Marine Corps Knowledge Practice

Which component of METT-TSL focuses on environmental factors that affect operations?

1. Troops

2. Terrain and Weather

3. Mission

4. Logistics

The correct answer is: Terrain and Weather

The correct answer is focused on "Terrain and Weather," which encompasses the environmental factors influencing military operations. This component of METT-TSL (Mission, Enemy, Terrain and Weather, Troops, Time, and Logistics) specifically emphasizes how geographical features, climate, and weather conditions can impact a mission's success and operational capabilities. Terrain includes aspects such as mountains, rivers, and vegetation, which can create obstacles or provide cover, while weather elements like visibility, precipitation, and temperature can significantly affect troop movements, equipment performance, and overall mission planning. Understanding these environmental factors is crucial for strategizing and making informed decisions during operations, as they can determine the feasibility of tactics and even the safety of personnel. The other components focus on different areas: the mission pertains to the objectives and tasks to be accomplished, troops center on the capabilities and readiness of the forces involved, and logistics concerns the supply chain and support needed for the mission. Each of these areas is vital, but they do not specifically address the environmental impacts that are encapsulated in the Terrain and Weather component.