equipment,
and supplies.
b. There are light trucks and trailers for administration,
mess, and supply; and heavy cargo trucks as prime movers of
90
ENGINEER TROOPS
flat-bed trailers for moving heavy equipment such as tractors
with angledozers and power shovels.
■ 181. Armament.— Individual weapons Include bayonets and
rifles. Supporting weapons are cab-mounted and consist of
caliber .30 and caliber .50 machine guns.
■ 182. Training. — a. Basic and unit training outlined in chap-
ter 4 is applicable.
b. Unit training is designed to prepare the company as a
pool of skilled operators of light mobile equipment. Training
in maintenance and repair of equipment is stressed so it
will be available at all times for attachment to engineer units
or for replacement of unserviceable equipment.
■ 183. Duties. — Principal duties of the light equipment com-
pany are to :
a. Attach its equipment with skilled operators to engineer
units as required to higher authority.
b. Replace unserviceable equipment of engineer units with
like equipment from Its own pool.
c. Keep its mechanical equipment in serviceable condition
at all times.
d. Maintain its pool of skilled operators of equipment by
training replacements.
e. Provide for its own local security.
f. Be prepared promptly to evacuate its equipment in accord-
ance with tactical movements.
■ g ■ Prepare plans for demolition and destruction of equip-
ment, and execute them if the need arises, so its mechanical
equipment will not fall into enemy hands.
h. Maintain close liaison with the headquarters to which
attached and the units which It is serving. The operational
planning of the company is by corps and army engineer head-
quarters and the tactical unit to which the company is
attached.
Section II
ENGINEER DEPOT COMPANY
■ 184. Mission. — a. The primary mission of the engineer depot
company is the operation of engineer depots and other engi-
neer Supply points in a theater of operations. It may form a
91
ENOtNEER FIELD MANUAL
part of a large special engineer depot or the engineer section
of a general depot; or it may operate as an individual engi-
neer supply unit. Depot sections or detachments may assist
in operation of supply points.
b. Depot companies with ground forces may be attached to
army. When detachments from the company are assigned to
tactical service areas or commands for operation of engineer
supply installations pertaining exclusively to a unit, they
operate under the unit engineer.
c. When the company is used in larger depots or the com-
munications zone, where the tonnage of supplies is too much
for it to handle, it may be reinforced with civilian labor or
troops from other general engineer units. When conditions
warrant the attachment of an entire general engineer unit, the
usual procedure is to charge the commander of the general
engineer unit with sole responsibility for conduct of the depot
and attach the depot company to his unit for use as depot
overhead organization.
d. One engineer depot company can furnish enough person-
nel to handle a depot of approximately 300,000 square feet of
storage area.
■ 185. Organization. — The depot company consists of a head-
quarters platoon and three depot platoons, as shown in figure
17. (For further details see T/O 5-47.)
Ficure 17. — Engineer depot company (T/O 5-47).
92
ENGINEER TROOPS
I 186. Equipment. — The company is provided with basic en-
gineer tool sets and a truck-mounted crane.
■ 187. Transportation. — Transportation includes light trucks
for liaison, interdepot communication, and light hauling; dump
and cargo trucks for hauling depot stocks and water, and for
kitchen use; semitrailers drawn by 5- to 6-ton trackor trucks;
1-ton cargo trailers; and trailer-mounted 250-gallon water tanks
for operational purposes. There is not enough transportation
simultaneously to move all company personnel, equipment, and
supplies. When the company moves as a unit by rail or truck,
transportation is specially assigned by higher headquarters.
■ 188. ARMAMENT.-^Indivldual weapons include the carbine
and the pistol. Supporting weapons include caliber .45 sub-
machine guns and caliber .30 heavy machine guns. These are
used for security of depot personnel and installations against
hostile low-flying planes and raiding parties.
■ 189. Training. — a. Basic and unit training is in accordance
with principles stated in chapter 4.
b. The unit is trained in storage and handling procedures
for all classes of engineer equipment and for those supplies of
other arms and services needed in engineer work; in their
inspection, and in the paper work involved in their receipt,
storage, issue, and shipment.
c. Combat training covers, primarily, organization and tac-
tics in effective security and defensive measures against air
and ground raids; it covers individual and automatic weapons,
antitank and antipersonnel mines,, and obstacles. Machine
guns are strategically located at depot installations to guard
against surprise attacks, and well-trained crews must be avail-
able to man the guns at all times. Effective all-around de-
fense and protection of the guns and crews must be provided.
Personnel are taught how to destroy supplies and equipment
when necessary to keep them from falling into the hands of
enemy parachutists or ground troops. Methods of fighting in-
cendiary bombs and defense against chemical attack are
stressed.
■ 190. Headquarters Platoon. — Headquarters platoon consists
of a company headquarters section, a motor section, and a
headquarters depot sqption.
a. The company headquarters section. — (1) The company
93
ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL
headquarters section includes the company commander, en-
listed men for handling company administration and supply,
and a mess for headquarters platoon. An accounting group
handles the paper work connected with receipt, storage, and
issue of supplies.
(2) The company commander coordinates the work of head-
quarters depot section and the three depot platoons. As depot
officer he is not concerned with establishing priorities, that
being a staff function of higher authority. He issues equip-
ment and supplies upon submission of requisitions prepared
in accordance with Army Regulations. He keeps his unit engi-
neer informed at all times of the status of stocks and makes
recommendations designed to avoid the accumulation of sup-
plies not needed and to prevent the exhaustion of stocks that
are much in demand. He maintains a guard to prevent un-
authorized tampering with depot stocks and prepares plans
for removal and destruction of stores in the event of a with-
drawal. He plans ways and means of concealing equipment
and supplies in open storage and applies such camouflage
methods as will deceive enemy air and ground observation.
b. Motor section . — The activities of the motor section are
under the direct supervision of the company motor officer.
His general duties are outlined in chapter 2. The section is
equipped with a truck-mounted crane and two semitrailers
drawn by 5- to 6-ton tractor trucks. This equipment may be
operated under company control or may be assigned to any
of the depot platoons operating independently. The mechanics
perform second-echelon maintenance to all company motors
and mechanized equipment.
c. Headquarters depot section. — (1) The headquarters depot
section includes a lieutenant in command of the section, non-
commissioned officers, and other enlisted men, including
specialists.
(2) This section is used in the operation of a part of a large
depot; the whole company may be engaged in the operation.
If the company is assigned to an area in which its platoons
are dispersed on several supply installations, the section oper-
ates one of these installations, usually the one at company
headquarters section. Its functions and duties are similar to
those of the depot section, but it has extra specialists and is
capable of more extensive repairing and salvaging operations
than are the depot platoons.
(3) For performance of depot duties it is equipped with
94
ENGINEER TROOPS
standard engineer sets as shown in current Tables of Basic
Allowances.
■ 191. Depot Pi.atoon.— The depot platoon consists of a platoon
headquarters section and a depot section. It is suitable for
employment in a portion of a large depot, where it can handle
several departments; for operation of a smaller supply point
such as an engineer railhead; or for attachment to another
echelon, such as a corps, for operation of one or more depots.
It is not necessarily attached to corps. Administrative con-
venience decides its attachment in such cases.
a. Platoon headquarters section personnel includes a lieu-
tenant as platoon commander, a clerical group, and a group
to operate a mess for the platoon. The section handles incom-
ing requisitions, routing them to the proper place for supply;
prepares outgoing requisitions for replenishment of stock;
keeps note of supply levels; and operates a messenger service.
It is equipped with caliber .45 submachine guns and caliber .30
heavy machine guns.
b. Depot section enlisted personnel is similar to that of the
headquarters depot section. The section handles storage, re-
ceipt, and issue and supply' items; classifying, salvaging, re-
pairing, assembling, and testing machinery; and guarding
engineer stores. Supplies are classified as tran
…[truncated]