ATP 3-21.8 addresses the tactical application of techniques associated with the offense and defense for the Infantry rifle platoon and squad. ATP 3-21.8 does not discuss defense support of civil authorities (see ADP 3-28 and ATP 3-28.1) and the element of stability (see ATP 3-21.10 chapter 4). Employing the techniques addressed in ATP 3-21.8 requires using and integrating the techniques found in ATP 3-21.10 and ATP 3-21.20 and the tactics and procedures found in FM 3-96, tactics are the employment, ordered arrangement, and directed actions of forces in relation to each other (ADP 3-90). Procedures are standard, detailed steps that prescribe how to perform specific tasks.
The techniques addressed in ATP 3-21.8 includes the movement and maneuver of units in relation to each other, the terrain, and the enemy. Techniques vary with terrain and other circumstances; they change frequently as the enemy reacts and friendly forces explore new approaches. Applying techniques usually entails acting under time constraints with incomplete information. Techniques always require judgment in application; they are always descriptive, not prescriptive.
Fictional scenarios, used as discussion vehicles throughout this publication, illustrate different ways an Infantry rifle platoon and squad can accomplish its mission regardless of which inherent element (offense or defense) of conventional warfare currently dominates. Conventional warfare is a violent struggle for domination between nation-states or coalitions of nation-states (FM 3-0). Scenarios focus on potential challenges confronting the platoon leader and platoon subordinate leaders in accomplishing their mission but are not intended to be prescriptive of how the Infantry rifle platoon performs any particular operation.
Note. These same scenarios drive the techniques used in ATP 3-21.10 and ATP 3-21.20. The scenarios focus on the techniques used to perform missions, functions, or tasks in support of the Infantry rifle company.
ATP 3-21.8 incorporates the significant changes in Army doctrinal terminology, concepts, constructs, and proven tactics developed during recent operations. It also incorporates changes based on newly published Army capstone doctrine and operational concept.
Note. The Army’s operational concept is multidomain operations. Multidomain operations are the combined arms employment of joint and Army capabilities to create and exploit relative advantages to achieve objectives, defeat enemy forces, and consolidate gains on behalf of joint force commanders (FM 3-0). Employing Army and joint capabilities makes use of all available combat power from each domain (air, land, maritime, space, and cyberspace) to accomplish missions. Multidomain operations are the Army’s contribution to joint campaigns, spanning the competition continuum. (See FM 3-0 for additional information.)
The following is a brief introduction and summary of changes by chapter:
Chapter 1 – Organization
Chapter 1 focuses on the Infantry rifle platoon and squads’ role and organization, as well as the platoon’s mission, capabilities, and limitations. It provides a discussion on the duties and responsibilities within the platoon and squads.
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Chapter 2 – Planning and Preparing for Operations
Chapter 2 provides small-unit leaders with a framework (troop leading procedures) to analyze a mission, develop a plan, and prepare for an operation. In addition, chapter 2:
- Discusses parallel planning.
- Addresses the intelligence preparation of the operational environment.
- Describes mission command as the Army’s approach to command and control.
- Provides additional information on the mission variables of METT-TC (I) mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available, civil considerations, and integrated into the other variables, informational considerations.
- Discusses mission orders and disciplined initiative.
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Chapter 3 – Movement and Maneuver
Chapter 3 discusses considerations for tactical movement and maneuver. In addition, chapter 3 discusses route selection, navigation and execution, movement formations, movement techniques, and movement during limited visibility.
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Chapter 4 – Offense
Chapter 4 discusses offensive actions to defeat, destroy, or neutralize the enemy. The chapter addresses the characteristics of the offense and describes the four offensive operations (discussion mainly focuses on movement to contact and attack). Chapter 4 also discusses—
- Forms of maneuver (flank attack removed as a form; frontal assault now frontal attack).
- Offensive control measures and the tactical framework of the offense.
- Common offensive planning considerations.
- Operations during limited visibility.
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Chapter 5 – Defense
Chapter 5 discusses defensive actions to defeat enemy attacks, gain time, control key terrain, protect critical infrastructure, secure the population, and economize forces. The chapter addresses the characteristics of the defense and describes the three defensive operations (discussion mainly focuses on area defense and retrograde). Chapter 5 also discusses—
- Defensive control measures and tactical framework of the defense.
- Common defensive planning considerations.
- Variations of an area defense and position selection.
- Engagement area development.
- Fighting position construction.
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Chapter 6 – Tactical Enabling Operations and Activities
Chapter 6 discusses tactical enabling operations and activities in support of offensive and defensive operations. These operations and activities include breaching, relief in place, passage of lines, linkup, tactical deception, security, security operations, and troop movement.
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Chapter 7 – Patrols and Patrolling
Chapter 7 provides an overview of patrolling and the patrols conducted by the Infantry rifle platoon and squad. It discusses in detail combat and reconnaissance patrols. Chapter 7 also discusses—
- Common patrolling considerations, leader’s reconnaissance, and patrol base activities.
- Planning and preparation, and coordination measures.
- Essential and supporting tasks to patrolling.
- Pre- and post-departure activities.
- Post patrol activities.
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Chapter 8 – Sustainment
Chapter 8 discusses the process that the platoon leader and platoon sergeant use to anticipate the needs of the Infantry rifle platoon. In addition, chapter 8 addresses—
- Sustainment responsibilities and relationships within the platoon.
- Planning, preparation, execution, and assessment for:
- Supply and field services.
- Distribution and resupply operations.
- Maintenance.
- Tactical combat casualty care.
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Appendixes
Five appendixes complement the body of this publication. They include:
- Appendix A: Direct Fires.
- Appendix B: Fire Support Planning.
- Appendix C: Machine Gun Employment and Theory.
- Appendix D: Shoulder-Launched Munitions and Close Combat Missile System.
- Appendix E: Battle Drills.
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