This book has been replaced by FM 3-90 Tactics, dated 2023, which is on this website.

FM 3-90-1    Offense and Defense, Vol 1    March 2013 with Change 2 dated 13 Apr 15

Field Manual (FM) 3-90 Volume 1 contributes to the Army and joint community by providing guidance on the conduct of the offense and defense. It describes both combat-tested tactics and procedures that have been modified to exploit emerging Army and joint offensive and defensive capabilities. FM 3-90-1 expounds on the doctrinal fundamentals established in Army Doctrine Reference Publication (ADRP) 3-90. ADRP 3-90 must be read before reading FM 3-90-1, since that is where doctrine for the conduct of offensive and defensive tasks and the art and science of tactics is found. FM 3-90-1 addresses the basic tactics associated with the conduct of offensive and defensive tasks.

The principal audience for FM 3-90-1 is all members of the profession of arms. Commanders and staffs of Army headquarters serving as a joint task force or multinational headquarters should also refer to applicable joint or multinational doctrine concerning the range of military operations and joint or multinational forces. Trainers and educators throughout the Army will also use this publication.

FM 3-90-1 focuses on the organization of forces, minimum essential control measures, and general planning, preparation, and execution considerations for each primary offensive and defensive task. It is the common reference for all students of the art and science of tactics, both in the field and the Army school system. The offensive and defensive considerations in this publication apply to small tactical units, such as companies and battalions.

FM 3-90-1 applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard (ARNG)/the Army National Guard of the United States(ARNGUS), and the United States Army Reserve (USAR) unless otherwise stated.

This book is a "mini" (7 1/4 inches high by 5 1/2 inches wide) size - A popular size to carry anywhere (briefcase, large pocket, purse) but the print is large enough for easy reading.

The covers are laminated for weather protection with black and white inside printing. The binding is coil binding, allowing easy flipping of pages and 180 page rotation, can lay flat on table opened wide.