This manual, Marine Corps Warfighting Publication MCWP 3-01 Offensive and Defensive Tactics September 2019, comprehensively addresses the philosophy of tactics in general and offensive and defensive tactics specifically, across the range of military operations. It does not specifically discuss stability doctrine, tactics, or operations; although it does contain guidance for simultaneously recognizing, executing, and transitioning between offense, defense, and stability activities. Marine Corps Warfighting Publication MCWP 3-01 Offensive and Defensive Tactics September 2019 is the Marine Corps’ basic warfighting offensive and defensive tactics publication. MCWP 3-01 serves as a common starting point for leaders and units to address the specific tactical problems that face them. It is a compendium of best practices and common terms, not a dictate that must be rigidly adhered to. MCWP 3-01 provides the basics of offensive and defensive tactics from the squad level to the Marine division and points the reader to references for further study. This publication is intended for the Marines, leaders, commanders, and staffs from the squad level to the Marine division as a foundational document to assist in the preparation and execution of offensive and defensive tactics in any given operational environment.
