FM 3-90.2

THE TANK AND MECHANIZED INFANTRY
BATTALION TASK FORCE

CONTENTS

COVER
PREFACE
CHAPTER 1	THE ROLE OF THE TANK AND MECHANIZED INFANTRY BATTALION TASK FORCE
Section	I.	Battalion and Task Force Mission Essential Tasks
		1-1.	Battalion Task Force Mission Essential Task Development
		1-2.	Operational Environment
		1-3.	Full-Spectrum Operations
Section	II.	Operational Framework
		1-4.	Area of Operations
		1-5	Area of Interest
		1-6.	Battlespace
		1-7.	Battlefield Organization
		1-8.	Decisive Operations
		1-9.	Shaping Operations
		1-10.	Sustaining Operations
		1-11.	Main Effort

CHAPTER 2	ORGANIZATION AND CAPABILITIES
Section	I.	Organization, Capabilities, and Limitations
		2-1.	Organization
		2-2.	Capabilities
		2-3.	Limitations
		2-4.	Task Force Battlefield Focus
Section	II.	Duties and Responsibilities of Key Personnel
		2-5.	Task Force Commander
		2-6.	Personal Staff Group
		2-7.	Coordinating Staff and Organizations
		2-8.	The Headquarters and Headquarters Company Commander and the Forward Support Company Commander in Force XXI Organizations
		2-9.	Company Team Commanders
		2-10.	Scout Platoon Leader
		2-11.	Mortar Platoon Leader
		2-12.	Special Staff

CHAPTER 3	BATTLE COMMAND
Section	I.	The Art of Command
		3-1.	Role of the Commander
		3-2.	Mission Command
		3-3.	Location of the Commander
		3-4.	Combining the Art of Command and the Science of Control
Section	II.	Command and Control
		3-5.	The Command and Control System
		3-6.	Digitation and the C2 System
		3-7.	Exercising Command and Control
		3-8.	Distribution of Task Force Command and Control
Section	III.	Planning for Operations
		3-9.	Information Systems Enhancement to Decision-Making
		3-10.	The Military Decision-Making Process
		3-11.	Roles of the Commander and Executive Officer
		3-12.	The Role of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
Section	IV	The Military Decision-Making Process
		3-13.	Receipt of Mission
		3-14.	Mission Analysis
		3-15.	Course of Action Development
		3-16.	Course of Action Analysis (War Game)
		3-17.	Course of Action Comparison
		3-18.	Course of Action Approval
		3-19.	Orders Production
		3-20.	Decision-Making in a Time-Constrained Environment
Section	V.	Preparing for Operations
		3-21.	Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Operations
		3-22.	Security
		3-23.	Force Protection
		3-24.	Plan Revision and Refinement
		3-25.	Coordination and Liaison
		3-26.	Rehearsals
Section	VI.	Execution
		3-27.	The Command and Control System During Execution
		3-28.	Adapting to Changes
		3-29.	Assessment
		3-30.	Decisions
		3-31.	Directing Action
		3-32.	Training and Performance

CHAPTER 4		INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE OPERATIONS
Section	I.	Fundamentals of Information Collection Management
		4-1.	Collection Management
		4-2.	Tiers of Reconnaissance
		4-3.	Reconnaissance Operations
		4-4.	Reconnaissance Guidance
		4-5.	Forms of Reconnaissance
		4-6.	Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Order Development
		4-7.	Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Overlay
		4-8.	Enemy Situation Template
		4-9.	Terrain Management
Section	II.	Security Operations
		4-10.	Screen
		4-11.	Guard
		4-12.	Area Security
		4-13.	Cover
Section	III	Reconnaissance
		4-14.	Task Force Reconnaissance and Surveillance
		4-15.	Fundamentals
		4-16.	Capabilities
		4-17.	Integration of Brigade Reconnaissance Troop and Task Force Scout Platoons

		4-18.	Supporting Assets Normally Available to Task Force

CHAPTER 5	OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS
Section	I.	Fundamentals of Offensive Operations
		5-1.	Characteristics of Offensive Operations
		5-2.	Contact Continuum
		5-3.	Organization of Offensive Operations
Section	II.	Forms of Maneuver
		5-4.	Envelopment
		5-5.	Penetration
		5-6.	Turning Movement
		5-7.	Infiltration
		5-8.	Frontal Attack
		5-9.	Sequence of Offensive Operations
		5-10.	Movement Techniques and Formations
Section	III	Types of Offensive Operations
		5-11.	Movement to Contact
		5-12.	Approach March Technique
		5-13.	Integration of CS and CSS Elements
		5-14.	Planning
		5-15.	Execution
		5-16.	Attacks
		5-17.	Characteristics of the Attack
		5-18.	Force-Oriented Attack against a Stationary Enemy Force
		5-19.	Force-Oriented Attack against a Moving Enemy Force
		5-20.	Terrain-Oriented Attacks
		5-21.	Exploitation
		5-22.	Pursuit
		5-23.	Special Purpose Attacks
Section	IV	Transition Operations
		5-24.	Consolidation
		5-25.	Reorganization
		5-26.	Continuing Operations
		5-27.	Defend

CHAPTER 6		DEFENSIVE OPERATIONS
Section	I.	Fundamentals of the Defense
		6-1.	Purpose of the Defense
		6-2.	Organization of Defensive Actions
		6-3.	Characteristics of the Defense
Section	II.	Types of Defensive Operations
		6-4.	Area Defense
		6-5.	Mobile Defense
		6-6.	Retrograde Operations
		6-7.	Delay
		6-8.	Delay Organization
		6-9.	Delay Planning Considerations
		6-10.	Delay Scheme of Maneuver
		6-11.	Maximizing the Use of Terrain in a Delay
		6-12.	Forcing the Enemy to Deploy and Maneuver in a Delay
		6-13.	Avoiding Decisive Engagement in a Delay
		6-14.	Parameters of the Delay Order
		6-15.	Alternate and Subsequent Positions in a Delay
		6-16.	Fire Support in a Delay
		6-17.	Engineer Support in a Delay
		6-18.	Air Defense Support in a Delay
		6-19.	Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Support in a Delay
		6-20.	Combat Service Support in a Delay
		6-21.	Delay Preparations
		6-22.	Execution of a Delay
		6-23.	Withdrawal
		6-24.	Withdrawal Organization
		6-25.	Withdrawal Planning Considerations
		6-26.	Withdrawal Scheme of Maneuver
		6-27.	Withdrawal Preparation
		6-28.	Withdrawal Execution
		6-29.	Concealing the Withdrawal
		6-30.	Disengagement in a Withdrawal
		6-31.	Actions on Contact in a Withdrawal
		6-32.	Terminating the Withdrawal
		6-33.	Retirement
Section	III	Defensive Planning Considerations
		6-34	Defensive Planning
		6-35.	Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield
		6-36.	Reserve
Section	IV	Sequence of the Defense
		6-37.	Occupation and Establishment of Security
		6-38.	Preparation and Continued Security Operations
		6-39.	Security Area Engagement
		6-40.	Main Battle Area Engagement
		6-41.	Follow-On Missions
Section	V.	Defensive Techniques
		6-42.	Defense of an Area of Operations
		6-43.	Defense from a Battle Position
		6-44.	Reverse Slope Defense
		6-45.	Defense of a Strongpoint
		6-46.	Perimeter Defense
		6-47.	Counterattack
Section	VI	Countermobility, Mobility, and Survivability Integration
		6-48.	Countermobility
		6-49.	Survivability

CHAPTER 7	URBAN OPERATIONS
Section	I.	Introduction
		7-1.	General Considerations of Urban Operations
		7-2.	Armor and Mechanized Forces Role in Urban Operations
		7-3.	Tactical Challenges
Section	II.	Mission, Enemy, Terrain and Weather, Troops and Support Available, Time Available, and Civil Considerations (METT-TC)
		7-4.	Mission
		7-5.	Enemy
		7-6.	Urban Mapping
		7-7.	Terrain and Weather
		7-8.	Troops
		7-9.	Time
		7-10.	Civil Considerations
Section	III	Controlling Operations
		7-11.	Enemy Focus
		7-12.	Commander's Critical Information Requirements
		7-13.	Task-Organization of Units to Accomplish Specific Tasks
		7-14.	Rehearsals
		7-15.	Fire Support
		7-16.	Field Artillery
		7-17.	Mortars
		7-18.	Communications
		7-19.	Weapons Effects
Section	IV	Offensive Operations
		7-20.	Offensive Framework
		7-21.	Types of Attack during Urban Offensive Operations
		7-22.	Transition
		7-23.	Movement to Contact
		7-24.	Attack of a Village
		7-25.	Nodal Attack
Section	V.	Defensive Operations
		7-26.	Defensive Framework
		7-27.	Defensive Planning
		7-28.	Integrating the Urban Area into the Defense
		7-29.	Nodal Defense
		7-30.	Delay

CHAPTER 8		STABILITY OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT OPERATIONS
Section	I.	Stability Operations
		8-1.	Purpose
		8-2.	Types of Stability Operations
		8-3.	Peace Operations
		8-4.	Foreign Internal Defense
		8-5.	Security Assistance
		8-6.	Humanitarian and Civic Assistance
		8-7.	Support to Insurgency
		8-8.	Support to Counterinsurgency
		8-9.	Support to Counterdrug Operations
		8-10.	Combating Terrorism
		8-11.	Noncombatant Evacuation Operations
		8-12.	Arms Control
		8-13.	Show of Force
		8-14.	Planning Considerations
		8-15.	Decentralized Operations
		8-16.	Rules of Engagement
		8-17.	Rules of Interaction
		8-18.	Force Protection
		8-19.	Task Organization
		8-20.	Media Considerations
		8-21.	Operations with Outside Agencies
		8-22.	Specific Considerations by BOS
		8-23.	Intelligence
		8-24.	Maneuver
		8-25.	Aviation Support
		8-26.	Fire Support
		8-27.	Mobility and Survivability
		8-28.	Air Defense
		8-29.	Combat Service Support
		8-30.	Command and Control Information Systems
		8-31.	Techniques
		8-32.	Presence Patrols
		8-33.	Observation Posts
		8-34.	Providing Security for Indigenous Authorities
		8-35.	Static Security Posts
		8-36.	Searches
		8-37.	Roadblocks and Other Checkpoints
		8-38.	React to Civil Disturbance
Section	II.	Support Operations
		8-39.	Types of Support Operations
		8-40.	The Army's Role in Support Operations
		8-41.	Forms of Support Operations
		8-42.	Planning Considerations
		8-43.	Considerations for Support Operations
		8-44.	Planning Process
		8-45.	Command and Control
		8-46.	Maneuver
		8-47.	Intelligence
		8-48.	Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
		8-49.	Fire Support
		8-50.	Mobility and Survivability
		8-51.	Air Defense
		8-52.	Combat Service Support
		8-53.	Information Operations
		8-54.	Other Planning Considerations
		8-55.	Pattern of Operations
		8-56.	Sequence of Operations
		8-57.	Transition to Combat
		8-58.	Training Considerations
		8-59.	Training for Support Operations
		8-60.	Domestic Support Operations- or Foreign Humanitarian Assistance-Specific Training
		8-61.	Additional Requirements

CHAPTER 9		COMBAT SUPPORT OPERATIONS
Section	I.	Fire Support
		9-1.	Fires
		9-2.	Fire Support Organizations
		9-3.	Fire Support Planning and Coordination
		9-4.	Essential Fire Support Tasks
		9-5.	Scheme of Fires
		9-6.	Quick Fire Planning
		9-7.	Observation Planning
		9-8.	Top-Down Fire Planning
		9-9.	Battle Damage Assessment
		9-10.	Fire Support Coordination
		9-11.	Rehearsals
		9-12.	Clearance of Fires
		9-13.	AFATDS and Clearance of Fires
		9-14.	FBCB2 and Clearance of Fires
		9-15.	Radar Zones
		9-16.	Fire Support Assets
		9-17.	Mortars
		9-18.	Mortars in the Task Force Close Fight
		9-19.	Close Air Support
		9-20.	Army Aviation
		9-21.	FBCB2-Generated Fire Missions
Section	II.	Close Air Support
		9-22.	Missions
		9-23.	Planning Considerations
		9-24.	Air Force Support
		9-25.	Close Air Support Planning Duties and Responsibilities
		9-26.	Suppression of Enemy Air Defense
		9-27.	Weather
Section	III	Engineers
		9-28.	Battalion Planning for Maneuver Support
		9-29.	Mobility
		9-30.	Countermobility
		9-31.	Survivability
		9-32.	General Engineering
		9-33.	Geospatial Engineering
		9-34.	Engineer Battalion
		9-35.	Engineer Company
		9-36.	Combat Engineer (Sapper) Platoon
		9-37.	Assault and Obstacle Platoon
		9-38.	Engineer Assets
		9-39.	SCATMINE Capabilities
		9-40.	SCATMINE Limitations
		9-41.	Command and Control of SCATMINES
Section	IV	Air Defense Support
		9-42.	Mission
		9-43.	Organizations
		9-44.	Air Defense Planning Considerations
		9-45.	Air Defense Officer Duties
		9-46.	Offensive Considerations
		9-47.	Defensive Considerations
		9-48.	Air Defense Types
		9-49.	Air Defense Warnings and Weapons Control Status
		9-50.	Air Defense Assets

CHAPTER 10	COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT
Section	I.	Combat Service Support Functions and Organization
		10-1.	Overview
		10-2.	Combat Service Support Responsibilities
		10-3.	The Headquarters and Headquarters Company (AOE)
		10-4.	The Force XXI Forward Support Company
		10-5.	Forward Support Company Organization
Section	II.	Combat Service Support Operations
		10-6.	Arm (Class V)
		10-7.	Fuel (Class III, Bulk)
		10-8.	Fix
		10-9.	Move
		10-10.	Sustain
		10-11.	Man
Section	III	Combat Service Support Planning
		10-12.	Planning Overview
		10-13.	Logistics Estimate
		10-14.	Supporting Offensive Operations
		10-15.	Supporting Defensive Operations
		10-16.	Echelon of the Trains
		10-17.	Movement of the Trains
		10-18.	LOGPAC Operations
		10-19.	Trains and FSC Security
		10-20.	Command and Control
		10-21.	Communications
Section	IV	Reconstitution
		10-22.	Reorganization
		10-23.	Regeneration

CHAPTER 11	COMMAND POST OPERATIONS
Section	I.	Command and Control Facilities
		11-1.	Command Group
		11-2.	Main Command Post
		11-3.	Combat Trains Command Post
		11-4.	Task Force Support Area Command Post (Force XXI)/Field Trains Command Post (AOE)
		11-5.	Command Post Survivability
		11-6.	Displacement
Section	II.	Command Post Operations
		11-7.	Standing Operating Procedures
		11-8.	Communications
		11-9.	Maps
		11-10.	The Battle Captain
Section	III	Communication
		11-11.	Responsibilities
		11-12.	Means of Communications
		11-13.	Communications Security
Section	IV	Communications Systems
		11-14.	Combat Net Radio
		11-15.	Army Command User System
		11-16.	Army Data Distribution System
		11-17.	The Digital Battlefield
		11-18.	Tactical Internet
		11-19.	Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below
		11-20.	Enhanced Position Location Reporting System with Very High Speed Integrated Circuits
		11-21.	Responsibilities
Section	V.	Digital Command and Control Systems and Architecture
		11-22.	Army Battle Command System Components
		11-23.	Digital Command and Control Techniques
		11-24.	Standing Operating Procedure Considerations
		11-25.	Integrating Digital and Analog Units

CHAPTER 12	TACTICAL ENABLING OPERATIONS
Section	I.	Relief Operations
		12-1.	Planning Considerations
		12-2.	Conducting the Relief
		12-3	Command and Control
Section	II.	Security Operations
		12-4.	Screen
		12-5.	Guard
		12-6.	Area Security
		12-7.	Cover
Section	III	Battle Handover and Passage of Lines
		12-8	Battle Handover
		12-9.	Passage of Lines
		12-10.	Forward Passage of Lines
		12-11.	Rearward Passage of Lines
		12-12.	Rehearsal
Section	IV	Linkup Operations
		12-13.	Control during Linkup Operations
		12-14.	Forms of Linkup
Section	V.	River Crossing Operations
		12-15.	General Considerations
		12-16.	Assault of the Crossing Site
Section	VI	Combined Arms Breaching Operations
		12-17.	Breach Tenets
		12-18.	Combined Arms Breach during Deliberate Operations
		12-19.	Combined Arms Breach during Hasty Operations
Section	VII.	Tactical Road March
		12-20.	March Elements
		12-21.	March Column Organization
		12-22.	Techniques
		12-23.	Planning Considerations
		12-24.	Movement Order
		12-25.	Control Measures
		12-26.	Security
Section	VIII.	Assembly Area Operations
		12-27.	Assembly Areas
		12-28.	Organization
		12-29.	Quartering Party
		12-30.	Occupation
		12-31.	Actions in the Assembly Area
		12-32.	Security
		12-33.	Departure from the Assembly Area

APPENDIX A	INTEGRATION OF HEAVY AND LIGHT FORCES
APPENDIX B	AVIATION SUPPORT TO GROUND OPERATIONS
APPENDIX C	OPERATIONS IN NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL CONDITIONS
APPENDIX D	RISK MANAGEMENT AND FRATRICIDE AVOIDANCE
APPENDIX E	ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
APPENDIX F	SNIPER EMPLOYMENT
APPENDIX G	FIRES INTEGRATION
APPENDIX H	DEPLOYMENT
APPENDIX I	PLANNING AND OPERATIONS CHARTS
APPENDIX J	AIR ASSAULT OPERATIONS
GLOSSARY
REFERENCES
AUTHENTICATION

DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited.

*This publication supersedes FM 71-2, dated 27 September 1988.

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Military

FM 3-90.2

THE TANK AND MECHANIZED INFANTRY BATTALION TASK FORCE

THE TANK AND MECHANIZED INFANTRY
BATTALION TASK FORCE