Force XXI Engineers--An Update From the Field.

As the Army begins its Transformation, the decision was made to continue modernizing the Counterattack Force-III Corps while sustaining and recapitalizing both the Early-Entry and Containment Forces. For mechanized combat engineers, the modernization effort includes the decision to field both the Wolverine and M2A2 Operation Desert Storm (ODS) Bradley throughout the Counterattack Force.

"Force XXI Engineers-An Update From the Field" is a series of three articles. They are intended to be the catalyst for both discussion and the subsequent review of engineer-force structure as it relates to the fielding of both Bradleys and Wolverines as a part of the Force XXI engineer battalion. These recommendations are based on more than 6 years of experimenting, testing, fielding, and fighting the first Force XXI engineer battalion.

In "Transitioning to the Bradley," page 19, we recommend a force structure that we believe best complements the Force XXI concept. The structure is predicated on two 8-man squads per line platoon and 12 M9 armored combat earthmovers. Additionally we propose the method by which we would include, as a part of the modified table of organization and equipment, an engineer scout platoon.

In "Facing the CSS Challenge," page 22, we propose transitioning the engineer support element to an engineer support company. This article describes, in detail, the shortfalls we experienced in fighting with the current organization and also takes into consideration the logistical impacts of fielding Bradleys in the Force XXI engineer battalion. We believe that setting the combat-service-support (CSS) structure is paramount to success on the battlefields of the twenty-first century. Our current structure is not adequate, and if we do not make the requisite adjustments now, fielding the Bradley into engineer battalions will preclude engineer support to the Army's Counterattack Force. We will be severely crippled as we attempt to provide the battlefield functions of mobility, countermobility, and survivability across the expanded Force XXI battlespace.

In "The Engineer Scout Platoon: A Necessity," page 29, we not only recommend the structure but also share with you our experiences while organizing integrating training, and fighting the engineer scout platoon at the National Training Center Rotation 00-10. Engineer scouts that are equipped with the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) System and task-organized in support of the brigade-reconnaissance-troop structure enable instant digital engineer situational awareness forward of the forward line of own troops (FLOT). These enablers and experiences validate that the engineer scout platoon is truly a necessity on the Force XXI battlefield.

Lieutenant Colonel Bedey commands the 299th Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Hood, Texas. Previous assignments include platoon leader company executive officer, and battalion maintenance officer in the 78th Engineer Battalion (Corps Wheeled); assistant S3 and company commander, 15th Engineer Battalion, 9th Infantry Division (Motorized); and battalion executive officer 62d Engineer Battalion (Combat Heavy). LTC Bedey is a graduate of the Engineer Officer Advanced Course and Command and General Staff College and holds a bachelor's in construction engineering from Montana State University and a master 's in construction management from Colorado State University.