What are obstacles in military operations?

Obstacles in military operations refer specifically to natural or manmade terrain features that impede movement or visibility on the battlefield. These can include rivers, mountains, forests, or urban structures, which can significantly affect the maneuverability of military units and the planning of tactics. Understanding obstacles is crucial for effective operational planning, as commanders need to assess how these barriers may impact both their own forces and those of the enemy.

While strategic locations for military bases, digital barriers in communication, and human errors during movement are all relevant factors in military operations, they do not define what constitutes an obstacle in the same way that terrain features do. Strategic locations can be beneficial for operational planning but do not impede movement in the same manner as physical barriers. Digital barriers may impact communication but are not physical impediments to troop movements. Finally, human errors can complicate operations but are not obstacles in the traditional sense of the term. Therefore, the focus on natural or manmade terrain features captures the essence of what obstacles truly are in the context of military operations.