FM 3-90 — Tactics
FM 3-90 governs Army tactics for offensive, defensive, and enabling operations and their planning, preparation, and execution considerations.
- Publication number: FM 3-90
- Title: TACTICS
- Date: 05/01/2023
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View FM 3-90 on armypubs.army.mil
FM 3-90 covers movement and maneuver, offensive and defensive operations, reconnaissance, security, troop movement, and enabling operations. It addresses force organization, control measures, and planning, preparation, and execution considerations for each type of operation.
Applies to: FM 3-90 applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
Topics covered
- Movement formations
- Offensive operations
- Defensive operations
- Reconnaissance
- Security operations
- Countermobility
- Tactical deception
- Linkup operations
Questions and answers
What are the primary mobility tasks in FM 3-90?
Mobility tasks are combined arms activities that mitigates the effects of obstacles to enable freedom of movement and maneuver (ATP 3-90.4/MCTP 3-34A). (paragraph 18-6)
What is the preferred breaching method when time and resources are unavailable for a deliberate breach?
Hasty breaching is the preferred method when time and resources are unavailable to conduct a deliberate breach. (paragraph 18-4)
What does planning a movement to contact require?
Planning for a movement to contact requires units to balance competing requirements in the allocation of combat power. (paragraph 4-16)
How do commanders plan and execute a pursuit?
Commanders employ centralized planning and decentralized execution during a pursuit. (paragraph 7-15)
What is an exploitation?
An exploitation is a type of offensive operation following a successful attack to disorganize the enemy in depth. (paragraph 6-1)