In METT-TC, how do terrain and weather influence timing, movement routes, and concealment?

• A. They affect speed, risk, visibility, cover, and the choice of routes; adverse weather can slow progress and alter engagement opportunities
• B. They determine the choice of routes and have no impact on concealment
• C. They do not impact timing or routes
• D. They affect supply routes exclusively

Answer: (D)

Terrain and weather in METT-TC shape how you move and when you move by influencing speed, risk, visibility, and cover. Rough terrain, steep slopes, wet ground, or urban settings can slow you down or force you to take longer, more protected routes. Poor weather—fog, rain, snow, or low clouds—reduces visibility, hampers movement, and can change when and where you can engage or observe the enemy. The terrain features and weather conditions also determine how well you can stay concealed: vegetation, terrain depressions, buildings, and other cover options give you concealment, while clear, open conditions can expose you to observation and fire. Because all of these factors interact, the best description is that terrain and weather affect speed, risk, visibility, cover, and route choice, with adverse weather slowing progress and altering engagement opportunities. The other choices are too narrow or incorrect because they ignore concealment, timing, or route impact, or misstate the scope as only about supply routes.