Gap Crossing Operations and the E-Force Concept.
Abstract
The 'E-FORCE' concept for restructuring engineer forces will provide to the heavy divisions the organic combat engineer forces necessary to satisfy the mobility, countermobility, and survivability requirements in forward combat areas. During the past several years, the broad, basic thrust of the E-FORCE concept has been studied and the general organizational architecture has been critically examined. This study seeks to bring into sharper focus one of the peripheral issues: the E-FORCE ribbon bridge company that is part of the Division Engineer element that is proposed for the heavy divisions. It looks at a variety of issues that affect the requirement for river crossing support within the divisions. The issues analyzed include: the frequency and predictability of river crossing operations; the effective use of critical bridge assets; the responsiveness of the gap crossing support; the deployability and maneuverability of the heavy divisions; the vulnerability of critical river crossing assets; maintenance support; the delineation of responsibility for providing engineer support for river crossing operations; and the conduct of combined arms training in deliberate river crossing operations. The interrelationships of the individual issues is examined.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 18, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA194511
Entities
People
- Michael K. Collmeyer
Organizations
- United States Army War College