Army Techniques Publication ATP 3-21.51 Subterranean Operations November 2019

This manual, Army Techniques Publication ATP 3-21.51 Subterranean Operations November 2019, provides the commanders and staffs of brigade combat team formations with doctrine relevant to Army and joint operations. This publication explains how effective subterranean operations develop the situation and allow and provide commanders flexibility and adaptability. The doctrine described in this publication is applicable across unified land operations.

ATP 3-21.51 contains seven chapters and two appendixes:

Chapter 1 describes subterranean facility attributes, functions, design, and the associated hazards. This chapter also describes common subterranean terms, many taken from the mining community, which are used throughout the publication.

Chapter 2 discusses the threat forces and how they may use subterranean systems to accomplish their military objectives.

Chapter 3 discusses brigade combat team and battalion operations. This chapter discusses the steps that brigade and battalion commanders and their staffs may use when encountering a subterranean system. Specific subterranean considerations for planning through the military decision-making process are also discussed.

Chapter 4 discusses company and platoon operations, to include subterranean considerations during troop leading procedures. This chapter provides a framework to guide the company grade leader through their decision-making process when encountering subterranean systems.

Chapter 5 describes squad and individual Soldier techniques when operating in a subterranean system. These include task organization, movement within the facility, mapping and marking, and many more.

Chapter 6 is a resource for planners and leaders, which provides an understanding of potentially available resources, enablers, and capabilities. This information facilitates planning and coordination prior to conducting subterranean operations.

Chapter 7 discusses sustainment in the subterranean environment, specifically discussing the resource requirements to survive and operate successfully in the environment.

Appendix A provides additional detail regarding physical and psychological conditions Soldiers are likely to face in a subterranean environment.

Appendix B provides instructions and examples of how to build subterranean training facilities. This information includes supply lists, pictures, and a list of current Department of Defense facilities that provide some level of subterranean environments for training.

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