ATP 3-21.8 provides doctrine for the Infantry rifle platoon and squad of the Infantry rifle company against a peer threat. This publication describes relationships, organizational roles and functions, capabilities and limitations, and responsibilities within the Infantry rifle platoon and squad. Techniques, non-prescriptive ways or methods used to perform missions, functions, or tasks are discussed in this publication and are intended to be used as a guide. They are not prescriptive. This publication supersedes the techniques and employment principles of the Infantry rifle platoon and squad in ATP 3-21.8, dated 12 April 2016.
To comprehend the doctrine contained in this publication, readers must understand the tactics in FM 3-90 and FM 3-96. To comprehend how the Infantry rifle platoon organizes and is doctrinally employed, the reader must understand the techniques in ATP 3-21.10 and ATP 3-21.20.
The principal audience for ATP 3-21.8 is the commanders, staff, officers, noncommissioned officers, and Soldiers within the Infantry battalion. The audience includes the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command institutions and components. This publication serves as an authoritative reference for personnel developing doctrine, materiel and force structure, institutional and unit training, and standard operating procedures for the Infantry rifle platoon and squad.
Commanders, staffs, and subordinates must ensure that their decisions and actions comply with applicable U.S., international, and in some cases host-nation laws and regulations. Commanders at all levels will ensure that their Soldiers operate in accordance with the law of armed conflict and applicable rules of engagement. (See FM 6-27 for additional information.)
ATP 3-21.8 uses joint terms where applicable. Selected joint and Army terms and definitions appear in both the glossary and the text. Terms and acronyms for which ATP 3-21.8 is the proponent publication (the authority) are marked with an asterisk (*) in the glossary. Definitions for which ATP 3-21.8 is the proponent publication are boldfaced in the text and the term is italicized. For other definitions shown in the text, the term is italicized, and the number of the proponent publication follows the definition.
ATP 3-21.8 applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard/the Army National Guard of the United States, and the United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
The proponent of ATP 3-21.8 is the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence. The preparing agency is the Doctrine and Collective Training Division, Directorate of Training and Doctrine, United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence. Send comments and recommendations on DA Form 2028, (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) to Commander, Maneuver Center of Excellence, Directorate of Training and Doctrine, Doctrine and Collective Training Division, ATTN: ATZK-TDD, 1 Karker Street, Fort Moore, GA 31905-5410; by email to usarmy.moore.mcoe.mbx.doctrine@army.mil; or submit an electronic DA Form 2028.
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