Brigade Combat Team (FM 3-90.6)

Brigade Combat Team (BCT) is a modular organization that provides the division, land component commander (LCC), or joint task force (JTF) commander with close combat capabilities. BCTs are designed for operations encompassing the entire spectrum of conflict. They fight battles and engagements by employing the tactical advantages of a combined arms force structure. BCTs accomplish their missions by integrating the actions of maneuver battalions, field artillery, aviation, engineer, air and missile defense, close air support, and naval gunfire. The BCT’s reconnaissance squadron and automated information systems give it information superiority over threat forces. These assets enable the BCT to gather large amounts of information, process it rapidly into intelligence, and disseminate it to decision-makers quickly. Field manual 3-90.6, “Brigade Combat Team,” provides the commander and staff of the Brigade Combat Team (BCT) and subordinate units with doctrine relevant to Army and joint operations. It applies to the Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT), the Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), and the Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT). The doctrine described in this manual applies across the full spectrum of military operations – offense, defense, stability or civil support. This publication: Provides BCTs with a framework in which they can operate as part of a division or independently as part of a joint task force; Provides doctrine for BCT commanders, staffs, and their subordinate commanders and leaders responsible for conducting major activities performed during operations; Serves as an authoritative reference for personnel who Develop doctrine (fundamental principles and tactics, techniques, and procedures), materiel, and force structure, Develop institution and unit training, and Develop unit tactical standard operating procedures for BCT operations; Reflects and supports the Army operations doctrine found in FM 3-0, FM 5-0, and FM 6-0.