Employment of the Engineer System in Arid Mountainous and Desert Areas-- A Concept Paper

Abstract

Abstract : The employment of the Engineer system is examined for desert and arid mountainous terrain. Geographic focus for the paper is the Mediterranean basin along North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Southwest Asia and the horn of Africa. Such terrain presents the military engineer a terrain spectrum not heretofore considered in the last two or three decades. Historical research provides lessons learned from WW II, 1967 and 1973 wars. Impact on system elements, mobility, countermobility, survivability and general engineering vis- a-vis the terrain is discussed. Considerations and recommendations are offered for each system element for realistic and timely implementation, rather than long development processes and large resource outlays. Engineer force structure considerations are postulated for a deployment into an austere, arid area. Additional considerations are presented for areas of doctrine, equipage and training. Commanders and staff officers of engineer and engineer supported units should be able to garner ideas and techniques from paper discussion for potential near term contingency missions and projects focused on desert and arid mountainous terrain areas.