Cross-country Routes

strips of terrain (axis) prepared for the movement of army units with their combat matériel and means of transportation off normal roads (on virgin land).

Cross-country routes are used in different types of combat action, especially in an offensive in deploying troops from a march formation to a combat formation. They are prepared for one- or two-lane traffic and separately for wheeled and tracklaying vehicles. Directions on the cross-country routes are marked with road signs; the portion to be driven on is cleared, ditches and craters are filled, drainage is implemented, and bridges are built across narrow obstacles; where necessary, corduroy roads are built, or previously prepared road covers are laid. Cross-country routes are usually built by combat troops; more complex work (such as mine clearing and the building of bridges) is carried out by engineer subunits.