Book Description

This publication, Army Techniques Publication ATP 3-21.8 Infantry Platoon and Squad April 2016, provides the doctrinal framework for all Infantry platoons and squads. It provides techniques for employment of Infantry platoons and squads in conducting decisive actions. The principle audiences for ATP 3-21.8 are commanders, staffs, and leaders who are responsible for planning, preparing, executing, and assessing operations of the Infantry platoon and squad. It serves as an authoritative reference for personnel developing doctrine materiel and force structure, institutional and unit training, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Infantry platoon and squad operations. Army Techniques Publication (ATP) 3-21.8 encompasses techniques for the Infantry platoons and squads of the Infantry, Stryker, and Armored brigade combat teams (I, S, and ABCTs). It replaces Field Manual (FM) 3-21.8, published in March 2007, Army Tactics Techniques, and Procedures (ATTP) 3-21.71, published in November 2010, and ATTP 3-21.9, published in December 2010. ATP 3-21.8 provides doctrinal guidance; describes relationships within the platoon and squad; defines organizational roles and functions, capabilities, limitations; and lay outs the responsibilities for platoons and squads during unified land operations. The Infantry platoon and squad is an all-weather, all-terrain unit. Against this backdrop, the Infantry platoon and squad must be ready to adapt to various levels of conflict and peace in various environments. This requires bold, aggressive, resourceful, and adaptive leaders- leaders of character, competence and commitment - who are willing to accept known risks to accomplish the mission. Infantry leaders must use their initiative and make rapid decisions to take advantage of unexpected opportunities. This publication addresses the significant changes in Army doctrinal terminology, concepts, and constructs and proven tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs): Chapter 1 - Organization Chapter 2 - Offense Chapter 3 - Defense Chapter 4 - Stability Chapter 5 - Movement Chapter 6 - Patrols and Patrolling Chapter 7 - Sustainment Appendix A describes the process of troop leading procedures (TLPs). Appendix B describes direct fire planning and control. Appendix C describes indirect fire support planning. Appendix D addresses security. Appendix E describes vehicle employment considerations. Appendix F addresses machine gun employment. Appendix G describes and addresses shoulder-launched munitions (SLMs) and close combat missile systems (CCMS). Appendix H describes obstacle reduction and employment. Appendix I covers chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) operations. Appendix J describes 14 selected battle drills for both the Bradley and Stryker. ATP 3-21.8 applies to the active Army, the U.S. Army National Guard, Army National Guard of the U.S., and the U.S. Army Reserve unless otherwise stated. It is designed for platoon, squad and company level chains of command, company grade officers, senior and junior noncommissioned officers (NCOs), U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) institutions and components, and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.