METT-TC — tactical planning considerations - UNITAF Force Manual (FM)
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METT-TC — tactical planning considerations



FM/G220 - METT-TC — tactical planning considerations
Guide
FM/BG-1022 - What is METT-TC?
Guide

METT-TC is a planning framework used to assess the tactical situation and inform decisions at all levels of command. It helps leaders build effective, informed plans and adapt during execution. It stands for:

  • Mission
  • Enemy
  • Terrain & Weather
  • Troops & Support
  • Time
  • Civilians

METT-TC is not a plan itself but the context for planning. It supports both creating and reacting to operations orders (OPORDs) using SMEAC. Leaders should also apply METT-TC from the enemy's perspective to anticipate actions and identify opportunities.

Guide
FM/BG-1023 - METT-TC breakdown
Guide

Mission

  • Clarify the task:
  • What must be done?
  • Why is it being done?
  • Who is involved?
  • Where and when is it happening?
  • This sets the foundation for your entire plan. 

Enemy

  • Understand the threat:
    • Composition: Infantry, mechanized, armor, air?
    • Capabilities: AT/AA, artillery, CAS?
    • Size: Squad? Platoon? Reinforced?
    • Location: Known or suspected?
    • Posture: Patrolling, defending, attacking?
  • These factors inform a threat assessment to shape friendly actions. 

Terrain & Weather (OCOKA)

Use OCOKA to assess terrain:

  • Observation & Fields of Fire: Visibility and weapon use
  • Cover & Concealment: Protection and stealth
  • Obstacles: Rivers, steep hills, barriers
  • Key Terrain: Areas offering tactical advantage
  • Avenues of Approach: Routes for friendly/enemy movement

Weather can also affect visibility, take in to account:

  • Time of day, moon phase
  • Fog, rain, cloud cover
  • Forecast changes (e.g., dawn/dusk, moonrise)

 Troops & Support

  • Account for all friendly assets:
  • ORBAT and available units
  • Attached elements (e.g., medics, JTACs)
  • Support assets (vehicles, CAS, artillery)
  • Know your capabilities and limits before committing to an approach.

Time

  • Time affects tempo and feasibility:
  • Mission deadlines or time-sensitive phases
  • Consider natural transitions (sunrise, sunset)
  • Adjust pace based on time constraints
  • Use time to pace movement, synchronize phases, or avoid detection. 

Civilians

  • Civilians can complicate operations:
  • May be neutral, hostile, or mixed
  • Can serve as lookouts or blend with insurgents
  • Requires clear Rules of Engagement (ROE)
  • Ensure ROE is unambiguous to avoid hesitation or collateral damage.
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