text: Introduction
  The Army provides readily available, trained and equipped, and globally responsive forces to shape the
  operational environment,prevent conflict,and prevail in large-scale ground combat while consolidating gains
  as part of unified action. Army forces,which consist of trusted Army professionals of character,competence,
  and commitment, maintain proficiency in the fundamentals of unified land operations, the Army’s
  operational concept, and possess capabilities to meet specific geographic combatant command requests.
  Army forces provide combatant commanders with BCTs—a combined arms, close combat force that can
  operate as part of a division or a joint task force.BCTs,with unified action partners,conduct land operations
  to shape security environments, prevent conflict, prevail in ground combat, and consolidate gains. BCTs
  provide the Army with multiple options for responding to and resolving crises. The BCT,within the division
  or corps scheme of maneuver,defeats enemy forces,controls terrain,secures populations,and preserves joint
  force freedom of action.
  FM 3-96 defines the employment and ordered arrangement of forces within the BCT during the conduct of
  decisive action across the range of military operations. The tactics addressed in this manual include the
  ordered arrangement andmaneuver—movement in conjunction with fires(ADP 3-0)—of units in relation to
  each other, the terrain, and the enemy. Tactics vary with terrain and other circumstances; they change
  frequently as the enemy reacts and friendly forces explore new approaches. Applying tactics usually entails
  acting under time constraints with incomplete information. Tactics always require judgment in application;
  they are always descriptive,not prescriptive. FM 3-96 addresses the tactical application of tasks associated
  with the offense,the defense,and operations focused on stability. FM 3-96 does not discuss defense support
  of civil authorities.
  Employing tactics addressed in FM 3-96 may require using and integrating techniques and procedures.
  Echelon-specific Army techniques publicationsaddresstechniques,non-prescriptiveways or methods used
  to perform missions, functions, or tasks (CJCSM 5120.01B) and procedures, standard, detailed steps that
  prescribe how to perform specific tasks (CJCSM 5120.01B).
  This manual incorporates the significant changes in Army doctrinal terminology,concepts, constructs,and
  proven tactics developed during recent operations. It also incorporates doctrinal changes and terms based on
  ADP3-0,FM 3-0,and ADP 3-90.
  Note.This manual is written based on the current structure of the BCT and its subordinate units.
  Future changes to the organizational structures of the BCT will be published as change documents
  to the manual.
  The following is a brief introduction and summary of changes by chapter.
  Chapter 1 –Organization
  Chapter 1 provides the doctrinal foundation for the three types of BCTs:the Infantry brigade combat team,
  the Stryker brigade combat team,and the Armored brigade combat team. The chapter addresses the mission,
  capabilities,limitations,and internal organization of each type of BCT.
  Chapter 2 –The Brigade Combat Teamand the Operational Environment
  Chapter 2 discusses the BCT’s role in military operationsand its interactions with operational environments.
  The chapter addresses key doctrinal concepts on how the Army fights regardless of which element of decisive
  action (offense,defense,or stability) currently dominates the BCT’s area of operations.