24 September 2008

Meteorological and

Oceanographic Operations

Joint Publication 3-59
PREFACE 

i 

1. Scope 

 This publication sets forth the joint doctrine for the planning and execution of 

¶meteorological and oceanographic operations in support of joint operations throughout 

the range ¶of military operations. 

2. Purpose 

 This publication has been prepared under the direction of the Chairman of the Joint 

Chiefs ¶of Staff. It sets forth joint doctrine to govern the activities and performance of the 

Armed Forces ¶of the United States in joint operations and provides the doctrinal basis for 

interagency ¶coordination and for US military involvement in multinational operations. It 

provides military ¶guidance for the exercise of authority by combatant commanders and 

other joint force ¶commanders and prescribes joint doctrine for operations, education, and 

training. It provides military guidance for use by the Armed Forces in preparing their 

appropriate plans. It ¶is not the intent of this publication to restrict the authority of the 

JFC from organizing the force ¶and executing the mission in a manner the JFC deems 

most appropriate to ensure unity of effort ¶in the accomplishment of the overall objective. 

3. Application 

a. Joint doctrine established in this publication applies to the Joint Staff, 

commanders of ¶combatant commands, subunified commands, joint task forces, 

subordinate components of these ¶commands, and the Services. 

b. The guidance in this publication is authoritative; as such, this doctrine will be 

followed ¶except when, in the judgment of the commander, exceptional circumstances 

dictate otherwise. If ¶conflicts arise between the contents of this publication and the 

contents of Service publications, ¶this publication will take precedence unless the 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, normally ¶in coordination with the other members 

of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has provided more current ¶and specific guidance. 

Commanders of forces operating as part of a multinational (alliance or ¶coalition) military 

command should follow multinational doctrine and procedures ratified by the ¶United States. 
Preface 

 JP 3-59 ii 

For doctrine and procedures not ratified by the United States, commanders should 

¶evaluate and follow the multinational command’s doctrine and procedures, where 

applicable and ¶consistent with US law, regulations, and doctrine. 

 For the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: 

STANLEY A. MCCHRYSTAL 

Lieutenant General, USA 

Director, Joint Staff 
SUMMARY OF CHANGES 

REVISION OF JOINT PUBLICATION 3-59 

DATED 24 MARCH 1999 

iii

• Eliminates non-doctrinal information related to METOC tactics, techniques, 

and procedures.

• Eliminates separate appendices on SMO/JMO Involvement in Planning, 

METOC Letters of Instruction, METOC Data Sources from Non-METOC 

Operations, Joint Operations Area Forecast, Examples of METOC 

Information Requirements and Responsibilities Within a Joint Force, 

METOC Impacts to Selected Operations, Notional Joint METOC Forecast 

Unit Operation, Communication, Deployable METOC Equipment, METOC 

Dial-In Bulletin Board and Web-Based Systems, and METOC Forecast 

Center and incorporates doctrine-related information into main 

text. 

• Establishes an appendix (Appendix A) providing support requirements and 

responsibilities in multinational operations. 

• Establishes an appendix (Appendix B) providing support requirements and 

responsibilities in interagency METOC coordination within the United 

States. 

• Establishes an appendix (Appendix D) providing procedures on location 

identifiers. 

• Updates the appendices on METOC Information and Annexes in Operation 

Plans. 

• Introduces the two primary functions of joint METOC operations as 

characterization of the environment and exploitation of environmental 

information. 

• Updates and establishes the METOC principles of accuracy, consistency, 

relevancy, and timeliness and eliminates the previous terms of unity of effort, 

readiness, and effectives 

• Expands on the five core processes of METOC operations to collect, analyze, 

predict, tailor, and integrate METOC data, information, and knowledge. 

• Modifies the definition for METOC sensing strategy and introduces the 

METOC collection plan concept. 

• Updates the discussion on nontraditional sources of METOC data and moves 

material from the former Appendix D to the main text. 
Summary of Changes 

iv JP 3-59 

• Replaces the term “joint METOC forecast unit (JMFU)” with “joint 

METOC coordination cell (JMCC).” 

• Replaces the term “METOC forecast center (MFC)” with “Joint METOC 

Coordination Organization (JMCO).” 

• Establishes a new term and definition for “METOC operations support 

community (MOSC).” 

• Updates SMO / JMO duties and JMCC operations. 

• Introduces the Joint METOC Board as an authoritative forum for joint 

METOC issues. 

• Incorporates and updates the “joint operation planning” process as it 

pertains to METOC operations planning and execution. 

• Expands on the METOC responsibilities and operational focus during the 

deployment, employment, and redeployment key processes. 

• Introduces METOC support to humanitarian crisis and civil support 

operations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

v 

PAGE 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................... vii 

CHAPTER I 

 INTRODUCTION 

• Overview ........................................................................................................................ I-1 

• Understanding Meteorological and Oceanographic ...................................................... I-2 

• Key Functions ................................................................................................................ I-2 

• Meteorological and Oceanographic Principles .............................................................. I-4 

CHAPTER II 

 METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC OPERATIONS 

• Introduction .................................................................................................................. II-1 

SECTION A. CHARACTERIZATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ............................... II-1 

• Overview ...................................................................................................................... II-1 

• Collection ..................................................................................................................... II-1 

• Analysis ....................................................................................................................... II-2 

• Prediction ..................................................................................................................... II-3 

SECTION B. ENVIRONMENTAL EXPLOITATION .................................................... II-3 

• Overview ...................................................................................................................... II-3 

• Tailoring ...................................................................................................................... II-3 

• Integration .................................................................................................................... II-3 

SECTION C. 

 NONTRADITIONAL SOURCES OF METEOROLOGICAL AND 

 OCEANOGRAPHIC DATA ....................................................................................... II-5 

• Summary of Nontraditional Meteorological and Oceanographic Data Sources ......... II-5 

CHAPTER III 

 METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC FORCES 

• Introduction ................................................................................................................. III-1

• Meteorological and Oceanographic Organizations and Staffs ................................... III-1 

• Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations: Roles and Responsibilities ............. III-3 

• Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations: Education and Training ................. III-7 

• Service and Functional Component Meteorological and Oceanographic Forces ....... III-8 

CHAPTER IV 

 METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC OPERATIONS IN JOINT 

 OPERATION PLANNING 

• Introduction ................................................................................................................. IV-1 
Table of Contents 

vi JP 3-59 

• Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations in Joint Operation Planning ............ IV-1 

CHAPTER V 

 EXECUTION OF METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC FORCES IN 

JOINT OPERATIONS 

• General ......................................................................................................................... V-1 

• Deployment .................................................................................................................. V-1 

• Employment ................................................................................................................. V-2 

• Redeployment .............................................................................................................. V-8 

APPENDICES 

 A Support Requirements and Responsibilities in Multinational Operations ............ A-1

 B Support Requirements and Responsibilities in Interagency Coordination 

 Within the United States ....................................................................................... B-1 

 C Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations Information and Annexes in 

 Operation Plans .................................................................................................... C-1 

 D Location Identifiers ............................................................................................... D-1 

 E Meteorological and Oceanographic Impacts on 

 Operations ............................................................................................................ E-1

 F References .............................................................................................................. F-1 

 G Administrative Instructions ................................................................................... G-1 

GLOSSARY 

 Part I Abbreviations and Acronyms ........................................................................ GL-1 

 Part II Terms and Definitions ................................................................................... GL-4 

FIGURE 

 I-1 Key Functions of Joint Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations .............I-3 

 III-1 Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations Support Community.............. III-2 

 III-2 Meteorological and Oceanographic Hierarchy in Support of a 

 Joint Task Force ............................................................................................. III-4 

 IV-1 Joint Operation Planning, Activities, Functions, and Products ....................... IV-3 

 IV-2 Meteorological and Oceanographic Considerations in the Joint 

 Operation Planning Process ........................................................................... IV-6 

 V-1 Examples of Meteorological and Oceanographic Parameters 

 Addressed in the Joint Operations Area Forecast ........................................... V-5 

 V-2 Determining Meteorological and Oceanographic Effectiveness ...................... V-7 
vii 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

COMMANDER’S OVERVIEW 

• Provides an Overview of Joint Meteorological and Oceanographic 

 (METOC) Functions and Principles 

• Discusses Joint METOC Operations 

• Covers METOC Forces 

• Addresses Planning for Joint METOC Operations 

• Describes METOC Operations in Joint Operation Employment 

Overview 

Properly applied, joint 

meteorological and 

oceanographic (METOC) 

operations can provide air, 

land, maritime, space, and 

special operations forces 

with a significant, even 

decisive, advantage over 

our enemies. 

Joint meteorological and oceanographic (METOC) 

operations are critical to a commander’s awareness of the 

operational environment and his ability to exploit that 

awareness to gain an advantage across the range of 

military operations. METOC forces must work 

cooperatively within the Department of Defense (DOD) 

community and across interagency and multinational lines 

and boundaries to share and obtain information to provide 

timely, accurate, relevant, and consistent METOC support 

to the joint force commander (JFC). 

METOC is a term used to convey all meteorological, 

oceanographic, and space environmental factors as 

provided by the Services, support agencies, and other 

sources. 

The principles of 

accuracy, consistency, 

relevancy, and timeliness 

are the cornerstone of 

joint METOC operations. 

Joint METOC operations focus on two primary functions: 

characterization of the environment and exploitation of 

environmental information to gain an operational 

advantage by integrating this information into the 

commander’s decision-making cycle and command and 

control systems. 

By applying the principles of accuracy, consistency, 

relevancy, and timeliness, METOC forces are better 

prepared to support planning and decision making. When 

characterizing the environment, the principles of accuracy 

and consistency are paramount to collection, analysis, and 

prediction processes. The guiding principles of relevancy 
Executive Summary 

viii JP 3-59 

and timeliness are critical in tailoring and integrating 

METOC products for the commander. 

Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations 

The METOC community 

supports and enhances the 

full range of joint military 

operations. 

 

METOC operations depend on continuous characterization 

of the environment. METOC data are collected and then 

analyzed to develop a coherent depiction of the natural 

environment, which is used to provide operational 

battlespace awareness and to predict the future state of the 

natural environment. 

Environmental exploitation is composed of two processes: 

tailoring information to support the specific operational 

requirements and integrating the tailored forecast into 

operation planning and execution. 

METOC data is available 

from nontraditional 

sources. 

Nontraditional METOC data can be gathered from diverse 

DOD manned organic units, unmanned systems, and from 

various intelligence sensor bases. These additional data are 

critical to supplementing the METOC database from 

which the various METOC echelons derive analysis and 

forecast products. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air 

Force, and Special Operations Forces have resources 

that provide supplemental reports of METOC conditions. 

Although these data aid the joint METOC coordination 

cell in building a coherent METOC picture, joint METOC 

officers must be sensitive to operations security 

considerations when incorporating this data into the 

METOC collection plan. 

Meteorological and Oceanographic Forces 

The combatant 

commander is ultimately 

responsible for the 

direction of METOC 

assets in their AOR. 

The combatant commander (CCDR) is ultimately 

responsible for the direction of METOC assets within their 

area of responsibility. The JFC should direct and 

coordinate the activities of the METOC assets under the 

JFC’s operational control to ensure unity of effort. Each 

CCDR should designate a senior METOC officer (SMO) 

to coordinate all METOC operations within the area of 

responsibility or functional responsibility. 

The JFC should designate a joint METOC officer (JMO) 

immediately upon initiation of planning to serve on the 

JFC staff as the JFC METOC advisor. The JMO plays a 

critical role in preparing for the success of the joint force 
Executive Summary 

ix 

mission by supporting all aspects of planning, deployment 

and employment. 

METOC operations support community is an 

overarching term to describe the units/organizations 

available to the SMO/JMO. The joint METOC 

coordination organization (JMCO) is the organization 

designated by the tasked Service or Service component to 

provide or arrange for direct support to the JTF. The joint 

METOC coordination cell (JMCC) is designated and/or 

formed as a subordinate section by the JMCO; its 

responsibilities are to provide support to the JTF on a dayto-day basis. 

Component METOC officers best know the capabilities 

their forces bring to an operation and how those 

capabilities can help attain the JFC’s objectives and mesh 

with the METOC forces of the other components. Based 

on their component’s mission, and overall guidance from 

the SMO or JMO, METOC officers plan, coordinate, and 

evaluate the METOC support requirements for their 

component. 

Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations in Joint Operation Planning 

In planning for joint 

operations, METOC 

requirements depend on 

the joint force 

commander’s (JFC’s) 

operational needs. 

During joint operation planning, METOC support includes 

integrating global, regional, and locally produced METOC 

products as well as data and products received from 

supporting agencies and reliable indigenous sources. The 

SMO incorporates this assessment into a comprehensive 

sensing strategy and includes it in applicable theater plans. 

Integration of METOC information is essential throughout 

the process to ensure a supportable plan is developed. The 

impact and need for METOC information is important to 

both contingency and crisis action planning processes. 

The joint operation planning process (JOPP) is a planning 

model that establishes procedures for analyzing a mission; 

developing, analyzing, and comparing courses of action 

(COAs) to criteria of success and to each other; selecting 

the optimum COA; and producing a plan or order. 

METOC and its effects are critical to the success of JOPP. 

Exploiting this information allows the warfighter to take 

advantage of METOC conditions and minimize impacts of 

adverse conditions to gain an advantage. The SMO/JMO 

must completely understand the assigned mission and 
Executive Summary 

x JP 3-59 

provide tailored products during each step of the process 

to ensure success. 

Finally, joint intelligence preparation of the operational 

environment (JIPOE) is the analytical process to produce 

intelligence assessments, estimates, and other intelligence 

products. The SMO/JMO analyzes the military aspects of 

the METOC environment and then evaluates its direct and 

indirect effects on military operations. A part of JIPOE, 

geospatial intelligence is critically important to successful 

military operations planning, and METOC data is 

considered an intelligence layer of the geospatial 

intelligence information base. 

Execution of Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations in Joint Operations 

In joint operations 

employment, METOC 

must be responsive to JFC 

requirements.

METOC support normally begins well prior to force 

deployment and often ends after redeployment of the joint 

force is complete. METOC forces, databases, products, 

and equipment must be responsive to the requirements of 

the JFC and should be maintained to a degree of readiness 

that ensures immediate employment capability. The 

JMCC is the cornerstone of METOC operations support. 

Under the JMO’s guidance, the JMCC combines multiple 

source METOC information with operational information 

to generate the joint operations area forecast (JOAF). The 

JOAF is the official baseline forecast for operational 

planning and mission execution within the joint operations 

area. 

CONCLUSION 

This publication sets forth the joint doctrine for the planning 

and execution of meteorological and oceanographic 

operations in support of joint operations throughout the 

range of military operations. 
CHAPTER I 

INTRODUCTION

I-1 

1. Overview 

a. Joint meteorological and oceanographic (METOC) operations are critical to a 

commander’s awareness of the operational environment and his ability to exploit that 

awareness to gain an advantage across the range of military operations. Few military 

endeavors, including those of our adversaries, are immune to the effects of the natural 

environment. Neglected or ignored, the natural environment and its effects can 

negatively impact even the most carefully planned and executed campaigns and 

operations. Properly applied, joint METOC operations can provide our air, land, 

maritime, space, and special operations forces with a significant, even decisive, 

advantage over our enemies. 

b. METOC forces must work cooperatively within the Department of Defense 

(DOD) community and across interagency and multinational lines to share and obtain 

information to provide timely, accurate, relevant, and consistent METOC support to the 

joint force commander (JFC). The lines of responsibility and authority for the collection 

and production of METOC information are sometimes blurred. It is imperative joint 

METOC forces establish roles and responsibilities during the planning process in order to 

achieve consistency resulting in “one operation, one forecast.” 

“ONE OPERATION, ONE FORECAST” 

Every forecaster has their own calculus, and it is a rare day when two or more 

can completely agree on a forecast. But coordinating military actions within a 

theater requires a coordinated METOC (meteorological and oceanographic) view. 

This need is expressed in joint METOC by the phrase “One Operation, One 

Forecast.” At no time was this more evident than during the planning for the 

Allied assault in Normandy that was Operation OVERLORD. 

“June 4, 1944. Group Captain J. M. Stagg of the RAF (Royal Air Force) must 

provide Ike with the final piece of information he needs to launch OVERLORD – 

one that no one could control or keep secret. What will the weather be like on DDay? 

To help him answer that crucial question, Stagg had six different weather 

services (American and British land, sea, and air) feeding him information. On 

the morning of June 4, to his dismay, he had six distinct weather predictions to 

pick from... He made up his own prediction, one that drew upon all the others 

but was uniquely his. Despite the intense storm of June 4, Stagg predicted a 

break in the weather for June 6. Ike trusted his source. He decided to take the 

risk and go.” 

Stephen Ambrose and Richard Immerman. 

Ike’s Spies: Eisenhower and the Espionage Establishment. 

Jackson MS: University Press of Mississippi, 1999 

“Know yourself, know your enemy; Your victory will never be endangered. 

Know the ground, know the weather; Your victory will then be total...” 

Sun Tzu, Chinese General, 500 B.C.
Chapter I 

 JP 3-59 I-2 

c. This publication describes how METOC capabilities should be employed through 

all phases of joint operations. It describes the capabilities, roles, functions, planning 

considerations, and integration concepts of each METOC element within the joint force. 

2. Understanding Meteorological and Oceanographic 

METOC is a term used to convey all meteorological, oceanographic, and space 

environmental factors as provided by the Services, support agencies, and other sources. 

These factors include the whole range of atmospheric (weather) and oceanographic 

phenomena, from the sub-bottom of the Earth’s oceans up to the top of the atmosphere and 

the space environment (space weather). 

a. Atmospheric phenomena include not only conditions at a given point and time, but 

also long-term climatic averages of conditions and hazards to operations such as volcanic 

ash, dust or icing/turbulence. 

b. Oceanographic phenomena typically include the physical characteristics of the ocean 

such as waves, tides, and currents. However, from a military perspective, oceanography 

also includes biological factors (e.g., marine mammals), bathymetry, hydrography, 

geophysics, astrometry and precise time. 

c. Space weather phenomena typically include solar flares, radio bursts, and 

disturbances in the earth’s magnetic field and ionosphere, impacting military capabilities 

and operations by degrading communications and inducing electrical effects on spacecraft 

systems. 

d. For the purposes of this publication, METOC information is treated differently than 

METOC data. METOC data is manipulated and processed to become METOC information. 

Human judgment and intelligence then places this METOC information into the specific 

context of the mission to optimize military decision-making and operations, creating 

METOC knowledge. 

3. Key Functions 

a. A complete and thorough use of the full range of METOC information is essential 

to every facet of joint operations. Conversely, failing to consider the effects of METOC 

conditions can negatively impact operations and put lives and resources at risk. An 

accurate, consistent, and relevant characterization of the atmospheric, maritime, 

terrestrial, and space environment integrated into operation planning in a timely manner 

can provide commanders with the METOC knowledge necessary to anticipate and exploit 

the best window of opportunity to plan, execute, support, and sustain specific operations. 

Exploiting METOC information during operational planning and continuing through 

mission execution helps ensure the optimum employment of sensors, weapons, logistics, 

equipment, and personnel and is key to successful execution of military operations. 

Further, since all weapons and sensor systems can be influenced by the environment, 

accounting for METOC effects on both friendly and enemy operations during joint 
Introduction 

I-3

intelligence preparation of the operational environment (JIPOE) provides the commander 

battlespace awareness and thus enhances decision-making. Joint METOC operations 

focus on two primary functions (see Figure I-1): 

(1) Characterization of the environment. 

(2) Exploitation of environmental information to gain an operational advantage 

and ensure the safety of operational forces. 

b. Characterizing the environment consists of three core processes: collecting static 

and dynamic data, analyzing current and past conditions from that data, and predicting

future environmental conditions. METOC forces provide critical value by exploiting 

environmental information through two processes: tailoring information to meet the 

operational requirements of a particular joint force and integrating this information into 

KEY FUNCTIONS OF JOINT METEOROLOGICAL 

AND OCEANOGRAPHIC OPERATIONS

Key Function: Key Function:

CHARACTERIZE EXPLOIT

Global

Regional

Local

Strategic

Operational

Tactical

DATA

REPOSITORY

Accuracy Consistency Relevancy Timeliness

Geographic

Scope

Geographic

Scope

INTEGRATE

MITIGATE & EXPLOIT

Department 

Of Defense

Sources

NonDepartment 

Of Defense

Sources

COLLECT 

ANALYZE 

PREDICT

Tailor

Tailor

Tailor

Figure I-1. Key Functions of Joint Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations
Chapter I 

 JP 3-59 I-4 

the commander’s decision-making cycle and command and control (C2) systems. Each 

of these processes is described in greater detail in Chapter II, “Meteorological and 

Oceanographic Operations.” Figure I-1 illustrates these processes in a conceptual model 

of joint METOC operations that spans the range of geographic scope and also the range 

of decision-making. 

4. Meteorological and Oceanographic Principles 

a. General. The principles of accuracy, consistency, relevancy, and timeliness are 

the cornerstone of joint METOC operations. By applying these principles, METOC 

forces are better prepared to support planning and decision-making. When characterizing 

the environment, the principles of accuracy and consistency are paramount to collection, 

analysis, and prediction processes. The guiding principles of relevancy and timeliness are 

critical in tailoring and integrating METOC products for the commander. 

b. Accuracy. METOC information must be measurably correct, convey an 

appreciation of the environment and the conditions as they actually exist, and predict the 

best possible forecast of future environmental conditions and impacts based on sound 

judgment. Joint forces depend on accurate METOC information to plan and direct their 

operations. Inaccurate information can cost lives, undermine the successful execution of 

a mission, waste resources, and impair readiness. This is true across the range of military 

operations. All of the following affect the accuracy of METOC information: the 

capability to collect data within the area of interest (AOI) with sufficient spatial and 

temporal coverage to provide operational battlespace awareness and model and forecast 

the METOC conditions; limitations of METOC data collection equipment and 

instrumentation; limitations of numerical modeling of the physical environment; the 

perishable nature of METOC data; and human error. The impact these factors have on 

forecast accuracy should be explained to the JFC to enable the JFC to weigh these factors 

when making decisions based on METOC information. 

c. Consistency. Joint METOC operations should provide operational forces at all 

echelons with consistent information regarding the state of the natural environment, as per 

the “one operation, one forecast” concept. METOC information supporting a JFC’s 

decision usually comes from multiple sources. Within a joint force there must be unity of 

effort to ensure METOC forces produce, access, and incorporate the same basic set of 

data in developing METOC products applied at global, regional, and local levels, in order 

to ensure similar results. Natural environment information provided to commanders at all 

echelons should therefore be spatially and temporally consistent across the AOI. 

Collaboration and coordination between functional and component METOC forces are 

required when supporting any level of joint operations and especially when METOC 

conditions will impact the ability of one operational unit to support a larger operation (e.g., 

close air support [CAS] to ground maneuver forces, carrier air wing support to littoral 

operations). 

d. Relevancy. This principle requires the joint force users to communicate their 

specific requirements for content, form, medium, presentation, timeliness, and frequency 
Introduction 

I-5

of delivery, and asks METOC personnel to satisfy these requirements. It influences the 

joint force’s current, planned, and alternative courses of action (COAs) at each level of 

responsibility. Each operation requires tailored METOC information so the user can 

quickly identify and apply relevant information without additional analysis or 

manipulation. It is also important that the METOC collections, analyses, and predictions 

provide value to the particular operation for which they are provided. 

e. Timeliness. METOC operations are only effective when the combatant 

commander (CCDR) and subordinate JFCs, as well as functional or Service component 

commanders, receive accurate METOC information in time to consider its impact and 

apply it effectively within their decision-making cycle. METOC forces must also 

provide the latest available METOC information and knowledge to decision makers 

throughout the decision cycle and all phases of joint operations. Reliable communication 

links among all METOC forces are required to support and sustain the timely 

dissemination of METOC information and are essential to the overall capability of 

METOC forces. 

METOC ATTRIBUTES 

Accuracy: The attribute of nearness to the truth. 

Consistency: The attribute of incorporating information from the same, jointlyaccepted, spatial and temporal sources. 

Relevancy: The attribute of data and information whose significance is quickly 

identified and applied without additional analysis or manipulation. 

Timeliness: The attribute of conveying representative data and information at 

opportune moments to influence the decision making process. 

METOC FUNCTIONS 

Collect: The ability to sense, acquire, and observe meteorological, 

oceanographic and space environmental data. 

Analyze: The ability to transform meteorological, oceanographic and space 

environmental data into information. 

Predict: The ability to describe the anticipated future state of the 

meteorological, oceanographic and space environment. 

Tailor: The ability to derive relevant information from environmental 

parameters for decision making. 

Integrate: The ability to enable decision-makers to anticipate environmental 

impacts on planned operations, and then mitigate or exploit those 

conditions. 
Chapter I 

 JP 3-59 I-6 

Intentionally Blank 
CHAPTER II 

¶METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC OPERATIONS 

II-1 

1. Introduction 

This chapter describes the primary operations the METOC community performs, as 

well as those of nonstandard METOC sources, to support and enhance the full range of joint 

military operations. METOC operations are actions taken by joint forces to first 

characterize the environment and to then exploit environmental information. The next 

two sections describe several processes supporting these key METOC functions. 

SECTION A. CHARACTERIZATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 

2. Overview 

 METOC operations depend on continuous characterization of the environment. 

METOC data are collected by various sensors and personnel throughout the operational 

environment, and then analyzed to develop a coherent depiction of the natural 

environment, which is used to provide operational battlespace awareness and to predict 

the future state of the natural environment. Because of the rapidly changing natural 

environment, METOC data are perishable and must be continuously collected, analyzed, 

and disseminated in order to develop predictions. 

3. Collection 

a. Successful joint operations depend on timely, accurate, and reliable METOC data. 

METOC personnel collect environmental measurements from air, land, maritime, and space, 

using on-site and remote sensing platforms. These data populate theater, regional, and 

global databases from which METOC services and products are produced, providing the 

foundation for effective METOC operations. During joint operation planning and 

operations, a sensing strategy and a collection plan must be developed. The sensing strategy 

leverages all possible instruments of national power to meet the CCDR’s ongoing METOC 

situational awareness requirements and is included in theater plans. It includes organic 

DOD METOC data collection capabilities and identifies gaps in DOD METOC collection. 

Non-DOD METOC data also may be available and used if it is determined to be sufficiently 

timely, accurate, and reliable to supplement DOD METOC assets and to incorporate into 

theater METOC processes. The collection plan must be developed and implemented to 

orchestrate the timing, distribution of collection sites, and efforts of all components within 

the joint force. A complete plan will foster unity of effort while optimizing data collection, 

dissemination, and integration into METOC products from indigenous and national sources. 

“It is not enough to just understand and predict the air-ocean environment. 

We must transform that understanding into knowledge of how that 

environment will impact our sensors, platforms, and people, and 

communicate the opportunities and constraints afforded by the environment.” 

Rear Admiral Tim McGee, US Navy 

Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, 2006 
Chapter II 

II-2 JP 3-59 

Spreading observational resources across an AOI to obtain optimum coverage will 

significantly improve the quality of METOC services. METOC collection plans will 

normally be published in annex H (Meteorological and Oceanographic Services) of 

operations plans (OPLANs)/operations orders (OPORDs).

For additional information on non-DOD METOC data, refer to Chairman of the Joint 

Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 3810.01B, Meteorological and Oceanographic 

Operations. 

b. Nontraditional Collection Sources augment standard METOC collection 

capabilities, particularly in remote or data-sparse AOIs or operations. This information 

significantly enhances commander’s operational battlespace awareness, production center 

modeling efforts and generation of tailored tactical forecast products. Commanders 

should emphasize these nontraditional METOC collection efforts throughout an operation 

because such data may provide the critical, or possibly the only, piece of METOC 

information pivotal to mission success. Service-specific nontraditional sources of 

METOC data collectors are summarized in Section C, “Nontraditional Sources of 

Meteorological and Oceanographic Data,” of this chapter. 

4. Analysis 

 METOC production facilities, reachback centers, and on-scene METOC personnel 

interpret, fuse, and evaluate collected data and information to develop forecasts and 

recommendations in support of operational requirements and decisions. Analysis 

products provide coherent, integrated depictions of the past and current state of the 

natural environment over specific regions. Analysis transforms raw environmental data 

into useful METOC information and enables production of accurate forecasts of the 

environment. It enables identification of significant METOC features and conditions, 

which may require further study and monitoring to determine impacts on operations, 

based on METOC thresholds and sensitivities, as discussed below in paragraph 7, 

“Tailoring.” METOC information is processed and assimilated into inputs for decisionmaking and predictions. 

5. Prediction 

a. Overview. Through the use of numerical models, expert systems, and human 

judgment, METOC forces describe the anticipated future state of the meteorological, 

oceanographic, and space environment. Forecasts, computer and human based, include 

temporal and spatial assessments of atmospheric, terrestrial, marine, and space 

environmental features and associated elements. 

b. Numerical Models. Physics-based simulations of the environment carried out on 

high-speed computer processors develop solutions of complex mathematical or statistical 

calculations representing the time evolution of the METOC environment. Various modeling

methods provide ranges of certainty and confidence in their characterization of the 

environment. 
Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations 

II-3

c. Expert Systems. Automated problem-solving techniques, which simulate human 

skill and apply statistical analysis, rapidly post-process METOC parameters in order to 

provide additional fidelity within the net-centric data repository. 

SECTION B. ENVIRONMENTAL EXPLOITATION 

6. Overview 

 Environmental exploitation is composed of two processes: tailoring predicted data to 

meet specific operational requirements and integrating the tailored forecast into operation 

planning and execution. 

7. Tailoring 

a. Overview. A key role of METOC forces is to support the decision-making 

process of the JFC and assigned forces through application of forecast products tailored 

to their operational requirements. It is not enough to just understand and predict the air, 

land, maritime, and space environments; that understanding must be transformed into 

relevant operational knowledge of how that environment will impact joint operations, 

sensors, platforms, and people. 

b. Operational Support to Decision Makers. METOC forces tailor information 

into actionable decision aid and mission execution/planning forecast products often by 

applying METOC parameter thresholds specific to a mission, platform, or system. 

Decision-makers typically identify these operational-impacting METOC thresholds, 

providing a baseline for weather effects decision aid rules. Effective tailoring requires 

METOC personnel to thoroughly understand how air, land, maritime, and space 

environments impact operations. 

c. Feedback. METOC forces should actively engage with their supported unit and 

solicit feedback on the timeliness, consistency, accuracy, and relevance of their support. 

Feedback should be used to improve processes and may drive changes to how support is 

integrated into joint operations. 

8. Integration 

a. Overview. Integration of METOC information into planning and decision-making 

processes allows the JFC and assigned forces to optimize use of weapons, platforms, and 

people while marginalizing the benefit of the environment for the adversary, thereby 

creating an asymmetrical advantage for friendly forces. Effective integration of METOC 

information aids the planning of joint military operations and enables commanders to 

anticipate and then mitigate or exploit environmental impacts on planned operations. 

Commanders should ensure environmental impacts on operations and intelligence are fully 

integrated into planning and decision-making processes and C2 systems. Continuous 

coordination between JFC and Service component METOC staffs ensure all available and 
Chapter II 

II-4 JP 3-59 

relevant METOC information and resources, including indigenous assets, are properly 

considered and made available for use by the joint force. 

b. Requirements. METOC information directly supports joint operations by 

identifying METOC effects that influence planning, force posture, and structure, as well 

as targeting, timing, maneuver, tactics, techniques, and procedures. METOC personnel 

address METOC-related commander’s critical information requirements and other 

requirements. They coordinate across staff functions to identify and document applicable 

critical environmental thresholds to acquire a complete and thorough understanding of 

METOC impacts to the mission. 

c. Communications. Effective integration means getting accurate, consistent, 

relevant, and timely information to the appropriate decision authority to anticipate, react, 

respond, or adapt to any METOC conditions that may impact operations. Integration in 

the joint environment includes evaluation and dissemination of METOC information 

across all security enclaves and through common architectures and machine-to-machine 

interfaces. Timeliness is critical to effective integration; therefore, METOC operations 

rely on robust, assured communications. Environmental information is most effective 

when it is incorporated early into C2 processes, which allow individual decision makers 

to fuse relevant METOC impacts with other operational information tailored to their 

mission. 

d. Net Centricity. The integration process requires continuous information 

management and the ability to package and post products which are discoverable and 

accessible in near-real time. 

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM 

25-27 March 2003 

During the American-led march to Baghdad, meteorological and 

oceanographic forces predicted the onset of widespread sandstorms in southcentral Iraq. Commanders seized the moment and quickly integrated this 

environmental information into their operational planning. Scheduled 

missions were modified or cancelled, and new ones were added. Weapons 

systems vulnerable to the expected conditions were switched out in favor of 

those that could overcome the degrading effects of persistent strong winds 

that produced blowing sand and near-zero visibilities up to several thousand 

feet over the operational area. 

Various Sources 
Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations 

II-5

SECTION C. NONTRADITIONAL SOURCES OF METEOROLOGICAL AND 

OCEANOGRAPHIC DATA 

9. Summary of Nontraditional Meteorological and Oceanographic Data Sources 

a. Overview. This section summarizes METOC data available from nontraditional 

sources (METOC force supplied data is described in Chapter II, Section A, 

“Characterization of the Environment”, and Chapter III, paragraph 5, “Service and 

Functional Component Meteorology and Oceanography Forces”). Nontraditional 

METOC data can be gathered from diverse DOD manned organic units, unmanned 

systems, and from various intelligence sensor bases. These additional data are critical to 

supplementing the METOC database from which the various METOC echelons derive 

analysis and forecast products. 

b. Army Forces (ARFOR). The Army has organic resources that provide 

supplemental reports of METOC conditions. These Army elements possess a limited 

measuring capability designed to meet their own immediate needs and to meet the 

requirements of Army Regulation (AR) 115-10/Air Force Joint Instruction (AFJI) 15-157, 

Weather Support for the US Army. Since Army units are mobile, locations must be included 

as part of the METOC report; consequently, US Classification Guides may require these 

reports to be classified and transmitted over secure communications channels. The 

following represents the most significant sources of weather data within the Army tactical 

structure. ¶ 

(1) Air Traffic Control (ATC) Units. ATC units may have weatherobserving instruments to include measurement of surface pressure, temperature, and 

surface wind velocity and direction. In addition, aircrews, flight operations personnel, 

and control tower operators visually estimate horizontal visibility and obstructions to 

visibility. They also observe such special phenomena as lightning, thunderstorms, and 

tornadoes. Control tower operators assigned to ATC units should be trained by Air Force 

METOC personnel to supplement weather situational awareness via the cooperative 

weather watch process. 

(2) Terrain Analysis Team. These teams may provide basic stream flow 

measurements and predictions of river stages and floods. 

(3) Imagery Intelligence Sections. These sections can provide general 

information on visibility, cloud cover, trafficability, and flooding, and also offer 

“In modern warfare, any single system is easy to overcome; combinations of 

systems, with each protecting weak points in others and exposing enemy 

weak points to be exploited by other systems, make for an effective fighting 

force.” 

Vice Admiral Stanley R. Arthur 

Commander, US Naval Forces, Central Command 

Operation DESERT STORM 
Chapter II 

II-6 JP 3-59 

reachback to intelligence community capabilities that could provide valuable sources of 

other METOC information. 

(4) Supplemental Weather Observations Taken by Army Intelligence 

Personnel. The Army is responsible for collecting weather and environmental data from 

areas in which Air Force METOC personnel are not manned, trained, or equipped to 

operate. Brigade and battalion (or equivalent) intelligence officers may be tasked by their 

component to provide supplemental weather observations. Forward Area Limited 

Observing Program (FALOP) is an intelligence staff officer (G-2) program under which 

G-2 and battalion or brigade intelligence staff officer personnel collect forward area 

weather information and transmit the data to US Air Force weather forces. 

For additional information on the FALOP program, refer to Army Field Manual (FM) 

34-81, Weather Support for Army Tactical Operations, Appendix A. 

(5) Aviation Squadrons and/or Brigades. Aircrews provide en route or post 

mission pilot reports (PIREPs). UASs may provide sensed data via digital downlink or as 

deduced by visual imagery. 

(6) Space Support Teams. The Army obtains some space environmental 

information from Army space support teams as well as outside sources, such as the Air 

Force. 

(7) Reconnaissance Units. Army brigade combat teams have chemical, 

biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance vehicles that can provide 

limited meteorological information such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind 

direction. 

(8) Generally, all company-sized units have a field sanitation team that can 

provide temperature, wet bulb, and globe temperature readings, as required to monitor heat 

stress conditions. 

c. Marine Corps Forces (MARFOR). The Marine Corps has additional nonMETOC resources that can provide supplemental METOC condition reports. These 

Marine Corps elements possess a limited sensing capability designed to meet their 

specific operational requirements. Consequently, their METOC observing capabilities 

are supplemental to their primary mission. Since Marine Corps units are expeditionary, 

locations may be included as part of the METOC report; consequently, Marine Corps 

observations are normally classified and transmitted over secure communications 

channels unless otherwise directed. The following represents the most significant sources 

of METOC data within the Marine Corps’ structure. 

(1) Artillery Meteorological (ARTYMET). In general, Marine Corps 

ARTYMET teams provide upper-air observations and artillery limited surface 

observations in the same manner as the Army. ARTYMET sections are equipped to 
Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations 

II-7

perform upper-air observations employing a balloon-sounding method (i.e., rawinsonde 

and/or pilot balloon). 

(2) Marine Air Traffic Control Squadron (MATCS). MATCS have 

limited weather-observing instruments to include measurement of surface pressure, 

temperature, and surface wind velocity and direction. In accordance with (IAW) the 

Navy Meteorology and Oceanography Command Instruction 1500.3, Procedures for 

Qualification and Certification of Navy and Marine Corps Air Traffic Controllers as 

Tower Visibility Observers, MATCS personnel are trained and certified to visually 

estimate horizontal visibility and obstructions to visibility. Additionally, they can 

observe and identify such special phenomena as lightning, thunderstorms, and tornadoes. 

MATCS personnel are trained by Marine Corps METOC personnel to provide weather 

observations for forward operating bases and forward arming and refueling points. 

(3) Reconnaissance Units. Marine Corps reconnaissance units may provide 

limited scope METOC observations through intelligence channels. Additionally, 

reconnaissance units may be tasked through intelligence channels to provide specialized, 

mission critical observations (e.g., measure ice thickness at a river crossing point). 

(4) Imagery Intelligence Sections. These sections, when available, can 

provide imagery information on visibility, cloud cover, battlefield contaminants, and 

flooding. These sections also offer reachback to intelligence community capabilities that 

could provide valuable sources of other METOC information. 

(5) Operating Forces. Some Marine Corps operating forces can provide 

weather observations. Forces such as intelligence (limited weather observation), 

counterintelligence (limited weather observation), aviation squadrons (en route and post 

mission PIREPs), UAS (visual imagery or sensed data via digital downlink), and tank 

battalions (atmospheric pressure and temperature readings) can provide limited weather 

observations when requested through appropriate channels from their operational area. 

As with special operations forces (SOF) described in paragraph 9e below, joint METOC 

officers (JMOs) must be sensitive to operations security (OPSEC) considerations when 

requesting and incorporating this data into their collection plan. 

(6) CBRN Marines. Marines utilizing the Fox-CBRN reconnaissance 

vehicle can provide limited meteorological information such as temperature, humidity, 

wind speed, and wind direction. 

(7) Navy Medical Units Assigned to Marine Corps Units. Per Marine 

Corps Order 6200.1, Marine Corps Heat Injury Prevention Program, wet bulb globe 

temperature index (WBGTI) readings are required to monitor heat stress conditions. 

Navy medical units attached to a Marine unit without a Marine Corps METOC section 

will normally possess and utilize a WBGTI measuring set and can provide temperature, 

wet bulb, and globe temperature readings. 
Chapter II 

II-8 JP 3-59 

d. Navy Forces (NAVFOR)

(1) Surface Ships. All surface combatants (cruisers, destroyers, frigates), 

aircraft carriers, and multipurpose amphibious ships provide surface weather 

observations. Oceanographic depth/temperature profiles are collected when assets are 

available for launching expendable bathythermographs (BTs) based on operational need 

and/or prescribed data collection plan. 

(2) Carrier Air Wing and/or Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Aircrews provide 

METOC observations and PIREPs as specified by their mission, or when required in 

areas of sparse data. BT observations are taken by sonobuoy-equipped aircraft. 

Generally, a minimum of one BT observation is taken during each antisubmarine warfare 

flight and/or in data sparse areas. 

e. Air Force Forces (AFFOR). The most significant non-METOC Air Force 

sources of weather data are aircrews. This is often in the form of PIREPs, Aircraft 

Communication Addressing and Reporting System, or the information is contained in the 

target weather and intelligence report. ATC teams have limited observation capabilities. 

The Air Force also obtains key space environmental information from satellite operations 

squadrons as well as from outside sources, such as universities and research facilities. 

When available, full motion video from a UAS can also be a significant source of data. 

f. Special Operations Forces. Army and Air Force special operations aviation units 

can provide PIREPs to support specific missions. Sensors on SOF’s manned and unmanned 

systems can also provide data of meteorological value, including, but not limited to, that 

from unmanned aerial, maritime, underwater, and ground systems. Limited forward 

weather observations can be taken by special operations forces in denied areas and 

transmitted to the joint special operations task force or next echelon weather element on an 

as required basis. Naval special warfare forces can provide beach profile data as well as surf 

zone observations. Although these data aid the joint METOC coordination cell (JMCC) in 

building a coherent METOC picture, JMOs must be sensitive to OPSEC considerations 

when incorporating this data into the METOC collection plan. 
CHAPTER III 

METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC FORCES 

III-1 

1. Introduction 

 This chapter outlines METOC organizational structure and describes the role of 

key METOC personnel, units, and forces. The CCDR is ultimately responsible for the 

direction of METOC assets within the area of responsibility (AOR). The JFC should direct 

and coordinate the activities of the METOC assets under the JFC’s operational control to 

ensure unity of effort. In some cases, the CCDR may designate the senior METOC officer 

(SMO) as the JFC’s JMO; the appointment of JMOs should be in line with the combatant 

command’s METOC concept of operations (CONOPS). 

2. Meteorological and Oceanographic Organizations and Staffs 

a. Senior METOC Officer. Each CCDR should designate a SMO to coordinate all 

METOC operations within the AOR or functional responsibility. The SMO interacts with 

the CCDR's staff, the combatant command's components, assigned/attached METOC units, 

other CCDR SMOs, and other agencies as applicable to ensure unity of effort. 

b. Joint METOC Officer. The JFC should designate a JMO immediately upon 

initiation of planning to serve on the JFC staff as the JFC METOC advisor. The JMO plays 

a critical role in preparing for the success of the joint force mission by supporting all aspects 

of planning, deployment and employment. The JMO interacts with all the JFC's staff, the 

components of the joint force, regional and coalition (North Atlantic Treaty Organization 

[NATO]) METOC units, and the SMO to optimize METOC operations. 

c. METOC Operations Support Community (MOSC). MOSC is an overarching 

term to describe the units/organizations available to the SMO and/or JMO. As shown in 

Figure III-1, this could include (but would not be limited to) METOC forecast centers, 

oceanographic teams, and operational weather squadrons. METOC personnel assigned to a 

joint task force (JTF) will not normally be sufficient to provide autonomous staff support to 

the JTF without reachback to the MOSC. The SMO/JMO recommends one unit (a subset of 

the MOSC) for designation as the joint METOC coordination organization (JMCO) to 

support a particular JTF and to coordinate the efforts of all other MOSC units to ensure a 

full suite of products and services are available for use by joint forces in support of the JTF. 

d. Joint METOC Coordination Organization. With the advice of the SMO/JMO, 

the commander, JTF (CJTF) may request METOC capability from either within the 

combatant command through a Service component, or outside the combatant command 

through standard tasking channels. The JMCO is the organization designated by the tasked 

Service or Service component to provide or arrange for direct support to the JTF. The 

command relationship between the JTF and the JMCO is that of direct support, with the 

“The Allies...prevailed because of superior meteorologists...” 

President Dwight D. Eisenhower on the D-Day Invasion 
Chapter III 

 JP 3-59 III-2 

CJTF being the supported commander and the JMCO commander being the supporting 

commander. 

Refer to Joint Publication (JP) 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States for 

detailed roles and responsibilities of supported and supporting commanders. 

e. The JMCO is normally designated as the lead METOC organization within the 

OPORD annex H and is responsible for coordinating the activities of all MOSC 

organizations and facilitating METOC operations in support of the JTF. The JMCO should 

also be listed as a supporting organization to the JFC in annex A of the named operation’s 

OPORD. Selection of an organization from within the MOSC to fill the JMCO role 

METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC 

OPERATIONS SUPPORT COMMUNITY

JMCO

JFC

JMO

JMCC

AFWA Air Force Weather 

Agency

FNMOC Fleet Numerical 

Meteorological &

 Oceanographic Center

JFC Joint Force Commander

JMCC Joint METOC 

Coordination Cell 

JMCO Joint METOC 

Coordination 

 Organization

JMO Joint METOC Officer

METOC Meteorological & 

Oceanographic

NAFC Naval Aviation Forecast 

Center

NAVO Naval Oceanographic 

Office

NGO Nongovernmental 

Organization

NMFC Naval Maritime Forecast 

Center

NWS National Weather 

Service

OWS Operational Weather 

Squadron

USNO United States Naval 

Observatory

Wx Weather

14 WS 14th Weather Squadron 

(formerly Combat 

Climatology Center)

Other:

NGO, 

Academia,

Private 

Sector

OWS

Wx

Flight

AFWA

USNO

FNMOC

NWS

14 WS

NAVO

Afloat

METOC

Coalition 

Wx

Service

NMFC/

NAFC

Wx 

Detachment

Figure III-1. Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations Support Community 
Meteorological and Oceanographic Forces 

III-3

depends on location, capabilities, communications connectivity, and operational 

considerations. Potential JMCO production facilities and their capabilities are described in 

the United States Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM)-produced, Joint METOC Handbook, 

to assist the SMO/JMO. 

f. Joint METOC Coordination Cell. The JMCO will normally designate or form a 

subordinate flight or section, known as the JMCC to provide support to the JTF on a day-today basis. Manning of the JMCC will normally be a subset of the hosting METOC unit, 

with multi-service augmentation, as required. As the primary tool for achieving unity of 

effort within the joint operations area (JOA), the JMCC synchronizes and integrates 

pertinent METOC information in the JOA, leveraging component capabilities and virtually 

assembling the appropriate MOSC components to meet joint force requirements. The 

JMCC coordinates support requirements with the SMO/JMO and produces the joint 

operations area forecast (JOAF) and other METOC products as required by the supported 

joint force and staffs, on a battle rhythm established by the JMO supporting the JFC's 

decision cycle. The JMCC and its leadership typically do not deploy to the JOA. The 

JMCC typically provides support to all joint forces and components in the JOA via 

reachback. Figure III-2 illustrates the hierarchy of METOC forces in support of a JTF. 

g. Joint Meteorology and Oceanography Board (JMB). The JMB is an 

authoritative forum established by the Joint Staff Director of Operations to promote and 

develop joint METOC initiatives and to coordinate and collaborate on joint METOC issues. 

The JMB consists of an executive committee, a steering group, and working groups 

representing the Service staffs, Joint Staff, USJFCOM, other combatant commands as 

required, and other DOD agencies, as necessary. 

3. Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations: Roles and Responsibilities 

a. General. The SMO has a wide range of options in acting as the CCDR’s agent 

for developing and executing a METOC CONOPS, identifying METOC information 

requirements, and ensuring unity of effort in METOC operations. 

(1) The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), Service, CCDR, 

subordinate JFC, SMO, and JMO responsibilities for joint METOC operations are 

provided in CJCSI 3810.01B, Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations. SMO and 

JMO duties and responsibilities are further detailed in this publication. 

(2) The duties of the SMO and JMO are similar and complementary during 

the planning and execution of joint operations. The SMO supports the CCDR in the 

development and maintenance of established OPLANs and concept plans (CONPLANs), 

while the JMO supports a JFC in executing a specific mission and/or task by either 

modifying an existing plan or developing a new one. In all stages of time-phased force 

and deployment data (TPFDD) development, the SMO and/or JMO need to work with 

planners to ensure the appropriate mix of Service METOC personnel and equipment are 

identified for the joint operation. SMO and JMO duties and relationships are discussed 

below. 
Chapter III 

 JP 3-59 III-4 

b. SMO Duties. During the planning and execution of joint operations, the SMO’s 

duties typically include, but are not limited to: 

(1) Developing a METOC sensing strategy that leverages Department of State, 

Department of Commerce, and other federal departments and agencies, as necessary. 

(2) Developing an initial METOC collection plan, based on the sensing strategy, 

during operation and contingency planning. 

METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC 

HIERARCHY IN SUPPORT OF JOINT TASK FORCE

ENTITY SCOPE DESIGNATED 

BY

SMO

JMO

JMCO

JMCC

MOSC

CCDR's Senior METOC Officer

CJTF's Senior METOC Officer

MOSC Unit with Responsibility to 

Coordinate JTF METOC Support

Cell Designated to Manage/Create JTF 

METOC Production

Note: May Contain METOC Forces 

External to the JMCO When 

Coordinated

Collection of METOC Production and 

Reachback Units

CCDR

JFC as Advised by 

the SMO

OPORD

Commander 

of Designated 

JMCO

CCDR Combatant Commander

CJTF Commander, Joint Task Force

JFC Joint Force Commander

JMCC Joint METOC Coordination 

Cell 

JMCO Joint METOC Coordination 

Organization

JMO Joint METOC Officer

JTF Joint Task Force

METOC Meteorological & 

Oceanographic

MOSC METOC Operations 

Support Center

OPORD Operation Order

SMO Senior METOC Officer

Figure III-2. Meteorological and Oceanographic Hierarchy in Support of a Joint Task Force
Meteorological and Oceanographic Forces 

III-5

(3) Developing and executing a METOC CONOPS that is integrated with, 

and complements, the CCDR’s CONOPS. 

(4) Obtaining METOC information requirements from all joint forces, 

recommending assignment of METOC tasks, and coordinating with components to 

ensure unity of effort. 

(5) Coordinating with the JMO, the Services, and other agencies for METOC 

support or other additional capabilities required to fulfill operational needs that are not 

within the components’ ability to provide. Refer to OPLAN/OPORD annex C, (Task 

Organization). 

(6) Ensuring annex H (Meteorological and Oceanographic Services) is 

developed for each CCDR’s OPORD, OPLAN, or CONPLAN, as appropriate. 

(7) Coordinating METOC communication requirements with CCDR’s 

communications system directorate (J-6) and components, and assisting in the 

development of annex K (Communications Systems Support) of each CCDR’s OPORD, 

OPLAN, or CONPLAN, as appropriate. 

(8) Addressing METOC environmental requirements for OPLAN annex N 

(Space Operations). Coordinating with the US Strategic Command SMO for nonstandard 

space support requirements. 

(9) With the CCDR’s approval and the aid of his staff, coordinating with US 

diplomatic missions, Joint Staff, other US agencies, and allied or coalition forces, as 

required, to ensure all available METOC information and systems, as well as indigenous 

assets and data, are properly considered and made available, if needed, for use by the 

joint force. 

(10) Coordinating requirements with the JFC and the JMO for the 

establishment, designation, and augmentation of a JMCO. In cases where multiple JFCs 

are designated and JOAs overlap, deconflicting responsibility and operations between the 

different METOC operations to ensure continuity of the “one operation, one forecast” tenet 

and potentially assigning a lead JMO. 

(11) Ensuring all METOC personnel and equipment requirements are included 

in the TPFDD and that METOC TPFDD requirements are validated. 

(12) Collecting after action reports and lessons learned upon completion of 

joint operations, incorporating lessons learned into revisions of OPLANs and 

CONPLANs, and providing them to the Services for future programming and planning. 

(13) Serving as the focal point for joint force METOC support as outlined in 

Chapter IV, “Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations in Joint Operation 

Planning.” 
Chapter III 

 JP 3-59 III-6 

(14) Keeping CCDR apprised of METOC operations and conditions in the 

JOA. 

For a more comprehensive listing of SMO duties, refer to CJCSI 3810.01B,

Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations. 

c. JMO Duties. During the planning and execution of joint operations, the JMO’s 

duties typically include, but are not limited to: 

(1) Assembling the JFC’s METOC staff and equipment. 

(2) Advising the JFC on whether to request or establish a JMCO and 

additional needed METOC capabilities. 

(3) Assisting the JFC in developing and executing METOC roles and 

responsibilities in operational plans and procedures. 

(4) Establishing and publishing information requirements and formats, and 

coordinating METOC operations for the joint force. 

(5) Communicating with the SMO and Services for specific METOC 

capabilities required by deploying forces so they arrive equipped and ready for operational 

employment. The JMO does not command the METOC forces in theater and does not 

specifically task how the Service components perform service-specific or unique tasks. 

(6) Monitoring METOC operations within the JOA. 

(7) Overseeing JOAF development. 

(8) Preparing input to the JFC’s situation report to the CCDR. 

(9) Requesting additional resources through the JFC. 

(10) Coordinating with the SMO and joint staff on updates to the various 

annexes supporting the OPORD. Specific attention should be given to annexes A, B, C, 

H, K, M, and N of the OPORD (additional details provided in Appendix C, 

“Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations Information and Annexes in Operation 

Plans”), and duties outlined in Chapter IV, “Meteorological and Oceanographic 

Operations in Joint Operation Planning.” 

(11) Coordinating with the SMO to ensure all available METOC information 

and resources, as well as host nation assets, are properly considered and made available 

for use by joint forces. 
Meteorological and Oceanographic Forces 

III-7

(12) Ensuring that all METOC personnel and equipment are included in the 

TPFDD and coordinating with the SMO to ensure that METOC TPFDD requirements are 

validated. 

(13) Developing, updating, and implementing a METOC collection plan to 

identify all sources of METOC data across the JOA, using the OPLAN’s METOC sensing 

strategy and initial collection plan as a baseline. 

(14) Providing direction to the JMCC supporting the JOA. 

(15) Assisting the JFC, the joint staff, and the components to understand the 

METOC environment in which friendly and enemy weapon systems and/or their 

supporting infrastructure will operate. The JMO must validate and refine their 

requirements for METOC information to assist them in planning, conducting, and 

evaluating operations to achieve the CJTF objectives. 

(16) Actively monitoring and evaluating the planning and execution of the 

operation, and working METOC issues that arise. Providing feedback on the overall 

performance of the METOC operation effort is critical. The JMO should aggressively 

work through the JFC’s staff for feedback on METOC support. Specify METOC impacts 

reports from the JFC staff elements within the commander’s critical information 

requirements, priority intelligence requirements, and essential elements of friendly 

information, operational reports, or the OPLAN annex R (Reports). 

(17) Evaluating METOC operations at joint-use airfields to provide 

commanders with recommended COAs for integrating METOC forces into supported 

operations and avoiding redundancy of deployed METOC capability. 

(18) Providing after actions reports and lessons learned to SMO. 

For a more comprehensive listing of JMO duties, refer to CJCSI 3810.01B, Meteorological 

and Oceanographic Operations. 

4. Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations: Education and Training 

a. Education and training is primarily a Service responsibility. USJFCOM conducts 

a JMO course seminar to help develop and prepare the Services’ METOC personnel for 

joint responsibilities. The USJFCOM Joint METOC Handbook should serve as a guide 

for all joint METOC personnel. 

b. The Services plan and coordinate standardized and interoperable training 

techniques to ensure a seamless transition to joint wartime or contingency METOC 

operations. Service components identify their training requirements for inclusion in 

CCDR and CJCS-sponsored exercises through the CCDR’s SMO. 
Chapter III 

 JP 3-59 III-8 

c. METOC plans developed to support joint operations should be exercised and 

evaluated in realistic training scenarios to ensure those plans are feasible and can support 

the overall mission at all levels. Conducting joint exercises trains assigned forces, 

maintains readiness, enhances interoperability, and confirms the feasibility of 

communications and OPLANs. 

Joint training requirements are developed from the CCDR’s joint mission-essential task 

list as governed by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Manual (CJCSM) 3500.03B, 

Joint Training Manual for the Armed Forces of the United States.

5. Service and Functional Component Meteorological and Oceanographic Forces 

a. General. Component METOC officers best know the capabilities their forces bring 

to an operation and how those capabilities can help attain the JFC’s objectives and mesh 

with the METOC forces of the other components. Component METOC officers provide 

recommendations to their commanders and serve as the focal point for component 

METOC planning and execution. Based on their component’s mission, and overall 

guidance from the SMO or JMO, METOC officers plan, coordinate, and evaluate the 

METOC support requirements for their component. The METOC officers should 

document these requirements in appropriate annexes to component level plans. A key 

duty of METOC officers is to determine which information and products are beyond their 

capability to provide. In close coordination with subordinate units, each component 

determines what support it can provide to subordinate units and works with the JMO and 

JMCO to fill any gaps. Multiple component METOC resources within an operational 

area will collect METOC data in conjunction with the coordinated METOC collection 

plan. This data should be integrated to produce METOC products superior to any which 

an individual component could deliver. Other component duties typically include: 

resolving METOC personnel and equipment problems; identifying shortfalls in METOC 

personnel and equipment to their staff and JMO or SMO as applicable; and providing 

input to the TPFDD as required. 

b. ARFOR

(1) The Air Force provides METOC capabilities to the ARFOR in a direct and 

general support role as part of the AFFOR (see paragraph 5e or AR 115-10/AFJI 15-157, 

Weather Support for the US Army). 

(2) ARTYMET Sections. ARTYMET sections may provide surface and 

upper-air observations for artillery fire support. ARTYMET reliance on balloon 

soundings is decreasing as ARTYMET sections transition to organic, ballistic models. 

(3) In addition, organic Army METOC elements provide two kinds of direct 

weather support to the Army combat mission. First, ARTYMET sections provide surface 

and upper-air observations for artillery fire support and nuclear, biological, and chemical 

downwind prediction. Army personnel use tactical atmospheric sounding and observing 

equipment to provide this capability. Second, Army military intelligence personnel may 
Meteorological and Oceanographic Forces 

III-9

provide limited observations from areas where Air Force weather forces are neither 

manned nor typically operate. These observations can be from manned or automated 

sensors. 

c. MARFOR. Marine METOC support includes surface-based and upper-air 

atmospheric observations for the AOI; battlefield and aviation forecasts; weather warnings 

and advisories; meteorological watch of target areas and air and ground avenues of 

approach; and interpretation of the effects of METOC conditions on operations and 

personnel. Marine METOC personnel who deploy, usually as part of a METOC support 

team (MST), have the capability to use tactical equipment to receive satellite imagery, 

measure atmospheric weather parameters (to include storm detection with weather radar), 

and generate forecast products to provide this support. The MSTs are equipped with 

expeditionary METOC support systems. Marine METOC personnel have been aligned to 

provide METOC support to all elements of the Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF). 

d. NAVFOR. Navy METOC personnel provide data collection, assimilation 

capabilities, products and services to operating forces ashore and afloat which is tailored 

according to the requirements of the component, individual numbered fleet and task force 

commanders. Support consists of METOC information for operational use; tactical decision 

aids for weapon and sensor system performance and employment; and climatological 

information for long-range planning. 

(1) Navy METOC reachback centers provide on-demand support for naval, 

joint, coalition, and national missions. The centers act as the point of contact for all forward 

deployed strike group oceanography teams and mobile environmental teams, operate global 

and regional METOC models that can be scheduled for on-demand products, provide 

tailored strategic and tactical sea ice services, and assimilate METOC data worldwide into 

specific atmospheric and oceanographic models. 

(2) Navy fleet survey teams provide high resolution hydrographic surveys for 

use in nautical or tactical charting and support amphibious landings, mine warfare, or naval 

special warfare with bathymetry and other collected hydrographic information, enabling 

CCDR access to the littorals. 

(3) Navy METOC also provides the positions and motions of celestial bodies, 

motions of the Earth, and precise time. Astronomical and timing data is required by the 

Navy and all other components of DOD for navigation, precise positioning, space 

operations, C2, communications, computers, and intelligence, surveillance, and 

reconnaissance. The DOD standard for precise time and time interval is Coordinated 

Universal Time (UTC) as maintained by the US Naval Observatory (USNO). The global 

positioning system provides most users the means of achieving traceability to UTC (USNO) 

with an accuracy better than 1 microsecond. Other methods include atomic clocks, two-way 

satellite time and frequency transfer, networks, and optical or radio frequency signal 

transmission. 
Chapter III 

 JP 3-59 III-10 

e. AFFOR. Air Force METOC forces collect, analyze, and predict METOC data, as 

well as tailor and integrate METOC information to ongoing operations. Typically, Air 

Force METOC personnel deployed forward in an AOR perform the collection, tailoring, and 

integration functions, while most analysis and prediction is performed at the Air Force 

Weather Agency (AFWA) and subordinate organizations, as well as operational weather 

squadrons (OWSs). An OWS (or weather flight) normally has the mission to provide direct 

support to a CCDR’s AOR up to the Secret level, while AFWA and subordinate 

organizations provide general support in the form of global forecasting, climatological 

services, and collection and dissemination of satellite data. In addition, AFWA has the 

mandate to provide direct forecasting support to the United States Northern Command 

(USNORTHCOM) AOR, and has the capability to provide direct support to the intelligence 

community and certain other operators at a higher security classification level. Air Force 

METOC forces also provide direct and general support to the ARFOR and supported 

echelons. Air Force METOC forces in support of AFFOR are typically organized as flights 

under an expeditionary operations support squadron, while those in support of ARFOR are 

normally organized as flights, detachments, or operating locations under an expeditionary 

weather squadron. AFFOR retains operational control (OPCON) and administrative control 

(ADCON) of all Air Force METOC forces deployed in the AOR, including those supporting 

the Army, though the commander AFFOR may choose to delegate tactical control to the 

supported Army unit(s). 

f. Special Operations Component. SOF METOC forces provide METOC 

operations and tailored services/support to SOF C2 elements, SOF aviation assets, the joint 

special operations air component and subordinate organizations. Their tailored METOC 

information and knowledge enable planning, command decisions, and execution of SOF 

operations. These forces have the capability to plan, coordinate, and conduct METOC 

operations throughout the operational environment in order to determine METOC impacts 

to SOF and joint/coalition operations. Air Force special operations weather teams and 

Marine Corps and Navy Oceanography Special Warfare Center METOC forces are trained 

to operate independently in permissive or uncertain environments, or alongside other SOF 

elements in hostile environments. Implicit capabilities of SOF METOC forces include full 

integration with other SOF forces in order to conduct special reconnaissance of the 

environment, METOC training/operations with indigenous personnel, short-term METOC 

analysis/forecasting, and mission tailoring of METOC products. SOF METOC forces are 

equipped with a variety of Service and SOF equipment to execute these capabilities. 

For more information on special operations, refer to JP 3-05, Doctrine for Joint Special 

Operations. 
Meteorological and Oceanographic Forces 

III-11

Joint Task Force (JTF) LEBANON 

In July 2006, the Secretary of Defense (SecDef) directed a noncombatant 

evacuation operation (NEO) mission of American citizens from Lebanon, as a 

result of ground-based hostilites. Elements from US Central 

Command/Commander, Fifth Fleet (USCENTCOM/COMFIFTHFLT) and US 

European Command/Commander, Sixth Fleet (USEUCOM/COMSIXTHFLT) 

surged to the eastern Mediterranean to conduct a sea based NEO. 

The SecDef established a joint operations area (JOA) and directed 

Commander, USCENTCOM to execute NEOs as the supported commander. 

Commander, USCENTCOM tasked the initial mission to COMFIFTHFLT. The 

COMFIFTHFLT established a forward headquarters at Akrotiri, Cyprus with the 

IWO JIMA Strike Group and 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit en route from the 

Gulf of Aqaba. These forces were joined by surface combatants, aviation 

assets, and other supporting units from USEUCOM. Appointed as the joint 

METOC officer (JMO), the COMFIFTHFLT oceanographer directed that initial 

JOA forecasts be developed and issued by organic Navy METOC assets in 

Bahrain. As the designated joint METOC coordination organization (JMCO), 

the Bahrain Naval METOC Center also assumed the duties of a joint METOC 

coordination cell (JMCC) using internal assets and integrated their efforts with 

the Strike Group Oceanography Team (SGOT) embarked on the USS IWO 

JIMA. 

As the supported commander shifted from Commander, USCENTCOM to 

Commander, USEUCOM, JTF LEBANON stood up. Based on USEUCOM SMO 

recommendation, the JFC designated the COMSIXTHFLT oceanographer to 

take over JMO duties, and designated the 21st Operational Weather Squadron 

(OWS) at Sembach, Germany, as the JMCO. The 21 OWS designated a JMCC 

that generated overland weather support, but received maritime weather and 

amphibious support from the Naval Maritime Forecast Activity, Norfolk, which 

also maintained maritime forecasting and ship routing responsibility for all 

ships in the JOA. The 21 OWS also reached back to the Naval Oceanographic 

Office for high resolution wave models, surface currents, and other 

information for the eastern Mediterranean. Upon arrival in the JOA, the SGOT 

on the USS WASP Strike Group picked up amphibious forecasting 

responsibilities for the JOA. This variety of METOC support elements 

coordinated their efforts through twice daily JMCC-led discussions.

Various Sources 
Chapter III 

 JP 3-59 III-12 

Intentionally Blank 
CHAPTER IV 

METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC OPERATIONS IN 

JOINT OPERATION PLANNING

IV-1 

1. Introduction 

a. This chapter complements JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning, to provide 

assistance to the SMO and JMO involved in planning a joint operation. Early 

identification of specific support requirements is key to planning. 

b. Planning Requirements. The size, structure, and content of METOC 

operations depends on the JFC’s operational needs. METOC support includes integrating 

global, regional, and locally produced METOC products as well as data and products 

received from supporting agencies and reliable indigenous sources. The SMO 

incorporates this assessment into a comprehensive sensing strategy and includes it in 

applicable theater plans. METOC operations must be considered and included in longrange planning, mission planning, and operational execution. 

c. Climatological Data For Planning. The study and application of historical 

METOC data/information is invaluable for planning, staging, and executing global joint 

operations and for providing the initial basis for a METOC collection plan. In many cases, 

especially in developing nations, climatological data or proxy sources (such as local lore or 

data from other disciplines, e.g., agricultural records) may provide the only METOC data 

available. Such information includes, but is not limited to, summarized historical 

METOC information, derived environmental impacts on weapon systems, and tailored 

narrative studies. Exploiting this information allows the warfighter to take advantage of 

favorable METOC conditions, minimize impacts of adverse conditions, or use 

unfavorable METOC conditions to gain advantage. 

d. Installation Survey. Many sites around the world have been used to collect and 

disseminate METOC information. Installation surveys provide information on available 

sensors, communication capabilities, runway criteria, and facilities. These surveys are 

perishable and need to be periodically updated. 

2. Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations in Joint Operation Planning 

a. General. Joint planning normally encompasses three separate but interrelated 

processes. At the highest level is the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System 

(JOPES). While JOPES activities span many organizational levels, the focus is on the 

interaction which ultimately helps the President and the Secretary of Defense (SecDef) 

decide when, where, and how to commit US military capabilities in response to a 

foreseen contingency or unforeseen crisis. The joint operation planning process (JOPP) 

“In military operations, weather is the first step in planning and the final 

determining factor in execution of any mission.” 

General Carl Spaatz 

Air Force Chief of Staff, 1948 
Chapter IV 

IV-2 JP 3-59 

is a less formal but proven analytical process, which provides a methodical approach to 

planning at any organization level and at any point before and during joint operations. 

The focus of JOPP is on the interaction between an organization’s commander, staff, the 

commanders and staff of the next higher and lower commands, and supporting 

commanders and their staffs to develop a joint OPLAN or OPORD for a specific mission. 

Finally, JIPOE is the analytical process to produce intelligence assessments, estimates, 

and other intelligence products. 

See JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning, for more details on joint operation planning. 

b. The Joint Operation Planning and Execution System

(1) JOPES is the primary system for military operation planning and execution, 

including requests for forces. Force planning consists of determining the force 

requirements by operation phase, mission, mission priority, mission sequence, and 

operating area. SMOs/JMOs ensure appropriate METOC support is provided or 

requested for joint forces. JFCs, through the SMO/JMO, initiate the requirement for 

METOC forces to the CCDR. As required, the SMO/JMO should submit a requirement 

for METOC capabilities, forces, and equipment during planning. For example, a 

capability may already be in place or may be fulfilled via reachback. 

(2) JOPES consists of contingency planning and crisis action planning (CAP) 

processes. Under JOPES, planning is broken down into three operational activities: 

situational awareness, planning, and execution. The planning portion of the process is 

further divided into four functions: strategic guidance, concept development, plan 

development, and plan assessment as shown in Figure IV-1. Integration of METOC 

information is essential throughout the process to ensure a supportable plan is developed. 

CAP is characterized by a compressed timeframe. CAP activities are similar to 

contingency planning activities, but CAP is based on dynamic, real world conditions vice 

static assumptions. The impact and need for METOC information is important to both 

contingency and CAP processes as outlined below. 

(a) Strategic Guidance. When an event occurs with possible national 

security implications and a CCDR’s assessment is warranted, the SMO provides valuable 

input to the CCDR, including: 

1. Current METOC conditions (air, land, maritime, and space) in the 

AOI. 

2. Climatological factors. 

3. Forecast weather. 

4. Potential METOC impact on the event, to include suitability of 

sites for employment of forces. 
Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations in Joint Operation Planning 

IV-3 

5. Degree of accuracy and limitations of forecast products. 

6. Potential METOC impact on equipment to include communication, 

radar, and other sensory equipment. 

(b) Concept Development. During CJCS assessment of the event and 

review of the CCDR’s assessment, METOC supports the determination of whether to 

initiate military action and provides the possible impacts of METOC conditions on 

potential military options. It is during concept development that the SMO should develop 

an initial collection plan for the operation. 

(c) Plan Development. The arrival of a CJCS warning order denotes a 

critical phase for the SMO. Development of realistic and effective COAs can be critically 

linked to METOC information. The tasking of subordinates to provide input to this process 

JOINT OPERATION PLANNING ACTIVITIES,

FUNCTIONS, AND PRODUCTS

Situational Awareness

Planning

Execution

Strategic

Guidance

Concept

Development

Plan

Development

Plan Assessment

( Refine, Adapt, Terminate,

Execute)

Operational

Activities

Planning

Functions

Products

Six Month Review Cycle

Approved

Mission

Approved

Concept

Approved

Plan

Base Plan

Concept Plan

Operation Plan

Warning

Order

Planning

Order

Operation

Order

Alert

Order

Execute

Order

Deployment

Order

IPR IPR IPR

IPR In Progress Review

Figure IV-1. Joint Operation Planning Activities, Functions, and Products
Chapter IV 

IV-4 JP 3-59 

involves another layer of METOC officers who may improve the METOC database for the 

operating area. A review of the METOC sensing strategy and its application to the JOA 

should be accomplished to draft a METOC collection plan. 

1. Collection Planning: Initial METOC collection requirements are 

based on analyzing climatological data and the sensing strategy. Climatological analysis 

identifies specific METOC parameter(s) that when observed or sensed can serve as 

indicators of future METOC conditions on a grander scale or for specific areas. These 

weather areas of interest (WAIs) or oceanographic areas of interest (OAIs) are normally 

aligned with geographic features or arbitrary features such as an engagement area or route. 

Whenever possible, WAIs/OAIs should be large enough to allow multiple sensing options to 

collect key METOC data. 

2. The SMO/JMO should next identify critical METOC collection 

requirements that must be sensed or collected to support the planned operation. Working 

with the components and the MOSC, the SMO/JMO develops a METOC collection plan to 

meet these recognized requirements. The collection plan should identify the WAI/OAI; 

specify what must be sensed, when it must be sensed, where it must be sensed, and why it 

must be sensed; and lastly, assign a component METOC force to sense/collect the specified 

data. It should also leverage sensors on manned and unmanned systems that can provide 

valuable non-traditional METOC data. The collection plan should identify communication 

requirements for transmitting, relaying, and/or sharing environmental information so that the 

collected METOC data can be incorporated into global and regional databases. An 

operation-tailored and fully coordinated METOC collection plan fosters unity of effort and 

optimizes METOC data collection. 

3. During plan development, the SMO/JMO identifies and defines 

METOC requirements in annex H and other appropriate annexes of the OPLAN, 

CONPLAN, OPORD, CONOPS, and/or fragmentary order. Appendix C, “Meteorological 

and Oceanographic Operations Information and Annexes in Operation Plans,” provides 

guidelines for the preparation of OPLAN annex H (Meteorological and Oceanographic 

Operations), and details other annexes requiring METOC input. The SMO/JMO should also 

coordinate the METOC collection plan with the JOA intelligence collection manager for 

integrating into the operation’s overall intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance 

collection plan. 

For additional information, refer to JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning, JP 2-0 Joint 

Intelligence, and JP 2-01.3 Joint Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment.

(d) Plan Assessment. During this function, the SMO/JMO continuously 

communicates with the Service component METOC planners to evaluate the situation for 

any changes that would trigger plan refinement, adaptation, termination, or execution. 

The goal is to fully support the planned operation. 

c. The Joint Operation Planning Process. JOPP is a planning model that 

establishes procedures for analyzing a mission; developing, analyzing, and comparing 

COAs to criteria of success and to each other; selecting the optimum COA; and 
Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations in Joint Operation Planning 

IV-5 

producing a plan or order. JOPP applies across the full range of military operations. 

Commanders and their assigned staffs use JOPP to organize their planning activities, 

share a common understanding of the mission and commander’s intent, and develop 

effective plans and orders. METOC and its effects are critical to the success of JOPP. 

Exploiting this information allows the warfighter to take advantage of METOC 

conditions and minimize impacts of adverse conditions to gain an advantage. The study 

and application of historical METOC information is invaluable for planning, staging, and 

executing worldwide military operations. The SMO/JMO must completely understand 

the assigned mission and provide tailored products during each step of the process to 

ensure success. Figure IV-2 summarizes the SMO/JMO actions during JOPP. 

(1) Initiation. Upon receipt of the mission, the SMO/JMO reviews the mission 

of the supported commander and lessons learned from historical operations that may be 

similar to the assigned mission. They also should review and leverage previously 

developed plans and orders to include the METOC sensing strategy and initial METOC 

collection plan. 

(2) Mission Analysis 

(a) The SMO/JMO analyzes the mission assigned to the supported 

commander and determines the specified and implied METOC tasks. During a 

contingency, the supported and supporting commander(s) may change depending on the 

phase of the operation and developing objectives. The SMO/JMO should coordinate 

closely with the supported components’ staff METOC officers on mission impacts and give 

special consideration to their specific needs as well as identify METOC collection 

requirements to further develop the METOC collection plan. 

(b) JIPOE. The SMO/JMO analyzes the military aspects of the METOC 

environment and then evaluates its direct and indirect effects on military operations. The 

SMO/JMO provides complete analysis and evaluation as a staff estimate to the commander. 

This estimate will be used to develop COAs to accomplish the mission. A part of JIPOE, 

GEOINT is critically important to successful military operations planning, and METOC 

data is considered an intelligence layer of the GEOINT information base. 

For more information on JIPOE see JP 2-01.3, Joint Intelligence Preparation of the 

Operational Environment and JP 2-03, Geospatial Intelligence Support to Joint 

Operations. 

(c) Climatology is often used to develop the staff estimate during JIPOE 

and mission planning. Analyzing the interaction between the air, land, maritime, and 

space domains is fundamental to successful JIPOE. Due to rapidly changing METOC 

conditions, the SMO/JMO continuously updates the staff estimate, particularly during 

mission execution. 
Chapter IV 

IV-6 JP 3-59 

METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC CONSIDERATIONS 

IN THE JOINT OPERATION PLANNING PROCESS

Initiation

COA Analysis and Wargaming

Plan or Order Development

COA Comparison

Mission Analysis

COA Approval

COA Development

Step 1:

Step 4:

Step 7:

Step 5:

Step 2:

Step 6:

Step 3:

Initiation

COA Analysis 

and Wargaming

Plan or Order 

Development

COA 

Comparison

Mission Analysis

COA Approval

Course of Action 

(COA) 

Development

z

z

z

Read and understand mission (e.g., WARNORD, EXORD)

Read lessons learned

Review existing plans

z

z

Refine METOC Ops support COAs

Incorporate METOC impacts to operations on COAs as 

part of continuous JIPOE

z

z

Develop Annex H, METOC Services

Provide input to Annexes A, B, C, D, K, M, N, and P as 

required

z

z

z

Evaluate support requirements for each COA

Compare pros and cons for METOC Ops

Compare METOC impacts to operations on overall 

concept of operations

z

z

METOC Ops support specified and implied tasks

JIPOE staff estimate

z

z

Component risk assessment on METOC Ops COA

Brief METOC effects as part of JIPEO

z

z

Develop valid METOC Ops Support COAs

Update JIPOE as Input to COA development

EXORD Execute Order

JIPOE Joint Intelligence Preparation of 

the Operational Environment

METOC Meteorological and Oceanographic 

Ops Operations

WARNORD Warning Order

Figure IV-2. Meteorological and Oceanographic Considerations in the Joint Operation 

Planning Process
Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations in Joint Operation Planning 

IV-7 

(3) COA Development. During this step, the SMO/JMO develops valid 

METOC support COAs. An updated JIPOE provides input to the supported 

commander’s COA development. 

The SMO/JMO should develop valid METOC operations support for COAs as described 

in JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning. 

(4) COA Analysis and Wargaming. The SMO/JMO should evaluate 

allied/coalition/partner nation and indigenous capabilities when refining METOC 

operations support for COAs. At this point, they should refine the METOC support 

requirements based upon results of the analysis and wargaming. The SMO/JMO should 

be involved in wargaming by integrating METOC impacts to operations. They should 

continue to update the JIPOE. 

(5) COA Comparison. The SMO/JMO evaluates the METOC operations 

support requirements for each COA and the ability to meet these requirements. 

Consideration is given to the pros and cons of each of the METOC support options 

during this phase. Possible METOC impacts on the commander’s COAs should be 

incorporated into the formal COA comparison. 

(6) COA Approval. The SMO/JMO typically briefs and documents the 

anticipated impacts of METOC on the commander’s COAs. This briefing and 

documentation serves as the foundation for METOC impacts in the future plan or order. 

JIPOE is the governing construct for this input. The SMO/JMO should derive relevant 

assessment measures during this stage and reevaluate them continuously throughout 

preparation and execution. Generally, the level at which the specific operation, mission 

task, or action is directed should be the level at which such activity is assessed. 

Additionally, the SMO/JMO should coordinate the METOC operations support COA 

supporting the commander’s approved COA. At this stage, the METOC operations 

support plan should be finalized for inclusion in the OPLAN or OPORD. 

(7) Plan or Order Development. Plans and orders document METOC 

operations support to the commander, along with the effects of METOC. The SMO/JMO 

must be the authoritative source for all METOC inputs to the CCDR and JFC plans, 

orders, and annexes IAW CJCSI 3810.01B, Meteorological and Oceanographic 

Operations. Coordination with all stakeholders is critical to optimize joint METOC 

operations and the JOPP. Appendix C, “Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations 

Information and Annexes in Operation Plans,” provides additional details on the 

METOC-related content of OPLAN annexes. 
Chapter IV 

IV-8 JP 3-59 

Operation EAGLE CLAW: A Hard Lesson to Learn 

Top-secret planning for what would be one of the most complicated and 

ambitious raids in American history, the Iranian hostage rescue attempt of 

1980, lasted well over five months but it fell short of fully considering an 

incorrigible foe: the weather. 

Historical records pointed to winter as the optimal time for a mission of this 

type, as limited moonlight and suitable temperatures and densities 

represented favorable conditions for night RH-53D operations. Nevertheless, 

the mission was set for late April, introducing additional weather challenges 

such as suspended dust, which proved to be a factor in the subsequent 

mishap. This mission-impacting information was never briefed to joint task 

force (JTF) planners and decision makers.... 

Recommendations to use a WC-130 weather reconnaissance aircraft as a 

scout in advance of the RH-53Ds were discounted based on assumed 

favorable weather conditions and for security reasons. Additionally, it was 

determined that pilot reports from accompanying C-130s, flying the same 

route, could provide advance notice of unfavorable weather as needed. 

However, the C-130s ended up arriving at the destination, Desert One, well 

ahead of the helicopters and were unable to relay up-to-the-minute weather 

data to the RH-53D crews. 

Weather operations personnel were excluded from planning and rehearsal 

exercises at the JTF training areas, eliminating their ability to work with the 

aircrews. Furthermore, mission execution weather briefings, developed by 

weather operations personnel, were presented by J-2 intelligence officers who 

had little, if any, formal weather training or experience. Aircrew feedback was 

provided in the same indirect way. Pilots were thus unaware of the possibility 

of encountering suspended dust and were unprepared to handle it. Integration 

of weather information, a vital contributor to mission success, never occurred. 

Paul B. Ryan 

The Iranian Rescue Mission: Why It Failed 
CHAPTER V 

EXECUTION OF METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC 

FORCES IN JOINT OPERATIONS 

V-1 

1. General 

a. Joint force projection typically includes the following key processes: deployment, 

employment, and redeployment. 

b. METOC support normally begins well prior to force deployment and often ends 

after redeployment of the joint force is complete. Employment planning provides the 

foundation for, determines the scope of, and is limited by mobilization, deployment, and 

sustainment planning. METOC forces, databases, products, and equipment must be 

responsive to the requirements of the JFC and should be maintained to a degree of readiness 

that ensures immediate employment capability. The following paragraphs will describe how 

METOC operations may support these different operational processes. 

2. Deployment 

 During the deployment process, the movement of capabilities, forces, and equipment 

occurs in support of the operation IAW the TPFDD. Deployment is primarily the 

responsibility of the supported commanders and their Service component commanders, in 

close cooperation with the supporting CCDRs and US Transportation Command 

(USTRANSCOM). The four phases to the deployment process are deployment planning; 

predeployment activities; movement; and joint reception, staging, onward movement, and 

integration (JRSOI). The SMO/JMO should provide or arrange for METOC operations 

and support to these phases as outlined: 

a. Deployment Planning. The SMO/JMO should advise the CCDR/subordinate 

JFC of any climatological factors which could potentially hamper force deployment. It 

would be best to identify these factors in annex C (Operations) with specific details in 

annex H (Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations) of the OPLAN. 

b. Predeployment Activities. The SMO/JMO should advise the CCDR/JFC of 

any METOC conditions which could hamper force embarkation, transit, and force 

debarkation. If identified at this point, the JMCC should be looking across the MOSC for 

additional information regarding METOC impacts to force deployment. 

c. Movement. The SMO/JMO should continue to advise the CCDR/JFC of any 

METOC conditions which could hamper force embarkation, transit, and force 

debarkation. The JMCC should continue to monitor the MOSC for additional 

information, as needed, and prepare to support JRSOI activities. 

“Never in the history of warfare have weather decisions played such an 

important role in operational planning as they have here in Southeast Asia.” 

General Creighton Abrams 

Commanding General, US Military Assistance Command – Vietnam, 1968 
Chapter V 

V-2 JP 3-59 

d. Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration Activities. 

As JRSOI actions diminish, the SMO/JMO’s focus should turn away from force 

deployment/reception into theater and toward force employment. The JMCC should 

continue to monitor ports of debarkation and staging areas as warranted when forces 

transit them, but should now primarily be focused on employment operations. 

For additional information, see JP 3-35, Deployment and Redeployment Operations. 

3. Employment 

a. Communications 

(1) The SMO/JMO should consider the communications CONOPS and its ability 

to support METOC operations as it is a critical component of the plan. 

(2) The rapidly changing nature of the air, land, maritime, and space domains 

makes METOC data extremely perishable. Therefore, effective METOC support to 

deployed forces in joint operations is dependent upon timely and reliable 

communications that allow for rapid transfer and refresh rate of METOC data. METOC 

units share information with each other to facilitate consistency and accuracy of information 

during an operation. To achieve this level of coordination, all forces involved should have 

secure communications capability. Communication of METOC information should be 

designed to fulfill the data collection, storage, retrieval, and dissemination efforts of the 

METOC forces at all levels. In a broad sense, the concept includes the following: 

(a) Information flow among component-level METOC forces within the 

AOR. 

(b) The flow of information between all METOC forces within the AOR. 

For example, the METOC unit supporting the Army component should be able to access 

observations, forecasts, and mission impacts from the Navy component. The JMCC is 

not necessarily the conduit of data flow between existing METOC centers and tactical 

units, but rather it facilitates data sharing and ensures data is accessible, which may 

require they act as a conduit at times. 

(c) The flow of information from tactical METOC forces back to the 

component staff METOC officers, the JMCC, the JMO, and throughout and out of the 

AOR. 

(d) The flow of METOC information from outside the AOR into the AOR 

if reachback is required to other METOC facilities. 

(3) Specific responsibilities concerning communications are contained in 

CJCSI 3810.01B, Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations. The following items 

should be considered to ensure the flow of METOC information throughout the AOR: 
Execution of Meteorological and Oceanographic Forces in Joint Operations 

V-3 

(a) Use of a common communications system to the maximum extent 

possible. 

(b) Requirements for satellite broadcast and Global Broadcast System 

(GBS) support. 

(c) Direct access to the Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications 

System, SECRET Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET), Non-Secure Internet 

Protocol Router Network (NIPRNET), and C2 systems. Multinational operations may 

require additional network considerations. 

(d) Bandwidth considerations for all employed METOC forces must be taken 

into account. Specific responsibilities concerning communications are contained in CJCSI 

3810.01B, Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations. 

(4) Early-In and Initial Communications Concept. Early-in 

communications equipment must be capable of allowing the METOC forces to support 

the joint force until sustaining, backbone communications are available. Early-in 

communications include the GBS, Iridium satellite phones, international maritime 

satellite terminal, and other Service capabilities. 

(5) Security Considerations. The JFC is responsible for denial of METOC 

information to an enemy. Joint METOC forces should use secure communications 

whenever possible. 

b. JMCC Operations

(1) The JMCC is the cornerstone of METOC operations support. Typically 

annex H (Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations), the METOC letter of 

instruction, and the METOC CONOPS state the JMCC’s mission. Under the JMO’s 

direction and guidance, the JMCC synchronizes and integrates all METOC information 

for the JFC’s operational area. Simply stated, the task of the JMCC is to combine 

multiple source METOC information with operational information to generate the JOAF 

with a coherent METOC picture. The functionality of the JMCC may differ based on its 

geographic focus and missions; however, it will typically operate 24 hours per day and 

should be capable of consolidating the products necessary for the JFC. Once the JMCC 

is designated by the JMCO, it receives direction and information on planned operations 

directly from the JMO. 

(2) Typical JMCC activities include: 

(a) Obtain METOC data. 

(b) Analyze METOC data. 
Chapter V 

V-4 JP 3-59 

(c) Consolidate METOC information from multiple MOSC and indigenous 

sources. Maximize the use of net-centric capability and operationally-secure web-based 

technology to build a virtual data warehouse of products. Typically, this can be 

accomplished through a METOC web page. 

(d) Maintain an appropriate level of situational awareness of the joint force 

operation, the overall objective, and specific METOC thresholds that affect joint force 

component operations. 

(e) Incorporate the JFC’s METOC thresholds (restricted and/or 

unrestricted recommendation and/or decision matrix) that affect military capabilities and 

joint operations in the field. 

(f) Prepare and disseminate the JOAF. 

(g) Host JOAF collaborative sessions (e.g., chat sessions, teleconferences). 

(h) Prepare and disseminate special support products (e.g., a more detailed 

forecast including METOC thresholds for a specific operation) as required. 

(i) Perform a meteorological watch for the joint force AOI. 

(j) Amend and update products as required. 

(k) Perform quality control on JOAF and any other products generated by 

the JMCC. 

(l) Conduct assessments of performance and effectiveness. 

(m) Provide support to SMO, JMO, joint force METOC components, and 

joint staff as required. 

(n) Prepare report inputs and record lessons learned as required. 

(o) Handle classified material, sensitive compartmented information, 

and/or special access requirements when appropriately cleared. 

(3) Joint Operations Area Forecast

(a) The JMCC’s primary product is the JOAF; it is the official baseline 

forecast for operational planning and mission execution within the JOA. It provides a 

discussion of, and rationale for, expected METOC conditions. The JOAF is a dynamic 

product whose format, content, and duration (does not normally exceed the operations 

planning cycle and most are 5 days or less) are determined by operational requirements. 

The JOAF may have geographic “sub” areas identified within the JOA to further refine the 

METOC conditions. The JOAF should specify time of occurrence, duration, and intensity 
Execution of Meteorological and Oceanographic Forces in Joint Operations 

V-5 

when certain METOC parameters are expected to meet or exceed operational thresholds and 

is amended as required by the JTF. Potential JOAF formats may be any combination of text 

and graphics as stated by the SMO/JMO. The JMCC must emphasize coordination and 

consensus among all joint METOC forces to successfully deconflict the JOAF, with the JMO 

as the final arbiter. Figure V-1 outlines the type of METOC information that should be 

addressed in the JOAF. 

EXAMPLES OF METEOROLOGICAL AND 

OCEANOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS ADDRESSED IN THE 

JOINT OPERATIONS AREA FORECAST

CURRENT AND PROJECTED SITUATION DISCUSSION

FORECAST

This discussion should:

This forecast should detail and/or partition area(s) affected within the JOA 

as required and forecast, for example, the following criteria:

JOA Joint Operation Area

METOC Meteorological and 

Oceanographic

METSAT Meteorological Satellite

z

z

z

z

z

z

Address the synoptic and mesoscale METOC situation

Cover the surface, subsurface, upper-air, and METSAT information

Highlight significant METOC phenomena in the JOA

Provide a summary and assessment of operationally significant

METOC phenomena

Briefly summarize and/or characterize model performance

z

z

z

z

z

z

z

z

z

z

z

z

z

z

z

z

z

z

z

z

Clouds (amounts, bases and/or tops)

Turbulence (intensity and level(s))

Icing (type, intensity, and level(s)) 

Thunderstorms (intensity and coverage)

Contrails (levels)

Predominant wind speed

Predominant wind direction

Hail (including size)

Precipitation (type and intensity)

Present weather; obstructions to visibility

Surface visibility

Surface temperatures (max and/or min)

Tides

Littoral currents

Significant wave height (swell, and/or winds)

Surf conditions

Sea surface temperature

Impacts to the JOA from the space environment

Surface pressure

Light data

Figure V-1. Examples of Meteorological and Oceanographic Parameters 

Addressed in the Joint Operations Area Forecast
Chapter V 

V-6 JP 3-59 

(b) METOC personnel use the JOAF as a starting point and fuse local data 

to tailor tactical-level planning and execution products. Component tactical-level 

forecasts may take a different form based on different mission focus and greater required 

level of detail. JTF components communicate significant differences between their 

tactical forecasts and the JOAF with the JMO. Collaboration needs to occur between the 

JMCC, JMO, and component METOC personnel to maintain a “one operation, one 

forecast” concept. The JMCC is responsible for making necessary changes to the JOAF 

and the JMO settles any significant differences between components and/or the JMCC. 

(4) METOC Assessment of Operational Effectiveness and Performance. 

Strategic and operational level METOC measures of effectiveness (MOEs) and tactical 

level measures of performance (MOPs) should continuously be evaluated during 

execution (see Figure V-2). Monitoring available information and using MOEs and 

MOPs, the SMO/JMO determines progress towards achieving METOC objectives as well 

as any required modifications to the METOC CONOPS (e.g., the JMO may determine 

from assessment and feedback that METOC sensors could be relocated to achieve better 

overall collection effectiveness). Modifications to the METOC CONOPS will form the 

basis of, and serve as a source for, lessons learned and after action reports. 

For more information on assessment of operational effectiveness, refer to JP 5-0, Joint 

Operation Planning. 

c. METOC Support to Foreign Humanitarian Assistance Operations and 

Civil Support Operations

(1) Support to Foreign Humanitarian Assistance Operations. A 

humanitarian crisis could result from wartime, other military action, or a natural/man-made 

disaster. These operations may require SMO/JMO interaction and coordination with other 

nations’ civil or military METOC personnel. Circumstances will dictate the amount of 

METOC support required. 

(2) Civil support (CS) operations are typically initiated in response to a natural 

disaster or other domestic emergency and require interaction and coordination with other 

federal agencies. National Guard forces may respond to humanitarian or civic assistance 

missions in the continental US. When National Guard forces become involved, the 

SMO/JMO recommends establishment of the appropriate relationships (ADCON, OPCON, 

or tactical control) of the additional forces. However, it is recommended that METOC 

support to CS missions mirror deployed operations when appropriate. For additional 

details regarding CS, refer to Appendix B, “Support Requirements and Responsibilities in 

Interagency Coordination Within the United States.” 

For more information on CS and foreign humanitarian assistance, refer to JP 3-28, Civil 

Support, and JP 3-29, Foreign Humanitarian Assistance. 
Execution of Meteorological and Oceanographic Forces in Joint Operations 

V-7 

DETERMINING METEOROLOGICAL AND 

OCEANOGRAPHIC EFFECTIVENESS

Yes No

What Area Did Not Meet Objective?

(JMCC, MOSC, JMO)

Document and/or Crossfeed

(Submit thru J-3, J-5 and/or 

J-8 and to applicable METOC 

Units as Lessons Learned)

What Was the METOC Problem?

(Accuracy, Timeliness, Integration (Planning))

Work with Appropriate METOC Unit 

and/or Service for Fix

Integrate Fix Into Next JFC Exercise and Evaluate

Document and/or Crossfeed

(Submit thru J-3, J-5, and/or J-8 and to applicable 

METOC units as lessons learned)

Consider JFC Objective

What METOC Support Was Required?

Did METOC Support Meet Objective?

J-3 Operations Directorate of a Joint Staff

J-5 Plans Directorate of a Joint Staff

J-8 Force Structure, Resource, and 

Assessment Directorate of a Joint Staff

JFC Joint Force Commander

JMCC Joint METOC Coordination Cell

JMO Joint METOC Officer

METOC Meteorological and 

Oceanographic

MOSC METOC Operations Support 

Community

Figure V-2. Determining Meteorological and Oceanographic Effectiveness

d. The SMO/JMO should be prepared to engage in some level of nation assistance 

as part of stability operations conducted concurrently with combat operations or postconflict operations. The level of effort will depend on the CCDR/subordinate JFC 
Chapter V 

V-8 JP 3-59 

direction, and these tasks will generally fall under the umbrella of a larger military 

assistance training team. Items the SMO/JMO should bear in mind while gearing up this 

effort include: joint manning document positions, an overall CONOPS, training 

topics/objectives, and an overall implementation plan. 

4. Redeployment 

 Redeployment operations are conducted to reposture forces and materiel in the same 

theater, to transfer forces to support another JFC, or return personnel and materiel to 

home station or demobilization location. The SMO/JMO’s and JMCC’s attention should 

once again be on port operations. The SMO/JMO should advise the CCDR/JFC of 

environmental features which would hamper the redeployment process. 

For additional information, see JP 3-35, Deployment and Redeployment Operations. 

Operation UNIFIED ASSISTANCE: 

December 2004 

The Navy's Fleet Survey Team (FST) is designed to conduct quick response 

hydrographic surveys and produce charting products in the field for maritime 

requirements. C-130 deployable elements of the FST can conduct navigation 

quality surveys or clearance surveys to provide access to ports and 

waterways in support of operations from amphibious landings to humanitarian 

assistance and disaster relief. Detachments can utilize FST’s organic rigid hull 

inflatable boats (RHIBs), US Navy small boats, or host country vessels of 

opportunity to install and operate precision hydrographic gear. 

Following the Boxing Day Tsunami in Indonesia, survey teams were 

immediately on-scene to conduct safety of navigation surveys in support of 

humanitarian aid/disaster relief operations along the northwestern coast of 

Sumatra, Indonesia. Four harbors (Meulaboh, Bande Ache, Lamno, and Lho 

Kruet) were surveyed in order to ensure harbors and approaches were free of 

debris. The surveys were conducted using two seven-meter RHIBs launched 

from USS Benfold (DDG 65). The eight-person team completed four check 

surveys and produced four field charts in less than three weeks. Efforts by 

the team not only provided critical information to Combined Support Force 

536 and inbound relief vessels, but also opened doors for future cooperation 

between the US and Indonesian governments. 

The FST meets international standards for hydrographic surveying and works 

closely with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the National Oceanic 

and Atmospheric Administration, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. 

Various Sources 
APPENDIX A 

SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN 

MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS 

A-1 

1. Multinational Operations 

 Multinational operations is a collective term to describe military actions conducted by 

forces of two or more nations. In multinational operations, early planning is critical. 

Differences in language, techniques, data formats, and communications must be overcome 

prior to any operation. The multinational force commander (MNFC) should designate a 

lead multinational METOC officer to coordinate METOC support and interoperability. This 

officer monitors, synchronizes, and when appropriate, integrates all METOC operations to 

ensure “one operation, one forecast” and that all METOC requirements are met. For 

situations where a multinational force is operating in parallel with another coalition (e.g., 

NATO), there may be two lead METOC officers in theater. 

For a more detailed explanation of multinational operations refer to JP 3-16, 

Multinational Operations, and JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning.

2. Multinational Considerations 

a. Planning Considerations in Multinational Operations. Planning for 

multinational operations is accomplished in multinational and national channels. MNFCs 

develop multinational strategies and plans in multinational channels. JFCs perform 

supporting joint operation planning for multinational operations in US national channels. 

Coordination of these separate planning channels occurs at the national level by 

established multinational bodies or coalition member nations and at the theater-strategic 

and operational levels by JFCs, who are responsible within both channels for operation 

planning matters. 

b. Planning Checklist

Detailed planning checklists for multinational operations can be found in JP 3-16, 

Multinational Operations. 

_____ Has the OPLAN annex (Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations) been 

coordinated with national and interagency partners? 

_____ Have appropriate METOC inputs been incorporated into other OPLAN annexes 

and coordinated with national and interagency partners? 

_____ Have command relationships been established between the MNFC and national 

METOC forces? 

_____ Have METOC billet requirements been identified? 

_____ Have the personnel for the multinational METOC staff been chosen to reflect the 

required functional skills, training level, and language skill requirements while 

avoiding historic animosities? 
Appendix A 

A-2 JP 3-59 

_____ Are there sufficient interpreters available for both planning and execution? 

_____ Do liaison elements have appropriate linguistic, communications, logistic, and 

office support capabilities in place? 

_____ Have the multinational partners with a lesser C2 capability been provided 

appropriate liaison personnel and interpreters (if necessary), operators, and 

maintainers to enable interaction with the commander and other multinational 

members? 

_____ Have arrangements been made for intra- and inter-staff communication among 

same-nation staff members? 

_____ Have efforts been made to pool information with applicable nongovernmental 

organizations to increase efficiency of operations through coordination and 

eliminate redundancy in operations? 

_____ Are forces, METOC system capabilities, and support robust enough to respond to 

increased levels of operational intensity? 

_____ Has coordination been accomplished with multinational members regarding 

METOC equipment capability? 

_____ Do all multinational METOC forces have access to the appropriate level of 

METOC data sources (e.g., World Meteorological Organization sources, joint Air 

Force and Army weather information network, indigenous or host nation 

sources)? 

_____ Have agreements on cryptographic, communications and/or automated data 

processing (ADP) security issues, and other planning factors been reached among 

all multinational components? Are compatible materials available (where 

appropriate)? 

_____ Have arrangements been made or established to allow contract multinational 

foreign nation employees to work on METOC staffs without exposure to ADP 

and classified information used in daily operations? 

_____ Have the nations agreed to work on a standard map datum (e.g., World Geodetic 

System 1984) and produce all products to that datum? 

_____ Has a multinational geospatial information and services (GI&S) plan been 

produced and disseminated which designates all GI&S products for use? 

_____ Have special, adequate, and supportable METOC data sharing and foreign 

disclosure procedures been established? 
Support Requirements and Responsibilities in Multinational Operations 

A-3 

_____ Have efforts been made to assign METOC data gathering tasks IAW the MNFC’s 

METOC requirements and according to the capability of the multinational 

equipment under multinational control? 

_____ Have efforts been made to pool METOC and battlefield weather information into 

multinational centralized processing centers? 

c. Operational Considerations

(1) Data Collection. Multinational operations depend on the timely collection 

and sharing of high quality METOC data. The foundation for effective METOC 

operations is set by observations from air, land, maritime, and space by personnel, 

sensors, or platforms. 

(2) METOC Collection Plan. A comprehensive collection plan ensures unity 

of effort while optimizing data collection, dissemination, and integration into METOC 

databases, models, and forecast products. Spreading observation resources across an AOI 

with regard to climatic zones to obtain optimal coverage will significantly improve the 

quality of METOC services. The commander's objectives will drive the collection plan in 

some cases. 

(3) Forecasting. The JMCC and other forecast elements develop specific 

METOC products to enhance multinational operations and to meet joint requirements. 

METOC forecasts can be developed for the near or far term to cover strategic, 

operational, and tactical scales. 

(4) METOC Centers. Depending on the operation and level of support 

required, the JMCC or other designated reachback and production centers will ensure 

METOC operations support a “one operation, one forecast” concept. A unified weather 

forecast, such as the JOAF, is the primary mechanism to ensure METOC consistency across 

the operation. The primary tool used to accomplish this concept is the JOAF; its use in 

planning multinational operations will ensure commanders at all levels are planning from 

the same anticipated METOC conditions. In multinational operations, where the US may 

not have lead forecast unit responsibility, special consideration and effort are required to 

maintain “one operation, one forecast.” 

For more detailed explanation of NATO METOC operations, refer to NATO MCM-0178-

2005, Integrated METOC Support Concept (IMETOC), 24 Oct 05. 
Appendix A 

A-4 JP 3-59 

Intentionally Blank 
APPENDIX B 

SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN INTERAGENCY 

COORDINATION WITHIN THE UNITED STATES 

B-1 

1. Civil Support 

a. CS primarily requires operational DOD interagency coordination to plan, prepare, 

and execute its mission. 

b. CS consists of support of US civil authorities for domestic emergencies, 

designated law enforcement activities, and other support approved by the SecDef. CS 

includes domestic disaster relief operations that occur during wildfires, hurricanes, 

floods, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and earthquakes. Support also includes counterdrug 

operations and managing the consequences of a terrorist event employing a weapon of 

mass destruction. 

c. The combatant command (e.g., USNORTHCOM, US Southern Command, US 

Pacific Command) provides assistance to a lead agency when tasked by the SecDef. In 

providing CS, combatant commands generally operate through established JTFs 

subordinate to the command within the general framework of the National Response 

Framework. Combatant commands use military command structures that interface with the

Incident Command Structure described in the National Incident Management System, 

which is common to response organizations throughout the country. This allows a 

seamless integration of response organizations in providing a coordinated response to any 

incident. National special security events can be declared for threats or incidents related 

to high-profile, large-scale events that present high-probability targets by the Secretary of 

Homeland Security, in coordination with other departments and agencies. 

For additional information on national special security events, refer to JP 3-28, Civil 

Support, and JP 3-41, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Consequence 

Management. 

d. Combatant commands become involved when the emergency exceeds the ability 

of local, state, and federal agencies to provide the total response. If that occurs, then the 

lead agency – most likely Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – decides 

whether to request DOD assistance. DOD evaluates requests to determine whether 

combatant commands have the requisite capabilities and/or equipment to meet that 

specific need. When appropriate, DOD directs combatant commands to provide support 

as needed. While combatant commands may work with federal agencies and other 

“Through closer coordination within the Department of Defense and 

interagency we maximize the impact of our military power and build trust, 

synergy, and momentum.” 

General Peter Pace 

16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

01 October 2005 
Appendix B 

B-2 JP 3-59 

nongovernmental organizations at the operational or tactical level, policies related to 

interagency efforts are set by the DOD. 

2. Meteorological and Oceanographic Concept of Operations for Interagency 

Requirements 

a. General US interagency coordination within the METOC community is 

conducted by the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and 

Supporting Research. However, for specific time-sensitive DOD support to other US 

agencies, the combatant command, as the supported commander, may take the lead for 

interagency coordination; within the METOC community, the combatant command SMO 

normally becomes the DOD focal point for METOC coordination between non-DOD 

agencies and supporting military forces. 

b. The combatant command SMO and designated subordinate JMOs are 

responsible for ensuring METOC support to CJTFs and assigned forces is consistent with 

METOC information provided to the organizations and agencies supported by those 

forces. While support to DOD forces is normally provided by their traditional Air Force 

and Navy METOC providers, the SMO/JMO may direct the Service METOC providers 

to ensure their products are consistent with those produced by the National Weather 

Service (NWS) or official local or state meteorologists (to include state National Guard 

METOC), especially for locations where DOD and civil responders are working in the 

same areas. For most locations throughout the US, the NWS is the authoritative source 

for official forecast and related information. Additionally, the US Air Force, Air 

National Guard (ANG), and US Navy originate aviation and area forecasts for airfields 

and bases under their cognizance. The SMO/JMO typically coordinates with NWS to 

establish collaborative processes, such as conference calls among lead NWS offices and 

appropriate US military METOC offices. When DOD forces support civil agencies, the 

SMO/JMO will normally provide copies of a DOD METOC letter of instruction or 

CONOPS to supporting NWS offices and ANG METOC personnel, as well as all 

participating Title 10, US Code (USC) METOC personnel and appropriate military 

strategic and regional centers. With appropriate approval, a CJTF may have command 

authority under both Title 10 and Title 32, USC. Under this C2 construct, all ANG, 

reserve, and active duty METOC forces supporting the JTF may be under the C2 of the 

CJTF (who is in a dual status as an active duty officer [under Title 10, USC] while also a 

member of the state National Guard [Title 32, USC]). 

For more details on a dual status command, see JP 3-27, Homeland Defense, and JP 3-

28, Civil Support. 

c. For METOC coordination with the US Coast Guard, the SMO works through 

the CCDR’s staff Coast Guard liaison officer to determine which organization (US Naval 

organization, NWS, or a Federal Aviation Agency office) is providing METOC support 

for missions of interest, and works with that office and the Coast Guard to ensure 

forecasts remain consistent regardless of source. 
Support Requirements and Responsibilities in Interagency Coordination within the 

United States 

B-3 

d. The SMO/JMO is also responsible to plan and manage the disposition and 

employment of METOC personnel and equipment supporting military forces or airfields 

within the US — normally through command OPORDs or fragmentary orders, and by 

submitting requests for forces as required. During employment, ANG METOC personnel 

operating under Title 32, USC, remain under the authority of their state governor. 

However, mobilization in Federal active duty status and deployment of ANG METOC 

forces in support of the combatant command may be necessary to provide direct support 

to joint operations. As such, the SMO must coordinate closely with the National Guard 

Bureau as well as with participating ANG METOC personnel to ensure all required 

METOC support is provided without redundancy or shortfalls. The SMO ensures 

National Guard forecasts are consistent with DOD METOC information, and that 

information regarding METOC personnel and equipment locations, deployments, and 

redeployments is exchanged between ANG and active duty personnel on a timely basis. 

e. The SMO also works with NWS to maintain awareness of the current state of 

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) efforts to provide a single, authoritative 

forecast of METOC information in support of the offices that produce depictions of 

hazardous clouds or plumes. In case of a weapon of mass destruction incident, the 

METOC and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives 

(CBRNE) support personnel within the combatant command staff, in conjunction with 

the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), must ensure the CCDR and forces are 

provided the same accurate, authoritative forecast as that provided by US civil 

counterparts. The National Response Framework is an agreement signed by federal 

agency partners that designates the Interagency Modeling and Atmospheric Assessment 

Center (IMAAC) as the single federal source of airborne hazard predictions for DHS. 

Federal partners include DHS, DOD, Department of Energy, Environmental Protection 

Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (Department of 

Commerce), Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Health and Human 

Services, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The IMAAC collects the 

appropriate agencies’ modeling efforts and coordinates with the modeling centers of the 

federal agency partners listed above. This coordination ensures standardization of 

modeling source terms, material type and amount, location and time, expulsion 

parameters, and meteorology. Each federal agency partner is expected to present their 

modeling assumptions, and the meteorological parameters. The IMAAC then evaluates 

the various plumes for methodology of modeling, verification of known parameters, and 

consistency of output. The federal agency partners are to then nominate a single 

realization of the CBRNE plume output. This result is then fed back to all the partners 

for refinement of their models, and forwarded to key leadership for situational awareness. 

The core concept behind the IMAAC is that a single, coordinated, and validated plume 

model output is sent to all necessary DHS decision makers to include the on-scene 

commander through national leadership. Combatant command METOC personnel 

should coordinate with DTRA to receive the latest information on the meteorological data 

used in the creation of the subject plume. Some agencies will utilize METOC data not 

readily available to the combatant command personnel. In that case, DTRA will attempt 

to gain access to that data or provide a suitable substitute, de-conflicting and ensuring 

consistency in METOC parameters are maintained to the greatest extent possible. 
Appendix B 

B-4 JP 3-59 

f. The SMO maintains relationships with other Federal and international agencies, 

such as the National Interagency Fire Center, the Space Environment Center, the 

Canadian Department of National Defence, Environment Canada, NOAA, National 

Hurricane Center, Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Navy and Air Force METOC 

organizations and activities, US Geological Service, and other DOD organizations to 

ensure consistent forecasts in support of CS in order to maintain a "one operation, one 

forecast" construct within the United States. 
APPENDIX C 

METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC OPERATIONS 

INFORMATION AND ANNEXES IN OPERATION PLANS 

C-1 

SECTION A. INTRODUCTION 

1. Overview 

 This appendix describes METOC information necessary for inclusion in OPLANs. 

It also summarizes standard locations where METOC information is used within the 

JOPES. The information in this appendix is provided to aid the SMO/JMO in 

determining where and what type of METOC information can be integrated with other 

staff functions as the JFC’s plan develops. JMOs should work with the appropriate joint 

staff directorates to ensure METOC guidance and information provided in other 

functional annexes are complete and accurate. The JMO is responsible for METOC 

information commonly used in the intelligence estimate, the commander’s estimate of 

situation, and OPLAN annexes A, B, C, D, H, K, M, N, P, R and V. The SMO is 

responsible for METOC information commonly used by CCDR staffs, which may serve 

as a basis for OPLANs. The information in this appendix for OPLANs may be used as a 

guide for the contents of standard plan annexes. The SMO will determine the appropriate 

contents of these annexes as they apply to the AOR versus a JOA. 

For more information, refer to CJCSM 3122.03C, Joint Operation Planning and 

Execution System (JOPES) Volume II, Planning Formats. 

SECTION B. METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC 

INFORMATION IN MAIN OPERATION PLAN 

2. Intelligence Estimate 

a. Accurate and timely METOC information can help in the formulation of an 

accurate intelligence assessment. The intelligence estimate describes the topography, 

terrain, and approaches and exits from borders; natural obstacles; the nature of the 

coastline; adjacent islands; location, extent, and capacity of landing beaches and their 

approaches and exits; and the nature of the offshore approaches, including type of bottom 

and gradients; natural obstacles; and surf, tide, and ocean and/or water current conditions. 

b. The intelligence estimate requires METOC parameters such as temperature, 

humidity, cloud cover, visibility, precipitation, illumination data, and other METOC 

conditions to assess effects on roads, airfields, rivers, and soil trafficability, including 

tactical impacts on both friendly force and enemy capabilities. From these METOC 

“It is always necessary to shape operation plans.....on estimates of the 

weather, and, as this is always changing, one cannot imitate in one season 

what has turned out well in another...” 

Frederick the Great 

Instructions for His Generals, 1747
Appendix C 

C-2 JP 3-59 

specifications, GEOINT analysts can assist in accurately determining the METOC effects 

on GEOINT sensing capabilities, enemy capabilities and possible COAs for friendly and 

enemy forces. 

3. Commander’s Estimate of the Situation 

 The commander’s estimate will include the characteristics of currents, tides, and 

similar maritime considerations, and determine and state extremes of temperature, wind 

velocities, cloud cover, visibility, precipitation, and other such factors that can affect all 

military operations. Sunrise and set, moonrise and set, civil, nautical, and/or 

astronomical twilight data, and moon percent illumination are also normally provided. 

SECTION C. METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC 

INFORMATION IN OPERATION PLAN ANNEXES 

4. Annex A, Organization 

Annex A should list the MOSC elements and JMCC functions which will be used by 

the METOC forces in the AOR. JMOs should refine the annex A for the specific JTF 

mission. 

5. Annex B, Intelligence 

 Annex B should summarize the hydrographic data (water depths, tides, wave height, 

and currents) needed to support amphibious, logistics over-the-shore, and expeditionary 

operations. Reference annex H and any others (C, K, N, etc.) as required; include 

climatology and weather aspects as they pertain to the operational environment; and 

perform a thorough intelligence preparation of the operational environment from a 

METOC perspective. Specific elements of annex B can be found in CJCSM 3122.03C, 

JOPES Volume II, Planning Formats. 

6. Annex C, Operations 

 Annex C should summarize METOC operations and forces documented in annex H. 

Annex C details on joint force operations are critical to completing the METOC input for 

annexes B, M, and H. Annex C will summarize the general nature of METOC 

phenomena or conditions, with emphasis on those that could have an impact on the main 

and supporting efforts of the operation, as well as any planned deception actions. 

7. Annex D, Logistics 

Annex D should document special logistic support required by the METOC forces, 

as required. 
Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations Information and Annexes 

in Operation Plans 

C-3 

8. Annex H, Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations 

Annex H describes METOC operations and services within a joint force. It is the 

SMO/JMO’s primary vehicle to provide directive guidance on tasks and responsibilities, 

coordinating instructions, and the joint METOC CONOPS. Additionally, strategic and 

operational-level METOC MOEs and tactical-level MOPs should be identified in this 

annex. 

a. List documents that provide information required for use with this annex. 

b. State the general concept of METOC operations and the forces apportioned to the 

supported CCDR to execute the OPLAN. State the assumptions that affect the METOC 

operations required by the plan to include availability of facilities and support from non-US 

and US nonmilitary agencies. 

c. Identify and define the METOC sensing strategy or data collection plan 

requirements as appropriate for the operation. Include realistic estimates of the availability 

of data from DOD METOC and non-DOD METOC sources and the feasibility of obtaining 

METOC data from nontraditional satellites and unmanned systems. 

d. Identify any significant METOC conditions that may influence the execution of 

the plan. The purpose of this paragraph should be to establish the requirement for any 

unusual METOC operations that will clarify the assignment of specific responsibilities. 

METOC factors that may influence operations and the probability of their occurrence will 

be included. 

e. State clear and concise METOC operational objectives in support of the plan. 

f. Describe the METOC support system and how it will function in the 

implementation of the plan. Refer to other documents available to tasked units that 

establish doctrine and procedures, as appropriate. Note any deviations from standard 

practices and any additional procedures peculiar to the operation. 

g. Identify the Service component(s) responsible for providing METOC support to 

the operation, including communications and production responsibilities for METOC 

information. Assign responsibilities to specific Service components. Ensure OPSEC 

planning guidance is included so as to not reveal indicators of friendly intentions. 

Clearly delineate, for each applicable component or other subdivision of the force, 

individual METOC services, tasks, and responsibilities. Ensure severe weather 

notification procedures are outlined for each METOC agency throughout the AOR. 

h. Coordinating Instructions. Include the instructions common to two or more 

components or subdivisions. 
Appendix C 

C-4 JP 3-59 

i. Administration and Logistics. Provide broad guidance on how logistic and 

administrative support is to be furnished for the METOC forces (a reference to the 

OPLAN’s annex D or other pertinent command directives may suffice). 

j. Command and Control. Indicate the channels for control of METOC 

operations, if different from the command relationships outlined in the basic plan or in 

annex J. Provide instructions to cover periods when communication circuits are not 

operational. Provide instructions for transmitting METOC information to units where 

METOC or standard C2 circuits are not available. Provide instructions for denying 

METOC data and information to the enemy through implementation of control of 

meteorological information, oceanographic information, ice information, and space 

information. Provide a short description of strategic and tactical communications 

architectures that will be developed to support METOC data transmission and 

information flow. Current information condition level should be considered when 

preparing to conduct collaborative sessions. 

9. Annex K, Communications Systems Support 

Communications is an essential element of METOC operations. Because METOC 

data is extremely perishable, effective METOC operations are dependent on timely, 

reliable communications support. Special attention must be given to including METOC 

in the communication architecture. The joint communications architecture should 

support the collection or interception, storage and retrieval, dissemination, quality 

control, and processing of large amounts of data. High-speed communications are 

required to rapidly transmit and receive real-time global scale METOC information 

between the MOSC(s), JMCO, JMCC, component, and tactical units. However, solar 

activities can impair communication capabilities and should be planned for accordingly. 

The SMO/JMO should work with the J-6 to determine the overarching backbone 

communication architecture needed for weather operations. METOC communications 

concept, procedures, and requirements to support METOC information flow throughout 

the JOA, to include outage backup procedures, should be included in this annex. They 

should also coordinate with J-6 on the development of the technical details in annex K 

(e.g., network diagrams that identify all connections). In general, the METOC providers 

are subscribers to the Defense Information Systems Network and to the tactical 

communication resources listed in annex K. Annexes H and K will not list all of the 

communications resources used. 

10. Annex M, Geospatial Information and Services 

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) provides a broad range of data in 

support of DOD METOC requirements. For safety of navigation, NGA uses bathymetric, 

hydrographic, gravimetric, aeronautical, and topographic information to produce, 

maintain, and participate in the distribution of maps, charts (nautical and aeronautical), 

and related materials to support military operations and safety of ship, aircraft, and land 

navigation. This data includes global foundation data, as well as multiple analytic 

products and data used to identify, characterize, and target entities of interest to the 
Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations Information and Annexes 

in Operation Plans 

C-5 

CCDR. As an intelligence and combat support agency, NGA provides both the standard 

data listed below and additional data that includes analysis derived from various imagery 

and imagery-related sensors. Expertise and analysis capabilities resident at the national 

level are available to the CCDRs and Services via a reachback process. The SMO/JMO 

should ensure that any METOC requirements for GI&S are included in this annex. This 

should include any special METOC products formatted geospatially, METOC input to 

geospatial databases, and any special oceanographic/hydrographic survey requirements, 

such as a rapid environmental assessment. The list below summarizes primary products 

produced by NGA in support of METOC that may be requested or addressed in annex M. 

For more information, refer to JP 2-03, Geospatial Intelligence Support to Joint 

Operations. 

a. Nautical/Hydrographic Products

(1) Hydrographic Charts. Coastal; approach; and harbor charts. 

(2) Digital Nautical Charts (DNCs). The DNCs provide worldwide databases 

of nautical information in vector product format. These databases will be contained on 

29 compact discs read-only memory (CD-ROMs) with each CD-ROM covering a 

specific geographic area of the world. The data content and coverage are intended to 

closely replicate NGA’s harbor, approach, coastal, and general chart series. The DNCs 

consist of data partitioned into harbor, approach, coastal, and general libraries, based 

upon the scale of the source chart. 

(3) Digital Bathymetric Database (DBDB)-V. DBDB-Vs provide ocean depths 

at various gridded resolutions to support the generation of bathymetric chart products, 

and to provide bathymetric data to be integrated with other geophysical and 

environmental parameters for ocean modeling. Depths are given in not tidally corrected 

meters for each five minutes of latitude and longitude worldwide. A classified version is 

also available covering the northern hemisphere at a higher data density. 

(4) Fleet Guides. These provide port information unique to the Navy that is not 

available elsewhere. Port commands contribute to the overall effectiveness by providing 

information related to the facilities and services available. Fleet Guides consist of two 

volumes (Atlantic and Pacific). 

(5) Maritime Safety Information. Additional maritime safety information and 

products like bathymetric navigation planning charts, nautical chart symbols and 

abbreviations, and publications for mariners can be found on the website at 

http://pollux.nss.nga.mil/. 

(6) Notice to Mariners (NTM). Contains corrections to unclassified hardcopy 

hydrographic products produced by NGA, NOAA’s National Ocean Service, and the US 

Coast Guard. 
Appendix C 

C-6 JP 3-59 

(7) Force Protection Port Graphics. The primary assessment tool for 

USTRANSCOM to determine required antiterrorism/force protection measures. An 

image-based product with a vector overlay of the following force protection information: 

seawalls, floodlights, spotlights, large light standards near/on docks, entry control 

points/guard shacks, hard surface major roads, both single- and multilane, fence lines, 

and railroads. 

(8) Sailing Directions. Provide the informational arm to the DNC and/or 

standard nautical chart. Each publication gives the mariner a unique perspective by 

bringing to life the information graphically represented by the chart. The worldwide 

portfolio consists of 37 enroutes (coastal) and 5 planning guides (ocean basin). 

(9) Tactical Ocean Data (TOD). TOD provides worldwide databases of 

nautical information in Vector Product Format, in Levels 0, 1, 2, and 4. 

(a) TOD Level 0 (TOD0) data content and coverage is intended to closely 

replicate NGA’s Naval Operating Area Chart, Range Chart, and Naval Exercise Area 

Chart series. TOD0 must be used in conjunction with the DNC to provide feature 

coverage necessary for surface navigation. The NGA NTM supports the product with 

maintenance information also on the NGA Maritime Safety Information Center web site. 

(b) The TOD Level 1 (TOD1) content and coverage is intended to closely 

replicate NGA’s Bottom Contour Chart series. TOD1 must be used in conjunction with 

the DNC to provide feature coverage necessary for subsurface navigation. The NGA 

Classified Notice to Mariners (CNM) supports TOD2 with maintenance information. To 

be added to the distribution for CNM, send a request to Headquarters (HQ) NGA, ATTN: 

PVM. 

(c) The TOD Level 2 (TOD2) data content and coverage is intended to 

closely replicate NGA’s Bathymetric Navigation Planning Chart series. TOD2 must be 

used in conjunction with the DNC to provide feature coverage necessary for subsurface 

navigation. The NGA CNM supports TOD2 with maintenance information. To be added 

to the distribution for CNM, send a request to HQ NGA, ATTN: PVM. 

(d) The TOD Level 4 (TOD4) is a vector-based digital product that 

portrays detailed bathymetric data for submarine hull integrity test sites in a format 

suitable for computerized subsurface navigation. TOD4 data is designed for use during 

submarine hull integrity tests conducted as a part of builder’s trials and after submarine 

hull maintenance. TOD4 data is provided primarily to support deep submergence rescue 

vessel operations and to enhance coordination between units during escorted test dives. 

TOD4 is intended to be used in conjunction with the DNC and TOD2 to provide feature 

coverage necessary for surface and subsurface navigation. The NGA NTM supports the 

product with information on the NGA Maritime Safety Information Center web sites. 

The NGA CNM supports TOD4 with maintenance information. The TOD4 also 

functions as a general purpose database designed to support geographic information 

system applications. 
Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations Information and Annexes 

in Operation Plans 

C-7 

(10) World Vector Shoreline - Plus. A digital data file containing the shorelines, 

international boundaries, and country names of the world. These geographic features are 

required for many of the digital databases being used to support geographic information 

systems and weapons systems. 

b. Topographical/Terrestrial Products

(1) Topographic Line Map. Portrays the greatest detail of topographic and 

cultural information in a standard view. The map is a true representation of terrain detail 

with relief shown by contours and spot elevations. 

(2) Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED). A uniform matrix of terrain 

elevation values which provides basic quantitative data for all military systems that 

require terrain elevation, slope, and/or surface roughness information. 

(3) Controlled Image Base (CIB). An unclassified seamless dataset of 

orthophotos, made from rectified, grayscale aerial images. CIB supports various 

weapons, theater battle management, mission planning, digital moving map, terrain 

analysis, simulation, and intelligence systems. CIB data are produced from digital source 

images and are compressed and reformatted to conform to the raster product format 

standard. CIB files are physically formatted within a National Imagery Transmission 

Format message. CIB may be derived from a grayscale image, from one band of a 

multispectral product, or from an arithmetic combination of several multispectral bands. 

Applications for CIB include rapid overview of areas of operations, map substitutes for 

emergencies and crises, metric foundation for anchoring other data in communications 

systems or image exploitation, positionally-correct images for draping in terrain 

visualization, and image backgrounds for mission planning and rehearsal. 

(4) Vector Map (VMap). Designed to provide vector-based geospatial data at 

various resolutions, generally from cartographic sources. Data is separated into ten 

thematic layers consistent throughout the VMap program. 

(5) Shuttle Radar Topography Mission DTED. Describes the radar reflective 

surface of landmasses down to 30-meter post spacing. DTED is useful in intervisibility 

computations and three-dimensional fly-throughs. 

(6) City Graphic. A large-scale map of populated places and environs 

portraying streets and through-route information. It contains a numbered guide to 

important buildings and street names in the margin. 

(7) Compressed ARC (Equal Arc Second Raster Chart/Map) Digitized Raster 

Graphic. Used in any application requiring rapid display of map image or manipulation 

of the image of a map in raster form. 
Appendix C 

C-8 JP 3-59 

(8) Mission-Specific Data Set. Include planning and reference maps, precise 

orthorectified image datasets, gridded products, image city maps/graphics and 

photomaps, digital feature data, NGA point targets, and hard deeply buried targets. 

(9) Tactical Terrain Data (TTD). Provides terrain information that is critical to 

planning and executing joint operations including CAS missions, amphibious operations, 

and land combat operations. TTD supports such diverse tasks as terrain visualization, 

mobility, countermobility planning, site and route selection, reconnaissance planning, 

communications planning, navigation, and munitions guidance. 

(10) World Mean Elevation Data. A database of minimum, maximum, and 

mean terrain elevations. The preferred source is DTED. In areas with no DTED 

coverage, the best medium or small-scale cartographic source is used. Data collected for 

each 12 by 18 nautical mile cell include minimum and maximum elevation value, 

arithmetic mean elevation, standard deviation, source, and absolute vertical accuracy. 

(11) World Vector Shoreline Plus. A digital data file containing the shorelines, 

international boundaries, and country names of the world. These geographic features are 

required for many of the digital databases being used to support geographic information 

systems and weapons systems. 

(12) Image City Maps (ICMs). Scanned images in Joint Photographic Experts 

Group and Portable Document Format of paper ICM products at various scales from 

1:5,000 to 1:35,000. 

(13) Geospatial-intelligence Contingency Packages. A collection of products 

providing coverage over specific areas designated as evacuation sites by both the 

Department of State and/or the unified commands. 

11. Annex N, Space Operations 

 Annex N provides a description of weather satellites and weather satellite terminals 

available to the AOR, along with a brief description of the capabilities these terminals 

provide. It mentions types (e.g., solar, ionospheric, and geomagnetic disturbances) and 

levels of possible degradation to communications, radar, and navigation systems which 

cause mission impacts. Commanders may require specific quantification of impacts at 

execution; this level of detail will be facilitated as METOC capabilities mature. 

Optimally, this requires the SMO, JMO, and component METOC forces to be proactive 

on behalf of their customers in assessing space impacts. 

12. Annex P, Host-Nation Support 

 Annex P should document host nation-provided METOC services and other hostnation support required. 
Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations Information and Annexes 

in Operation Plans 

C-9 

13. Annex R, Reports 

 Annex R should specify what reports are submitted by METOC elements, 

communications functions supporting METOC operations, and staff functions about 

METOC impacts (including space) on operations. In addition, the SMO/JMO should be 

included as addressees on reports regarding METOC personnel or factors.

14. Annex V, Interagency Coordination 

 Annex V should specify procedures for coordinating METOC operations or 

requirements outside of DOD. This may include, but is not limited to, leveraging host 

nation capabilities (see annex P), other governmental organizations, or NGOs. 
Appendix C 

C-10 JP 3-59 

Intentionally Blank 
APPENDIX D 

LOCATION IDENTIFIERS 

D-1 

1. Overview 

 METOC forces are tasked with providing terrestrial and space environmental 

information to joint air, land, maritime, space, and special operations forces, enabling 

decision makers to correctly evaluate and select appropriate COAs or weapons/platform 

employment. METOC forces generate time-critical information at all levels of operations 

in classified or unclassified environments from permanent and temporary locations. To 

ensure dissemination and sharing of this information, each location originating decodable 

weather messages requires a site-specific location identifier. For non-permanent 

locations, METOC forces normally employ a four-letter tactical location identifier (KQ 

ID) to uniquely identify their site. Note: EQ IDs are used for nonpermanent locations 

supporting NATO forces; however, they are managed by Germany’s Bundeswehr 

Geoinformation Office. 

2. Management of Tactical Location Identifiers 

a. The Air Force is the designated DOD executive agent for the KQ ID process. 

The Air Force has in turn designated HQ AFWA as the lead agent to accomplish KQ ID 

management. 

b. KQ IDs are typically assigned to METOC forces: 

(1) Deployed to support exercises or real-world contingencies. 

(2) Supporting garrison training or exercises in the immediate operating area of 

METOC forces or civilian weather stations using permanent International Civil Aviation 

Organization (ICAO) location identifiers. 

(3) Supporting testing programs requiring temporary location identifiers. 

(4) Denied or pending approval of a requested permanent ICAO/World 

Meteorological Organization (WMO) location identifier. 

(5) Operating in locations in which the host nation prohibits the use of 

indigenous ICAO/WMO location identifiers for foreign military operations or in which it 

was not possible to acquire an approved ICAO/WMO location identifier for the site. 

c. Security Classification. SMOs/JMOs and Service component METOC forces 

should refer to the classification guidance for the JTF being supported to determine the 

appropriate level of classification for the KQ ID. When using a KQ ID, METOC 

information is unclassified and can be transmitted using unclassified communications 

means. However, the means of acquiring the data or the location of the data collection 

may be classified when tied to a sensitive operation. Unclassified systems (e.g., nonsecure telephone or e-mail) shall not be used to correlate a KQ ID to a classified 

location/operation. Doing so constitutes a breach of security and may compromise 
Appendix D 

D-2 JP 3-59 

military operations. Any breach of security involving KQ IDs shall be reported to the 

SMO/JMO or, if a JTF is not stood up, to the lead METOC element. 

d. The SMO/JMO should serve as the focal point to obtain KQ IDs for the entire 

JTF, as part of the overall collection plan. The SMO/JMO should be familiar with HQ 

AFWA KQ ID management policies. Specifically, the SMO/JMO should: 

(1) Request KQ IDs as far in advance as possible from AFWA’s 2nd Weather 

Group. 

(2) Inventory and revalidate subordinate units’ KQ ID requirements 

periodically. 

(3) Notify HQ AFWA when KQ IDs are no longer needed and recommend 

inactivation. 

(4) Immediately respond to mitigate compromised KQ IDs. All affected 

organizations will follow the guidance in DOD 5200.1-R, Information Security Program, 

Chapter 10, Actual or Potential Compromise of Classified Information. 

(5) Deconflict KQ IDs in the JTF JOA as required. 

(6) Coordinate with HQ AFWA to database and archive METOC information 

generated under KQ IDs. 

e. When a JTF is not stood up, KQ identifier requests should normally flow 

through the Air Force lead METOC element (typically the major command weather 

functional manager), the Navy lead METOC element for KQ requests (typically the Fleet 

Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center), or the Marine Corps lead element 

(typically the Marine expeditionary force staff weather officer). 

f. Release for Civilian Use. It is often necessary or prudent to release METOC 

data and station information associated with unclassified KQ IDs to contractors 

supporting military operations and other non-DOD organizations. Non-DOD 

organizations may retrieve observations and forecasts using their organic systems, or they 

can access the text data from the Aviation Digital Data Service website: 

http://adds.aviationweather.gov. 
APPENDIX E 

METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC IMPACTS ON OPERATIONS 

E-1 

1. Joint missions are affected by a wide variety of METOC conditions. Mission planners 

must be aware of METOC factors that will affect their operations, ensuring the greatest 

chance of mission success. All planners must be familiar with critical METOC 

thresholds in order to effectively use weapon systems and to provide maximum safety for 

friendly personnel. Planners must communicate their mission-specific thresholds to 

METOC personnel, so that “heads-up” alerts can be issued. METOC personnel must be 

knowledgeable about critical METOC thresholds for the weapon systems they support, to 

ensure they provide important information required by decision makers. Additionally, 

SMOs and JMOs should refer to USJFCOM’s, Joint METOC Handbook, and to FMs, 

Service manuals, and technical manuals to obtain these thresholds. Additional references 

include: 

a. Army FM 2-33.201, Battlefield Weather Effects. 

b. Marine Corps Warfighting Publication 3-35.7, MAGTF METOC Support. 

c. US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Manual 525-6, Critical METOC 

Thresholds for SOF Operations. 

2. Decision Aids. METOC forces produce decision aids, impacts-matrices (e.g., 

stoplight charts), and target-area depictions normally through the application of 

parameter thresholds. These products enable the decision makers to easily relate 

METOC forecasts with mission, system, and platform thresholds. Increasingly, decision 

makers extract mission-specific information tailored to their requirements from these 

netcentric databases. 

3. In addition to manual methods for analyzing METOC effects on operations, there are 

systems that can automatically assess METOC effects. Two examples of these decision 

aids include integrated weather effects decision aid and Target Acquisition Weapons 

Software. These systems are applicable to both the mission planning and mission 

execution processes. 

4. Weather impacts to systems and operations are typically provided in “stoplight” 

format with the following criteria: 

“We drew up a list of every natural and geographic handicap—and Inchon had 

‘em all” 

General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur 
Appendix E 

E-2 JP 3-59 

a. Green (Favorable) minimal operational impact. 

b. Amber (Marginal) moderate operational impact. 

c. Red (Unfavorable) severe operational impact. 

These impacts can be presented in a variety of methods depending on the desires of the 

commander being briefed. 
APPENDIX F 

REFERENCES 

F-1

The development of JP 3-59 is based upon the following primary references: 

1. Department of Defense Publication 

DOD 5200.1-R, Information Security Program. 

2. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Publications 

a. JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States. 

b. JP 1-02, DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. 

c. JP 2-01.3, Joint Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment. 

d. JP 2-03, Geospatial Intelligence Support to Joint Operations. 

e. JP 3-0, Joint Operations. 

f. JP 3-05, Doctrine for Joint Special Operations. 

g. JP 3-11, Operations in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) 

Environments. 

h. JP 3-16, Multinational Operations. 

i. JP 3-27, Homeland Defense.

j. JP 3-28, Civil Support.

k. JP 3-29, Foreign Humanitarian Assistance.

l. JP 3-41, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosives 

Consequence Management. 

m. JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning. 

n. JP 6-0, Joint Communications System. 

o. CJCSI 3810.01B, Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations. 

p. CJCSM 3500.03B, Joint Training Manual for the Armed Forces of the United 

States. 

q. CJCSM 3500.05, Joint Task Force Headquarters Master Training Guide.
Appendix F 

F-2 JP 3-59

r. CJCSM 3122.03C, Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) 

Volume II: Planning Formats. 

3. Service and Combatant Command Publications 

a. Air Force Doctrine Document 2-9.1, Weather Operations. 

b. FM 3-09.15, Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Field Artillery Meteorology. 

c. FM 34-81, Weather Support for Army Tactical Operations. 

d. FM 2-33.201, Battlefield Weather Effects. 

e. FM 2-01.3, Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield. 

f. AR 115-10/AFJI 15-157, Weather Support for the US Army. 

g. Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command Instruction 3140.1 

Series, US Navy Oceanographic and Meteorological Support System Manual. 

h. Marine Corps Warfighting Publication 3-35.7, MAGTF METOC Support. 

i. USSOCOM Manual 525-6, Critical METOC Thresholds for SOF Operations. 

j. Joint METOC Handbook. 

4. NATO Publications 

a. Allied Joint Publication 3.11, Allied Doctrine for Meteorological and 

Oceanographic Support to Joint Forces. 

b. NATO MCM-0178-2005, Integrated METOC Support Concept (IMETOC). 

5. Other Publications 

Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Basic Doctrine Publication 1. 
APPENDIX G 

ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS 

G-1 

1. User Comments 

Users in the field are highly encouraged to submit comments on this publication to: 

Commander, United States Joint Forces Command, Joint Warfighting Center, ATTN: Joint 

Doctrine Group, 116 Lake View Parkway, Suffolk, VA 23435-2697. These comments 

should address content (accuracy, usefulness, consistency, and organization), writing, and 

appearance. 

2. Authorship 

 The lead agent is the US Air Force and the Joint Staff doctrine sponsor for this 

publication is the Director for Operations (J-3). 

3. Supersession 

 This publication supersedes JP 3-59, 23 March 1999, Joint Doctrine, Tactics, 

Techniques, and Procedures for Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations. 

4. Change Recommendations 

a. Recommendations for urgent changes to this publication should be submitted: 

TO: CDRUSSOCOM MACDILL AFB FL//SOKF-J7-DD// 

 INFO: JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J7-JEDD// 

 CDR USJFCOM NORFOLK VA//DOC GP// 

Routine changes should be submitted electronically to Commander, Joint Warfighting 

Center, –Doctrine and Education Group and info the Director for Operational Plans and 

Joint Force Development J-7/JEDD via the CJCS JEL at http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine. 

b. When a Joint Staff directorate submits a proposal to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs 

of Staff that would change source document information reflected in this publication, that 

directorate will include a proposed change to this publication as an enclosure to its proposal. 

The Military Services and other organizations are requested to notify the Joint Staff/J-7, 

when changes to source documents reflected in this publication are initiated. 

c. Record of Changes: 

CHANGE COPY DATE OF DATE POSTED 

NUMBER NUMBER CHANGE ENTERED BY REMARKS 

 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 
Appendix G 

G-2 JP 3-59 

5. Distribution Publications 

Local reproduction is authorized and access to unclassified publications is unrestricted. 

However, access to and reproduction authorization for classified joint publications must be 

in accordance with DOD Regulation 5200.1-R, Information Security Program. 

6. Distribution of Electronic Publications 

 a. Joint Staff J-7 will not print copies of JPs for distribution. Electronic versions are 

available on JDEIS at https://jdeis.js.mil (NIPRNET), and https://jdeis.js.smil.mil 

(SIPRNET) and on the JEL at http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine (NIPRNET).

b. Only approved joint publications and joint test publications are releasable outside the 

combatant commands, Services, and Joint Staff. Release of any classified joint publication 

to foreign governments or foreign nationals must be requested through the local embassy 

(Defense Attaché Office) to DIA Foreign Liaison Office, PO-FL, Room 1E811, 7400 

Defense Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 20301-7400. 

c. CD-ROM. Upon request of a JDDC member, the Joint Staff J-7 will produce and 

deliver one CD-ROM with current joint publications.
GLOSSARY 

PART I — ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 

GL-1 

ADCON administrative control 

ADP automated data processing 

AFFOR Air Force forces 

AFJI Air Force joint instruction 

AFWA Air Force Weather Agency 

ANG Air National Guard 

AOI area of interest 

AOR area of responsibility 

AR Army regulation 

ARFOR Army forces 

ARTYMET artillery meteorological 

ATC air traffic control 

BT bathythermograph 

C2 command and control 

CAP crisis action planning 

CAS close air support 

CBRN chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear 

CBRNE chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield 

 explosives 

CCDR combatant commander 

CD-ROM compact disc read-only memory 

CIB controlled image base 

CJCS Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

CJCSI Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff instruction 

CJCSM Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff manual 

CJTF commander, joint task force 

CNM classified notice to mariners 

COA course of action 

CONOPS concept of operations 

CONPLAN concept plan 

CS civil support 

DBDB digital bathymetric database 

DHS Department of Homeland Security 

DNC digital nautical chart 

DOD Department of Defense 

DTED digital terrain elevation data 

DTRA Defense Threat Reduction Agency 

FALOP Forward Area Limited Observing Program 

FM field manual (Army) 
Glossary 

GL-2 JP 3-59 

G-2 Army or Marine Corps component intelligence staff officer 

(Army division or higher staff, Marine Corps brigade or 

higher staff) 

GBS Global Broadcast System 

GEOINT geospatial intelligence 

GI&S geospatial information and services 

HQ headquarters 

IAW in accordance with 

ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization 

ICM image city map 

IMAAC Interagency Modeling and Atmospheric Assessment Center 

J-6 communications system directorate of a joint staff 

JFC joint force commander 

JIPOE joint intelligence preparation of the operational environment 

JMB joint meteorology and oceanography board 

JMCC joint meteorological and oceanographic 

 coordination cell 

JMCO joint meteorological and oceanographic coordination 

 organization 

JMO joint meteorological and oceanographic officer 

JOA joint operations area 

JOAF joint operations area forecast 

JOPES Joint Operation Planning and Execution System 

JOPP joint operation planning process 

JP joint publication 

JRSOI joint reception, staging, onward movement, and integration 

JTF joint task force 

KQ ID tactical location identifier 

MAGTF Marine air-ground task force 

MARFOR Marine Corps forces 

MATCS Marine air traffic control squadron 

METOC meteorological and oceanographic 

MNFC multinational force commander 

MOSC meteorological and oceanographic operations support 

 community 

MST meteorological and oceanographic support team 

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization 

NAVFOR Navy forces 

NGA National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency 

NIPRNET Non-Secure Internet Protocol Router Network 
Glossary 

GL-3 

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

NTM notice to mariners 

NWS National Weather Service 

OAI oceanographic area of interest 

OPCON operational control 

OPLAN operation plan 

OPORD operation order 

OPSEC operations security 

OWS operational weather squadron 

PIREP pilot report 

SecDef Secretary of Defense 

SIPRNET SECRET Internet Protocol Router Network 

SMO senior meteorological and oceanographic officer 

SOF special operations forces 

TOD tactical ocean data 

TPFDD time-phased force and deployment data 

TTD tactical terrain data 

UAS unmanned aircraft system 

USC United States Code 

USJFCOM United States Joint Forces Command 

USNO United States Naval Observatory 

USNORTHCOM United States Northern Command 

USSOCOM United States Special Operations Command 

USTRANSCOM United States Transportation Command 

VMap vector map 

WAI weather area of interest 

WBGTI wet bulb globe temperature index 

WMO World Meteorological Organization 
GL-4 

PART II — TERMS AND DEFINITIONS 

Unless otherwise annotated, this publication is the proponent for all terms and definitions 

found in the glossary. Upon approval, JP 1-02, Department of Defense Dictionary of 

Military and Associated Terms, will reflect this publication as the source document for 

these terms and definitions. 

adverse weather. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

atmospheric environment. The envelope of air surrounding the Earth, including its 

interfaces and interactions with the Earth’s solid or liquid surface. (JP 1-02. Source: 

JP 3-59) 

environmental services. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

hydrography. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

joint meteorological and oceanographic coordination cell. A subset of a joint 

meteorological and oceanographic coordination organization which is delegated the 

responsibility of executing the coordination of meteorological and oceanographic 

support operations in the operational area. Also called JMCC. (Approved for 

inclusion in JP 1-02.)

joint meteorological and oceanographic coordination organization. A Service 

meteorological and oceanographic organization which is designated within the 

operations order as the lead organization responsible for coordinating meteorological 

and oceanographic operations support in the operational area. Also called JMCO. 

(Approved for inclusion in JP 1-02.) 

joint meteorological and oceanographic forecast unit. None. (Approved for removal 

from JP 1-02.) 

joint meteorological and oceanographic officer. Officer designated to provide direct 

meteorological and oceanographic support to a joint force commander. Also called 

JMO. (This term and its definition modify the existing term “joint force 

meteorological and oceanographic officer” and its definition and are approved for 

inclusion in JP 1-02.) 

joint operations area forecast. The official baseline meteorological and oceanographic

forecast for operational planning and mission execution within the joint operations area. 

Also called JOAF. (Approved for inclusion in JP 1-02.) 

marginal weather. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 
Glossary 

GL-5 

maritime environment. The complex union and interaction between oceans, seas, bays, 

estuaries, and other major water bodies, with the atmosphere and land seaward of the 

mean high water mark. (Approved for inclusion in JP 1-02.) 

meteorological and oceanographic. A term used to convey all meteorological, 

oceanographic, and space environmental factors as provided by Services, support 

agencies, and other sources. These factors include the whole range of atmospheric 

(weather) and oceanographic phenomena, from the sub-bottom of the earth’s oceans up 

to the space environment (space weather). Also called METOC. (This term and its 

definition modify the existing term and its definition and are approved for inclusion in 

JP 1-02.) 

meteorological and oceanographic data. Measurements or observations of meteorological 

and oceanographic variables. (This term and its definition modify the existing term 

“meteorological data” and its definition and are approved for inclusion in JP 1-02.) 

meteorological and oceanographic environment. The surroundings, which include 

conditions, resources, and natural phenomena, in and through which the joint force 

operates. The complete environment extends from the sub-bottom of the Earth’s 

oceans, through maritime, land areas, airspace, ionosphere, and outward into space. 

(Approved for inclusion in JP 1-02.) 

meteorological and oceanographic information. Actionable information to include 

meteorological, climatological, oceanographic, and space environment observations, 

analyses, prognostic data or products and meteorological and oceanographic effects. 

(This term and its definition are applicable only in the context of this publication and 

cannot be referenced outside this publication.) 

meteorological and oceanographic knowledge. Determining meteorological and 

oceanographic impacts across missions and placing those impacts into specific mission 

context. (This term and its definition are applicable only in the context of this 

publication and cannot be referenced outside this publication.) 

meteorological and oceanographic operations support community. The collective of 

electronically connected, shore-based meteorological and oceanographic production 

facilities/centers, theater and/or regional meteorological and oceanographic production 

activities. Also called MOSC. See also meteorological and oceanographic. (This term 

and its definition modify the existing term “Meteorological and Oceanographic 

Forecast Center” and its definition and are approved for inclusion in JP 1-02.) 

meteorological watch. Monitoring the weather for a route, area, or terminal and 

advising concerned organizations when hazardous conditions that could affect their 

operations or pose a hazard to life or property are observed or forecast to occur. 

Also called METWATCH. (This term and its definition are applicable only in the 

context of this publication and cannot be referenced outside this publication.) 
Glossary 

GL-6 JP 3-59 

meteorology. The study dealing with the phenomena of the atmosphere including the 

physics, chemistry, and dynamics extending to the effects of the atmosphere on the 

Earth’s surface and the oceans. (This term and its definition modify the existing term 

and its definition and are approved for inclusion in JP 1-02.) 

oceanography. The study of the sea, embracing and integrating all knowledge pertaining 

to the sea and its physical boundaries, the chemistry and physics of seawater, and 

marine biology. From a military perspective, oceanography includes basic 

oceanography plus the study of bathymetry, hydrography, geophysics, astrometry and 

precise time; supported by ocean engineering, operational supercomputing, and 

operations research. (This term and its definition modify the existing term and its 

definition and are approved for inclusion in JP 1-02.) 

precise time. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

precise time and time interval. A reference value of time and time interval (frequency). 

Standards are maintained through traceable measurements referenced to a primary 

timing or frequency standard. The Department of Defense standard for precise time and 

time interval is Universal Coordinated Time as maintained by the United States Naval 

Observatory. (This term and its definition modify the existing term “time and frequency 

standard” and its definition and are approved for inclusion in JP 1-02.)

senior meteorological and oceanographic officer. Meteorological and oceanographic 

officer responsible for assisting the combatant commander and staff in developing 

and executing operational meteorological and oceanographic service concepts in 

support of a designated joint force. Also called SMO. See also meteorological and 

oceanographic. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-59) 

space environment. The environment corresponding to the space domain, where 

electromagnetic radiation, charged particles, and electric and magnetic fields are the 

dominant physical influences, and that encompasses the earth's ionosphere and 

magnetosphere, interplanetary space, and the solar atmosphere. (This term and its 

definition modify the existing term and its definition and are approved for inclusion in 

JP 1-02.) 

space weather. The conditions and phenomena in space and specifically in the near-Earth 

environment that may affect space assets or space operations. Space weather is 

influenced by phenomena such as solar flare activity, ionospheric variability, energetic 

particle events, and geophysical events. (This term and its definition modify the 

existing term and its definition and are approved for inclusion in JP 1-02.) 

terrestrial environment. The Earth’s land area, including its manmade and natural surface 

and sub-surface features, and its interfaces and interactions with the atmosphere and the 

oceans. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 3-59) 

weather central. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 
JOINT DOCTRINE PUBLICATIONS HIERARCHY JOINT DOCTRINE PUBLICATIONS HIERARCHY

JP 1-0 JP 2-0 JP 3-0

PERSONNEL

JP 4-0 JP 5-0 JP 6-0

INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS LOGISTICS

COMMUNICATIONS

PLANS SYSTEMS

JP 1

JOINT

DOCTRINE

Maintenance

Approval Development

Initiation

JOINT

DOCTRINE

PUBLICATION

ENHANCED

JOINT

WARFIGHTING

CAPABILITY

STEP #4 - Maintenance









JP published and continuously

assessed by users

Formal assessment begins 24-

27 months following

publication

Revision begins 3.5 years after

publication

Each JP revision is completed

no later than 5 years after

signature

STEP #3 - Approval STEP #2 - Development

STEP #1 - Initiation







JSDS delivers adjudicated matrix to JS J-7

JS J-7 prepares publication for signature

JSDS prepares JS staffing package

JSDS staffs the publication via JSAP for

signature













LA selects Primary Review Authority (PRA) to develop the

first draft (FD)

PRA/USJFCOM develops FD for staffing with JDDC

FD comment matrix adjudication

JS J-7 produces the final coordination (FC) draft, staffs to

JDDC and JS via Joint Staff Action Processing

Joint Staff doctrine sponsor (JSDS) adjudicates FC

comment matrix

FC Joint working group













Joint Doctrine Development

Community (JDDC) submission to fill

extant operational void

US Joint Forces Command

(USJFCOM) conducts front-end

analysis

Joint Doctrine Planning Conference

validation

Program Directive (PD) development

and staffing/joint working group

PD includes scope, references,

outline, milestones, and draft

authorship

Joint Staff (JS) J-7 approves and

releases PD to lead agent (LA)

(Service, combatant command, JS

directorate)

All joint publications are organized into a comprehensive hierarchy as shown in the chart above.

is in the series of joint doctrine publications. The diagram below illustrates an overview of the

development process:

Joint Publication

(JP) 3-59 Operations