Tactics are the employment, ordered arrangement, and directed actions of forces in relation to each other. Leaders select tactics that accomplish their assigned mission. Successful tactics require generating and applying combat power. This publication introduces the basic concepts and control measures associated with the science of tactics and provides a common baseline for Soldiers and leaders to execute offensive, defensive, and enabling operations. Soldiers and leaders who know these basic tactics are better prepared to adapt them quickly based on the mission variables of mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available—time available, civil considerations, and informational considerations [METT-TC(I)]. Tactics require judgement in application.
DesignationFM 3-90
EditionMay 2023
StatusActive
ProponentTRADOC
Pages480
FunctionSmall Unit Tactics
EchelonTroop
CollectionCurrent Doctrine
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. This publication supersedes FM 3-90-1 and FM 3-90-2, dated 22 M