ATP 3-21.18 encompasses techniques for foot marches and replaces ATP 3-21.18 published in April 2022. This publication provides doctrinal guidance; organizational roles and functions; capabilities; limitations; and responsibilities for planning, preparing, executing, and assessing foot marches. This publication addresses significant changes in Army doctrinal and training terminology, concepts, and constructs; and proven tactics, techniques, and procedures developed during recent operations. The following is a brief introduction and summary of changes by chapter and appendix:
- Chapter 1–Movement Fundamentals—
- Provides an overview of troop movement, specifically dismounted movement, also called foot marches.
- Addresses the three methods of a tactical movements that units of all types can conduct: tactical road march, approach march, and forced march.
- Addresses tactical considerations, planning, and preparation for foot marches.
- Discusses how leaders must tier and prioritize the use of resources and assets during the march.
- Chapter 2–March Execution—
- Describes conduct of the foot march and the organization of forces for the march.
- Covers limited visibility marches and Soldier and leader engagement.
- Discusses security, fire support, engineer operations, counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) en route sustainment measures, actions on contact, and cognitive loads for foot marches.
- Defines cognitive load as the combination of the relevant, intrinsic, and extraneous information present during the execution of a Soldier’s or leader’s task.
- Provides duties and responsibilities before, during, and after a foot march.
- Chapter 3–Soldier Load—
- Discusses Soldier load considerations to include leader responsibility, echeloning loads, and load determination.
- Describes load carriage-what needs to be carried and how a specific load is carried.
- Covers energy use under load compared across environments.
- Describes load tailoring, methods for reducing or offsetting risk, and calculating load requirements.
- Addresses movement of supplies and equipment before, during, and after the march.
Six appendixes complement the body of this publication by addressing performance before, during, and after foot marches:
- Appendix A–March Procedures.
- Appendix B–Movement Order and Movement Table.
- Appendix C–Posture and Body Mechanics.
- Appendix D–Training for the March.
- Appendix E–Foot Care.
- Appendix F–Related Injury and Illness Awareness.
Next Page : Chapter 1 – Movement Fundamentals