Does the Future Engineer Force Transition Engineer Units Between Offensive and Stability Operations in Ways that Achieve Responsiveness, Versatility, Agility, Effectiveness, and Efficiency?

The purpose of this thesis is to assess the effectiveness of Future Engineer Force (FEF) transitions between full-spectrum operations. The research question is, Does the FEF transition engineer units between offensive and stability operations in ways that achieve responsiveness, versatility, agility, effectiveness, and efficiency? The transition to and execution of stability operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) posed significant challenges for the Engineer Regiment. This thesis identifies these challenges and uses them to compare the forces that executed the initial thirty to sixty days of OIF stability operations to the FEF. The research found that FEF solutions to OIF challenges were better than solutions derived by the units that served in OIF. However, the FEF can improve by addressing training shortfalls and mitigating the ramifications of not having an organic engineer battalion commander in each brigade combat team.