text: Preface
  This field manual establishes doctrine (fundamental principles) for tactical counterinsurgency (COIN)
  operations at the company, battalion, and brigade level. It is based on lessons learned from historic
  counterinsurgencies and current operations. This manual continues the efforts of FM 3-24, Counterinsurgency,
  in combining the historic approaches to COIN with the realities of today’s operational environment (OE)—an
  environment modified by a population explosion, urbanization, globalization, technology, the spread
  of religious fundamentalism, resource demand, climate change and natural disasters, and proliferation
  of weapons of mass destruction. This manual is generic in its geographic focus and should be used with other
  doctrinal sources.
  • Chapter 1, Operational Environment of Counterinsurgency, defines insurgent
  and counterinsurgent while using the operational variables and mission variables to describe the
  OE. Finally, it stresses developing a culture capability for Soldiers and leaders.
  • Chapter 2, Foundations of Insurgency, categorizes insurgent groups by their components—
  elements, dynamics, and strategies and their manifestations—tactics, strengths,
  and vulnerabilities.
  • Chapter 3, Foundations of Counterinsurgency, covers the seven lines of effort, tactical
  considerations, clear-hold-build operations, and counterinsurgency phases.
  • Chapter 4, Planning in Counterinsurgency, arguably the most important chapter, covers
  planning for tactical units during counterinsurgency operations. It also covers planning
  horizons and targeting.
  • Chapter 5, Offensive Operations in Counterinsurgency, addresses offensive techniques used by
  tactical units during counterinsurgency operations.
  • Chapter 6, Defensive Operations in Counterinsurgency, addresses defensive techniques used by
  tactical units during counterinsurgency operations.
  • Chapter 7, Stability Operations in Counterinsurgency, addresses stability techniques used by
  tactical units during counterinsurgency operations.
  • Chapter 8, Working with Host Nation Security Forces, covers the seven steps (MORTEAM)
  units use to train, advise, and partner with Host Nation security forces.
  The target audience is commanders, staff, and Soldiers of US Army units up to brigade level.
  This manual applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard (ARNG)/Army National Guard of the
  United States (ARNGUS), and the US Army Reserve (USAR) unless otherwise stated.
  The proponent for this publication is the US Army Training and Doctrine Command. The preparing agency is
  the US Army Infantry School. You may send comments and recommendations by any means, US mail, e-mail,
  or telephone, as long as you provide the same information required on DA Form 2028, Recommended Changes
  to Publications and Blank Forms.
  E-mail benn.catd.doctrine@conus.army.mil
  Phone ........................................COM 706-545-7114 or DSN 835-7114
  US Mail ....................................Commandant, USAIS
  8150 Marne Road, BLDG 9230
  Fort Benning, GA 31905-5593
  Unless this publication states otherwise, masculine nouns and pronouns may refer to either men or women.