Understanding military doctrine is essential for effective planning, execution, and coordination of operations within the U.S. Army. Among the key doctrinal publications is FM 3-90-2, which provides in-depth guidance on offensive and defensive operations. This article explores the purpose, structure, key concepts, and practical applications of FM 3-90-2, offering valuable insights for military professionals, students, and enthusiasts seeking a thorough understanding of Army operational tactics.
Introduction to FM 3-90-2
What is FM 3-90-2?
FM 3-90-2, titled "Offense and Defense," is a foundational Field Manual published by the U.S. Army that offers doctrinal guidance on how to plan, execute, and sustain offensive and defensive operations. It complements other tactical manuals by detailing the principles, techniques, and considerations necessary for successful combat operations across various terrains and situations.
First published to standardize and improve Army offensive and defensive tactics, FM 3-90-2 is integral to training, operational planning, and battlefield execution. It emphasizes adaptability, coordination, and the integration of maneuver, fires, intelligence, and logistics to achieve operational objectives.
Purpose and Significance of FM 3-90-2
Why is FM 3-90-2 Important?
The manual serves multiple critical purposes:
- Standardization of Tactics: Provides a common framework and terminology for offensive and defensive operations across the Army.
- Operational Effectiveness: Guides commanders and soldiers in executing complex maneuvers efficiently, leveraging terrain, technology, and combined arms integration.
- Training Foundation: Forms the basis for realistic training scenarios, ensuring readiness for diverse combat environments.
- Adaptability: Emphasizes flexible application of principles to adapt to evolving threats and operational contexts.
Scope of FM 3-90-2
The manual covers a broad spectrum of topics, including:
- Fundamentals of offensive and defensive operations
- Planning considerations
- Maneuver techniques
- Fire support integration
- Use of terrain and obstacles
- Command and control during operations
- Sustainment and logistics implications
It is designed for use by officers, non-commissioned officers, and staff involved in operational planning and execution.
Core Principles of Offensive and Defensive Operations
Fundamentals of Offensive Operations
Offensive operations aim to seize, retain, and exploit terrain to achieve strategic and tactical objectives. The core principles include:
- Surprise: Achieving unexpectedness to disrupt enemy plans.
- Concentration of force: Massing combat power at decisive points.
- Audacity: Boldness in maneuver and decision-making.
- Tempo: Maintaining pressure and momentum to outpace the enemy.
- Security: Protecting forces from counterattacks and reconnaissance.
Effective offensive operations require detailed planning, rapid decision-making, and coordination among maneuver units, fires, and intelligence.
Fundamentals of Defensive Operations
Defensive operations aim to defeat an enemy attack, gain time, or prepare for a counterattack. The key principles include:
- Preparation: Fortifying positions, establishing obstacles, and planning countermeasures.
- Flexibility: Ability to adapt to enemy actions and terrain changes.
- Security: Ensuring forces are protected from surprise and reconnaissance.
- Mass and Concentration: Focusing combat power where needed most.
- Integration: Combining terrain, obstacles, fires, and maneuver for maximum effect.
Defense requires meticulous planning, effective use of terrain, and coordination among units to absorb and repel enemy advances.
Planning and Execution in FM 3-90-2
Operational Planning Process
FM 3-90-2 emphasizes a systematic approach to planning offensive and defensive operations, typically following these steps:
- Mission Analysis: Understanding the commander's intent, terrain, and enemy situation.
- Course of Action Development: Generating feasible options for maneuver and fire support.
- Analysis and Comparison: Assessing risks, advantages, and resource requirements.
- Decision and Planning: Selecting the best course of action and developing detailed plans.
- Preparation and Rehearsal: Training units and conducting rehearsals to ensure readiness.
Effective planning integrates intelligence, logistics, and command control to synchronize efforts.
Execution of Operations
During execution, FM 3-90-2 underscores the importance of:
- Maintaining command and control to adapt to changing conditions
- Using reconnaissance and surveillance to inform decisions
- Managing combat power across maneuver, fires, and support elements
- Employing deception and concealment to gain advantages
- Ensuring sustainment and logistics support remains uninterrupted
Key Tactics and Techniques in FM 3-90-2
Offensive Tactics
The manual details various tactics to achieve success, including:
- Attack by Fire: Using direct fire to weaken and disorient the enemy before maneuver.
- Envelopment: Flanking maneuvers to encircle the enemy.
- Penetration: Breaking through enemy defenses to disrupt their cohesion.
- Exploitation: Rapid advances following a successful attack to seize additional terrain.
Each tactic requires coordination of maneuver units, fires, and intelligence assets.
Defensive Tactics
Defensive tactics include:
- Area Defense: Defending a specific terrain feature or zone.
- Mobile Defense: Conducting a flexible defense designed to deceive and counterattack.
- Retrograde Operations: Tactical withdrawal or delaying actions to set up stronger defenses.
Proper employment of these tactics depends on terrain, enemy capabilities, and operational objectives.
Integration of Fires and Maneuver
FM 3-90-2 emphasizes the importance of integrating fires (artillery, mortars, close air support) with maneuver units to reinforce offensive and defensive actions. Key considerations include:
- Synchronizing fires with maneuver to maximize effectiveness
- Using suppression and destruction to weaken enemy defenses
- Employing precision targeting to minimize collateral effects
- Coordinating multi-domain fires for joint operations
This integration enhances the overall combat power and increases the likelihood of mission success.
Terrain and Obstacles in FM 3-90-2
Utilizing Terrain
Effective use of terrain enhances operational success by:
- Providing natural cover and concealment
- Facilitating movement and maneuver
- Creating defensive advantages
FM 3-90-2 discusses terrain analysis techniques, such as the use of overlays, to identify key terrain features.
Designing and Employing Obstacles
Obstacles are used to channel or delay enemy movement and are a critical component of defensive planning. Types include:
- Natural obstacles (rivers, cliffs)
- Constructed obstacles (barbed wire, mines, anti-tank ditches)
Obstacles should be strategically placed and integrated with fires and maneuver to maximize their effectiveness.
Command, Control, and Communications
Effective command and control are vital during offensive and defensive operations. FM 3-90-2 stresses:
- Clear command structures and delegation
- Use of technology for real-time communication
- Maintaining situational awareness
- Flexibility to adjust plans based on battlefield developments
Ensuring seamless coordination among units enhances operational tempo and responsiveness.
Logistics and Sustainment Considerations
Operations cannot succeed without proper logistics. FM 3-90-2 highlights:
- Maintaining supply lines for ammunition, fuel, and medical support
- Planning for contingencies and resupply during sustained operations
- Coordinating logistics with maneuver and fires units
Efficient sustainment enables forces to maintain momentum and adapt to operational demands.
Practical Applications of FM 3-90-2
The principles and tactics outlined in FM 3-90-2 are applied across various scenarios:
- Conventional warfare
- Counterinsurgency operations
- Peacekeeping missions
- Joint and combined operations with allied forces
Training exercises, simulations, and real-world deployments rely heavily on the doctrines established in this manual to prepare soldiers and commanders for complex operational environments.
Conclusion
FM 3-90-2 is an essential doctrinal publication that guides the U.S
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of FM 3-90-2?
FM 3-90-2 focuses on Offense and Defense Operations, providing doctrine for conducting offensive, defensive, and stability operations within the Army framework.
How does FM 3-90-2 differentiate between offensive and defensive operations?
FM 3-90-2 outlines that offensive operations aim to seize and retain terrain or objectives, while defensive operations are designed to defeat an enemy attack and maintain control of territory through prepared positions and counterattacks.
What role does FM 3-90-2 assign to maneuver units during operations?
FM 3-90-2 emphasizes maneuver units' role in applying combat power effectively to seize, defend, or neutralize enemy forces, utilizing mobility, agility, and coordination to achieve operational objectives.
How is command and control addressed in FM 3-90-2?
The manual details the importance of clear command and control structures, emphasizing the use of terrain, communications, and coordination to ensure synchronized offensive and defensive actions.
What considerations does FM 3-90-2 highlight for conducting stability operations?
While primarily focused on offensive and defensive operations, FM 3-90-2 also emphasizes the integration of stability tasks such as security, support to civil authorities, and civil-military operations to sustain operational success.
How does FM 3-90-2 incorporate combined arms operations?
It advocates for integrated use of infantry, armor, artillery, and aviation assets to create synergistic effects on the battlefield, maximizing combat effectiveness during offensive and defensive campaigns.
What is the significance of terrain analysis in FM 3-90-2?
Terrain analysis is crucial for planning and executing operations, helping commanders select advantageous positions, understand enemy usage, and anticipate obstacles to achieve operational success.
Are recent updates or changes reflected in FM 3-90-2 relevant to current operational environments?
Yes, FM 3-90-2 has been periodically updated to incorporate lessons learned from recent conflicts, emphasizing adaptability, technological integration, and modern tactics in offensive and defensive operations.
