What does METT stand for in military planning?

The acronym METT stands for Mission, Enemy, Terrain and Weather, and Troops and Fire Support Available, which are critical elements in military planning. Each component plays a vital role in ensuring that the commander has a comprehensive understanding of the operational environment for effective decision-making.

Mission defines the purpose of the operation, including the objectives and the desired end state. Understanding the mission is essential as it guides the planning process and focuses the efforts of all units involved.

Enemy assessment involves analyzing the capabilities, strength, tactics, and intentions of the adversary. This information is crucial for anticipating the opponent's moves and preparing an effective response.

Terrain and Weather refer to the physical geography of the area of operations and the current weather conditions. This information helps commanders in understanding how these factors can influence the movement of troops, visibility, and overall operational success.

Lastly, Troops and Fire Support Available assesses the friendly forces that are at hand, including any supporting weapons or units that can be brought into action during the operation. This aspect is essential for determining the feasibility of the mission and planning resources effectively.

Given this understanding, the selection of the answer as "Mission" encapsulates only one part of the METT acronym, missing the critical elements of the enemy, terrain and