MCDP 1-3 governs Marine Corps tactics, including the theory and application of combat power at the tactical level of war.
View MCDP 1-3 on armypubs.army.mil
MCDP 1-3 covers decision-making, gaining advantage, speed, adaptation, cooperation, exploitation, pursuit, reserves, education, and training. It is descriptive rather than prescriptive, providing guidance through concepts and ideas.
Applies to: This book pertains equally to all Marine leaders, whether their duties entail combat service support, combat support, or combat arms.
Tactics is “the art and science of winning engagements and battles. It includes the use of firepower and maneuver, the integration of different arms and the immediate exploitation of success to defeat the enemy,”3 as well as the sustainment of forces during combat. (paragraph 8)
In war, tactics is the application of combat power to defeat the enemy in engagements and battles. (paragraph 8)
Tactics refers to the concepts and methods we use to accomplish a particular objective in either combat or military operations other than war. (paragraph 8)
The execution of these techniques and procedures must become second nature for us; this requires intensive and continuous training. (paragraph 8)
Without mastery of basic warfighting skills, artistry and creativity in their application are impossible. (paragraph 8)