Anyone know the best way to go about teaching constructed and preconstructed obstacles chapter 6 (Tm 3-34.85/mcrp 3-17a) class?

2022-08-06T09:45:56-04:00

It explains the different types of setups of the obstacles, but not what they are used for. I'm trying to figure out the best way to go about learning about it and then teaching it where the audience can understand what is going on.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 6 at 2022 10:18 AM

2022-08-06T10:18:59-04:00

PFC Private RallyPoint Member Well done in working to better yourself in your tradecraft.
This is an excellent question to ask of your supervisor, it is a specfied task of that leader in supervising you.

That said,,,Army manuals,,,,it takes some getting used to. You are reading and referencing an Army Technical Manual, it is supplying ENGINEER FIELD DATA details on the what, not how or why... How and why is doctrinal.

A Field Manual (FM) like FM 3-34 will help with the how and why https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN31353-FM_3-34-000-WEB-1.pdf

ARN31353-FM_3-34-000-WEB-1.pdf

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Aug 7 at 2022 8:17 AM

2022-08-07T08:17:12-04:00

The best way to teach them is to have the soldiers build each of these obstacles to standard. Obstacle design and deployment aren't really a squad level task, but since you wanted to know, start with FM 3-34 Engineer Operations, FM 90-7 Combined Arms Obstacle Integration, and FM 5-102 Counter Mobility.
Under the current organization, the type, design and deployment of obstacles is the job of the Brigade Engineer, who is the Commander of the Engineer Battalion. In reality, he has a Battalion to run, so the actual design and deployment falls to the Assistant Brigade Engineer and the Engineer Battalion Operations Officer. That is so obstacles don't conflict with Brigades movement plans and operations.

Remember, there is no such thing as a Friendly minefield or Obstacles. If it stops or slows the enemy's movement, it does the same to yours.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Aug 8 at 2022 12:26 PM

2022-08-08T12:26:38-04:00

JP 3-15 Barriers, Obstacles and mine warfare and FM 5-102 Counter Mobility are good sources for the reasons to emplace what obstacles.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2022 8:38 AM

2022-08-17T08:38:23-04:00

So I'm happy to hear from your suggestions. I went in depth in research for what these obstacles does. I asked my SSG to see how I was going to teach the class. He gave me a book and this website suggestion. Although I was not very knowledgeable of it I was able to hit the books and gave a small demonstration like using clothespin as pickets and death cord as concertina with general knowledge like 'start on enemy side' and '5 paces'. This is a reserve component so there is not many military equipment to spend to actually go out there and teach this. So I did a presentation and explain it to the best of my knowledge. I basically just caught them up to speed to if we actually do it then this is the stuff to expect this such as placing the triple-standard concertina.