It is a joint effort that involves representatives from the advance party, Task Force or MACOM, the
theater engineering unit selected for site preparation, USACE, and an Engineer Terrain Analysis Section
from a Topographical Planning Control Company, plus host nation representatives.
a. Selection Considerations. FP deployment requires tons of equipment to be transported and
thousands of hours of labor. This makes it crucial that the operating site be secure, safe, accessible,
environmentally viable, and suitable for providing effective FP support. The advance quartering party
must consider the following:
(1) Mission. Consider what units or groups FP will be supporting. Remember that FP
operations will not relocate, it is paramount that the module(s) be placed in an area that will provide
convenient, long-term service to the units to be supported.
(2) Security. The QM FP Company can defend against a Level I threat, but requires
assistance from tenant and/or theater assets for Level II/III threats. In determining the security level of
the FP module(s), consider the METT-T and the units and organizations to be supported. A FP module
will typically be located in the corps area and not farther forward than the division support area. A set
of six FP modules will not be placed forward of the corps rear area. The security of supply routes and
heavily traveled roadways in the FP AO should also be considered in the security assessment.
(3) Safety. Safety hazards such as flooding, landslides, or avalanches may exist. Consider
previous land uses, such as landfills or other contaminated sites, and slope. Since FP consists mainly of
tent structures, avoid high wind areas. Consider whether the current or previous occupants may have
mined the area. Use satellite imagery, ground inspection, and local knowledge to ensure the operating
area is free of mines and unexploded ordnance.
(4) Geographical, Terrain, and Geological Considerations. Careful selection reduces overall
site work, climate control effort, and drainage requirements. In most cases, flat, gently sloping (7
percent maximum grade), featureless terrain is preferred. However, security or prevailing climate may
favor a wooded area. Selecting a site with some vegetation will lessen erosion in a rainy or windy
environment and reduce dust in a dry climate. Avoid the low points of valleys or other depressed areas
where water and POL vapors may collect. Consider the total hydrology of the area including the water
table throughout the time of the mission. Soil stabilization requirements should also be kept to a
minimum to reduce the overall earthwork required.
(a) Terrain and soil analysis should be performed in two phases. First, maps, aerial
photos, climate records, and other available data should be used to
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