Field Manual 100-5 (FM 100‑5) is a United States Army field manual that outlines the doctrine, principles, and procedures for conducting military operations. The manual is part of the Army’s series of field manuals (FMs) that provide authoritative guidance on various aspects of Army training, tactics, and organization.
Overview
- Title: Operations (commonly referenced as FM 100‑5)
- Issuing Authority: United States Department of the Army
- Purpose: To define the Army’s operational doctrine, including the philosophy of war, mission analysis, planning processes, and the conduct of offensive, defensive, and stability operations.
- Scope: The manual addresses the planning and execution of operations at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels, and includes guidance on command relationships, force employment, and integration of joint and multinational forces.
Publication History
| Date | Edition | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1940 | FM 100‑5 (first edition) | Established the first comprehensive doctrine of Army operations for World II. |
| 1956 | FM 100‑5 (revision) | Updated to incorporate lessons from the Korean War and post‑World II doctrinal developments. |
| 1970s–1980s | Multiple minor revisions | Adjusted for Cold War operational concepts and emerging technologies. |
| 1990 | FM 100‑5 (Operations) | Major revision that integrated concepts of maneuver warfare and introduced the “Operational Design” methodology. |
| 2003 | FM 100‑5 (Operations) | Further updates reflecting experiences from the Global War on Terrorism. |
| 2010 (approx.) | Superseded | The manual’s doctrinal content was largely incorporated into FM 3‑0, Operations, which consolidated operational doctrine across the Army. |
Content Structure
Typical sections of FM 100‑5 include:
- Fundamentals of Operations – Concepts of war, mission, and the operational environment.
- Operational Planning – The Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) and planning staff procedures.
- Force Employment – Guidelines for employing combined arms, joint, and multinational forces.
- Types of Operations – Detailed doctrine for offensive, defensive, stability, and support operations.
- Command and Control (C2) – Principles governing command relationships and communication.
- Logistics and Sustainment – Integration of logistical support into operational plans.
Significance
- Doctrine Standardization: FM 100‑5 served as the foundational document for the Army’s operational doctrine for several decades, ensuring consistent planning and execution across units.
- Training Tool: The manual was incorporated into professional military education curricula, such as the United States Army Command and General Staff College.
- Joint and Multinational Integration: Later revisions emphasized interoperability with other services and allied forces, reflecting the increasing joint nature of modern warfare.
Current Status
As of the latest publicly available information, FM 100‑5 has been largely superseded by Field Manual 3‑0 (Operations), which consolidates and updates the operational doctrine originally presented in FM 100‑5. Nonetheless, historical editions of FM 100‑5 remain referenced for doctrinal research and the study of the evolution of U.S. Army operational thought.
References
- United States Department of the Army, Field Manual 100‑5, Operations (various editions, 1940–2003).
- Department of the Army, Field Manual 3‑0, Operations (current edition, 2020).
- U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) publications and doctrinal histories.