Defense – Obstacles Part I: Introduction

So far we have covered fields of fire and observation, cover and concealment, and now it’s time to tackle obstacles. Note I’m going to venture a bit away from normal military doctrine in covering obstacles. What is an obstacle? An obstacle is either a natural, man improved, or man made feature that is designed and placed in such a way that it will frustrate, channel, delay, or otherwise impede a threats movement (the obstacles goals). Notice there’s no stop but just delay. That brings us to a few basic truths about obstacles.

• Obstacles will not stop a threat. They will delay it, but a determined threat is going to eventually breach an obstacle.
• Obstacles that are covered by observation and fire are more effective at accomplishing their goals than unobserved ones.
• Obstacles that are concealed typically frustrate the threat better than visible ones.
• Placed correctly an obstacle can channel the threat into your field of fire.
• Natural obstacles tend to be the most effective. Man made the least.
• It is much easier to halt or delay a vehicle than a person on foot with an obstacle.
• Obstacles require periodic checking and maintenance to remain effective.
• And finally the greatest truth of them all: Any obstacle that’s going to delay a threat getting in is most likely going to delay YOU getting out.

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