FM 7-20 THE INFANTRY BATTALION

US Army Field Manual on CD in Adobe Acrobat (.PDF) format.

**Click HERE for a preview sample of this PDF manual**

(Will open a new browser window)

THIS ITEM IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AND CD-ROM DELIVERY

What's inside:

This manual presents doctrine for the infantry battalion to use in combat. Rather than try to solve every tactical situation, this manual establishes a common base of tactical knowledge from which specific solutions to battalion-level tactical problems can be developed. This manual is designed to increase the effectiveness of battalion-level operations be providing doctrinal principles and selected battlefield-proven tactics, techniques, and procedures.

The target audience for this manual includes battalion commanders and staffs, company commanders, and special platoon leaders for all infantry battalions: light, air assault, ranger, and H-edition (Reserve Component). It also includes service school, ROTC, and military academy instructors, and others who require a single-source reference to dismounted infantry battalion operations. The concepts are based on FM 100-5. Terms and graphics used conform to those in FM 101-5-1. ARTEP 7-20-MTP provides training standards used to prepare the battalion to execute the operations in FM 7-20.

Tough, realistic preparation for combat is dangerous. Commanders and subordinate leaders must instill an awareness of individual and unit safety. Soldiers must be constantly alert and careful in situations that could result in injury or death. They must know the capabilities, functioning limitations, and hazards of their equipment to use it safely.

INTRODUCTION

AirLand Battle doctrine has produced great changes in the Army. It has affected everything from equipment to the way we fight. Commanders need to understand these concepts and how they affect the employment of an infantry battalion. This chapter introduces AirLand Battle doctrine and explains its effect on battalion-level tactical doctrine.

The infantry battalion serves many roles on the airland battlefield. It engages most often in close battles and may conduct raids or stay-behind operations as part of deep operations. The battalion may participate in rear battle as part of a tactical combat force. Also, due to their rapid deployability by air, infantry units are ideally suited for executing strategic contingency plans and establishing lodgements. Limited visibility is the basis for infantry battalion operations. It is the environmental condition that the US military seeks to take advantage of its technology and training. Darkness, fog, heavy rain, and falling snow all limit visibility. A combination of technical ability (afforded by NVDs) and tactical prowess (afforded by training) allows the infantry battalion to operate routinely during these conditions. Limited visibility operations strike the defender when the range of his weapons and the mutual support between his positions are reduced.

PAGES: 412

PUBLICATION DATE: APRIL, 1992

THIS ITEM IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AND CD-ROM DELIVERY