ATP 3-21.50 — Infantry Small-unit Mountain And Cold Weather Operations
ATP 3-21.50 governs how Infantry small units conduct combat operations in mountain and cold weather regions.
- Publication number: ATP 3-21.50
- Title: INFANTRY SMALL-UNIT MOUNTAIN AND COLD WEATHER OPERATIONS
- Date: 07/29/2025
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View ATP 3-21.50 on armypubs.army.mil
The publication covers command and control, operations planning, offensive and defensive operations, movement, fires, protection, sustainment, and special-purpose teams. It addresses techniques for missions in high-altitude, rapidly changing, and rugged environments and requires judgment in their application.
Applies to: ATP 3-21.50 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
- Mountain and cold weather operations
- Infantry small-unit organizations
- Offensive operations
- Defensive operations
- Dismounted movement
- Direct and indirect fires
- Soldier load considerations
- Special purpose teams
Questions and answers
What must leaders recognize during mountain and cold weather operations?
Leaders must recognize and address physical and mental fatigue in their Soldiers. (paragraph 2-2)
How does the commander analyze terrain for Infantry small-unit operations?
The commander analyzes terrain using the military aspects of terrain: obstacles, avenues of approach, key terrain, observation and fields of fire, and cover and concealment (also called OAKOC). (paragraph 2-71)
What is a raid in mountainous terrain?
A raid is a limited-objective variation of an attack that entails swift entry into hostile terrain followed by a planned withdrawal to a friendly location and is not intended to hold terrain. (paragraph 3-110)
What does the commander ensure about supplies and equipment?
The commander ensures the supply system provides balance of essential supplies and equipment not carried by the unit. (paragraph 5-244)
What must happen before tactical movement during limited visibility?
Prior to tactical movement, the commander is briefed on the effects of terrain, weather, and other intelligence products on the proposed march route. (paragraph 5-189)