text: Preface
  FM 3-90 describes combat-tested tactics and techniques for offensive, defensive, and enabling operations.
  For each type of operation FM 3-90 discusses the organization of forces; minimum essential control
  measures; and general planning, preparation, and execution considerations.
  To understand the doctrine contained in FM 3-90, readers must first understand the doctrinal topics described
  in ADP 3-90 since FM 3-90 expands and builds on the topics established in ADP 3-90. FM 3-90’s
  foundational chapters are chapters 1, 2, 3, and 8. Readers must comprehend the material within these chapters
  to gain a full understanding of the remaining chapters within FM 3-90. Readers must also be familiar with
  ADP 5-0 and FM 5-0 as it applies the intellectual framework that leaders use to plan, prepare, execute, and
  assess military operations.
  FM 3-90 is applicable to all members of the profession of arms. The principal audience are practitioners of
  military tactics, students of the various professional development courses, and doctrine writers at the U.S.
  Army’s Centers of Excellence. Trainers and educators throughout the Army will also use this publication.
  The considerations for offensive, defensive, and enabling operations in this publication apply to all echelons,
  even though numerous figures in this publication use divisions and brigade combat teams to illustrate points
  in the text. Echelon-specific field manuals and Army techniques publications address the specifics of how
  each tactical echelon uses these tactical concepts.
  Commanders, staffs, and subordinates ensure their decisions and actions comply with applicable United
  States, international, and in some cases, host-nation laws and regulations. Commanders at all levels ensure
  their Soldiers operate in accordance with the law of armed conflict and applicable rules of engagement. (See
  FM 6-27/MCTP 11-10C for more information on the law of war.)
  FM 3-90 uses joint terms where applicable. Selected joint and Army terms and definitions are in both the
  glossary and the text. Terms for which FM 3-90 is the proponent publication (the authority) are marked with
  an asterisk (*) in the glossary. When first defined in the text, terms for which FM 3-90 is the proponent
  publication are boldfaced and italicized, and definitions are boldfaced. When first defining other proponent
  definitions in the text, the term is italicized, and the number of the proponent publication follows the
  definition. Following uses of the term are not italicized. The introduction for FM 3-90 indicates heavily
  revised content within each chapter and appendix.
  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.
  The United States Army Combined Arms Center is the proponent for this publication. The preparing agency
  is the Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate, United States Army Combined Arms Center. Send written
  comments and recommendations on a DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank
  Forms) to Commander, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, ATZL-MCD (FM 3-90),
  300 McPherson Avenue, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027-2337; by e-mail to
  usarmy.leavenworth.mccoe.mbx.cadd-org-mailbox@army.mil; or submit an electronic DA Form 2028.