119 GROUND COMBAT ELEMENT (GCE), COMBAT ENGINEER BATTALION FUNDAMENTALS Flashcards
What is the mission of the Combat Engineer Battalion?
To enhance the mobility, countermobility, and survivability of the Marine division through close combat engineer support and provide limited general engineering support.
How is the Combat Engineer Battalion structured?
It consists of an H&S company, an engineer support company, and four combat engineer companies.
What type of support does the Combat Engineer Battalion provide to GCE units?
Close combat support and limited general engineering support through task-organized elements.
How is the operation of combat engineer elements typically managed in forward units?
Decentralized.
Who controls engineer support requirements to the rear of forward elements?
The engineer battalion under centralized control.
What role does the engineer support company play in relation to combat engineer companies?
Provides augmentation with personnel and specialized engineering equipment.
State the 6 mobility tasks of a Combat Engineer Battalion.
- Conduct engineer reconnaissance and support intelligence collection within the division zone or sector. 2. Plan, organize, and coordinate the assault breaching of explosive and non-explosive obstacles from the high-water mark inland. 3. Employ assault bridge systems and, when augmented, other standard bridge systems. 4. Provide expedient repair and reinforcement of existing bridges. 5. Construct expedient, short-span bridges from local materials in support of ground combat operations. 6. Provide temporary repair of existing roads and limited new construction of combat roads and trails, including necessary maintenance.
When is external support required for engineer reconnaissance?
In areas not under division control.
What personnel support does the battalion provide for reconnaissance missions?
Personnel to augment other division elements conducting reconnaissance missions requiring engineer intelligence.
What is the scope of obstacle breaching in the battalion’s mobility tasks?
From the high-water mark inland, covering explosive and non-explosive obstacles.
What bridge systems are employed under augmentation for mobility?
Standard bridge systems in addition to assault bridge systems.
How does expedient bridge repair support combat operations?
By quickly repairing and reinforcing existing bridges to maintain mobility.
What materials are used for constructing short-span bridges?
Local materials.
What road maintenance is included in the battalion’s mobility tasks?
Necessary maintenance to support combat operations of the division.
State the 3 counter-mobility tasks of a Combat Engineer Battalion.
- Plan, organize, and coordinate the construction of simple and compound explosive and nonexplosive obstacle systems. 2. Plan and construct obstacles requiring special engineering equipment and technical skills. 3. Perform specialized demolition missions beyond the capability of other division units.
What types of obstacle systems are constructed in counter-mobility tasks?
Simple and compound explosive and nonexplosive systems.
What technical skills are required for obstacle construction in counter-mobility?
Special engineering equipment operation and technical expertise.
What distinguishes the demolition missions in counter-mobility tasks?
They exceed the capabilities of other division units.
What is the survivability task of the Combat Engineer Battalion?
Provide technical assistance and equipment for developing temporary protective positions for personnel and equipment.
State the 3 general engineering tasks of a Combat Engineer Battalion.
- Provide essential construction support that is temporary and meets minimum combat requirements. 2. Provide utility support, including mobile electric power equipment and potable water for troop consumption, bath services, and equipment maintenance. 3. Construct and improve expedient VTOL sites in support of division operations.
What is the nature of construction support in general engineering tasks?
Temporary and designed to meet minimum combat requirements.
What utilities are provided in the battalion’s general engineering tasks?
Mobile electric power and potable water for essential troop and equipment needs.
How does the battalion enhance VTOL operations?
By constructing and improving expedient VTOL sites.
What is the mission of the H&S Company in the Combat Engineer Battalion?
To provide command, control, and administrative elements, including supply, food services, communications, chaplain services, administration, and medical support.