text: Chapter 2
  With additional equipment, training, and augmented technical expertise, combat engineer units can perform
  as general engineers, and vice versa.
  Fighting as Engineers
  Fighting as engineers is inherent to the primary mission of engineer units. Combat engineers are well
  forward because they fight alongside maneuver units as part of a combined arms team. When supporting
  unified land operations, engineers must be prepared to fight and employ combat skills and integrate activities
  with fire and maneuver. On the battlefield, the enemy makes every effort to detect and engage engineers
  quickly, regardless of location. In addition to the primary responsibilities within combat engineering, combat
  engineers are trained, organized, and equipped to fight and destroy the enemy. Combat engineers engage in
  close combat to accomplish engineer missions and to—
  * Neutralize explosive hazards by locating, assessing, and rendering them incapable of interfering
  with the conduct of operations (except render-safe procedures).
  * Enhance mobility by conducting route and obstacle reconnaissance, obstacle reduction, assault
  gap crossing, construction and repair of combat roads and trails, and forward aviation combat
  engineering.
  * Deny the enemy the freedom of movement and maneuver (countermobility) by lethal and
  nonlethal means with land mines, network munitions, and demolition and constructed obstacles.
  * Enhance protection through survivability operations (fighting and protective positions, hardening
  facilities, camouflage and concealment).
  Fighting as Infantry
  Throughout history, engineer organizations have been required to fight as infantry as a secondary
  mission. A combat engineer organization is capable of executing infantry tasks or task-organizing to fight as
  infantry with other combat units. When reorganized, combat engineers require additional positions normally
  found in maneuver formations (fire support, medical personnel). If an engineer battalion has been designated
  to reorganize and fight as infantry, it requires the same support and integration as maneuver units (armored,
  fire support) in its task organization to accomplish the mission. It may also require significant reorganization.
  A commander who commands combat engineers has the authority to reorganize them as infantry, unless
  otherwise reserved. However, a commander must carefully weigh the gain in infantry strength against the
  loss of engineer support.
  Reorganizing engineer units as infantry requires careful consideration, and the command decision for
  its reorganization is normally determined at the operational-level command. Reorganization involves
  extensive equipment and training that are specific to the reorganization, and it must be coordinated with the
  higher headquarters. Employing engineers merely implies that the gaining commander employs the engineers
  for a short period of time. Reorganization also requires additional resources, time, and training.
  An emergency or immediate requirement for infantry may not require the reorganization of engineers.
  Engineers may simply be required to engage in close combat. Commanders should consider this option in
  limited scope and task application. The commander makes a decision after weighing the mission variables;
  determining an acceptable risk level; and considering the resources, time, and training required to reorganize
  engineer units as infantry.
  Executing General Engineering Tasks
  General engineer support to movement and maneuver accomplishes the tasks that exceed the capability
  of the combat engineer force. General engineer support to movement and maneuver also accomplishes
  extensive upgrades or new construction of LOCs and base camps. (See ATP 3-34.40 for additional
  information about general engineering.) Although general engineer support is typically applied through the