FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

OPERATIONAL TERMS

AND GRAPHICS

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public, distribution is unlimited

i

 *FM 101-5-1/MCRP 5-2A

Field Manual Headquarters

No. 101-5-1 Department of the Army

Marine Corps Reference Publication United States Marine Corps

No. MCRP 5-2A Washington, DC, 30 September 1997

Operational Terms and Graphics

Contents

 Page

Preface ........................................................................... iii

Chapter 1 Operational Terms ................................................... . 1-1

Chapter 2 Operational Acronyms and Abbreviations .............................. . 2-1

Chapter 3 Graphic Control Measures ............................................ . 3-1

Graphic Overlays .................................................. . 3-1

Use of Graphics ................................................... . 3-1

Maneuver ........................................................ . 3-5

Maneuver and Fire ................................................. . 3-21

Fire Support ...................................................... . 3-22

Command and Control ............................................. . 3-25

Mobility and Survivability .......................................... . 3-27

Survivability ..................................................... . 3-33

Combat Service Support ............................................ . 3-37

Chapter 4 Unit Symbols .................................................... . 4-1

Icon-Based Symbols ............................................... . 4-1

Building Unit Symbols ............................................. . 4-3

Symbols For The Ground Environment ................................ . 4-6

Unit Symbol Modifiers ............................................. . 4-8

Combat Arms .................................................... . 4-10

Combat Support .................................................. . 4-19

Combat Service Support ............................................ . 4-23

Special Operations Forces (SOF) ..................................... . 4-29

DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.

*This publication supersedes FM 101-5-1, 21 October 1985.

MARINE CORPS PCN: 144 000008 00
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

ii

 Page

Chapter 5 Equipment Symbols ................................................... 5-1

Equipment Symbol Labeling .......................................... 5-1

Building an Equipment Symbol ....................................... 5-4

Composite Weapon System Symbols ................................... 5-5

Modifiers ......................................................... 5-6

Mobility Modifiers ................................................. 5-7

Types of Ground Equipment .......................................... 5-8

Vehicle Symbols ................................................... 5-9

Aircraft/Aerial Vehicles ............................................. 5-10

Appendix A Friendly Unit and Equipment Symbols ................................... A-1

Appendix B Enemy Unit and Equipment Symbols .................................... B-1

Appendix C Military Decisionmaking Process and Tactical Mission Graphics ............. C-1

Appendix D Stability and Support Operations Symbology ............................. D-1

Appendix E Multiservice Tactical Brevity Codes ..................................... E-1

References ...................................................................References-1
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

iii

Preface

PURPOSE

This manual sets forth procedures for the United States Army and the United States Marine Corps in the use

of land-based warfighting symbology. An extensive set of symbols for the Air Force and Navy is found in

Military Standard 2525A. The manual is a dictionary of operational terms and military graphics. It is designed

for commanders and staffs from company through corps to communicate instructions to subordinate units.

This manual describes symbols for use in the force domain (maneuver command and control) but does not

supersede the military standards that describe symbols for use in the engagement domain ("radar" tracking ,

evaluation, engagement, or engagement system directing). Military standards established for air defens e

engagement and systems control and aircraft "heads up" displ ays are to be used. When information is transferred

from an engagement domain system to a force domain command and control system, it will be automatically or

manually converted to the force domain symbols in this publication.

SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY

This doctrine applies to all Army and Marine Corps commanders and staffs. For overseas theaters, th e

procedures govern US unilateral operations only. For combined operations, applicable multinational procedures

apply. This manual does conform to the appropriate NATO requirements.

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Definitions and terms used in this manual agree with those expressed in Joint Publication (JP) 1-02, Army

Regulation (AR) 310-25, and Fleet Marine Force Reference Publication (FM FRP) 0-14. This manual agrees with

MILSTD 2525A, subject to its approval by all services. The provisions of this manual are the subject o f

international agreement(s):

1059 National Distinguishing Letters for Use by NATO Armed Forces

2019 Military Symbols for Land Based Systems

2022 Intelligence Reports

2961 Classes of Supply of NATO Land Forces

3680 NATO Glossary of Terms and Definitions (AAP-6)

4420 Display Symbology and Colors for NATO Maritime Units
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

iv

USER INFORMATION

The proponent of this publication is HQ TRADOC. Send comments and recommendations on Department

of the Army (DA) Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) directly to:

Commander Commanding General

US Army Combined Arms Center or Doctrine Division (C42)

ATTN: ATZL-SWW-D (Bldg. 111) MCCDC

Ft Leavenworth, KS 66027-6900 3300 Russell Rd.

Quantico, VA 22134-5021

Unless this publication states otherwise, masculine nouns and pronouns do not refer exclusively to men.
1-1

Chapter 1

Operational Terms

The shadowed boxes show the page number for the symbol or graphic for those definitions with 2-16

graphic representations

A

abatis — A vehicular obstacle constructed by felling trees (leaving a 1- to 2-meter stump above the ground

on both sides of a road, trail, gap, or defile) so that they fall, interlocked, toward the expected direction

of enemy approach. The trees should remain attached to the stumps and be at a 45-degree angle to the

roadway. The obstacle itself should be at least 75 meters in depth to be most effective. See FM 5-102.

3-27

abort criteria — A predetermined set of circumstances, based on risk analysis, which makes the success of

an operation no longer probable; thus the operation is terminated. These circumstances can relate to

changes in safety, equipment or troops available, preparation or rehearsal time, weather, enemy, losses

during execution, or a combination of the above. (See also air assault and deep operations.) See FMs

71-100-2, 90-4, and JP 3-18.1.

above ground level (AGL) — The altitude of an aircraft as measured between the terrain (excluding

vegetation and man-made structures) and the aircraft. The altitude is usually not the same as measured

from sea level. (See also coordinating altitude.) See FMs 1-111, 17-95, 90-4, and 100-103.

absorbed dose (JP 1-02, NATO) — The amount of energy imparted by nuclear (or ionizing) radiation to

unit mass of absorbing material. The unit is the rad. (Army) — 1. This term is being replaced by the

term centigray that is the equivalent of 100 rads. 2. A unit of energy absorbed by a material, such as

body tissue, from nuclear (ionizing) radiation, equal to 100 ergs per gram of material. See also centigray

and dose rate. See FMs 3-3-1 and 3-4.

accompanying supplies (JP 1-02) — Unit supplies that deploy with forces. (Army) — All classes of

supplies carried by units and individual soldiers during deployment to, and redeployment from, an area

of operations or training exercise area. (See also basic load, classes of supply, and combat load.) See

FMs 100-10 and 100-16.

acknowledge — A directive from the originator of a communication requiring the addressee(s) to advise the

originator that his communication has been received and understood. This term is normally included in

the electronic transmission of orders to ensure the receiving station or person confirms receipt of the

order. (See also acknowledgment.)

acknowledgment (JP 1-02, NATO) — A message from the addressee informing the originator that his or

her communication has been received and is understood. (See also acknowledge.)

acoustical surveillance (JP 1-02) — Employment of electronic devices, including sound-recording,

-receiving, or -transmitting equipment, for the collection of information. See FM 34-10-1.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-2

active air defense (JP 1-02, NATO) — Direct defensive action taken to nullify or reduce the effectiveness

of hostile air action. It includes such measures as the use of aircraft, air defense weapons, weapons not

used primarily in an air defense role, and electronic warfare. (Army) — Direct defensive action taken to

destroy attacking enemy aircraft or missiles. See FMs 44-63 and 44-100.

active component (Army) — That portion of each of the armed forces (such as the Regular Army) that serves

24 hours a day, 365 days a year, until retired; transferred to a reserve unit, inactive reserve, or National

Guard; or discharged from service. This does not include those in an active duty guard or a reserve status

but does include reserve officers serving a contractual period of active duty after commissioning.

active defense (Army) — Applies to operations initiated to protect assets against a tactical missile attack by

destroying theater missile (TM) airborne launch platforms or destroying TMs in flight. Active defense

includes multitiered defense in depth via multiple engagements using air, land, and sea theater missile

defense systems. It also includes using electronic warfare to disrupt enemy remote or onboard guidance

systems. See FM 44-100 and JP 3-01.5.

active duty for training (JP 1-02) — A tour of active duty which is used for training members of the Reserve

Components to provide trained units and qualified persons to fill the needs of the Armed Forces in time

of war or national emergency and such other times as the national security requires. The member is under

orders which provide for return to nonactive status when the period of active duty for training is

completed. It includes annual training, special tours of active duty for training, school tours, and the

initial duty for training performed by nonprior service enlistees.

add — In artillery, naval gunfire, mortar, and other types of gunnery, a correction used by an observer or a

spotter to indicate that an increase in range along the observer target line is desired. See FMs 6-20,

17-12, and 23-1.

adjust (JP 1-02) — An order to the observer or spotter to initiate an adjustment on a designated target. See

FM 6-20. 

adjust fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support: 1. An order or request to initiate an

adjustment of fire. 2. A method of control transmitted in the call for fire by the observer or spotter to

indicate that he will control the adjustment. (Army) — Pertains to mortar fire also. See FM 6-20.

adjustment of fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — Process used in artillery and naval gunfire to obtain correct bearing,

range, and height of burst (if time fuzes are used) when engaging a target by observed fire. (Army) —

Pertains to mortar fire also. (See also call for fire.) See FM 6-20.

administrative control (JP 1-02) — Direction or exercise of authority over subordinate or other

organizations in respect to administration and support, including organization of Service forces, control

of resources and equipment, personnel management, unit logistics, individual and unit training, readiness,

mobilization, demobilization, discipline, and other matters not included in the operational missions of the

subordinate or other organizations. (See also command relationship.) See FMs 1-111, 71-100, 100-5,

100-7, 100-15, and JP 0-2.

administrative landing (JP 1-02) — An unopposed landing involving debarkation from vehicles which have

been administratively loaded. (See also administrative movement.) See FM 71-100-2 and JP 3-02.

administrative movement (JP 1-02, NATO) — A movement in which troops and vehicles are arranged to

expedite their movement and conserve time and energy when no enemy interference, except by air, is

anticipated. (See also administrative landing.) See FM 101-5. 
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MCRP 5-2A

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advance to contact (JP 1-02, NATO) — An offensive operation designed to gain or reestablish contact with

the enemy. (See also administrative movement, approach march, and movement to contact.)

advanced operations base (AOB) (JP 1-02) — In special operations, a small temporary base established

near or within a joint special operations area to command, control, and/or support training or tactical

operations. Facilities are normally austere. The base may be ashore or afloat. If ashore, it may include

an airfield or unimproved airstrip, a pier, or an anchorage. An advanced operations base is normally

controlled and/or supported by a main operations base or a forward operations base. (See also forward

operations base (FOB) and main operations base (MOB).) See FM 100-25.

advance guard (JP 1-02) — Detachment sent ahead of the main force to ensure its uninterrupted advance;

to protect the main body against surprise; to facilitate the advance by removing obstacles, and repairing

roads and bridges; and to cover the deployment of the main body if it is committed to action. (Army) —

A task- organized combined arms unit or detachment that precedes a column or formation to protect the

main body from ground observation or surprise by an enemy. It operates within the supporting range of

the main body. (See also exploitation, movement to contact, pursuit, and reconnaissance in force.) See

FMs 17-95, 71-100, 100-5, and 100-15.

advance party — A team that coordinates the convoy's arrival at the destination. It may move with the main

body initially but must arrive at the destination sufficiently ahead of the main body. (See also march

column and quartering party.) See FM 55-30.

aerial port (JP 1-02) — An airfield that has been designated for the sustained air movement of personnel and

materiel, and to serve as an authorized port for entrance into or departure from the country in which

located. See FMs 55-12 and 100-17. 4-29 

aerial port of debarkation (APOD) — An airfield for sustained air movement at which personnel and

material are discharged from aircraft. APODs normally serve as ports of embarkation for return

passengers and retrograde cargo shipments. See FM 55-12. 4-29

aerial port of embarkation (APOE) — An airfield for sustained air movement at which personnel and

material board or are loaded aboard aircraft to initiate an aerial movement. APOEs may serve as ports

of debarkation for return passengers and retrograde cargo shipments. See FM 55-12. 4-29

aeromedical evacuation (JP 1-02) — The movement of patients under medical supervision to and between

medical treatment facilities by air transportation. (Army) — Movement of patients usually from a lower

echelon medical treatment facility to a higher echelon medical treatment facility. See FM 8-10-6.

aerospace defense (JP 1-02) — 1. All defensive measures designed to destroy or nullify attacking enemy

aircraft and missiles and also negate hostile space systems. 2. An inclusive term encompassing air

defense, ballistic missile defense, and space defense. (See also air defense.) See FM 44-100.

afloat support (JP 1-02, NATO) — A form of logistic support outside the confines of a harbor in which fuel,

ammunition, and supplies are provided for operating forces either underway or at anchor. See FM

71-100-2 and JP 3-02.

agility — The ability of friendly forces to act faster than the enemy and is a prerequisite to seizing and

holding the initiative. Agility is a mental as well as a physical quality. See FM 100-5.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-4

aid station — The first medical treatment "facility" that can provide advanced trauma management to a

battlefield casualty. It provides first level of triage evaluation of casualties and conducts routine sick call.

(See also medical care echelon.) See FMs 8-10-3, 8-10-4, 8-10-5, 8-10-24, and 8-55. 4-26

air (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, a spotting, or an observation, by a spotter or

an observer to indicate that a burst or group of bursts occurred before impact. (Army) — Pertains to

mortar fire also. (See also adjustment of fire.) See FM 6-20.

air assault (Army) — Operations in which air assault forces (combat, combat support, and combat service

support), using the firepower, mobility, and total integration of helicopter assets in their ground or air

roles, maneuver on the battlefield under the control of the ground or air maneuver commander to engage

and destroy enemy forces or to seize and hold key terrain. (See also abort criteria, airhead, air mission

brief (AMB), and air mission commander (AMC).) See FMs 71-100-3, 90-4, and JP 3-18.1. 4-8

4-16 A-4

airborne (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. In relation to personnel, troops especially trained to effect, following

transport by air, an assault debarkation, either by parachuting or touchdown. 2. In relation to equipment,

pieces of equipment that have been especially designed for use by airborne troops during or after an

assault debarkation. It also designates some aeronautical equipment used to accomplish a

particular mission. 3. When applied to materiel, items that form an integral part of the aircraft. 4. The

state of an aircraft, from the instant it becomes entirely sustained by air until it ceases to be so sustained.

A lighter-than-air aircraft is not considered to be airborne when it is attached to the ground, except that

moored balloons are airborne whenever sent aloft. See FMs 7-30, 71-100, and JP 3-18.1. 4-8

4-16 A-4

airborne battlefield command and control center (ABCCC) (JP 1-02) — A United States Air Force

aircraft equipped with communications, data link, and display equipment; it may be employed as an

airborne command post or as a communications and intelligence relay facility. See FMs 71-100-2 and

100-8. 

airborne early warning and control (JP 1-02, NATO) — Air surveillance and control provided by airborne

early warning aircraft which are equipped with search and height-finding radar and communications

equipment for controlling weapon systems. See FMs 44-100 and 100-15.

airborne force (JP 1-02, NATO) — A force composed primarily of ground and air units organized,

equipped, and trained for airborne operations. (Army) — A force with a great capability for large-scale

force-projection operations by conducting combined arms assaults by parachute or air landing. See FMs

7-30, 71-100, 101-5, and JP 3-18.1. 

airborne operation (JP 1-02) — An operation involving the air movement into an objective area of combat

forces and their logistic support for execution of a tactical or a strategic mission. The means employed

may be any combination of airborne units, air transportable units, and types of transport aircraft,

depending on the mission and the overall situation. See FMs 7-30, 71-100, and JP 3-18.1.

airburst (JP 1-02, NATO) — An explosion of a bomb or projectile above the surface as distinguished from

an explosion on contact with the surface or after penetration. (See also weapons of mass destruction.)

See FMs 3-3-1 and 6-series.

air controller (JP 1-02, NATO) — An individual especially trained for and assigned the duty of the control

(by use of radio, radar, or other means) of such aircraft as may be allotted to him for operation within his

area. See FMs 1-111 and 100-103. 
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

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air control point (ACP) (Army) — An easily identifiable point on the terrain or an electronic navigational

aid used to provide necessary control during air movement. ACPs are generally designated at each point

where the flight route or air corridor makes a definite change in direction and at any other point deemed

necessary for timing or control of the operation. (See also air corridor, communications checkpoint

(CCP), and minimum-risk route (MRR).) See FMs 1-111, 71-100-3, and 100-103. 3-5 

air corridor (JP 1-02, NATO) — A restricted air route of travel specified for use by friendly aircraft and

established to prevent friendly aircraft from being fired on by friendly forces. (Army) — Used to

deconflict artillery firing positions with aviation traffic, including unmanned aerial vehicles. (See also

air control point (ACP).) See FMs 1-111, 71-100-3, and 100-103. 3-5 

air defense (JP 1-02) — All defensive measures designed to destroy attacking enemy aircraft or missiles in

the Earth's envelope of atmosphere, or to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of such attack. (See also

active air defense, aerospace defense, air defense suppression, and passive air defense.) See FMs 44-63

and 44-100. 4-10, 4-11

air defense suppression (JP 1-02) — In air operations, actions taken to degrade fixed and mobile surfacebased components of enemy air defense systems so that offensive air forces may effectively attack a

target. See FMs 1-111, 6-20 series, 44-63, and 44-100.

air defense warning (local) (LADW) (Army) —

Dynamite — Aircraft are inbound or attacking now. Response is immediate.

Lookout — Aircraft are in the area of interest but are not threatening or are inbound but there is time to

react.

Snowman — No aircraft pose a threat at this time.

See FM 44-100.

air defense warning conditions (JP 1-02) — A degree of air raid probability according to the following

code. The term air defense division/sector referred to herein may include forces and units afloat and/or

deployed to forward areas, as applicable. a. Air defense warning yellow — attack by hostile aircraft

and/or missiles is probable. This means that hostile aircraft and/or missiles are en route toward an air

defense division/sector, or unknown aircraft and/or missiles suspected to be hostile are en route toward

or are within an air defense division/sector. b. Air defense warning red — attack by hostile aircraft

and/or missiles is imminent or is in progress. This means that hostile aircraft and/or missiles are within

an air defense division/sector or are in the immediate vicinity of an air defense division/sector with high

probability of entering the division/sector. c. Air defense warning white — attack by hostile aircraft

and/or missiles is improbable. May be called either before or after air defense warning yellow or red.

The initial declaration of air defense emergency will automatically establish a condition of air defense

warning other than white for purposes of security control of air traffic. See FMs 44-63 and 44-100.

air defense weapon control status — The degree of fire control imposed upon Army units having assigned,

attached, or organic air defense weapons. Weapons control status terms are: weapons free, weapons

tight, and weapons hold. (See also weapons free, weapons hold, and weapons tight.) See FMs 44-63 and

44-100.

airdrop (JP 1-02) — The unloading of personnel or materiel from aircraft in flight. (See also air movement.)

See FMs 7-30, 55-12, 71-100-2, and JP 3-18.1.

airhead (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. A designated area in a hostile or threatened territory which, when seized and

held, ensures the continuous air landing of troops and material and provides the maneuver space
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-6

necessary for projected operations. Normally it is the area seized in the assault phase of an airborne

operation. 

2. A designated location in an area of operations used as a base for supply and evacuation by air. (Army)

— The airhead contains enough drop zones (DZs), landing zones (LZs), and extraction zones (EZs) to

ensure mass, interior lines of communications, and defense in depth. (See also air assault and airborne

operation.) See FMs 71-100-2, 90-4, and JP 3-18.1. 3-18

airhead line — The limit of the objective area, assault objectives determine the size and shape of the airhead

and the trace of the airhead line. (See also air assault and airborne operations) See FMs 7-30,

71-100-2, and JP 3-18.1. 

3-18

air interdicti on (AI) (JP 1-02, NATO) — Air operations conducted to destroy, neutralize, or delay the

enemy's military potential before it can be brought to bear effectively against friendly forces at such

distance from friendly forces that detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of

friendly forces is not required. (Army) — Normally conducted forward of the land component

commander's forward boundary. See FM 100-103.

air landed (JP 1-02, NATO) — Moved by air and disembarked, or unloaded, after the aircraft has landed or

while a helicopter is hovering. (See also air assault and airborne operation.) See FMs 7-8, 7-10, 7-20,

7-30, 71-100-2, 71-100-3, 90-4, and 90-26.

air liaison officer (ALO) (JP 1-02) — An officer (aviator/pilot) attached to a ground unit who functions

as the primary advisor to the ground commander on air operation matters. (Army) — The senior Air

Force officer at each tactical air control party who provides advice on the capabilities, limitations, and

employment of fixed wing aircraft and coordinates close air support missions with the fire support

element. (See also tactical air control party (TACP).) See FMs 6-20 and 101-5.

air mission brief (AMB) — 1. The last coordination meeting of key participants in an air assault operation

which ensures that key aviation soldiers are briefed and that the plan is finalized. It covers the operation

from beginning to end. 2. Briefing of the pilots prior to any aviation mission. (See also abort criteria,

air assault, airhead, and air mission commander (AMC).) See FMs 90-4, 71-100-3, and JP 3-18.1.

air mission commander (AMC) — Commander of the largest aviation unit supporting the air assault. He

is responsible for all embarked soldiers and for coordinating all support from liftoff to touchdown. (See

also abort criteria, air assault, and air mission brief (AMB).) See FMs 90-4, 71-100-3, and JP 3-18.1.

air movement (JP 1-02, NATO) — Air transport of units, personnel, supplies, equipment, and materiel. 

(See also aerial port of embarkation (APOE), aerial port of debarkation (APOD), air landed, and tanker

airlift control element (TALCE).) See FMs 7-30, 55-12, 71-100-2, and JP 3-18.1. 

air/naval gunfire liaison company (ANGLICO) (JP 1-02) — An organization composed of Marine and

Navy personnel specially qualified for shore control of naval gunfire and close air support. See FM

71-100-2. 4-15

air parity — The functional equivalency between enemy and friendly air forces in strength and capability to

attack and destroy targets. 

air reconnaissance (JP 1-02) — The acquisition of intelligence information by employing visual observation

and/or sensors in air vehicles. (Army) — The use of air vehicles (fixed wing, rotary wing, or unmanned

aerial vehicles) to obtain information concerning terrain, weather, and the disposition, composition,

movement, installations, lines of communications, and electronic and communications emissions of
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enemy forces. Also included are artillery and naval gunfire adjustment, and systematic and random

observation of ground battle areas, targets, and/or sectors of airspace. (See also reconnaissance (recon,

recce).)

airspace control area (ACA) (Army) — That airspace defined by the boundaries of the area of operations

and which may be divided into airspace control subareas. See FM 100-103. 

airspace control authority (ACA) (JP 1-02, NATO) — The commander designated to assume overall

responsibility for the operation of the airspace control system in the airspace control area. (Army) — The

joint force air component commander has responsibility for all airspace operations above the coordinating

altitude and forward of the joint force land component commander's forward boundary, if so designated.

See FMs 100-15 and 100-103.

airspace control in the combat zone (JP 1-02) — A process used to increase combat effectiveness by

promoting the safe, efficient, and flexible use of airspace. Airspace control is provided in order to

prevent fratricide, enhance air defense operations, and permit greater flexibility of operations. Airspace

control does not infringe on the authority vested in commanders to approve, disapprove, or deny combat

operations. (See also airspace control authority (ACA), airspace control order (ACO), and airspace

coordination area (ACA).) See FM 100-103. 

airspace control measures — Rules, mechanisms, and directions governed by joint doctrine and defined by

the airspace control plan which control the use of airspace of specified dimensions. (See also highdensity airspace control zone (HIDACZ), low-level transit route (LLTR), minimum-risk route (MRR),

and standard use Army aircraft flight route (SAAFR).) See FM 100-103.

airspace control order (ACO) (JP 1-02) — An order implementing the airspace control plan that provides

the details of the approved requests for airspace control measures. It is published either as part of the

air tasking order or as a separate document. (Army) — It includes temporary airspace control measures

and designates which organization is the controlling authority for each. See FMs 100-15 and 100-103.

airspace coordination area (ACA) (Army) — In fire support operations, a restrictive fire support

coordination measure that establishes a three-dimensional block of airspace in the battle area in which

friendly aircraft are reasonably safe from friendly surface fires. Aircraft and indirect fire are separated

by time, space, or altitude. The purpose of the ACA is to allow the simultaneous attack of targets near

each other by multiple fire support means, one of which normally is air. (See also Army airspace

command and control (A C ).) See FM 100-103 and JP 3-56. 3-21 2 2

air strike (JP 1-02) — An attack on specific objectives by fighter, bomber, or attack aircraft on an offensive

mission. May consist of several air organizations under a single command in the air. See FMs 71-100

and 100-15.

air superiority (JP 1-02, NATO) — That degree of dominance in the air battle of one force over another

which permits the conduct of operations by the former and its related land, sea, and air forces at a given

time and place without prohibitive interference by the opposing force.

air support (JP 1-02, NATO) — All forms of support given by air forces on land or sea. See FMs 71-100

and 100-15.

air support operations center (ASOC) (JP 1-02, NATO) — An agency of a tactical air control system

collocated with a corps headquarters or an appropriate land force headquarters, which coordinates and

directs close air support and other tactical air support. 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-8

air supremacy (JP 1-02, NATO) — That degree of air superiority wherein the opposing air force is incapable

of effective interference.

alliance (JP1-02) — The result of formal agreements (for example, treaties) between two or more nations for

broad, long-term objectives which further the common interests of the members. (See also coalition and

multinational operations.) See FMs 100-5, 100-8, and JP 5-0.

allocation (JP 1-02) — In a general sense, distribution of limited resources among competing requirements

for employment. Specific allocations (e.g., air sorties, nuclear weapons, forces, and transportation) are

described as allocation of air sorties, nuclear weapons, etc. See FM 100-15.

allowable load (JP 1-02, NATO) — The total load that an aircraft can transport over a given distance, taking

into account weight and volume. See FM 55-12. 

alternate command post (JP 1-02) — Any location designated by a commander to assume command post

functions in the event the command post becomes inoperative. It may be partially or fully equipped and

manned or it may be the command post of a subordinate unit. (See also combat trains command post

(CTCP), command post (CP), and tactical operations center (TOC).) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20,

7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5. 

alternate position — The position given to a weapon, unit, or individual to be occupied when the primary

position becomes untenable or unsuitable for carrying out its task. The alternate position is located so

that the individual can continue to fulfill his original task. (See also primary position, successive

positions, and supplementary position.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-12, 17-95, 23-1, and

71-123. 

alternate supply route (ASR) — A route or routes designated within an area of operations to provide for

the movement of traffic when main supply routes become disabled or congested. (See also main supply

route (MSR).) See FMs 17-95, 55-10, and 71-100. 3-40

ambulance exchange point (AXP) (Army) — A location where a patient is transferred from one ambulance

to another en route to a medical treatment facility. This may be an established point in an ambulance

shuttle system or it may be designated independently. See FMs 8-10-1, 8-10-3, 8-10-4, 8-10-6, 63-2,

and 63-20. 3-37

ambush — A surprise attack by fire from concealed positions on a moving or temporarily halted enemy. See

FMs 7-8, 7-20, 17-95, and 71-123. 3-19 C-8

ammunition supply point (ASP) — An area designated to receive, store, reconfigure, and issue class V

material. It is normally located at or near the division area. See FM 9-6. 3-37 A-6

ammunition transfer point (ATP) — A designated, temporary site from which class V material is

transferred from corps transportation to unit vehicles. See FMs 71-100 and 100-10. 3-37 A-6

amphibious operation (JP 1-02) — An attack launched from the sea by naval and landing forces embarked

in ships or craft involving a landing on a hostile or potentially hostile shore. As an entity, the amphibious

operation includes the following phases: a. planning — The period extending from issuance of the

initiating directive to embarkation. b. embarkation — The period during which the forces, with their

equipment and supplies, are embarked in the assigned shipping. c. rehearsal — The period during which

the prospective operation is rehearsed for the purpose of: (1) testing adequacy of plans, the timing of

detailed operations, and the combat readiness of participating forces; (2) ensuring that all echelons are
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familiar with plans; and (3) testing communications. d. movement — The period during which various

components of the amphibious task force move from points of embarkation to the objective area.

e. assault — The period between the arrival of the major assault forces of the amphibious task force in

the objective area and the accomplishment of the amphibious task force mission. See FM 71-100-2 and

JP 3-02. 4-8 5-7

analysis and control element (ACE) (Army) — The G2's primary organization for controlling intelligence

and electronic warfare (IEW) operations. The ACE performs collection management, produces all-source

intelligence, provides IEW technical control, and disseminates intelligence and targeting data across the

range of military operations. See FM 34-1.

analysis and control team (ACT) (Army) — An organic team within the direct support military intelligence

company that provides the maneuver brigade S2 with automated intelligence processing, analytical, and

dissemination capabilities. Unlike the analysis and control element at higher echelons, the ACT is not

normally under operational control (OPCON) of the brigade S2.

antiterrorism (AT) (JP 1-02) — Defensive measures used to reduce the vulnerability of individuals and

property to terrorist acts, to include limited response and containment by local military forces. (See also

counterterrorism.) See FMs 31-20 and 100-20. 

apportionment (JP 1-02) — In the general sense, distribution for planning of limited resources among

competing requirements. Specific apportionments (e.g., air sorties and forces for planning) are described

as apportionment of air sorties and forces for planning, etc. (Army) — The determination and assignment

of the total expected effort by percentage or by priority that should be devoted to the various air

operations or geographic areas for a given period of time. (See also allocation.) See FMs 100-103 and

100-15.

approach march (JP 1-02, NATO) — Advance of a combat unit when direct contact with the enemy is

imminent. Troops are fully or partially deployed. The approach march ends when ground contact with

the enemy is made or when the attack position is occupied. (Army) — A tactical movement that

emphasizes speed over tactical deployment. It is used when the enemy's approximate location is known,

allowing the attacking force to move with greater speed and less physical security or dispersion. The

approach march terminates in an attack position, assembly area, or assault position or can be used to

transition to an attack. Follow and assume and reserve forces may also conduct an approach march. (See

also movement to contact.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, and 100-15.

area air defense commander (AADC) (JP1-02) — Within a unified command, subordinate unified

command, or joint task force, the commander will assign overall responsibility for air defense to a single

commander. Normally, this will be the component commander with the preponderance of air defense

capability and the command, control, and communications capability to plan and execute integrated air

defense operations. Representation from the other components involved will be provided, as appropriate,

to the AADC's headquarters. See JP 3-12.1.

area assessment (Army) — In unconventional warfare, the collection of specific information prescribed by

the commander to commence immediately after infiltration. It is a continuous operation, and it confirms,

corrects, refutes, or adds to intelligence acquired from area studies and other sources prior to infiltration.

area command (JP 1-02, NATO) — A command which is composed of those organized elements of one or

more of the armed services, designated to operate in a specific geographical area, which are placed under

a single commander. (Army) — In unconventional warfare, the organizational structure established

within a joint special operations area to command and control resistance forces. It consists of the area
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-10

commander, his staff, and representatives of the resistance element, to include Special Forces after

infiltration. See FMs 31-20, 100-5, and 100-15.

area damage control (ADC) (JP 1-02, NATO) — Measures taken before, during, or after hostile action or

natural or manmade disasters, to reduce the probability of damage and minimize its effects. (Army) —

The process includes continuous planning and actions designed to minimize damages and a systematic

approach to resolving the impact damages have on operations. (See also rear operations.) See FMs

71-100, 100-7, and 100-15. 

area defense — A form of defense that focuses on denying the enemy access to designated terrain for a

specified time, rather than on the outright destruction of the enemy. A commander may conduct an area

defense by using mutually supporting positions in depth. (See defensive operations.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8,

7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, and 100-15.

area of influe nce (JP 1-02, NATO) — A geographical area wherein a commander is directly capable of

influencing operations by maneuver or fire support systems normally under the commander's command

or control. (Army) — It includes both organic and supporting combat power, to include joint,

multinational, or interagency assets.

area of intell igence responsibility — An area allocated to a commander in which the commander is

responsible for providing intelligence within the means at the commander's disposal.

area of interest (AOI) (JP 1-02, NATO) — That area of concern to the commander, including the area of

influence, areas adjacent thereto, and extending into enemy territory to the objectives of current or

planned operations. This area also includes areas occupied by enemy forces which could jeopardize the

accomplishment of the mission. (Army) — A geographical area from which information and intelligence

are required to execute successful tactical operations and to plan for future operations. It includes any

threat forces or characteristics of the battlefield environment that will significantly influence

accomplishment of the command's mission. (See also area of operations (AO) and battlespace.) See FMs

34-130, 71-100, and 100-15.

area of limit ation — A defined area where specific limitations apply to the strength and fortifications of

disputing or belligerent forces. Normally, upper limits are established for the number and type of

formations, tanks, antiaircraft weapons, artillery, and other weapons systems in the area of limitation.

area of operations (AO) (JP 1-02) — An operational area defined by the joint force commander for land and

naval forces. Areas of operation do not typically encompass the entire operational area of the joint force

commander, but should be large enough for component commanders to accomplish their missions and

protect their forces. (Army) — A geographical area, including the airspace above, usually defined by

lateral, forward, and rear boundaries assigned to a commander, by a higher commander, in which he has

responsibility and the authority to conduct military operations. (See also area of interest (AOI) and

battlespace.) See FMs 34-130, 71-100, 100-5, 100-15, 100-20, and JP 5-0. 3-19 

area reconnaissance — A form of reconnaissance operations that is a directed effort to obtain detailed

information concerning the terrain or enemy activity within a prescribed area, such as a town, ridgeline,

woods, or other feature critical to operations. An area reconnaissance could be made of a single point,

such as a bridge or installation. (See also reconnaissance (recon, recce).) See FMs 1-111, 1-114, 7-20,

7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5. 

area of responsibility (AOR) (JP 1-02) — 1. The geographical area associated with a combatant command

within which a combatant commander has authority to plan and conduct operations. 2. In naval usage,

a predefined area of enemy terrain for which supporting ships are responsible for covering by fire on
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 known targets or targets of opportunity and by observation. See FMs 1-111, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100,

71-123, 100-5, 100-15, 101-5, and JP 0-2. 

area security — A form of security operations that includes area reconnaissance, rear operations, and

security of designated personnel, unit convoys, facilities, and main supply route critical points. (See also

area reconnaissance and rear operations.) See FMs 17-95, 19-1, and 71-100. 

area support — Method of logistics and combat health support in which direct support (DS) combat service

support relationships in effect are determined by the location of the units requiring support. Subordinate

DS units provide area support to units located in or passing through their areas of responsibility. (See

also area of responsibility (AOR).) See FMs 8-10, 8-10-1, 8-10-4, 8-10-9, 8-10-24, 10-1, and 100-10.

4-24 

armed reconnaissance (JP 1-02) — A mission with the primary purpose of locating and attacking targets

of opportunity, i.e., enemy materiel, personnel, and facilities, in assigned general areas or along assigned

ground communications routes, and not for the purpose of attacking specific briefed targets. 

armistice demarcation line (Army) — A geographically defined line from which disputing or belligerent

forces disengage and withdraw to their respective sides following a truce or cease fire agreement. It is

also called cease fire in some United Nations operations.

Army airspace command and control (A C ) (Army) — The Army's application of airspace control to

2 2

coordinate airspace users for concurrent employment in the accomplishment of assigned missions. (See

also airspace control order (ACO).) See FM 100-103.

Army forces (ARFOR) (Army) — The Army forces headquarters and or forces provided by the Army

service component to the joint force commander for the conduct of joint operations. (See also land

component commander (LCC) and joint force land component commander (JFLCC).) See FMs 71-100,

100-5, 100-15, and JP 3-0. 

Army service component commander (ASCC) (Army) — Serves as the principal advisor to the commander

in chief for supporting and employing Army forces (ARFOR) in theater and forces outside the theater

tasked to support theater operations. His command consists of those Army individuals, units,

detachments, organizations, and installations. He is responsible for all command aspects of the ARFOR,

to include logistics within the unified command. (See also Army forces (ARFOR).) See FM 100-7.

A-1 

Army special operations forces (ARSOF) (JP 1-02) — Those active and reserve component Army forces

designated by the Secretary of Defense that are specifically organized, trained, and equipped to conduct

and support special operations.

Army war reserve stock (Army) — Materiel amassed in peacetime to meet the increase in military

requirements at the outbreak of war.

artillery preparation — Artillery fire delivered before an attack to destroy, neutralize, or suppress the

enemy's defense and to disrupt communications and disorganize the enemy's defense. The preparation

is planned by a direct support field artillery battalion or higher echelon in coordination with the ground

commander. It is an intense volume of fire delivered in accordance with a time schedule. The fires

normally commence prior to H-hour and may extend beyond it. They may start at a prescribed time or

be held on call. The duration of the preparation is influenced by factors such as the fire support needs

of the entire force, number of targets and firing assets, and available ammunition. See FMs 6-20-30 and

71-123.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-12

assailable flank(s) — An exposed flank(s) which is vulnerable to envelopment. For a flank to be assailable,

there must be sufficient maneuver space to accommodate the attacking force. See FMs 17-95, 71-100,

71-123, and 100-15.

assault (JP 1-02) — 1. The climax of an attack, closing with the enemy in hand-to-hand fighting. 2. In an

amphibious operation, the period of time between the arrival of the major assault forces of the

amphibious task force in the objective area and the accomplishment of the amphibious task force mission.

3. To make a short, violent, but well-ordered attack against a local objective, such as a gun emplacement,

a fort, or a machine gun nest. 4. A phase of an airborne operation beginning with delivery by air of the

assault echelon of the force into the objective area and extending through attack of assault objectives

and consolidation of the initial airhead. (See also assault force and assault phase). (Army) — 1. The

culmination of an attack which closes with the enemy. 2. In an amphibious operation, the period of time

from the crossing of the line of departure by the first scheduled wave to the seizure of the initial

objectives. 3. A phase of an airborne or air assault operation beginning with delivery of the assault force

into the objective area and extending through the attack of objectives and consolidation of the initial

airhead. 4. To make a short, violent, but well-ordered attack against a local objective, such as a gun

emplacement or fortified area. See FMs 7-8, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15.

assault breach — A breach tactic used by small units (company, teams, and platoons) to penetrate an

enemy's protective obstacles and seize a foothold within his defense. It is normally a very decentralized

operation with suppress, obscure, secure, and reduce (SOSR) actions synchronized at the platoon and

company level. (See also in-stride breach.) See FMs 5-71-100 and 90-13-1. 

assault command post (Army) — An austere, temporary command post established to perform critical

command and control functions. The assault command post serves as the early link in the assault or

deployment between the forces on the ground and the next higher tactical force headquarters. Doctrinal

command post functions are passed to the tactical, main, and rear command posts when they arrive and

become operational. (See also command post (CP).) See FMs 7-30, 71-100-2, and 71-100-3. A-2

assault echelon (NATO) — The element of a force that is scheduled for initial assault on the objective area.

(See also follow-on echelon and rear echelon.) See FMs 71-100-2, 71-100-3, 90-26, and JP 3-18.1.

assault fire (JP 1-02) — 1. That fire delivered by attacking troops as they close with the enemy. 2. In

artillery, extremely accurate, short-range destruction fire at point targets. See FMs 7-8 and 71-123.

assault force — 1. In an amphibious, airborne, or air assault operation, those units charged with the seizure

of the objective or lodgment area. 2. Those forces charged with passing through a breach in an enemy

fortified position or strongpoint and seizing an objective or completing destruction of the enemy. 3.

Those forces charged with seizure of the objective in the attack. (See also breach force and support

force.) See FMs 7-30, 71-100-2, 71-100-3, 71-123, 90-13, and 90-13-1.

assault phase (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. In an amphibious operation, the period of time between the arrival of

the major assault forces of the amphibious task force in the objective area and the accomplishment of

their mission. 2. In an airborne operation, a phase beginning with delivery by air of the assault echelon

of the force into the objective area and extending through attack of assault objectives and consolidation

of the initial airhead. (Army) — 1. That phase of an airborne, air assault, or amphibious or river crossing

operation that begins with the delivery of the assault forces into the objective area and ends when all

assault objectives have been seized. 2. That period during an attack which begins when the assault forces

advance from their assault position and ends when the objective has been seized and consolidated. (See

also air assault, airborne operation, amphibious operation, and river crossing.) See FMs 7-30, 71-100-2,

and 71-100-3.
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assault position — That position between the line of departure and the objective in an attack from which

forces assault the objective. Ideally, it is the last covered and concealed position before reaching the

objective. (See limit of advance (LOA) and probable line of deployment (PLD).) See FMs 7-8, 7-20,

and 71-123. 3-14

assembly area (AA) (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. An area in which a command is assembled preparatory to

further action. 2. In a supply installation, the gross area used for collecting and combining components

into complete units, kits, or assemblies. See FMs 7-20, 7-30, and 71-123. 3-10

asset (intelligence) (JP 1-02) — Any resource— person, group, relationship, instrument, installation, or

supply — at the disposition of an intelligence organization for use in an operational or support role.

Often used with a qualifying term such as agent asset or propaganda asset. See FM 31-20.

assign (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. To place units or personnel in an organization where such placement is

relatively permanent, and/or where such organization controls and administers the units or personnel for

the primary function, or greater portion of the functions, of the unit or personnel. 2. To detail individuals

to specific duties or functions where such duties or functions are primary and/or relatively permanent.

(See also attach.) See FM 101-5.

attach (JP 1-02) — 1. The placement of units or personnel in an organization where such placement is

relatively temporary. 2. The detailing of individuals to specific functions where such functions are

secondary or relatively temporary, e.g., attached for quarters and rations; attached for flying duty. (Army)

— Subject to limitations imposed by the attachment order, the commander of the formation, unit, or

organization receiving the attachment has the responsibility to provide the attached units with sustainment

support above its organic capability. However, the responsibility for transfer, promotion of personnel,

nonjudicial punishment, courts martial, and administrative actions, such as SIDPERS transactions and

unit strength reporting, are normally retained by the parent formation, unit, or organization. (See also

assign, operational command (OPCOM), operational control (OPCON), and organic.) See FM 101-5.

attack — A form of offensive operation characterized by coordinated movement supported by fire. It may

be designated as a main or a supporting attack. The principal attack options include hasty attack,

deliberate attack, spoiling attack, counterattack, raid, feint, and demonstration. (See also counterattack,

deliberate attack, demonstration, feint, hasty attack, offensive operations, raid, and spoiling attack.) See

FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5. 

attack by fire — Fires (direct and indirect) employed to destroy the enemy from a distance, normally used

when the mission does not dictate or support occupation of the objective. This task is usually given to

the supporting element during the offensive and as a counterattack option for the reserve during defensive

operations. An attack by fire is not done in conjunction with a maneuvering force. When assigning this

task, the commander must specify the intent of fire — either to destroy, fix, or suppress. (See also frontal

attack and support by fire.) See FMs 7-8, 7-20, 7-30, and 71-123. 3-14 C-8 

attack operations — Offensive actions intended to destroy and disrupt enemy theater missile (TM)

capabilities before, during, and after launch. The objective of attack operations is to prevent the launch

of TMs by attacking each element of the overall system, including such actions as destroying launch

platforms, RSTA platforms, C nodes, and missile stocks and infrastructure. See JP 3-01.5. 2

attack position (JP 1-02) — The last position occupied by the assault echelon before crossing the line of

departure. (See also assault position.) See FMs 7-8, 7-20, 7-30, and 71-123. 3-14
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-14

attrition (JP 1-02, NATO) — The reduction of the effectiveness of a force caused by loss of personnel and

materiel. See FMs 7-8, 7-20, 7-30, 71-123, and 100-5.

augmentation forces (JP 1-02) — Forces to be transferred from a supporting commander to the combatant

command (command authority) or operational control of a supported commander during the execution

of an operation order approved by the National Command Authorities. (Army) — Forces which are

required for specific missions but are not required for day-to-day operations. A command relationship

will be specified when these forces are transferred. See FMs 71-100, 100-15, and JP 5-0.

authenti cate (JP 1-02) — A challenge given by voice or electrical means to attest to the authenticity of a

message or transmission.

authentication (JP 1-02) — 1. A security measure designed to protect a communications system against

acceptance of a fraudulent transmission or simulation by establishing the validity of a transmission,

message, or originator. 2. A means of identifying individuals and verifying their eligibility to receive

specific categories of information. 3. Evidence by proper signature or seal that a document is genuine

and official. 4. In evasion and recovery operations, the process whereby the identity of an evader is

confirmed.

authorized stockage list (ASL) (Army) — A list of items from all classes of supply authorized to be stocked

at a specific echelon of supply. See FMs 10-1 and 100-10.

automatic resupply (JP 1-02) — A resupply mission fully planned before insertion of a special operations

team into the operations area that occurs at a prearranged time and location, unless changed by the

operating team after insertion. (See also emergency resupply and on-call resupply.)

auxiliary — In unconventional warfare, that element of the resistance force established to provide the

organized civilian support of the resistance movement.

avenue of approach (AA) (JP 1-02) — An air or ground route of an attacking force of a given size leading

to its objective or to key terrain in its path. (See also intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB).)

See FMs 7-8, 7-20, 7-30, 34-130, 44-100, 71-123, and 100-5.

aviation combat element (ACE) (JP 1-02) — The Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) element that is

task organized to provide all or a portion of the functions of Marine Corps aviation in varying degrees

based on the tactical situation and the MAGTF mission and size. These functions are air reconnaissance,

antiair warfare, assault support, offensive air support, electronic warfare, and control of aircraft and

missiles. The ACE is organized around an aviation headquarters and varies in size from a reinforced

helicopter squadron to one or more Marine aircraft wing(s). It includes those aviation command

(including air control agencies), combat, combat support, and combat service support units required by

the situation. Normally, there is only one ACE in a MAGTF.

axis of advance (JP 1-02) — A line of advance assigned for purposes of control; often a road or a group of

roads, or a designated series of locations, extending in the direction of the enemy. (Army) — A general

route of advance, assigned for purposes of control, which extends toward the enemy. An axis of advance

symbol graphically portrays a commander's intention, such as avoidance of built-up areas or envelopment

of an enemy force. It follows terrain suitable for the size of the force assigned the axis and is often a road,

a group of roads, or a designated series of locations. A commander may maneuver his forces and

supporting fires to either side of an axis of advance provided the unit remain oriented on the axis and the

objective. Deviations from an assigned axis of advance must not interfere with the maneuver of adjacent

units without prior approval of the higher commander. Enemy forces that do not threaten security or

jeopardize mission accomplishment may be bypassed. An axis of advance is not used to direct the control
FM 101-5-1

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of terrain or the clearance of enemy forces from specific locations. Intermediate objectives normally are

assigned for these purposes. (See also attack, direction of attack, movement to contact, and offensive

operations.) See FMs 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, and 100-15. 3-14, 3-15 

azimuth (JP 1-02) — Quantities may be expressed in positive quantities increasing in a clockwise direction,

or in X, Y coordinates where south and west are negative. They may be referenced to true north or

magnetic north depending on the particular weapon system used. (Army) — The horizontal angle,

measured clockwise by degrees or mils between a reference direction and the line to an observed or

designated point. There are three base (reference) directions or azimuths: true, grid, and magnetic

azimuth. (See also grid azimuth, magnetic azimuth, and true azimuth.) See FM 21-26.

azimuth angle (JP 1-02, NATO) — An angle measured clockwise in the horizontal plane between a

reference direction and any other line.

 B

backbrief — A briefing by subordinates to the commander to review how subordinates intend to accomplish

their mission. This is a commander to commander or one on one briefing. It takes two forms: 1. After

the operation order to ensure a subordinate’s understanding of the mission. 2. When a single commander

briefs how he will accomplish the mission. (See also confirmation brief.) See FM 101-5 

backhaul — The use of transportation assets that, having deposited their primary loads, are available to

remove personnel and materials from that location to another location en route to their return destination.

See FMs 19-1 and 100-10.

ballistic missile (JP 1-02, NATO) — Any missile which does not rely upon aerodynamic surfaces to produce

lift and consequently follows a ballistic trajectory when thrust is terminated. 

barrage fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — Fire which is designed to fill a volume of space or area rather than aimed

specifically at a given target. (See also call for fire.) See FM 6-series.

barrage jamming (JP 1-02) — Simultaneous electromagnetic jamming over a broad band of frequencies.

(See also jamming.) See FMs 34-1 and 34-10. 

barrier (JP 1-02) — A coordinated series of obstacles designed or employed to channel, direct, restrict, delay,

or stop the movement of an opposing force and to impose additional losses in personnel, time, and

equipment on the opposing force. Barriers can exist naturally, be manmade, or a combination of both.

(See also abatis, countermobility operations, and obstacle.) See FM 5-102.

base (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. A locality from which operations are projected or supported. 2. An area or

locality containing installations which provide logistic or other support. (DOD) 3. Home airfield or

home carrier. (Army) — A grouping of units or activities within a defined, defensible perimeter with

specific access control points and traffic control. All units or activities are under operational control of

a single commander for security operations. See FMs 100-10 and 100-15.

base camp closure standards — Specific criteria (including both environmental, and nonenvironmental,

protection issues) to be met when preparing to close, and on closing a base camp area. The addressing

of each criterion is specified in its timing, and area of focus. The areas include identifying hazardous

wastes and materials to be retrograded; conducting site assessments; identifying areas of POL

contamination; completing and submitting an environmental condition report; having legal
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-16

representatives begin settling claims from local property owners; and conducting turnover meeting with

lawyer, real estate representative, engineer, and so forth.

base cluster (JP 1-02) — In base defense operations, a collection of bases, geographically grouped for mutual

protection and ease of command and control. (Army) — A grouping of bases designed to enhance the

rear operations commander's span of control. Base clusters do not have a defined single perimeter or

established access points for the whole cluster. All bases within the cluster are under operational control

of a single commander for security operations. (See also base.) See FMs 71-100, 100-10, 100-15, and

100-16.

base cluster operations center (BCOC) (JP 1-02) — A command and control facility that serves as the base

cluster commander's focal point for defense and security of the base cluster. (Army) — An austere

command post established by the base cluster commander to coordinate security requirements between

bases and conduct limited security operations. See FMs 71-100-1/2/3 and 100-15-1.

base defense (JP 1-02) — The local military measures, both normal and emergency, required to nullify or

reduce the effectiveness of enemy attacks on, or sabotage of, a base, to ensure that the maximum capacity

of its facilities is available to US forces.

base defense operations — The local military measures, both normal and emergency, required to nullify or

reduce the effectiveness of enemy attacks on, or sabotage of, a base to ensure that the maximum capacity

of its facilities is available to US forces. (See also base, base cluster, and defend.) See FMs 100-10 and

100-15. 

base defense operations center (BDOC) (JP 1-02) — A command and control facility established by the

base commander to serve as the focal point for base security and defense. It plans, directs, integrates,

coordinates, and controls all base defense efforts, and coordinates and integrates into area security

operations with the rear area operations center/rear tactical operations center. (Army) — An austere

command post established by the base commander to plan, coordinate, and supervise base defense

operations to ensure the protection of personnel, equipment, and resources from enemy attack. See FMs

71-100-1/2/3 and 100-15-1. A-2 

base defense reaction forces — Forces comprised of personnel or elements of units assigned to a specific

base with the responsibility to rapidly bolster base defenses or react to an unforeseen threat. See FMs

71-100-1/2/3 and 100-15-1.

base defense status (Army) — A two-digit indicator determined by assessing the development of defenses

coupled with the percentage of personnel manning the perimeter. The first digit is alphabetic (A-G) and

corresponds to the development of the base defenses. The second digit is numeric (1-9) and corresponds

to the percentage of soldiers physically manning the perimeter. See FMs 71-100, 71-100-1/2/3, 100-15,

and 100-15-1.

base defense zone (BDZ) (JP 1-02) — An air defense zone established around an air base and limited to the

engagement envelope of short-range air defense weapons systems defending that base. Base defense

zones have specific entry, exit, and identification, friend or foe procedures established. (See also air

defense and base defense.) See FMs 44-100 and 100-15. 

base development (JP 1-02, NATO) — The improvement or expansion of the resources and facilities of an

area or a location to support military operations. (See also base.) See FMs 100-10 and 100-15.

base element — See base unit.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-17

base of fire— Continuous and active suppression from a support-by-fire position of an objective (even

though the enemy has not shown himself) to reduce or eliminate the enemy's capability to interfere by fire

and movement with an assaulting unit. It may be provided by a single weapon or a grouping of weapon

systems. (See also overwatch and support by fire). See FMs 7-7, 7-20, and 71-123.

base unit (JP1-02) — Unit of organization in a tactical operation around which a movement or maneuver is

planned and performed. See FMs 7-7 and 7-20.

basic load (JP 1-02, NATO) — The quantity of supplies required to be on hand within, and which can be

moved by, a unit or formation. It is expressed according to the wartime organization of the unit or

formation and maintained at the prescribed levels. (Army) — The quantity of supplies and ammunition

stored and carried under an organization's control that is determined by a higher headquarters on the basis

of the mission and analysis of the threat. See FMs 6-20, 7-7, 7-20, 71-123, and 100-10.

battalion task force — 1. Based upon mission, a temporary grouping of units under one commander formed

to carry out a specific operation or mission. 2. A semipermanent organization of units under one

commander, formed for the purpose of carrying out a continuing specific task. 3. A combat arms

battalion-sized unit consisting of a battalion headquarters, at least one assigned company-sized element,

and at least one attached company-sized element from another combat arm or combat support unit. (See

also task force and task organization.) See FM 71-123. 

battle — A series of related tactical engagements that last longer than an engagement, involve larger forces,

and could affect the course of the campaign. They occur when division, corps, or army commanders fight

for significant objectives. (See also campaign, engagement, and major operation.) See FM 100-5.

battle command (BC) (Army) — The art of battle decision making and leading. It includes controlling

operations and motivating soldiers and their organizations into action to accomplish missions. Battle

command includes visualizing the current state and a future state, then formulating concepts of operations

to get from one to the other at least cost. It also includes assigning missions, prioritizing and allocating

resources, selecting the critical time and place to act, and knowing how and when to make adjustments

during the fight. See FM 100-5.

battle damage assessment (BDA) (JP 1-02) (NATO: damage assessment) — The timely and accurate

estimate of damage resulting from the application of military force, either lethal or nonlethal, against a

predetermined objective. Battle damage assessment can be applied to the employment of all types of

weapon systems (air, ground, naval, and special forces weapon systems) throughout the range of military

operations. It is primarily an intelligence responsibility with required inputs and coordination from the

operators. It is composed of physical damage assessment, functional damage assessment, and target

system assessment. See FMs 6-20-10, 34-1, 34-130, 71-100, and 100-15. 

battle damage assessment and repair (BDAR) (NATO: battle damage repair) — Any expedient action that

returns a damaged item or assembly to a mission-capable or limited mission-capable condition. Repairs

are often temporary. (See also cannibalize.) See FMs 63-2 and 100-9.

battle drill — Standardized actions made in response to common battlefield occurrences. They are designed

for rapid reaction situations. See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 17-15, and 17-98.

battlefield circulation control (BCC) (Army) — A military police mission involving route reconnaissance

and surveillance, main supply route regulation enforcement, straggler and refugee control, intelligence

collecting and reporting, and information dissemination. See FM 19-1.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-18

battlefield coordination detachment (BCD) (JP 1-02) — An Army liaison provided by the Army

component commander to the Air Operations Center (AOC) and/or to the component designated by the

joint force commander to plan, coordinate, and deconflict air operations. The battlefield coordination

element processes Army requests for tactical air support, monitors and interprets the land battle situation

for the AOC, and provides the necessary interface for exchange of current intelligence and operational

data. See FMs 71-100, 100-13, and 100-15. 

battlefield framework — The overall structure of the battlefield which, at the tactical level of war, consists

of four interrelated concepts: area of interest, battlespace, area of operations, and battlefield organization.

The battlefield framework provides a way for commanders to relate their forces to the enemy in terms of

time, space, and purpose. This battlefield framework applies to both linear and noncontiguous

operations. (See also area of influence, area of interest, area of operations, and battlespace.) See

FM 71-100, 100-5, and 100-15. 

battlefield information coordi nation center (BICC) (Army) — A subsection of the battalion and brigade

S2 section. It provides detailed control and coordination of intelligence collection, production, and

dissemination, thus freeing the S2 from routine tasks so that he can better manage the overall intelligence

effort.

battlefield operating systems (BOS) (Army) — A listing of critical tactical activities. The BOS provide

a means of reviewing preparations or execution in discrete subsets. Critical to this review is the

synchronization and coordination of activities not only within a BOS, but among the various BOS. The

BOS are not all inclusive; they include intelligence, maneuver, fire support, mobility and survivability,

air defense, combat service support, and command and control but do not address timing, tempo,

reconnaissance, information operations, or tactics.

battlefield organization — The arranging and synchronizing of battlefield activities throughout the area of

operations to accomplish the simultaneous operations of deep, close, and rear. (See also close operations,

deep operations, rear operations, and simultaneous attack in depth.) See FMs 71-100, 100-5, and 100-

15.

battlefield visualization (Army) — The process whereby the commander develops a clear understanding of

his current state with relation to the enemy and environment, envisions a desired end state, and then

subsequently visualizes the sequence of activity that will move his force from its current state to the end

state. The commander articulates a battlefield vision through an intent statement which guides the

development of a concept for the operation and subsequent execution of the mission. (See also branch,

concept of operations, sequel, and wargaming.) See FMs 71-100, 100-5, and 100-15.

battle handover — A designated point (phase line) on the ground where responsibility transitions from the

stationary force to the moving force and vice versa. It is within direct fire range and observed indirect

fire range of the stationary force. (See also support by fire.) See FMs 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, and

100-15. 

battle position (BP) — 1. A defensive location oriented on the most likely enemy avenue of approach from

which a unit may defend. Such units can be as large as battalion task forces and as small as platoons.

A unit assigned a BP is located within the general outline of the BP. A battle position graphic control

measure may be used independently or in combination with sectors. Security, combat support, and

combat service support forces may operate outside a BP. 2. For attack helicopters, an area designated

in which they can maneuver and fire into a designated engagement area or engage targets of opportunity.

(See also defend.) See FMs 1-112, 7-8, 7-20, 7-30, and 71-123. 3-8

battlespace (Army) — The conceptual physical volume in which the commander seeks to dominate the

enemy. It expands and contracts in relation to the commander's ability to acquire and engage the enemy,
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-19

or can change as the commander's vision of the battlefield changes. It encompasses three dimensions and is

influenced by the operational dimensions of time, tempo, depth, and synchronization. It is not assigned by

a higher commander nor is it constrained by assigned boundaries. (See also battlefield framework.) See FMs

71-100, 100-5, and 100-15.

beach capacity (JP 1-02, NATO) — An estimate, expressed in terms of measurement tons, or weight tons,

of cargo that may be unloaded over a designated strip of shore per day. 

beachhead (JP 1-02) — A designated area on a hostile or potentially hostile shore that, when seized and held,

ensures the continuous landing of troops and materiel, and provides maneuver space requisite for

subsequent projected operations ashore. (See also amphibious operation.) See FMs 31-12, 71-100,

71-100-2, 100-5, and JP 3-02.

beaten zone (JP 1-02) — The area on the ground upon which the cone of fire falls. See FMs 6-20, 7-8, and

7-90. 

begin morning civil twilight (BMCT) — Begins when the sun is halfway between beginning morning and

nautical twilight and sunrise, when there is enough light to see objects clearly with the unaided eye. At

this time, light intensification devices are no longer effective, and the sun is six degrees below the eastern

horizon.

begin morning nautical twilight (BMNT) — The start of that period where, in good conditions and in the

absence of other illumination, enough light is available to identify the general outlines of ground objects

and conduct limited military operations. Light intensification devices are still effective and may have

enhanced capabilities. At this time, the sun is 12 degrees below the eastern horizon. (See also twilight.)

beleaguered — See missing.

be-prepared mission (Army) — A mission assigned to a unit that might be executed. It is generally a

contingency mission which will be executed because something planned has or has not been successful.

In planning priorities, it is planned after any on-order missions. (See also on-order mission.) See FM

101-5.

beseiged — See missing.

biological agent (JP 1-02) — A microorganism that causes disease in personnel, plants, or animals or causes

the deterioration of materiel. See FMs 3-9 and 8-10-7.

biological operation (JP 1-02, NATO) — Employment of biological agents to produce casualties in

personnel or animals and damage to plants or materiel; or defense against such employment. See FM 3-9.

biosurveillance — The systematic observation of an area of operations for biological hazards. This includes

the use of biodetectors, intelligence, LB teams, and other resources.

black list (JP 1-02) — An official counterintelligence listing of actual or potential enemy collaborators,

sympathizers, intelligence suspects, and other persons whose presence menaces the security of friendly

forces. D-3 

black propaganda (JP 1-02) — Propaganda which purports to emanate from a source other than the true

one. (See also information warfare (IW).)
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-20

blast effect (JP 1-02) — Destruction of or damage to structures and personnel by the force of an explosion

on or above the surface of the ground. Blast effect may be contrasted with the cratering and

ground-shock effects of a projectile or charge that goes off beneath the surface. See FM 5-250 and 

JPs 3-12.2, and 3-12.3.

blind transmission (JP 1-02) — Any transmission of information that is made without expectation of

acknowledgement.

blister agent (JP 1-02, NATO) — A chemical agent which injures the eyes and lungs, and burns or blisters

the skin. Also called vesicant agent. See FM 3-9.

block — 1. A tactical task assigned to a unit that requires it to deny the enemy access to a given area or to

prevent enemy advance in a given direction or an avenue of approach. It may be for a specified time.

Units assigned this mission may have to retain terrain and accept decisive engagement. 2. An obstacle

effect that integrates fire planning and obstacle effort to stop an attacker on a specific avenue of approach

or to prevent an enemy from exiting an engagement area. (See also contain, disrupt, fix, and turn.) See

FMs 5-71-100, 5-102, and 90-7. 3-31 C-8

blocking position (JP 1-02, NATO) — A defensive position so sited as to deny the enemy access to a given

area or to prevent his advance in a given direction. (See also battle position (BP), block, defend, and

strongpoint (SP).) See FMs 5-102, 5-103, 7-20, 71-100, and 71-123.

blood agent (JP 1-02, NATO) — A chemical compound, including the cyanide group, that affects bodily

functions by preventing the normal utilization of oxygen by body tissues. See FM 3-9.

blood chit (JP 1-02) — A small sheet of material depicting an American Flag and a statement in several

languages to the effect that anyone assisting the bearer to safety will be rewarded. (See also civil affairs.)

See FM 1-111. 

blowback (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. Escape, to the rear and under pressure, of gases formed during the firing

of the weapon. Blowback may be caused by a defective breech mechanism, a ruptured cartridge case, or

a faulty primer. 2. Type of weapon operation in which the force of expanding gases acting to the rear

against the face of the bolt furnishes all the energy required to initiate the complete cycle of operation.

A weapon which employs this method of operation is characterized by the absence of any breech-lock

or bolt-lock mechanism. (Army) — A recoilless weapon is characterized by this type functioning. See

FMs 7-8, 17-12, and 23-1. 

bogey (JP 1-02) — An air contact which is unidentified but assumed to be enemy. (Not to be confused with

unknown.) (See also hostile criteria.) See FMs 44-100 and 100-103.

booby trap (JP 1-02, NATO) — An explosive or nonexplosive device or other material deliberately placed

to cause casualties when an apparently harmless object is disturbed or a normally safe act is performed.

(Army) — A device designed to kill or maim an unsuspecting person who disturbs an apparently

harmless object or performs a normally safe act. 3-27 D-3 

bound (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. In land warfare, a single movement, usually from cover to cover, made by

troops often under enemy fire. (DOD) 2. Distance covered in one movement by a unit that is advancing

by bounds. (See also movement technique.) See FMs 1-111, 7-8, 7-20, 17-95, and 71-123.

boundary (JP 1-02) — A line which delineates surface areas for the purpose of facilitating coordination and

deconfliction of operations between adjacent units, formations, or areas. (Army) — 1. A control measure
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-21

used to define the right, left, rear, and forward limits of an area of operation. 2. A control measure

normally drawn along identifiable terrain features and used to delineate areas of tactical responsibility

between adjacent units and between higher headquarters to the rear of subordinate units. Within their

boundaries, units may maneuver within the overall plan without close coordination with neighboring units

unless otherwise restricted. Direct fire may be placed across boundaries on clearly identified enemy

targets without prior coordination, provided friendly forces are not endangered. Indirect fire also may

be used after prior coordination. (See also airhead, airspace coordination area (ACA),area of operations

(AO), and bridgehead.) 3-11 

bounding overwatch — A movement technique used when contact with enemy forces is expected. The unit

moves by bounds. One element is always halted in position to overwatch another element while it

moves. The overwatching element is positioned to support the moving unit by fire or fire and movement.

(See also movement technique and overwatch.) See FMs 7-8, 7-20, and 71-123.

box formation — A unit formation with subordinate elements arranged in a box or square or two elements

up and two back. It is a flexible formation that provides equal fire power in all directions. It is generally

used when the enemy location is known. This formation can cause 50 percent of force to be decisively

engaged at the same time, therefore limiting the combat power available to maneuver against an enemy.

(See also column formation, echelon formation, formation, line formation, movement formation, vee

formation, and wedge formation.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, and 7-20. 

bracketing (JP 1-02, NATO) — A method of adjusting fire in which a bracket is established by obtaining

an over and a short along the spotting line, and then successively splitting the bracket in half until a target

hit or desired bracket is obtained. (See also call for fire.) See FMs 6-20 and 7-90.

branch (JP 1-02) — 1. A subdivision of any organization. 2. A geographically separate unit of an activity

which performs all or part of the primary functions of the parent activity on a smaller scale. Unlike an

annex, a branch is not merely an overflow addition. 3. An arm or service of the Army. (Army) — A

contingency plan or course of action (an option built into the basic plan or course of action) for changing

the mission, disposition, orientation, or direction of movement of the force to aid success of the operation

based on anticipated events, opportunities, or disruptions caused by enemy actions and reactions as

determined during the wargaming process. (See also operation order (OPORD), sequel, and wargaming.)

See FMs 100-5 and 101-5.

breach — A tactical task where any means available are employed to break through or secure a passage

through an enemy defense, obstacle, minefield, or fortification. (See also covert breaching, deliberate

breaching, and in-stride breach.) See FMs 5-71-100 and 90-13-1. C-8 

breach force — A combined arms force task-organized with the maneuver and engineer forces necessary to

reduce obstacles and create lanes through an obstacle to pass initial assault forces through the lanes. The

force is typically equipped with demolitions or mine plows and rollers. When made up primarily of

engineers, the force must also be organized with the maneuver forces necessary for local direct fire

suppression and security. Breaching forces clear enemy trenches, bunkers, and foxholes, and create and

hold open a breach in the enemy positions. During an attack of an enemy fortified position or

strongpoint, the breaching forces are those elements charged with breaching obstacles along an avenue

of approach. (See also assault force and support force.) See FMs 5-71-100 and 90-13-1.

break-bulk cargo — Cargo which is not shipped in a container. See FM 10-1.

breakout — An operation conducted by an encircled force to regain freedom of movement or contact with

friendly units. It differs from other attacks only in that a simultaneous defense in other areas of the
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-22

perimeter must be maintained. (See also encirclement, follow and support, main body, rear guard, and

rupture.) See FMs 7-20, 7-30, 71-100, 71-100-2, 71-123, and 100-15. 

breakthrough — A rupturing of the enemy's forward defenses that occurs as a result of a penetration. A

breakthrough permits the passage of an exploitation force. (See also attack, exploitation, and pursuit.)

See FMs 7-20, 7-30, 71-100, 71-100-2, and 71-123.

brevity code (JP 1-02, NATO) — A code which provides no security but which has as its sole purpose the

shortening of messages rather than the concealment of their content. See FM 101-5.

bridgehead (JP 1-02) — An area of ground held or to be gained on the enemy's side of an obstacle. (Army)

— In river crossing operations, an area on the enemy's side of the water obstacle that is large enough to

accommodate the majority of the crossing force, has adequate terrain to permit defense of the crossing

sites, provides security of crossing forces from enemy direct fire, and provides a base for continuing the

attack. (See also airhead and beachhead.) See FMs 7-20, 7-30, 71-100, 71-100-2, 71-123, and 90-13.

3-19

bridgehead force — A force that assaults across a river to secure the enemy side of a river (the bridgehead)

to allow the buildup and passage of a breakout force during river crossing operations. See FMs 7-20,

7-30, 71-100, 71-100-2, 71-123, and 90-13.

bridgehead line (JP 1-02, NATO) — The limit of the objective area in the development of the bridgehead.

(See also bridgehead and crossing force.) See FMs 7-20, 7-30, 71-100, 71-100-2, 71-123, and 90-13.

3-19

brigade support area (BSA) (Army) — A designated area in which combat service support elements from

division support command and corps support command provide logistic support to a brigade. The

forward support battalion (FSB) manages the terrain and unit locations. Examples of units located in the

BSA are FSB command post (CP), brigade rear CP, FSB supply company CP, class I, II, IV, and VII

points, ammunition transfer point, forward support medical company, class VIII point, medical clearing

station, air defense artillery battery (-), and forward signal platoon (-). See FMs 7-30, 8-10-1, and 63-

20. 3-39

broadcast intelligence — The dissemination of intelligence and targeting information to multiple terminals

at multiple echelons down to brigade level simultaneously to provide a common intelligence picture at

all those echelons. This eliminates bottlenecks inherent in point-to-point communications. See FMs

34-1, 71-100, and 100-15.

buffer zone — A defined area controlled by a peace operations force from which disputing or belligerent

forces have been excluded. A buffer zone is formed to create an area of separation between disputing or

belligerent forces and reduce the risk of renewed conflict. It is also called area of separation in some

United Nations operations. (See also zone of separation (ZOS).) 

buildup (JP 1-02, NATO) — The process of attaining prescribed strength of units and prescribed levels of

vehicles, equipment, stores, and supplies. Also may be applied to the means of accomplishing this

process. See FMs 100-15 and 100-17.

built-up area — A concentration of structures, facilities, and population, such as villages, cities, and towns.

See FMs 7-8, 7-20, 7-30, 71-100-2, 71-123, 90-10, and 90-10-1.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-23

bulk cargo (JP 1-02) — That which is generally shipped in volume where the transportation conveyance is

the only external container; such as liquids, ore, or grain. (Army) — Cargo with dimensions less than

oversized cargo and cargo that fits on a 463L aircraft pallet. See FMs 55-10 and 100-10.

bulk petroleum product (JP 1-02, NATO) — A liquid petroleum product transported by various means and

stored in tanks or containers having an individual fill capacity greater than 250 liters. See FMs 10-67,

63-2, 63-20, 63-21, and 100-10.

bulk storage (JP 1-02) — 1. Storage in a warehouse of supplies and equipment in large quantities, usually

in original containers, as distinguished from bin storage. 2. Storage of liquids, such as petroleum

products in tanks, as distinguished from drum or packaged storage. (See also bulk cargo and bulk

petroleum product.) See FMs 63-2, 63-20, 63-21, and 100-10.

bump plan — In movement, a plan that describes in detail which individuals and equipment in each

designated load or chalk has priority over the others. This plan is used when the means of transportation

(truck, helicopter, airplane, or ship) cannot carry all of a particular load. (See also chalk.) See FMs

71-100-3 and 90-4.

bypass — A tactical task that involves maneuvering around an obstacle, position, or enemy force to maintain

the momentum of advance. Bypassed obstacles and enemy forces are reported to higher headquarters.

See FMs 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, and 100-15. 3-27 C-8

bypass criteria — A measure during the conduct of an offensive operation established by higher

headquarters that specifies the conditions and size under which enemy units and contact may be avoided.

See FMs 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, and 100-15. 

C

call for fire (JP-1-02, NATO) — A request for fire containing data necessary for obtaining the required fire

on a target. (See also adjustment of fire.) See FM 6-20 series and FM 7-90.

call forward area — 1. In river crossing operations, waiting areas within the crossing area where final

preparations are made. 2. In air movement operations, the area at the departure airfield where plane

loads are assembled in a ready condition prior to being directed to the loading ramp area. (See also aerial

port of embarkation (APOE), airborne, chalk, staging area, and tanker airlift control element (TALCE).)

See FMs 55-12 and 90-13. 

camouflage (JP 1-02, NATO) — The use of natural or artificial material on personnel, objects, or tactical

positions with the aim of confusing, misleading, or evading the enemy. (See also concealment, cover,

deception, and surveillance.) See FM 90-2. 

campaign (JP 1-02) — A series of related military operations aimed at accomplishing a strategic or

operational objective within a given time and space. (See also campaign plan.) See FMs 100-5 and

100-15.

campaign plan (JP 1-02) — A plan for a series of related military operations aimed at accomplishing a

strategic or operational objective within a given time and space. (See also campaign.) See FMs 100-5

and 100-15.

canalize (JP 1-02) — To restrict operations to a narrow zone by use of existing or reinforcing obstacles or

by fire or bombing. (Army) — A tactical task used to restrict operations to a narrow zone by the use of
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-24

 obstacles, fires, or unit maneuvering or positioning. (See also obstacle.) See FMs 5-100 and 5-102. C-8

cannibalize (JP 1-02, NATO) — To remove serviceable parts from one item of equipment in order to install

them on another item of equipment. (Army) — The authorized removal of parts or components from

economically unrepairable or disposable items or assemblies and making them available for reuse. (See

also battle damage assessment and repair (BDAR).) See FMs 63-2, 63-2-1, 63-6, 63-20, 63-21, and

71-123. 3-37

capture — The taking into custody of a hostile force, equipment, or personnel as a result of military

operations. See FM 34-1.

captured — See missing.

casualty (JP 1-02) — Any person who is lost to the organization by having been declared dead, duty statuswhereabouts unknown, missing, ill, or injured. See FMs 8-10, 8-10-1, 8-10-6, 8-55, 12-6, and 16-1.

casualty collection point (CCP) — A specific location where casualties are assembled to be transported to

a medical treatment facility (MTF), for example, a company aid post. See FM 8-55. 3-37

casualty transport — The movement of casualties by nonmedical transportation assets without the

provisions of en route medical care.

C-day (JP1-02) — The unnamed day on which a deployment operation commences or is to commence. The

deployment may be movement of troops, cargo, weapon systems, or a combination of these elements

using any or all types of transport. The letter "C" will be the only one used to denote the above. The

highest command or headquarters responsible for coordinating the planning will specify the exact

meaning of C-day within the aforementioned definition. The command or headquarters directly

responsible for the execution of the operation, if other than the one coordinating the planning, will do so

in light of the meaning specified by the highest command or headquarters coordinating the planning. See

FMs 100-5, 100-15, and 100-17.

cease engagement (JP 1-02, NATO) — In air defense, a fire control order used to direct units to stop the

firing sequence against a designated target. Guided missiles already in flight will continue to intercept.

(See also engage and hold fire.) See FM 44-100.

cease fire (JP 1-02) — A command given to air defense artillery units to refrain from firing on, but to

continue to track, an airborne object. Missiles already in flight will be permitted to continue to intercept.

(Army) — A command given to any unit or individual firing any weapon to stop engaging the target.

(See also call for fire, fire command, and fire mission.) See FMs 6-20, 7-8, 7-90, 17-12, 23-1, and

44-100.

cease loading (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, the command used during firing

of two or more rounds to indicate the suspension of inserting rounds into the weapon. (Army) — Pertains

to mortar fire also. See FMs 6-20 series and 7-90. 

cell (JP 1-02) — Small group of individuals who work together for clandestine or subversive purposes.

centers of gravity (JP 1-02) — Those characteristics, capabilities, or localities from which a military force

derives its freedom of action, physical strength, or will to fight. (Army) — The hub of all power and

movement, on which everything depends. (See also operational art and operational level of war.) See

FMs 100-5, 100-7, and 100-15.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-25

centigray (cGy) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A unit of absorbed dose of radiation (one centigray equals one rad).

(Army) — The term centigray (1/100 of a gray) (one gray equals 100 rads) has replaced the term rad and

is the equivalent of one rad. (See decontamination.) See FMs 3-3-1 and 3-4. 

chaff (JP 1-02) — Radar confusion reflectors, which consist of thin, narrow metallic strips of various lengths

and frequency responses, used to reflect echoes for confusion purposes. (Army) — Causes enemy

missiles to lock on to it instead of the real aircraft. (See also deception.) See FMs 1-111 and 90-2.

chain of command (JP 1-02, NATO) — The succession of commanding officers from a superior to a

subordinate through which command is exercised. Also called command channel.

chalk — Designated troops, equipment, or cargo that constitutes a complete aircraft load. (See also air

assault, airborne, and tanker air lift control element (TALCE).) See FMs 71-100-2, 71-100-3, 90-4, and

90-26.

chalk number (JP 1-02, NATO) — The number given to a complete load and to the transporting carrier.

(See also chalk.) See FMs 71-100-2, 71-100-3, 90-4, and 90-26. 

challenge (JP 1-02, NATO) — Any process carried out by one unit or person with the object of ascertaining

the friendly or hostile character or identity of another. (See also password.)

check firing (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, a command to cause a temporary halt

in firing. (Army) — Pertains to mortar fire also. (See also cease fire, cease loading, and fire mission.)

See FM 6-20 series.

checkpoint (CP) (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. A predetermined point on the surface of the earth used as a means

of controlling movement, a registration target for fire adjustment, or reference for location. 2. Center

of impact; a burst center. 3. Geographical location on land or water above which the position of an

aircraft in flight may be determined by observation or by electrical means. 4. A place where military

police check vehicular or pedestrian traffic in order to enforce circulation control measures and other

laws, orders, and regulations. (Army) — 1. Predetermined point on the ground used to control movement

and tactical maneuver. 2. A place where military police are set up to provide information and prevent

illegal actions or actions that aid the enemy; this includes inspection of vehicles and cargo. See FMs 19-

1, 19-4, 71-123, and 100-103. 3-25

chemical agent (JP 1-02, NATO) — A chemical substance which is intended for use in military operations

to kill, seriously injure, or incapacitate personnel through its physiological effects. The term excludes

riot control agents, herbicides, smoke, and flame. (See also biological agent, chemical defense, and

decontamination.) See FMs 3-9 and FM 8-10-7. 

chemical defense (JP 1-02, NATO) — The methods, plans, and procedures involved in establishing and

executing defensive measures against attack utilizing chemical agents. (See also chemical agent and

decontamination.) See FMs 3-3 and 3-100. 

chemical downwind message (CDM) — A weather forecast valid for three 2-hour periods (6 hours). The

CDM forecasts wind direction, wind speed, air stability, humidity, air temperature, and any significant

weather. (See also decontamination and mission-oriented protective posture (MOPP).) See FM 3-3. 

chemical warfare (CW) (JP 1-02) — All aspects of military operations involving the employment of lethal

and incapacitating munitions/agents and the warning and protective measures associated with such

offensive operations. Since riot control agents and herbicides are not considered to be chemical warfare
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-26

 agents, those two items will be referred to separately or under the broader term "chemical," which will

be used to include all types of chemical munitions/agents collectively. The term "chemical warfare

weapons" may be used when it is desired to reflect both lethal and incapacitating munitions/agents of

either chemical or biological origin. (See also chemical defense, herbicide, and riot control agent.)

See FMs 3-9 and 3-100.

choices of maneuver (Army) — Distinct tactical combinations of fire and movement with a unique set of

doctrinal characteristics that differ primarily in the relationship between the maneuvering force and the

enemy. The choices of offensive maneuver are envelopment, turning movement, infiltration, penetration,

and frontal attack. The choices of defensive maneuver are forward and in-depth. Commanders use these

to orient on the enemy, not terrain. More than one may be applied during an operation and may be used

in conjunction with a form of tactical operation. (See also attack, envelopment, frontal attack, infiltration,

penetration, turning movement, and type of operation.) See FMs 71-100, 100-5, 100-7, and 100-15.

choke point — A geographical location on land or water that restricts the movement of forces and can be

natural, man-made, or created through the disposition of forces. 

circular error probable (CEP) (JP 1-02) — An indicator of the delivery accuracy of a weapon system, used

as a factor in determining probable damage to a target. It is the radius of a circle within which half of a

missile's projectiles are expected to fall. (Army) — Error in location of a system or vehicle based on the

on-board navigational system and the distance from the last survey control point. See FMs 6-50 series,

7-90, 17-12, and 23-1.

civil administration — An administration established by a foreign government in (1) friendly territory, under

an agreement with the government of the area concerned, to exercise certain authority normally the

function of the local government (also called civil affairs administration), or (2) hostile territory, occupied

by US forces, where a foreign government exercises executive, legislative, and judicial authority until an

indigenous civil government can be established. (See also civil affairs (CA), civil military operations

(CMO), and stability and support operations (SASO).) See FM 41-10.

civil affairs (CA) (JP 1-02) — The activities of a commander that establish, maintain, influence, or exploit

relations between military forces and civil authorities, both governmental and nongovernmental, and the

civilian populace in a friendly, neutral, or hostile area of operations in order to facilitate military

operations and consolidate operational objectives. Civil affairs may include performance by military

forces of activities and functions normally the responsibility of local government. These activities may

occur prior to, during, or subsequent to other military actions. They may also occur, if directed, in the

absence of other military operations. (Army) — 1. Matters concerning the relationship between

military forces located in a country or area and the civil authorities and people of that country or area,

usually occurring in time of hostilities or other emergency, and normally covered by a treaty or other

agreement, expressed or implied. 2. Military government: the form of administration by which

occupying power exercises executive, legislative, and judicial authority over occupied territory. See FM

41-10. 4-30

civil defense emergency — See domestic emergencies.

civil disturbances — See domestic emergencies.

civil-military operations (CMO) (Army) — The complex of activities in support of military operations

embracing the interaction between the military force and civilian authorities fostering the development

of favorable emotions, attitudes, and behavior in neutral, friendly, or hostile groups. See FM 41-10.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-27

civil-military operations center (CMOC) (Army) — An operations center formed from civil affairs assets

that serves as the primary interface between the US armed forces and the local civilian population,

humanitarian organizations, nongovernmental organizations, private voluntary organizations, United

Nations and other international agencies, multinational military forces, and other agencies of the US

government. The primary purpose of the CMOC is to ensure continuous coordination among the key

participants in a given area with regards to civil military matters. It is a flexible, mission-dependent

organization that can be formed at brigade through joint levels of command. See FM 41-10.

clandestine operation (JP 1-02) — An operation sponsored or conducted by governmental departments or

agencies in such a way as to assure secrecy or concealment. A clandestine operation differs from a covert

operation in that emphasis is placed on concealment of the operation rather than on concealment of

identity of sponsor. In special operations, an activity may be both covert and clandestine and may focus

equally on operational considerations and intelligence-related activities.

classes of supply — The grouping of supplies by type into 10 categories to facilitate supply management and

planning. 3-39, 3-40 4-27, 4-28 

Supply Class Definition/Examples

* I Subsistence items (meals ready to eat (MRE), T-rations, and fresh fruits and vegetables) and

gratuitous-issue health and comfort items. 3-39 4-27

II Clothing, individual equipment, tentage, organizational tool sets and kits, hand tools, maps,

and administrative and housekeeping supplies and equipment. 3-39 4-28

III Petroleum fuels, lubricants, hydraulic and insulating oils, preservatives, liquids and gases,

bulk chemical products, coolants, deicer and antifreeze compounds, components and

additives of petroleum and chemical products, and coal. 3-39 4-28

IV Construction materials including installed equipment, and all fortification and obstacle

materials. 3-39 4-28

V Ammunition of all types including chemical, bombs, explosives, mines, fuzes, detonators,

pyrotechnics, missiles, rockets, propellants, and other associated items. 3-39 4-28

* VI Personal demand items such as health and hygiene products, writing material, snack food,

beverages, cigarettes, batteries, and cameras (nonmilitary items). 3-39 4-28

VII Major end items such as launchers, tanks, mobile machine shops, and vehicles.

3-39 4-28

* VIII Medical material, including repair parts peculiar to medical equipment and management of

blood. 3-40 4-28

IX Repair parts and components, to include kits, assemblies, and subassemblies (repairable or

nonrepairable), that are required for maintenance support of all equipment.

3-40 4-28

X Material required to support nonmilitary programs, such as agricultural and economic

development projects (not included in classes I through IX). 3-40 4-28

MISC Water, captured enemy material, salvage material. 4-27, 4-29
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-28

clear (JP 1-02) — 1. To approve or authorize, or to obtain approval or authorization for: a. a person or

persons with regard to their actions, movements, duties, etc; b. an object or group of objects, as

equipment or supplies, with regard to quality, quantity, purpose, movement, disposition, etc; and c. a

request, with regard to correctness of form, validity, etc. 2. To give one or more aircraft a clearance. 3.

To give a person a security clearance. 4. To fly over an obstacle without touching it. 5. To pass a

designated point, line, or object. The end of a column must pass the designated feature before the latter

is cleared. 6. a. To operate a gun so as to unload it or make certain no ammunition remains; and b. to

free a gun of stoppages. 7. To clear an engine; to open the throttle of an idling engine to free it from

carbon. 8. To clear the air to gain either temporary or permanent air superiority or control in a given

sector. (Army) — 1. A tactical task to remove all enemy forces and eliminate organized resistance in an

assigned zone, area, or location by destroying, capturing, or forcing the withdrawal of enemy forces such

that they cannot interfere with the friendly unit's ability to accomplish its mission. 2. To eliminate

transmissions on a tactical radio net in order to allow a higher-precedence transmission to occur. 3. The

total elimination or neutralization of an obstacle that is usually performed by follow-on engineers and is

not done under fire. (See also reduce.) See FMs 5-100, 5-101, and 90-13-1. C-8 

clearance of fires — The process of approving or obtaining approval to attack targets with indirect fires

within and outside the boundaries of the maneuver unit for which the fires are provided. See FMs 6-20

series, 7-30, 7-90, 71-100, and 71-123.

clearing operation (JP 1-02) — An operation designed to clear or neutralize all mines and obstacles from

a route or area. (See also breach.) See FMs 5-100, 5-101, and 90-13-1.

clearing station — An Echelon II medical treatment facility established by a medical company that provides

emergency or resuscitative treatment for patients until evacuated and definitive treatment for patients with

minor illness, wounds, or injuries who can return to duty.

close air support (CAS) (JP 1-02) — Air action by fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft against hostile targets

which are in close proximity to friendly forces and which require detailed integration of each air mission

with the fire and movement of those forces. (See also air interdiction (AI).) See FMs 1-111 and 6-20

series.

close operations — Involves forces in immediate contact with the enemy and the fighting between the

committed forces and the readily available tactical reserves of both combatants. (See also attack,

battlefield organization, and defend.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and

100-15. 

cluster(JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. Fireworks signal in which a group of stars burns at the same time. 2. Group

of bombs released together. A cluster usually consists of fragmentation or incendiary bombs. See FM

6-20 series. 3. Two or more parachutes for dropping light or heavy loads. See FMs 90-26 and 71-100-2.

4. In land mine warfare, a component of a pattern-laid minefield. It may be antitank, antipersonnel, or

mixed. It consists of one to five mines and no more than one antitank mine. See FM 5-102. 5. Two or

more engines coupled together so as to function as one power unit. 6. In naval mine warfare, a number

of mines laid in close proximity to each other as a pattern or coherent unit. They may be of mixed types.

7. In minehunting, designates a group of mine-like contacts. 

clutter (JP 1-02) — Permanent echoes, cloud, or other atmospheric echo on radar scope; as contact has

entered scope clutter. (See also air defense) See FM 44-100.

coalition — An ad hoc arrangement between two or more nations for common action. (See also alliance and

multinational operations.) See FMs 100-5, 100-15, and 100-20.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-29

coil — An arrangement of vehicles forming a circle and providing 360-degree security in an assembly area

with the primary weapon systems and protective armor facing outward. See FMs 7-7, 17-12, 17-15, and

17-95. 

collateral damage — Unintended and undesirable civilian personnel injuries or materiel damage adjacent

to a target produced by the effects of friendly weapons. See FM 6-20 series.

collateral damage distance — Minimum distance in meters that a desired ground zero for a nuclear

explosion must be separated from civilian personnel and materiel to ensure with 99-percent assurance that

a 5-percent incidence of injuries or property damage will not be exceeded. See FM 100-30.

collateral mission activities — The inherent capabilities of all military forces that may periodically be

applied to accomplish missions other than those for which the forces are principally organized, trained,

and equipped. Collateral activities in which special operations forces, by virtue of inherent capabilities,

may be tasked to participate include humanitarian assistance, security assistance, search and rescue,

counternarcotics, antiterrorism and other security activities, and special activities. See FM 31-20.

collecting point (JP 1-02) — A point designated for the assembly of personnel casualties, stragglers, disabled

materiel, salvage, etc, for further movement to collecting stations or rear installations. (Army and Marine

Corps: collection point.)

collection emphasis message — A unit's collection strategy in a narrative message format. This message

communicates the collection intent and "big picture" to higher, lower, and adjacent units; collectors; and

others. See FM 34-2.

collection plan (JP 1-02, NATO) — A plan for collecting information from all available sources to meet

intelligence requirements and for transforming those requirements into orders and requests to appropriate

agencies. (See also combat intelligence, information requirements, reconnaissance (recon, recce), and

reconnaissance and surveillance plan.) See FMs 34-1 and 101-5. 

collection point — A point designated for the assembly of casualties, stragglers, not operationally ready

equipment and materiel, salvage, prisoners, and so on for treatment, classification, sorting, repair, or

further movement to collecting stations or rear facilities and installations. (See also aid station.) See

FMs 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 8-10-1, 8-10-6, 63-2, 63-2-1, 63-6, 63-20, 63-21, 71-100, and 71-123.

3-37, 3-38

column formation (Army) — An arrangement of vehicles or dismounted troops in which each individual or

vehicle in a specified unit follows directly behind the one in front. This type formation provides good

security and permits maximum fire to the flanks, facilitates control, facilitates rapid deployment into any

other formation, normally employs flank security, and may employ rear or forward security. It is used

when speed is essential or for road marches, night movements, and when passing through defiles or dense

woods. (See also box formation, diamond formation, echelon formation, formation, line formation,

movement formation, vee formation, and wedge formation.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, and 17-95.

combatant command (JP 1-02) — A unified or specified command with a broad continuing mission under

a single commander established and so designated by the President, through the Secretary of Defense, and

with the advice and assistance of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Combatant commands

typically have geographic or functional responsibilities. See FMs 100-5, 100-15, and JP 0-2. 

combatant command (command authority) (COCOM) (JP 0-2, JP 1-02) — Nontransferable command

authority established by title 10 ("Armed Forces"), United States Code, section 164, exercised only by
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-30

commanders of unified or specified combatant commands unless otherwise directed by the President or

the Secretary of Defense. Combatant command (command authority) cannot be delegated and is the 

 authority of a combatant commander to perform those functions of command over assigned forces

involving organizing and employing commands and forces, assigning tasks, designating objectives, and

giving authoritative direction over all aspects of military operations, joint training, and logistics necessary

to accomplish the missions assigned to the command. Combatant command (Command authority) should

be exercised through the commanders of subordinate organizations. Normally this authority is exercised

 through subordinate joint force commanders and Service and/or functional component commanders.

Combatant command (command authority) provides full authority to organize and employ commands

and forces as the combatant commander considers necessary to accomplish assigned missions. 

Operational control is inherent in combatant command (command authority). (See also combatant 

command, operational control (OPCON), and tactical control (TACON).) See Fms 100-5, 100- 15, and

JP 0-2.

combat arms — Units and soldiers who close with and destroy enemy forces or provide firepower and

destructive capabilities on the battlefield. The included branches and functions are: Air Defense

Artillery, Armor/Cavalry, Aviation, Field Artillery, Infantry, Special Forces, and the Corps of Engineers.

4-10 to 4-18

combat assessment (JP 1-02) — The determination of the overall effectiveness of force employment during

military operations. Combat assessment is composed of three major components: (a) battle damage

assessment, (b) munitions effects assessment, and (c) reattack recommendation. The objective of

combat assessment is to identify recommendations for the course of military operations. The J-3 is

normally the single point of contact for combat assessment at the joint force level, assisted by the joint

force J-2. (See also battle damage assessment (BDA), course of action (COA), and wargaming.) See FM

101-5. 

combat configured load (CCL) (Army) — A planned package of ammunition or other supplies that are

transported as a single load to support a type unit or weapon system. See FM 9-6.

combat control team (CCT) (Army) — A team of Air Force personnel organized, trained, and equipped to

establish and operate navigational or terminal guidance aids, communications, and aircraft control

facilities within the objective area of an airborne operation. (See also airborne and landing zone (LZ).)

See FMs 7-20, 7-30, 71-100-2, and 90-26. 

combat effectiveness — The ability of a unit to perform its mission. Factors such as ammunition, personnel,

status of fuel, and weapon systems are assessed and rated. See FM 101-5. 

combat functions — Functions that commanders integrate and coordinate to synchronize battle effects in

time, space, and purpose. They are intelligence, maneuver, fire support, air defense, mobility and

survivability, logistics, and battle command. See FM 100-5. 

combat health support — All services performed, provided, or arranged to promote, improve, conserve, or

restore the mental or physical well-being of personnel in the Army and, as directed, for other services,

agencies, and organizations. See FM 8-10-1.

combat information (JP 1-02) — Unevaluated data, gathered by or provided directly to the tactical

commander which, due to its highly perishable nature or the criticality of the situation, cannot be

processed into tactical intelligence in time to satisfy the user's tactical intelligence requirements. (See also

information requirements (IR).)
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-31

combat intelligence (JP 1-02) — That knowledge of the enemy, weather, and geographical features required

by a commander in the planning and conduct of combat operations. (Army) — Information on the

enemy's capabilities, intentions, vulnerabilities, and the environment. (See also collection plan,

intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB), reconnaissance (recon, recce), and reconnaissance and

surveillance plan.) See FMs 1-111, 5-100, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 31-20, 34-1, 34-2, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5,

100-15, 100-20, 100-25, and 101-5. 

combat load — Those quantities of all classes of supplies kept by a unit to sustain operation in combat for

a prescribed number of days. Combat loads must be capable of being moved into combat in one lift using

organic transportation. See FM 10-1.

combat loading (JP 1-02, NATO) — The arrangement of personnel and the stowage of equipment and

supplies in a manner designed to conform to the anticipated tactical operation of the organization

embarked. Each individual item is stowed so that it can be unloaded at the required time. (See also load

plan.) See FMs 7-8, 55-12, and 71-10.

combat multiplier — Supporting and subsidiary means that significantly increase the relative combat

strength (power) of a force while actual force ratios remain constant. Examples of combat multipliers

are economizing in one area to mass in another, leadership, unit morale, surprise, deception, battlefield

information, camouflage, electronic warfare, psychological operations, terrain reinforcement, smoke, and

indirect fires. (See also combat power.) See FM 100-5.

combat observation and lasing team (COLT) — A fire support team controlled at the brigade level that

is capable of target acquisition under reduced visibility conditions and has both laser-rangefinding and

laser-designating capabilities. (See also call for fire.) See FMs 6-20-10, 7-30, and 17-95. 4-15

combat outpost — A well-prepared fortified outpost used to engage enemy reconnaissance and main body

forces. Combat outposts are normally employed in restrictive terrain where armored forces cannot

adequately deploy or when the security force is less mobile than the enemy and can be employed during

security operations such as a guard or cover. Combat outposts may accept encirclement or displace,

based on commander's intent. (See also counterreconnaissance.) See FMs 7-30, 71-100, and 100-40.

4-9 4-17 

combat patrol (NATO) — For ground forces, a tactical unit sent out from the main body to engage in

independent fighting; detachment assigned to protect the front, flank, or rear of the main body by fighting

if necessary. Also called fighting patrol. (See also ambush, raid, and security operations.) See FMs 7-7,

7-8, 7-10, and 71-123. 

combat power (JP 1-02, NATO) — The total means of destructive and/or disruptive force which a military

unit/formation can apply against the opponent at a given time. (Army) — A combination of the effects

of maneuver, firepower, protection, and leadership. (See also combat multiplier.) See FMs 1-111, 7-20,

7-30, 17-95, 71-100, and 71-123, and 100-5.

combat service support (CSS) (JP 1-02) — The essential capabilities, functions, activities, and tasks

necessary to sustain all elements of operating forces in theater at all levels of war. Within the national

and theater logistic systems, it includes but is not limited to that support rendered by service forces in

ensuring the aspects of supply, maintenance, transportation, health services, and other services required

by aviation and ground combat troops to permit those units to accomplish their missions in combat.

Combat service support encompasses those activities at all levels of war that produce sustainment to all

operating forces on the battlefield. (Army) — CSS also include those activities in stability and support

operations that sustain all operating forces. The included branches and functions are: Adjutant General
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-32

Corps, Acquisition Corps, Chaplain Corps, Finance Corps, Judge Advocate General Corps, Medical

Corps, Ordnance Corps, Transportation Corps, and the Quartermaster Corps. See FMs 8-10, 10-1,

100-5, and 100-10. 4-23 to 4-29

combat service support element (CSSE) (USMC) — The Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) element

that is task-organized to provide the full range of combat service support necessary to accomplish the

MAGTF mission. The CSSE can provide supply, maintenance, transportation, deliberate engineering,

health, postal, disbursing, prisoner of war, information systems, exchange, utilities, legal, and graves

registration services. The CSSE varies in size from a Marine expeditionary unit (MEU) service support

group (MSSG) to a force service support group (FSSG). Normally, there is only one combat service

support element in a MAGTF.

combat stress control (CSC) — A coordinated program for the prevention, triage, and treatment of each

echelon of battle fatigue to maximize rapid return to duty and minimize misconduct stress reactions and

post-traumatic stress disorders. This program is conducted by unit mental health personnel plus echelon

above division combat stress control units. See FMs 8-51 and 22-51.

combat support (CS) — Units and soldiers that provide critical combat functions in conjunction with

combat arms units and soldiers to secure victory. The included branches and functions are: Chemical

Corps, civil affairs, psychological operations, Military Intelligence, Military Police Corps, and the Signal

Corps. 4-19 to 4-23 

combat support elements (JP 1-02) — Those elements whose primary missions are to provide combat

support to the combat forces and which are a part, or prepared to become a part, of a theater, command,

or task force formed for combat operations.

combatting terrorism (JP 1-02) — Actions, including antiterrorism (defensive measures taken to reduce

vulnerability to terrorist acts) and counterterrorism (offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, and

respond to terrorism), taken to oppose terrorism throughout the entire threat spectrum. (See also stability

and support operations (SASO).) See FM 100-20.

combat trains — The portion of unit trains that provides the combat service support required for immediate

response to the needs of forward tactical elements. At company level, medical recovery, supply, and

maintenance elements normally constitute the combat trains. At battalion, the combat trains normally

consist of ammunition and petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) vehicles, maintenance and recovery

vehicles and crews, and the battalion aid station. (See also collection point, field trains, and unit trains.)

See FMs 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, and 71-123. 

combat trains command post (CTCP) — The CTCP consists of the Task Force S4 and representatives

from the S1. It plans and coordinates sustainment for tactical operations and serves as the alternate for

the main CP. (See also alternate command post, brigade support area, collection point, combat trains,

field trains, and unit trains.) See FM 7-10, 7-20, and 71-123. A-3 

combat zone (CZ) (JP 1-02) — 1. That area required by combat forces for the conduct of operations. 2.

The territory forward of the Army rear area boundary. (NATO) — It is divided into: a. the forward

combat zone, comprising the territory forward of the corps rear boundary; and b. the rear combat zone,

usually comprising the territory between the corps rear boundary and the army group rear boundary. (See

also communications zone (COMMZ).) See FMs 100-5 and 100-7.

combined arms — The synchronized or simultaneous application of several arms, such as infantry, armor,

artillery, engineers, air defense, and aviation, to achieve an effect on the enemy that is greater than if each
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-33

arm was used against the enemy in sequence. (See also combat multiplier and task force (TF ).) See FMs

71-100, 71-123, and 100-5.

combined arms team — Two or more arms mutually supporting one another, usually consisting of infantry,

armor, cavalry, aviation, field artillery, air defense artillery, and engineers. (See also combat multiplier,

joint operations, and task force (TF).) See FMs 71-100, 71-123, and 100-5. 

combined operation — See combined warfare.

combined warfare (JP 1-02) — Warfare conducted by forces of two or more allied nations in coordinated

action toward common objectives. (Army) — Currently referred to as multinational warfare. (See also

coalition and multinational operations.) See FM 100-5.

command (JP 1-02) — 1. The authority that a commander in the Military Service lawfully exercises over

subordinates by virtue of rank or assignment. Command includes the authority and responsibility for

effectively using available resources and for planning the employment of, organizing, directing,

coordinating, and controlling military forces for the accomplishment of assigned missions. It also

includes responsibility for health, welfare, morale, and discipline of assigned personnel. 2. An order

given by a commander; that is, the will of the commander expressed for the purpose of bringing about

a particular action. 3. A unit or units, an organization, or an area under the command of one individual.

4. To dominate by a field of weapon fire or by observation from a superior position. (See also battle

command and commander.) See FMs 22-100, 22-103, 100-5, and 101-5.

command and control (C ) (JP 1-02) — The exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated 2

commander over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of the mission. Command and

control functions are performed through an arrangement of personnel, equipment, communications,

facilities, and procedures employed by a commander in planning, directing, coordinating, and controlling

forces and operations in the accomplishment of the mission. (See also battle command, command,

commander, and command post (CP).) See FMs 7-20, 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5. 

command, control, communicati ons, computers, and intelligence (C I) — Integrated system of doctrine, 4

procedures, organizational structures, facilities, communication computers, and supporting intelligence

assets. It includes missile warning and cueing of defense systems by missile warning sensors and ground

stations. C I provides command authorities at all levels with timely and accurate data systems to plan, 4

monitor, direct, control, and report operations. (Army) — The means for the commander to communicate

his intent, command and control his forces, and disseminate pertinent information throughout his area of

operations.

command and control warfare (C W) (JP 1-02) — The integrated use of operations security (OPSEC),

2

military deception, psychological operations (PSYOP), electronic warfare (EW), and physical destruction,

mutually supported by intelligence, to deny information to, influence, degrade, or destroy adversary

command and control capabilities, while protecting friendly command and control capabilities against

such actions. Command and control warfare is an application of information warfare in military

operations and is a subset of information warfare. Command and control warfare applies across the range

of military operations and all levels of conflict. C W is both offensive and defensive: a. C -attack.

2 2

Prevent effective C of adversary forces by denying information to, influencing, degrading or destroying 2

the adversary C system. b. C -protect. Maintain effective command and control of own forces by

2 2

turning to friendly advantage or negating adversary efforts to deny information to, influence, degrade,

or destroy the friendly C system. (See also information warfare (IW).) See FMs 34-1, 71-100, 100-5, 2

100-15, and JP 3-13.1.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-34

command element (CE) (JP 1-02) — The Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) headquarters. The CE

is a permanent organization composed of the commander, general or executive and special staff sections,

headquarters section, and requisite communications and service support facilities. The CE provides

command, control, and coordination essential for effective planning and execution of operations by the

other three elements of the MAGTF. There is only one CE in a MAGTF.

commander — One who is in command because of rank, position, or other circumstances. (See also battle

command and command.) 

commander's critical in formation requirements (CCIR) — Information required by the commander that

directly affects his decisions and dictates the successful execution of operational or tactical operations.

CCIR normally result in the generation of three types of information requirements: priority intelligence

requirements, essential elements of friendly information, and friendly force information requirements.

(See also essential elements of friendly information (EEFI), friendly force information requirements

(FFIR), and priority intelligence requirements (PIR).) See FMs 34-1, 71-100, 100-15, and 101-5.

commander's estimate of the situation (JP 1-02) — A logical process of reasoning by which a commander

considers all the circumstances affecting the military situation and arrives at a decision as to a course of

action to be taken to accomplish the mission. A commander's estimate which considers a military

situation so far in the future as to require major assumptions is called a commander's long-range estimate

of the situation. (Army) — The procedure whereby a commander decides how to best accomplish the

assigned mission. It is a thorough consideration of the mission, enemy, terrain, troops, and time available

(METT-T) and other relevant factors. The commander's estimate is based on personal knowledge of the

situation and on staff estimates. (See also battle command, battlespace, and staff estimates.) See FM

101-5.

commander's intent (Army) — A clear, concise statement of what the force must do to succeed with respect

to the enemy and the terrain and to the desired end state. It provides the link between the mission and the

concept of operations by stating the key tasks that, along with the mission, are the basis for subordinates

to exercise initiative when unanticipated opportunities arise or when the original concept of operations

no longer applies. If the commander wishes to explain a broader purpose beyond that of the mission

statement, he may do so. Intent is normally expressed in four or five sentences and is mandatory for all

orders. The mission and the commander's intent must be understood two echelons down. See FM 101-5.

command group — A small party that accompanies the commander when he departs the command post to

be present at a critical action. The party is organized and equipped to suit the commander and normally

provides local security and other personal assistance for the commander as he requires. (See also

command post (CP).) See FMs 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 101-5. A-2

command post (CP) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A unit's or subunit's headquarters where the commander and the

staff perform their activities. In combat, a unit's or subunit's headquarters is often divided into echelons;

the echelon in which the unit or subunit commander is located or from which such commander operates

is called a command post. (Army) — The principal facility employed by the commander to control

combat operations. (The commander is only present at the command post to receive information or

briefings. He controls the battle from a forward position called the command group.) A CP consists of

those coordinating and special staff activities and representatives from supporting Army elements and

other services that may be necessary to carry out operations. Corps and division headquarters are

particularly adaptable to organization by echelon into a tactical CP, a main CP, and a rear CP. (See also

alternate command post, assault command post, base defense operations center (BDOC), combat trains

command post (CTCP), command group, main command post, rear command post, tactical command

post (TAC CP), and tactical operations center (TOC).) See FMs 1-111, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100,

71-123, 100-5, and 101-5. A-3
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-35

command post exercise (CPX) (JP 1-02, NATO) — An exercise in which the forces are simulated, involving

the commander, his staff, and communications within and between headquarters. (See also exercise.)

See FMs 100-5 and 101-5.

command relationship (Army) — The degree of control and responsibility a commander has for forces

operating under his command. (See also administrative control, assign, attach, direct support (DS),

general support (GS), operational control (OPCON), and tactical control (TACON)) See FMs 71-100,

100-5, and 100-15.

committed force (Army) — A force in contact with an enemy or deployed on a specific mission or course

of action which precludes its employment elsewhere. (See also attack, decisive engagement, and defend.)

See FMs 7-7, 7-8 and 7-10.

common servicing (JP 1-02) — That function performed by one Military Service in support of another

Military Service for which reimbursement is not required from the Service receiving support. (See also

command relationship and support.) See FM 10-1.

common understanding of the battlefield (Army) — The commander and staff's perception of the

battlefield environment. It includes the sum of all that is known or perceived of friendly or threat forces

and the effects of the battlefield environment.

common use (JP 1-02) — Services, materials, or facilities provided by a Department of Defense agency or

a Military Department on a common basis for two or more DOD agencies. See FM 10-1.

commun ication deception (JP 1-02) — Use of devices, operations, and techniques with the intent of

confusing or misleading the user of a communications link or a navigation system. (See also command

and control warfare (C W), deception operation, electronic warfare (EW), imitative electromagnetic

2

deception (IED), and information warfare (IW).) See FMs 34-1, 34-10, and 90-2.

communications checkpoint (CCP) (Army) — An air control point that requires serial leaders to report

either to the aviation mission commander or the terminal control facility. (See also air control point

(ACP), air corridor, and Army airspace command and control (A C ).) See FMs 1-111, 1-112, 1-116, 2 2

71-100-3, and 90-4. 3-5

communications intelligence (COMINT) (JP 1-02) — Technical and intelligence information derived from

foreign communications by other than the intended recipients. (See also combat intelligence.) See FMs

34-1 and 34-10. 

communications jamming — Electronic measures taken to deny the enemy the use of communications

means. (See also barrage jamming, command and control warfare (C W), electronic warfare (EW), and 2

jamming.) See FMs 34-1 and 34-10. 

communications security (COMSEC) (JP 1-02) — The protection resulting from all measures designed to

deny unauthorized persons information of value which might be derived from the possession and study

of telecommunications, or to mislead unauthorized persons in their interpretation of the results of such

possession and study. COMSEC includes cryptosecurity, transmission security, emission security, and

physical security of COMSEC materials and information. See FMs 24-1, 34-1, and 34-10.

commun ications zone (COMMZ) (JP 1-02, NATO) — Rear part of theater of operations (behind but

contiguous to the combat zone) which contains the lines of communications, establishments for supply

and evacuation, and other agencies required for the immediate support and maintenance of the field

forces. (See also combat zone (CZ) and rear area.) See FM 100-7.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-36

company team (Army) — A combined arms team formed by attaching one or more nonorganic tank,

mechanized infantry, or light infantry platoons to a tank, mechanized infantry, or light infantry company

either in exchange for or in addition to organic platoons. (See also combined arms team.) See FM 7-10.

 

compartment — Areas bounded on at least two sides by terrain features affected by drainage and relief, such

as woods, ridges, or ravines, that limit observation or observed fire into the area from points outside the

area and effect avenues of approach. (See also cross-corridor.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, and 34-130.

compartmentation (Army) — In unconventional warfare, the division of an organization or activity into

functional segments or cells to restrict communication between them and prevent knowledge of the

identity or activities of other segments except on a need-to-know basis. Restricting the use of specific

cryptovariables to specific users for the purpose of limiting access to the information protected by these

cryptovariables and limiting the adverse impact of a compromise of these variables.

complete round (JP 1-02) — A term applied to an assemblage of explosive and nonexplosive components

designed to perform a specific function at the time and under the conditions desired. Examples of

complete rounds of ammunition are: a. separate loading, consisting of a primer, propelling charge, and,

except for blank ammunition, a projectile and a fuze. b. fixed or semifixed, consisting of a primer,

propelling charge, cartridge case, a projectile, and, except when solid projectiles are used, a fuze.

c. bomb, consisting of all component parts required to drop and function the bomb once. d. missile,

consisting of a complete warhead section and a missile body with its associated components and

propellants. e. rocket, consisting of all components necessary to function. See FM 6-20 series.

computed air release point (CARP) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A computed air position where the first paratroop

or cargo item is released to land on a specified impact point. See FMs 71-100-3 and 90-26. 

concealment (JP 1-02, NATO) — The protection from observation or surveillance. (See also camouflage

and cover.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, and 34-130.

concentrated fire — A limited area on which a volume of gunfire is placed within a limited time.

concept of operations — 1. (JP 1-02) A verbal or graphic statement, in broad outline, of a commander's

assumptions or intent in regard to an operation or series of operations. The concept of operations

frequently is embodied in campaign plans and operation plans; in the latter case, particularly when the

plans cover a series of connected operations to be carried out simultaneously or in succession. The

concept is designed to give an overall picture of the operation. It is included primarily for additional

clarity of purpose. 2. (NATO) A clear and concise statement of the line of action chosen by a

commander in order to accomplish his mission. (Army) — Describes how the commander sees the

actions of each of his units fitting together to accomplish the mission. As a minimum, the description

includes the scheme of maneuver and concept of fires. See FM 100-5.

concept plan (CONPLAN) (JP 1-02) — An operation plan in concept format. (See also operation plan

(OPLAN).) See FMs 71-100, 100-5, 100-15, and 101-5.

confirmation brief — A briefing subordinate leaders give to the higher commander immediately after the

operation order is given. It is their understanding of his intent, their specific tasks, and the relationship

between their mission and the other units in the operation. (See also backbrief.) See FM 101-5.

conflict (Army) — A political-military situation between peace and war, distinguished from peace by the

introduction of organized political violence and from war by its reliance on political methods. It shares

many of the goals and characteristics of war, including the destruction of governments and the

control of territory. See FM 100-20.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-37

conflict termination (Army) — The point a conflict ends and postconflict activities begin. The enemy should

be both unable and unwilling to resist. Strategic, operational, and political goals established at the

beginning of the conflict should either be secured, or their securement be the immediate result of the end

of the conflict. See FM 100-5.

connectivity — The exchange of information by electronic means.

consolidation of position (JP 1-02, NATO) — Organizing and strengthening of a newly captured position

so that it can be used against the enemy. (Army) — Also called consolidation phase. (See also assault,

attack, and objective.) See FMs 5-102, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, and 71-123.

constraint (Army) — Restrictions placed on the command by a higher command to dictate an action or

inaction, thus restricting the freedom of action the subordinate commander has for planning a mission

by stating things that must or must not be done. See FMs 71-100, 100-15, and 101-5. 

consumption rate (JP 1-02, NATO) — The average quantity of an item consumed or expended during a

given time interval, expressed in quantities by the most appropriate unit of measurement per applicable

stated basis. See FMs 10-1, 63-20, 63-21, and 100-10.

contact (JP 1-02) — 1. In air intercept, a term meaning, "Unit has an unevaluated target." 2. In health

services, an unevaluated individual who is known to have been sufficiently near an infected individual to

have been exposed to the transfer of infectious material. (Army) — 1. Friendly, when two or more

friendly forces make visual, physical, or communications interaction. 2. Enemy, when a friendly force

engages an enemy force physically in hand-to-hand fighting or at the maximum range of weapons and

visual or electronic devices. (See also close operations.)

contact point (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. In land warfare, a point on the terrain, easily identifiable, where two

or more units are required to make contact. 2. In air operations, the position at which a mission leader

makes radio contact with an air control agency. (See also checkpoint (CP), control point, and

coordinating point.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 19-1, and 71-123. 3-25

contain (JP 1-02, NATO) — To stop, hold, or surround the forces of the enemy or to cause the enemy to

center activity on a given front and to prevent his withdrawing any part of his forces for use elsewhere.

(Army) — A tactical task to restrict enemy movement. (See also block, fix, suppression.) See FMs

7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, and 100-15. C-8

container delivery system (CDS) — A system for aerial delivery of supplies and small items of equipment

from low or high altitudes into a small area. (See also bulk cargo.) See FM 55-12.

contaminati on (JP 1-02) — 1. The deposit, absorption, or adsorption of radioactive material, or of

biological or chemical agents on or by structures, areas, personnel, or objects. 2. Food and/or water made

unfit for consumption by humans or animals because of the presence of environmental chemicals,

radioactive elements, bacteria or organisms, the byproduct of the growth of bacteria or organisms, the

decomposing material (to include the food substance itself), or waste in the food or water. (See also

decontamination.) See FMs 3-3, 3-4, 3-5, 3-7, 8-10-7, and 21-10.

contingency (JP 1-02) — An emergency involving military forces caused by natural disasters, terrorists,

subversives, or by required military operations. Due to the uncertainty of the situation, contingencies

require plans, rapid response, and special procedures to ensure the safety and readiness of personnel,

installations, and equipment. (See also branch, concept plan (CONPLAN), operation order (OPORD),

operation plan (OPLAN), and sequel.) See FMs 19-15, 71-100, 100-5, 100-15, 100-20, and 101-5. 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-38

contingency plan (Army) — A plan used in accomplishing different missions and anticipated major events

before, during, and after operations.

contour flight — Flight characterized by constant airspeed and varying altitude as dictated by vegetation,

obstacles, and ambient light. (See terrain flight.) See FMs 1-111, 1-112, and 1-116.

control (JP 1-02) — 1. Authority which may be less than full command exercised by a commander over part

of the activities of subordinate or other organizations. 2. In mapping, charting, and photogrammetry, a

collective term for a system of marks or objects on the Earth or on a map or a photograph, whose

positions or elevations, or both, have been or will be determined. 3. Physical or psychological pressures

exerted with the intent to assure that an agent or group will respond as directed. 4. An indicator

governing the distribution and use of documents, information, or material. Such indicators are the subject

of intelligence community agreement and are specifically defined in appropriate regulations. (Army) —

To maintain physical influence by occupation or range of weapon systems over the activities or access

in a defined area. Actions taken to eliminate hazards or reduce their risk (third step in risk management

process). (See also administrative control, command relationship, operational control (OPCON), and

tactical control (TACON).) See FMs 22-100, 22-103, 71-100, 100-5, 100-15, and 101-5. 

controlled airspace (JP 1-02, NATO) — An airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic control

service is provided to controlled flights. (Army) — Airspace in which another unit is conducting

operations and which requires permission from controlling unit to enter. (See also airspace coordination

area (ACA), area of operations (AO), Army airspace command and control (A C ), and restricted

2 2

operations zone (ROZ).) See FM 100-103.

controlled exchange (Army) — The removal of serviceable parts, components, or assemblies from

unserviceable, economically reparable equipment and their immediate reuse in restoring a like item of

equipment to a combat operable or serviceable condition. (See also cannibalize.) See FMs 10-1, 63-2-1,

63-20, 63-21, and 100-10. 

controlled supply rate (CSR) (Army) — The rate of ammunition consumption that can be supported,

considering availability, facilities, and transportation. It is expressed in rounds per unit, individual, or

vehicle per day. The Army service component commander announces the CSR for each item of

ammunition, and, in turn, the commander of each subordinate tactical unit announces a CSR to his

commanders at the next lower levels. A unit may not draw ammunition in excess of its CSR without

authority from its next higher headquarters. (See also required supply rate (RSR).) See FMs 10-1, 63-

20, 63-21, 71-100, 100-10, 100-15, and 701-58.

control measures — Directives given graphically or orally by a commander to subordinate commands to

assign responsibilities, coordinate fires and maneuver, and control combat operations. Each control

measure can be portrayed graphically. In general, all control measures should be easily identifiable on the

ground. Examples of control measures include boundaries, objectives, coordinating points, contact point,

and direction of attack. See FMs 5-100, 6-20, 7-90, 71-100, 100-5, 100-15, 100-103-1, 100-103-2, and

101-5. 

control point (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. A position along a route of march at which men are stationed to give

information and instructions for the regulation of supply or traffic. 2. A position marked by a buoy, boat,

aircraft, electronic device, conspicuous terrain feature, or other identifiable object which is given a name

or number and used as an aid to navigation or control of ships, boats, or aircraft. 3. In making mosaics,

a point located by ground survey with which a corresponding point on a photograph is matched as a

check. See FMs 5-36, 5-100, 7-92, 21-18, 71-100, and 100-15. 

controls — Actions taken to eliminate hazards or reduce their risk.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-39

converged sheaf (JP 1-02) — The lateral distribution of fire of two or more pieces so that the planes of fire

intersect at a given point. (See also final protective fire (FPF) and sheaf.) See FM 6-20 series and 7-90.

convoy (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. A number of merchant ships or naval auxiliaries, or both, usually escorted

by warships and/or aircraft, or a single merchant ship or naval auxiliary under surface escort, assembled

and organized for the purpose of passage together. 2. A group of vehicles organized for the purpose of

control and orderly movement with or without escort protection. (Army) — A group of vehicles that

moves over the same route at the same time and under one commander. (See also march column.) See

FMs 55-2, 55-10, and 55-30. 3-37

coordinated fire line (CFL) (NATO: no-fire line) — A line beyond which conventional surface fire support

means (mortars, field artillery, naval gunfire ships) may fire at any time within the zone of the

establishing headquarters without additional coordination. It is usually established by brigade or division

but may be established by a maneuver battalion. See FMs 6-series and 7-90. 3-21

coordinating altitude (JP 1-02) — A procedural airspace control method to separate fixed- and rotary-wing

aircraft by determining an altitude below which fixed-wing aircraft will normally not fly and above which

rotary-wing aircraft normally will not fly. The coordinating altitude is normally specified in the airspace

control plan and may include a buffer zone for small altitude deviations. (See also above ground level

(AGL) and controlled airspace.) See FMs 1-111, 1-112, 1-116, 6-20, 100-103-1, and 100-103-2,. 

coordinating point (JP 1-02, NATO) — Designated point at which, in all types of combat, adjacent

units/formations must make contact for purposes of control and coordination. (Army) — A control

measure that indicates a specific location for the coordination of fires and maneuver between adjacent

units. They usually are indicated whenever a boundary crosses the forward edge of the battle area

(FEBA) and may be indicated when a boundary crosses phase lines (PLs) used to control security forces.

(In NATO, physical contact between adjacent units is required.) (See also contact point.) See FMs 6-20,

7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-103, and 101-5. 3-25

coordination (Army) — Exchange of information to inform and integrate, synchronize, and deconflict

operations. Coordination is not necessarily a process of gaining approval but is most often used for

mutual exchange of information. 

corduroy road — A road made or reinforced by laying logs or planks perpendicular to the direction of travel.

It is usually used when a road is muddy, snow packed, or in a swamp.

counter air (JP 1-02) — A US Air Force term for air operations conducted to attain and maintain a desired

degree of air superiority by the destruction or neutralization of enemy forces. Both air offensive and air

defensive actions are involved. The former range throughout enemy territory and are generally conducted

at the initiative of the friendly forces. The latter are conducted near or over friendly territory and are

generally reactive to the initiative of the enemy air forces. (See also defensive counterair (DCA) and

offensive counterair (OCA).) See FMs 1-111, 1-112, 1-116, 44-100, 71-100, 90-4, 100-5,100-15, and

100-103. 

counterattack (JP 1-02, NATO) — Attack by part or all of a defending force against an enemy attacking

force, for such specific purposes as regaining ground lost, or cutting off or destroying enemy advance

units, and with the general objective of denying to the enemy the attainment of his purpose in attacking.

In sustained defensive operations, it is undertaken to restore the battle position and is directed at limited

objectives. (Army) — An attack with a reserve or lightly committed forward element that is launched

after the enemy begins its attack, after the commander has identified the enemy's effort, or when a
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-40

resolute defense creates an assailable flank. (See also attack and defend.) See FMs 1-112, 7-8, 7-30,

17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15. C-9

counterdrug (CD) (JP 1-02) — Those active measures taken to detect, monitor, and counter the production,

trafficking, and use of illegal drugs. See FMs 100-19 and 100-20. 

counterfire (JP1-02, NATO) — Fire intended to destroy or neutralize enemy weapons. (DOD) Includes

counterbattery, counterbombardment, and countermortar fire. (Army) — Fires targeted throughout the

battlefield that are intended to attack the total enemy fire support system. (Fires include mortars;

helicopter forward operating bases; vector target designation points; fire support commands and control;

artillery, rocket, and missile systems; and support and sustainment installations.) Two types of

counterfire are proactive and reactive fires. (See also fire mission.) See FMs 6-20 series and 7-90.

counterinsurgency (JP 1-02) — Those military, paramilitary, political, economic, psychological, and civic

actions taken by a government to defeat insurgency. (See also stability and support operations.) See FMs

31-20 and 100-20.

counterintelligence (CI) (JP 1-02) — Information gathered and activities conducted to protect against

espionage, other intelligence activities, sabotage, or assassinations conducted by or on behalf of foreign

governments or elements thereof, foreign organizations, or foreign persons, or international terrorist

activities. (See also combat intelligence, operations security (OPSEC), and sabotage.) See FM 34-1. 

countermeasures (Army) — Actions taken to counter danger, threat, or hazards. (See also risk

management.)

countermine (JP 1-02, NATO) — To explode the main charge in a mine by the shock of a nearby explosion

of another mine or independent explosive charge. The explosion of the main charge may be caused either

by sympathetic detonation or through the explosive train and/or firing mechanism of the mine. (Army)

— The actions taken to detect, bypass, breach, mark, report, record, and eliminate enemy mines or

minefield. (See also breach.) See FMs 5-101, 5-250, and 90-13-1. 

countermo bility operations — The construction of obstacles and emplacement of minefields to delay,

disrupt, and destroy the enemy by reinforcement of the terrain. The primary purpose of countermobility

operations is to slow or divert the enemy, to increase time for target acquisition, and to increase weapon

effectiveness. See FMs 3-50, 3-100, 5-102, and 5-250. 

counterpreparation fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — Intensive prearranged fire delivered when the imminence of

the enemy attack is discovered. (DOD) It is designed to break up enemy formations; disorganize the

enemy's systems of command, communications, and observation; decrease the effectiveness of artillery

preparation; and impair the enemy's offensive spirit. (See also fire.) See FMs 6-20 series and 7-90. 

counterproliferation — Military measures centering on deterring or discouraging, as well as defending

against, the possible use of weapons of mass destruction.

counterreconnaissance (JP 1-02) — All measures taken to prevent hostile observation of a force, area, or

place. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 34-2, 34-130, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40,

and 101-5.

counterterrorism (CT) (JP 1-02) — Offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, and respond to terrorism.

See FMs 19-1, 34-1, and 100-20.

country team (JP 1-02) — The senior in-country United States coordinating and supervising body, headed

by the chief of the United States diplomatic mission, and composed of the senior member of each 
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-41

represented United States department or agency, as desired by the chief of the US diplomatic mission. 

See FMs 31-20-3, 100-20, and JP 3-07.4.

coup de main (JP 1-02) — An offensive operation that capitalizes on surprise and simultaneous execution

of supporting operations to achieve success in one swift stroke. (Army) — Achieving the strategic

objective in a single major operation. See FMs 71-100, 100-5, and 100-15.

course of action (COA) (JP 1-02) — 1. A plan that would accomplish, or is related to, the accomplishment

of a mission. 2. The scheme adopted to accomplish a task or mission. It is a product of the Joint

Operation Planning and Execution System concept development phase. The supported commander will

include a recommended course of action in the commander's estimate. The recommended course of action

will include the concept of operations, evaluation of supportability estimates of supporting organizations,

and an integrated time-phased data base of combat, combat support, and combat service support forces

and sustainment. Refinement of this data base will be contingent on the time available for course of

action development. When approved, the course of action becomes the basis for the development of an

operation plan or operation order. (Army) — 1. Any sequence of acts that an individual or a unit may

follow. 2. A possible plan open to an individual or a commander that would accomplish or is related to

accomplishment of the mission. 3. A feasible way to accomplish a task or mission that follows the

guidance given, will not result in undue damage or risk to the command, and is noticeably different from

other actions being considered. See FMs 8-55, 71-100, 100-5, 100-15, and 101-5.

cover (JP1-02, NATO) — 1. The action by land, air, or sea forces to protect by offense, defense, or threat

of either or both. 2. Those measures necessary to give protection to a person, plan, operation, formation,

or installation from the enemy intelligence effort and leakage of information. 3. The act of maintaining

a continuous receiver watch with transmitter calibrated and available, but not necessarily available for

immediate use. 4. Shelter or protection (either natural or artificial). (DOD) 5. Photographs or other

recorded images which show a particular area of ground. (Army) — 1. Shelter or protection from enemy

observation that reduces the effects of enemy direct and indirect fire. 2. A type of security operation that

protects the force from surprise, develops the situation, and gives commanders time and space in which

to respond to the enemy's actions. (See covering force.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 17-95, 34-1, 34-130,

71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15. C-11

covered approach — 1. Any route that offers protection against enemy fire. 2. An approach made under

the protection furnished by other forces or by natural cover. (See also concealment and cover.) See FMs

7-7, 7-8, and 7-10.

covering fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. Fire used to protect troops when they are within range of enemy small

arms. 2. In amphibious usage, fire delivered prior to the landing to cover preparatory operations such

as underwater demolition or minesweeping. (See also fire.) See FMs 6-20 and 6-30.

covering force (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. A force operating apart from the main force for the purpose of

intercepting, engaging, delaying, disorganizing, and deceiving the enemy before he can attack the force

covered. 2. Any body or detachment of troops which provides security for a larger force by observation,

reconnaissance, attack, or defense, or by any combination of these methods. (See also cover and security

operations.) See FMs 1-116, 6-20, 17-95, 71-100, 100-5, and 100-15. 

covering force area (CFA) (JP 1-02, NATO) — The area forward of the forward edge of the battle area out

to the forward positions initially assigned to the covering forces. It is here that the covering forces

execute assigned tasks. See FMs 1-116, 6-20, 17-95, 71-100, 90-13, 100-5, and 100-15. 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-42

covert breach (Army) — A breach tactic used when the force must reduce lanes through enemy tactical or

protective obstacles undetected. In the covert breach, suppression from the support force is a be-prepared

task upon detection of the breach force or an on-order task once the breach is completed and the assault

is initiated. Normally, this type of breach is used when mission success depends on achieving surprise

at the expense of speed or mass. See FMs 5-71-100 and 90-13-1.

covert operation (JP 1-02) — An operation that is so planned and executed as to conceal the identity of or

permit plausible denial by the sponsor. A covert operation differs from a clandestine operation in that

emphasis is placed on concealment of identity of sponsor rather than on concealment of the operation.

cratering charge (JP 1-02, NATO) — A charge placed at an adequate depth to produce a crater. (Army)

— A demolition charge used to create a type of point obstacle usually used to close a lane or block a road.

(See also point obstacle and state of readiness.) See FMs 5-34, 5-71-100, and 5-102. 3-31

crisis action planning (CAP) (JP 1-02) — 1. The Joint Operation Planning and Execution System process

involving the time-sensitive development of joint operation plans and orders in response to an imminent

crisis. Crisis action planning follows prescribed crisis action procedures to formulate and implement an

effective response within the time frame permitted by the crisis. 2. The time-sensitive planning for the

deployment, employment, and sustainment of assigned and allocated forces and resources that occurs in

response to a situation that may result in actual military operations. Crisis action planners base their plan

on the circumstances that exist at the time planning occurs. (See also deliberate planning.) See FMs

71-100, 100-5, 100-15, 101-5, and JP 5-0.

critical point (JP 1-02) — 1. A key geographical point or position important to the success of an

operation. 2. In a point in time, a crisis or a turning point in an operation. 3. A selected point along a

line of march used for reference in giving instructions. 4. A point where there is a change of direction

or change in slope in a ridge or stream. 5. Any point along a route of march where interference with a

troop movement may occur. (Army) — Roadways, structures, and man-made or terrain features that limit

the ability to maneuver. See FM 101-5. 

cross-attachment — The exchange of subordinate units between units for a temporary period. Example:

A tank battalion detaches a tank company that is subsequently attached to a mechanized infantry

battalion, and the mechanized infantry battalion detaches a mechanized company that is then attached to

the tank battalion. See FM 7-7. 

cross-corridor — A terrain compartment, its long axis generally perpendicular to the direction of movement

of a force. (See also compartment.) See FM 34-130. 

cross-country movement — The movement of forces (usually tactical) across terrain without using roads

and bridges. See FMs 7-7, 7-8 and 7-10. 

crossing area (JP 1-02, NATO) — A number of adjacent crossing sites under the control of one commander.

(Army) — A controlled access area for a river crossing operation used to decrease traffic congestion at

the river. It is normally a brigade-sized area defined by lateral boundaries and release lines 3 to 4

kilometers (based on METT-T) from each side of the river. (See also crossing site and river crossing.)

See FM 90-13. 3-28

crossing area commander — The officer responsible for the control of all crossing units, assault units, and

support forces while they are in the crossing area. See FMs 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, 71-100, 90-13, and

100-15. 
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-43

crossing force (Army) — Normally a division size unit that has responsibility to establish the bridgehead.

This is accomplished in four phases; the advance to the river, the assault across the river, the advance

from the exit bank, and the securing of the bridgehead line. (See also bridgehead line, crossing area, and

crossing site.) See FM 90-13.

crossing force commander (Army) — The individual designated to control the lead brigades during the

assault across the river to secure the bridgehead line. (See also bridgehead.) See FMs 7-30, 71-100, 71-

123, 90-13, and 100-15.

crossing site — The location along a water obstacle where the crossing can be made using amphibious

vehicles, assault boats, rafts, bridges, or fording vehicles. See FMs 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, 90-13, and

100-15. 3-28

crossing site commander — The individual, normally an engineer company commander or a platoon leader,

responsible for the crossing means and crossing site, and for crossing the units sent to the crossing site.

He commands the engineers operating the crossing means and the engineer regulating points (ERPs) at

the call forward areas and staging areas for that site. (See also bridgehead.) See FMs 7-30, 71-100,

71-123, 90-13, and 100-15.

cross-loading (personnel) (JP 1-02) — A system of loading troops so that they may be disembarked or

dropped at two or more landing or drop zones, thereby achieving unit integrity upon delivery. See FMs

1-103, 55-2, 55-10, 55-12, and 100-17.

cruise missile (JP 1-02) — Guided missile, the major portion of whose flight path to its target is conducted

at approximately constant velocity; it depends on the dynamic reaction of air for lift and upon propulsion

forces to balance drag. 

culminating point — The point in time and space when the attacker can no longer accomplish his purpose,

or when the defender no longer has the ability to accomplish his purpose. This can be due to factors such

as combat power remaining, logistic support, weather, morale, and fatigue. See FM 101-5.

cultural resource — Monuments, nationally identifiable or distinctive buildings and structures, archives

and libraries, ancient artifacts and structures, archaeologically important sites, historically important sites

or structures, mosques, cathedrals, temples, other churches or sacred structures, sacred sites or areas,

museums, and works of art.

 D 

daily intelligence summary (DISUM) (JP 1-02) — A report prepared in message form at the joint force

headquarters that provides higher, lateral, and subordinate headquarters with a summary of all significant

intelligence produced during the previous 24-hour period. The "as of" time for information, content, and

submission time for the report will be as specified by the joint force commander. See FM 34-2.

damage assessment (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. The determination of the effect of attacks on targets. (DOD)

2. A determination of the effect of a compromise of classified information on national security. (See

battle damage assessment (BDA).) See FM 34-1. 

damage estimation (Army) — Analysis of data to estimate the damage that a specific weapon will cause to

a target. (See also battlefield coordination element (BCE).) See FM 6-20 series.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-44

danger area (JP 1-02) — 1. A specified area above, below, or within which there may be potential danger.

(DOD, NATO) 2. In air traffic control, an airspace of defined dimensions within which activities

dangerous to the flight of aircraft may exist at specified times. (Army) — Area in the vicinity of weapons

or aircraft which can cause serious injury or death if occupied or passed through by individual soldiers

or other equipment, such as the backblast area behind a TOW or Dragon. (See also restricted operations

zone (ROZ).) See FMs 7-7 and 7-20.

danger close (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, information in a call for fire to

indicate that friendly forces are within 600 meters of the target. (Army) — For mortars, it indicates that

friendly forces are within 400 meters of the target. (See also adjust fire and final protective fires (FPF).)

See FMs 6-20 series, 7-20, 7-90, and 71-123.

datum(JP 1-02, NATO) — Any numerical or geometrical quantity or set of such quantities which may serve

as reference or base for other quantities. Where the concept is geometric, the plural form is "datums" in

contrast to the normal plural "data." 

datum (geodetic) (JP 1-02) — A reference surface consisting of five quantities: the latitude and longitude of

an initial point, the azimuth of a line from that point, and the parameters of the reference ellipsoid. (Army)

— The mathematical model of the earth used to calculate the coordinates on any map. Different nations

use different datums for printing coordinates on their maps. The datum is usually referenced in the

marginal information of each map. See FM 101-5.

day of supply (DOS) (JP 1-02) — See one day's supply. (Army) — Normally used to express the amount

of supplies pre-positioned in an area of operations or in a storage area. (See also controlled supply rate

(CSR).) See FMs 7-20, 63-20, 71-100, 71-123, 100-10, and 100-15. 

dazzle (JP 1-02) — Temporary loss of vision or a temporary reduction in visual acuity. (Army) — May also

be applied to effects on optics. (See also directed-energy warfare (DEW).) See FM 71-123.

D-day (JP 1-02) — The unnamed day on which a particular operation commences or is to commence.

(Army) — The execution date of an operation. The use of D-day allows for planning and sequencing of

events when a specific calendar date cannot be established. References to days preceding or following

D-day use a plus or minus sign and an Arabic numeral following the letter "D." Example: D-3 is 3 days

prior to D-day; D+7 is 7 days after D-day. (See also C-day.) See FMs 71-100, 100-15, and 101-5. 

deadline (JP 1-02) — To remove a vehicle or piece of equipment from operation or use for one of the

following reasons: a. is inoperative due to damage, malfunctioning, or necessary repairs. The term does

not include items temporarily removed from use by reason of routine maintenance, and repairs that do not

affect the combat capability of the item; b. is unsafe; and c. would be damaged by further use. (Army)

— An item in such condition is placed on the deadline or not operationally ready list provided to the

commander daily. (See also full mission capable (FMC)). 

dead space (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. An area within the maximum range of a weapon, radar, or observer

which cannot be covered by fire or observation from a particular position because of intervening

obstacles, the nature of the ground, or the characteristics of the trajectory, or the limitations of the

pointing capabilities of the weapons. 2. An area or zone which is within range of a radio transmitter, but

in which a signal is not received. 3. The volume of space above and around a gun or guided missile

system into which it cannot fire because of mechanical or electronic limitations. See FMs 7-7, 7-20,

17-12, and 23-1.

debarkation(JP 1-02) — The unloading of troops, equipment, or supplies from a ship or aircraft. (See also

embarkation.) See FM 55-12.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-45

debriefing (Army) — The questioning of individuals who are sources of information in a strategic or

operational environment to obtain information in response to command- and nation-level

intelligence needs. See FM 34-52.

deception (JP 1-02, NATO) — Those measures designed to mislead the enemy by manipulation, distortion,

or falsification of evidence to induce him to react in a manner prejudicial to his interests. (Army) — The

goal is to make an enemy more vulnerable to the effects of weapons, maneuver, and operations of

friendly forces. (See also deception operation, demonstration, and imitative electromagnetic deception

 (IED).) See FMs 34-1 and 90-2. 3-7

deception means (JP 1-02) — Methods, resources, and techniques that can be used to convey information

to the deception target. 3-7 There are three categories of deception means: a. physical means —

Activities and resources used to convey or deny selected information to a foreign power. (Examples:

military operations, including exercises, reconnaissance, training activities, and movement of forces; the

use of dummy equipment and devices; tactics; bases, logistic actions, stockpiles, and repair activity; and

test and evaluation activities.) b. technical means — Military material resources and their associated

operating techniques used to convey or deny selected information to a foreign power through the

deliberate radiation, reradiation, alteration, absorption, or reflection of energy; the emission or

suppression of chemical or biological odors; and the emission or suppression of nuclear particles.

c. administrative means — Resources, methods, and techniques to convey or deny oral, pictorial,

documentary, or other physical evidence to a foreign power. See JP 3-58.

deception operation — A military operation conducted to mislead the enemy. (See also attack,

demonstration, display, feint, imitative electromagnetic deception (IED), and ruse.) See FM 90-2.

3-7

decision point (DP) (Army) — An event, an area, a line, or a point on the battlefield where tactical decisions

are required resulting from the war-gaming process before the operation order. Decision points do not

dictate commander's decisions, they only indicate that a decision is required, and they indicate when and

where the decision should be made to have the maximum effect on friendly or enemy courses of action.

(See also decision support matrix (DSM), decision support template (DST), and war gaming.) See FM

101-5. 3-25

decision support matrix (DSM) — An aid used by the commander and staff to make battlefield decisions.

It is a staff product of the war-gaming process which lists the decision point, location of the decision

point, the criteria to be evaluated at the point of the decision, the action or options to occur at the decision

point, and the unit or element that is to act and has responsibility to observe and report the information

affecting the criteria for the decision. (See also branch, decision point (DP), decision support template

(DST), sequel, and war gaming.) See FM 101-5.

decision support template (DST) — A staff product initially used in the war-gaming process which

graphically represents the decision points and projected situations and indicates when, where, and under

what conditions a decision is most likely to be required to initiate a specific activity (such as a branch or

sequel) or event (such as lifting or shifting of fires.) (See also decision point (DP), decision support

matrix (DSM), intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB), and war gaming.) See FMs 34-130 and

101-5. 

decisive engagement (JP 1-02) — In land and naval warfare, an engagement in which a unit is considered

fully committed and cannot maneuver or extricate itself. In the absence of outside assistance, the action

must be fought to a conclusion and either won or lost with the forces at hand. (Army) — In some

situations, this is a desired result in order to hold key terrain, defeat a specific enemy force, or secure a
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-46

specific objective. In this situation, the unit can receive additional forces or support to be able to

disengage.

decisive point (Army) — 1. A point, if retained, that provides a commander with a marked advantage over

his opponent. Decisive points are usually geographic in nature but could include other physical elements,

such as enemy formations, command posts, and communications nodes. 2. A time or location where

enemy weakness is positioned that allows overwhelming combat power to be generated against it. It

could be an enemy weakness to be exploited or a time when the combat potential of the enemy force is

degraded. 3. Conveys to subordinates a potential point of decision that the commander has identified

through his estimate process to apply overwhelming combat power. (See also combat power, decision

point (DP), and synchronization.) See FM 100-5.

decisive terrain — Key terrain that has an extraordinary impact on the mission. Decisive terrain is relatively

rare and will not be present in every situation. To designate terrain as decisive is to recognize that the

successful accomplishment of the mission, whether offensive or defensive, depends on seizing or retaining

it. The commander designates decisive terrain to communicate its importance in his concept of

operations, first to his staff and, later, to subordinate commanders. (See also key terrain.) See FMs 34-

130 and 101-5.

declination (JP 1-02, NATO) — The angular distance to a body on the celestial sphere measured north or

south through 90 degrees from the celestial equator along the hour circle of the body. Comparable to

latitude on the terrestrial sphere. (Army) — In navigation, at a given place and time, the angle between

the grid north meridian and the true north meridian and or magnetic north meridian measured in degrees

or mils east or west. These change in relationship to the magnetic north meridian annually based on the

drift of the magnetic pole. See FMs 21-26 and 1-111.

deconflict — To reconcile or resolve a conflict in responsibility, area of operations, airspace, or interests in

order to accomplish smooth operations without undesired redundancy or threat of fratricide. (See also

air mission brief (AMB), airspace control area (ACA), area of operations (AO), battlefield coordination

element (BCE), and boundary.) See FMs 1-111, 71-100, 100-15, 100-103, and 101-5.

decontaminant — Any substance used to break down, neutralize, or remove a chemical, biological, or

radioactive material posing a threat to personnel or equipment. See FM 3-5. 

decontamination(JP 1-02, NATO) — The process of making any person, object, or area safe by absorbing,

destroying, neutralizing, making harmless, or removing chemical or biological agents, or by removing

radioactive material clinging to or around it. (Army) — The reduction of the contamination hazard by

removal or neutralization of hazardous levels of nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) contamination

on personnel and materiel. The three levels of decontamination are immediate, operational, and thorough.

(See also patient decontamination.) See FMs 3-5 and 8-10-7. 3-36 4-19

decoy (JP 1-02) — An imitation in any sense of a person, object, or phenomenon which is intended to

deceive enemy surveillance devices or mislead enemy evaluation. Also called dummy. See FM 90-2 and

JP 3-58. 3-7

deep maneuver — An offensive operation that employs ground or aviation maneuver forces in support of

deep operations which involve the movement of combat forces in relation to the enemy, supported by fires

or fire potential from all available sources. (See also deep operations and deep supporting fire.) 

deep operations (Army) — Those operations directed against enemy forces and functions which are not in

contact at the forward line of troops (FLOT), line of departure, or friendly perimeter and are between the

FLOT or perimeter and the forward boundary of the unit conducting the operation. These operations 
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-47

employ long-range fires, air and ground maneuver, and command and control warfare to defeat the enemy

by denying him freedom of action; disrupting his preparation for battle and his support structure; and

disrupting or destroying the coherence and tempo of his operations. (See also decisive point, forward

boundary, and simultaneous attack in depth.) See FMs 1-112, 6-20-30, 100-5, and 100-15. 

deep supporting fire (JP 1-02) — Fire directed on objectives not in the immediate vicinity of our forces, for

neutralizing and destroying enemy reserves and weapons, and interfering with enemy command, supply,

communications, and observations. (See also deep operations, forward boundary, and simultaneous

attack in depth.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5.

defeat (Army) — A tactical task to either disrupt or nullify the enemy force commander's plan and subdue

his will to fight so that he is unwilling or unable to further pursue his adopted course of action and yields

to the will of his opponent. (See also decisive point.) See FMs 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-

15.

defeat mechanism (Army) — That singular action, not necessarily the type of force or unit, that ensures the

success of a course of action. It includes locating objectives and identifying specific targets. (See also

center of gravity.) See FM 101-5.

defend — A combat operation designed to defeat an attacker and prevent him from achieving his objectives.

It employs all means and methods available to prevent, resist, or destroy an enemy attack. Forms of

defensive operations are area and mobile. Choices of defensive operations are in-depth and forward.

The defensive techniques are defend in sector, defend a battle position, and defend a strong point. See

FMs 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15. 

defend a battle position — A technique that places a unit in a battle position (BP) to concentrate its fires,

to limit its maneuver, or to place it in an advantageous position to counterattack. The BP is a general

location on the ground. The commander positions his forces on the best terrain within and in the vicinity

of the BP. The commander may position security forces forward of and about the BP. He can also locate

combat support and combat service support elements outside the BP. The commander can maneuver his

forces freely within the BP and seize the initiative to maneuver outside of the BP to attack enemy forces

provided that it does not interfere with the commander's concept. See FMs 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5,

and 100-15. 

defend a strong point — A form of defend a battle position that requires more engineer work and may be

required to be held at all costs. It denies key terrain to the enemy and forces his movement in a different

direction.

defense in depth (JP 1-02, NATO) — The siting of mutually supporting defense positions designed to

absorb and progressively weaken attack, prevent initial observations of the whole position by the enemy,

and to allow the commander to maneuver his reserve.

defend in sector — A technique that requires a defending unit to prevent enemy forces from passing beyond

the rear boundary of the sector while retaining flank security and ensuring integrity of effort within the

parent unit's scheme of maneuver. Initial positions generally are established as far forward as possible,

but a commander may use any technique to accomplish the mission. The higher commander will normally

assign a no-penetration criteria. Example: Do not allow penetration of PL NAME by 12 or more tanks

or infantry fighting vehicles. See FMs 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15. 

defense readiness conditions (DEFCON) (JP 1-02) — A uniform system of progressive alert postures for

use between the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the commanders of unified and specified

commands and for use by the Services. Defense readiness conditions are graduated to match situations
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-48

 of varying military severity (status of alert). Defense readiness conditions are identified by the short title

DEFCON (5), (4), (3), (2), and (1), as appropriate. See FM 100-5.

defensive counterair (DCA) (Army) — Operations conducted to protect against attack from enemy systems

that operate in the atmosphere (for example: a system used to destroy enemy aircraft attacking friendly

surface forces.).

defensive counterspace (DCS) (Army) — Operations conducted to defend against attacks by systems

operating in space. 

defensive operations — Operations conducted with the immediate purpose of causing an enemy attack to

fail. Defensive operations also may achieve one or more of the following: gain time; concentrate forces

elsewhere; wear down enemy forces as a prelude to offensive operations; and retain tactical, strategic, or

political objectives. (See also area defense, defend, and mobile defense.) See FMs 7-30, 71-100, 71-123,

100-5, and 100-15.

defilade (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. Protection from hostile observation and fire provided by an obstacle such

as a hill, ridge, or bank. 2. A vertical distance by which a position is concealed from enemy

observation. 3. To shield from enemy fire or observation by using natural or artificial obstacles. See

FMs 7-8, 7-20, 17-12, 23-1, and 71-123.

defile— A narrow gorge or pass that tends to prevent easy movement of troops. See FM 7-7, 7-8, and 7-10.

degree of risk (nuclear) (JP 1-02) — As specified by the commander, the risk to which friendly forces may

be subjected from the effects of the detonation of a nuclear weapon used in the attack of a close-in enemy

target; acceptable degrees of risk under differing tactical conditions are emergency, moderate, and

negligible. (See also emergency risk (nuclear), moderate risk (nuclear), negligible risk (nuclear),

operation exposure guide (OEG), and radiation status (RS).) See FM 3-3-1, JPs 3-12.2, and 3-12.3. 

delay from alternate positions — Requires two maneuver units in a single sector. While the first is fighting,

the second occupies the next position in depth and prepares to assume responsibility for the operation and

support by fire the disengagement of the first force. The first force disengages and passes through or

around the second, moving to resume the delay from a position in greater depth, while the second force

takes up the fight. C-9

delay forward of a specified l ine for a specified time or specified event — Used to prevent enemy forces

from reaching the specified area earlier than the specified time or event, regardless of the cost; presents

a higher risk to the unit. This can be done by units in the covering force area or in the main battle area.

(See also retirement, retrograde, and withdrawal.) C-9

delaying operation (JP 1-02, NATO) — An operation in which a force under pressure trades space for time

by slowing down the enemy's momentum and inflicting maximum damage on the enemy without, in

principle, becoming decisively engaged. (Army) — Usually conducted when the commander needs time

to concentrate, preserve, or withdraw forces; to establish defenses in greater depth; to economize in an

area; to cover a defending or withdrawing unit; to protect a friendly unit's flank; or to complete offensive

actions elsewhere. In the delay, the destruction of the enemy force is secondary to slowing his advance

to gain time. See FMs 17-95, 71-100, 100-5, and 100-15. C-9

delay in sector — Used to slow and defeat as much of the enemy as possible without sacrificing the tactical

integrity of the unit; presents low risk to the unit. Delay in sector can be done by forces in the covering

force area or in the main battle area. C-9
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-49

delay from successive positions — Performed when a sector is so wide that available forces cannot occupy

more than a single tier of positions at a time. Maneuver units delay continuously on and between

positions throughout their sectors, fighting rearward from one position to another, holding each as long

as possible or for a specified time. C-9

delegation of authority (JP 1-02, NATO) — The action by which a commander assigns part of his or her

authority commensurate with the assigned task to a subordinate commander. While ultimate

responsibility cannot be relinquished, delegation of authority carries with it the imposition of a measure

of responsibility. The extent of the authority delegated must be clearly stated. (See also command.) See

FM 100-34.

deliberate attack (JP 1-02, NATO) — A type of offensive action characterized by preplanned coordinated

employment of firepower and maneuver to close with and destroy or capture the enemy. (Army) — An

attack planned and carefully coordinated and rehearsed with all concerned elements based on thorough

reconnaissance, evaluation of all available intelligence and relative combat strength, analysis of various

courses of action, and other factors affecting the situation. It generally is conducted against a

well-organized defense when a hasty attack is not possible or has been conducted and failed. (See also

attack.) See FMs 7-8, 7-20, 17-12, 23-1, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15.

deliberate breaching (JP 1-02, NATO) — The creation of a lane through a minefield or a clear route through

a barrier or fortification, which is systematically planned and carried out. (Army) -- A deliberate breach

is conducted when it is not possible or necessary to cross an obstacle in stride, or after an in-stride breach

has failed. A deliberate breach is characterized by detailed planning and preparation, and executed with

whatever resources are available. (See also assault breach, assault force, breach, breach force, covert

breach, in-stride breach, and support force.) See FMs 5-71-100, 5-101, 7-8, 7-20, 17-12, 71-123,

and 90-13-1. 

deliberate crossing (JP 1-02, NATO) — A crossing of an inland water obstacle that requires extensive

planning and detailed preparation. (Army) — A crossing conducted against a well-organized defense

when a hasty river crossing has failed or is not possible. It requires thorough reconnaissance, extensive

intelligence, detailed planning, preparation, centralized control, and extensive rehearsals. (See also

bridgehead, bridgehead line, hasty crossing, and river crossing.) See FMs 7-7, 7-20, 23-1, 71-123, 90-13,

and 100-15. 3-28

deliberate defense (JP 1-02, NATO) — A defense normally organized when out of contact with the enemy

or when contact with the enemy is not imminent and time for organization is available. It normally

includes an extensive fortified zone incorporating pillboxes, forts, and communications systems. (See

also defend, defense in depth, and forward defense.) See FMs 7-8, 7-20, 17-12, 23-1, and 71-123.

deliberate planning (JP 1-02) — 1. The Joint Operation Planning and Execution System process involving

the development of joint operation plans for contingencies identified in joint strategic planning

documents. Conducted principally in peacetime, deliberate planning is accomplished in prescribed cycles

that complement other Department of Defense planning cycles in accordance with the formally established

Joint Strategic Planning System. 2. A planning process for the deployment and employment of

apportioned forces and resources that occurs in response to a hypothetical situation. Deliberate planners

rely heavily on assumptions regarding the circumstances that will exist when the plan is executed. (See

also contingency, fragmentary order, operation order (OPORD), and warning order (WARNO).) See FM

101-5 and JP 5-0.

deliberate smoke — smoke operations characterized by integrated planning and extended duration of smoke

support. See FM 3-50. 3-24 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-50

demilitarized zone (DMZ) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A defined area in which the stationing, or concentrating of

military forces, or the retention or establishment of military installations of any description, is

prohibited.(Army) — That space created to neutralize certain areas from military occupation and activity;

generally speaking, they are areas that both sides claim and where control by one could constitute a

direct threat to the other. Third-party forces are usually not present and the space is patrolled by observer

teams or surveyed from observation posts. (See also buffer zone and zone of separation (ZOS).) See

FMs 100-20 and 100-23.

demobilization(Army) — The act of returning the force and materiel to a premobilization posture or to some

other approved posture. It also involves returning the mobilized portion of the industrial base to

peacetime conditions. (See also mobilization.) See FMs 100-15 and 100-17.

demolition (JP 1-02, NATO) — The destruction of structures, facilities, or material by use of fire, water,

explosives, mechanical, or other means. See FMs 5-71-100 and 5-100.

demolition firing party (JP 1-02) — The party at the site which is technically responsible for the demolition.

(Army) — The group of soldiers who actually initiate detonation or fire the demolitions. (See also

demolition guard and state of readiness.) See FMs 5-71-100 and 5-100.

demolition guard (JP 1-02, NATO) — A local force positioned to ensure that a target is not captured by an

enemy before orders are given for its demolition and before the demolition has been successfully fired.

The commander of the demolition guard is responsible for the tactical control of all troops at the

demolition site, including the demolition firing party. The commander of the demolition guard is

responsible for transmitting the order to fire to the demolition firing party. See FMs 5-71-100 and 5-100.

demolition target (JP 1-02, NATO) — A target of known military interest identified for possible future

demolition. See FMs 5-71-100 and 5-100. 

demonstration (JP 1-02, NATO) — An attack or show of force on a front where a decision is not sought,

made with the aim of deceiving the enemy. (Army) — 1. Type of attack that is a deception similar to a

feint, with the exception that no contact with the enemy is sought. 2. In stability and support operations,

an operation by military forces in sight of an actual or potential enemy to show military capabilities. (See

also show of force and deception operation.) See FMs 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, 90-2, 100-5, and 100-15.

D-1

denial measure (JP 1-02, NATO) — An action to hinder or deny the enemy the use of space, personnel, or

facilities. It may include destruction, removal, contamination, or erection of obstructions.

denial operation (Army) — An operation designed to prevent or hinder enemy occupation of, or benefit

from, areas or objects having tactical or strategic value. See FM 100-25.

denied area (JP 1-02) — An area under enemy or unfriendly control in which friendly forces cannot expect

to operate successfully within existing operational constraints and force capabilities. (Army) — An area

that is operationally unsuitable for general purpose forces due to political, tactical, environmental, or

geographic reasons. It is a primary area for special operations forces. See FM 100-25.

departure airfield (JP 1-02) — An airfield on which troops and/or materiel are enplaned for flight. (See also

aerial port of debarkation and aerial port of embarkation.) See FM 55-12. 

departure point (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. A navigational check point used by aircraft as a marker for setting

course. 2. In amphibious operations, an air control point at the seaward end of the helicopter approach

lane system from which helicopter waves are dispatched along the selected helicopter approach lane to
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-51

the initial point. (Army) — That point, assembly area, airfield, or other location from which an aircraft

begins an aeronautical mission. (See also air control point (ACP), air corridor, and pickup zone (PZ).)

See FMs 1-111, 1-112, 1-116, and 100-103.

deployable intelligence support element (DISE) (Army) — A tactically tailored intelligence support team,

uniquely configured commander's intelligence staff with assured communications, automated intelligence

processing, and broadcast downlink systems needed to conduct split-based operations. The DISE is not

a permanent organization, specific unit, or specific quantity of equipment. As the forward element of the

analysis and control element (ACE), the DISE is normally the foundation on which a full ACE is formed,

if formed, after the lodgment is secured and subsequent operations begin. See FM 34-1. 

deployment (Army) — 1. The movement of forces within areas of operations. 2. The positioning of forces

into a formation for battle. 3. The relocation of forces and materiel to desired areas of

operations. 4. Deployment encompasses all activities from origin or home station through destination,

specifically including intracontinental United States, intertheater, and intratheater movement legs, staging,

and holding areas. 5. Those activities required to prepare and move a force and its sustainment

equipment and supplies to the area of operations in response to a crisis or natural disaster. (See also force

projection.) See FM 55-12, 71-100, 100-5, 100-15, and 100-17. 

depot (JP 1-02) — 1. supply — An activity for the receipt, classification, storage, accounting, issue,

maintenance, procurement, manufacture, assembly, research, salvage, or disposal of material.

2. personnel — An activity for the reception, processing, training, assignment, and forwarding of

personnel replacements. (See also classes of supply and combat service support.) See FM 10-1.

depth (Army) — The extension of operations in time, space, resources, and purpose. See FM 100-5. 

desired ground zero (DGZ) (JP 1-02, NATO) — The point on the surface of the Earth at, or vertically

below or above, the center of a planned nuclear detonation. (Army) — The aiming point for the weapon.

3-34

destroy — 1. A tactical task to physically render an enemy force combat-ineffective unless it is 

reconstituted. 2. To render a target so damaged that it cannot function as intended nor be restored to a

usable condition without being entirely rebuilt. (See also defeat.) See FMs 1-111, 5-100, 6-20, 71-100,

100-5, and 100-15. C-9

destruction — 1. When referring to the effects of field artillery fires, a target out of action permanently, or

30 percent casualties or material damage. Destruction requires large expenditures of ammunition and is

prohibitive unless using improved conventional munitions (ICM) or "smart weapons." 2. When used in

an attack helicopter mission, the percentage of destroyed or disabled vehicles must be specified by the

higher commander. See FMs 1-112 and 6-20 series.

destruction fire (JP 1-02) — Fire delivered for the sole purpose of destroying material objects. (See also fire

support and destroy.) See FM 6-20 series.

detachment (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. A part of a unit separated from its main organization for duty elsewhere.

2. A temporary military or naval unit formed from other units or parts of units. (Army) — 1. A unit that

is serving away from the organization to which it is organic and to which it remains assigned. 2. A

detached unit may function as an independent organization, or it may be attached to or serve with or under

another organization. (See also assign, attach, command relationship, and operational control (OPCON).)

See FMs 7-20, 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, and 100-15. 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-52

detachment left in contact (DLIC) — An element at any echelon conducting a withdrawal not under

pressure. This element may comprise as much as one-third of the next higher command's organization.

Its primary purpose is to remain behind to deceive the enemy into believing the parent unit is still in

position as the majority of units withdraw. If the withdrawal is discovered and the enemy attacks, the

DLIC defends or delays within its capability. It disengages and withdraws after the main body has begun

movement to the next mission. (See also breakout, delaying operation, and retrograde.) See FM 7-20,

7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 100-5, and 100-15.

detailed equipment decontamin ation — In thorough decontamination, removing, neutralizing, or reducing

contamination on interior and exterior surfaces of unit equipment to negligible risk levels to allow the

removal of mission-oriented protective posture (MOPP) gear or reduction in MOPP level for extended

periods. See FM 3-5. 3-36

detailed troop decontamination — In thorough decontamination, reducing mission-oriented protective

posture (MOPP) levels for extended periods by decontaminating individual fighting equipment to

negligible risk levels, removing contaminated MOPP gear including protective masks, decontaminating

protective masks, and monitoring personnel and equipment for effectiveness of decontamination. See FM

3-5. 3-36

detained — See missing.

detainee (JP 1-02) — A term used to refer to any person captured or otherwise detained by an armed force.

See FMs 34-1 and 100-20. 3-37, 3-38

deterrence (JP 1-02) — The prevention from action by fear of the consequences. Deterrence is a state of

mind brought about by the existence of a credible threat of unacceptable counteraction. See FM 100-20.

detonating cord (JP 1-02, NATO) — A waterproof, flexible fabric tube containing a high explosive designed

to transmit the detonation wave. (See also demolition.) See FMs 5-71-100 and 5-100.

dew point spread — The degrees of difference between the air temperature and the dew point that indicate

if fog will begin to form. See FMs 1-111, 1-112, and 1-116.

diamondformation — A tactical or movement formation that is a variation of the box formation with one

maneuver unit leading, maneuver units positioned on each flank, and the remaining maneuver unit to the

rear. (See also box formation and formation.) See FMs 7-7 and 71-123. 

died of wounds (DOW) — A hostile or battle casualty who dies after having reached a medical treatment

facility. (See also hostile casualty and killed in action (KIA).) See FM 8-55. 

died of wounds received in action (DWRIA) (JP 1-02) — A casualty category applicable to a hostile

casualty, other than the victim of a terrorist activity, who dies of wounds or other injuries received in

action after having reached a medical treatment facility. 

digitization — 1. The near-real-time transfer of battlefield information between diverse fighting elements

to permit a shared awareness of the tactical situation. 2. Leveraging information-age technologies to

enhance the art of command and facilitate the science of control. (See also command and control warfare

(C W) and information warfare (IW).) See FMs 71-100 and 100-15. 2

direct action (DA) (JP 1-02) — Short-duration strikes and other small-scale offensive actions by special

operations forces to seize, destroy, capture, recover, or inflict damage on designated personnel or

materiel. In the conduct of these operations, special operations forces may employ raid, ambush, or direct
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-53

assault tactics; emplace mines and other munitions; conduct standoff attacks by fire from air, ground, or

maritime platforms; provide terminal guidance for precision-guided munitions; and conduct independent

sabotage. See FM 31-20.

direct action mission — In special operations, a specified act involving operations of an overt, clandestine,

or low-visibility nature conducted primarily by special operations forces in hostile or denied areas. (See

also direct action (DA) and direct action operations.) See FM 31-20.

direct action operations — Short-duration offensive actions by special operations forces (SOF) to seize,

destroy, or inflict damage on a specified target; or to destroy, capture, or recover designated personnel

or materiel. In the conduct of these operations, SOF may employ raid, ambush, or direct assault tactics;

emplace mines and other munitions; conduct standoff attacks by fire from air, ground, or maritime

platforms; provide terminal guidance for precision-guided munitions; and conduct independent sabotage.

See FMs 31-20 and 100-25.

directed-energy (DE) (JP 1-02) — An umbrella term covering technologies that relate to the production of

a beam of concentrated electromagnetic energy or atomic or subatomic particles. (Army) — Lasers, highenergy microwave, and particle beams are all examples. (See also directed-energy warfare (DEW).)

directed-energy warfare (DEW) (JP 1-02) — Military action involving the use of directed-energy weapons,

devices, and countermeasures to either cause direct damage or destruction of enemy equipment, facilities,

and personnel, or to determine, exploit, reduce, or prevent hostile use of the electromagnetic spectrum

through damage, destruction, and disruption. It also includes actions taken to protect friendly equipment,

facilities, and personnel and retain friendly use of the electromagnetic spectrum. (Army) — Directedenergy weapons are used like direct fire weapons. (See also directed energy (DE) and direct fire.) See

FM 71-123.

directed obstacle — An obstacle directed by a higher commander as a specified task to a subordinate unit.

See FM 90-7.

directed target — Target directed by the responsible commander to be prepared for demolition or destroyed

to support his intent. See FMs 5-71-100 and 5-100.

direct exchange (JP 1-02) — A supply method of issuing serviceable materiel in exchange for unserviceable

materiel on an item-for-item basis. See FMs 10-1 and 63-20.

direct fire (JP 1-02) — Gunfire delivered on a target, using the target itself as a point of aim for either the

gun or the director. (Army) — Fire includes gun, missile, or rocket fire. Fire directed at a target that is

visible to the aimer or firing unit. See FMs 1-112, 7-7, 7-8, 7-20, 7-95, and 71-123.

direction of attack (JP 1-02) — A specific direction or route that the main attack or center of mass of the

unit will follow. The unit is restricted, required to attack as indicated, and is not normally allowed to

bypass the enemy. The direction of attack is used primarily in counterattacks or to ensure that supporting

attacks make maximal contribution to the main attack. (Army) — Normally used at battalion and lower

levels. Direction of attack is a more restrictive control measure than axis of advance, and units are not

free to maneuver off the assigned route. It usually is associated with infantry units conducting night

attacks, or units involved in limited visibility operations and in counterattacks. (See also axis of

advance.) See FMs 7-8, 7-20, 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, and 100-15. 3-15, 3-16 

direction finding (JP 1-02) — A procedure for obtaining bearings of radio frequency emitters by using a

highly directional antenna and a display unit on an intercept receiver or ancillary equipment.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-54

direction of fire — The direction on which a cannon, rocket, gun, or missile is laid. It represents the direction

to the most significant threat in the target area. See FMs 6-20, 7-90, 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1. 

direct laying (JP 1-02) — Laying in which the sights of weapons are aligned directly on the target. (Army)

— Normally used in conjunction with mortars and sometimes artillery. See FMs 6-20 and 7-90.

direct pressure force — A force employed in a pursuit operation that orients on the enemy main body to

prevent enemy disengagement or defensive reconstitution prior to envelopment by the encircling force.

It normally conducts a series of hasty attacks to slow the enemy's retirement by forcing him to stand and

fight. (See also encircling force and pursuit.) See FMs 1-112, 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, and 100-15.

direct support (DS) (JP 1-02) — A mission requiring a force to support another specific force and

authorizing it to answer directly the supported force's request for assistance. (NATO) — The support

provided by a unit or formation not attached to, nor under command of, the supported unit or formation,

but required to give priority to the support required by that unit or formation. (See also general support

(GS), general support reinforcing (GSR), and reinforcing (R).) See FMs 6-20, 7-30, 71-100, 71-123,

and 100-15. 

direct support artillery (JP 1-02 NATO) — Artillery whose primary task is to provide fire requested by the

supported unit. (See also general support (GS).) See FM 6-series.

direct support unit (DSU) — Unit providing supply and maintenance support directly to a using or

consuming unit. 

disengagement — Breaking contact with the enemy and moving to a point where the enemy can neither

observe nor engage the unit by direct fire. See FMs 7-8, 7-20, 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, and 100-15.

dislocated civilian (Army) — A generic term that describes a civilian who has been forced to move by war,

revolution, or natural or man-made disaster from his or her home to some other location. Dislocated

citizens include displaced persons, refugees, evacuees, stateless persons, or war victims. Legal and

political considerations define the subcategories of a dislocated civilian. See FM 100-20.

dispersion(JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. A scattered pattern of hits around the mean point of impact of bombs and

projectiles dropped or fired under identical conditions. 2. In antiaircraft gunnery, the scattering of shots

in range and deflection about the mean point of explosion. 3. The spreading or separating of troops,

materiel, establishments, or activities which are usually concentrated in limited areas to reduce

vulnerability. 4. In chemical and biological operations, the dissemination of agents in liquid or aerosol

form. 5. In airdrop operations, the scatter of personnel and/or cargo on the drop zone. See FMs 6-20,

17-12, 23-1, 44-100, 71-100-2, and 71-123.

displace — To leave one position and take another. Forces may be displaced laterally to concentrate combat

power in threatened areas. (See also defend and delaying operation.) See FMs 6-20, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20,

17-95, and 71-123.

displaced person (JP 1-02, NATO) — A civilian who is involuntarily outside the national boundaries of his

or her country. (See also dislocated civilian and refugee.) See FMs 100-20 and 100-23.

display(Army) — A deception technique to mislead the enemy's visual senses, including his observation by

radar, camera, infrared device, or the human eye. Displays include simulations, disguises, portrayals, or

some combination of these measures. See FMs 71-100, 90-2, 100-5, and 100-15.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-55

disposition (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. Distribution of the elements of a command within an area, usually the

exact location of each unit headquarters and the deployment of the forces subordinate to it. 2. A

prescribed arrangement of the stations to be occupied by the several formations and single ships of a fleet,

or major subdivisions of a fleet, for any purpose, such as cruising, approach, maintaining contact, or

battle. 3. A prescribed arrangement of all the tactical units composing a flight or group of aircraft.

(DOD) 4. The removal of a patient from a medical treatment facility by reason of return to duty, transfer

to another treatment facility, death, or other termination of medical case. (See also deployment and

dispersion.) See FMs 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, 100-15, and 101-5.

disrupt— A tactical task or obstacle effect that integrates fire planning and obstacle effort to break apart an

enemy's formation and tempo, interrupt the enemy's timetable, or cause premature commitment of enemy

forces, or the piecemealing of his attack. See FMs 90-7 and 100-5. 3-31 C-9

distribution point (JP 1-02, NATO) — A point at which supplies and/or ammunition, obtained from

supporting supply points by a division or other unit, are broken down for distribution to subordinate units.

Distribution points usually carry no stocks; items drawn are issued completely as soon as possible. See

FM 10-1.

distribution system (JP 1-02) — That complex of facilities, installations, methods, and procedures designed

to receive, store, maintain, distribute, and control the flow of military materiel between the point of receipt

into the military system and the point of issue to using activities and units. See FMs 10-1 and 100-10.

diversion (JP 1-02) — 1. The act of drawing the attention and forces of an enemy from the point of the

principal operation; an attack, alarm, or feint that diverts attention. 2. A change made in a prescribed

route for operational or tactical reasons. A diversion order will not constitute a change of destination.

3. A rerouting of cargo or passengers to a new transshipment point or destination or on a different mode

of transportation prior to arrival at ultimate destination. (See also deception operation and

demonstration.) See FMs 55-12, 71-100, 100-5, and 100-15. 

division PSYOP support element (DPSE) (Army) — A tactical psychological operation support element

that provides PSYOP support to a division. See FM 33-1 and JP 3-53.

division support area (DSA) (Army) — An area normally located in the division rear and often positioned

near air-landing facilities along the main supply route. The DSA contains the portions of the division rear

command post, DISCOM CP, and units organic and attached to the DISCOM. It may also contain

COSCOM units supporting the division and nondivisional units in the division area. See FM 63-2.

3-39

doctrinal template — A model based on postulated enemy tactical doctrine. It generally portrays frontages,

depths, echelon spacing, and force composition, as well as his disposition of combat, combat support, and

combat service support units for a given type of operation. It portrays how the enemy would like to fight

if he was not constrained. (See also decision support template (DST), event template, intelligence

preparation of the battlefield (IPB), and situational template.) See FMs 34-1 and 34-130.

doctrine(JP 1-02, NATO) — Fundamental principles by which the military forces or elements thereof guide

their actions in support of national objectives. It is authoritative but requires judgment in application.

See FM 100-5.

domestic emergencies (JP 1-02) — Emergencies affecting the public welfare and occurring within the 50

states, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, US possessions and territories, or any 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-56

political subdivision thereof, as a result of enemy attack, insurrection, civil disturbance, earthquake, fire,

flood, or other public disasters, or equivalent emergencies that endanger life and property or disrupt the

usual process of government. The term domestic emergency ic ncludes any or all of the emergency

conditions defined below: a. civil defense emergency — A domestic emergency disaster situation

resulting from devastation created by an enemy attack and requiring emergency operations during and

following that attack. It may be proclaimed by appropriate authority in anticipation of an attack. b. civil

disturbances — Riots, acts of violence, insurrections, unlawful obstructions or assemblages, or other

disorders prejudicial to public law and order. The term civil disturbance includes all domestic conditions

requiring or likely to require the use of Federal Armed Forces pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 15

of Title 10, United States Code. c. major disaster — Any flood, fire, hurricane, tornado, earthquake,

or other catastrophe which, in the determination of the President, is or threatens to be of sufficient

severity and magnitude to warrant disaster assistance by the Federal Government under Public Law 606,

91st Congress (42 United States Code 58) to supplement the efforts and available resources of State and

local governments in alleviating the damage, hardship, or suffering caused thereby. d. natural disaster

— All domestic emergencies except those created as a result of enemy attack or civil disturbance. See

FM 100-20.

dominant terrain — Terrain that because of its elevation, proportions, or location, commands a view of, and

may offer fields of fire over, surrounding terrain. (See also critical point and key terrain.) See FM

34-130.

dominant user concept (JP 1-02) — The concept that the Service which is the principal consumer will have

the responsibility for performance of a support workload for all using Services. See FM 10-1.

dose rate — The amount of ionizing or nuclear radiation that an individual would receive during a unit of

time. It is usually expressed in centigray (cGy) per hour. Dose rate is commonly used to indicate the level

of radioactivity in a contaminated area. See FM 3-3-1.

dose rate contour line (JP 1-02, NATO) — A line on a map, diagram, or overlay joining all points at which

the radiation dose rate at a given time is the same. See FM 3-3-1. 3-36 

double envelopment (Army) — A choice of maneuver executed by forces that move around both flanks of

an enemy position to attack the flanks or objectives in the rear of the enemy. The enemy normally is fixed

in position by a supporting frontal attack or by indirect or aerial fires. (See also choices of maneuver,

envelopment, and turning movement.) See FMs 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15.

doubtful (JP 1-02) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, a term used by an observer or spotter to indicate

that he was unable to determine the difference in range between the target and a round or rounds. (Army)

— Includes mortars and direct fire. See FMs 6-20, 7-90, 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

down (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support: 1. A term used in a call for fire to indicate

that the target is at a lower altitude than the reference point used in identifying the target. 2. A correction

used by an observer/spotter to indicate that a decrease in height of burst is desired. (Army) — Includes

mortars and direct fire. See FMs 6-20, 7-90, 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

downed aircrew pickup point — A point to where aviators will attempt to evade and escape to be recovered

by friendly forces. See FM 1-111. 3-5

downwind hazard area — The area downwind of a nuclear, biological, or chemical attack that may present

a hazard to unprotected troops. See FM 3-3 and 3-3-1.
FM 101-5-1

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1-57

downwind hazard prediction — A prediction of the possible extent of chemical hazard prepared by a corps

or division nuclear, biological, chemical center (NBCC) following an attack. See FM 3-3.

drop(JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, a correction used by an observer/spotter to

indicate that a decrease in range along a spotting line is desired. (Army) — Parachute jump, individual

or in mass, or supply delivery by parachute from an aircraft in flight, or the act of making such a jump

or delivery. See FMs 6-20, 7-90, 23-1, 71-100-2, and 90-26. 

drop zone (DZ) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A specific area upon which airborne troops, equipment, or supplies are

airdropped. (See also airborne operation and drop.) See FMs 7-8, 7-20, 7-30, 71-100, and 90-26.

3-12 

dual-firing circuit (JP 1-02) — An assembly comprising two independent firing systems, both electric or

both non-electric, so that the firing of either system will detonate all charges. (See also demolition and

state of readiness.) See FMs 5-71-100 and 5-100. 

dummy minefield (JP 1-02, NATO) — In naval mine warfare, a minefield containing no live mines and

presenting only a psychological threat. (Army). It is also known as a phoney minefield. (See also

deception operation.) See FMs 5-100 and 90-2. 3-7

E

early warning (JP 1-02, NATO) — Early notification of the launch or approach of unknown weapons or

weapon carriers. (See also air defense.) See FMs 34-2 and 44-100. 

echelon (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. A subdivision of a headquarters, i.e., forward echelon, rear echelon. 2.

Separate level of command. As compared to a regiment, a division is a higher echelon; a battalion is a

lower echelon. 3. A fraction of a command in the direction of depth to which a principal combat mission

is assigned, i.e., attack echelon, support echelon, reserve echelon. 4. A formation in which its

subdivisions are placed one behind another, with a lateral and even spacing to the same side. (See also

airborne operation, command post (CP), and formation.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 10-1, 17-

95, 71-123, 100-5, 100-10, and 100-15. 

echeloned displacement (JP 1-02, NATO) — Movement of a unit from one position to another without

discontinuing performance of its primary function. (DOD) Normally, the unit divides into two functional

elements (base and advance); and, while the base continues to operate, the advance element displaces to

a new site where, after it becomes operational, it is joined by the base element. (Army) — A movement

with one element as the base of fire which covers the moving unit's movement to the next position, it is

used in both offensive and defensive operations. (See also bound, bounding overwatch, defend, delaying

operation, and force projection.) See FMs 6-20 series, 7-7, 7-8, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-123, 71-100, and

100-15.

echelon formati on — A unit formation with subordinate elements arranged on an angle to the left of the

direction of attack or to the right (echelon left; echelon right). This formation provides for firepower

forward and to the flank of the direction of the echelon. It facilitates control in open areas. It provides

minimal security to the opposite flank of the direction of the echeloning. (See also box formation, column

formation, diamond formation, formation, line formation, movement formation, vee formation, and wedge

formation.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, and 7-20.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-58

echeloning — The organizing and prioritizing of units for movement. Echelons are often divided into

elements such as advance parties, initial combat forces, follow-on forces, and closure forces. See

FM 71-100.

echelonment — Organization of elements within a force into three echelons— the assault echelon, the

follow-on echelon, and the rear echelon. (See also airborne, assault echelon, follow-on echelon, and rear

echelon.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-100-2, 71-123, 90-26, and 100-15.

echelons above corps (EAC) (Army) — Army headquarters and organizations that provide the interface

between the theater commander (joint or multinational) and the corps for operational matters. See FM

100-5. 

economy of force — The allocation of minimum-essential combat capability or strength to secondary efforts

so that forces may be concentrated in the area where a decision is sought. Economy of force is a principle

of war and a condition of tactical operations. It is not used to describe a mission. (See also main effort.)

See FMs 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15.

effective downwind message — A message that forecasts wind speed and direction at heights corresponding

to preselected nuclear weapon yields. See FM 3-3.

egress route — The route used to exit enemy territory after the conclusion of a mission such as a deep attack

or raid. See FMs 1-111, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 100-103.

electromagnetic deception (JP 1-02) — The deliberate radiation, reradiation, alteration, suppression,

absorption, denial, enhancement, or reflection of electromagnetic energy in a manner intended to convey

misleading information to an enemy or to enemy electromagnetic-dependent weapons, thereby degrading

or neutralizing the enemy's combat capability. Among the types of electromagnetic deception are

imitative, manipulative, and simulative. (See also electronic warfare (EW), information warfare (IW),

imitative electromagnetic deception (IED), manipulative electromagnetic deception (MED), and

simulative electromagnetic deception.) See FMs 34-1 and 34-40.

electromagnetic interference (EMI) (JP 1-02) — Any electromagnetic disturbance that interrupts, obstructs,

or otherwise degrades or limits the effective performance of electronics/electrical equipment. It can be

induced intentionally, as in some forms of electronic warfare, or unintentionally, as a result of spurious

emissions and responses, intermodulation products, and the like. (See also jamming.) See FM 34-1.

electromagnetic pulse (EMP) (JP 1-02) — The electromagnetic radiation from a nuclear explosion caused

by Compton-recoil electrons and photoelectrons from photons scattered in the materials of the nuclear

device or in a surrounding medium. The resulting electric and magnetic fields may couple with

electrical/electronic systems to produce damaging current and voltage surges. (Army) — The

high-energy, short-duration pulse (similar in some respects to a bolt of lightning) generated by a nuclear

or nonnuclear detonation. It can induce a current in any electrical conductor and can temporarily disrupt

or overload and damage components of improperly protected or unprotected electronic equipment. See

FM 3-3-1. 

electromagnetic radiation (JP 1-02) — Radiation made up of oscillating electric and magnetic fields and

propagated with the speed of light. Includes gamma radiation; X-rays; ultraviolet, visible, and infrared

radiation; and radar and radio waves. See FM 34-40.

electronic attack (EA) (JP 1-02) — That division of electronic warfare involving the use of electromagnetic,

directed energy, or antiradiation weapons to attack personnel, facilities, or equipment with the intent of

degrading, neutralizing, or destroying enemy combat capability. EA includes: 1. actions taken to prevent

or reduce an enemy's effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as jamming and electromagnetic
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-59

deception, and 2. employment of weapons that use either electromagnetic or directed energy as their

primary destructive mechanism (lasers, radio frequency weapons, particle beams), or antiradiation

weapons. (See also command and control warfare (C W) and electronic warfare (EW).) See FMs 34-1 2

and 34-40. 

electronic protection (EP) (JP 1-02) — That division of electronic warfare involving actions taken to protect

personnel, facilities, and equipment from any effects of friendly or enemy employment of electronic

warfare that degrade, neutralize, or destroy friendly combat capability. (See also electronic warfare

(EW).) See FMs 34-1 and 34-40. 

electronic intelligence (ELINT) (JP 1-02) — Technical and geolocation intelligence derived from foreign

noncommunications electromagnetic radiations emanating from other than nuclear detonations or

radioactive sources. (See also signals intelligence (SIGINT).) See FMs 34-1 and 34-40.

electronic warfare (EW) (JP 1-02) — Any military action involving the use of electromagnetic and directed

energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum or to attack the enemy. The three major subdivisions

within electronic warfare are: electronic attack, electronic protection, and electronic warfare support.

(Army) — The use of electromagnetic energy to determine, exploit, reduce, or prevent hostile use of the

electromagnetic spectrum and to ensure friendly use thereof. (See also command and control warfare

(C W) and deception.) See FMs 34-1 and 34-40. 2

electronic warfare support (ES) (JP 1-02) — That division of electronic warfare involving actions tasked

by, or under direct control of, an operational commander to search for, intercept, identify, and locate

sources of intentional and unintentional radiated electromagnetic energy for the purpose of immediate

threat recognition. Thus, electronic warfare support provides information required for immediate

decisions involving electronic warfare operations and other tactical actions such as threat avoidance,

targeting, and homing. Electronic warfare support data can be used to produce signals intelligence

(SIGINT), communications intelligence (COMINT), and electronics intelligence (ELINT). (See also

electronic warfare (EW).) See FMs 34-1 and 34-40.

embarkation (JP 1-02, NATO) — The process of putting personnel and/or vehicles and their associated

stores and equipment into ships and/or aircraft. (See also aerial port of embarkation (APOE) and

amphibious operation.) See FMs 20-12 and 55-12. 

embarkation order (JP 1-02, NATO) — An order specifying dates, times, routes, loading diagrams, and

methods of movement to shipside or aircraft for troops and their equipment. (See also movement table

and operation order (OPORD).) See FM 101-5.

emergency procedure — A mandatory procedure that a flight crew must perform to preclude loss of life or

injury and to avoid damage to the aircraft when an aircraft malfunction occurs. See FMs 1-111,

1-112, 1-116, and 100-103.

emergency resupply (JP 1-02) — A resupply mission that occurs based on a predetermined set of

circumstances and time interval should radio contact not be established or, once established, is lost

between a special operations tactical element and its base (See also automatic resupply and on-call

resupply.)

emergency risk (nuclear) (JP 1-02) — A degree of risk where anticipated effects may cause some temporary

shock and casualties and may significantly reduce the unit's combat efficiency. (Army) — Emergency

risk is accepted only when absolutely necessary. It includes vulnerability categories expressed in terms

of risk to unwarned, exposed personnel; exposed personnel; warned, protected personnel. (See also
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-60

degree of risk (nuclear), moderate risk (nuclear), negligible risk (nuclear), and troop safety (nuclear).)

See FM 100-30 and JPs 3-12.2 and 3-12.3.

emplacement (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. A prepared position for one or more weapons or pieces of equipment,

for protection against hostile fire or bombardment, and from which they can execute their tasks. 2. The

act of fixing a gun in a prepared position from which it may be fired. (See also defend.) See FMs 5-103,

6-20 series, 7-7, 7-8, 7-90, and 71-123. 3-33

encirclement— The loss of freedom of maneuver to one force resulting from an enemy force's control of all

routes of egress and reinforcement. (See also breakout and linkup.) See FMs 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95,

71-100, 71-123, and 100-5. 3-19

encircling force — In pursuit operations, the force which is to get to the rear of the enemy and block his

escape so that he can be destroyed between the direct pressure and encircling force. This force advances

or flies along routes paralleling the enemy's line of retreat. This force may also attack into the flank of

a retreating enemy. (See also block, envelopment, and pursuit.) See FMs 1-111, 1-112, 7-10, 7-20,

7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 100-5, and 100-15.

end evening civil twilight (EECT) — Occurs when the sun has dropped 6 degrees beneath the western

horizon and is the instant at which there is no longer sufficient light to see objects with the unaided eye.

Light intensification devices are recommended from this time until begin morning civil twilight (BMCT).

(See also limited-visibility operations and twilight.)

end evening nautical twilight (EENT) — Occurs when the sun has dropped 12 degrees beneath the western

horizon and is the instant of last available daylight. At the EENT, there is no further sunlight visible.

(See limited-visibility operations and twilight.)

end of mission (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, an order given to terminate firing

on a specific target. (Army) — Pertains to mortar fire also. (See also cease loading, call for fire, and fire

mission.) See FMs 6-20 series and 7-90.

end state (Army) — A set of required conditions that, when achieved, attain the aims set for the campaign

or operation. (See also battlefield visualization, commander's intent, and operation order (OPORD).)

See FMs 71-100, 100-5, and 100-15.

enemy— The individual, group of individuals (organized or not organized), paramilitary or military force,

national entity, or national alliance that is in opposition to the United States, its allies, or multinational

partners. Ch 4 App B D-2 to D-8 

enemy prisoner of war (EPW) — Enemy personnel captured during operations conducted in war or combat,

or stability and support operations. See FMs 19-40 and 27-10. 3-38

enfilading fire — A type of engagement where the beaten zone of the firing weapon is on the long axis of the

target being engaged. This usually occurs from the flank of the target. See FMs 7-7, 7-8 and 7-10.

engage (JP 1-02, NATO) — In air defense, a fire control order used to direct or authorize units and/or

weapon systems to fire on a designated target. (See also cease fire.)

engagement (JP 1-02) — In air defense, an attack with guns or air-to-air missiles by an interceptor aircraft,

or the launch of an air defense missile by air defense artillery and the missile's subsequent travel to
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intercept. (Army) — A small tactical conflict, usually between opposing maneuver forces. (See also

battle and campaign.) See FMs 1-112, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 44-100, 71-123, 100-5, and

100-15.

engagement area (EA) — An area along an enemy avenue of approach where the commander intends to

contain and destroy an enemy force with the massed fires of all available weapons. The size and shape

of the engagement area is determined by the relatively unobstructed intervisibility from the weapon

systems in their firing positions and the maximum range of those weapons. Sectors of fire are usually

assigned to subordinates to prevent fratricide. (See also defend.) See FMs 1-111, 1-112, 7-10,

7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15. 3-8, 3-12

engagement criteria — Those circumstances that allow engagement of an enemy force without a specific

command to do so. Examples are a point or line on the ground that an enemy crosses or an event or action

that an enemy does. (See also engagement area (EA) and decision point (DP).) See FMs 6-series, 7-7,

7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-90, 7-91, 17-12, 17-95, 23-1, 71-123, and 101-5.

engagement priorities — The sequence for attack of targets in order of importance assigned to specific

weapon systems to facilitate the destruction of threat vehicles expected in an armored formation.

Engagement priorities are assigned based on the type or level of threat at different ranges to best match

organic weapon system capabilities against threat vulnerabilities. See FM 101-5.

engineer regulating point (ERP) — Checkpoint to ensure that vehicles do not exceed the capacity of the

crossing means and to give drivers final instructions on site-specific procedures and information, such

as speed and vehicle interval. See FMs 5-71-100, 5-100, and 5-114. 3-28

engineer work line — A coordinated boundary or phase line used to compartmentalize an operational area

to indicate where specific engineer units have primary responsibility for the engineer effort. It may be

used at division level to discriminate between a sector supported by division engineer assets and a sector

supported by direct support or general support corps engineer units. See FMs 5-71-100, 5-100, and

5-114.

envelopment (JP 1-02, NATO) — An offensive maneuver in which the main attacking force passes around

or over the enemy's principal defensive positions to secure objectives to the enemy's rear. (Army) — It

is one of the five choices of maneuver. A commander must find or create an assailable flank by passing

forces around one or both of, or over (vertical), the sides of an enemy force, pitting his strength against

the enemy's weakness. (See also attack, choices of maneuver, double envelopment, encircling force,

offensive operations, and turning movement.) See FMs 1-111, 1-112, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-

123, 100-5, and 100-15. 

environmental area of interest — An environmentally sensitive area that may be deemed worthy of special

consideration because of its unique and important qualities relative to adjacent areas (for example, the

only forest within a large region), or the importance of its natural environmental function (for example,

a wetland, flood plains, permafrost area, or an endangered species critical habitat). The environmental

area of interests includes man-made structures such as waste water treatment plants and dams.

environmental base line survey — An assessment, or study, done on an area of interest (a property) in order

to define the environmental state or condition of that property prior to use by US forces. Used to

determine the environmental impact of property use by US forces, and the level of environmental

restoration needed prior to returning the property, upon US departure. 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

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environmental compliance — The unconditional obeying of international, foreign nation, federal, state, and

local environmental rules, regulations, and guidelines that affect current operations.

environmental conditions report (ECR) — A concise summary of environmental conditions at a base camp

site, based on the environmental base line survey, supported by maps and backup documents, prepared

by base camp commanders for each base camp. The ECR documents conditions at the site if claims or

other legal challenges arise against the government.

environmental protec tion — The application of human ingenuity and resources, through the disciplines of

science and engineering, as required by environmental protection laws, regulations, and policies, to

protect the natural environment.

environm ental protection level — The varying level of environmental protection that can reasonably be

afforded at any particular time during warfare, or battlefield conditions, given the absolute requirement

that such a diversion of resources away from the mission at hand does not adversely affect that mission,

or any friendly personnel, or indigenous or refugee populations.

environmental reconnaissance — The systematic observation and recording of site or area data collected

by visual or physical means, dealing specifically with environmental conditions as they exist, and

identifying areas that are environmentally sensitive or of relative environmental concern, for information

and decision-making purposes.

escort (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. A combatant unit(s) assigned to accompany and protect another force or

convoy. 2. Aircraft assigned to protect other aircraft during a mission. 3. An armed guard that

accompanies a convoy, a train, prisoners, etc. 4. An armed guard accompanying persons as a mark of

honor. (DOD) 5. To convoy. 6. A member of the Armed Forces assigned to accompany, assist, or

guide an individual or group, e.g., an escort officer. See FMs 1-111, 1-112, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123,

100-5, 100-15, and 100-20.

essential elements of friendly information (EEFI) (JP 1-02) — Key questions likely to be asked by

adversary officials and intelligence systems about specific friendly intentions, capabilities, and activities

so they can obtain answers critical to their operational effectiveness. (Army) — The critical aspects of

a friendly operation that, if known by the enemy, would subsequently compromise, lead to failure, or limit

success of the operation, and therefore must be protected from enemy detection. (See also commander's

critical information requirements (CCIR).) See FMs 34-1 and 101-5.

essential elements of information (EEI) (JP 1-02) — The critical items of information regarding the enemy

and the environment needed by the commander by a particular time to relate with other available

information and intelligence in order to assist in reaching a logical decision. (Army) — Within US Army

doctrine, priority intelligence requirements equate to EEI. (See also commander's critical information

requirements. (CCIR).) See FM 101-5.

evacuation (JP 1-02) — 1. The process of moving any person who is wounded, injured, or ill to and/or

between medical treatment facilities. 2. The clearance of personnel, animals, or materiel from a given

locality. 3. The controlled process of collecting, classifying, and shipping unserviceable or abandoned

material, United States and foreign, to appropriate reclamation, maintenance, technical intelligence, or

disposal facilities. (Army) — 1. The ordered or authorized departure of noncombatants from a specific

area by the Department of State, Department of Defense, or appropriate military commander. This refers

to the movement from one area to another in the same or different countries. The evacuation is caused

by unusual or emergency circumstances and applies equally to command or noncommand-sponsored

family members. 2. A combat service support function that involves the movement of recovered

material, personnel, casualties, bodies, prisoners of war, and so forth, from a forward collection point 
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along a main supply route to a rearward, usually higher unit, exchange point, or facility. (See also

collection point and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).) See FMs 1-111, 1-112, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 8-10-6,

17-95, 17-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15.

evacuation force — In noncombatant evacuation operations, the element that conducts in-country evacuation

operations, including advance party, evacuation control center, marshalling, and force protection

operations. (See also evacuation.) See FM 90-29.

evacuation site — In noncombatant evacuation operations, the location, selected by the embassy and

occupied by the evacuation force, where evacuees are consolidated and prepared for evacuation . It is

usually located near the point of embarkation. (See also evacuation.) See FM 90-29.

evasion and escape (E&E) (JP 1-02, NATO) — The procedures and operations whereby military personnel

and other selected individuals are enabled to emerge from an enemy-held or hostile area to areas under

friendly control. See FMs 1-111 and 100-25.

event template — A model against which enemy activity can be recorded and compared. It represents a

sequential projection of events that relate to space and time on the battlefield and indicate the enemy's

ability to adopt a particular course of action. The event template is a guide for collection and

reconnaissance and surveillance planning. (See also decision support template, doctrinal template,

named area of interest (AI), and situation template.) See FMs 34-1 and 34-130.

exclusive standoff zone (Army) — A controlled area surrounding a facility in which only service and delivery

vehicles are allowed. The perimeter of this area is defined by barriers and is set at a standoff distance

sufficient to reduce the blast effects of a vehicle bomb. See FMs 5-114 and 100-20.

execution matrix — A visual and sequential representation of the critical tasks and responsible organizations

by phase for a tactical operation used as a staff tool. See FMs 71-123 and 101-5.

exercise (JP 1-02, NATO) — A military maneuver or simulated wartime operation involving planning,

preparation, and execution. It is carried out for the purpose of training and evaluation. It may be a

combined, joint, or single-Service exercise, depending on participating organizations. (See also command

post exercise (CPX) and maneuver.) See FMs 25-100 and 25-101. 

exfiltration(JP 1-02) — The removal of personnel or units from areas under enemy control. (Army) — The

removal of personnel or units from areas under enemy control by stealth, deception, surprise, or

clandestine means. See FMs 1-111, 1-112, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5,

and 100-15.

expedient flight route — Flight route that is established with preselected and disseminated checkpoints. For

a specific mission, the commander can define an expedient flight route by reference to these checkpoints

when limited time is available to develop and disseminate pickup and landing zones and flight route

information. See FMs 1-111, 1-112, 1-116, 90-4, and 100-103.

expeditionary force (JP 1-02) — An armed force organized to accomplish a specific objective in a foreign

country. (See also combatant command and joint task force (JTF).) See FMs 71-100, 100-5, 100-15,

and 100-20.

exploitation (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. Taking full advantage of success in battle and following up initial

gains. 2. Taking full advantage of any information that has come to hand for tactical, operational, or

strategic purposes. 3. An offensive operation that usually follows a successful attack and is designed to

disorganize the enemy in depth. (See also attack and pursuit.) See FMs 1-111, 1-112, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10,

7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 17-123, 71-100, 100-5, and 100-15.
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1-64

explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) (JP 1-02, NATO) — The detection, identification, on-site evaluation,

rendering safe, recovery, and final disposal of unexploded explosive ordnance. It may also include

explosive ordnance which has become hazardous by damage or deterioration. See FM 5-250. 

exposure — The frequency and length of time subjected to a hazard.

exposure dose (JP 1-02, NATO) — The exposure dose at a given point is a measurement of radiation in

relation to its ability to produce ionization. The unit of measurement of the exposure dose is the roentgen.

(See also absorbed dose and dose rate.) See FM 3-3-1.

external load — A person, piece of equipment, or pallet or package of supplies transported by being

suspended externally to a helicopter by a lifting service consisting of a combination of a cargo hook or

hooks, an external hoist, or a sling apparatus. See FMs 55-450-3/ 4/5.

extraction zone (EZ) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A specified drop zone used for the delivery of supplies and/or

equipment by means of an extraction technique from an aircraft flying very close to the ground. (See also

air assault, airborne operation, and airhead line.) See FMs 7-30, 71-100-2, and JP 3-18.1. 3-12

 F

faker (JP 1-02) — A friendly aircraft simulating a hostile in an air defense exercise. (See also air defense.)

See FM 44-100.

fallout (JP 1-02, NATO) — The precipitation to Earth of radioactive particulate matter from a nuclear cloud;

also applied to the particulate matter itself. (See also downwind hazard area, radiation dose, radiation

dose rate, and radiation status (RS).) See FM 3-3-1.

family of scatterable mine (FASCAM) — A grouping of munitions that dispense scatterable mines

(scatmines) by artillery, helicopter, fixed wing, or ground launchers. There are antipersonnel and antitank

mines. All US scatmines self-destruct at preset times. The self-destruct times depend on the type of

munition. (See also minefield and scatterable mines.) See FMs 5-71-100, 6-series, and 20-32. 3-30

fascines — Large cylindrical bundles of material, usually wooden poles or plastic or metal pipe loosely bound

together, which are dropped into ditches or gaps to create crossings. (See also block and obstacle.) 

 See FM 5-102.

feint (Army) — A type of attack used as a deception intended to draw the enemy's attention away from the

area of the main attack. This induces the enemy to move his reserves or to shift his fire support in

reaction to the feint. Feints must appear real and therefore require some contact with the enemy. Usually

a limited-objective attack ranging in size from a raid to a supporting attack is conducted. (See also attack,

deception, demonstration, display and ruse.) See FMs 6-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 90-2, 100-5

and 100-15. 3-7

field exercise (JP 1-02, NATO) — An exercise conducted in the field under simluated war conditions in

which troops and armament of one side are actually present, while those of the other side may be

imaginary or in outline. (See also command post exercise (CPX).) See FMs 25-100, 25-101, and 101-5.

field of fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — The area which a weapon or a group of weapons may cover effectively

with fire from a given position. (See also intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB), enfilading fire,

battle position (BP), and dead space.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, and 7-10.
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field fortifications (JP 1-02, NATO) — An emplacement or shelter of a temporary nature which can be

constructed with reasonable facility by units requiring no more than minor engineer supervisory and

equipment participation. (See also battle position (BP), emplacement, and strongpoint (SP).) See FM 5-

103. 3-12, 3-33

field services — Essential services to enhance a soldier's quality of life during operations. They include food

preparation, water purification, mortuary affairs support, airdrop support, laundry and shower services,

and cloth and light textile repair. See FM 10-1.

field trains — The combat service support portion of a unit at company, battalion, and brigade level that is

positioned in the brigade support area with the forward support battalion and other support elements

pushed forward from the division main support battalion. At company level, supply and mess teams

normally will be located in the battalion field trains. A battalion's field trains may include mess teams and

the portion of the supply section of the support platoon, a maintenance element, and ammunition and

petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) elements not forward in the combat trains. (See also combat trains

and unit trains.) See FMs 7-30, 7-123, 63-2, and 63-20. 4-23

field trains command post (FTCP) (Army) — At the battalion and squadron levels, the place from which

the HHC/HHT commander controls the field trains operations. See FMs 7-7, 7-8, and 7-20. A-3

fighter liaison officer (FLO) (Army) — A member of the tactical air control party . He is responsible to the

corps air liaison officer (ALO) and provides specific knowledge and expertise on the employment of

fighter attack aircraft.

final coordination line (FCL) — A line close to the enemy position used to coordinate the lifting or shifting

of supporting fires with the final deployment of maneuver elements. It should be recognizable on the

ground. It is not a fire support coordination measure. (See also assault.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20,

7-30, and 71-123. 3-16

final protective fire (FPF) (JP 1-02, NATO) — An immediately available prearranged barrier of fire

designed to impede enemy movement across defensive lines or areas. (See also battle position (BP),

defend, and final protective line (FPL).) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, and 71-123. 3-23

final protective line (FPL) — A line of fire selected where an enemy assault is to be checked by interlocking

fire from all available weapons and obstacles. (See also dead space, field of fire, final protective fire

(FPF), and principal direction of fire (PDF).) See FMs 6-20 series, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, and 71-123.

fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. The command given to discharge a weapon(s). 2. To detonate the main

explosive charge by means of a firing system. (Army) — 1. The act of discharging a weapon(s),

launching rockets and missiles, or detonating an explosive. 2. The receiving of the effects of weapon(s)

ammunition and explosions.

fire base (FB) — 1. An area used during air assault operations from which a unit is moved via helicopter

and supports the air assault operation's main effort with direct or indirect fires. 2. An area in hostile or

insurgent territory which has a 360-degree defense and which supports combat patrols or larger

operations with combat support and combat service support assets. (See also echelonment.) See FM

71-100-3.
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fire command — A specific sequence of information given by a control authority (for example, a vehicle

commander or fire direction center) that causes a crew to begin performing a sequence of actions and

provides detailed direction to choose the ammunition type, aim the weapon, and engage the target. Each

element given by the controller requires a response from a crew member to ensure correct aiming and

engagement. After the initial fire command, subsequent fire commands using the same sequence of

information can be used to adjust the point of impact to ensure the desired target effect. See Fms 6-

series, 7-90, 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

fire direction center (FDC) (JP 1-02, NATO) — That element of a command post, consisting of gunnery

and communication personnel and equipment, by means of which the commander exercises fire direction

and/or fire control. The fire direction center receives target intelligence and requests for fire, and translates

them into appropriate fire direction. (Army) — Provides timely and effective tactical and technical fire

control in support of current operations. See FMs 6-20 series and 7-90.

fire for effect (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. Fire which is delivered after the mean point of impact or burst is within

the desired distance of the target or adjusting/ranging point. 2. Term in a call for fire to indicate the

adjustment/ranging is satisfactory and fire for effect is desired. (Army) — That volume of fires delivered

on a target to achieve the desired effect. (See also destroy, final protective fire (FPF), fire mission,

neutralize, and suppression.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30 and 71-123.

fire mission (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. Specific assignment given to a fire unit as part of a definite plan.

2. Order used to alert the weapon/battery area and indicate that the message following is a call for fire.

(See also call for fire, cease loading, and fire support element (FSE)) See FMs 6-20 series and 7-90. 

fire and movement — The concept of applying fires from all sources to suppress, neutralize, or destroy the

enemy, and the tactical movement of combat forces in relation to the enemy (as components of maneuver

is applicable at all echelons). At the squad level, it entails a team placing suppressive fire on the enemy

as another team moves against or around the enemy. (See also bounding overwatch, formation, movement

technique, and support by fire.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, and 71-123.

fire plan (JP 1-02, NATO) — A tactical plan for using the weapons of a unit or formation so that their fire

will be coordinated. (See also offensive operations, defend, air defense, fire support, and final protective

fire (FPF).) See FMs 6-20 series, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, and 71-123.

firepower(JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. The amount of fire which may be delivered by a position, unit, or weapon

system. 2. Ability to deliver fire. (Army) — The potential capacity (product) of all weapons and attack

systems available to the force commander. (See also combat power; fire plan; and mission, enemy, terrain,

troops, and time available (METT-T).) See FMs 1-113, 6-20, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123,

100-5, and 100-15.

fires — The delivery of all types of ordnance through both direct and indirect means, as well as nonlethal

means, that contribute to the destruction, disruption, or suppression of the enemy; facilitate tactical

movement; and achieve a decisive impact. See FMs 6-20 series, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123,

100-5, and 100-15.

fire support — The collective and coordinated integration and synchronization of the fires and effects of

armed aircraft, land-based and sea-based indirect fire systems, and electronic warfare systems that directly

support combat forces against ground targets to delay, disrupt, destroy, divert, damage, and limit enemy

forces, combat formations, and facilities in pursuit of operational and tactical objectives. (See also

combined arms and fire support plan.) See FMs 6-20 series, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 100-5, and 100-

15.
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fire support area (FSA) (Army) — A sea area in which a ship may position or cruise while firing in support

of ground forces. (See also fire support station (FSS) and naval gunfire support (NGFS.) See FM 6-

series. 3-23

fire support coordinating measure (JP 1-02) — A measure employed by land or amphibious commanders

to facilitate the rapid engagement of targets and simultaneously provide safeguards for friendly forces.

(Army) — In close coordination with supporting air asset commanders. (See also fire support

coordination.) See FMs 6-20 series, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15. 

fire support coordination (JP 1-02, NATO) — The planning and executing of fire so that targets are

adequately covered by a suitable weapon or group of weapons. (See also fire support coordinating

measure.) See FMs 6-20 series, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15.

fire support coordination line (FSCL) (JP 1-02) — A line established by the appropriate land or

amphibious force commander to ensure coordination of fire not under the commander’s control but which

may affect current tactical operations. The FSCL is used to coordinate fires of air, ground, or sea weapons

systems using any type of ammunition against surface targets. The FSCL should follow well-defined

terrain features. The establishment of the FSCL must be coordinated with the appropriate tactical air

commander and other supporting elements. Supporting elements may attack targets forward of the FSCL

without prior coordination with the land or amphibious force commander provided the attack will not

produce adverse surface effects on or to the rear of the line. Attacks against surface targets behind this

line must be coordinated with the appropriate land or amphibious force commander. (Army) — A

permissive fire control measure established and adjusted by the ground commander in consultation with

superior, subordinate, supporting, and other affected commanders. It is not a boundary; synchronization

of operations on either side of the FSCL is the responsibility of the establishing commander out to the

limits of the land component forward boundary. It applies to all fires of air, land, and sea weapon systems

using any type of ammunition against surface targets. Forces attacking targets beyond the FSCL must

inform all affected commanders to allow necessary coordination to avoid fratricide. (See also boundary,

coordinated fire line (CFL), and fire support coordinating measure.) See FMs 6-20 series, 7-20, 7-30,

17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, 100-15, and JP 3-0. 3-21

fire support element (FSE) — A functional portion of a force tactical operations center that provides

centralized targeting, coordination, and integration of fires delivered on surface targets by fire support

means under the control of or in support of the force. This element is staffed from the field artillery

headquarters or field artillery staff section of the force and representatives of other fire support means.

(See also fire support coordinating measure and fire support plan.) See FMs 6-20 series, 7-20, 7-30,

17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15.

fire support plan — A plan on how indirect fires and target acquisition will be used to support an operation.

It should include a portion for each means of fire support involved. See also counterfire, fire support, fire

support coordination, list of targets, operation order (OPORD), and target list.) See FMs 6-20 series and

101-5.

fire support station (FSS) (Army) — A specified position at sea from which a ship must fire in support of

ground forces. This is very restrictive and puts the ship at greatest risk. (See also fire support area (FSA)

and naval gunfire support (NGFS).) See FM 6-20 series. 3-23

fire support team (FIST) (Army) — In fire support operations, a team comprised of a team chief (field

artillery lieutenant) and the necessary additional personnel and equipment required to plan, request,

coordinate, and direct fire support efforts for company-sized units. (See also fire support element

(FSE).) See FMs 6-20-20 and 7-10. 4-15
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-68

firing circuit (JP 1-02) — 1. In land operations, an electrical circuit and/or pyrotechnic loop designed to

detonate connected charges from a firing point. 2. In naval mine warfare, that part of a mine circuit which

either completes the detonator circuit or operates a ship counter. See FMs 5-71-100 and 5-250.

first destination reporting point (FDRP) (Army) — A point manned by a movement regulating team, a

movement control team, or military police that diverts a driver and cargo to an alternate consignee or

destination. See FM 55-10.

fix (JP 1-02, NATO) — A position determined from terrestrial, electronic, or astronomical data. (See also

way point.) (Army) — 1. A tactical task in which actions are taken to prevent the enemy from moving

any part of his forces either from a specific location or for a specific period of time by holding or

surrounding them to prevent their withdrawal for use elsewhere. 2. A tactical obstacle effect that

integrates fire planning and obstacle effort to slow an attacker within a specified area— normally an

engagement area. (See also block, contain, disrupt, support by fire, and turn.) See FMs 1-112, 5-71-100,

5-102, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 90-7, 100-5, and 100-15. 3-31 C-9

flank guard (JP 1-02, NATO) — A security element operating to the flank of a moving or stationary force

to protect it from enemy ground observation, direct fire, and surprise attack. (See also screen and security

operations.) See FMs 1-111, 1-112, 1-116, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, and 100-5. C-11

flash blindness (JP 1-02, NATO) — Impairment of vision resulting from an intense flash of light. It includes

temporary or permanent loss of visual functions and may be associated with retinal burns. (See also dazzle

and directed-energy warfare (DEW).) See FM 100-30. 

flight coordination center (FCC) (Army) — A primary Army air traffic control agency that is subordinate

to the flight operations center (FOC). It provides flight following as well as information on air traffic

movement within its assigned area; monitors Army aircraft operations and provides hostile activity

warnings to Army aviation units operating in the airspace; passes instrument flight rules flight plans to

the airspace management center for approval and visual flight rules flight plans to the appropriate air

traffic services facility; establishes liaison with the air defense command post; and provides a

communications link between terminal facilities of existing airfields, other nearby airfields, division

command posts, other FCCs, and the FOC when the FCC locates in a division area. See FMs 1-111 and

100-103.

flight corridor — A restricted air route of travel specified for use by friendly aircraft and established to

prevent friendly aircraft from being fired on by friendly forces. It is used to deconflict artillery firing

positions with aviation traffic. (See also air control point (ACP), air corridor, communications checkpoint

(CCP), and low-level transit route (LLTR).) See FMs 1-111, 71-100-3, and 100-103. 

flightfollowing (JP 1-02, NATO) — The task of maintaining contact with specified aircraft for the purpose

of determining en route progress and/or flight termination. (See also air control point (ACP), air corridor,

and communications checkpoint (CCP).) See FMs 1-111 and 100-103.

flight operations center (FOC) (JP 1-02) — The element of the tactical Army air traffic regulation system

which provides for aircraft flight following, separation of aircraft under instrument conditions, and

identification of friendly aircraft to friendly air defense agencies. (Army) — The senior Army Air Traffic

Control Agency for an Army corps. It is normally collocated with the USAF Control and Reporting

Center (CRC). As a minimum, the CRC and FOC are electronically connected. The FOC locates in the

corps area of operations; conducts flight following, and supervises the operations of the flight coordination

center, but is primarily an information center. See FM 1-111.
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float — Logistics support that provides major assembly replacement for a piece of equipment which is

repairable but will take an extraordinary amount of time to repair.

follow — A term used to broadly define the order of movement of committed or uncommitted combat, combat

support, and combat service support forces in a given combat operation. The term is a tactical task in

which maneuver control measures must be used. 

follow and assume — An operation in which a committed force follows a force conducting an offensive

operation and is prepared to continue the mission of the force it is following when that force is fixed,

attrited, or otherwise unable to continue. Such a force is not a reserve but is committed to accomplish

specified tasks. (See also attack and offensive operations.) See FMs 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123,

100-5, and 100-15. C-9 

follow-on echelon — Forces moved into the objective area by air or surface after the assault echelon of an

airborne, air assault, or amphibious operation to sustain the defense and to conduct offensive operations

as part of the larger force after linkup. Normally, it includes follow-on elements of the maintenance unit,

headquarters elements, and elements of the supply and service battalion. (See also air assault, assault

echelon, and rear echelon.) See FMs 1-111, 7-20, 7-30, 71-100-2, 71-100-3, 90-4, and 90-26. 

follow and support — An operation in which a committed force follows and supports the mission

accomplishment of a force conducting an offensive operation. Such a force is not a reserve but is

committed to accomplish any or all of these tasks: destroy bypassed units; relieve in place any direct

pressure or encircling force that has halted to contain the enemy; block movement of enemy

reinforcements; secure lines of communication; guard prisoners, key areas, and installations; secure key

terrain; and control refugees. (See also direct pressure force, encircling force, exploitation, and pursuit.)

 See FMs 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, 100-15, and 101-5. C-9 

force projection — The movement of military forces from the continental United States (CONUS) or a

theater in response to requirements of war or stability and support operations. Force-projection operations

extend from mobilization and deployment of forces, to redeployment to CONUS or home theater, to

subsequent mobilization. Force projection includes the following eight stages: mobilization;

predeployment activity; deployment; entry operations; operations; war termination and post conflict

operations; redeployment and reconstitution; and demobilization. See FMs 71-100, 100-5, 100-15,

100-20, and 100-30.

force protection (JP 1-02) — Security program designed to protect soldiers, civilian employees, family

members, facilities, and equipment, in all locations and situations, accomplished through planned and

integrated application of combatting terrorism, physical security, operations security, personal protective

services, and supported by intelligence, counterintelligence, and other security programs. (Army) — One

of the four primary elements that combine to create combat power. It conserves the fighting potential of

a force. The four components of force protection are: operational security and deception operations; the

soldier's health and morale; safety; and the avoidance of fratricide. (See also peace operations.) See FMs

100-5, 100-15, and 100-23.

ford — A shallow part of a body of water or wet gap that can be crossed without bridging, boats, ferries, or

rafts. It is a location in a water barrier where the physical characteristics of current, bottom, and

approaches permit the passage of personnel, vehicles, and other equipment where the wheels or tracks

remain in contact with the bottom at all times. (See also gap, reconnaissance (recon, recce), and river

crossing.) See FMs 5-100, 5-101, and 17-95. 3-28
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-70

foreign internal defense (FID) (JP 1-02) — Participation by civilian and military agencies of a government

in any of the action programs taken by another government to free and protect its society from subversion,

lawlessness, and insurgency. See FM 100-20.

formation (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. An ordered arrangement of troops and/or vehicles for a specific purpose.

2. An ordered arrangement of two or more ships, units, or aircraft proceeding together under a commander.

(Army) — Types of formations include: box, column, diamond, line, vee, wedge, echelon (right or left).

(See also box formation, column formation, diamond formation, echelon formation, line formation,

movement technique, vee formation, and wedge formation.) See FMs 1-111, 1-112, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20,

7-30, 17-95, 71-100, and 71-123. 

form of tactical operations (Army) — A distinct tactical activity with a unique set of doctrinal

characteristics, such as movement to contact or area defense. (See also choices of maneuver, tactical task,

and type of operation.) 

forward area — A location near an enemy or a hostile force or persons.

forward arming and refueling point (FARP) — A temporary facility that is organized, equipped, and

deployed by an aviation commander, and is normally located in the main battle area closer to the area of

operations than the aviation unit's combat service support area. It provides fuel and ammunition necessary

for the employment of aviation maneuver units in combat. It permits combat aircraft to rapidly refuel and

rearm simultaneously. See FMs 1-111, 7-30, 71-100, 100-15, and 100-103. 3-38

forward assembly area (FAA) (Army) — A temporary area where aviation units gather to prepare for a

mission that is forward of the aviation brigade's assembly area and airfield, but not as far forward as the

attack position. Aircraft may be in the FAA for short or long durations based on METT-T. See FMs

1-111 and 71-100-3.

 

forward boundary — The farthest limit, in the direction of the enemy, of an organization's responsibility.

The organization is responsible for deep operations to that limit. The next higher headquarters is

responsible for coordinating deep operations beyond that limit. In offensive operations, the forward

boundary may move from phase line to phase line, depending on the battlefield situation. 3-11

forward defense — A choice of defensive maneuver where the majority of a unit's combat power is deployed

in a generally linear manner along or near the forward edge of the battle area (FEBA). Security,

reconnaissance, and counterreconnaissance forces are employed forward of the FEBA. The objective of

this choice of maneuver is to destroy the enemy in the vicinity of the FEBA. Counterattacks forward of

the defending forces are critical to this choice of maneuver. The perimeter defense is a type of forward

defense. (See also choices of maneuver and defensive operations.)

forward edge of the battle area (FEBA) (JP 1-02, NATO) — The foremost limits of a series of areas in

which ground combat units are deployed, excluding the areas in which the covering or screening forces are

operating, designated to coordinate fire support, the positioning of forces, or the maneuver of units. (See

also main battle area (MBA).) See FMs 1-111, 6-20 series, 7-20, 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-

15. 3-9

forward line of own troops (FLOT) (JP 1-02) — A line which indicates the most forward positions of

friendly forces in any kind of military operation at a specific time. The FLOT normally identifies the

forward location of covering and screening forces. (Army) — The FLOT may be at, beyond, or short of

the FEBA. An enemy FLOT indicates the forward most position of hostile forces. (See also line of

contact (LC).) See FMs 1-111, 6-20 series, 7-20, 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15. 3-12
FM 101-5-1

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1-71

forward logistics base (FLB) (Army) — The area occupied by multifunctional forward logistics elements

of a support battalion, group, or command when it echelons its assets to provide critical support to combat

forces. This base may be the first stage of the development of a support area. See FM 10-1.

forward logistics element (FLE) (Army) — A multifunctional forward logistics element task-organized

to support fast-moving offensive operations, early phases of contingency operations, and units

geographically separated from normal support channels. The FLE operates out of a forward logistics base.

See FM 63-2-1.

forward observer (FO) (JP 1-02) — An observer operating with front line troops and trained to adjust

ground or naval gunfire and pass back battlefield information. In the absence of a forward air controller,

the observer may control close air support strikes. See FMs 6-20 serie and 7-10.

forward operating base (USMC) — An airfield used to support tactical operations without establishing full

support facilities. The base may be used for an extended time period. Support by a main operating base

will be required to provide backup support for a forward operating base. See FMFRP 0-14.

forward operations base (FOB) (JP 1-02) — In special operations, a base usually located in friendly

territory or afloat that is established to extend command and control or communications or to provide

support for training and tactical operations. Facilities may be established for temporary or longer duration

operations and may include an airfield or an unimproved airstrip, an anchorage, or a pier. A forward

operations base may be the location of special operations component headquarters or a smaller unit that

is controlled and/or supported by a main operations base. (See also advanced operations base (AOB) and

main operations base (MOB).) See FMs 71-100-3 and 100-25.

forward-presence units — Those US active component forces and reserve forces assigned or deployed

overseas in a specific theater. 

forward slope (JP 1-02, NATO) — Any slope which descends toward the enemy. See FM 21-26.

fragmentary order (FRAGO) (JP 1-02) — An abbreviated form of an operation order, usually issued on

a day-to-day basis, that eliminates the need for restating information contained in a basic operation order.

It may be issued in sections. (Army) — A form of operation order which contains information of

immediate concern to subordinates. It is an oral, a digital, or a written message that provides brief,

specific, and timely instructions without loss of clarity. It is issued after an operation order to change or

modify that order or to execute a branch or sequel to that order. See FM 101-5.

fratricide — The employment of friendly weapons and munitions with the intent to kill the enemy or destroy

his equipment or facilities, which results in the unforeseen or unintentional death, injury, or damage to

friendly personnel or equipment. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100,

71-123, 100-5, 100-15, and 101-5. 

free fire area (FFA) — A specific designated area into which any weapon system may fire without additional

coordination with the establishing headquarters. Normally, it is established on identifiable terrain by

division or higher headquarters. (See also fire support coordination and rules of engagement (ROE).) See

FM 6-20 series. 3-21

friendly (JP 1-02) — A contact positively identified as friendly. (Army) — It may be part of the same

force, whether allied, joint, coalition, partisan, or multinational.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-72

friendly fire (JP 1-02) — In casualty reporting, a casualty circumstance applicable to persons killed in action

or wounded in action mistakenly or accidentally by friendly forces actively engaged with the enemy, who

are directing fire at a hostile force or what is thought to be a hostile force. (See also casualty and

fratricide.)

friendly force information requirements (FFIR) — Information the commander and staff need about the

forces available for the operation. This includes personnel, maintenance, supply, ammunition, and

petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) status, and experience and leadership capabilities. (See also battlefield visualization and commander's critical information requirements (CCIR). See FMs 34-1, 71-100,

100-15, and 101-5. 

front(JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. The lateral space occupied by an element measured from the extremity of one

flank to the extremity of the other flank. 2. The direction of the enemy. 3. The line of contact of two

opposing forces. 4. When a combat situation does not exist or is not assumed, the direction toward which

the command is faced. (See also forward edge of the battle area (FEBA) and forward line of own troops

(FLOT).) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15.

frontage — The width of the front plus that distance beyond the flanks covered by observation and fire by

a unit in combat. (See also front.)

frontal attack (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. An offensive maneuver in which the main action is directed against

the front of the enemy forces. (DOD) 2. In air intercept, an attack by an interceptor aircraft that

terminates with a heading crossing angle greater than 135 degrees. (Army) — Strikes the enemy across

a wide front and over the most direct approaches. It is normally used when commanders possess

overwhelming combat power and the enemy is at a clear disadvantage. (See also assault and offensive

operations.) See FMs 1-111, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15.

full mission capable (FMC) (JP 1-02) — Material condition of an aircraft or training device indicating that

it can perform all of its missions. (See also deadline.) See FMs 63-2, 63-2-1, 63-6, 63-20, and 63-21.

full mobilization. See mobilization.

functional component command (JP 1-02) — A command normally, but not necessarily, composed of

forces of two or more Military Departments which may be established across the range of military

operations to perform particular operational missions that may be of short duration or may extend over

a period of time. (See also command relationship.) See FMs 100-5, 100-15, and JP 3-0.

G 

GA — the symbol for the nerve agent tabun. See FM 3-9.

gap (JP 1-02, NATO) — An area within a minefield or obstacle belt, free of live mines or obstacles, whose

width and direction will allow a friendly force to pass through in tactical formation. (Army) — 1. Any

break or breach in the continuity of tactical dispositions or formations beyond effective small arms

coverage. 2. A portion of a minefield of specified width in which no mines have been laid to enable a

friendly force to pass through in tactical formation. 3. A ravine, mountain pass, or river that presents an

obstacle that must be bridged. (See also lane.) See FMs 5-100, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 34-130, 71-

100, 71-123, and 90-13-1. 3-28 

GB — the symbol for the nerve agent sarin. See FM 3-9.
FM 101-5-1

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1-73

GD — the symbol for the nerve agent soman. See FM 3-9.

general support (GS) (JP 1-02, NATO) — That support which is given to the supported force as a whole

and not to any particular subdivision thereof. (See also direct support (DS) and general supportreinforcing (GSR).) See FMs 6-20 series and 10-1.

general support artillery (JP 1-02, NATO) — Artillery which executes the fire directed by the commander

of the unit to which it organically belongs or is attached. It fires in support of the operation as a whole

rather than in support of a specific subordinate unit. (Army) — A tactical artillery mission. (See also

direct support artillery, general support-reinforcing (GSR), and reinforcing.) See FM 6-20 series.

general support-reinforcing (GSR) (JP 1-02) — A tactical artillery mission. General support-reinforcing

artillery has the mission of supporting the force as a whole and of providing reinforcing fires for another

artillery unit. (See also direct support (DS), general support (GS), and reinforcing.) See FM 6-20 series.

general war (JP 1-02) — Armed conflict between major powers in which the total resources of the

belligerents are employed, and the national survival of a major belligerent is in jeopardy. (See also

conflict, military operations other than war (MOOTW), and stability and support operations (SASO).)

germ— A disease producing microorganism, microbe, or pathogenic bacterium. The term includes bacteria,

rickettsiae, viruses, and fungi. (See also decontamination.) See FMs 3-4 and 3-9.

global information environment (GIE) (Army) — Individuals, organizations, and systems, outside the

sphere of military or National Command Authorities control, that gather, process, or disseminate

information to national and international audiences. See FM 100-6.

global positioning system (GPS) — A satellite-based system used for accurate positioning and navigation.

(See also way point.) See FM 21-26.

graphic (JP 1-02, NATO) — Any and all products of the cartographic and photogrammetric art. A graphic

may be a map, chart, or mosaic or even a film strip that was produced using cartographic techniques.

(Army) — A hand-drawn or computer-generated picture or symbol that represents units, equipment,

suspected or templated enemy units and sites, sites or facilities, control measures, and so forth. Term

relates to the design, creation, and preparation of two- or three-dimensional visual products. See AR 25-1.

graves registration (Army) — A subprogram of mortuary affairs that provides for search, recovery, initial

identification, and temporary burial of deceased personnel in temporary burial sites and provides

maintenance and care of burial sites and the handling and disposition of personal effects.

gray lists — Lists that identify and locate those personalities whose inclinations and attitudes toward the

political and military objectives of the United States are obscure. Individuals may be listed on grey lists

when they are known to possess information or particular skills required by US forces. D-4

gray water — Any nontoilet water (nonsewage) which is nonpotable because of its having been used in

some way (for example, water from sinks, bathtubs, showers, or laundry operation).

grazing fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — Fire approximately parallel to the ground where the center of the cone of

fire does not rise above 1 meter from the ground. (See also direct fire, final protective line (FPL), and dead

space.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, and 7-10.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-74

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) (ZULU) — Mean solar time measured at the prime meridian which runs

through Greenwich, England. It is used as the basis for calculating time throughout most of the world.

(See also Universal Time and ZULU time.) See FM 101-5. 

grey propaganda (JP 1-02) — Propaganda that does not specifically identify any source.

grid azimuth — An angle of direction referenced to grid north. It differs from true azimuth by the amount

of the grid convergence. (See also azimuth.) See FM 21-26.

grid convergence (JP 1-02) — The horizontal angle at a place between true north and grid north. It is

proportional to the longitude difference between the place and the central meridian. (See also grid azimuth

and magnetic azimuth.) See FM 21-26.

grid coordinates (JP 1-02, NATO) — Coordinates of a grid coordinate system to which numbers and letters

are assigned for use in designating a point on a gridded map, photograph, or chart. (Army) — The easting

and northing values (of a grid) that designate the location of a point in respect to the grid. Coordinates

usually are expressed to the nearest 100, 10, or 1 meter, with the easting and northing values combined

into a single expression. Examples: NK 329378 (nearest 100 meters); NK 32943785 (nearest 10 meters);

or NK 3294837853 (nearest 1 meter). See FM 21-26.

grid north (JP 1-02, NATO) — The northerly or zero direction indicated by the grid datum of directional

reference. See FM 21-26.

ground combat element (GCE) (JP 1-02) — The Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) element that is

task-organized to conduct ground operations. The GCE is constructed around an infantry unit and varies

in size from a reinforced infantry battalion to one or more reinforced Marine division(s). The GCE also

includes appropriate combat support and combat service support units. Normally, there is only one GCE

in a MAGTF.

ground tactical plan (Army) — An airborne or air assault operational plan covering the conduct of

operations in the objective area. (See also echelonment, landing plan, and marshalling plan.) See FMs 7-7,

7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 90-4, 90-26, 71-100-2, and 71-100-3.

ground zero (GZ) (JP 1-02, NATO) — The point on the surface of the Earth at, or vertically below or above,

the center of a planned or actual nuclear detonation. (See also desired ground zero (DGZ).) See FMs

3-3-1, 100-30, JPs 3-12.2, and 3-12.3. 3-34

group (JP 1-02) — 1. A flexible administrative and tactical unit composed of either two or more battalions

or two or more squadrons. The term also applies to combat support and combat service support units.

2. A number of ships and/or aircraft, normally a subdivision of a force, assigned for a specific purpose.

group of targets (JP 1-02, NATO) — Two or more targets on which fire is desired simultaneously. A group

of targets is designated by a letter/number combination or a nickname. (See also fire plan.) See FM 6-20

series. 3-23

g-series nerve agents — A series of fluorine- or cyanide-containing organophosphate nerve agents

(organophosphate derivatives of phosphoric acid). In their unmodified state they are colorless, volatile

liquids. (See also GA, GB, and GD.) See FM 3-9.

guard (JP 1-02, NATO) — A security element whose primary task is to protect the main force by fighting

to gain time, while also observing and reporting information. (Army) — A form of security operation
FM 101-5-1

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1-75

whose primary task is to protect the main force by fighting to gain time while also observing and

reporting information, and to prevent enemy ground observation of and direct fire against the main body

by reconnoitering, attacking, defending, and delaying. A guard force normally operates within the range

of the main body's indirect fire weapons. (See also cover, flank guard, screen, and security operations.)

See FMs 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15. C-11

guerrilla warfare (JP 1-02, NATO) — Military and paramilitary operations conducted in enemy-held or

hostile territory by irregular, predominantly indigenous forces. (See also unconventional warfare (UW).)

See FMs 90-8, 100-12, and 100-20.

gun-target line (JP 1-02, NATO) — An imaginary straight line from the gun(s) to the target. (See also

observer-target line.) See FMs 6-series and 7-90.

 H

H — The symbol for Levinstein mustard, a blister agent. See FM 3-9.

habitual association — The close and continuous relationship established between support elements and

the combat units they support or between combat units that frequently are cross-attached to ensure a

mutual understanding of operating procedures and techniques and to increase overall responsiveness.

handover line (JP 1-02, NATO) — A control feature, preferably following easily defined terrain features,

at which responsibility for the conduct of combat operations is passed from one force to another. (Army)

— 1. The handover line applies to other functions besides combat, such as intelligence, electronic

warfare, and information warfare. 2. The action is complete when the receiving commander

acknowledges assumption of control authority. (See also phase line (PL).) See FMs 1-111, 7-10, 7-20,

7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15. 

hang fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — An undesired delay in the functioning of a firing system. (Army) — An

undesired delay in the functioning of the primer or initiator part of a round of ammunition. See FMs 6-20

series, 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

harassing fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — Fire designed to disturb the rest of the enemy troops, to curtail

movement, and, by threat of losses, to lower morale. (See also fire and fire support.) See FM 6-20 series.

hasty attack (JP 1-02, NATO) — In land operations, an attack in which preparation time is traded for speed

in order to exploit an opportunity. (Army) — Result of a meeting engagement— launched with the forces

at hand and with minimum preparation to destroy the enemy before he is able to concentrate or establish

a defense. (See also assault, attack, deliberate attack, and movement to contact.) See FMs 1-111, 1-112,

1-116, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15.

hasty crossing (JP 1-02, NATO) — The crossing of an inland water obstacle using the crossing means at

hand or those readily available, and made without pausing for elaborate preparations. (See also

bridgehead and deliberate crossing.) See FMs 7-7, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 90-13, 100-5,

and 100-15.

hasty defense (JP 1-02, NATO) — A defense normally organized while in contact with the enemy or when

contact is imminent and time available for the organization is limited. It is characterized by improvement

of the natural defensive strength of the terrain by utilization of foxholes, emplacements, and obstacles.

(See also defend, deliberate defense, emplacement, and obstacle.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30,

17-15, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-76

hasty smoke — Smoke operations characterized by minimal planning and short duration to immediately

counter enemy action. See FM 3-100.

hazard — Any real or potential condition that can cause injury, illness, or death of personnel, or damage to

or loss of equipment or property.

hazardous material — Any substance which has a human health hazard associated with it. Special storage,

use, handling, and shipment safety procedures and protocols must be followed to help protect against

accidental human exposure. Hazardous materials are specifically identified under federal law.

hazardous substances — Materials specifically listed under federal regulations for which the spilling of

certain quantities requires immediate reporting to federal agencies.

hazardous waste — A solid waste which is either listed as such in federal law or exhibits any of the four

hazardous characteristics— ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity.

hazardous waste accumulation site — A specially designated site for the temporary collection of hazardous

wastes where no container may remain on site for more than 90 days. The site, and containers within it,

must be properly marked and certain safety and management procedures apply. There is no limitation

on the quantity of wastes which may be kept on site.

haze (smoke) — A light concentration of smoke placed over friendly areas to restrict accurate enemy

observation and fire. A smoke haze is not dense enough to disrupt friendly operations. See FM 3-50.

HD — The symbol for distilled Levinstein mustard, a blister agent. See FM 3-9.

heavy drop (HD) (JP 1-02) — A system of delivery of heavy supplies and equipment by parachute.

See FM 10-1. 

height of burst (HOB) (JP 1-02, NATO) — The vertical distance from the Earth's surface or target to the

point of burst. (See also desired ground zero (DGZ) and ground zero (GZ).) See FM 100-30.

herbicide(JP 1-02) — A chemical compound that will kill or damage plants. (Army) — The term includes

defoliants, desiccants, plant-growth regulators, and soil sterilants. See FMs 3-9 and 3-100.

herringbone — An arrangement of vehicles at left and right angles to the line of march used to establish

security during an unscheduled halt. See FMs 7-7, 17-15, and 55-2.

H-hour (JP 1-02) — The specific hour on D-day at which a particular operation commences. (Army) —

It may be the commencement of hostilities; the hour at which an operation plan is executed or is to be

executed (as distinguished from the hour the order is issued); or the hour that the operation phase is

implemented. The highest command or headquarters coordinating planning specifies the exact meaning

of H-hour within the above definition. When several operations or phases of an operation are being

conducted in the same area on D-day and confusion may arise over the use of the same hour designation,

the letters F, L, S, W, and Y may be used. When this is done, the letters used and their meaning must be

stated in the plan or order. Reference to hours preceding or following H-hour will be referred to by using

a plus or minus sign and an Arabic numeral following the letter H. For example: H-3 is 3 hours prior

to H-hour; H+7 is 7 hours after H-hour. If a time element other than hours is expressed, it must be

spelled out (such as H+30 minutes). (See also D-day.)
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hide — The positioning of a vehicle, individual, or unit so that no part is exposed to observation or direct

fire. (See also concealment, cover, defilade, hull down, and turret down.) See FMs 7-7, 17-12, 17-15,

and 23-1.

high angle fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — Fire delivered at angles of elevation greater than the elevation that

corresponds to the maximum range of the gun and ammunition concerned; fire, the range of which

decreases as the angle of elevation is increased. (Army) — Fire delivered to clear an obstacle (such as

a hill) that low-angle fire cannot, or fire delivered to attack targets on the reverse side of an obstacle (such

as a hill) that cannot be attacked with low-angle or direct fire. See FMs 6-series and 7-90.

high-density airspace control zone (HIDACZ) (JP 1-02) — Airspace designated in an airspace control plan

or airspace control order, in which there is a concentrated employment of numerous and varied weapons

and airspace users. A high-density airspace control zone has defined dimensions, which usually coincide

with geographical features or navigational aids. Access to a high-density airspace control zone is

normally controlled by the maneuver commander. The maneuver commander can also direct a more

restrictive weapons status within the high-density airspace control zone. (See also airspace coordination

area (ACA) and restricted operating zone (ROZ).) See FMs 1-111 and 100-103. 3-6

high-payofftarget (HPT) — A target whose loss to the threat will contribute to the success of the friendly

course of action. See FMs 6-20 series and 34-130.

high-value target (HVT) — Assets that the threat commander requires for the successful completion of a

specific course of action. See FMs 6-20 series and 34-130.

highway regulation — Planning, routing, scheduling, and deconflicting the use of main supply routes and

other routes to provide order, prevent congestion, enforce priorities, and facilitate movement control. (See

also main supply route (MSR) and alternate supply route (ASR).) See FMs 19-1 and 55-2.

HL — The symbol for a blister agent consisting of mustard-lewisite mixture. See FM 3-9.

HN — The symbol for nitrogen mustard, a blister agent. See FM 3-9.

hold (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. A cargo stowage compartment aboard ship. 2. To maintain or retain

possession of by force, as a position or an area. 3. In an attack, to exert sufficient pressure to prevent

movement or redisposition of enemy forces. 4. As applied to air traffic, to keep an aircraft within a

specified space or location which is identified by visual or other means in accordance with air traffic

control instructions. (See also block, fix, and retain.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-15, 17-95,

71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15. 

hold fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — In air defense, an emergency order to stop firing. Missiles already in flight

must be prevented from intercepting, if technically possible. See FM 44-100.

holding area (Army) — 1. A site located between assembly areas or forward arming and refueling points

and battle positions (BPs) that may be occupied for short periods of time by attack helicopters while

coordination is being made for movement into BPs. It should provide good cover and concealment and

an area for the aircraft to hover or land. See FMs 1-111, 1-112, and 1-116. 2. Nearest covered and

concealed position to the pickup zone or river crossing site where troops are held until time for them to

move forward. See FMs 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 71-100-2, 71-100-3, and 90-13. 3. Waiting area that

forces use during traffic interruptions or deployment from an aerial or seaport of embarkation. See FMs

19-1 and 55-2.
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holding line (Army) — In retrograde river crossing operations, the outer limit of the area established between

the enemy and the water obstacle to preclude direct and observed indirect fires into crossing areas. (See

also bridgehead line.) See FMs 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, 90-13, and 100-15. 3-20

hospital (JP 1-02) — A medical treatment facility capable of providing inpatient care. It is appropriately

staffed and equipped to provide diagnostic and therapeutic services, as well as the necessary supporting

services required to perform its assigned mission and functions. A hospital may, in addition, discharge

the functions of a clinic. 4-26 D-9

hostage (JP 1-02) — A person held as a pledge that certain terms or agreements will be kept. (The taking

of hostages is forbidden under the Geneva Conventions, 1949.) See FM 100-20.

host country (JP 1-02) — A nation in which representatives or organizations of another state are present

because of government invitation and/or international agreement. (See also civil military operations

(CMO) and host nation). See FMs 100-5 and 100-20.

hostile (JP 1-02) — A contact positively identified as enemy. (Army) — An individual, a group of

individuals, or a nation which is antagonistic or opposes policies and actions of the United States and its

allies. The actions of a hostile can be political, diplomatic, or at any level of war. See FM 100-20.

hostile acts (JP 1-02) — Basic rules established by higher authority for defining and recognizing hostile acts

by aircraft, submarines, surface units, and ground forces that will be promulgated by the commanders of

unified or specified commands, and by other appropriate commanders when so authorized.

hostile casualty (JP 1-02) — A person who is the victim of a terrorist activity or who becomes a

casualty "in action." "In action" characterizes the casualty as having been the direct result of hostile

action, sustained in combat or relating thereto, or sustained going to or returning from a combat

mission provided that the occurrence was directly related to hostile action. Included are persons

killed or wounded mistakenly or accidentally by friendly fire directed at a hostile force or what is

thought to be a hostile force. However, not to be considered as sustained in action and not to be

interpreted as hostile casualties are injuries or death due to the elements, self-inflicted wounds,

combat fatigue, and except in unusual cases, wounds or death inflicted by a friendly force while the

individual is in an absent-without-leave, deserter, or dropped-from-rolls status or is voluntarily

absent from a place of duty. (See also casualty and nonhostile casualty.)

hostile criteria — Description of conditions under which an aircraft or a vehicle may be identified as hostile

for engagement purposes. (See also hostile acts and rules of engagement (ROE).)

hostile environment — See operational environment.

host nation — A nation which receives the forces and/or supplies of allied or coalition nations and/or NATO

organizations to be located on, to operate in, or to transit through its territory. (See also civil military

operations (CMO) and host country.) See FMs 100-5 and 100-20. 

host-nation support (JP 1-02) — 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. (See also civil military operations (CMO).) See FMs 100-5, 100-10, and

100-20. 

H-series agents — A series of persistent blister agents that include distilled mustard (HD), and the nitrogen

mustards. See FM 3-9.
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HT — The symbol for a mustard-T mixture, a blister agent. See FM 3-9.

hull down — The positioning of an armored vehicle so that the muzzle of the gun or launcher is the lowest

part of the vehicle exposed to the front. Hull-down positions afford maximum protection for vehicles that

are engaging targets with direct fire. (See also hide and turret down.) See FMs 7-7, 17-12, 17-15, and

23-1.

human intelligence (HUMINT) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A category of intelligence derived from information

collected and provided by human sources. See FMs 34-2 and 34-3.

humanitarian assistance (HA) (JP 1-02) — Programs conducted to relieve or reduce the results of natural

or man-made disasters or other endemic conditions such as human pain, disease, hunger, or privation that

might present a serious threat to life or that can result in great damage to or loss of property.

Humanitarian assistance provided by US forces is limited in scope and duration. The assistance provided

is designed to supplement or complement the efforts of the host nation civil authorities or agencies that

may have the primary responsibility for providing humanitarian assistance. See FMs 8-42 and 100-20.

humanitarian assistance coordination center (HACC) — Normally a subordinate element of the civil

military operations center that deals directly with those agencies and organizations involved in

humanitarian assistance efforts. In certain situations, particularly when participation for a specific

operation by US armed forces is not extensive, a HACC can be formed as a separate, stand-alone

organization. See FM 100-20.

humanitarian and civic assistance (HCA) (JP 1-02) — Assistance to the local populace provided by

predominantly US forces in conjunction with military operations and exercises. This assistance is

specifically authorized by Title 10, United States Code, section 401, and funded under separate

authorities. Assistance provided under these provisions is limited to (1) medical, dental, and veterinary

care provided in rural areas of a country; (2) construction of rudimentary surface transportation systems;

(3) well drilling and construction of basic sanitation facilities; and (4) rudimentary construction and repair

of public facilities. Assistance must fulfill unit training requirements that incidentally create humanitarian

benefit to the local populace. (See also humanitarian assistance (HA).) See FMs 8-42 and 100-20.

hybrid collective protection — A combination of overpressure and ventilated face-piece systems. See FM

3-4.

hydrolysis — Interaction of a chemical agent with water to yield a less toxic product or products. See

FM 3-9.

I

identification, friend or foe (IFF) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A system using electromagnetic transmissions to

which equipment carried by friendly forces automatically responds, for example, by emitting pulses,

thereby distinguishing themselves from enemy forces. (Army) — A device which emits a signal

positively identifying it as a friendly. (See also air defense.) See FMs 1-111, 44-100, and 100-103.

identification, friend or foe (IFF) on/off line (Army) — A theater-directed phase line where aircraft

involved in deep operations forward of the fire support coordination line turn off the aircraft IFF

transponder en route to the target and turn on the transponder after completing the mission. (See also

identification, friend or foe (IFF), and phase line (PL).) See FM 100-103.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-80

imagery intelligence (IMINT) (JP 1-02) — Intelligence derived from the exploitation of collection by visual

photography, infrared sensors, lasers, electro-optics, and radar sensors, such as synthetic aperture radar

wherein images of objects are reproduced optically or electronically on film, electronic display devices,

or other media. (See also intelligence.) See FMs 34-1, 34-3, and 34-10.

imitative electromagnetic deception (IED) (JP 1-02) — The introduction of electromagnetic energy into

enemy systems that imitates enemy emissions. (Army) — Imitating enemy electromagnetic radiation

(predominately communications) after intruding his electromagnetic channels to deceive him or to disrupt

his operations. (See also command and control warfare (C W), deception, electronic warfare (EW),

2

manipulative electromagnetic deception, and simulative electromagnetic deception.) See FMs 34-1,

34-10, 34-40, 90-2, and 100-6.

immediate air support (JP 1-02, NATO) — Air support to meet specific requests which arise during the

course of a battle and which by their nature cannot be planned in advance. (See also air support.) See

FM 6-series.

immediate decontamination (JP 1-02, NATO) — Decontamination carried out by individuals upon

becoming contaminated, to save life and minimize casualties. This may include decontamination of some

personal clothing and/or equipment. (See also decontamination.) See FM 3-5.

immediate mission request (JP 1-02) — A request for an air strike on a target which by its nature could not

be identified sufficiently in advance to permit detailed mission coordination and planning. (NATO: a

request for immediate air support.)

immediate permanent ineffectiveness, 8,000 cGy — The physiological response to radiation at levels of

3,000 cGy for physically demanding tasks or 3,800 cGy for physically undemanding tasks. Personnel

become ineffective within three minutes of exposure and remain ineffective until death. Death occurs

within one day. See FM 3-3-1.

immediate transient ineffectiveness (nuclear) — The physiological response to radiation at levels of 2,000

cGy for physically demanding tasks or 2,800 cGy for physically undemanding tasks. Personnel irradiated

by a nuclear explosion or accident become ineffective for any task within 3 minutes of exposure and

remain so for approximately 7 minutes, independent of the physical demands of the task. Personnel

recover to greater than 75 percent of their pre-exposure performance levels at around 10 minutes

postexposure and remain so for around 30 minutes. At around 40 minutes postexposure, personnel

become performance- degraded and remain so for around five hours for undemanding tasks (two hours

for demanding tasks), at which time it is expected that radiation sickness symptoms will be present in

sufficient severity to render the personnel ineffective. The personnel will remain ineffective until death

occurs in five to six days. See FM 3-3-1 and JPs 3-12.2 and 3-12.3. 

implementation force (IFOR) — A task-organized military command which is to execute and enforce an

international treaty or agreement. This command performs the missions and tasks as defined in the treaty

or agreement. The missions and tasks may include peace operations, nation building, peace enforcement,

and humanitarian assistance. (See also peace operations and stability and support operations (SASO).)

See FM 100-23. 

incapacitating agent (JP 1-02) — An agent that produces temporary physiological or mental effects, or both,

that will render individuals incapable of concerted effort in the performance of their assigned duties.

 See FM 3-9 and FM 3-100.

incendiary— A compound that generates sufficient heat to cause the target to catch fire or causes melting

or burning of equipment. See FM 3-9.
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in-depth defense — A choice of defensive maneuver that forces the enemy to attack through a series of

mutually supporting friendly positions, causing the enemy's mass to be expended and his supporting

forces to be unable to focus. This choice of maneuver reduces the risk of an enemy penetration and allows

the enemy to gain terrain to wear him down and overextend his ability to sustain his attack. In-depth

defense usually culminates in a friendly counterattack to complete the destruction of the enemy and regain

lost terrain. (See also choices of maneuver and defensive operations.) 

indirect approach (Army) — To attack an enemy at his weakness to cause his strength to be ineffective,

ultimately resulting in his defeat.

indirectfire (JP 1-02) — Fire delivered on a target that is not itself used as a point of aim for the weapons

or the director. (Army) — Fire delivered on a target characterized by a relatively high trajectory and

where the weapon operator normally does not have visual contact with the target. (See also direct laying.)

See FMs 6-20 series and 7-90.

indirect illumination (JP 1-02, NATO) — Battlefield illumination provided by employing searchlight or

pyrotechnic illuminants using diffusion or reflection. a. Illumination by diffusion: Illumination of an

area beneath and to the flanks of a slightly elevated searchlight or of pyrotechnic illuminants, by the light

scattered from atmospheric particles. b. Illumination by reflection: Illumination of an area by reflecting

light from low cloud. Either or both of these effects are present when a searchlight is used in defilade or

with its beam spread to maximum width.

individual protection — 1. Actions taken by individual soldiers to survive and continue the mission under

nuclear, biological, chemical (NBC) conditions. See FM 3-100 2. Actions taken by individual soldiers

to protect themselves from the effects of direct and indirect fire. See FMs 5-103, 7-7, and 7-8.

induced radiation (JP 1-02, NATO) — Radiation produced as a result of exposure to radioactive materials,

particularly the capture of neutrons. See FM 3-3-1. 

in extremis (JP 1-02) — A situation of such exceptional urgency that immediate action must be taken to

minimize imminent loss of life or catastrophic degradation of the political or military situation.

See FM 100-20.

infiltration(JP 1-02) — 1. The movement through or into an area or territory occupied by either friendly or

enemy troops or organizations. The movement is made, either by small groups or by individuals, at

extended or irregular intervals. When used in connection with the enemy, it infers that contact is avoided.

2. In intelligence usage, placing an agent or other person in a target area in hostile territory. Usually

involves crossing a frontier or other guarded line. Methods of infiltration are: black (clandestine); grey

(through legal crossing point but under false documentation); white (legal). (Army) — 1. A choice of

maneuver that entails movement through or into an area occupied by an enemy or a friendly force by small

groups or individuals at extended or irregular intervals in which contact with the enemy is avoided. 2.

When used in conjunction with a tactical vehicular march, vehicles are dispatched individually or in small

groups at irregular intervals to reduce density and prevent undue massing of vehicles. (See also choices

of maneuver and exfiltration.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 31-20, 34-1, 71-100, 71-123,

100-5, and 100-15. 3-16

inflight report (JP 1-02) — The transmission from the airborne system of information obtained both at the

target and en route.

informant (JP 1-02) — 1. A person who, wittingly or unwittingly, provides information to an agent, a

clandestine service, or the police. 2. In reporting, a person who has provided specific information and
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-82

 is cited as a source. (See also human intelligence (HUMINT), military operations other than war

(MOOTW), and support and stability operations (SASO).) See FMs 34-1 and 100-20. 

information (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. Facts, data, or instructions in any medium or form. (DOD) 2. The

meaning that a human assigns to data by means of the known conventions used in their representation.

See FMs 34-1 and 100-6.

information dominance (Army) — The degree of information superiority that allows the possessor to use

information systems and capabilities to achieve an operational advantage in a conflict or to control the

situation in stability and support operations, while denying those capabilities to the adversary. See FM

100-6.

information operations (IO) — Continuous military operations within the military information environment

that enable, enhance, and protect the friendly force's ability to collect, process, and act on information to

achieve an advantage across the full range of military operations. Information operations include

interacting with the global information environment and exploiting or denying an adversary's information

and decision capabilities. See FM 100-6.

information requirements (IR) (JP 1-02, NATO) — Those items of information regarding the enemy and

his environment which need to be collected and processed in order to meet the intelligence requirements

of a commander. (See also commander's critical information requirements (CCIR) and priority

intelligence requirements (PIR).) See FMs 34-1, 34-10, 34-130, and 101-5.

information systems (Army) — The entire infrastructure, organization, personnel, and components that

collect, process, store, transmit, display, disseminate, and act on information. See FM 100-6.

information systems security (ISS) — The protection of information systems against unauthorized access

to or modification of information, whether in storage, processing, or transit, and against denial of service

to authorized users or the providing of access to unauthorized users, including those measures necessary

to detect, document, and counter such threats. See FM 100-6. 

information warfare (IW) (Army) — Actions taken to achieve information superiority by affecting a

hostile’s information, information-based processes, and information systems, while defending one’s own

information, information-based processes, and information systems. See FM 100-6.

infosphere (Army) — The rapidly growing global network of military and commercial command, control,

communications, and computer systems and networks linking information databases and fusion centers

that are accessible to the warrior anywhere, anytime, and during the performance of any mission. The

infosphere provides the worldwide automated information exchange backbone that provides support to

forces and provides seamless operations from anywhere to anywhere. The network of databases and

fusion centers is secure, and its complexity is transparent to the warrior user. This emerging capability

is highly flexible and can support the adaptive command and control infrastructures of the twenty-first

century. See FM 100-6.

infrastructure (JP 1-02, NATO) — A term generally applicable to all fixed and permanent installations,

fabrications, or facilities for the support and control of military forces. (Army) — 1. The basic,

underlying framework or features of a thing. 2. In economics, basic resources, communications,

industries, and so forth, upon which others depend. 3. In insurgency, the organization (usually hidden)

of insurgent leadership. See FMs 100-5 and 100-20. 
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1-83

initial nuclear effects — Effects that occur within the first minute and includes initial nuclear radiation,

blast, thermal, and electromagnetic pulse. See FMs 3-3-1, 100-30, JPs 3-12.2, and 3-12.3.

initial point (IP) (JP 1-02) — 1. The first point at which a moving target is located on a plotting board.

2. A well-defined point, easily distinguishable visually and/or electronically, used as a starting point for

the bomb run to the target. See FM 6-20 series. 3. Airborne— a point close to the landing area where

serials (troop carrier air formations) make final alterations in course to pass over individual drop or

landing zones. See FMs 7-7, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 71-100-2, and 90-26. 4. Helicopter— an air control point

in the vicinity of the landing zone from which individual flights of helicopters are directed to their

prescribed landing sites. 5. Any designated place at which a column or element thereof is formed by

the successive arrival of its various subdivisions, and comes under the control of the commander ordering

the move. See FMs 1-111 and 100-103. 

initial response force (JP 1-02) — The first unit, usually military police, on the scene of a terrorist incident.

(See also antiterrorism (AT).) See FM 19-1.

initiative (Army) — The ability to set or change the terms of battle; implies an offensive spirit.

injury(JP 1-02) — A term comprising such conditions as fractures, wounds, sprains, strains, dislocations,

concussions, and compressions. In addition, it includes conditions resulting from extremes of temperature

or prolonged exposure. Acute poisonings, except those due to contaminated food, resulting from

exposure to a toxic or poisonous substance are also classed as injuries.

insertion(Army) — 1. Placement of troops and equipment into an operational area in air assault operations.

2. The placement of observation posts, patrols, or raiding parties either by helicopter or parachute. (See

also air assault.) See FMs 1-111, 71-100-3, and 90-4.

in-stride breach — A type of breaching used by maneuver units to quickly overcome unexpected or lightly

defended tactical obstacles. Maneuver battalions and companies are task-organized with the assets

necessary to conduct independent breaching operations. These include mine rollers, mine plows,

engineers, priority of artillery, mortars, close air support, air defense, smoke targets, and smoke

generators. (See also breach and deliberate breach.) See FM 90-13-1.

insurgency (JP 1-02, NATO) — An organized movement aimed at the overthrow of a constituted

government through the use of subversion and armed conflict. (See also counterinsurgency.) See FMs

90-8 and 100-20.

integrated combat airspace command and control (ICAC ) — A system capable of linking and

2

coordinating the airspace use and restrictions of all Services and a host nation, which may include aircraft,

air defense, rocket artillery, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other high trajectory weapon systems, in order

to maximize the accommodation of mission requirements. (See also Army airspace command and control

(A C ).) See FM 100-103-1. 2 2

integrated warfare (JP 1-02) — The conduct of military operations in any combat environment wherein

opposing forces employ nonconventional weapons in combination with conventional weapons. See

FM 3-100.

intelligence (JP 1-02) — 1. The product resulting from the collection, processing, integration, analysis,

evaluation, and interpretation of available information concerning foreign countries or areas.

2. Information and knowledge about an adversary obtained through observation, investigation,
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-84

analysis, or understanding. (See also combat intelligence and imagery intelligence (IMINT).) See 

Fms 34-1, 34-10, and 34-40.

intelligence collection plan (JP 1-02) — A plan for gathering information from all available sources to meet

an intelligence requirement. Specifically, a logical plan for transforming the essential elements of

information into orders or requests to sources within a required time limit. (See also commander's critical

information requirements (CCIR), intelligence cycle, and reconnaissance and surveillance plan.) See

FMs 34-1, 34-10, 34-10-2, 34-130, and 101-5.

intelligence cycle (JP 1-02) — The steps by which information is converted into intelligence and made

available to users. There are five steps in the cycle: a. planning and direction — Determination of

intelligence requirements, preparation of a collection plan, issuance of orders and requests to inormation

collection agencies, and a continuous check on the productivity of collection agencies. b. collection —

Acquisition of information and the provision of this information to processing and/or

production elements. c. processing — Conversion of collected information into a form suitable to the

production of intelligence. d. production — Conversion of information into intelligence through the

integration, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of all source data and the preparation of intelligence

products in support of known or anticipated user requirements. e. dissemination — Conveyance of

intelligence to users in a suitable form. (See also intelligence and intelligence collection plan.) See FM

34-1.

intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB) — A systematic approach to analyzing the enemy,

weather, and terrain in a specific geographic area. It integrates enemy doctrine with the weather and

terrain as they relate to the mission and the specific battlefield environment. This is done to determine

and evaluate enemy capabilities, vulnerabilities, and probable courses of action. See FMs 34-130 and

101-5.

intelligence preparation of the battlespace (JP 1-02) — An analytical methodology employed to reduce

uncertainties concerning the enemy, environment, and terrain for all types of operations. Intelligence

preparation of the battlespace builds an extensive data base for each potential area in which a unit may

be required to operate. The data base is then analyzed in detail to determine the impact of the enemy,

environment, and terrain on operations and presents it in graphic form. Intelligence preparation of the

battlespace is a continuing process.

intelligence synchronization matrix — A graphic representation that ties the collection plan to an operation

and the commander's intelligence needs.

interagency — Activities or operations conducted by or through coordination with two or more agencies or

an agency and one or more services of the same nation.

interagency operations — Any action which combines the human and material resources of two or more

independent organizations, be they governmental, international, or private, in prosecution of a common

objective. See FM 100-5.

interdict — Using fire support or maneuver forces; 1. To seal off an area by any means; to deny use of a

route or approach. 2. A tactical task which is oriented on the enemy to prevent, hinder, or delay the use

of an area or route by enemy forces. See FMs 1-111, 1-112, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, and 100-15.

C-9

interdiction (JP 1-02) — An action to divert, disrupt, delay, or destroy the enemy's surface military potential

before it can be used effectively against friendly forces. See FMs 1-111, 1-112, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100,

71-123, and 100-15. 
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interdiction fire (NATO) — Fire placed on an area or point to prevent the enemy from using the area or

point. (See also interdict and interdiction.) See FMs 6-series and 7-90.

intermediate staging base (ISB) — A logistics base established to provide support to deploying units en

route to an operation; area established to ensure continuity of support. The use of an ISB allows

supported tactical and operational commanders time to gather additional intelligence on the area of

operations and finalize plans following briefings and rehearsals, and provides time during which units

may redistribute and finalize their accompanying loads. See FM 100-15.

internal defense and development (IDAD) (JP 1-02) — The full range of measures taken by a nation to

promote its growth and to protect itself from subversion, lawlessness, and insurgency. It focuses on

building viable institutions (political, economic, social, and military) that respond to the needs of society.

(See also foreign internal defense (FID).) See FMs 100-20 and 100-25.

internal security (JP 1-02) — The state of law and order prevailing within a nation. (See also internal

defense and development (IDAD) and foreign internal defense (FID).) See FMs 100-20 and 100-25.

interned (JP 1-02) — A casualty definitely known to have been taken into custody of a nonbelligerent

foreign power as the result of and for reasons arising out of any armed conflict in which the Armed Forces

of the United States are engaged. (Army) — 1. Battle casualties taken into custody by a nonbelligerent

foreign power as a result of any armed conflict. 2. Anyone taken and kept as a prisoner of war.

interoperability (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. The ability of systems, units, or forces to provide services to and

accept services from other systems, units, or forces and to use the services so exchanged to enable them

to operate effectively together. (DOD) 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. The degree of interoperability

should be defined when referring to specific cases. See FMs 100-5 and 100-6. 

intervisibility (IV) — The condition of being able to see one point from another. This condition may be

altered or interrupted by weather, smoke, terrain masking, dust, or debris. (See also concealment and

cover.) See FM 34-130.

intervisibility line — A ridge or horizon beyond which equipment or personnel can be hidden from

observation. (See FM 34-130.)

in-transit visibility (Army) — The capability to identify the location of resources at any moment in the

distribution pipeline. See FMs 10-1 and 55-2.

intrusion (JP 1-02) — The intentional insertion of electromagnetic energy into transmission paths in any

manner, with the objective of deceiving operators or of causing confusion. (See also electronic warfare

(EW); jamming; and meaconing, intrusion, jamming, and interference (MIJI) report.) See FMs 34-1,

34-40, and 100-6.

inversion — An increase of air temperature with increase in altitude (the ground being colder than the

surrounding air). When an inversion exists, there are no convection currents and wind speeds are below

5 knots. The atmosphere is stable and normally is considered the most favorable state for ground release

of chemical agents. (See also haze, lapse, and neutral.) See FM 3-6.
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irregular forces (JP 1-02) — Armed individuals or groups who are not members of the regular armed forces,

police, or other internal security forces. See FMs 100-20 and 100-25.

irregular outer edge (JP 1-02, NATO) — In land mine warfare, short mine rows or strips laid in an irregular

manner in front of a minefield facing the enemy to deceive the enemy as to the type or extent of the

minefield. Generally, the irregular outer edge will only be used in minefields with buried mines.

isolate— A tactical task given to a unit to seal off (both physically and psychologically) an enemy from his

sources of support, to deny an enemy freedom of movement, and prevent an enemy unit from having

contact with other enemy forces. An enemy must not be allowed sanctuary within his present position.

(See also encirclement.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 17-95, and 71-123. C-10 

J

jamming — The deliberate radiation, reradiation, or reflection of electromagnetic energy to prevent or

degrade the receipt of information by a receiver. It includes communications and noncommunications

jamming. (See also barrage jamming, command and control warfare (C W), electromagnetic interference 2

(EMI), electronic attack (EA), electronic warfare (EW), imitative electronic deception (IED), intrusion,

and meaconing.) See FMs 34-1, 34-40, and 100-6. 

joint air attack team (JAAT) (Army) — A combination of US Army attack and scout aircraft and fixedwing close air support (CAS) aircraft operating together to locate and attack high-priority lucrative targets

such as tanks and other targets of opportunity. JAAT normally operates in a coordinated effort with fire

support, air defense artillery, and ground maneuver forces against enemy armored formations, command

vehicles, and enemy air defense weapon systems. See FMs 1-112 and 6-20 series.

joint civil affairs task force (JCATF) (Army) — A joint task force composed of civil affairs units from

more than one service, formed to carry out a specific civil affairs operation or prosecute civil affairs in

support of a theater campaign or other operations. The JCATF may have conventional noncivil affairs

units assigned or attached to support the conduct of specific missions. 

joint force (JP 1-02) — A general term applied to a force composed of significant elements, assigned or

attached, of two or more Military Departments, operating under a single joint force commander. See FMs

100-5, 100-15, 100-20, and JP 0-2. 

jointforce air component commander (JFACC) (JP 1-02) — The joint force air component commander

derives authority from the joint force commander who has the authority to exercise operational control,

assign missions, direct coordination among subordinate commanders, redirect and organize forces to

ensure unity of effort in the accomplishment of the overall mission. The joint force commander will

normally designate a joint force air component commander. The joint force air component commander's

responsibilities will be assigned by the joint force commander (normally these would include, but not be

limited to, planning, coordination, allocation, and tasking based on the joint force commander's

apportionment decision). Using the joint force commander's guidance and authority, and in coordination

with other Service component commanders and other assigned or supporting commanders, the joint force

air component commander will recommend to the joint force commander apportionment of air sorties to

various missions or geographic areas. (See also joint force commander (JFC).) See FMs 71-100 and

100-15.

jointforce commander (JFC) (JP 1-02) — 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. See FMs 71-100, 100-15, 100-20, and JP 0-2.
FM 101-5-1

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joint force land component commander (JFLCC) (JP 1-02) — The commander within a unified command,

subordinate unified command, or joint task force responsible to the establishing commander for making

recommendations on the proper employment of land forces, planning and coordinating land operations,

or accomplishing such operational missions as may be assigned. The joint force land component

commander is given the authority necessary to accomplish missions and tasks assigned by the establishing

commander. The joint force land component commander will normally be the commander with the

preponderance of land forces and the requisite command and control capabilities. (See also land

component commander (LCC).) See FMs 100-5, 100-15, 100-20, and 100-30.

joint force maritime component commander (JFMCC) (JP 1-02) — The commander within a unified

command, subordinate unified command, or joint task force responsible to the establishing commander

for making recommendations on the proper employment of maritime forces and assets, planning and

coordinating maritime operations, or accomplishing such operational missions as may be assigned. The

joint force maritime component commander is given the authority necessary to accomplish missions and

tasks assigned by the establishing commander. The joint force maritime component commander will

normally be the commander with the preponderance of maritime forces and the requisite command and

control capabilities.

joint force special operations component commander (JFSOCC) (JP 1-02) — The commander within

a unified command, subordinate unified command, or joint task force responsible to the establishing

commander for making recommendations on the proper employment of special operations forces and

assets, planning and coordinating special operations, or accomplishing such operational missions as may

be assigned. The joint force special operations component commander is given the authority necessary

to accomplish missions and tasks assigned by the establishing commander. The joint force special

operations component commander will normally be the commander with the preponderance of special

operations forces and the requisite command and control capabilities.

Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) (JP 1-02) — A continuously evolving system

that is being developed through the integration and enhancement of earlier planning and execution

systems: Joint Operation Planning System and Joint Deployment System. It provides the foundation for

conventional command and control by national- and theater-level commanders and their staffs. It is

designed to satisfy their information needs in the conduct of joint planning and operations. Joint

Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) includes joint operation planning policies,

procedures, and reporting structures supported by communications and automated data processing

systems. JOPES is used to monitor, plan, and execute mobilization, deployment, employment, and

sustainment activities associated with joint operations. (See also joint operations.) See FM 101-5.

joint operations (JP 1-02) — A general term to describe military actions conducted by joint forces, or by

Service forces in relationships (e.g., support, coordinating authority), which, of themselves, do not create

joint forces. (Army) — Operations carried on by two or more of the armed forces. See FMs 100-5,

100-15, 100-20, and JP 0-2. 

joint psychological operations task force (JPOTF) (Army) — A joint task force composed of

psychological operations units from more than one service, formed to carry out a specific psychological

operation or to prosecute psychological operations in support of a theater campaign or other operations.

This joint task force may have conventional nonpsychological operations units under operational control,

assigned, or attached to support the conduct of specific missions. It is subordinate to the joint task force

and has a coequal position with the joint special operations task force, Army, Marine, Navy, and Air

Force forces commanders. See FMs 33-1, 100-15, and 100-20.
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joint special operations air component commander (JSOACC) (JP 1-02) — The commander within the

joint force special operations command responsible for planning and executing joint special air operations

and for coordinating and deconflicting such operations with conventional nonspecial operations air

activities. The joint special operations air component commander normally will be the commander with

the preponderance of assets and/or greatest ability to plan, coordinate, allocate, task, control, and support

the assigned joint special operations aviation assets. The joint special operations air component

commander may be directly subordinate to the joint force special operations component commander or

to any nonspecial operations component or joint force commander as directed.

joint special operations area (Army) — That area of land, sea, and airspace assigned to a joint special

operations command to conduct special operations. See FM 31-20.

joint special operations task force (JSOTF) (JP 1-02) — 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. The JSOTF may have conventional

nonspecial operations units assigned or attached to support the conduct of specific missions. See FMs

71-100, 100-15, 100-20, and 100-25.

joint suppression of enemy air defenses (JSEAD) (JP 1-02) — A broad term that includes all suppression

of enemy air defenses activities provided by one component of the joint force in support of another. (See

also air defense suppression and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD).) See FMs 44-100 and 6-20

series. 

joint task force (JTF) (JP 1-02) — 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.

See FMs 100-5, 100-15, 100-20, and JP 0-2. A-2

joint unconventional warfare task force (JUWTF) (Army) — A force composed of unconventional

warfare forces of two or more services which is constituted by the Secretary of Defense or by the

commander of a unified command, a specified command, or an existing joint task force. (See also joint

special operations task force (JSOTF) and joint psychological operations task force (JPOTF).) See FMs

100-5, 100-20, and 100-25.

 

K 

key terrain (JP 1-02, NATO) — Any locality, or area, the seizure or retention of which affords a marked

advantage to either combatant. (See also intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB).) See FM

34-130.

killed in action (KIA) (JP 1-02) — A casualty category applicable to a hostile casualty, other than the victim

of a terrorist activity, who is killed outright or who dies as a result of wounds or other injuries before

reaching a medical treatment facility. (See also casualty, died of wounds (DOW), hostile casualty,

nonhostile casualty, and graves registration.) See FMs 8-10, 8-55, 10-63-1, 12-6, and 16-1.

 

L

land component commander (LCC) (Army) — The senior commander of a joint or multinational military

force responsible for all aspects of operations for land maneuver and support forces. (See also joint force

land component commander (JFLCC).) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123,

100-15, and 101-5.
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landing area (JP 1-02) — 1. The part of the objective area within which are conducted the landing

operations of an amphibious force. It includes the beach, the approaches to the beach, the transport areas,

the fire support areas, the air occupied by close supporting aircraft, and the land included in the advance

inland to the initial objective. 2. (Airborne) The general area used for landing troops and materiel either

by airdrop or air landing. This area includes one or more drop zones or landing strips. 3. Any specially

prepared or selected surface of land, water, or deck designated or used for takeoff and landing of aircraft.

(See also airhead, drop zone (DZ), landing zone (LZ) and objective.) See FMs 1-111, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20,

7-30, 31-12, 71-100-2, 71-100-3, 90-4, and 90-26. 

landing beach (JP 1-02, NATO) — That portion of a shoreline usually required for the landing of a battalion

landing team. However, it may also be that portion of a shoreline constituting a tactical locality (such as

the shore of a bay) over which a force larger or smaller than a battalion landing team may be landed. (See

also amphibious operation.) See FMs 31-12 and 71-100-2. 

landing plan (JP 1-02) — In amphibious operations, a collective term referring to all individually prepared

naval and landing force documents that, taken together, present in detail all instructions for execution of

the ship-to-shore movement. (Army) — An airborne, air assault, or air movement plan prescribing the

sequence, place of arrival, and method of entry into the objective area. The purpose of the plan is to get

the correct units to the correct place in the correct order to properly execute the ground tactical plan. (See

also ground tactical plan and marshalling plan.) See FMs 1-111, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 31-12, 71-100-

2, 71-100-3, 90-4, and 90-26.

landing point (JP 1-02, NATO) — A point within a landing site where one helicopter or vertical takeoff and

landing aircraft can land. (See also air assault, landing site, and landing zone (LZ).) See FMs 1-111, 7-8,

7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 71-100-2, 71-100-3, 90-4, and 90-26.

landing site (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. A site within a landing zone containing one or more landing points. 2.

In amphibious operations, a continuous segment of coastline over which troops, equipment, and supplies

can be landed by surface means. (Army) — A location where aircraft take off and land. See FM

71-100-2.

landing zone (LZ) (JP 1-02, NATO) — Any specified zone used for the landing of aircraft. (See also air

assault and airhead.) See FMs 1-111, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 31-12, 71-100-2, 71-100-3, 90-4, and 90-

26. 3-13

landing zone control party (JP 1-02, NATO) — Personnel specially trained and equipped to establish and

operate communications devices from the ground for traffic control of aircraft/helicopters for a specific

landing zone. (See also air assault.) See FMs 1-111, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 71-100-2, 71-100-3, and 90-

4.

lane — A route through an enemy or friendly obstacle that provides a passing force safe passage. The route

may be reduced and proofed as part of a breach operation, or constructed as part of a friendly obstacle.

It is a clear route that moves all the way through an obstacle. (See also gap.) See FMs 5-71-100, 5-101,

5-102, and 90-13-1. 3-28

lane marker (JP 1-02, NATO) — In land mine warfare, sign used to mark a minefield lane. Lane markers,

at the entrance to and exit from the lane may be referenced to a landmark or intermediate marker. (See

also breach, gap, and lane.) See FMs 5-71-100, 5-101, 5-102, 90-13-1.

lapse— A marked decrease in air temperature with increasing altitude because the ground is warmer than the

surrounding air. This condition usually occurs between 1100 and 1600 hours, local time, when skies are

clear. Strong convection currents exist during lapse conditions. For chemical operations, the state
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-90

is defined as unstable and is normally considered the most unfavorable for the release of chemical agents.

(See also inversion and neutral.) See FM 3-6.

large-scale map — See map.

latent(nuclear) ineffectiveness — 1. The minimum exposure that will result in the average service member

becoming performance-degraded within three hours and remaining so until death. 2. The minimum

exposure that will result in the average service member becoming combat ineffective at any time within

six weeks of postexposure. See FMs 8-10-7, 100-30, JPs 3-12.2, and 3-12.3.

lateral boundaries — Control measures that define the left and right limits of a unit's zone of action or

sector. Together with the rear and forward boundaries and a coordinating altitude, lateral boundaries

define the area of operations for a commander. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-

123, 100-15, and 101-5. 3-11

lateral route (JP 1-02, NATO) — A route generally parallel to the forward edge of the battle area, which

crosses, or feeds into, axial routes. (See also main supply route (MSR), alternate supply route (ASR),

and air corridor.) See FMs 1-111, 10-1, 63-2, 63-2-1, 63-6, 63-20, 63-21, and 71-100-3. 

lateral spread (JP 1-02) — A technique used to place the mean point of impact of two or more units

100 meters apart on a line perpendicular to the gun-target line. See FM 6-40.

latesttime information is of value — The time by which an intelligence organization or staff must deliver

information to the requestor in order to provide decision makers with timely intelligence. This must

include the time anticipated for processing and disseminating that information as well as for making the

decision. See FMs 34-1 and 34-130.

law and order operations — A military police mission that includes law enforcement, criminal investigation,

and the confinement of US military prisoners. Law and order operations are conducted only when the

combat commander requires it and when battle intensity permits. See FM 19-10.

law of war (JP 1-02) — That part of international law that regulates the conduct of armed hostilities. Also

called the law of armed conflict. (See also rules of engagement (ROE) and rules of interaction (ROI).)

See FM 27-10.

lay (JP 1-02) — 1. Direct or adjust the aim of a weapon. 2. Setting of a weapon for a given range, or for

a given direction, or both. 3. To drop one or more aerial bombs or aerial mines onto the surface from an

aircraft. 4. To spread a smoke screen on the ground from an aircraft. 5. To calculate or project a course.

6. To lay on: a. to execute a bomber strike; b. to set up a mission. See FMs 6-series and 7-90.

least separation distance (LSD) — The minimum distance that a desired ground zero must be separated

from an object to ensure no more than a 10 percent chance of damage with a 99 percent assurance. It is

the sum of the radius of preclusion and the buffer distance. See FM 100-30.

lewisite— A blister agent (an arsenical vesicant) used as a moderately delayed-action casualty agent with a

persistency somewhat shorter than HD (distilled mustard). It produces effects similar to mustard,

although, unlike mustard, it produces immediate pain. See FM 3-9.

liaison (NATO) — That contact or intercommunication maintained between elements of military forces to

ensure mutual understanding and unity of purpose and action. See FM 101-5.
FM 101-5-1

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1-91

liberated territory (JP 1-02, NATO) — Any area, domestic, neutral, or friendly, which, having been

occupied by an enemy, is retaken by friendly forces.

lift — All helicopters assigned to a particular mission to move troops, supplies, and equipment. (See also

chalk and air assault.) See FMs 1-111, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 71-100-2, 71-100-3 and 90-4.

lift fire — In direct fire, the command to raise the cone of fire so that the beaten zone strikes the target, but

the space between the target and the firing weapons is safe for maneuver by friendly forces. See FMs

17-12 and 23-1.

light line (LL) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A designated line forward of which vehicles are required to use black-out

lights at night. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-123, 71-100, 100-15, and 101-5. 3-26

limit of advance (LOA) — An easily recognized terrain feature beyond which attacking elements will not

advance. (See also probable line of deployment (PLD) and final coordination line (FCL).) See FMs

1-112, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-15, 17-95, and 71-123. 3-17

limitation — 1. Control measure, instruction, or order that restricts freedom of action. 2. An action, activity,

or task that a unit is not capable of executing. This condition may be due to natural reasons such as terrain

and weather or reasons such as training or equipment.

limited access route (JP 1-02, NATO) — A one way route with one or more restrictions which preclude its use

by the full range of military traffic. (See also main supply route (MSR) and alternate supply route (ASR).)

See FM 55-2.

limited visibility operations — Operations conducted at night and during other periods of reduced visibility.

(See also limit of advance (LOA), probable line of deployment (PLD), and final coordination line (FCL).)

See FMs 1-112, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-15, 17-95, and 71-123. 

limit of fire (JP1-02, NATO) — 1. The boundary marking off the area on which gunfire can be delivered.

2. Safe angular limits for firing at aerial targets. (Army) — Tactical markers used to define the sector of fire

for an individual soldier, a weapon system, or a unit that prevents fratricide of adjacent units and focuses fires

to kill the enemy. (See also final protective line (FPL), target reference point (TRP), and engagement area

(EA).) See FMs 1-112, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 17-15, and 71-123. 

line (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, a spotting, or an observation, used by a

spotter or an observer to indicate that a burst(s) occurred on the spotting line. (Army) — Pertains to mortar

fires also. See FMs 6-series and 7-90.

line of contact (LC) — A general trace delineating the location where two opposing forces are engaged. (See

also forward edge of the battle area (FEBA), forward line of own troops (FLOT), line of departure (LD), and

line of departure is line of contact (LD/LC).) See FMs 1-112, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-15, 17-95, and

71-123. 3-13

line of demarcation (LOD) — A line defining the boundary of a buffer zone or an area of limitation. A line of

demarcation may also be used to define the forward limits of disputing or belligerent forces after each phase

of disengagement or withdrawal has been completed. 

line of departure (LD) (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. In land warfare, a line designated to coordinate the departure

of attack elements. 2. In amphibious warfare, a suitably marked offshore coordinating line to assist

assault craft to land on designated beaches at scheduled times. (See also line of contact (LC) and line of
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-92

departure is line of contact (LD/LC).) See FMs 1-111, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-15, 17-95, 31-12,

and 71-123. 3-17

line of departure is line of contact (LD/LC) — The designation of forward friendly positions as the LD when

opposing forces are in contact. (See also line of contact (LC) and line of departure (LD).) See FMs 1-111,

7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-15, 17-95, and 71-123. 3-17

line formation — An arrangement of vehicles or personnel in which elements are arranged abreast of each other.

This formation permits maximum fire to front or rear and a minimum of fire to the flanks. (See also

formation, movement formation, echelon formation, and column formation.) See FMs 1-112, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10,

7-20, 7-30, 17-15, 17-95, and 71-123. 

line haul — In highway transportation, a type of haul involving long trips over the road in which the portion of

driving time is high in relation to the time consumed in loading and unloading. Line haul usually involves

one trip or a portion of a trip per operating shift of 10 hours, or 2 trips per day. See FMs 55-2 and 55-10.

lines of communications (LOC) (JP 1-02) — All the routes, land, water, and air, which connect an operating

military force with a base of operations and along which supplies and military forces move. (See also

communications zone (COMMZ).) See FMs 10-1, 100-5, 100-7, 100-10, and 100-15.

line of sight (LOS) — The unobstructed path from a soldier, weapon, weapon sight, electronic-sending and

-receiving antennas, or piece of reconnaissance equipment from one point to another. (See also intervisibility

(IV).) See FMs 1-111, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-15, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 100-20.

linkup — A meeting of friendly ground forces (such as when an advancing force reaches an objective area

previously seized by an airborne or air assault force, when an encircled element breaks out to rejoin friendly

forces, or when converging maneuver forces meet). (See also linkup point.) See FMs 1-111, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10,

7-20, 7-30, 17-15, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 100-20.

linkup point — An easily identifiable point on the ground where two forces conduct a linkup meet. When one

force is stationary, linkup points normally are established where the moving force's routes of advance

intersect the stationary force's security elements. Linkup points for two moving forces are established on

boundaries where the two forces are expected to converge. (See also air assault, airborne operation, breakout,

and linkup.) See FMs 1-111, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-15, 17-95, 31-20, 71-100, 71-100-3, 71-123,

90-4, 90-26, 100-15, and 100-20. 3-26

list of targets (JP 1-02) — A tabulation of confirmed or suspect targets maintained by any echelon for

informational and fire support planning purposes. (See also fire plan and target list.) See FMs 6-20 series

and 101-5.

load plan — A document which presents in detail all instructions for the arrangement of personnel and

equipment aboard a given type aircraft or vehicle. (See also combat loading.) See FMs 7-8, 55-12, and

71-10.

local haul — In highway transportation, a type of haul characterized by short driving time in relation to loading

and unloading time and normally involves four or more trips per day. See FMs 55-2 and 55-10.

local security — Those security elements established near a unit to prevent surprise by the enemy. See FMs

1-111, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-15, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 100-20.
FM 101-5-1

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lock on (JP 1-02, NATO) — Signifies that a tracking or target-seeking system is continuously and automatically

tracking a target in one or more coordinates (e.g., range, bearing, elevation).

lodgment area (JP 1-02) — See airhead; beachhead. (Army) — A designated area or hostile or potentially hostile

territory that, when seized and held, ensures the continuous landing (buildup) of troops and materiel and

provides sufficient maneuver space for buildup of combat power to resolve the crises rapidly and decisively.

(See also airhead, beachhead, and opposed entry.) See FMs 1-111, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-15, 17-95,

71-100, 71-100-2, 71-100-3, 71-123, 100-15, and 100-20.

log crib — A type of point obstacle used as a roadblock where such an obstacle cannot be readily bypassed. (See

also abatis, point obstacle, road block, and cratering charge.) See FMs 5-34, 5-71-100, and 5-102.

log hurdle — A type of point obstacle used to slow tracked vehicles and make them more vulnerable to antitank

fires or make the tracked vehicles vulnerable to "belly shots" as they climb over the hurdles. (See also abatis,

point obstacle, road block, and cratering charge.) See FMs 5-34, 5-71-100, and 5-102.

logistics (JP 1-02, NATO) — The science of planning and carrying out the movement and maintenance of

forces. In its most comprehensive sense, those aspects of military operations which deal with: a. design and

development, acquisition, storage, movement, distribution, maintenance, evacuation, and disposition of

materiel; b. movement, evacuation, and hospitalization of personnel; c. acquisition or construction,

maintenance, operation, and disposition of facilities; and d. acquisition or furnishing of services. (See also

combat service support (CSS).) See FMs 10-1 and 100-10.

logistics assault base (LAB) (Army) — A temporary logistics support area transported across enemy lines via

helicopter to support extended deep air assault operations and raids. If the LAB is to become a permanent

facilitity, the unit must develop it into a forward operations base. See FM 71-100-3.

logistics base — A principal or supplementary base of support; a locality containing installations which provide

logistic or support.

logistics package (LOGPAC) — A grouping of multiple classes of supplies and supply vehicles under the

control of a single convoy commander. Daily LOGPACs contain a standardized allocation of supplies.

Special LOGPACs can also be dispatched as needed. See FM 71-123. 

logistics preparation of the battlefield (Army) — All actions taken by combat service support to maximize the

means of supporting commander's plans.

logistics over the shore (LOTS) — The loading and unloading of ships without the benefit of fixed port

facilities, in friendly or undefended territory, and, in time of war, during phases of theater development in

which there is no enemy opposition.

logistics release point (LRP) — 1. The point along the supply route where the unit first sergeant or unit guide

takes control of a company logistics package (LOGPAC). 2. The point along the supply route where the

supported unit meets the supporting unit to transfer supplies. See FM 55-30. 3-38

log posts — A type of point obstacle with posts placed in belts and combined with wire and usually used as a

road block or turning obstacle. To breach a belt of log posts requires an extensive breaching effort. (See

also abatis, cratering charge, point obstacle, and road block.) See FMs 5-34, 5-71-100, and 5-102.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-94

long-range surveillance (LRS) — Surveillance of an enemy force or a specified area over extended distances

using long-range surveillance units; special operations forces; division, corps, theater, or national monitoring

devices; or any combination of these to provide information to the commander.

lost (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, a spotting, or an observation used by a

spotter

 or an observer to indicate that rounds fired by a gun or mortar were not observed. (Army)— Pertains to

mortar and direct fire gunnery also. See FM 6-series, 7-90, 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

low-altitude parachute extraction system (LAPES) (Army) — A low-level, self-contained extraction system

capable of delivering heavy equipment or supplies via aircraft to a specified extraction zone (EZ) from an

altitude of 5 to 10 feet above ground level when air landing is not feasible. See FMs 7-7, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30,

71-100-2, and 90-26.

low-leveltransit route (LLTR) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A temporary corridor of defined dimensions established

in the forward area to minimize the risk to friendly aircraft from friendly air defenses or surface forces. (See

also minimum-risk route (MRR), air corridor, and flight corridor.) See FM 100-103. 3-5

M

magnetic azimuth — An angle of direction measured clockwise from magnetic north. (See also azimuth, grid

of azimuth, and true azimuth.) See FM 21-26.

magnetic declination (JP 1-02, NATO) — The angle between the magnetic and geographical meridians at any

place, expressed in degrees east or west to indicate the direction of magnetic north from true north. In

nautical and aeronautical navigation, the term magnetic variation is used instead of magnetic declination and

the angle is termed variation of the compass or magnetic variation. Magnetic declination is not otherwise

synonymous with magnetic variation which refers to regular or irregular change with time of the magnetic

declination, dip, or intensity. See FM 21-26.

magnetic variation (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. In navigation, at a given place and time, the horizontal angle

between the true north and magnetic north measured east or west according to whether magnetic north lies

east or west of true north. (See also magnetic declination.) 2. In cartography, the annual change in direction

of the horizontal component of the Earth's magnetic field. See FM 21-26.

main attack (JP 1-02, NATO) — The principal attack or effort into which the commander throws the full weight

of the offensive power at his disposal. An attack directed against the chief objective of the campaign or

battle. (Army) — The primary mission in support of the higher commander's main effort. It is weighted with

combat, combat support, and combat service support. The higher commander will normally support the main

attack with a supporting attack(s) and other operations such as deep attacks, electronic warfare (EW)

operations, deception operations, and economy of force operations. (See also main effort, supporting attack,

deception operation, and attack.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and

101-5. 3-15, 3-16 

main battle area (MBA) (JP 1-02) — That portion of the battlefield in which the decisive battle is fought to

defeat the enemy. For any particular command, the main battle area extends rearward from the forward edge

of the battle area to the rear boundary of the command's subordinate units. (See also defensive operations,

forward edge of the battle area (FEBA), and handover line.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95,

71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5.
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1-95

main body — 1. 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. 2. In a motor column, all

vehicles exclusive of the column head, trail, and control vehicles which consist primarily of the vehicles

carrying the bulk of the cargo or troops within the column. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100,

71-123, 100-15, and 101-5.

main command post — A cell that includes those staff activities involved in controlling and sustaining current

operations and in planning future operations. The main command post (CP) normally operates under control

of the chief of staff. In addition to the chief of staff, the main CP consists of G1, G2, G3, and G4 elements;

fire support and chemical elements, tactical air control party element, and an Army airspace command and

control element consisting of air defense artillery and Army aviation staff elements. The main CP exercises

command and control of the current operation in cases where a tactical CP is not employed. (See also

command post (CP); rear command post; tactical command post (TAC CP).) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20,

7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5. A-3 

main effort (Army) — The unit, battle position, sector, zone, axis, avenue of approach, area of operations,

theater of operations, and so forth, the senior commander has determined has the most important task and

purpose at that time, whose success will make the most difference in the accomplishment of the higher

commander's overall mission or objective. Commanders at all levels should designate a point of main effort

along with supporting efforts. This helps them and their staffs to allocate resources accordingly, providing

focus to the operation while setting priorities and determining risks, promoting unity of effort, and facilitating

and understanding of the commander's intent. There is only one main effort at any time in the operation,

although the main effort may change as the situation changes to take advantage of opportunities or to avert

failure. In the offense, the commander will conduct the main attack where the main effort has been

designated. The unit(s) conducting the main attack normally will shift throughout the operation. The main

attack may be a deep attacking unit, the point unit of the ground attack, or the reserve, when committed. In

the defense, the main effort is that area along the enemy avenue of approach that the defense depends on for

success. The higher commander will influence the main effort with supporting effort(s). For example, during

World War II the European Theater was the national main effort and the Pacific theater was a supporting

effort. (See also main attack and supporting effort.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100,

71-123, 100-5, 100-15, and 101-5. 

main line of resistance (JP 1-02) — A line at the forward edge of the battle position, designated for the purpose

of coordinating the fire of all units and supporting weapons, including air and naval gunfire. It defines the

forward limits of a series of mutually supporting defensive areas, but it does not include the areas occupied

or used by covering or screening forces.

main operations base (MOB) (JP 1-02) — In special operations, a base established by a joint force special

operations component commander or a subordinate special operations component commander in friendly

territory to provide sustained command and control, administration, and logistical support to special operations

activities in designated areas. (See also advanced operations base (AOB) and forward operations base (FOB).)

See FM 100-25.

main supply route (MSR) (JP 1-02, NATO) — The route or routes designated within an area of operations upon

which the bulk of traffic flows in support of military operations. 3-40

maintenance (materiel) (JP 1-02) — 1. All action taken to retain materiel in a serviceable condition or to 

restore it to serviceability. It includes inspection, testing, servicing, classification as to serviceability, 

repair, rebuilding, and reclamation. 2. All supply and repair action taken to keep a force in condition

to carry out its mission. 3. The routine recurring work required to keep a facility (plant, building, 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-96

structure, ground facility, utility system, or other real property) in such condition that it may be continuously

used, at its original or designed capacity and efficiency for its intended purpose. 4-26

maintenance collection point (MCP) — A point established to collect equipment awaiting repair, controlled

exchange, cannibalization, or evacuation. It may be operated by the user or by direct support maintenance

units. (See also unit maintenance collection point (UMCP).) 3-38

maintenance status (JP 1-02) — 1. A nonoperating condition, deliberately imposed, with adequate personnel to

maintain and preserve installations, materiel, and facilities in such a condition that they may be readily restored

to operable condition in a minimum time by the assignment of additional personnel and without extensive

repair or overhaul. 2. That condition of materiel which is in fact, or is administratively classified as,

unserviceable, pending completion of required servicing or repairs. (Army) — A condition of materiel

readiness that reports the level of operational readiness for a piece of equipment. See FM 63-2.

maintenance support team (MST) — A tailored direct support team that colocates with a unit maintenance

element for a designated period. See FM 63-2.

major disaster — See domestic emergencies.

major operation (Army) — The coordinated actions of large forces in a single phase of a campaign. A major

operation could contain a number of battles or could be a single critical battle.

mandate — A resolution approved by the United Nations Security Council or United States government that

delineates the objective, the resources, role, and tasks of the force assigned to carry out the resolution. It also

includes the terms of reference which should include the rules of engagement, rules of interaction, force

protection, geographical limitations, limits on the duration of the operation, relationships with belligerent

parties, relationships with humanitarian assistance organizations, personnel resources, and financing. (See also

counterdrug (CD), counterinsurgency, humanitarian assistance (HA), peace operations, and stability and

support operations (SASO). See FMs 100-20 and 100-23.

maneuver (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. A movement to place ships or aircraft in a position of advantage over the

enemy. 2. A tactical exercise carried out at sea, in the air, on the ground, or on a map in imitation of war. 3.

The operation of a ship, aircraft, or vehicle, to cause it to perform desired movements. 4. Employment of

forces on the battlefield through movement in combination with fire, or fire potential, to achieve a position of

advantage in respect to the enemy in order to accomplish the mission. (Army) — Employment of forces on

the battlefield through movement of combat forces in relation to the enemy, supported by fire or fire potential

from all sources, to gain potential advantage from which to destroy or threaten destruction of the enemy to

accomplish the mission. See FMs 100-5 and 100-40.

manifest (JP 1-02) — A document specifying in detail the passengers or items carried for a specific destination.

manipulative electromagnetic deception (MED) (JP 1-02) — Actions to eliminate revealing, or convey

misleading, electromagnetic telltale indicators that may be used by hostile forces. (See also electronic warfare

(EW), electromagnetic deception, imitative electromagnetic deception, and simulative electromagnetic

deception.) See FM 34-40.

map (JP 1-02, NATO) — A graphic representation, usually on a plane surface, and at an established scale, of

natural or artificial features on the surface of a part or whole of the Earth or other planetary body. 

These features are positioned relative to a coordinate reference system. See FM 21-26. (Army) —
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a. large-scale map. A map having a scale of 1:75,000 or larger used for tactical planning. b. mediumscale map. A map having a scale between 1:1,000,000 and 1:75,000 used for operational planning.

c. small-scale map. A map having a scale smaller than 1:1,000,000 used for general planning and strategic

studies.

march column — A group of two to five serials using the same route for a single movement, organized under a

single commander for planning, regulating, and controlling. (See also march serial, march unit, and movement

order.) See FMs 55-30 and 101-5.

march serial — A subdivision of a march column consisting of a group of two to five march units using the same

route for a single movement, organized under a single commander for planning, regulating, and controlling.

(See also march column, march unit, and movement order.) See FMs 55-30 and 101-5.

march unit — The smallest subdivision of a march column; a group of normally no more than 25 vehicles using

the same route for a single movement, organized under a single commander for planning, regulating, and

controlling. (See also march column, march serial, and movement order.) See FMs 55-30 and 101-5.

Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) (JP 1-02) — A task organization of Marine forces (division, aircraft

wing, and service support groups) under a single command and structured to accomplish a specific mission.

The MAGTF components will normally include command, aviation combat, ground combat, and combat

service support elements (including Navy Support Elements). Three types of MAGTFs that can be task

organized are the Marine expeditionary unit, Marine expeditionary brigade, and Marine expeditionary force.

The four elements of a Marine air-ground task force are command element (CE), aviation combat element

(ACE), ground combat element (GCE), and combat service support element (CSSE). (See also aviation

combat element (ACE), combat service support element (CSSE), command element (CE), ground combat

element (GCE), Marine expeditionary force (MEF), Marine expeditionary force (forward) (MEF (FWD)),

Marine expeditionary unit (MEU), and task force.)

Marine expeditionary force (MEF) (JP 1-02) — The Marine expeditionary force, the largest of the Marine airground task forces, is normally built around a division/wing team, but can include several divisions and aircraft

wings, together with an appropriate combat service support organization. The Marine expeditionary force is

capable of conducting a wide range of amphibious assault operations and sustained operations ashore. It can

be tailored for a wide variety of combat missions in any geographic environment. (See also Marine air-ground

task force (MAGTF), Marine expeditionary force (forward) (MEF(FWD)), and Marine expeditionary unit

(MEU).) See JP 3-02.1.

Marine expeditionary force (forward) (MEF(FWD)) — A task organization which is normally built around a

regimental landing team, a provisional Marine aircraft group, and a logistics support group; a brigade-sized

unit which has been designated as the forward echelon of a Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). It can deploy

as an air contingency force, a maritime or geographic prepositioning force, or the landing force of an

amphibious operation. It normally can sustain operations for 30 days while the follow-on forces of the MEF

are being deployed. (See also Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF), Marine expeditionary force (MEF),

and Marine expeditionary unit (MEU).) See JP 3-02.1.

Marine expeditionary unit (MEU) (JP 1-02) — A task organization which is normally built around a battalion

landing team, reinforced helicopter squadron, and logistic support unit. It fulfills routine forward afloat

deployment requirements, provides an immediate reaction capability for crisis situations, and is capable of

relatively limited combat operations. (See also Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF), Marine expeditionary

force (MEF), and Marine expeditionary force (forward) (MEF (FWD)). See JP 3-02.1.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

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marking smoke — Smoke employed to relay prearranged communications on the battlefield. It is frequently used

to identify targets, evacuation points, friendly perimeters, and so forth. See FM 3-50.

marshalling (JP 1-02, NATO) — 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. 2. The process of assembling, holding, and

organizing supplies and/or equipment, especially vehicles of transportation, for onward movement. (See also

staging area.) See FMs 71-100-3 and 90-26.

marshalling area — 1. The general area in which unit preparation areas and departure airfields may be located

and from which movement is initiated. 2. An area located adjacent to strategic air and sea ports of

embarkation and debarkation, controlled by the Army service component commander, in which units configure

forces, sustainment, and material for onward movement to staging areas or tactical assembly areas. 3. In

amphibious operations, the designated area in which, as part of the mounting process, units are reorganized

for embarkation; vehicles and equipment are prepared to move directly to embarkation areas; and housekeeping

facilities are provided for troops by other units. See FM 100-17. 

marshalling plan — An airborne operational plan by which units of the force complete final preparation for

combat, move to departure airfields, and load for take-off. It begins when elements of the force are literally

"sealed" in marshalling areas and terminates at loading. (See also ground tactical plan and landing plan.) See

FMs 100-17 and 101-5.

mask only — 1. A protective measure that provides some relief from mission-oriented protective posture (MOPP)

gear for personnel who must work in a vapor- or aerosol-contaminated environment. Personnel must be within

protective shelters (certain types of vans, tanks, or buildings) where the danger of transfer hazards is minimal.

This posture is only used when the only threat is vapor. Mask only cannot be used when blister agents are

present. 2. A protective measure preparation used when the commander anticipates that his only chemical

threat is from riot control agents. (See also mission-oriented protective posture (MOPP).) See FM 3-4.

mass (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. The concentration of combat power. 2. The military formation in which units are

spaced at less than the normal distances and intervals. (Army) — To concentrate or bring together fires, as

to mass fires of multiple weapons or units. (See also principles of war.) See FM 100-5.

mass casualty (JP 1-02) — Any large number of casualties produced in a relatively short period of time, usually

as the result of a single incident such as a military aircraft accident, hurricane, flood, earthquake, or armed

attack that exceeds local logistical support capabilities. (See also casualty.)

massed fire (JP 1-02) — 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. (See also concentrated fire.)

materiel release confirmation (JP 1-02) — A notification from a shipping/storage activity advising the originator

of a materiel release order of the positive action taken on the order. It will also be used with appropriate

shipment status document identifier codes as a reply to a follow-up initiated by the inventory control point.

materiel release order (JP 1-02) — An order issued by an accountable supply system manager (usually an

inventory control point or accountable depot/stock point) directing a nonaccountable activity (usually a storage

site or materiel drop point) within the same supply distribution complex to release and ship materiel.
FM 101-5-1

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1-99

maximum effective range (JP 1-02, NATO) — The maximum distance at which a weapon may be expected

to be accurate and achieve the desired result. (Army) — The distance from a weapon system at

which a 50 percent probability of target hit is expected, or the tracer burnout range. See FMs 6-series, 7-90,

7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

maximum range (JP 1-02, NATO) — The greatest distance a weapon can fire without consideration of dispersion.

(Army) — The maximum distance a projectile or rocket can go at the optimum elevation of the weapon. See

FMs 6-series, 7-90, 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

maximum rate of fire — The largest quantity of rounds physically or mechanically possible to fire through a

weapon or weapon system in a specified period of time regardless of the damage that could be done to the

system if this number of rounds was fired for a prolonged period of time. (See also sustained rate of fire.) See

FMs 6-series, 7-90, 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

M-day(JP 1-02) — The term used to designate the unnamed day on which full mobilization commences or is due

to commence.

meaconing(JP 1-02, NATO) — A system of receiving radio beacon signals and rebroadcasting them on the same

frequency to confuse navigation. The meaconing stations cause inaccurate bearings to be obtained by aircraft

or ground stations. 

meaconing, interference, jamming, and intrusion (MIJI) report — A report to record and report interference

experienced with communications which was not determined to be caused by locally generated spurious signals

or technical difficulties. This report is prepared based on an interference report forwarded from the unit or

element that initially experienced the interference. The unit-level interference report is transmitted by the

fastest and most secure means available. See FM 34-40.

medical care echelon — Describes the five levels of treatment within the military system. Each echelon has the

same capabilities as the echelon before it, but adds a new treatment capability that distinguishes it from the

previous echelon. The five echelons are: Echelon I - unit level or immediate lifesaving measures; Echelon II -

a medical unit that adds dental, laboratory, x-ray, and patient holding capability; Echelon III - mobile army

surgical hospitals and combat support hospitals that add the capability to perform surgery; Echelon IV -

general hospitals and field hospitals that add staffing and equipment for general and specialized medical and

surgical treatment; Echelon V - continental United States-based hospitals that can provide the most specialized

and long-term care possible. See FMs 8-10, 8-10-1, 8-10-4, 8-10-14, 8-10-24, 8-51, and 8-55.

medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) — The timely and efficient movement of patients while providing en route

medical care to and between medical treatment facilities. See FMs 8-10 and 8-10-6.

medical evacuees (JP 1-02) — Personnel who are wounded, injured, or ill and must be moved to or between

medical facilities. See FMs 8-10, 8-10-1, 8-10-4, 8-10-14, 8-10-24.

medicalthreat (Army) — The composite of all ongoing or potential enemy actions and environmental conditions

that reduce the performance effectiveness of the soldier. The soldier's reduced effectiveness results from

sustained wounds, injuries, or diseases. See FMs 8-10, 8-10-8, 8-55.

medicaltreatment facility (MTF) (JP 1-02) — A facility established for the purpose of furnishing medical and/or

dental care to eligible individuals. See FMs 8-10, 8-10-1, 8-10-4, 8-10-14, 8-10-24. 4-26, D-9 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-100

medical waste — Any waste that is generated in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beingsor

animals.

medium-scale map — See map.

meeting engagement (JP 1-02, NATO) — A combat action that occurs when a moving force, incompletely

deployed for battle, engages an enemy at an unexpected time and place. (Army) — The enemy force may

be either stationary or moving. (See also movement to contact.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95,

71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5.

military art (Army) — The judgmental application of military science to the conditions at hand. Such judgment

depends on knowledge in great depth which goes beyond a knowledge of mechanical factors and force ratios.

It depends on inspired and skillful application of sound scientific approaches and demands the application

of sound judgment in the weighting of the intangibles.

military chemical compound — Chemical substance that has become generally accepted by the public for use

in conventional war. Included are riot control agents, flame and smoke materials, and military herbicides.

Excluded are chemical agents. See FM 3-9.

military crest — An area on the forward or reverse slope of a hill or ridge just below the topographical crest

from which maximum observation and direct fire covering the slope down to the base of the hill or ridge can

be obtained. (See also topographical crest.) See FM 21-26.

military grid reference system (JP 1-02, NATO) — A system which uses a standard-scaled grid square, based

on a point of origin on a map projection of the surface of the Earth in an accurate and consistent manner to

permit either position referencing or the computation of direction and distance between grid positions. See

FM 21-26. 

military information environment (MIE) — Those individuals, organizations, and systems within the global

information environment (GIE), both friendly and hostile, military and nonmilitary, that support, enable, or

significantly influence a specific military operation. See FM 100-6. 

military load classification (MLC) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A standard system in which a route, bridge, or raft is

assigned class number(s) representing the load it can carry. Vehicles are also assigned number(s) indicating

the minimum class of route, bridge, or raft they are authorized to use. (See also route classification.) See

FMs 5-36 and 17-95.

military operations in a built-up area (MOBA) (Army) — All military actions planned and conducted on a

topographical complex and its adjacent natural terrain where man-made construction is the dominant feature.

It includes combat in cities, which is that portion of military operations on urbanized terrain involving

house-to-house and street-by-street fighting in towns and cities. See FMs 90-10 and 90-10-1.

military operations on urbanized terrain (MOUT) — All military actions planned and conducted on a

topographical complex and its adjacent natural terrain where man-made construction is the dominant feature.

It includes combat-in-cities, which is that portion of MOUT involving house-to-house and street-by-street

fighting in towns and cities. See FMs 90-10 and 90-10-1.

military operations other than war (MOOTW) (JP 1-02) — Operations that encompass the use of 

military capabilities across the range of military operations short of war. These military actions can be

applied to complement any combination of the other instruments of national power and occur before,
FM 101-5-1

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1-101

during, and after war. (See also counterdrug (CD), counterinsurgency, domestic emergencies, humanitarian

assistance (HA), and peace operations.) See FM 100-20 and JP 3-07.

military police response forces (Army) — Those forces the commander assigns the mission of responding to

and conducting operations to close with and destroy or delay attacking enemy forces beyond the capabilities

of base defenses (Level II). See FM 19-1.

military science (Army) — A systemized knowledge of the principles of war; the systematic development,

examination, and dissemination of appropriate methods; and the systematic development, examination, and

understanding of capabilities.

military strategy (JP 1-02) — The art and science of employing the armed forces of a nation to secure the

objectives of national policy by the application of force or the threat of force. See FM 100-5.

minefield (JP 1-02, NATO) — In land warfare, an area of ground containing mines laid with or without a pattern.

3-30 

minefield breaching (JP 1-02, NATO) — In land mine warfare, the process of clearing a lane through a

minefield under tactical conditions. (See also breach, in-stride breach, deliberate breach, covert breach, and

lane.) See FMs 5-71-100, 5-101, and 90-13-1. 

minimum range (JP 1-02) — 1. Least range setting of a gun at which the projectile will clear an obstacle or

friendly troops between the gun and the target. 2. Shortest distance to which a gun can fire from a given

position. (Army) — The range at which a projectile or fuse will be armed. See FMs 6-series, 7-90, 7-91,

17-12, and 23-1.

minimum-risk route (MRR) (JP 1-02) — A temporary corridor of defined dimensions recommended for use

by high-speed, fixed-wing aircraft that presents the minimum known hazards to low-flying aircraft transiting

the combat zone. (Army) — The MRR must be approved by the airspace control authority and avoids

artillery, air defense weapons, landing zones, pick-up zones, forward arming and refueling points, and Army

airfields. See FM 100-103. 3-5

minimum safe distance (MSD) — The minimum distance in meters from desired ground zero at which a specific

degree of personnel risk and vulnerability will not be exceeded with a 99 percent assurance. The MSD is the

sum of the radius of safety and the buffer distance. (See also desired ground zero (DGZ), least separation

distance (LSD), and troop safety (nuclear).) See FM 100-30 and JP 3-12.2. 3-34

misfire (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. Failure to fire or explode properly. 2. Failure of a primer or the propelling

charge of a round or projectile to function wholly or in part. See FMs 6-series, 7-90, 7-91, 17-12, and

23-1.

missing (JP 1-02) — A casualty status for which the United States Code provides statutory guidance

concerning missing members of the Military Services. Excluded are personnel who are in an absent

without leave, deserter, or dropped-from-rolls status. A person declared missing is categorized as

follows: a. beleaguered — The casualty is a member of an organized element that has been surrounded

by a hostile force to prevent escape of its members. b. besieged — The casualty is a member of an

organized element that ha s been surrounded by a hostile force for compelling it to surrender.

c. captured — The casualty has been seized as the result of action of an unfriendly military or

paramilitary force in a foreign country. d. detained — The casualty is prevented from proceeding or
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-102

is restrained in custody for alleged violation of international law or other reason claimed by the

government or group under which the person is being held. e. interned — The casualty is definitely

known to have been taken into custody of a nonbelligerent foreign power as the result of and for reasons

arising out of any armed conflict in which the Armed Forces of the United States are engaged. f. missing

— The casualty is not present at his or her duty location due to apparent involuntary reasons and whose

location is unknown. g. missing in action (MIA) — The casualty is a hostile casualty, other than the

victim of a terrorist activity, who is not present at his or her duty location due to apparent involuntary

reasons and whose location is unknown. (See also casualty.) See FMs 8-10, 8-10-1, 8-10-4, 8-10-14,

and 8-10-24.

missing in action ( MIA) — See missing.

mission (JP 1-02) — 1. The task, together with the purpose, that clearly indicates the action to be taken and

the reason therefor. 2. In common usage, especially when applied to lower military units, a duty assigned

to an individual or unit; a task. 3. The dispatching of one or more aircraft to accomplish one particular task.

(Army) — The commander's expression of what the unit must accomplish and for what purpose. (See also

commander's intent.) See FMs 100-5, 100-90, and 101-5.

mission, enemy, terrain, troops, and time available (METT-T) — The phrase or acronym used to describe

the factors that must be considered during the planning or execution of a tactical operation. See FM 101-5.

(USMC) — mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, and time available. Example

considerations are:

mission — The who, what, when, where, and why that must be accomplished.

enemy — Current information concerning the enemy's strength, location, disposition, activity,

equipment, and capability and a determination as to the enemy's probable course of action.

terrain (includes weather) — Analysis of vegetation, soil type, hydrology, climatic conditions, and

light data to determine the impact the environment can have on current and future operations for both

enemy and friendly operations.

troops (and support available) — The quantity, level of training, and psychological state of friendly

forces, to include the availability of weapon systems and critical equipment.

time available — The time available to plan, prepare, and execute operations for both enemy and

friendly forces. 

mission essential task — A collective task in which an organization must be proficient to accomplish an

appropriate portion of its wartime mission(s). See FMs 25-100 and 25-101.

mission essential task list (METL) — A compilation of collective mission essential tasks which must be

successfully performed if an organization is to accomplish its wartime mission(s). See FMs 25-100 and

25-101.

mission-oriented protective posture (MOPP) — A flexible system for protection against a chemical or

biological attack devised to maximize the unit's ability to accomplish its mission in a toxic environment. This

posture permits maximum protection from chemical or biological attack without unacceptable reduction in

efficiency. The seven levels of MOPP are shown in the table on the following page.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-103

MOPP LEVELS

1 In hot weather, coat or hood can be left open for ventilation.

2 The CPU is worn under the BDU (primarily applies to SOF) or CVC coveralls.

3 Must be available to the soldier within two hours. Second set available in six hours.

4 Must be within arm's reach of soldier.

NOTE: Items can be ready or available at the commander’s discretion.

MOPP

Equipment

MOPP

READY

MASK

ONLY

MOPP

ZERO

MOPP

1

MOPP

2

MOPP

3

MOPP

4

Mask Carried Worn Carried Carried Carried Worn 1 Worn

Overgarment Ready 3 NOTE Available 4 Worn 1 Worn 1 Worn 1 Worn

Vinyl Overboot Ready 3 NOTE Available 4 Available 4 Worn Worn Worn

Gloves Ready 3 NOTE Available 4 Available 4 Available 4 Available 4 Worn

Helmet Protective Cover Ready 3 NOTE Available 4 Available 4 Worn Worn Worn

Chemical Protective

Undergarment (CPU)

Ready 3 NOTE Available 4 Worn 1 Worn 1 Worn 1 Worn 1

mission statement — A short paragraph or sentence describing the task and purpose that clearly indicate

the action to be taken and the reason therefore. It usually contains the elements of who, what, when, and

where, and the reason therefore, but seldom specifies how. (See also commander’s intent, operation order

(OPORD), and operation plan (OPLAN).) See FMs 100-5, 100-90, and 101-5.

mission type order (JP 1-02) — 1. Order issued to a lower unit that includes the accomplishment of the total

mission assigned to the higher headquarters. 2. Order to a unit to perform a mission without specifying how

it is to be accomplished. (See also commander’s intent, operation order (OPORD), and operation plan

(OPLAN).) (Army) — Specifies what subordinate commanders are to do without prescribing how they must

do it. Mission type orders enable the command to seize and maintain initiative and to set the terms of battle.

Mission type orders allow subordinate leaders to exercise independent judgment and exploit hanging

situations. See FM 101-5.

mobile defense (JP 1-02) — Defense of an area or position in which maneuver is used with organization of fire

and utilization of terrain to seize the initiative from the enemy. (Army) — A defense that orients on the

destruction or defeat of the enemy through a decisive attack by the striking force. The minimum force is

committed to a fixing force to shape the penetration while the maximum combat power available to the

commander is dedicated to the striking force (with a mobility greater than the enemy's) which catches the

enemy as he is attempting to overcome that part of the force dedicated to defense. (See also counterattack

and defensive operations.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and

101-5.

mobile training team (MTT) (JP 1-02) — A team consisting of one or more US military or civilian 

personnel sent on temporary duty, often to a foreign nation, to give instruction. The mission of the team

 is to train indigenous personnel to operate, maintain, and employ weapons and support systems, or to
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-104

develop a self-training capability in a particular skill. The National Command Authorities may direct a team

to train either military or civilian indigenous personnel, depending upon host nation requests.

mobility (JP 1-02, NATO) — A quality or capability of military forces which permits them to move

fromplace to place while retaining the ability to fulfill their primary mission. (Army) — Those activities that

enable a force to move personnel and equipment on the battlefield without delays due to terrain or obstacles.

mobility corridors — Areas where a force will be canalized due to terrain constructions. The mobility corridor

is relatively free of obstacles and allows military forces to capitalize on the principles of mass and speed.

See FMs 21-26, 34-130, and 101-5.

mobility operations — Obstacle reduction by maneuvering and engineer units to reduce or negate the effects

of existing or reinforcing obstacles. The objectives are to maintain freedom of movement for maneuver

units, weapon systems, and critical supplies. (See also breach, countermobility operations, survivability

operations, and terrain reinforcement.) See FM 5-101.

mobility and survivability — A battlefield operating system that preserves the freedom of maneuver of

friendly forces (includes breaching enemy obstacles, increasing battlefield circulation, and improving

existing routes) and protects them from the effects of enemy weapon systems and from natural

occurrences (includes hardening of facilities and fortification of battle positions). See FMs 5-101, 5-102,

71-100, 100-5, and 100-15. 3-27 to 3-33

mobilization (JP 1-02) — 1. The act 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 or part of them

are brought to a state of readiness for war or other national emergency. This includes activating all or part

of the Reserve components as well as assembling and organizing personnel, supplies, and materiel.

Mobilization of the Armed Forces includes, but is not limited to, the following categories: a. selective

mobilization — Expansion of the active Armed Forces resulting from action by Congress and/or the

President to mobilize Reserve component units, individual ready reservists, and the resources needed for their

support to meet the requirements of a domestic emergency that is not the result of an enemy attack.

b. partial mobilization — Expansion of the active Armed Forces resulting from action by Congress (up

to full mobilization) or by the President (not more than 1,000,000 for not more than 24 consecutive months)

to mobilize Ready Reserve component units, individual reservists, and the resources needed for their support

to meet the requirements of a war or other national emergency involving an external threat to the national

security. c. full mobilization — Expansion of the active Armed Forces resulting from action by Congress

and the President to mobilize all Reserve component units in the existing approved force structure, all

individual reservists, retired military personnel, and the resources needed for their support to meet the

requirements of a war or other national emergency involving an external threat to the national security.

Reserve personnel can be placed on active duty for the duration of the emergency plus six months. d. total

mobilization — Expansion of the active Armed Forces resulting from action by Congress and the President

to organize and/or generate additional units or personnel, beyond the existing force structure, and the

resources needed for their support, to meet the total requirements of a war or other national emergency

involving an external threat to the national security.

moderate risk (nuclear) (JP 1-02) — A degree of risk where anticipated effects are tolerable, or at worst a

minor nuisance. (Army) — Moderate risk should not be exceeded if troops are expected to operate at full

efficiency after a friendly burst. Risk is expressed in terms of risk to unwarned, exposed personnel;

warned, exposed personnel; warned, protected personnel. (See also degree o f risk; emergency risk
FM 101-5-1

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1-105

(nuclear); negligible risk (nuclear); troop safety (nuclear).) See FMs 100-30 and JPs 3-12.1, 3-12.2, and 3-

12.3.

mode of transport (JP 1-02) — The various modes used for a movement. For each mode, there are several

means of transport. They include inland surface transportation (rail, road, and inland waterway); sea

transport (coastal and ocean); air transportation; and pipelines. See FM 55-30.

modularity — a concept to provide force elements that are interchangeable, expandable, and tailorable to

meet changing missions and needs. Modular units will combine the assets required to provide a support

function or group of related functions. A module can be sent to support a deploying force without adversely

affecting the ability of the parent unit to function at a reduced level.

mortuary affairs — Broadly based military program to provide care and disposition of deceased personnel. It

consists of three subprograms: the current death program, the graves registration program, and the

concurrent return program. (See also graves registration.) See FMs 10-63 and 100-10. 4-26

mosaic (JP 1-02, NATO) — An assembly of overlapping photographs that have been matched to form a

continuous photographic representation of a portion of the surface of the Earth. See FMs 21-26 and 34-1.

mounted forces — Forces that project, deliver, and sustain combat power in a rapid, highly lethal, and survivable

manner with sufficient combat power to occupy and control terrain to dominate adversaries within hostile

environments during war and stability and support operations. They are capable of reconnaissance, either

mounted or dismounted, and security operations, and have the ability to close with and defeat an enemy. See

FMs 17-95 and 71-100.

mounted operations (Army) — The application of combat power from a mobile weapon systems platform which

relies upon mechanization and technology to maximize speed, firepower, protection, and survivability in the

execution of operations. See FMs 17-95 and 71-100.

mounting (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. All preparations made in areas designated for the purpose, in anticipation of

an operation. It includes the assembly in the mounting area, preparation and maintenance within the

mounting area, movement to loading points, and subsequent embarkation into ships, craft, or aircraft if

applicable. 2. A carriage or stand upon which a weapon is placed.

mounting phase — The period after receipt of the warning order or planning directive until aircraft take off or

ships depart on the mission. During this period, joint tactical and support planning is accomplished; troops,

equipment, and supplies are assembled and readied; and briefings are conducted. Marshalling takes place

during the last part of the mounting phase and includes movement of participating personnel, supplies, and

all equipment to departure areas, and their loading into aircraft or ships. (See also air movement, assault

phase, and subsequent operations phase.)

movement bid — A request for clearance to move on main supply routes to other controlled routes for which

a clearance is required prior to initiating the movement.

movement to contact (Army) — (NATO: advance to contact) A form of the offense designed to develop the

situation and to establish or regain contact. (See also meeting engagement, offensive operations, and

reconnaissance in force.) See FMs 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 71-100, 71-123, and 100-15.

movement control (JP 1-02) — The planning, routing, scheduling, and control of personnel and cargo

movements over lines of communications; also an organization responsible for these functions. (Army) —
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-106

 Organizations responsible for these functions are movement control teams, movement control centers, and

movement control activities. See FM 55-10.

movement credit (JP 1-02, NATO) — The allocation granted to one or more vehicles in order to move over a

controlled route in a fixed time according to movement instructions.

movement formation — 1. An ordered arrangement of troops and/or vehicles for a specific purpose. 2. An

ordered arrangement of two or more units, aircraft, or ships proceeding together under a commander.

Types of formations include: box, column, diamond, line, vee, wedge, echelon (right or left). (See also

box formation, column formation, diamond formation, line formation, vee formation, wedge formation,

echelon formation, and movement techniques.) See FMs 1-111, 1-112, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95,

71-100, and 71-123.

movement order (JP 1-02) — An order issued by a commander covering the details for a move of the

command. See FM 101-5.

movement requirement (JP 1-02) — 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.

movement schedule (JP 1-02) — A schedule developed to monitor or track a separate entity whether it is a force

requirement, cargo or personnel increment, or lift asset. The schedule reflects the assignment of specific lift

resources (such as an aircraft or ship) that will be used to move the personnel and cargo included in a specific

movement increment. Arrival and departure times at ports of embarkation, etc., are detailed to show a flow

and workload at each location. Movement schedules are detailed enough to support plan implementation.

See FMs 55-10, 71-123, and 101-5.

movementtable (JP 1-02, NATO) — A table giving detailed instructions or data for a move. When necessary

it will be qualified by the words road, rail, sea, air, etc. to signify the type of movement. It is normally issued

as an annex to a movement order or instruction. (See also movement order.) See FMs 55-10, 71-123, and

101-5.

movementtechnique — Manner of traversing terrain used by a unit (such as traveling, traveling overwatch, and

bounding overwatch) which is determined by the likelihood of enemy contact.

multiagency — Pertaining to activities or operations conducted by or through coordination with

nongovernmental, international, or foreign government agencies.

multinational — Pertaining to activities or operations conducted by or through coordination with the military

forces of two or more nations.

multinational operations (JP 1-02) — A collective term to describe military actions conducted by forces of two

or more nations, typically organized within the structure of a coalition or alliance. See JP 0-2. 

multinational warfare — See combined warfare.

multiparty — Pertaining to activities or operations conducted by or through coordination with two or more

groups, at least one of which is not a nationally or an internationally recognized group or representative.

multi-spectral imagery (JP 1-02, NATO) — The image of an object obtained simultaneously in a number of

discrete spectral bands. (Army) — For example; thermal or infrared, visual, or light intensification. See

FMs 34-2 and 34-3.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-107

multispectral smoke — A specifically formulated type smoke which does not allow an observer to see through

it. It is effective at blocking all observation from the unaided eye, thermal imagery, radar telemetry, and so

forth.

mutual support (JP 1-02, NATO) — 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.

(Army) — 1. It normally is associated with support rendered through fire and movement. 2. A condition

which exists when positions are able to support each other by direct fire, thus preventing the enemy from

attacking one position without being subjected to direct fire from one or more adjacent positions. (See also

support.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5.

 

N

named area of interest (NAI) — A point or area along a particular avenue of approach through which enemy

activity is expected to occur. Activity or lack of activity within an NAI will help to confirm or deny a

particular enemy course of action. (See also event template.) See FM 34-130. 3-20 

nap-of-the-earth flight — See terrain flight. 

national command (NATO) — A command that is organized by, and functions under the authority of, a specific

nation. It may or may not be placed under a NATO commander.

national intelligence support team (NIST) (JP 1-02) — A nationally sourced team composed of intelligence

and communications experts from either Defense Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, National

Security Agency, or any combination of these agencies.

nation assistance (JP 1-02) — Civil and/or military assistance rendered to a nation by foreign forces within that

nation's territory during peacetime, crises or emergencies, or war based on agreements mutually concluded

between nations. Nation assistance programs include, but are not limited to, security assistance, foreign

internal defense, other US Code Title 10 (DOD) programs, and activities performed on a reimbursable basis

by Federal agencies or international organizations. See FMs 8-42 and 100-20.

natural disaster — See domestic emergencies.

natural environment (Army) — The human ecosystem, including both the physical and biological systems

that provide resources (clean air, clean water, healthy surroundings, sufficient food) necessary to sustain

productive human life. Included in the natural environment are man-made structures, such as water and

wastewater treatment facilities and natural cultural resources.

natural resource — The natural wealth of a country or area, including land, wildlife, plant life, air, water,

mineral deposits, and so forth.

naval gunfire support (NGFS) (JP 1-02) — Fire provided by Navy surface gun systems in support of a unit or

units tasked with achieving the commander's objectives. A subset of naval surface fire support. (See also

amphibious operation and air/naval gunfire liaison company (ANGLICO).) See FMs 6-series and 71-100-3.

 4-15
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-108

NBC defense (JP 1-02) — Nuclear defense, biological defense, and chemical defense, collectively. The term may

not be used in the context of US offensive operations. 3-34 to 3-36

NBC monitoring — A protective measure performed by units to ensure advanced early warning for

contamination hazards from the use of weapons of mass destruction. It primarily includes sensor warning

of the presence of primarily nuclear or chemical materials. Monitoring may be either periodic or continuous.

See FM 3-19.

NBC reconnaissance — A mission undertaken to obtain information (of military significance) about unknown

NBC contamination pertaining to routes, areas, and zones. This information confirms or denies the presence

or absence of NBC attacks or NBC hazards through the use of detection and identification equipment or

visual observation, or by the collection of samples in any specified location or region by using NBC

detection, identification, and sampling equipment. See FM 3-19.

NBC surveillance — The systematic observation of aerospace, surface or subsurface areas, places, persons, or

things by visual, electronic, mechanical, or other means for NBC attacks or hazards. See FM 3-19.

NBC survey — The collection of detailed information (of military significance) pertaining to specific

contaminated areas to determine the type of contaminant and degree (extent or intensity) of the NBC hazard.

This survey typically determines the outer boundaries of the hazard area. (See also reconnaissance (recon,

recce).) See FM 3-19.

near real time (JP 1-02, NATO) — Pertaining to the timeliness of data or information which has been delayed

by the time required for electronic communication and automatic data processing. This implies that there

are no significant delays. (See also real time.)

negligible risk (nuclear) (JP 1-02) — A degree of risk where personnel are reasonably safe, with the exceptions

of dazzle or temporary loss of night vision. (Army) — Expressed in terms of risk to unwarned, exposed

personnel; warned, exposed personnel; and warned, protected personnel. (See also degree of risk (nuclear),

emergency risk (nuclear), and moderate risk (nuclear).) See FM 100-30, JPs 3-12.2, and 3-12.3. 

negligible risk levels — Level of contamination that will cause mild incapacitation among no more than

5 percent of unprotected soldiers who operate for 12 continuous hours within 1 meter of contaminated

surfaces. See FM 3-5.

nerve agent (JP 1-02, NATO) — A potentially lethal chemical agent which interferes with the transmission of

nerve impulses. See FMs 3-9 and 8-10-7. 

nested concept (Army) — The means to achieve unity of purpose whereby each succeeding echelon's concept

is nested in the other.

net control station (NCS) (JP 1-02) — A communications station designated to control traffic and enforce

circuit discipline within a given net.

neutral — 1. When the temperature of the ground is approximately the same as the temperature of the lower

air up to 4 meters above it. This condition has light to moderate winds and slight turbulence, and is

considered average for the release of chemical agents. (See also inversion and lapse.) See FM 3-6. 2. An

individual, a group of individuals, an organization, or a nation which is not hostile or in any way supportive

of only one belligerent force in a hostile environment. 
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-109

neutrality (JP 1-02) — In international law, the attitude of impartiality, during periods of war, adopted by third

states toward belligerent and recognized by the belligerent, which creates rights and duties between the

impartial states and the belligerent. In a United Nations enforcement action, the rules of neutrality apply to

impartial members of the United Nations except so far as they are excluded by the obligation of such

members under the United Nations Charter.

neutralization (JP 1-02, NATO) — In mine warfare, a mine is said to be neutralized when it has been rendered,

by external means, incapable of firing on passage of a target, although it may remain dangerous to handle.

See FMs 5-34 and 5-101.

neutralization fire (JP 1-02) — Fire which is delivered to render the target ineffective or unusable. (NATO)

— Fire that is delivered to hamper and interrupt movement and/or the firing of weapons. (Army) — Fires

which are intended to render a target out of the battle temporarily by causing a minimum of 10 percent

casualties. See FM 6-20-10.

neutralize (JP 1-02) — As pertains to military operations, to render ineffective or unusable. (Army) —

1. To render enemy personnel or material incapable of interfering with a particular operation. 2. To render

safe mines, bombs, missiles, and boobytraps. 3. To make harmless anything contaminated with a chemical

agent. C-10

N-hour/N-hour sequence — The unspecified time that commences unit notification and outload for rapid, nonotice deployment on a contingency operation. N-hour initiates a predetermined sequence of events that

enables the unit to recall personnel, complete crisis action planning, conduct final personnel readiness

procedures, draw and prepare equipment for deployment, and move to a point of embarkation for immediate

deployment. 

no-fire area (NFA) — An area in which no fires or effects of fires are allowed. Two exceptions are (1) when

establishing headquarters approves fires temporarily within the NFA on a mission basis, and (2) when the

enemy force within the NFA engages a friendly force, the commander may engage the enemy to defend his

force. 3-21

no-fire line (NFL) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A line short of which artillery or ships do not fire except on request or

approval of the supported commander, but beyond which they may fire at any time without danger to friendly

troops. 3-22

nonaligned state (JP 1-02) — A state which pursues a policy of nonalignment.

nonalignment (JP 1-02) — The political attitude of a state which does not associate or identify itself with the

political ideology or objective espoused by other states, groups of states, or international causes, or with the

foreign policies stemming therefrom. It does not preclude involvement, but expresses the attitude of no

precommitment to a particular state (or block) or policy before a situation arises. 

nonbattle injury — A person who becomes a casualty due to circumstances not directly attributable to hostile

action or terrorist activity. Casualties due to the elements, self-inflicted wounds, and combat fatigue are

nonhostile casualties.

noncombatant — 1. An individual, in an area of combat operations, who is not armed and is not participating

in any activity in support of any of the factions or forces involved in combat. 2. An individual, such as a

chaplain or medical personnel, whose duties do not involve combat.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-110

noncombatant evacuation operations (NEO) (JP 1-02) — Operations conducted to relocate threatened

noncombatants from locations in a foreign country. These operations normally involve US citizens whose

lives are in danger, and may also include selected foreign nationals. See FMs 90-29, 100-5, and JP 3-07.

nongovernmental organization (NGO) (JP 1-02) — Transnational organizations of private citizens that

maintain a consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. NGOs may be

professional associations, foundations, multinational businesses, or simply groups with a common interest

in humanitarian assistance activities (development and relief). NGO is a term normally used by non-US

organizations. (Army) — NGO is the equivalent of the term private voluntary organization (PVO) used in

the United States. (See also military operations other than war (MOOTW) and support and stability

operations (SASO).) See FM 100-20 and JP 3-07. D-8

nonhostile casualty (JP 1-02) — A person who becomes a casualty due to circumstances not directly attributable

to hostile action or terrorist activity. Casualties due to the elements, self-inflicted wounds, and combat

fatigue are nonhostile casualties. See FMs 8-10, 8-10-1, 8-10-4, 8-10-14, and 8-10-24.

nonlethal fires — Any fires that do not directly seek destruction of the intended target and are designed to

impair, disrupt, or delay the performance of enemy operational forces, functions, and facilities. Psychological

operations, special operations forces, electronic warfare (jamming), and other command and control

countermeasures are all nonlethal fire options. See FMs 6-20 series, 34-1, and 100-25.

nonpersistent agent — A chemical agent that, when released, dissipates or loses its ability to cause casualties

from within minutes to several hours. See FM 3-9.

nonproliferation — Efforts focusing on preventing the spread of missiles and weapons of mass destruction via

such mechanisms as arms, technology, and export controls. See FM 100-30.

nonunit-related cargo — All equipment and supplies requiring transportation to an area of operations other than

that identified as the equipment or accompanying supplies of a specific unit. See FM 701-58.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) — An organization of nations in North America and Western

Europe that have common political goals.

notice to airmen (NOTAM) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A notice containing information concerning the

establishment, condition, or change in any aeronautical facility, service, procedures, or hazard, the timely

knowledge of which is essential to personnel concerned with flight operations. See FMs 1-103 and 1-111.

not mission capable, maintenance (NMCM) (JP 1-02) — Material condition indicating that systems and

equipment are not capable of performing any of their assigned missions because of maintenance

requirements. See FM 63-2.

not mission capable, supply (NMCS) (JP 1-02) — Material condition indicating that systems and equipment

are not capable of performing any of their assigned missions because of maintenance work stoppage due to

a supply shortage. See FM 63-2.

nuclear, biological, and chemical warning and reporting system (NBCWRS) — The primary means of

warning units of an actual or a predicted NBC hazard. The report formats are standardized by

ATP 45/STANAG 2103 Ch 4 (Jan 89) and the US Message Text Format (USMTF). See FM 3-3. It

consists of six standardized reports: 
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-111

NBC 1 — Initial report.

NBC 2 — Evaluated data.

NBC 3 — Predicted contamination/hazard areas.

NBC 4 — Monitoring/survey results.

NBC 5 — Actual contamination areas.

NBC 6 — Detailed information. 

nuclear collateral damage (JP 1-02, NATO) — Undesired damage or casualties produced by the effects from

friendly nuclear weapons. See FM 100-30, JPs 3-12.2, and 3-12.3.

nuclear damage assessment (JP 1-02, NATO) — The determination of the damage effect to the population,

forces, and resources resulting from actual nuclear attack. It is performed during and after an attack. The

operational significance of the damage is not evaluated in this assessment. See FM 100-30, JPs 3-12.2, and

3-12.3.

nuclear strike warning (JP 1-02, NATO) — A warning of impending friendly or suspected enemy nuclear

attack. See FM 100-30, JPs 3-12.2, and 3-12.3.

nuclear weapon option — A discrete grouping of a specific number of nuclear weapons by specific yield

planned for employment in a specific area for a designated time frame. See FM 100-30, JPs 3-12.2, and

3-12.3.

nuclear yields (JP 1-02) — The energy released in the detonation of a nuclear weapon measured in terms of the

kilotons or megatons of trinitrotoluene (TNT) required to produce the same energy release. See FM 100-30,

JPs 3-12.2, and 3-12.3. Yields are categorized as: 

Very low — less than 1 kiloton.

Low — 1 kiloton to 10 kilotons.

Medium — over 10 kilotons to 50 kilotons.

High — over 50 kilotons to 500 kilotons.

Very high — over 500 kilotons.

O

objective (JP 1-02, NATO) — The physical object of the action taken, e.g., a definite tactical feature, the seizure

and/or holding of which is essential to the commander's plan. (Army) — 1. The physical object of the action

taken (for example, a definite terrain feature, the seizure or holding of which is essential to the commander's

plan, or, the destruction of an enemy force without regard to terrain features). 2. The clearly defined,

decisive, and attainable aims which every military operation should be directed towards. 3. The most

important decisive points. (See also decisive point.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-

123, 100-15, and 101-5. 3-17

objective area (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. A defined geographical area within which is located an objective to be

captured or reached by the military forces. This area is defined by competent authority for purposes of

command and control. (DOD) 2. The city or other geographical location where a civil disturbance is

occurring or is anticipated, and where Federal Armed Forces are, or may be, employed. See FMs 1-111,

6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-20, and 101-5.

obscurant — A gas, liquid, solid particle, or combination of these, either man-made (such as smoke) or 

natural (such as dust), suspended in the atmosphere, that may attenuate or block any portion of the
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-112

electromagnetic spectrum. This can affect such things as visual observation, laser rangefinders or

designators, radars, and thermal sites.

obscuration — The effects of weather, battlefield dust, and debris, or the use of smoke munitions to hamper

observation and target-acquisition capability or to conceal activities or movement.

obscuring smoke — Smoke placed between enemy forces and friendly forces or directly on enemy positions to

confuse and disorient enemy direct-fire gunners and artillery forward observers. See FM 3-100. 3-24

 

observation post (OP) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A position from which military observations are made, or fire

directed and adjusted, and which possesses appropriate communications; it may be airborne. See FMs

1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5. 4-17

observed fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — Fire for which the point of impact or burst can be seen by an observer. The

fire can be controlled and adjusted on the basis of observation. See FMs 6-series and 7-90.

observer-target line (JP 1-02, NATO) — An imaginary straight line from the observer/spotter to the target.

See FMs 6-series and 7-90.

obstacle (JP 1-02) — Any obstruction designed or employed to disrupt, fix, turn, or block the movement

of an opposing force, and to impose additional losses in personnel, time, and equipment on the opposing

force. Obstacles can exist naturally or can be man-made, or can be a combination of both. (Army) —

Obstacles can be used to protect friendly forces from close assault. (See also reinforcing obstacles.) See FM

90-7. 3-29

obstacle belt (JP 1-02) — A brigade-level command and control measure, normally given graphically, to show

where within an obstacle zone the ground tactical commander plans to limit friendly obstacle employment

and focus the defense. It assigns an intent to the obstacle plan and provides the necessary guidance on the

overall effect of obstacles within a belt. (Army) — It also supports the intent of the higher headquarters

obstacle zone. (See also obstacle.) See FM 90-7. 3-29

obstacle group — Normally, a task force-level obstacle control measure that specifies the location of one or

more obstacles grouped to provide a specific obstacle effect. Obstacle groups are shown using the obstacle

effect graphics. See FM 90-7.

obstacle line — A conceptual control measure used at battalion or brigade level to show placement intent without

specifying a particular type of linear obstacle. 3-29

obstacle plan — That part of an operation plan (OPLAN) (or order) which is concerned with the use of obstacles

to enhance friendly fires or to affect the movement of an enemy. Obstacle plans are used at corps level and

below. (See also countermobility operations and obstacle.) See FM 90-7.

obstacle restricted areas (JP 1-02) — A command and control measure used to limit the type or number of

obstacles within an area. (Army) — A commander may use restricted areas to prevent subordinates from

emplacing obstacles in certain areas. The restricted area is labeled "NO OBSTACLES." (See also obstacle.)

See FM 90-7. 3-31

obstacle zone (JP 1-02) — A division-level command and control measure, normally done graphically, to

designate specific land areas where lower echelons are allowed to employ tactical obstacles. (See also

countermobility operations and obstacle.) See FM 90-7. 3-29 
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occupy — 1. A tactical task in which a force moves onto an objective, key terrain, or other man-made or natural

terrain area without opposition, and controls that entire area. 2. To remain in an area and retain control of

that area. C-10

offensive — A principle of war by which a military force achieves decisive results by acting with initiative,

employing fire and movement, and sustaining freedom of maneuver and action while causing an enemy to

be reactive.

offensive counterair (OCA) — Combat operations that take the initiative to destroy the enemy's ability to

operate in the aerospace environment by attacking systems (or their support systems) designed to operate

in the atmosphere (for example: a directed-energy system operating in space used to destroy or degrade

enemy airfields.). 

offensive counterspace (OCS) — Combat operations conducted against enemy systems (or their support

systems) designed to operate in space (for example: a directed-energy weapon operating from an aircraft or

ground location that is used to destroy enemy satellites.).

offensive operations — Combat operations designed primarily to destroy the enemy. Offensive operations may

be undertaken to secure key or decisive terrain, to deprive the enemy of resources or decisive terrain, to

deceive or divert the enemy, to develop intelligence, and to hold the enemy in position. Forms of offensive

operations include movement to contact, attack, exploitation, and pursuit. The offensive is undertaken to

seize, retain, and exploit the initiative. (See also attack, movement to contact, and reconnaissance in force.)

See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, 100-15, and 101-5.

on-call (JP 1-02) — 1. A term used to signify that a prearranged concentration, air strike, or final protective fire

may be called for. 2. Preplanned, identified force or materiel requirements without designated time-phase

and destination information. Such requirements will be called forward upon order of competent authority.

( See also call for fire.) See FMs 6-series, 7-90.

on-call resupply (JP 1-02) — A resupply mission planned before insertion of a special operations team into the

operations area but not executed until requested by the operating team.

on-call target (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, a planned target other than a scheduled

target on which fire is delivered when requested. (See also scheduled target.) See FMs 6-series and 7-90.

on-order mission — A mission to be executed at an unspecified time in the future. A unit with an on-order

mission is a committed force. The commander envisions task execution in the concept of operations;

however, he may not know the exact time or place of execution. Subordinate commanders develop plans or

orders and allocate resources, task-organize, and position forces for execution. (See also be-prepared

mission.) See FM 101-5.

one day's supply (JP 1-02, NATO) — A unit or quantity of supplies adopted as a standard of measurement,

used in estimating the average daily expenditure under stated conditions. It may also be expressed in terms

of a factor, e.g., rounds of ammunition per weapon per day.

operating level of supply (JP 1-02) — The quantities of material required to sustain operations in the interval

between requisitions or the arrival of successive shipments. These quantities should be based on the

established replenishment period (monthly, quarterly, etc).
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operation (JP 1-02, NATO) — A military action or the carrying out of a strategic, tactical, service, training, or

administrative military mission; the process of carrying on combat, including movement, supply, attack,

defense, and maneuvers needed to gain the objectives of any battle or campaign. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20,

7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, 100-15, and 101-5.

operational art (JP 1-02) — The employment of military forces to attain strategic and/or operational objectives

through the design, organization, integration, and conduct of strategies, campaigns, major operations, and

battles. Operational art translates the joint force commander's strategy into operational design, and,

ultimately, tactical action, by integrating the key activities at all levels of war. See FMs 100-5 and 100-15.

operational command (OPCOM) (NATO only) — 1. The term is synonymous with operational control and

is uniquely applied to the operational control exercised by the commanders of combatant, unified, and

specified commands over assigned forces. 2. The authority granted to a commander to assign missions or

tasks to subordinate commanders, to deploy units, to reassign forces, and to retain or delegate operational

or tactical control as may be deemed necessary. It does not include responsibility for administration or

logistics. OPCOM may also be used to denote the forces assigned to a commander. (See also operational

control (OPCON).)

operational control (OPCON) (JP 1-02) — Transferable command authority that may be exercised by

commanders at any echelon at or below the level of combatant command. Operational control is inherent in

combatant command (command authority). Operational control may be delegated and is 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. Operational control includes authoritative direction over all aspects of military operations and

joint training necessary to accomplish missions assigned to the command. Operational control should be

exercised through the commanders of subordinate organizations. Normally this authority is exercised

through subordinate joint force commanders and Service and/or functional component commanders.

Operational control normally provides full authority to organize commands and forces and to employ those

forces as the commander in operational control considers necessary to accomplish assigned missions.

Operational control does not, in and of itself, include authoritative direction for logistics or matters of

administration, discipline, internal organization, or unit training. (See also assign, attack, detachment, and

operational command (OPCOM).) See JP 0-2.

operational decontamination (JP 1-02, NATO) — Decontamination carried out by an individual and/or a unit,

restricted to specific parts of operationally essential equipment, materiel and/or working areas, in order to

minimize contact and transfer hazards and to sustain operations. This may include decontamination of the

individual beyond the scope of immediate decontamination, as well as decontamination of mission-essential

spares and limited terrain decontamination. See FM 3-5.

operational decontamination operations — A decontamination operation that consists of two techniques, the

mission-oriented protective posture (MOPP) gear exchange and the vehicle washdown. See FM 3-5.

operational environment (JP 1-02) — A composite of the conditions, circumstances, and influences which

affect the employment of military forces and bear on the decisions of the unit commander. Some examples

are: a. permissive environment — operational environment in which host country military and law

enforcement agencies have control and the intent and capability to assist operations that a unit intends to

conduct. b. uncertain environment — 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 area of operations. c. hostile environment — operational

environment in which hostile forces have control and the intent and capability to effectively oppose or react

to the operations a unit intends to conduct.
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operational intelligence (JP 1-02) — Intelligence that is required for planning and conducting campaigns and

major operations to accomplish strategic objectives within theaters or areas of operations. (See also

intelligence, strategic intelligence, and tactical intelligence.) See FM 34-1.

operational level of war (JP 1-02) — The level of war at which campaigns and major operations are planned,

conducted, and sustained to accomplish strategic objectives within theaters or areas of operations. Activities

at this level link tactics and strategy by establishing operational objectives needed to accomplish the strategic

objectives, sequencing events to achieve the operational objectives, initiating actions, and applying resources

to bring about and sustain these events. These activities imply a broader dimension of time or space than

do tactics; they ensure the logistic and administrative support of tactical forces, and provide the means by

which tactical successes are exploited to achieve strategic objectives. See FMs 100-5 and 100-15.

operationally ready (JP 1-02) — 1. As applied to a unit, ship, or weapon system — Capable of performing the

missions or functions for which organized or designed. Incorporates both equipment readiness and personnel

readiness. 2. As applied to personnel — Available and qualified to perform assigned missions or functions.

See FM 63-2.

operational operating systems — The major functions performed by joint and combined operational forces for

successfully executing campaigns and major operations in a theater or area of operations. The operating

systems are operational movement and maneuver, operational fires, operational protection, operational

command and control, operational intelligence, and operational support. See FM 100-15.

operational readiness float — A quantity of selected class II and VII items authorized for use by direct support

maintenance units in exchange with supported units if a like item cannot be repaired in a timely manner. See

FM 63-2-1.

operational reserve (JP 1-02, NATO) — An emergency reserve of men and/or material established for the

support of a specific operation. See FMs 100-5 and 100-15.

operationaltempo (OPTEMPO) — 1. The pace of an operation or operations. The OPTEMPO includes all

of the activities the unit is conducting. OPTEMPO can be a single activity or a series of operations. 2. The

mileage allowed to be put on a vehicle or aircraft during a fiscal year based on budgetary guidance. See FMs

1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5.

operation annexes (JP 1-02) — Those amplifying instructions which are of such a nature, or are so voluminous

or technical, as to make their inclusion in the body of the plan or order undesirable. See FM 101-5.

operation exposure guide (OEG) (JP 1-02) — The maximum amount of nuclear radiation which the

commander considers a unit may be permitted to receive while performing a particular mission or missions.

(Army) — Within the Army it is known as operational exposure guidance (OEG). (See also radiation status

(RS).) See FMs 3-3-1 and100-30.

operation map (JP 1-02) — A map showing the location and strength of friendly forces involved in an operation.

It may indicate predicted movement and location of enemy forces. (See also map.) See FM 101-5.

operation order (OPORD) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A directive issued by a commander to subordinate

commanders for the purpose of effecting the coordinated execution of an operation. (Army) — Also

called the five paragraph field order, it contains as a minimum a description of the task organization,
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situation, mission, execution, administrative and logistics support, and command and signal for the specified

operation. (See also operation plan (OPLAN).) See FM 101-5.

operation overlay — Overlay showing the location, size, and scheme of maneuver and fires of friendly forces

involved in an operation. As an exception, it may indicate predicted movements and locations of enemy

forces.

operation plan (OPLAN) (JP 1-02) — Any plan, except for the Single Integrated Operation Plan, for the

conduct of military operations. Plans are prepared by combatant commanders in response to requirements

established by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and by commanders of subordinate commands in

response to requirements tasked by the establishing unified commander. Operation plans (OPLANs) are

prepared in either a complete format (OPLAN) or as a concept plan (CONPLAN). The CONPLAN can be

published with or without a time-phased force and deployment data (TPFDD) file. a. OPLAN. An

operation plan for the conduct of joint operations that can be used as a basis for development of an operation

order (OPORD). An OPLAN identifies the forces and supplies required to execute the CINC's Strategic

Concept and a movement schedule of these resources to the theater of operations. The forces and supplies

are identified in TPFDD files. OPLANs will include all phases of the tasked operation. The plan is prepared

with the appropriate annexes, appendixes, and TPFDD files as described in the Joint Operation Planning and

Execution System manuals containing planning policies, procedures, and formats. b. CONPLAN. An

operation plan in an abbreviated format that would require considerable expansion or alteration to convert

it into an OPLAN or OPORD. A CONPLAN contains the CINC's Strategic Concept and those annexes and

appendixes deemed necessary by the combatant commander to complete planning. Generally, detailed

support requirements are not calculated and TPFDD files are not prepared. (See also operation order

(OPORD).) See FM 101-5.

operations security (OPSEC) (JP 1-02) — A process of identifying critical information and subsequently

analyzing friendly actions attendant to military operations and other activities to: a. Identify those actions

that can be observed by adversary intelligence systems. b. Determine indicators hostile intelligence systems

might obtain that could be interpreted or pieced together to derive critical information in time to be useful

to adversaries. c. Select and execute measures that eliminate or reduce to an acceptable level the

vulnerabilities of friendly actions to adversary exploitation. (Army) — All measures taken to maintain

security and achieve tactical surprise. It includes countersurveillance, physical security, signal security, and

information security. It also involves the identification and elimination or control of indicators which can

be exploited by hostile intelligence organizations. (See also command and control warfare (C W) .) See FMs 2

34-40 and 101-5.

operator's spraydown — Process of applying decontaminant onto unit equipment control surfaces to stop

contamination from spreading, transferring, or soaking into surfaces. See FM 3-5.

opposed entry — A military operation to enter an area against opposition. (See also air assault, airborne,

amphibious operation, and assault echelon.) See FMs 1-111, 7-20, 7-30, 71-100-2, 71-100-3, 90-4, and

90-26. 

order (JP 1-02, NATO) — A communication, written, oral, or by signal, that conveys instructions from a

superior to a subordinate. (DOD) In a broad sense, the terms “order” and “command” are synonymous.

However, an order implies discretion as to the details of execution whereas a command does not. (Army)

— Also synonymous with requisition as used in “back order.” (See also fragmentary order (FRAGO),

movement order, operation order (OPORD), overlay order, and warning order (WARNO).) See FMs 100-34

and 101-5.

order of battle (JP 1-02, NATO) — The identification, strength, command structure, and disposition of the

personnel, units, and equipment of any military force.
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orders group — A standing group of key personnel requested to be present when a commander at any level

issues his concept of operations and his order. See FM 101-5.

order and shipping time (JP 1-02) — The time elapsing between the initiation of stock replenishment action

for a specific activity and the receipt by that activity of the materiel resulting from such action. Order and

shipping time is applicable only to materiel within the supply system, and it is composed of the distinct

elements, order time, and shipping time.

organic (JP 1-02) — Assigned to and forming an essential part of a military organization. Organic parts of a

unit are those listed in its table of organization for the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, and are assigned

to the administrative organizations of the operating forces for the Navy. (See also assign, attach, and

operational control (OPCON).) See FM 101-5. 

organization — 1. Any military unit or larger command comprised of two or more smaller units. In this

meaning, a military element of a command is an organization in relation to its components and a unit in

relation to higher commands. 2. The definite structure of a military element prescribed by a component

authority such as a table of organization. (See also unit.)

organization of the ground (JP 1-02, NATO) — The development of a defensive position by strengthening the

natural defenses of the terrain and by assignment of the occupying troops to specific localities. See also

defend.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5.

organophosphate — A phosphate-containing organic compound which inhibits cholinesterase enzymes that

control the transmission of nerve impulses. G-series and V-series nerve agents are organophosphates. See

FM 3-9.

over (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, a spotting, or an observation, used by a

spotter or an observer, to indicate that a burst(s) occurred beyond the target in relation to the spotting line.

(Army) — 1. A communications proword meaning "I have finished speaking, do/does the other party(ies)

have anything to say." 2. In direct fire, a sensing that a round or burst of rounds went above the intended

target and landed beyond the target. See FMs 6-series, 7-90, 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

overlay (JP 1-02, NATO) — A printing or drawing on a transparent or semitransparent medium at the same

scale as a map, chart, etc., to show details not appearing or requiring special emphasis on the original.

(Army) — On digital displays, a set of graphical data which can be placed or removed from another set of

graphical data without causing the distortion of or damage to either set of graphical data. See FMs 1-111,

6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5.

overlay order — A technique used to issue an order (normally a fragmentary order) that has abbreviated

instructions written on the overlay itself. On digital systems, it may have hypertext attached to a digital

overlay which allows a subordinate to “click on” a key word or graphic and a text display of specific

information will appear in a “window” which can be moved or closed by the user so that the graphic is fully

visible. (See also operation order (OPORD), overlay, and fragmentary order (FRAGO).) See FM 101-5.

overt operation (JP 1-02) — An operation conducted openly, without concealment.

overwatch — A tactical technique in which one element is positioned to support by fire the movement of

another element by observing known or suspected enemy locations and engaging the enemy if he is visible

or tries to fire on the friendly element. The overwatching element must be told if it is to destroy, suppress,

or fix the enemy. (See also movement technique and support by fire.) 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

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P

packaged petroleum product (JP 1-02) — A petroleum product (generally a lubricant, oil, grease, or specialty

item) normally packaged by a manufacturer and procured, stored, transported, and issued in containers having

a fill capacity of 55 United States gallons (or 45 Imperial gallons, or 205 liters) or less.

palletized unit load (JP 1-02, NATO) — Quantity of any item, packaged or unpackaged, which is arranged on

a pallet in a specified manner and securely strapped or fastened thereto so that the whole is handled as a unit.

paramilitary forces (JP 1-02) — Forces or groups which are distinct from the regular armed forces of any

country, but resembling them in organization, equipment, training, or mission.

partial mobilization — See mobilization.

passage of command — The exchange of responsibility for a sector or zone between the commanders of two

units. The time when the command is to pass is determined by mutual agreement between the two unit

commanders unless directed by higher headquarters. (See also passage of lines, battle handover, and relief

in place (RIP).) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5.

passage of lines (JP 1-02, NATO) — 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. (Army) —

Passing one unit through the positions of another, as when elements of a covering force withdraw through

the forward edge of the main battle area, or when an exploiting force moves through the elements of the force

that conducted the initial attack. A passage may be designated as a forward or rearward passage of lines.

See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5. 

passage point (PP) — A specifically designated place where units will pass through one another either in an

advance or a withdrawal. It is located where the commander desires subordinate units to physically execute

a passage of lines. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5.

3-26

passive air defense (JP 1-02, NATO) — All measures, other than active air defense, taken to minimize the

effectiveness of hostile air action. These measures include deception, dispersion, and the use of protective

construction. (See also active air defense and air defense.) See FMs 44-63 and 44-100.

passive defense (Army) — Applies to measures initiated to reduce vulnerability and to minimize damage caused

by theater missile (TM) attacks. Passive defense includes TM counterproliferation and deterrence; TM early

warning and nuclear, biological, and chemical protection; countersurveillance; deception; camouflage and

concealment; hardening; electronic warfare; mobility; dispersal; redundancy; recovery, and reconstitution.

passive defense measures — Measures taken to reduce the possibilities or effects of nuclear, biological, and

chemical attack. See FM 3-3.

pass time (JP 1-02, NATO) — In road transport, the time that elapses between the moment when the leading

vehicle of a column passes a given point and the moment when the last vehicle passes the same point.

password (JP 1-02, NATO) — A secret word or distinctive sound used to reply to a challenge. (See also

challenge.)
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pathfinders (JP 1-02) — 1. Experienced aircraft crews who lead a formation to the drop zone (DZ), release

point, or target. 2. Teams dropped or airlanded at an objective to establish and operate navigational aids

for the purpose of guiding aircraft to drop and landing zones. 3. A radar device used for navigating or

homing to an objective when visibility precludes accurate visual navigation. 4. Teams air delivered into

enemy territory for the purpose of determining the best approach and withdrawal lanes, landing zones, and

sites for heliborne forces. (See also landing zone control party.) See FMs 90-4 and 90-26.

pathogen(s) — Disease-producing microorganisms such as bacteria, mycoplasma, rickettsia, fungi, or

viruses. See FMs 3-9, 8-10-7, and 8-33.

patient (JP 1-02) — A sick, injured, wounded, or other person requiring medical/dental care or treatment.

See FMs 8-10, 8-10-1, and 8-10-6.

patient decontamination — The process of decontaminating contaminated patients using nonmedical personnel

as patient decontamination teams working under the supervision of medical personnel. The patient

decontamination process is performed at a location adjacent to the supporting medical treatment facility. See

FMs 8-10-1, 8-10-4, and 8-10-7. (See also patient decontamination team.)

patient decontamination team — A team composed of nonmedical personnel designated by the echelon

commander to perform patient decontamination under supervision of medical personnel. See FMs 8-10-1,

8-10-4, and 8-10-7.

patrol (JP 1-02, NATO) — A detachment of ground, sea, or air forces sent out for the purpose of gathering

information or carrying out a destructive, harassing, mopping-up, or security mission. See FMs 7-7, 7-8,

and 7-10.

patrol base — The point of origin of a patrol where all equipment not required for the patrol is left. All supplies

necessary for resupplying the patrol and additional medical supplies and assistance are staged at this location.

See FMs 7-7, 7-8, and 7-10.

payload (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. The sum of the weight of passengers and cargo that an aircraft can carry.

2. The warhead, its container, and activating devices in a military missile. 3. The satellite or research

vehicle of a space probe or research missile. 4. The load (expressed in tons of cargo or equipment, gallons

of liquid, or number of passengers) which the vehicle is designed to transport under specified conditions of

operation, in addition to its unladen weight. See FM 55-30.

peace building (JP 1-02) — Postconflict actions, predominately diplomatic and economic, that strengthen and

rebuild governmental infrastructure and institutions in order to avoid a relapse into conflict. See FM 100-23

and JP 3-07.

peace enforcement (JP 1-02) — 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. See FMs 100-20, 100-23, and JP 3-07.

peacekeeping (JP 1-02) — Military operations undertaken with the consent of all major parties to a dispute,

designed to monitor and facilitate implementation of an agreementn (cease fire, truce, or other such

agreement) and support diplomatic efforts to reach a long-term political settlement. See FMs 100-20, 100-

23, and JP 3-07.
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peacemaking (JP 1-02) — 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. See FMs 100-20, 100-23, and

JP 3-07.

peace operations (JP 1-02) — A broad term that encompasses peacekeeping operations and peace enforcement

operations conducted in support of diplomatic efforts to establish and maintain peace. See FMs 100-20, 100-

23, and JP 3-07.

pecuniary liability (JP 1-02) — A personal, joint, or corporate monetary obligation to make good any lost,

damaged, or destroyed property resulting from fault or neglect. It may also result under conditions stipulated

in a contract or bond. 

penetration (JP 1-02, NATO) — In land operations, a form of offensive which seeks to break through the

enemy's defense and disrupt the defensive system. (Army) — A choice of maneuver. (See also choice of

maneuver.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5. C-10

perimeter defense (JP 1-02) — A defense without an exposed flank, consisting of forces deployed along the

perimeter of the defended area. (See also defensive operations and strongpoint (SP).) See FMs 1-111, 6-20,

7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5. 

periodic intelligence summary (PERINTSUM) (JP 1-02) — A report of the intelligence situation in a tactical

operation, normally produced at corps level or its equivalent, and higher, usually at intervals of 24 hours, or

as directed by the commander. See FMs 34-1, 34-2, 34-3, and 34-8.

periodic monitoring — The periodic check of the unit area for presence of beta or gamma radiation. It is

performed when intelligence indicates threat use of nuclear weapons, nuclear warfare has been initiated, the

dose rate falls below 1 centigray per hour, or when ordered by the unit commander. See FM 3-100. 

permissive environment — See operational environment.

persistency (JP 1-02, NATO) — In biological or chemical warfare, the characteristic of an agent which pertains

to the duration of its effectiveness under determined conditions after its dispersal. See FM 3-9.

persistent chemical agent — A liquid or dust-like compound that remains hazardous for hours, days or, in

exceptional cases, weeks or more. It can be both a surface contact hazard or an airborne (vapor or particle)

hazard. It can be picked up on a surface and might not be removed through decontamination; it can be spread

to noncontaminated areas retaining its original lethality.

personal wipedown — Process of removing or neutralizing contamination from the individual's equipment

including the protective mask, hood, gloves, weapon, and helmet. It is performed to stop the spread, transfer,

and penetration of contamination. See FM 3-5.

petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A broad term which includes all petroleum and

associated products used by the Armed Forces. (Army) — Also known as class III supplies. See

FM 100-10. 3-39 4-28

phase — A specific part of an operation that is different from those that precede or follow. A change in

phase usually involves a change of task. Phasing assists in planning nd controlling and may be indicated

by time (preparatory fire phase), by distance (intermediate objective or report line), by terrain (crossing

of an obstacle), or by occurrence f an event (commitment of a reserve). It is not to be confused with a 

phase line (PL). It normally is associated in campaign planning with operations of larger units and with
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special operations (such as river crossing and airborne operations). Each phase may be defined by a change

in task organization or a distinct end state. See FM 101-5.

phase line (PL) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A line used for control and coordination of military operations, usually a

terrain feature extending across the zone of action. (Army) — It is usually along a recognizable terrain

feature extending across the sector or zone of action. Units normally report crossing PLs, but do not halt

unless specifically directed. See FMs 7-10, 7-20, 7-30, 17-1, 17-2, 17-3, 71-100, 100-15, and 101-5.

3-13 3-26 

physical security (JP 1-02, NATO) — 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. (See also operations security

(OPSEC) and communications security (COMSEC).) See FMs 19-1 and 34-1.

pickup zone (PZ) — A geographic area used to pick up troops or equipment by helicopter. 3-13

pickup zone control officer (PZCO) — The officer designated by the commander with the responsibility for

establishing, organizing, setting up, and controlling the pickup zone during air assault PZ operations. See

FMs 1-111, 71-100-3, and 90-4.

pickup zone control party — The personnel designated to assist the pickup zone control officer with the

establishment, setting up, and controlling of the PZ. See FMs 1-111, 71-100-3, and 90-4.

pilot report (PIREP) — A report rendered by a pilot during a mission containing the specified information. A

PIREP could be for reconnaissance, enemy contact, weather, battle damage assessment, or any number of

other requirements. See FM 71-100-3.

planned target (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, a target on which fire is prearranged.

(Army) — A target is planned on an area or a point in which a need is anticipated. A planned target may be

scheduled or on call. Firing data for a planned target is normally calculated in advance. Coordination with

friendly troops and aircraft is mandatory. (See also scheduled target, on-call target, and priority target.) See

FMs 6-series and 7-90.

planning factor (JP 1-02, NATO) — A multiplier used in planning to estimate the amount and type of effort

involved in a contemplated operation. Planning factors are often expressed as rates, ratios, or lengths of time.

See FMs 101-5, 101-10-1, and 101-10-2.

point defense (JP 1-02) — The defense or protection of special vital elements and installations; e.g., command

and control facilities, air bases. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 44-100, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15,

100-40, and 101-5.

point of departure (PD) — In night or limited visibility attacks, a specific place on the line of departure where

a unit will cross. 3-17 

point obstacle — Any obstruction designed or employed to deny ease of movement on a road, lane, or bridge

that is normally part of or completes a larger man-made or natural obstacle that has a designed effect on the

attacking enemy force. (See also abatis, cratering charge, log crib, log hurdle, log posts, and road block.)

3-29
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pointtarget (JP 1-02) — 1. A target of such small dimension that it requires the accurate placement of ordnance

in order to neutralize or destroy it. 2. nuclear — A target in which the ratio of radius of damage to target

radius is equal to or greater than 5. See FMs 6-series and 7-90.

pop-up point (PUP) — The location at which aircraft quickly gain altitude for target acquisition and

engagement. (See also target box.) 3-6

port (JP 1-02) — A place at which ships may discharge or receive their cargoes. It includes any port accessible

to ships on the seacoast, navigable rivers, or inland waterways. The term "ports" should not be used in

conjunction with air facilities which are designated as aerial ports, airports, etc.

port of debarkation (POD) (JP 1-02) — The geographic point at which cargo or personnel are discharged. May

be a seaport or aerial port of debarkation. For unit requirements, it may or may not coincide with the

destination. (See also port of embarkation (POE).) See FM 55-10. 4-29

port of embarkation (POE) (JP 1-02) — The geographic point in a routing scheme from which cargo or

personnel depart. May be a seaport or aerial port from which personnel and equipment flow to port of

debarkation. For unit and nonunit requirements, it may or may not coincide with the origin. (See also port

of debarkation (POD).) See FM 55-10. 4-29

position — 1. A location or area occupied by a military unit. 2. The location of a weapon, unit, or individual

from which fire is delivered upon a target. Positions may be classified as primary, alternate, subsequent, and

supplementary positions. (See also alternate position, battle position (BP), primary position, subsequent

position, and supplementary position.) 

position area for artillery (PAA) — An area assigned to an M109A6 Paladin platoon and other artillery units

for terrain management purposes in which the artillery can maneuver. See FM 6-20-60. 3-23

postconflict activity — Those stability and support operations which are conducted in the period following

conflict termination.

power projection — The ability of the nation to apply all or some of the instruments of national power

(diplomatic, economic, informational, or military) to respond to crisis, to contribute to deterrence, and to

enhance regional stability. See FM 100-5.

precedence (JP 1-02) — 1. communications--A designation assigned to a message by the originator to indicate

to communications personnel the relative order of handling and to the addressee the order in which the

message is to be noted. 2. reconnaissance — A letter designation, assigned by a unit requesting several

reconnaissance missions, to indicate the relative order of importance, within an established priority, of the

mission requested. (Army) — Examples of communication precedence from most immediate to least are

flash, immediate, priority, and routine.

preclusion of damage — A nuclear planning restriction used in conjunction with least separation distance to

avoid damage to important structures. If appropriate, it is included in the commander's guidance. (See also

least separation distance (LSD) and preclusion of obstacles.) See FM 100-30, JPs 3-12.2, and 3-12.3.

preclusion of obstacles — A nuclear planning restriction used in conjunction with least separation distance

which, if appropriate, is included in the commander's guidance. It can include preclusion of fallout and tree

blowdown. (See also least separation distance (LSD) and preclusion of damage.) See FM 100-30.
FM 101-5-1

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preclusion-oriented method analysis — A method of analyzing nuclear targets used when detailed information

about size, composition, disposition, location, and movement is not available. See FM 100-30, JPs 3-12.2,

and 3-12.3.

preemptive attack (JP 1-02) — An attack initiated on the basis of incontrovertible evidence that an enemy

attack is imminent. See FMs 100-5 and 100-40.

preparation fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — Fire delivered on a target preparatory to an assault. (Army) — Normally

the preparation fires include (if available) artillery, mortar, naval gunfire, and close air support to destroy,

neutralize, or suppress the enemy's defense and to disrupt communications and disorganize the enemy's

defense. (See also artillery preparation.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15,

100-40, and 101-5.

preplanned air support (JP 1-02, NATO) — Air support in accordance with a program, planned in advance

of operations.

preposition (JP 1-02, NATO) — 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. See FM 100-5.

prepositioned supplies — Supplies located at or near the point of planned use or at other designated locations

to reduce reaction time and to ensure resupply.

prescribed load — The quantity of combat essential supplies and repair parts (other than ammunition)

authorized by major commanders to be on hand in units and which is carried by individuals or on unit

vehicles. The prescribed load is continuously reconstituted as used.

preventive maintenance (PM) (JP 1-02) — The care and servicing by personnel for the purpose of maintaining

equipment and facilities in satisfactory operating condition by providing for systematic inspection, detection,

and correction of incipient failures either before they occur or before they develop into major defects. (See

also preventive maintenance, checks, and services.) 

preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS) — Operator-level maintenance conducted before,

during, and after equipment operations to identify actual and potential problems and to make repairs in a

timely manner to minimize equipment downtime. See FMs 1-111, 7-90, 7-91, 17-12, 23-1, and 63-20.

preventive medicine (PVNTMED) — Measures to counter the medical threat and prevent disease and injury.

primary position — A place for a weapon, a unit, or an individual to fight that provides the best means to

accomplish the assigned mission. (See also alternate position, battle position (BP), position, subsequent

position, successive positions, and supplementary position.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95,

71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5.

prime mover (JP 1-02) — A vehicle, including heavy construction equipment, possessing military

characteristics, designed primarily for towing heavy, wheeled weapons and frequently providing facilities for

the transportation of the crew of, and ammunition for, the weapon.

principal direction of fire (PDF) — The direction of fire assigned or designated as the main direction in which

a weapon will be oriented. It is selected based on the enemy, mission, terrain, and weapons capability.

3-9
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principles of war — Principles that guide warfighting at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. They are

the enduring bedrock of US military doctrine. See FM 100-5.

priority of effort — The element designated by the commander to receive a higher concentration of support

assets for the duration that it remains the priority of effort. See FM 101-5.

priority of fires — The organization and employment of fire support means according to the importance of the

supported unit's missions. See FM 6-series.

priority intelligence requirements (PIR) (JP 1-02, NATO) — Those intelligence requirements for which a

commander has an anticipated and stated priority in his task of planning and decisionmaking. (See also

information requirements (IR) and commander's critical information requirements (CCIR).) See FM 34-1.

priority message (JP 1-02) — A category of precedence reserved for messages that require expeditious action

by the addressee(s) and/or furnish essential information for the conduct of operations in progress when

routine precedence will not suffice. (See also precedence.)

priority of support — Priorities set by the commander in his concept of operations and during execution to

ensure that combat support and combat service support are provided to subordinate elements in accordance

with their relative importance to accomplishing the mission. See FM 100-10.

priority target — A target on which the delivery of fires takes precedence over all the fires for the designated

firing unit or element. The firing unit or element will prepare, to the extent possible, for the engagement of

such targets. A firing unit or element may be assigned only one priority target. The designation may be

based on either time or importance. See FM 6-series.

prisoner of war (PW) (JP 1-02) — 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. In particular, one who, while engaged

in combat under orders of his or her government, is captured by the armed forces of the enemy. As such, he

or she is entitled to the combatant's privilege of immunity from the municipal law of the capturing state for

warlike acts which do not amount to breaches of the law of armed conflict. For example, a prisoner of war

may be, but is not limited to, any person belonging to one of the following categories who has fallen into the

power of the enemy: a member of the armed forces, organized militia or volunteer corps; a person who

accompanies the armed forces without actually being a member thereof; a member of a merchant marine or

civilian aircraft crew not qualifying for more favorable treatment; or individuals who, on the approach of the

enemy, spontaneously take up arms to resist the invading forces. See FM 19-1.

private voluntary organizations (PVO) (JP 1-02) — Private, nonprofit humanitarian assistance organizations

involved in development and relief activities. PVOs are normally US-based. "Private voluntary organization"

is often used synonymously with the term "nongovernmental organization." (See also nongovernmental

organization (NGO).) See FM 100-20 and JP 3-07. D-8

probability — The likelihood that an event will occur.

probable line of deployment (PLD) — A line selected on the ground, usually the last covered and concealed

position prior to the objective and forward of the line of departure, where attacking units deploy prior to

beginning an assault; it is generally used under conditions of limited visibility. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20,

7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5. 3-18
FM 101-5-1

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program of targets — A number of planned targets of a similar nature. A program of targets identified by a

code name may be initiated on call, at a specified time, or when a particular event occurs. Targets are fired

in a predetermined sequence.

proliferation (nuclear weapons) (JP 1-02) — The process by which one nation after another comes into

possession of, or into the right to determine the use of nuclear weapons, each potentially able to launch a

nuclear attack upon another nation. See FM 100-30.

propaganda (JP 1-02) — Any form of communication in support of national objectives designed to influence

the opinions, emotions, attitudes, or behavior of any group in order to benefit the sponsor, either directly or

indirectly. D-1 D-2 D-6

protect — 1. A tactical task to prevent observation of or engagement or interference with, a force or location.

2. All actions taken to guard against espionage or capture of sensitive equipment and information. (See also

guard.) See FM 17-95.

protecting smoke — Smoke produced to defeat or degrade target acquisition, guidance systems, or directedenergy weapons. It includes the smoke blanket and smoke curtain. See FM 3-50. 3-24

protective obstacles — Obstacles employed to assist a unit in its local, close-in protection. (See also obstacle.)

 See FM 90-7. 

psychological operations (PSYOP) (JP 1-02) — 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. The purpose of psychological

operations is to induce or reinforce foreign attitudes and behavior favorable to the originator's objectives. 

4-30 D-6

psychological warfare (JP 1-02) — The planned use of propaganda and other psychological actions having the

primary purpose of influencing the opinions, emotions, attitudes, and behavior of hostile foreign groups in

such a way as to support the achievement of national objectives.

public affairs (JP 1-02) — Those public information and community relations activities directed toward the

general public by the various elements of the Department of Defense. 4-27

pull — The need for a user of information or supplies to request each item individually and wait for the higher

unit to furnish the items or fill the request.

purpose (Army) — The desired or intended result of the tactical operation stated in terms relating to the enemy

or to the desired situation (for example, to allow passage of follow-on forces or to set the conditions for the

counterattack). It is the why of the mission statement expressed using an action verb. (For example, allow,

cause, influence, prevent, protect). (See also battle command, battlefield visualization, and concept of

operations.) See FMs 100-5 and 101-5.

 

pursuit (JP 1-02, NATO) — An offensive operation designed to catch or cut off a hostile force attempting

to escape, with the aim of destroying it. (See also offensive operations.)

push — 1. In intelligence and communications, the broadcasting of information to multiple stations

simultaneously without the need for them to request or interrogate the host system. 2. In logistics, the

delivery of a predetermined amount of supplies to a user on a scheduled basis without the user requesting

them. 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

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 Q

quadrant elevation (JP 1-02, NATO) — The angle between the horizontal plane and the axis of the bore when

the weapon is laid. (DOD) It is the algebraic sum of the elevation, angle of site, and complementary angle

of site.

quartering party — A group of unit representatives dispatched to a probable new site of operations in advance

of the main body to secure, reconnoiter, and organize an area prior to the main body's arrival and occupation.

( See also advance party.)

quay(JP 1-02) — A structure of solid construction along a shore or bank which provides berthing and which generally

provides cargo-handling facilities. A similar facility of open construction is called a wharf.

R

rad — See absorbed dose, centigray (cGy), radiation dose (RAD), and roentgen.

radar beacon (JP 1-02) — A receiver-transmitter combination which sends out a coded signal when triggered

by the proper type of pulse, enabling determination of range and bearing information by the interrogating

station or aircraft. 

radiac (JP 1-02, NATO) — An acronym derived from the words "radioactivity, detection, indication, and

computation." It is used as an all-encompassing term to designate various types of radiological measuring

instruments or equipment. (This word is normally used as an adjective.) See FM 3-4.

radiation dose (JP 1-02, NATO) — The total amount of ionizing radiation absorbed by material or tissues,

expressed in centigray. (DOD) The term radiation dose is often used in the sense of the exposure dose

expressed in roentgens, which is a measure of the total amount of ionization that the quantity of radiation

could produce in air. This could be distinguished from the absorbed dose, also given in rads, which

represents the energy absorbed from the radiation per gram of specified body tissue. Further, the

biological dose, in rems, is a measure of the biological effectiveness of the radiation exposure. (See also

absorbed dose, exposure dose, and radiation dose rate.) See FMs 3-4, 8-9, 100-30, JPs 3-12.2, and

3-12.3. 

radiation dose rate (JP 1-02, NATO) — The radiation dose (dosage) absorbed per unit of time. (DOD) A

radiation dose rate can be set at some particular unit of time (e.g., H+1 hour) and would be called H+1

radiation dose rate. (See also radiation dose.)

radiation exposure state (RES) (JP 1-02, NATO) — The condition of a unit, or exceptionally an individual,

deduced from the cumulative whole body radiation doses(s) received. It is expressed as a symbol which

indicates the potential for future operations and the degree of risk if exposed to additional nuclear

radiation.

radiation status (RS) — Criteria to assist the commander in measuring unit exposure to radiation based on

 total past cumulative dose in centigray (cGy). (See also dose rate, operation exposure guide (OEG), and

radiation dose.) See FM 3-1-1.) Categories are as follows: a. radiation exposure status-0 (RES-0)

 — No previous exposure history. b. radiation exposure status-l (RES-1) — Negligible radiation

exposure history (greater than 0, but less than 70 cGy). c. radiation exposure status-2 (RES-2) —

Significant but not a dangerous dose of radiation (greater than 70, but less than 150 cGy). d. radiation
FM 101-5-1

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exposure status-3 (RES-3) — Unit has already received a dose of radiation which makes further

exposure dangerous (greater than 150 cGy).

radio fix (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. The locating of a radio transmitter by bearings taken from two or more

direction finding stations, the site of the transmitter being at the point of intersection. 2. The location

of a ship or aircraft by determining the direction of radio signals coming to the ship or aircraft from two

or more sending stations, the locations of which are known.

radio listening silence — The situation where radios are on and continuously monitored with strict criteria

when a station on the radio network is allowed to break silence. For example, “maintain radio listening

silence until physical contact with the enemy is made.” (See also radio silence.)

radiological survey (JP 1-02, NATO) — The directed effort to determine the distribution and dose rates of

radiation in an area. (See also NBC survey.) See FMs 3-3-1 and 3-19.

radio silence (JP 1-02, NATO) — A condition in which all or certain radio equipment capable of radiation

is kept inoperative. (DOD) (Note: In combined or United States Joint or intraservice communications,

the frequency bands and/or types of equipment affected will be specified.)

radius of action (JP 1-02, NATO) — The maximum distance a ship, aircraft, or vehicle can travel away from

its base along a given course with normal combat load and return without refueling, allowing for all safety

and operating factors.

radius of damage (RD) (JP 1-02) — The distance from ground zero at which there is a 0.50 probability of

achieving the desired damage. (See also collateral damage.) See FM 100-30, JPs 3-12.1, 3-12.2, and

3-12.3. 

radius of vulnerability (RV) (nuclear) — The radius of a circle about ground zero within which friendly

personnel will be exposed to a risk equal to, or greater than, the emergency risk criterion, or within which

materiel will be subjected to a 5 percent probability of the specified degree of damage. (See also troop

safety (nuclear).) See FM 100-30, JPs 3-12.1, 3-12.2, and 3-12.3.

raid (JP 1-02, NATO) — An operation, usually small scale, involving a swift penetration of hostile territory

to secure information, confuse the enemy, or to destroy installations. It ends with a planned withdrawal

upon completion of the assigned mission. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123,

100-15, 100-40, and 101-5.

railhead (JP 1-02, NATO) — A point on a railway where loads are transferred between trains and other

means of transport. (See also aerial port and seaport.) 4-29

rally point — An easily identifiable point on the ground at which units can reassemble and reorganize if they

become dispersed, or aircrews and passengers can assemble and reorganize following an incident

requiring a forced landing. See FM 1-111. 3-26

range (JP 1-02) — 1. The distance between any given point and an object or target. 2. Extent or distance

limiting the operation or action of something, such as the range of an aircraft, ship, or gun. 3. The

distance which can be covered over a hard surface by a ground vehicle, with its rated payload, using the

fuel in its tank, and its cans normally carried as part of the ground vehicle equipment. 4. Area equipped

for practice in shooting at targets.
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range of military operations — The armed forces conduct operations in three states of environment: peace,

conflict, and war. Stability and support operations are conducted normally during peace and conflict.

(See also conflict, military operations other than war (MOOTW), peace operations, and stability and

support operations (SASO.) See FMs 100-5, 100-19, 100-20, and 100-23.

range probable error — The range error caused by dispersion that will be exceeded as often as not in an

infinite number of rounds fired at the same elevation and is one-eighth of the length of the dispersion

pattern at its greatest length. The value is given in the firing tables. See FM 6-40.

range spread (JP 1-02) — The technique used to place the mean point of impact of two or more units

100 meters apart on the gun-target line. See FM 6-40.

rate of fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — The number of rounds fired per weapon per minute.

rate of march (JP 1-02, NATO) — The average number of miles or kilometers to be traveled in a given

period of time, including all ordered halts. It is expressed in miles or kilometers per hour.

ready (JP 1-02, NATO) — The term used to indicate that a weapon(s) is loaded, aimed, and prepared to fire.

real time (JP 1-02, NATO) — Pertaining to the timeliness of data or information which has been delayed

only by the time required for electronic communication. This implies that there are no noticeable delays.

(See also near real time.)

rear area (JP 1-02) — For any particular command, the area extending forward from its rear boundary to

the rear of the area assigned to the next lower level of command. This area is provided primarily for the

performance of support functions. (See also brigade support area (BSA) and division support area

(DSA).) See FMs 100-5, 101-5, 100-15, and 100-40.

rear area operations center (RAOC)/rear tactical operations center (JP 1-02) — A command and control

facility that serves as an area/subarea commander's planning, coordinating, monitoring, advising, and

directing agency for area security operations. 

rear area response forces — Forces responsible for rear area threats beyond the capability of base defenses.

(See also security operations.)

rear area threat levels — Levels of response to threat activities. (See rear area response forces.) a. level

I — Threats that can be defeated by base or base cluster self-defense measures. b. level II — Threats

that are beyond base or base cluster self-defense capabilities but can be defeated by response forces,

normally military police, with supporting fires. c. level III — Threats that necessitate the command

decision to commit a combined arms tactical combat force to defeat them. 

rear assembly area (RAA) — An assembly area occupied by a unit farthest to the unit's rear that normally

is within 10 to 15 kilometers of the division forward assembly area and is controlled by the rear command

post. Fire support may be provided to the RAA by either division artillery or the aviation brigade. Units

within the RAA secure all routes through their assigned areas. See FMs 1-115 and 71-100-3. 3-10

rear boundary — Line that defines the rear of a sector or zone of action assigned to a particular unit. The

area behind the rear boundary belongs to the next higher commander and positioning of elements behind

it must be coordinated with that commander. (See also boundary.) 3-11
FM 101-5-1

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rear command post (Army) — Those staff activities concerned primarily with combat service support (CSS)

of the force, administrative support of the headquarters, and other activities not immediately concerned

with current operations. Typical representatives within the rear echelon are elements of the G1 and G4

sections, G5, adjutant general, staff judge advocate, inspector general, surgeon, provost marshal,

supporting military intelligence elements concerned with counterintelligence and prisoner of war

interrogation activities, and the tactical airlift representative of the tactical air control party. Normally

rear CPs are near or collocated with CSS units (for example, the COSCOM). (See also command post

(CP).) A-3 

rear detachment command post — See command post.

rear echelon (JP 1-02, NATO) — Elements of a force which are not required in the objective area. (Army)

— Generic term used to describe all elements normally located in the rear area. 

rear guard (JP 1-02) — Security detachment that protects the rear of a column from hostile forces. During

a withdrawal, it delays the enemy by armed resistance, destroying bridges, and blocking roads. (Army)

— 1. The rearmost elements of an advancing or a withdrawing force. It has the following functions: to

protect the rear of a column from hostile forces; during the withdrawal, to delay the enemy; during the

advance, to keep supply routes open. 2. Security detachment which a moving ground force details to the

rear to keep it informed and covered. (See also guard and security operations.) C-11

rearming (JP 1-02) — 1. An operation that replenishes the prescribed stores of ammunition, bombs, and

other armament items for an aircraft, naval ship, tank, or armored vehicle, including replacement of

defective ordnance equipment, in order to make it ready for combat service. 2. Resetting the fuze on a

bomb, or on an artillery, mortar, or rocket projectile, so that it will detonate at the desired time. 

rearm, refuel, and resupply point (R P) — A designated point through which a unit passes where it receives 3

fuel, ammunition, and other necessary supplies to continue combat operations. See FM 6-50. 3-38

rear operations (Army) — Those actions, including area damage control, taken by all units (combat, combat

support, combat service support, and host nation), singly or in a combined effort, to secure the force,

neutralize or defeat enemy operations in the rear area, and ensure freedom of action in the deep and closein operations. Rear operations are part of operations in depth.

rebuild (JP 1-02) — The restoration of an item to a standard as nearly as possible to its original condition

in appearance, performance, and life expectancy. See FMs 100-5 and 100-15.

reception (JP 1-02) — 1. All ground arrangements connected with the delivery and disposition of air or sea

drops. Includes selection and preparation of site, signals for warning and approach, facilitation of secure

departure of agents, speedy collection of delivered articles, and their prompt removal to storage places

having maximum security. When a group is involved, it may be called a reception committee.

2. Arrangements to welcome and provide secure quarters or transportation for defectors, escapees,

evaders, or incoming agents.

recoilless rifle (heavy) (JP 1-02) — A weapon capable of being fired from either a ground mount or from a

vehicle, and capable of destroying tanks. (Army) — A weapon which expels the gases produced by the

combustion of the projectile propellant to the rear in order to cause the weapon system and operator to

remain relatively stationary. This creates a hazard to the rear of the weapon which must be planned for

when the weapon is positioned. 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

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reconnaissance (recon) (recce) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A mission undertaken to obtain, by visual observation

or other detection methods, information about the activities and resources of an enemy or potential enemy,

or to secure data concerning the meteorological, hydrographic, or geographic characteristics of a particular

area. (Army) — 1. An operation designed to obtain information on the enemy, potential enemy, or the

characteristics of a particular area. The precursor to all operations, which may be accomplished through

passive surveillance, technical means, or human interaction (spies or human intelligence (HUMINT)), or

through fighting for information. Forms of reconnaissance include route reconnaissance, zone

reconnaissance, area reconnaissance, and reconnaissance in force. 2. NBC reconnaissance may operate

with other reconnaissance forces. The NBC reconnaissance uses special equipment to determine the

absence or presence and extent of nuclear, chemical, or biological contamination. 3. Engineer

reconnaissance may operate with other reconnaissance forces. Engineer reconnaissance focuses on the

requirements to clear obstacles or improve routes, fords, bridges, and so forth, to assist in the

uninterrupted movement of the main body force. In military operations other than war (MOOTW), the

information is used to task assets to improve the state of services, such as to prepare for rubble removal,

erect temporary shelter, and provide improved sanitation. See FMs 1-111, 3-19, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-

95, 71-123, 71-100, 100-5, 101-5, and 5-101. 4-9, 4-18

reconnaissance by fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — A method of reconnaissance in which fire is placed on a

suspected enemy position to cause the enemy to disclose a presence by movement or return of fire.

 See FMs 5-36, 71-100-2, 100-5, and 101-5.

reconnaissance in force (JP 1-02, NATO) — An offensive operation designed to discover and/or test the

enemy's strength or to obtain other information. (Army) — A form of reconnaissance operation designed

to discover or test the enemy's strength or to obtain other information. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-

30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5.

reconnaissance-pull— Reconnaissance determines which routes are suitable for maneuver, where the enemy

is strong and weak, and where gaps exist. Thus, reconnaissance should pull the main body toward and

along the path of least resistance. This facilitates the division's initiative and agility. Reconnaissance-pull

is also valid in defensive operations. Reconnaissance determines which routes the enemy is using, where

the enemy is strong and weak, and where gaps exist. Thus, reconnaissance enhances agility by identifying

opportunities and pulling the division along the path of least resistance to mass the division's combat

power at the critical time and place. See FM 71-100-2. 

reconnaissance and surveillance plan — A plan prepared by the G2 or S2, in close coordination with the

G3 or S3, that assigns tasks to subordinates to develop information which satisfies the intelligence

requirements the commander has established. It will focus assets on the targeted areas of interest and

named areas of interest. See FMs 34-10-2, 34-130, and 101-5. 

reconstitution — Those actions that commanders plan and implement to restore units to a desired level of

combat effectiveness commensurate with mission requirements and available resources. Reconstitution

operations include regeneration and reorganization. See FMs 63-2, 71-100, 71-100-1/2/3, 100-9, 100-

10, and 100-15. 

reconstitution site (JP 1-02) — A location selected by the surviving command authority as the site at which

a damaged or destroyed headquarters can be reformed from survivors of the attack and/or personnel from

other sources, predesignated as replacements.

recovery operations — Extricating damaged or disabled equipment and moving it to locations where repairs

can be made. Recovery is the primary responsibility of the using unit.
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recovery site (JP 1-02) — In evasion and escape usage, an area from which an evader or an escapee can be

evacuated.

redeployment (JP 1-02) — The transfer of a unit, an individual, or supplies deployed in one area to another

area, or to another location within the area, or to the zone of interior for the purpose of further

employment.

reduce— 1. A tactical task to gain control over an enemy position or objective. 2. A task to create lanes

through or over an obstacle sufficient to allow the attacking force to accomplish its mission.

refuel on the move (ROM) — An operation to ensure fuel tanks on combat and fuel-servicing vehicles are

full before they arrive in the unit's tactical assembly area. See FM 71-123. 3-39

refugee (JP 1-02) — A civilian who, by reason of real or imagined danger, has left home to seek safety

elsewhere. See FM 100-20. D-1

regeneration — Rebuilding of a unit through large-scale replacement of personnel, equipment, and supplies,

including the reestablishment or replacement of essential command and control and the conduct of

mission essential training for the newly rebuilt unit. See FM 100-9.

regimental landing team (JP 1-02) — A task organization for landing comprised of an infantry regiment

reinforced by those elements which are required for initiation of its combat function ashore.

registration fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — Fire delivered to obtain accurate data for subsequent effective

engagement of targets. See FMs 6-series and 7-90.

registration point (JP 1-02, NATO) — Terrain feature or other designated point on which fire is adjusted

for the purpose of obtaining corrections to firing data.

regulated item (JP 1-02, NATO) — Any item whose issue to a user is subject to control by an appropriate

authority for reasons that may include cost, scarcity, technical or hazardous nature, or operational

significance.

rehearsal — The process of practicing a plan before actual execution. Rehearsals assist units in clarifying

the scheme of maneuver, synchronizing the battlefield operating systems, orienting subordinates to the

positions and actions of other units, and practicing any possible branches and sequels from the decision

support matrix. The rehearsal should not be allowed to digress into a war game. If the commander

identifies problems with the synchronization, he should direct a rehearsal after the issues are resolved to

ensure all participants clearly understand the required actions. (See also backbrief, confirmation brief,

and war game.) See FM 101-5

reinforce (R) (+) — A mission in which one unit augments the capability of another similar-type unit. (See

also direct support, general support, and general support-reinforcing.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-

30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5.

reinforcing (R) (+) (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery usage, tactical mission in which one artillery unit

augments the fire of another artillery unit. (See also direct support (DS), general-support (GS), and

general support reinforcing (GSR).) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15,

100-40, and 101-5.
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reinforcing obstacles (JP 1-02) — Those obstacles specifically constructed, emplaced, or detonated through

military effort and designed to strengthen existing terrain to disrupt, fix, turn, or block enemy movement.

(See also obstacle.) See FM 90-7.

release line (RL) — Phase line used in river-crossing operations that delineates a change in the headquarters

controlling movement. 3-20

release point (road) (RP) (JP 1-02) — A well-defined point on a route at which the elements composing a

column return under the authority of their respective commanders, each one of these elements continuing

its movement toward its own appropriate destination. (See also lane, march column, march serial, march

unit, route, or start point (SP).) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 55-10, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15,

100-40, and 101-5. 3-26

relief in place (RIP) (JP 1-02, NATO) — An operation in which, by direction of higher authority, all or part

of a unit is replaced in an area by the incoming unit. The responsibilities of the replaced elements for the

mission and the assigned zone of operations are transferred to the incoming unit. The incoming unit

continues the operation as ordered. C-10

religious ministry support (JP 1-02) — The entire spectrum of professional duties to include providing for

or facilitating essential religious needs and practices, pastoral care, family support programs, religious

education, volunteer and community activities, and programs performed to enhance morale and moral,

ethical, and personal well-being. Enlisted religious support personnel assist the chaplain in providing

religious ministry support.

reorganization — Action taken to shift internal resources within a degraded unit to increase its level of

combat effectiveness. See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-20 and 100-9.

repair(JP 1-02) — The restoration of an item to serviceable condition through correction of a specific failure

or unserviceable condition.

repeat(JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, an order or request to fire again the same

number of rounds with the same method of fire. See FMs 6-series and 7-90.

required supply rate (RSR) (ammunition) (JP 1-02) — In Army usage, the amount of ammunition

expressed in terms of rounds per weapon per day for ammunition items fired by weapons, and 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. Tactical commanders use

this rate to state their requirements for ammunition to support planned tactical operations at specified

intervals. The required supply rate is submitted through command channels. It is consolidated at each

echelon and is considered by each commander in subsequently determining the controlled supply rate

within the command. (See also controlled supply rate (CSR).) See FMs 9-6 and 100-10.

reserve(JP 1-02) — 1. Portion of a body of troops which is kept to the rear, or withheld from action at the

beginning of an engagement, available for a decisive movement. 2. Members of the Military Services

who are not in active service but who are subject to call to active duty. 3. Portion of an appropriation

or contract authorization held or set aside for future operations or contingencies and in respect to which

administrative authorization to incur commitments or obligations has been withheld. (Army) — That

portion of a force withheld from action or uncommitted to a specific course of action, so as to be available

for commitment at the decisive moment. Its primary purpose is to retain flexibility through offensive

action. (See also committed force and uncommitted force.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95,

71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5.
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reserved demolition target (JP 1-02, NATO) — A target for demolition, the destruction of which must be

controlled at a specific level of command because it plays a vital part in the tactical or strategical plan,

or because of the importance of the structure itself, or because the demolition may be executed in the face

of the enemy. (See also reserved obstacles.) See FM 90-7.

reserved obstacles (JP 1-02) — Those demolition obstacles that are deemed critical to the plan for which

the authority to detonate is reserved by the designating commander. (Army) — Obstacles, of any type,

for which the commander restricts execution authority. See FM 90-7.

reserved route (JP 1-02, NATO) — In road traffic, a specific route allocated exclusively to an authority or

formation. See FM 55-10.

residual radioactivity (JP 1-02) — Nuclear radiation that results from radioactive sources and which persist

for longer than one minute. Sources of residual radioactivity created by nuclear explosions include fission

fragments and radioactive matter created primarily by neutron activation, but also by gamma and other

radiation activation. Other possible sources of residual radioactivity include radioactive material created

and dispersed by means other than nuclear explosion. (See also contamination, induced radiation

(nuclear), and initial nuclear effects.) See FM 100-30, JPs 3-12.3, and 3-12.2. 

residual risk — The level of risk remaining after controls have been identified and selected for hazards that

may result in loss of combat power. Controls are identified and selected until residual risk is at an

acceptable level or until it cannot be practically reduced further.

response force (JP 1-02) — A mobile force with appropriate fire support designated, usually by the area

commander, to deal with Level II threats in the rear area. (Army) — Normally a military police function.

See FMs 19-1, 71-100, and 100-15.

restoration — The systematic removal of pollution or contaminants from the environment, especially from

the soil or ground water, by physical, chemical, or biological means. Restoration is also known as

remediation or environmental cleanup.

restricted operations zone (ROZ) (Army) — A volume of airspace of defined dimensions designated for

a specific operational mission. Entry into that zone is authorized only by the originating

headquarters. See FM 100-103. 3-6 

restrictive fire area (RFA) — An area in which specific restrictions are imposed and into which fires that

exceed those restrictions may not be delivered without prior coordination with the establishing

headquarters. See FM 6-series. 3-22

restrictive fire line (RFL) — A line established between converging friendly forces (one or both may be

moving) that prohibits fires or effects from fires across the line without coordination with the affected

force. It is established by the next higher common commander of the converging forces. See FMs 7-20,

17-95, 71-100, and 100-15. 3-22

resupply (JP 1-02, NATO) — The act of replenishing stocks in order to maintain required levels of supply.

See FM 100-10.

retain (JP 1-02) — When used in the context of deliberate planning, the directed command will keep the

referenced operation plan, operation plan in concept format, or concept summary and any associated Joint

Operation Planning System or Joint Operation Planning and Execution System automated data processing

files in an inactive library or status. The plan and its associated files will not be maintained unless
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directed by follow-on guidance. (Army) — A tactical task to occupy and hold a terrain feature to ensure

 it is free of enemy occupation or use. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15,

100-40, and 101-5. C-10

retirement(JP 1-02, NATO) — An operation in which a force out of contact moves away from the enemy.

(Army) — A form of retrograde operations; a directed, rearward movement by a force that is not in

contact with the enemy and does not anticipate significant contact with the enemy. See FMs 1-111, 6-20,

7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5. C-10

retrograde — A type of operation in which a unit conducts a directed, organized movement to the rear or

away from the enemy. Forms of retrograde include delay, withdrawal, and retirement. (See also delaying

operation.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5.

retrograde movement (JP 1-02) — Any movement of a command to the rear, or away from the enemy. It

may be forced by the enemy or may be made voluntarily. Such movements may be classified as

withdrawal, retirement, or delaying action. (See also delaying operation.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20,

7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5.

reverse slope — Any slope which descends away from the enemy. 

revolutionary(JP 1-02) — An individual attempting to effect a social or political change through the use of

extreme measures. (See also antiterrorism (AT).) See FM 100-20.

riot control agent (RCA) (JP 1-02) — A substance that produces temporary irritating or disabling physical

effects that disappear within minutes of removal from exposure. There is no significant risk of permanent

injury, and medical treatment is rarely required. (Army) — A compound that produces temporary

irritating or incapacitating effects when used in field concentrations. Such compounds include tearing

(crying), sneezing, and vomiting agents. See FM 3-9. 

risk — Chance of hazard or bad consequences; exposure to chance of injury or loss. Risk level is expressed

in terms of hazard probability or severity.

risk assessment — The identification and assessment of hazards (first two steps of risk management

process).

risk decision — The decision to accept or not accept the risk(s) associated with an action; made by the

commander, leader, or individual responsible for performing that action.

risk management — The process of detecting, assessing, and controlling risk arising from operational factors

and making decisions that balance risk costs with mission benefits. The five steps of risk management

are identify the hazards, assess the hazards, develop controls and make risk decision, implement controls,

and supervise and evaluate. (See controls, exposure, hazard, probablity, residual risk, risk, risk

assessment, risk decision, and severity) See FM 1-100. 

river crossing — An operation required before ground combat power can be projected and sustained across

a water obstacle. It is a centrally planned and controlled offensive operation that requires the allocation

of external crossing means and a force dedicated to the security of the bridgehead. (See also deliberate

crossing and hasty crossing.) See FM 90-13. 3-28
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riverine area (JP 1-02) — An inland or coastal area comprising both land and water, characterized by limited

land lines of communication, with extensive water surface and/or inland waterways that provide natural

routes for surface transportation and communications. See FM 100-40.

riverine operations (JP 1-02) — Operations conducted by forces organized to cope with and exploit the

unique characteristics of a riverine area, to locate and destroy hostile forces, and/or to achieve, or maintain

control of the riverine area. Joint riverine operations combine land, naval, and air operations, as

appropriate, and are suited to the nature of the specific riverine area in which operations are to be

conducted. See FM 100-40.

roadblock (JP 1-02, NATO) — A barrier or obstacle (usually covered by fire) used to block, or limit the

movement of, hostile vehicles along a route. See FM 5-102. 3-31, 3-32

road clearance time (JP 1-02, NATO) — The total time a column requires to travel over and clear a section

of the road. See FMs 55-10 and 55-30.

roentgen(JP 1-02, NATO) — A unit of exposure dose of gamma (or X-) radiation. In field dosimetry, one

roentgen is essentially equal to one rad. (Army) — An obsolete term for a unit of radiation dosage equal

to the quantity of ionizing radiation that will produce one electrostatic unit of electricity in one cubic

centimeter of dry air at zero degrees Celcius and standard atmospheric pressure. (See also centigray

(cGy) and dose rate.) See FM 3-9. 

rounds complete (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, the term used to report that the

number of rounds specified in fire for effect have been fired. (See also shot.) See FMs 6-series and 7-90.

route(JP 1-02, NATO) — The prescribed course to be traveled from a specific point of origin to a specific

destination. See FMs 55-10, 55-30, and 100-103. 

route capacity (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. The maximum traffic flow of vehicles in one direction at the most

restricted point on the route. 2. The maximum number of metric tons which can be moved in one

direction over a particular route in one hour. It is the product of the maximum traffic flow and the

average payload of the vehicles using the route. See FM 55-10.

route classification (JP 1-02, NATO) — Classification assigned to a route using factors of minimum width

and worst route type; least bridge, raft, or culvert military load classification; and obstructions to traffic

flow. (See also military load classification (MLC).) See FMs 5-36 and 17-95.

route reconnaissance — A form of reconnaissance focused along a specific line of communications, such

as a road, railway, or waterway, to provide new or updated information on route conditions and activities

along the route. See FMs 5-36 and 17-95.

rules of engagement (ROE) (JP 1-02) — Directives issued by competent military authority which delineate

the circumstances and limitations under which US forces will initiate and/or continue combat engagement

with other forces encountered. See FM 100-20.

rules of interaction (ROI) (Army) — Rules that guide those human dimension skills required to successfully

interface with the myriad of players often present in stability and support operations. These guidelines

govern interpersonal communications skills, extent and form of soldier's persuasion, negotiation, and

communication techniques. Their purpose is to reduce hostile confrontation. Rules of interaction are

founded on firm rules of engagement. Together they provide the soldier a tool to deal with nontraditional
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threats such as political friction, ideologies, cultural idiosyncrasies, and religious beliefs and rituals. See

FM 100-20.

rupture — A task to create a gap in enemy defensive positions quickly. (See also breach and reduce.)

ruse (Army) — A technique of deception operations designed to deceive the enemy, characterized by

deliberately exposing false information to the collection means of the enemy, thereby obtaining an

advantage. This can be done by any means, including electronic signals and signatures, dummy positions,

dummy vehicles and facilities, or misleading troop and force movements. (See also deception operation.)

S

sabotage (JP 1-02) — 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 material, premises, or utilities, to include human and natural resources. (See also terrorism.) See

FMs 19-1 and 100-20. 

safe area (JP 1-02) — A designated area in hostile territory that offers the evader or escapee a reasonable

chance of avoiding capture and of surviving until he can be evacuated.

safe house (JP 1-02) — An innocent-appearing house or premises established by an organization for the

purpose of conducting clandestine or covert activity in relative security. See FM 100-20. D-2, D-7

salient — A protrusion or bulge in the trace of the forward line of friendly troops toward or into an enemy

area of operations or on the outside bend of a river. See FM 100-40.

salvage (JP 1-02) — 1. Property that has some value in excess of its basic material content but which 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. 4-27

scatterable mine (JP 1-02, NATO) — In land mine warfare, a mine laid without regard to classical pattern

and which is designed to be delivered by aircraft, artillery, missile, ground dispenser, or by hand. Once

laid, it normally has a limited life. See FM 20-32. 3-30

scheduled fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — A type of prearranged fire executed at a predetermined time. See

FMs 6-series and 7-90.

scheduled supplies — Requirements that can be reasonably predicted. A scheduled supply normally will not

require a requisition to be submitted by the user for its replenishment. Requirements are based on troop

strength, equipment density, forecasts, and daily usage factors. Supply classes I, III (bulk), V, and VI

normally are treated as scheduled supplies. See FM 100-10.

scheduled target (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, a planned target on which fire

is to be delivered at a specific time. (See also on-call target.) See FMs 6-series and 7-90.

schedule of fire (JP 1-02) — Groups of fires or series of fires fired in a definite sequence according to a

definite program. The time of starting the schedule may be ON CALL. For identification purposes

schedules may be referred to by a code name or other designation. See FMs 6-series and 7-90.
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schedule of targets (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, individual targets, groups or

series of targets to be fired on, in a definite sequence according to a definite program. See FMs 6-series

and 7-90.

scheme of maneuver (JP 1-02) — The tactical plan to be executed by a force in order to seize assigned

objectives. See FM 101-5.

scientific and technical intelligence (JP 1-02) — The product resulting from the collection, evaluation,

analysis, and interpretation of foreign scientific and technical information which 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. See FM 34-2.

screen (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. An arrangement of ships, aircraft, and/or submarines to protect a main body

or convoy. 2. In cartography, a sheet of transparent film, glass, or plastic carrying a "ruling" or other

regularly repeated pattern which may be used in conjunction with a mask, either photographically or

photomechanically, to produce areas of the pattern. 3. In surveillance, camouflage, and concealment,

any natural or artificial material, opaque to surveillance sensor(s), interposed between the sensor(s) and

the object to be camouflaged or concealed. 4. A security element whose primary task is to observe,

identify and report information, and which only fights in self-protection. (Army) — A task to maintain

surveillance; provide early warning to the main body; or impede, destroy, and harass enemy

reconnaissance within its capability without becoming decisively engaged. (See also security operations.)

 See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5. C-11 

screen line — A control measure, usually named as a phase line (PL), established forward of the main body

during defensive operations. Once occupied it becomes the forward line of own troops (FLOT) and the

limit of advance (LOA) for all friendly forces although permission can be obtained from the establishing

headquarters to go beyond it. (See also screen and security operations.) See FMs 7-30, 17-95, 71-100,

and 100-15. 

seaport — A place at which ships may discharge or receive their cargoes. (See also aerial ports.) See

FM 55-10. 4-29

seaport of debarkation (SPOD) — A marine terminal for sustained port operations at which personnel and

material are discharged from ships. SPODs normally act as ports of embarkation on return passenger and

retrograde cargo shipments. 4-29

seaport of embarkation (SPOE) — A marine terminal for sustained port operations at which personnel

board and materiel is loaded aboard ships. SPOEs normally act as ports of debarkation on return

passenger and retrograde cargo shipments. 4-29

search and attack — A variant of the movement to contact conducted by smaller, light maneuver units and

air cavalry or air assault forces in large areas to destroy enemy forces, deny area to the enemy, or collect

information. Search and attack operations may be conducted against a dispersed enemy in close terrain

unsuitable for armored forces, in rear areas against enemy special operations forces (SOF) or infiltrators,

or as an area security mission to clear assigned zones. (See also movement to contact.) See FMs 7-7, 7-

10, 7-20, 7-30, 71-100-2, 90-4, and 90-26.

sector(JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. An area designated by boundaries within which a unit operates, and for which

it is responsible. 2. One of the subdivisions of a coastal frontier. (Army) — Normally, sectors are used
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 in defensive operations and have a forward edge of the battle area designated by a higher commander.

(See also area of influence and zone of action.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123,

100-15, and 101-5.

sector of fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — A defined area which is required to be covered by the fire of individual

or crew-served weapons or the weapons of a unit. See FMs 7-7, 7-8, 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

secure(JP 1-02, NATO) — In an operational context, to gain possession of a position or terrain feature, with

or without force, and to make such disposition as will prevent, as far as possible, its destruction or loss

by enemy action. (Army) — A tactical task to gain possession of a position or terrain feature, with or

without force, and to deploy in a manner which prevents its destruction or loss to enemy action. The

attacking force may or may not have to physically occupy the area. C-10 

security (JP 1-02) — 1. Measures taken by a military unit, an activity or installation to protect itself against

all acts designed to, or that may, impair its effectiveness. 2. A condition that results from the

establishment and maintenance of protective measures that ensure a state of inviolability from hostile acts

or influences. 3. With respect to classified matter, it is the condition that prevents unauthorized persons

from having access to official information that is safeguarded in the interests of national security.

(NATO) — A condition that results from the establishment of measures which protect designated

information, materiel, personnel, systems, components, and equipment against hostile persons, acts, or

influences. See FMs 17-95, 71-100, and 100-15.

security area (zone) — Area that begins at the forward area of the battlefield and extends as far to the front

and flanks as security forces are deployed. Forces in the security area furnish information on the enemy

and delay, deceive, and disrupt the enemy and conduct counterreconnaissance. See FMs 17-95, 71-3,

71-100, and 100-15.

security assistance (JP 1-02) — Group of programs authorized by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as

amended, and the Arms Export Control Act of 1976, as amended, or other related statutes by which the

United States provides defense articles, military training, and other defense-related services, by grant,

loan, credit, or cash sales in furtherance of national policies and objectives. See FM 100-20.

security operations — Those operations designed to provide reaction time, maneuver space, and protection

to the main body. Security operations are characterized by aggressive reconnaissance to reduce terrain

and enemy unknowns, to gain and maintain contact with the enemy to ensure continuous information, and

to provide early and accurate reporting of information to the protected force. Forms of security operations

include screen, guard, cover, and area security. Area security operations normally are associated with rear

operations. Security operations forces orient on the main body and may be oriented in any direction from

a stationary or moving force. (See also screen, guard, cover, and rear area response forces.) See FMs 7-

30, 17-95, 71-100, 100-15, and 100-40. C-11

seize — A tactical task to clear a designated area and obtain control of it. (See also contain.) See FM 100-

40. C-11

selective identification feature (SIF) (JP 1-02) — A capability that, when added to the basic identification

friend or foe system, provides the means to transmit, receive, and display selected coded replies. (See also

identification, friend or foe (IFF), and IFF on/off line.) See FM 1-111.

selective mobilization — See mobilization.

semipermissive environment — See operational environment.
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sensor (JP 1-02, NATO) — An equipment which detects, and may indicate and/or record objects and

activities by means of energy or particles emitted, reflected, or modified by objects. 4-9, 4-20

separation zone (JP 1-02, NATO) — An area between two adjacent horizontal or vertical areas into which

units are not to proceed unless certain safety measures can be fulfilled. (See also zone of separation

(ZOS).) See FM 100-20.

sequel— Major operations that follow the current major operation. Plans for these are based on the possible

outcomes (victory, stalemate, or defeat) associated with the current operation. See FM 101-5.

serial (JP 1-02, NATO) — An element or a group of elements within a series which is given a numerical or

alphabetical designation for convenience in planning, scheduling, and control. (Army) — A serial can

be a group of people, vehicles, equipment, or supplies and is used in airborne, air assault, and amphibious

operations. See FMs 55-10, 71-100-3, 90-26, and 100-40.

serial assignment table (JP 1-02) — A table that is used in amphibious operations and shows the serial

number, the title of the unit, the approximate number of personnel; the material, vehicles, or equipment

in the serial; the number and type of landing craft and/or amphibious vehicles required to boat the serial;

and the ship on which the serial is embarked. (Army) — Also used in airborne and air assault operations

and may be used in noncombatant evacuation operations. See FMs 71-100, 71-100-3, and 90-26.

series of targets (NATO, Army) — In fire support, a number of targets and/or group(s) of targets planned

in a predetermined time sequence to support a maneuver phase. A series of targets is indicated by a code

name or nickname. See FMs 6-series and 7-90. 3-24

service ammunition (JP 1-02) — Ammunition intended for combat, rather than for training purposes. See

FMs 7-91, 9-6, 17-12, and 23-1.

Service component command (JP 1-02) — A command consisting of the Service component commander

and all those Service forces, such as individuals, units, detachments, organizations, and installations under

the command including the support forces that have been assigned to a combatant command, or further

assigned to a subordinate unified command or joint task force. (See also functional component

command.) See FM 100-7 and JP 3-0. 

severity — The expected consequence of an event in terms of degree of injury, property damage, or other

mission-impairing factors (loss of combat power, adverse publicity, and so forth) that could occur.

shallow fording (JP 1-02) — The ability of a self-propelled gun or ground vehicle equipped with built-in

waterproofing, with its wheels or tracks in contact with the ground, to negotiate a water obstacle without

the use of a special waterproofing kit. (See also ford.) 

shaped charge (JP 1-02, NATO) — A charge shaped so as to concentrate its explosive force in a particular

direction. (Army) — The high-explosive antitank round is a type of shaped charge. This type charge is

used for cutting holes in armor plate or concrete. See FMs 5-series and 9-6.

sheaf(JP 1-02) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, planned planes (lines) of fire that produce a desired

pattern of bursts with rounds fired by two or more weapons. See FMs 6-series and 7-90.

shelling report (SHELREP) (JP 1-02, NATO) — Any report of enemy shelling containing information on

caliber, direction, time, density and area shelled.
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shift fire — The command to move the cone of fire in a direction away from a friendly maneuvering force so

that enemy forces continue to be struck by the beaten zone at the same time the friendly unit moves. See

FMs 6-series, 7-90, 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

shore party (JP 1-02, NATO) — A task organization of the landing force, formed for the purpose of

facilitating the landing and movement off the beaches of troops, equipment, and supplies; for the

evacuation from the beaches of casualties and enemy prisoners of war; and for facilitating the beaching,

retraction, and salvaging of landing ships and craft. It comprises elements of both the naval and landing

forces. It is also called beach group. See JP 3-02.1.

short (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, a spotting, or an observation, used by an

observer to indicate that a burst(s) occurred short of the target in relation to the spotting line. (Army) —

In direct fire, a sensing of a round hitting below the target or between the target and the firing system.

See FMs 6-series, 7-90, 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

short-range air defense engagement zone (SHORADEZ) (JP 1-02) — In air defense, that airspace of

defined dimensions within which the responsibility for engagement of air threats normally rests with

short-range air defense weapons. It may be established within a low- or high-altitude missile engagement

zone. See FMs 44-100 and 100-103. 

short round (JP 1-02) — 1. The unintentional or inadvertent delivery of ordnance on friendly troops,

installations, or civilians by a friendly weapon system. 2. A defective cartridge in which the projectile

has been seated too deeply. See FMs 6-series, 7-90, 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

shot (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, a report that indicates a gun, or guns, have

been fired. (Army) — A message sent to the observer to alert him that rounds for his call for fire are in

the air and to be prepared to provide a sensing of the relation of their impact to the target. See FMs 6-

series and 7-90.

show of force (JP 1-02) — An operation, designed to demonstrate US resolve, that involves increased

visibility of US deployed forces in an attempt to defuse a specific situation, which, if allowed to continue,

may be detrimental to US interests or national objectives. See also deception.) See FM 100-20. 

signal operating instruction (SOI) (Army) — Series of orders issued for technical control and coordination

of signal support activities of a command.

signal security (SIGSEC) (JP 1-02) — A generic term that includes both communications security and

electronics security. (Army) — Measures intended to deny or counter hostile exploitation of electronic

missions. SIGSEC includes communications security and electronic security. (See also security).

signals intelligence (SIGINT) (JP 1-02) — 1. A category of intelligence comprising either individually or

in combination all communications intelligence, electronics intelligence, and foreign instrumentation

signals intelligence, however transmitted. 2. Intelligence derived from communications, electronics, and

foreign instrumentation signals. See FM 34-2.

signature — The visible or audible effects produced when a weapon is fired or a piece of equipment operated,

such as noise, smoke, flame, heat, or debris; also, an electronic emission subject to detection and traceable

to the equipment producing it.
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simplicity— One of the nine principles of war. The preparation and execution of clear, uncomplicated, and

concise orders and plans to facilitate mission execution in the stress, fatigue, and fog of war. See FM

100-5.

simulative electromagnetic deception — Actions to simulate friendly, notional, or actual capabilities to

mislead hostile forces. (See also electromagnetic deception, imitative electromagnetic deception, and

manipulative electromagnetic deception.)

simultaneous attack in depth — Concurrent firing on or attack of enemy reserves, logistics, headquarters,

staging and assembly areas, airfields, and close forces (attacking or defending) by maneuver, fire support,

and other combat support units in the close fight and fighting in depth with cannon artillery, rocket or

missile artillery (land- and sea-based), attack helicopters, airborne forces, air assault forces, other

maneuver and combat support forces, special operations forces, and fighter or bomber aircraft to create

a synergistic and paralyzing effect on the enemy. See FMs 71-100, 100-5, and 100-15.

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. It provides the commander flexibility for emplacing

tactical obstacles based on battlefield development. See FM 90-7.

situation template — A series of projections that portray, based on enemy doctrine, the most probable

disposition and location of enemy forces within constraints imposed by weather and terrain. See FMs 34-

130 and 101-5.

situation map (SITMAP) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A map showing the tactical or the administrative situation

at a particular time. (See also map and overlay.) See FM 101-5.

situation report (SITREP) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A report giving the situation in the area of a reporting unit

or formation. (Army) — The format is usually established by unit standard operating procedures.

skin decontamination technique — Process of removing or neutralizing contamination on the skin within

one minute of exposure to prevent it from penetrating into the skin. Immediate decontamination

techniques are skin decontamination, personal wipedown, and operator's spraydown. See FM 3-5. 

slice (JP 1-02) — An average logistic planning factor used to obtain estimates of requirements for personnel

and materiel. A personnel slice, e.g., generally consists of the total strength of the stated basic combatant

elements, plus its proportionate share of all supporting and higher headquarters personnel. (Army) —

The normal apportionment of combat support and combat service support elements allocated to support

a maneuver unit. (See also combat multiplier.)

small-scale map — See map.

smoke blanket — A dense horizontal concentration of smoke covering an area of ground with visibility inside

the concentration less than 50 meters. The blanket is established over and around friendly areas to protect

them from air visual observation and visual precision bombing attacks or established over enemy areas

to protect attacking friendly aircraft from enemy air defense. See FM 3-50.

smoke curtain — A vertical smoke screen. (See also smoke screen.) See FM 3-50. 3-24

smoke haze — A light concentration that restricts accurate enemy observation and fire but which is not dense

enough to hamper friendly operations (visibility 50 to 150 meters). See FM 3-50. 3-24
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smoke screen (JP 1-02, NATO) — Cloud of smoke used to mask either friendly or enemy installations or

maneuvers. (Army) — The smoke screen is used to conceal ground maneuver, obstacle breaching,

recovery operations, amphibious assault operations, as well as key assembly areas, supply routes, and

logistical facilities. See FM 3-50. 3-24 

solid waste — Any material or substance (solid or liquid) which is inherently waste-like by being no longer

suitable for its originally intended purpose.

sortie (JP 1-02, NATO) — In air operations, an operational flight by one aircraft.

space defense (JP 1-02) — All defensive measures designed to destroy attacking enemy vehicles (including

missiles) while in space, or to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of such attack.

space operations — The employment of space system capabilities that provide the means to enhance

command and control, facilitate the maneuver of forces, reduce the commander's uncertainty, and improve

fire support, air defense, intelligence collection, and combat service support operations which will support

strategic, operational, and tactical missions across the operational continuum in the near, mid, and

far term. See FM 100-5. 

special activities (JP 1-02) — Activities conducted in support of national foreign policy objectives which are

planned and executed so that the role of the US Government is not apparent or acknowledged publicly.

They are also functions in support of such activities but are not intended to influence United States

political processes, public opinion, policies, or media and do not include diplomatic activities or the

collection and production of intelligence or related support functions.

special air operation (JP 1-02) — An air operation conducted in support of special operations and other

clandestine, covert, and psychological activities. See FM 100-25. 4-30

special forces operations base (SFOB) (Army) — A base formed and operated by the special forces group

from organic and attached resources. It is the focal point for operational, administrative, logistical, and

communication support functions. See FM 100-25.

special operations (SO) (JP 1-02) — Operations conducted by specially organized, trained, and equipped

military and paramilitary forces to achieve military, political, economic, or psychological objectives by

unconventional military means in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive areas. These operations are

conducted during peacetime competition, conflict, and war, independently or in coordination with

operations of conventional, nonspecial operations forces. Political-military considerations frequently

shape special operations, requiring clandestine, covert, or low visibility techniques and oversight at the

national level. Special operations differ from conventional operations in degree of physical and political

risk, operational techniques, mode of employment, independence from friendly support, and dependence

on detailed operational intelligence and indigenous assets. See FM 100-25. 4-29, 4-30

special operations-peculiar (Army) — Materiel, services, and training for special operations mission

support for which there is no broad conventional requirement. See FM 100-25.

special operations forces (SOF) (JP 1-02) — Those active and reserve component forces of the Military

Services designated by the Secretary of Defense and specifically organized, trained, and equipped to

conduct and support special operations. 4-29, 4-30 

special reconnaissance (Army) — Complementing of national and theater intelligence collection assets and

systems by obtaining specific, well-defined, and time-sensitive information of strategic or operational
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significance. It may complement other collection methods where there are constraints of weather, terrainmasking, hostile countermeasures, and/or other systems availability. Special reconnaissance is a human

intelligence function that places US or US-controlled "eyes on target" in hostile, denied, or politically

sensitive territory when authorized. SOF may conduct these missions unilaterally or in support of

conventional operations. See JP 3-05.

special staff (JP 1-02) — All staff officers having duties at a headquarters and not included in the general

(coordinating) staff group or in the personal staff group. The special staff includes certain technical

specialists and heads of services, for example, quartermaster officer, antiaircraft officer, transportation

officer, etc. See FM 101-5.

specified command (JP 1-02) — A command that has a broad, continuing mission, normally functional, and

is established and so designated by the President through the Secretary of Defense with the advice and

assistance of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It normally is composed of forces from a single

Military Department. Also called specified combatant command. See FM 100-5 and JP 5-0.

splash (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. In artillery and naval gunfire support, word transmitted to an observer or

spotter five seconds before the estimated time of the impact of a salvo or round. 2. In air interception,

target destruction verified by visual or radar means. (See also shot and fire mission.) See FMs 6-series

and 7-90.

split-based operation — The dividing of logistics, staff, and management and command functions so that

only those functions absolutely necessary are deployed, allowing some logistics, staff, and management

and command functions to be accomplished from CONUS or another theater. See FMs 100-7 and

100-10.

spoiling attack (JP 1-02) — A tactical maneuver employed to seriously impair a hostile attack while the

enemy is in the process of forming or assembling for an attack. Usually employed by armored units in

defense by an attack on enemy assembly positions in front of a main line of resistance or battle position.

(Army) — A type of attack executed from a defensive posture to seriously impair a hostile attack by

striking the enemy when he is preparing for his own attack and is vulnerable in assembly areas and attack

positions. (See also attack.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40,

and 101-5.

spore— An asexual, usually single-celled, reproductive body of plants such as fungi, mosses, and ferns; a

microorganism, as a bacterium, in a resting or dormant state. See FM 3-9.

spot jamming (JP 1-02, NATO) — The jamming of a specific channel or frequency. (See also jamming.)

See FM 34-2.

spot report (SPOTREP) (JP 1-02) — 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. (Note: In

reconnaissance and surveillance usage, spot report is not to be used.) (Army) — The format is usually

established by unit standard operating procedures.

stability and support operations (Army) — The use of military capabilities for any purpose other than war.

(See also counterdrug, counterinsurgency, domestic emergencies, humanitarian assistance (HA), military

operations other than war (MOOTW), and peace operations.) See JP 3-07 and FM 100-20.
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staff estimates (JP 1-02) — Assessments of courses of action by the various staff elements of a command

that serve as the foundation of the commander's estimate. (Army) — The staff officer's evaluation of how

factors in his particular field of interest will influence the courses of action under consideration by the

commander. (See also commander's estimate of the situation.) See FM 101-5.

staging area (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. Amphibious or airborne — A general locality between the mounting

area and the objective of an amphibious or airborne expedition, through which the expedition or parts

thereof pass after mounting, for refueling, regrouping of ships, and/or exercise, inspection, and

redistribution of troops. 2. Other movements — A general locality established for the concentration of

troop units and transient personnel between movements over the lines of communications. See FMs

55-10 and 55-30.

staging base (JP 1-02) — 1. An advanced naval base for the anchoring, fueling, and refitting of transports

and cargo ships, and for replenishing mobile service squadrons. 2. A landing and takeoff area with

minimum servicing, supply, and shelter provided for the temporary occupancy of military aircraft during

the course of movement from one location to another.

staging field — A predetermined area where aircraft assemble prior to conducting an air assault operation.

staging plan — An air assault operation plan that is based on the loading plan and prescribes the arrival time

of the ground units (troops, equipment, and supplies) at the pickup zone in the proper order for

movement. See FM 90-4.

standard pattern (JP 1-02, NATO) — In landmine warfare, the agreed pattern to which mines are normally

laid. See FMs 5-34, 5-102, and 20-32. 

standard use Army aircraft flight route (SAAFR) (JP 1-02) — Routes established below the coordinating

altitude to facilitate the movement of Army aviation assets. Routes are normally located in the corps

through brigade rear areas of operation and do not require approval by the airspace control authority.

(See airspace control measures.) See FM 100-103. 3-5

standing operating procedure (SOP) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A set of instructions covering those features of

operations which lend themselves to a definite or standardized procedure without loss of effectiveness.

The procedure is applicable unless ordered otherwise. See FM 101-5.

start point (SP) (NATO, Army) — A well-defined point on a route at which a movement of vehicles begins

to be under the control of the commander of this movement. It is at this point that the column is formed

by the successive passing, at an appointed time, of each of the elements composing the column. In

addition to the principal start point of a column there may be secondary start points for its different

elements. (See also release point (RP).) See FM 55-30. 3-26

state of readiness (JP 1-02) — state 1 (safe) The state of a demolition target upon or within which the

demolition charge has been placed and secured. The firing or initiating circuits have been installed, but

not connected to the demolition charge. Detonators or initiators have not been connected nor installed.

(JP 1-02, NATO) — state 2 (armed) The state of a demolition target in which the demolition charges

are in place, the firing and priming circuits are installed and complete, ready for immediate firing. See

FM 5-102. 

status-of-forces agreement (SOFA) (JP 1-02) — An agreement which defines the legal position of a visiting

military force deployed in the territory of a friendly state. Agreements delineating the status of visiting

military forces may be bilateral or multilateral. Provisions pertaining to the status of visiting forces may
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be set forth in a separate agreement, or they may form a part of a more comprehensive agreement. These

provisions describe how the authorities of a visiting force may control members of that force and the

amenability of the force or its members to the local law or to the authority of local officials. To the extent

that agreements delineate matters affecting the relations between a military force and civilian authorities

and population, they may be considered as civil affairs agreements. (See also stability and support

operations (SASO).) See FM 100-20.

stay behind force (JP 1-02, NATO) — A force which is left in position to conduct a specified mission when

the remainder of the force withdraws or retires from the area. See FMs 17-95 and 71-100.

stick (air transport) (JP 1-02) — A number of paratroopers who jump from one aperture or door of an

aircraft during one run over a drop zone. See FM 90-26.

stowage plan (JP 1-02) — A completed stowage diagram showing what materiel has been loaded and its

stowage location in each hold, between-deck compartment, or other space in a ship, including deck space.

Each port of discharge is indicated by colors or other appropriate means. Deck and between-deck cargo

normally is shown in perspective, while cargo stowed in the lower hold is shown in profile, except that

vehicles usually are shown in perspective regardless of stowage.

straggler(JP 1-02, NATO) — Any personnel, vehicles, ships, or aircraft which, without apparent purpose

or assigned mission, become separated from their unit, column or formation.

straggler control — Operations conducted to regulate friendly forces who have become separated from their

commands by events on the battlefield.

strategic air transport operations (JP 1-02, NATO) — The carriage of passengers and cargo between

theaters by means of: a. scheduled service; b. special flight; c. air logistic support; d. aeromedical

evacuation. See FMs 8-10-6, 100-5, and 100-15.

strategic intelligence (JP 1-02) — Intelligence that is required for the formulation of military strategy, policy,

and plans and operations at national and theater levels. (See also intelligence.) See FM 100-5. 

strategic level of war (JP 1-02) — The level of war 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, and develops and uses national resources to accomplish these objectives. Activities at this level

establish national and multinational military objectives; sequence initiatives; define limits and assess risks

for the use of military and other instruments of national power; develop global plans or theater war plans

to achieve these objectives; and provide military forces and other capabilities in accordance with strategic

plans. (See also operational level of war and tactical level of war.) See FM 100-5.

strategic mobility (JP 1-02) — The capability to deploy and sustain military forces worldwide in support

of national strategy. 

strategic operating systems — The functions and subfunctions that describe the activities performed within

a theater by unified, joint, or combined forces. The eight operating systems are theater force requirements

and readiness, alliance and regional relations, theater strategic intelligence, theater strategic direction and

integration, intra-theater strategic deployment and maneuver, theater strategic fires, theater strategic

protection, and theater strategic sustainment.
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strategic psychological activities (JP 1-02, NATO) — Planned psychological activities in peace and war

which normally pursue objectives to gain the support and cooperation of friendly and neutral countries

and to reduce the will and the capacity of hostile or potentially hostile countries to wage war.

strategy (JP 1-02) — The art and science of developing and using political, economic, psychological, and

military forces as necessary during peace and war, to afford the maximum support to policies, in order

to increase the probabilities and favorable consequences of victory and to lessen the chances of defeat.

striking force — A committed force organized to conduct the decisive attack in a mobile defense. It normally

comprises the maximum combat power available to the commander at the time of the attack.

STRIKWARN — A message transmitted to give advance warning of a friendly nuclear attack to ensure

friendly forces can protect themselves from the effects of the attack.

strong point (SP) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A key point in a defensive position, usually strongly fortified and

heavily armed with automatic weapons, around which other positions are grouped for its protection.

(Army) — A position requiring extensive engineer effort for obstacles and survivability positions and

positioned to control or block an avenue of approach. Normally, command and control, aid stations, and

critical supply stockpiles will be dug in with overhead protection. Trenches and other protective

construction will be done to protect soldiers and weapons from damage during assault by mounted and

dismounted forces. (See also battle position (BP) and mobile defense.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20,

7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5. 3-9 3-33 

subsequent operations phase — The phase of an airborne, air assault, or amphibious operation conducted

after the assault phase. Operations in the objective area may consist of offense, defense, linkup, or

withdrawal. (See also air movement, assault phase, and mounting phase.)

subsequent position — A planned and, to some extent, prepared location for defense or delay that is behind

(away from the enemy) the primary positions initially occupied for a defense. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20,

7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5. 

subversion (JP 1-02) — Action designed to undermine the military, economic, psychological, or political

strength or morale of a regime. (See also unconventional warfare (UW).) See FM 100-20.

successive positions — Defensive fighting positions located one after another on the battlefield. A force can

conduct a delaying action or defense from successive positions. (See also defend and delaying operation.)

See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5.

supervised route (JP 1-02, NATO) — In road traffic, a roadway over which limited control is exercised by

means of traffic control posts, traffic patrols, or both. Movement authorization is required for its use by

a column of vehicles or a vehicle of exceptional size or weight. See FMs 55-10 and 55-30.

supplementary position — That location which provides the best sectors of fire and defensive terrain along

an avenue of approach other than the primary avenue the enemy is expected to attack along, for example,

a flank avenue of approach. (See also alternate position, battle position, position (BP), and successive

positions.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5.

supply control (JP 1-02) — The process by which an item of supply is controlled within the supply system,

including requisitioning, receipt, storage, stock control, shipment, disposition, identification, and

accounting.
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supply discipline — Command responsibility to identify and redistribute excess materiels, observe senior

commander's priorities, and ensure subordinates operate within the legal boundaries of the logistics

system.

supply point (JP 1-02, NATO) — Any point where supplies are issued in detail. (Army) — A location where

supplies, services, and materiels are located and issued. These locations are temporary and mobile,

normally being occupied for up to 72 hours. 3-39

supply point distribution — A method of distributing supplies to the receiving unit at a supply point,

railhead, or truckhead. The unit then moves the supplies to its own area using its own transportation.

supply site — A location where supplies, services, and materiels are located or stored in a permanent or

semipermanent facility.

support (JP 1-02) — 1. The action of a force which aids, protects, complements, or sustains another force

in accordance with a directive requiring such action. 2. A unit which helps another unit in battle.

Aviation, artillery, or naval gunfire may be used as a support for infantry. 3. A part of any unit held back

at the beginning of an attack as a reserve. 4. An element of a command which assists, protects, or

supplies other forces in combat. (See also common servicing, direct support (DS), and general support

(GS).) 

support area — A designated area in which combat service support elements and some staff elements locate

to support a unit. (See also brigade support area (BSA) and division support area (DSA).) 3-39 

support by fire — A tactical task in which a maneuver element moves to a position on the battlefield where

it can engage the enemy by direct fire to support a maneuvering force by either support by fire by

overwatching or by establishing a base of fire. The maneuver element does not attempt to maneuver to

capture enemy forces or terrain. (See also attack by fire and overwatch.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20,

7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5. 3-18 C-11 

support force — Those forces charged with providing intense direct overwatching fires to the assault and

breaching forces or a force that supports a river crossing and other combat operations. (See also breach

force.)

supporting arms (JP 1-02) — Air, sea, and land weapons of all types employed to support ground units.

supporting attack (JP 1-02, NATO) — An offensive operation carried out in conjunction with a main attack

and designed to achieve one or more of the following: deceive the enemy; destroy or pin down enemy

forces which could interfere with the main attack; control ground whose occupation by the enemy will

hinder the main attack; or force the enemy to commit reserves prematurely or in an indecisive area. (See

also main attack.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5.

3-15, 3-16 

supporting distance — Distance between two units that can be traveled in time for one to come to the aid

of the other. For small units, it is the distance between two units that can be covered effectively by their

fires.

supporting effort — The unit, battle position, sector, zone, axis, avenue of a pproach, area of operations,

theater of operations, and so forth, whose purpose supports the success of the main effort. The supporting

effort, either directly or indirectly, creates a necessary condition for the main effort to succeed. The

higher commander will use other operations, such as economy of force, deep operations, interdiction,
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deception operations (feints and demonstrations), counterattacks, and supporting attacks as part of the

supporting effort. (See also economy of force, main attack, main effort, and supporting attack. See FMs

1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5.

supporting forces (JP 1-02) — Forces stationed in, or to be deployed to, an area of operations to provide

support for the execution of an operation order. Combatant command (command authority) of supporting

forces is not passed to the supported commander.

suppression (JP 1-02) — Temporary or transient degradation by an opposing force of the performance of

a weapons system below the level needed to fulfill its mission objectives. (Army) — A tactical task to

employ direct or indirect fires, electronic attack, or smoke on enemy personnel, weapons, or equipment

to prevent or degrade enemy fires and observation of the friendly forces. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20,

7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5.

suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) (JP 1-02) — That activity which neutralizes, destroys, or

temporarily degrades surface-based enemy air defenses by destructive and/or disruptive means. (Army)

— The Army has primary responsibility for suppressing ground-based enemy air defense weapons to the

limits of observed fire. The United States Air Force (USAF) has responsibility from beyond the limits

of observed fire out to the range limits of Army weapons systems; the Army, secondary responsibility.

Even if the USAF can target or observe, the Army may still have to attack the target. Beyond the range

limits of Army weapons, the USAF is responsible. (See also suppression.) See FM 6-series. (Army) —

campaign SEAD — SEAD operations that are preplanned, theaterwide efforts conducted concurrently

over an extended period against air defense systems normally located well behind enemy lines.

complementary SEAD — SEAD operations that involve continuously seeking enemy air defense system

targets to destroy them. localized SEAD — SEAD operations that support tactical air operations, Army

aviation operations, reconnaissance, and the establishment of corridors for Air Force and Army assets.

surprise — One of the nine principles of war. The enemy is attacked at a time or place, or in a manner for

which he is unprepared and which he did not expect. See FM 100-5.

surveillance (JP 1-02, NATO) — The systematic observation of aerospace, surface or subsurface areas,

places, persons, or things, by visual, aural, electronic, photographic, or other means. (Army) — This

includes the use of special NBC and air defense equipment. (See also sensor.)

survey — 1. The act of determining a precise location with various instruments. 2. The directed effort to

determine the location and the nature of contamination within an area. See FMs 3-3 and 3-19. 3. The

element of an artillery unit which determines an exact location and marks it as a point of reference for

laying in the artillery unit. See FMs 6-series and 7-90.

survivability — 1. Includes all aspects of protecting personnel, weapons, and supplies while simultaneously

deceiving the enemy. 2. Encompasses planning and locating position sites, designing adequate overhead

cover, analyzing terrain conditions and construction materials, selecting excavation methods, and

countering the effects of direct and indirect fire weapons. See FM 5-103. 3-33

survivability operations — The development and construction of protective positions such as earth berms,

dug-in positions, overhead protection, and countersurveillance means to reduce the effectiveness of enemy

weapon systems. See FM 5-103.

survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) — Training and actions taken by military members to

assist them in surviving in hostile environments, resisting enemy activities, escaping enemy forces, and

evading enemy forces until the individual or unit can be reunited with friendly forces. See FM 1-111.
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suspect (JP 1-02) — In counterdrug operations, a track of interest where correlating information actually ties

the track of interest to alleged illegal drug operations. See FM 100-20.

sustained rate of fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — Actual rate of fire that a weapon can continue to deliver for an

indefinite length of time without seriously overheating. (Army) — Or without doing other mechanical

damage to the weapon or weapon system. (See also maximum rate of fire.) See FMs 6-series, 7-90,

7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

sustainment (JP 1-02) — The provision of personnel, logistic, and other support required to maintain and

prolong operations or combat until successful accomplishment or revision of the mission or of the

national objective.

sweep jamming (JP 1-02, NATO) — A narrow band of jamming that is swept back and forth over a

relatively wide operating band of frequencies.

synchronization (JP 1-02) — 1. The arrangement of military actions in time, space, and purpose to produce

maximum relative combat power at a decisive place and time. 2. In the intelligence context, application

of intelligence sources and methods in concert with the operational plan. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20,

7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5.

synchronization matrix — A format for the staff to record the results of wargaming and synchronize the

course of action (COA) across time, space, and purpose in relation to the enemy's most likely COA. The

staff can readily translate a synchronization matrix into a graphic decision-making product such as a

decision support matrix. Each battlefield operating system can develop its own synchronization matrix

for more detail on specific tasks. See FM 101-5.

T

tactical air control party (TACP) (JP 1-02, NATO) — A subordinate operational component of a tactical

air control system designed to provide air liaison to land forces and for the control of aircraft.

tactical air liaison officer (TALO) (Army) — An Air Force officer who works at the division or higher rear

command post G4 section and facilitates the coordination of cargo aircraft. He maintains information

on runway availability, cargo handling capability, and the location of brigade medical treatment facilities

and landing areas. See FMs 71-100-1/2/3 and 100-15.

tactical air operation (JP 1-02) — An air operation involving the employment of air power in coordination

with ground or naval forces to: a. gain and maintain air superiority; b. prevent movement of enemy

forces into and within the objective area and to seek out and destroy these forces and their supporting

installations; and c. join with ground or naval forces in operations within the objective area, in order to

assist directly in attainment of their immediate objective. (See also air interdiction (AI), allocation,

apportionment, close air support (CAS), and counterair.)

tactical air reconnaissance — See air reconnaissance.

tactical ballistic missile (TBM) predicted ground impact point (PGIP) — An elliptical area that indicates

where a TBM most likely will strike the ground. This area varies in size based on the known or suspected

accuracy of the TBM if it functions normally. (See also theater missile defense (TMD).) See FM 44-100.
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tactical combat force (TCF) (JP 1-02) — A combat unit, with appropriate combat support and combat

service support assets, that is assigned the mission of defeating Level III threats. (See also rear area

response forces.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 101-5. 

tactical command post (TAC CP) — The forward echelon of a headquarters. The TAC CP consists of

representatives from G/S2, G/S3, fire support, tactical air control party, air defense artillery engineers,

and combat service support liaison (G/S1, G/S4) elements. It is located well forward on the battlefield

so that the commander is near subordinate commanders and can directly influence operations. At division

level, the TAC CP is normally located within FM radio range of the committed brigades. (See also

command post (CP).) See FM 101-5. A-3

tactical control (TACON) (JP 1-02) — Command authority over assigned or attached forces or commands,

or military capability or forces made available for tasking, that is limited to the detailed and, usually, local

direction and control of movements or maneuvers necessary to accomplish missions or tasks assigned.

Tactical control is inherent in operational control. Tactical control may be delegated to, and exercised

at any level at or below the level of combatant command. (Army) — Tactical control allows commanders

below combatant command level to apply force and direct the tactical use of logistics assets but does not

provide authority to change organizational structure or direct administrative and logistical support. See

FMs 1-111, 31-20, 71-100, 100-15, and 101-5.

tactical intelligence (JP 1-02) — Intelligence that is required for planning and conducting tactical operations.

(See also intelligence and combat intelligence.) See FM 34-1, 34-2, 34-3, and 34-130.

tactical level of war (JP 1-02) — The level of war at which battles and engagements are planned and

executed to accomplish military objectives assigned to tactical units or task forces. Activities at this level

focus on the ordered arrangement and maneuver of combat elements in relation to each other and to the

enemy to achieve combat objectives. 

tactical minefield (JP 1-02, NATO) — A minefield which is part of a formation obstacle plan and is laid to

delay, channel, or break up an enemy advance (Army) — Minefield employed to directly attack enemy

maneuver and to give the defending element a positional advantage over the attacker. See FM 20-32. 

3-30, 3-31 

tactical movement — A movement or maneuver to contact with the enemy or during which contact is

anticipated. In a tactical movement, elements are organized to facilitate combat. (See also administrative

movement.) See FM 100-15.

tactical obstacles (JP 1-02) — Those obstacles employed to disrupt enemy formations, to turn them into a

desired area, to fix them in position under direct and indirect fires, and to block enemy penetrations. (See

also obstacle.) 

tactical operations center (TOC) (JP 1-02) — A physical groupment of those elements of an Army general

and special staff concerned with the current tactical operations and the tactical support thereof. (See also

command post (CP).) A-2 

tactical road march — A rapid movement used to relocate units within a combat zone in order to prepare

for combat operations. Although contact with enemy ground forces is not anticipated, security against

air attack, enemy special forces, and sympathizers is maintained and the unit is prepared to take

immediate action against an enemy threat. (See also march column, march serial, and march unit.) See

FMs 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 55-30, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5.
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tactical task — The specific activity to be performed by the unit while conducting a form of tactical 

operation or a choice of maneuver. It is the minimum essential effects to accomplish the purpose. (See

also mission statement and operation order (OPORD).) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95,

71-100, 71-123, 100-5, 100-15, and 101-5. 

tactics (JP 1-02) — 1. The employment of units in combat. 2. The ordered arrangement and maneuver of

units in relation to each other and/or to the enemy in order to use their full potentialities. (Army) —

tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) — 1. Tactics — the art and science of employing available

means to win battles and engagements. 2. Techniques — the methods used by troops and/or

commanders to perform assigned missions and functions, specifically, the method of employing

equipment and personnel. 3. Procedures — the standard and detailed courses of action that describe

how to perform a task. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and

101-5.

tailor — To task-organize forces for the accomplishment of a specific mission.

tanker airlift control element (TALCE) (JP 1-02) — A mobile command and control organization deployed

to support strategic and theater air mobility operations at fixed, en route, and deployed locations where

air mobility operational support is nonexistent or insufficient. The Tanker Airlift Control Element

provides on-site management of air mobility airfield operations to include command and control,

communications, aerial port services, maintenance, security, transportation, weather, intelligence, and

other support functions, as necessary. The Tanker Airlift Control Element is composed of mission

support elements from various units and deploys in support of peacetime, contingency, and emergency

relief operations on both planned and "no notice" basis. See FMs 55-12, 71-100, 71-100-2, 71-100-3,

90-26, and 100-15.

target (JP 1-02) — 1. A geographical area, complex, or installation planned for capture or destruction by

military forces. 2. In intelligence usage, a country, area, installation, agency, or person against which

intelligence operations are directed. 3. An area designated and numbered for future firing. 3-22

3-24 4. In gunfire support usage, an impact burst which hits the target. (NATO) In radar, any

discrete object which reflects or retransmits energy back to the radar equipment, or the object of a radar

search or surveillance. See FM 44-100. (Army) — An object, vehicle, individual, and so forth, which

is the aiming point of any weapon or weapon system. See FMs 6-series, 7-90, 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

 

target acquisition (JP 1-02, NATO) — The detection, identification, and location of a target in sufficient

detail to permit the effective employment of weapons. (See also target analysis.) See FMs 6-series, 7-90,

7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

target analysis (JP 1-02, NATO) — An examination of potential targets to determine military importance,

priority of attack, and weapons required to obtain a desired level of damage or casualties. (See also target

acquisition.) 

target array (JP 1-02) — A graphic representation of enemy forces, personnel, and facilities in a specific

situation, accompanied by a target analysis.

target box — Areas designated on identifiable terrain in which enemy targets are expected to appear and

against which air support will be employed. See FMs 6-series and 7-90.

target concentration (JP 1-02, NATO) — A grouping of geographically proximate targets. (See also target

and group of targets.)
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targeted area of interest (TAI) — The geographical area or point along a mobility corridor where successful

interdiction will cause the enemy to either abandon a particular course of action or require him to use

specialized engineer support to continue, where he can be acquired and engaged by friendly forces. Not

all TAIs will form part of the friendly course of action; only TAIs associated with high-payoff targets are

of interest to the staff. These are identified during staff planning and wargaming. TAIs differ from

engagement areas in degree. Engagement areas plan for the use of all available weapons; TAIs might be

engaged by a single weapon. See FM 34-130. 3-20 

targeting (JP 1-02) — 1. The process of selecting targets and matching the appropriate response to them,

taking account of operational requirements and capabilities. 2. The analysis of enemy situations relative

to the commander's mission, objectives, and capabilities at the commander's disposal, to identify and

nominate specific vulnerabilities that, if exploited, will accomplish the commander's purpose through

delaying, disrupting, disabling, or destroying enemy forces or resources critical to the enemy. See FM

6-20-10.

targetlist (JP 1-02) — The listing of targets maintained and promulgated by the senior echelon of command;

it contains those targets that are to be engaged by supporting arms, as distinguished from a "list of

targets" that may be maintained by any echelon as confirmed, suspected, or possible targets for

informational and planning purposes. See FM 6-series and 7-90.

target of opportunity (JP 1-02) — 1. 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. 2. nuclear —

A nuclear target observed or detected after an operation begins that has not been previously considered,

analyzed, or planned for a nuclear strike. Generally fleeting in nature, it should be attacked as soon as

possible within the time limitations imposed for coordination and warning of friendly troops and aircraft.

See FMs 6-series, 7-90, 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

target-oriented method — A method of nuclear analysis used when detailed target information is available.

It gives the best estimate of the effects that the weapon will probably have on the target. See JPs 3-12.2

and 3-12.3.

target overlay (JP 1-02, NATO) — A transparent sheet which, when superimposed on a particular chart,

map, drawing, tracing or other representation, depicts target locations and designations. The target

overlay may also show boundaries between maneuver elements, objectives, and friendly forward

dispositions. See FMs 6-series and 101-5.

target reference point (TRP) — An easily recognizable point on the ground (either natural or man-made)

used to initiate, distribute, and control fires. TRPs are designated by maneuver leaders from platoon

through battalion to define battalion, company, platoon, section, squad, or individual sectors of fire and

observation usually within an engagement area. TRPs can also designate the center of an area where the

commander plans to distribute or converge the fires of all his weapons rapidly. TRPs are designated

using the standard target symbol and numbers issued by maneuver commanders. Once approved by the

battalion fire support officer, TRPs can be designated as indirect fire targets using the standard target

symbol with letters and numbers issued by the fire support officer. (See also engagement area (EA),

principal direction of fire (PDF), and sector of fire.) See FMs 6-series, 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 7-20, 7-90, 7-91,

17-12, 17-15, 17-9 and 23-1. 3-9 

target signature (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. The characteristic pattern of a target displayed by detection and

identification equipment. 2. In naval mine warfare, the variation in the influence field produced by the

passage of a ship or sweep.
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task force (TF) (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. A temporary grouping of units, under one commander, formed for

the purpose of carrying out a specific operation or mission. 2. Semipermanent organization of units,

under one commander, formed for the purpose of carrying out a continuing specific task. 3. (Army) —

A battalion-sized unit of the combat arms consisting of a battalion control headquarters, with at least one

of its major organic subordinate elements (a company), and the attachment of at least one company-sized

element of another combat or combat support arm. (See also task organization.) A component of a fleet

organized by the commander of a task fleet or higher authority for the accomplishment of a specific

task or tasks. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5.

task organization (JP 1-02) — 1. In the Navy, an organization which assigns to responsible commanders

the means with which to accomplish their assigned tasks in any planned action. 2. An organization table

pertaining to a specific naval directive. (Army) — A temporary grouping of forces designed to

accomplish a particular mission. It is the process of allocating available assets to subordinate

commanders and (establishing) determining their command and support relationships. See FMs

1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5.

technical control (TECHCON) — The authority a controlling element has to control all technical aspects

of other unit operations.

technical intelligence (TECHINT) (JP 1-02) — Intelligence derived from exploitation of foreign materiel,

produced for strategic, operational, and tactical level commanders. Technical intelligence begins when

an individual service member finds something new on the battlefield and takes the proper steps to report

it. The item is then exploited at succeedingly higher levels until a countermeasure is produced to

neutralize the adversary's technological advantage. (See also intelligence, and scientific and technical

intelligence.)

tempo— The rate of military action; controlling or altering that rate is a necessary means to initiative. All

military operations alternate between action and pauses as opposing forces battle one another and fight

friction to mount and execute operations at the time and place of their choosing. See FM 100-5. 

terrain analysis (JP 1-02, NATO) — The collection, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of geographic

information on the natural and manmade features of the terrain, combined with other relevant factors, to

predict the effect of the terrain on military operations. See FMs 34-3 and 34-130.

terrain flight (JP 1-02, NATO) — Flight close to the Earth's surface during which airspeed, height, and/or

altitude are adapted to the contours and cover of the ground in order to avoid enemy detection and fire.

See FM 1-111. 

terrain following — Terrain flying that includes low-level, contour, and nap-of-the-earth flight techniques.

See FMs 1-111 and 100-103.

terrain management — 1. The process of allocating terrain by establishing areas of operation, designating

assembly areas, and specifying locations for units and activities to deconflict activities that might interfere

with each other, for example, ensuring artillery firing units are not placed within air corridors. 2. In rear

operations, the process includes grouping units together to form bases, and designating a base cluster as

necessary. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-3, 7-30, 71-100, and 100-15.

terrain reinforcement — The development of terrain using obstacles to degrade enemy mobility or to

enhance friendly survivability through the construction of fighting positions and cover. (See also

countermobility operations and survivability operations.)
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terrorism (JP 1-02) — The calculated use of violence or threat of violence to inculcate fear; intended to

coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political,

religious, or ideological. (See also antiterrorism (AT) and counterterrorism (CT).) See FM 100-20.

terrorist (JP 1-02) — An individual who uses violence, terror, and intimidation to achieve a result. See FM

100-20.

terroristthreat condition (THREATCON) (JP 1-02) — A Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff-approved

program standardizing the Military Services' identification of and recommended responses to terrorist

threats against US personnel and facilities. This program facilitates inter-Service coordination and

support for antiterrorism activities. There are four THREATCONs above normal: a. THREATCON

ALPHA — This condition applies when there is a general threat of possible terrorist activity against

personnel and facilities, the nature and extent of which are unpredictable, and circumstances do not

justify full implementation of THREATCON BRAVO measures. However, it may be necessary to

implement certain measures from higher THREATCONs resulting from intelligence received or as a

deterrent. The measures in this THREATCON must be capable of being maintained indefinitely. b.

THREATCON BRAVO — This condition applies when an increased and more predictable threat of

terrorist activity exists. The measures in this THREATCON must be capable of being maintained for

weeks without causing undue hardship, affecting operational capability, and aggravating relations with

local authorities. c. THREATCON CHARLIE — This condition applies when an incident occurs or

intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action against personnel and facilities is

imminent. Implementation of measures in this THREATCON for more than a short period probably will

create hardship and affect the peacetime activities of the unit and its personnel. d. THREATCON

DELTA — This condition applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred or when

intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is likely.

Normally, this THREATCON is declared as a localized condition. (See also antiterrorism (AT).) See

FM 100-20.

theater(JP 1-02) — The geographical area outside the continental United States for which a commander of

a combatant command has been assigned responsibility. See FMs 100-5 and 100-7.

theater airlift (intratheater airlift) (Army) — The movement of personnel and materiel by aircraft within

a theater of operations that provides air movement and delivery of combat troops and supplies directly

into objective areas through airlanding, extraction, airdrop, or other delivery techniques; the use of air

transport in direct support of airborne assault, carriage of air transported forces, tactical air supply,

evacuation of casualties from forward airfields, and special operations. See FMs 8-10-6, 100-5, and

100-17.

theater missile (TM) (JP 1-02) — A missile, which may be a ballistic missile, a cruise missile, or an air-tosurface missile (not including short-range, non-nuclear, direct-fire missiles, bombs, or rockets such as

Maverick or wire-guided missiles), whose target is within a given theater of operation. See FM 44-100

and JP 3-01.5.

theater missile defense (TMD) — Applies to the identification, integration, and employment of forces

supported by other theater and national capabilities, to detect, identify, locate, track, minimize the effects

of, or destroy enemy theater missiles (TMs). This includes the destruction of TMs on the ground and in

flight, their ground-based launchers and supporting infrastructure; TM-capable ships and vessels in port

or at sea; and enemy aircraft armed with air-to surface missiles. TMD comprises four pillars necessary

for a complete TM defense: passive defense, active defense, attack operations, and C I measures. See 4

FM 44-100 and JP 3-01.5. 4-11
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theater missile defense system — Applies to a system or systems with applicable capabilities that may be

used to support passive defense measures, active defense measures, attack operations capabilities, and

the command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence and countermeasures required to

counter the missile threat. See FM 44-100.

thermal crossover (JP 1-02) — The natural phenomenon which normally occurs twice daily when

temperature conditions are such that there is a loss of contrast between two adjacent objects on infrared

imagery. See FMs 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

thermal radiation (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. The heat and light produced by nuclear explosion. (DOD)

2. Electromagnetic radiations emitted from a heat or light source as a consequence of its temperature;

it consists essentially of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiations. See JPs 3-12.2 and 3-12.3.

thorough decontamination (JP 1-02, NATO) — Decontamination carried out by a unit, with or without

external support, to reduce contamination on personnel, equipment, materiel and/or working areas to the

lowest possible levels, to permit the partial or total removal of individual protective equipment, and to

maintain operations with minimum degradation. This may include terrain decontamination beyond the

scope of operational decontamination. (See also decontamination, immediate decontamination, and

operational decontamination.) See FM 3-5.

throughput (JP 1-02) — The average quantity of cargo and passengers that can pass through a port on a

daily basis from arrival at the port to loading onto a ship or plane, or from the discharge from a ship or

plane to the exit (clearance) from the port complex. Throughput is usually expressed in measurement

tons, short tons, or passengers. Reception and storage limitation may affect final throughput. See FM

100-10.

throughput distribution — The bypassing of one or more intermediate supply echelons in the supply system

to avoid multiple handling. See FM 100-10. 

time of attack (JP 1-02) — The hour at which the attack is to be launched. If a line of departure is

prescribed, it is the hour at which the line is to be crossed by the leading elements of the attack. (See also

H-hour.) See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, 100-40, and 101-5.

time of flight (JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support, the time in seconds from the instant

a weapon is fired, launched, or released from the delivery vehicle or weapons system to the instant it

strikes or detonates. See FMs 6-series and 7-90.

time-phased force and deployment data (TPFDD) (JP 1-02) — The Joint Operation Planning and

Execution System data base portion of an operation plan; it contains time-phased force data, nonunitrelated cargo and personnel data, and movement data for the operation plan, including: a. In-place units.

b. Units to be deployed to support the operation plan with a priority indicating the desired sequence for

their arrival at the port of debarkation. c. Routing of forces to be deployed. d. Movement data

associated with deploying forces. e. Estimates of nonunit-related cargo and personnel movements to be

conducted concurrently with the deployment of forces. f. Estimate of transportation requirements that

must be fulfilled by common-user lift resources, as well as those requirements that can be fulfilled by

assigned or attached transportation resources. See JP 5-0.

time-phased force and deployment list (TPFDL) (JP 1-02) — Appendix 1 to Annex A of the operation

plan. It identifies types and/or actual units required to support the operation plan and indicates origin and

ports of debarkation or ocean area. It may also be generated as a computer listing from the time-phased

force and deployment data.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

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time on target (TOT) (JP 1-02) — 1. Time at which aircraft are scheduled to attack/photograph the target.

2. The actual time at which aircraft attack/photograph the target. 3. The time at which a nuclear

detonation is planned at a specified desired ground zero. See FM 6-series.

time zone — A geographical area having the exact same time (clockwise). These areas are designated from

east to west from ZULU time or Greenwich Mean Time and expressed by a letter of the alphabet.

tolerance dose (JP 1-02) — The amount of radiation which may be received by an individual within a

specified period with negligible results.

topographical crest — Highest point of a hill, ridge, or mountain. (See also military crest.) See FM 21-26.

topographic map (JP 1-02) — A map which presents the vertical position of features in measurable form

as well as their horizontal positions. See FM 21-26.

total asset visibility (TAV) — The ability to identify the location of equipment, supplies, or personnel during

in-processing and while in transit or in storage. See FM 55-12.

total mobilization. See mobilization.

toxin agent (JP 1-02) — A poison formed as a specific secretion product in the metabolism of a vegetable

or animal organism as distinguished from inorganic poisons. Such poisons can also be manufactured by

synthetic processes. See FM 3-9 and 3-100.

track(JP 1-02) — 1. A series of related contacts displayed on a plotting board. 2. To display or record the

successive positions of a moving object. 3. To lock onto a point of radiation and obtain guidance

therefrom. 4. To keep a gun properly aimed, or to point continuously a target-locating instrument at a

moving target. 5. The actual path of an aircraft above, or a ship on, the surface of the Earth. The course

is the path that is planned; the track is the path that is actually taken. 6. One of the two endless belts on

which a full-track or half-track vehicle runs. 7. A metal part forming a path for a moving object, e.g.,

the track around the inside of a vehicle for moving a mounted machine gun. 

tracking (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. Precise and continuous position-finding of targets by radar, optical, or

other means. (DOD) 2. In air intercept, a code meaning, "By my evaluation, target is steering true course

indicated."

trafficability (JP 1-02, NATO) — Capability of terrain to bear traffic. It refers to the extent to which the

terrain will permit continued movement of any and/or all types of traffic. See FMs 5-36, 34-3, and

34-130.

traffic control post (TCP) — A place at which traffic is controlled either by military police or by mechanical

means. See FMs 17-95, 19-1, 55-10, 55-30, 71-100, 71-123, 100-15, and 100-40. 3-40 

trailer transfer point — A location where trailers are transferred from one carrier to another while en route.

(See also logistics release point (LRP).) See FM 55-30. 3-40 

trail party — The last march unit in a march serial, usually consisting of priority maintenance and recovery

vehicles. See also unit maintenance collection point (UMCP). See FM 63-2.

train (Army) — 1. A service force or group of service elements which provides logistic support, that is, the

vehicles and operating personnel which furnish supply, evacuation, and maintenance services to a land
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unit. 2. Bombs dropped in short intervals or sequence. (See also unit trains, combat trains, and field

trains.) See FMs 17-95 and 71-123.

traveling — A movement technique used when speed is necessary and contact with enemy forces is not

likely. All elements of the unit move simultaneously with the unit leader located where he can best control

his unit. (See also movement technique.) See FM 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 17-95, and 17-98.

traveling overwatch — A movement technique used when contact with enemy forces is possible. The lead

element and trailing element are separated by a short distance which varies with the terrain. The trailing

element moves at variable speeds and may pause for short periods to overwatch the lead element. It keys

its movement to terrain and the lead element. The trailing element overwatches at such a distance that

should the enemy engage the lead element, it will not prevent the trailing element from firing or moving

to support the lead element. (See also movement technique.) See FM 7-7, 7-8, 7-10, 17-95, and 17-98.

traverse (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. To turn a weapon to the right or left on its mount. 2. A method of

surveying in which lengths and directions of lines between points on the earth are obtained by or from

field measurements, and used in determining positions of the points. (Army) — To move across terrain.

See FMs 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

triage (JP 1-02, NATO) — The evaluation and classification of casualties for purposes of treatment and

evacuation. It consists of the immediate sorting of patients according to type and seriousness of injury,

and likelihood of survival, and the establishment of priority for treatment and evacuation to assure

medical care of the greatest benefit to the largest number. See FM 8-series.

trigger — 1. Event or time-oriented criteria used to initiate planned actions directed toward achieving

surprise and inflicting maximum destruction on the enemy. 2. A designated point or points (selected

along identifiable terrain) in an engagement area used to mass fires at a predetermined range.

troop safety (nuclear) (JP 1-02) — An element which defines a distance from the proposed burst location

beyond which personnel meeting the criteria described under degree of risk will be safe to the degree

prescribed. (Army) — It is expressed as a combination of a degree of risk and vulnerability category.

(See also emergency risk (nuclear), negligible risk (nuclear), unwarned exposed, and warned protected.)

 See FM 100-30, JPs 3-12.2, and 3-12.3.

true azimuth — Direction measured as an angle to the east of the north star (Polaris). (See also azimuth.)

See FM 21-26.

true north (JP 1-02, NATO) — The direction from an observer's position to the geographic North Pole. The

north direction of any geographic meridian. See FM 21-26.

turn — A tactical obstacle effect that integrates fire planning and obstacle effort to divert an enemy

formation off one avenue of approach to an adjacent avenue of approach, or into an engagement area.

See FM 90-7. 3-31

turnaround (JP 1-02, NATO) — The length of time between arriving at a point and being ready to depart

from that point. It is used in this sense for the loading, unloading, refueling and rearming, where

appropriate, of vehicles, aircraft, and ships. See FMs 1-111 and 55-30. 

turning movement (JP 1-02, NATO) — A variation of the envelopment in which the attacking force passes

around or over the enemy's principal defensive positions to secure objectives deep in the enemy's rear to
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

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force the enemy to abandon his position or divert major forces to meet the threat. (See also choices of

maneuver.) See FMs 100-5 and 100-15.

turret-down — Fighting position in which the entire vehicle is behind cover, but the commander can still

observe to the front from the turret hatch or cupola. (See also hide and hull down.) See FMs 7-8, 7-91,

17-12, and 23-1.

twilight — The period of incomplete darkness following sunset and preceding sunrise. Twilight is

designated as civil, nautical, or astronomical, as the darker limit occurs when the center of the sun is 6,

12, or 18 degrees, respectively, below the celestial horizon. (See also begin morning nautical twilight

(BMNT).) See FM 34-130.

type of operation — A broad category of tactical activities, each with specific doctrinal tenets.

Reconnaissance, security, entry operations, offensive operations, defensive operations, retrograde

operations, troop movement, and specialized operations are specific types of operations. (See also form

of tactical operations, choices of maneuver, and tactical task.) See FM 100-40.

U

uncertain environment. See operational environment.

uncommitted force — A force that is not in contact with an enemy and is not already assigned a specific

mission or course of action which would preclude its use elsewhere.

unconventional warfare (UW) (JP 1-02) — A broad spectrum of military and paramilitary operations,

normally of long duration, predominantly conducted by indigenous or surrogate forces who are organized,

trained, equipped, supported, and directed in varying degrees by an external source. It includes guerrilla

warfare and other direct offensive, low visibility, covert, or clandestine operations, as well as the indirect

activities of subversion, sabotage, intelligence activities, and evasion and escape. (Army) — A broad

spectrum of military and paramilitary operations conducted in enemy-held, enemy-controlled, or

politically sensitive territory. UW includes guerrilla warfare, evasion and escape, subversion, sabotage,

direct action missions, and other operations of a low-visibility, covert, or clandestine nature. These

interrelated aspects of UW may be prosecuted singly or collectively by predominantly indigenous

personnel, usually supported and directed in varying degrees by an external source during all conditions

of war or peace. (See military operations other than war (MOOTW).) See FM 100-20.

underground— A covert unconventional warfare organization established to operate in areas denied to the

guerrilla forces or conduct operations not suitable for guerrilla forces.

unexploded explosive ordnance (UXO) (JP 1-02, NATO) — Explosive ordnance which has been primed,

fused, armed, or otherwise prepared for action, and which 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. 3-33

unified command (JP 1-02) — A command with a broad continuing mission under a single commander and

composed of significant assigned components of two or more Military Departments, and which is

established and so designated by the President, through the Secretary of Defense with the advice and

assistance of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Also called unified combatant command. See

FM 100-5 and JP 5-0.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-159

unit(JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. Any military element whose structure is prescribed by competent authority, such

as a table of organization and equipment; specifically, part of an organization. 2. An organization title

of a subdivision of a group in a task force. 3. A standard or basic quantity into which an item of supply

is divided, issued, or used. In this meaning, also called unit of issue. 4. With regard to reserve

components of the Armed Forces, denotes a Selected Reserve unit organized, equipped, and trained for

mobilization to serve on active duty as a unit or to augment or be augmented by another unit.

Headquarters and support functions without wartime missions are not considered units. (Army) — This

first level of command (company, troop, or battery) upon which all other higher formations and

organizations are built. (See also organization.)

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.

United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) — A tailored, temporary force, comprised of joint and/or

multinational forces or agencies under the command of the United Nations Secretary-General, that

monitors or verifies compliance with United Nations Resolutions by various parties or ensures

humanitarian care is provided to noncombatants. These forces are equipped with light defensive weapons

and are authorized to use force only for self-defense. (See also implementation force (IFOR).) See FMs

100-20 and 100-23.

unit maintenance collection point (UMCP) — A location or a series of locations, operated by a battalion

maintenance platoon, that is the nearest point to the combat unit to which equipment can be recovered,

and where limited parts are available, and some repairs can be performed. See FM 72-1. 3-40

unittrains — Combat service support personnel and equipment organic or attached to a force that provides

support such as supply, evacuation, and maintenance services. Unit trains, whether or not echeloned, are

under unit control and no portion of them is released to the control of a higher headquarters. Trains are

normally echeloned into combat and field trains. (See also combat trains and field trains.) 4-23

unity of command — One of the nine principles of war. All forces operate under one responsible

commander who possesses requisite authority to direct forces in pursuit of a common unified purpose.

(See also maneuver, offensive, objective, surprise, economy of force, mass, security, and simplicity.) See

FM 100-5.

unity of effort — Coordination and cooperation among all forces, not necessarily part of the same command

structure toward a commonly recognized objective. See FM 100-5.

Universal Time (ZULU) (JP 1-02) — 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. Universal Time (UTI)

is determined from observations of the stars, radio sources, and also from ranging observations of the

Moon and artificial Earth satellites. The scale determined directly from such observations is designated

Universal Time Observed (UTO); it is slightly dependent on the place of observation. When UTO is

corrected for the shift in longitude of the observing station caused by polar motion, the time scale UT1

is obtained. When an accuracy better than one second is not required, Universal Time can be used to

mean Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Formerly called Greenwich Mean Time. (See also ZULU

time.) See FM 101-5.

universaltransverse mercator grid (JP 1-02, NATO) — A grid coordinate system based on the transverse

mercator projection, applied to maps of the Earth's surface extending to 84 degrees N and 80 degrees S

latitudes. See FM 21-26.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-160

unknown (JP 1-02) — 1. A code meaning information not available. 2. An unidentified target. (Army) —

An aircraft or ship which has not been determined to be hostile, friendly, or neutral using identification

friend or foe (IFF) and other techniques, but which must be tracked by air defense or naval engagement

systems.

unobserved fire (JP 1-02, NATO) — Fire for which the points of impact or burst are not observed. See FM

6-series, 7-90, 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

unwarned exposed (JP 1-02, NATO) — The vulnerability of friendly forces to nuclear weapon effects. In

this condition, personnel are assumed to be standing in the open at burst time, but have dropped to a

prone position by the time the blast wave arrives. They are expected to have areas of bare skin exposed

to direct thermal radiation, and some personnel may suffer dazzle. (See also warned exposed and warned

protected.) See FM 100-30, JPs 3-12.2, and 3-12.3. 

up(JP 1-02, NATO) — In artillery and naval gunfire support: 1. A term used in a call for fire to indicate that

the target is higher in altitude than the point which has been used as a reference point for the target

location. 2. A correction used by an observer or a spotter in time fire to indicate that an increase in height

of burst is desired. (Army) — Indirect fire, a term used to move the point of aim higher than the previous

point of aim, usually expressed in mils. See FMs 6-series, 7-90, 7-91, 17-12, and 23-1.

V

vaccine — A preparation of killed or attenuated infective or toxic agent used as an inoculation to produce

active artificial immunity. See FM 3-9.

V-agents — Persistent, highly toxic nerve agents absorbed primarily through the skin. See FM 3-9.

vector — 1. A carrier, especially the animal or intermediate host, that carries a pathogen from one host to

another. See FM 3-9. 2. An angle of direction expressed in degrees or mils to a target or a specified

point.

vee formation — A unit formation with subordinate elements arranged in a V formation with the point facing

away from the templated enemy. This formation is hard to reorient and difficult to control in heavily

wooded areas but provides good firepower to the front and flanks. (See also formation, movement

formation, and wedge formation.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8, and 7-20. 

vehicle distance (JP 1-02, NATO) — The clearance between vehicles in a column which is measured from

the rear of one vehicle to the front of the following vehicle. (See also march column, march serial, and

march unit.) See FMs 55-10, 55-30, and 101-5.

vehicle washdown — Technique used for flushing contamination off equipment surfaces to limit the

spreading and transferring of contamination. Along with mission-oriented protective posture (MOPP)

gear exchange, it is part of decontamination operations. See FM 3-5.

versatility — The ability of units to meet diverse mission requirements and for commanders to shift focus,

tailor forces, and move from one form or type of operation to another rapidly and efficiently. It is also

the ability to be multifunctional and to operate across the full range of military operations. See FM

100-5.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-161

vertical envelopment (JP 1-02) — A tactical maneuver in which troops, either air-dropped or air-landed,

attack the rear and flanks of a force, in effect cutting off or encircling the force. (See also air assault and

choices of maneuver.) 

vesicant— chemical agent that acts on the eyes, lungs, and skin, capable of producing blisters. See FM 3-9.

visual flight rules (VFR) — A meteorological condition that allows pilots to control aircraft orientation and

attitude using visual references (the ground and the natural horizon). When weather conditions are good

enough to allow pilots to safely operate their aircraft without the control requirements of instrument flight

rules (IFR) flight procedures, and weather minimum conditions are above the regulatory requirements for

VFR flight, pilots may operate under VFR procedures. See FM 1-111.

vulnerability analysis — A process to determine which friendly elements are within the radius of

vulnerability (RV) for a proposed friendly weapon of mass destruction target and whether they will be

exposed to a radiation risk greater than emergency risk. (See also emergency risk (nuclear), radius of

vulnerability (RV) (nuclear), and troop safety (nuclear) .) See FMs 3-3, 3-100, 100-30, JPs 3-12.2, and

3-12.3

W

walking patient (JP 1-02, NATO) — A patient not requiring a litter while in transit. (See also casualty and

patient.) See FM 8-series.

war game (JP 1-02, NATO) — A simulation, by whatever means, of a military operation involving two or

more opposing forces, using rules, data, and procedures designed to depict an actual or assumed real life

situation.

war gaming — A step-by-step process of action, reaction, and counteraction for visualizing the execution

of each friendly course of action (COA) in relation to enemy COAs and reactions. It explores the possible

branches and sequels to the primary plan resulting in a final plan and decision points for critical actions.

(See also battlefield visualization.) See FMs 71-100, 100-5, 100-15, and 101-5.

warned exposed (JP 1-02, NATO) — The vulnerability of friendly forces to nuclear weapon effects. In this

condition, personnel are assumed to be prone with all skin covered and with thermal protection at least

that provided by a two-layer summer uniform. (See also unwarned exposed and warned protected.) See

FM 100-30, JPs 3-12.2, and 3-12.3.

warned protected (JP 1-02, NATO) — The vulnerability of friendly forces to nuclear weapon effects. In

this condition, personnel are assumed to have some protection against heat, blast, and radiation such as

that afforded in closed armored vehicles or crouched in fox holes with improvised overhead shielding.

See also unwarned exposed and warned exposed. See FM 100-30, JPs 3-12.2, and 3-12.3.

warning order (WARNO) (JP 1-02, NATO) — 1. A preliminary notice of an order or action which is to

follow. 2. A crisis action planning directive issued by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that

initiates the development and evaluation of courses of action by a supported commander and requests that

a commander's estimate be submitted. 3. A planning directive that describes the situation, allocates

forces and resources, establishes command relationships, provides other initial planning guidance, and

initiates subordinate unit mission planning. See FMs 1-111, 6-20, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123,

100-15, 100-40, 101-5, and JP 5-0.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-162

wave (JP 1-02, NATO) — A formation of forces, landing ships, craft, amphibious vehicles or aircraft

required to beach or land about the same time. Can be classified as to type, function, or order as

shown: a. Assault wave; b. Boat wave; c. Helicopter wave; d. Numbered wave; e. On-call wave; f.

Scheduled wave.

way point (JP 1-02) — In air operations, a point or a series of points in space to which an aircraft may be

vectored. (Army) — A designated point or series of points loaded and stored in a global positioning

system or other electronic navigational aid system to facilitate movement. 3-26

weapon control status — The degree of fire control imposed upon Army units having assigned, attached,

or organic air defense weapons. (See air defense weapon control status.)

weapon engagement zone (WEZ) (JP 1-02) — In air defense, airspace of defined dimensions within which

the responsibility for engagement of air threats normally rests with a particular weapon system.

a. fighter engagement zone (FEZ). In air defense, that airspace of defined dimensions within which

the responsibility for engagement of air threats normally rests with fighter aircraft. b. high-altitude

missile engagement zone (HIMEZ). In air defense, that airspace of defined dimensions within which

the responsibility for engagement of air threats normally rests with high-altitude surface-to-air missiles.

c. low-altitude missile engagement zone (LOMEZ). In air defense, that airspace of defined

dimensions within which the responsibility for engagement of air threats normally rests with low- to

medium-altitude surface-to-air missiles. d. short-range air defense engagement zone (SHORADEZ).

In air defense, that airspace of defined dimensions within which the responsibility for engagement of air

threats normally rests with short-range air defense weapons. It may be established within a low- or highaltitude missile engagement zone. e. joint engagement zone (JEZ). In air defense, that airspace of

defined dimensions within which multiple air defense systems (surface-to-air missiles and aircraft) are

simultaneously employed to engage air threats. 3-6

weapons free (JP 1-02, NATO) — In air defense, a weapon control order imposing a status whereby

weapons systems may be fired at any target not positively recognized as friendly. (See also weapons hold,

weapons tight, and air defense weapon control status.) See FM 44-100.

weapons free zone (JP 1-02) — An air defense zone established for the protection of key assets or facilities,

other than air bases, where weapon systems may be fired at any target not positively recognized as

friendly. (See also weapons free and air defense weapon control status.) See FMs 100-103 and 44-100.

3-7

weapons hold (JP 1-02, NATO) — In air defense, a weapon control order imposing a status whereby

weapons systems may only be fired in self-defense or in response to a formal order. (See also weapons

free, weapons tight, and air defense weapon control status.) See FM 44-100.

weapon signature — Any smoke, vapor trail, noise, heat, flash, tracer, or flight characteristic that denotes

a specific weapon system. (See also signature.)

weapons of mass destruction (JP 1-02) — In arms control usage, weapons that are capable of a high order

of destruction and/or of being used in such a manner as to destroy large numbers of people. Can be

nuclear, chemical, biological, and radiological weapons, but excludes the means of transporting or

propelling the weapon where such means is a separable and divisible part of the weapon. 

weapons tight (JP 1-02, NATO) — In air defense, a weapon control order imposing a status whereby

weapons systems may be fired only at targets recognized as hostile. (See also air defense, weapons free,

and weapons hold.)
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

1-163

weathering — The process of decontamination by natural evaporation or decomposition of the chemical

agent. See FM 3-100.

wedgeformation — A unit formation with subordinate elements in a V formation with the point toward the

suspected or templated enemy positions. This facilitates control and transition to the assault (line

formation). The wedge provides maximum firepower forward and good firepower to the flanks. (See also

vee formation and formation.) See FMs 7-7, 7-8 and 7-20. 

white lists — Listings that identify and locate individuals who have been identified as being of intelligence

or counterintelligence interest and who are expected to be able to provide information or assistance in

existing or new intelligence areas of interest. The individuals are usually in accordance with, or favorably

inclined toward, US policies. Contributions are based on a voluntary and cooperative attitude. D-8

white propaganda (JP 1-02) — Propaganda disseminated and acknowledged by the sponsor or by an

accredited agency thereof.

withdrawal operation (JP 1-02, NATO) — A planned operation in which a force in contact disengages

from an enemy force. (Army) — A type of retrograde where a force in contact plans to disengage from

the enemy and move in a direction away from the enemy. (See retrograde.) C-11 

world geographic reference system (GEOREF) (JP 1-02) — A worldwide position reference system that

may be applied to any map or chart graduated in latitude and longitude regardless of projection. It is a

method of expressing latitude and longitude in a form suitable for rapid reporting and plotting.

wounded in action (WIA) (JP 1-02) — A casualty category applicable to a hostile casualty, other than the

victim of a terrorist activity, who has incurred an injury due to an external agent or cause. The term

encompasses all kinds of wounds and other injuries incurred in action, whether there is a piercing of the

body, as in a penetration or perforated wound, or none, as in the contused wound. These include

fractures, burns, blast concussions, all effects of biological and chemical warfare agents, and the effects

of an exposure to ionizing radiation or any other destructive weapon or agent. The hostile casualty's

status may be very seriously ill or injured, seriously ill or injured, incapacitating illness or injury, or not

seriously injured.

wrong (JP 1-02) — A proword meaning, "Your last transmission was incorrect, the correct version is

"_____." 

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, no-notice deployment. 

X-hour sequence — Extended sequence of events initiated by X-hour that allows a unit to focus on planning

for a potential contingency operation, to include preparations for deployment.

Z

zone of action (JP 1-02, NATO) — A tactical subdivision of a larger area, the responsibility for which is

assigned to a tactical unit; generally applied to offensive action. (Army) — The offensive operational

area assigned to a unit or commander that is defined by a forward boundary, rear boundary, lateral

boundaries, and a coordinating altitude. (See also sector.) 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

1-164

zone of fire (Army) — A maneuver control measure usually utilized during amphibious operations that is an

area within which designated ground fire support units and naval gunfire support ships deliver, or are

prepared to deliver, fire support. Fire may be observed or unobserved. The zone of fire is used to

coordinate the efforts of the fire support ships and units with each other and with the ground scheme of

maneuver. The size and location of a zone of fire is based on the ground force boundaries; the area in

which the supporting ships and units can provide effective fire; visibility; range of the ship's guns; and

the height of intervening terrain. (See also fire support area (FSA), fire support station (FSS), and naval

gunfire support (NGFS).) See FM 6-series. 

zone reconnaissance — A directed effort to obtain detailed information concerning all routes, obstacles (to

include chemical or radiological contamination), terrain, and enemy forces within a zone defined by

boundaries. A zone reconnaissance normally is assigned when the enemy situation is vague or when

information concerning cross-country trafficability is desired. (See also reconnaissance (recon) (recce).)

zone of separation (ZOS) — That space controlled by a third-party neutral force that enforces the

parameters specified by international agreement, ceasefire agreement, or United Nations mandate.

D-10

ZULU time — 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. ZULU time is determined from observations

of the stars, radio sources, and also from ranging observations of the Moon and artificial Earth satellites.

The scale determined directly from such observations is designated Universal Time Observed (UTO); it

is slightly dependent on the place of observation. When ZULU time is corrected for the shift in longitude

of the observing station caused by polar motion, the time scale ZULU time is obtained. Formerly called

Greenwich Mean Time (See also Universal Time.) See FM 101-5. 
2-1

Chapter 2

Operational Acronyms and Abbreviations

 A

A/A air to air

AA avenue of approach; assembly area

AAA antiaircraft artillery

A C Army airspace command and control 2 2

AADC area air defense commander

AAP Allied Administrative Publication

AASLT air assault

AAW antiair warfare

abn airborne

ABCCC airborne battlefield command and control center

ABCS Army Battle Command System

ACA airspace coordination area; airspace control authority

ACE air combat element (NATO); analysis and control element;aviation combat elemen t

(USMC)

acft aircraft

ACL allowable combat load; allowable cabin load

ACM airspace control measures

ACO airspace control order

ACP air control point; Allied Communications Publication

acq acquisition

ACR armored cavalry regiment

ACT analysis control team

AD air defense; armored division

ADA air defense artillery

ADC area damage control; assistant division commander

ADC(M) assistant division commander (maneuver)

ADC(S) assistant division commander (support)

ADM atomic demolition munitions

admin administrative

ADOA air defense operations area

ADP automated data process(ing)

AEW airborne early warning

AFSOC Air Force special operations component

A/G air to ground

AG adjutant general

AGL above ground level

AGM air-to-ground missile

AGS Armored Gun System (light tank)
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

2-2

AI air interdiction 

AIM air intercept missile

AJ Azerbaijan

ALCE airlift control element

ALO air liaison officer; artillery liaison officer

alt altitude, alternate

AMB air mission brief; air mobility branch

AMC air mission commander

ammo ammunition

ANGLICO air/naval gunfire liaison company

AO area of operations

AOA amphibious objective area

AOC air operations center

AOI area of interest

AOR area of responsibility

AP antipersonnel

APC armored personnel carrier

APOD aerial port of debarkation

APOE aerial port of embarkation

APP Allied Procedural Publication

AQ Samoa (US)

AR Army regulation; armor

ARFOR Army forces

ARG amphibious ready group

armd armored

ARSOA Army special operations aviation

ARSOF Army special operations forces

ARSOTF Army special operations task force

arty artillery

AS Australia; area security

ASCC Army service component commander

ASL authorized stockage list; allowable supply list

aslt assault

ASLT PSN assault position (graphics)

ASM antiship missile

ASOC air support operations center

ASP ammunition supply point

ASR alternate supply route; ammunition supply rate

ASW antisubmarine warfare

AT antiterrorism; antitank

ATACMS Army Tactical Missile System

ATC air traffic control

ATF amphibious task force

atk attack
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

2-3

ATK PSN attack position (graphics)

ATM air tasking message (Army)

ATO air tasking order

ATP ammunition transfer point; Allied Tactical Publication

AVIM aviation intermediate maintenance

AVLB armored vehicle-launched bridge

AVLM armored vehicle-launched mine clearing 

AVLO aviation liaison officer

avn aviation

AWACS Airborne Warning and Control System

AXP ambulance exchange point

 B

B biological (graphics)

BA Bahrain

BAI battlefield air interdiction

BAS battalion aid station

BC battle command

BCC battlefield circulation control

BCD battlefield coordination detachment

BCOC base cluster operations center

BDA battle damage assessment

BDAR battle damage assessment and repair

bde brigade

BDOC base defense operations center

BDU battle dress uniform

BDZ base defense zone

BE Belgium

BF beginning of radioactive fallout

BFV Bradley fighting vehicle

BH Belize

BICC battlefield information coordination center

biol biological

BK Bosnia-Herzgovina

BL Bolivia

BMCT begin morning civil twilight

BMNT begin morning nautical twilight

bn battalion

BO Belarus

BOS battlefield operating systems

BP battle position 

BPAD broadcast public affairs detachment

B/P be-prepared mission
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

2-4

BPSE brigade PSYOP support element

BR Brazil

BRAA bearing, range, altitude, aspect

BSA brigade support area

btry battery

BU Bulgaria

BZ buffer zone

 C

C chemical (graphics)

C command and control 2

C W command and control warfare 2

C command, control, and communications 3

C CM command, control, and communications countermeasures 3

C I command, control, communications, and intelligence 3

C I command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence 4

CA Canada; civil affairs; combat assessment

cal caliber

CALFEX combined arms live fire exercise

CAP crisis action planning; combat air patrol

CARP computed air release point

CARS combat arms regimental system

cas casualty

CAS close air support

CATF commander, amphibious task force

CATK counterattack (graphics)

cav cavalry

cbt combat

CCIR commander's critical information requirements

CCL combat-configured load 

CCP communications checkpoint

CCT combat control team

CD chemical defense; counterdrug; Chad

C-day unnamed day on which a deployment operation commences or is to commence

CDM chemical downwind message

CDS container delivery system

CE command element

CENTCOM United States Central Command

CEP circular error probable

CEWI combat electronic warfare and intelligence

CFA covering force area; call forward area

CFL coordinated fire line
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

2-5

CG commanding general

cGy centigray

CH China; chaplain

chem chemical

CHS combat health support

CI combat intelligence; counterintelligence; Chile

CINC commander of a combatant command; commander in chief

CJCS Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

CJTF commander, joint task force

CLF commander, landing force

CLR STA clearing station (graphics)

cmd command

CMO civil-military operations

CMOC civil-military operations center

co company

CO commanding officer; Colombia

COA course of action

COCOM combatant command (command authority)

COFM correlation of forces and means

COLT combat observation and lasing team

COMINT communications intelligence

comm communications

COMMZ communications zone

COMSEC communications security

CONPLAN concept plan 

const construction

CONUS continental United States

COSCOM corps support command

CP command post

CPSE corps PSYOP support element

CPX command post exercise

CS combat support; Costa Rica

CSAR combat search and rescue

CSC combat stress control

CSH corps surgical hospital

CSR controlled supply rate

CSS combat service support

CSSE combat service support element

CT counterterrorism

CTCP combat trains command post

CU Cuba

CUWTF Combined Unconventional Weapons Task Force

CW chemical warfare

CY Cyprus

CZ combat zone
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

2-6

 D 

D dental (graphics)

DA Denmark; direct action

DAO division ammunition officer

DCA defensive counterair; Defense Communications Agency 

DCM deputy chief of mission

DCS defensive counterspace; Defense Communications System

D-day unnamed day on which a particular operation commences or is to commence

D-3 3 days prior to D-day

D+7 7 days after D-day

D+90 90 days after D-day

DE directed energy

DEFCON defense readiness condition 

det cord detonation cord

DEW directed-energy warfare

DFSCOORD deputy fire support coordinator

DGZ desired ground zero

DISCOM division support command

DISE division intelligence support element

DISUM daily intelligence summary

div division

DLIC detachment left in contact

DMZ demilitarized zone

DOA direction of attack

DOD Department of Defense

DOS day of supply

DOW died of wounds

DP decision point

DPSE division PSYOP support element

DPU data processing unit

DR Dominican Republic

DRB division ready brigade

DS direct support

DSA division support area

DSM decision support matrix

DST decision support template

DSU direct support unit

DTG date-time group

DWRIA died of wounds received in action

DZ drop zone
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

2-7

 E

EA engagement area; electronic attack; emergency action

EAC echelons above corps

EAD echelons above division

EC Ecuador

ECM electronic countermeasures

E&E evasion and escape

EECT end evening civil twilight

EEFI essential elements of friendly information

EEI essential elements of information

EENT end evening nautical twilight

EF end of radioactive fallout

eff effective

EG Egypt

EI Ireland

ELINT electronic intelligence

ELSEC electronics security

EMCON emission control

EMI electromagnetic interference

EMP electromagnetic pulse

EN engineer (unit designations; graphics)

ENCOORD engineer coordinator

engr engineer

ENY enemy (graphics)

EOD explosive ordnance disposal

EP electronic protection

EPW enemy prisoner of war

equip equipment

ERP engineer regulating point

ES electronic warfare support; El Salvador

ESM electronic warfare support measures; electronic surveillance measures

EUCOM European Command

EW electronic warfare

EZ extraction zone

 F

FA field artillery

FAA forward assembly area

FAAD forward area air defense 

FAADEZ forward area air defense engagement zone

FAAWC force antiair warfare commander

FAC forward air controller
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

2-8

FAC(A) forward air controller (airborne)

FARP forward arming and refueling point

FASCAM family of scatterable mines

fax facsimile

FB fire base

FCC flight coordination center

FCL final coordination line

FDC fire direction center

FDO flexible deterrent option ; fire direction officer

FDRP first destination reporting point

FEBA forward edge of the battle area

FES forced entry system

FEZ fighter engagement zone

FFA free-fire area

FFCC friendly forces coordination center; force fires coordination center

FFIR friendly forces information requirements

FH field hospital

FID foreign internal defense

FISINT foreign instrumentation signals intelligence

FIST fire support team

FLB forward logistics base

fld field

FLE forward logistics element

FLO fighter liaison officer

FLOT forward line of own troops

FM field manual; frequency modulated/modulation

FMC fully mission capable

FMF Fleet Marine Force 

FO forward observer

FOB forward operations base

FOC flight operations center

FPF final protective fire

FPL final protective line

FR France

FRAGO fragmentary order

FSA forward support area (NGFS)

FSB forward support battalion

FSC fire support coordinator (USMC)

FSCC fire support coordination center (USMC)

FSCL fire support coordination line

FSCM fire support coordinating measure 

FSCOORD fire support coordinator

FSE fire support element

FSO fire support officer
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

2-9

FSS fire support station (NGFS)

FSSG force service support group

FTCP field trains command post

fwd forward

FY Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)

 G 

G1 Assistant Chief of Staff, Personnel

G2 Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence

G3 Assistant Chief of Staff, Operations

G4 Assistant Chief of Staff, Logistics

G5 Assistant Chief of Staff, Civil Affairs

G6 Assistant Chief of Staff, Communications

GA nerve agent tabun

GB nerve agent sarin

GCC Gulf Cooperation Council

GCE ground combat element

GD nerve agent soman

GE Germany

GEOREF geographic reference 

GG Georgia (the nation)

GIE global information environment

GMT Greenwich Mean Time

gp group

GPS global positioning system

GR Greece

GS general support

GSM ground station module

GSR general support-reinforcing; ground surveillance radar

GT Guatemala

GW guerrilla warfare

GZ ground zero

H

HA Haiti; holding area; humanitarian assistance

HACC humanitarian assistance coordination center

HAHO high-altitude high-opening (parachute technique) 

HALO high-altitude low-opening (parachute technique) 

HARM high-speed antiradiation missile

HCA humanitarian and civic assistance

HD heavy drop; blister agent (distilled Levinstein mustard) 

HE high explosive
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

2-10

hel helicopter

HELO helicopter

HET heavy equipment transporter

HF high frequency

H-hour specific hour on D-day at which a particular operation commences

H-3 3 hours prior to H-hour

H+7 7 hours after H-hour

H+30 min 30 minutes after H-hour

HHB headquarters and headquarters battery (FA and ADA)

HHC headquarters and headquarters company

HHT headquarters and headquarters troop (cavalry units)

HIDACZ high-density airspace control zone

HIMAD high-altitude missile air defense

HL blister agent (mustard-lewisite mixture)

HMMWV high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle

HN host nation; blister agent (nitrogen mustard)

HO Honduras

HOB height (depth) of burst

hos hostile 

HPRF high pulse repetition frequency

HPT high-payoff target

HQ headquarters

HR Croatia

H&S headquarters and service

HT blister agent (mustard T-mixture)

HU Hungary 

HUMINT human intelligence

HVT high-value target

 I

ICAC integrated combat airspace command and control 2

ID identification; infantry division

IDAD internal defense and development

IDP initial delay position

IED imitative electromagnetic deception

IEW intelligence and electronic warfare

IFF identification, friend or foe (radar)

IFV infantry fighting vehicle

IG inspector general

IHL intelligence handover line

IMINT imagery intelligence

IN India; infantry

inf infantry
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

2-11

INFOSEC information security

INTSUM intelligence summary

IPB intelligence preparation of the battlefield

IPW prisoner of war interrogation

IR information requirements; infrared, thermal; Iran

IS Israel

ISB intermediate staging base

ISE intelligence support element

ISS information system security

IT Italy

IV intravenous

IW information warfare

IZ Iraq

 J

JA Japan

JAAT joint air attack team

JCATF joint civil affairs task force

JCS Joint Chiefs of Staff

JCSE joint communications support element

JDISS Joint Deployable Intelligence Support System

JEZ joint engagement zone

JFACC joint force air component commander

JFC joint force commander

JFLCC joint force land component commander

JFMCC joint force maritime component commander

JFSOCC joint force special operations component commander

JIB Joint Information Bureau

JIC joint intelligence center

JLOTS joint logistics over-the-shore

JMC joint movement center

JO Jordan

JOA joint operations area

JOC joint operations center

JOPES Joint Operation Planning and Execution System

JP joint publication

JPOTF joint psychological operations task force

JRC joint reception center

JSEAD joint suppression of enemy air defenses

JSOA joint special operations area

JSOACC joint special operations air component commander

JSOLE joint special operations liaison element

JSOTF joint special operations task force
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

2-12

JSTARS Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System

JTB joint target board

JTF joint task force

JUWC Joint Unconventional Warfare Command

JUWTF Joint Unconventional Warfare Task Force

 K 

KIA killed in action

km kilometer

KN Korea (North)

KS Korea (South)

kt kiloton

KU Kuwait

KZ Kazakhstan

 L 

L light (refers to light infantry) (graphics)

LAB logistics assault base

LANTCOM United States Atlantic Command

LAPES low-altitude parachute extraction system

LAV light armored vehicle

LC line of contact

LCC land component commander

LD line of departure

LD/LC line of departure is line of contact

LE Lebanon

LEN large extension node

LF landing force

LG Latvia

LH Lithuania

LIWA land information warfare agency

LL light line; latent lethality 

LLTR low-level transit route

LNO liaison officer

LO lubrication order; law and order; Slovakia

LOA limit of advance

LOC lines of communications

LOD line of demarcation

LOGPAC logistics package

LOS line of sight

LOTS logistics over-the-shore

LP/OP listening post/observation post (USMC)

LRP logistics release point
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

2-13

LRS long-range surveillance

LRSD long-range surveillance detachment

LRSU long-range surveillance unit

LSD least separation distance

LTD laser target designator

LU Luxembourg

LY Libya

LZ landing zone

M 

M mechanized (graphics)

MACCS Marine air command and control system

MACG Marine air control group

MACS Marine air control squadron

MAG Marine aircraft group

MAGTF Marine air-ground task force

MAIN primary command post (graphics)

maint maintenance

MALS Marine aviation logistics squadron

MarDiv Marine division

MASINT measurement and signature intelligence

MASS Marine air support squadron

max maximum

MBA main battle area

MCM mine countermeasures

MCRP Marine Corps Reference Publication

MD Moldavia; medium division

M-day mobilization day

mech mechanized 

med medical

MED manipulative electromagnetic deception

MEDEVAC medical evacuation

MEF Marine expeditionary force 

MEF(FWD) Marine expeditionary force (forward)

met meteorological

METL mission essential task list

METT-T mission, enemy, terrain, troops, and time available (Army); mission, enemy , terrain and

weather, troops and support available, and time available (USMC)

MEU Marine expeditionary unit

MEZ missile engagement zone

MFF military free fall

MG Mongolia; machine gun

MHE materials handling equipment

MI military intelligence
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

2-14

MICLIC mine clearing line charge

MIE military information environment

MIJI meaconing, interference, jamming, and intrusion

MILSTD military standard

min minimum

MIST military information support team

MLC military load classification

MLRS multiple launch rocket system

mm millimeter

MOB main operations base

MOBA military operations in a built-up area

MOOTW military operations other than war (joint only)

MOPP mission-oriented protective posture

MOUT military operations on urbanized terrain

MP military police

MPA mission planning agent; manpower authorization; maritime patrol aircraft

MPC military pay certificate 

MPF maritime prepositioning force

MPRF medium pulse repetition frequency

MRC major regional conflict/contingency

MRE meal, ready to eat

MRR motorized rifle regiment; minimum-risk route

MSB main support battalion

MSC Military Sealift Command; major subordinate command

MSD minimum safe distance

MSR main supply route

MSL mean sea level

mt megaton

MST maintenance support team

MTF medical treatment facility

MTT mobile training team

MU Oman

MX Mexico

N

NAI named area of interest

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NAVSOF naval special operations forces

NBC nuclear, biological, and chemical

NBCWRS nuclear, biological, and chemical warning and reporting system

NCA National Command Authorities

NCS net control station

NCTR noncooperative target recognition

NEO noncombatant evacuation operations
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

2-15

NFA no-fire area

NFL no-fire line

NGFS naval gunfire support

NGLO naval gunfire liaision officer

NGO nongovernmental organizations 

NI Nigeria

NIST national intelligence support team

NL Netherlands

NLT not later than

NMCM not mission capable, maintenance

NMCS not mission capable, supply

NO Norway

NOTAM notice to airman

NPG network participating group

NSFS naval surface fire support

NSWG naval special warfare group

NSWU naval special warfare unit

NU Nicaragua

NVD night vision device

NZ New Zealand

 O 

OAS offensive air support

obj objective

OCA offensive counterair

OCOKA observation, concealment, obstacles, key terrain, and avenue of approach (Army)

OCS offensive counterspace

OEG operation exposure guide

OP observation post

OPCOM operational command (NATO)

OPCON operational control

OPLAN operation plan

opns operations

OPORD operation order

OPSEC operations security

OPTEMPO operational tempo

OT observer-target

 P 

PA Paraguay; public affairs

PAA position area for artillery

PACOM United States Pacific Command

PD point of departure
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

2-16

PDB PSYOP dissemination battalion

PDF principal direction of fire

PE Peru

PERINTSUM periodic intelligence summary

pers personnel

PGIF predicted ground impact point

PIR priority intelligence requirements

PIREP pilot report

PK` Pakistan

PL phase line; Poland

PLD probable line of deployment

plt platoon

PM provost marshal; preventive maintenance; Panama

PMCS preventive maintenance checks and services

PNL prescribed nuclear load

PO Portugal

POD port of debarkation

POE port of embarkation

POG psychological operations group

POL petroleum, oils, and lubricants

POTF PSYOP task force

PP passage point

PRF pulse repetition frequency

PS personnel services

PSE PSYOP support element

psn position

PSYOP psychological operations

pub publication

PUP pop-up point

PVNTMED preventive medicine

PVO private voluntary organization s

PW prisoner of war

PWRS prepositioned war reserve stock

PZ pickup zone

PZCO pickup zone control officer

 Q

QA Qatar

 R 

R reinforcing

R P rearm, refuel, and resupply point 3

RAA rear assembly area
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

2-17

RAAMS route antiarmor mine system

RAD radiation absorbed dose

RAOC rear area operations center

RAS rear area security

RAU remote access unit

RCA riot control agent

RD radius of damage

REAR rear command post (graphics)

recon reconnaissance

regt regiment

REMS remotely employed sensor 

RES radiation exposure status

retrans retransmission

RFA restrictive fire area

RFI request for intelligence/information

RFL restrictive fire line

RGR ranger (graphics)

RHU replacement holding unit

RIP relief in place

RISTA reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, and target acquistion. See RSTA also.

RL release line

RO Romania

ROE rules of engagement

ROI rules of interaction

ROM refuel on the move 

ROTA releases other than attack (related nuclear, biological, and chemical)

ROZ restricted operations zone

RP Republic of Philippines; release point

RPB regional PSYOP battalion

RPV remotely piloted vehicle

RQ Puerto Rico

RS Russia; radiation status

RSO&I reception, staging, onward movement, and integration

RSR required supply rate

RSTA reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition

RV radius of vulnerability

RW Rwanda

RWR radar warning receiver

 S 

S scatterable mines (graphics)

SA Saudi Arabia

S/A surface to air
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

2-18

SAAFR standard use Army aircraft flight route

SAB separate armored brigade

SAR search and rescue

SAEDA subversion and espionage directed against the Army

SALUTE size, activity, location, unit, time, and equipment

SAM surface-to-air missile

SASP special ammunition supply point

SAT security assistance team

SATCOM satellite communications

SBF support by fire

SBU special boat unit

SCI sensitive compartmented information

SEAD suppression of enemy air defenses

SEAL sea-air-land team

SECDEF Secretary of Defense

SEN small extension node

SERE survival, evasion, resistance, and escape

SF special forces

SFC special forces command

SFOB special forces operations base

SFOD-ABC special forces operational detachment Alpha/Bravo/Charlie 

SHAPE Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe

SHELREP shelling report

SHF super-high frequency

SI Slovenia

SIB separate infantry brigade

SIDPERS Standard Installation Division Personnel System

SIF selective identification feature

sig signal

SIGINT signals intelligence

SIGSEC signals security

SITMAP situation map

SITREP situation report

SJA staff judge advocate

SO special operations; Somalia

SOCCE special operations command and control element

SOCORD special operations coordinator

SOF special operations forces

SOFA status-of-forces agreement

SOI signal operating instructions

SOLL special operations low-level

SOP standing operating procedures

SOSB special operations support battalion
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

2-19

SOSCOM special operations support command

SOSR suppress, obscure, secure, and reduce

SOT-A/B special operations team Alpha/Bravo

SOUTHCOM United States Southern Command

S&P stake and platform

SP start point; strongpoint; self-propelled; Spain

SPOD seaport of debarkation

SPOE seaport of embarkation

SPOTREP spot report

spt support

sqdn squadron

SRD secret restrictive data

ST SEAL team

STANAG standardization agreement (NATO)

SU Sudan

SUPCOM support command

SURFREP surf report

svc service

SY Syria

 T 

TAACOM Theater Army Area Command

TAB target acquisition battery

tac tactical

TAC tactical command post; tactical (artillery, naval gunfire, and close air support )

(graphics)

TACAN tactical air navigation

TACC tactical air control center (USN); tactical air command center (USMC)

TACCP tactical command post

TACON tactical control

TACP tactical air control party

TACSAT tactical satellite

TADIL tactical digital information link

TAF tactical air force

TAI targeted area of interest

TALCE tanker airlift control element

TALO tactical air liaison officer; theater airlift liaison officer

TAV total asset visibility

TBM tactical ballistic missile; theater ballistic missile

TCF tactical combat force

TCP traffic control post

TDA table of distribution and allowances

TEB tactical exploitation brigade
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

2-20

TECHCON technical control

TECHINT technical intelligence

TF task force

tgt target

THREATCON threat condition

TI Tajikistan

TIRS terrain index reference system

tm team

TM theater missile

TMD theater missile defense

TOC tactical operations center

TOE table of organization and equipment

TOR terms of reference

TOT time on target (naval gunfire, mortar, and close air support)

TOW tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided, heavy antitank missile system

TPFDD time-phased force and deployment data

TPFDL time-phased force and deployment list

TPT tactical PSYOP team

TRADOC United States Army Training and Doctrine Command

trans transportation

TRP target reference point

TS Tunisia; top secret

TU Turkey

TX Turkmenistan

 U 

UAV unmanned aerial vehicle

UGS unattended ground sensors

UHF ultrahigh frequency

UK United Kingdom

UMCP unit maintenance collection point

UN United Nations

UP Ukraine

US United States 

USAF United States Air Force

USASOC United States Army Special Operations Command

USCG United States Coast Guard

USFK United States Forces Korea

USMC United States Marine Corps

USN United States Navy

UTM universal transverse mercator

UW unconventional warfare

UXO unexploded explosive ordnance
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

2-21

UY Uruguay

UZ Uzbekistan

V

V veterinary (graphics)

VE Venezuela

VFR visual flight rules

VHF very high frequency

 W 

WARNO warning order

WCS weapons control status

WFZ weapons free zone

WIA wounded in action

WS Samoa Western

Y 

YE Yemen

YU Serbia and Montenegro Federal Republic

 Z 

Z Zulu Time

ZI Zimbabwe

ZK Czech Republic

ZOS zone of separation

ZULU Universal Time
3-1

The shadowed boxes 1-16 show the page number for the

definition of a symbol or graphic in this chapter . 

Chapter 3

Graphic Control Measures

 

This chapter establishes a standard system for the use of graphic control measures. It applies to both

automated and hand-drawn graphic displays or overlays. The control measures portrayed are for use on situation

maps, overlays, and annotated aerial photographs. They are also the standard for all simulations, to include those

used in live, virtual, and constructive environments.

GRAPHIC OVERLAYS

Overlays are graphics drawn on top of a map, sketch, or photograph. To ensure accurate alignment, the overlay

must have at least two reference marks at opposite locations. On automated displays, overlays are graphica l

information that is joined electronic ally so that it can be “turned on or off” over or in front of the primary digital

display, such as a map, sketch, or photograph. 

All obstacles, friendly, enemy, neutral, or factional, will be drawn using the color green. These graphics are

shown in the mobility and survivability section. All friendly graphic control measures will be shown in black

when drawn manually o r on a color display. Enemy graphic control measures will be shown in red. If red is not

available, they will be drawn in black with a double line or the abbreviation “ENY” placed on the graphic in at

least two places to avoid confusion. If other colors are used to show friendly or enemy (hostile) factions, then

the colors used will be shown in a legend on the overlay describing what each color means.

USE OF GRAPHICS

This section describes how to label various graphic control measures. Some boundary labeling can b e

abbreviated when the abbreviation will not cause confusion. All text labeling should be drawn so that it can be

read when the bottom of the overlay is closest to the reader. Labeling written on an angle should be readable

when the overlay is turned a quarter of a turn (90 degrees) clockwise (to the left).

 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-2

For boundaries, size markings should be perpendicular to the boundary line. For a corps boundary, us e

Roman numerals to show the number of the corps. A national abbreviation from Chapter 2 should

be used if the boundary is between forces from different countries.

Field Field Title Description Application Length

B Size Indicator A symbol that denotes the size of a unit Units and

or installation (see Figure 4-5) installations

N Enemy (Hostile) Indicated enemy by letters "ENY" Enemy 3

equipment, lines,

areas, and

boundaries

T Unique An alphanumeric title that uniquely 21

Designation identifies a particular symbol; track All 

number. Nuclear: friendly delivery unit

(missile, satellite, aircraft, etc)

 

Fire support control measures should be labeled with the effective times, the controlling headquarters, and

the abbreviation of the control measure. This labeling should be on both ends of the line and repeated as often

as necessary for clarity along any line that passes through many boundaries. 

 
W U U W

O O

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

3-3

Most lines should be named as a phase line for easy reference during orders and radio transmissions. A phase

line should be marked as “PL NAME.” Other lines that have a specific purpose and are also named as phase lines

should have the primary purpose such as no fire line “NFL” labeled on top of the name and at both ends of the

line or as often as necessary for clarity. The phase line labeling should be in parentheses.

Field Field Title Description Application Length

O Control A name given to a phase line and other Control measures 20

Measure Code control measures for easy reference and

Name security when using in orders and in

electromagnetic transmission. It is

placed in parentheses below the

abbreviation of a control measure.

U Control An abbreviation of a fire support or other As necessary 4

Measure control measure, such as LOA for limit of

Abbreviation advance.

W Date-Time Alphanumeric field for date/time (MIL- All 15

Group STD-2500A)

(DDHHMMSSZMONYY) or “o/o” for on

order.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-4

Areas will normally be marked with the abbreviation for the type of area followed by a name. This labeling

should be in the center of the area unless the area is too small or the labeling would interfere with the locating of

units.

Field Field Title Description Application Length

B Size Indicator A symbol that denotes the size of a unit Units and

or installation (see Figure 4-5) installations

H Additional Free text 20

Information All

N Enemy Indicated enemy by letters "ENY" Enemy 3

(Hostile) equipment, lines,

areas, and

boundaries

W Date-Time Alphanumeric field for date/time (MIL- 15

Group STD-2500A) All

(DDHHMMSSZMONYY) or “o/o” for on

order.

Points can be numbered, lettered, or a combination. An abbreviation for the point may be inside the point

as in a passage point or release point, or on the upper right hand corner of the point symbol. Way points an d

targets are marked uniquely as shown later in this chapter.

Field Field Title Description Application Length

H Additional Free text 20

Information All

N Enemy Indicated enemy by letters "ENY" Enemy equipment, 3

(Hostile) lines, areas, and

boundaries

W Date-Time Alphanumeric field for date/time (MIL- 15

Group STD-2500A) (DDHHMMSSZMONYY)

or “o/o” for on order.

All
ACP

4

ACP

1

ACP

2

ACP

3

NAME

Name

W idth

Min Alt

Max Alt

Nam e

Width

Min Alt

Max Alt

ACP

1

CCP

8

ACP

1

ACP

3

CCP

2

ACP

1

ACP

2

LLTR

270600Z-28060Z

ACP

1

ACP

2

M R R

270600Z-28060Z

ACP

1

ACP

2

U AV

270600Z-270900Z

CCP

8

ACP

1

ACP

2

ACP

3

NAME

Nam e

Width

Min Alt

Max Alt

Name

Width

Min Alt

Max Alt

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

3-5

Air Control Point (ACP) 1-5

Air Corridor 1-5

Low-Level Transit Route (LLTR)

1-94

Minimum-Risk Route (MRR) 1-101

Standard Use Army Aircraft Flight

Route (SAAFR) 1-144

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Route

Communications Checkpoint (CCP) 

1-35

Downed Aircrew Pickup Point 1-56

MANEUVER
HIDACZ

(Unit ID)

MIN ALT:

MAX ALT:

TIME FROM:

TIME TO:

MEZ

(Unit ID)

MIN ALT:

MAX ALT:

TIME FROM:

TIME TO:

LOMEZ

(Unit ID)

MIN ALT:

MAX ALT:

TIME FROM:

TIME TO:

HIMEZ

(Unit ID)

MIN ALT:

MAX ALT:

TIME FROM:

TIME TO:

ROZ

(Unit ID)

MIN ALT:

MAX ALT:

TIME FROM:

TIME TO:

PUP

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-6

Forward Area Air Defense Engagement

Zone (FAADEZ) 

High-Density Airspace Control Zone

(HIDACZ) 1-77

Missile Engagement Zone (MEZ)

Low altitude (LOMEZ)

High altitude (HIMEZ)

Restricted Operations Zone (ROZ) 

1-133

Pop-up Point (PUP) 1-122
NAME

I I

NAME

M

M

M

M

X

M

M

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

3-7

Weapons Free Zone (WFZ) 1-162

Dummy (Deception) (decoy) 1-45

Axis of Advance for Feint 1-64

Decoy Infantry Battalion 1-46

Direction of Attack for Feint 1-64

Decoy Mined Area 

Decoy Mined Area, Fenced

Dummy Minefield 1-57

Maneuver-Airspace (Continued) 

Maneuver-Deception
Letter, # or Name

(P) Letter, # 

or Name

Letter, # or Name

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-8

Battle Position (BP) 1-18

Occupied (Battalion sized unit)

Prepared "(P)" but not occupied

Planned

Engagement Area 1-61

Maneuver-Defensive
Letter, # or Name

(P) Letter, # 

or Name

Letter, # or Name

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-8

Battle Position (BP) 1-18

Occupied (Battalion sized unit)

Prepared "(P)" but not occupied

Planned

Engagement Area 1-61

Maneuver-Defensive
Letter, # or

Name

I

ENY

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

3-9

Forward Edge of the Battle Area (FEBA)

1-70

Forward Edge of the Battle Area

Actual Trace of the FEBA

Proposed or On Order Trace of the 

FEBA

Principal Direction of Fire (PDF) 

1-123

(This shows an automatic rifle with the 

sector of fire between the two lines and with the 

arrows indicating the maximum effective range of 

the weapon or maximum range based on the terrain.

The PDF is along the left side of the sector.)

Strong Point 1-146

Friendly

Enemy Known and Confirmed

 (Company sized)

Target Reference Point (TRP) 1-152

Maneuver-Defensive (Continued)
ENY

2 77

AA

2 77 AA

NAME

AA

NAME

AA

77

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-10

Areas (General)

Friendly

Friendly Planned/On Order

Enemy Known/Confirmed

Enemy Suspected/Templated

Assembly Areas 1-13 

Occupied

Occupied

Occupied by Multiple Units

Proposed/On Order

Maneuver-General
ENY

2 77

AA

2 77 AA

NAME

AA

NAME

AA

77

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-10

Areas (General)

Friendly

Friendly Planned/On Order

Enemy Known/Confirmed

Enemy Suspected/Templated

Assembly Areas 1-13 

Occupied

Occupied

Occupied by Multiple Units

Proposed/On Order

Maneuver-General
X (US)

X (US)

XV (SA)

XII (GE)

21 ID(L)

208 ACR

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

3-11

Boundaries (General) 1-20

Friendly Present

(Size markings are always perpendicular

or at a 90-degree angle to the boundary.)

Friendly Planned or On Order

Enemy Known

Enemy Suspected or Templated

Boundaries (Lateral) 1-90 

 

Boundaries (Rear) 1-128

 (Forward) 1-70

(Corps are designated by Roman numerals.)

(All text should be oriented as shown so that

it is readable with the bottom nearest the 

reader or by turning the overlay one quarter 

turn clockwise.)

Maneuver-General (Continued)
NAME

DZ

NAME

EA

NAME

EZ

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-12

Drop Zone (DZ) 1-57

Engagement Area (EA) 1-61

Extraction Zone (EZ) 1-64

Fortified Area 1-65

Forward Line of Own Troops (FLOT) 

1-70

Friendly Present

Friendly Planned or On Order

Enemy Known or Confirmed 

 

Enemy Suspected or Templated

Maneuver-General (Continued)
LZ

NAME

1-94 IN(M)

2-66 IN(L)

3

2

PZ NAME

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

3-13

Forward Line of Own Troops (Continued)

Landing Zone (LZ) 1-89

Line of Contact (LC) 1-91

Phase Line (PL) 1-121

Pickup Zone (PZ) 1-121

Maneuver-General (Continued)
ATK

NAME

ATK NAME

3 76

ATK

NAME

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-14

Assault Position 1-13

Attack by Fire Position 1-13

Attack Position 1-13

Friendly Attack Position (Actual)

Friendly Occupied (Only if a unit must 

stop in the attack position)

Friendly Planned, Proposed, or On Order

Axis of Advance 1-14

(The tip of the arrow should touch the 

objective or limit of the movement.)

Friendly Aviation

Maneuver-Offensive
RED EFF040500Z NOV

ENY

ENY

ENY

ENY

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

3-15

Axis of Advance (Continued)

Friendly Airborne

Friendly Attack Helicopter

Friendly Ground Axis of Supporting

 Attack 1-147

Friendly Ground Axis of Main Attack

1-94

Friendly Ground Axis On Order with

Date and Time (if known) Effective

Enemy Confirmed

Enemy Templated

Direction of Attack 1-53

(The tip of the arrow should touch the 

objective or limit of the movement.)

Friendly Aviation

Friendly Aviation Planned or On Order

Maneuver-Offensive (Continued)
ENY

ENY

ENY

ENY

ENY

ENY

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-16

Direction of Attack (Continued) 1-53

Enemy Known/Confirmed Aviation

Templated Enemy Aviation

Enemy Confirmed/Known Ground 

Templated Enemy Ground

 Friendly Direction of Supporting

Attack 1-147

Friendly Direction of Main Attack

1-94

Friendly Planned or On Order

Final Coordination Line 1-65

Infiltration Lane 1-81

Maneuver-Offensive (Continued)
 LOA

(PL NAME)

 LOA

(PL NAME)

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

3-17

Limit of Advance (LOA) 1-91

Line of Departure (LD) 1-91

Line of Departure is Line of Contact

(LD/LC) 1-92

Objective 1-111

Point of Departure (PD) 1-121 

 

Maneuver-Offensive (Continued)
 PLD

(PL NAME)

 PLD

(PL NAME)

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-18

Probable Line of Deployment (PLD)

1-124 

Support by Fire Position 1-147

Airhead 1-5 / Airhead Line 1-6

(The airhead is bounded by a phase line

called the airhead line)

Maneuver-Offensive (Continued)

Maneuver-Special
I I I I

III?

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

3-19

Ambush 1-8

(The base of the arrow shaft is the center

of mass of the ambush unit's position, the 

arrow points in the direction of fire from 

the ambush unit.)

Area of Operations (AO) 1-10

Bridgehead 1-22

(The bridgehead is bounded by a phase

line called the bridgehead line.)

Encirclement 1-60

Friendly

Enemy

Maneuver-Special (Continued)
(HOLDING LINE)

ENY

NAI

NAME

#

RIVER

ENEMY

RL NAME

RL

NAME

RL

RL NAME NAME

TAI

NAME

#

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-20

Holding Line 1-78

Named Area of Interest (NAI) 1-107

 Point of Interest

Release Line (RL) 1-132 

Targeted Area of Interest (TAI) 1-152

Point of Interest

Maneuver-Special (Continued)
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

3-21

MANEUVER AND FIRE

Airspace Coordination Area (ACA) 1-7 

Coordinated Fire Line (CFL) 1-39 

Fire Support Coordination Line (FSCL)

 1-67 

Free Fire Area (FFA) 1-71 

No Fire Area (NFA) 1-109 

 

 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-22

Maneuver and Fire (Continued)

No Fire Line (NFL) 1-109

Restrictive Fire Area (RFA) 1-133

Restrictive Fire Line (RFL) 1-133 

 

 

 

FIRE SUPPORT 

Area Target 1-151 

Bomb Area
A2B

AG7005

AG7002

AG7003

A2B

AG1201

PAA

PAA

PAA

PAA

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

3-23

VFSS7

 AG9998

 !

Fire Support (Continued)

Fire Support Area (FSA) 1-67

(A sea area for naval gunfire support)

Fire Support Station (FSS) 1-67 

Group of Targets 1-74

All targets are fired at the same time.

Group of Targets Using Regular Targets

Group of Targets Using Rectangular

Targets

Linear Target

Final Protective Fire 1-65

(The indirect fire unit designated to 

fire the FPF is listed below the target)

Nuclear Target 

 

Position Area for Artillery (PAA) 1-122

Paladin 2 km by 2 km

MLRS 3 km by 3 km
100710Z- 100730Z

SMOKE

SMOKE

AG1210

SMOKE

AG9999

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-24

Fire Support (Continued)

Series of Targets 1-139

Targets are fired in a predetermined 

sequence, for example, AG700,

 AG7006, and AG7004.

Series of Targets Using Regular Targets

Series of Targets Using Rectangular Targets

Smoke 1-111 1-125 1-141

(Planned with designated time shown)

(Actually in place)

Linear Smoke Target

 

 

 

 

 

 Target 1-151

Target, Circular
8

3

3

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

3-25

Airfield Zone 

Checkpoint (CKP) 1-25

(Bottom point or an extension is exact

location.)

Contact Point 1-37

Coordinating Point 1-39

(Center of symbol is exact location.) 

Decision Point 1-45

General or Unspecified Point

(Bottom point or an extension is exact

location.)

COMMAND AND CONTROL
8

LU

8

PP

8

RLY

8

RP

8

SP

8

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS 

3-26

Light Line (LL) 1-91

Linkup Point 1-92

Passage Point (PP) 1-118

Phase Line (PL) 1-121

Rally Point 1-127

Release Point 1-132

Start Point 1-144

Way Point 1-162

Command and Control (Continued)
Toward

Enemy Under

Construction Completed

Toward

Enemy

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

3-27

Abatis 1-1

Antitank Obstacles

Antitank Ditch

Antitank Ditch Reinforced with 

Antitank Mines

Antitank Obstacles, Tetrahedrons, 

Dragon's Teeth, and other similar 

obstacles

Antitank Wall

Booby Trap 1-20

Bypass 1-23

Bypass Easy

Bypass Difficult

Bypass Impossible

MOBILITY AND SURVIVABILITY
Float bridge, existing

bridge site, or viaduct

Ford with difficulty

Raft site Ford easily

Assault crossing area

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS 

3-28

Crossing Sites/Water Crossings

Assault Crossing Area 1-43

Bridge or Gap 1-72

Ferry

Ford/Ford Easy 1-69

Ford Difficult

Lane 1-89

Raft Site

Example Crossing Sites 1-43

Engineer Regulating Point 1-61

Mobility and Survivability (Continued)
27 AD

W

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

3-29

General Obstacle

Obstacle Belt 1-112

(Controlled by 3d Brigade, 27th AD)

Obstacle Line 1-112

Obstacle Zone 1-112

(Controlled by 27th AD)

Mines 

Antipersonnel (AP) Mine

Antitank (AT) Mine

Antitank Mine with Antihandling Device

Directional Mine (Arrow Shows Effects)

"Claymore Type Mine"

Unspecified Mine

Mine Cluster

Wide Area Mine

Mobility and Survivability (Continued)
S

DTG

+S

DTG

S

101200Z

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-30

Minefields 1-101

Planned Minefield (Unspecified mines)

Completed Minefield (Unspecified

mines) 

Antipersonnel (AP) Minefield 

Antitank (AT) Minefield with Gap

(Show effective time and name of 

gap.) 

Antitank (AT) Minefield (Line points to

center of mass of minefield)

Scatterable Minefield (Unspecified mines)

with Self-Destruct Date-Time Group

1-136

Antipersonnel (AP) Minefield Reinforced

with Scatterable with Self-Destruct

Date-Time Group

Scatterable Minefield (Antitank mines)

with Self-Destruct Date-Time Group

1-136

Mobility and Survivability (Continued)
M

M M

M

FREE 

23 AD

200900-

272100Z SEP

23 AD

200900-

272100Z SEP

FM 101-5-1

 MCRP 5-2A

3-31

Minefields (Continued)

Mined Area

Obstacle Effect

Block 1-20

Fix 1-68

Turn 1-157

 

Disrupt 1-55

 Obstacle-Free Area 

Obstacle-Restricted Area 1-112

Roadblocks, Craters, and Blown Bridges

1-42 1-135

Planned (Usually used to close a lane

through an antitank ditch or other obstacle.)

Explosives,

 State of Readiness 1 (Safe) 1-42

Mobility and Survivability (Continued)
X X X X X X X X 

XX XX XX

X X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X X 

V

200900Z

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-32

Roadblock (Continued)

 Explosives, State of Readiness 2 

(Armed but passable)

Roadblock Complete (Executed)

Wire Obstacles

Unspecified

Single Fence

 

Double Fence

Double Apron Fence

Low Wire Fence

High Wire Fence

Single Concertina 

Double Strand Concertina

Triple Strand Concertina

Executed Volcano Minefield 

(The date-time group indicates the 

self-destruct time; the line indicates the 

center of mass of the Volcano minefield.)

Mobility and Survivability (Continued)
UXO UXO

 # or Name

Letter,

I

FM 101-5-1

 MCRP 5-2A

3-33

Trip Wire

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Area

1-158

Earthwork, Small Trench, or Fortification

(Line points to exact location.) 1-65

Fort

Fortified Line 

Foxhole, Emplacement 1-60 , or

Weapon Slit

Strong Point 1-146 (Company-sized)

(Size indicator faces away from 

anticipated enemy direction; it is 

equally fortified on all sides.) 

Surface Shelter

 Line points to exact location.)

Underground Shelter

 (Line points to exact location.)

Mobility and Survivability (Continued)

SURVIVABILITY
1 2 3

YIELD

YIELD

ENY

YIELD

ENY

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-34

Minimum Safe Distance Zones 1-101

 (Shows minimum safe distance (MSD) 

from ground zero of a friendly nuclear

 explosion as zones 1, 2, and 3.)

Nuclear Detonations, Releases, or Events 

 Friendly Ground Zero

Note: Height stated in meters or as 

high, low, surface, or subsurface. 

Enemy Known, Ground Zero

Enemy Templated

Friendly Planned or On order

Fallout Producing

Survivability-Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC)
Shown in Yellow

(If Available)

N

Shown in Yellow

(If Available)

B

Shown in Yellow

(If Available)

C

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

3-35

Biological and Chemical Attack 

Release Events

Contaminated Areas

Radioactive Area (Used to show the 

limits of the nuclear contamination.

A dose rate contour line overlay

should be used if entering the area.)

Biologically Contaminated Area

 

Chemically Contaminated Area

Survivability-Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC)(Continued)
DCN 3

DCN

ALT 3

DCN

T

3

DCN

E

3

DCN

E/T 3

DCN

O

3

DCN

TH 3

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-36

NBC (Continued)

Decontamination 1-46 Points

Decon Site/Point (Unspecified)

Alternate Decon Site/Point (Unspecified)

Decon Site/Point (Troops) 1-52 

Decon Site/ Point (Equipment) 1-52

Decon Site/Point (Equipment and 

troops) 1-52

Decon Site/Point (Operational decontamination)

Decon Site/Point (Thorough decontamination)

Dose Rate Contour Lines 1-56

Levels of radioactivity are represented in 

centigrays per hour. The overlay is

drawn to the scale of the map and from 

survey (reconnaissance) data.

Survivability-Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC)(Continued)
3

AXP

2 BDE

3

ATP 3

ASP

3

CAN

3

CCP

3

CIV

M1A1 12

250825Z

DETAINEE

HOLDING

AREA

3-37

Ambulance Exchange Point 1-8

(Point # 3 serviced by 2d Bde)

Ammunition Points: ASP 1-8 

ATP 1-8

Cannibalization Point 1-24

Casualty Collection Point (CCP) 1-24

Civilian Collection Point

Convoys 1-39

Moving Convoy

Halted Convoy

A Column of 12 Medium Tanks at

 0825 on the 25th

Detainee Holding Area 1-52

COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT
3

DET

3

EPW

EPW

HOLDING

AREA

FARP

LRP 3

REFUGEE

HOLDING

AREA

3

R3P

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-38

Detainee Collection Point 1-52

Enemy Prisoner of War (EPW) 

Collection Point 1-60

Enemy Prisoner of War (EPW) 

Holding Area 1-60

Forward Arming and Refueling Point

(FARP) 1-70

Logistics Release Point (LRP) 1-93

Maintenance Collection Point 1-96

Refugee Holding Area

Rearm, Refuel, and Resupply Point

(R3P) 1-129

Combat Service Support (Continued)
_SA

I/V/IX

II

3-39

Refuel on the Move (ROM) Point

1-131

Support Areas: Brigade (BSA) 1-22

Division (DSA) 1-55

Regimental (RSA)

Supply Points 1-27 1-147

General (For multiple classes of 

supplies, show outside upper right.)

Class I

Class II

Class III

Class IV

Class V

Class VI

Class VII

Combat Service Support (Continued)
CA

MSR NAME

MSR NAME

ALT

MSR NAME

3

TCP

3

TTP

3

UMCP

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

3-40

1-156

Supply Points (Continued)

Class VIII

Class IX

Class X

Supply Routes 1-95

Main Supply Route 

Alternate Supply Route 1-8

One-way Traffic

Alternating Traffic

Two-way Traffic

Traffic Control Post (TCP)

Trailer Transfer Point (TTP) 1-156

Unit Maintenance Collection Point 

(UMCP) 1-159

Combat Service Support (Continued)
4-1

The shadowed boxes 1-16 show the page number for the

definition of a symbol.

Chapter 4

Unit Symbols

This chapter establishes a stand ard system for the development of ground unit symbols. These symbols are

for use on situation maps, overlays, and annotated aerial photographs. This chapter applies to both automated

and hand-drawn graphic displays or overlays.

This chapter includes a wide variety of unit symbols as well as mo difiers for building new or unique symbols.

Users should avoid using any sym bols, or combinations and modifications of symbols, that differ from those in

this manual. If the user, after searching doctrinal symbols and modifers, must create a new symbol, it must be

explained in an accompanying legend.

The symbols shown in t his chapter are adequate for depicting enemy units. When representing unorthodox

units and equipment, select the most appropriate symbol contained herein.

ICON-BASED SYMBOLS

A symbol is composed of three components: a frame (geometric border), fill, and icon. Frames are geometric

shapes used to display affiliation. Affiliation refers to whether the warfighting object being represented is a

threat. The basic affiliation categories are friendly, unknown, neutral, and enemy. The unknown frame shape

is normally used only for aircraft and ships. The frame shape for suspected friendly, enemy, or neutral is used

for ground units not positively identified. The basic frame shapes for units, installations, activities, and logistics

sites are shown in Figure 4-1, page 4-2.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

4-2

Friendly 

Ground Units

Friendly 

Sea/Air Neutral Enemy Units

Unknown 

Sea/Air

Subsurface

In-flight

Surface

Figure 4-1. Unit, Installation, and Site Symbol Frames

 Fill refers to the area within the frame. If color is used in a symbol, it shall indicate affiliation. Generally,

black is used for the frame, icon, and modifiers when symbols are displayed on a light background. White is used

for these elements when they are displayed on a dark background. A color fill can be used if an icon is displayed

within the area of the frame. Figure 4-2, from MILSTD 2525A, shows the color defaults for affiliation used for

hand-drawn and computer-generated symbols. The use of any other colors m ust be explained in an accompanying

legend. Automated systems allow users to select other colors and to portray their meaning on the automated

overlay display.

Affiliation Hand-Drawn Computer-Generated

Friend, Assumed Friend Blue Cyan

Unknown, Pending Yellow Yellow

Neutral Green Green

Enemy, Suspect, Joker, Faker Red Red

Figure 4-2. Color Defaults

The icon is a “role indicator” that shows the warfighting function the unit performs either on the ground, in

the air, or at sea. An example is the crossed rifles which represent an infantry unit.

 This manual does not include an example of every type of unit; however, users can see from those presented

the pattern of construction in order to make symbols for new or unique units. Upon US Army and Marine Corps

approval, MILSTD 2525A, Common Warfighting Symbology, will contain more approved ground unit symbols.

Appendix A includes additional examples of friendly units. Appendix B includes examples of enemy units. 
V

T

H/K

A

Q

S

E/F

G

M

P

B

H

C W

X/Y

Z

A1, 2, 3

A Text

V

T

W

X/Y

Z

H/K

E/F

M

P

G

Q

S

B

H

C

A

A Text

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

4-3

Friendly and Neutral Ground Units Friendly Sea Surface Units

Friendly Sea Subsurface Units Enemy Surface Units

Enemy Air Units Enemy Subsurface Units

BUILDING UNIT SYMBOLS

Seven rules govern the building of unit symbols. They are:

1. Existing standard symbols must be used whenever possible as building blocks for new symbols.

2. Symbols must be usable in manual as well as automated modes.

3. Symbols must be easily distinguishable.

4. Friendly symbols must not use attributes that could be confused with enemy symbols.

5. Symbols must be distinguishable without color. (Monochrome display.)

6. Composite symbols will generally have the primary symbol centered on or below the modifying symbols. 

7. All unit symbols will be drawn or portrayed with the top of the symbol facing the top of the overlay (normally North

is at the top). Orientation of the symbol will be accomplished by using the “Q” field for moving symbols or another

graphic such as a battle position or support by fire position.

Normally, additional information needs to be included with the unit symbol and is placed in standardized unit

labeling fields shown in Figure 4-3. The fields are defined in Figure 4-4. The unit location is determined by the center

of mass of the symbol or a line (without an arrow head) from the center of the bottom of the frame to the location .

Headquarters unit locations are at the bottom of the "headquarters staff," displayed as field "S."

 Figure 4-3. Standardized Unit Labeling Fields
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

4-4

Field Field Title Description Application Length

(characters)

A Symbol Frame, fill, and icon showing basic All

function of units, installations, or

equipment with modifers A1,A2, and A3.

B Size Indicator A symbol that denotes the size of a unit Units and

or installation (see Figure 4-5). installations

C Equipment Indicates number of items present. Units and 10

Installation: Size in square feet. installations 

D Task Force A symbol placed over the size indicator to Units 6

denote a task force or company team 

(see Figure 4-3). 

E Suspect, Assumed Question mark ‘?’: suspect, assumed All 1

Friend, Faker, Joker friend, faker. ‘J’: Joker.

F Reinforced or Shows (+) reinforced , (-) reduced, or (+-) Units 3

Detached reinforced and reduced.

G Staff Comments Free text. All 20

H Additional Free text. All 20

Information 

J Evaluation Rating One letter and one number (see Enemy only 2

STANAG 2022 ). 

K Combat Effectiveness of unit displayed. Units and 5

Effectiveness installations

L Signature Indicated by "!" ( refers to detectable Enemy equipment 1

Equipment electronic signatures). only

M Higher Formation Number or title of higher echelon All 21

command (corps designated by Roman

numerals).

N Enemy (Hostile) Indicated enemy by letters "ENY." Enemy equipment, 3

lines, areas, and

boundaries

P IFF/SIF Identification modes and codes. Units and 5

equipment

Q Direction of Direction symbol is moving or will move. All 4

Movement Arrow Nuclear, biological, chemical: Downwind

direction.

R Mobility Indicator Pictorial representation of mobility. Equipment only

S Headquarters Staff Identifies unit symbol as a headquarters Units

Indicator/Locating or used to indicate location or to 

Indicator declutter.

T Unique Designation An alphanumeric title that uniquely All 21

identifies a particular symbol; track

number. Nuclear: Friendly delivery unit

(missile, satellite, aircraft, etc).

V Type of Equipment Identifies unique designation. Nuclear: Units and 24

Friendly weapons type. equipment

W Date-Time Group Alphanumeric field for date/time All 15

(MILSTD-2500A)

(DDHHMMSSZMONYY) or “o/o” for on

order.

X Altitude/Depth Altitude portion of GPS. Flight level for All 6

aircraft. Depth for submerged objects.

Height in feet of equipment or structure

on the ground. Nuclear: Height of burst.

Y Location Latitude and longitude ; grid coordinates. All 19

Z Speed Nautical miles per hour; kilometers per Units and 5

hour. equipment

Figure 4-4. Labeling Field Definitions
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

4-5

As an example, we will build the symbol for a friendly nuclear, bi ological, or chemical (NBC) reconnaissance

unit equipped with the FOX and M21 long-range sensor.

STEP 1. First choose the frame (friendly) and graphic for the basic function o r

branch of the unit, labeling field “A,” In this example, the basic function is NBC.

STEP 2. Choose the graphic modifier for the secondary function or capability ,

labeling field “A ” (possibly from the list of modifiers). In this example, th e 1,

secondary function and first modifier is reconnaissance. 

STEP 3. Choose the graphic modifier for the next capability, labeling field “A 2.”

In this example, the tertiary (third function or capability) is wheeled armore d

vehicle.

STEP 4. Choose the graphic modifier for any other capability, labeling field “A 3.”

This example requires no more graphic modifiers.

STEP 5. If necessary to fully distinguish the unit from another type of unit, include

a text abbreviation, labeling field “A ” inside the symbol frame. In this example, TEXT,

a text abbreviation “RS” is added inside the symbol to show that this unit is

specially equipped w ith the M21 sensor. Unit size indicators, shown in Figure 4-5,

are placed at the top center of the symbol frame in field “B.” 

Size Indicator Meaning

Installation

Team/Crew

Squad

Section

Platoon/Detachment

I Company/Battery/Troop

I I Battalion/Squadron

I I I Regiment/Group

X Brigade

X X Division

X X X Corps

X X X X Army

X X X X X Army Group/Front

X X X X X X Region

 Figure 4-5. Unit Size and Installation Indicator
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

4-6

Figure 4-6 shows the abbreviations used when identifying units or marking boundaries.

Long Name Abbreviation

Air Assault AASLT

Airborne ABN

Armored Cavalry Regiment ACR

Armored Division AD

Cavalry Division CAV

Infantry Division ID

Light Infantry Division ID(L)

Mechanized Battalion or TF MECH

Mechanized Infantry Division ID(M)

Mountain MTN

Separate Armored Brigade SAB

Separate Infantry Brigade SIB

Separate Infantry Brigade (Light) SIB(L)

Separate Infantry Brigade (Mechanized) SIB(M)

Figure 4-6. Unit Abbreviations

SYMBOLS FOR THE GROUND ENVIRONMENT

Situation maps and overlays provide a rapid and easily understood means by which a commander or staff may

express an operational plan, concept, or friendly or enemy situation. The combination of unit and weapo n

symbols with objectives, boundaries, routes of march, and other control measures creates an indispensable tool

for quickly and accurately portraying battle activity. Standardization of techniques is essential if tactica l

information is to be relayed without misunderstanding.

Present and Proposed Locations

Basic unit and installation symbols are drawn with either solid or broken lines. The center of mass of the

symbol indicates the general vicinity of the center of mass of the unit. If a staff is added to identify a

headquarters, the base of the staff indicates the precise location of the headquarters.

A solid line symbol represents a present or

actual location.

A broken line symbol indicates a future or

projected location.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

4-7

Precise Locations

To indicate locations more precisely, the following methods are employed.

Basic symbols other than the headquarters

symbol (for example, points) may be placed

on a staff which is extended or bent. The end

of the staff indicates the precise location. 

Since the headquarters symbol already

includes a staff, this staff may be extended or

bent. The end of the staff, or extension (if

used), indicates the exact location of the

headquarters.

If several headquarters are at one location,

more than one headquarters symbol can be

on a single staff.

If a group of units or installations other than a

headquarters is at one location, the grouping

of symbols may be enclosed with a bracket

and the exact location indicated with a staff.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

4-8

 1-4 

 1-4 

 1-8 

Air Assault 

Air Assault w/Organic Lift

Air Assault w/Organic Lift (NATO Only)

Airborne 

Amphibious—Naval 

Arctic—Ski

Bicycle-Equipped

UNIT SYMBOL MODIFIERS

 Unit symbol modifiers are c ombined with basic unit function (branch) symbols to create a composite symbol

that represents a unique type of unit. All modifiers are placed in either the center of the frame, upper half, o r

above the basic function symbol with the exception of a irborne, mountain, and light modifiers. These are placed

below the basic function symbol. In a ddition to the modifier symbols, text may be used inside the symbol frame

to further clarify the symbol.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

4-9

Tracked Wheeled

Gun System-Equipped

 (Vulcan, IFV, ZSU, etc.)

Horse, Camel, or Pack Animal-Equipped

Mechanized or Armored

(Tracked or Wheeled)

Motorized

Mountain

Observation or Listening Posts—

Combat Outpost 1-31 

Radar—Sensor 1-139 

Reconnaissance 1-130 

Riverine or Floating

Unit Symbol Modifiers (Continued)
s

C

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

4-10

Towed Wheeled &

Armored

Tracked &

Armored

Air Defense Artillery

 Air Defense 1-5

Generic Gun System-Equipped

Generic Gun and Missile, Tracked, 

Armored System-Equipped Unit

Generic Missile

(Low, medium, and high altitude)

(Short, medium, and long range)

Radar (Target acquisition or tracking)

Avenger (Motorized missile system)

Bradley Stinger (Tracked gun/missile

combination)

Chaparral

COMBAT ARMS
H

P

S

T

V V

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

4-11

M113 (tracked) Towed

Fighting Vehicle Dismounted Motorized Mechanized

Air Defense Artillery (Continued)

Hawk

Patriot

Stinger or Short Range/Low Altitude 

Missile

Theater Missile Defense 1-154 

Vulcan (Gun system)

Armor

Tracked Tank-Equipped

Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) (US)

Amphibious Tank

Wheeled Tank-Equipped

Antiarmor

Combat Arms (Continued)
R

A

L

A

H

A

M

U

L

U

H

 U

M

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

4-12

Basic or Light

 (AH-1)

Medium 

(AH-64)

Heavy

 Medium 

(UH-46 or 47)

Heavy

CH-53

Basic or Light

(UH-1 or 60)

Aviation

Aviation (Basic)

Fixed Wing

Rotary Wing (Basic)

Air Cavalry

Reconnaissance (Scout)

Helicopter (OH-58)

Attack Helicopter 

Lift Helicopter

Combat Arms (Continued)
CBT CBT

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

4-13

Engineer

Engineer (Basic)

Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge

 (AVLB)

Combat (Dismounted and mechanized)

Construction (General, railway,

pipeline)

Engineer Bridge

Floating Bridge

Railway Operating Unit

Combat Arms (Continued)
S

L

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

4-14

Scatterable Mine-Laying Unit

Topographic 

Air Assault Engineers

Airborne Engineers

Light Engineers

Mechanized Engineers

Field Artillery

Field Artillery (Basic) (Towed)

Artillery Locating Radar 

Target Acquisition Radar

Combat Arms (Continued)
S

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

4-15

Tracked Dismounted

Field Artillery (Continued)

COLT 1-31 or FIST 1-67

Forward Observer Position

Rocket Artillery (MLRS or ATACMS)

Self-propelled (SP) Artillery

Sound Ranging (Target acquisition)

Surface-to-Surface Missile

Survey 

Air/Naval Gunfire Liaison 

Company (ANGLICO) 1-6

Combat Arms (Continued)
L

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

4-16

Infantry

Infantry (Basic)

Mortar

Air Assault 1-4 Infantry

Airborne 1-4 Infantry

Amphibious Infantry (USMC landing

teams)—Naval Infantry

Arctic Infantry

Light Infantry

Mechanized Infantry (In tracked

armored personnel carrier (APC))

Combat Arms (Continued)
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

4-17

Infantry (Continued)

Mechanized Infantry (In tracked 

infantry fighting vehicle (IFV)

(Bradley, Marder, BMP, etc))

Mechanized Infantry (Dismounted from

` a tracked infantry fighting vehicle 

(IFV) (Bradley, Marder, BMP, etc))

Mechanized Infantry (In wheeled 

infantry fighting vehicle (IFV))

(Marine light armored infantry

(LAI))

Motorized Infantry (Equipped with

unarmored but armed wheeled

vehicles) (HMMWVs with MK19s

 or .50-caliber machine guns)

Mountain Infantry

Naval Infantry

Observation Post/Outpost 1-112

Combat Outpost 1-31

Combat Arms (Continued)
L

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

4-18

Reconnaissance 1-130

Reconnaissance, Cavalry, or Scouts

(Basic or dismounted)

Airborne Cavalry, Reconnaissance, or

 Scouts

Horse Cavalry, Reconnaissance, or

Scouts

Light Cavalry, Reconnaissance, or

 Scouts

Armored (APC) Cavalry, 

 Reconnaissance, or Scouts 

Armored (Tracked IFV) Cavalry, 

Reconnaissance, or Scouts 

Armored (Wheeled IFV) Reconnaissance or Scouts (Marine light 

armored reconnaissance (LAR))

Motorized (HMMWV or BRDM) Reconnaissance or Scouts 

Observation Post Occupied by DisMounted Scouts or Reconnaissance

Combat Arms (Continued)
D

S

S

SD SD SD

B

RS

SP

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

4-19

With M21

Chemical Corps

Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical 

(NBC) NBC (Basic symbol) 

Decontamination 1-46

Smoke (Basic or truck-equipped,

APC-equipped, HMMWVequipped)

Smoke and Decontamination 

(Basic or Truck-equipped,

APC-equipped, HMMWVequipped)

Biological Reconnaissance

 (HMMWV-equipped (BIDS))

Chemical and Nuclear 

Reconnaissance (Wheeled Armored

Vehicle (FOX))

NBC Observation Post (OP) (Dismounted)

Landing Support

Shore Party

Military Intelligence

Basic Symbol

COMBAT SUPPORT
MI

GSM

MI

MI

MI

SCM

EW EW

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

4-20

Military Intelligence

Aerial Exploitation

 (UAV)

Ground Station Module for J-STARS

Ground Surveillance Radar (GSR)

Meteorological

Military Intelligence Operations

Sensor Control and Management 

(USMC (SCAMP))— Sensor OP/LP

1-139

Tactical Exploitation Battalion

Electronic Warfare (Basic symbol)—

(USMC LAV-equipped EW unit)

The following symbols replace the 

“site” symbols for EW.

Direction Finding (Unit, crew, or

 installation)

Combat Support (Continued)
E

EW

MP

AREA

OPS

CON

FES

FWD

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

4-21

Military Intelligence (Continued)

EW Intercept (Unit, crew, or 

installation)

EW Jamming (Unit, crew, or

 installation)

Law Enforcement-Army Military Police

Signal/Communications

Basic Symbol

Area Signal

Command Operations

Construction/Installers

Forced Entry System

Forward Communications

Combat Support (Continued)
CCP LCCP

MSE

LEN

NC

SEN

SPT

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

4-22

Signal (Continued)

Communications Configured Package

(CCP); “Light” (LCCP) (Airborne)

Multiple Subscriber Element (MSE) 

Large Extension Node (LEN)

Node Center

Remote Access Unit (RAU)

Small Extension Node (SEN)

Radio Relay Station--Retrans Station

Radio/Wireless Station--Radio Recon OP

Signal Support Operations

Combat Support (Continued)
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

4-23

Signal (Continued)

Tactical Satellite Communications

Telephone Switching Center

Teletype Center

Echelons Above Corps Combat

Service Support

Corps Level Combat Service Support

Supply

Supply Trains 1-32

Combat Support (Continued)

COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT

Multifunctional Combat Service Support 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

4-24

Theater Army Area Command

Theater Support Command

Area Support Group

Area Support Battalion 1-11

Corps Support Command (COSCOM)

Corps Support Group (Forward (F) and

Rear (R))

Force Service Support Group (FSSG)

(USMC)

Corps Support Battalion

Division Support Command (DISCOM)

Multifunctional Combat Service Support (Continued)

The size indicator represents the rank or relative position of the commander of the CSS unit. The “M”

labeling field will describe who the higher headquarters is that the CSS organization is supporting. 
LSCR

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

4-25

Division Aviation Support Battalion

Main Support Battalion

Forward Support Battalion

Band

Finance

Labor

Laundry and Bath

Laundry, Shower, and Clothing

Repair

Multifunctional Combat Service Support (Continued)

Combat Service Support 
D

V

MWR

PS

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

4-26

Maintenance 1-95

Medical

Medical (Basic symbol)

Medical Treatment Facility (MTF)

1-4 (BAS) 1-99

Dental

Veterinary

Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR)

Mortuary Affairs 1-105

Personnel Services

Postal or Courier

Combat Service Support (Continued)
PA

BPAD

PRESS

JIB

RHU

SALV

SVC

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

4-27

Public Affairs 1-125

Broadcast Public Affairs Detachment

Corps Media Center

Joint Information Bureau (EAC)

Replacement Holding Unit

Salvage 1-27 1-136

Service

Supply 

Supply (Basic symbol)

Classes of Supply 1-27

Class I 1-27

 (Food)

Combat Service Support (Continued)
CA

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

4-28

Class II 1-27

 (Clothing, individual equipment,

 tentage, organizational tool sets)

Class III 1-27

 (Petroleum supply)

Class IV 1-27

 (Construction & barrier material)

Class V 1-27

 (Ammunition)

Class VI 1-27

 (Personal demand)

Class VII 1-27

 (Major assemblies)

Class VIII 1-27

 (Medical supplies)

Class IX 1-27

 (Repair parts)

Class X 1-27

(Agricultural and nonmilitary material

not in the other classes of supply)

Combat Service Support (Continued)
SPT

PURE

SF

R

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

4-29

Purification Distribution

Support

Transportation

Transportation (Basic symbol)

Railhead 1-127

Seaport (SPOD or SPOE) 1-122

1-137

Airfield/Airport (APOD or APOE)

1-3 1-122

Water 1-27

Special Forces (SF) 

Rangers (RGR)

Combat Service Support (Continued)

SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES (SOF)
CA

F

SEAL

SF

SF

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

4-30

Civil Affairs (CA) 1-26

Psychological Operations (PSYOP)

1-125

Marine Force Recon

SEALS

Special Forces Aviation

Fixed Wing

Rotary Wing

Special Operations Forces (SOF) (Continued)
5-1

The shadowed boxes 1-16 show the page number for the

definition of a symbol or graphic in this chapter . 

Chapter 5

Equipment Symbols

This chapter describes equipment, weapon, ground vehicle, and aerial vehicl e symbols. It describes procedures

for creating composite weapon system symb ols and the procedures for text labeling to provide necessary details.

The use of the symbol frames shown in Chapter 4 is optional for equipment and recommended only for ships,

aircraft, and aerial vehicles.

Orientation of the symbols shown in this chapter is extremely important. All manual and automated displays

and overlays should show the symbol oriented the same as the actual equipment. The “Q” field will show the

orientation of moving equipment symbols. 

Blue or black will represent friendly equipment on color displays and red will represent enemy or hostil e

equipment. Monochrome displays will use the color available.

EQUIPMENT SYMBOL LABELING

Figures 5-1 through 5-4 show the placement of unit labeling fields around the different symbol frames. Figure

5-5 is a table defining the labeling fields. See Appendix A for examples of fully labeled unit and equipmen t

symbols.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

5-2

Figure 5-1. Friendly and Neutral

Ground Equipment Labeling

Fields

Figure 5-2. Friendly Aerial Vehicle

and Aircraft Labeling Fields

Figure 5-3. Enemy Ground and

Naval (Surface) Equipment

Labeling Fields

Figure 5-4. Enemy Aerial Vehicles

and Aircraft (In Flight) Labeling

Fields 
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

5-3

Field Field Title Description Application Length 

A Symbol Frame shape, fill, and icon showing the basic All (characters)

function of units, installations, or equipment with

modifers A1, A2, and A3

D Equipment Indicates number of items present. Installation : Units and 10

Size in square feet installations

E Suspect, Assumed Question mark ‘?’: suspect, assumed friend, All 1

Friend, Faker, Joker faker. ‘J’: joker

F Reinforced or Shows (+) reinforced , (-) reduced, or (+-) Units 3

Detached reinforced and reduced

G Staff Comments Free text All 20

H Additional Information Free text All 20

J Evaluation Rating One letter and one number (see STANAG 2022 ) Enemy only 2

L Signature Equipment Indicated by "!" ( refers to detectable electronic Enemy 1

signatures) equipment only

M Higher Formation Number or title of higher echelon command All 21

(Corps designated by Roman numerals)

N Enemy (Hostile) Indicated enemy by letters "ENY" Enemy 3

equipment,

lines, areas,

and boundaries

P IFF/SIF Identification modes and codes Units and 5

equipment

Q Direction of Direction symbol is moving or will move. Nuclear, All 4

Movement Arrow biological, chemical: downwind direction

R Mobility Indicator Pictorial representation of mobility Equipment only

T Unique Designation An alphanumeric title that uniquely identifies a All 21

particular symbol; track number. Nuclear: friendly

delivery unit (missile, satellite, aircraft, etc)

V Type of Equipment Identifies unique designation. Nuclear: Friendly Units and 24

weapons type equipment

W Date-Time Group Alphanumeric field for date/time (MILSTD-2500A) All 15

(DDHHMMSSZMONYY) or “o/o” for on order

X Altitude / Depth Altitude portion of GPS. Flight level for aircraft. All 6

Depth for submerged objects. Height in feet of

equipment or structure on the ground. Nuclear:

Height of burst

Y Speed Nautical miles per hour; kilometers per hour Units and 5

equipment

Z Location Latitude and longitude; grid coordinates All 19

Figure 5-5. Equipment Labeling Field Definitions 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

5-4

BUILDING AN EQUIPMENT SYMBOL

The following are example procedures for building a specific equipment symbol. Select the basic

equipment symbol.

Rifle/light automatic weapon (M16)

Add horizontal lines to indicate the size or range of a weapon: zero for small, light, or short; one for

medium; or two for large, heavy, or long.

Medium machine gun (7.62 mm) Heavy machine gun (.50 cal) 

 

Add a circle in the center of the line for a grenade launcher.

 

 M203 MK19

If a weapon has a high trajectory, a circle is placed at the base of the shaft.

If the weapon has a flat trajectory, a chevron is placed at the base of the shaft .

 

 Medium mortar Light antitank gun
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

5-5

If the weapon is primarily for air defense, a horizontal half circle is placed at the base of the shaft.

 

 

 

 Air defense missile Air defense gun

If the weapon is a rocket launcher, a double arrowhead is placed at the head of the shaft. 

If the weapon is also a tracked, self-propelled vehicle, a flat ellipse is placed below the weapon symbol.

 Rocket launcher Tracked, self-propelled medium howitzer

 COMPOSITE WEAPON SYSTEM SYMBOLS
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

5-6

small medium large

Rifle or Automatic Weapon

Size of Weapon

Antitank Weapon

Rocket

Indirect Fire (high trajectory)

Direct Fire Gun

Air Defense

Recoilless Rifle

 

Tracked Self-Propelled 

or Armor-Protected

MODIFIERS
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

5-7

Wheeled (limited cross-country)

Wheeled (cross-country)

Towed Vehicle or Trailer

Railway

Wheeled and Tracked (half track)

Over-snow (prime mover)

Sled (towed)

Pack Animals or Horse-Mounted

Barge

Amphibious

MOBILITY MODIFIERS 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

5-8

vehicle

 LIGHT MEDIUM HEAVY

Laser

Howitzer

Mortar

Multibarrel Rocket Launcher

Surface-to-Surface Missiles

Flame Thrower 

 

 

Non-Line-of-Sight Antitank Missile

Smoke Generator

Tank (friendly)

TYPES OF GROUND EQUIPMENT
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

5-9

Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Armored Personnel Carrier

Cargo or Personnel Carrier

Train Engine/Locomotive

Armored Combat Earthmover (ACE)

Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge (AVLB)

Hovercraft

Armored Vehicle-Mounted MICLIC (AVLM)

Trailer-mounted MICLIC

Tractor, Full-tracked Low-speed (dozer)

Armored Carrier with Volcano

Truck-mounted Volcano

VEHICLE SYMBOLS
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

5-10

 HELICOPTER 

Civilian

 

Attack

(Navy; ASW & ASUW)

Reconnaissance

Transport

(Air Force; HH-53)

Support (SAR & C2)

(Navy; MCM)

AIRCRAFT/AERIAL VEHICLES
XXXX

A-1

USAREUR EUCOM

USARPAC PACOM

FORSCOM

LANTCOM

CENTCOM

TUSA

SOUTHCOM

USARSO

EUSA

USFK

CENTCOM

3

Appendix A

Friendly Unit and Equipment Symbols

HIGH LEVEL COMMANDS

 ARMY SERVICE COMPONENT COMMANDS

1-11 

United States Army, Europe 

 

United States Army, Pacific 

Forces Command

Third US Army

US Army South

Eighth US Army

FIELD ARMY

Field Army (With Corps Attached)
A-2
XXX

TOC

ASLT

BDOC

CMD

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

A-2

JTF

SOUTH

180 SOUTH JTF

JOINT TASK FORCE COMMANDS

1-88

Joint Task Force South

Joint Support Command

 1-150 

 1-12 

 1-16 

 1-34 

Tactical Operations Center (TOC)

Assault Command Post (ASLT)

Base Defense Operations Center (BDOC)

Command Group (CMD GP)

High Level Commands (Continued)

HEADQUARTERS TYPES
CTCP

FTCP

FWD

MAIN

REAR

TAC

FM 101-5-1

 MCRP 5-2A

A-3

 1-32 

 1-65 

 1-95 

 1-129 

 1-150 

Combat Trains Command Post (CTCP)

Field Trains Command Post (FTCP)

Forward Command Post (FWD)

Main Command Post (MAIN)

Rear Command Post (REAR)

Tactical Command Post (TAC)

Headquarters Types (Continued)

USMC

Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) 1-32 

 

 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

A-4

EXAMPLES OF UNITS IN DIVISIONS
Abn MI Bn Cbt Avn Bn Abn Chem Co

Sig Bn AASLT MI Bn AASLT MP Co

AASLT

Sig Bn Fwd Spt Bn Atk Hel Co Bridge Co ADA Bn MLRS Btry

Main Spt Bn Cav Sqdn Mech In Co AVIM Tgt Acq Btry Cmd Avn Co

Recon Bn ADA Bn En Bn Main Spt Bn Fwd Spt Bn Sig Bn

Cmd Avn Bn MI Bn Chem Co

MP

Air Cav Sqdn

Air Cav Sqdn 

CBT

Abn AT Co

MI

En Bn

MSB

CMD

(Light) In Div

CBT-L MSB FSB

Sig Bn

MI

En Bn

CBT

ADA Bn

CMD

MI

FSB

L L

L

L L

ADA Bn 

AASLT AASLT

 FM 101-5-1

 MCRP 5-2A

A-5
Water Class I Class II

Class III

Army Aviation

Class V

All Types

Class IX

Class III

Ground

Class III

Solid Fuel

Class IV

Class V

Air Defense

ATP

Class V

Army Aviation

Class V

Artillery

Class V

Mines & Explosives

Class V

Rocket Artillery

Class V

Small Arms

Class V

Tank

s

ALL

All Cla ses

Multiple Classes

ASP

II &VI

Class VIII

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

A-6

EXAMPLES OF SUPPLY SITES
FM 101-5-1

 MCRP 5-2A

A-7

EXAMPLES OF COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT UNITS
208 X

4101

CONST

44/XX

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

A-8

Twentieth Corps, Third Army.

Twenty-fifth Armored Division, Twentieth

Corps, Third Army.

 

208th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tenth

Corps

Engineer construction supply site for the 4101st 

En Const Spt Co, 44th En Gp, Twentieth Corps. 

Six 5-ton trucks from B Co,

2d Engr, moving east.

An UAV launch site of B Co, 301 MI Bn,

launch direction 130 degrees, "Phoenix" type 

UAV, to air corridor "Cathy", next launch at 

1500Z on the 15th of the current month.

Six 4.2-in mortars, in M113s from HHC Co,

1st Bn, 141st IN(M), at 50% of its ammo

EXAMPLES OF UNIT SYMBOLS WITH LABELING FIELDS

 EXAMPLES OF EQUIPMENT SYMBOLS WITH LABELING FIELDS
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

A-9

Eight 155-mm towed howitzers of Btry A,

1st Bn, 2d FA, valid as of 0800Z

the 7th of the current month

Two STINGER missiles from 1st Section 

1st Plt, A Btry, 2d Bn, 6th ADA, in 

HUMMWVs. Location valid as of

1000Z the 11th of the current month.

Four IFVs of the 3d Plt, B Co,

1st Bn, 87th IN(M) with a "green"

readiness rating and moving east 

on Route LOU.

Six M-1A2 tanks from A Co, 2-34 Armor,

3d Bde, refueling as of 0600Z the

21st , "yellow" status.

Three MLRS from A Btry, 3d Bn,

16th FA, in a hide position.

 Equipment Symbols with Labeling Fields (Continued)

B-1

Appendix B

Enemy Unit and Equipment Symbols

EXAMPLES OF ENEMY COMBAT UNITS

EX
CA MI MP

Civil Affairs Military Police Signal

Treatment

Medical

ALL

All Classes

of Supply

Medical Maintenance

ENY

57

121800Z

2

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

B-2

Enemy tank

Enemy wheeled infantry fighting vehicle

Enemy tracked infantry fighting vehicle

An enemy 57-mm antitank gun, reported 

at this location at 1200Z on the 12th of

the current month.

AMPLES OF ENEMY COMBAT SUPPORT UNITS

 EXAMPLES OF ENEMY COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT UNITS

 EXAMPLES OF ENEMY EQUIPMENT
C-1

Appendix C

Military Decisionmaking Process and Tactical Mission Graphics

The basic tenets of Army doctrine are initiative, depth, agility, synchronization, and versatility. I f

commanders and staffs are to adhere to these tenets, they need information in a format that assists them to adapt

quickly to the changing factors of METT-T. The graphics portrayed in Chapters 3 through 5 are used to plot

locations and directions of movement; how ever, the decision maker normally requires additional information not

readily available by studying a current situ ation map. The battlefield envisioned by our current doctrine requires

rapid and frequent changes in task organization of units to retain or take the initiative and move optimall y

task-organized forces to the critical point on the battlefield. Military decisionmaking process graphics are a tool

for portraying the necessary information.

STATUS AND ASSESSMENT CHARTS

Commanders require two general categories of information when analyzing the situation map: the status of

equipment and personnel, and the composition of the task-organized forces. Two common methods fo r

displaying information and identifying status are the bar chart and the gumball chart.

Bar Chart

The bar chart is used to display quantities or percentages. Its major advantage is that it provides a simple

method for comparing status indicators to each other and to a set, standard reference point. Bar charts also give

the staff flexibility to display and relate various types and combinations of information for the commander .

Figure C-1, page C-2, shows examples of various styles and information. 

Gumball Chart

The gumball chart provides a clear picture of the status of designate d elements using a color code established

in the unit standing operating procedures. The chart assists the commander to quickly assess the status of critical

elements and assists the staff to focus on problem areas. The color code chosen should be consistent throughout

all echelons of the command. The following is a commonly used color code: GREEN indicates that the unit is

at 85 percent or greater strength (combat capable); AMBER indicates that the unit is at 70 to 84 percent strength

(combat capable with minor deficiencies); RED indicates that the unit is at 50 to 69 percent strength (combat

ineffective, unit has major losses or deficiencies); and BLACK indicates that the unit is at less than 50 percent

strength (requires reconstitution before next mission). See the example in Figure C-2, page C-3.
Tank IFV Pers

0

20

40

60

80

100

1st Bde 2d Bde

Tank

0

20

40

60

80

100

3d Bde

IFV

Pers

Tank IFV Pers

0

20

40

60

80

100

3d Bde

2d Bde

Div

1st Bde

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

C-2

1st Bde Tanks

Figure C-1. Example Bar Type Status Charts

Combat Effectiveness Graphics

Situation reports (SITREPs) focus on the collection of information about the ability of subordinate units to

perform their mission. Appropriate staff elements use vari ous formats to report factors such as the status of fuel,

ammunition, vehicle availability, and personnel. The task force commander, however, provides the ne t

assessment of his unit's ability to perform the mission. This as sessment can be expressed using decision graphics

as shown in Figure C-3, page C-4.

The center column of Figure C-3 visually depicts the overall combat rating of the unit, and the right column

specifies the status of selected items of interest. The standing operating procedures (SOP) will specify the items

of interest to be reported higher. The subordinate commander may add to this list for his internal reporting and

tracking. The four items shown in the right column are ammunition, weapons, POL, and personnel.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

C-3

Overall Tanks BFVs Pers

1st Brigade

2d Brigade

3d Brigade

Now 24 hours 48 hours

1st Brigade

Tanks

BFVs

Personnel

2d Brigade

Tanks

BFVs

Personnel

3d Brigade

Tanks

BFVs

Personnel

Figure C-2. Example of Gumball Charts

Note: The circles (gumballs) would be filled in with appropriate colors (GREEN/AMBER/RED/BLACK).
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

C-4

Ammo

POL

Personnel

Weapons

Commander’s Assessment

of Ability to Perform

Mission

Effectiveness Pie Chart Selected Status Pie Chart

“No Problem”

“Some Problems” (Personnel)

“Major Problems” (Weapon

Systems)

“Can’t Perform Mission”

(Personnel, Ammunition,

Weapon Systems)

Figure C-3. Example of Combat Effectiveness Graphics 

Figure C-4. Task Force Unit Symbol

TASK-ORGANIZED COMPOSITION GRAPHICS

The assets available to a commander are established in the operation order and may be late r

modified by fragmentary and warning orders. The composition of task-organized forces may b e

portrayed by using the standard symbol syste m. These symbols do not provide decision makers with

a graphic portrayal of information relating to task-organized composition. Figure C-4 on this page

and C-5 on the next page show a task force organized around the headquarters of the 1st Battalion,

72d Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), of the 1st Brigade, 52d Infantry Division (Mechanized). The

task force unit symbol (Figure C-4) does not tell the decision maker how t he unit is organized or what

the overall combat effectiveness may be. 

Although this data may be available through other charts, reports, and briefings, its impact can

be lost when it is in various locations. Figure C-5 shows TF 1-72 as a task-organized composition

graphic. Figure C-6 on page C-6 shows examples of “shorthand” unit symbols for use as decision

graphics. 
L

M D

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

C-5

Armor

Armored Cavalry

Infantry

Air Assault Infantry

Airborne Infantry

Light Infantry

Mechanized Infantry

Mountain Infantry

Medium

Antitank (Mechanized)

Figure C-6. Shorthand Unit Symbols

TF 1-72 IN(M) is organized with two 

mechanized infantry companies, one armor 

team, an antitank company minus one platoon,

and an engineer company. 

Figure C-5. Example of a Task-Organized Composition Graphic
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

C-6

Engineer

 

 Air Defense

 

 Artillery

 Attack Helicopter

Air Cavalry

 

 Lift/Assault Helicopters

Figure C-6. Shorthand Unit Symbols (Continued)

Tm A, 1st Bn, 72d IN(M), is organized with

two mechanized infantry platoons and one 

armor platoon. It has “some difficulty” 

performing its mission because of deadlined 

weapon systems. 

Figure C-7. Example Company Team Decision Graphic

DECISION GRAPHICS

Combat effectiveness graphics and task-organized composition graphics can be combined to form decision

graphics. Examples of composite decision graphics at the c ompany/team, battalion/task force, and brigade levels

are at Figures C-7, 8, and 9. Green, amber, red, or black can be used for the fill colors or outlines of the unit

decision graphics to show the status of the subordinate units. 

Subordinate units are assumed to be one echelon lower than the parent organization. If any subordinate unit

is not one echelon lower, a size indicator should be used for clarity. For example, Task Force 1-6 Armor shows

the platoon size indicator over the air defense artillery platoon shorthand symbol (Figure C-8) because th e

platoon is two echelons lower than the parent organization (TF 1-6 Armor). Figure C-9 shows an example of

a brigade-level decision graphic.
X

1/52ID(M)

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

C-7

TF 1-6 AR is organized with two armor teams,

two mechanized infantry teams, and an air

defense platoon. It has “major problems”

in performing its mission because of a shortage

of personnel and weapon systems.

Figure C-8. Example of a Task Force Decision Graphic

1st Bde, 52d ID(M), is organized with two

mechanized infantry battalions, one armor

battalion, and an attack helicopter battalion.

It has “no problems” in performing the mission.

Figure C-9. Example of a Brigade Decision Graphic

Figure C-10. Example of Use of Decision Graphics and Mission Graphics

MISSION GRAPHICS

Tactical task graphics are for use in course of action sketches, synchronization matrixes, and maneuve r

sketches. They do not replace any part of the operation order. The graphics should be scaled to fit the map scale

and size of unit for which they are being used. The examples shown here are for illustration purposes only .

Where practical the task graphic should connect with the decision graphic or unit graphic where the “Q” labeling

field is (center of the bottom of the symbol).

Figure C-10 below shows that the 1st Brigade, 52d Infantry Division (Mechanized), is task-organized with

two mechanized infantry battalions, an armor (tank) battalion, and an attack helicopter battalion. It has n o

deficiencies. Its task is to seize objective Tina. The 2d Brigade, 52d Infantry Division (Mechanized), is taskorganized with two mechanized infantry battalions and two armor (tank) battalions. It has no deficiencies. Its

task is to follow and support the first brigade.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

C-8

TACTICAL MISSION GRAPHICS

Ambush 1-8

Attack by Fire 1-13

Block 1-20

Breach 1-21

Bypass 1-23

 

Canalize 1-23

Clear 1-28 

Contain 1-37
C-9

Counterattack 1-39

(Axis is always dashed.)

Counterattack by Fire 1-70

Delay 1-48, 1-49 

Delay (until a specified time) 1-48, 1-49

Destroy 1-51

Disrupt 1-55

Fix 1-68

Follow and Assume 1-69

Follow and Support 1-69

Interdict 1-84

Tactical Mission Graphics (Continued)
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

C-10

Isolate 1-86

Neutralize 1-109

Occupy 1-113

Penetrate 1-120

Relief in Place 1-132

Retain 1-133

Retirement 1-134

Secure 1-138

Tactical Mission Graphics (Continued)
S

G

C

S

G

C

IN POSITIONS

RELIEVING UNIT

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

C-11

Security (Arrowheads touch graphics

which define the 1-138

 limits of the task.)

screen 1-137

guard 1-74

cover 1-41

Seize 1-138

Support by Fire 1-147

Withdraw 1-163 

Withdraw under Pressure 1-163

Tactical Mission Graphics (Continued)

EXAMPLES

MASS

D-1

Arrest (Arrest of hostiles by friendly

military, police, or other paramilitary

organizations friendly to US Forces

and goals.)

Demonstration 1-50

House-to-House Propaganda 1-125

Internal Security Force (ISF) (Paramilitary 

organizations or militias, whose primary 

purpose is internal defense.)

Refugees 1-131

Appendix D

Stability and Support Operations Symbology

During recent stability and support operations, units have found a need to use symbols to track incidents and

to support intelligence preparation of the battlefiel d. This appendix includes examples of symbols used to depict

common events in a stability and support operations environment and shows the pattern of developing additional

symbols from doctrinal symbols or other easily drawn and understood symbols. Any symbols which deviat e

from a combination of symbols in this manual must be shown in the margin of the overlay with a legen d

explaining their meaning. 

NOTE: The terms insurgent and hostile are used to describe any force, faction, or political group that is opposed

to United States forces presence, the National Security Objectives of the United States, United Nation s

peacekeeping actions, and humanitarian assistance efforts, or that commits unlawful activities. The terms are

also used to describe violent acts against Americans, allies, or friendly factions.

FRIENDLY UNITS, ACTIVITIES, OR FACILITIES
SAFE

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

D-2

Safe House 1-136

Written Propaganda 1-125

Ambush

Ammunition Cache

Arson/Fire

Artillery/Artillery Fire

Friendly Units, Activities, or Facilities (Continued) 

HOSTILE ACTIVITIES, UNITS, OR FACILITIES
MASS

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

D-3

Assassination/Murder/Execution

Black List Location 1-19

Bomb/Bombing

Boobytrap 1-20

Demonstration

Drive by Shooting

Drug Operation

Hostile Activities, Units, or Facilities (Continued)
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

D-4

Drug Vehicle

Electronic Warfare Intercept

Extortion

Foraging/Searching

Graffiti

Gray List Location 1-73

Helicopter (civilian being used by hostiles

or insurgents)

Hostile Activities, Units, or Facilities (Continued)
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

D-5

VEHICLE AIRPLANE BOAT

Hijacking

 

Indirect Fire (Unspecified Type)

(The number sequentially records

the number of indirect fire incidents.)

Hostile or Insurgent Motorized

Infantry 

Hostile or Insurgent Infantry 

Kidnapping

Known Insurgent Vehicle

Minelaying (in progress)

Hostile Activities, Units, or Facilities (Continued)
W

OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

D-6

Mortar/Mortar Fire

Patrolling

Poisoning

 Psychological Operations (PSYOP) 1-125

 PSYOP (TV and radio propaganda) 1-125

 PSYOP (written propaganda) 1-125

Reconnaissance/Surveillance

Hostile Activities, Units, or Facilities (Continued)
C

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

D-7

Recruitment (willing)

Recruitment (coerced/impressed)

Roadblock (completed/in-place)

Roadblock (under construction)

Rocket/Rocket Fire

Safe House 1-136

Signal/Radio Station

Hostile Activities, Units, or Facilities (Continued)
OPERATIONALTERMS AND GRAPHICS

D-8

Sniping

Spy

Supply Cache

Vandalism/Rape/Loot/Ransack/

Plunder/ Sack 

White List Location 1-163

Food Distribution (by an NGO 1-110

or PVO 1-124 ) 

Hostile Activities, Units, or Facilities (Continued)

NEUTRAL (NGO OR PVO) ACTIVITIES, UNITS, OR FACILITIES
MASS

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

D-9

RED

CROSS

Infantry Unit

Medical Treatment Facility

(Established by the Red Cross, a PVO)

1-99

Refugees

Bomb/Bombing

Demonstration

PSYOP (written)

Neutral (NGO or PVO) Activities, Units, or Facilities (Continued)

UNKNOWN ACTIVITIES, UNITS, OR FACILITIES
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

D-10

Zone of Separation (ZOS)

Linear

Isolated or Nonlinear

GRAPHIC CONTROL MEASURES
E-1

Appendix E

Multiservice Tactical Brevity Codes 

This appendix standardizes air-to-air, surface-to-air, and air-to-surface brevity code words. The scope is

limited to those brevity codes used in multiservice operations and does not include words unique to single service

operations. While these codes are not authoritative in nature, all services agree to their meanings. Using the

codes eases coordination and improves understanding during multiservice operations. The codes are intended

for use by air and ground operations personnel at the tactical level. Code words that are followed by an asterisk

(*) may differ in meaning from NATO usage.

CODE LIST

ABORT(ING)(ED) Directive/informative call to cease action/attack/event/mission. 

ACTION Directive to initiate a briefed attack sequence or maneuver.

ACTIVE An emitter is radiating.

ADD( ) Directive call to add a specific (system) or (electronic order of battle (EOB)

category) to search responsibility.

ALARM Directive/informative call indicating the termination of emission control

(EMCON) procedures.

ALLIGATOR Link-11/ tactical digital information link (TADIL) A.

ALPHA CHECK Request for/confirmation of bearing and range to described point.

ANCHOR(ED) 1. Orbit about a specific point; refueling track flown by tanker.

2. Informative call to indicate a turning engagement about a 

specific location.

ANGELS Height of friendly aircraft in thousands of feet.

ARIZONA No antiradiation missile (ARM) ordnance remaining.

AS FRAGGED Unit or element will be performing exactly as stated by the air tasking order 

(ATO).

AUTHENTICATE To request or provide a response for a coded challenge.

AUTOCAT Any communications relay using automatic retransmissions.

AZIMUTH Two or more groups primarily separated in bearing.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

E-2

BANDIT An aircraft identified as enemy, in accordance with theater ID criteria. The term

does not necessarily imply direction or authority to engage.

BANZAI Informative call or directive to execute launch and decide tactics.

BASE (Number) Reference number used to indicate such information as headings, altitude, and 

fuels.

BEAD WINDOW Last transmission potentially disclosed unauthorized information.

BEAM(ING) Target stabilized within 70 to 110 degree aspect; generally (Direction)

given with cardinal directions: east, west, north, or south.

BENT System indicated is inoperative.

BINGO 1. Fuel state needed for recovery.

2. Proceed/am proceeding to specificed base (field) or carrier.

BIRD Friendly surface-to-air missile (SAM). 

BIRD(S) AFFIRM Surface to Air (S/A) informative call indicating unit is able and prepared to engage a

specified target with SAMs (presumes target is within or will enter the SAM

engagement envelope).

BIRD(S) AWAY Friendly SAM has been fired at designated target.

BIRD(S) NEGAT S/A informative call indicating unit is unable to engage a specified target with

SAMs. Opposite of BIRD(S) AFFIRM.

BITTERSWEET Notification of possible BLUE ON BLUE situation relative to a designated track or

friendly aircraft.

BLANK A suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) aircraft does not detect any emitters of

interest.

BLIND No visual contact with friendly aircraft/ground position; opposite of VISUAL.

BLOW THROUGH Directive/informative call that indicates aircraft will continue straight ahead at the

merge and not turn with target/targets.

BOGEY A radar or visual air contact whose identity is unknown.

BOGEY DOPE Request for target information as briefed/available.

BOX Groups/contacts/formations in a square or offset square.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

E-3

BRAA Tactical control format providing target bearing, range, altitude, and aspect, relative

to a friendly aircraft.

BRACKET Indicates geometry where friendly aircraft will maneuver to a position on opposing

sides, either laterally or vertically from the target.

BREAK (Direction) Directive to perform an immediate maximum performance turn in the direction

indicated; assumes a defensive situation.

BREAKAWAY Tanker or receiver directive call indicating immediate vertical and nose/tail 

separation between tanker and receiver is required.

BREVITY Radio frequency is becoming saturated, degraded, or jammed 

and briefer transmissions must follow.

BROADCAST Request/directive to switch to broadcast control.

BROKE LOCK Loss of radar/infrared (IR) lock-on (advisory).

BRUISER Friendly air-launched antishipmissile (ASM) (for example, HARPOON, EXOCET,

PENGUIN).

BUDDY LOCK Locked to a known friendly aircraft; normally a response to a SPIKE or BUDDY

SPIKE call and accompanied with position/heading/altitude.

BUDDY SPIKE Friendly aircraft air-to-air indication on radar warning receiver (RWR); to be 

followed by position/heading/altitude.

BUGOUT Separation from that particular engagement/attack/operation; no intent to

(Direction) re-engage/return.

BULLDOG Friendly surface/submarine-launched ASM (for example, HARPOON, EXOCET,

OTOMAT).

BULLSEYE An established point from which the position of an object can be referenced; made

by cardinal/range or digital format.

BUMP/BUMP-UP A fly-up to acquire line of sight (LOS) to the target or laser designation.

BURN GLINT used to provide illumination.

BUSTER Directive call to fly at maximum continuous speed (military power).

BUZZER Electronic communications jamming.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

E-4

CANDYGRAM Informative call to aircraft that EW targeting information is available on a briefed

secure net.

CAP/CAPPING 1. Directive call to establish an orbit at a specified location.

(Location) 2. An orbit at a specified location.

CAPTURED Aircrew has identified and is able to track a specified air-to-ground (A/G) target 

with an onboard sensor.

CEASE In air defense, break the engagement on the target specified. Missiles in flight

ENGAGEMENT will continue to intercept.

CEASE FIRE Do not open fire or discontinue firing; complete intercept if weapons are in flight;

continue to track.

CHAMPAGNE An attack of three distinct groups with two in front and one behind.

CHATTERMARK Begin using briefed radio procedures to counter communications jamming.

CHEAPSHOT 1. (USAF) Active missile supported to high pulse repetition frequency (HPRF), 

but not medium pulse repetition frequency (MPRF).

2. (Naval) Active missile not supported to active range.

CHECK Turn ( ) degrees left or right and maintain new heading. 

(Left/Right) 

CHERUBS Height of a friendly aircraft in hundreds of feet.

CHICKS Friendly aircraft.

CLEAN 1. No radar contacts on aircraft of interest.

2. No visible battle damage

3. Aircraft not carrying external stores.

CLEARED Requested action is authorized (no engaged/support roles are assumed).

CLEARED HOT Ordnance release is authorized.

CLOAK Directive/informative call to switch from normal external lighting to covert night 

vision device (NVD) only compatible lighting.

CLOSING Decreasing in range.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

E-5

COLD 1. Attack geometry will result in a pass or rollout behind the target.

2. On a leg of the combat air patrol (CAP) pointed away from the anticipated 

threats. 

3. Group(s) heading away from friendly aircraft. 

COLOR Request for information on a (system) at stated location; usually a request for

(System/Position) ambiguity resolution. May be used with improved data modem (IDM) data

message--COLOR, DATA. 

COMEOFF Directive to maneuver as indicated to either regain mutual support or to 

(Left/Right/ deconflict flight paths for an exchange of engaged and supporting roles; Low/Dry) 

implies both VISUAL and TALLY.

COMMIT(TED) Fighter intent to engage/intercept; controller continues to provide information.

CONFETTI Chaff lane or corridor.

CONS/CONNING THREAT/BOGEY aircraft leaving contrails.

CONTACT 1. Sensor contact at the stated position.

2. Acknowledges sighting of a specified reference point.

CONTINUE Continue present maneuver; does not imply clearance to engage or expend 

ordnance.

CONTINUE DRY Ordnance release not authorized.

COVER(ING)* 1. Directive/informative call to take S/A action or establish an air-to-air (A/A)

posture that will allow engagement of a specified target or threat.

CRANK F-pole maneuver; implies illuminating target at radar gimbal limits.

(Direction)

CUTOFF Request for, or directive to, intercept using cutoff geometry.

CYCLOPS Any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

DASH (#) Aircraft position within a flight. Use if specific call sign is unknown.

DATA Standby for IDM data message concerning (object) at stated location.

DEADEYE Informative call by an airborne laser designator indicating the laser/IR system is 

inoperative.

DECLARE Inquiry as to the identification of a specified track(s), target(s), or correlated group.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

E-6

DEFENSIVE Aircraft is in a defensive position and maneuvering with reference to the

(SPIKE/Missile/ stated condition.

SAM/MUD/AAA)

DE-LOUSE Directive to detect and identify unknown aircraft trailing friendly aircraft.

DEPLOY Directive to maneuver to briefed positioning.

DIVERT Proceed to alternate mission or base.

DOLLY Link-4A/TADIL C.

DRAG(ING) 1. (USAF) Target stabilized at 0 to 60 degrees aspect.

(Direction) 2. (Naval) Target stabilized at 120 to 180 degrees aspect.

DROP(ING) 1. Directive/informative call to stop monitoring a specified emitter/target and

resume search responsibilities.

2. Remove the emitter/target from tactical picture/track stores.

DUCK* Tactical air-launched decoy (TALD).

ECHELON Groups/contacts/formation with wingman displaced approximately 45 degrees 

behind leader’s 3/9 line.

ECHO Positive SEESAW/electronic warfare weapons system (EWWS)/ System M/Mode

X reply.

ENGAGED Maneuvering with the intent to kill; this implies visual/radar acquisition of target.

ESTIMATE Provides estimate of the size, range, height, or other parameter of a specified

contact; implies degradation.

EXTEND Short-term maneuver to gain energy, distance, or separation; normally with the 

(Direction) intent of re-engaging.

EYEBALL( ) 1. Fighter with primary visual identification responsibility.

2. Electro-optical (EO)/IR/NVD acquisition of an aircraft. Normally followed by 

( ) number of aircraft observed.

FADED Radar contact is lost. (Termination of track plotting is not warranted.)

FAST* Target speed is estimated to be 600 knots ground speed/Mach 1 or greater.

FATHER Tactical air navigation (TACAN) station.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

E-7

FEET WET/DRY Flying over water/land.

FENCE (IN/OUT) Set cockpit switches as appropriate prior to entering/exiting the combat area.

FLANK(ING) 1. (USAF) Target with a stable aspect of 120 to 150 degrees.

2. (Naval) Target with stable aspect of 30 to 60 degrees.

FLASH (System) Temporarily turn on prebriefed identification, friend or foe (IFF) mode or system.

FLOAT Directive/informative call to expand the formation laterally within visual limits to 

maintain a radar contact or prepare for a defensive response.

FOX (Number) Simulated/actual launch of air-to-air weapons.

ONE - semiactive radar-guided missile.

TWO - infrared-guided missile.

THREE - active radar-guided missile.

FOX MIKE Very high frequency (VHF)/frequency modulated (FM) radio.

FRIENDLY A positively identified friendly contact.

FURBALL A turning fight involving multiple aircraft with known BANDITS and

FRIENDLIES mixed.

GADGET Radar or emitter equipment.

GATE Directive/informative call to fly as quickly as possible, using afterburner/maximum power.

GIMBAL Radar target is approaching azimuth or elevation limits.

(Direction) 

GO ACTIVE Go to briefed Have Quick net.

GO CLEAR Use unencrypted voice communications.

GOGGLE/ Directive/informative call to put on/take off NVDs.

DEGOGGLE 

GORILLA Large force of indeterminate numbers and formation.

GO SECURE Use encrypted voice communications.

GRANDSLAM All HOSTILE aircraft of a designated track (or against which a mission was 

tasked) are shot down.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

E-8

GREEN (Direction) Direction determined to be clearest of enemy air-to-air activity.

GREYHOUND Friendly ground attack cruise missile (for example, Tomahawk Land Attack Missile 

(TLAM) and Conventional Air-launched Cruise Missile (CALCM).

GROUP Radar targets within approximately 3 nautical miles (NMs) of each other.

GUNS An air-to-air or air-to-surface gunshot.

HARD (Direction) High-G, energy-sustaining turn.

HEAD/ 1. (USAF) Target with an aspect of 160 to 180 degrees. 

HEAD ON 2. (Naval) Target with an aspect of 0 to 20 degrees.

HEADS UP Alert of an activity of interest.

HEAVY* A group or package known to contain three or more entities.

HIGH* Between 25,000 and 40,000 feet mean sea level (MSL).

HIT(S) 1. Air-to-air (A/A) Momentary radar returns search. (Indicates approximate altitude

information from fighter.)

2. Air-to-ground (A/G) Weapons impact within lethal distance.

HOLD DOWN Directive to key transmitter for direction-finding (DF) steer.

HOLDING HANDS Aircraft in visual formation.

HOLD FIRE An emergency fire control order used to stop firing on a designated target, to 

include destruction of any missiles in flight.

HOME PLATE Home airfield or carrier.

HOOK (Left/Right) Directive to perform an in-place 180-degree turn.

HOSTILE* A contact identified as enemy upon which clearance to fire is authorized in

accordance with theater rules of engagement.

HOT 1. Attack geometry will result in rollout in front of the target.

2. On a leg of the CAP pointing toward the anticipated threats.

3. Group heading towards friendly aircraft; opposite of COLD.

4. Ordnance employment intended or completed.

HOTDOG Informative/directive call that an aircraft is approaching or at a specified standoff

distance from the sovereign airspace of a nation (as defined by national boundaries
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

E-9

or territorial sea and airspace). (COLOR may indicate additional standoff distance.) 

Follow briefed procedures.

HOTEL FOX High frequency (HF) radio.

HUSKY (Naval) Air Intercept Missile (AIM)-120 supported to HPRF active range; same as 

USAF CHEAPSHOT.

ID 1. Directive to identify the target. 

2. Identification accomplished, followed by type.

IN (Direction) Informative call indicating a turn to a hot aspect relative to a THREAT/TARGET.

INDIA Mode IV.

INTERROGATE Interrogate the designated contact of the IFF mode indicated.

JACKAL Surveillance network participating group (NPG) of Link 16/TADIL J.

JOKER* Fuel state above BINGO at which separation/bugout/event termination should 

begin.

JUDY Aircrew has radar/visual contact on the correct target, has taken control of the 

intercept, and only requires situation awareness information. Controller will 

minimize radio transmissions.

KILL 1. Clearance to fire.

2. In training, a fighter call to indicate kill criteria have been fulfilled.

KNOCK IT OFF Directive to cease air combat maneuvers/attacks/activities.

LADDER Three or more groups/contacts in range.

LASER ON Directive to start laser designation. 

LEAD-TRAIL Tactical formation of two contacts within a group separated in range or following 

one another.

LEAKER(S) Airborne threat has passed through a defensive layer. Call should include 

amplifying information.

LINE ABREAST Two contacts within a group side by side.

LIGHTS ON/OFF Directive to turn on/off exterior lights.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

E-10

LOCKED Final radar lock-on; sort is not assumed.

(BRAA/Direction) 

LOST CONTACT Radar contact lost. (DROP track is recommended.)

LOST LOCK Loss of radar/IR lock-on (advisory).

LOW* Target altitude below 10,000 feet above ground level (AGL).

MAGNUM Launch of friendly antiradiation missile.

MAPPING Multifunction radar in an A/G mode.

MARKING Friendly aircraft leaving contrails. 

MARSHAL(ING) Establish(ed) at a specific point.

MEDIUM* Target altitude between 10,000 feet AGL and 25,000 feet MSL.

MERGE(D) 1. Information that friendlies and targets have arrived in the same visual arena.

2. Call indicating radar returns have come together.

MICKEY Have Quick Time-of-Day (TOD) signal.

MIDNIGHT Informative call advising that C functions are no longer available; opposite of 2

SUNRISE. 

MONITOR Maintain radar awareness on or assume responsibility for specified group.

MOTHER Parent ship.

MUD Indicates RWR ground threat displayed followed by clock position and type.

(Type/Direction)

MUSIC Electronic radar jamming. (On air interdiction (AI) radar, electronic deceptive 

jamming.)

NAILS Radar warning receiver indication of AI radar in search. Add clock 

position/azimuth, if known.

NAKED No RWR indications. 

NEW PICTURE Used by controller or aircrew when tactical picture has changed. Supersedes all 

previous calls and re-establishes picture for all players.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

E-11

NO FACTOR Not a threat.

NO JOY Aircrew does not have visual contact with the TARGET/BANDIT/landmark;

opposite of TALLY. 

NOTCH All-aspect missile defensive maneuver to place threat radar/missile on the beam.

(Direction)

OFF (Direction) Informative call indicating attack is terminated and maneuvering to the indicated 

direction.

OFFSET Informative call indicating maneuver in a specified direction with reference to 

(Direction) the target.

ON STATION Informative call unit/aircraft has reached assigned station.

OPENING Increasing in range.

OUT (Direction) Informative call indicating a turn to a cold aspect relative to the threat; opposite 

of IN.

OUTLAW Informative call that a bogey has meet point of origin criteria.

PACKAGE Geographically isolated collection of groups/contacts/formations.

PADLOCKED Informative call indicating aircrew cannot take eyes off an aircraft or a surface 

position without risk of losing TALLY/VISUAL.

PAINT(S) Interrogated group/radar contact that is responding with any of the specified IFF

modes and correct codes established for the ID criteria.

PARROT IFF transponder.

PICTURE Provide tactical situation status pertinent to mission.

PIGEONS Magnetic bearing and range to HOMEPLATE (or specified destination).

(Location)

PINCE/PINCER Threat maneuvering for a bracket attack.

PITBULL 1. Informative call AIM-120 is at MPRF active range.

2. AIM-54 at active range.

PLAYMATE Cooperating aircraft.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

E-12

PLAYTIME Amount of time aircraft can remain on station.

POGO Switch to communication channel number preceding POGO. If unable to establish

comunications, switch to channel number following POGO. If no channel number

follows POGO, return to this channel.

POP Starting climb for air-to-surface attack.

POPEYE Flying in clouds or area of reduced visibility.

POPUP Informative call of a contact that has suddenly appeared inside of

meld/CCR/briefed range.

POSIT Request for position; response in terms of a geographic landmark, or off a common

reference point.

POST ATTACK Directive transmission to indicate desired direction after completion of

(Direction) intercept/engagement.

POST HOLE Rapid descending spiral.

PRESS Directive to continue the attack; mutual support will be maintained. Supportive role

will be assumed.

PRINT (Type) Unambiguous noncooperative target recognition (NCTR) reply.

PUMP A briefed maneuver to low aspect to stop closure on the threat or geographical 

boundary with the intent to re-engage.

PURE Informative call indicating pure pursuit is being used or directive to go pure 

pursuit.

PUSH (Channel) Go to designated frequency. No acknowledgment required.

PUSHING Departing designated point.

PUSHING Informative call that said group(s) have turned cold and will continue to be

(Group Description) monitored.

RANGE* Two or more groups separated primarily in distance along the same bearing.

RAYGUN Indicates a radar lock-on to unknown aircraft; a request for a BUDDY SPIKE

(Position/Heading/ reply from friendly aircraft meeting these parameters (to prevent fratricide).

Altitude)
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

E-13

REFERENCE Directive to assume stated heading.

(Direction) 

REPORTED Identification of an object or a contact by an intelligence system.

(Type)

RESET Proceed to a prebriefed position or area of operation.

RESUME Resume last formation/ station/mission ordered.

RETROGRADE Directive to withdraw from present position or area of operation in response to a 

threat.

RIDER A BOGEY that is conforming with safe passage routing/airspeed/altitude 

procedures.

RIFLE Air-to-ground missile (AGM)-65 Maverick launch.

RIPPLE Two or more munitions released or fired in close succession.

ROLEX (+/- Time) Time-line adjustment in minutes from planned mission execution time. (Plus means

later; minus means earlier).

ROPE Illumination of an aircraft with an IR pointer.

SADDLED Informative call from wingman/element indicating the return to briefed formation 

position.

SAM (Direction) Visual acquisition of a SAM or SAM launch; should include position.

SANDWICHED A situation where an aircraft/element is positioned between opposing 

aircraft/elements.

SAUNTER Fly at best endurance.

SCRAM Emergency directive to egress for defensive or survival reasons.

(Direction) 

SCRAMBLE Takeoff as quickly as possible.

SCUD Any threat tactical/theater ballistic missile (TBM).

SEPARATE Leave a specific engagement; may or may not reenter. 
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

E-14

SHACKLE One WEAVE, a single crossing of flight paths; maneuver to adjust/regain 

formation parameters.

SHADOW Follow indicated target.

SHIFT Directive to shift laser illumination.

SHOOTER Aircraft/unit designated to employ ordnance.

SHOTGUN Prebriefed weapons state at which SEPARATION/BUGOUT should begin.

SKATE Informative call/directive to execute launch and leave tactics.

SKIP IT Veto of fighter COMMIT, usually followed with further directions.

SKOSH Aircraft is out of or unable to employ active radar missiles.

SKUNK A radar or visual maritime surface contact whose identity is unknown.

SLAPSHOT Directive for an aircraft to employ a range-unknown high-speed antiradiation

(Type/Bearing) missile (HARM) against a specified threat at the specified bearing.

SLIDE Directive call to high value airborne asset (HVAA) to continue present mission

while extending range from target in response to perceived threat.

SLOW* Target with a ground speed of 300 knots or less.

SMASH Directive to turn on/off anticollision lights.

SMOKE Smoke marker used to mark a position.

SNAKE Directive to oscillate an IR pointer about a target.

SNAP (Direction) An immediate vector to the group described.

SNIPER Directive for an aircraft to employ a range-known HARM against a specified threat

at the specified location.

SNOOZE Directive/informative call indicating initiation of EMCON procedures.

SORT Directive to assign responsibility within a group; criteria can be met visually, 

electronically (radar), or both.

SORTED Sort responsibility has been met.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

E-15

SOUR 1. Equipment indicated is operating inefficiently.

2. Invalid response to an administrative IFF check. 

 (Opposite of SWEET.)

SPADES An integrated group/radar contact which lacks the ATO (or equivalent) IFF modes 

and codes required for the ID criteria.

SPARKLE Target marking by IR pointer; target marking by gunship or forward air controller

(airborne) (FAC-A) using incendiary rounds.

SPIKE RWR indication of an AI threat in track, launch, or unknown mode; include 

bearing, clock position, and threat type, if known.

SPIN Directive/informative call to execute a prebriefed timing/spacing maneuver.

SPITTER An aircraft that has departed from the engagement or is departing the engaged

(Direction) fighters’ targeting responsibility.

SPLASH 1. (A/A) Target destroyed.

2. (A/G) Weapons impact.

SPLIT An informative call that a flight member is leaving information to engage a threat;

visual may not be maintained.

SPOOFING Informative call that voice deception is being employed.

SPOT* Acquisition of laser designation.

SQUAWK ( ) Operate IFF as indicated or IFF is operating as indicated.

SQUAWKING An informative call denoting a bogey is responding with an IFF mode (#).

STACK Two or more groups/contacts/ formations with a high/low altitude separation in 

relation to each other.

STATUS Request for tactical situation.

STEADY Directive to stop oscillation of IR pointer.

STEER Set magnetic heading indicated.

STERN Request for, or directive to, intercept using stern geometry.

STINGER Within a group, a formation of three or more aircraft with a single aircraft in trail.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

E-16

STOP Stop IR illumination of a target.

STRANGER Unidentified traffic that is not associated with the action in progress.

STRANGLE ( ) Turn off equipment indicated.

STRIP Individual fighter/section is leaving the formation to pursue separate attacks.

STRIPPED Informative call from wingman/element indicating out of briefed 

formation/position.

STROBE Radar indications of noise jamming.

SUNSHINE Directive or informative call indicating illumination of target is being conducted 

with artificial illumination.

SUNRISE Informative call that C functions are available (opposite of MIDNIGHT). 2

SWEET 1. Equipment indicated is operating efficiently.

2. Valid response to an administrative IFF check.

(Opposite of sour.)

SWITCH(ED) Indicates an attacker is changing from one aircraft to another.

TACTICAL Request/directive to switch to tactical control.

TAG (system Known identification of a specific (system) at the stated location; may be used

w/position) with IDM data message, (for example, TAG DATA).

TALLY Sighting of a TARGET, BANDIT, BOGEY, or enemy position; opposite of NO

JOY. 

TARGET ( ) Directive to assign group responsibility to aircraft in a flight.

TARGETED ( ) Group responsibility has been met.

TEN SECONDS Directive to terminal controller to standby for LASER ON call in approximately

10 seconds.

TERMINATE 1. Stop laser illumination of a target.

2. Cease local engagement without affecting the overall exercise.

THREAT Untargeted HOSTILE/BANDIT/BOGEY within prebriefed range/aspect of a 

(Direction) friendly.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

E-17

THROTTLES Reduction in power to decrease IR signature.

TIED Positive radar contact with element/aircraft.

TIGER Enough fuel and ordnance to accept a COMMIT.

TIMBER Air control NPG of Link 16/TADIL J.

TRACKING 1. Stabilized gun solution.

2. Continuous illumination of a target. 

3. Contact heading.

TRAILER* The last aircraft within a group(s).

TRASHED Informative call that missile has been defeated.

TRESPASS The addressed flight is entering a S/A threat ring of a specific system at the stated

(Position) location.

TUMBLEWEED Indicates limited situational awareness; NO JOY, BLIND; a request for 

information.

UNABLE Cannot comply as requested/directed.

UNIFORM Ultrahigh frequency (UHF) radio.

VAMPIRE Hostile antiship missile (ASM).

VERY HIGH* Above 40,000 feet MSL.

VIC Three groups, contacts, or formations with the single closest in range and two

contacts, azimuth split, in trail.

VICTOR VHF/amplitude modulation (AM) radio.

VISUAL Sighting of a friendly aircraft/ground position; opposite of BLIND. 

WALL Three or more groups or contacts primarily split in azimuth.

WARNING (color) Hostile attack is— 

RED imminent or in progress.

YELLOW probable.

WHITE improbable (all clear).
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

E-18

WEAPONS ( ) Fire only—

FREE at targets not identified as friendly in accordance with 

current rules of engagement (ROE).

TIGHT at targets positively identified as hostile in accordance 

with current ROE.

HOLD* (USA, USMC) in self-defense or in response to a formal order.

SAFE (USN)

NOTE: USN and NATO use WEAPONS SAFE to avoid confusion with the phrase

HOLD FIRE.

WEEDS Indicates that fixed-wing aircraft are operating below 2,000 feet AGL.

WHAT LUCK Request for results of missions or tasks.

WHAT STATE Report amount of fuel and missiles remaining. Ammunition and oxygen are 

reported only when specifically requested or critical.

( ) Active = number of active radar missiles remaining.

( ) Radar = number of semiactive radar missiles remaining.

( ) Heat = number of IR missiles remaining.

( ) Fuel = pounds of fuel or time remaining.

WINCHESTER No ordnance remaining.

WORDS Directive or interrogative regarding further information or directives pertinent to

mission.

WORKING 1. A SEAD aircraft is gathering EOB on a designated emitter; generally followed by 

signal type, (SAM/AAA/group) bearing, and range, if able.

2. Aircraft executing electronic identification (EID) on a specific aircraft/group to

obtain identification necessary for beyond visual range (BVR) employment.

YARDSTICK Directive to use A/A TACAN for ranging.
References-1

References

STANDARDIZATION AGREEMENTS

STANAG 1059 National Distinguishing Letters for Use by NATO Armed Forces.

STANAG 2019 APP-6 Military Symbols for Land Based Systems.

STANAG 2022 Intelligence Reports.

STANAG 2961 Classes of Supply of NATO Land Forces.

STANAG 3680 AAP-6 NATO Glossary of Terms and Definitions.

STANAG 4420 Display Symbology and Colors for NATO Maritime Units.

MILITARY STANDARDS

MILSTD 2525A Common Warfighting Symbology. 15 December 1996.

JOINT AND MULTISERVICE PUBLICATIONS

JP 0-2 Unified Action Armed Forces. 24 February 1995.

JP 1-02 Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated

Terms. 23 March 1994.

JP 3-0 Doctrine for Joint Operations. 1 February 1995.

JP 3-01.5 Doctrine for Joint Theater Missile Defense. 22 February 1996.

JP 3-02 Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations. 8 October 1992.

JP 3-02.1 Joint Doctrine for Landing Force Operations. 1 November 1989.

JP 3-05 Doctrine for Joint Special Operations. 28 October 1992.

JP 3-07 Joint Doctrine for Military Operations Other Than War. 16 June 1995.

JP 3-12 Doctrine for Joint Nuclear Operations. 18 December 1995.

JP 3-12.1 Doctrine for Joint Theater Nuclear Operations. 9 February 1996.

JP 3-12.2 (SRD) Nuclear Weapons Employment and Effects Data. (U) 20 December 1995.

JP 3-12.3 Nuclear Weapons Employment and Effects Data. 14 February 1996.

JP 3-13 Joint Doctrine for Information Warfare, under development.

JP 3-18.1 Joint Doctrine for Airborne and Air Assault Operations, under development.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

References-2

JP 3-53 Doctrine for Joint Psychological Operations. 30 July 1993.

JP 3-56 Command and Control Doctrine for Joint Operations. 3 May 1995.

JP 3-58 Joint Doctrine for Military Deception. 31 May 1996.

JP 5-0 Doctrine for Planning Joint Operations. 13 April 1995.

FM 3-3 Chemical and Biological Contamination Avoidance. FMFM 11-17. 

16 November 1992.

FM 3-3-1 Nuclear Contamination Avoidance. FMFM 11-18. 9 September 1994.

FM 3-4 NBC Protection. FMFM 11-19. 29 May 1992.

FM 3-5 NBC Decontamination. FMFM 11-10. 17 November 1993.

FM 3-6 Field Behavior of NBC Agents. AFM 105-7; FMFM 7-11. 3 November 

1986.

FM 3-9 Potential Military Chemical/Biological Agents and Compounds. 

NAVFAC P-467; AFR 355-7. 12 December 1990.

FM 3-11 Flame, Riot Control Agents, and Herbicide Operations. MCRP 3-3.7.2. 

19 August 1996.

FM 3-19 NBC Reconnaissance. FMFM 11-20. 19 November 1993.

FM 3-100 NBC Defense, Chemical Warfare, Smoke, and Flame Operations. 

FMFM 11-2. 23 May 1991.

FM 8-9 NATO Handbook on the Medical Aspects of NBC Defensive Operations. 

NAVMED P-5059; AFP 161-3. 31 August 1973.

FM 20-12 Amphibious Operations. LFM 03; NWP 22-6; AFR 75.6. 11 June 1987.

FM 33-1 Psychological Operations. FMFM 3-53. 18 February 1993.

FM 90-13 River Crossing Operations. FMFM 7-26. 30 September 1992.

FM 90-38 Multiservice Air-Air, Air-Surface, Surface-Air Brevity Codes. MCRP 3-25B; 

NWP 6-02.1; AFJPAM 10-228. 25 April 1997.

FM 100-19 Domestic Support Operations. FMFM 7-10. 1 July 1993.

ARMY PUBLICATIONS

AR 25-1 The Army Information Resources Management Program. 18 November 1988.

AR 310-25 Dictionary of United States Army Terms. 15 October 1986.

AR 310-50 Authorized Abbreviations, Brevity Codes, and Acronyms. 15 November 

1985.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

References-3

FM 1-100 Doctrinal Principles for Army Aviation in Combat Operations. 

28 February 1989.

FM 1-103 Airspace Management and Army Air Traffic in a Combat Zone. 30 December

1981. 

FM 1-111 Aviation Brigades. 27 August 1990.

FM 1-112 Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for the Attack Helicopter Battalion. 

21 February 1991.

FM 1-113 Assault Helicopter Battalion. 28 October 1985.

FM 1-114 Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for the Regimental Aviation Squadron.

20 February 1991.

FM 1-116 Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for the Air Cavalry/Reconnaissance Troop.

20 February 1991.

FM 3-7 NBC Field Handbook. 29 September 1994.

FM 3-50 Smoke Operations. 4 December 1990.

FM 5-34 Engineer Field Data. 14 September 1987.

FM 5-36 Route Reconnaissance and Classification. 10 May 1985.

FM 5-71-100 Division Engineer Combat Operations. 22 April 1993.

FM 5-100 Engineer Combat Operations. 22 November 1988.

FM 5-101 Mobility. 23 January 1985.

FM 5-102 Countermobility. 14 March 1985.

FM 5-103 Survivability. 10 June 1985.

FM 5-114 Engineer Operations Short of War. 13 July 1992.

FM 5-250 Explosives and Demolitions. 15 June 1992.

FM 6-series Field Artillery.

FM 6-20 series Fire Support.

FM 6-20 Fire Support in the AirLand Battle. 17 May 1988.

FM 6-20-10 Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for the Targeting Process. 29 March 1990.

FM 6-20-20 Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Fire Support at Battalion Task Force 

and Below. 27 December 1991.

FM 6-20-30 Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Fire Support for Corps and Division 

Operations. 18 October 1989.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

References-4

FM 6-30 Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Observed Fire. 16 July 1991.

FM 6-50 Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for the Field Artillery Cannon Battery.

20 November 1990.

FM 7-7 The Mechanized Infantry Platoon and Squad (APC). 15 March 1985.

FM 7-8 Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad. 22 April 1992.

FM 7-10 The Infantry Rifle Company. 14 December 1990.

FM 7-20 The Infantry Battalion. 6 April 1992.

FM 7-30 Infantry, Airborne, and Air Assault Brigade Operations. 24 April 1981.

FM 7-90 Tactical Employment of Mortars. 9 October 1992.

FM 7-91 Tactical Employment of Antiarmor Platoons, Companies, and Battalions.

30 September 1987.

FM 7-92 The Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon and Squad. 23 December 1992.

FM 8-series Medical.

FM 8-10 Health Service Support in a Theater of Operations. 1 March 1991.

FM 8-10-1 The Medical Company Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures. 

29 December 1994.

FM 8-10-3 Division Medical Operations Center, Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures, final

draft, November 1995.

FM 8-10-4 Medical Platoon Leaders' Handbook, Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures.

16 November 1990.

FM 8-10-5 Brigade and Division Surgeons' Handbook for Tactics, Techniques, and 

Procedures. 10 June 1991.

FM 8-10-6 Medical Evacuation in a Theater of Operations, Tactics, Techniques, and

Procedures. 31 October 1991.

FM 8-10-7 Health Service Support in a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Environment.

 22 April 1993.

FM 8-10-8 Medical Intelligence in a Theater of Operations. 7 July 1989.

FM 8-10-9 Combat Health Logistics in a Theater of Operations, Tactics, Techniques, and

Procedures. 3 October 1995.

FM 8-10-14 Employment of the Combat Support Hospital, Tactics, Techniques, and 

Procedures. 29 December 1994.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

References-5

FM 8-10-15 Employment of the Field and General Hospitals, Tactics, Techniques, and 

Procedures, final draft, December 1995.

FM 8-10-24 Area Support Medical Battalions Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures.

 13 October 1993.

FM 8-10-25 Employment of Forward Surgical Teams, draft.

FM 8-33 Control of Communicable Diseases in Man. 31 May 1991.

FM 8-42 Medical Operations in Low Intensity Conflict. 4 December 1990.

FM 8-51 Combat Stress Control in a Theater of Operation Tactics, Techniques, and

Procedures. 29 September 1994.

FM 8-55 Planning for Health Service Support. 9 September 1994.

FM 9-6 Munitions Support in Theaters of Operations. 1 September 1989.

FM 10-1 Quartermaster Principles. 11 August 1994.

FM 10-63 Handling of Deceased Personnel in Theaters of Operations. 28 February 1986.

FM 10-63-1 Graves Registration Handbook. 17 July 1986.

FM 10-67 Petroleum Supply in Theaters of Operation. 16 February 1983.

FM 12-6 Personnel Doctrine. 9 September 1994.

FM 16-1 Religious Support. 26 May 1995.

FM 17-12 Tank Gunnery.

FM 17-15 Tank Platoon. 7 October 1987.

FM 17-95 Cavalry Operations. 19 September 1991.

FM 17-98 Scout Platoon. 9 September 1994.

FM 19-1 Military Police Support for the AirLand Battle. 23 May 1988.

FM 19-4 Military Police Battlefield Circulation Control, Area Security, and Enemy

Prisoner of War Operations. 7 May 1993.

FM 19-10 Military Police Law and Order Operations. 30 September 1987.

FM 19-15 Civil Disturbances. 25 November 1985.

FM 19-40 Enemy Prisoners of War, Civilian Internees, and Detained Persons. 

27 February 1976.

FM 20-32 Mine/Countermine Operations. 30 September 1992.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

References-6

FM 21-10 Field Hygiene and Sanitation. 22 November 1988.

FM 21-18 Foot Marches. 1 June 1990.

FM 21-26 Map Reading and Land Navigation. 7 May 1993.

FM 22-51 Leaders' Manual for Combat Stress Control. 29 September 1994.

FM 22-100 Military Leadership. 31 July 1990.

FM 22-102 Soldier Team Development. 2 March 1987.

FM 22-103 Leadership and Command at Senior Levels. 21 June 1987.

FM 23-1 Bradley Fighting Vehicle Gunnery. 1 March 1991.

FM 24-1 Signal Support and the Information Mission Area. May 1993.

FM 25-100 Training the Force. 15 November 1988.

FM 25-101 Battle Focused Training. 30 September 1990.

FM 27-10 The Law of Land Warfare. 18 July 1956.

FM 31-12 Army Forces in Amphibious Operations. 28 March 1961.

FM 31-20 Doctrine for Special Forces Operations. 20 April 1990.

FM 31-20-3 Foreign Internal Defense Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Special

Forces. 20 September 1994.

FM 34-1 Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Operations. 27 September 1994.

FM 34-2 Collection Management and Synchronization Planning. 8 March 1994.

FM 34-3 Intelligence Analysis. 15 March 1990.

FM 34-8 Combat Commander's Handbook on Intelligence. 28 September 1992.

FM 34-10 Division Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Operations. 25 November 1986.

FM 34-10-1 TTP for the Remotely Monitored Battlefield Sensor System (REMBASS). 18 June

1991.

FM 34-10-2 Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Equipment Handbook. 13 July 1993.

FM 34-40 Electronic Warfare Operations. 9 October 1987.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

References-7

FM 34-52 Intelligence Interrogation. 28 September 1992.

FM 34-130 Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield. 8 July 1994.

FM 41-10 Civil Affairs Operations. 11 January 1993.

FM 44-63 FAAD/SHORAD Battalion Operations, Heavy Divisions. 31 March 1992.

FM 44-100 US Army Air Defense Operations. 15 June 1995.

FM 55-2 Division Transportation Operations. 31 January 1985.

FM 55-9 Unit Air Movement Planning. 5 April 1993.

FM 55-10 Movement Control in a Theater of Operations. 8 December 1992.

FM 55-12 Movement of Units in Air Force Aircraft. 12 March 1993.

FM 55-30 Army Motor Transport Units and Operations. 14 March 1980.

FM 55-450-3 Multiservice Helicopter External Air Transport Basic Operations and Equipment.

11 February 1991.

FM 55-450-4 Multiservice Helicopter External Air Transport Single-Point Load Rigging

Procedures. 11 February 1991.

FM 55-450-5 Multiservice Helicopter External Air Transport Dual-Point Load Rigging

Procedures. 11 February 1991.

FM 63-2 Division Support Command, Armored, Infantry, and Mechanized Infantry

Divisions. 20 May 1991.

FM 63-2-1 Division Support Command Light Infantry, Airborne, and Air Assault Divisions.

16 November 1992.

FM 63-6 Combat Service Support in Low-Intensity Conflict. 21 January 1992.

FM 63-20 Forward Support Battalion. 26 February 1990.

FM 63-21 Main Support Battalion. 7 August 1990.

FM 71-100 Division Operations. 28 August 1996.

FM 71-100-1 Armor and Mechanized Division Operations Tactics, Techniques, and

Procedures, final draft, May 1993.

FM 71-100-2 Infantry Division Operations, Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures. 

31 August 1993.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS

References-8

FM 71-100-3 Air Assault Division Operations, Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures. 

29 October 1996.

FM 71-123 Tactics and Techniques for Combined Arms Heavy Forces: Armored Brigade,

Battalion/Task Force, and Company/Team. 30 September 1992.

FM 90-4 Air Assault Operations. 16 March 1987.

FM 90-7 Combined Arms Obstacle Integration. 29 September 1994.

FM 90-8 Counterguerrilla Operations. 9 August 1986.

FM 90-10 Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain. 15 August 1979.

FM 90-10-1 An Infantryman's Guide to Combat in Built-Up Areas. 12 May 1993.

FM 90-13 River Crossing Operations. 30 September 1992.

FM 90-13-1 Combined Arms Breaching Operations. 28 February 1991.

FM 90-26 Airborne Operations. 18 December 1990.

FM 90-29 Noncombatant Evacuation Operations. 17 October 1994.

FM 100-5 Operations. 14 June 1993.

FM 100-6 Information Operations. 27 August 1996.

FM 100-7 Decisive Force: The Army in Theater Operations. 31 May 1995.

FM 100-8 The Army in Multinational Operations, draft, August 1996.

FM 100-9 Reconstitution. 13 January 1992.

FM 100-10 Combat Service Support. 3 October 1995.

FM 100-13 Battlefield Coordination Detachment (BCD). 12 April 1996.

FM 100-15 Corps Operations. 29 October 1996.

FM 100-15-1 Corps Operations Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures, initial draft, June 1996.

FM 100-16 Support Operations: Echelons Above Corps. 31 May 1995.

FM 100-17 Mobilization, Deployment, Redeployment, Demobilization, final draft, 

February 1995.

FM 100-20 Military Operations in Low Intensity Conflict. 5 December 1990.

FM 100-23 Peace Operations. 30 December 1994.

FM 100-25 Doctrine for Army Special Operations Forces. 12 December 1991.

FM 100-30 Nuclear Operations. 29 October 1996.
FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

References-9

FM 100-40 Army Tactics, initial draft, April 1996.

FM 100-103 Army Airspace Command and Control in a Combat Zone. 7 October 1987.

FM 100-103-1 Multiservice Procedures for Integrated Combat Airspace Command Control. 

5 October 1994.

FM 100-103-2 TAGS Multiservice Procedures for the Theater Air-Ground System. 31 October 

1994.

FM 101-5 Staff Organization and Operations. 31 May 1997.

FM 101-10-1/1 Staff Officers Field Manual Organizational, Technical, and Logistical Data. 

7 October 1987.

FM 101-10-1/2 Staff Officers Field Manual Organizational, Technical, and Logistical Data 

Planning Factors. 7 October 1987.

FM 701-58 Planning Logistic Support for Military Operations. 27 May 1987.

MARINE CORPS PUBLICATIONS

FMFRP 0-14 Marine Corps Supplement to the DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated

Terms. 27 January 1994.

NOTE: STANAGS may be obtained from the Navy Publications and Forms Directorate, 5801 Tabor

Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19120-5099. Use DD Form 1425 to requisition documents.

FM 101-5-1

MCRP 5-2A

By Order of the Secretary of the Army:

 DENNIS J. REIMER

General, United States Army

 Chief of Staff

Official:

JOEL B. HUDSON

Administrative Assistant to the

 Secretary of the Army

 

By direction of the Commandant of the Marine Corps:

 PAUL K. VAN RIPER

 Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps

 Commanding General

 Marine Corps Combat Develoopment Command

DISTRIBUTION:

Active Army, Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve: To be distributed in accordance with the initial

distribution number 110515, requirements for FM 101-5.

MARINE CORPS: PCN 144000008 00
MARINE CORPS: PCN 144000008 00