Military Requirement and Employment of Engineering Equipment

Abstract

This paper is divided into two parts and covers two aspects important to the military engineer. The first part argues the case for military development of construction equipment. Its basis is the recent change of emphasis in military doctrine from the concept of general war in Europe towards that of limited war in more remote parts of the world. This makes air portability the most important but not the only parameter, and from this follows the paramount need for equipment of light weight, easy to break down to loads suitable for transport by helicopter, and as easily reassembled under field conditions. Military development is necessary because of these special requirements and in some cases because no commercial equivalents exist. The paper outlines the advantages and disadvantages of the ‘military special’ equipment, and Ministry of Defence (Army) policy regarding development of Engineering Construction equipment. It also suggests ways in which the commercial designer and manufacturer might help to make this policy effective without detriment to their product, and without attempting to design specifically for the military market, which is not an economic proposition anyway. The second part of the paper is the actual experience of its author in airborne engineer operations in Borneo. It discusses the equipment used, methods of getting it into and away from relatively inaccessible sites, and offers advice on training, packaging of ‘on-equipment’ spares, and aids to breaking down and reassembling plant for airlifted operations.