ATP 3-21.20 — Infantry Battalion
ATP 3-21.20 governs doctrine for the Infantry battalion of the Infantry brigade combat team.
- Publication number: ATP 3-21.20
- Title: INFANTRY BATTALION
- Date: 12/28/2017
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View ATP 3-21.20 on armypubs.army.mil
ATP 3-21.20 describes Infantry battalion relationships, organizational roles and functions, capabilities, limitations, and responsibilities. It addresses the tactical application of techniques associated with the offense, defense, and operations focused on stability, including movement and maneuver.
Applies to: ATP 3-21.20 applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
Topics covered
- Infantry battalion organization
- Offensive tasks
- Defensive tasks
- Stability operations
- Movement to contact
- Attack formations
- Mission command
- Operational area security
Questions and answers
Which forces normally make up the battalion reconnaissance and surveillance force?
The R&S force for the battalion is normally the scout platoon; additional augmentation may include Army aviation attack and reconnaissance units, battalion snipers, Infantry weapons company assault platoons, engineer assets, and forward observers (to include joint terminal attack controllers) to develop the situation before committing the advance guard or main body. (paragraph 2-163)
What activities do units conduct in the assembly area?
In the assembly area, units prepare for the forward passage of lines and movement to contact, which includes the following: Receive required supplies. Conduct rehearsals. Conduct inspections. Maintain weapon, vehicles, and other equipment. Check communications. Receive orders. (paragraph 2-113)
What is an ambush?
An ambush is an attack by fire or other destructive means from concealed positions on a moving or temporarily halted enemy (FM 3-90-1). (paragraph 2-426)
When can the commander establish a perimeter defense?
The commander establishes a perimeter defense when the battalion must hold critical terrain, such as a strong point, or when it must defend a noncontiguous area of operation where the battalion perimeter defense is not tied in with adjacent units. (paragraph 3-15)
What is the purpose of a reserve during a breakout?
The primary purpose of a reserve is to retain flexibility through offensive action. (paragraph 3-13)