Terrain is another name for a piece of ground. For our purposes, it is a region or territory viewed for its suitability as a battleground. How you make use of the terrain-its texture, even its color at different times of the day-affects everything you or the enemy do or can do. Both you and the enemy have the terrain of the battlefield in common. More often than not, victory goes to whoever understands and uses the terrain best. Usually, the terrain dictates troop movements and formations, positions to be defended, and locations of weapons. You cannot memorize definite rules to cover every situation. However, there are certain principles discussed in this chapter that, when applied intelligently, will result in sound solutions or decisions. Knowledge of these principles is not enough to give you the advantage. You must know the terrain intimately to use it properly. Other than making a personal reconnaissance of the terrain, you must be thoroughly familiar with the use of commercially prepared maps as well as maps drawn hastily in the field. You must also interpret signs and symbols used on maps, prepare field sketches and overlays, and use the lensatic compass properly.

TERRAIN APPRECIATION

Terrain appreciation is the analysis of an area to determine the effect that the terrain features have on probable military operations by either of the opposing forces. Terrain can be viewed with either offensive or defensive intentions in mind. However, regardless of the type of mission, each Seabee leader must evaluate the terrain for both offense and defense. Then the Seabee leader can anticipate the enemy's analysis of the situation as well as his own. Information on the terrain may be acquired through various sources, but a physical reconnaissance of the area is the most important and reliable method of obtaining accurate information. When a physical reconnaissance is not possible or additional information is desired, it may be provided by one or more of the following sources:

1. Aerial reconnaissance and photographs

2. Maps of the area

3. Terrain models provided by higher authority

4. Intelligence reports

5. Patrolling

6. Friendly natives, undercover agents, or captured enemy prisoners

COMPONENTS OF TERRAIN

In military terminology, terrain is simply the ground over which we intend or propose to. fight. To a military man, the word terrain is an all-inclusive term, referring not only to the ground itself, but to all other conditions that influence the ability of the combatant to carry out an assigned mission. For the sake of simplicity, terrain has two major aspects. The first is weather, climate, and season; the second is topography.