ATP 3-20.15 — Tank Platoon
ATP 3-20.15 governs tactics, techniques, procedures, and doctrinal employment principles for M1 Abrams tank platoons.
- Publication number: ATP 3-20.15
- Title: TANK PLATOON
- Date: 07/10/2025
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View ATP 3-20.15 on armypubs.army.mil
It covers tank platoon organization, missions, capabilities, planning, offensive and defensive operations, tactical enabling tasks, and sustainment. It provides doctrinal guidance for commanders, staff, and leaders and states that decisions and actions comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Applies to: This publication applies to the Active Army, the United States Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the United States Army Reserve.
Topics covered
- Tank platoon organization
- Armor Force Fundamentals
- Troop leading procedures
- Offensive operations
- Defensive operations
- Tactical enabling tasks
- Tank platoon sustainment
Questions and answers
What units are tank platoons organic to?
The tank platoon is organic to Armor companies of a combined arms battalion (CAB) or a Cavalry squadron. (paragraph 1-45)
When is a movement to contact conducted?
The unit conducts an MTC when the enemy situation is vague or not specific enough to conduct an attack. (paragraph 3-12)
What is the difference between deliberate and hasty operations?
A deliberate operation is an operation in which the tactical situation allows the development and coordination of detailed plans, including multiple branches and sequels (ADP 3-90). A hasty operation is an operation in which a commander directs immediately available forces, using fragmentary orders, to perform tasks with minimal preparation, trading planning and preparation time for speed of execution (ADP 3-90). (paragraph 3-138)
What is an area defense?
An area defense is a type of defensive operation that concentrates on denying enemy forces access to designated terrain for a specific time rather than destroying the enemy outright (ADP 3-90). (paragraph 4-16)