ADP 3-90 — Offense And Defense
ADP 3-90 governs the conduct of Army offensive and defensive operations and the tactics used in land operations.
- Publication number: ADP 3-90
- Title: OFFENSE AND DEFENSE
- Date: 07/31/2019
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View ADP 3-90 on armypubs.army.mil
ADP 3-90 covers tactical fundamentals, operational and mission variables, echelons, warfighting functions, and defeat mechanisms. It addresses offensive and defensive operations, enabling operations, control measures, planning considerations, and transitions.
Applies to: ADP 3-90 applies to the Active Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
Topics covered
- Tactical fundamentals
- Offensive operations
- Defensive operations
- Enabling operations
- Warfighting functions
- Echelons
- Tactical control measures
Questions and answers
How should commanders manage risk during tactical operations?
Successful operations require commanders and subordinates to manage accepted risk, exercise initiative, and act decisively even when the outcome is uncertain. (paragraph 1-44)
What is the purpose of friendly force agility in tactical operations?
Friendly force agility further mitigates risk in tactical operations. (paragraph 1-47)
What does ADP 3-90 standardize for commanders?
ADP 3-90 standardizes the lexicon commanders use to describe the conduct of offensive, defensive, and supporting enabling operations. (paragraph 3-0)
What are the elements of decisive action?
While an operations primary element is offense, defense, stability, or defense support of civil authorities, different units involved in that operation may be conducting different types and subordinate variations of operations. (paragraph 2-6)
What is a warfighting function?
A warfighting function is a group of tasks and systems united by a common purpose that commanders use to accomplish missions and training objectives (ADP 3-0). (paragraph 2-10)