What is a key role of combat engineers in combined arms operations?

The key role of combat engineers in combined arms operations is to facilitate movement and provide support through obstacles. This includes constructing, maintaining, and breaching obstacles to allow for the smooth passage of friendly forces, which is essential in combat scenarios where terrain can hinder mobility. By efficiently managing obstacles like minefields, barbed wire, and natural barriers, combat engineers enable maneuver units to maintain their momentum and effectively execute their missions. This capability significantly enhances overall operational effectiveness and allows for a cohesive integration of all combat arms in the battlefield.

The other options represent important battlefield roles but do not encompass the primary responsibilities of combat engineers. Engaging in direct combat, while occasionally necessary, is not their central function; instead, they support combat tasks primarily through engineering skills. Gathering intelligence is also a critical function within the military, but it is typically the responsibility of reconnaissance and intelligence units rather than combat engineers. Leading ground forces in offensive operations is primarily the role of commanders and infantry units, further highlighting the specialized focus of combat engineers on mobility and obstacle management rather than direct combat leadership.