94th Engineer Battalion FEMs

Engineer: The Professional Bulletin for Army Engineers, May, 2001 by Captain Brian Baraniak

The 94th Engineer Battalion created three FEM packages to provide rapid, initial-entry construction capability until heavier, more robust engineer forces can close on the area of operation. These packages can also be the sole response to less resource-intensive contingency operations. The construction FEM packages introduce versatility and deployability that is normally not associated with combatheavy units. The construction FEMs provide maneuver commanders with a unique capability utilizing construction assets with minimal impact on logistical resources.

Three packages, each building on the previous (or lesser) one, make up the 94th's FEMs: light, medium, and heavy. The table on page 55 provides a summary of the packages and their capabilities and some sample construction missions.

The FEM packages utilize a wide range of construction-engineer equipment. This includes the MTOE-authorized 763 Bobcat skid-steer loader. The Bobcat's special attachments (forklift, bucket, backhoe) provide limited earthmoving and lifting capabilities. Each package also includes M998 HMMWVs; M929A3 5-ton dumps trucks; various sets, kits, and outfits; standard integrated command-post shelters (SICPS); communications systems; surveying equipment; a shower unit; and a 5 kW generator. As the size of the FEM package increases, so does the construction capability. The medium package adds a hydraulic electric tool outfit (HETO) trailer with a 3.5 kW generator and numerous hydraulic tools. The heavy package has all equipment in the medium package plus a FLU 419 small emplacement excavator (SEE) and two M105 trailers. Depending on mission requirements, it is possible that the FEM package might include the bill of materials for prefabricated bunkers, guard towers, tents, or latrines preconfigured and stored in home-st ation warehouses.

With the help of the 130th Engineer Brigade, the 94th is currently considering additional equipment for the FEM packages. This equipment includes a 15-ton tilt-bed trailer, which is extremely useful in transporting the 763 Bobcat and other equipment and is small enough to fit on a C-130. Future plans might involve the acquisition of two C-130-deployable JD 450/550 dozers to increase the earthmoving capabilities of the heavy package.

The potential of the construction FEMs is a more versatile, deployable, and capable engineer construction capability. Continued development of the FEM package and the addition of new technology and equipment will make this unique USAREUR rapid-construction capability a compelling combat multiplier.

1-800-BASECAMP. When the 94th Engineer Battalion gets called to provide humanitarian assistance to Mozambique during a severe flood, it is postured to respond almost immediately with a well-trained and -resourced team. The medium FEM package offers a diverse construction capability that flies soldiers and equipment downrange or worldwide within 7 days to build emergency life-support facilities. By incorporating FEMs into battalion deployment and training plans now, the unit can rapidly respond to EUCOM missions at least as expediently as our sister services.

Captain Baraniak is the S3 Plans Officer, 94th Engineer Battalion, Vilseck, Germany.