A forward operating base (FOB) is any secured forward operational level military position, commonly a military base, that is used to support strategic goals and tactical objectives.[1] A FOB may contain an airbase, hospital, machine shop, and other logistical facilities. The base may be used for an extended period of time. FOBs are traditionally supported by main operating bases that are required to provide backup support to them.[2][3] An FOB also improves reaction time to local areas as opposed to having all troops on the main operating base.
Description
editIn its most basic form, a forward operating base consists of a ring of barbed wire around a position with a fortified entry control point, or ECP. An ECP is a controlled entry and exit point of the FOB and typically has positions to protect personnel against personnel-borne improvised explosive devices (PBIED) and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIED), plus blast mitigation with standoff protection.[4]
More advanced FOBs include an assembly of berms, concrete barriers, gates, guard towers, pillboxes and bunkers and other force protection infrastructure. They are often built from Hesco bastions.[5]
Bases in Iraq
editBases in Afghanistan
editFOBs in the United States
editOther reported Coalition installations in Afghanistan 2001–2016
editSee also
edit
- Advance airfield
- Advanced Landing Ground
- Fire support base
- Forward Operating Site
- Loss of Strength Gradient
- Main Operating Base
- Naval outlying landing field
- Satellite airfield
- List of established military terms
References
edit- ^ Royal Air Force Common Core and Deployment Skills Aide-Memoire AP 3242B VOL 5, ABBREVIATIONS
- ^ "Joint Publication 3-09.3 - Close Air Support" (PDF). Joint Chiefs of Staff. 25 November 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 October 2010.
- ^ Elwell, Andrew (2011-12-01). "Defence IQ | Forward Operating Base (FOB)". Defence IQ. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ "PdD Combat Armaments and Protection Systems". Project Manager Close Combat Systems. 4 August 2020. Archived from the original on 5 November 2018. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
- ^ "Army Logistician (Building a FOB From the Ground Up)". www.alu.army.mil. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "U.S. Navy sailors patrol the waterways of the Haditha Dam Forward Operating Base". United States Department of Defense. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
