FM 3-34, Engineer Operations: A Blueprint to Forge Our Future

Abstract : In the last few years, the world has been transformed, with new threats to our nation requiring a broader range of military missions, new technologies for our armed forces, and a new National Security Strategy. The Army took these matters into account as it established new doctrine, beginning with Field Manual (FM) 1, The Army, and FM 3-0, Operations. This iteration of doctrine was developed more systematically and, for the first time, linked Army doctrine to joint doctrine. The new numbering system also reflects this change. FMs 1 and 3-0 are the capstone manuals and, as such, are at the pinnacle of the doctrine hierarchy from which all other Army manuals descend. Additionally, FM 3-0 is written at the operational level of war, relating doctrinal principles that will enable senior commanders to fight full-spectrum operations and campaigns. It lays out the doctrinal frameworks, tenets, and principles for senior leaders to consider when fighting over extended time and space. As the Regiment s capstone manual, the doctrinal principles within FM 3-34, Engineer Operations, were derived from FM 3-0. Like a blueprint, FM 3-34 will provide the foundational principles that will forge the Regiment s future at the operational level of war.