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1-02.1 | 46 | Chapter 1
hostile environment — (DOD) Operational environment in which host government forces, whether opposed to
or receptive to operations that a unit intends to conduct, do not have control of the territory and population in
the intended operational area. (JP 3-0)
hostile intent — (DOD) The threat of imminent use of force against the United States, United States forces, or
other designated persons or property. (JP 3-01)
host-nation support — (DOD) Civil and/or military assistance rendered by a nation to foreign forces within its
territory during peacetime, crises or emergencies, or war based on agreements mutually concluded between
nations. (JP 4-0) Also called HNS.
hub — (DOD) An organization that sorts and distributes inbound cargo from wholesale supply sources (airlifted,
sealifted, and ground transportable) and/or from within the theater. (JP 4-09) (Army) An organization that sorts
and distributes inbound cargo from multiple supply sources. (ATP 4-11)
hub and spoke distribution — (DOD) A physical distribution system, in which a major port serves as a central
point from which cargo is moved to and from several radiating points to increase transportation efficiencies
and in-transit visibility. (JP 4-09)
human dimension — Encompasses people and the interaction between individuals and groups, how they
understand information and events, make decisions, generate will, and act within an operational environment.
(FM 3-0)
human factors — (DOD) The physical, cultural, psychological, and behavioral attributes of an individual or
group that influence perceptions, understanding, and interactions. (JP 2-0)
human intelligence — (DOD) A category of intelligence derived from information collected and provided by
human sources. (JP 2-0) (Army) The collection by a trained human intelligence collector of foreign information
from people and multimedia to identify elements, intentions, composition, strength, dispositions, tactics,
equipment, and capabilities. (ADP 2-0) Also called HUMINT.
humanitarian and civic assistance — (DOD) Assistance to the local populace, specifically authorized by Title
10, United States Code, Section 401, and funded under separate authorities, provided by predominantly
United States forces in conjunction with military operations. (JP 3-29) Also called HCA.
humanitarian mine action — (DOD) Activities that strive to reduce the social, economic, and environmental
impact of land mines, unexploded ordnance, and small arms ammunition. (JP 3-15)
humanity — The law of armed conflict principle that forbids inflicting suffering, injury, or destruction unnecessary
to accomplish a legitimate military purpose. Also called unnecessary suffering or superfluous injury. (FM 6-27)
hybrid threat — The diverse and dynamic combination of regular forces, irregular forces, terrorist forces, or
criminal elements unified to achieve mutually benefitting effects. (ADP 3-0)
hypo-chlorination — The application of a hypo-chlorinator to feed calcium or sodium hypochlorite. (ATP 4-44)
—I—
identification — (DOD) 1. The process of determining the friendly or hostile character of an unknown detected
contact. 2. In arms control, the process of determining which nation is responsible for the detected violations of
any arms control measure. 3. In ground combat operations, discrimination between recognizable objects as
being friendly or enemy, or the name that belongs to the object as a member of a class. (JP 3-01) Also called
ID.
identity intelligence — (DOD) The intelligence resulting from the processing of identity attributes concerning
individuals, groups, networks, or populations of interest. (JP 2-0) Also called I2.
imagery intelligence — (DOD) The technical, geographic, and intelligence information derived through the
interpretation or analysis of imagery and collateral materials. (JP 2-0) Also called IMINT.
immediate decontamination — (DOD) Decontamination carried out by individuals immediately upon becoming
contaminated to save lives, minimize casualties, and limit the spread of contamination. (JP 3-11)
immediate recovery operations — Initial search and recovery operations performed by the unit recovery team
to search for and recover human remains and personal effects during the combat phase when the tactical
situation permits a recovery with the forces at hand without detailed planning or coordination. (ATP 4-46)
immediate response authority — (DOD) A Federal military commander’s, Department of Defense component
head’s, and/or responsible Department of Defense civilian official’s authority temporarily to employ resources
under their control, subject to any supplemental direction provided by higher headquarters, and provide those
resources to save lives, prevent human suffering, or mitigate great property damage in response to a request
for assistance from civil authority, under imminently serious conditions when time does not permit approval
from a higher authority within the United States. Immediate response authority does not permit actions that
would subject civilians to the use of military power that is regulatory, prescriptive, proscriptive, or compulsory.
(DODD 3025.18) |
1-02.1 | 47 | Military Terms
implied task — (Army) A task that must be performed to accomplish a specified task or mission but is not stated
in the higher headquarters’ order. (FM 5-0)
improvisation — The ability to adapt sustainment operations to unexpected situations or circumstances
affecting a mission. (ADP 4-0)
improvised explosive device — (DOD) A weapon that is fabricated or emplaced in an unconventional manner
incorporating destructive, lethal, noxious, pyrotechnic, or incendiary chemicals. (JP 3-42) Also called IED.
incapacitating agent — (DOD) A chemical agent, which produces temporary disabling conditions that can be
physical or mental and persist for hours or days after exposure to the agent has ceased. (JP 3-11)
incident — (DOD) An occurrence, caused by either human action or natural phenomena, that requires action to
prevent or minimize loss of life or damage to, loss of, or other risks to property, information, and/or natural
resources. (JP 3-28)
incident awareness and assessment — (DOD) The processing, analysis, and dissemination of information
collected or acquired through the authorized use of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and other
intelligence, intelligence-related, and/or non-intelligence capabilities, during defense support of civil authorities
and National Guard domestic operations. (JP 3-28) Also called IAA.
incident command system— (DOD) A standardized on-scene emergency management construct designed to
aid in the management of resources during incidents. (JP 3-28) Also called ICS.
incident management — (DOD) A national comprehensive approach to preventing, preparing for, responding
to, and recovering from terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies. (JP 3-28)
indications — (DOD) In intelligence usage, information in various degrees of evaluation, all of which bear on the
intention of a potential enemy to adopt or reject a course of action. (JP 2-0)
indicator — (DOD) 1. In intelligence usage, an item of information which reflects the intention or capability of an
adversary to adopt or reject a course of action. (JP 2-0) 2. In operations security usage, data derived from
friendly detectable actions and open-source information that an adversary can interpret and piece together to
reach conclusions or estimates of friendly intentions, capabilities, or activities. (JP 3-13.3) 3. In the context of
assessment, a specific piece of information that infers the condition, state, or existence of something, and
provides a reliable means to ascertain performance or effectiveness. (JP 5-0)
indigenous populations and institutions — (DOD) The societal framework of an operational environment
including citizens; legal and illegal immigrants; dislocated civilians; and governmental, tribal, ethnic, religious,
commercial, and private organizations and entities. (JP 3-57) Also called IPI.
individual protective equipment — (DOD) The personal clothing and equipment provided to all military,
government civilians, and contractors authorized to accompany the force required to protect an individual from
chemical, biological, and radiological hazards and some nuclear hazards. (JP 3-11) Also called IPE.
infiltration — (Army) A form of maneuver in which an attacking force conducts undetected movement through or
into an area occupied by enemy forces. (FM 3-90)
infiltration lane — A control measure that coordinates forward and lateral movement of infiltrating units and
fixes fire planning responsibilities. (FM 3-90)
influent — Water flowing into a reservoir, basin, or treatment operation. (ATP 4-44)
information — In the context of decision making, data that has been organized and processed in order to
provide context for further analysis. (ADP 6-0)
information collection — An activity that synchronizes and integrates the planning and employment of sensors
and assets as well as the processing, exploitation, and dissemination systems in direct support of current and
future operations. (FM 3-55)
information dimension — The content and data that individuals, groups, and information systems communicate
and exchange, as well as the as the analytics and technical processes used to exchange information within an
operational environment. (FM 3-0)
information environment — (DOD) The aggregate of individuals, organizations, and systems that collect,
process, disseminate, or act on information. (JP 3-04)
information for effect — Factual information used in publication or broadcast to negatively affect perceptions
and/or damage credibility and capability of the targeted group. (FM 3-53)
information fratricide — Adverse effects on the information environment resulting from a failure to effectively
synchronize the employment of multiple information related capabilities which may impede the conduct of
friendly operations or adversely affect friendly forces. (FM 3-13)
information management — (Army) The science of using procedures and information systems to collect,
process, store, display, disseminate, and protect data, information, and knowledge products. (ADP 6-0) See
also situational understanding. |
1-02.1 | 48 | Chapter 1
information requirements — (DOD) In intelligence usage, those items of information regarding the adversary
and other relevant aspects of the operational environment that need to be collected and processed in order to
meet the intelligence requirements of a commander. (JP 2-0) Also called IR.
informational considerations — Those aspects of the human, information, and physical dimensions that affect
how humans and automated systems derive meaning from, use, act upon, and are impacted by information.
(FM 3-0)
infrastructure reconnaissance — A multidisciplinary reconnaissance focused on gathering technical
information on the condition and capacity of existing public systems, municipal services, and facilities within an
assigned area of operations. (ATP 3-34.81)
initial reception point — (DOD) In personnel recovery, a secure area or facility under friendly control where
initial reception of recovered isolated personnel can safely take place. (JP 3-50)
inland petroleum distribution system — (DOD) A multi-product system consisting of both commercially
available and military standard petroleum equipment that can be assembled by military personnel and, when
assembled into an integrated petroleum distribution system, provides the military with the capability required to
support an operational force with bulk fuels. (JP 4-03) Also called IPDS.
inpatient — A person admitted to and treated within a Role 3 and 4 hospital and who cannot be returned to duty
within the same calendar day. (ATP 4-02.10)
institutional training domain — The Army’s institutional training and education system, which primarily
includes training base centers and schools that provide initial training and subsequent professional military
education for Soldiers, military leaders, and Army Civilians. (ADP 7-0)
instruments of national power — (DOD) All of the means available to the government in its pursuit of national
objectives. They are expressed as diplomatic, economic, informational and military. (JP 1 Volume 1)
insurgency — (DOD) The organized use of subversion and violence to seize, nullify, or challenge political
control of a region. Insurgency can also refer to the group itself. (JP 3-24)
integrated air and missile defense — (DOD) The integration of capabilities and overlapping operations to
defend the homeland and United States national interests, protect the joint force, and enable freedom of action
by negating an enemy’s ability to create adverse effects from their air and missile capabilities. (JP 3-01) Also
called IAMD.
integration — (DOD) 1. In force protection, the synchronized transfer of units into an operational commander's
force prior to mission execution. 2. The arrangement of military forces and their actions to create a force that
operates by engaging as a whole. 3. In photography, a process by which the average radar picture seen on
several scans of the time base may be obtained on a print, or the process by which several photographic
images are combined into a single image. (JP 1 Volume 1) (Army) Combining all of the sustainment elements
within operations assuring unity of command and effort. (ADP 4-0)
intelligence — (DOD) 1. The product resulting from the collection, processing, integration, evaluation, analysis,
and interpretation of available information concerning foreign nations, hostile or potentially hostile forces or
elements, or areas of actual or potential operations. 2. The activities that result in the product. 3. The
organizations engaged in such activities. (JP 2-0)
intelligence analysis — The process by which collected information is evaluated and integrated with existing
information to facilitate intelligence production. (ADP 2-0)
intelligence community — (DOD) All departments or agencies of a government that are concerned with
intelligence activity, either in an oversight, managerial, support, or participatory role. (JP 2-0) Also called IC.
intelligence discipline — (DOD) A well-defined area of intelligence planning, collection, processing,
exploitation, analysis, and reporting using a specific category of technical or human resources. (JP 2-0)
intelligence estimate — (DOD) The appraisal, expressed in writing or orally, of available intelligence relating to
a specific situation or condition with a view to determining the courses of action open to the enemy or
adversary and the order of probability of their adoption. (JP 2-0)
intelligence handover line — A control measure between two friendly units used to pass responsibility for the
conduct of information collection against a specific enemy force. (FM 2-0)
intelligence preparation of the operational environment — The systematic process of analyzing the mission
variables of enemy, terrain, weather, and civil considerations in an area of interest to determine their effect on
operations. (FM 2-0)
intelligence reach — The activity by which intelligence organizations proactively and rapidly access information
from, receive support from, and conduct direct collaboration and information sharing with other units and
agencies, both within and outside the area of operations, unconstrained by geographic proximity, echelon, or
command. (ADP 2-0) |
1-02.1 | 49 | Military Terms
intelligence requirement — (DOD) 1. Any subject, general or specific, upon which there is a need for the
collection of information, or the production of intelligence. 2. A requirement for intelligence to fill a gap in the
command’s knowledge or understanding of the operational environment or threat forces. (JP 2-0) Also called
IR.
intelligence synchronization — The art of integrating information collection; intelligence processing,
exploitation, and dissemination; and intelligence analysis with operations to effectively and efficiently fight for
intelligence in support of decision making. (ADP 2-0)
intelligence warfighting function — The related tasks and systems that facilitate understanding the enemy,
terrain, weather, civil considerations, and other significant aspects of the operational environment. (ADP 3-0)
See also warfighting function.
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance — (DOD) 1. An integrated operations and intelligence activity
that synchronizes and integrates the planning and operation of sensors, assets, and processing, exploitation,
and dissemination systems in direct support of current and future operations. 2. The organizations or assets
conducting such activities. (JP 2-0) Also called ISR.
interagency — (DOD) Of or pertaining to United States Government agencies and departments, including the
Department of Defense. (JP 3-08)
interagency coordination — (DOD) Within the context of Department of Defense involvement, the coordination
that occurs between elements of Department of Defense, and participating United States Government
departments and agencies for the purpose of achieving an objective. (JP 3-0)
interdict — A tactical mission task in which a unit prevents, disrupts, or delays the enemy’s use of an area or
route in any domain. (FM 3-90)
interdiction — (DOD) 1. An action to divert, disrupt, delay, or destroy the enemy’s military surface capability
before it can be used effectively against friendly forces, or to otherwise achieve objectives. (JP 3-03)
interdiction fires — Employed to disrupt, delay, or destroy enemy forces. (FM 3-09)
interior lines — Lines on which a force operates when its operations diverge from a central point. (ADP 3-0)
intermediate staging base — (DOD) A tailorable, temporary location used for staging forces, sustainment
and/or extraction into and out of an operational area. (JP 3-35) Also called ISB.
intermodal — (DOD) Type of international freight system that permits transshipping among sea, highway, rail,
and air modes of transportation through use of American National Standards Institute and International
Organization for Standardization containers, linehaul assets, and handling equipment. (JP 4-09)
intermodal operations — The process of using multiple modes (air, sea, highway, rail) and conveyances (truck,
barge, containers, pallets) to move troops, supplies and equipment through expeditionary entry points and the
network of specialized transportation nodes to sustain land forces. (ADP 4-0)
internal advisement — A required religious support capability that advises on religion, morals, and morale
within units, and ethical decision making of the command. (ATP 1-05.04)
internal audience — (DOD) In public affairs, United States military members and Department of Defense civilian
employees and their immediate families. (JP 3-61)
internal defense and development — (DOD) The full range of measures taken by a nation to promote its
growth and to protect itself from subversion, lawlessness, insurgency, terrorism, and other threats to its
security. (JP 3-22) Also called IDAD.
internally displaced person — (DOD) Any person who has been forced or obliged to flee or to leave their home
or places of habitual residence, in particular, as a result of or to avoid the effects of armed conflict, situations
of generalized violence, violations of human rights, or natural or human-made disasters and who has not
crossed an internationally recognized state border. (JP 3-29) Also called IDP.
international armed conflict — Any declared war between States, or to any other armed conflict between
States, even if the state of war is not recognized by one of them. (FM 6-27)
international military education and training — (DOD) Formal or informal instruction provided to foreign
military students, units, and forces on a nonreimbursable (grant) basis by offices or employees of the United
States, contract technicians, and contractors, and the instruction may include correspondence courses;
technical, educational, or informational publications; and media of all kinds. (JP 3-22) Also called IMET.
international organization — (NATO) An intergovernmental, regional or global organization governed by
international law and established by a group of states, with international juridical personality given by
international agreement, however characterized, creating enforceable rights and obligations for the purpose of
fulfilling a given function and pursuing common aims. (NATOTerm) |
1-02.1 | 50 | Chapter 1
interoperability — (DOD) 1. The ability to act together coherently, effectively, and efficiently to achieve tactical,
operational, and strategic objectives. (JP 3-0) 2. The condition achieved among communications-electronics
systems or items of communications-electronics equipment when information or services can be exchanged
directly and satisfactorily between them and/or their users. (JP 6-0)
interorganizational cooperation — (DOD) The interaction that occurs among elements of the Department of
Defense; participating United States Government departments and agencies; state, territorial, local, and tribal
agencies; foreign military forces and government agencies; international organizations; nongovernmental
organizations; and the private sector. (JP 3-08)
intertheater airlift — (DOD) The common-user airlift linking theaters to the continental United States and to
other theaters, as well as the airlift within the continental United States. (JP 3-36)
interzonal operations — Operations which cross area of operation boundaries of a specific transportation
organization and operate under the area control of more than one headquarters or command. (ATP 4-11)
in-transit visibility — (DOD) The ability to track the identity, status, and location of Department of Defense
units, and non-unit cargo (excluding bulk petroleum, oils, and lubricants), and passengers, patients, and
personal property from origin to consignee or destination. (JP 3-36) Also called ITV.
intratheater airlift — (DOD) Airlift conducted within a theater with assets assigned to a geographic combatant
commander or attached to a subordinate joint force commander. (JP 3-36)
intrazonal operations — Operations confined within a specific transportation organization’s area of operation.
(ATP 4-11)
inventory control — (DOD) That phase of military logistics that includes managing, cataloging, requirements
determinations, procurement, distribution, overhaul, and disposal of materiel. (JP 4-09)
ionizing radiation — (DOD) Particulate (alpha, beta, and neutron) and electromagnetic (X-ray and gamma)
radiation of sufficient energy to displace electrons from atoms, producing ions. (JP 3-11)
irregular warfare — (DOD) A struggle among state and non-state actors to influence populations and affect
legitimacy. (JP 1 Volume 1) Also called IW. (Army) The overt, clandestine, and covert employment of military
and non-military capabilities across multiple domains by state and non-state actors through methods other
than military domination of an adversary, either as the primary approach or in concert with conventional
warfare. (FM 3-0)
isolate — 1. A tactical mission task in which a unit seals off an enemy, physically and psychologically, from
sources of support and denies it freedom of movement. (FM 3-90) 2. To separate a force from its sources of
support in order to reduce its effectiveness and increase its vulnerability to defeat. (ADP 3-0)
isolated personnel — (DOD) United States military, Department of Defense civilians and contractor personnel
(and others designated by the President or Secretary of Defense) who are separated from their unit (as an
individual or a group) while participating in a United States sponsored military activity or mission and are, or
may be, in a situation where they must survive, evade, resist, or escape. (JP 3-50)
isolated personnel report — (DOD) A Department of Defense form containing information designed to facilitate
the identification and authentication of an isolated person by a recovery force. (JP 3-50) Also called ISOPREP.
—J—
joint — (DOD) Connotes activities, operations, organizations, etc., in which elements of two or more Military
Departments participate. (JP 1 Volume 1)
joint air component coordination element — (DOD) A general term for the liaison element that serves as the
direct representative of the joint force air component commander for joint air operations. (JP 3-30) Also called
JACCE.
joint air-ground integration center — (DOD) A staff organization designed to enhance joint collaborative
efforts to deconflict joint air-ground assets in the division’s airspace. (JP 3-09.3) Also called JAGIC.
joint air operations center — (DOD) A jointly staffed facility established for planning, directing, and executing
joint air operations in support of the joint force commander’s operation or campaign objectives. (JP 3-30) Also
called JAOC.
joint combined exchange training — (DOD) A program conducted overseas to fulfill United States forces
training requirements and at the same time exchange the sharing of skills between United States forces and
host nation counterparts. (JP 3-05) Also called JCET.
joint contracting support board — (DOD) A board established to coordinate and deconflict common
contracting actions in the designated operational area. (JP 4-10) Also called JCSB.
joint deployment and distribution enterprise — (DOD) The complex of equipment, procedures, doctrine,
leaders, technical connectivity, information, shared knowledge, organizations, facilities, training, and materiel
necessary to conduct joint distribution operations. (JP 4-0) Also called JDDE. |
1-02.1 | 51 | Military Terms
joint deployment and distribution operations center — (DOD) A combatant command movement control
organization designed to synchronize and optimize national and theater multimodal resources for deployment,
distribution, and sustainment. (JP 4-09) Also called JDDOC.
joint doctrine — (DOD) Fundamental principles that guide the employment of United States military forces in
coordinated action toward a common objective and may include terms, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
(CJCSI 5120.02E)
joint electromagnetic spectrum operations — (DOD) Military actions undertaken by a joint force to exploit,
attack, protect, and manage the electromagnetic environment. (JP 3-85) Also called JEMSO.
joint field office — (DOD) A temporary multiagency coordination center established at the incident site to
provide a central location for coordination of federal, state, local, tribal, nongovernmental, and private-sector
organizations with primary responsibility for incident oversight, direction, or assistance to effectively coordinate
protection, prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery actions. (JP 3-28) Also called JFO.
joint fires — (DOD) Fires delivered during the employment of forces from two or more components in
coordinated action to produce desired effects in support of a common objective. (JP 3-0)
joint fires element — (DOD) An optional staff element that provides recommendations to the operations
directorate to accomplish fires planning and synchronization. (JP 3-60) Also called JFE.
joint fires observer — (DOD) A certified and qualified Service member who requests, controls, and adjusts
surface-to-surface fires; provides targeting information in support of close air support; and performs terminal
guidance operations. (JP 3-09.3) Also called JFO.
joint fire support — (DOD) fires that assist air, land, maritime, and special operations forces to move,
maneuver, and control territory, populations, airspace, and key waters. (JP 3-0)
joint force — (DOD) A force composed of elements, assigned or attached, of two or more Military Departments
operating under a single joint force commander. (JP 3-0) See also joint force commander.
joint force air component commander — (DOD) The commander within a unified command, subordinate
unified command, or joint task force responsible to the establishing commander for recommending the proper
employment of assigned, attached, and/or made available for tasking air forces; planning and coordinating air
operations; or accomplishing such operational missions as may be assigned. (JP 3-0) Also called JFACC.
joint force commander — (DOD) A general term applied to a combatant commander, subunified commander,
or joint task force commander authorized to exercise combatant command (command authority) or operational
control over a joint force. Also called JFC. (JP 1 Volume 1) See also joint force.
joint force land component commander — (DOD) The commander within a unified command, subordinate
unified command, or joint task force responsible to the establishing commander for recommending the proper
employment of assigned, attached, and/or made available for tasking land forces; planning and coordinating
land operations; or accomplishing such operational missions as may be assigned. (JP 3-0) Also called JFLCC.
joint force maritime component commander — (DOD) The commander within a unified command,
subordinate unified command, or joint task force responsible to the establishing commander for
recommending the proper employment of assigned, attached, and/or made available for tasking maritime
forces and assets; planning and coordinating maritime operations; or accomplishing such operational missions
as may be assigned. (JP 3-0) Also called JFMCC.
joint force special operations component commander — (DOD) The commander within a unified command,
subordinate unified command, or joint task force responsible to the establishing commander for
recommending the proper employment of assigned, attached, and/or made available for tasking special
operations forces and assets; planning and coordinating special operations; or accomplishing such operational
missions as may be assigned. (JP 3-0) Also called JFSOCC.
joint intelligence operations center — (DOD) An interdependent, operational intelligence organization at the
Department of Defense, combatant command, or joint task force (if established) level, that is integrated with
national intelligence centers, and capable of accessing all sources of intelligence impacting military operations
planning, execution, and assessment. (JP 2-0) Also called JIOC.
joint intelligence preparation of the operational environment — (DOD) The analytical process used by joint
intelligence organizations to produce intelligence estimates and other intelligence products in support of the
joint force commander’s decision-making process. (JP 2-0) Also called JIPOE.
joint integrated prioritized target list — (DOD) A prioritized list of targets approved and maintained by the joint
force commander. (JP 3-60) Also called JIPTL.
joint interagency coordination group — (DOD) A staff group that establishes regular, timely, and collaborative
working relationships between civilian and military operational planners. (JP 3-08) Also called JIACG.
joint operations — (DOD) Military actions conducted by joint forces and those Service forces employed in
specified command relationships with each other, which of themselves, do not establish joint forces. (JP 3-0) |
1-02.1 | 52 | Chapter 1
joint operations area — (DOD) The airspace, land area, and maritime area defined by a combatant commander
or subordinate unified commander, in which a joint force commander directs military operations to accomplish
a specific mission. (JP 3-0) Also called JOA.
joint personnel recovery center — (DOD) The primary joint force organization responsible for planning and
coordinating personnel recovery for military operations within the assigned operational area. (JP 3-50) Also
called JPRC.
Joint Public Affairs Support Element — (DOD) A deployable unit assigned to assist a joint force commander
in developing and training public affairs forces in joint, interagency, and multinational environments. (JP 3-61)
Also called JPASE.
joint requirements review board — (DOD) The subordinate joint force commander’s established board to
review, validate, approve, and prioritize selected Service and special operations forces component contract
support requests. (JP 4-10) Also called JRRB.
joint restricted frequency list — (DOD) A time and geographically oriented listing of TABOO, PROTECTED,
and GUARDED functions, nets, and frequencies and limited to the minimum number of frequencies necessary
for friendly forces to accomplish objectives. (JP 3-85) Also called JRFL.
joint security area — (DOD) A specific area to facilitate protection of joint bases and their connecting lines of
communications that support joint operations. (JP 3-10) Also called JSA.
joint special operations air component commander — (DOD) The commander within a joint force special
operations command responsible for planning and executing joint special operations air activities. (JP 3-05)
Also called JSOACC.
joint special operations area — (DOD) An area of land, sea, and airspace assigned by a joint force
commander to the commander of a joint special operations force to conduct special operations activities. (JP
3-0) Also called JSOA.
joint special operations task force — (DOD) A joint task force composed of special operations units from more
than one Service, formed to carry out a specific special operation or prosecute special operations in support of
a theater campaign or other operations. (JP 3-05) Also called JSOTF.
joint targeting coordination board — (DOD) A group formed by the joint force commander to accomplish
broad targeting oversight functions that may include, but are not limited to, coordinating targeting information;
providing targeting guidance, synchronization, and priorities; and approving the joint integrated prioritized
target list. (JP 3-60) Also called JTCB.
joint target list — (DOD) A consolidated list of validated targets of military significance without restrictions within
a joint force commander’s operational area. (JP 3-60) Also called JTL.
joint task force — (DOD) A joint force that is constituted and so designated by the Secretary of Defense, a
combatant commander, a subunified commander, or an existing joint task force commander. (JP 1 Volume 1)
Also called JTF.
joint terminal attack controller — (DOD) A qualified (certified) Service member who, from a forward position,
directs the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations. (JP 3-
09.3) Also called JTAC.
jumpmaster — (DOD) The assigned airborne-qualified individual who controls paratroops from the time they
enter the aircraft until they exit. (JP 3-36)
jus ad bellum — That part of international law that regulates the circumstances in which States may resort to
the use of force in international relations. (FM 6-27)
jus in bello — That part of international law relating to the conduct of hostilities and the protection of war victims,
from combatants who are wounded and out of combat, to prisoners of war and civilians. (FM 6-27)
—K—
key communicator — An individual to whom the target audience turns most often for an analysis or
interpretation of information and events. (FM 3-53)
key leader engagement — Planned meeting(s) with an influential leader with the intent of building a relationship
that facilitates communication and cooperation across a wider population. (FM 3-53)
key tasks — Those significant activities the force must perform as a whole to achieve the desired end state.
(ADP 6-0)
key terrain — (DOD) Any locality, or area, the seizure or retention of which affords a marked advantage to either
combatant. (JP 2-0) (Army) An identifiable characteristic whose seizure or retention affords a marked
advantage to either combatant. (ADP 3-90)
kill box — (DOD) A three-dimensional permissive fire support coordination measure with an associated airspace
coordinating measure used to facilitate the integration of fires. (JP 3-09) |
1-02.1 | 53 | Military Terms
kill box coordinator — The aircraft assigned responsibility to de-conflict aircraft and manage/direct effective
target engagement in a kill box. (ATP 3-09.34) Also called KBC.
kill zone — The location where fires are concentrated in an ambush. (FM 3-90)
knowledge — In the context of decision making, information that has been analyzed and evaluated for
operational implications. (ADP 6-0)
knowledge management — The process of enabling knowledge flow to enhance shared understanding,
learning, and decision making. (ADP 6-0)
—L—
land domain — (DOD) The area of the Earth’s surface ending at the high water mark and overlapping with the
maritime domain in the landward segment of the littorals. (JP 3-31)
land mine — A munition on or near the ground or other surface area that is designed to be exploded by the
presence, proximity, or contact of a person or vehicle. (ATP 3-90.8)
landing area — (DOD) 1. That part of the operational area within which are conducted the landing operations of
an amphibious force. 2. In airborne operations, the general area used for landing troops and materiel either by
airdrop or air landing. 3. Any specially prepared or selected surface of land, water, or deck designated or used
for takeoff and landing of aircraft. (JP 3-02)
landing site (DOD) 1. A site within a landing zone containing one or more landing points. See also airfield. 2. In
amphibious operations, a continuous segment of coastline over which troops, equipment, and supplies can be
landed by surface means. (JP 3-02)
landing zone — (DOD) Any specific zone used for the landing of aircraft. (JP 3-36) Also called LZ.
landpower — The ability—by threat, force, or occupation—to gain, sustain, and exploit control over land,
resources, and people. (ADP 3-0)
lane — A route through, over, or around an enemy or friendly obstacle that provides passage of a force. (ATP 3-
90.4)
lane training exercise — A standardized and structured exercise or simulation used to train on one or more
collective tasks that includes a designated area, terrain, or facility. (FM 7-0) Also called LTX.
large-scale combat operations — Extensive joint combat operations in terms of scope and size of forces
committed, conducted as a campaign aimed at achieving operational and strategic objectives. (ADP 3-0)
large-scale ground combat operations — Sustained combat operations involving multiple corps and divisions.
(ADP 3-0)
lateral boundary — A boundary defining the left or right limit of a unit’s assigned area. (FM 3-90)
latest arrival date — (DOD) A day, relative to C-Day, that is specified by the supported combatant commander
as the latest date when a unit, resupply shipment, or replacement personnel can arrive at the port of
debarkation and support the concept of operations. (JP 5-0) Also called LAD.
latest time information is of value — The time by which an intelligence organization or staff must deliver
information to the requestor in order to provide the requester with sufficient time to take action. (ATP 2-01)
Also called LTIOV.
launch on remote — (DOD) Use of nonorganic sensor data or ballistic missile defense system track to launch a
weapon, with additional data provided by a different sensor(s) to complete the engagement. (JP 3-01) Also
called LOR.
law enforcement interrogation — The systematic effort by law enforcement investigators to prove, disprove, or
corroborate information relevant to a criminal investigation using direct questioning in a controlled
environment. (ATP 3-39.10)
law of war — (DOD) That part of international law that regulates the conduct of armed hostilities. (JP 3-84) Also
called the law of armed conflict.
lead agency — (DOD) The United States Government agency designated to coordinate the interagency
oversight of the day-to-day conduct of an ongoing operation. (JP 3-08)
lead Service or agency for common-user logistics — (DOD) A Service component or Department of Defense
agency that is responsible for execution of common-user item and service support in a specific combatant
command or multinational operation as defined in the combatant or subordinate joint force commander's
operation plan, operation order, and/or directives. (JP 4-0)
leadership — The activity of influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to accomplish
the mission and improve the organization. (ADP 6-22)
lethality — The capability and capacity to destroy. (FM 3-0) |
1-02.1 | 54 | Chapter 1
letter of authorization — (DOD) A document issued by the procuring contracting officer or designee that
authorizes contractor personnel authorized to accompany the force to travel to, from, and within an operational
area and outlines authorized government support authorizations within the operational area, as agreed to
under the terms and conditions of the contract. (JP 4-10) Also called LOA.
levée en masse — Inhabitants of a non-occupied territory who, upon approach of the enemy, spontaneously
take up arms to resist the invading forces, with no time to form into regular armed units, provided that they
carry their arms openly and respect the laws and customs of war. (FM 6-27)
level I threat — A small enemy force that can be defeated by those units normally operating in the echelon
support area or by the perimeter defenses established by friendly bases and base clusters. (ATP 3-91)
level II threat — An enemy force or activities that can be defeated by a base or base cluster’s defensive
capabilities when augmented by a response force. (ATP 3-91)
level III threat — An enemy force or activities beyond the defensive capability of both the base and base cluster
and any local reserve or response force. (ATP 3-91)
level of detail — (DOD) Within the current joint planning and execution system, movement characteristics for
both personnel and cargo are described at six distinct levels of detail. Levels I, V, and VI describe personnel
and Levels I through IV and VI for cargo. Levels I through IV are coded and visible in the Joint Operation
Planning and Execution System automated data processing. Levels V and VI are used by Joint Operation
Planning and Execution System automated data processing feeder systems. a. level I - personnel: expressed
as total number of passengers by unit line number. Cargo: expressed in total short tons, total measurement
tons, total square feet, and total thousands of barrels by unit line number. Petroleum, oils, and lubricants is
expressed by thousands of barrels by unit line number. b. level II - cargo: expressed by short tons and
measurement tons of bulk, oversize, outsize, and non-air transportable cargo by unit line number. Also square
feet for vehicles and non self-deployable aircraft and boats by unit line number. c. level III - cargo: detail by
cargo category code expressed as short tons and measurement tons as well as square feet associated to that
cargo category code for an individual unit line number. d. level IV - cargo: detail for individual dimensional data
expressed in length, width, and height in number of inches, and weight/volume in short tons/measurement
tons, along with a cargo description. Each cargo item is associated with a cargo category code and a unit line
number. e. level V - personnel: any general summarization/aggregation of level VI detail in distribution and
deployment. f. level VI - personnel: detail expressed by name, Service, military occupational specialty and
unique identification number. Cargo: detail expressed by association to a transportation control number or
single tracking number or item of equipment to include federal stock number/national stock number and/or
requisition number. Nested cargo, cargo that is contained within another equipment item, may similarly be
identified. (DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms) Also called JOPES level of detail.
levels of warfare — A framework for defining and clarifying the relationship among national objectives, the
operational approach, and tactical tasks. (ADP 1-01)
L-hour — (DOD) 1. The specific hour on C-day at which a deployment operation commences or is to
commence. (JP 5-0)
liaison — That contact or intercommunication maintained between elements of military forces or other agencies
to ensure mutual understanding and unity of purpose and action. (FM 6-0)
life cycle — (DOD) The total phases through which an item passes from the time it is initially developed until the
time it is either consumed in use or disposed of as being excess to all known materiel requirements. (JP 4-02)
light line — A designated line forward of which vehicles are required to use blackout lights during periods of
limited visibility. (FM 3-90)
limit of advance — A phase line used to control forward progress of the attack. (ADP 3-90) Also called LOA.
limited depositary account — A checking account in a United States or foreign commercial bank that is
designated by the Treasury Department to receive deposits from Disbursing Officers for credit to their official
limited depositary checking accounts. (FM 1-06)
line formation — A movement formation in which elements move abreast of each other. (FM 3-90)
line haul — An operation in which vehicles cannot make more than one round trip per day due to distance,
terrain restrictions, or transit time. (ATP 4-11)
line of communications bridging — Bridges used to establish semipermanent or permanent support to existing
road networks. (ATP 3-90.4)
line of contact — A general trace delineating the location where friendly and enemy forces are engaged. (FM 3-
90)
line of demarcation — (DOD) A line defining the boundary of a buffer zone used to establish the forward limits
of disputing or belligerent forces after each phase of disengagement or withdrawal has been completed. (JP 3-
07.3) |
1-02.1 | 55 | Military Terms
line of departure — 1. In land warfare, a line designated to coordinate the departure of attack elements. (JP 3-
31)Also called LD.
line of effort — (DOD) In the context of planning, using the purpose (cause and effect) to focus efforts toward
establishing operational and strategic conditions by linking multiple tasks and missions. (JP 5-0) Also called
LOE. (Army) A line that links multiple tasks using the logic of purpose rather than geographical reference to
focus efforts toward establishing a desired end state. (ADP 3-0)
line of fire — 1. As it relates to the principle of the reciprocal laying of field artillery weapons, any line parallel to
the azimuth of fire. 2. The direction of the line established by the tube or any line parallel to that line in the
firing battery. (ATP 3-09.50)
line of operation(s) — (DOD) A line that defines the interior or exterior orientation of the force in relation to the
enemy or that connects actions on nodes and/or decisive points related in time and space to an objective(s).
(JP 5-0) Also called LOO. (Army) A line that defines the directional orientation of a force in time and space in
relation to the enemy and links the force with its base of operations and objectives. (ADP 3-0)
line of sight — (Army) The unobstructed path from a Soldier’s weapon, weapon sight, electronic sending and
receiving antennas, or piece of reconnaissance equipment from one point to another. (ATP 2-01.3)
lines of patient drift — Natural routes along which wounded Soldiers may be expected to go back for medical
care from a combat position. (ATP 4-02.2)
link — (DOD) 1. A behavioral, physical, or functional relationship between nodes. 2. In communications, a
general term used to indicate the existence of communications facilities between two points. 3. A maritime
route, other than a coastal or transit route, which links any two or more routes. (JP 3-0)
linkup — A type of enabling operation that involves the meeting of friendly ground forces, which occurs in a
variety of circumstances. (FM 3-90)
linkup point — A designated place where two forces are scheduled to meet. (FM 3-90)
local haul — An operation in which vehicles can make two or more round trips per day based on distance and
transit time. (ATP 4-11)
local security — The low-level security activities conducted near a unit to prevent surprise by the enemy. (ADP
3-90)
locate — (DOD) In personnel recovery, the task where actions are taken to precisely find and authenticate the
identity of isolated personnel. (JP 3-50)
lodgment — (DOD) A designated area in a hostile or potentially hostile operational area that, when seized and
held, makes the continuous landing of troops and materiel possible and provides maneuver space for
subsequent operations. (JP 3-18)
logistics — (DOD) Planning and executing the movement and support of forces. (JP 4-0) (Army) Planning and
executing the movement and support of forces. It includes those aspects of military operations that deal with:
design and development, acquisition, storage, movement, distribution, maintenance, evacuation and
disposition of materiel, acquisition or construction, maintenance, operation, and disposition of facilities, and
acquisition or furnishing of services. (ADP 4-0)
logistics over-the-shore operations — (DOD) The loading and unloading of ships without the benefit of deep
draft-capable, fixed port facilities; or as a means of moving forces closer to tactical assembly areas dependent
on threat force capabilities. (JP 4-01.6) Also called LOTS operations.
logistics package — A grouping of multiple classes of supply and supply vehicles under the control of a single
convoy commander. (FM 3-90) Also called LOGPAC. See also classes of supply.
low visibility operations — (DOD) Sensitive operations wherein the diplomatic-military restrictions inherent in
covert and clandestine operations are either not necessary or not feasible; actions are taken as required to
limit exposure of those involved and/or their activities and with the knowledge that the action and/or
sponsorship of the operation may preclude plausible denial by the initiating power. (JP 3-05)
—M—
main battle area — The area where the commander intends to deploy the bulk of the unit to defeat an attacking
enemy. (FM 3-90) Also called MBA.
main body — The principal part of a tactical command or formation. It does not include detached elements of
the command, such as advance guards, flank guards, and covering forces. (ADP 3-90)
main command post — A portion of a unit headquarters containing the majority of the staff designed to
command and control current operations, conduct detailed analysis, and plan future operations. (FM 6-0)
main effort — A designated subordinate unit whose mission at a given point in time is most critical to overall
mission success. (ADP 3-0) |
1-02.1 | 56 | Chapter 1
main supply route — The route or routes designated within an operational area upon which the bulk of traffic
flows in support of military operations. (FM 1-02.1) Also called MSR.
main track — Track that extends through yards and between stations. (ATP 4-14)
maintenance collection point — A temporary location established within the battalion echelon for the collection
of equipment needing or undergoing field maintenance. (ATP 4-33)
major operation — (DOD) 1. A series of tactical actions (battles, engagements, strikes) conducted by combat
forces, coordinated in time and place, to achieve strategic or operational objectives in an operational area. 2.
For noncombat operations, a reference to the relative size and scope of a military operation. (JP 3-0)
managed attribution — (Army/Marine Corps) The use of hardware, software, and techniques to obscure user
interest in information that is available through the internet. (ATP 2-22.9-1)
maneuver — (DOD) 4. Employment of forces in the operational area, through movement in combination with
fires and information, to achieve a position of advantage in respect to the enemy. (JP 3-0) (Army) Movement in
conjunction with fires. (ADP 3-0)
maneuver support operations — Integrate the complementary and reinforcing capabilities of mobility,
countermobility, protection, and sustainment tasks to enhance decisive action. (FM 3-81)
manned unmanned teaming — The integrated maneuver of Army Aviation rotary wing and unmanned aircraft
system to conduct movement to contact, attack, reconnaissance, and security tasks. (FM 3-04) Also called
MUM-T.
march column — All march serials using the same route for a single movement under control of a single
commander. (FM 3-90)
march serial — A subdivision of a march column organized under one commander. (FM 3-90)
march unit — A subdivision of a march serial. (FM 3-90)
Marine air command and control system — (DOD) A system that provides the aviation combat element
commander with the means to command, coordinate, and control all air operations within an assigned sector
and to coordinate air operations with other Services. (JP 3-09.3) Also called MACCS.
Marine special operations forces — (DOD) Those Active Component Marine Corps forces designated by the
Secretary of Defense that are specifically organized, trained, and equipped to conduct and support special
operations. (JP 3-05) Also called MARSOF.
Marine tactical air command center — (DOD) The principal United States Marine Corps air command and
control agency from which air operations and air defense warning functions are directed. (JP 3-09.3) Also
called Marine TACC.
maritime domain — (DOD) The oceans, seas, bays, estuaries, islands, coastal areas, and the airspace above
these, including the littorals. (JP 3-32)
marking obscuration — Obscuration effects that are employed to mark targets for destruction by lethal fires,
identify friendly positions and locations, and provide a form of prearranged area of operations
communications. (ATP 3-11.50)
marshalling — (DOD) 1. The process by which units participating in an amphibious or airborne operation group
together or assemble when feasible or move to temporary camps in the vicinity of embarkation points,
complete preparations for combat, or prepare for loading. (JP 3-36)
marshalling area — (DOD) A location in the vicinity of a reception terminal or pre-positioned equipment storage
site where arriving unit personnel, equipment, materiel, and accompanying supplies are reassembled,
returned to the control of the unit commander, and prepared for onward movement. (JP 3-35)
mass atrocity response operations — (DOD) Military activities conducted to prevent or halt mass atrocities.
(JP 3-07.3) Also called MARO.
mass casualty — (DOD) Any number of human casualties produced across a period of time that exceeds
available medical support capabilities. (JP 4-02) Also called MASCAL.
massed fire — (DOD) 1. The fire of the batteries of two or more ships directed against a single target. 2. Fire
from a number of weapons directed at a single point or small area. (JP 3-02)
materiel — (DOD) All items necessary to equip, operate, maintain, and support military activities without
distinction as to its application for administrative or combat purposes. (JP 4-0)
measure of effectiveness — (DOD) An indicator used to measure a current system state, with change indicated
by comparing multiple observations over time. (JP 5-0) Also called MOE.
measure of performance — (DOD) An indicator used to measure a friendly action that is tied to measuring task
accomplishment. (JP 5-0) Also called MOP. |
1-02.1 | 57 | Military Terms
measurement and signature intelligence — (DOD) Information produced by quantitative and qualitative
analysis of physical attributes of targets and events to detect, characterize, locate, and identify targets and
events; and derived from specialized, technically derived measurements and signatures of physical
phenomenon intrinsic to an object or event. (JP 2-0) Also called MASINT.
media operations center — (DOD) A facility established by the commander to serve as the focal point for the
interface between the military and the media during the conduct of military operations. (JP 3-61) Also called
MOC.
media pool — (DOD) A limited number of news media who represent a larger number of news media
organizations for purposes of news gathering and sharing of material during a specified activity. (JP 3-61)
media representatives — Individual representing civilian radio or television station, newspaper, magazine,
periodical, independent blog, or news agency, to gather and report on a newsworthy event. (FM 3-61)
media source analysis — The systematic comparison of the content, behavior, patterns, and trends of organic
media organizations and sources of a country. (ATP 2-22.9-1)
medical evacuation — The timely and effective movement of the wounded, injured, or ill to and between
medical treatment facilities on dedicated and properly marked medical platforms with en route care provided
by medical personnel. (ATP 4-02.2) Also called MEDEVAC.
medical intelligence — (DOD) That category of intelligence resulting from collection, evaluation, analysis, and
interpretation of foreign medical, bio-scientific, and environmental information that is of interest to strategic
planning and to military medical planning and operations for the conservation of the fighting strength of friendly
forces and the formation of assessments of foreign medical capabilities in both military and civilian sectors.
(JP 2-0)
medical regulating — (DOD) The actions and coordination necessary to arrange for the movement of patients
through the roles of care and to match patients with a medical treatment facility that has the necessary health
service support capabilities and available bed space. (JP 4-02)
medical surveillance — (DOD) The ongoing, systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data derived
from instances of medical care or medical evaluation, and the reporting of population-based information for
characterizing and countering threats to a population’s health, well-being, and performance. (JP 4-02)
medical treatment facility — (DOD) A facility established for the purpose of furnishing medical and/or dental
care to eligible individuals. (JP 4-02) (Army) Any facility established for the purpose of providing medical
treatment. This includes battalion aid stations, Role 2 facilities, dispensaries, clinics, and hospitals. (FM 4-02)
meeting engagement — A combat action that occurs when a moving force engages an enemy at an
unexpected time and place. (FM 3-90)
mensuration — (DOD) The process of measurement of a feature or location on the Earth to determine an
absolute latitude, longitude, and elevation. (JP 3-60)
mentorship — The voluntary developmental relationship that exists between a person of greater experience and
a person of lesser experience that is characterized by mutual trust and respect. (AR 600-100)
message — (DOD) 1. Any thought or idea expressed briefly in a plain or secret language and prepared in a form
suitable for transmission by any means of communication. (JP 6-0) 2. A narrowly focused communication
directed at a specific audience to support a specific theme. (JP 3-61)
midcourse phase — (DOD) That portion of the flight of a ballistic missile between the boost phase and the
terminal phase. (JP 3-01)
military deception — (DOD) Actions executed to deliberately mislead adversary military, paramilitary, or violent
extremist organization decision makers, thereby causing the adversary to take specific actions (or inactions)
that will contribute to the accomplishment of the friendly mission. (JP 3-13.4) Also called MILDEC.
military decision-making process — An iterative planning methodology to understand the situation and
mission, develop a courses of action, and produce an operation plan or order. (ADP 5-0) Also called MDMP.
See also operation order, operation plan.
military engagement — (DOD) Contact and interaction between individuals or elements of the Armed Forces of
the United States and those of another nation’s armed forces, or foreign and domestic civilian authorities or
agencies, to build trust and confidence, share information, coordinate mutual activities, and maintain influence.
(JP 3-0)
military government operations — Operations executed by Civil Affairs to provide expertise in the civil sector
functions in order to establish transitional military authority or conduct support to civil administration. (FM 1-
02.1) Also Called: MGO. |
1-02.1 | 58 | Chapter 1
military information support operations — (DOD) Planned operations to convey selected information and
indicators to foreign audiences to influence their emotions, motives, objective reasoning, and ultimately the
behavior of foreign governments, organizations, groups, and individuals in a manner favorable to the
originator’s objectives. (JP 3-13.2) Also called MISO.
military necessity — The principle that justifies the use of all measures needed to defeat the enemy as quickly
and efficiently as possible that are not forbidden by the law of armed conflict. (FM 6-27)
military objective — Certain persons and objects during hostilities which, by their nature, location, purpose, or
use, makes an effective contribution to military action and whose total or partial destruction, capture, or
neutralization, in the circumstances ruling at the time, offers a definite military advantage. (FM 6-27)
military occupation — (DOD) A condition in which territory is under the effective control of a foreign armed
force. (JP 3-0)
military passport — A document issued by order of a commander of belligerent forces that authorizes a person
or persons named therein and residing or sojourning within territory occupied by such forces to travel
unmolested within the territory, with or without permission to pass, or to pass and return, by designated routes,
through the lines, subject to conditions or limitations imposed by the commander. (FM 6-27)
Military Sealift Command — (DOD) A major command of the United States Navy reporting to Commander
Fleet Forces Command, and the United States Transportation Command’s component command responsible
for designated common-user sealift transportation services to deploy, employ, sustain, and redeploy United
States forces on a global basis. (JP 3-36) Also called MSC.
mine — (DOD) 1. In land mine warfare, a munition placed under, on or near the ground or other surface area
and designed to be exploded by the presence, proximity or contact of a person or vehicle. 2. In naval mine
warfare, an explosive device laid in the water with the intention of damaging or sinking ships or of deterring
shipping from entering an area. (JP 3-15)
minefield — (DOD) 1. In land warfare, an area of ground containing mines emplaced with or without a pattern. 2.
In naval warfare, an area of water containing mines emplaced with or without a pattern. See also mine. (JP 3-
15)
minimum-risk route — (DOD) A temporary air corridor of defined dimensions used by aircraft that presents the
minimum known hazards to low-flying aircraft transiting the combat zone. (JP 3-52) Also called MRR.
misinformation — A subset of information that includes all incorrect information. (FM 3-61)
missile defense — (DOD) Defense measures designed to destroy attacking enemy missiles, or to nullify or
reduce the effectiveness of such attack. (JP 3-01) Also called MD.
missile engagement zone — (DOD) In air and missile defense, that airspace of defined dimensions within
which the responsibility for engagement of air and missile threats normally rests with surface-to-air missile
systems. (JP 3-01) Also called MEZ.
mission — (DOD) 1. The task, together with the purpose, that clearly indicates the action to be taken and the
reason therefore. (JP 3-0)
mission command — (DOD) The conduct of military operations through decentralized execution based upon
mission-type orders. (JP 3-31) (Army) The Army’s approach to command and control that empowers
subordinate decision making and decentralized execution appropriate to the situation. (ADP 6-0) See also
commander’s intent, mission orders.
mission configured load — An ammunition load configured to support specific mission requirements across
task forces or organizations. (ATP 4-35)
mission creep — Tangential efforts to assist in areas of concern unrelated to assigned duties that cripple
efficient mission accomplishment. (FM 3-16)
mission orders — Directives that emphasize to subordinates the results to be attained, not how they are
achieve them. (ADP 6-0) See also mission command.
mission statement — (DOD) A short sentence or paragraph that describes the organization’s essential task(s),
purpose, and action containing the elements of who, what, when, where, and why. (JP 5-0)
mission support site — A preselected area used as a temporary base or stopover point. The mission support
site is used to increase the operational range within the joint special operations area. (ATP 3-05.1)
mission variables — Categories of specific information needed to conduct operations. (ADP 1-01)
mission-essential task — A collective task on which an organization trains to be proficient in its designed
capabilities or assigned mission. (FM 7-0) Also called MET. See also mission-essential task list.
mission-essential task list — A tailored group of mission-essential tasks. (FM 7-0) Also called METL. See also
mission-essential task. |
1-02.1 | 59 | Military Terms
mission-oriented protective posture — (DOD) A flexible system of protection against chemical, biological,
radiological, and nuclear contamination in which personnel are required to wear only that protective clothing
and equipment appropriate to the threat level, work rate imposed by the mission, temperature, and humidity.
(JP 3-11) Also called MOPP.
mixing — Using two or more different capabilities to collect against the same information requirement. (FM 3-90)
mobile defense — A type of defensive operation that concentrates on the destruction or defeat of the enemy
through a decisive attack by a striking force. (ADP 3-90)
mobile security force — (DOD) A highly mobile and dedicated security force with the capability to defeat Level I
and II threats in a joint security area. (JP 3-10) Also called MSF.
mobility — (DOD) A quality or capability of military forces which permits them to move from place to place while
retaining the ability to fulfill their primary mission. (JP 3-36)
mobility tasks — Combined arms activities that mitigate the effects of obstacles to enable freedom of
movement and maneuver. (ATP 3-90.4)
mobilization — (DOD) 1. The process of assembling and organizing national resources to support national
objectives in time of war or other emergencies. 2. The process by which the Armed Forces of the United
States, or part of them, are brought to a state of readiness for war or other national emergency. (JP 4-05) Also
called MOB.
mode operations — The execution of movements using various conveyances (truck, lighterage, railcar, aircraft)
to transport cargo. (ADP 4-0)
modified combined obstacle overlay — (DOD) A joint intelligence preparation of the operational environment
product used to portray the militarily significant aspects of the operational environment, such as obstacles
restricting military movement, key geography, and military objectives. (JP 2-0) Also called MCOO.
monitoring — Continuous observation of those conditions relevant to the current operation. (ADP 5-0)
mortuary affairs — (DOD) Provides for the search, recovery, identification, preparation, and disposition of
human remains of persons for whom the Services are responsible by status and executive order. (JP 4-0) Also
called MA.
motor transportation operation — A ground support function that includes moving and transferring units,
personnel, equipment and supplies by motor vehicle to support operations. (ATP 4-11)
mounted movement — The movement of troops and equipment by combat and tactical vehicles. (FM 3-90)
movement — The positioning of combat power to establish the conditions for maneuver. (ADP 3-90)
movement and maneuver warfighting function — The related tasks and systems that move and employ
forces to achieve a position of relative advantage over the enemy and other threats. (ADP 3-0) See also
warfighting function.
movement control team — (DOD) An Army team used to decentralize the execution of movement
responsibilities on an area basis or at key transportation nodes. (JP 4-09) Also called MCT.
movement control — The dual process of committing allocated transportation assets and regulating
movements according to command priorities to synchronize distribution flow over lines of communications to
sustain land forces. (ADP 4-0)
movement corridor — A designated area established to protect and enable ground movement along a route.
(ADP 3-37)
movement credit — The allocation granted to one or more vehicles in order to move over a controlled route in a
fixed time according to movement instructions. (ATP 4-16)
movement formation — An ordered arrangement of forces for a specific purpose and describes the general
configuration of a unit on the ground. (ADP 3-90)
movement requirement — (DOD) A stated movement mode and time-phased need for the transport of units,
personnel, and/or materiel from a specified origin to a specified destination. (JP 4-09)
movement table — (DOD) A table giving detailed instructions or data for a move. (JP 4-09)
movement to contact — (Army) A type of offensive operation designed to establish or regain contact to develop
the situation. (FM 3-90)
multi-domain fires — Fires that converge effects from two or more domains against a target. (ADP 3-19)
multidomain operations — The combined arms employment of joint and Army capabilities to create and exploit
relative advantages to achieve objectives, defeat enemy forces, and consolidate gains on behalf of joint force
commanders. (FM 3-0)
multiechelon training — A training technique that allows for the simultaneous training of more than one echelon
on different or complementary tasks. (ADP 7-0) |
1-02.1 | 60 | Chapter 1
multimodal —The movement of cargo and personnel using two or more transportation methods (air, highway,
rail, sea) from point of origin to destination. (ATP 4-13)
multinational doctrine — (DOD) The agreed-upon fundamental principles that guide the employment of forces
of two or more nations in coordinated action toward a common objective. (JP 3-16)
multinational force — (DOD) A force composed of military elements of nations who have formed an alliance or
coalition for a specific purpose. (JP 1 Volume 2) Also called MNF. See also multinational operations.
multinational logistics — (DOD) Any coordinated logistic activity involving two or more nations supporting a
multinational force conducting military operations under the auspices of an alliance or coalition, including those
conducted under United Nations mandate. (JP 3-16) Also called MNL.
multinational operations — (DOD) A collective term to describe military actions conducted by forces of two or
more nations, usually undertaken within the structure of a coalition or alliance. (JP 3-16)
munition — (DOD) A complete device charged with explosives; propellants; pyrotechnics; initiating composition;
or chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear material for use in operations including demolitions. (JP 3-42)
munitions effectiveness assessment — (DOD) The assessment of the military force applied in terms of the
weapon system and munitions effectiveness to determine and recommend any required changes to the
methodology, tactics, weapon system, munitions, fusing, and/or weapon delivery parameters to increase force
effectiveness. (JP 2-0) Also called MEA.
music performance team — A team that offers the flexibility to support concurrent musical missions in multiple
geographic areas. (ATP 1-19) Also called MPT.
mutual support — (DOD) That support which units render each other against an enemy, because of their
assigned tasks, their position relative to each other and to the enemy, and their inherent capabilities. (JP 3-31)
—N—
named area of interest — (DOD) A geospatial area or systems node or link against which information that will
satisfy a specific information requirement can be collected, usually to capture indications of adversary courses
of action. (JP 2-0) Also called NAI.
national defense strategy — (DOD) A document approved by the Secretary of Defense for applying the Armed
Forces of the United States in coordination with Department of Defense agencies and other instruments of
national power to achieve national security strategy objectives. (JP 1 Volume 1) Also called NDS.
National Detainee Reporting Center — (DOD) The national-level center that accounts for all persons who pass
through the care, custody, and control of the Department of Defense and that obtains and stores information
concerning detainees and their confiscated personal property. (JP 3-31) Also called NDRC.
National Incident Management System — (DOD) A national crisis response system that provides a consistent,
nationwide approach for federal, state, local, and tribal governments; the private sector; and nongovernmental
organizations to work effectively and efficiently together to prepare for, respond to, and recover from domestic
incidents, regardless of cause, size, or complexity. (JP 3-41) Also called NIMS.
national military strategy — (DOD) A document approved by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for
distributing and applying military power to attain national security strategy and Defense Strategic Guidance
objectives. (JP 1 Volume 1) Also called NMS.
national security strategy — (DOD) A document approved by the President of the United States for
developing, applying, and coordinating the instruments of national power to achieve objectives that contribute
to national security. (JP 1 Volume 1) Also called NSS.
national special security event — (DOD) A designated event that, by virtue of its political, economic, social, or
religious significance, may be the target of terrorism or other criminal activity. (JP 3-28) Also called NSSE.
national strategic level of warfare — The level of warfare at which the U.S. government formulates policy
goals and ways to achieve them by synchronizing action across government and unified action partners and
employing the instruments of national power. (FM 3-0)
natural disaster — (DOD) A situation that poses significant danger to life and property that results from a
natural cause. (JP 3-29)
naval surface fire support — (DOD) Fire provided by Navy surface gun and missile systems in support of a unit
or units. (JP 3-09.3) Also called NSFS.
navigation warfare — (DOD) Deliberate defensive and offensive action to assure and prevent positioning,
navigation, and timing information through coordinated employment of space, cyberspace, and electronic
warfare operations. (JP 3-14) Also called NAVWAR.
Navy tactical air control center — (DOD) The principal air operations installation (ship-based) from which all
aircraft and air warning functions of tactical air operations are controlled. (JP 3-09.3) Also called Navy TACC. |
1-02.1 | 61 | Military Terms
negation — (DOD) In space operations, measures to deceive, disrupt, degrade, deny, or destroy space
systems. (JP 3-14)
nerve agent — (DOD) A potentially lethal chemical agent that interferes with the transmission of nerve impulses.
(JP 3-11)
nested concept — A planning technique to achieve unity of purpose whereby each succeeding echelon’s
concept of operations is aligned by purpose with the higher echelon’s concept of operations. (ADP 5-0) See
also concept of operations.
net control station — A communications station designated to control traffic and enforce circuit discipline within
a given net. (ATP 6-02.53) Also called NCS.
net division tonnage — The tonnage in short tons, or payload, which can be moved over a railway division
each day. (ATP 4-14) Also called NDT.
net trainload — The payload carried by a train. (ATP 4-14) Also called NTL.
network enterprise center — The facility that provides and acquires telecommunications and information
management services on Army installations. (ATP 6-02.71) Also called NEC.
network transport — A system of systems including the people, equipment, and facilities that provide end to
end communications connectivity for network components. (FM 6-02)
networked munitions — (DOD) Remotely controlled, interconnected, weapons systems designed to provide
rapidly emplaced ground-based countermobility and protection capability through scalable application of lethal
and nonlethal means. (JP 3-15)
neutral — (DOD) In combat and combat support operations, an identity applied to a track whose characteristics,
behavior, origin, or nationality indicate that it is neither supporting nor opposing friendly forces. (JP 3-0) (Army)
A party identified as neither supporting nor opposing friendly or enemy forces. (ADP 3-0)
neutralization — In the context of the computed effects of field artillery fires renders a target ineffective for a
short period of time, producing 10-percent casualties or materiel damage. (FM 3-09)
neutralization fire — Fire delivered to render the target ineffective or unusable. (FM 3-09)
neutralize — A tactical mission task in which a unit renders the enemy incapable of interfering with an operation.
(FM 3-90)
N-hour — The time a unit is notified to assemble its personnel and begin the deployment sequence. (FM 3-99)
N-hour sequence — Starts the reverse planning necessary after notification to have the first assault aircraft en
route to the objective area for commencement of the parachute assault according to the order for execution.
(FM 3-99)
night vision device — (DOD) Any electro-optical device used to detect visible and infrared energy and provide
a visible image. (JP 3-09.3) Also called NVD.
night vision goggle — (DOD) An electro-optical, image-intensifying device that detects visible and near-infrared
energy, intensifies the energy, and provides a visible image for night viewing. (JP 3-09.3) Also called NVG.
node — (DOD) 1. A location in a mobility system where a movement requirement is originated, processed for
onward movement, or terminated. (JP 3-36) 2. In communications and computer systems, the physical
location that provides terminating, switching, and gateway access services to support information exchange.
(JP 6-0) 3. An element of a system that represents a person, place, or physical thing. (JP 3-0)
no-fire area — (DOD) An area designated by the appropriate commander into which fires or their effects are
prohibited. (JP 3-09.3) Also called NFA.
noncombatant evacuation operations — (DOD) An operation whereby noncombatant evacuees are
evacuated from a threatened area abroad, which includes areas facing actual or potential danger from natural
or manmade disaster, civil unrest, imminent or actual terrorist activities, hostilities, and similar circumstances,
that is carried out with the assistance of the Department of Defense. (JP 3-68) Also called NEO.
noncombatant evacuees — (DOD) 1. United States citizens who may be ordered to evacuate by competent
authority, and who are civilian employees of all agencies of the United States Government and their
dependents, excepting dependents who are residents in the country concerned of their own volition; military
personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States specifically designated for evacuation as noncombatants;
and dependents of members of the Armed Forces of the United States. 2. United States citizens and non-
United States citizens who may be authorized or assisted to evacuate by competent authority, and who are
civilian employees of United States Government agencies and their dependents who are residents in the
country concerned of their own volition, but express the willingness to be evacuated; private United States
citizens and their dependents; military personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States and their
dependents; and designated personnel, including dependents of persons ordered to evacuate, as prescribed
by the Department of State. (JP 3-68) |
1-02.1 | 62 | Chapter 1
nonconventional assisted recovery — (DOD) Personnel recovery conducted by indigenous/surrogate
personnel that are trained, supported, and led by special operations forces, unconventional warfare ground
and maritime forces, or other government agencies' personnel that have been specifically trained and directed
to establish and operate indigenous or surrogate infrastructures. (JP 3-50) Also called NAR.
nongovernmental organization — (DOD) A private, self-governing, not-for-profit organization dedicated to
alleviating human suffering; and/or promoting education, health care, economic development, environmental
protection, human rights, and conflict resolution; and/or encouraging the establishment of democratic
institutions and civil society. (JP 3-08) Also called NGO.
non-international armed conflict — An armed conflict not between States, such as a conflict between a State
and a non-State armed group or a conflict between two non-State armed groups. (FM 6-27)
nonlethal weapon — (DOD) A weapon, device, or munition that is explicitly designed and primarily employed to
incapacitate personnel or materiel immediately, while minimizing fatalities, permanent injury to personnel, and
undesired damage to property in the target area or environment. (JP 3-28) Also called NLW.
nonpersistent agent — (DOD) A chemical agent that, when released, dissipates and/or loses its ability to cause
casualties after 10 to 15 minutes. (JP 3-11)
nonproliferation — (DOD) Actions to prevent the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction by dissuading or
impeding access to, or distribution of, sensitive technologies, material, and expertise. (JP 3-40)
nonstandard bridging — Bridging that is designed for a particular gap using commercial or locally available
materials. (ATP 3-90.4)
nontactical movement — A movement in which troops and vehicles are arranged to expedite their movement
and conserve time and energy when no enemy ground interference is anticipated. (FM 3-90)
nontransportable patient — A patient whose medical condition is such that he could not survive further
evacuation to the rear without surgical intervention to stabilize his medical condition. (ATP 4-02.2)
no-strike list — (DOD) A list of objects or entities characterized as protected from the effects of military
operations under international law and/or rules of engagement. (JP 3-60) Also called NSL.
nuclear survivability — The capability of a system or infrastructure to withstand exposure to nuclear
environments without suffering loss of ability to accomplish its designated mission throughout its life cycle.
(ATP 3-72)
—O—
objective — (DOD) 1. The clearly defined, decisive, and attainable goal toward which every operation is
directed. (JP 5-0) 2. The specific goal of the action taken which is essential to the commander’s plan. (JP 5-0)
See also target. (Army) A location used to orient operations, phase operations, facilitate changes of direction,
and provide for unity of effort. (ADP 3-90)
objective area — (DOD) A geographical area, defined by competent authority, within which is located an
objective to be captured or reached by the military forces. (JP 3-06) Also called OA.
objective rally point — An easily identifiable point where all elements of the infiltrating unit assemble and
prepare to attack the objective. (ADP 3-90)
obscurant — Material that decreases the level of energy available for the functions of seekers, trackers, and
vision enhancement devices. (ATP 3-11.50)
obscuration — The employment of materials into the environment that degrade optical and/or electro-optical
capabilities within select portions of the electromagnetic spectrum in order to deny acquisition by or deceive an
enemy or adversary. (ATP 3-11.50)
obscuration blanket — A dense horizontal concentration of smoke covering an area of ground with visibility
inside the concentration less than 50 meters. (ATP 3-11.50)
obscuration curtain — A vertical development of smoke that reduces the enemy’s ability to clearly identify what
is occurring on the other side of the cloud. (ATP 3-11.50)
obscuration haze — Obscuration placed over friendly areas to restrict adversary observations and fire, but not
dense enough to disrupt friendly operations within the screen. (ATP 3-11.50)
observable — (DOD) In military deception, the detectable result of the combination of an indicator within an
adversary’s conduit intended to cause action or inaction by the deception target. (JP 3-13.4)
observation — The condition of weather and terrain that permits a force to see the friendly, enemy, and neutral
personnel and systems, and key aspects of the environment. (FM 1-02.1)
observation post — A position from which observations are made, or fires directed and adjusted. (FM 3-90)
Also called OP. |
1-02.1 | 63 | Military Terms
observed fire — The point of projectile impact or burst that can be seen by an observer, and can be adjusted on
the basis of observation. (FM 3-09)
obstacle — (DOD) Any barrier designed or employed to disrupt, fix, turn, or block the movement and maneuver,
and to impose additional losses in personnel, time, and equipment. (JP 3-15)
obstacle belt — (DOD) A brigade-level command and control measure, normally depicted graphically, to show
where within an obstacle zone the ground tactical commander plans to limit friendly obstacle employment and
focus the defense. (JP 3-15)
obstacle control measures — Specific measures that grant obstacle-emplacing authority. (FM 3-90)
obstacle group — One or more individual obstacles that provide a specific obstacle effect. (FM 3-90)
obstacle line — A conceptual control measure used at battalion or brigade level to show placement intent
without specifying a particular type of linear obstacle. (FM 1-02.1)
obstacle restricted areas — (DOD) A command and control measure used to limit the type or number of
obstacles within an area. (JP 3-15) See also obstacle.
obstacle zone — (DOD) A division-level command and control measure to designate specific land areas where
lower echelons are allowed to employ tactical obstacles. (JP 3-15)
occupy — A tactical mission task in which a unit moves into an area to control it without enemy opposition. (FM
3-90)
offensive counterair — (DOD) Offensive operations to destroy or neutralize enemy aircraft, missiles, launch
platforms, and their supporting structures and systems both before and after launch, and as close to their
source as possible. (JP 3-01) Also called OCA.
offensive cyberspace operations — (DOD) Missions intended to project power in and through cyberspace. (JP
3-12) Also called OCO.
offensive fires — Surface to surface indirect fires intended to preempt enemy actions in support of the
maneuver commander’s concept of operations. (FM 3-09)
offensive operation — An operation to defeat or destroy enemy forces and gain control of terrain, resources,
and population centers. (ADP 3-0)
offensive space control — (DOD) Offensive operations conducted for space negation. (JP 3-14) Also called
OSC.
official information — Information that is owned by, produced for or by, or is subject to the control of the United
States government. (FM 3-61)
offshore petroleum distribution system — A bulk petroleum transfer system used by offshore tankers to
provide petroleum for storage in the beach support area, or for onward movement inland. (ATP 4-43) Also
called OPDS.
on-call target — (DOD) Planned target upon which fires or other actions are determined using deliberate
targeting and triggered, when detected or located, using dynamic targeting. (JP 3-60)
on-order mission — A mission to be executed at an unspecified time. (FM 5-0)
on-scene commander — (DOD) 1. An individual in the immediate vicinity of an isolating event who temporarily
assumes command of the incident. (JP 3-50) Also called OSC.
on-station time — (DOD) The time an aircraft can remain on station, which may be determined by endurance or
orders. (JP 3-50)
open source — Any person or group that provides information without the expectations of privacy — the
information, the relationship, or both is not protected against public disclosure. (ATP 2-22.9-1)
open-source information — (DOD) Information that any member of the public could lawfully obtain by request
or observation as well as other unclassified information that has limited public distribution or access. (JP 2-0)
open-source intelligence — (DOD) Relevant information derived from the systematic collection, processing,
and analysis of publicly available information in response to known or anticipated intelligence requirements.
(JP 2-0) Also called OSINT.
operation — (DOD) 1. A sequence of tactical actions with a common purpose or unifying theme. (JP 1 Volume
1)2. A military action or the carrying out of a strategic, operational, tactical, service, training, or administrative
military mission. (JP 3-0)
operation assessment — (DOD) 1. A continuous process that measures the overall effectiveness of employing
capabilities during military operations to achieve stated objectives.
2.Determination of the progress toward accomplishing a task, creating an effect, changing a condition, or
achieving an objective. (JP 5-0) |
1-02.1 | 64 | Chapter 1
operation order — (DOD) A directive issued by a commander to subordinate commanders for the purpose of
effecting the coordinated execution of an operation. (JP 5-0) Also called OPORD.
operation plan — (DOD) A complete and detailed plan containing a full description of the concept of operations,
all annexes applicable to the plan, and a time-phased force and deployment list. (JP 5-0) Also called OPLAN.
operational approach — (DOD) A broad description of the mission, operational concepts, tasks, and actions
required to accomplish the mission. (JP 5-0)
operational area — (DOD) An overarching term encompassing more descriptive terms (such as area of
responsibility and joint operations area) for geographic areas in which military operations are conducted. (JP
3-0) Also called OA.
operational art — (DOD) The cognitive approach by commanders and staffs--supported by their skill,
knowledge, experience, creativity, and judgment--to develop strategies, campaigns, and operations to
organize and employ military forces by integrating ends, ways, and means. (JP 3-0)
operational concept — A fundamental statement that frames how Army forces, operating as part of a joint
force, conduct operations. (ADP 1-01)
operational contract support — (DOD) The process of planning for and obtaining supplies, services, and
construction from commercial sources in support of combatant commander-directed operations. (JP 4-10) Also
called OCS.
operational control — (DOD) The authority to perform those functions of command over subordinate forces
involving organizing and employing commands and forces, assigning tasks, designating objectives, and giving
authoritative direction necessary to accomplish the mission. (JP 1 Volume 2) Also called OPCON.
operational decontamination — (DOD) Decontamination carried out by an individual and/or a unit, restricted to
specific parts of operationally essential equipment, materiel, and/or working areas, to minimize contact and
transfer hazards and to sustain operations. (JP 3-11)
operational dental care — The dental care provided for deployed Soldiers in theater consisting of emergency
dental care and essential dental care. (ATP 4-02.19)
operational design — (DOD) The conception and construction of the framework that underpins a campaign or
operation plan or order. (JP 5-0) See also campaign, major operation.
operational energy — (DOD) The energy required for training, moving, and sustaining military forces and
weapons platforms for military operations. (JP 4-0)
operational environment — (DOD) The aggregate of the conditions, circumstances, and influences that affect
the employment of capabilities and bear on the decisions of the commander. (JP 3-0) Also called OE.
operational framework — A cognitive tool used to assist commanders and staffs in clearly visualizing and
describing the application of combat power in time, space, purpose, and resources in the concept of
operations. (ADP 1-01)
operational initiative — The setting of tempo and terms of action throughout an operation. (ADP 3-0)
operational intelligence — (DOD) Intelligence that is required for planning and conducting campaigns and
major operations to accomplish strategic objectives within theaters or operational areas. (JP 2-0)
operational level of warfare — (DOD) The level of warfare at which campaigns and major operations are
planned, conducted, and sustained to achieve strategic objectives within theaters or other operational areas.
(JP 3-0)
operational preparation of the environment — (DOD) The conduct of activities in likely or potential areas of
operations to prepare and shape the operational environment. (JP 3-05) Also called OPE.
operational reach — (DOD) The distance and duration across which a force can successfully employ military
capabilities. (JP 3-0)
operational training domain — The training activities organizations undertake while at home station, at
maneuver combat training centers, during joint exercises, at mobility centers, and while operationally
deployed. (ADP 7-0)
operational variables — A comprehensive set of information categories used to describe an operational
environment. (ADP 1-01)
operations data report — An annotated chronology of the unit’s operations that will be fully supported by an
indexed set of key historical documents. (ATP 1-20)
operations in depth — The simultaneous application of combat power throughout an area of operations. (ADP
3-90)
operations process — The major command and control activities performed during operations: planning,
preparing, executing, and continuously assessing the operation. (ADP 5-0) |
1-02.1 | 65 | Military Terms
operations security — (DOD) A capability that identifies and controls critical information, indicators of friendly
force actions attendant to military operations, and incorporates countermeasures to reduce the risk of an
adversary exploiting vulnerabilities. (JP 3-13.3) Also called OPSEC.
operations security vulnerability — (DOD) A condition in which friendly actions provide operations security
indicators that may be obtained and accurately evaluated by an adversary in time to provide a basis for
effective adversary decision making. (JP 3-13.3)
opinio juris — A statement of customary international law resulting from a general and consistent practice of
States followed from a sense of legal obligation. (FM 6-27)
order of battle — (DOD) The identification, strength, command structure, and disposition of the personnel, units,
and equipment of any military force. (JP 2-0) Also called OB.
ordnance — (DOD) Explosives, chemicals, pyrotechnics, and similar stores, e.g., bombs, guns and ammunition,
flares, smoke, or napalm. (JP 3-15)
organic — (DOD) Assigned to and forming an essential part of a military organization as listed in its table of
organization for the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps and are assigned to the operating forces for the Navy.
(JP 1 Volume 2)
orienting angle — A horizontal, clockwise angle measured from the line of fire to the orienting line. (ATP 3-
09.50)
orienting line — A line of known direction in the firing unit’s area that serves as a basis for laying the firing unit
for direction. (ATP 3-09.50)
orienting station — 1. A point established on the ground that has directional control. 2. An orienting device,
such as an aiming circle or gun laying and positioning system, set up over a point to lay the weapons by the
orienting angle method. (ATP 3-09.50)
outpatient — A person receiving medical/dental examination and/or treatment from medical personnel and in a
status other than being admitted to a hospital. Included in this category is the person who is treated and
retained (held) in a medical treatment facility (such as a Role 2 facility) other than a hospital. (ATP 4-02.10)
overbridging — A method used to reinforce, provide emergency repair, or augment existing bridges or spans
using standard bridging. (ATP 3-90.4)
overhead persistent infrared — (DOD) 1. Those systems originally developed to detect and track foreign
intercontinental ballistic missile systems. (JP 3-14) Also called OPIR.
overwatch — A task that positions an element to support the movement of another element with immediate fire.
(ATP 3-21.10)
—P—
parallel planning — Two or more echelons planning for the same operations nearly simultaneously facilitated by
the use of warning orders by the higher headquarters. (ADP 5-0)
paramilitary forces — (DOD) Armed forces or groups distinct from the conventional armed forces of any
country, but resembling them in organization, equipment, training, or mission. (JP 3-24)
parlementaire — Agents or envoys employed by commanders in the field to go in person within the enemy lines
for the purpose of communicating or negotiating openly and directly with the enemy commander. (FM 6-27)
partner nation — (DOD) Those nations that the United States works with to disrupt the production,
transportation, distribution, and sale of illicit drugs, as well as the money involved with this illicit activity. (JP 3-
07.4) Also called PN.
passage lane — A lane through an obstacle that provides safe passage for a passing force. (FM 3-90)
passage of lines — (DOD) An operation in which a force moves forward or rearward through another force’s
combat positions with the intention of moving into or out of contact with the enemy. (JP 3-18)
passage point — A designated place where passing units pass through the stationary unit. (FM 3-90) Also
called PP.
passive air defense — (DOD) All measures other than active air defense, taken to minimize the effectiveness of
hostile air and missile threats against friendly forces and assets. (JP 3-01)
passive defense — (DOD) Measures taken to reduce the probability of and to minimize the effects of damage
caused by hostile action without the intention of taking the initiative. (JP 3-60)
pathway defeat — (DOD) Activities to dissuade, deter, delay, disrupt, destroy, deny, and assure to complicate
conceptualization, development, production, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. (JP 3-40)
patient — A sick, injured or wounded Soldier who receives medical care or treatment from medically trained
personnel. (FM 4-02) |
1-02.1 | 66 | Chapter 1
patient decontamination — The removal and/or the neutralization of hazardous levels of chemical, biological,
radiological, and nuclear contamination from patients before admission into a medical treatment facility under
the supervision of medical personnel to prevent further injury to the patient during the decontamination
process. (ATP 4-02.7)
patient estimates — Estimates derived from the casualty estimate prepared by the personnel staff
officer/assistant chief of staff, personnel. The patient medical workload is determined by the Army Health
System support planner. Patient estimate only encompasses medical casualty. (ATP 4-02.55)
patient movement — The act of moving a sick, injured, wounded, or other person to obtain medical and/or
dental care or treatment. (ATP 4-02.2)
patrol — A detachment sent out by a larger unit to conduct a specific mission that operates semi-independently
and return to the main body upon completion of mission. (ATP 3-21.8)
peace building — (DOD) Stability actions that strengthen and rebuild a society’s institutions, infrastructure, and
civic life to avoid a relapse into conflict. (JP 3-07.3) Also called PB.
peace enforcement — (DOD) Application of military force, or the threat of its use, normally pursuant to
international authorization, to compel compliance with resolutions or sanctions designed to maintain or restore
peace and order. (JP 3-07.3)
peace operations — (DOD) Multiagency and multinational crisis response and limited contingency operations
involving all instruments of national power with military missions to contain conflict, redress the peace, and
shape the environment to support reconciliation and rebuilding and facilitate the transition to legitimate
governance. (JP 3-07.3) Also called PO.
peacekeeping — (DOD) Military operations undertaken, with the consent of all major parties to a dispute,
designed to monitor and facilitate implementation of an agreement (cease fire, truce, or other such agreement)
and support diplomatic efforts to reach a long-term political settlement. (JP 3-07.3)
peacemaking — (DOD) The process of diplomacy, mediation, negotiation, or other forms of peaceful
settlements that arranges an end to a dispute and resolves issues that led to it. (JP 3-07.3) Also called PM.
penetration — A form of maneuver in which a force attacks on a narrow front. (FM 3-90)
permissive environment — (DOD) Operational environment in which host nation military and law enforcement
agencies have control, as well as the intent and capability to assist operations that a unit intends to conduct.
(JP 3-0)
persistent agent — (DOD) A chemical agent that, when released, remains able to cause casualties for more
than 24 hours to several days or weeks. (JP 3-11)
personal locator beacon — (DOD) An emergency device carried by individuals, to assist locating during
personnel recovery. (JP 3-50) Also called PLB.
personal protective equipment — (DOD) Mission-specific protective clothing and equipment provided to shield
or isolate selected personnel from a particular chemical, biological, radiological, and some nuclear hazards.
(JP 3-11) Also called PPE.
personnel recovery — (DOD) The sum of military, diplomatic, and civil efforts to prepare for and execute the
recovery and reintegration of isolated personnel. (JP 3-50) Also called PR.
personnel recovery coordination cell — (DOD) The primary joint force component organization responsible for
coordinating and controlling component personnel recovery missions. (JP 3-50) Also called PRCC.
personnel services — Sustainment functions that man and fund the force, maintain Soldier and family
readiness, promote the moral and ethical values of the nation, and enable the fighting qualities of the Army.
(ADP 4-0)
phase — (DOD) In planning, a definitive stage of a campaign or operation during which a large portion of the
forces and capabilities are involved in similar or mutually supporting activities for a common purpose. (JP 5-0)
(Army) A planning and execution tool used to divide an operation in duration or activity. (ADP 3-0)
phase line — (DOD) An easily identified feature in the operational area utilized for control and coordination of
military operations. (JP 3-09) Also called PL.
P-hour — The specific hour on D-day at which a parachute assault commences with the exit of the first Soldier
from an aircraft over a designated drop zone. P-hour may or may not coincide with H-hour. (FM 5-0)
physical damage assessment — (DOD) The estimate of the quantitative extent of physical damage to a target
resulting from the application of military force. (JP 3-60) See also battle damage assessment.
physical dimension — The material characteristics and capabilities, both natural and manufactured, within an
operational environment. (FM 3-0) |
1-02.1 | 67 | Military Terms
physical security — (DOD) That part of security concerned with physical measures designed to safeguard
personnel; to prevent unauthorized access to equipment, installations, material, and documents; and to
safeguard them against espionage, sabotage, damage, and theft. (JP 3-0)
physical security inspection — A formal, recorded assessment of the physical protective measures and
security procedures implemented by a unit or activity to protect its resources. (ATP 3-39.32)
physical security survey — A formal, recorded assessment of the overall physical security program of an
installation, including electronic security measures. (ATP 3-39.32)
piecemeal commitment — The immediate employment of units in combat as they become available instead of
waiting for larger aggregations of units to ensure mass, or the unsynchronized employment of available forces
so that their combat power is not employed effectively. (ADP 3-90)
pilot team — A deliberately structured composite organization comprised of Special Forces operational
detachment members, with likely augmentation by interagency or other skilled personnel, designed to infiltrate
a designated area to conduct sensitive preparation of the environment activities and assess the potential to
conduct unconventional warfare in support of U.S. objectives. (ATP 3-05.1)
planned target — (DOD) Target that is known to exist in the operational environment, upon which actions are
planned using deliberate targeting, creating effects which support commander’s objectives. There are two
subcategories of planned targets: scheduled and on-call. (JP 3-60)
planning — The art and science of understanding a situation, envisioning a desired future, and determining
effective ways to bring that future about. (ADP 5-0)
planning horizon — A point in time commanders use to focus the organization’s planning efforts to shape future
events. (ADP 5-0) See also planning.
platoon — A subdivision of a company or troop consisting of two or more squads or sections. (ADP 3-90)
point of breach — The location at an obstacle where the creation of a lane is being attempted. (ATP 3-90.4)
point of departure — The point where the unit crosses the line of departure and begins moving along a
direction of attack. (ADP 3-90)
point of employment — (DOD) In distribution operations, a physical location designated by the commander at
the tactical level where force employment, emplacement, or commodity consumption occurs. (JP 4-09)
point of need — (DOD) In distribution operations, a physical location within a desired operational area
designated by the geographic combatant commander or subordinate commander as a receiving point for
forces or materiel, for subsequent use or consumption. (JP 4-09)
point of origin — (DOD) In distribution operations, the beginning point of a deployment, redeployment, or
movement where forces or materiel are located. (JP 4-09)
point of penetration — The location, identified on the ground, where the commander concentrates their efforts
at the enemy weakest point to seize a foothold on the far side objective. (ATP 3-90.4)
pointee-talkee — (DOD) A language aid containing selected phrases in English opposite a translation in a
foreign language used by pointing to appropriate phrases. (JP 3-50)
police information — Information collected during military police operations concerning crime, disorder, criminal
activity, and criminal threats. (FM 3-39)
police intelligence — The product resulting from the collection, processing, analysis, and integration of criminal
intelligence and crime analysis about crime, disorder, criminal activity, and criminal threats. (FM 3-39)
police intelligence operations — The application of systems, technologies, and processes that analyze
applicable data and information necessary for situational understanding and focusing policing activities to
achieve social order. (FM 3-39)
policing — The application of control measures within an area of operations to maintain law and order, safety,
and other matters affecting the general welfare of the population. (FM 3-39)
populace and resources control — Operations which provide security for the populace, deny personnel and
materiel to the enemy, mobilize population and materiel resources, and detect and reduce the effectiveness of
enemy agents. populace control measures include curfews, movement restrictions, travel permits, registration
cards, and resettlement of civilians. Resource control measures include licensing, regulations or guidelines,
checkpoints (for example, roadblocks), ration controls, amnesty programs, and inspection of facilities. Most
military operations employ some type of populace and resources control measures. (FM 1-02.1)
port of debarkation — (DOD) The geographic point at which cargo or personnel are discharged. (JP 4-0) Also
called POD.
port of embarkation — (DOD) The geographic point in a routing scheme from which cargo or personnel depart.
(JP 3-36) Also called POE. See also port of debarkation. |
1-02.1 | 68 | Chapter 1
port opening — The ability to establish, initially operate and facilitate throughput for ports of debarkation to
support unified land operations. (ADP 4-0)
port support activity — (DOD) A tailorable support organization composed of mobilization station assets that
ensures the equipment of the deploying units is ready to load. (JP 3-35) Also called PSA. See also support.
position area for artillery — An area assigned to an artillery unit to deliver surface to surface fires. (FM 3-90)
Also called PAA.
position of relative advantage — A location or the establishment of a favorable condition within the area of
operations that provides the commander with temporary freedom of action to enhance combat y or influence
the enemy to accept risk and move to a position of disadvantage. (ADP 3-0)
positive control — (DOD) A method of airspace control that relies on positive identification, tracking, and
direction of aircraft within an airspace, conducted with electronic means by an agency having the authority and
responsibility therein. (JP 3-52)
positive identification — (DOD) An identification derived from observation and analysis of target characteristics
including visual recognition, electronic support systems, non-cooperative target recognition techniques,
identification friend or foe systems, or other physics-based identification techniques. (JP 3-01) Also called PID.
positive inbound clearance — The process of the origin movement control team contacting the destination
movement control team before a transportation movement release is created to ensure the destination unit
has the capability to receive the shipment, considering materials handling equipment, storage and personnel
available. (ATP 4-16) Also called PIC.
precision munition — A munition that corrects for ballistic conditions using guidance and control up to the
aimpoint or submunitions dispense with terminal accuracy less than the lethal radius of effects. (FM 3-09)
precision smart munition — A munition or submunition that autonomously searches for, detects, classifies,
selects, and engages a target or targets. A precision smart munition has a limited target discrimination
capability. (FM 3-09)
precision-guided munition — (DOD) A guided weapon intended to destroy a point target and minimize
collateral damage. (JP 3-03) Also called PGM.
preparation — Those activities performed by units and Soldiers to improve their ability to execute an operation.
(ADP 5-0)
preparation fire — A brief, intense bombardment on selected targets or a prolonged effort over time covering a
large number of targets. (FM 3-09)
preparation of the environment — An umbrella term for operations and activities conducted by selectively
trained special operations forces to develop an environment for potential future special operations. (FM 1-
02.1) Also called PE.
pre-position — (DOD) To place military units, equipment, or supplies at or near the point of planned use, or at a
designated location, to reduce reaction time and to ensure timely support of a specific force during initial
phases of an operation. (JP 4-0)
presumptive identification — The employment of technologies with limited specificity and sensitivity by
general-purpose forces in a field environment to determine the presence of a chemical, biological, radiological,
and/or nuclear hazard with a low level of confidence and degree of certainty necessary to support immediate
tactical decisions. (ATP 3-11.37)
primary position — The position that covers the enemy’s most likely avenue of approach into the assigned
area. (FM 3-90)
principle — A comprehensive and fundamental rule or an assumption of central importance that guides how an
organization approaches and thinks about the conduct of operations. (ADP 1-01)
principles of operations — Time-tested general characteristics of successful operations that serve as guides
for the conduct of future operations. (ADP 1-01)
priority intelligence requirement — (DOD) An intelligence requirement that the commander and staff need to
understand the threat and other aspects of the operational environment. (JP 2-0) Also called PIR.
priority of fires — The commander’s guidance to his staff, subordinate commanders, fire support planners, and
supporting agencies to organize and employ fire support in accordance with the relative importance of the
unit’s mission. (FM 3-09)
priority of support — A priority set by the commander to ensure a subordinate unit has support in accordance
with its relative importance to accomplishing the mission. (ADP 5-0)
priority target — A target, based on either time or importance, on which the delivery of fires takes precedence
over all the fires for the designated firing unit or element. (FM 3-09) |
1-02.1 | 69 | Military Terms
prisoner of war — (DOD) A detained person (as defined in Articles 4 and 5 of the Geneva Convention Relative
to the Treatment of Prisoners of War of August 12, 1949) who, while engaged in combat under orders of his or
her government, is captured by the armed forces of the enemy. (JP 3-50) Also called POW.
private information — Data, facts, instructions, or other material intended for or restricted to a particular person,
group, or organization. (ATP 2-22.9-1)
private sector — (DOD) An umbrella term that may be applied to any or all of the nonpublic or commercial
individuals and businesses, specified nonprofit organizations, most of academia and other scholastic
institutions, and selected nongovernmental organizations. (JP 3-57)
privity of contract — (DOD) The legal relationship that exists between two contracting parties. (JP 4-10)
probability — The likelihood an event will occur; it is assessed as frequent, likely, occasional, seldom, or
unlikely. (ATP 5-19)
probable line of deployment — A phase line that designates the location where the commander intends to
deploy the unit into assault formation before beginning the assault. (ADP 3-90) Also called PLD.
procedural control — (DOD) A method of airspace control which relies on a combination of previously agreed
and promulgated orders and procedures. (JP 3-52)
procedure word — (DOD) A word or phrase limited to radio telephone procedure used to facilitate
communication by conveying information in a condensed standard form. (JP 3-09.3) Also called proword.
procedures — (DOD) Standard, detailed steps that prescribe how to perform specific tasks. (CJCSM 5120.01B)
processing, exploitation, and dissemination — The execution of the related functions that converts and
refines collected data into usable information, distributes the information for further analysis, and, when
appropriate, provides combat information to commanders and staffs. (ADP 2-0)
program of targets — A planned sequential attack of similar targets. (ATP 3-09.42)
progressive yard — A multifunctional yard structured to move cars in a fluid and rapid manner, containing
receiving, classification, and departure yards. (ATP 4-14)
projected obscuration — An obscurant produced by artillery or mortar munitions, naval gunfire, helicopter
delivered rockets or, potentially, weapon grenades. (ATP 3-11.50)
proof — The verification that a lane is free of mines or explosive hazards and that the width and trafficability at
the point of breach are suitable for the passing force. (ATP 3-90.4)
proportionality — The law of armed conflict principle requiring combatants to refrain from attacks in which the
expected loss of civilian life, injury to civilians, and damage to civilian objects would be excessive in relation to
the concrete and direct military advantage expected to be gained. (FM 6-27)
protected emblems — (DOD) The red cross, red crescent, and other symbols that designate that persons,
places, or equipment so marked have a protected status under the law of war. (JP 3-60)
protected frequencies — (DOD) Friendly, generally time-oriented, frequencies used for a particular operation,
identified and protected to prevent them from being inadvertently jammed by friendly forces while active
electromagnetic warfare operations are directed against hostile forces. (JP 3-85)
protected persons/places — (DOD) Persons (such as enemy prisoners of war) and places (such as hospitals)
that enjoy special protections under the law of war and which may or may not be marked with protected
emblems. (JP 3-84)
protecting power — A neutral or non-belligerent State having a humanitarian role in armed conflict. (FM 6-27)
protection — (DOD) Preservation of the effectiveness and survivability of mission-related military and
nonmilitary personnel, equipment, facilities, information, and infrastructure deployed or located within or
outside the boundaries of a given operational area. (JP 3-0)
protection obscuration — Obscuration effects placed within the area of operations that contribute to the
increased protection of United States forces and their interests by defeating on degrading adversary detection,
observation, and engagement capabilities. (ATP 3-11.50)
protection warfighting function — The related tasks, systems, and methods that prevent or mitigate detection,
threat effects, and hazards to preserve combat power and enable freedom of action. (FM 3-0)
psychological action — Lethal and nonlethal actions planned, coordinated, and conducted to produce a
psychological effect in a foreign individual, group, or population. (FM 3-53)
psychological objective — A statement of a measurable response that reflects the desired attitude or behavior
change of a selected foreign target audience as a result of military information support operations. (FM 3-53)
public — (DOD) In public affairs, a segment of the population with common attributes to which a military force
can tailor its communication. (JP 3-61) See also external audience, internal audience. |
1-02.1 | 70 | Chapter 1
public affairs — (DOD) Communication activities with external and internal audiences. (JP 3-61) Also called PA.
See also public information.
public affairs assessment — (DOD) An analysis of the news media and public environments to evaluate the
degree of understanding about strategic and operational objectives and military activities and to identify levels
of public support. (JP 3-61) See also assessment, public affairs.
public affairs guidance — (DOD) Constraints and restraints established by proper authority regarding public
communication activities. (JP 3-61) Also called PAG. See also public affairs.
public component — An overt political manifestation of a resistance. (ATP 3-18.1)
public information — (DOD) Within public affairs, that information of a military nature, the dissemination of
which is consistent with security and approved for release. (JP 3-61)
purple kill box — A fire support and airspace coordination measure used to facilitate the attack of surface
targets with subsurface-, surface-to-surface, and air-to-surface munitions without further coordination with the
area of operation commander’s headquarters. (ATP 3-09.34) Also called PKB.
pursuit — A type of offensive operation to catch or cut off a disorganized hostile force attempting to escape, with
the aim of destroying it. (FM 3-90)
—Q—
quartering party — A group dispatched to a new assigned area in advance of the main body. (FM 3-90)
quick reaction force — A commander designated force to respond to threat attacks or emergencies. (FM 3-90)
quick response force — A dedicated force on a base with adequate tactical mobility and fire support
designated to defeat Level I and Level II threats and shape Level III threats until they can be defeated by a
tactical combat force or other available response forces. (ATP 3-37.10)
—R—
radio frequency countermeasures — (DOD) Any device or technique employing radio frequency materials or
technology that is intended to impair the effectiveness of enemy activity, particularly with respect to precision-
guided weapons and sensor systems. (JP 3-85) Also called RF CM.
radio silence — The status on a radio network in which all stations are directed to continuously monitor without
transmitting, except under established criteria. (ATP 6-02.53)
radiological dispersal device — (DOD) An improvised assembly or process, other than a nuclear explosive
device, designed to disseminate radioactive material to cause destruction, damage, or injury. (JP 3-11) Also
called RDD.
radiological exposure device — (DOD) A radioactive source placed to cause injury or death. (JP 3-11) Also
called RED.
raid — (DOD) An operation to temporarily seize an area to secure information, confuse an enemy, capture
personnel or equipment, or to destroy a capability culminating with a planned withdrawal. (JP 3-0) (Army) A
variation of attack to temporarily seize an objective with a planned withdrawal. (FM 3-90)
rally point — An easily identifiable point on the ground at which units can reassemble and reorganize if they
become dispersed. (FM 3-90)
Rangers — (DOD) Rapidly deployable airborne light infantry organized and trained to conduct highly complex
joint direct action operations in coordination with or in support of other special operations units of all Services.
(JP 3-05)
reachback — (DOD) The process of obtaining products, services, and applications, or forces, or equipment, or
material from organizations that are not forward deployed. (JP 3-30)
rear boundary — A boundary that delineates the rearward limits of a unit’s assigned area. (FM 3-90)
rear echelon — The echelon containing those elements of the force that are not required in the objective area.
(FM 3-99)
rear operations — Tactical actions behind major subordinate maneuver forces that facilitate movement, extend
operational reach, and maintain desired tempo. (FM 3-0)
rearward extension of the line of fire — An imaginary line in the exact opposite direction of the line of fire that
extends through the center axis of the tube when looking down through the muzzle to the breech of the
weapon. (ATP 3-09.50)
rearward passage of lines — Occurs when a unit passes through another unit’s positions while moving away
from the enemy. (ADP 3-90) |
1-02.1 | 71 | Military Terms
reattack recommendation — (DOD) An assessment, derived from the results of battle damage assessment
and munitions effectiveness assessment, providing the commander systematic advice on reattack of a target.
(JP 3-60) Also called RR.
receiving yard — Yard where trains are cleared promptly on arrival to prevent main line congestion. (ATP 4-14)
reception — (DOD) 1. All ground arrangements connected with the delivery and disposition of air or sea drops.
3.The process of receiving, off-loading, marshalling, accounting for, and transporting of personnel, equipment,
and materiel from the strategic and/or intratheater deployment phase to a sea, air, or surface transportation
point of debarkation to the marshalling area. (JP 3-35)
reconnaissance — (DOD) A mission undertaken to obtain information about the activities and resources of an
enemy or adversary, or to secure data concerning the meteorological, hydrographic, geographic, or other
characteristics of a particular area, by visual observation or other detection methods. (JP 2-0) Also called
RECON.
reconnaissance by fire — A technique in which a unit fires on a suspected enemy position. (FM 3-90)
reconnaissance handover — The action that occurs between two elements in order to coordinate the transfer
of information and/or responsibility for observation of potential threat contact, or the transfer of an assigned
area from one element to another. (FM 3-98)
reconnaissance handover line — A designated phase line on the ground where reconnaissance responsibility
transitions from one element to another. (FM 3-98)
reconnaissance in force — A form of reconnaissance operation designed to discover or test the enemy’s
strength, dispositions, and reactions or to obtain other information. (FM 3-90)
reconnaissance objective — The most important result desired from that specific reconnaissance effort. (FM 3-
90)
reconnaissance-pull — Reconnaissance that determines which routes are suitable for maneuver, where the
enemy is strong and weak, and where gaps exist, thus pulling the main body toward and along the path of
least resistance. (FM 3-90)
reconnaissance-push — Reconnaissance that refines the common operational picture, enabling the
commander to finalize the plan and support main and supporting efforts. (FM 3-90)
reconstitution — (DOD) 2. Those actions, including regeneration and reorganization, commanders plan and
implement to restore units to a desired level of combat effectiveness commensurate with mission requirements
and available resources. (JP 3-02) (Army) Actions that commanders plan and implement to restore units to a
desired level of combat effectiveness commensurate with mission requirements and available resources. (ATP
3-94.4)
recovered explosive ordnance — Devices that are retrieved in the operational environment, from field storage
sites and licensed storage areas that contain explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, initiating composition, or
nuclear, biological or chemical material for use in operations, including demolitions which when salvaged have
not been primed for use and may or may not be in their primary or logistic packaging. (FM 4-30)
recovery — (DOD) 3. In personnel recovery, actions taken to physically gain custody of isolated personnel and
return them to friendly control. (JP 3-50) 4. Actions taken to extricate damaged or disabled equipment for
return to friendly control or repair at another location. (JP 3-34) See also evader, evasion.
recovery area — A predetermined expanse of terrain of no standard dimension where isolated personnel and
recovery forces can safely link-up if communications are degraded or immediate recovery efforts are not
successful. (ATP 3-50.20)
recovery operations — (DOD) Operations conducted to search for, locate, identify, recover, and return isolated
personnel, human remains, sensitive equipment, or items critical to national security. (JP 3-50)
recovery site — (DOD) In personnel recovery, an area from which isolated personnel can be recovered. (JP 3-
50)
recovery sites — Areas where human remains or other material evidence have been deposited, or are believed
to have been deposited. (ATP 4-46)
recovery vehicle — (DOD) In personnel recovery, the vehicle on which isolated personnel are boarded and
transported from the recovery site. (JP 3-50)
redeployment — (DOD) The transfer or rotation of forces and materiel to support another commander’s
operational requirements, or to return personnel, equipment, and materiel to the home and/or demobilization
stations for reintegration and/or out-processing. (JP 3-35) (Army) The transfer of forces and materiel to home
and/or demobilization stations for reintegration or out-processing. (ATP 3-35)
redistribution — The reassignment of unit personnel and equipment among other units within the command,
either as individual replacements or as subunits. (ATP 3-94.4) |
1-02.1 | 72 | Chapter 1
reduce — 1. A tactical mission task in which a unit destroys an encircled or bypassed enemy force. (FM 3-90) 2.
A mobility task to create and mark lanes through, over, or around an obstacle to allow the attacking force to
accomplish its mission. (FM 1-02.1)
reduction — (DOD) The creation of lanes through a minefield or obstacle to allow passage of the attacking
ground force. (JP 3-15)
reduction area — A number of adjacent points of breach that are under the control of the breaching
commander. (ATP 3-90.4)
redundancy — Using two or more like capabilities to collect against the same information requirement. (FM 3-
90)
refer — To measure, using the panoramic telescope, the deflection to a given aiming point without moving the
tube of the weapon. (ATP 3-09.50)
referred deflection — The deflection measured to an aiming point without moving the tube of the weapon. (ATP
3-09.50)
regeneration — The rebuilding of a unit through large-scale replacement of personnel, equipment, and supplies,
including the reestablishment of essential command and control and the conduct of mission-essential training
for the unit. (ATP 3-94.4)
regional hub node — The gateway transport node for the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical, and the
transport medium for theater-based network service centers. (ATP 6-02.60)
regional mechanism — The primary method through which friendly forces affect indigenous populations, host
nations, or the enemy to establish the conditions needed to safeguard our interests and those of our allies.
(ADP 3-05)
regional support group — A deployable headquarters that manages base camps or base clusters with a
population of 6,000 or more personnel and requires services beyond basic life support. (ATP 3-90.20)
registering piece — The howitzer designated by the fire direction center to conduct a registration fire mission.
(ATP 3-09.50)
rehearsal — A session in which the commander and staff or unit practices expected actions to improve
performance during execution. (ADP 5-0)
reinforcing — A support relationship requiring a force to support another supporting unit. (FM 3-0)
reintegrate — (DOD) In personnel recovery, the task of providing medical care and psychological
decompression to allow the conduct of appropriate debriefings to ultimately return recovered personnel back
to duty and their family. (JP 3-50)
reintegration — The process through which former combatants, belligerents, and displaced civilians receive
amnesty, reenter civil society, gain sustainable employment, and become contributing members of the local
populace. (ADP 3-07)
relative advantage — A location or condition, in any domain, relative to an adversary or enemy that provides an
opportunity to progress towards or achieve an objective. (FM 3-0)
relay — A single transport mission completed in one trip and utilizes multiple vehicles without transferring the
load. (ATP 4-11)
release point — A designated place on a route where elements are released from centralized control. (FM 3-90)
Also called RP.
relevant information — All information of importance to the commander and staff in the exercise of command
and control. (ADP 6-0)
relief in place — (DOD) An operation in which, by direction of higher authority, all or part of a unit is replaced in
an area by the incoming unit and the responsibilities of the replaced elements for the mission and the
assigned zone of operations are transferred to the incoming unit. (JP 3-07.3)
render safe procedures — (DOD) The portion of the explosive ordnance disposal procedures involving the
application of special explosive ordnance disposal methods and tools to provide for the interruption of
functions or separation of essential components of unexploded explosive ordnance to prevent an
unacceptable detonation. (JP 3-42)
reorganization — All measures taken by the commander to maintain unit combat effectiveness or return it to a
specified level of combat capability. (ATP 3-94.4)
repatriation — (DOD) 2. The release and return of enemy prisoners of war to their own country in accordance
with the 1949 Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. (JP 1-0)
reprisal — Acts that are otherwise not permitted by law of armed conflict in order to persuade a party to the
conflict to cease violating law of armed conflict. (FM 6-27) |
1-02.1 | 73 | Military Terms
request for information — (DOD) 1. Any specific time-sensitive ad hoc requirement for intelligence information
or products to support an ongoing crisis or operation not necessarily related to standing requirements or
scheduled intelligence production. (JP 2-0) Also called RFI. See also intelligence.
required delivery date — Identifies when personnel and/or cargo must arrive at its destination in order to
properly support an operation or contingency. (ATP 4-16) Also called RDD.
required supply rate — The amount of ammunition expressed in terms of rounds per weapon per day for
ammunition items fired by weapons, in terms of other units of measure per day for bulk allotment, and other
items estimated to be required to sustain operations of any designated force without restriction for a specified
period. (ATP 3-09.23)
requirements development — (DOD) The process of defining specific contract support requirements and
capturing these requirements in procurement-ready contract support requirements packages. (JP 4-10)
requiring activity — (DOD) A military or other designated supported organization that identifies the need for
contracted support during military operations. (JP 4-10)
rerailer — Cast iron devices used in simple derailments to retrack cars and locomotives. (ATP 4-14)
rescue combat air patrol — (DOD) An aircraft patrol provided over that portion of an objective area in which
recovery operations are being conducted for the purpose of intercepting and destroying hostile aircraft. (JP 3-
50)Also called RESCAP.
rescue coordination center — (DOD) A unit, recognized by International Civil Aviation Organization,
International Maritime Organization, or other cognizant international body, responsible for promoting efficient
organization of search and rescue services and coordinating the conduct of search and rescue operations
within a search and rescue region. (JP 3-50) Also called RCC.
reserve — (Army) That portion of a body of troops that is withheld from action at the beginning of an
engagement to be available for a decisive movement. (ADP 3-90)
reserved obstacle — (Army/Marine Corps) Obstacles of any type, for which the commander restricts execution
authority. (ATP 3-90.8)
resistance area command — The largest territorial resistance organization commanded by a senior resistance
leader inside a defined resistance area of operations. (ATP 3-18.1)
resistance movement — (DOD) An organized effort by some portion of the civil population of a country to resist
the legally established government or an occupying power and to disrupt civil order and stability. (JP 3-05)
resistance partner — A partner conducting resistance with whom the United States Government mutually
establishes agreements to cooperate for some specified time in pursuit of mutually supporting specific
objectives. A resistance partner is influenced; he is not an employee or subordinate to be commanded and
controlled. (ATP 3-18.1)
resource management operations — The execution of the resource management mission includes analyze
resource requirements, ensure commanders are aware of existing resource implications in order for them to
make resource informed decisions, and then obtain the necessary funding that allows the commander to
accomplish the overall unit mission. (FM 1-06)
responsiveness — The ability to react to changing requirements and respond to meet the needs to maintain
support. (ADP 4-0)
restricted operations zone — (DOD) Airspace reserved for specific activities in which the operations of one or
more airspace users is restricted. (JP 3-52) Also called ROZ.
restricted target — (DOD) A valid target that has specific restrictions placed on the actions authorized against it
due to operational considerations. (JP 3-60)
restricted target list — (DOD) A list of restricted targets nominated by elements of the joint force and approved
by the joint force commander or directed by higher authorities. (JP 3-60) Also called RTL.
restrictive fire area — (DOD) A location in which specific restrictions are imposed and into which fires that
exceed those restrictions will not be delivered without coordination with the establishing headquarters. (JP 3-
09)Also called RFA.
restrictive fire line — (DOD) A specific boundary established between converging, friendly surface forces that
prohibits fires or their effects from crossing. (JP 3-09) Also called RFL.
resuscitative care — Advanced trauma management care and surgery limited to the minimum required to
stabilize a patient for transportation to a higher role of care. (FM 4-02)
retain — A tactical mission task in which a unit prevents enemy occupation or use of terrain. (FM 3-90) |
1-02.1 | 74 | Chapter 1
retained personnel — (DOD) Detainees who fall into one of the following categories: a. Designated enemy
medical personnel and medical staff administrators who are exclusively engaged in either the search for,
collection, transport, or treatment of the wounded or sick, or the prevention of disease; b. Staff of National Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies and that of other volunteer aid societies, duly recognized and authorized by
their governments to assist medical service personnel of their own armed forces, provided they are exclusively
engaged in the search for, or the collection, transport or treatment of wounded or sick, or in the prevention of
disease, and provided that the staff of such societies are subject to military laws and regulations; c. Chaplains
attached to enemy armed forces. (JP 3-31) Also called RP.
retirement — When a force out of contact moves away from the enemy. (ADP 3-90)
retrograde — (DOD) The process for the movement of non-unit equipment and materiel from a forward location
to a reset (replenishment, repair, or recapitalization) program or to another directed area of operations to
replenish unit stocks, or to satisfy stock requirements. (JP 4-09) (Army) A type of defensive operation that
involves organized movement away from the enemy. (ADP 3-90)
retrograde movement — Any movement to the rear or away from the enemy. (FM 3-90)
retrograde of material — An Army logistics function of returning materiel from the owning or using unit back
through the distribution system to the source of supply, directed ship to location, or point of disposal. (ATP 4-
93)
return to duty — A patient disposition which, after medical evaluation and treatment when necessary, returns a
Soldier for duty in his unit. (FM 4-02)
riot control agent — (DOD) Any chemical, not listed in a schedule of the Convention on the Prohibition of the
Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction that can
produce rapidly in humans sensory irritation or disabling physical effects that disappear within a short time
following termination of exposure. (JP 3-11) Also called RCA.
risk — Probability and severity driven chance of loss, caused by threat or other hazards. (ATP 5-19)
risk assessment — (DOD) The identification and assessment of hazards (first two steps of risk management
process). (JP 3-26) Also called RA.
risk decision — A commander, leader, or individual’s determination to accept or not accept the risk(s)
associated with an action he or she will take or will direct others to take. (ATP 5-19)
risk management — (DOD) The process to identify, assess, and control risks and make decisions that balance
risk cost with mission benefits. (JP 3-0) Also called RM.
risk tolerance — The level of risk the responsible commander is willing to accept. (ATP 5-19)
role — The broad and enduring purpose for which the organization or branch was established. (ADP 1-01)
rolling resistance — The force components acting on a train in a direction parallel with the track, which tend to
hold or retard the train’s movement. (ATP 4-14) Also called RR.
route — The prescribed course to be traveled from a point of origin to a destination. (FM 3-90)
route reconnaissance — A form of reconnaissance operation to obtain detailed information of a specified route
and all terrain from which the enemy could influence movement along that route. (FM 3-90)
rule of law — A principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities, public and private, including the state
itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated,
and that are consistent with international human rights principles. (FM 3-07)
rules of engagement — (DOD) Directives issued by competent military authority that delineate the
circumstances and limitations under which United States forces will initiate and/or continue combat
engagement with other forces encountered. (JP 3-84) Also called ROE.
running estimate — The continuous assessment of the current situation used to determine if the current
operation is proceeding according to the commander’s intent and if planned future operations are supportable.
(ADP 5-0)
running track — Tracks that extend the entire length of the yard and provide a route of travel to any point in the
yard independent of the switching leads and classification tracks. (ATP 4-14)
ruse — (DOD) In military deception, an action designed to deceive the adversary, usually involving the
deliberate exposure of false information to the adversary’s intelligence collection system. (JP 3-13.4)
—S—
sabotage — An act or acts with intent to injure, interfere with, or obstruct the national defense of a country by
willfully injuring or destroying, or attempting to injure or destroy, any national defense or war materiel,
premises, or utilities, to include human and natural resources. (ATP 3-05.1) |
1-02.1 | 75 | Military Terms
safe area — (Army) A designated area in hostile or denied territory that offers a reasonable chance for a
resistance organization to conduct clandestine activities without compromise. (ATP 3-18.1)
safe house — An innocent appearing house or premises established by an organization for the purpose of
conducting clandestine activity in relative security. (FM 1-02.1)
safe site — A location (indoors, outdoors, rural, or urban) that provides security to clandestinely and temporarily
conceal the existence of a person, object, or activity. (FM 1-02.1)
safe-conduct pass — A document issued by a commander of belligerent forces, but to persons residing or
traveling outside territory occupied by such forces, to enter and remain within or pass through areas occupied
by such forces. (FM 6-27)
safety factor — The ratio of the strength of the rope to the working load. (ATP 4-14)
salvage — (DOD) 1. Property that has some value in excess of its basic material content but is in such condition
that it has no reasonable prospect of use for any purpose as a unit and its repair or rehabilitation for use as a
unit is clearly impractical. 2. The saving or rescuing of condemned, discarded, or abandoned property, and of
materials contained therein, for reuse, refabrication, or scrapping. (JP 4-0)
scheduled target — (DOD) Planned target upon which fires or other actions are scheduled for prosecution at a
specified time. (JP 3-60)
scheme of fires — (DOD) The detailed, logical sequence of targets and fire support events to find and engage
targets to support the commander’s objectives. (JP 3-09)
science of tactics — The understanding of those military aspects of tactics—capabilities, techniques and
procedures—that can be measured and codified. (ADP 3-90)
scientific and technical intelligence — (DOD) The product resulting from the collection, evaluation, analysis,
and interpretation of foreign scientific and technical information that covers: a. foreign developments in basic
and applied research and in applied engineering techniques; and b. scientific and technical characteristics,
capabilities, and limitations of all foreign military systems, weapons, weapon systems, and materiel; the
research and development related thereto; and the production methods employed for their manufacture. (JP 2-
0)Also called S&TI.
screen — A type of security operation that primarily provides early warning to the protected force. (ADP 3-90).
seabasing — (DOD) The deployment, assembly, command, projection, reconstitution, sustainment, and re-
employment of joint power from the sea without reliance on land bases within the operational area. (JP 3-02)
See also amphibious operation.
SEAL delivery vehicle team — (DOD) United States Navy forces organized, trained, and equipped to conduct
special operations with SEAL delivery vehicles, dry deck shelters, and other submersibles. (JP 3-05)
SEAL team — (DOD) United States Navy forces organized, trained, and equipped to conduct special operations
with an emphasis on maritime, coastal, and riverine environments. (JP 3-05)
seaport — (DOD) A land facility designated for reception of personnel or materiel moved by sea, and that serves
as an authorized port of entrance into or departure from the country in which located. (JP 3-36)
search — (DOD) A systematic reconnaissance of a defined area, so that all parts of the area have passed within
visibility. (JP 3-50)
search and attack — A variation of a movement to contact where a friendly force conducts coordinated attacks
to defeat a distributed enemy force. (FM 3-90)
search and rescue — (DOD) The use of aircraft, surface craft, submarines, and specialized rescue teams and
equipment to search for and rescue distressed persons on land or at sea in a permissive environment. (JP 3-
50)Also called SAR.
search and rescue numerical encryption grid — (DOD) A predesignated ten-letter word without repeated
letters used exclusively by recovery forces or isolated personnel to encrypt numerical data such as position,
time, and/or headings in a covert manner. (JP 3-50)
search and rescue point — (DOD) A predesignated specific location, relative to which isolated personnel
provide their position to recovery forces. (JP 3-50) Also called SARDOT.
section — A tactical unit of the Army and Marine Corps smaller than a platoon and larger than a squad. (ADP 3-
90)
sector — An operational area assigned to a unit in the defense that has rear and lateral boundaries and
interlocking fires. (FM 3-0)
sector of fire — That area assigned to a unit or weapon system in which it will engage the enemy according to
the established engagement priorities. (FM 3-90) |
1-02.1 | 76 | Chapter 1
secure — A tactical mission task in which a unit prevents the enemy from damaging or destroying a force,
facility, or geographical location. (FM 3-90)
security — (DOD) Measures taken by a military unit, activity, or installation to protect itself against all acts
designed to, or which may, impair its effectiveness. (JP 3-10)
security area — That area that occupied by a unit’s security elements and includes the areas of influence of
those security elements. (ADP 3-90)
security assistance — (DOD) A group of programs authorized by federal statutes by which the United States
provides defense articles, military training, and other defense-related services by grant, lease, loan, credit, or
cash sales in furtherance of national policies and objectives, and those that are funded and authorized through
the Department of State to be administered by Department of Defense/Defense Security Cooperation Agency,
which are considered part of Security cooperation. (JP 3-20) Also called SA.
security cooperation — (DOD) Department of Defense interactions with foreign security establishments to build
relationships that promote specific United States security interests, develop allied and partner military and
security capabilities for self-defense and multinational operations, and provide United States forces with
peacetime and contingency access to allies and partners. (JP 3-20) Also called SC.
security cooperation organization — (DOD) A Department of Defense element that is part of the United States
diplomatic mission located in a foreign country to carry out security assistance and cooperation management
functions under the supervision and coordination authority of the senior defense official/defense attach. (JP 3-
22)Also called SCO.
security force assistance — (DOD) The Department of Defense activities that support the development of the
capacity and capability of foreign security forces and their supporting institutions. (JP 3-22) Also called SFA.
(Army) The unified action to generate, employ, and sustain local, host nation, or regional security forces in
support of legitimate authority. (FM 3-07)
security forces — (DOD) Duly constituted military, paramilitary, police, and constabulary forces of a state. (JP
3-22)
security objective — The most important entity to protect during that specific security effort. (FM 3-90)
security operations — Those operations performed by commanders to provide early and accurate warning of
enemy operations, to provide the forces being protected with time and maneuver space within which to react
to the enemy, and to develop the situation to allow commanders to effectively use their protected forces. (ADP
3-90)
security review — (DOD) The process of reviewing information and products prior to public release to ensure
the material will not jeopardize ongoing or future operations. (JP 3-61)
security sector reform — (DOD) A comprehensive set of programs and activities undertaken by a host nation
to improve the way it provides safety, security, and justice. (JP 3-07) Also called SSR.
seize — (DOD) To employ combat forces to occupy physically and to control a designated area. (JP 3-18)
(Army) A tactical mission task in which a unit takes possession of a designated area using overwhelming
force. (FM 3-90)
self-defense obscuration — Obscuration employed to protect United States forces at the vehicle level. Self-
defense obscuration is used to defeat or degrade adversary area of operations weapon system guidance links.
(ATP 3-11.50)
self-development training domain — Planned, goal-oriented learning that reinforces and expands the depth
and breadth of an individual’s knowledge base, self-awareness, and situational awareness; complements
institutional and operational learning; enhances professional competence; and meets personal objectives.
(ADP 7-0)
senior airfield authority — (DOD) An individual designated by the joint force commander to be responsible for
the control, operation, and maintenance of an airfield, to include the runways, associated taxiways, parking
ramps, land, and facilities whose proximity directly affects airfield operations. (JP 3-36) Also called SAA.
sensitive site — (DOD) A geographically limited area that contains, but is not limited to, adversary information
systems, war crimes sites, critical government facilities, and areas suspected of containing high-value targets.
(JP 3-31)
sequel — (DOD) The subsequent operation or phase based on the possible outcomes of the current operation
or phase. (JP 5-0)
sequential relief in place — Occurs when each element within the relieved unit is relieved in succession, from
right to left or left to right, depending on how it is deployed. (ADP 3-90)
Service doctrine — Those publications approved by a single Service for use within that Service. (ADP 1-01) |
1-02.1 | 77 | Military Terms
setting the theater — The broad range of activities continuously conducted to establish conditions for the
successful execution of operations in a theater. (FM 3-0)
severity — The expected consequences of an event in terms of injury, property damage, or other mission-
impairing factors; it is assessed as catastrophic, critical, moderate, or negligible. (ATP 5-19)
shadow government — Governmental elements and activities performed by the irregular organization that will
eventually take the place of the existing government. (ATP 3-05.1)
shaping operation — An operation at any echelon that creates and preserves conditions for success of the
decisive operation through effects on the enemy, other actors, and the terrain. (ADP 3-0)
sheaf — The lateral distribution of the bursts of two or more pieces fired together. (ATP 3-09.50)
shuttle — A single transport mission completed in repeated trips by the same vehicles between two points. (ATP
4-11)
signal operating instructions — (DOD) A series of orders issued for technical control and coordination of the
signal communication activities of a command. (JP 6-0)
signals intelligence — (DOD) 1. A category of intelligence comprising either individually or in combination all
communications intelligence, electronic intelligence, and foreign instrumentation signals intelligence, however
transmitted. 2. Intelligence derived from communications, electronic, and foreign instrumentation signals. (JP
2-0) Also called SIGINT.
simplicity — Relates to processes and procedures to minimize the complexity of sustainment. (ADP 4-0)
simultaneity — The execution of related and mutually supporting tasks at the same time across multiple
locations and domains. (ADP 3-0)
simultaneous relief in place — Occurs when all elements are relieved at the same time. (ADP 3-90)
single envelopment — A variation of envelopment where a force attacks along one flank of an enemy force.
(FM 3-90)
site exploitation — (DOD) A series of activities to recognize, collect, process, preserve, and analyze
information, personnel, and/or materiel found during the conduct of operations. (JP 3-31) Also called SE.
(Army) The synchronized and integrated application of scientific and technological capabilities and enablers to
answer information requirements, facilitate subsequent operations, and support host-nation rule of law. (ATP
3-90.15)
situation report — (DOD) A report giving the situation in the area of a reporting unit or formation. (JP 3-50) Also
called SITREP.
situation template — (DOD) A depiction of assumed adversary dispositions, based on that adversary's
preferred method of operations and the impact of the operational environment if the adversary should adopt a
particular course of action. (JP 2-0)
situational obstacle — An obstacle that a unit plans and possibly prepares prior to starting an operation, but
does not execute unless specific criteria are met. (ATP 3-90.8)
situational understanding — The product of applying analysis and judgment to relevant information to
determine the relationship among the operational and mission variables. (ADP 6-0)
sociocultural factors — (DOD) The social, cultural, and behavioral factors characterizing the relationships and
activities of the population of a specific region or operational environment. (JP 2-0)
Soldier and leader engagement — Interpersonal interactions by Soldiers and leaders with audiences in an area
of operations. (FM 3-13)
source management — (DOD) The process to register and monitor the use of human sources to protect the
security of the operations and avoid conflicts. (JP 2-0)
space asset — (DOD) Equipment that is an individual part of a space system, which is or can be placed in
space or directly supports space activity terrestrially. (JP 3-14)
space capability — (DOD) 1. The ability of a space asset to accomplish a mission. 2. The ability of a terrestrial
based asset to accomplish a mission in or through space. (JP 3-14) See also space asset.
space control — (DOD) Operations to ensure freedom of action in space for the United States and its allies and
deny an adversary freedom of action in space. (JP 3-14)
space coordinating authority — (DOD) The responsibility to plan, integrate, and coordinate space operations.
(JP 3-14) Also called SCA.
space domain — (DOD) The area surrounding Earth at altitudes of greater than or equal to 100 kilometers
above mean sea level. (JP 3-14) (Army) The area above the altitude where atmospheric effects on airborne
objects become negligible. (FM 3-0) |
1-02.1 | 78 | Chapter 1
space environment — (DOD) The environment corresponding to the space domain, where electromagnetic
radiation, charged particles, and electric and magnetic fields are the dominant physical influences, and that
encompasses the Earth’s ionosphere and magnetosphere, interplanetary space, and the solar atmosphere.
(JP 3-59)
space forces — (DOD) The space and terrestrial systems, equipment, facilities, organizations, and personnel,
or combination thereof, necessary to conduct space operations. (JP 3-14)
space joint operating area — (DOD) operational area, bounded by the space domain, assigned to
Commander, United States Strategic Command, in which space operations are conducted. (JP 3-14) Also
called SJOA.
space situational awareness — (DOD) The requisite foundational, current, and predictive knowledge and
characterization of space objects and the operational environment upon which space operations depend. (JP
3-14) Also called SSA.
space superiority — (DOD) The degree of control in space of one force over any others that permits the
conduct of its operations at a given time and place without prohibitive interference from terrestrial or space-
based threats. (JP 3-14)
space weather — (DOD) The conditions and phenomena in space and specifically in the near-Earth
environment that may affect space assets or space operations. (JP 3-59)
special access program — (DOD) A sensitive acquisition, intelligence, or operations and support program, that
imposes need-to-know and access controls beyond those normally provided for access to classified
information. (JP 3-05) Also called SAP.
special forces — (DOD) United States Army forces organized, trained, and equipped to conduct special
operations with an emphasis on unconventional warfare capabilities. (JP 3-05) Also called SF.
special license — A document that allows individuals to take a particular voyage or journey to import or export
particular goods. (FM 6-27)
special operations — (DOD) Activities or actions requiring unique modes of employment, tactical techniques,
equipment, and training often conducted in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments. (JP 3-05)
special operations command and control element — (DOD) A special operations element that is the focal
point for the synchronization of special operations forces activities with conventional forces activities. (JP 3-05)
Also called SOCCE.
special operations forces — (DOD) Those Active and Reserve Component forces of the Services designated
by the Secretary of Defense and specifically organized, trained, and equipped to conduct and support special
operations. (JP 3-05) Also called SOF.
special operations joint task force — (DOD) A modular, tailorable, and scalable special operations task force
designed to provide integrated, fully-capable, and enabled joint special operations forces to geographic
combatant commanders and joint force commanders. (JP 3-05) Also called SOJTF.
special operations liaison element — (DOD) special operations liaison team provided by the joint force special
operations component commander to coordinate, deconflict, and synchronize special operations air, surface,
and subsurface operations with conventional air operations. (JP 3-05) Also called SOLE.
special operations task force — A scalable unit, normally of battalion size, in charge of the special operations
element, organized around the nucleus of special operations forces and support elements. (JP 3-05) Also
called SOTF.
special operations-peculiar — (DOD) Equipment, material, supplies, and services required for special
operations missions for which there is no Service-common requirement. (JP 3-05)
special reconnaissance — (DOD) Reconnaissance and surveillance actions conducted as a special operation
in hostile, denied, or diplomatically and/or politically sensitive environments to collect or verify information of
strategic or operational significance, employing military capabilities not normally found in conventional forces.
(JP 3-05) Also called SR.
special tactics team — (DOD) An Air Force task-organized element of special tactics that may include combat
control, pararescue, tactical air control party, and special operations weather personnel. (JP 3-05) Also called
STT.
special warfare — The execution of capabilities that involve a combination of lethal and nonlethal actions taken
by a specially trained and educated force that has a deep understanding of cultures and foreign language,
proficiency in small-unit tactics, and the ability to build and fight alongside indigenous combat formations in a
permissive, uncertain, or hostile environment. (ADP 3-05)
specified task — (Army) A task specifically assigned to a unit by its higher headquarters. (FM 5-0) |
1-02.1 | 79 | Military Terms
spectrum management operations — The interrelated functions of spectrum management, frequency
assignment, host nation coordination, and policy that together enable the planning, management, and
execution of operations within the electromagnetic operational environment during all phases of military
operations. (FM 6-02) Also called SMO.
spoiling attack — A variation of an attack employed against an enemy preparing for an attack. (FM 3-90)
spoke — (DOD) The portion of the hub and spoke distribution system that refers to transportation mode
operators responsible for scheduled delivery to a customer of the “hub.” (JP 4-09) (Army) A portion of the
distribution system that refers to the transportation mode operator’s responsibility for scheduled delivery to a
receiving unit. (ATP 4-11)
spot report — (DOD) A concise narrative report of essential information covering events or conditions that may
have an immediate and significant effect on current planning and operations that is afforded the most
expeditious means of transmission consistent with requisite security. (JP 3-09.3) Also called SPOTREP.
(Note: In reconnaissance and surveillance usage, spot report is not to be used.)
squad — A small military unit typically containing two or more fire teams. (ADP 3-90)
stability mechanism — The primary method through which friendly forces affect civilians in order to attain
conditions that support establishing a lasting, stable peace. (ADP 3-0)
stability operation — An operation conducted outside the United States in coordination with other instruments
of national power to establish or maintain a secure environment and provide essential governmental services,
emergency infrastructure reconstruction, and humanitarian relief. (ADP 3-0)
stabilization — The process by which underlying tensions that might lead to resurgence in violence and a
breakdown in the law and order are managed and reduced, while efforts are made to support preconditions for
successful long-term development. (FM 3-07)
stabilization activities — (DOD) Various military missions, tasks, and activities conducted outside the United
States in coordination with other instruments of national power to maintain or reestablish a safe and secure
environment and provide essential governmental services, emergency infrastructure reconstruction, and
humanitarian relief. (JP 3-0)
stabilized patient — (DOD) A patient whose airway is secured, hemorrhage is controlled, shock treated, and
fractures are immobilized. (JP 4-02)
staff estimate — (DOD) A continual evaluation of how factors in a staff section’s functional area support and
impact the planning and execution of the mission. (JP 5-0)
staff section — A grouping of staff members by area of expertise. (FM 6-0)
staggered relief in place — Occurs when a commander relieves each element in a sequence determined by
the tactical situation, not its geographical orientation. (ADP 3-90)
staging — (DOD) Assembling, holding, and organizing arriving personnel, equipment, and sustaining materiel in
preparation for onward movement. (JP 3-35)
staging area — (DOD) 2. Other movements - A general locality established for the concentration of troop units
and transient personnel between movements over the lines of communications. (JP 3-35) Also called SA.
stakeholder — (DOD) In public affairs, an individual or group that is directly impacted by military operations,
actions, and/or outcomes, and whose interests positively or negatively motivate them toward action. (JP 3-61)
standard bridging — Any bridging derived from manufactured bridge systems and components that are
designed to be transportable, easily constructed, and reused. (ATP 3-90.4)
standard operating procedure — (DOD) A set of instructions applicable to those features of operations that
lend themselves to a definite or standardized procedure without loss of effectiveness. (JP 3-31) Also called
SOP.
standard use Army aircraft flight route — (DOD) Route established below the coordination level to facilitate
the movement of Army aircraft. (JP 3-52) Also called SAAFR.
standardization — (DOD) The process by which the Department of Defense achieves the closest practicable
cooperation among the Services and Department of Defense agencies for the most efficient use of research,
development, and production resources, and agrees to adopt on the broadest possible basis the use of: a.
common or compatible operational, administrative, and logistic procedures; b. common or compatible
technical procedures and criteria; c. common, compatible, or interchangeable supplies, components,
weapons, or equipment; and d. common or compatible tactical doctrine with corresponding organizational
compatibility. (JP 4-02)
standing rules for the use of force — (DOD) Preapproved directives to guide United States forces on the use
of force during various operations. (JP 3-28) Also called SRUF. |
1-02.1 | 80 | Chapter 1
standing transportation movement release — A document that assigns a transportation capability to a
movement requirement that has the same origin, destination, load time, spot time, pull time and is a perpetual
requirement. (ATP 4-16)
start point — A designated place on a route where elements fall under the control of a designated march
commander. (FM 3-90) Also called SP.
starting tractive effort — The power exerted by a locomotive to move itself and its load from a dead stop. (ATP
4-14) Also called STE.
status-of-forces agreement — (DOD) A bilateral or multilateral agreement that defines the legal position of a
visiting military force deployed in the territory of a friendly state. (JP 3-16) Also called SOFA.
stay behind operation — An operation in which a unit remains in position to conduct a specified mission while
the remainder of the forces withdraw or retire from an area. (FM 3-90)
stay-behind resistance operation — An operation in which indigenous authorities leave personnel and
resources in position before, during, and after a foreign occupation to conduct anticipated resistance activities
against the occupying power. (ATP 3-18.1)
stay-behind unconventional warfare — Unconventional warfare operations and activities conducted by a
sponsoring government in support of indigenous authorities’ stay-behind resistance operations. (ATP 3-18.1)
strategic level of warfare — (DOD) The level of warfare at which a nation, often as a member of a group of
nations, determines national or multinational (alliance or coalition) strategic security objectives and guidance,
then develops and uses national resources to achieve those objectives. (JP 3-0)
strategy — (DOD) A prudent idea or set of ideas for employing the instruments of national power in a
synchronized and integrated fashion to achieve theater, national, and/or multinational objectives. (JP 3-0)
strike — (DOD) An attack to damage or destroy an objective or a capability. (JP 3-0)
strike coordination and reconnaissance — A mission flown for the purpose of detecting targets and
coordinating or performing attack or reconnaissance on those targets. (JP 3-03) Also called SCAR.
striking force — A dedicated counterattack force in a mobile defense constituted with the bulk of available
combat power. (ADP 3-90)
strong point — A heavily fortified battle position tied to a natural or reinforcing obstacle to create an anchor for
the defense or to deny the enemy decisive or key terrain. (ADP 3-90)
subballast — Gravel, sand, or cinders used to provide a level surface for the ballast and other track
components. (ATP 4-14)
subsequent position — A position that a unit expects to move to during the course of battle. (FM 3-90)
subversion — (DOD) Actions designed to undermine the military, economic, psychological, or political strength
or morale of a governing authority. (JP 3-24)
subversive political action — A planned series of activities designed to accomplish political objectives by
influencing, dominating, or displacing individuals or groups who are so placed as to affect the decisions and
actions of another government. (ATP 3-18.1)
supplementary position — A defensive position located within a unit’s assigned area that provides the best
sectors of fire and defensive terrain along an avenue of approach that is not the primary avenue where the
enemy is expected to attack. (FM 3-90)
supply — (DOD) The procurement, distribution, maintenance while in storage, and salvage of supplies, including
the determination of kind and quantity of supplies. (JP 4-0) (Army) The process of providing all items
necessary to equip, maintain, and operate a military command. (FM 1-02.1) See also classes of supply.
supply chain — (DOD) The linked activities associated with providing materiel from a raw materiel stage to an
end user as a finished product. (JP 4-09)
supply support activity — (DOD) Activities assigned a Department of Defense activity address code and that
have a supply support mission. (JP 4-09) Also called SSA.
support — (DOD) 1. The action of a force that aids, protects, complements, or sustains another force in
accordance with a directive requiring such action. 2. A unit that helps another unit in battle. 3. An element of a
command that assists, protects, or supplies other forces in combat. (JP 1 Volume 2) See also close support,
direct support, general support, mutual support.
support area — The portion of the commander’s area of operations that is designated to facilitate the
positioning, employment, and protection of base sustainment assets required to sustain, enable, and control
operations. (ADP 3-0)
support area operations — The tactical actions securing lines of communications, bases, and base clusters
that enable an echelon’s sustainment and command and control. (FM 3-0) |
1-02.1 | 81 | Military Terms
support bridging — A bridge used to establish semipermanent or permanent support to planned movements
and road networks. (ATP 3-90.4)
support by fire — A tactical mission task in which a in which a unit engages the enemy by direct fire in support
of another maneuvering force. (FM 3-90)
support by fire position — The general position from which a unit performs the tactical mission task of support
by fire. (ADP 3-90)
support operations — The staff function of planning, coordinating, and synchronizing sustainment in support of
units conducting decisive action in an area of operations. (ATP 4-92)
support to civil administration — Assistance given by United States armed forces to stabilize or enhance the
operations of the governing body of a foreign country, by assisting an established or interim government. (FM
3-57) Also called SCA.
support to resistance — A United States Government policy option to support foreign resistance actors that
offers an alternative to a direct U.S. military intervention or formal political engagement in a conflict. (ATP 3-
18.1) Also called STR.
supported commander — (DOD) In the context of joint planning, the commander who prepares operation plans
or operation orders in response to requirements of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (JP 3-0)
supported unit — (DOD) As related to contracted support, an organization that is the recipient, but not
necessarily the requester, of contracted support. (JP 4-10)
supporting arms coordination center — (DOD) A single location on board an amphibious warfare ship in
which all communication facilities incident to the coordination of fire support of the artillery, air, and naval
gunfire are centralized. (JP 3-09.3) Also called SACC.
supporting commander — (DOD) 1. A commander who provides augmentation forces or other support to a
supported commander or who develops a supporting plan. 2. In the context of a support command
relationship, the commander who aids, protects, complements, or sustains another commander's force and
who is responsible for providing the assistance required by the supported commander. (JP 3-0)
supporting distance — The distance between two units that can be traveled in time for one to come to the aid
of the other and prevent its defeat by an enemy or ensure it regains control of a civil situation. (ADP 3-0) See
also supporting range.
supporting effort — A designated subordinate unit with a mission that supports the success of the main effort.
(ADP 3-0)
supporting fire — (DOD) Fire delivered by supporting units to assist or protect a unit in combat. (JP 3-09)
supporting plan — (DOD) An operation plan prepared by a supporting commander, a subordinate commander,
or an agency to satisfy the requests or requirements of the supported commander's plan. (JP 5-0)
supporting range — The distance one unit may be geographically separated from a second unit yet remain
within the maximum range of the second unit’s weapons systems. (ADP 3-0) See also supporting distance.
suppress — A tactical mission task in which a unit temporarily degrades a force or weapon system from
accomplishing its mission. (FM 3-90)
suppression — (DOD) Temporary or transient degradation by an opposing force of the performance of a
weapons system below the level needed to fulfill its mission objectives. (JP 3-01) (Army) In the context of the
computed effects of field artillery fires, renders a target ineffective for a short period of time producing at least
3-percent casualties or materiel damage. (FM 3-09)
suppression of enemy air defenses — (DOD) Activity that neutralizes, destroys, or temporarily degrades
surface-based enemy air defenses by destructive and/or disruptive means. (JP 3-01) Also called SEAD.
suppressive fire — Fires on or about a weapons system to degrade its performance below the level needed to
fulfill its mission objectives during the conduct of the fires. (FM 3-09)
surgical strike — The execution of capabilities in a precise manner that employ special operations forces in
hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments to seize, destroy, capture, exploit, recover, or damage
designated targets, or influence threats. (ADP 3-05)
surrogate — Someone who acts on behalf of another. A surrogate is an employee or subordinate that an
employer commands and controls and for whose actions the employer bears some legal and moral
responsibility. (ATP 3-18.1)
surveillance — (DOD) The systematic observation of aerospace, cyberspace, surface, or subsurface areas,
places, persons, or things by visual, aural, electronic, photographic, or other means. (JP 3-0) |
1-02.1 | 82 | Chapter 1
survivability — (DOD) All aspects of protecting personnel, weapons, and supplies while simultaneously
deceiving the enemy. (JP 3-34) (Army, Marine Corps) A quality or capability of military forces which permits
them to avoid or withstand hostile actions or environmental conditions while retaining the ability to fulfill their
primary mission. (ATP 3-37.34)
survivability move — A move that involves rapidly displacing a unit, command post, or facility in response to
direct and indirect fires, the approach of a threat or as a proactive measure based on intelligence,
meteorological data, and risk assessment of enemy capabilities and intentions. (ADP 3-90)
survivability operations — (Army, Marine Corps) Those military activities that alter the physical environment to
provide or improve cover, camouflage, and concealment. (ATP 3-37.34)
survival, evasion, resistance, and escape — (DOD) Actions performed by isolated personnel designed to
ensure their health, mobility, safety, and honor in anticipation of or preparation for their return to friendly
control. (JP 3-50) Also called SERE.
suspension of arms — A form of local armistice concluded between commanders of military forces for some
local military purpose, such as to recover and bury the dead, to collect and care for the wounded and sick, to
arrange for exchange of prisoners, or to enable a commander to communicate with his or her government or
superior. Also called a suspension of fire. (FM 6-27)
sustaining operation — An operation at any echelon that enables the decisive operation or shaping operations
by generating and maintaining combat power. (ADP 3-0) See also decisive operation, shaping operation.
sustainment — (DOD) The provision of logistics and personnel services required to maintain and prolong
operations until successful mission accomplishment. (JP 3-0) (Army) The provision of logistics, financial
management, personnel services, and health service support necessary to maintain operations until
successful mission completion. (ADP 4-0)
sustainment maintenance — Off -system component repair and/or end item repair and return to the supply
system or by exception to the owning unit, performed by national level maintenance providers. (FM 4-30)
sustainment preparation of the operational environment — The analysis to determine infrastructure, physical
environment, and resources in the operational environment that will optimize or adversely impact friendly
forces means for supporting and sustaining the commander’s operations plan. (ADP 4-0)
sustainment warfighting function — The related tasks and systems that provide support and services to
ensure freedom of action, extend operational reach, and prolong endurance. (ADP 3-0) See also warfighting
function.
switch engines — The type of motive power used for receiving cars, classifying, and reassembling them for
delivery or forward movement. (ATP 4-14)
switch stand — The mechanism which controls the operation of the switch and shows its position. (ATP 4-14)
switch tie — Specially cut and formed hardwood crossties, designed to support switches, switch stands, and the
moveable rails of a switch. (ATP 4-14)
synchronization — (DOD) 1. The arrangement of military actions in time, space, and purpose to produce
maximum relative combat power at a decisive place and time. (JP 2-0) 2. In the intelligence context,
application of intelligence sources and methods in concert with the operation plan to answer intelligence
requirements in time to influence the decisions they support. (JP 2-0)
system — (DOD) A functionally, physically, and/or behaviorally related group of regularly interacting or
interdependent elements; that group of elements forming a unified whole. (JP 3-0)
systems support contract — (DOD) A prearranged contract awarded by a Military Department and the United
States Special Operations Command program management office that provides fielding, technical, and
maintenance support for selected military weapon and other systems. (JP 4-10)
—T—
TABOO frequencies — (DOD) Any friendly frequency of such importance that it must never be deliberately
jammed or interfered with by friendly forces including international distress, safety, and controller frequencies.
(JP 3-85)
tacit knowledge — What individuals know; a unique, personal store of knowledge gained from life experiences,
training, and networks of friends, acquaintances, and professional colleagues. (ATP 6-01.1)
tactical air control party — (DOD) A subordinate operational component of a tactical air control system
designed to provide air liaison to land forces and for the control of aircraft. (JP 3-09.3) Also called TACP.
tactical air coordinator (airborne) — (DOD) An aircrew member who coordinates, from an aircraft, the actions
of other aircraft engaged in air support of ground or sea forces. (JP 3-09.3) Also called TAC(A). |
1-02.1 | 83 | Military Terms
tactical assembly area — (DOD) An area that is generally out of the reach of light artillery and the location
where units make final preparations (pre-combat checks and inspections) and rest, prior to moving to the line
of departure. (JP 3-35) Also called TAA.
tactical bridging — A Bridge employed under the threat of direct or indirect fire for the immediate mobility
support of combat maneuver forces in close combat and are intended to be used multiple times for short
periods. (ATP 3-90.4)
tactical combat force — (DOD) A rapidly deployable, air-ground, mobile combat unit with appropriate combat
support and combat service support assets assigned to, and capable of, defeating Level III threats, including
combined arms. (JP 3-10) Also called TCF.
tactical command post — A portion of a unit headquarters designed to command and control operations as
directed. (FM 6-0)
tactical control — (DOD) The authority over forces that is limited to the detailed direction and control of
movements or maneuvers within the operational area necessary to accomplish missions or tasks assigned.
(JP 1 Volume 2) Also called TACON.
tactical data link — (DOD) A Joint Staff-approved, standardized communication link used for the transmission
of digital information via a single or multiple network architecture and multiple communication media for
exchange of tactical information. (JP 6-0) Also called TDL.
tactical deception — A friendly activity that causes enemy commanders to take action or cause inaction
detrimental to their objectives. (FM 3-90)
tactical level of warfare — (DOD) The level of warfare at which battles and engagements are planned and
executed to achieve military objectives assigned to tactical units or task forces. (JP 3-0)
tactical mission task — The specific activity a unit performs while executing a tactical operation or form of
maneuver. (FM 3-90)
tactical mobility — The ability of friendly forces to move and maneuver freely on the battlefield relative to the
enemy. (ADP 3-90)
tactical movement — A movement in which troops and vehicles are arranged to protect combat forces during
movement when a threat of enemy interference is possible. (FM 3-90)
tactical questioning — (DOD) The field-expedient initial questioning for information of immediate tactical value
of a captured or detained person at or near the point of capture and before the individual is placed in a
detention facility. (JP 3-31) Also called TQ.
tactical road march — A rapid movement used to relocate units within an area to prepare for combat
operations. (FM 3-90)
tactics — (DOD) The employment and ordered arrangement of forces in relation to each other. (CJCSM
5120.01B) (Army) The employment, ordered arrangement, and directed actions of forces in relation to each
other. (ADP 3-90)
tailgate medical support — An economy of force device employed primarily to retain maximum mobility during
movement halts or to avoid the time and effort required to set up a formal, operational treatment facility (for
example, during rapid advance and retrograde operations). (ATP 4-02.4)
target — (DOD) An entity or object that performs a function for the threat considered for possible engagement or
other action. (JP 3-60)
target acquisition — (DOD) The detection, identification, and location of a target in sufficient detail to permit the
effective employment of capabilities that create the required effects. (JP 3-60) Also called TA.
target area of interest — (DOD) The geographical area where high-value targets can be acquired and engaged
by friendly forces. (JP 2-0) Also called TAI.
target audience — (DOD) An individual or group selected for influence. (JP 3-04) Also called TA.
target development — (DOD) The systematic examination of potential target systems--and their components,
individual targets, and even elements of targets--to determine the necessary type and duration of the action
that must be exerted on each target to create an effect that is consistent with the commander's specific
objectives. (JP 3-60)
target identification — The accurate and timely characterization of a detected object on the battlefield as friend,
neutral, or enemy. (ATP 3-21.20)
target intelligence — (DOD) Intelligence that portrays and locates the components of a target or target complex
and indicates its vulnerability and relative importance. (JP 3-60)
target location error — (DOD) The difference between the coordinates generated for a target and the actual
location of the target. (JP 3-09.3) Also called TLE. |
1-02.1 | 84 | Chapter 1
target of opportunity — (DOD) 1. A target identified too late, or not selected for action in time, to be included in
deliberate targeting that, when detected or located, meets criteria specific to achieving objectives and is
processed using dynamic targeting. 2. A target visible to a surface or air sensor or observer, which is within
range of available weapons and against which fire has not been scheduled or requested. (JP 3-60)
target reference point — (DOD) A predetermined point of reference, normally a permanent structure or terrain
feature that can be used when describing a target location. (JP 3-09.3) Also called TRP.
targeting — (DOD) The process of selecting and prioritizing targets and matching the appropriate response to
them, considering operational requirements and capabilities. (JP 3-0)
task — (DOD) A clearly defined action or activity specifically assigned to an individual or organization that must
be done as it is imposed by an appropriate authority. (JP 1 Volume 1)
task order — (DOD) Order for services placed against an established contract. (JP 4-10) See also civil
augmentation program.
task organization — (Army) A temporary grouping of forces designed to accomplish a particular mission. (ADP
5-0)
task-organizing — (Army) The act of designing a force, support staff, or sustainment package of specific size
and composition to meet a unique task or mission. (ADP 3-0)
tear line — (DOD) A visible line on an intelligence message separating categories of information that have been
approved for foreign disclosure and release. (JP 2-0)
technical channels — (Army) The chain of authority for ensuring the execution of clearly delineated technical
tasks, functions, and capabilities to meet the dynamic requirements of Department of Defense information
network operations. (ATP 6-02.71)
technical effects — One or more capabilities, activities, or programs planned, coordinated, or executed that
utilize classified means to accomplish an objective or enable military operations. (FM 1-02.1) [Note:
Encompasses all capabilities, activities, or programs that, when associated with authorities or specific targets,
target audiences, or locations, are classified at a higher level than UNCLASSIFIED. This term enables staffs
and commanders to describe single or multiple capabilities, activities, or programs delivering an effect to
accomplish an objective in an UNCLASSIFIED or a lower classification venue than required by specific
security classification guides. These capabilities, activities, or programs include, but are not limited to: cyber
OPE, delayed and non-attribution MISO, deception in support of OPSEC, electronic attack, electronic warfare
support, joint MILDEC, offensive counter intelligence operations, offensive cyberspace operations, offensive
space operations, special access programs, and tactical deception.]
technical intelligence — (DOD) Intelligence derived from the collection, processing, analysis, and exploitation
of data and information pertaining to foreign equipment and materiel for the purposes of preventing
technological surprise, assessing foreign scientific and technical capabilities, and developing countermeasures
designed to neutralize an adversary's technological advantages. (JP 2-0) Also called TECHINT.
techniques — (DOD) Non-prescriptive ways or methods used to perform missions, functions, or tasks. (CJCSM
5120.01B)
tempo — The relative speed and rhythm of military operations over time with respect to the enemy. (ADP 3-0)
tenets of operations — Desirable attributes that should be built into all plans and operations and are directly
related to the Army’s operational concept. (ADP 1-01)
terminal attack control — (DOD) The authority to control the maneuver of and grant weapons release
clearance to attacking aircraft. (JP 3-09.3) Also called TAC.
terminal guidance operations — (DOD) Actions using electronic, mechanical, voice, or visual communications
that provide approaching aircraft and/or weapons additional information regarding a specific target location.
(JP 3-09) Also called TGO.
terminal operations — The reception, processing, and staging of passengers; the receipt, transit, storage, and
marshalling of cargo; the loading and unloading of modes of transport conveyances; and the manifesting and
forwarding of cargo and passengers to destination. (FM 1-02.1)
terminal phase — (DOD) That portion of the flight of a ballistic missile that begins when the warhead or payload
reenters the atmosphere and ends when the warhead or payload detonates, releases its submunitions, or
impacts. (JP 3-01)
termination criteria — (DOD) The specified standards approved by the President and/or the Secretary of
Defense that must be met before a military operation can be concluded. (JP 3-0)
terrain analysis — (Army) The study of the terrain’s properties and how they change over time, with use, and
under varying weather conditions. (ATP 3-34.80) |
1-02.1 | 85 | Military Terms
terrain management — The process of allocating terrain by specifying locations for units and activities to
deconflict activities that might interfere with each other. (FM 3-90)
terrorism — (DOD) The unlawful use of violence or threat of violence, often motivated by religious, political, or
other ideological beliefs, to instill fear and coerce individuals, governments or societies in pursuit of terrorist
goals. (JP 3-26)
theater — (DOD) The geographical area for which a commander of a geographic combatant command has been
assigned responsibility. (JP 1 Volume 1)
theater Army — (DOD) An echelon of command designated as the Army Service component command
responsible for recommendations of allocation and employment of Army forces to the geographic combatant
commander. (JP 3-31) Also called TA.
theater closing — The process of redeploying Army forces and equipment from a theater, the drawdown and
removal or disposition of Army non-unit equipment and materiel, and the transition of materiel and facilities
back to host nation or civil authorities. (ADP 4-0)
theater container management — The supervision and control of containers as they move through the
distribution system to ensure they are delivered, discharged and returned in accordance to the combatant
commander’s concept of operations. (ATP 4-12)
theater distribution — (DOD) The flow of personnel, equipment, and materiel within theater to meet the
geographic combatant commander’s missions. (JP 4-09)
theater distribution system — (DOD) The four independent and mutually supported networks within an area of
responsibility to meet the geographic combatant commander’s requirements: the physical network, the
financial network, the information network, and the communications network. (JP 4-01)
theater evacuation policy — A command decision indicating the length in days of the maximum period of
noneffectiveness that patients may be held within the command for treatment, and the medical determination
of patients that cannot be returned to duty status within the period prescribed requiring evacuation by the first
available means, provided the travel involved will not aggravate their disabilities or medical condition. (ATP 4-
02.2)
theater of operations — (DOD) An operational area defined by the combatant commander for the conduct or
support of specific military operations. (JP 3-0) Also called TO.
theater opening — The ability to establish and operate ports of debarkation (air, sea, and rail), to establish a
distribution system and sustainment bases, and to facilitate throughput for the reception, staging, and onward
movement of forces within a theater of operations. (ADP 4-0)
theater special operations command — (DOD) A subordinate unified command established by a combatant
commander to plan, coordinate, conduct, and support joint special operations. (JP 3-05) Also called TSOC.
theater strategic level of warfare — The level of warfare at which combatant commanders synchronize with
unified action partners and employ all elements of national power to fulfill policy aims within the assigned
theater in support of the national strategy. (FM 3-0)
theater support contract — (DOD) A type of contract awarded by contingency contracting officers in the
operational area serving under the direct contracting authority of the Service component, United States
Special Operations Command, or designated joint head of a contracting activity for the operation. (JP 4-10)
theater validation identification — The employment of multiple independent, established protocols and
technologies by scientific experts in the controlled environment of a fixed or mobile/transportable laboratory to
characterize a chemical, biological, radiological, and/or nuclear hazard with a high level of confidence and
degree of certainty necessary to support operational-level decisions. (ATP 3-11.37)
thermal crossover — (DOD) The natural phenomenon that normally occurs twice daily when temperature
conditions are such that there is a loss of contrast between two adjacent objects on infrared imagery. (JP 3-
09.3)
thorough decontamination — (DOD) Decontamination carried out by a unit to reduce contamination on
personnel, equipment, materiel, and/or working areas equal to natural background or to the lowest possible
levels, to permit the partial or total removal of individual protective equipment and to maintain operations with
minimum degradation. (JP 3-11)
threat — Any combination of actors, entities, or forces that have the capability and intent to harm United States
forces, United States national interests, or the homeland. (ADP 3-0)
threat assessment — (DOD) In antiterrorism, examining the capabilities, intentions, and activities, past and
present, of terrorist organizations, as well as the security environment within which friendly forces operate to
determine the level of threat. (JP 3-26) Also called TA. |
1-02.1 | 86 | Chapter 1
throughput — (DOD) 1. In transportation, the average quantity of cargo and passengers that can pass through
a terminal, port, or anchorage on a daily basis. (JP 4-18) 2. In patient movement and care, the maximum
number of patients (stable or stabilized) by category, that can be received at the airport, staged, transported,
and received at the proper hospital within any 24-hour period. (JP 4-02)
throughput distribution — A method of distribution which bypasses one or more intermediate supply echelons
in the supply system to avoid multiple handling. (ATP 4-92)
time of attack — The moment the leading elements of the main body cross the line of departure or, in a limited
visibility attack, the point of departure. (ADP 3-90)
time on target — (DOD) The actual time at which munitions impact the target. (JP 3-09.3) Also called TOT.
time-phased force and deployment data — (DOD) The time-phased force, non-unit cargo, and personnel data
combined with movement data for the operation plan, operation order, or ongoing rotation of forces. (JP 5-0)
Also called TPFDD.
time-sensitive target — (DOD) Joint force commander-validated target or set of targets requiring immediate
response because it is a highly lucrative, fleeting target of opportunity or it poses (or will soon pose) a danger
to friendly forces. (JP 3-60) Also called TST.
toxic industrial biological — (DOD) Any biological material manufactured, used, transported, or stored by
industrial, medical, or commercial processes which could pose an infectious or toxic threat. (JP 3-11) Also
called TIB.
toxic industrial chemical — (DOD) A chemical developed or manufactured for use in industrial operations or
research by industry, government, or academia that poses a hazard. (JP 3-11) Also called TIC.
toxic industrial material — (DOD) A generic term for toxic, chemical, biological, or radioactive substances in
solid, liquid, aerosolized, or gaseous form that may be used, or stored for use, for industrial, commercial,
medical, military, or domestic purposes. (JP 3-11) Also called TIM.
toxic industrial radiological — (DOD) Any radiological material manufactured, used, transported, or stored by
industrial, medical, or commercial processes. (JP 3-11) Also called TIR.
track — (DOD) 2. To display or record the successive positions of a moving object. (JP 3-01)
track alignment — The horizontal dimension of a track; for example, curves. (ATP 4-14)
track profile — The vertical dimensions of the track caused by terrain features such as hills or valleys. (ATP 4-
14)
tracking — (DOD) Precise and continuous position-finding of targets by radar, optical, or other means. (JP 3-
07.4)
tractive effort — A measure of the potential power of a locomotive expressed in pounds. (ATP 4-14)
traffic control post — A manned post that is used to preclude the interruption of traffic flow or movement along
a designated route. (FM 3-39)
trail party — The last march unit in a march column. (FM 3-90)
train density — The number of trains that may be operated safely over a division in each direction during a 24-
hour period. (ATP 4-14) Also called TD.
train dispatcher — Responsible for main-line movement of passenger and freight trains on a division. (ATP 4-
14)
training and evaluation outline — A summary document that provides performance and proficiency standards
for individual and collective tasks. (FM 7-0) Also called T&EO.
training and readiness oversight — (DOD) The authority that combatant commanders may exercise over
assigned Reserve Component forces when not on active duty or when on active duty for training. (JP 1
Volume 2) Also called TRO. See also combatant commander.
training environment — An environment comprised of conditions, supporting resources, and time that enables
training tasks to proficiency. (FM 7-0)
training objective — A statement that describes the desired outcome of a training event. (FM 7-0)
transitional governance — The actions taken to assure appropriate control and continuity of government
functions throughout the range of military operations. (FM 3-57) Also called TG.
transitional military authority — A temporary military government exercising the functions of civil
administration in the absence of a legitimate civil authority. (FM 3-07)
transmission security — (DOD) Actions designed to protect communications from interception and exploitation
by means other than cryptoanalysis. (JP 6-0) Also called TRANSEC. |
1-02.1 | 87 | Military Terms
transportation — A logistics function that includes movement control and associated activities to incorporate
military, commercial, and multinational motor, rail, air, and water mode assets in the movement of units,
personnel, equipment, and supplies in support the concept of operations. (FM 1-02.1)
transportation feasibility — (DOD) A determination that the available lift capability exists to move forces,
equipment, and supplies from the point of origin to the port of debarkation within the commander’s timeline.
(JP 4-09)
transportation movement release — A document that assigns a transportation capability to a movement
requirement and provides the movement details. (ATP 4-16) Also called TMR.
transportation priorities — (DOD) Indicators assigned to eligible traffic that establish its movement
precedence. (JP 4-09)
transportation system — (DOD) All the land, water, and air routes and transportation assets conducting
movement of United States forces and their supplies during military operations. (JP 4-01)
traveling — A movement technique used when speed is necessary and contact with enemy forces is not likely.
(FM 3-90)
traveling overwatch — A movement technique used when contact with enemy forces is possible. (FM 3-90)
triage — The process of sorting casualties based on need for treatment, evacuation, and available resources.
(FM 4-02)
trigger line — A phase line located on identifiable terrain used to initiate and mass fires into an engagement
area at a predetermined range. (FM 3-90)
troop — A company-size unit in a cavalry organization. (ADP 3-90)
troop leading procedures — A dynamic process used by small-unit leaders to analyze a mission, develop a
plan, and prepare for an operation. (ADP 5-0)
troop movement — The movement of Soldiers and units from one place to another by any available means.
(FM 3-90)
turn — 1. A tactical mission task in which a unit forces an enemy force from one avenue of approach or mobility
corridor to another. 2. A tactical obstacle effect that integrates fire planning and obstacle effort to divert an
enemy formation from one avenue of approach to an adjacent avenue of approach or into an engagement
area. (FM 3-90)
turning movement — (Army) A form of maneuver in which the attacking force seeks to avoid the enemy’s
principal defensive positions by attacking to the rear of their current positions forcing them to move or divert
forces to meet the threat. (FM 3-90)
two-level maintenance — Tiered maintenance system comprised of field and sustainment maintenance. (FM 4-
30)
—U—
U.S. military prisoner — A person sentenced to confinement or death during a court-martial and ordered into
confinement by a competent authority, whether or not the convening authority has approved the sentence.
(FM 3-39)
unanticipated target — (DOD) A target of opportunity that was unknown or not expected to exist in the
operational environment. (JP 3-60)
unauthorized commitment — (DOD) An agreement that is not binding solely because the United States
Government representative who made it lacked the authority to enter into that agreement on behalf of the
United States Government. (JP 4-10)
uncertain environment — (DOD) Operational environment in which host government forces, whether opposed
to or receptive to operations that a unit intends to conduct, do not have totally effective control of the territory
and population in the intended operational area. (JP 3-0)
uncommitted force — A force that is not in contact with an enemy and is not already deployed on a specific
mission or course of action. (ADP 3-90)
unconventional assisted recovery — (DOD) Nonconventional assisted recovery conducted by special
operations forces. (JP 3-50) Also called UAR.
unconventional assisted recovery coordination cell — (DOD) A compartmented special operations forces
cell, established to coordinate, synchronize, and deconflict nonconventional assisted recovery operations
within the operational area assigned to the joint force commander. (JP 3-50) Also called UARCC.
unconventional warfare — (DOD) Activities conducted to enable a resistance movement or insurgency to
coerce, disrupt, or overthrow a government or occupying power by operating through or with an underground,
auxiliary, and guerrilla force in a denied area. (JP 3-05) Also called UW. |
1-02.1 | 88 | Chapter 1
underframe — The structure of a railcar under the deck that supports the weight of the load. (ATP 4-14)
underground — A cellular covert element within unconventional warfare that is compartmentalized and
conducts covert or clandestine activities in areas normally denied to the auxiliary and the guerrilla force. (ADP
3-05)
understanding — In the context of decision making, knowledge that has been synthesized and had judgment
applied to comprehend the situation's inner relationships, enable decision making, and drive action. (ADP 6-0)
unexploded explosive ordnance — (DOD) Explosive ordnance that has been primed, fused, armed or
otherwise prepared for action, and that has been fired, dropped, launched, projected, or placed in such a
manner as to constitute a hazard to operations, installations, personnel, or material and remains unexploded
either by malfunction or design or for any other cause. (JP 3-42) Also called UXO.
unified action — (DOD) The synchronization, coordination, and/or integration of the activities of governmental
and nongovernmental entities with military operations to achieve unity of effort. (JP 1 Volume 1)
unified action partners — Those military forces, governmental and nongovernmental organizations, and
elements of the private sector with whom Army forces plan, coordinate, synchronize, and integrate during the
conduct of operations. (ADP 3-0)
Unified Command Plan — (DOD) The document, approved by the President, that sets forth basic guidance to
all combatant commanders; establishes their missions, responsibilities, and force structure; delineates
geographical areas of responsibility; and specifies functional responsibilities for designated combatant
commanders. (JP 1 Volume 2) Also called UCP.
unified land operations — The simultaneous execution of offense, defense, stability, and defense support of
civil authorities across multiple domains to shape operational environments, prevent conflict, prevail in large-
scale ground combat, and consolidate gains as part of unified action. (ADP 3-0)
unit — (DOD) 1. Any military element whose structure is prescribed by competent authority. (JP 3-33)
unit distribution — A method of distributing supplies by which the receiving unit is issued supplies in its own
area, with transportation furnished by the issuing agency. (FM 4-40)
unit historical officer — An individual, military or civilian, who is designated as the unit historian and is
responsible for military history activities. (ATP 1-20)
unit history — An informal narrative that covers the entire history of a specific unit, written in an easy-to-read
manner for the benefit of the Soldiers. (ATP 1-20)
unit line number — (DOD) A seven-character alphanumeric code that describes a unique increment of a unit
deployment, i.e., advance party, main body, equipment by sea and air, reception team, or trail party, in the
time-phased force and deployment data. (JP 3-35) Also called ULN.
unit movement data — (DOD) A unit equipment and/or supply listing containing corresponding transportability
data. (JP 3-35) Also called UMD.
unit recovery team — Non-mortuary affairs personnel available to conduct immediate recovery operations.
(ATP 4-46)
unity of command — (DOD) The operation of all forces under a single responsible commander who has the
requisite authority to direct and employ those forces in pursuit of a common purpose. (JP 3-0)
unity of effort — (DOD) Coordination and cooperation toward common objectives, even if the participants are
not necessarily part of the same command or organization that is the product of successful unified action. (JP
1 Volume 2)
Universal Time — (DOD) A measure of time that conforms, within a close approximation, to the mean diurnal
rotation of the Earth and serves as the basis of civil timekeeping. (JP 5-0) Also called ZULU time.
unmanned aircraft — (DOD) An aircraft that does not carry a human operator and is capable of flight with or
without human remote control. (JP 3-30) Also called UA.
unmanned aircraft system — (DOD) That system whose components include the necessary equipment,
network, and personnel to control an unmanned aircraft. (JP 3-30) Also called UAS.
unobserved fire — Projectile points of impact or burst not observed. (FM 3-09)
unprivileged belligerent — A person who, by engaging in hostilities, has incurred the corresponding liabilities of
combatant status (for example, being subject to attack or detention), but who is not entitled to the distinct
privileges of combatant status (for example, combatant immunity and prisoner of war status upon capture).
(FM 6-27)
urban operations — Operations across the range of military operations planned and conducted on, or against
objectives on a topographical complex and its adjacent natural terrain, where man-made construction or the
density of population are the dominant features. (ATP 3-06) |
1-02.1 | 89 | Military Terms
—V—
validate — (DOD) Execution procedure used by combatant command components, supporting combatant
commanders, and providing organizations to confirm to the supported commander and United States
Transportation Command that all the information records in a time-phased force and deployment data not only
are error-free for automation purposes, but also accurately reflect the current status, attributes, and availability
of units and requirements. (JP 5-0)
vee formation — A movement formation with two elements abreast and one or more elements trailing. (FM 3-
90)
vehicle distance — The clearance between vehicles in a column which is measured from the rear of one vehicle
to the front of the following vehicle. (ATP 3-21.20) See also march column, march serial, march unit.
vehicle-borne improvised explosive device — (DOD A device placed or fabricated in an improvised manner
on a vehicle incorporating destructive, lethal, noxious, pyrotechnic, or incendiary chemicals and designed to
destroy, incapacitate, harass, or distract. (JP 3-10) Also called VBIED.
verification — (DOD) 1. In arms control, any action, including inspection, detection, and identification, taken to
ascertain compliance with agreed measures. (JP 3-41)
vertical envelopment — A variation of envelopment where air-dropped or airlanded troops attack an enemy
forces rear, flank, or both. (FM 3-90)
vertical interval — The difference in altitude between the unit or observer and the target or point of burst. (ATP
3-09.50)
vetting — (DOD) A part of target development that assesses the accuracy of the supporting intelligence to
targeting. (JP 3-60)
visual information — (DOD) Various visual media with or without sound that generally includes still and motion
photography, audio video recording, graphic arts, and visual presentations. (JP 3-61) Also called VI.
Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement — (DOD) An agreement that provides the Department of Defense
with assured access to United States flag assets, both vessel capacity and intermodal systems, to meet
Department of Defense contingency requirements. Also called VISA. (JP 3-36)
vulnerabilities — Characteristics, motives, or conditions of the target audience that can be used to influence
behavior. (FM 3-53)
vulnerability — (DOD) 2. The characteristics of a system that can cause it to be degraded (incapability to
perform the designated function or mission) as a result of being subjected to a certain level of effects in an
unnatural (man-made) hostile environment. (JP 3-60)
—W—
waiting area — Locations on both banks (or sides) that are adjacent to the route or axis used for the
concealment of vehicles, troops, and equipment while an element is waiting to resume movement. (ATP 3-
90.4)
warfighting function — A group of tasks and systems united by a common purpose that commanders use to
accomplish missions and training objectives. (ADP 3-0)
warning intelligence — (DOD) Those intelligence activities intended to detect and report time-sensitive
intelligence information on foreign developments that forewarn of hostile actions or intention against United
States entities, partners, or interests. (JP 2-0)
warning order — (DOD) 1. A preliminary notice of an order or action that is to follow. 2. A planning directive that
initiates the development and evaluation of military courses of action by a commander. (JP 5-0) Also called
WARNORD.
wartime reserve modes — (DOD) Characteristics and operating procedures of sensor, communications,
navigation aids, threat recognition, weapons, and countermeasures systems that will contribute to military
effectiveness if unknown to, or misunderstood by, opposing commanders before they are used but could be
exploited or neutralized if known in advance. (JP 3-85) Also called WARM.
waste discharge — The accidental or intentional spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, or
dumping of a hazardous waste into or onto any land or water. (ATP 3-34.5)
weapon engagement zone — (DOD) In air defense, airspace of defined dimensions within which the
responsibility for engagement of air threats normally rests with a particular weapon system. (JP 3-01) Also
called WEZ.
weaponeering — (DOD) The process of determining the specific means required to create a desired effect on a
given target. (JP 3-60) |
1-02.1 | 90 | Chapter 1
weapons control status — (DOD) An air and missile defense control measure declared for a particular area
and time by an area air defense commander, or delegated subordinate commander, based on the rules of
engagement that establish the conditions under which fighters and surface air defense weapons are permitted
to engage threats. (JP 3-01) Also called WCS.
weapons locating radar — A continuous target acquisition counterbattery system that detects in-flight
projectiles, and communicates point of origin and point of impact locations. (FM 3-09)
weapons of mass destruction — (DOD) Chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons capable of a
high order of destruction or causing mass casualties and exclude the means of transporting or propelling the
weapon where such means is a separable and divisible part from the weapon. (JP 3-40) Also called WMD.
weapons of mass destruction defeat — (DOD) Activities designed to control, defeat, disable, and dispose of
extant weapons of mass destruction and the ability to stockpile, transfer, or employ weapons of mass
destruction. (JP 3-40) Also called WMD defeat.
wedge formation — A movement formation with one lead element and the trail elements are paired off abreast
of each other on the flanks. (FM 3-90)
wide area security — The application of the elements of combat power in unified action to protect populations,
forces, infrastructure, and activities; to deny the enemy positions of advantage; and to consolidate gains in
order to retain the initiative. (ADP 3-0)
withdraw — To disengage from an enemy force and move in a direction away from the enemy. (ADP 3-90)
working group — (Army) A grouping of predetermined staff representatives who meet to provide analysis,
coordinate, and provide recommendations for a particular purpose or function. (FM 6-0)
wreck train — A train specially configured and tailored to conduct wreck recovery operations. (ATP 4-14)
—X—
X-hour — The unspecified time that commences unit notification for planning and deployment preparation in
support of potential contingency operations that do not involve rapid, short notice deployment. (FM 3-99)
X-hour sequence — An extended sequence of events initiated by X-hour that allow a unit to focus on planning
for a potential contingency operation, to include preparation for deployment. (FM 3-99).
—Z—
zone — An operational area assigned to a unit in the offense that only has rear and lateral boundaries. (FM 3-0)
zone of fire — (DOD) An area into which a designated ground unit or fire support ship delivers, or is prepared to
deliver, fire support. (JP 3-09) Also called ZF.
zone reconnaissance — A form of reconnaissance operation that involves a directed effort to obtain detailed
information on all routes, obstacles, terrain, and enemy forces within a zone defined by boundaries. (FM 3-90) |
1-02.1 | 91 | Chapter 2
Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Country Codes
This chapter presents acronyms, abbreviations, and geographical entity codes.
SECTION I — ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
2-1. This section (on pages 83 through 105) lists selected Army and joint acronyms and abbreviations
commonly used in Army doctrine.
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
—A—
A/DACG arrival/departure airfield control group
A2 *antiaccess
AA *assembly area, *avenue of approach
AADC *area air defense commander
AADP area air defense plan
AAFES Army Air Force Exchange Service
AAMDC Army Air and Missile Defense Command
AAP Allied administrative publication
AAR after action review
ABCA American, British, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand
ABCS Army Battle Command System
ABCT armored brigade combat team
ABN airborne
AC Active Component
ACA *airspace control authority, *airspace coordination area
ACCE *air component coordination element
ACH advanced combat helmet
ACM airspace coordinating measure
ACO *administrative contracting officer, airspace control order
ACP *airspace control plan
ACS *airspace control system
ACSA acquisition and cross-servicing agreement
ACT *activity
ACU Army combat uniform
AD *air defense, *area denial
AD3E assess, decide, develop and detect, deliver, and evaluate
ADA *air defense artillery
ADAM air defense airspace management
ADC *area damage control
ADL *available-to-load date
ADP Army doctrine publication
ADRP Army doctrine reference publication
ADSI air defense systems integrator
ADWC *air defense warning condition
AE aeromedical evacuation
AEF American Expeditionary Forces |
1-02.1 | 92 | Chapter 2
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
AEP allied engineering publication
AER Army Emergency Relief
AFATDS Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System
AFB Air Force base
AFI Air Force instruction
AFMAN Air Force Manual
AFO *advanced force operations
AFSB Army field support brigade
AFTTP Air Force tactics, techniques, and procedures
AFWA Air Force Weather Agency
AG adjutant general
AGL above ground level
AGM *attack guidance matrix, air-to-ground missile
AGO *air-ground operations
AGR ability group run
AHS Army Health System
AI assistant instructor
AIS automated-information system
AIT Advance Individual Training, automatic identification technology
AJP allied joint publication
AKO Army Knowledge Online
ALE Army special operations forces liaison element
ALO *air liaison officer
ALSA Air Land Sea Application (Center)
ALT alternate
AM amplitude modulation
AMC *airborne mission coordinator, *Air Mobility Command
AMD air and missile defense
AMDWS air and missile defense workstation
ANDVT advanced narrowband digital voice terminal
ANG Air National Guard
ANGLICO air-naval gunfire liaison company
ANW2 Adaptive Networking Wideband Waveform
AO area of operations
AOA amphibious objective area
AOC *air operations center
AOI area of interest
AOR *area of responsibility
APC armored personnel carrier
APCO association of public safety communication officials
APEX *Adaptive Planning and Execution system
APFT Army Physical Fitness Test
APKWS advance precision kill weapon system
APOD aerial port of debarkation
APOE aerial port of embarkation
APORT *aerial port
APP allied procedural publication |
1-02.1 | 93 | Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Country Codes
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
APS Army pre-positioned stocks
AR Army regulation
ARCENT United States Army Central Command
ARFOR (Not used as an acronym in Army doctrine. See term in chapter 1.)
ARFORGEN Army force generation
ARM *antiradiation missile
ARNG Army National Guard
ARNGUS Army National Guard of the United States
ARRB *Army requirements review board
ARSOAC Army Special Operations Aviation Command
ARSOF Army special operations forces
ARSTRAT U.S. Army Forces Strategic Command
ASA(ALT) Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and
Technology
ASAS All Source Analysis System
ASC Army Sustainment Command
ASCC *Army Service component command
ASCOPE areas, structures, capabilities, organizations, people, and events
ASD (HD&ASA) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Homeland Defense and Americas’
Security Affairs)
ASI additional skill identifier
ASOC *air support operations center
ASP ammunition supply point
ASR *alternate supply route
AT *antiterrorism, antitank
ATACMS Army Tactical Missile System
ATGM antitank guided missile
ATHP *ammunition transfer holding point
ATIZ *artillery target intelligence zone
ATN Army Training Network
ATO *air tasking order
ATP Army techniques publication
ATS air traffic service
ATTP Army tactics, techniques, and procedures
AUTL Army Universal Task List
AV *asset visibility
AWACS Airborne Warning and Control System
AWCP Army Weight Control Program
AWOL absent without leave
AXP *ambulance exchange point
—B—
BAE brigade aviation element
BAH basic allowance for housing
BAS basic allowance for subsistence
BCD *battlefield coordination detachment
BCOC *base cluster operations center
BCS3 Battle Command Sustainment Support System |
1-02.1 | 94 | Chapter 2
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
BCT *brigade combat team
BDA *battle damage assessment
BDOC *base defense operations center
BEI *biometrics enabled intelligence
BFSB battlefield surveillance brigade
BFT blue force tracking
BHA bomb hit assessment
BHL *battle handover line
BHO battle handover
BI *battle injury
BKB *blue kill box
BLOS beyond line-of-sight
BM *battle management
BMCT *begin morning civil twilight
BMNT *begin morning nautical twilight
BN battalion
BNML battalion military liaison
BP battle position
BSA *brigade support area
BSB brigade support battalion
BZ *buffer zone
—C—
C2 *command and control
CA *civil administration, *civil affairs, *combat assessment, *coordinating
altitude
CAAF *contractors authorized to accompany the force
CAB combined arms battalion, combat aviation brigade
CAC Combined Arms Center, common access card
CADD Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate
CAIS *civil authority information support
CAISI Combat Service Support Automated Information Systems
Interface
CAL *critical asset list
CALL Center for Army Lessons Learned
CAN *civil network analysis
CAO casualty assistance officer, civil affairs operations
CAP *crisis action planning, *civil augmentation program
CAPT civil affairs planning team
CARVER criticality, accessibility, recuperability, vulnerability, effect, and
recognizability [a target assessment technique]
CAS close air support
CASEVAC *casualty evacuation
CAT category, civil affairs team
CATS Combined Arms Training Strategy
CBRN chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear
CBRN response *chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear response
CBRNE *chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives |
1-02.1 | 95 | Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Country Codes
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
CCA *civil affairs activities
CCD charged-coupled device
CCDR combatant commander
CCIR commander’s critical information requirement
CCMD *combatant command
CCO *container control officer
CCP casualty collection point
CD chaplain detachment
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDE collateral damage estimation
CDRUSSOCOM Commander, United States Special Operations Command
CE *civil engagement
CED captured enemy document
CEMA *cyberspace electromagnetic activities
CERFP chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives
enhanced response force package
CERP Commanders’ Emergency Response Program
CF *conventional forces
CFF *call for fire
CFFZ *call for fire zone
CFL *coordinated fire line
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CFZ *critical friendly zone
CGS common ground station
Chem chemical
CI *counterintelligence
CIA Central Intelligence Agency
CID *combat identification, criminal investigation division
CIE *civil information evaluation
CIM *civil information management
CIO chief information officer
CIP *common intelligence picture, *critical infrastructure protection
CJA command judge advocate
CJCS Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
CJCSI Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff instruction
CJCSM Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff manual
CJSOTF combined joint special operations task force
CJTF combined joint task force (NATO)
CKI *civil knowledge integration
CL *coordination level
CLS combat lifesaver
CLT *candidate target list, casualty liaison team
CM *collection manager, consequence management, *cruise missile
CMD *command
CME civil-military engagement
CMI *civil military integration
CMO civil-military operations |
1-02.1 | 96 | Chapter 2
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
CMOC *civil-military operations center
CMSE *civil-military support element
CND *civil network development
CNDE *civil network development and engagement
CO commanding officer, cyberspace operations
COA *course of action
COCOM *combatant command (command authority)
COG *center of gravity
COIC current operations integration cell
COIN *counterinsurgency
COLPRO *collective protection
COM *chief of mission, *collection operations management
COMCAM *combat camera
COMINT *communications intelligence
COMNET communications network
COMSEC *communications security
CONDET * contracting detachment
CONOPS concept of operations
CONPLAN concept plan
CONUS continental United States
COOP continuity of operations
COP *common operational picture
COR *contracting officer representative
COS chief of staff
COSC combat and operational stress control
COTS commercial off-the-shelf
CP *checkpoint, *command post, *contact point, *counterproliferation
CPB *civil preparation of the battlefield
CR *civil reconnaissance, *curve resistance
CRAF *Civil Reserve Air Fleet
CRC control and reporting center
CREW counter radio-controlled improvised explosive device electronic
warfare
CRM *collection requirements management
CRSP centralized receiving and shipping point
CS *civil support, *call sign
CSAR *combat search and rescue
CSB *common sensor boundary
CSC convoy support center
CSM command sergeant major
CSR *controlled supply rate
CSSB combat sustainment support battalion
CT *counterterrorism
CTE *continuous tractive effort
CTP *common tactical picture
CUL *common user logistics
CULT *common-user land transportation |
1-02.1 | 97 | Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Country Codes
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
CW *chemical warfare
CWMD *countering weapons of mass destruction
CWT *customer wait time
—D—
D3A decide, detect, deliver, and assess
D3SOE *denied, degraded, or disrupted space operational environment
DA Department of the Army
DA Pam Department of the Army pamphlet
DAADC deputy area air defense commander
DAFL *directive authority for logistics
DAL *defended asset list
DART disaster assistance response team
DASC *direct air support center
DATT defense attaché
DBP *drawbar pull
DC *dislocated civilian
DCA *defensive counterair
DCE *defense coordinating element
DCGS distributed common ground/surface system
DCGS-A Distributed Common Ground System–Army
DCO *defensive cyberspace operations, *defense coordinating officer
DCO-IDM *defensive cyberspace operations-internal defensive measures
DCO-RA *defensive cyberspace operation response action
DD Department of Defense form
DE *directed energy
DEERS Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System
DEPMEDS deployable medical systems
DFAC dining facility
DFAS Defense Finance and Accounting Service
DHHS Department of Health and Human Services
DHS Department of Homeland Security
DIA Defense Intelligence Agency
DIB *defense industrial base
DIRLAUTH *direct liaison authorized
DISA Defense Information Systems Agency
DISN *Defense Information Systems Network
DLIC *detachment left in contact
DMC distribution management center
DNA deoxyribonucleic acid
DNBI *disease and nonbattle injury
DNI Director of National Intelligence
DOD Department of Defense
DODD Department of Defense directive
DODIN-A *Department of Defense information network-Army
DOR date of rank
DOS Department of State
DOT Department of Transportation |
1-02.1 | 98 | Chapter 2
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
DOTMLPF doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education,
personnel, and facilities [the force development domains]
DPICM dual-purpose improved conventional munitions
DRSN Defense Red Switched Network
DS *direct support
DSC *defensive space control
DSCA *defense support of civil authorities
DSM *decision support matrix
DSN Defense Switched Network
DST *decision support template
DT dynamic targeting
DTG date-time group
DTMS Digital Training Management System
DTS *Defense Transportation System
DVA Department of Veterans Affairs
DZ *drop zone
—E—
EA *engagement area, *electromagnetic attack, *executive agent
EAB echelons above brigade
EAD *earliest arrival date
EAP emergency action plan
EC *enemy combatant
ECC expeditionary contracting command
ECL electrochemiluminescence
ECU environmental control unit
EDT *end delivery tonnage
EECT *end evening civil twilight
EEFI *essential element of friendly information
EEIs *essential elements of information
EENT *end of evening nautical twilight
EEO equal employment opportunity
ELINT *electronic intelligence
EMAC emergency management assistance compact
EMC *electromagnetic compatibility
EMCON *emission control
EME *electromagnetic environment
EMI *electromagnetic interference
EMOE *electromagnetic operational environment
EMP *electromagnetic pulse
EMS electromagnetic spectrum
EMSO *electromagnetic spectrum operations
EMV *electromagnetic vulnerability
EO electro-optical, equal opportunity
EOC *emergency operations center
EOD *explosive ordnance disposal
EO-IR CM *electro-optical-infrared countermeasure
EOR *engage on remote |
1-02.1 | 99 | Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Country Codes
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
EP *electronic protection
EPA *evasion plan of action
EPLO *emergency preparedness liaison officer
EPLRS enhanced position location and reporting system
EPW enemy prisoner of war
ERP *engineer regulating point
ES *electronic warfare support
ESB expeditionary signal battalion
ESC expeditionary sustainment command
ESF *emergency support function
EW *early warning, *electronic warfare
EXORD execute order
—F—
1SG first sergeant
F3EAD find, fix, finish, exploit, analyze, and disseminate
FA *field artillery
FAA Federal Aviation Administration (DOT)
FAAD forward area air defense
FAC *forward air controller
FAC(A) *forward air controller (airborne)
FAH final attack heading
FARP *forward arming and refueling point
FBCB2 Force XXI Battle Command, brigade and below
FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation (DOJ)
FCE *forward contracting element
FCL *final coordination line
FDC *fire direction center
FDO *flexibility deterrent option
FEBA *forward edge of the battle area
FEI *forensic-enabled intelligence
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEZ *fighter engagement zone
FFA *free fire area
FFIR *friendly force information requirement
FFT *friendly force tracking
FHA *foreign humanitarian assistance
FHP *force health protection
FID *foreign internal defense
FISINT *foreign instrumentation signals intelligence
FIST *fire support team
FLE *forward logistics element
FLIR *forward looking infrared
FLOT *forward line of own troops
FM field manual, frequency modulation
FMC financial management center, field medical card, full mission-
capable
FMI field manual-interim |
1-02.1 | 100 | Chapter 2
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
FMS *foreign military sales
FMT field maintenance team
FO *forward observer
FOB forward operating base
FOO field ordering officer
FORSCOM United States Army Forces Command
FOS *forward operating site
FP *force protection
FPCON *force protection condition
FPF *final protective fire
FPL *final protective line
FRAGORD *fragmentary order
FS fire support
FSA *fire support area
FSC forward support company
FSCC *fire support coordination center
FSCL *fire support coordination line
FSCM *fire support coordination measure
FSCOORD fire support coordinator
FSO fire support officer
FSS *fire support station
FTX field training exercise
—G—
G-1 assistant chief of staff, personnel
G-2 assistant chief of staff, intelligence
G-2X counterintelligence and human intelligence staff officer for a
general staff
G-3 assistant chief of staff, operations
G-4 assistant chief of staff, logistics
G-5 assistant chief of staff, plans
G-6 assistant chief of staff, signal
G-8 assistant chief of staff, financial management
G-9 assistant chief of staff, civil affairs operations
GARS Global Area Reference System
GBI *ground-based interceptor
GBMD *global ballistic missile defense
GCC geographic combatant commander
GCSS-A Global Command and Control System-Army
GCSS–Army Global Combat Support System–Army
GE *general engineering
GEOINT *geospatial intelligence
GFM *global force management
GI&S *geospatial information and services
GIG Global Information Grid
GMD *ground based midcourse defense
GMI *general military intelligence
GMTI ground moving target indicator |
1-02.1 | 101 | Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Country Codes
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
GP general purpose
GPS *Global Positioning System
GPW Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War
GR *grade resistance
GS *general support
GSB group support battalion
GSR general support-reinforcing
GSSC global satellite communications (SATCOM) support center
GTL *gross trailing load, *gun-target line
—H—
HA humanitarian assistance
HACC *humanitarian assistance coordination center
HARM high-speed antiradiation missile
HAZMAT hazardous materials
HCA *humanitarian and civic assistance, *head of a contracting activity
HCT human intelligence (HUMINT) collection team
HD *homeland defense
HE high explosive
HEI high explosives incendiary
HEMTT heavy expanded mobile tactical truck
HF high frequency
HHC headquarters and headquarters company
HLZ helicopter landing zone
HM hazardous material
HMMWV high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle
HN *host nation
HNS *host nation support
HOC *humanitarian operations center
HPT *high-payoff target
HPTL high-payoff target list
HQ headquarters
HQDA Headquarters, Department of the Army
HR human resources
HRF homeland response force
HRP *high risk personnel
HRSC human resources sustainment center
HS *homeland security
HSS *health service support
HUMINT *human intelligence
HVAA *high value airborne asset (protection)
HVI high-value individual
HVT *high value target
HW *hazardous waste
—I—
IAA *incident awareness and assessment
IAMD *integrated air and missile defense |
1-02.1 | 102 | Chapter 2
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
IAW in accordance with
IBCT infantry brigade combat team
IBS integrated broadband system
IC *intelligence community
ICO installation contracting office
ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross
ICS *incident command system
ID infantry division, *identification
IDAD *internal defense and development
IDN initial distribution number
IDP *internally displaced person
IE information engagement
IED *improvised explosive device
IEM installation emergency management
IFF identification, friend or foe
IGO *intergovernmental organization
IMCOM United States Army Installation Management Command
IMET *international military education and training
IMINT *imagery intelligence
IMT initial military training
INSCOM United States Army Intelligence and Security Command
IO *information operations
IP initial position
IPB *intelligence preparation of the battlefield, *intelligence
preparation of the battlespace
IPDS *inland petroleum distribution system
IPE *individual protective equipment
IPERMS Interactive Personnel Electronic Records Management System
IPFU individual physical fitness uniform
IPI *indigenous populations and institutions
IPOE intelligence preparation of the operational environment
IR *information requirements, infrared
IRC internet relay chat, *information-related capability
IRR Individual Ready Reserve
ISB *intermediate staging base
ISOPREP *isolated personnel report
ISR *intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
ITO installation transportation officer
ITV *in transit visibility
IW *irregular warfare
—J—
J-2 intelligence directorate of a joint staff
J-3 operations directorate of a joint staff
J-4 logistics directorate of a joint staff
J-5 plans directorate of a joint staff
J-6 communications system directorate of a joint staff
JAAT *joint air attack team |
1-02.1 | 103 | Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Country Codes
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
JACCE *joint air component coordination element
JAG judge advocate general
JAGIC *joint air-ground integration center
JAOC *joint air operations center
JCET *joint combined exchange training
JCMOTF *joint civil-military operations task force
JCS Joint Chiefs of Staff
JCSB *joint contracting support board
JDAM Joint Direct Attack Munition
JDDE *joint deployment and distribution enterprise
JDDOC *joint deployment and distribution operations center
JEMSMO *joint electromagnetic spectrum management operations
JEZ *joint engagement zone
JFACC *joint force air component commander
JFC *joint force commander
JFCC-IMD Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile
Defense
JFE *joint fires element
JFLCC *joint force land component commander
JFMCC *joint force maritime component commander
JFO *joint field office, joint fires observer
JFSOCC *joint force special operations component commander
JIACG *joint interagency coordination group
JIC joint information center
JIIM joint, interagency, intergovernmental, multinational
JIOC *joint intelligence operations center
JIPOE *joint intelligence preparation of the operational environment
JIPTL *joint integrated prioritized target list
JLOTS *joint logistics over the shore
JOA *joint operations area
JOC joint operations center
JOPES Joint Operation Planning and Execution System
JOPP *joint operation planning process
JP joint publication
JPASE *Joint Public Affairs Support Element
JPRC *joint personnel recovery center
JRRB *joint requirements review board
JRSOI *joint reception, staging, onward movement, and integration
JSA *joint security area
JSCP Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan
JSOA *joint special operations area
JSOACC *joint special operations air component commander
JSOTF *joint special operations task force
JSTARS Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System
JTAC *joint terminal attack controller
JTCB *joint targeting coordination board
JTF *joint task force |
1-02.1 | 104 | Chapter 2
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
JTIDS Joint Tactical Information Distribution System
JTL * joint target list
JTT joint tactical terminal
JWICS Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System
—K—
KBC *kill box coordinator
KIA killed in action
—L—
LAD *latest arrival date
LAN local area network
LD *line of departure
LGB laser-guided bomb
LNO liaison officer
LOA *limit of advance, *letter of authorization
LOC *line of communications
LOE *line of effort
LOGCAP logistics civil augmentation program
LOGPAC *logistics package
LOGSA logistics support activity
LOO *line of operation
LOR *launch on remote
LOS line of sight
LOTS *logistics over-the-shore
LTIOV latest time information is of value
LZ *landing zone
—M—
MA *mortuary affairs
MACCS *Marine air command and control system
MAGTF Marine air-ground task force
MAP *Military Assistance Program
MARO *mass atrocity response operations
MARSOF *Marine special operations forces
MASCAL *mass casualty
MASINT *measurement and signature intelligence
MBA *main battle area
MCA *military civic action
MCOO *modified combined obstacle overlay
MCPP Marine Corps Planning Process (Marine Corps)
MCRP Marine Corps reference publication
MCS maneuver control system
MCT *movement control team
MCWP Marine Corps warfighting publication
MDMP *military decision making process
MEA *munitions effectiveness assessment
MEB maneuver enhancement brigade
MEDEVAC medical evacuation |
1-02.1 | 105 | Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Country Codes
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
MEF Marine expeditionary force
MET mission-essential task
METL *mission-essential task list
METT-T mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available-
time available
METT-TC mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support
available, time available, civil considerations [mission
variables] (Army)
MEZ *missile engagement zone
MGO *military government operations
MGRS military grid reference system
MHE materials handling equipment
MHQ *music headquarters
MI military intelligence
MIA missing in action
MIDS Multifunction Information Distribution System
MILCON military construction
MILDEC *military deception
MIL-STD military standard
MIS military information support
MISG military information support group
MISO *military information support operations
MISOC military information support operations command
MLC military load classification
MLRS multiple launch rocket system
MMR *Minimum-risk route
MMT military mail terminal
MNL *multinational logistics
MOA memorandum of agreement
MOB *mobilization
MOC *media operations center
MOE *measure of effectiveness
MOP *measure of performance
MOPP *mission oriented protective posture
MOS military occupational specialty
MOU memorandum of understanding
MP military police
MPA Military Personnel, Army
MPD *music performance detachment
MPT *music performance team
MPU *music performance unit
MRE meal, ready to eat
MRL multiple rocket launcher
MSC *Military Sealift Command
MSE mobile subscriber equipment
MSF *mobile security force
MSI *multispectral imagery
MSL mean sea level |
1-02.1 | 106 | Chapter 2
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
MSR *main supply route
MST maintenance support team
MTF medical treatment facility
MTOE modified table of organization and equipment
MTON *measurement ton
MTS Movement Tracking System
MTT *mobile training team
MTTP multi-Service tactics, techniques, and procedures
MUM-T *manned unmanned teaming
MWR morale, welfare, and recreation
—N—
NAI *named area of interest
NAR *nonconventional assisted recovery
NARP Nuclear Weapon Accident Response Procedures
NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization
NBC nuclear, biological, and chemical
NCO noncommissioned officer
NCOIC noncommissioned officer in charge
NDRC *National Detainee Reporting Center
NDS *national defense strategy
NDT Net-division tonnage
NEC *network enterprise center
NEO *noncombatant evacuation operations
NFA no-fire area
NGA National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
NGIC National Ground Intelligence Center
NGO *nongovernmental organization
NIMS *National Incident Management System
NIPRNET Nonsecure Internet Protocol Router Network
NIST national intelligence support team
NLT not later than
NMS *national military strategy
NORAD North American Aerospace Defense Command
NRF National Response Framework
NSA National Security Agency
NSC National Security Council
NSFS *naval surface fire support
NSL *no strike list
NSN national stock number
NSS *national security strategy
NSSE *national special security event
NTC National Training Center
NTL *net trainload
NTTP Navy tactics, techniques, and procedures
NVD *night vision device
NVG *night vision goggle or goggles
NWDC Navy Warfare Development Command |
1-02.1 | 107 | Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Country Codes
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
NWP Navy warfare publication
—O—
O&M operation and maintenance
OA *objective area, *operational area
OAKOC observation and fields of fire, avenues of approach, key terrain,
obstacles, and cover and concealment [military aspects of
terrain]
OB *order of battle
OCA *offensive counterair
OCO *offensive cyberspace operations
OCONUS outside the continental United States
OCS *offensive space control, *operational contract support
OE *operational environment
OGA other government agency
OHDACA Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid
OIC officer in charge
OMA Operations and Maintenance, Army
OP observation post
OPCON *operational control
OPDS *offshore petroleum distribution system
OPE *operational preparation of the environment
OPIR *overhead persistent infrared
OPLAN *operation plan
OPNAVINST Chief of Naval Operations instruction
OPORD *operation order
OPSEC *operations security
OPTEMPO operating tempo
ORSA operations research and systems analysis
OSC *on-scene commander
OSD Office of the Secretary of Defense
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSINT *open source intelligence
OSUT one station unit training
—P—
PA *public affairs, personnel accountability
PAA *position area for artillery
PAG *public affairs guidance
PAO public affairs officer
PB *peace building
PBO property book officer
PCC precombat check
PCI precombat inspection
PCS permanent change of station
PDSS predeployment site survey
PE *preparation of the environment
PFC private first class
PGM *precision-guided munition |
1-02.1 | 108 | Chapter 2
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
PHIBOP *amphibious operation
PIC *positive inbound clearance
PID *positive identification
PIR priority intelligence requirement
PKI *public key infrastructure
PL phase line
PLB *personal locator beacon
PLD *probable line of deployment
PLT platoon
PM project manager
PMCS preventive maintenance checks and services
PMESII-PT political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure,
physical environment, and time [operational variables]
PN *partner nation
PO psychological objective, *peace operations
POC point of contact
POD *port of debarkation
POE *port of embarkation
POL petroleum, oils, and lubricants
POW *prisoner of war
PPD purified protein derivative
PPE *personal protective equipment
PPO project purchasing officer
PR personnel recovery
PRC *population and resources control
PRCC *personnel recovery coordination cell
proword *procedure word
PRT provincial reconstruction team
PSA *port support activity
PVNTMED preventive medicine
PWS *performance work statement
PZ pickup zone
—Q—
QA quality assurance
QC quality control
QRF quick reaction force
—R—
R reinforcing
R&S reconnaissance and surveillance
RADC regional air defense commander
RC Reserve Component
RCA *riot control agent
RCC *rescue coordination center
RCT regimental combat team
RDD *radiological dispersal device, *required delivery date
RDSP rapid decision-making and synchronization process
RECON *reconnaissance |
1-02.1 | 109 | Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Country Codes
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
RED *radiological exposure device
RED HORSE *Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron
Engineer
RESCAP *rescue combat air patrol
RF radio frequency
RF CM *radio frequency countermeasures
RFA request for assistance, *restrictive fire area
RFF request for forces
RFI *request for information
RFL restrictive fire line
RLD *ready-to-load date
RM risk management
ROE *rules of engagement
ROZ *restricted operations zone
RP *release point, red phosphorus, *retained personnel
RPG rocket propelled grenade
RR *reattack recommendation, *rolling resistance
RS religious support
RSO reception, staging, and onward movement
RSOI reception, staging, onward movement, and integration
RTL *restricted target list
RUF rules for the use of force
—S—
S&TI *scientific and technical intelligence
S-1 battalion or brigade personnel staff officer
S-2 battalion or brigade intelligence staff officer
S-2X battalion or brigade counterintelligence and human intelligence
staff officer
S-3 battalion or brigade operations staff officer
S-4 battalion or brigade logistics staff officer
S-5 battalion or brigade plans staff officer
S-6 battalion or brigade signal staff officer
S-9 battalion or brigade civil affairs operations staff officer
SA *security assistance, situational awareness, *staging area
SAA satellite access authorization, *senior airfield authority
SACC *supporting arms coordination center
SADC sector air defense commander
SALT size, activity, location, time
SALUTE size, activity, location, unit, time, and equipment
SAM surface-to-air missile
SAMS-E standard Army maintenance system-enhanced
SAP *special access program
SAR *search and rescue, synthetic aperture radar
SARDOT *search and rescue point
SARSS Standard Army Retail Supply System
SATCOM satellite communications
SB (SO) (A) sustainment brigade (special operations) (airborne) |
1-02.1 | 110 | Chapter 2
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
SBCT Stryker brigade combat team
SC *security cooperation, *strategic communication
SCA *space coordinating authority
SCAR *strike coordination and reconnaissance
SCI sensitive compartmented information
SCO *security cooperation organization
SDDC Surface Deployment and Distribution Command
SE *site exploitation
SEAD *suppression of enemy air defenses
SecDef Secretary of Defense
SERE survival, evasion, resistance, and escape
SF *special forces
SFA security force assistance
SGM sergeant major
SGT sergeant
SHF super-high frequency
SIF selective identification feature
SIGACT significant activity
SIGINT *signals intelligence
SINCGARS single-channel ground and airborne radio system
SIPRNET *SECRET Internet Protocol Router Network
SIR specific information requirement
SITREP *situation report
SJA staff judge advocate
SJOA *space joint operating area
SME subject matter expert
SMO *Spectrum Management Operations
SOCCE *special operations command and control element
SOF *special operations forces
SOFA *status-of-forces agreement
SOI signal operating instructions
SOJTF *special operations joint task force
SOLE *special operations liaison element
SOP *standard operating procedure
SOR statement of requirement
SP *start point
SPINS special instructions
SPM *single port manager
SPO support operations
SPOD seaport of debarkation
SPOE seaport of embarkation
SPOTREP *spot report
SR *special reconnaissance
SROE standing rules of engagement
SRP Soldier readiness processing
SRUF *standing rules for the use of force
SSA *supply support activity |
1-02.1 | 111 | Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Country Codes
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
SSR *security sector reform
STANAG standardization agreement
STB special troops battalion
STE secure telephone equipment, *starting tractive effort
STT *special tactics team
STR *support to resistance
SWEAT-MSO sewage, water, electricity, academics, trash, medical, safety,
other considerations
SWO staff weather officer
—T—
T&EO *training and evaluation outline
TA *target acquisition, target audience, *theater Army, *threat
assessment
TAA *tactical assembly area
TAC tactical command post (graphics), tactical (graphics)
TAC(A) *tactical air coordinator (airborne)
TACC tactical air command center
TACLAN tactical local area network
TACON *tactical control
TACP *tactical air control party
TACS theater air control system
TAI *target area of interest
TAMD theater air and missile defense
TB MED technical bulletin (medical)
TC training circular
TC-AIMS II Transportation Coordinator’s Automated Information for Movement
System II
TCC *transportation component command
TCF *tactical combat force
TD *train density
TDA Table of Distribution and Allowance
TDL *tactical data link
TDY temporary duty
TECHINT *technical intelligence
TEMPER tent extendible modular personnel
TES *theater event system
TF task force
TG technical guide
TGO *terminal guidance operations
THAAD terminal high altitude area defense
TIB *toxic industrial biological
TIC *toxic industrial chemical
TIM *toxic industrial material
TIP target intelligence package
TIR *toxic industrial radiological
TJAG the judge advocate general
TLE *target location error |
1-02.1 | 112 | Chapter 2
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
TLP troop leading procedures
TM technical manual
TMD theater missile defense
TMR *transportation movement release
TO *theater of operations
TO&E table of organization and equipment
TOF time of flight
TOW tube launched, optically tracked, wire guided
TPFDD *time-phased force and deployment data
TPFDL *time-phased force and deployment list
TQ *tactical questioning
TRADOC United States Army Training and Doctrine Command
TRANSEC *transmission security
TRO *training and readiness oversight
TRP target reference point
TSC theater sustainment command
TSCP theater security cooperation plan
TSOC *theater special operations command
TST *time sensitive target
TTP tactics, techniques, and procedures
—U—
U.S. United States
UA *unmanned aircraft
UAR *unconventional assisted recovery
UARCC *unconventional assisted recovery coordination cell
UAS *unmanned aircraft system
UCMJ Uniform Code of Military Justice
UCP *Unified Command Plan
UGR unitized group ration
UH utility helicopter
UIC unit identification code
ULN *unit line number
UMD *unit movement data
UMT unit ministry team
USA United States Army
USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers
USAF United States Air Force
USAID United States Agency for International Development
USAJFKSWC United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center
USAMC United States Army Materiel Command
USAMEDCOM United States Army Medical Command
USAPHC United States Army Public Health Command
USAR United States Army Reserve
USASOC United States Army Special Operations Command
USC United States Code
USCENTCOM United States Central Command
USCG United States Coast Guard |
1-02.1 | 113 | Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Country Codes
Bolded entries apply only to the Army. An asterisk (*) marks terms shown in chapter 1.
USEUCOM United States European Command
USG United States Government
USMC United States Marine Corps
USMTF United States message text format
USN United States Navy
USNORTHCOM United States Northern Command
USPACOM United States Pacific Command
USSOCOM United States Special Operations Command
USSOUTHCOM United States Southern Command
USSTRATCOM United States Strategic Command
USTRANSCOM United States Transportation Command
UTM universal transverse Mercator
UTP unit training plan
UW *unconventional warfare
UXO *unexploded explosive ordnance
—V—
VBIED *vehicle-borne improvised explosive device
VI *visual information
VISA *Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement
VoIP voice over internet protocol
VRC vehicle radio communication
VSAT very small aperture terminal
VT variable time
VTC video teleconference
—W—
WAN wide-area network
WARM *wartime reserve modes
WARNORD *warning order
WCS *weapons control status
WEZ *weapon engagement zone
WMD *weapons of mass destruction
WMD defeat *weapons of mass destruction defeat
WP white phosphorous
WPS Worldwide Port System
WTBD warrior tasks and battle drills
WTI *weapons technical intelligence
—X—
XO executive officer
—Y—
ZF *zone of fire |
1-02.1 | 114 | Chapter 2
SECTION II — GEOGRAPHICAL ENTITY CODES
2-2. On 19 February 2004, NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 1059 (Edition 8), Letter Codes
for Geographical Entities, was promulgated. The aim of this agreement is to provide unique three letter codes
for use within NATO to distinguish geographical entities. However, due to implementation difficulties, a 28
January 2005 memorandum from the NATO Standardization Agency declared that until STANAG 1059
could be fully implemented, the two letter code would be used for the technical automated information system
domain, while in all other (nontechnical) administrative areas, the three letter code would be used. The list
on pages 106 through 111 provides both the two letter and three letter codes.
Geographical entity Two-letter code Three-letter code
—A—
Afghanistan AF AFG
Albania AL ALB
Algeria DZ DZA
American Samoa AS ASM
Andorra AD AND
Angola AO AGO
Anguilla AI AIA
Antarctica AQ ATA
Antigua and Barbuda AG ATG
Argentina AR ARG
Armenia AM ARM
Aruba AA ABW
Australia AU AUS
Austria AT AUT
Azerbaijan AZ AZE
—B—
Bahamas BS BHS
Bahrain BH BHR
Bangladesh BD BGD
Barbados BB BRB
Belarus BY BLR
Belgium BE BEL
Belize BZ BLZ
Benin BJ BEN
Bermuda BM BMU
Bhutan BT BTN
Bolivia BO BOL
Bosnia and Herzegovina BA BIH
Botswana BW BWA
Bouvet Island BV BVT
Brazil BR BRA
British Indian Ocean Territory IO IOT
Brunei Darussalam BN BRN
Bulgaria BG BGR
Burkina Faso BF BFA
Burundi BI BDI |
1-02.1 | 115 | Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Country Codes
Geographical entity Two-letter code Three-letter code
—C—
Cambodia KH KHM
Cameroon CM CMR
Canada CA CAN
Cape Verde CV CPV
Cayman Islands KY CYM
Central African Republic CF CAF
Chad TD TCD
Chile CL CHL
China CN CHN
Christmas Island CX CXR
Cocos (Keeling) Islands CC CCK
Colombia CO COL
Comoros KM COM
Congo CG COG
Congo, The Democratic Republic of the CD COD
Cook Islands CK COK
Costa Rica CR CRI
Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) CI CIV
Croatia (Hrvatska) HR HRV
Cuba CU CUB
Cypress CY CYP
Czech Republic CZ CZE
—D—
Denmark DK DNK
Djibouti DJ DJI
Dominica DM DMA
Dominican Republic DO DOM
—E—
Ecuador EC ECU
Egypt EG EGY
El Salvador SV SLV
Equatorial Guinea GQ GNQ
Eritrea ER ERI
Estonia EE EST
Ethiopia ET ETH
—F—
Falkland Islands (Malvinas) FK FLK
Faroe Islands FO FRO
Fiji FJ FJI
Finland FI FIN
France FR FRA
French Guiana GF GUF
French Polynesia PF PYF
French Southern Territories TF ATF |
1-02.1 | 116 | Chapter 2
Geographical entity Two-letter code Three-letter code
—G—
Gabon GA GAB
Gambia GM GMB
Georgia GE GEO
Germany DE DEU
Ghana GH GHA
Gibraltar GI GIB
Greece GR GRC
Greenland GL GRL
Grenada GD GRD
Guadeloupe GP GLP
Guam GU GUM
Guatemala GT GTM
Guinea GN GIN
Guinea–Bissau GW GNB
Guyana GY GUY
—H—
Haiti HT HTI
Heard Island and McDonald Islands HM HMD
Holy See (Vatican City State) VA VAT
Honduras HN HND
Hong Kong HK HKG
Hungary HU HUN
—I—
Iceland IS ISL
India IN IND
Indonesia ID IDN
Iran, Islamic Republic of IR IRN
Iraq IQ IRQ
Ireland IE IRL
Israel IL ISR
Italy IT ITA
—J—
Jamaica JM JAM
Japan JP JPN
Jordan JO JOR
—K—
Kazakhstan KZ KAZ
Kenya KE KEN
Kiribati KI KIR
Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of KP PRK
Korea, Republic of KR KOR
Kuwait KW KWT
Kyrgyzstan KG KGZ |
1-02.1 | 117 | Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Country Codes
Geographical entity Two-letter code Three-letter code
—L—
Lao People’s Democratic Republic LA LAO
Latvia LV LVA
Lebanon LB LBN
Lesotho LS LSO
Liberia LR LBR
Libyan LY LBY
Liechtenstein LI LIE
Lithuania LT LTU
Luxembourg LU LUX
—M—
Macao MO MAC
Madagascar MG MDG
Malawi MW MWI
Malaysia MY MYS
Maldives MV MDV
Mali ML MLI
Malta MT MLT
Martinique MQ MTQ
Mauritania MR MRT
Mauritius MU MUS
Mexico MX MEX
Micronesia, Federated States of FM FSM
Moldova, Republic of MD MDA
Monaco MC MCO
Mongolia MN MNG
Montenegro ME MNE
Montserrat MS MSR
Morocco MA MAR
Mozambique MZ MOZ
Myanmar MM MMR
—N—
Namibia NA NAM
Nauru NR NRU
Nepal NP NPL
Netherlands NL NLD
Netherlands Antilles AN ANT
New Caledonia NC NCL
New Zealand NZ NZL
Nicaragua NI NIC
Niger NE NER
Nigeria NG NGA
Niue NU NIU
Norfolk Island NF NFK
Northern Mariana Islands MP MNP
Norway NO NOR |
1-02.1 | 118 | Chapter 2
Geographical entity Two-letter code Three-letter code
—O—
Oman OM OMN
—P—
Pakistan PK PAK
Palau PW PLW
Panama PA PAN
Papua New Guinea PG PNG
Paraguay PY PRY
Peru PE PER
Philippines PH PHL
Pitcairn PN PCN
Poland PL POL
Portugal PT PRT
Puerto Rico PR PRI
—Q—
Qatar QA QAT
—R—
Reunion RE REU
Romania RO ROU
Russian Federation RU RUS
Rwanda RW RWA
—S—
Saint Helena SH SHL
Saint Kitts and Nevis KN KNA
Saint Lucia LC LCA
Saint Pierre and Miquelon PM SPM
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines VC VCT
Samoa WS WSM
San Marino SM SMR
Sao Tome and Principe ST STP
Saudi Arabia SA SAU
Senegal SN SEN
Serbia RS SRB
Seychelles SC SYC
Sierra Leone SL SLE
Singapore SG SGP
Slovakia SK SVK
Slovenia SI SVN
Solomon Islands SB SLB
Somalia SO SOM
South Africa ZA ZAF
South Georgia and South Sandwich GS SGS
Islands
Spain ES ESP
Sri Lanka LK LKA
Sudan SD SDN |
1-02.1 | 119 | Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Country Codes
Geographical entity Two-letter code Three-letter code
Suriname SR SUR
Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands SJ SJM
Swaziland SZ SWZ
Sweden SE SWE
Switzerland CH CHE
Syrian Arab Republic SY SYR
—T—
Taiwan, Province of China TW TWN
Tajikistan TJ TJK
Tanzania, United Republic of TZ TZA
Thailand TH THA
Timor–Leste TL TLS
Togo TG TGO
Tokelau TK TKL
Tonga TO TON
Trinidad and Tobago TT TTO
Tunisia TN TUN
Turkey TR TUR
Turkmenistan TM TKM
Turks and Caicos Islands TC TCA
Tuvalu TV TUV
—U—
Uganda UG UGA
Ukraine UA UKR
United Arab Emirates AE ARE
United Kingdom GB GBR
United States US USA
United States Minor Outlying Islands UM UMI
Uruguay UY URY
Uzbekistan UZ UZB
—V—
Vanuatu VU VUT
Venezuela VE VEN
Viet Nam VN VNM
Virgin Islands (British) VG VGB
Virgin Islands (US) VI VIR
—W—
Wallis and Futuna Islands WF WLF
Western Sahara EH ESH
—Y—
Yemen YE YEM
Yugoslavia, Federal Republic of YU YUG
—Z—
Zambia ZM ZMB
Zimbabwe ZW ZWE |
1-02.1 | 121 | References
All websites accessed on 07 February 2024.
REQUIRED PUBLICATIONS
These documents must be available to intended users of this publication.
DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. January 2024.
RELATED PUBLICATIONS
These documents contain relevant supplemental information.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDIZATION AGREEMENTS
Most North Atlantic Treaty Organization publications are available at https://nso.nato.int/nso/. (Requires
account registration).
STANAG 1059 (ED. 8). Letter Codes for Geographical Entities. 01 April 2004.
STANAG 1241 (ED. 6). NATO Standard Identity Description Structure for Tactical Use. 26 January
2023.
STANAG 3680 (ED. 5). NATO Glossary of Terms and Definitions (English and French) NATOTerm
database. https://nso.nato.int/natoterm/Web.mvc.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND JOINT PUBLICATIONS
Most Department of Defense publications are available online at https://www.esd.whs.mil/dd/.
Most joint publications are available online at https://www.jcs.mil/doctrine.
Most CJCS publications are available online at https://www.jcs.mil/library/.
CJCSI 5120.02E. Joint Doctrine Development System. 06 November 2020.
CJCSM 5120.01B. Joint Doctrine Development Process. 06 November 2020.
DODD 2310.01E. DoD Detainee Program. 15 March 2022.
DODD 3025.18. Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA). 29 December 2010.
JP 1 Volume 1. Joint Warfighting. 27 August 2023.
JP 1 Volume 2. The Joint Force. 19 June 2020.
JP 1-0. Joint Personnel Support. 01 December 2020.
JP 2-0. Joint Intelligence. 26 May 2022.
JP 3-0. Joint Campaigns and Operations. 18 June 2022.
JP 3-01. Countering Air and Missile Threats. 06 April 2023.
JP 3-02. Amphibious Operations. 04 January 2019.
JP 3-03. Joint Interdiction. 26 May 2022.
JP 3-04. Information in Joint Operations. 14 September 2022.
JP 3-05. Joint Doctrine for Special Operations. 22 September 2020.
JP 3-06. Joint Urban Operations. 20 November 2013.
JP 3-07. Joint Stabilization Activities. 11 February 2022.
JP 3-07.3. Peace Operations. 01 March 2018.
JP 3-07.4. Counterdrug Operations. 05 February 2019.
JP 3-08. Interorganizational Cooperation. 12 October 2016. |
1-02.1 | 122 | References
JP 3-09. Joint Fire Support. 10 April 2019.
JP 3-09.3. Close Air Support. 10 June 2019.
JP 3-10. Joint Security Operations in Theater. 25 July 2019.
JP 3-11. Operations in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Environments. 29 October
2018.
JP 3-12. Joint Cyberspace Operations. 19 December 2022.
JP 3-13.2. Military Information Support Operations. 21 November 2014.
JP 3-13.3. Operations Security. 06 January 2016.
JP 3-13.4. Military Deception. 14 February 2017.
JP 3-14. Joint Space Operations. 23 August 2023.
JP 3-15. Barriers, Obstacles, and Mines in Joint Operations. 26 May 2022.
JP 3-16. Multinational Operations. 01 March 2019.
JP 3-18. Joint Forcible Entry Operations. 27 June 2018.
JP 3-20. Security Cooperation. 09 September 2022.
JP 3-22. Foreign Internal Defense. 17 August 2018.
JP 3-24. Counterinsurgency. 25 April 2018.
JP 3-26. Joint Combating Terrorism. 30 July 2020.
JP 3-27. Joint Homeland Defense. 12 December 2023.
JP 3-28. Defense Support of Civil Authorities. 29 October 2018.
JP 3-29. Foreign Humanitarian Assistance. 14 May 2019.
JP 3-30. Joint Air Operations. 25 July 2019.
JP 3-31. Joint Land Operations. 03 October 2019.
JP 3-32. Joint Maritime Operations. 04 December 2023.
JP 3-33. Joint Force Headquarters. 09 June 2022.
JP 3-34. Joint Engineer Operations. 06 January 2016.
JP 3-35. Joint Deployment and Redeployment Operations. 31 March 2022.
JP 3-36. Joint Air Mobility and Sealift Operations. 04 January 2021.
JP 3-40. Joint Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction. 27 November 2019.
JP 3-41. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Response. 04 December 2023.
JP 3-42. Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal. 14 September 2022.
JP 3-50. Personnel Recovery. 14 August 2023.
JP 3-52. Joint Airspace Control. 13 October 2022.
JP 3-57. Civil-Military Operations. 09 July 2018.
JP 3-59. Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations. 10 January 2018.
JP 3-60. Joint Targeting. 28 September 2018.
JP 3-61. Public Affairs. 17 November 2015.
JP 3-68. Joint Noncombatant Evacuation Operations. 26 May 2022.
JP 3-80. Resource Management. 11 January 2016.
JP 3-84. Legal Support. 02 August 2016.
JP 3-85. Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations. 22 May 2020.
JP 4-0. Joint Logistics. 20 July 2023.
JP 4-01. The Defense Transportation System. 18 July 2017.
JP 4-02. Joint Health Services. 29 August 2023.
JP 4-03. Joint Bulk Petroleum and Water Doctrine. 11 January 2016.
JP 4-04. Contingency Basing. 04 January 2019. |
1-02.1 | 123 | References
JP 4-05. Joint Mobilization Planning. 23 October 2018.
JP 4-09. Distribution Operations. 14 March 2019.
JP 4-10. Operational Contract Support. 04 March 2019.
JP 4-18. Joint Terminal and Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore Operations (CUI) (on SIPRNET only). 05
December 2022.
JP 5-0. Joint Planning. 01 December 2020.
JP 6-0. Joint Communications. 04 December 2023.
ARMY PUBLICATIONS
Most Army doctrinal publications are available online at https://armypubs.army.mil/.
ADP 1-01. Doctrine Primer. 31 July 2019.
ADP 2-0. Intelligence. 31 July 2019.
ADP 3-0. Operations. 31 July 2019.
ADP 3-05. Army Special Operations. 31 July 2019.
ADP 3-07. Stability. 31 July 2019.
ADP 3-19. Fires. 31 July 2019.
ADP 3-37. Protection. 31 July 2019.
ADP 3-90. Offense and Defense. 31 July 2019.
ADP 4-0. Sustainment. 31 July 2019.
ADP 5-0. The Operations Process. 31 July 2019.
ADP 6-0. Mission Command: Command and Control of Army Forces. 31 July 2019.
ADP 6-22. Army Leadership and the Profession. 31 July 2019.
ADP 7-0. Training. 31 July 2019.
AR 600-100. Army Profession and Leadership Policy. 05 April 2017.
ATP 1-05.04. Religious Support and Internal Advisement. 23 March 2017.
ATP 1-19. Army Bands. 28 July 2021.
ATP 1-20. Military History Operations. 09 June 2014.
ATP 2-01. Collection Management. 17 August 2021. Common access card required.
ATP 2-01.3. Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield. 01 March 2019.
ATP 2-22.2-1. Counterintelligence Volume I: Investigations, Analysis and Production, and Technical
Services and Support Activities (U). 11 December 2015. Common access card required.
ATP 2-22.9-1/MCRP 2-10A.3. (U) Publicly Available Information Research andOpen-Source
Intelligence. 19 October 2023. Common access card required.
ATP 2-22.82. Biometrics-Enabled Intelligence (U). 02 November 2015.
ATP 2-91.8. Techniques for Document and Media Exploitation. 05 May 2015. Common access card
required.
ATP 3-01.15/MCTP 10-10B/NTTP 3-01.8/AFTTP 3-2.31. Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and
Procedures for Air and Missile Defense (AMD IPB). 07 April 2023.
ATP 3-05.1. Unconventional Warfare at the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Level. 09
April 2021.
ATP 3-06/MCTP 12-10B. Urban Operations. 12 July 2022.
ATP 3-09.02. Field Artillery Survey. 16 February 2016.
ATP 3-09.23. Field Artillery Cannon Battalion. 24 September 2015.
ATP 3-09.34/MCRP 3-31.4/NTTP 3-09.2.1/AFTTP 3-2.59. Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and
Procedures for Kill Box Planning and Employment. 07 October 2022.
ATP 3-09.42. Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team. 01 March 2016. |
1-02.1 | 124 | References
ATP 3-09.50. The Field Artillery Cannon Battery. 04 May 2016.
ATP 3-11.32/ MCRP 10-10E.11/NTTP 3-11.27/AFTTP 3-2.46. Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and
Procedures for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Protection. 24 January 2024.
ATP 3-11.37/MCRP 10-10E.7/NTTP 3-11.29/AFTTP 3-22.44. Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and
Procedures for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Reconnaissance and
Surveillance. 31 March 2021.
ATP 3-11.50. Battlefield Obscuration. 15 May 2014.
ATP 3-18.1. Special Forces Unconventional Warfare. 21 March 2019.
ATP 3-21.8. Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad. 11 January 2024.
ATP 3-21.10. Infantry Rifle Company. 14 May 2018.
ATP 3-21.20. Infantry Battalion. 28 December 2017.
ATP 3-34.5/MCRP 3-40B.2. Environmental Considerations. 10 August 2015.
ATP 3-34.80. Geospatial Engineering. 22 February 2017.
ATP 3-34.81/MCWP 3-17.4. Engineer Reconnaissance. 01 March 2016.
ATP 3-35. Army Deployment and Redeployment. 09 March 2023.
ATP 3-37.10/MCRP 3-40D.13. Base Camps. 27 January 2017.
ATP 3-37.11. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Command (CBRNE
Command). 28 August 2018.
ATP 3-37.34/MCTP 3-34C. Survivability Operations. 16 April 2018.
ATP 3-39.10. Police Operations. 24 August 2021.
ATP 3-39.32. Physical Security. 08 March 2022.
ATP 3-50.20. Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Planning and Preparation. 29
November 2017.
ATP 3-72/MCRP 10-10E.9/NTTP 3-72.1/AFTTP 3-2.65. Operations in a Nuclear Environment. 07
March 2022.
ATP 3-90.4/MCTP3-34A [MCWP 3-17.8]. (CUI) Combined Arms Mobility. 10 June 2022.
ATP 3-90.8/MCTP 3-34B. Combined Arms Countermobility. 30 November 2021.
ATP 3-90.15. Site Exploitation. 28 July 2015.
ATP 3-90.20. Regional Support Group. 16 January 2018.
ATP 3-91. Division Operations. 17 October 2014.
ATP 3-94.4. Reconstitution Operations. 05 May 2021.
ATP 4-02.2. Medical Evacuation. 12 July 2019.
ATP 4-02.4. Medical Platoon. 12 May 2021.
ATP 4-02.7/MCRP 4-11.1F/NTTP 4-02.7/AFTTP 3-42.3. Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and
Procedures for Health Service Support in a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear
Environment. 15 March 2016.
ATP 4-02.10. Theater Hospitalization. 14 August 2020.
ATP 4-02.13. Casualty Evacuation. 30 June 2021.
ATP 4-02.19. Dental Services. 14 August 2020.
ATP 4-02.55. Army Health System Support Planning. 30 March 2020.
ATP 4-02.85/MCRP 3-40A.1/NTRP 4-02.22/AFTTP(I) 3-2.69. Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and
Procedures for Treatment of Chemical Warfare Agent Casualties and Conventional Military
Chemical Injuries. 02 August 2016.
ATP 4-11. Army Motor Transport Operations. 14 August 2020.
ATP 4-12. Army Container Operations. 12 February 2021.
ATP 4-13. Army Expeditionary Intermodal Operations. 21 June 2023. |
1-02.1 | 125 | References
ATP 4-14. Expeditionary Railway Center Operations. 22 June 2022.
ATP 4-16. Movement Control. 25 April 2022.
ATP 4-33. Maintenance Operations. 19 January 2024.
ATP 4-35. Munitions Operations. 31 January 2023.
ATP 4-43. Petroleum Supply Operations. 18 April 2022.
ATP 4-44/MCRP 3-40D.14 [MCRP 3-17.7Q]. Water Support Operations. 16 December 2022.
ATP 4-46/MCRP 3-40G.3/NTTP 4-06/AFTTP 3-2.51. Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and
Procedures for Mortuary Affairs in Theaters of Operations. 03 August 2022.
ATP 4-48. Aerial Delivery. 28 August 2023.
ATP 4-71. Contracting Support Brigade. 04 June 2021.
ATP 4-90. Brigade Support Battalion. 18 June 2020.
ATP 4-92. Field Army and Corps Sustainment Operations. 14 March 2023.
ATP 4-93. Theater Sustainment Operations. 01 May 2023.
ATP 5-19. Risk Management. 09 November 2021.
ATP 6-01.1. Techniques for Effective Knowledge Management. 06 March 2015.
ATP 6-02.53. Techniques for Tactical Radio Operations. 13 February 2020.
ATP 6-02.60. Tactical Networking Techniques for Corps and Below. 09 August 2019.
ATP 6-02.71. Techniques for Department of Defense Information Network Operations. 30 April 2019.
FM 1-06. Financial Management Operations. 15 April 2014.
FM 2-0. Intelligence. 01 October 2023.
FM 2-22.3. Human Intelligence Collector Operations. 06 September 2006.
FM 3-0. Operations. 01 October 2022.
FM 3-04. Army Aviation. 06 April 2020.
FM 3-05. Army Special Operations. 09 January 2014.
FM 3-07. Stability. 02 June 2014.
FM 3-09. Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations. 30 April 2020.
FM 3-11. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Operations. 23 May 2019.
FM 3-13. Information Operations. 06 December 2016.
FM 3-14. Army Space Operations. 30 October 2019.
FM 3-16. The Army in Multinational Operations. 08 April 2014.
FM 3-27. Army Global Missile Defense Operations. 11 August 2023.
FM 3-34. Engineer Operations. 18 December 2020.
FM 3-39. Military Police Operations. 09 April 2019.
FM 3-50. Army Personnel Recovery. 02 September 2014.
FM 3-53. Military Information Support Operations. 04 January 2013.
FM 3-55. Information Collection. 03 May 2013.
FM 3-57. Civil Affairs Operations. 28 July 2021.
FM 3-60. Army Targeting. 11 August 2023.
FM 3-61. Communication Strategy and Public Affairs Operations. 25 February 2022.
FM 3-81. Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. 09 November 2021.
FM 3-90. Tactics. 01 May 2023.
FM 3-94. Armies, Corps, and Division Operations. 23 July 2021.
FM 3-96. Brigade Combat Team. 19 January 2021.
FM 3-98. Reconnaissance and Security Operations. 10 January 2023.
FM 3-99. Airborne and Air Assault Operations. 06 March 2015. |
1-02.1 | 126 | References
FM 4-02. Army Health System. 17 November 2020.
FM 4-30. Ordnance Operations. 01 April 2014.
FM 4-40. Quartermaster Operations. 22 October 2013.
FM 5-0. Planning and Orders Production. 16 May 2022.
FM 6-0. Commander and Staff Organization and Operations. 16 May 2022.
FM 6-02. Signal Support to Operations. 13 September 2019.
FM 6-22. Developing Leaders. 01 November 2022.
FM 6-27/MCTP 11-10C. The Commander’s Handbook on the Law of Land Warfare. 07 August 2019.
FM 7-0. Training. 14 June 2021.
UNITED STATES LAW
The U.S. Constitution is available online at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDOC-
110hdoc50/pdf/CDOC-110hdoc50.pdf.
Most acts and public laws are available at https://uscode.house.gov/.
Title 10. USC. Armed Forces. Subtitle A. General Military Law. Section 401.
Title 10. USC. Armed Forces. Subtitle B. Personnel. Sections 12401 through 12408.
Title 32. USC. National Guard.
GENEVA CONVENTION
1949 Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. Available at
https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/geneva-convention-relative-treatment-
prisoners-war.
PRESCRIBED FORMS
This section contains no entries.
REFERENCED FORMS
Unless otherwise indicated, DA forms are available on the Army Publishing Directorate (APD) Web site
at https://armypubs.army.mil/.
DA Form 2028. Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms. |
1-02.1 | 127 | FM 1-02.1
28 February(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:21)(cid:23)
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3-16 | 1 | FM 3-16
THE ARMY IN MULTINATIONAL
OPERATIONS
JULY 2024
DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION:
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
This publication supersedes FM 3-16, dated 8 April 2014. |
3-16 | 2 | This publication is available at the Army Publishing Directorate site
(https://armypubs.army.mil) and the Central Army Registry Site |
3-16 | 3 | *FM 3-16
Field Manual Headquarters
No. 3-16 Department of the Army
Washington, DC,15 July 2024
THE ARMY IN MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS
Contents
Page
Preface ................................................................................................................................................... v
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... vii
CHAPTER 1 ........................................................................................................................................... 1
FUNDAMENTALS OF MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS ............................................................ 1
Multinational Fundamentals ....................................................................................................... 1
The Formation of Multinational Forces ...................................................................................... 1
The Nature of Multinational Operations ..................................................................................... 2
The Importance of Mutual Confidence ...................................................................................... 3
Multinational Interoperability ...................................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER 2 ........................................................................................................................................... 9
COMMAND AND CONTROL DURING MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS .................................. 9
Multinational Force Commander ............................................................................................... 9
Mission Command during Multinational Operations .................................................................. 9
Mission Partner Environment .................................................................................................. 12
Integrated Interoperability Purpose ......................................................................................... 13
Structures for Multinational Operations ................................................................................... 16
Purpose of Command Relationships ....................................................................................... 20
Purpose of Other Command Relationships ............................................................................. 21
Purpose of Multinational Force Staffing .................................................................................. 25
Communications ...................................................................................................................... 29
Purpose of Knowing Each Nation’s Capabilities ..................................................................... 29
Considerations ......................................................................................................................... 31
CHAPTER 3 ......................................................................................................................................... 35
PLANNING CHALLENGES FOR MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS ......................................... 35
Campaign Preparation ............................................................................................................. 35
Force Projection for Multinational Forces ................................................................................ 35
Mission Focus for the Commander ......................................................................................... 35
DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: This manual is approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
This publication supersedes FM 3-16, dated 8 April 2014. |
3-16 | 4 | Contents
Planning Groups for Multinational Forces ............................................................................... 37
Mission Partner Environment Planning Considerations .......................................................... 37
Considerations ........................................................................................................................ 39
CHAPTER 4 ..........................................................................................................................................43
INTELLIGENCE DURING MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS .................................................... 43
Multinational Intelligence ......................................................................................................... 43
Multinational Information Sharing ........................................................................................... 43
Planning for Multinational Forces Operations ......................................................................... 45
Multinational Force Communications and Processing ............................................................ 45
Intelligence Operations ........................................................................................................... 45
Complementary Intelligence Capabilities ................................................................................ 46
Multinational Information Sharing Tasks ................................................................................. 47
Considerations ........................................................................................................................ 47
CHAPTER 5 ..........................................................................................................................................49
SUSTAINMENT DURING MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS .................................................... 49
Multinational Sustainment Overview ....................................................................................... 49
Unity of Effort Among Nations and Agencies .......................................................................... 49
Responsibility for Logistics ...................................................................................................... 50
Planning for Logistics .............................................................................................................. 50
Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreements ......................................................................... 51
Host-Nation Support ................................................................................................................ 51
Operational Contract Support Considerations ........................................................................ 53
United Nations Logistics System ............................................................................................ 55
Multinational Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration .................................. 56
Considerations ........................................................................................................................ 57
CHAPTER 6 ..........................................................................................................................................63
MEDICAL SUPPORT DURING MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS............................................ 63
Multinational Considerations for Medical Support .................................................................. 63
Army Health System Support to Multinational Operations ...................................................... 63
Army Health System Functions ............................................................................................... 63
Medical Planning ..................................................................................................................... 64
Health Threat Assessment ...................................................................................................... 65
Medical Support Policies and Issues ...................................................................................... 65
Medical Countermeasures ...................................................................................................... 66
Standards of Care ................................................................................................................... 66
Considerations ........................................................................................................................ 66
CHAPTER 7 ..........................................................................................................................................69
SPECIAL OPERATIONS DURING MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS ...................................... 69
Multinational Considerations for Special Operations .............................................................. 69 |
3-16 | 5 | Contents
Principles of Special Operations.............................................................................................. 69
Coordination Criteria ................................................................................................................ 70
Command and Control for Special Operations Forces During Multinational Operations ........ 70
Considerations ......................................................................................................................... 71
CHAPTER 8 ......................................................................................................................................... 73
CIVIL MILITARY INTEGRATION DURING MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS .......................... 73
Civil Military Integration ........................................................................................................... 73
Civil-Military Operations and Interorganizational Cooperation ................................................ 73
Civil Affairs Operations ............................................................................................................ 73
Civil Affairs Competencies ....................................................................................................... 74
Civil-Military Operations Center ............................................................................................... 75
Civil Military Liaison ................................................................................................................. 76
Civil-Military Teaming .............................................................................................................. 76
Key Civilian Organizations ....................................................................................................... 77
Relationships Among Civil Organizations, Governments, and the Military ............................. 80
Considerations ......................................................................................................................... 80
CHAPTER 9 ......................................................................................................................................... 83
MARITIME CONSIDERATIONS DURING MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS ........................... 83
Characteristics of Maritime Environment ................................................................................. 83
Characteristics of Multinational Maritime Forces ..................................................................... 83
Operational Planning Considerations ...................................................................................... 84
Operational Approach for a Maritime Environment ................................................................. 85
Considerations ......................................................................................................................... 86
CHAPTER 10 ....................................................................................................................................... 87
AIR CONSIDERATIONS DURING MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS ....................................... 87
Characteristics of the Air Environment .................................................................................... 87
Multinational Air Operations .................................................................................................... 87
Air and Missile Defense ........................................................................................................... 89
Airfield Operations ................................................................................................................... 89
Considerations ......................................................................................................................... 90
CHAPTER 11 ....................................................................................................................................... 91
SPACE CONSIDERATIONS DURING MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS ................................. 91
Characteristics of the Space Domain ...................................................................................... 91
Space Operations in Multinational Operations ........................................................................ 91
Building Capacity and Partnership Through Multinational Operations .................................... 93
Space Planning Considerations .............................................................................................. 93
Command Structure for Space Operations in Multinational Operations ................................. 94
Considerations for Commanders and Staff ............................................................................. 95
Considerations ......................................................................................................................... 95 |
3-16 | 6 | Contents
CHAPTER 12 ......................................................................................................................................101
CYBERSPACE CONSIDERATIONS DURING MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS.................. 101
Influences of Cyberspace Operations on Multinational Operations ...................................... 101
Cyber Support to the Multinational Task Force .................................................................... 104
Centralized Versus Decentralized Operations ...................................................................... 105
Communications System Principles ...................................................................................... 106
Considerations ...................................................................................................................... 107
CHAPTER 13 ......................................................................................................................................109
ADDITIONAL FACTORS DURING MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS .................................... 109
Military Capabilities ............................................................................................................... 109
Fire Support .......................................................................................................................... 109
Engineer Support .................................................................................................................. 109
Geospatial Support ............................................................................................................... 110
Security Force Assistance Support ....................................................................................... 111
Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Support .............................................................. 112
Considerations ...................................................................................................................... 113
Glossary ............................................................................................................................................ 117
References ........................................................................................................................................ 123
Index .................................................................................................................................................. 127
Figures
Figure 1-1. Dimensions of interoperability ............................................................................................. 6
Figure 1-2. Levels of interoperability and priority focus areas ............................................................... 7
Figure 2-1. Mission partner environment ............................................................................................. 12
Figure 2-2. Lead nation command structure ........................................................................................ 17
Figure 2-3. Parallel command structure ............................................................................................... 18
Figure 2-4. Integrated command structure ........................................................................................... 19
Figure 2-5. Integrated with lead nation command structure ................................................................ 20
Figure 12-1. Communications system principles ............................................................................... 107
Tables
Table 1-1. Characteristics of successful multinational operations ......................................................... 3
Table 1-2. The four levels of interoperability .......................................................................................... 7
Table 2-1. Comparison of command authorities .................................................................................. 21
Table 5-1. Host-nation considerations ................................................................................................. 52 |
3-16 | 7 | Preface
FM 3-16 provides fundamental principles and guidance for Army forces that operate as part of a multinational
force. It blends in key points of JP 3-16 to ensure consideration by Army elements of a joint force and
addresses Army forces’ roles and functions in multinational operations. While the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) and the American, British, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand (ABCANZ)
Armies Program achieved levels of standardization in certain areas, no comprehensive common doctrine
exists among the armies. This publication helps the multinational commander to understand the common
doctrine for multinational forces and assists in understanding and developing solutions. (Refer to JP 3-16 for
more on multinational forces.)
FM 3-16’s principal audience is all members of the profession of arms, especially trainers, educators,
commanders, and staff members of multinational headquarters. Readers can also refer to joint publications
of multinational doctrine in the competition continuum for additional information.
Commanders, staffs, and subordinates ensure that their decisions and actions comply with applicable United
States, international, and host-nation laws and regulations. Commanders ensure their Soldiers operate in
accordance with the law of armed conflict and the rules of engagement. (Refer to FM 6-27 for more
information on the law of land warfare.)
FM 3-16 uses joint terms where applicable. Selected joint and Army terms and definitions appear in both the
glossary and the text. When first defining terms in the text, the term is italicized, and the number of the
proponent publication follows the definition.
FM 3-16 applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States,
and the United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
The proponent of FM 3-16 is the United States Army Combined Arms Center. The preparing agency is the
Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate, United States Army Combined Arms Center. Send comments and
recommendations on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) to
Commander, United States Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, ATZL-MCD (FM 3-16),
300 McPherson Avenue, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027-2337; by email to
[email protected]; or submit an electronic DA Form 2028. |
3-16 | 9 | Introduction
Whenever commonality of interests exists, nations enter political, economic, or military partnerships, or
combinations thereof. These partnerships occur in regional and worldwide patterns as nations seek
opportunities to promote their mutual national interests, ensure mutual security against real or perceived
threats, gain international or binational influence, conduct foreign humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
operations, conduct peace operations, and promote their ideals. Cultural, diplomatic, informational, military,
economic, religious, psychological, technological, and political factors all influence the formation and
conduct of multinational operations.
America’s interests are global, but its focus is regional. Existing alliances and past coalitions reflect that
focus. Allied participants establish formal standardization agreements for operational objectives. As forces
of these nations plan and train together, they develop mutual trust and respect. Allied nations strive to field
compatible military systems, structure common procedures, and develop contingency plans to meet potential
regional threats. For example, the United States is currently a member of the following multilateral alliances
and agreements:
• United Nations (UN).
• North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
• American, British, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand (ABCANZ) Armies Program.
• Defense and cooperation treaties with the Republic of Korea (known as ROK) and Japan.
• Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance.
Terminology for a coalition or an alliance has evolved. Commonly used terms include allied, bilateral,
coalition, multinational, combined, or multilateral. This manual uses the term multinational. In almost all
usages except NATO, multinational replaced the older term combined. Nuanced language includes the
following:
• An alliance forms the basis for responding to broad or long-term objectives between two or more
nations with a common interest.
• A multinational coalition is formed for a specific purpose and for a limited time. It does not afford
military planners the same political resolve and commonality of aim as alliances. Coalitions such as
OPERATION DESERT SHIELD and OPERATION NEW DAWN have emerged to meet national
strategic requirements.
• Joint and U.S. Army forces conduct multinational operations with mission partners. Mission
partners typically include partners outside the Department of Defense (DOD) with whom the DOD
cooperates to achieve national goals. These partners can include individuals or departments from—
▪ Other departments and agencies of the federal, state, local, and host-nation governments.
▪ Multinational forces and forces of allies and foreign partners.
▪ Nongovernmental organizations.
▪ Academia.
▪ Businesses in the private sector.
• Unified action partners is an Army-specific term for combined U.S. forces and mission partners
with whom U.S. Army forces plan, coordinate, synchronize, and integrate during the conduct of
operations. Unified action partners include joint forces (activities in which elements of two or more
U.S. military departments participate); other departments and agencies of the federal, state, local,
and host-nation governments; multinational forces; forces of allies and foreign partners;
nongovernmental organizations; members of academia; and businesses in the private sector.
The precise role of land forces in multinational operations will vary according to each political and military
situation. The U.S. Army participates in multinational operations for three reasons:
• Only land forces hold terrain and control populations.
• The U.S. Army structure contains capabilities other Services do not have.
• Soldiers on the ground clearly demonstrate political resolve. |
3-16 | 10 | Introduction
Planners study and consider the political goals of each participant and lessons learned from multinational
partners when writing multinational operation plans. This field manual aims to prompt commanders and
staffs to consider details of agreements and treaties when planning multinational operations.
This publication underwent significant changes since 2015. FM 3-16 reflects the U.S. Army’s role within a
larger framework of multidomain operations and large-scale combat operations through its focus on
maximum flexibility. This publication embraces the U.S. Army’s approach to command and control: mission
command. This publication also discusses interoperability and ways to view multinational operations in an
interoperable environment. This publication aligns directly with concepts and guidance in AR 34-1, ADP 3-0,
FM 3-0, and JP 3-16.
U.S. commanders expect to conduct military operations as part of a multinational force. These operations
span the range of military operations and require coordination with various U.S. government agencies,
military forces and government agencies of other nations, local authorities, nongovernmental organizations,
and the private sector. Each entity that cooperates in conducting operations with U.S. Army forces is called
a unified action partner (UAP). A comprehensive approach to problem solving increases the need for
coordination and synchronization among UAPs. Multinational operations demand full staff integration.
Multinational operations also demand multinational force staffs understand commander’s intent, execution
capabilities, and limitations of every multinational force unit.
Nations in multinational operations must share lessons learned and best practices. Multinational partners use
information systems, liaisons, and analog methods to share information. The U.S. Army Center for Army
Lessons Learned (known as CALL) serves as the office of primary responsibility and action agent for the
implementation of the U.S. Army Lessons Learned Program. Readers can access its lessons learned at the
Center for Army Lessons Learned at https://www.army.mil/call. The ABCANZ Armies’ Program coalition
operations lessons learned database is located at https://wss.apan.org/cda/ABCANZ-armies. The
Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute (known as PKSOI) repository of information is in the Joint
Lessons Learned Information System (known as JLLIS) at https://www.jllis.mil. This system requires a
Common Access Card and account for access. The Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute website
allows access to the U.S. military, U.S. government agencies, multinational military and civilian
organizations, and private sector organizations to collaborate for collecting, analyzing, disseminating, and
integrating lessons learned for peacekeeping and stability operations. |
3-16 | 11 | Chapter 1
Fundamentals of Multinational Operations
This chapter introduces the fundamentals of multinational operations and the structure
of multinational forces. Next, it discusses the nature of multinational operations and
the importance of mutual confidence in multinational forces. It concludes with
information on multinational interoperability and mission partners’ capability and
considerations.
MULTINATIONAL FUNDAMENTALS
1-1. Army forces conduct a range of military operations across the competition continuum and may constitute
the majority or a minority of multinational forces. Multinational operations is a collective term to describe
military actions conducted by forces of two or more nations, usually undertaken within the structure of a
coalition or alliance (JP 3-16). The United States may be a troop contributing nation as part of a multinational
command and as part of a joint multinational command headquarters. Alternately, an Army echelon may lead
a joint multinational land component command headquarters. (Refer to JP 3-16 and JP 3-33 for joint and
multinational operations.)
1-2. Commanders and staffs of multinational forces and subordinate headquarters employ, process, and
organize efforts, integrate warfighting functions across multiple domains, and synchronize force actions to
accomplish the mission. The operations process consists of planning, preparing, executing, and continuously
assessing an operation. Commanders consider each multinational force’s capabilities and the desired level of
interoperability during the operations process. Commanders especially consider the key relationships and
integration points between commanders and staffs. Throughout the operations process, the commander and
staff review considerations for achieving and improving interoperability with their mission partners.
1-3. The Army’s primary mission is to organize, train, and equip its forces to conduct prompt and sustained
land combat to defeat enemy ground forces, and to seize, occupy, and defend land areas. Army forces
accomplish their missions by supporting the joint force in four strategic roles: shaping operational
environments, countering aggression on land during crisis, prevailing during large-scale ground combat, and
consolidating gains. The strategic roles clarify the overall purposes for which U.S. Army forces conduct
multidomain operations with partners on behalf of multinational force land component commanders (known
as MNFLCCs) across the competition continuum in the pursuit of policy objectives. (Refer to ADP 3-0 for
more information on the Army’s strategic roles.)
1-4. Military operations in the land domain are foundational to operations in other domains because the
operations are ultimately enabled, based, or controlled from land. Forces resolve conflicts on land because
that is where the root of military and economic power exists, people live, and political decisions are made.
Resolving conflict requires the integration of joint and multinational capabilities to enable operations on land
and the employment of land forces to enable operations in the other domains. (Refer to JP 3-31 for a detailed
discussion of land power.)
1-5. Multinational military operations are the norm, and American commanders have operated with
multinational forces throughout history. General George Washington’s partnership with the French forces
during the American War of Independence illustrates an early example of U.S. military multinational
operations. In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, in most significant conflicts, the U.S. Army conducted
multinational operations. The Army requires proficiency operating as an ally or partner land force during
multinational operations and should practice doing so as often as possible.
THE FORMATION OF MULTINATIONAL FORCES
1-6. The United States acts unilaterally in its national interests. However, the United States prefers to pursue
national security interests through international efforts, such as multinational operations. Multinational
operations occur within the structure of an alliance or a coalition. |
3-16 | 12 | Chapter 1
ALLIANCES
1-7. An alliance results from a formal agreement between two or more nations for broad, long-term objectives
furthering the common interests of the members. An alliance is a relationship. Alliances have standing
headquarters and organizations. Sample alliances for the United States include the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) or the Republic of Korea and Combined Forces Command, Korea. An example of a
long-term objective of an alliance is standardization. (Refer to JP 3-16 for a discussion on standardization.)
The Department of Defense (DOD) achieves cooperation among the joint services and allied members
through shared research and development. The joint services and allied members agreed to adopt the use of—
• Common or compatible operational, administrative, and logistics procedures.
• Common or compatible technical procedures and criteria.
• Common, compatible, or interchangeable supplies, components, weapons, or equipment.
• Common or compatible tactical doctrine with corresponding organizational compatibility.
COALITIONS
1-8. A coalition is an arrangement between two or more nations for a common action. Nations create a
coalition to fulfill goals of common interest. This action is a multinational action outside the bounds of an
established alliance. It is based on a willing subset of allied members. (Refer to JP 3-16 for a discussion of a
coalition as part of multinational operations.)
1-9. A coalition differs from an alliance. Coalitions exist for a limited purpose and time. A coalition does not
afford military planners the same political resolve and commonality of goals as an alliance. With defined and
limited goals, a coalition requires more diligence and care from military planners than in an alliance since
mutual goals arise from temporary situations. Planners study, know, and apply each participant’s political
goals when planning. Short-term political considerations have greater influence with coalitions than with
alliances.
1-10. Commanders of multinational forces are influenced by many things including sovereignty. Military
commanders’ traditional authorities are reduced because of their responsibility to their national leadership.
Multinational commanders accomplish the mission through coordination, communication, and consensus of
leadership rather than through traditional command relationships. Unity of effort is essential in multinational
operations. Unity of effort is coordination and cooperation toward common objectives. This is true even if
the participants are not necessarily part of the same command or organization. (Refer to JP 1 Volume 2 for
more on unity of effort.) Commanders and subordinates operate as diplomats and warriors in a coalition.
THE NATURE OF MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS
1-11. Multinational operations are shaped by—
• Common agreement among the participating partners of alliance or coalition.
• Terms of an alliance.
• A mandate or authorization provided by the United Nations (UN).
1-12. Multinational operations require greater attention than unilateral operations due to their complexity
with national interests and organizational influence potentially competing with doctrine and efficiency.
Gaining consensus may be difficult and solutions may be national in character, as troop contributing nations
must adhere to their own national policies and priorities. An effective multinational force commander and
staff accept, know, and work within necessary complexities of multinational operations beginning from the
planning stage. Differences in culture, language, procedure, and technology all pose a level of complexity
not found in U.S. Army pure operations.
1-13. Training for these multinational operations and pursuing interoperability with allies and likely coalition
partners is paramount to the U.S. national security. Interoperability is the ability to act together coherently,
effectively, and efficiently to achieve tactical, operational, and strategic objectives (JP 3-0). There are human,
procedural, and technical dimensions to interoperability. Reducing these differences through human
interactions, standardized and common procedures, and shared or compatible technology improves the ability
of the multinational force to operate cohesively.
1-14. Successful multinational operations have characteristics identified in Table 1-1. |
3-16 | 13 | Fundamentals of Multinational Operations
Table 1-1. Characteristics of successful multinational operations
Person or Organization Actions
Commander and staff Integrate interoperability throughout the operations process to plan,
implement, and adjust technical, procedural, and human dimension solutions
to enable shared understanding, mutual trust and confidence, and unity of
effort among mission partners.
Commander and staff of Continuously collaborate with designated mission partners after receipt of
U.S. units mission for a multinational operation or exercise.
Commander and staff Appoint a mission partner coordinator upon receipt of mission to plan,
coordinate, and assess unit interoperability plans of action and milestones,
track staff progress, and report interoperability challenges and
accomplishments.
Commander and staff Establish boards, bureaus, centers, cells, and working groups. Invite
multinational participation in existing boards, bureaus, centers, cells, and
working groups as required to plan, implement, and execute key
interoperable tasks.
U.S. and mission partner Based on commander’s intent and guidance, collaborate to develop a
staff common understanding of interoperable processes and the associated
information sharing requirements.
Commander and staff Develop and implement staff and liaison officer exchange plans to support
development of effective technical and procedural interoperability solutions.
Commander and staff In preparation for multinational operations, ensure subordinate units and
mission partners have trained, rehearsed, and are prepared to execute
operations at the desired level of interoperability by warfighting function.
Partner nations Collaboratively develop network, cyber defense, data, and common services
standards reflected in the joining, membership, and exiting instructions;
implement in the mission partner network; develop and implement data
standards as documented in the knowledge management plan; and test and
validate the network.
Multinational units Conduct rehearsal of concept drills, tactical exercises without troops,
communications exercises, staff exercises, and other collective training with
mission partners to gain task proficiency and shared understanding of the
scheme of maneuver; conduct rehearsal of associated tactics, techniques,
and procedures; and conduct rehearsal of standard operating procedures.
Multinational units Conduct continuous interoperability assessment, identify and correct gaps
and shortfalls, and improve multinational mission performance.
U.S. United States
THE IMPORTANCE OF MUTUAL CONFIDENCE
1-15. The commander’s ability to build a cohesive team drives the foundation of successful multinational
operations. The commander must consider the political objective, mission, patience, sensitivity to the needs
of other force members, a willingness to compromise or coming to a consensus when necessary, and mutual
confidence. This mutual confidence stems from tangible actions and entities and intangible human factors.
The commander builds team relationships in multinational operations while developing mutual rapport and
respect. The intangible considerations that guide the actions of all participants, especially the senior
commander, are—
• Rapport.
• Respect.
• Knowledge of partners.
• Team building.
• Patience.
• Trust.
• Shared understanding. |
3-16 | 14 | Chapter 1
If a commander or staff ignores these considerations, mutual confidence weakens and multinational
operations risk failure.
RAPPORT
1-16. Commanders and staffs establish mutual confidence through rapport with counterparts from other
countries. This is a personal and direct relationship. Good rapport among multinational force members results
in successful teamwork and unity of effort.
1-17. Commanders build rapport when the multinational forces share a mutual respect and a common
purpose. Commanders and staff establish rapport by first understanding customs, personalities, capabilities,
ambitions, sensitivities, history, languages, religions, and cultural habits of multinational partners.
Understanding these characteristics helps commanders and staff then understand each nation’s legal and
policy constraints. Once this understanding exists, partners can clearly demonstrate respect, trust, patience,
and compromise. The resulting understanding and demonstration help develop and maintain rapport. The
multinational force commander makes personal visits to all units to build rapport and to assess capabilities,
readiness, and morale.
1-18. U.S. commanders use preexisting relationships with multinational commanders and staff as a catalyst
to reestablish rapport, when possible. Often U.S. and multinational commanders and staff have preexisting,
personal, or professional relationships with multinational partners because of training together. Commanders
canvas their organizations for people who have existing relationships to rapidly build rapport.
RESPECT
1-19. Without genuine respect among multinational partners, rapport and mutual confidence cannot exist. All
forces of all nations need respect, regardless of position or size of force. Respect for other partners’ cultures,
combined with understanding and considering their perspectives, solidifies a partnership. Lack of respect
leads to friction and jeopardizes mission accomplishment. Army forces that consider multinational operations
from the perspective of being an ally or partner instead of simply doing things with allies and partners are
likely to create higher levels of mutual respect.
1-20. Commanders consider combat capability when assigning missions to multinational forces. Effective
commanders include all partners in planning and consider partners’ opinions, national honor, and reputation
in mission assignment. Understanding, consideration, and acceptance of multinational force partners leads to
more critical thinking to adapt and use individual capabilities to their advantage.
KNOWLEDGE OF PARTNERS
1-21. To have mutual confidence, commanders need to know their multinational partners’ capabilities and
limitations. It is important that partners understand each other’s concerns and needs. Each partner in an
operation has a distinct cultural identity. Although nations with similar cultures face fewer obstacles to
interoperability than nations with divergent cultural outlooks, differences still exist. Effective commanders
and staffs learn the capabilities of partner nations or organizations. These capabilities differ based on national
and organizational interests and objectives, political guidance, limitations on the national force, doctrine,
organization, rules of engagement (ROE), law of armed conflict, equipment, culture, and other factors.
TEAM BUILDING
1-22. Mutual confidence in multinational operations requires team building. Differing national agendas can
disrupt priorities and unity of effort unless understood and considered when planning. Problems arise when
competitiveness among Soldiers and among nations detract from the mission or from unit cohesion.
Multinational force commanders reinforce that all forces are operating as one team instead of forces
conducting operations with other forces. Establishing an atmosphere of cooperation and trust is essential.
Establishing team-building activities positively influences subordinates.
1-23. Commanders treat all units equally regardless of national background. Multinational partners see
unequal treatment as prejudice or lack of respect, and this may result in political repercussions. Partner nation
commanders and staff have fair representation on the planning staff to prevent exclusion from decision
making and risk sharing. Commanders and planners consider unit capabilities, national honor, reputation,
partner opinions, and agreement caveats when assigning missions. National caveats articulate constraints |
3-16 | 15 | Fundamentals of Multinational Operations
under which a nation’s forces must fight or participate. All plans and operations must include considerations
for these caveats.
PATIENCE
1-24. Developing effective partnerships takes time and attention but establishes mutual confidence which
enhances mission performance. Diligent pursuit of a trusting, mutually beneficial relationship with
multinational force partners requires patience. Commanders must demonstrate understanding and patience
when dealing with all mission partners.
TRUST
1-25. Trust is important for mutual confidence. Ethical principles guide Army professionals in their actions
to establish trust, maintain teamwork, and communicate respect to all multinational partners. Mutual trust
results from honest efforts to learn about and understand capabilities each member brings to the multinational
force. Additionally, demonstrated competence, planning, and training together builds a cohesive team.
SHARED UNDERSTANDING
1-26. Commanders build shared understanding through a common operational picture, human understanding,
respect for others, and standardized procedures. Sharing information enables effective information flow and
shared understanding in multinational operations, not unlike U.S. Army-only operations. Planners for
multinational operations develop and implement human, procedural, and technical dimensions. Effective
information flow and shared understanding across a multinational force have human, procedural, and
technical dimensions that involve—
• Thoroughly understanding human nature.
• Respecting cultural differences.
• Including multinational partners in planning.
• Sharing information and planning.
• Implementing standard operating procedures.
• Ensuring equipment compatibility.
1-27. NATO and ABCANZ have established human, procedural, and technical dimension solutions which
enhance the cooperation and multinational operations under these two alliances. New alliances or new
coalitions establish their own human, procedural, and technical dimension solutions for challenges when
conducting multinational operations. Multinational operations require a resilient mission partner environment
(MPE) with robust information management (IM) and knowledge management (KM) processes to support
effective information exchange and shared understanding.
MULTINATIONAL INTEROPERABILITY
1-28. Technical dimension solutions are easy with enough trust and resources. However, interoperability is
far more than compatible networks and equipment. As previously stated, interoperability enables partners to
act together coherently, effectively, and efficiently so they can achieve tactical, operational, and strategic
objectives. The foundation of interoperability is broad, spanning all Army warfighting functions with human,
procedural, and technical dimensions that commanders must consider. The human dimension builds the basis
of the mutual understanding and respect fundamental to unity of effort and operational success. New
coalitions or alliances should create a shared understanding first through the human dimension by exchanging
liaisons. Liaisons bridge procedural or technical barriers by using a shared language and by being considerate,
competent, and respectful. Mission partners build procedural and technical dimension solutions after human
dimension solutions. Not all alliances require the same level of interoperability, but all alliances require the
lowest level of human dimension solution such as exchanged liaisons. The procedural dimension ensures that
Army forces achieve sufficient harmony in policies and doctrine that enable them to operate effectively with
unified action partners (UAPs).
1-29. Joint forces, which also require interoperability, face a rapidly evolving, multidomain environment in
which highly adaptive and innovative adversaries create resilient formations, forces, and systems to support
their strategies. Adversaries employ systems to achieve their strategic ends to avoid conflict and negate the
traditional operating methods of the joint force. It is in this context that Army forces, as the primary land |
3-16 | 16 | Chapter 1
force of the U.S. military, partner with joint forces. They organize, practice, and employ capabilities in
multidomain operations to contest adversaries. This occurs in competition below armed conflict and during
armed conflict. The capabilities that joint forces provide are critical to the success of any such campaign and
act as a military force multiplier for coalition forces.
1-30. In dynamic operational environments, U.S. Army forces often have only days to integrate key functions
and capabilities with UAPs. Therefore, interoperability must be a fundamental condition of how Army
commanders plan to fight now and in the future. At its core, interoperability aims to increase the effectiveness
of U.S. Army forces with UAPs as they execute their assigned missions. U.S. Army commanders increase
the probability of mission success by integrating the imperatives of operations. Imperatives, which are actions
Army forces take to defeat enemy forces and succeed in operational environments, are based on
characteristics of the competition and conflict. (Refer to FM 3-0 for a discussion on imperatives.) Integrated
imperatives enable U.S. Army forces, as part of a coalition, to employ all available Army and UAP
capabilities in ways that enhance the accomplishment of U.S. and coalition objectives.
1-31. U.S. Army operations integrate UAPs while applying each of the imperatives. Doing so requires mutual
trust and confidence, shared understanding, and unity of effort enabled by interoperability solutions across
human, procedural, and technical dimensions. To conduct combined arms operations with UAPs, Army
forces require a base technological architecture (such as an MPE) into which Army forces and their partners
can easily integrate and operate. Figure 1-1 illustrates the dimensions of interoperability.
Figure 1-1. Dimensions of interoperability
LEVELS OF INTEROPERABILITY
1-32. Interoperability has four levels ranging from no demonstrated interoperability to fully integrated
interoperability with U.S. forces. (See Table 1-2 for the levels of interoperability and AR 34-1 for additional
information.) Interoperability has five priority focus areas (sometimes called PFAs). (See Figure 1-2 for
integration of levels with priority focus areas.) Interoperability is and will remain a key requirement for the |
3-16 | 17 | Fundamentals of Multinational Operations
Army. The Army’s interoperability priority focus areas comprise the following functional areas:
communications and information systems, each member’s intelligence community, fires, and sustainment.
Table 1-2. The four levels of interoperability
Level Operability Description
Level 0 Not Interoperable UAPs have no demonstrated interoperability. Command and control
interface with the Army is only at the next higher echelon. UAP
formations must operate independently from U.S. Army formations and
operations.
Level 1 Deconflicted U.S. Army and UAPs can co-exist but do not interact. Requires
alignment of capabilities and procedures to establish operational norms,
enabling UAPs and the U.S. Army to work together.
Level 2 Compatible U.S. Army and UAPs can interact with each other in the same
geographic area in pursuit of a common goal. U.S. Army and UAPs
have similar or complementary processes and procedures, and they
can operate effectively with each other.
Level 3 Integrated U.S. Army and UAPs can integrate upon arrival in theater.
Interoperability is network-enabled to provide the full range of military
operations (ROMO) capability. UAPs can routinely establish networks
and operate effectively with or as part of U.S. Army formations.
UAP unified action partner U.S. United States
Figure 1-2. Levels of interoperability and priority focus areas
MISSION PARTNER CAPABILITY
1-33. Allies and partners have considerable capabilities that make them a credible deterrent against adversary
aggression, improve combined collective capabilities, and lessen the burden on U.S. forces should deterrence |
3-16 | 18 | Chapter 1
fail. Forward-stationed U.S. Army forces, by themselves, generally do not enjoy favorable correlation-of-
force ratios against adversaries. Allies and partner nations form the initial foundation of the ability to conduct
operations during armed conflict. This combined force capability enhances deterrence for both the partner
nation and the United States. (Refer to FM 3-0 for more on deterrence in multinational operations.) |
3-16 | 19 | Chapter 2
Command and Control During Multinational Operations
This chapter begins by discussing the multinational force commander and mission
command purpose. It then discusses the purpose of unity of effort, the MPE, and
integrated interoperability. The chapter then discusses structures for multinational
operations, the purpose of command relationships, purpose of other command
relationships, communications, and the purpose of knowing each nation’s capabilities.
Considerations for commanders concludes this chapter.
MULTINATIONAL FORCE COMMANDER
2-1. Commanders and staff build consensus of interest among partners in multinational operations through
collaboration and coordination. This consensus enables partners to exercise command and control (C2)
compatibly at the political, military, and cultural levels. Successful multinational operations establish unity
of effort if not unity of command. Unity of command is the direction of all forces under a single, responsible
commander who has the requisite authority to direct and employ those forces (JP 3-0). A successful
multinational operation begins with the authority to direct operations of all assigned or attached military
forces.
2-2. The multinational force commander directs the military effort to reach a common objective. Nations
create a multinational force once those nations reach a common interest. Each multinational operation is
specific. Each national commander who is part of a multinational force is responsible to the commander of
the multinational force and the national chain of command. Troop contributing nations maintain a direct line
of communications to their national headquarters and their own national governments.
MISSION COMMAND DURING MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS
2-3. Multinational force commanders implement a C2 system and employ it using a mission command
approach. Mission command is the Army’s approach to command and control that empowers subordinate
decision making and decentralized execution appropriate to the situation (ADP 6-0). The principles of
mission command remain unchanged during multinational operations. Army commanders and staff still
develop and maintain competence, mutual trust, shared understanding, commander’s intent, mission orders,
disciplined initiative, and risk acceptance as enablers to successful mission command. (Refer to ADP 6-0 and
JP 3-16 for more information on mission command.)
2-4. Multinational force commanders use various methods and styles of leadership to impart their
commander’s intent and to influence subordinates and coalition partners. Command styles vary greatly. On
one end of the spectrum, these command styles are authoritarian or operate as centralized power. On the other
end of the spectrum, these command styles provide looser control and offer decentralized power. The
command style reflects the relationship between the leader and the led. The national and military cultures of
both styles shape the relationship. Multinational commanders vary their command style to harmonize with
the characteristics of the forces they lead. However, leaders have a reciprocal relationship, and the leaders
and the led are responsible for harmonization. Subordinate leaders appreciate the culture of their
multinational superiors.
2-5. Commanders and staff understand that although the principles of mission command remain unchanged
in multinational operations, these operations require interoperability which has significant implications for
how U.S. forces plan, prepare, execute, and assess operations throughout the operations process. The mission
variables—mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available, civil
considerations, and informational considerations, commonly known as METT-TC (I)—influence the
commander’s guidance for interoperability solutions. For instance, the mission variables might influence
guidance on the levels of interoperability required to support multinational operations across warfighting
functions and specific tactical tasks critical to the commander’s plan. |
3-16 | 20 | Chapter 2
INTEROPERABILITY WITH MULTINATIONAL FORCES
2-6. A major operational consideration for the United States is the ability to operate with multinational forces.
Historically, interoperability has been achieved through various technical solutions using trial and error
during combined training exercises and operations. To avoid this trial-and-error approach to interoperability,
the Army has emphasized the importance of interoperability through bilateral, multilateral, and multinational
standardization programs. Participation in NATO, ABCANZ, and multinational exercises offers increased
opportunities for understanding partner capabilities and developing interoperability approaches that use
human, procedural, and technical dimensions.
2-7. To increase interoperability, the DOD strives for maximum cooperation among the Services and DOD
agencies for the most efficient use of research, development, and production resources. The DOD also agrees
to adopt the broadest possible resources that use common or compatible procedures, criteria, corresponding
organizational compatibility, sustainment, and logistics.
STANDARDIZATION AGREEMENTS WITH MULTINATIONAL FORCES
2-8. Implementation of NATO standardization agreements (STANAGs) or ABCANZ standards are
transparent to U.S. units. In the case of doctrine, implementation occurs when doctrine proponents
incorporate the content of the STANAG into U.S. doctrine and Army doctrine publications. Additionally,
soldiers of each NATO or ABCANZ nation use their own national doctrine and tactics, techniques, and
procedures. To them, the interoperability is also transparent. For example, NATO and ABCANZ nations
agree to use the same military symbols. In this way, participating units passing graphic operational
information such as overlays share a common understanding of the symbols. When operating within the
NATO or ABCANZ construct, partners do not need to develop alternative symbology or terminology. (Refer
to STANAG 2019 and FM 1-02.2 for military symbols.) Other international STANAGs prevent the need to
develop ad hoc solutions. Some examples of standardized procedures include the five-paragraph operation
order, close-air support procedures, and call-for-fire procedures.
2-9. In a coalition, NATO STANAGs and ABCANZ standards provide a baseline for cooperation. They set
the minimum guidance for cooperation. Additionally, in many parts of the world, bilateral interoperability
agreements among potential coalition members exist before the nations form the coalition. Students who
attend professional military development courses in other nations are additional sources for interoperability.
However, in most ad hoc coalitions, not all participants are familiar with such agreements. The multinational
commander relies on designated standard operating procedures (SOPs), good liaison officers, and clearly
written, uncomplicated operation orders.
PURPOSE OF UNITY OF EFFORT
2-10. Unity of effort is critical in multinational operations.
For the first time in NATO’s history, the
UAPs achieve unified action when they synchronize,
allies invoked Article 5—a pact of mutual
coordinate, and integrate to achieve unity of effort, even if the
assistance in case any NATO member is
partners come from a different command, country, or
attacked—after the 9/11 terrorist attacks
organization. The principle of unity of command also applies against the United States.
but is more difficult for commanders to attain. In stability
tasks and Article 5 of The North Atlantic Treaty (Collective Defense), government agencies have the lead.
2-11. Unified action demonstrates unity of effort over a lengthy time requiring military and civilian leaders
to work together towards a unified goal. Every senior military commander in a multinational coalition reports
to a civilian chief. Each commander integrates, coordinates, and synchronizes with civilian agencies and
cooperates with intergovernmental organizations. Command arrangements do not involve a typical command
authority due to national and host-nation interests. Commanders consider how to integrate, coordinate, and
synchronize their actions with other instruments of national power that include diplomacy, information, and
economy. The U.S. Army and joint forces conduct civil-military operations at each echelon. Due to the time
required for unified action, military commanders consider how to apply their forces to support civilian and
other organizations to best achieve unity of effort.
2-12. An effective command relationship is vital for successful multinational operations. Military advice to
national authorities is critical in early planning to determine the strategic end state, objectives, and
composition of a multinational force. Dialogue, understanding, and agreement provide not only the basis for |
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