Battlefield Weather Effects

At a glance..

This manual provides some of the more common critical weather (and environmental) effects data and applies that information to specific operations, systems, and personnel. Inclement weather degrades battlefield operations, affects weapons and other systems, and plays a major role in the effectiveness of troops in the field.

The details..

FM 34-81-1 is a field manual published by the Department of the Army which provides important weather effects data related to military operations. This includes tactical decision aids such as lookup tables designed for use by Active Component (AC), Reserve Components (RC) and Army National Guard (ARNG) units in both training and combat scenarios.

The three step process involves using current or forecasted conditions to identify any potential extreme weather events; then referring to the lookup tables provided in this manual for identifying any impacted operations, systems or personnel; finally bringing these impacts/constraints up with commanders/staffs.

The appendixes are tailored towards specific types of units including air defense artillery, armor, artillery, aviation electro optical systems engineers light infantry intelligence & electronic warfare mechanized infantry nuclear biological & chemical operations personnel special forces threats comparison US vs Threats etc.

In addition there are conversion factors glossary references how to use tables type unit explanations presentations briefings etc. All these elements together provide an understanding on what impact inclement weather might have on army plans today.

Overall FM 34-81-1 serves as an invaluable resource providing detailed insight into battlefield environment interactions between different elements plus sources of support terrain analysis team usage intelligence preparation templates forecasts outlooks reports requirements etc.