Field Manuals (FMs) of the U.S. Army are official publications that provide guidance and instructions on various military topics, ranging from basic soldier skills to complex operational planning and execution.
These manuals are written by subject matter experts. They are designed to be used by soldiers and Army units at all levels. They are a critical component of Army training and doctrine and help to ensure that soldiers are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to accomplish their missions successfully. FMs are regularly updated to reflect changes in technology, tactics, and other factors that affect Army operations.
The U.S. Army has produced numerous Field Manuals (FMs) covering various military topics. Here are some of the most important ones:
- FM 3-0: Operations: This manual provides the overarching doctrine for how the Army conducts operations, from planning to execution.
- FM 3-22.9: Rifle Marksmanship: This manual covers the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship and is essential for all soldiers.
- FM 6-22: Army Leadership: This manual outlines the principles and practices of effective leadership in the Army.
- FM 7-22: Physical Readiness Training: This manual provides guidance on how soldiers can improve their physical fitness through exercise.
- FM 3-24: Counterinsurgency: This manual provides guidance on how to conduct counterinsurgency operations, including the use of military force and non-military means.
- FM 3-25.26: Map Reading and Land Navigation: This manual covers the basics of map reading and land navigation, which are essential skills for all soldiers.
- FM 3-39: Military Police Operations: This manual provides guidance on how military police can conduct their duties in a variety of situations, including law enforcement, security, and detention operations.
- FM 4-25.11: First Aid: This manual covers the basics of first aid and is essential for all soldiers.
- FM 3-13: Information Operations: This manual provides guidance on how to conduct information operations, including psychological operations, electronic warfare, and cyberspace operations.
- FM 7-0: Training the Force: This manual provides guidance on planning and conducting training for Army units at all levels.
- FM 3-07: Stability Operations: This manual provides guidance on conducting stability operations, which involve working with local authorities to establish or maintain regional security and stability.
- FM 3-24.2: Tactics in Counterinsurgency: This manual provides detailed guidance on conducting tactical operations in a counterinsurgency environment.
- FM 3-90.1: Offense and Defense: This manual provides guidance on planning and conducting offensive and defensive operations, which are essential skills for all soldiers.
- FM 3-04.120: Army Special Operations Forces Intelligence: This manual guides how Army Special Operations Forces can gather and analyze intelligence to support their missions.
- FM 5-0: The Operations Process: This manual guides how Army units can plan and execute operations using a standardized process.
- FM 3-11: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Operations: This manual provides guidance on conducting operations in environments where chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear hazards may be present.
- FM 3-07.31: Peace Operations: This manual provides guidance on how to conduct peace operations, which involve working with local authorities to promote peace and stability in a region.
- FM 3-0.5: Army Operations and the Joint Force: This manual guides how Army units can integrate with other military services in joint operations.
- FM 3-21.5: Drill and Ceremonies: This manual provides guidance on conducting drills and ceremonies, which are important for building discipline and teamwork among soldiers.
- FM 7-1: Battle-Focused Training: This manual provides guidance on how Army units can focus their training efforts on the specific tasks and missions they are likely to encounter in combat.
- FM 3-55: Information Collection: This manual provides guidance on collecting and analyzing information supporting military operations.
- FM 3-22.31: 40mm Grenade Launcher, M203: This manual provides guidance on the use and maintenance of the M203 grenade launcher, a standard weapon many Army units use.
- FM 3-52: Airspace Control: This manual provides guidance on how to control airspace in support of military operations, including air defense systems.
- FM 3-0.1: The Army in Unified Land Operations: This manual provides guidance on how Army units can integrate with other military services and organizations in unified land operations.
- FM 7-8: Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad: This manual provides guidance on how to organize, equip, and train infantry platoons and squads, which are the basic building blocks of Army ground combat units.
- FM 3-11.22: Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense Operations: This manual provides guidance on how to conduct operations in environments where chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear hazards may be present, and is designed for use by multiple military services.
- FM 3-24.3: Tactics in Counterinsurgency: This manual provides detailed guidance on how to conduct tactical operations in a counterinsurgency environment, including the use of intelligence, security, and force protection measures.
- FM 3-13.4: Inform and Influence Activities: This manual provides guidance on how to use information and influence activities, including public affairs, psychological operations, and civil affairs, to support military operations.