METT-TC — tactical planning considerations

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.

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.