text: Countermobility
  to help maneuver commanders visualize linkages between obstacles, fires, and maneuver and to ensure
  obstacle integration.
  OBSTACLES EMPLOYMENT PRINCIPLES
  17-47. The basic employment principles for obstacles are—
  * Support the maneuver commander’s plan.
  * Integrate with observation and fires.
  * Integrate with other obstacles.
  * Employ in depth.
  * Employ for surprise.
  See ATP 3-90.8/MCTP 3-34B for more information on obstacle employment principles.
  OBSTACLE EMPLACEMENT AUTHORITY
  17-48. Obstacle emplacement authority is the authority to emplace reinforcing obstacles. Geographic
  combatant commanders have the authority to emplace obstacles in their areas of responsibility within the
  ROE. They may delegate emplacement authority to subordinate commanders, down to the lowest echelon
  necessary to allow for maximum flexibility in executing tactical missions, while ensuring that the
  employment of reinforcing obstacles is consistent with the ROE and supportive of current and future
  operations. Commanders consider the particular system characteristics, including inherent hazards that it
  might pose to friendly forces and civilians and the ROE in determining the emplacement authority for
  scatterable mines. The duration of scatterable mines employment is a primary consideration in determining
  the extent to which emplacement authority should be delegated. When used as protective obstacles, higher
  commanders typically delegate emplacement authority to the commanders of small units (platoon or
  company or team) and base camps. The commander’s guidance on emplacement authority is stated in the
  unit’s order.
  17-49. Commanders use obstacle control measures and other specific guidance or orders to grant or
  withhold obstacle emplacement authority to subordinate commanders and provide obstacle control. For
  example, a commander may withhold authority by shaping obstacle control measures within the area of
  operations of a subordinate unit so that a specific area is not included, such as a counterattack axis, to ensure
  the freedom of movement and maneuver of other units in that area. Likewise, the commander may also state
  in an order that a specific area, such as a counterattack axis, is an obstacle-restricted area.
  17-50. Subordinate commanders who desire to emplace an obstacle outside a zone, belt, or group must
  submit a report of intention for that obstacle. The report doubles as a request when units initiate it at levels
  below emplacement authority. Units do not submit the report if the higher headquarters grants emplacement
  authority. Commanders give the authorization to emplace obstacles when they establish obstacle control
  measures. As an exception, units do not submit reports of intention for directed obstacles that are part of an
  operation plan or operation order approved by the obstacle emplacement authority.
  17-51. Commanders and staffs consider time, width, and depth when planning for obstacle control. For
  example, a commander may use an on-order obstacle zone to give a subordinate obstacle emplacement
  authority only after a certain time or event. Likewise, a commander may direct that only scatterable mines
  with a certain self-destruct time or networked munitions with on and off features can be emplaced in a specific
  area. Maneuver control measures can aid in focusing the width and depth of obstacle control measures.
  17-52. Typical graphics that may be used include—
  * Unit boundaries and PLs.
  * BHLs and forward edges of the battle area.
  * Lines of departure and lines of contact.
  * Fire support coordination line, no-fire areas, and coordinated fire lines.
  * Passage lanes and corridors.