This monograph discusses the importance of base development to operational sustainment and the role that Army engineers will play in modern corps-level contingency operations. Base development in an austere theater will be a complex task that will involve close coordination and planning among not only all services of a joint task force, but also among the numerous branches of the Army. This monograph examines base development requirements with regard to current Army doctrine and engineer force structure. Following a review and analysis of Army and engineer doctrine, the paper then examines the historical example of base development offered by Operation OVERLORD in June, 1944. The engineering operations carried out in the invasion of Normandy are used a model for all modern engineer operations in support of large operations in an austere theater. The paper then discusses the engineer requirements for base development in a hypothetical corps-level contingency operation in Southwest Asia. The basis for the case study is the USCENTCOM exercise conducted annually by the School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS). The discussion goes into much more detail than the SAMS exercise schedule allows and, therefore, offers a much more detailed analysis of the operational sustainment issues that are affected by military engineering. Finally, conclusions are made that address the capability of the Active Army engineer force to support modern contingency operations in an austere theater. Recommendations for operational level engineer considerations include force structure, development of common joint engineering doctrine, and the need for joint, operational level training for senior engineer officers of all services.

ADA 235077 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)