CHAPTER 1: OPFOR Structure and Task Organization Principles

1-12 ENGINEER TASK ORGANIZATION.

    As with artillery, OPFOR engineer units normally do not deploy as they are structured by TO&E. Instead, engineers assets are grouped together to perform specific missions and functions, and are dissolved when no longer required. In this way route-clearing assets perform one function, while others perform demolition, minelaying, or obstacle construction, prepare defensive fighting positions, or set up water purification sites. Additional non-engineer assets, such as chemical, tank or mechanized infantry troops, may be attached to these groupings whenever the OPFOR decides the situation warrants their inclusion.

a. Engineer Reconnaissance Patrol.

• Specialized engineer reconnaissance formation.

• Normally squad to platoon size.

• Equipment depends upon mission.

• Missions include collecting information on roads, obstacles, water obstacles and water supplies.

b. Movement Support Detachment (MSD).

• Ad hoc grouping formed from division and brigade engineer units.

• Missions include:

• Route reconnaissance

• Mineclearing

• Repair/reinforcement of bridges

• Creation of tracked vehicle routes

• Construction of bypasses

• Route marking

• Division can form up to three MSDs.

• Brigade can form one MSD normally composed of an engineer platoon, one or two dozers and up to three tanks with blades or plows.

• MSD is normally organized in three elements:

• Reconnaissance and obstacle-clearing group

• One or two road/bridge construction and repair groups

• Route marking group

• Divisional MSDs operate on main routes while brigade MSDs operate on secondary routes.

• In the march, MSDs normally move behind the combat reconnaissance patrols (CRPs).

• In the defense, MSDs are used to maintain LOCs.

     c. Mobile Obstacle Detachment (MOD).

• Ad hoc grouping formed from division and brigade engineer units.

• Mission: Deny key terrain to the BLUFOR, particularly those avenues of approach that are most suited for tanks.

• Composition:

• A divisional MOD normally consists of mechanical minelaying elements equipped with GMZs.

• A brigade MOD normally consists of one minelaying platoon of three PRP-3. It is sometimes reinforced with a mechanized infantry platoon.

• Normally operate with antitank reserves to provide flank protection and to repel counterattacks.

• In the march, it normally travels between the advance guard and the main body.

• In the defense, it is positioned to block any penetrations that might occur.