FM-3-81 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Download
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Maneuver Enhancement Brigade 09 November 2021 FM 3-81 1-7 1-27. Functional brigades and the MEB provide different capabilities to the supported headquarters, and sometimes both units are required. A functional brigade is needed with large and complex functional tasks that require three or more functional battalions of the same type. Additional MEBs are required if span of control is exceeded. 1-28. The MEB bridges a capability gap between the limited functional units (CBRN, engineer, and military police) of the BCTs and the more capable functional brigades. This headquarters provides a more functional staff capability than BCTs, but usually less than a functional brigade. The key difference between the MEB and the functional brigades is the breadth and depth of the MEB multifunctional staff. The MEB provides complementary and reinforcing capabilities. Based on its task organization and mission, the MEB can detach functional modular units or combined arms elements (task forces or company teams) to support the BCTs for specific tasks and, potentially, other multifunctional brigades, providing functional and combined arms support across the higher headquarters AO. 1-29. The MEB can provide command and control for units in transition as they arrive in the division AO or when they are in between task organizations and then detach those units to provide added support to BCTs or functional brigades when needed. The MEB capability to support onward movement and integration enables the modular Army to employ assets when and where they are required. 1-30. The MEB may control the terrain where other support or functional brigades are located. They synchronize their operations with other tenant support brigades. The MEB may require capabilities in a command or support relationship from the other support brigades. The MEB should have some command and control authority over the organizations positioned within the MEB AO to conduct security and defense; this may be TACON for security and defense. The MEB should also receive liaisons to coordinate and synchronize operations between specific command structures to foster positive relationships. 1-31. The MEB may support other functional brigades or BCTs. For example, the MEB can be expected to coordinate or provide protection of designated sustainment packages or convoys transiting through the MEB AO. The MEB is also dependent on the other support brigades to fill capability gaps that were identified during mission planning. OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK 1-32. The operational framework provides Army leaders with basic conceptual options for arraying forces and visualizing and describing operations. An operational framework is a cognitive tool used to assist commanders and staffs in clearly visualizing and describing the application of combat power in time, space, purpose, and resources in the concept of operations (ADP 1-01). The operational framework provides an organizing construct for visualizing and describing operations by echelon in time and space within the context of an AO, area of influence, and area of interest. It provides a logical architecture for determining the responsibilities, permissions, and restrictions for subordinate echelons, and by doing so enables freedom of action and unity of effort. When used in conjunction with effective operational graphics, it provides commanders the ability to provide intent, develop shared visualization, and ultimately create the shared understanding necessary for the exercise of initiative at every echelon. 1-33. The operational framework has four components. First, commanders are assigned an AO for the conduct of operations, from which, in turn, they assign AOs to subordinate units based on their visualization of the operation. Units should be assigned AOs commensurate with their ability to influence what happens within them. Second, within their assigned AO, commanders designate deep, close, support, and rear areas to describe the physical arrangement of forces in time, space, and purpose. Third, commanders establish decisive, shaping, and sustaining operations to further articulate an operation in terms of purpose. Finally, commanders designate the main and supporting efforts to designate the shifting and prioritization of resources. See ADP 3-0, FM 3-0, and FM 3-94 for additional information on the operational framework.