TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT OF ANTIARMOR PLATOONS AND COMPANIES, FM 3-21.91, FM 7-91, MILITARY MANUAL

This manual is based on the premise that although the unit organization, weapons systems, and conditions have changed, antiarmor company and platoon maneuver, fire, and movement have not changed.

FM 3-21.91 (FM 7-91) provides doctrine for employing the antiarmor company and platoon. It contains guidance on tactics and techniques that antiarmor companies and platoons use in offensive, defensive, stability, and support operations.

1-1. ANTIARMOR DOCTRINE
Antiarmor systems operate on the battlefield with infantry, armor, and other elements of the combined-arms team as well as with the SBCT. Long-range antiarmor fires are important to destroying the integrity of the enemy's combined-arms team. US tactical doctrine prefers to use a base-of-fire force or a fixing force along with a maneuver force. A commander’s situational understanding (SU) will allow units to effectively find and fix the enemy force while maintaining sufficient combat power for decisive maneuver and sufficient depth to reduce the risk and exploit success. Mass and depth are the keys to employing antiarmor assets. When terrain and fields of fire allow, an antiarmor commander (or platoon leader) should control antiarmor subordinate units, planning and directing antiarmor fires in accordance with the higher commander's scheme of maneuver. During tactical operations, antiarmor units suppress, fix, or destroy enemy at long ranges, allowing infantry forces to maneuver. Commanders should task organize and employ antiarmor units based on an analysis of the factors of mission, enemy, terrain, troops and support available, time available, and civil considerations (METT-TC).