DOD Dictionary of

Military and Associated Terms

As of November 2018

i 

PREFACE 

1. Scope

The DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms (DOD Dictionary) sets forth

standard US military and associated terminology to encompass the joint activity of the 

Armed Forces of the United States. These military and associated terms, together with 

their definitions, constitute approved Department of Defense (DOD) terminology for 

general use by all DOD components. 

2. Purpose

This publication supplements standard English-language dictionaries and standardizes

military and associated terminology to improve communication and mutual understanding 

within DOD with other US Government departments and agencies and among the United 

States and its allies. 

3. Application

This publication applies to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Services, the

Joint Staff (JS), combatant commands, DOD agencies, and all other DOD components. It 

is the primary terminology source when preparing correspondence, to include policy, 

strategy, doctrine, and planning documents. Criteria for inclusion of terminology in the 

DOD Dictionary is enumerated in Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 5025.12, 

Standardization of Military and Associated Terminology, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs 

of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 5705.01, Standardization of Military and Associated 

Terminology. 

4. Format

The primary parts of the DOD Dictionary are:

a. Explanatory notes.

b. Terms and definitions.

c. Shortened word forms (i.e., abbreviations, acronyms, and initialisms).

d. Summary of changes.

5. DOD Dictionary Online Availability and Update Schedule

The DOD Dictionary is accessible online as a searchable database and in PDF format

at the following Internet address: http://www.jcs.mil/Doctrine/DOD-Terminology/ and at 

the following Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNET) address: 

https://jdeis.js.mil/jdeis/. The contents of the DOD Dictionary are updated as necessary,

to include terminology additions, modifications, or deletions made, in accordance with 

CJCSI 5705.01. 
Preface 

ii 

6. Terminology Repository for DOD (OSD/JS) Issuances 

This publication is supplemented by the Terminology Repository for DOD (Office of the 

Secretary of Defense [OSD]/JS) Issuances (Terminology Repository) (For Official Use Only). 

Over the last 65 years, specific and technical DOD terms and definitions established in senior 

policy document glossaries reside outside of the DOD Dictionary and not subject to joint 

doctrine terminology criteria for general and universal usage listed in CJCSI 5705.01. The 

25,000+ policy term Terminology Repository provides awareness on those specific or 

descriptive terms in defense documents (policy, strategy, planning, doctrine, etc.) that support 

the foundation of the 2,500+ doctrine term DOD Dictionary. Its creation is the primary step in 

deconflicting terminology nuances within organizational documents that may impact joint 

doctrine. 

7. DOD Term and Definition Approach 

After consulting DODI 5025.12 and CJCSI 5705.01 for term and definition criteria, 

proponents of new or existing terms will first review the DOD Dictionary and then access 

the Terminology Repository before defaulting to commonly used, English-language 

dictionaries in creating new DOD terms and definitions. The repository is combined access 

card-enabled and located at http://www.jcs.mil/Doctrine/DOD-Terminology-Program/. 

8. Revision and Distribution 

Future editions of the DOD Dictionary will be updated according to policy and posted 

online at http://www.jcs.mil/Doctrine/DOD-Terminology-Program/. For distribution, Joint 

Staff, J-7, does not print copies of the DOD Dictionary. Electronic versions are available on 

JEL+ [Joint Electronic Library Plus] at https://jdeis.js.mil/jdeis/index.jsp?pindex=4 

(NIPRNET) and https://jdeis.js.smil.mil/jdeis/index.jsp (SIPRNET) and on the JEL [Joint 

Electronic Library] at http://www.jcs.mil/Doctrine.aspx (Internet). 

9. Citation 

 For reference purposes in official DOD materials, this document will be listed as: 

Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, “DOD Dictionary of Military and 

Associated Terms,” as amended. For all other documentation, this will be cited as: Office 

of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated 

Terms, (Washington DC: The Joint Staff, date), page # if necessary. 

 
iii 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

EXPLANATORY NOTES ..................................................................................................1 

TERMS AND DEFINITIONS. ............................................................................................7 

SHORTENED WORD FORMS (ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS, AND 

INITIALISMS) ................................................................................................................261 

SUMMARY OF CHANGES ...........................................................................................389 
Table of Contents 

iv 

Intentionally Blank 
1 

EXPLANATORY NOTES 

1. Updates and Terminology Actions 

 a. Per guidance in CJCSI 5705.01, Standardization of Military and Associated 

Terminology, terminology actions for the DOD Dictionary (additions; modifications; 

revalidations, to include those parts of a joint publication [JP] or issuance/directive 

policy revision process; or deletions) are approved using one of the following five methods: 

 (1) DOD terminology proposed from JPs; 

 (2) DOD terminology directed by the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary 

of Defense, or Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) via specific memorandum; 

 (3) DOD terminology proposed from DOD (OSD and CJCS) issuances; 

 (4) Terminology proposed from Allied Administrative Publication-6, North 

Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Glossary of Terms and Definitions (English and 

French); and/or 

 (5) Approved administrative changes/updates by the DOD Terminologist. 

 b. Per guidance in CJCSI 5705.01, any DOD Dictionary term and definition, where the 

identified proponent is an OSD/JS issuance that remains in the document as part of an 

organizational change or other revision process must be revalidated or modified as a part of 

the revision process. Proponents of terms and definitions that do not follow this process will 

result in automatic removal from the DOD Dictionary and movement to the Terminology 

Repository of DOD (OSD/JS) Issuances. Any terms identified for removal from OSD/JS 

issuances will subsequently be removed from the DOD Dictionary and automatically placed 

in the Terminology Repository of DOD (OSD/JS) Issuances. 

2. Terminology Categorization (Policy and Joint Doctrine) 

 a. Military Terminology. Standardized military and associated terminology forms the 

foundation of joint doctrine. It enables the joint force to organize, plan, train, and execute 

operations with a common language that is clearly articulated and universally understood. 

Since 1948, military terms have been codified in the DOD Dictionary. Although different in 

purpose, policy documents also require standardized terminology. While some policy terms 

are included in the DOD Dictionary, the bulk are codified in the Terminology Repository of 

DOD (OSD/JS) Issuances. Policy terms may form the basis of doctrinal terms, further 

describe doctrinal concepts, or temporarily fill gaps in joint doctrine until adopted as extant 

practice. If included in the DOD Dictionary, policy terms will conform to the CJCSI 5705.01 

and standing operating procedure guidelines. 

 b. Policy and Joint Doctrine. Policy directs and assigns tasks, prescribes desired 

capabilities, and provides guidance for ensuring the Armed Forces of the United States are 

prepared to perform their assigned roles. Implicitly, policy can create new roles and 

requirements for new capabilities. Joint doctrine enhances the operational effectiveness of 
Explanatory Notes 

2 

the Armed Forces by providing authoritative guidance and standardized terminology on topics 

relevant to the employment of military forces. Although joint doctrine is neither policy nor 

strategy, it serves to make United States policy and strategy effective in the application of US 

military power. Terminology developed within policy and joint doctrine serves different 

purposes. The terminology required to support the employment of forces (doctrinal terms) 

may not be optimal for policy developers, whose purpose may be to illuminate resource or 

requirement documents. Terminology developed for DOD policy is not limited by the 

constraints imposed on doctrine terminology. Policy definitions may provide the basis for the 

doctrinal terms. Doctrinal terms cannot be in conflict with the law, regulation, or policy. 

3. Terminology Definition Development 

 The DOD Dictionary is designed to supplement common English-language dictionaries 

with standard terminology for military and associated use. After reviewing policy for criteria 

and the DOD Dictionary for existence, developers must consult the Terminology Repository 

before defaulting to commonly used, English-language dictionaries as a starting point in 

creating new DOD Dictionary terms and definitions. A definition should address the meaning 

of the term only and should not contain doctrinal or procedural information (i.e., it should 

focus on describing “what” a term is and not “how” or “why” it is used). If additional text 

is desired to elaborate on a definition, that information should be provided in the text of the 

publication. Accordingly, the following CJCSI 5705.01 and standing operating procedure 

criteria are used to determine the acceptability of terminology for inclusion in the DOD 

Dictionary: 

 a. The term in a standard, commonly accepted dictionary is inadequate for DOD use. 

 b. The term is not a standard dictionary definition with non-definitional text added. 

Example: capability - The ability to complete a task or execute a course of action under 

specified conditions and level of performance. 

 c. The term is not self-defining. Example: bomber aircraft – An aircraft that is capable 

of delivery bombs. 

 d. The term is not a policy term that competes or overrides a doctrinal term in the 

DOD Dictionary. 

 e. The proposed term follows established procedures in this issuance. Verification 

must be provided that the DOD Terminologist approved; otherwise, the term will only be 

reflected in the Terminology Repository. 

 f. Reflects extant DOD capabilities and practices. 

 g. Of general military or associated significance. Technical or highly specialized 

terms may be included if they can be defined in easily understood language and if their 

inclusion is of general military or associated significance. 

 h. Terms for weaponry are limited to generic weapon systems. 
 Explanatory Notes 

3 

 i. Are not to consist of or contain shortened word forms (e.g., abbreviations, 

acronyms, or initialisms). 

 j. Must be UNCLASSIFIED (including shortened word forms) and marked as such if 

in controlled (e.g., FOUO) or classified documents. 

 k. Are not prowords, code words, brevity words, or NATO [North Atlantic Treaty 

Organization]-only terms. 

 l. Are not Service-specific or functionality-specific unless they are commonly 

employed in US joint force operations. 

 m. An approved joint term with similar definition does not exist. 

 n. Must be consistent with US law, treaties, international agreements, and executive 

orders. 

 o. Noun terms should be in singular form. 

 p. With few exceptions, should be general terms, not proper names. 

 q. Cross reference entries (i.e., ‘also called’ terms) will not have a separate entry. 

Example: ‘Universal Time’ is also called ‘ZULU time,’ but no separate entry for ‘ZULU 

time’. 

 r. Terms must appear and be used in the body of the document, not just in its glossary. 

 s. Proposed entries should be written as a definition and not as a description. 

See CJCSI 5705.01, Standardization of Military and Associated Terminology, Enclosure 

C, Definition Writing Guide, for specific guidance that should be followed when 

developing terms and definitions intended for inclusion in the DOD Dictionary. 

4. Shortened Word Forms (i.e., Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Initialisms) 

 The DOD Dictionary includes shortened word forms (i.e., abbreviations, acronyms, and 

initialisms) for DOD and associated military terms. Shortened word forms in the DOD 

Dictionary are solely derived from currently approved JP glossaries and not centrally 

managed by the program for the joint force. Although all are shortened versions of a word 

or phrase, typically by a series of letters, there is a difference. 

 a. An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase pronounced as a word (e.g., 

SecDef). 

 b. An acronym is a shortened form of a phrase of words, where the letters of the 

acronym stand for the terms of its meaning and is also read as a word (e.g., ASAP [as soon 

as possible]). 
Explanatory Notes 

4 

 c. An initialism is a shortened form of a word or phrase that is not spoken as a word; 

each letter is spoken separately (e.g., DOD).

 d. Parenthesis Use After Definitions 

 (1) The term associated with an abbreviation, acronym, or initialism is referred 

to as the definition (e.g., the initialism definition for FOUO is ‘for official use only’). In 

some cases, there may be another abbreviation, acronym, or initialism in parenthesis 

following the definition. If the term is associated with a specific organization, the 

definition will include this tag in parenthesis showing it is an organizational-specific term. 

For example: ACE -- aviation combat element (USMC) or AFNORTHWEST -- Allied 

Forces North West Europe (NATO). 

 (2) There should only be a DOD Dictionary-approved abbreviation, acronym, or 

initialism in the parenthesis. 

 e. Other Criteria for Shortened Word Forms 

 The list below is not an exhaustive list of criteria for shortened word forms but is 

provided as general guidance for organizations in their creation and management. 

Shortened word forms reflect those used in individual joint doctrine publications. 

Additional detail on shortened word form construction and guidance may be found in 

organizational standard operating procedures. Avoid overuse of shortened word forms. 

 (1) Must be unclassified and marked as such if in controlled or classified 

documents. This means a glossary has to be marked unclassified to have the terms and 

definitions considered for inclusion in the DOD Dictionary or Terminology Repository. 

 (2) Must be more than one letter. 

 (3) Should avoid duplicating existing shortened word forms and must only have 

one meaning within a single document. 

 (4) Should generally use capital letters. 

 (5) Should only be created when needed and commonly used. All terms do not

need a shortened word form. 

 (6) Establish in a document only when the term is used more than once within 

the body. 

 (7) Should not be used to create other shortened word forms (e.g., “Director,

NRO” does not establish “DNRO,” regardless if “NRO” was established earlier in the text). 

 (8) Should not be established as part of another shortened word form for use later 

in the text (e.g., if “C-2X” is being established using “counterintelligence and human 

intelligence staff element,” the definition cannot be written as “counterintelligence [CI] 
 Explanatory Notes 

5 

and human intelligence [HUMINT] staff element” to establish CI and HUMINT for later 

use). 

5. Terminology Repository for DOD (OSD/JS) Issuances 

 The Terminology Repository was established to provide awareness on specific and 

technical policy terms and definitions that reside outside the DOD Dictionary (universal and 

general terms). The Terminology Repository supports the foundation that the DOD Dictionary 

is the primary terminology source. When accessing joint publications or policy, strategy, and 

planning documents, users should review both the DOD Dictionary and the Terminology 

Repository to develop a full understanding of how a term may be described, defined, or used 

to proceed accordingly. It is also recommended that all glossary developers also use the criteria 

enumerated in paragraph 2 in maintaining terms and definitions. Like the DOD Dictionary, 

the Terminology Repository is unclassified and uncontrolled. Unlike the DOD Dictionary, the 

Terminology Repository is not meant to capture or track shortened word forms such as 

abbreviations, acronyms, or initialisms. The Terminology Repository can be found on the 

Terminology Program webpage at http://www.jcs.mil/Doctrine/DOD-Terminology-Program/. 

 
Explanatory Notes 

6 

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7 

TERMS AND DEFINITIONS 

A 

acceptability — The plan review criterion for assessing whether the contemplated course 

of action is proportional, worth the cost, consistent with the law of war, and is 

militarily and politically supportable. See also adequacy; feasibility. (JP 5-0) 

access — In counterintelligence and intelligence use, a. a way or means of approach to 

identify a target; or b. exploitable proximity to or ability to approach an individual, 

facility, or information that enables target to carry out the intended mission. (JP 2-01.2) 

accompanying supplies — Unit supplies that deploy with forces. (JP 4-01.5) 

accountability — The obligation imposed by law or lawful order or regulation on an 

officer or other person for keeping accurate record of property, documents, or funds. 

(JP 1) 

acoustic intelligence — Intelligence derived from the collection and processing of acoustic 

phenomena. Also called ACINT. (JP 2-0)

acquisition and cross-servicing agreement — Agreement, negotiated on a bilateral basis 

with countries or international organizations, that allow United States forces to 

exchange most common types of support, including food, fuel, transportation, 

ammunition, and equipment. Also called ACSA. See also cross-servicing. (JP 4-08) 

action phase — In amphibious operations, the period of time between the arrival of the 

landing forces of the amphibious force in the operational area and the accomplishment 

of their mission. See also amphibious force; amphibious operation; landing force; 

mission. (JP 3-02) 

activation — Order to active duty (other than for training) in the federal service. See also 

active duty; federal service. (JP 4-05) 

active defense — The employment of limited offensive action and counterattacks to deny 

a contested area or position to the enemy. See also passive defense. (JP 3-60) 

active duty — Full-time duty in the active military service of the United States, including 

active duty or full-time training duty in the Reserve Component. See also active duty 

for training; inactive duty training. (JP 4-05) 

active duty for training — A tour of active duty that is used for training members of the

Reserve Component to provide trained units and qualified persons to fill the needs of 

the Armed Forces of the United States in time of war or national emergency and such 

other times as the national security requires. (JP 4-05) 
Terms and Definitions 

8 

Active Guard and Reserve — National Guard and Reserve members who are on 

voluntary active duty providing full-time support to National Guard, Reserve, and 

Active Component organizations for the purpose of organizing, administering, 

recruiting, instructing, or training the Reserve Components. (CJCSM 3150.13) 

activity — 1. A unit, organization, or installation performing a function or mission. 2. A 

function, mission, action, or collection of actions. (JP 3-0) 

activity-based intelligence — An analytic method applied to structured data from multiple 

sources, to discover objects, relationships, or behaviors by resolving significant 

activity. Also call ABI. (JP 2-03) 

act of mercy — In personnel recovery, assistance rendered to evaders by an individual or 

elements of the local population who sympathize or empathize with the evaders’ cause 

or plight. See also evader; evasion; recovery; recovery operations. (JP 3-50) 

acute radiation dose — Total ionizing radiation dose received at one time and over a 

period so short that biological recovery cannot occur. (JP 3-11) 

acute radiation syndrome — An acute illness caused by irradiation of the body by a high 

dose of penetrating radiation in a very short period of time. Also called ARS. (JP 3-11) 

Adaptive Planning and Execution — A Department of Defense enterprise of joint 

policies, processes, procedures, and reporting structures, supported by 

communications and information technology, that is used by the joint planning and 

execution community to monitor, plan, and execute mobilization, deployment, 

employment, sustainment, redeployment, and demobilization activities associated 

with joint operations. Also called APEX. (JP 5-0)

adequacy — The plan review criterion for assessing whether the scope and concept of 

planned operations can accomplish the assigned mission and comply with the planning 

guidance provided. See also acceptability; feasibility. (JP 5-0) 

administrative contracting officer — Contracting officer whose primary duties involve 

contract administration. Also called ACO. See also contracting officer; procuring 

contracting officer. (JP 4-10)

administrative control — Direction or exercise of authority over subordinate or other 

organizations in respect to administration and support. Also called ADCON. (JP 1) 

administrative loading — A loading method that gives primary consideration to 

achieving maximum utilization of troop and cargo space without regard to tactical 

considerations. Also called commercial loading. (JP 3-02.1) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 9 

advanced force operations — Operations conducted to refine the location of specific, 

identified targets and further develop the operational environment for near-term 

missions. Also called AFO. (JP 3-05)

advance guard — Detachment sent ahead of the main force to ensure its uninterrupted 

advance; to protect the main body against surprise; to facilitate the advance by 

removing obstacles and repairing roads and bridges; and to cover the deployment of 

the main body if it is committed to action. (JP 3-07.2) 

adversary — A party acknowledged as potentially hostile to a friendly party and against 

which the use of force may be envisaged. (JP 3-0) 

adversary template — A model based on an adversary’s known or postulated preferred 

methods of operation illustrating the disposition and activity of adversary forces and 

assets conducting a particular operation unconstrained by the impact of the operational 

environment. (JP 2-01.3) 

aerial port — An airfield that has been designated for the sustained air movement of 

personnel and materiel as well as an authorized port for entrance into or departure 

from the country where located. See also port of debarkation; port of embarkation. 

(JP 3-17) 

aeromedical evacuation — The movement of patients under medical supervision to and 

between medical treatment facilities by air transportation. Also called AE. (JP 4-02) 

aeromedical evacuation control team — A core team assigned to a component-numbered 

air force air operations center air mobility division that provides operational planning, 

scheduling, and execution of theater aeromedical evacuation missions and positioning 

of aeromedical evacuation ground forces. Also called AECT. See also aeromedical 

evacuation; air mobility division. (JP 3-17) 

aerospace defense — Defensive measures designed to destroy or nullify attacking enemy 

aircraft and missiles and also negate hostile space systems. See also air defense; 

space defense. (JP 3-27) 

afloat pre-positioning force — Shipping maintained in full operational status to afloat preposition military equipment and supplies in support of combatant commanders’ operation 

plans, consisting of the three maritime pre-positioning ships squadrons, the Army’s afloat 

pre-positioning stocks-3 ships, and the Defense Logistics Agency, and the Air Force ships. 

Also called APF. See also maritime pre-positioning ships. (JP 4-01.2) 

afloat pre-positioning operations — Pre-positioning of ships, preloaded with equipment 

and supplies that provides for an alternative to land-based programs. See also 

operation. (JP 4-01.6) 
Terms and Definitions 

10 

agency — In intelligence usage, an organization or individual that collects and/or processes 

information. Also called collection agency. See also agent; intelligence process;

source. (JP 2-01) 

agent — In intelligence usage, one who is authorized or instructed to obtain or to assist in 

obtaining information for intelligence or counterintelligence purposes. (JP 2-01.2) 

aimpoint — 1. A point associated with a target and assigned for a specific weapon impact. 

2. A prominent radar-significant feature used to assist an aircrew in navigating and 

delivering their weapons. See also desired point of impact. (JP 3-60) 

air and missile defense — Direct [active and passive] defensive actions taken to destroy,

nullify, or reduce the effectiveness of hostile air and ballistic missile threats against 

friendly forces and assets. Also called AMD. (JP 3-01)

air apportionment — The determination and assignment of the total expected effort by 

percentage and/or by priority that should be devoted to the various air operations for 

a given period of time. (JP 3-0) 

air assault — The movement of friendly assault forces by rotary-wing or tiltrotor aircraft 

to engage and destroy enemy forces or to seize and hold key terrain.. See also assault. 

(JP 3-18) 

air assault force — A force composed primarily of ground and rotary-wing air units

organized, equipped, and trained for air assault operations. (JP 3-18) 

air assault operation — An operation in which assault forces, using the mobility of rotarywing or tiltrotor aircraft and the total integration of available fires, maneuver under 

the control of a ground or air maneuver commander to engage enemy forces or to seize 

and hold key terrain. (JP 3-18) 

airborne — 1. In relation to personnel, troops especially trained to effect, following 

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

relation to equipment, pieces of equipment that have been especially designed for use 

by airborne troops during or after an assault debarkation as well as some aeronautical 

equipment used to accomplish a particular mission. 3. When applied to materiel, items 

that form an integral part of the aircraft. 4. The state of an aircraft, from the instant it 

becomes entirely sustained by air until it ceases to be so sustained. (JP 3-17) 

airborne alert — A state of aircraft readiness wherein combat-equipped aircraft are 

airborne and ready for immediate action to reduce reaction time and to increase 

survivability. See also combat air patrol; ground alert. (JP 3-01) 

airborne assault — The use of airborne forces to parachute into an objective area to attack 

and eliminate armed resistance and secure designated objectives. (JP 3-18) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 11 

airborne early warning — The detection of enemy air or surface units by radar or other 

equipment carried in an airborne vehicle, and the transmitting of a warning to friendly 

units. Also called AEW. (JP 3-52) 

airborne mission coordinator — The designated individual that serves as an airborne 

extension of the component commander or supported commander responsible for the 

personnel recovery mission. Also called AMC. See also combat search and rescue; 

personnel recovery coordination cell. (JP 3-50) 

airborne operation — An operation involving the air movement into an objective area of 

combat forces and their logistic support for execution of a tactical, operational, or 

strategic mission. See also assault; assault phase. (JP 3-18) 

air-capable ship — A ship other than an aircraft carrier, nuclear; amphibious assault ship 

(general purpose); or amphibious assault ship (multipurpose) from which aircraft can 

take off, be recovered, or routinely receive and transfer logistic support. Also called 

ACS. (JP 3-04) 

air corridor — A restricted air route of travel specified for use by friendly aircraft and 

established for the purpose of preventing friendly aircraft from being fired on by 

friendly forces. (JP 3-52) 

aircraft carrier — A warship designed to support and operate aircraft, engage in attacks 

on targets afloat or ashore, and engage in sustained operations in support of other 

forces. Also called CV or CVN. (JP 3-32) 

air defense — Defensive measures designed to destroy attacking enemy aircraft or 

aerodynamic missiles, or to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of such attack. Also 

called AD. See also aerospace defense. (JP 3-01) 

air defense area — 1. overseas — A specifically defined airspace for which air defense 

must be planned and provided. 2. United States — Airspace of defined dimensions 

designated by the appropriate agency within which the ready control of airborne 

vehicles is required in the interest of national security during an air defense 

emergency. (JP 3-01) 

air defense artillery — Weapons and equipment for actively combating air targets from 

the ground. Also called ADA. (JP 3-01) 

air defense identification zone — Airspace of defined dimensions within which the ready 

identification, location, and control of airborne vehicles are required. Also called

ADIZ. (JP 3-52) 

air defense region — A geographical subdivision of an air defense area. (JP 3-01) 

air defense sector — A geographical subdivision of an air defense region. (JP 3-01)
Terms and Definitions 

12 

air defense warning condition — An air defense warning given in the form of a color 

code corresponding to the degree of air raid probability with yellow standing for when 

an attack by hostile aircraft or missiles is probable; red for when an attack by hostile 

aircraft or missiles is imminent or is in progress; and white for when an attack by 

hostile aircraft or missiles is improbable. Also called ADWC. (JP 3-01) 

air domain — The atmosphere, beginning at the Earth’s surface, extending to the altitude 

where its effects upon operations become negligible. (JP 3-30)

airdrop — The unloading of personnel or materiel from aircraft in flight. See also air 

movement; free drop; free fall; high velocity drop; low velocity drop. (JP 3-17) 

air expeditionary task force — A deployed numbered air force or command echelon 

immediately subordinate to a numbered air force provided as the United States Air Force 

component command committed to a joint operation. Also called AETF. (JP 3-30) 

airfield — An area prepared for the accommodation (including any buildings, installations, 

and equipment), landing, and takeoff of aircraft. See also departure airfield; landing 

area; landing site. (JP 3-17) 

Air Force special operations air component — The Air Force component of a joint 

special operations force, normally composed of a special operations wing, special 

operations group, or squadron, and element of an Air Force special tactics personnel. 

Also called AFSOAC. (JP 3-05) 

Air Force special operations air detachment — A squadron-size headquarters that could 

be a composite organization composed of different Air Force special operations assets, 

normally subordinate to an Air Force special operations air component, joint special 

operations air component, joint special operations task force, or a joint task force. 

Also called AFSOAD. (JP 3-05) 

Air Force special operations forces — Those Active and Reserve Component Air Force 

forces designated by the Secretary of Defense that are specifically organized, trained, 

and equipped to conduct and support special operations. Also called AFSOF. 

(JP 3-05) 

airhead — 1. A lodgment that, when seized and held, ensures the continuous air landing 

of troops and materiel and provides the maneuver space necessary for projected 

operations. (JP 3-18) 2. A designated location in an operational area used as a base 

for supply and evacuation by air. See also beachhead. (JP 3-17) 

airhead line — A line denoting the limits of the objective area for an airborne assault. See 

also airhead; assault phase; objective area. (JP 3-18) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 13 

air interdiction — Air operations conducted to divert, disrupt, delay, or destroy the 

enemy’s military surface capabilities before it can be brought to bear effectively 

against friendly forces, or to otherwise achieve objectives that are conducted at such 

distances from friendly forces that detailed integration of each air mission with the fire 

and movement of friendly forces is not required. Also called AI. (JP 3-03) 

airland — Move by air and disembark, or unload, after the aircraft has landed or while an 

aircraft is hovering. See also air movement. (JP 3-17) 

air land operation — An operation involving movement by air with a designated 

destination for further ground deployment of units and personnel and/or further ground 

distribution of supplies. See also airland. (JP 3-17) 

air liaison officer — The senior tactical air control party member attached to a ground unit 

who functions as the primary advisor to the ground commander on air power. Also 

called ALO. (JP 3-09.3) 

airlift capability — The total capacity expressed in terms of number of passengers and/or 

weight/cubic displacement of cargo that can be carried at any one time to a given 

destination by available airlift. See also airlift requirement. (JP 3-17) 

airlift control team — A core team within the joint air operations center with intratheater 

airlift functional expertise to plan, coordinate, manage, and execute intratheater airlift 

operations in support of the joint force air component commander. Also called ALCT. 

See also air operations center; air mobility division; intratheater airlift. (JP 3-17) 

airlift mission commander — A commander designated when airlift aircraft are 

participating in airlift operations specified in the implementing directive. See also 

joint force air component commander. (JP 3-17) 

airlift requirement — The total number of passengers and/or weight/cubic displacement

of cargo required to be carried by air for a specific task. See also airlift capability. 

(JP 3-17) 

air mobility — The rapid movement of personnel, materiel and forces to and from or 

within a theater by air. See also air refueling. (JP 3-17) 

Air Mobility Command — The Air Force component command of the United States 

Transportation Command. Also called AMC. (JP 3-17) 

air mobility control team — A core team within the joint air operations center that directs 

or redirects air mobility forces in response to requirements changes, higher priorities, 

or immediate execution requirements. Also called AMCT. See also air operations 

center; air mobility; air mobility division. (JP 3-17) 
Terms and Definitions 

14 

air mobility division — Located in the joint air operations center to plan, coordinate, task, 

and execute the air mobility mission consisting of the air mobility control team, airlift 

control team, air refueling control team, and aeromedical evacuation control team. 

Also called AMD. See also air mobility; joint air operations center. (JP 3-17) 

air mobility liaison officer — A rated United States Air Force mobility air forces officer 

selected, trained, and equipped to assess, train, advise, and assist with mobility air 

forces and ground force integration for air movement and sustainment. Also called 

AMLO. (JP 3-17) 

air movement — Air transport of units, personnel, supplies, and equipment including 

airdrops and air landings. See also airdrop; airland. (JP 3-17) 

air operations center — The senior agency of the Air Force component commander that 

provides command and control of Air Force air and space operations and coordinates 

with other components and Services. Also called AOC. (JP 3-30) 

air refueling — The refueling of an aircraft in flight by another aircraft. Also called AR. 

(JP 3-17) 

air refueling control team — A core team within the joint air operations center that 

coordinates aerial refueling to support combat air operations or to support a strategic 

airbridge. Also called ARCT. See also air operations center; air mobility division; 

air refueling. (JP 3-17) 

air route — The navigable airspace between two points, identified to the extent necessary 

for the application of flight rules. (JP 3-52) 

air sovereignty — A nation’s inherent right to exercise absolute control and authority over 

the airspace above its territory. (JP 3-27) 

airspace control — Capabilities and procedures used to increase operational effectiveness 

by promoting the safe, efficient, and flexible use of airspace. (JP 3-52) 

airspace control area — Airspace that is laterally defined by the boundaries of the 

operational area and may be subdivided into sectors. (JP 3-01)

airspace control authority — The commander designated to assume overall responsibility 

for the operation of the airspace control system in the airspace control area. Also 

called ACA. See also airspace control; airspace control area; airspace control 

system; control; operation. (JP 3-52) 

airspace control order — An order implementing the airspace control plan that provides 

the details of the approved requests for airspace coordinating measures. Also called 

ACO. (JP 3-52) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 15 

airspace control plan — The document approved by the joint force commander that 

provides specific planning guidance and procedures for the airspace control system 

for the joint force operational area. Also called ACP. See also airspace control 

system; joint force commander. (JP 3-52) 

airspace control procedures — Rules, mechanisms, and directions that facilitate the 

control and use of airspace of specified dimensions. See also airspace control 

authority; airspace control order; airspace control plan. (JP 3-52) 

airspace control system — An arrangement of those organizations, personnel, policies, 

procedures, and facilities required to perform airspace control functions. Also called 

ACS. (JP 3-52) 

airspace coordinating measures — Measures employed to facilitate the efficient use of 

airspace to accomplish missions and simultaneously provide safeguards for friendly 

forces. Also called ACMs. See also airspace control area; airspace coordination 

area; high-density airspace control zone; weapons engagement zone. (JP 3-52) 

airspace coordination area — A three-dimensional block of airspace in a target area, 

established by the appropriate commander, in which friendly aircraft are reasonably 

safe from friendly surface fires. Also called ACA. (JP 3-09.3) 

airspace management — The coordination, integration, and regulation of the use of 

airspace of defined dimensions. (JP 3-52) 

air superiority — That degree of control of the air by one force that permits the conduct 

of its operations at a given time and place without prohibitive interference from air 

and missile threats. (JP 3-01) 

air support coordination section — In amphibious operations, the section of the Navy 

tactical air control center designated to coordinate, control, and integrate all direct 

support aircraft and assault support operations. Also called ASCS. (JP 3-02)

air support operations center — The principal air control agency of the theater air control 

system responsible for the direction and control of air operations directly supporting 

the ground combat element. Also called ASOC. See also close air support; 

operation; tactical air control center. (JP 3-09.3) 

air support request — A means to request preplanned and immediate close air support, 

air interdiction, air reconnaissance, surveillance, escort, helicopter airlift, and other 

aircraft missions. Also called AIRSUPREQ. (JP 3-30) 

air supremacy — That degree of control of the air wherein the opposing force is incapable of 

effective interference within the operational area using air and missile threats. (JP 3-01) 
Terms and Definitions 

16 

air tasking order — A method used to task and disseminate to components, subordinate 

units, and command and control agencies projected sorties, capabilities and/or forces 

to targets and specific missions. Also called ATO. (JP 3-30) 

air terminal — A facility on an airfield that functions as an air transportation hub and 

accommodates the loading and unloading of airlift aircraft and the intransit processing 

of traffic. (JP 3-17) 

air traffic control section — In amphibious operations, the section of the Navy tactical 

air control center designed to provide initial safe passage, radar control, and 

surveillance for close air support aircraft in the operational area. Also called ATCS. 

(JP 3-02) 

alert order — 1. A planning directive normally associated with a crisis, issued by the 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on behalf of the President or Secretary of 

Defense, that provides essential planning guidance and directs the development, 

adaptation, or refinement of a plan/order after the directing authority approves a 

military course of action. 2. A planning directive that provides essential planning 

guidance, directs the initiation of planning after the directing authority approves a 

military course of action, but does not authorize execution. Also called ALERTORD. 

See also course of action. (JP 5-0) 

alliance — The relationship that results from a formal agreement between two or more 

nations for broad, long-term objectives that further the common interests of the 

members. See also multinational. (JP 3-0) 

Allied System for Geospatial Intelligence — A partnership between five nations (United 

States and allied partners Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom) 

to advance the geospatial intelligence mission with a common analytic environment 

to provide a common geospatial intelligence picture. Also called ASG. (JP 2-03) 

allocation — 1. Distribution of limited forces and resources for employment among 

competing requirements. 2. The temporary transfer of forces to meet the operational 

demand of combatant commanders, including rotational requirements and requests for 

capabilities or forces (unit or individual) in response to crisis or emergent 

contingencies. See also apportionment. (JP 5-0) 

allocation request — A daily message that provides an estimate of the total air effort, to 

identify any excess and joint force general support aircraft sorties, and to identify 

unfilled air requirements for preplanned missions. Also called ALLOREQ. (JP 3-30) 

allowable cabin load — The maximum payload that can be carried on an individual sortie. 

Also called ACL. (JP 3-17) 

all-source intelligence — 1. Intelligence products and/or organizations and activities that 

incorporate all sources of information in the production of finished intelligence. 2. In 
 Terms and Definitions 

 17 

intelligence collection, a phrase that indicates that in the satisfaction of intelligence 

requirements, all collection, processing, exploitation, and reporting systems and 

resources are identified for possible use and those most capable are tasked. See also

intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

ammunition lot — A quantity of homogeneous ammunition, identified by a unique lot 

number, which is manufactured, assembled, or renovated by one producer under 

uniform conditions and which is expected to function in a uniform manner. (JP 3-04) 

amphibian — A small craft, propelled by propellers and wheels or by air cushions for the 

purpose of moving on both land and water. (JP 4-01.6) 

amphibious advance force — A temporary support force assigned to the amphibious force 

that conducts shaping operations in the amphibious objective area or operational area 

prior to the arrival of the amphibious force. (JP 3-02)

amphibious air traffic control center — The centralized air traffic control agency on an 

amphibious warfare ship responsible for operational control of aircraft departing from 

and recovering on the ship and tactical control of airborne helicopters in support of 

amphibious assaults. Also called AATCC. (JP 3-02)

amphibious assault — A type of amphibious operation that involves establishing a force 

on a hostile or potentially hostile shore. See also assault; assault phase. (JP 3-02) 

amphibious assault vehicle launching area — An area, in the vicinity of and to seaward 

of the line of departure, to which landing ships proceed and launch amphibious assault 

vehicles. (JP 3-02)

amphibious breaching — The conduct of a deliberate breaching operation specifically 

designed to overcome antilanding defenses in order to conduct an amphibious assault. 

(JP 3-02) 

amphibious bulk liquid transfer system — Hose-reel system providing capability to 

deliver fuel and/or water from ship to shore. Also called ABLTS. (JP 4-01.6) 

amphibious construction battalion — A permanently commissioned naval unit, 

subordinate to the commander, naval beach group, designed to provide an 

administrative unit from which personnel and equipment are formed in tactical 

elements and made available to appropriate commanders to operate causeways, 

transfer barges, warping tugs, and assault bulk fuel systems, and to meet salvage 

requirements of the naval beach party. Also called PHIBCB. (JP 3-02) 

amphibious defense zone — The area encompassing the amphibious objective area and 

the adjoining airspace required by accompanying naval forces for the purpose of air 

defense. Also called an ADZ. (JP 3-02) 
Terms and Definitions 

18 

amphibious demonstration — A type of amphibious operation conducted for the purpose 

of deceiving the enemy by a show of force with the expectation of deluding the enemy 

into following an unfavorable course of action. (JP 3-02) 

amphibious force — An amphibious task force and a landing force together with other 

forces that are trained, organized, and equipped for amphibious operations. Also 

called AF. See also amphibious operation; amphibious task force; landing force. 

(JP 3-02) 

amphibious objective area — A geographical area of sufficient size for conducting 

necessary sea, air, and land operations, and within which is located the objective(s) to 

be secured by the amphibious force. Also called AOA. See also amphibious force; 

mission. (JP 3-02) 

amphibious operation — A military operation launched from the sea by an amphibious 

force to conduct landing force operations within the littorals. Also called PHIBOP. 

See also amphibious force; landing force; mission; operation. (JP 3-02) 

amphibious raid — A type of amphibious operation involving swift incursion into or 

temporary occupation of an objective followed by a planned withdrawal. See also

amphibious operation. (JP 3-02) 

amphibious squadron — A tactical and administrative organization composed of 

amphibious warfare ships used to transport troops and their equipment for an 

amphibious operation. Also called PHIBRON. (JP 3-02) 

amphibious task force — A Navy task organization formed to conduct amphibious 

operations. Also called ATF. See also amphibious force; amphibious operation; 

landing force. (JP 3-02) 

amphibious vehicle — A wheeled or tracked vehicle capable of operating on both land 

and water. See also landing craft. (JP 3-02) 

amphibious vehicle availability table — A tabulation of the type and number of 

amphibious vehicles available primarily for assault landings and for support of other 

elements of the operation. (JP 3-02) 

amphibious vehicle employment plan — A plan showing in tabular form the planned 

employment of amphibious vehicles in landing operations, including their 

employment after the initial movement to the beach. (JP 3-02) 

amphibious warfare ship — A combatant ship having organic capability to embark, land, 

and support landing forces in amphibious operations and which has characteristics 

enabling long duration operations on the high seas. (JP 3-02)
 Terms and Definitions 

 19 

amphibious withdrawal — A type of amphibious operation involving the extraction of 

forces by sea in ships or craft from a hostile or potentially hostile shore. See also 

amphibious operation. (JP 3-02) 

analysis and production — In intelligence usage, the conversion of processed information

into intelligence through the integration, evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of all 

source data and the preparation of intelligence products in support of known or 

anticipated user requirements. See also intelligence process. (JP 2-01) 

antemortem data — Medical records, samples, and photographs taken prior to death. 

These include (but are not limited to) fingerprints, dental x-rays, body tissue samples, 

photographs of tattoos, or other identifying marks. These “pre-death” records would 

be compared against records completed after death to help establish a positive 

identification of human remains. See also mortuary affairs. (JP 4-06) 

antiaccess — Action, activity, or capability, usually long-range, designed to prevent an 

advancing enemy force from entering an operational area. Also called A2. (JP 3-0) 

Antideficiency Act violations — The incurring of obligations or the making of expenditure 

(outlays) in violation of appropriation law as to purpose, time, and amounts as specified 

in the defense appropriation or appropriations of funds. (JP 1-06) 

antiradiation missile — A missile which homes passively on a radiation source. Also 

called ARM. See also guided missile. (JP 3-01) 

antisubmarine warfare — Operations conducted with the intention of denying the enemy 

the effective use of submarines. Also called ASW. (JP 3-32) 

antiterrorism — Defensive measures used to reduce the vulnerability of individuals and 

property to terrorist acts, to include rapid containment by local military and civilian 

forces. Also called AT. See also counterterrorism; terrorism. (JP 3-07.2) 

anti-vehicle land mine — A mine designed to immobilize or destroy a vehicle. Also 

called AVL. (JP 3-15) 

application — 1. The system or problem to which a computer is applied. 2. In the 

intelligence context, the direct extraction and tailoring of information from an existing 

foundation of intelligence and near real time reporting. (JP 2-0) 

apportionment — The quantities of force capabilities and resources provided for planning 

purposes only, but not necessarily an identification of the actual forces that may be 

allocated for use when a plan transitions to execution. See also allocation. (JP 5-0) 

approach schedule — In amphibious operations, this schedule indicates, for each scheduled 

wave, the time of departure from the rendezvous area, from the line of departure, and 

from other control points and the time of arrival at the beach. (JP 3-02) 
Terms and Definitions 

20 

apron — A defined area on an airfield intended to accommodate aircraft for purposes of 

loading or unloading passengers or cargo, refueling, parking, or maintenance. (JP 3-34) 

area air defense commander — The component commander with the preponderance of 

air defense capability and the required command, control, and communications 

capabilities who is assigned by the joint force commander to plan and execute 

integrated air defense operations. Also called AADC. (JP 3-01) 

area command — A command that is composed of elements of one or more of the 

Services, organized and placed under a single commander and designated to operate 

in a specific geographical area. See also command. (JP 3-10) 

area damage control — Measures taken before, during, or after hostile action or natural 

or manmade disasters, to reduce the probability of damage and minimize its effects. 

Also called ADC. (JP 3-10) 

area denial — Action, activity, or capability, usually short-range, designed to limit an enemy 

force’s freedom of action within an operational area. Also called AD. (JP 3-0) 

area of influence — A geographical area wherein a commander is directly capable of 

influencing operations by maneuver or fire support systems normally under the 

commander’s command or control. (JP 3-0) 

area of interest — That area of concern to the commander, including the area of influence, 

areas adjacent thereto, and extending into enemy territory. Also called AOI. See also 

area of influence. (JP 3-0) 

area of operations — An operational area defined by a commander for land and maritime 

forces that should be large enough to accomplish their missions and protect their 

forces. Also called AO. See also area of responsibility; joint operations area; joint 

special operations area. (JP 3-0) 

area of responsibility — The geographical area associated with a combatant command 

within which a geographic combatant commander has authority to plan and conduct 

operations. Also called AOR. See also combatant command. (JP 1) 

area search — Visual reconnaissance of limited or defined areas. (JP 3-50) 

Armed Forces of the United States — A term used to denote collectively all components 

of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard (when mobilized under 

Title 10, United States Code, to augment the Navy). See also United States Armed 

Forces. (JP 1) 

arming — As applied to explosives, weapons, and ammunition, the changing from a safe 

condition to a state of readiness for initiation. (JP 3-15) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 21 

Army air-ground system — The Army system which provides for interface between 

Army and tactical air support agencies of other Services in the planning, evaluating, 

processing, and coordinating of air support requirements and operations. Also called 

AAGS. (JP 3-09.3) 

Army corps — An intermediate headquarters between divisions and the theater army 

consisting of two or more divisions together with supporting brigades. (JP 3-31) 

Army Service component command — Command responsible for recommendations to 

the joint force commander on the allocation and employment of Army forces within a 

combatant command. Also called ASCC. (JP 3-31) 

Army special operations forces — Those Active and Reserve Component Army forces 

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

equipped to conduct and support special operations. Also called ARSOF. (JP 3-05) 

Army support area — The specific support area for a theater Army that is outside of a 

division or corps’s operational area established primarily for the positioning, 

employment, and protection of theater support units; and where the majority of the 

sustaining operations occur. (JP 3-31)

arrival zone — In counterdrug operations, the area in or adjacent to the United States where 

smuggling concludes and domestic distribution begins (by air, an airstrip; by sea, an 

offload point on land, or transfer to small boats). See also transit zone. (JP 3-07.4) 

ascent phase — That portion of the flight of a ballistic missile or space vehicle that begins 

after powered flight and ends just prior to apogee. (JP 3-01)

assault — 1. In an amphibious operation, the period of time between the arrival of the 

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

accomplishment of the amphibious task force mission. (JP 3-02) 2. To make a short, 

violent, but well-ordered attack against a local objective, such as a gun emplacement, 

a fort, or a machine gun nest. (JP 3-18) 3. A phase of an airborne operation beginning 

with delivery by air of the assault echelon of the force into the objective area and 

extending through attack of assault objectives and consolidation of the initial airhead. 

See also assault phase. (JP 3-18) 

assault breaching — A part of amphibious breaching in support of an amphibious assault 

involving a fire support mission using precision guided munitions to neutralize mines 

and obstacles in the surf zone and on the beach. (JP 3-02)

assault craft unit — A permanently commissioned naval organization, subordinate to the 

commander, naval beach group, that contains landing craft and crews necessary to 

provide lighterage required in an amphibious operation. Also called ACU. (JP 3-02) 
Terms and Definitions 

22 

assault echelon — In amphibious operations, the element of a force comprised of tailored 

units and aircraft assigned to conduct the initial assault on the operational area. Also 

called AE. See also amphibious operation. (JP 3-02) 

assault follow-on echelon — In amphibious operations, that echelon of the assault troops, 

vehicles, aircraft, equipment, and supplies that, though not needed to initiate the 

assault, is required to support and sustain the assault. Also called AFOE. (JP 3-02) 

assault phase — In an airborne operation, a phase beginning with delivery by air of the 

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

assault objectives and consolidation of the initial airhead. See also assault. (JP 3-18) 

assault schedule — In amphibious operations, this schedule provides the formation,

composition, and timing of waves landing over the beach. (JP 3-02) 

assessment — 1. A continuous process that measures the overall effectiveness of 

employing capabilities during military operations. 2. Determination of the progress 

toward accomplishing a task, creating a condition, or achieving an objective. 3. 

Analysis of the security, effectiveness, and potential of an existing or planned 

intelligence activity. 4. Judgment of the motives, qualifications, and characteristics of 

present or prospective employees or “agents.” (JP 3-0) 

assessment agent — The organization responsible for conducting an assessment of an 

approved joint publication. Also called AA. (CJCSM 5120.01) 

asset validation — In intelligence use, the process used to determine the asset 

authenticity, reliability, utility, suitability, and degree of control the case officer or 

others have. (JP 2-01.2) 

asset visibility — Provides users with information on the location, movement, status and 

identity of units, personnel, equipment, and supplies. Also called AV. (JP 3-35) 

assign — 1. To place units or personnel in an organization where such placement is 

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

units or personnel for the primary function, or greater portion of the functions, of the 

unit or personnel. 2. To detail individuals to specific duties or functions where such 

duties or functions are primary and/or relatively permanent. See also attach. (JP 3-0) 

assumption — A specific supposition of the operational environment that is assumed to be 

true, in the absence of positive proof, essential for the continuation of planning. (JP 5-0) 

atmospheric environment — The envelope of air surrounding the Earth, including its 

interfaces and interactions with the Earth’s solid or liquid surface. (JP 3-59) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 23 

attach — 1. The placement of units or personnel in an organization where such placement 

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

such functions are secondary or relatively temporary. See also assign. (JP 3-0) 

attack group — A subordinate task organization of the Navy forces of an amphibious task 

force composed of amphibious warfare ships and supporting naval units designated to 

transport, protect, land, and initially support a landing group. (JP 3-02) 

attack heading — 1. The interceptor heading during the attack phase that will achieve the 

desired track-crossing angle. 2. The assigned magnetic compass heading to be flown 

by aircraft during the delivery phase of an air strike. (JP 3-09.3) 

attack position — The last position occupied by the assault echelon before crossing the 

line of departure. (JP 3-09.3) 

audience — In public affairs, a broadly-defined group that contains stakeholders and/or 

publics relevant to military operations. (JP 3-61) 

authentication — 1. A security measure designed to protect a communications system 

against acceptance of a fraudulent transmission or simulation by establishing the 

validity of a transmission, message, or originator. 2. A means of identifying 

individuals and verifying their eligibility to receive specific categories of information. 

3. Evidence by proper signature or seal that a document is genuine and official. 4. In 

personnel recovery missions, the process whereby the identity of an isolated person is 

confirmed. See also evader; evasion; recovery operations; security. (JP 3-50) 

authorized departure — A procedure, short of ordered departure, by which mission 

employees or dependents or both, are permitted to leave post in advance of normal 

rotation when the national interests or imminent threat to life require it. (JP 3-68) 

Automated Repatriation Reporting System — A Defense Manpower Data Center 

system used to track the status of noncombatant evacuees after they have arrived in an 

initial safe haven in the United States. (JP 3-68) 

automatic identification technology — A suite of technologies enabling the automatic 

capture of data, thereby enhancing the ability to identify, track, document, and control 

assets (e.g., materiel), deploying and redeploying forces, equipment, personnel, and 

sustainment cargo. Also called AIT. (JP 4-09) 

autonomous operation — In air defense, the mode of operation assumed by a unit after it 

has lost all communications with higher echelons forcing the unit commander to 

assume full responsibility for control of weapons and engagement of hostile targets. 

(JP 3-01) 

avenue of approach — An air or ground route of an attacking force of a given size leading 

to its objective or to key terrain in its path. Also called AA. (JP 2-01.3) 
Terms and Definitions 

24 

aviation medicine — The special field of medicine that is related to the biological and 

psychological problems of flight. (JP 4-02) 
25 

B 

backfill — Reserve Component units and individuals recalled to replace deploying active 

units and/or individuals in the continental United States and outside the continental 

United States. See also Reserve Component. (JP 4-05) 

bale cubic capacity — The space available for cargo measured in cubic feet to the inside 

of the cargo battens, on the frames, and to the underside of the beams. (JP 4-01.2) 

ballistic missile — Any missile that does not rely upon aerodynamic surfaces to produce 

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

called BM. See also guided missile. (JP 3-01) 

barrier — A coordinated series of natural or man-made obstacles designed or employed to 

channel, direct, restrict, delay, or stop the movement of an opposing force and to impose 

additional losses in personnel, time, and equipment on the opposing force. (JP 3-15) 

barrier combat air patrol — One or more divisions or elements of fighter aircraft 

employed between a force and an objective area as a barrier across the probable 

direction of enemy attack. See also combat air patrol. (JP 3-01) 

barrier, obstacle, and mine warfare plan — A comprehensive, coordinated plan that 

includes responsibilities; general location of unspecified and specific barriers, 

obstacles, and minefields; special instructions; limitations; coordination; and 

completion times; and may designate locations of obstacle zones or belts. (JP 3-15) 

base — 1. A locality from which operations are projected or supported. 2. An area or 

locality containing installations which provide logistic or other support. 3. Home 

airfield or home carrier. See also facility. (JP 4-0) 

base boundary — A line that delineates the surface area of a base for the purpose of 

facilitating coordination and deconfliction of operations between adjacent units, 

formations, or areas. (JP 3-10) 

base cluster — In base defense operations, a collection of bases, geographically grouped 

for mutual protection and ease of command and control. (JP 3-10) 

base cluster commander — In base defense operations, a senior base commander 

designated by the joint force commander responsible for coordinating the defense of 

bases within the base cluster and for integrating defense plans of bases into a base 

cluster defense plan. (JP 3-10) 

base cluster operations center — A command and control facility that serves as the base 

cluster commander’s focal point for defense and security of the base cluster. Also 

called BCOC. (JP 3-10) 
Terms and Definitions 

26 

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

nullify or reduce the effectiveness of enemy attacks on, or sabotage of, a base, to 

ensure that the maximum capacity of its facilities is available to United States forces. 

(JP 3-10) 

base defense operations center — A command and control facility established by the base 

commander to serve as the focal point for base security and defense. Also called 

BDOC. (JP 3-10) 

base defense zone — An air defense zone established around an air base and limited to the 

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

Also called BDZ. (JP 3-52) 

base development — The acquisition, development, expansion, improvement, 

construction and/or replacement of the facilities and resources of a location to support 

forces. (JP 3-34) 

baseline costs — The continuing annual costs of military operations funded by the 

operations and maintenance and military personnel appropriations. (JP 1-06) 

base operating support — Directly assisting, maintaining, supplying, and distributing 

support of forces at the operating location. Also called BOS. (JP 4-0)

base operating support-integrator — The designated Service component or joint task 

force commander assigned to synchronize all sustainment functions for a contingency 

base. Also called BOS-I. (JP 4-0)

base plan — A type of operation plan that describes the concept of operations, major forces, 

sustainment concept, and anticipated timelines for completing the mission without 

annexes or time-phased force and deployment data. Also called BPLAN. (JP 5-0) 

base support installation — A Department of Defense Service or agency installation 

within the United States and its territories tasked to serve as a base for military forces 

engaged in either homeland defense or conducting defense support of civil authorities. 

Also called BSI. (JP 3-28) 

basic encyclopedia — A compilation of identified installations and physical areas of

potential significance as objectives for attack. Also called BE. (JP 2-01) 

basic load — The quantity of supplies required to be on hand within, and which can be 

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

unit or formation and maintained at the prescribed levels. (JP 4-09) 

battalion landing team — In an amphibious operation, an infantry battalion normally 

reinforced by necessary combat and service elements; the basic unit for planning an 

assault landing. Also called BLT. (JP 3-02) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 27 

battle damage assessment — The estimate of damage composed of physical and 

functional damage assessment, as well as target system assessment, resulting from the 

application of lethal or nonlethal military force. Also called BDA. See also combat 

assessment. (JP 3-0) 

battle damage repair — Essential repair, which may be improvised, carried out rapidly 

in a battle environment in order to return damaged or disabled equipment to temporary 

service. Also called BDR. (JP 4-09) 

battlefield coordination detachment — An Army liaison located in the air operations center 

that provides selected operational functions between the Army forces and the air 

component commander. Also called BCD. See also air operations center. (JP 3-03) 

battle injury — Damage or harm sustained by personnel during or as a result of battle 

conditions. Also called BI. (JP 4-02) 

battle management — The management of activities within the operational environment based 

on the commands, direction, and guidance given by appropriate authority. (JP 3-01) 

battle rhythm — A deliberate, daily schedule of command, staff, and unit activities intended 

to maximize use of time and synchronize staff actions. (JP 3-33) 

beach — 1. The area extending from the shoreline inland to a marked change in 

physiographic form or material, or to the line of permanent vegetation (coastline). 2. 

In amphibious operations, that portion of the shoreline designated for landing of a 

tactical organization. (JP 3-02) 

beachhead — A designated area on a hostile or potentially hostile shore that, when seized 

and held, ensures the continuous landing of troops and materiel, and provides 

maneuver space requisite for subsequent projected operations ashore. (JP 3-02) 

beachmaster unit — A commissioned naval unit of the naval beach group designed to 

provide to the shore party a Navy component known as a beach party, which is capable 

of supporting the amphibious landing of one division (reinforced). Also called BMU. 

See also beach party; naval beach group; shore party. (JP 4-01.6) 

beach party — The Navy component of the landing force support party under the tactical 

control of the landing force support party commander. See also beachmaster unit; 

shore party. (JP 3-02) 

beach support area — In amphibious operations, the area to the rear of a landing force or 

elements thereof, that contains the facilities for the unloading of troops and materiel 

and the support of the forces ashore. Also called BSA. (JP 3-02) 
Terms and Definitions 

28 

begin morning civil twilight — The period of time at which the sun is halfway between 

beginning morning and nautical twilight and sunrise, when there is enough light to see 

objects clearly with the unaided eye. Also called BMCT. (JP 2-01.3) 

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

in the absence of other illumination, the sun is 12 degrees below the eastern horizon 

and enough light is available to identify the general outlines of ground objects and 

conduct limited military operations. Also called BMNT. (JP 3-09.3)

believed-to-be — In mortuary affairs, the status of any human remains until a positive 

identification has been determined. Used interchangeably with tentative identification. 

Also called BTB. (JP 4-06)

bill — A ship’s publication listing operational or administrative procedures. (JP 3-04) 

biological agent — A microorganism (or a toxin derived from it) that causes disease in 

personnel, plants, or animals or causes the deterioration of materiel. See also chemical 

agent. (JP 3-11) 

biological hazard — An organism, or substance derived from an organism, that poses a 

threat to human or animal health. (JP 3-11)

biometrics — The process of recognizing an individual based on measurable anatomical, 

physiological, and behavioral characteristics. (JP 2-0) 

biometrics-enabled intelligence — The intelligence derived from the processing of 

biologic identity data and other all-source for information concerning persons of 

interest. Also called BEI. (JP 2-0) 

biosurveillance — The process to gather, integrate, interpret, and communicate essential 

information related to all-hazards, threats, or disease activity affecting human, animal, 

or plant health to achieve early detection and warning, contribute to overall situational 

awareness of the health aspects of an incident, and to enable better decision making at 

all levels. (JP 4-02) 

blister agent — A chemical agent that injures the eyes and lungs, and burns or blisters the 

skin. Also called vesicant agent. (JP 3-11) 

blood agent — A chemical compound, including the cyanide group, that affects bodily 

functions by preventing the normal utilization of oxygen by body tissues. (JP 3-11) 

blood chit — A small sheet of material depicting an American flag and a statement in 

several languages to the effect that anyone assisting the bearer to safety will be 

rewarded. See also evasion aid. (JP 3-50) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 29 

Blue Bark — US military personnel, US citizen civilian employees of the Department of 

Defense, and the dependents of both categories who travel in connection with the death 

of an immediate family member. It also applies to designated escorts for dependents 

of deceased military members. Furthermore, the term is used to designate the personal 

property shipment of a deceased member. (JP 4-06) 

board — An organized group of individuals within a headquarters, appointed and tasked 

by the commander (or other authority), that meets with the purpose of gaining 

guidance or decision. (JP 3-33) 

boat group — The basic organization of landing craft. (JP 3-02) 

boat lane — A lane for amphibious assault landing craft, which extends from the line of 

departure to the beach. (JP 3-02) 

boat space — The space and weight factor used in planning for one person with individual 

equipment to determine overall ship-to-shore movement requirements for boats, 

landing craft, and amphibious vehicles. (JP 3-02.1) 

bona fides — 1. In personnel recovery, the use of verbal or visual communication by 

individuals who are unknown to one another, to establish their authenticity, sincerity, 

honesty, and truthfulness. See also evasion; recovery; recovery operations. (JP 3-50) 

2. The lack of fraud or deceit: a determination that a person is who he/she says he/she is. 

(JP 2-01.2) 

boost phase — That portion of the flight of a ballistic missile or space vehicle during 

which the booster and sustainer engines operate. See also midcourse phase; terminal 

phase. (JP 3-01) 

bottom mine — A mine with negative buoyancy that remains on the seabed. See also

mine. (JP 3-15) 

boundary — A line that delineates surface areas for the purpose of facilitating 

coordination and deconfliction of operations between adjacent units, formations, or 

areas. (JP 3-0) 

branch — 1. A subdivision of any organization. 2. A geographically separate unit of an 

activity, which performs all or part of the primary functions of the parent activity on 

a smaller scale. 3. An arm or service of the Army. 4. The contingency options built 

into the base plan used for changing the mission, orientation, or direction of movement 

of a force to aid success of the operation based on anticipated events, opportunities, or 

disruptions caused by enemy actions and reactions. See also sequel. (JP 5-0) 

breakbulk ship — A ship with conventional holds for stowage of breakbulk cargo and a 

limited number of containers, below or above deck, and equipped with cargo-handling 

gear. (JP 4-09) 
Terms and Definitions 

30 

brevity code — A code word, which provides no security, that serves the sole purpose of 

shortening of messages rather than the concealment of their content. (JP 3-09.3) 

brigade combat team — A combined arms team that forms the basic building block of 

the Army’s tactical formations. Also called BCT. (JP 3-31) 

broken stowage — The space lost in the holds of a vessel because of the contour of the 

ship, dunnage, ladders, stanchions, and the shape of the cargo. (JP 3-02.1) 

broken stowage factor — A factor applied to the available space for embarkation due to

the loss between boxes, between vehicles, around stanchions, and over cargo, that will 

vary, depending on the type and size of vehicles, type and size of general cargo, 

training and experience of loading personnel, type of loading, method of stowage, and 

configuration of compartments. (JP 3-02.1) 

buddy aid — Acute medical care (first aid) provided by a nonmedical Service member to 

another person. (JP 4-02) 

buffer zone — 1. A defined area controlled by a peace operations force from which 

disputing or belligerent forces have been excluded. Also called area of separation in 

some United Nations operations. Also called BZ. See also line of demarcation; 

peace operations. (JP 3-07.3) 2. A designated area used for safety in military

operations. (JP 3-01) 

building system — A structure assembled from manufactured components designed to

provide a specific building configuration. (JP 3-34) 

bulk cargo — That which is generally shipped in volume where the transportation 

conveyance is the only external container; such as liquids, ore, or grain. (JP 4-01.5) 

bulk petroleum product — A liquid petroleum product transported by various means and 

stored in tanks or containers having an individual fill capacity greater than 208 liters. 

(JP 4-03) 

bulk storage — 1. Storage in a warehouse of supplies and equipment in large quantities, 

usually in original containers, as distinguished from bin storage. 2. Storage of liquids, 

such as petroleum products in tanks, as distinguished from drum or packaged storage. 

(JP 4-03) 
31 

C 

cache — A source of subsistence and supplies, typically containing items such as food, 

water, medical items, and/or communications equipment, packaged to prevent damage 

from exposure and hidden in isolated locations by such methods as burial, 

concealment, and/or submersion, to support isolated personnel. See also evader; 

evasion; recovery; recovery operations. (JP 3-50) 

call sign — Any combination of characters or pronounceable words, which identifies a 

communication facility, a command, an authority, an activity, or a unit; used primarily 

for establishing and maintaining communications. Also called CS. (JP 3-50) 

campaign — A series of related operations aimed at achieving strategic and operational 

objectives within a given time and space. See also campaign plan. (JP 5-0) 

campaign plan — A joint operation plan for a series of related major operations aimed at 

achieving strategic or operational objectives within a given time and space. See also 

campaign. (JP 5-0) 

canalize — To restrict operations to a narrow zone by use of existing or reinforcing 

obstacles or by fire or bombing. (JP 3-15) 

candidate target list — A list of entities submitted by component commanders, 

appropriate agencies, or the joint force commander’s staff for further development and 

inclusion on the joint target list, restricted target list, or the no-strike list. Also called 

CTL. See also joint integrated prioritized target list; target; target nomination list. (JP 

3-60) 

capstone publication — The top joint doctrine publication in the hierarchy of joint 

publications that links joint doctrine to national strategy and the contributions of other 

government departments and agencies, multinational partners, and reinforces policy 

for command and control. See also joint publication; keystone publications. 

(CJCSM 5120.01) 

cargo increment number — A seven-character alphanumeric field that uniquely describes 

a non-unit-cargo entry (line) in the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System 

time-phased force and deployment data. (JP 3-35) 

carrier air wing — Two or more aircraft squadrons formed under one commander for 

administrative and tactical control of operations from a carrier. Also called CVW. 

(JP 3-32) 

carrier control zone — The airspace within a circular limit defined by 5 miles horizontal 

radius from the carrier, extending upward from the surface to and including 2,500 feet 

unless otherwise designated for special operations, and is under the cognizance of the 

air officer during visual meteorological conditions. (JP 3-52)
Terms and Definitions 

32 

carrier strike group — A standing naval task group consisting of a carrier, embarked air 

wing, surface combatants, and submarines as assigned in direct support, operating in 

mutual support with the task of destroying hostile submarine, surface, and air forces 

within the group’s assigned operational area and striking at targets along hostile shore 

lines or projecting power inland. Also called CSG. (JP 3-32) 

cartridge-actuated device — Small explosive devices used to eject stores from launched 

devices, actuate other explosive systems, or provide initiation for aircrew escape 

devices. (JP 3-04) 

case fatality rate — As it applies to trauma, a calculation used to measure the lethality of 

combat operations for those who are wounded, which compares the number of 

personnel killed in action and died of wounds to those wounded in action. (JP 4-02) 

case officer — A professional employee of an intelligence or counterintelligence 

organization, who provides directions for an agent operation and/or handling 

intelligence assets. (JP 2-01.2) 

casualty — Any person who is lost to the organization by having been declared dead, duty 

status – whereabouts unknown, missing, ill, or injured. (JP 4-02) 

casualty evacuation — The unregulated movement of casualties that can include 

movement both to and between medical treatment facilities. Also called CASEVAC. 

See also casualty; evacuation; medical treatment facility. (JP 4-02) 

casualty rate — The number of casualties per 1,000 population at risk. (DODI 8620.04)

casualty receiving and treatment ship — In amphibious operations, a ship designated to 

receive, provide treatment for, and transfer casualties. Also called CRTS. (JP 3-02) 

catastrophic event — Any natural or man-made incident, including terrorism, which 

results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely 

affecting the population, infrastructure, environment, economy, national morale, 

and/or government functions. (JP 3-28) 

causeway — A craft similar in design to a barge, but longer and narrower, designed to 

assist in the discharge and transport of cargo from vessels. (JP 4-01.6) 

causeway launching area — An area located near the line of departure but clear of the 

approach lanes to an area located in the inner transport area. (JP 3-02) 

C-day — The unnamed day on which a deployment operation commences or is to 

commence. (JP 5-0) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 33 

cell — A subordinate organization formed around a specific process, capability, or activity 

within a designated larger organization of a headquarters. (JP 3-33) 

center — An enduring, functional organization, with a supporting staff, designed to 

perform a joint function within a headquarters. (JP 3-33) 

center of gravity — The source of power that provides moral or physical strength, freedom 

of action, or will to act. Also called COG. See also decisive point. (JP 5-0) 

central control officer — The officer, embarked in the central control ship, designated by 

the amphibious task force commander for the overall coordination of the waterborne 

ship-to-shore movement. Also called CCO. (JP 3-02) 

centralized control — 1. In air defense, the control mode whereby a higher echelon makes 

direct target assignments to fire units. (JP 3-01) 2. In joint air operations, placing 

within one commander the responsibility and authority for planning, directing, and 

coordinating a military operation or group/category of operations. See also 

decentralized control. (JP 3-30) 

chaff — Radar confusion reflectors, consisting of thin, narrow metallic strips of various 

lengths and frequency responses, which are used to reflect echoes for confusion 

purposes. (JP 3-13.1) 

chain of command — The succession of commanding officers from a superior to a 

subordinate through which command is exercised. Also called command channel. 

(JP 1) 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff instruction — A document for all types of 

correspondence containing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff policy and guidance that 

does not involve the employment of forces, which is of indefinite duration and is 

applicable to external agencies, or both the Joint Staff and external agencies. Also called 

CJCSI. See also Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff manual. (CJCSM 5120.01) 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff manual — A document containing detailed 

procedures for performing specific tasks that do not involve the employment of forces, 

which is of indefinite duration and is applicable to external agencies or both the Joint 

Staff and external agencies. Also called CJCSM. See also Chairman of the Joint 

Chiefs of Staff instruction. (CJCSM 5120.01) 

chalk number — The number given to a complete load and to the transporting carrier. 

(JP 3-17) 

change detection — An image enhancement technique that compares two images of the

same area from different time periods and eliminates identical picture elements in 

order to leave the signatures that have undergone change. (JP 2-03) 
Terms and Definitions 

34 

channel airlift — Airlift provided for movement of sustainment cargo, scheduled either 

regularly or depending upon volume of workload, between designated ports of 

embarkation and ports of debarkation over validated contingency or distribution 

routes. (JP 3-17)

chemical agent — A chemical substance that is intended for use in military operations to 

kill, seriously injure, or incapacitate mainly through its physiological effects. See also 

chemical warfare; riot control agent. (JP 3-11)

chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense — Measures taken to minimize 

or negate the vulnerabilities to, and/or effects of, a chemical, biological, radiological, 

or nuclear hazard or incident. Also called CBRN defense. (JP 3-11) 

chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear environment — An operational 

environment that includes chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats and 

hazards and their potential resulting effects. Also called CBRN environment. (JP 3-11) 

chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear hazard — Chemical, biological, 

radiological, and nuclear elements that could create adverse effects due to an accidental 

or deliberate release and dissemination. Also called CBRN hazard. (JP 3-11) 

chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear incident — Any occurrence, resulting from 

the use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons and devices; the 

emergence of secondary hazards arising from friendly actions; or the release of toxic 

industrial materials or biological organisms and substances into the environment, 

involving the emergence of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear hazards. 

(JP 3-11) 

chemical hazard — Any chemical manufactured, used, transported, or stored that can 

cause death or other harm through toxic properties of those materials, including 

chemical agents and chemical weapons prohibited under the Chemical Weapons 

Convention as well as toxic industrial chemicals. (JP 3-11)

chemical warfare — All aspects of military operations involving the employment of lethal 

and incapacitating chemical munitions/agents and the warning and protective 

measures associated with such offensive operations. Also called CW. See also 

chemical agent; chemical weapon; riot control agent. (JP 3-11)

chemical weapon — Together or separately, (a) a toxic chemical and its precursors, except 

when intended for a purpose not prohibited under the Chemical Weapons Convention; 

(b) a munition or device, specifically designed to cause death or other harm through 

toxic properties of those chemicals specified in (a), above, which would be released 

as a result of the employment of such munition or device; (c) any equipment 

specifically designed for use directly in connection with the employment of munitions 

or devices specified in (b), above. See also chemical agent; chemical warfare; riot 

control agent. (JP 3-11) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 35 

chief of fires — The senior organic fires Army staff officer at division and higher 

headquarters level who advises the commander on the best use of available fire support 

resources, provides input to necessary orders, and develops and implements the fire 

support plan. Also called COF. (JP 3-09) 

chief of mission — The principal officer in charge of a diplomatic facility of the United 

States, including any individual temporarily assigned to be in charge of such a facility. 

Also called COM. (JP 3-08) 

chief of staff — The senior or principal member or head of a staff who acts as the 

controlling member of a staff for purposes of the coordination of its work or to exercise 

command in another’s name. Also called COS. (JP 3-33) 

civil administration — An administration established by a foreign government in (1) 

friendly territory, under an agreement with the government of the area concerned, to 

exercise certain authority normally the function of the local government; or (2) hostile 

territory, occupied by United States forces, where a foreign government exercises 

executive, legislative, and judicial authority until an indigenous civil government can 

be established. Also called CA. (JP 3-05) 

civil affairs — Designated Active Component and Reserve Component forces and units 

organized, trained, and equipped specifically to conduct civil affairs operations and to 

support civil-military operations. Also called CA. See also civil-military operations. 

(JP 3-57) 

civil affairs operations — Actions planned, coordinated, executed, and assessed to 

enhance awareness of, and manage the interaction with, the civil component of the 

operational environment; identify and mitigate underlying causes of instability within 

civil society; and/or involve the application of functional specialty skills normally the 

responsibility of civil government. Also called CAO. (JP 3-57) 

civil augmentation program — Standing, long-term external support contacts designed 

to augment Service logistic capabilities with contracted support in both preplanned 

and short notice contingencies. Also called CAP. See also contingency; contingency 

contract; external support contract. (JP 4-10) 

civil authorities — Those elected and appointed officers and employees who constitute 

the government of the United States, the governments of the 50 states, the District of 

Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, 

Guam, insular areas, and political subdivisions thereof. (JP 3-28) 

civil authority information support — The use of military information support 

operations capabilities to conduct public information dissemination activities to 

support national security or disaster relief operations within the United States and its 

territories in support of a lead federal agency. Also called CAIS. (JP 3-13.2) 
Terms and Definitions 

36 

civil emergency — Any occasion or instance for which, in the determination of the 

President, federal assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts and 

capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety or to 

lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States. (JP 3-28) 

civil information — Relevant data relating to the civil areas, structures, capabilities, 

organizations, people, and events of the civil component of the operational 

environment used to support the situational awareness of the supported commander. 

(JP 3-57) 

civil information management — Process whereby data relating to the civil component 

of the operational environment is gathered, collated, processed, analyzed, produced 

into information products, and disseminated. Also called CIM. (JP 3-57)

civil-military medicine — A discipline within operational medicine comprising public 

health and medical issues that involve a civil-military interface (foreign or domestic), 

including medical defense support of civil authorities, medical elements of security 

cooperation activities, and medical civil-military operations. (JP 4-02) 

civil-military operations — Activities of a commander performed by designated military 

forces that establish, maintain, influence, or exploit relations between military forces and 

indigenous populations and institutions by directly supporting the achievement of 

objectives relating to the reestablishment or maintenance of stability within a region or 

host nation. Also called CMO. See also civil affairs; operation. (JP 3-57) 

civil-military operations center — An organization, normally comprised of civil affairs, 

established to plan and facilitate coordination of activities of the Armed Forces of the 

United States within indigenous populations and institutions, the private sector, 

international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, multinational forces, and 

other governmental agencies in support of the commander. Also called CMOC. See 

also civil-military operations; operation. (JP 3-57) 

civil-military team — A temporary organization of civilian and military personnel taskorganized to provide an optimal mix of capabilities and expertise to accomplish 

specific operational and planning tasks. (JP 3-57)

civil reconnaissance — A targeted, planned, and coordinated observation and evaluation 

of specific civil aspects of the environment such as areas, structures, capabilities, 

organizations, people, or events. Also called CR. (JP 3-57)

Civil Reserve Air Fleet — A program in which the Department of Defense contracts for 

the services of specific aircraft, owned by a United States entity or citizen, during 

national emergencies and defense-oriented situations when expanded civil 

augmentation of military airlift activity is required. Also called CRAF. See also 

reserve. (JP 3-17) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 37 

civil search and rescue — Search and/or rescue operations and associated civilian services 

provided to assist persons in potential or actual distress and protect property in a 

nonhostile environment. Also called civil SAR. (JP 3-50)

clandestine — Any activity or operation sponsored or conducted by governmental 

departments or agencies with the intent to assure secrecy and concealment. (JP 2-01.2) 

clandestine operation — An operation sponsored or conducted by governmental 

departments or agencies in such a way as to assure secrecy or concealment. See also

covert operation; overt operation. (JP 3-05) 

classes of supply — The ten categories into which supplies are grouped in order to

facilitate supply management and planning. I. Rations and gratuitous issue of health, 

morale, and welfare items. II. Clothing, individual equipment, tentage, tool sets, and 

administrative and housekeeping supplies and equipment. III. Petroleum, oils, and 

lubricants. IV. Construction materials. V. Ammunition. VI. Personal demand items. 

VII. Major end items, including tanks, helicopters, and radios. VIII. Medical. IX. 

Repair parts and components for equipment maintenance. X. Nonstandard items to 

support nonmilitary programs such as agriculture and economic development. See 

also petroleum, oils, and lubricants. (JP 4-09) 

classification — The determination that official information requires, in the interests of 

national security, a specific degree of protection against unauthorized disclosure, 

coupled with a designation signifying that such a determination has been made. (JP 

2-01.2) 

classified information — Official information that has been determined to require, in the 

interests of national security, protection against unauthorized disclosure and which has 

been so designated. (JP 2-01.2) 

clearance capacity — An estimate expressed in agreed upon units of cargo measurement

per day of the cargo or people that may be transported inland from a beach or port 

over the available means of inland communication, including roads, railroads, airlift, 

and inland waterways. See also throughput capacity. (JP 4-01.5) 

clearance decontamination — The final level of decontamination that provides the 

decontamination of equipment and personnel to a level that allows unrestricted 

transportation, maintenance, employment, and disposal. (JP 3-11)

clearing operation — An operation designed to clear or neutralize all mines and obstacles 

from a route or area. (JP 3-15) 

climate change — Variations in average weather conditions that persist over multiple 

decades or longer that encompass increases and decreases in temperature, shifts in 
Terms and Definitions 

38 

precipitation, and changing risk of certain types of severe weather events. 

(DODD 4715.21)

close air support — Air action by manned or unmanned fixed-wing and rotary-wing 

aircraft against hostile targets that are in close proximity to friendly forces and that 

require detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those 

forces. Also called CAS. See also air interdiction. (JP 3-0) 

close-range ballistic missile — A land-based ballistic missile with a range capability up 

to 300 nautical miles. Also called CRBM. (JP 3-01) 

close support — The action of the supporting force against targets or objectives that are 

sufficiently near the supported force as to require detailed integration or coordination 

of the supporting action. See also direct support; general support; mutual support; 

support. (JP 3-31)

close support area — Those parts of the ocean operating areas nearest to, but not 

necessarily in, the objective area. (JP 3-02) 

closure — In transportation, the process of a unit’s arriving at a specified location. 

(JP 4-01.5) 

coastal sea control — The employment of forces to ensure the unimpeded use of an 

offshore coastal area by friendly forces and, as appropriate, to deny the use of the area 

to enemy forces. (JP 3-10) 

code word — 1. A word that has been assigned a classification and a classified meaning 

to safeguard intentions and information regarding a classified plan or operation. 2. A 

cryptonym used to identify sensitive intelligence data. (JP 3-50) 

collateral damage — A form of collateral effect that causes unintentional or incidental injury 

or damage to persons or objects that would not be lawful military targets in the 

circumstances ruling at the time. (JP 3-60) 

collateral effect — Unintentional or incidental effect to objects that would not be lawful 

military targets in the circumstances ruling at the time. (JP 3-60) 

collection — In intelligence usage, the acquisition of information and the provision of this 

information to processing elements. See also intelligence process. (JP 2-01) 

collection agency — Any individual, organization, or unit that has access to sources of 

information and the capability of collecting information from them. See also agency. 

(JP 2-01) 

collection asset — A collection system, platform, or capability that is supporting, assigned, 

or attached to a particular commander. See also collection. (JP 2-01) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 39 

collection management — In intelligence usage, the process of converting intelligence 

requirements into collection requirements, establishing priorities, tasking or 

coordinating with appropriate collection sources or agencies, monitoring results, and 

retasking, as required. See also collection; collection requirement; collection 

requirements management; intelligence; intelligence process. (JP 2-0) 

collection manager — An individual with responsibility for the timely and efficient 

tasking of organic collection resources and the development of requirements for 

theater and national assets that could satisfy specific information needs in support of 

the mission. Also called CM. See also collection. (JP 2-01) 

collection operations management — The authoritative direction, scheduling, and 

control of specific collection operations and associated processing, exploitation, and 

reporting resources. Also called COM. See also collection management; collection 

requirements management. (JP 2-0) 

collection plan — A systematic scheme to optimize the employment of all available

collection capabilities and associated processing, exploitation, and dissemination 

resources to satisfy specific information requirements. See also information 

requirements; intelligence process. (JP 2-0)

collection planning — A continuous process that coordinates and integrates the efforts of 

all collection units and agencies. See also collection. (JP 2-0) 

collection point — A point designated for the assembly of personnel casualties, stragglers, 

disabled materiel, salvage, etc., for further movement to collecting stations or rear 

installations. Also called CP. (JP 4-06) 

collection posture — The current status of collection assets and resources to satisfy 

identified information requirements. (JP 2-0) 

collection requirement — A valid need to close a specific gap in intelligence holdings in 

direct response to a request for information. (JP 2-0) 

collection requirements management — The authoritative development and control of 

collection, processing, exploitation, and/or reporting requirements that normally result 

in either the direct tasking of requirements to units over which the commander has 

authority, or the generation of tasking requests to collection management authorities 

at a higher, lower, or lateral echelon to accomplish the collection mission. Also called

CRM. See also collection; collection management; collection operations 

management. (JP 2-0) 

collection requirements matrix — A worksheet that compiles collection requirements to 

inform the initial integrated collection planning efforts and links priority intelligence 
Terms and Definitions 

40 

requirements, their associated essential elements of information, and related indicators 

to supporting specific information requirements. Also called CRMx. (JP 2-01) 

collection resource — A collection system, platform, or capability that is not supporting, 

assigned, or attached to a specific unit or echelon which must be requested and 

coordinated through the chain of command. See also collection management. (JP 2-01) 

collection strategy — An analytical approach used by collection managers to determine which 

intelligence disciplines can be applied to satisfy information requirements. (JP 2-0)

collective protection — The protection provided to a group of individuals that permits

relaxation of individual chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear protection. 

Also called COLPRO. (JP 3-11)

colored beach — That portion of usable coastline sufficient for the assault landing of a 

regimental landing team or similar sized unit. See also numbered beach. (JP 3-02) 

combat air patrol — An aircraft patrol provided over an objective area, the force 

protected, the critical area of a combat zone, or in an air defense area, for the purpose 

of intercepting and destroying hostile aircraft before they reach their targets. Also 

called CAP. See also airborne alert; barrier combat air patrol; rescue combat air 

patrol. (JP 3-01) 

combat and operational stress — The expected and predictable emotional, intellectual, 

physical, and/or behavioral reactions of an individual who has been exposed to 

stressful events in military operations. (JP 4-02) 

combat and operational stress control — Programs developed and actions taken by 

military leadership to prevent, identify, and manage adverse combat and operational 

stress reactions in units; optimize mission performance; conserve fighting strength; 

prevent or minimize adverse effects of combat and operational stress on members’ 

physical, psychological, intellectual, and social health; and to return the unit or Service 

member to duty expeditiously. Also called COSC. (JP 4-02) 

combatant command — A unified or specified command with a broad continuing mission 

under a single commander established and so designated by the President, through the 

Secretary of Defense and with the advice and assistance of the Chairman of the Joint 

Chiefs of Staff. Also called CCMD. See also specified combatant command; 

unified command. (JP 1) 

combatant command chaplain — The senior chaplain assigned to the staff of, or 

designated by, the combatant commander to provide advice on religion, ethical, and 

moral issues and morale of assigned personnel and to coordinate religious ministries 

within the combatant commander’s area of responsibility. (JP 3-0) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 41 

combatant command (command authority) — Nontransferable command authority, 

which cannot be delegated, of a combatant commander to perform those functions of 

command over assigned forces involving organizing and employing commands and 

forces; assigning tasks; designating objectives; and giving authoritative direction over 

all aspects of military operations, joint training, and logistics necessary to accomplish 

the missions assigned to the command. Also called COCOM. See also combatant 

command; combatant commander; operational control; tactical control. (JP 1) 

combatant commander — A commander of one of the unified or specified combatant 

commands established by the President. Also called CCDR. See also combatant 

command; specified combatant command; unified combatant command. (JP 3-0) 

combatant commander logistic procurement support board — A combatant 

commander-level joint board established to ensure that contracting support and other 

sources of support are properly synchronized across the entire area of responsibility. 

Also called CLPSB. See also joint requirements review board; joint contracting 

support board. (JP 4-10)

combatant command support agent — The Secretary of a Military Department to whom 

the Secretary of Defense or the Deputy Secretary of Defense has assigned 

administrative and logistical support of the headquarters of a combatant command, 

United States Element, North American Aerospace Defense Command, or subordinate 

unified command. The nature and scope of the combatant command support agent 

responsibilities, functions, and authorities shall be prescribed at the time of assignment 

or in keeping with existing agreements and practices, and they shall remain in effect 

until the Secretary of Defense or the Deputy Secretary of Defense revokes, supersedes, 

or modifies them. (DODD 5100.03)

combat assessment — The determination of the overall effectiveness of force employment 

during military operations. Also called CA. See also battle damage assessment; 

munitions effectiveness assessment; reattack recommendation. (JP 3-60) 

combat camera — Specially-trained expeditionary forces from Service-designated units 

capable of providing high-quality directed visual information during military 

operations. Also called COMCAM. See also visual information. (JP 3-61) 

combat cargo officer — A Marine Corps embarkation/mobility officer permanently assigned 

to amphibious warfare ships or naval staffs, as an adviser to and representative of the naval 

commander in matters pertaining to embarkation and debarkation of troops, their supplies, 

and equipment. Also called CCO. See also embarkation officer. (JP 3-02.1) 

combat control team — A task-organized team of special operations forces who are 

certified air traffic controllers that are trained and equipped to deploy into hostile 

environments to establish and control assault zones and airfields. Also called CCT. 

(JP 3-17) 
Terms and Definitions 

42 

combat engineering — Engineering capabilities and activities that directly support the 

maneuver of land combat forces that require close and integrated support. (JP 3-34) 

combat identification — The process of attaining an accurate characterization of detected 

objects in the operational environment sufficient to support an engagement decision. 

Also called CID. (JP 3-09) 

combat information — Unevaluated data, gathered by or provided directly to the tactical 

commander which, due to its highly perishable nature or the criticality of the situation, 

cannot be processed into tactical intelligence in time to satisfy the user’s tactical 

intelligence requirements. (JP 2-01) 

combat information center — The agency in a ship or aircraft manned and equipped to 

collect, display, evaluate, and disseminate tactical information for the use of the 

embarked flag officer, commanding officer, and certain control agencies. Also called 

CIC. (JP 3-04) 

combating terrorism — Actions, including antiterrorism and counterterrorism, taken to

oppose terrorism throughout the entire threat spectrum. Also called CbT. See also 

antiterrorism; counterterrorism. (JP 3-26) 

combat lifesaver — Nonmedical Department of Defense person who has received additional 

trauma training and equipment, providing enhanced medical treatment beyond selfaid/buddy aid. (JP 4-02) 

combat loading — The arrangement of personnel and the stowage of equipment and 

supplies in a manner designed to conform to the anticipated tactical operation of the 

organization embarked. (JP 3-02) 

combat organizational loading — A method of loading by which a unit with its equipment 

and initial supplies is loaded into a single ship, together with other units, in such a 

manner as to be available for unloading in a predetermined order. (JP 3-02.1) 

combat power — The total means of destructive and/or disruptive force that a military 

unit/formation can apply against the opponent at a given time. (JP 3-0) 

combat search and rescue — The tactics, techniques, and procedures performed by forces 

to effect the recovery of isolated personnel during combat. Also called CSAR. See also 

search and rescue. (JP 3-50) 

combat service support — The essential capabilities, functions, activities, and tasks 

necessary to sustain all elements of all operating forces in theater at all levels of war. 

Also called CSS. See also combat support. (JP 4-0) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 43 

combat service support area — An area ashore that is organized to contain the necessary 

supplies, equipment, installations, and elements to provide the landing force with 

combat service support throughout the operation. Also called CSSA. (JP 3-02) 

combat spread loading — A method of combat loading by which some of the troops, 

equipment, and initial supplies of a unit are loaded in one ship and the remainder are 

loaded in one or more others. (JP 3-02.1) 

combat support — Fire support and operational assistance provided to combat elements. 

Also called CS. See also combat service support. (JP 4-0) 

combat support agency — A Department of Defense agency so designated by Congress or 

the Secretary of Defense that supports military combat operations. Also called CSA. 

(JP 5-0) 

combat surveillance — A continuous, all-weather, day-and-night, systematic watch over the 

battle area in order to provide timely information for tactical combat operations. (JP 3-01) 

combat unit loading — A method of loading by which all or a part of a combat unit, such 

as an assault battalion landing team, is completely loaded in a single ship, with essential 

combat equipment and supplies, in such a manner as to be immediately available to 

support the tactical plan upon debarkation, and to provide a maximum of flexibility to 

meet possible changes in the tactical plan. (JP 3-02.1) 

combined — A term identifying two or more forces or agencies of two or more allies 

operating together. See also joint. (JP 3-16) 

combined arms team — The full integration and application of two or more arms or 

elements of one Service into an operation. (JP 3-18) 

command — 1. The authority that a commander in the armed forces lawfully exercises over 

subordinates by virtue of rank or assignment. 2. An order given by a commander; that 

is, the will of the commander expressed for the purpose of bringing about a particular 

action. 3. A unit or units, an organization, or an area under the command of one 

individual. See also area command; combatant command; combatant command 

(command authority). (JP 1) 

command and control — The exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated 

commander over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of the mission. 

Also called C2. (JP 1) 

command and control system — The facilities, equipment, communications, procedures, 

and personnel essential for a commander to plan, direct, and control operations of 

assigned and attached forces pursuant to the missions assigned. (JP 6-0) 
Terms and Definitions 

44 

command chaplain — The senior chaplain assigned to or designated by a commander of a 

staff, command, or unit. (JP 3-0) 

commander, amphibious task force — The Navy officer designated in the initiating directive 

as the commander of the amphibious task force. Also called CATF. See also 

amphibious operation; amphibious task force; commander, landing force. (JP 3-02) 

commander, landing force — The officer designated in the initiating directive as the 

commander of the landing force for an amphibious operation. Also called CLF. See 

also amphibious operation; commander, amphibious task force; landing force. 

(JP 3-02) 

commander’s communication synchronization — A process to coordinate and 

synchronize narratives, themes, messages, images, operations, and actions to ensure 

their integrity and consistency to the lowest tactical level across all relevant 

communication activities. Also called CCS. (JP 3-61) 

commander’s critical information requirement — An information requirement identified 

by the commander as being critical to facilitating timely decision making. Also called 

CCIR. See also information requirements; intelligence; priority intelligence 

requirement. (JP 3-0) 

commander’s estimate — The commander’s initial assessment in which options are 

provided in a concise statement that defines who, what, when, where, why, and how the 

course of action will be implemented. (JP 5-0) 

commander’s intent — A clear and concise expression of the purpose of the operation and 

the desired military end state that supports mission command, provides focus to the staff, 

and helps subordinate and supporting commanders act to achieve the commander’s 

desired results without further orders, even when the operation does not unfold as 

planned. See also assessment; end state. (JP 3-0) 

commander’s required delivery date — The original date relative to C-day, specified by 

the combatant commander for arrival of forces or cargo at the destination; shown in the 

time-phased force and deployment data to assess the impact of later arrival. (JP 5-0)

command information — Communication by a military organization directed to the 

internal audience that creates an awareness of the organization’s goals, informs them of 

significant developments affecting them and the organization, increases their 

effectiveness as ambassadors of the organization, and keeps them informed about what 

is going on in the organization. Also called internal information. See also command; 

public affairs. (JP 3-61) 

commanding officer of troops — On a ship that has embarked units, a designated 

officer (usually the senior embarking unit commander) who is responsible for the 
 Terms and Definitions 

 45 

administration, discipline, and training of all embarked units. Also called COT. 

(JP 3-02) 

command net — A communications network that connects an echelon of command 

with some or all of its subordinate echelons for the purpose of command and 

control. (JP 3-09.3) 

command relationships — The interrelated responsibilities between commanders, as well 

as the operational authority exercised by commanders in the chain of command; defined 

further as combatant command (command authority), operational control, tactical 

control, or support. See also chain of command; combatant command (command 

authority); command; operational control; support; tactical control. (JP 1) 

command-sponsored dependent — A dependent entitled to travel to overseas commands 

at government expense and endorsed by the appropriate military commander to be 

present in a dependent’s status. (JP 3-68) 

commercial items — Articles of supply readily available from established commercial 

distribution sources which the Department of Defense or inventory managers in the 

Military Services have designated to be obtained directly or indirectly from such 

sources. (JP 4-06) 

commercial vehicle — A vehicle that has evolved in the commercial market to meet 

civilian requirements and which is selected from existing production lines for 

military use. (JP 4-06) 

commit — The process of assigning one or more aircraft or surface-to-air missile units to 

prepare to engage an entity, prior to authorizing such engagement. (JP 3-01) 

commodity loading —A method of loading in which various types of cargoes are loaded 

together, such as ammunition, rations, or boxed vehicles, in order that each commodity 

can be discharged without disturbing the others. See also combat loading. (JP 3-02.1) 

commonality — A quality that applies to materiel or systems: a. possessing like and 

interchangeable characteristics enabling each to be utilized, or operated and maintained, 

by personnel trained on the others without additional specialized training; b. having 

interchangeable repair parts and/or components; and c. applying to consumable items 

interchangeably equivalent without adjustment. (JP 6-0) 

common item — 1. Any item of materiel that is required for use by more than one activity. 

2. A term loosely used to denote any consumable item except repair parts or other 

technical items. 3. Any item of materiel that is procured for, owned by (Service stock), 

or used by any Military Department of the Department of Defense and is also required 

to be furnished to a recipient country under the grant-aid Military Assistance Program. 

4. Readily available commercial items. 5. Items used by two or more Military Services 

of similar manufacture or fabrication that may vary between the Services as to color or 
Terms and Definitions 

46 

shape (as vehicles or clothing). 6. Any part or component that is required in the 

assembly of two or more complete end-items. (JP 4-01.5) 

common operating environment — Automation services that support the development of 

the common reusable software modules that enable interoperability across multiple 

combat support applications. Also called COE. (JP 4-01.2) 

common operational picture — A single identical display of relevant information shared 

by more than one command that facilitates collaborative planning and assists all 

echelons to achieve situational awareness. Also called COP. (JP 3-0) 

common servicing — Functions performed by one Service in support of another for which 

reimbursement is not required. (JP 3-34) 

common tactical picture — An accurate and complete display of relevant tactical data that 

integrates tactical information from the multi-tactical data link network, ground 

network, intelligence network, and sensor networks. Also called CTP. (JP 3-01) 

common use — Services, materiel, or facilities provided by a Department of Defense agency 

or a Military Department on a common basis for two or more Department of Defense 

agencies, elements, or other organizations as directed. (JP 4-01.5) 

common-use container — Any Department of Defense-owned, -leased, or -controlled 20- 

or 40-foot International Organization for Standardization container managed by United 

States Transportation Command as an element of the Department of Defense commonuse container system. See also component-owned container; Service-unique 

container. (JP 4-09) 

common-user airlift service — The airlift service provided on a common basis for all 

Department of Defense agencies and, as authorized, for other agencies of the United 

States Government. (JP 3-17) 

common-user item — An item of an interchangeable nature that is in common use by two 

or more nations or Services of a nation. (JP 4-0) 

common-user land transportation — Point-to-point land transportation service 

operated by a single Service for common use by two or more Services. Also called 

CULT. (JP 4-01.5) 

common-user logistics — Materiel or service support shared with or provided by two 

or more Services, Department of Defense agencies, or multinational partners to 

another Service, Department of Defense agency, non-Department of Defense 

agency, and/or multinational partner in an operation. Also called CUL. See also 

common use. (JP 4-09) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 47 

common-user ocean terminal — A military installation, part of a military installation, or a

commercial facility operated under contract or arrangement by the Military Surface 

Deployment and Distribution Command that regularly provides for two or more 

Services terminal functions of receipt, transit storage or staging, processing, and loading 

and unloading of passengers or cargo aboard ships. (JP 4-01.2)

common-user sealift — The sealift services provided by the Military Sealift Command on 

a common basis for all Department of Defense agencies and, as authorized, for other 

departments and agencies of the United States Government. See also Military Sealift 

Command; transportation component command. (JP 4-01.2) 

common-user transportation — Transportation and transportation services provided on a 

common basis for two or more Department of Defense agencies and, as authorized, nonDepartment of Defense agencies. See also common use. (JP 4-01.2) 

communications intelligence — Technical information and intelligence derived from 

foreign communications by other than the intended recipients. Also called COMINT. 

(JP 2-0) 

communications network — An organization of stations capable of intercommunications, 

but not necessarily on the same channel. Also called COMNET. (JP 6-0) 

communications security — The protection resulting from all measures designed to 

deny unauthorized persons information of value that might be derived from the 

possession and study of telecommunications, or to mislead unauthorized persons in 

their interpretation of the results of such possession and study. Also called 

COMSEC. (JP 6-0) 

communications security material — All documents, devices, equipment, apparatus, and 

cryptomaterial used in establishing or maintaining secure communications. (JP 4-01.6) 

community engagement — Public affairs activities that support the relationship between 

military and civilian communities. (JP 3-61) 

competing observable — Within military deception, any observable that contradicts the

deception story, casts doubt on, or diminishes the impact of one or more required or 

supporting observables. (JP 3-13.4) 

completeness — The plan review criterion for assessing whether operation plans incorporate 

major operations and tasks to be accomplished and to what degree they include forces 

required, deployment concept, employment concept, sustainment concept, time 

estimates for achieving objectives, description of the end state, mission success criteria, 

and mission termination criteria. (JP 5-0) 

complex catastrophe — Any natural or man-made incident, including cyberspace attack, 

power grid failure, and terrorism, which results in cascading failures of multiple, 
Terms and Definitions 

48 

interdependent, critical, life-sustaining infrastructure sectors and caused extraordinary 

levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the population, 

environment, economy, public health, national morale, response efforts, and/or 

government functions. (JP 3-28) 

component — 1. One of the subordinate organizations that constitute a joint force. (JP 1) 

2. In logistics, a part or combination of parts having a specific function, which can be 

installed or replaced only as an entity. See also functional component command; 

Service component command. (JP 4-0) 

component-owned container — A 20- or 40-foot International Organization for 

Standardization container procured and owned by a single Department of Defense 

component. Also called Service-unique container. See also common-use container. 

(JP 4-09) 

composite warfare commander — An officer to whom the officer in tactical command of 

a naval task organization may delegate authority to conduct some or all of the offensive 

and defensive functions of the force. Also called CWC. (JP 3-32) 

compromise — The known or suspected exposure of clandestine personnel, installations, 

or other assets or of classified information or material, to an unauthorized person. 

(JP 2-01.2) 

concept of intelligence operations — Within the Department of Defense, a verbal or 

graphic statement, in broad outline, of an intelligence directorate’s assumptions or intent 

in regard to intelligence support of an operation or series of operations. See also concept 

of operations. (JP 2-0) 

concept of logistic support — A verbal or graphic statement, in a broad outline, of how a 

commander intends to support and integrate with a concept of operations in an operation 

or campaign. Also called COLS. (JP 4-0) 

concept of operations — A verbal or graphic statement that clearly and concisely expresses 

what the commander intends to accomplish and how it will be done using available 

resources. Also called CONOPS. (JP 5-0) 

concept plan — An operation plan in an abbreviated format that may require considerable 

expansion or alteration to convert it into a complete operation plan or operation order. 

Also called CONPLAN. See also operation plan. (JP 5-0) 

condition — 1. Those variables of an operational environment or situation in which a unit, 

system, or individual is expected to operate and may affect performance. 2. A physical 

or behavioral state of a system that is required for the achievement of an objective. See 

also joint mission-essential tasks. (JP 3-0) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 49 

conduits — Within military deception, information or intelligence gateways to the deception 

target, such as foreign intelligence entities, intelligence collection platforms, opensource intelligence, and foreign and domestic news media. (JP 3-13.4)

configuration management — A discipline applying technical and administrative direction 

and surveillance to: (1) identify and document the functional and physical 

characteristics of a configuration item; (2) control changes to those characteristics; and 

(3) record and report changes to processing and implementation status. (JP 6-0) 

conflict prevention — A peace operation employing complementary diplomatic, civil, 

and, when necessary, military means to monitor and identify the causes of conflict and 

take timely action to prevent the occurrence, escalation, or resumption of hostilities. 

(JP 3-07.3) 

constellation — A system consisting of a number of like satellites acting in concert to 

perform a specific mission. See also Global Positioning System. (JP 3-14) 

constraint — In the context of planning, a requirement placed on the command by a higher 

command that dictates an action, thus restricting freedom of action. See also limitation; 

restraint. (JP 5-0) 

consumer — A person or agency that uses information or intelligence produced by either its 

own staff or other agencies. (JP 2-01) 

consumption rate — The average quantity of an item consumed or expended during a given 

time interval, expressed in quantities by the most appropriate unit of measurement per 

applicable stated basis. (JP 4-05) 

contact mine — A mine detonated by physical contact. See also mine. (JP 3-15) 

contact point — 1. In land warfare, a point on the terrain, easily identifiable, where two or 

more units are required to make contact. (JP 3-50) 2. In air operations, the position at 

which a mission leader makes radio contact with an air control agency. (JP 3-09.3) 3. 

In personnel recovery, a location where isolated personnel can establish contact with 

recovery forces. Also called CP. See also control point. (JP 3-50) 

contact procedure — Predesignated actions taken by isolated personnel and recovery

forces that permit link-up between the two parties in hostile territory. See also evader. 

(JP 3-50) 

container — An article of transport equipment that meets American National Standards 

Institute/International Organization for Standardization standards that is designed to 

facilitate and optimize the carriage of goods by one or more modes of transportation 

without intermediate handling of the contents. (JP 4-01) 
Terms and Definitions 

50 

container control officer — A designated official (E6 or above or civilian equivalent) 

within a command, installation, or activity who is responsible for control, reporting, 

use, and maintenance of all Department of Defense-owned and controlled intermodal 

containers and equipment from time received until dispatched. Also called CCO. 

(JP 4-09) 

container-handling equipment — Items of materials-handling equipment required to 

specifically receive, maneuver, and dispatch International Organization for 

Standardization containers. Also called CHE. (JP 4-09) 

container management — Planning, organizing, directing, and executing functions and 

responsibilities required to provide effective use of Department of Defense and Military 

Department owned, leased, or controlled International Organization for Standardization 

containers. (JP 4-09)

containership — A ship, usually non-self-sustaining, specially constructed and equipped to 

carry only containers without associated equipment, in all available cargo spaces, either 

below or above deck. (JP 4-09) 

contaminated remains — Remains of personnel which have absorbed or upon which have 

been deposited radioactive material, or biological or chemical agents. See also

mortuary affairs. (JP 4-06) 

contamination — 1. The deposit, absorption, or adsorption of radioactive material or of 

biological or chemical agents on or by structures, areas, personnel, or objects. Also 

called fallout radiation. 2. Food and/or water made unfit for consumption by humans 

or animals because of the presence of environmental chemicals, radioactive elements, 

bacteria or organisms, the byproduct of the growth of bacteria or organisms, or the 

decomposing material or waste in the food or water. (JP 3-11) 

contamination avoidance — Individual and/or unit measures taken to reduce the effects of

chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear hazards. (JP 3-11)

contamination control — A combination of preparatory and responsive measures 

designed to limit the vulnerability of forces to chemical, biological, radiological, 

nuclear, and toxic industrial hazards and to avoid, contain, control exposure to, and, 

where possible, neutralize them. See also biological agent; chemical agent; 

contamination. (JP 3-11) 

contamination mitigation — The planning and actions taken to prepare for, respond to, and

recover from contamination associated with all chemical, biological, radiological, and 

nuclear threats and hazards to continue military operations. (JP 3-11)

contiguous zone — 1. A maritime zone adjacent to the territorial sea that may not extend 

beyond 24 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea 
 Terms and Definitions 

 51 

is measured. 2. The zone of the ocean extending 3-12 nautical miles from the United 

States coastline. (JP 3-32) 

continental United States — United States territory, including the adjacent territorial 

waters, located within North America between Canada and Mexico. Also called

CONUS. (JP 1) 

contingency — A situation requiring military operations in response to natural disasters, 

terrorists, subversives, or as otherwise directed by appropriate authority to protect 

United States interests. See also contingency contracting. (JP 5-0) 

contingency basing — The life-cycle process of planning, designing, constructing, 

operating, managing, and transitioning or closing a non-enduring location supporting a 

combatant commander's requirements. (DODD 3000.10). 

contingency contract — A legally binding agreement for supplies, services, and 

construction let by government contracting officers in the operational area as well as 

other contracts that have a prescribed area of performance within a designated 

operational area. See also external support contract; systems support contract; 

theater support contract. (JP 4-10)

contingency contracting — The process of obtaining goods, services, and construction via

contracting means in support of contingency operations. See also contingency; 

contingency contract. (JP 4-10)

contingency engineering management organization — An organization formed by the 

combatant commander, or subordinate commander to augment their staffs with 

additional Service engineering expertise for planning and construction management. 

See also combat engineering; contingency; geospatial engineering. (JP 3-34) 

contingency location — A non-enduring location outside of the United States that supports 

and sustains operations during named and unnamed contingencies or other operations 

as directed by appropriate authority and is categorized by mission life-cycle 

requirements as initial, temporary, or semi-permanent. (DODD 3000.10)

contingency operation — A military operation that is either designated by the Secretary of 

Defense as a contingency operation or becomes a contingency operation as a matter of 

law (Title 10, United States Code, Section 101[a][13]). See also contingency; 

operation. (JP 1) 

contingency plan — A branch of a campaign plan that is planned based on hypothetical 

situations for designated threats, catastrophic events, and contingent missions outside of 

crisis conditions. See also joint planning. (JP 5-0) 

Contingency Planning Guidance — Secretary of Defense written guidance, approved by 

the President, for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which focuses the guidance 
Terms and Definitions 

52 

given in the national security strategy and Defense Planning Guidance, and is the 

principal source document for the Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan. Also called CPG. 

(JP 1) 

contingency ZIP Code — A unique postal code assigned by the Military Postal Service 

Agency to assist in routing and sorting mail to a contingency post office for the tactical 

use of the Armed Forces on a temporary basis. (JP 1-0) 

continuity of operations — The degree or state of being continuous in the conduct of 

functions, tasks, or duties necessary to accomplish a military action or mission in 

carrying out the national military strategy. Also called COOP. (JP 3-0) 

contract administration — A subset of contracting that includes efforts to ensure that 

supplies, services, and construction are delivered in accordance with the terms and 

conditions of the contract. (JP 4-10)

contracting officer — A Service member or Department of Defense civilian with the legal 

authority to enter into, administer, modify, and/or terminate contracts. (JP 4-10) 

contracting officer representative — A Service member or Department of Defense 

civilian or a foreign government civilian or military member appointed in writing 

and trained by a contracting officer, responsible for monitoring contract performance 

and performing other duties specified by their appointment letter. Also called COR. 

(JP 4-10)

contractor management — The oversight and integration of contractor personnel and 

associated equipment providing support to the joint force in a designated operational 

area. (JP 4-10)

contractors authorized to accompany the force — Contingency contractor employees and 

all tiers of subcontractor employees who are authorized to accompany the force in 

applicable contingency operations and have afforded such status through the issuance 

of a letter of authorization. Also called CAAF. (JP 4-10)

contract statement of requirement — A document that provides a summary of anticipated 

contracted supply or service requirements by phase of operation and location. Also 

called CSOR. (JP 4-10) 

control — 1. Authority that may be less than full command exercised by a commander over 

part of the activities of subordinate or other organizations. (JP 1) 2. In mapping, 

charting, and photogrammetry, a collective term for a system of marks or objects on the 

Earth or on a map or a photograph, whose positions or elevations (or both) have been or 

will be determined. (JP 2-03) 3. Physical or psychological pressures exerted with the 

intent to assure that an agent or group will respond as directed. (JP 3-0) 4. In 

intelligence usage, an indicator governing the distribution and use of documents, 
 Terms and Definitions 

 53 

information, or material. See also administrative control; operational control; 

tactical control. (JP 2-01)

control area — A controlled airspace extending upwards from a specified limit above the 

Earth. See also control zone. (JP 3-04) 

control group — Personnel, ships, and craft designated to control the waterborne ship-toshore movement. (JP 3-02) 

controlled information — 1. Information conveyed to an adversary in a deception operation 

to evoke desired appreciations. 2. Information and indicators deliberately conveyed or 

denied to foreign targets to evoke invalid official estimates that result in foreign official 

actions advantageous to United States interests and objectives. (JP 2-01.2) 

controlled substance — A drug or other substance, or immediate precursor included in 

Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V of the Controlled Substances Act. (JP 3-07.4) 

controlled technical services — The controlled use of technology to enhance 

counterintelligence and human intelligence activities. Also called CTS. (JP 2-01.2) 

control point — 1. A position along a route of march at which men are stationed to give 

information and instructions for the regulation of supply or traffic. 2. A position marked 

by coordinates (latitude, longitude), a buoy, boat, aircraft, electronic device, 

conspicuous terrain feature, or other identifiable object which is given a name or number 

and used as an aid to navigation or control of ships, boats, or aircraft. 3. In marking 

mosaics, a point located by ground survey with which a corresponding point on a 

photograph is matched as a check. (JP 3-09.3) 

control zone — A controlled airspace extending upwards from the surface of the Earth to a 

specified upper limit. See also control area. (JP 3-52) 

conventional forces — 1. Those forces capable of conducting operations using nonnuclear 

weapons. 2. Those forces other than designated special operations forces. Also called 

CF. (JP 3-05) 

convoy — 1. A number of merchant ships and/or naval auxiliaries usually escorted by 

warships and/or aircraft — or a single merchant ship or naval auxiliary under surface 

escort — assembled and organized for the purpose of passage together. 2. A group of 

vehicles organized for the purpose of control and orderly movement with or without 

escort protection that moves over the same route at the same time and under one 

commander. (JP 3-02.1) 

convoy escort — 1. A naval ship(s) or aircraft in company with a convoy and responsible 

for its protection. 2. An escort to protect a convoy of vehicles from being scattered, 

destroyed, or captured. See also escort. (JP 4-01.5) 
Terms and Definitions 

54 

cooperative security location — A facility located outside the United States and US 

territories with little or no permanent US presence, maintained with periodic Service, 

contractor, or host-nation support. Cooperative security locations provide contingency 

access, logistic support, and rotational use by operating forces and are a focal point for 

security cooperation activities. Also called CSL. See also forward operating site; 

main operating base. (CJCS CM-0007-05)

coordinated fire line — A line beyond which conventional surface-to-surface direct fire and 

indirect fire support means may fire at any time within the boundaries of the establishing 

headquarters without additional coordination. Also called CFL. See also fire support. 

(JP 3-09) 

coordinating agency — An agency that supports the incident management mission by 

providing the leadership, staff, expertise, and authorities to implement critical and 

specific aspects of the response. (JP 3-28) 

coordinating altitude — An airspace coordinating measure that uses altitude to separate

users and as the transition between different airspace control elements. Also called CA. 

(JP 3-52) 

coordinating authority — A commander or individual who has the authority to require 

consultation between the specific functions or activities involving forces of two or more 

Services, joint force components, or forces of the same Service or agencies, but does 

not have the authority to compel agreement. (JP 1) 

coordinating review authority — An agency appointed by a Service or combatant 

command to coordinate with and assist the lead agent, primary review authority, Joint 

Staff doctrine sponsor, and assessment agent in joint doctrine development and 

maintenance. Also called CRA. See also joint doctrine; joint publication; lead 

agent; primary review authority. (CJCSM 5120.01) 

coordination level — A procedural method to separate fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft by 

determining an altitude below which fixed-wing aircraft normally will not fly. Also 

called CL. (JP 3-52) 

cost-type contract — A contract that provides for payment to the contractor of allowable 

cost, to the extent prescribed in the contract, incurred in performance of the contract. 

(JP 4-10)

counterair — A mission at the theater level that integrates offensive and defensive 

operations to attain and maintain a desired degree of control of the air and protection by 

neutralizing or destroying enemy aircraft and missiles, both before and after launch. See 

also air superiority; mission; offensive counterair. (JP 3-01) 

counterdeception — Efforts to negate, neutralize, diminish the effects of, or gain advantage 

from a foreign deception operation. (JP 3-13.4)
 Terms and Definitions 

 55 

counterdrug — Those active measures taken to detect, monitor, and counter the production, 

trafficking, and use of illegal drugs. Also called CD. (JP 3-07.4) 

counterdrug activities — Those measures taken to detect, interdict, disrupt, or curtail any 

activity that is reasonably related to illicit drug trafficking. (JP 3-07.4) 

counterdrug operational support — Support to host nations and drug law enforcement 

agencies involving military personnel and their associated equipment, provided by the 

geographic combatant commanders from forces assigned to them or made available to 

them by the Services for this purpose. See also counterdrug operations. (JP 3-07.4) 

counterdrug operations — Civil or military actions taken to reduce or eliminate illicit drug 

trafficking. See also counterdrug; counterdrug operational support. (JP 3-07.4) 

counterespionage — That aspect of counterintelligence designed to detect, destroy,

neutralize, exploit, or prevent espionage activities through identification, penetration, 

manipulation, deception, and repression of individuals, groups, or organizations 

conducting or suspected of conducting espionage activities. (JP 2-01.2) 

counterfire — Fire intended to destroy or neutralize enemy weapons. (JP 3-09) 

counterguerrilla operations — Activities conducted by security forces against the armed 

paramilitary wing of an insurgency. (JP 3-24) 

countering threat networks — The aggregation of activities across the Department of 

Defense and United States Government departments and agencies that identifies and 

neutralizes, degrades, disrupts, or defeats designated threat networks. Also called CTN. 

(JP 3-25) 

countering weapons of mass destruction — Efforts against actors of concern to curtail the 

conceptualization, development, possession, proliferation, use, and effects of weapons 

of mass destruction, related expertise, materials, technologies, and means of delivery. 

Also called CWMD. (JP 3-40) 

counterinsurgency — Comprehensive civilian and military efforts designed to 

simultaneously defeat and contain insurgency and address its root causes. Also called 

COIN. (JP 3-24) 

counterintelligence — Information gathered and activities conducted to identify, deceive, 

exploit, disrupt, or protect against espionage, other intelligence activities, sabotage, or 

assassinations conducted for or on behalf of foreign powers, organizations or persons or 

their agents, or international terrorist organizations or activities. Also called CI. See 

also counterespionage; security. (JP 2-01.2) 
Terms and Definitions 

56 

counterintelligence activities — One or more of the five functions of counterintelligence: 

operations, investigations, collection, analysis and production, and functional 

services. See also analysis and production; collection; counterintelligence; 

operation. (JP 2-01.2) 

counterintelligence investigations — Formal investigative activities undertaken to 

determine whether a particular person is acting for or on behalf of, or an event is related 

to, a foreign power engaged in spying or committing espionage, sabotage, treason, 

sedition, subversion, assassinations, or international terrorist activities, and to determine 

actions required to neutralize such acts. See also counterintelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

counterintelligence operational tasking authority — The levying of counterintelligence 

requirements specific to military activities and operations. Also called CIOTA. See 

also counterintelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

counterintelligence operations — Proactive activities designed to identify, exploit, 

neutralize, or deter foreign intelligence collection and terrorist activities directed against 

the United States. See also counterintelligence; operation. (JP 2-01.2) 

counterintelligence production — The creation of finished intelligence products 

incorporating counterintelligence analysis in response to known or anticipated customer 

counterintelligence concerns. See also counterintelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

counterintelligence support — Conducting counterintelligence activities to protect against 

espionage and other foreign intelligence activities, sabotage, international terrorist 

activities, or assassinations conducted for or on behalf of foreign powers, organizations, 

or persons. See also counterintelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

countermeasures — That form of military science that, by the employment of devices 

and/or techniques, has as its objective the impairment of the operational effectiveness 

of enemy activity. See also electronic warfare. (JP 3-13.1) 

countermobility operations — The construction of obstacles and emplacement of 

minefields to delay, disrupt, and destroy the enemy by reinforcement of the terrain. See 

also minefield; operation; target acquisition. (JP 3-34) 

counterproliferation — Those actions taken to reduce the risks posed by extant weapons of 

mass destruction to the United States, allies, and partners. Also called CP. See also 

nonproliferation. (JP 3-40) 

countersurveillance — All measures, active or passive, taken to counteract hostile 

surveillance. See also surveillance. (JP 3-07.2) 

counterterrorism — Activities and operations taken to neutralize terrorists and their 

organizations and networks in order to render them incapable of using violence to instill 
 Terms and Definitions 

 57 

fear and coerce governments or societies to achieve their goals. Also called CT. See 

also antiterrorism; combating terrorism; terrorism. (JP 3-26) 

counter threat finance — Activities conducted to deny, disrupt, destroy, or defeat the 

generation, storage, movement, and use of assets to fund activities that support an 

adversary’s ability to negatively affect United States interests. Also called CTF. 

(JP 3-05)

country team — The senior, in-country, United States coordinating and supervising body, 

headed by the chief of the United States diplomatic mission, and composed of the senior 

member of each represented United States department or agency, as desired by the chief 

of the United States diplomatic mission. Also called CT. (JP 3-07.4) 

courier — A messenger (usually a commissioned or warrant officer) responsible for the 

secure physical transmission and delivery of documents and material. (JP 2-01) 

course of action — 1. Any sequence of activities that an individual or unit may follow. 2. 

A scheme developed to accomplish a mission. Also called COA. (JP 5-0) 

cover — In intelligence usage, the concealment of true identity or organizational affiliation 

with assertion of false information as part of, or in support of, official duties to carry out 

authorized activities and lawful operations. (JP 2-01.2) 

covering fire — 1. Fire used to protect troops when they are within range of enemy small 

arms. 2. In amphibious usage, fire delivered prior to the landing to cover preparatory 

operations such as underwater demolition or mine countermeasures. (JP 3-02) 

covert operation — An operation that is so planned and executed as to conceal the identity 

of or permit plausible denial by the sponsor. See also clandestine operation; overt 

operation. (JP 3-05) 

crisis — An incident or situation involving a threat to the United States, its citizens, military 

forces, or vital interests that develops rapidly and creates a condition of such diplomatic, 

economic, or military importance that commitment of military forces and resources is 

contemplated to achieve national objectives. (JP 3-0) 

crisis management — Measures, normally executed under federal law, to identify, acquire, 

and plan the use of resources needed to anticipate, prevent, and/or resolve a threat or an 

act of terrorism. (JP 3-28) 

critical asset — A specific entity that is of such extraordinary importance that its 

incapacitation or destruction would have a very serious, debilitating effect on the ability 

of a nation to continue to function effectively. (JP 3-07.2) 
Terms and Definitions 

58 

critical asset list — A prioritized list of assets or areas, normally identified by phase of the 

operation and approved by the joint force commander, that should be defended against 

air and missile threats. Also called CAL. (JP 3-01) 

critical capability — A means that is considered a crucial enabler for a center of gravity to 

function as such and is essential to the accomplishment of the specified or assumed 

objective(s). (JP 5-0) 

critical information — Specific facts about friendly intentions, capabilities, and activities 

needed by adversaries for them to plan and act effectively so as to guarantee failure or 

unacceptable consequences for friendly mission accomplishment. (JP 2-0) 

critical infrastructure and key resources — The infrastructure and assets vital to a nation’s 

security, governance, public health and safety, economy, and public confidence. Also 

called CI/KR. (JP 3-27) 

critical infrastructure protection — Actions taken to prevent, remediate, or mitigate the 

man-made or natural risks to critical infrastructure and key assets. Also called CIP. See 

also defense critical infrastructure. (JP 3-28) 

critical intelligence — Intelligence that is crucial and requires the immediate attention of 

the commander. (JP 2-0) 

critical item list — A prioritized list identifying supply items and weapon systems that assist 

Service and Defense Logistics Agency selection of supply items and systems for 

production surge planning, or in operational situations, used by the combatant 

commander and/or subordinate joint force commander to cross-level critical supply 

items between Service components. Also called CIL. (JP 4-05) 

criticality assessment — An assessment that identifies key assets and infrastructure 

that support Department of Defense missions, units, or activities and are deemed 

mission critical by military commanders or civilian agency managers. Also called 

CA. (JP 3-07.2) 

critical joint duty assignment billet — A joint duty assignment position for which, 

considering the duties and responsibilities of the position, it is highly important that the 

assigned officer be particularly trained in, and oriented toward, joint matters. (JP 1-0) 

critical requirement — An essential condition, resource, and means for a critical capability 

to be fully operational. (JP 5-0) 

critical target element — A feature or part of a target that enables it to perform its primary 

function and, if effectively engaged, should create a significant effect on that target. Also 

called CTE. (JP 3-60) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 59 

critical vulnerability — An aspect of a critical requirement which is deficient or vulnerable 

to direct or indirect attack that will create decisive or significant effects. (JP 5-0) 

cross-leveling —At the theater strategic and operational levels, it is the process of diverting 

en route or in-theater materiel from one military element to meet the higher priority of 

another within the combatant commander’s directive authority for logistics. (JP 4-0) 

cross-loading — The distribution of leaders, key weapons, personnel, and key equipment 

among the aircraft, vessels, or vehicles of a formation to aid rapid assembly of units at 

the drop zone or landing zone or preclude the total loss of command and control or unit 

effectiveness if an aircraft, vessel, or vehicle is lost. (JP 3-17) 

cross-servicing — A subset of common-user logistics in which a function is performed by 

one Service in support of another Service and for which reimbursement is required from 

the Service receiving support. See also acquisition and cross-servicing agreement; 

common-user logistics. (JP 4-08) 

cruise missile — A guided and powered missile that flies at constant speed for the majority 

of its route and relies upon aerodynamic forces for lift. Also called CM. (JP 3-01) 

culminating point — The point at which a force no longer has the capability to continue its 

form of operations, offense or defense. (JP 5-0) 

current force — The actual force structure and/or manning available to meet present 

contingencies. See also force. (JP 5-0) 

custody — 1. The responsibility for the control of, transfer and movement of, access to, and 

maintenance of accountability for weapons and components. 2. Temporary restraint of 

a person. 3. The detention of a person by lawful authority or process. (JP 3-63) 

customer direct — A materiel acquisition and distribution method that requires vendor 

delivery directly to the customer. Also called CD. (JP 4-09) 

customer wait time — The total elapsed time between issuance of a customer order and 

satisfaction of that order. Also called CWT. (JP 4-09) 

cyberspace — A global domain within the information environment consisting of the 

interdependent networks of information technology infrastructures and resident data, 

including the Internet, telecommunications networks, computer systems, and embedded 

processors and controllers. (JP 3-12) 

cyberspace attack — Actions taken in cyberspace that create noticeable denial effects (i.e., 

degradation, disruption, or destruction) in cyberspace or manipulation that leads to 

denial that appears in a physical domain, and is considered a form of fires. (JP 3-12) 
Terms and Definitions 

60 

cyberspace capability — A device or computer program, including any combination of 

software, firmware, or hardware, designed to create an effect in or through cyberspace. 

(JP 3-12) 

cyberspace defense — Actions taken within protected cyberspace to defeat specific threats 

that have breached or are threatening to breach cyberspace security measures and 

include actions to detect, characterize, counter, and mitigate threats, including malware 

or the unauthorized activities of users, and to restore the system to a secure 

configuration. (JP 3-12) 

cyberspace exploitation — Actions taken in cyberspace to gain intelligence, maneuver, 

collect information, or perform other enabling actions required to prepare for future 

military operations. (JP 3-12) 

cyberspace operations — The employment of cyberspace capabilities where the primary 

purpose is to achieve objectives in or through cyberspace. Also called CO. (JP 3-0) 

cyberspace security — Actions taken within protected cyberspace to prevent unauthorized 

access to, exploitation of, or damage to computers, electronic communications systems, 

and other information technology, including platform information technology, as well 

as the information contained therein, to ensure its availability, integrity, authentication, 

confidentiality, and nonrepudiation. (JP 3-12) 

cyberspace superiority — The degree of dominance in cyberspace by one force that permits 

the secure, reliable conduct of operations by that force and its related land, air, maritime, 

and space forces at a given time and place without prohibitive interference. (JP 3-12) 
61 

D 

damage assessment — 1. The determination of the effect of engagements on targets. 2. A 

determination of the effect of a compromise of classified information on national 

security. (JP 3-60) 

damage criteria — The critical levels of various weapons effects required to create specified 

levels of damage. (JP 3-60) 

danger close — In close air support, artillery, mortar, and naval gunfire support fires, the 

term included in the method of engagement segment of a call for fire that indicates that 

friendly forces are within close proximity of the target. See also final protective fire. 

(JP 3-09.3)

dangerous cargo — Cargo that is subject to special regulations for its transport because of 

its dangerous properties. (JP 4-01.5)

data element — 1. A basic unit of information built on standard structures having a unique 

meaning and distinct units or values. 2. In electronic recordkeeping, a combination of 

characters or bytes referring to one separate item of information, such as name, address, 

or age. (JP 1-0) 

datum (geodetic) — 1. A reference surface consisting of five quantities: the latitude and 

longitude of an initial point, the azimuth of a line from that point, and the parameters of 

the reference ellipsoid. 2. The mathematical model of the Earth used to calculate the 

coordinates on any map. Different nations use different datum for printing coordinates 

on their maps. (JP 2-03) 

D-day — The unnamed day on which a particular operation commences or is to commence. 

(JP 3-02) 

de-arming — An operation in which a weapon is changed from a state of readiness for 

initiation to a safe condition. Also called safing. (JP 3-04) 

debarkation — The unloading of troops, equipment, or supplies from a ship or aircraft. 

(JP 3-02.1) 

debarkation schedule —A schedule that provides for the timely and orderly debarkation of 

troops and equipment and emergency supplies for the waterborne ship-to-shore 

movement. (JP 3-02.1) 

decedent effects — Personal effects found on human remains. Also called DE. (JP 4-06)

decentralized control — In air defense, the normal mode whereby a higher echelon 

monitors unit actions, making direct target assignments to units only when necessary to 
Terms and Definitions 

62 

ensure proper fire distribution or to prevent engagement of friendly aircraft. See also 

centralized control. (JP 3-01) 

decentralized execution — Delegation of execution authority to subordinate commanders. 

(JP 3-30) 

deception action — A collection of related deception events that form a major component 

of a deception operation. (JP 3-13.4) 

deception concept — The deception course of action forwarded to the Chairman of the 

Joint Chiefs of Staff for review as part of the combatant commander’s strategic 

concept. (JP 3-13.4) 

deception event — A deception means executed at a specific time and location in support 

of a deception operation. (JP 3-13.4) 

deception goal — Commander’s statement of the purpose of military deception as it 

contributes to the successful accomplishment of the assigned mission. (JP 3-13.4) 

deception means — Methods, resources, and techniques that can be used to convey 

information to the deception target. (JP 3-13.4) 

deception objective — The desired result of a deception operation expressed in terms of 

what the adversary is to do or not to do at the critical time and/or location. (JP 3-13.4) 

deception story — A scenario that outlines the friendly actions that will be portrayed to 

cause the deception target to adopt the desired perception. (JP 3-13.4) 

deception target — The adversary decision maker with the authority to make the decision 

that will achieve the deception objective. (JP 3-13.4) 

decision — In an estimate of the situation, a clear and concise statement of the line of action 

intended to be followed by the commander as the one most favorable to the successful 

accomplishment of the assigned mission. (JP 5-0) 

decision point — A point in space and time when the commander or staff anticipates making 

a key decision concerning a specific course of action. See also course of action; 

decision support template; target area of interest. (JP 5-0) 

decision support template — A combined intelligence and operations graphic based on the 

results of wargaming that depicts decision points, timelines associated with movement 

of forces and the flow of the operation, and other key items of information required to 

execute a specific friendly course of action. Also called DST. See also course of 

action; decision point. (JP 2-01.3) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 63 

decisive point — A geographic place, specific key event, critical factor, or function that, 

when acted upon, allows commanders to gain a marked advantage over an enemy or 

contribute materially to achieving success. See also center of gravity. (JP 5-0) 

deck status light — A three-colored light (red, amber, green) controlled from the primary 

flight control. Navy — The light displays the status of the ship to support flight 

operations. United States Coast Guard — The light displays clearance for a helicopter 

to conduct a given evolution. (JP 3-04)

decompression — In personnel recovery, the process of normalizing psychological and 

behavioral reactions that recovered isolated personnel experienced or are currently 

experiencing as a result of their isolation and recovery. (JP 3-50) 

decontamination — The process of making any person, object, or area safe by destroying, 

neutralizing, making harmless, or absorbing and removing chemical or biological agents 

or by removing radioactive material clinging to or around it. (JP 3-11) 

decoy — An imitation in any sense of a person, object, or phenomenon that is intended to 

deceive enemy surveillance devices or mislead enemy evaluation. Also called dummy. 

(JP 3-13.4)

defended asset list — A listing of those assets from the critical asset list prioritized by the 

joint force commander to be defended with the resources available. Also called DAL. 

(JP 3-01) 

defense coordinating element — Staff and military liaison officers who assist the defense 

coordinating officer in facilitating coordination and support to activated emergency 

support functions. Also called DCE. (JP 3-28) 

defense coordinating officer — Department of Defense single point of contact for domestic 

emergencies who is assigned to a joint field office to process requirements for military 

support; forward mission assignments through proper channels to the appropriate 

military organizations; and assign military liaisons, as appropriate, to activated 

emergency support functions. Also called DCO. (JP 3-28) 

defense critical infrastructure — Department of Defense and non-Department of Defense 

networked assets and facilities essential to project, support, and sustain military forces 

and operations worldwide. Also called DCI. (JP 3-27) 

defense human intelligence executor — The senior Department of Defense intelligence 

official as designated by the head of each of the Department of Defense components 

who are authorized to conduct human intelligence and related intelligence activities. 

Also called DHE. (JP 2-01.2) 

defense industrial base — The Department of Defense, government, and private sector 

worldwide industrial complex with capabilities to perform research and development 
Terms and Definitions 

64 

and design, produce, and maintain military weapon systems, subsystems, components, 

or parts to meet military requirements. Also called DIB. (JP 3-27) 

Defense Information Systems Network — The integrated network, centrally managed 

and configured by the Defense Information Systems Agency to provide dedicated 

point-to-point, switched voice and data, imagery, and video teleconferencing services 

for all Department of Defense activities. Also called DISN. (JP 6-0) 

defense institution building — Security cooperation conducted to establish or reform the 

capacity and capabilities of a partner nation’s defense institutions at the 

ministerial/department, military staff, and service headquarters levels. Also called DIB. 

(JP 3-20) 

Defense Strategic Guidance — A document approved by the Secretary of Defense for 

applying the Armed Forces of the United States in coordination with Department of 

Defense agencies and other instruments of national power to achieve national security 

strategy objectives. Also called DSG. (JP 1) 

Defense Switched Network — The component of the Defense Communications System 

that handles Department of Defense voice, data, and video communications. Also called

DSN. (JP 6-0) 

Defense Transportation System — That portion of the worldwide transportation 

infrastructure that supports Department of Defense transportation needs. Also called

DTS. See also common-user transportation; transportation system. (JP 4-01) 

defensive counterair — All defensive measures designed to neutralize or destroy enemy

forces attempting to penetrate or attack through friendly airspace. Also called DCA. 

See also counterair; offensive counterair. (JP 3-01) 

defensive cyberspace operations — Missions to preserve the ability to utilize blue 

cyberspace capabilities and protect data, networks, cyberspace-enabled devices, and 

other designated systems by defeating on-going or imminent malicious cyberspace 

activity. Also called DCO. (JP 3-12) 

defensive cyberspace operations-internal defensive measures — Operations in which 

authorized defense actions occur within the defended portion of cyberspace. Also called 

DCO-IDM. (JP 3-12) 

defensive cyberspace operations-response actions — Operations that are part of a 

defensive cyberspace operations mission that are taken external to the defended network 

or portion of cyberspace without the permission of the owner of the affected system. 

Also called DCO-RA. (JP 3-12) 

defensive minefield — 1. In naval mine warfare, a minefield laid in international waters or 

international straits with the declared intention of controlling shipping in defense of sea 
 Terms and Definitions 

 65 

communications. 2. In land mine warfare, a minefield laid in accordance with an 

established plan to prevent a penetration between positions and to strengthen the defense 

of the positions themselves. See also minefield. (JP 3-15) 

defensive space control — Active and passive measures taken to protect friendly space 

capabilities from attack, interference, or unintentional hazards. Also called DSC. (JP 

3-14)

defilade — 1. Protection from hostile observation and fire provided by an obstacle such as a 

hill, ridge, or bank. 2. A vertical distance by which a position is concealed from enemy 

observation. 3. To shield from enemy fire or observation by using natural or artificial 

obstacles. (JP 3-09) 

definitive care — Care rendered to conclusively manage a patient’s condition, such as full 

range of preventive, curative acute, convalescent, restorative, and rehabilitative medical 

care. (JP 4-02) 

degaussing — The process whereby a ship’s magnetic field is reduced by the use of 

electromagnetic coils, permanent magnets, or other means. (JP 3-15) 

delayed entry program — A program under which an individual may enlist in a Reserve 

Component of a Service and specify a future reporting date for entry on active duty that 

would coincide with availability of training spaces and with personal plans. Also called 

DEP. See also active duty. (JP 4-05) 

delaying operation — An operation in which a force under pressure trades space for time 

by slowing down the enemy’s momentum and inflicting maximum damage on the 

enemy without, in principle, becoming decisively engaged. (JP 3-04) 

delegation of authority — The action by which a commander assigns part of his or her 

authority, commensurate with the assigned task, to a subordinate commander. (JP 1) 

demobilization — 1. The process of transitioning a conflict or wartime military 

establishment and defense-based civilian economy to a peacetime configuration while 

maintaining national security and economic vitality. 2. The process necessary to release 

from active duty, or federal service, units and Reserve Component members who were 

ordered to active duty or called to federal service. See also mobilization. (JP 4-05) 

demonstration — In military deception, a show of force similar to a feint without actual 

contact with the adversary, in an area where a decision is not sought that is made to 

deceive an adversary. (JP 3-13.4) 

denial measure — An action to hinder or deny the enemy the use of territory, personnel, 

or facilities to include destruction, removal, contamination, or erection of obstructions. 

(JP 3-15) 
Terms and Definitions 

66 

denied area — An area under enemy or unfriendly control in which friendly forces cannot 

expect to operate successfully within existing operational constraints and force 

capabilities. (JP 3-05) 

Department of Defense civilian — A Federal civilian employee of the Department of 

Defense directly hired and paid from appropriated or nonappropriated funds, under 

permanent or temporary appointment. (JP 1-0) 

Department of Defense components — The Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Military 

Departments, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the combatant 

commands, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the 

Department of Defense agencies, Department of Defense field activities, and all other 

organizational entities in the Department of Defense. (JP 1)

Department of Defense construction agent — United States Army Corps of Engineers, 

Naval Facilities Engineering Command, or other such approved Department of Defense 

activity, that is assigned design or execution responsibilities associated with military 

construction programs, facilities support, or civil engineering support to the combatant 

commanders in contingency operations. See also contingency operation. (JP 3-34) 

Department of Defense container system — All Department of Defense owned, leased, 

and controlled 20- or 40-foot intermodal International Organization for Standardization 

containers and flatracks, supporting equipment such as generator sets and chassis, 

container handling equipment, information systems, the 463L system, and other 

infrastructure that supports Department of Defense transportation and logistic 

operations, including commercially provided transportation services. See also

container-handling equipment. (JP 4-09) 

Department of Defense information network — The set of information capabilities, and 

associated processes for collecting, processing, storing, disseminating, and managing 

information on-demand to warfighters, policy makers, and support personnel, whether 

interconnected or stand-alone, including owned and leased communications and 

computing systems and services, software (including applications), data, security 

services, other associated services, and national security systems. Also called DODIN. 

(JP 6-0) 

Department of Defense information network operations — Operations to secure, 

configure, operate, extend, maintain, and sustain Department of Defense cyberspace to 

create and preserve the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of the Department of 

Defense information network. Also called DODIN operations. (JP 3-12)

Department of Defense Intelligence Information System — The combination of 

Department of Defense personnel, procedures, equipment, computer programs, and 

supporting communications that support the timely and comprehensive preparation and 

presentation of intelligence and information to military commanders and national-level 

decision makers. Also called DODIIS. (JP 2-0) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 67 

Department of Defense support to counterdrug operations — Support provided by the 

Department of Defense to law enforcement agencies to detect, monitor, and counter 

the production, trafficking, and use of illegal drugs. See also counterdrug 

operations. (JP 3-07.4) 

Department of the Air Force — The executive part of the Department of the Air Force at 

the seat of government and all field headquarters, forces, Reserve Component, 

installations, activities, and functions under the control or supervision of the Secretary 

of the Air Force. Also called DAF. See also Military Department. (JP 1) 

Department of the Army — The executive part of the Department of the Army at the seat 

of government and all field headquarters, forces, Reserve Component, installations, 

activities, and functions under the control or supervision of the Secretary of the Army. 

Also called DA. See also Military Department. (JP 1) 

Department of the Navy — The executive part of the Department of the Navy at the seat of

government; the headquarters, United States Marine Corps; the entire operating forces 

of the United States Navy and of the United States Marine Corps, including the Reserve 

Component of such forces; all field activities, headquarters, forces, bases, installations, 

activities, and functions under the control or supervision of the Secretary of the Navy; 

and the United States Coast Guard when operating as a part of the Navy pursuant to law. 

Also called DON. See also Military Department. (JP 1) 

departure airfield — An airfield on which troops and/or materiel are enplaned for flight. 

See also airfield. (JP 3-17) 

departure point — A navigational check point used by aircraft as a marker for setting 

course. (JP 3-17) 

dependents — An employee’s spouse; children who are unmarried and under age 21 years 

or who, regardless of age, are physically or mentally incapable of self-support; 

dependent parents, including step and legally adoptive parents of the employee’s 

spouse; and dependent brothers and sisters, including step and legally adoptive 

brothers and sisters of the employee’s spouse who are unmarried and under 21 years 

of age or who, regardless of age, are physically or mentally incapable of self-support. 

(JP 3-68) 

deployment — The movement of forces into and out of an operational area. See also 

deployment order; deployment planning; prepare to deploy order. (JP 3-35) 

deployment health surveillance — The regular or repeated collection, analysis, archiving, 

interpretation, and distribution of health-related data used for monitoring the health of a 

population or of individuals, and for intervening in a timely manner to prevent, treat, or 

control the occurrence of disease or injury, which includes occupational and 

environmental health surveillance and medical surveillance subcomponents. (JP 4-02) 
Terms and Definitions 

68 

deployment order — 1. A directive for the deployments of forces for operations or 

exercises. 2. A directive from the Secretary of Defense, issued by the Chairman of the 

Joint Chiefs of Staff, that authorizes the transfer of forces between combatant 

commanders, Services, and Department of Defense agencies and specifies the 

authorities the gaining combatant commander will exercise over the specific forces to 

be transferred. Also called DEPORD. See also deployment; deployment planning; 

prepare to deploy order. (JP 5-0) 

deployment planning — Operational planning directed toward the movement of forces and

sustainment resources from their original locations to a specific operational area for 

conducting the operations contemplated in a given plan. See also deployment; 

deployment order; prepare to deploy order. (JP 5-0) 

depot — 1. supply — An activity for the receipt, classification, storage, accounting, issue, 

maintenance, procurement, manufacture, assembly, research, salvage, or disposal of 

material. 2. personnel — An activity for the reception, processing, training, 

assignment, and forwarding of personnel replacements. (JP 4-0)

design basis threat — The threat against which buildings and other structures must be

protected and upon which the protective system’s design is based. Also called DBT. 

(JP 3-07.2) 

desired mean point of impact — A point designated as the center for impact of multiple 

weapons or area munitions to create a desired effect on a mobile, transportable, or area 

target and normally defined by grid reference or geolocation. Also called DMPI. 

(JP 3-60) 

desired perception — In military deception, what the deception target must believe for it to 

make the decision that will achieve the deception objective. (JP 3-13.4) 

desired point of impact — A precise point associated with a target and assigned as the 

impact point for a single unitary weapon to create a desired effect. Also called DPI. 

See also aimpoint. (JP 3-60) 

detainee — Any person captured, detained, or otherwise under the control of Department of 

Defense personnel. (JP 3-63) 

detainee collection point — A facility or other location where detainees are assembled for 

subsequent movement to a detainee holding area. Also called DCP. (JP 3-63) 

detainee debriefing — The process of using direct questions to elicit intelligence 

information from a cooperative detainee to satisfy intelligence requirements. 

(JP 2-01.2) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 69 

detainee holding area — A facility or other location where detainees are administratively 

processed and provided custodial care pending disposition and subsequent release, 

transfer, or movement to a theater detention facility. Also called DHA. (JP 3-63) 

detainee operations — A broad term that encompasses the capture, initial detention and 

screening, transportation, treatment and protection, housing, transfer, and release of the 

wide range of persons who could be categorized as detainees. (JP 3-63)

detection — 1. In tactical operations, the perception of an object of possible military interest 

but unconfirmed by recognition. 2. In surveillance, the determination and transmission 

by a surveillance system that an event has occurred. 3. In arms control, the first step in 

the process of ascertaining the occurrence of a violation of an arms control agreement. 

4. In chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear environments, the act of locating 

chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear hazards by use of chemical, biological, 

radiological, and nuclear detectors or monitoring and/or survey teams. See also hazard. 

(JP 3-11) 

deterrence — The prevention of action by the existence of a credible threat of 

unacceptable counteraction and/or belief that the cost of action outweighs the 

perceived benefits. (JP 3-0) 

direct action — Short-duration strikes and other small-scale offensive actions conducted as 

a special operation in hostile, denied, or diplomatically sensitive environments and 

which employ specialized military capabilities to seize, destroy, capture, exploit, 

recover, or damage designated targets. Also called DA. See also special operations; 

special operations forces. (JP 3-05) 

direct air support center — The principal air control agency of the United States Marine 

Corps air command and control system responsible for the direction and control of air 

operations directly supporting the ground combat element. Also called DASC. See also

Marine air command and control system; tactical air operations center. (JP 3-09.3) 

direct air support center (airborne) — An airborne aircraft equipped with the necessary 

staff personnel, communications, and operations facilities to function as a direct air 

support center. Also called DASC(A). See also direct air support center. (JP 3-09.3) 

directed energy — An umbrella term covering technologies that relate to the production of 

a beam of concentrated electromagnetic energy or atomic or subatomic particles. Also 

called DE. See also directed-energy device; directed-energy weapon. (JP 3-13.1) 

directed-energy device — A system using directed energy primarily for a purpose other 

than as a weapon. See also directed energy; directed-energy weapon. (JP 3-13.1) 

directed-energy warfare — Military action involving the use of directed-energy weapons, 

devices, and countermeasures. Also called DEW. See also directed energy; directed-
Terms and Definitions 

70 

energy device; directed-energy weapon; electromagnetic spectrum; electronic 

warfare. (JP 3-13.1) 

directed-energy weapon — A weapon or system that uses directed energy to incapacitate, 

damage, or destroy enemy equipment, facilities, and/or personnel. See also directed 

energy; directed-energy device. (JP 3-13.1) 

direct fire — Fire delivered on a target using the target itself as a point of aim for either the 

weapon or the director. (JP 3-09.3) 

direction finding — A procedure for obtaining bearings of radio frequency emitters by using 

a highly directional antenna and a display unit on an intercept receiver or ancillary 

equipment. Also called DF. (JP 3-13.1) 

directive authority for cyberspace operations — The authority to issue orders and 

directives to all Department of Defense components to execute global Department of 

Defense information network operations and defensive cyberspace operations internal 

defensive measures. Also called DACO. (JP 3-12) 

directive authority for logistics — Combatant commander authority to issue directives to 

subordinate commanders to ensure the effective execution of approved operation plans, 

optimize the use or reallocation of available resources, and prevent or eliminate 

redundant facilities and/or overlapping functions among the Service component 

commands. Also called DAFL. See also combatant command (command 

authority); logistics. (JP 1) 

direct liaison authorized — That authority granted by a commander (any level) to a 

subordinate to directly consult or coordinate an action with a command or agency within 

or outside of the granting command. Also called DIRLAUTH. (JP 1) 

director of mobility forces — The designated agent for all air mobility issues in the area of 

responsibility or joint operations area, exercising coordinating authority between the air 

operations center (or appropriate theater command and control node), the 618 Air 

Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center), and the joint deployment and 

distribution operation center or joint movement center, in order to expedite the 

resolution of air mobility issues. Also called DIRMOBFOR. See also air operations 

center; coordinating authority. (JP 3-17) 

direct support — A mission requiring a force to support another specific force and 

authorizing it to answer directly to the supported force’s request for assistance. Also 

called DS. See also close support; general support; mission; mutual support; 

support. (JP 3-09.3) 

disaster assistance response team — A team deployed by the United States Agency for 

International Development, if a large-scale, urgent, and/or extended response is 

necessary, to provide specialists to assist the chief of mission and the United States 
 Terms and Definitions 

 71 

Agency for International Development mission (where present) with the management 

of the United States Government response to a disaster. Also called DART. See also 

foreign disaster; foreign disaster relief. (JP 3-08) 

disease and nonbattle injury — All illnesses and injuries not resulting from hostile action 

or terrorist activity or caused by conflict. Also called DNBI. (JP 4-02) 

dislocated civilian — A broad term primarily used by the Department of Defense that 

includes a displaced person, an evacuee, an internally displaced person, a migrant, a 

refugee, or a stateless person. Also called DC. See also displaced person; evacuee; 

internally displaced person; migrant; refugee; stateless person. (JP 3-29) 

dispersal — Relocation of forces for the purpose of increasing survivability. (JP 3-01) 

dispersion — 1. The spreading or separating of troops, materiel, establishments, or activities, 

which are usually concentrated in limited areas to reduce vulnerability. (JP 5-0) 2. In 

chemical and biological operations, the dissemination of agents in liquid or aerosol 

form. (JP 3-41) 3. In airdrop operations, the scatter of personnel and/or cargo on the 

drop zone. (JP 3-17) 4. In naval control of shipping, the reberthing of a ship in the 

periphery of the port area or in the vicinity of the port for its own protection in order to 

minimize the risk of damage from attack. (JP 4-01.2)

displaced person — A broad term used to refer to internally and externally displaced persons 

collectively. See also evacuee; refugee. (JP 3-29) 

display — In military deception, a static portrayal of an activity, force, or equipment 

intended to deceive the adversary’s visual observation. (JP 3-13.4) 

dissemination — In intelligence usage, the delivery of intelligence to users in a suitable 

form. See also intelligence process. (JP 2-01) 

distant retirement area — In amphibious operations, the sea area located to seaward of the 

landing area to which assault ships may retire and operate in the event of adverse 

weather or to prevent concentration of ships in the landing area. See also amphibious 

operation; landing area. (JP 3-02) 

distressed person — An individual who requires search and rescue assistance to remove 

he or she from life-threatening or isolating circumstances in a permissive environment. 

(JP 3-50) 

distribution — 1. The arrangement of troops for any purpose, such as a battle, march, or 

maneuver. 2. A planned pattern of projectiles about a point. 3. A planned spread of fire 

to cover a desired frontage or depth. 4. An official delivery of anything, such as orders 

or supplies. 5. The operational process of synchronizing all elements of the logistic 

system to deliver the “right things” to the “right place” at the “right time” to support the 
Terms and Definitions 

72 

geographic combatant commander. 6. The process of assigning military personnel to 

activities, units, or billets. (JP 4-0) 

distribution manager — The executive agent for managing distribution with the 

combatant commander’s area of responsibility. See also area of responsibility;

distribution. (JP 4-09) 

distribution pipeline — Continuum or channel through which the Department of Defense 

conducts distribution operations, representing the end-to-end flow of resources from 

supplier to consumer and, in some cases, back to the supplier in retrograde activities. 

See also distribution. (JP 4-09) 

distribution plan — A reporting system comprising reports, updates, and information

systems feeds that articulate the requirements of the theater distribution system to the 

strategic and operational resources assigned responsibility for support to the theater. See 

also distribution; distribution system; theater distribution; theater distribution 

system. (JP 4-09) 

distribution point — A point at which supplies and/or ammunition, obtained from 

supporting supply points by a division or other unit, are broken down for distribution to 

subordinate units. (JP 4-09) 

distribution system — That complex of facilities, installations, methods, and procedures 

designed to receive, store, maintain, distribute, and control the flow of military materiel 

between the point of receipt into the military system and the point of issue to using 

activities and units. (JP 4-09) 

diversion — 1. The act of drawing the attention and forces of an enemy from the point of 

the principal operation; an attack, alarm, or feint that diverts attention. 2. A change 

made in a prescribed route for operational or tactical reasons that does not constitute a 

change of destination. 3. A rerouting of cargo or passengers to a new transshipment 

point or destination or on a different mode of transportation prior to arrival at ultimate 

destination. 4. In naval mine warfare, a route or channel bypassing a dangerous area by 

connecting one channel to another or it may branch from a channel and rejoin it on the 

other side of the danger. See also demonstration. (JP 3-03) 

domestic emergencies — Civil defense emergencies, civil disturbances, major disasters, or 

natural disasters affecting the public welfare and occurring within the United States and 

its territories. See also natural disaster. (JP 3-27) 

domestic intelligence — Intelligence relating to activities or conditions within the United 

States that threaten internal security and that might require the employment of troops; 

and intelligence relating to activities of individuals or agencies potentially or actually 

dangerous to the security of the Department of Defense. (JP 3-08) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 73 

dominant user — The Service or multinational partner who is the principal consumer of a 

particular common-user logistic supply or service within a joint or multinational 

operation and will normally act as the lead Service to provide this particular commonuser logistic supply or service to other Service components, multinational partners, other 

governmental agencies, or nongovernmental agencies as directed by the combatant 

commander. See also common-user logistics; lead Service or agency for commonuser logistics. (JP 4-0) 

double agent — Agent in contact with two opposing intelligence services, only one of 

which is aware of the double contact or quasi-intelligence services. Also called DA. 

(JP 2-01.2) 

double container — A 9.8125 feet by 8 feet by 8 feet (2991 millimeters by 2438 millimeters 

by 2438 millimeters) reusable International Standards Organization compliant double 

container, with double doors at both ends, used for the storage, transportation, and 

distribution of dry cargo. Also called BICON. (JP 4-09)

downloading — An operation that removes airborne weapons or stores from an aircraft. 

(JP 3-04) 

drop altitude — The altitude above mean sea level at which airdrop is executed. (JP 3-17) 

drop zone — A specific area upon which airborne troops, equipment, or supplies are 

airdropped. Also called DZ. (JP 3-17) 

drug interdiction — A continuum of events focused on interrupting illegal drugs smuggled 

by air, sea, or land. See also counterdrug operations. (JP 3-07.4) 

dual-role tanker — An aircraft that can carry support personnel, supplies, and equipment 

for the deploying force while escorting and/or refueling combat aircraft to the area of 

responsibility. See also air refueling. (JP 3-17) 

dwell time — The length of time a target is expected to remain in one location. (JP 3-60) 

dynamic targeting — Targeting that prosecutes targets identified too late or not selected for 

action in time to be included in deliberate targeting. (JP 3-60) 

dynamic threat assessment — An intelligence assessment developed by the Defense 

Intelligence Agency that details the threat, capabilities, and intentions of adversaries in 

each of the priority plans in the Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan. Also called DTA. (JP 

2-0) 

 
Terms and Definitions 

74 

Intentionally Blank 
75 

E 

earliest arrival date — A day, relative to C-day, that is specified as the earliest date when 

a unit, resupply shipment, or replacement personnel can be accepted at a port of 

debarkation during a deployment. Also called EAD. See also latest arrival date. 

(JP 3-35) 

early warning — Early notification of the launch or approach of unknown weapons or 

weapons carriers. Also called EW. (JP 3-01) 

economy of force — The judicious employment and distribution of forces so as to expend 

the minimum essential combat power on secondary efforts to allocate the maximum 

possible combat power on primary efforts. (JP 3-0)

E-day — The day landing force personnel, supplies, and equipment begin to embark aboard 

amphibious warfare or commercial ships. (JP 3-02.1) 

effect — 1. The physical or behavioral state of a system that results from an action, a set of 

actions, or another effect. 2. The result, outcome, or consequence of an action. 3. A 

change to a condition, behavior, or degree of freedom. (JP 3-0) 

effective United States-controlled ships — United States-owned foreign flag ships that can 

be tasked by the Maritime Administration to support Department of Defense 

requirements when necessary. Also called EUSCS. (JP 4-01.2)

electro-explosive device — An explosive or pyrotechnic component that initiates an 

explosive, burning, electrical, or mechanical train and is activated by the application of 

electrical energy. Also called EED. (JP 3-04) 

electromagnetic battle management — The dynamic monitoring, assessing, planning, and 

directing of joint electromagnetic spectrum operations in support of the commander’s 

scheme of maneuver. Also called EMBM. (JP 3-13.1) 

electromagnetic compatibility — The ability of systems, equipment, and devices that use 

the electromagnetic spectrum to operate in their intended environments without causing 

or suffering unacceptable or unintentional degradation because of electromagnetic 

radiation or response. Also called EMC. See also electromagnetic spectrum; 

electromagnetic spectrum management; electronic warfare. (JP 3-13.1) 

electromagnetic environment — The resulting product of the power and time distribution, 

in various frequency ranges, of the radiated or conducted electromagnetic emission 

levels encountered by a military force, system, or platform when performing its assigned 

mission in its intended operational environment. Also called EME. (JP 3-13.1)
Terms and Definitions 

76 

electromagnetic environmental effects — The impact of the electromagnetic environment 

upon the operational capability of military forces, equipment, systems, and platforms. 

Also called E3. (JP 3-13.1)

electromagnetic hardening — Action taken to protect personnel, facilities, and/or 

equipment by blanking, filtering, attenuating, grounding, bonding, and/or shielding 

against undesirable effects of electromagnetic energy. See also electronic warfare. 

(JP 3-13.1) 

electromagnetic interference — Any electromagnetic disturbance, induced intentionally or 

unintentionally, that interrupts, obstructs, or otherwise degrades or limits the effective 

performance of electronics and electrical equipment. Also called EMI. (JP 3-13.1)

electromagnetic intrusion — The intentional insertion of electromagnetic energy into 

transmission paths in any manner, with the objective of deceiving operators or of 

causing confusion. See also electronic warfare. (JP 3-13.1) 

electromagnetic jamming — The deliberate radiation, reradiation, or reflection of 

electromagnetic energy for the purpose of preventing or reducing an enemy’s effective 

use of the electromagnetic spectrum, and with the intent of degrading or neutralizing the 

enemy’s combat capability. See also electromagnetic spectrum; electromagnetic 

spectrum management; electronic warfare. (JP 3-13.1) 

electromagnetic operational environment — The background electromagnetic 

environment and the friendly, neutral, and adversarial electromagnetic order of battle 

within the electromagnetic area of influence associated with a given operational area. 

Also called EMOE. (JP 6-01) 

electromagnetic pulse — The electromagnetic radiation from a strong electronic pulse, most 

commonly caused by a nuclear explosion that may couple with electrical or electronic 

systems to produce damaging current and voltage surges. Also called EMP. See also 

electromagnetic radiation. (JP 3-13.1) 

electromagnetic radiation — Radiation made up of oscillating electric and magnetic fields 

and propagated with the speed of light. (JP 6-01) 

electromagnetic radiation hazards —Transmitter or antenna installation that generates or 

increases electromagnetic radiation in the vicinity of ordnance, personnel, or fueling 

operations in excess of established safe levels. (JP 3-13.1) 

electromagnetic spectrum — The range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation from 

zero to infinity. It is divided into 26 alphabetically designated bands. See also

electronic warfare. (JP 3-13.1) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 77 

electromagnetic spectrum control — The coordinated execution of joint electromagnetic 

spectrum operations with other lethal and nonlethal operations that enable freedom of 

action in the electromagnetic operational environment. Also called EMSC. (JP 3-13.1) 

electromagnetic spectrum management — Planning, coordinating, and managing use of 

the electromagnetic spectrum through operational, engineering, and administrative 

procedures. See also electromagnetic spectrum. (JP 6-01) 

electromagnetic vulnerability — The characteristics of a system that cause it to suffer a 

definite degradation (incapability to perform the designated mission) as a result of 

having been subjected to a certain level of electromagnetic environmental effects. Also 

called EMV. (JP 3-13.1) 

electronic attack — Division of electronic warfare involving the use of electromagnetic 

energy, directed energy, or antiradiation weapons to attack personnel, facilities, or 

equipment with the intent of degrading, neutralizing, or destroying enemy combat 

capability and is considered a form of fires. Also called EA. See also electronic 

protection; electronic warfare; electronic warfare support. (JP 3-13.1) 

electronic intelligence — Technical and geolocation intelligence derived from foreign 

noncommunications electromagnetic radiations emanating from other than nuclear 

detonations or radioactive sources. Also called ELINT. See also electronic warfare; 

foreign instrumentation signals intelligence; intelligence; signals intelligence. 

(JP 3-13.1) 

electronic masking —The controlled radiation of electromagnetic energy on friendly 

frequencies in a manner to protect the emissions of friendly communications and 

electronic systems against enemy electronic warfare support measures/signals 

intelligence without significantly degrading the operation of friendly systems. 

(JP 3-13.1) 

electronic probing — Intentional radiation designed to be introduced into the devices or 

systems of potential enemies for the purpose of learning the functions and operational 

capabilities of the devices or systems. (JP 3-13.1) 

electronic protection — Division of electronic warfare involving actions taken to protect 

personnel, facilities, and equipment from any effects of friendly or enemy use of the 

electromagnetic spectrum that degrade, neutralize, or destroy friendly combat 

capability. Also called EP. See also electronic attack, electronic warfare; electronic 

warfare support. (JP 3-13.1) 

electronic reconnaissance — The detection, location, identification, and evaluation of 

foreign electromagnetic radiations. See also electromagnetic radiation; 

reconnaissance. (JP 3-13.1) 
Terms and Definitions 

78 

electronics security — The protection resulting from all measures designed to deny 

unauthorized persons information of value that might be derived from their interception 

and study of noncommunications electromagnetic radiations, e.g., radar. (JP 3-13.1) 

electronic warfare — Military action involving the use of electromagnetic and directed 

energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum or to attack the enemy. Also called EW. 

See also directed energy; electromagnetic spectrum; electronic attack; electronic 

protection; electronic warfare support. (JP 3-13.1) 

electronic warfare frequency deconfliction — Actions taken to integrate those frequencies 

used by electronic warfare systems into the overall frequency deconfliction process. See 

also electronic warfare. (JP 3-13.1) 

electronic warfare reprogramming — The deliberate alteration or modification of 

electronic warfare or target sensing systems, or the tactics and procedures that employ 

them, in response to validated changes in equipment, tactics, or the electromagnetic 

environment. See also electronic warfare. (JP 3-13.1) 

electronic warfare support — Division of electronic warfare involving actions tasked by, 

or under direct control of, an operational commander to search for, intercept, identify, 

and locate or localize sources of intentional and unintentional radiated electromagnetic 

energy for the purpose of immediate threat recognition, targeting, planning and conduct 

of future operations. Also called ES. See also electronic attack; electronic 

protection; electronic warfare. (JP 3-13.1) 

electro-optical-infrared countermeasure — A device or technique employing electrooptical-infrared materials or technology that is intended to impair the effectiveness of 

enemy activity, particularly with respect to precision guided weapons and sensor 

systems. Also called EO-IR CM. (JP 3-13.1) 

element — An organization formed around a specific function within a designated 

directorate of a headquarters. (JP 3-33) 

elevated causeway system — An elevated causeway pier that provides a means of delivering 

containers, certain vehicles, and bulk cargo ashore without the lighterage contending 

with the surf zone. Also called ELCAS. See also causeway. (JP 4-01.6) 

elicitation — In intelligence usage, the acquisition of information from a person or group in 

a manner that does not disclose the intent of the interview or conversation. (JP 2-0) 

embarkation — The process of putting personnel and/or vehicles and their associated stores 

and equipment into ships and/or aircraft. (JP 3-02.1) 

embarkation and tonnage table — A consolidated table showing personnel and cargo, by 

troop or naval units, loaded aboard a combat-loaded ship. (JP 3-02.1) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 79 

embarkation area — An area ashore, including a group of embarkation points, in which 

final preparations for embarkation are completed and through which assigned personnel 

and loads for craft and ships are called forward to embark. See also mounting area. 

(JP 3-02.1) 

embarkation element — A temporary administrative formation of personnel with supplies 

and equipment embarking or to be embarked (combat loaded) aboard the ships of one 

transport element. (JP 3-02.1) 

embarkation group — A temporary administrative formation of personnel with supplies 

and equipment embarking or to be embarked (combat loaded) aboard the ships of one 

transport element group. (JP 3-02.1) 

embarkation officer — An officer on the staff of units of the landing force who advises the 

commander thereof on matters pertaining to embarkation planning and loading ships. 

See also combat cargo officer. (JP 3-02.1) 

embarkation order — An order specifying dates, times, routes, loading diagrams, and 

methods of movement to shipside or aircraft for troops and their equipment. 

(JP 3-02.1) 

embarkation organization — A temporary administrative formation of personnel with 

supplies and equipment embarking or to be embarked aboard ships. See also

embarkation team. (JP 3-02.1) 

embarkation phase — In amphibious operations, the phase that encompasses the orderly 

assembly of personnel and materiel and their subsequent loading aboard ships and/or 

aircraft in a sequence designed to meet the requirements of the landing force concept of 

operations ashore. (JP 3-02.1) 

embarkation plans — The plans prepared by the landing force and appropriate subordinate 

commanders containing instructions and information concerning the organization for 

embarkation, assignment to shipping, supplies and equipment to be embarked, location 

and assignment of embarkation areas, control and communication arrangements, 

movement schedules and embarkation sequence, and additional pertinent instructions 

relating to the embarkation of the landing force. (JP 3-02) 

embarkation team — A temporary administrative formation of all personnel with supplies 

and equipment embarking or to be embarked (combat loaded) aboard one ship. See also

embarkation organization. (JP 3-02.1) 

embarkation unit — A temporary administrative formation of personnel with supplies and 

equipment embarking or to be embarked (combat loaded) aboard the ships of one 

transport unit, which is dissolved upon completion of the embarkation. (JP 3-02.1) 
Terms and Definitions 

80 

emergency action committee — An organization established at a foreign service post by 

the chief of mission or principal officer for the purpose of directing and coordinating the 

post’s response to contingencies. Also called EAC. (JP 3-68) 

emergency-essential employee — A Department of Defense civilian whose assigned duties 

and responsibilities must be accomplished following the evacuation of non-essential 

personnel (including dependents) during a declared emergency or outbreak of war. See 

also evacuation. (JP 1-0) 

emergency locator beacon — A generic term for all radio beacons used for emergency 

locating purposes. See also personal locator beacon. (JP 3-50) 

emergency operations center — A temporary or permanent facility where the coordination 

of information and resources to support domestic incident management activities 

normally takes place. Also called EOC. (JP 3-41) 

emergency preparedness — Measures taken in advance of an emergency to reduce the loss 

of life and property and to protect a nation’s institutions from all types of hazards 

through a comprehensive emergency management program of preparedness, mitigation, 

response, and recovery. Also called EP. (JP 3-28) 

emergency preparedness liaison officer — A senior reserve officer who represents their 

Service at the appropriate joint field office conducting planning and coordination 

responsibilities in support of civil authorities. Also called EPLO. (JP 3-28) 

emergency repair — The least amount of immediate repair to damaged facilities necessary 

for the facilities to support the mission. See also facility substitutes. (JP 3-34) 

emergency support functions — Government and certain private-sector capabilities 

grouped into an organizational structure to provide the support, resources, program 

implementation, and services that are most likely to be needed to save lives, protect 

property and the environment, restore essential services and critical infrastructure, and 

help victims and communities return to normal, when feasible, following domestic 

incidents. Also called ESFs. (JP 3-28) 

emission control — The selective and controlled use of electromagnetic, acoustic, or other 

emitters to optimize command and control capabilities while minimizing, for operations 

security: a. detection by enemy sensors; b. mutual interference among friendly systems; 

and/or c. enemy interference with the ability to execute a military deception plan. Also 

called EMCON. See also electronic warfare. (JP 3-13.1) 

emission security — The component of communications security that results from all

measures taken to deny unauthorized persons information of value that might be derived 

from intercept and analysis of compromising emanations from crypto-equipment and 

telecommunications systems. See also communications security. (JP 6-0) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 81 

employment — The strategic, operational, or tactical use of forces. (JP 5-0) 

end evening civil twilight — The point in time when the sun has dropped 6 degrees beneath 

the western horizon, and is the instant at which there is no longer sufficient light to see 

objects with the unaided eye. Also called EECT. (JP 2-01.3) 

end item — A final combination of end products, component parts, and/or materials that is 

ready for its intended use. (JP 4-02) 

end of evening nautical twilight — The point in time when the sun has dropped 12 degrees 

below the western horizon, and is the instant of last available daylight for the visual 

control of limited military operations. Also called EENT. (JP 2-01.3) 

end state — The set of required conditions that defines achievement of the commander’s 

objectives. (JP 3-0) 

end-to-end — A term that describes joint distribution operations boundaries, which begin at 

the point of origin and terminate at the geographic combatant commander’s designated 

point of need within a desired operational area, including the return of forces and 

materiel. (JP 4-09) 

engage — 1. In air and missile defense, a fire control order used to direct or authorize units 

and/or weapon systems to attack a designated target. See also cease engagement; hold 

fire. (JP 3-01) 2. To bring the enemy under fire. (JP 3-09.3) 

engagement — 1. An attack against an air or missile threat. (JP 3-01) 2. A tactical conflict, 

usually between opposing lower echelons maneuver forces. See also battle; campaign. 

(JP 3-0) 

engagement authority — An authority vested with a joint force commander that may be 

delegated to a subordinate commander, that permits an engagement decision. (JP 3-01) 

engage on remote — Use of nonorganic sensor or ballistic missile defense system track data 

to launch weapon and complete engagement. Also called EOR. (JP 3-01) 

engineer support plan — An appendix to the logistics annex or separate annex of an 

operation plan that identifies the minimum essential engineering services and 

construction requirements required to support the commitment of military forces. Also 

called ESP. See also operation plan. (JP 3-34) 

en route care — Care provided during transport to optimize patient outcomes. Also called 

ERC. See also evacuation. (JP 4-02) 

entity — Within the context of targeting, a term used to describe facilities, individuals, 

virtual (nontangible) things, equipment, or organizations. (JP 3-60)
Terms and Definitions 

82 

environmental baseline survey — A multi-disciplinary site survey conducted prior to or in 

the initial stage of an operational deployment. Also called EBS. See also general 

engineering. (JP 3-34) 

environmental considerations — The spectrum of environmental media, resources, or 

programs that may affect the planning and execution of military operations. (JP 3-34)

equipment — In logistics, all nonexpendable items needed to outfit or equip an individual 

or organization. See also component; supplies. (JP 4-0) 

escapee — Any person who has been physically captured by the enemy and succeeds in 

getting free. (JP 3-50) 

escort — A member of the Armed Forces assigned to accompany, assist, or guide an 

individual or group, e.g., an escort officer. (JP 4-06) 

essential care — Medical treatment provided to manage the casualty throughout the roles of 

care, which includes all care and treatment to either return the patient to duty (within 

the theater evacuation policy), or begin initial treatment required for optimization of 

outcome, and/or stabilization to ensure the patient can tolerate evacuation. See also en 

route care; first responder; forward resuscitative care; theater. (JP 4-02) 

essential elements of information — The most critical information requirements regarding 

the adversary and the environment needed by the commander by a particular time to 

relate with other available information and intelligence in order to assist in reaching a 

logical decision. Also called EEIs. (JP 2-0) 

essential task — A specified or implied task an organization must perform to accomplish 

the mission. See also implied task; specified task. (JP 5-0) 

establishing directive — An order issued to specify the purpose of the support relationship. 

(JP 3-02) 

estimate — 1. An analysis of a foreign situation, development, or trend that identifies its 

major elements, interprets the significance, and appraises the future possibilities and the 

prospective results of the various actions that might be taken. 2. An appraisal of the 

capabilities, vulnerabilities, and potential courses of action of a foreign nation or 

combination of nations in consequence of a specific national plan, policy, decision, or 

contemplated course of action. 3. An analysis of an actual or contemplated clandestine 

operation in relation to the situation in which it is or would be conducted to identify and 

appraise such factors as available as well as needed assets and potential obstacles, 

accomplishments, and consequences. See also intelligence estimate. 

(JP 5-0) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 83 

estimative intelligence — Intelligence that identifies, describes, and forecasts adversary 

capabilities and the implications for planning and executing military operations. 

(JP 2-0) 

evacuation — 1. Removal of a patient by any of a variety of transport means from a theater 

of military operation, or between health services capabilities, for the purpose of 

preventing further illness or injury, providing additional care, or providing disposition 

of patients from the military health care system. (JP 4-02) 2. The clearance of 

personnel, animals, or materiel from a given locality. (JP 3-68) 3. The controlled 

process of collecting, classifying, and shipping unserviceable or abandoned materiel, 

United States or foreign, to appropriate reclamation, maintenance, technical 

intelligence, or disposal facilities. (JP 4-09) 4. The ordered or authorized departure of 

noncombatant evacuees from a specific area to another in the same or different countries 

by Department of State, Department of Defense, or appropriate military commander. 

See also evacuee; noncombatant evacuation operation. (JP 3-68) 

evacuee — A civilian removed from a place of residence by military direction for reasons of 

personal security or the requirements of the military situation. See also displaced 

person; refugee. (JP 3-57) 

evader — Any person isolated in hostile or unfriendly territory who eludes capture. 

(JP 3-50) 

evaluation — In intelligence usage, appraisal of an item of information in terms of 

credibility, reliability, pertinence, and accuracy. (JP 2-01) 

evaluation agent — The command or agency designated in the evaluation directive to be 

responsible for the planning, coordination, and conduct of the required evaluation of a 

joint test publication. See also joint doctrine; joint test publication. 

(CJCSM 5120.01) 

evaluation and feedback — In intelligence usage, continuous assessment of intelligence 

operations throughout the intelligence process to ensure that the commander’s 

intelligence requirements are being met. See intelligence process. (JP 2-01) 

evasion — The process whereby isolated personnel avoid capture with the goal of 

successfully returning to areas under friendly control. (JP 3-50) 

evasion aid — In personnel recovery, any piece of information or equipment designed to 

assist an individual in avoiding capture. See also blood chit; evasion; evasion chart; 

pointee-talkee; recovery; recovery operations. (JP 3-50) 

evasion chart — A special map or chart designed as an evasion aid. Also called EVC. See 

also evasion; evasion aid. (JP 3-50) 
Terms and Definitions 

84 

evasion plan of action — A course of action, developed prior to executing a combat mission, 

that is intended to improve a potential isolated person’s chances of successful evasion 

and recovery by providing the recovery forces with an additional source of information 

that can increase the predictability of the evader’s action and movement. Also called 

EPA. See also course of action; evader; evasion. (JP 3-50) 

event matrix — A cross-referenced description of the indicators and activity expected to 

occur in each named area of interest. See also activity; area of interest; indicator. 

(JP 2-01.3) 

event template — A guide for collection planning that depicts the named areas of interest 

where activity, or its lack of activity, will indicate which course of action the adversary 

has adopted. See also activity; area of interest; collection planning; course of action. 

(JP 2-01.3) 

exclusion zone — A zone established by a sanctioning body to prohibit specific activities in 

a specific geographic area to persuade nations or groups to modify their behavior to 

meet the desires of the sanctioning body or face continued imposition of sanctions, or 

use or threat of force. (JP 3-0) 

exclusive economic zone — A maritime zone adjacent to the territorial sea that may not 

extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the 

territorial sea is measured. Also called EEZ. (JP 3-15) 

execute order — 1. An order issued by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the 

direction of the Secretary of Defense, to implement a decision by the President to initiate 

military operations. 2. An order to initiate military operations as directed. Also called 

EXORD. (JP 5-0) 

executive agent — A term used to indicate a delegation of authority by the Secretary of 

Defense or Deputy Secretary of Defense to a subordinate to act on behalf of the 

Secretary of Defense. Also called EA. (JP 1) 

exercise — A military maneuver or simulated wartime operation involving planning, 

preparation, and execution that is carried out for the purpose of training and evaluation. 

See also maneuver. (JP 3-0) 

exfiltration — The removal of personnel or units from areas under enemy control by stealth, 

deception, surprise, or clandestine means. See also special operations; 

unconventional warfare. (JP 3-50) 

expeditionary force — An armed force organized to achieve a specific objective in a foreign 

country. (JP 3-0) 

expendable supplies — Supplies that are consumed in use, such as ammunition, paint, fuel, 

cleaning and preserving materials, surgical dressings, drugs, medicines, etc., or that lose 
 Terms and Definitions 

 85 

their identity, such as spare parts, etc., and may be dropped from stock record accounts 

when it is issued or used. (JP 4-02) 

exploitation — 1. Taking full advantage of success in military operations, following up 

initial gains, and making permanent the temporary effects already created. 2. Taking 

full advantage of any information that has come to hand for tactical, operational, or 

strategic purposes. 3. An offensive operation that usually follows a successful attack 

and is designed to disorganize the enemy in depth. See also attack. (JP 2-01.3) 

explosive cargo — Cargo such as artillery ammunition, bombs, depth charges, demolition 

material, rockets, and missiles. (JP 4-01.5)

explosive hazard — 1. Any material posing a potential threat that contains an explosive 

component such as unexploded explosive ordnance, booby traps, improvised explosive 

devices, captured enemy ammunition, and bulk explosives. (JP 3-15) 2. In explosive 

ordnance disposal, a condition where danger exists because explosives are present that 

may react in a mishap with potential unacceptable effects to people, property, 

operational capability, or the environment. Also called EH. (JP 3-42) 

explosive ordnance — All munitions and improvised or clandestine explosive devices,

containing explosives, propellants, nuclear fission or fusion materials, and biological 

and chemical agents. (JP 3-42) 

explosive ordnance disposal — 1. The detection, identification, on-site evaluation, 

rendering safe, recovery, and final disposal of unexploded explosive ordnance. 2. The 

organizations engaged in such activities. Also called EOD. (JP 3-42) 

explosive ordnance disposal incident — The suspected or detected presence of unexploded 

or damaged explosive ordnance that constitutes a hazard to operations, installations, 

personnel, or material and requires explosive ordnance disposal procedures. (JP 3-42) 

explosive ordnance disposal procedures — Any particular course or mode of action taken 

by qualified explosive ordnance disposal personnel to detect and/or locate, access, 

identify, triage, diagnose, stabilize, render safe or neutralize, recover, exploit, and 

dispose of ordnance, explosives, or any hazardous material associated with an explosive 

ordnance disposal incident. (JP 3-42) 

explosive ordnance disposal unit — Personnel with special training and equipment who 

render explosive ordnance safe, make intelligence reports on such ordnance, and 

supervise the safe removal thereof. (JP 3-42) 

explosives safety munitions risk management — A systematic approach that integrates 

risk analysis into operational planning, military training exercises, and contingency 

operations with the goal of identifying potentially adverse consequences associated with 

munitions operations, risk reduction alternatives, and risk acceptance criteria for senior 

officials to make the risk decision. Also called ESMRM. (CJCSI 4360.01A) 
Terms and Definitions 

86 

external audience — In public affairs, all people who are not United States military 

members, Department of Defense civilian employees, and their immediate families. See 

also internal audience; public. (JP 3-61) 

external support contract — Contract awarded by contracting organizations whose 

contracting authority does not derive directly from the theater support contracting 

head(s) of contracting activity or from systems support contracting authorities. See also 

systems support contract; theater support contract. (JP 4-10) 
87 

F 

facility — A real property entity consisting of one or more of the following: a building, a 

structure, a utility system, pavement, and underlying land. (JP 3-34) 

facility substitutes — Items such as tents and prepackaged structures requisitioned through 

the supply system that may be used to substitute for constructed facilities. (JP 3-34) 

family readiness — The state of being prepared to effectively navigate the challenges of 

daily living experienced in the unique context of military service, to include: mobility 

and financial readiness, mobilization and deployment readiness, and personal and 

family life readiness. (DODI 1342.22)

feasibility — The plan review criterion for assessing whether the assigned mission can be 

accomplished using available resources within the time contemplated by the plan. See 

also acceptability; adequacy. (JP 5-0) 

feasibility assessment — A basic target analysis that provides an initial determination of the 

viability of a proposed target for special operations forces employment. Also called FA. 

(JP 3-05) 

federal military forces — Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force personnel (including 

Reserve Component personnel) on federal active duty. (JP 3-28)

federal service — A term applied to National Guard members and units when called to 

active duty to serve the United States Government under Article I, Section 8 and Article 

II, Section 2 of the Constitution and Title 10, United States Code, Sections 12401 to 

12408. See also active duty; Reserve Component. (JP 4-05) 

feint — In military deception, an offensive action involving contact with the adversary 

conducted for the purpose of deceiving the adversary as to the location and/or time of 

the actual main offensive action. (JP 3-13.4) 

field artillery — Equipment, supplies, ammunition, and personnel involved in the use of 

cannon, rocket, or surface-to-surface missile launchers. Also called FA. (JP 3-09) 

fighter engagement zone — In air defense, that airspace of defined dimensions within 

which the responsibility for engagement of air threats normally rests with fighter 

aircraft. Also called FEZ. (JP 3-01)

fighter escort — An offensive counterair operation providing dedicated protection sorties 

by air-to-air capable fighters in support of other offensive air and air support missions 

over enemy territory, or in a defensive counterair role to protect high value airborne 

assets. (JP 3-01) 
Terms and Definitions 

88 

fighter sweep — An offensive mission by fighter aircraft to seek out and destroy enemy 

aircraft or targets of opportunity in a designated area. (JP 3-01) 

final governing standards — A comprehensive set of country-specific substantive 

environmental provisions, typically technical limitations on effluent, discharges, etc., or 

a specific management practice. Also called FGSs. (JP 3-34) 

final protective fire — An immediately available prearranged barrier of fire designed to 

impede enemy movement across defensive lines or areas. Also called FPF. 

(JP 3-09.3) 

finance support — A financial management function to provide financial advice and 

recommendations, pay support, disbursing support, establishment of local depository 

accounts, essential accounting support, and support of the procurement process. See 

also financial management. (JP 1-06) 

financial management — The combination of the two core functions of resource 

management and finance support. Also called FM. See also finance support; resource 

management. (JP 1-06) 

fire direction center — That element of a command post, consisting of gunnery and 

communications personnel and equipment, by means of which the commander exercises 

fire direction and/or fire control. Also called FDC. (JP 3-09.3) 

fires — The use of weapon systems or other actions to create specific lethal or nonlethal 

effects on a target. (JP 3-09) 

fire support — Fires that directly support land, maritime, amphibious, and special 

operations forces to engage enemy forces, combat formations, and facilities in pursuit 

of tactical and operational objectives. See also fires. (JP 3-09) 

fire support area — An appropriate maneuver area assigned to fire support ships by the 

naval force commander from which they can deliver gunfire support to an amphibious 

operation. Also called FSA. See also amphibious operation; fire support. (JP 3-09) 

fire support coordination — The planning and executing of fire so that targets are 

adequately covered by a suitable weapon or group of weapons. (JP 3-09) 

fire support coordination center — A single location in which are centralized 

communications facilities and personnel incident to the coordination of all forms of fire 

support for Marine forces. Also called FSCC. See also fire support; fire support 

coordination; support; supporting arms coordination center. (JP 3-09) 

fire support coordination line — A fire support coordination measure established by the 

land or amphibious force commander to support common objectives within an area of 

operation; beyond which all fires must be coordinated with affected commanders prior 
 Terms and Definitions 

 89 

to engagement, and short of the line, all fires must be coordinated with the establishing 

commander prior to engagement. Also called FSCL. See also fires; fire support. 

(JP 3-09) 

fire support coordination measure — A measure employed by commanders to facilitate 

the rapid engagement of targets and simultaneously provide safeguards for friendly 

forces. Also called FSCM. See also fire support coordination. (JP 3-0) 

fire support coordinator — 1. The officer in charge of the fire support coordination center. 

Also called FSC. 2. The brigade combat team’s organic fires battalion commander; if 

a fires brigade is designated as the division force field artillery headquarters, the fires 

brigade commander is the division’s fire support coordinator and is assisted by the chief 

of fires who then serves as the deputy fire support coordinator during the period the 

force field artillery headquarters is in effect. Also called FSCOORD. (JP 3-09) 

fire support element — That section of the tactical operations center at every echelon above 

company responsible for targeting coordination and for integrating fires under the 

control or in support of the force. Also called FSE. Also called fire cell (FC) within 

the United States Army. See also fire support; force; support. (JP 3-09) 

fire support officer — The field artillery officer from the operational to tactical level 

responsible for advising the supported commander or assisting the senior fires officer of 

the organization on fires functions and fire support. Also called FSO. See also field 

artillery; fire support; support. (JP 3-09) 

fire support station — An exact location at sea within a fire support area from which a fire 

support ship delivers fire. Also called FSS. (JP 3-02) 

fire support team — A field artillery team provided for each maneuver company/troop and 

selected units to plan and coordinate all supporting fires available to the unit, including 

mortars, field artillery, naval surface fire support, and close air support integration. Also 

called FIST. See also close air support; field artillery; fire support; support. 

(JP 3-09.3) 

first responder — Anyone who provides initial and immediate treatment to self or others. 

See also essential care; evacuation. (JP 4-02) 

fixed port — Terminals with an improved network of cargo-handling facilities designed for 

the transfer of freight. See also maritime terminal. (JP 4-01.5) 

fixed price contract — A type of contract that generally provides for a firm price or, under 

appropriate circumstances, may provide for an adjustable price for the supplies or 

services being procured. (JP 4-10) 

flame field expedient — Simple, handmade device used to produce flame or illumination. 

Also called FFE. (JP 3-15) 
Terms and Definitions 

90 

flash burn — A burn caused by excessive exposure (of bare skin) to thermal radiation. 

(JP 3-41) 

flatrack — Portable, open-topped, open-sided units that fit into existing below-deck 

container cell guides and provide a capability for container ships to carry oversized 

cargo and wheeled and tracked vehicles. (JP 4-09) 

fleet — An organization of ships, aircraft, Marine Corps forces, and shore-based fleet 

activities under a commander who may exercise operational, as well as administrative, 

control. See also numbered fleet. (JP 3-32) 

Fleet Marine Force — A balanced force of combined arms comprising land, air, and service 

elements of the United States Marine Corps, which is an integral part of a United States 

fleet and has the responsibility to man, train, and equip the Marine operating force. Also 

called FMF. (JP 4-02) 

flexible deterrent option — A planning construct intended to facilitate early decision 

making by developing a wide range of interrelated responses that begin with deterrentoriented actions carefully tailored to produce a desired effect. Also called FDO. (JP 5-

0) 

flexible response — The capability of military forces for effective reaction to any enemy 

threat or attack with actions appropriate and adaptable to the circumstances existing. 

(JP 5-0) 

flight — 1. In Navy and Marine Corps usage, a specified group of aircraft usually engaged 

in a common mission. 2. The basic tactical unit in the Air Force, consisting of four or 

more aircraft in two or more elements. 3. A single aircraft airborne on a nonoperational 

mission. (JP 3-30) 

flight deck — 1. In certain airplanes, an elevated compartment occupied by the crew for 

operating the airplane in flight. 2. The upper deck of an aircraft carrier that serves as a 

runway. The deck of an air-capable ship, amphibious aviation assault ship, or aircraft 

carrier used to launch and recover aircraft. (JP 3-04) 

flight deck officer — Officer responsible for the safe movement of aircraft on or about the 

flight deck of an aviation-capable ship. Also called FDO. (JP 3-04)

flight quarters — A ship configuration that assigns and stations personnel at critical 

positions to conduct safe flight operations. (JP 3-04) 

floating craft company — A company-sized unit made up of various watercraft teams such 

as tugs, barges, and barge cranes. (JP 4-01.6) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 91 

floating dump — Emergency supplies preloaded in landing craft, amphibious vehicles, or 

in landing ships that are located in the vicinity of the appropriate control officer, who 

directs their landing as requested by the troop commander concerned. (JP 3-02) 

fly-in echelon — Airlifted forces and equipment to include flight ferry aircraft and aviation 

support equipment needed to support operations; typically associated with the use of 

pre-positioned assets. Also called FIE. (JP 3-02.1)

follow-up — In amphibious operations, the reinforcements and stores carried on ships and 

aircraft (not originally part of the amphibious force) that are off-loaded after the assault 

and assault follow-on echelons have been landed. See also amphibious operation; 

assault; assault follow-on echelon. (JP 3-02) 

follow-up shipping — Ships not originally a part of the amphibious task force but which 

deliver troops and supplies to the objective area after the action phase has begun. 

(JP 3-02) 

food and water risk assessment — A program conducted under specific circumstances by 

veterinary or public health personnel to assess food operations to identify and mitigate 

risk from intentional and unintentional contamination. Also called FWRA. (JP 4-02) 

footprint — 1. The area on the surface of the earth within a satellite’s transmitter or sensor 

field of view. 2. The amount of personnel, spares, resources, and capabilities physically 

present and occupying space at a deployed location. (JP 4-01.5) 

force — 1. An aggregation of military personnel, weapon systems, equipment, and necessary 

support, or combination thereof. 2. A major subdivision of a fleet. (JP 1) 

force/activity designator — Number used in conjunction with urgency of need designators 

to establish a matrix of priorities used for supply requisitions. Also called F/AD. See 

also force. (JP 4-09) 

force beddown — The provision of expedient facilities for troop support to provide a 

platform for the projection of force. See also facility substitutes. (JP 3-34) 

force closure — The point in time when a supported commander determines that sufficient 

personnel and equipment resources are in the assigned operational area to carry out 

assigned tasks. See also closure; force. (JP 3-35) 

force health protection — Measures to promote, improve, or conserve the behavioral and 

physical well-being of Service members to enable a healthy and fit force, prevent injury 

and illness, and protect the force from health hazards. Also called FHP. See also force; 

protection. (JP 4-02) 
Terms and Definitions 

92 

force module — A grouping of combat, combat support, and combat service support forces, 

with their accompanying supplies and the required nonunit resupply and personnel 

necessary to sustain forces for a minimum of 30 days. Also called FM. (JP 4-01.5) 

force planning — 1. Planning associated with the creation and maintenance of military 

capabilities by the Military Departments, Services, and United States Special Operations 

Command. 2. In the context of joint planning, it is an element of plan development 

where the supported combatant command, in coordination with its supporting and 

subordinate commands determines force requirements to accomplish an assigned 

mission. (JP 5-0) 

force projection — The ability to project the military instrument of national power from the 

United States or another theater, in response to requirements for military operations. 

See also force. (JP 3-0) 

force protection — Preventive measures taken to mitigate hostile actions against 

Department of Defense personnel (to include family members), resources, facilities, and 

critical information. Also called FP. See also force; force protection condition; 

protection. (JP 3-0) 

force protection condition — A Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff-approved standard 

for identification of and recommended responses to terrorist threats against United 

States personnel and facilities. Also called FPCON. See also antiterrorism; force 

protection. (JP 3-07.2) 

force protection detachment — A counterintelligence element that provides 

counterintelligence support to transiting and assigned ships, personnel, and aircraft in 

regions of elevated threat. Also called FPD. (JP 2-01.2) 

force protection working group — Cross-functional working group whose purpose is to 

conduct risk assessment and risk management and to recommend mitigating measures 

to the commander. Also called FPWG. (JP 3-10) 

force requirement number — An alphanumeric code used to uniquely identify force entries 

in a given operation plan time-phased force and deployment data. Also called FRN. 

(JP 3-35)

force sequencing — The phased introduction of forces into and out of the operational area. 

(JP 3-68) 

force sourcing — The identification of the actual units, their origins, ports of embarkation, 

and movement characteristics to satisfy the time-phased force requirements of a 

supported commander. (JP 5-0) 

force tracking — The process of gathering and maintaining information on the location, 

status, and predicted movement of each element of a unit including the unit’s command 
 Terms and Definitions 

 93 

element, personnel, and unit-related supplies and equipment while in transit to the 

specified operational area. (JP 3-35) 

force visibility — The current and accurate status of forces, their current mission, future 

missions, location, mission priority, and readiness status. (JP 3-35) 

forcible entry — Seizing and holding of a military lodgment in the face of armed opposition 

or forcing access into a denied area to allow movement and maneuver to accomplish the 

mission. See also lodgment. (JP 3-18) 

foreign assistance — Assistance to foreign nations ranging from the sale of military 

equipment and support for foreign internal defense to donations of food and medical 

supplies to aid survivors of natural and man-made disasters that may be provided 

through development assistance, humanitarian assistance, and security assistance. See 

also domestic emergencies; foreign disaster; foreign humanitarian assistance; 

security assistance. (JP 3-0) 

foreign disaster — A calamitous situation or event that occurs naturally or through human 

activities, which threatens or inflicts human suffering on a scale that may warrant 

emergency relief assistance from the United States Government or from foreign 

partners. See also foreign disaster relief. (JP 3-29) 

foreign disaster relief — Assistance that can be used immediately to alleviate the suffering 

of foreign disaster victims that normally includes services and commodities as well as 

the rescue and evacuation of victims; the provision and transportation of food, water, 

clothing, medicines, beds, bedding, and temporary shelter; the furnishing of medical 

equipment, medical and technical personnel; and making repairs to essential services. 

Also called FDR. See also foreign disaster. (JP 3-29) 

foreign humanitarian assistance — Department of Defense activities conducted outside 

the United States and its territories to directly relieve or reduce human suffering, disease, 

hunger, or privation. Also called FHA. See also foreign assistance. (JP 3-29) 

foreign instrumentation signals intelligence — A subcategory of signals intelligence 

consisting of technical information and intelligence derived from the intercept of foreign 

electromagnetic emissions associated with the testing and operational deployment of 

non-United States aerospace, surface, and subsurface systems. Also called FISINT. 

See also signals intelligence. (JP 2-01) 

foreign intelligence — Information relating to capabilities, intentions, and activities of 

foreign governments or elements thereof, foreign organizations, or foreign persons, or 

international terrorist activities. Also called FI. See also intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

foreign intelligence entity — Any known or suspected foreign organization, person, or 

group (public, private, or governmental) that conducts intelligence activities to acquire 

United States information, block or impair United States intelligence collection, 
Terms and Definitions 

94 

influence United States policy, or disrupts United States systems and programs. The 

term includes foreign intelligence and security services and international terrorists. Also 

called FIE. (JP 2-01.2) 

foreign internal defense — Participation by civilian agencies and military forces of a 

government or international organizations in any of the programs and activities 

undertaken by a host nation government to free and protect its society from subversion, 

lawlessness, insurgency, terrorism, and other threats to its security. Also called FID. 

(JP 3-22) 

foreign military sales — That portion of United States security assistance for sales programs 

that require agreements/contracts between the United States Government and an 

authorized recipient government or international organization for defense articles and 

services to be provided to the recipient for current stocks or new procurements under 

Department of Defense-managed contracts, regardless of the source of financing. Also 

called FMS. (JP 3-20) 

foreign national — Any person other than a United States citizen, United States permanent 

or temporary legal resident alien, or person in United States custody. (JP 1-0) 

foreign nation support — Civil and/or military assistance rendered to a nation when 

operating outside its national boundaries during military operations based on 

agreements mutually concluded between nations or on behalf of intergovernmental 

organizations. Also called FNS. See also host-nation support. (JP 1-06) 

foreign object damage — Rags, pieces of paper, line, articles of clothing, nuts, bolts, or 

tools that, when misplaced or caught by air currents normally found around aircraft 

operations (jet blast, rotor or prop wash, engine intake), cause damage to aircraft systems 

or weapons or injury to personnel. Also called FOD. (JP 3-04) 

foreign service national — Foreign nationals who provide clerical, administrative, 

technical, fiscal, and other support at foreign service posts abroad and are not citizens 

of the United States. Also called FSN. (JP 3-68) 

forensic-enabled intelligence — The intelligence resulting from the integration of 

scientifically examined materials and other information to establish full 

characterization, attribution, and the linkage of events, locations, items, signatures, 

nefarious intent, and persons of interest. Also called FEI. (JP 2-0)

forward air controller — An officer (aviator/pilot) member of the tactical air control party 

who, from a forward ground or airborne position, controls aircraft in close air support 

of ground troops. Also called FAC. See also close air support. (JP 3-09.3) 

forward air controller (airborne) — A specifically trained and qualified aviation officer, 

normally an airborne extension of the tactical air control party, who exercises control 
 Terms and Definitions 

 95 

from the air of aircraft engaged in close air support of ground troops. Also called

FAC(A). (JP 3-09.3) 

forward arming and refueling point — A temporary facility, organized, equipped, and 

deployed to provide fuel and ammunition necessary for the employment of aviation 

maneuver units in combat. Also called FARP. (JP 3-09.3)

forward aviation combat engineering — A mobility operation in which engineers perform 

tasks in support of forward aviation ground facilities. Also called FACE. See also 

combat engineering; reconnaissance. (JP 3-34) 

forward edge of the battle area — The foremost limits of a series of areas in which ground 

combat units are deployed, excluding the areas in which the covering or screening forces 

are operating, designated to coordinate fire support, the positioning of forces, or the 

maneuver of units. Also called FEBA. (JP 3-09.3) 

forward line of own troops — A line that indicates the most forward positions of friendly 

forces in any kind of military operation at a specific time. Also called FLOT. 

(JP 3-03)

forward-looking infrared — An airborne, electro-optical thermal imaging device that 

detects far-infrared energy, converts the energy into an electronic signal, and provides a 

visible image for day or night viewing. Also called FLIR. (JP 3-09.3) 

forward observer — An observer operating with front line troops trained to adjust ground 

or naval gunfire and pass back battlefield information. Also called FO. See also 

forward air controller; spotter. (JP 3-09) 

forward operating base — An airfield used to support tactical operations without 

establishing full support facilities. Also called FOB. (JP 3-09.3) 

forward operating site — A scaleable location outside the United States and US territories 

intended for rotational use by operating forces. Such expandable “warm facilities” may 

be maintained with a limited US military support presence and possibly pre-positioned 

equipment. Forward operating sites support rotational rather than permanently stationed 

forces and are a focus for bilateral and regional training. Also called FOS. See also 

cooperative security location; main operating base. (CJCS CM-0007-05)

forward presence — Maintaining forward-deployed or stationed forces overseas to 

demonstrate national resolve, strengthen alliances, dissuade potential adversaries, and 

enhance the ability to respond quickly to contingencies. (JP 3-32)

forward resuscitative care — Care provided as close to the point of injury as possible based 

on current operational requirements to attain stabilization, achieve the most efficient use 

of lifesaving and limb-saving medical treatment, and provide essential care so the 

patient can tolerate evacuation, which is known as Role 2 care in the North Atlantic 
Terms and Definitions 

96 

Treaty Organization doctrine. Also called FRC. See also essential care; evacuation; 

medical treatment facility. (JP 4-02) 

foundation geospatial intelligence data — The base data providing context and a 

framework for display and visualization of the environment, which consists of: features, 

elevation, controlled imagery base, geodetic sciences, geographic names and 

boundaries, aeronautical, maritime, digital point positioning database, and human 

geography. (JP 2-03) 

463L system — A material handling system that consists of military and civilian aircraft 

cargo restraint rail systems, aircraft pallets, nets, tie down, coupling devices, facilities, 

handling equipment, procedures, and other components designed to efficiently 

accomplish the air logistics and aerial delivery mission. (JP 4-09) 

fragmentary order — An abbreviated operation order issued as needed to change or modify 

an order or to execute a branch or sequel. Also called FRAGORD. (JP 5-0) 

freedom of navigation operations — Operations conducted to protect United States 

navigation, overflight, and related interests on, under, and over the seas. (JP 3-0) 

free drop — The dropping of equipment or supplies from an aircraft without the use of 

parachutes. See also airdrop; air movement; free fall; high velocity drop; low 

velocity drop. (JP 3-17) 

free fall — A parachute maneuver in which the parachute is manually activated at the 

discretion of the jumper or automatically at a preset altitude. See also airdrop; air 

movement; free drop; high velocity drop; low velocity drop. (JP 3-17) 

free-fire area — A specific area into which any weapon system may fire without additional 

coordination with the establishing headquarters. Also called FFA. (JP 3-09) 

free mail — Correspondence of a personal nature that weighs less than 11 ounces, to include 

audio and video recording tapes, from a member of the Armed Forces or designated 

civilian, mailed postage free from a Secretary of Defense approved free mail zone. 

(JP 1-0) 

frequency deconfliction — A systematic management procedure to coordinate the use of 

the electromagnetic spectrum for operations, communications, and intelligence 

functions. Frequency deconfliction is one element of electromagnetic spectrum 

management. See also electromagnetic spectrum; electromagnetic spectrum 

management; electronic warfare. (JP 3-13.1) 

friendly — A contact positively identified as a friend using identification, friend or foe and 

other techniques. (JP 3-01) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 97 

friendly force information requirement — Information the commander and staff need to 

understand the status of friendly force and supporting capabilities. Also called FFIR. 

(JP 3-0) 

friendly force tracking — The process of fixing, observing, and reporting the location and 

movement of friendly forces. Also called FFT. (JP 3-09)

frustrated cargo — Any shipment of supplies and/or equipment which, while en route to 

destination, is stopped prior to receipt and for which further disposition instructions 

must be obtained. (JP 4-01.5) 

full mobilization — Expansion of the active Armed Forces of the United States resulting 

from action by Congress and the President to mobilize, for the duration of the emergency 

plus six months, all Reserve Component units and individuals in the existing approved 

force structure, as well as all retired military personnel, and the resources needed for 

their support to meet the requirements of a war or other national emergency involving 

an external threat to the national security. (JP 4-05) 

full-spectrum superiority — The cumulative effect of dominance in the air, land, maritime,

and space domains; electromagnetic spectrum; and information environment (which 

includes cyberspace) that permits the conduct of joint operations without effective 

opposition or prohibitive interference. (JP 3-0) 

function — The broad, general, and enduring role for which an organization is designed, 

equipped, and trained. (JP 1) 

functional component command — A command normally, but not necessarily, composed 

of forces of two or more Military Departments which may be established across the 

range of military operations to perform particular operational missions that may be of 

short duration or may extend over a period of time. See also component; Service 

component command. (JP 1) 

functional damage assessment — The estimate of the effect of military force to degrade or 

destroy the functional or operational capability of the target to perform its intended 

mission and on the level of success in achieving operational objectives established 

against the target. See also damage assessment; target. (JP 3-60) 

fusion — In intelligence usage, the process of managing information to conduct all-source 

analysis and derive a complete assessment of activity. (JP 2-0) 

 
Terms and Definitions 

98 

Intentionally Blank 
99 

G 

general agency agreement — A contract between the Maritime Administration and a 

steamship company which, as general agent, exercises administrative control over a 

government-owned ship for employment by the Military Sealift Command. See also 

Military Sealift Command. (JP 3-02.1) 

general cargo — Cargo that is suitable for loading in general, nonspecialized stowage areas 

or standard shipping containers; e.g., boxes, barrels, bales, crates, packages, bundles, 

and pallets. (JP 4-09) 

general engineering — Those engineering capabilities and activities, other than combat 

engineering, that provide infrastructure and modify, maintain, or protect the physical 

environment. Also called GE. (JP 3-34) 

general military intelligence — Intelligence concerning the military capabilities of foreign 

countries or organizations, or topics affecting potential United States or multinational 

military operations. Also called GMI. See also intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

general support — 1. That support which is given to the supported force as a whole and not 

to any particular subdivision thereof. See also close support; direct support; mutual 

support; support. 2. A tactical artillery mission. Also called GS. See also direct 

support; general support-reinforcing. (JP 3-09.3)

general support-reinforcing — The artillery mission of supporting the force as a whole and 

of providing reinforcing fires for other artillery units. Also called GSR. (JP 3-09.3)

general unloading period — In amphibious operations, that part of the ship-to-shore 

movement in which unloading is primarily logistic in character, and emphasizes speed 

and volume of unloading operations. See also initial unloading period. (JP 3-02) 

geographic coordinates — The quantities of latitude and longitude which define the 

position of a point on the surface of the Earth with respect to the reference ellipsoid. (JP 

2-03)

geospatial engineering — Those engineering capabilities and activities that contribute to a 

clear understanding of the physical environment by providing geospatial information 

and services to commanders and staffs. See also geospatial information and services. 

(JP 3-34) 

geospatial information — Information that identifies the geographic location and 

characteristics of natural or constructed features and boundaries on the Earth, including: 

statistical data and information derived from, among other things, remote sensing, 

mapping, and surveying technologies; and mapping, charting, geodetic data and related 

products. (JP 2-03) 
Terms and Definitions 

100 

geospatial information and services — The collection, information extraction, storage, 

dissemination, and exploitation of geodetic, geomagnetic, imagery, gravimetric, 

aeronautical, topographic, hydrographic, littoral, cultural, and toponymic data 

accurately referenced to a precise location on the Earth’s surface. Also called GI&S. 

(JP 2-03) 

geospatial intelligence — The exploitation and analysis of imagery and geospatial 

information to describe, assess, and visually depict physical features and geographically 

referenced activities on the Earth. Geospatial intelligence consists of imagery, imagery 

intelligence, and geospatial information. Also called GEOINT. (JP 2-03) 

geospatial-intelligence base for contingency operations — A mobile visualization tool 

that provides access to geospatial data where networks or infrastructure have been 

damaged or do not exist. Also called GIBCO. (JP 3-68) 

geospatial intelligence operations — The tasks, activities, and events to collect, manage, 

analyze, generate, visualize, and provide imagery, imagery intelligence, and geospatial 

information necessary to support national and defense missions and international 

arrangements. Also called GEOINT operations. (JP 2-03)

Global Air Transportation Execution System — The Air Mobility Command’s aerial port 

operations and management information system designed to support automated cargo 

and passenger processing, the reporting of in-transit visibility data to the Global 

Transportation Network, and billing to Air Mobility Command’s financial management 

directorate. Also called GATES. See also Air Mobility Command. (JP 3-17) 

global campaign plan — Primary means by which the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

or designated combatant commander arranges for unity of effort and purpose and 

through which they guide the planning, integration, and coordination of joint operations 

across combatant command areas of responsibility and functional responsibilities. Also 

called GCP. (JP 5-0) 

Global Combat Support System-Joint — The primary information technology application 

used to provide automation support to the joint logistician. Also called GCSS-J. 

(JP 4-0)

Global Command and Control System — A deployable command and control system 

supporting forces for joint and multinational operations across the range of military 

operations with compatible, interoperable, and integrated communications systems. 

Also called GCCS. See also command and control; command and control system. 

(JP 6-0) 

Global Decision Support System — The command and control system employed by 

mobility air forces that provides schedules, arrival and/or departure information, and 

status data to support in-transit visibility of mobility airlift and air refueling aircraft and 
 Terms and Definitions 

 101 

aircrews. Also called GDSS. See also Air Mobility Command; in-transit visibility. 

(JP 3-17) 

global distribution — The process that coordinates and synchronizes fulfillment of joint 

force requirements from point of origin to point of employment. See also distribution. 

(JP 4-09) 

global distribution of materiel — The process of providing materiel from the source of 

supply to its point of consumption or use on a worldwide basis. See also global 

distribution. (JP 4-09) 

global force management — Processes that align force assignment, apportionment, and 

allocation methodologies in support of strategic guidance. Also call GFM. (JP 3-35)

global maritime partnership — An approach to cooperation among maritime nations with 

a shared stake in international commerce, safety, security, and freedom of the seas. (JP 

3-32) 

global missile defense — Missile defense operations, activities, or actions that affect more 

than one combatant command and require synchronization among the affected 

commands to deter and prevent attacks, destroy enemy missiles, or nullify or reduce the 

effectiveness of an attack. Also called global MD. (JP 3-01) 

Global Patient Movement Requirements Center — A joint activity reporting directly to 

the Commander, United States Transportation Command, which provides medical 

regulating and aeromedical evacuation scheduling for the continental United States and 

intertheater operations, provides support to the theater patient movement requirements 

centers, and coordinates with supporting resource providers to identify available assets 

and communicates transport to bed plans to the appropriate transportation agency for 

execution. Also called GPMRC. See also medical treatment facility. (JP 4-02) 

Global Positioning System — A satellite-based radio navigation system operated by the 

Department of Defense to provide all military, civil, and commercial users with precise 

positioning, navigation, and timing. Also called GPS. (JP 3-14) 

global transportation management — The integrated process to satisfy transportation 

requirements using the Defense Transportation System to meet national security 

objectives. Also called GTM. See also Defense Transportation System. (JP 4-01) 

go/no-go — A critical point at which a decision to proceed or not must be made. (JP 3-02) 

governance — The state’s ability to serve the citizens through the rules, processes, and 

behavior by which interests are articulated, resources are managed, and power is 

exercised in a society. (JP 3-24)
Terms and Definitions 

102 

grid coordinates — Coordinates of a grid coordinate system to which numbers and letters 

are assigned for use in designating a point on a gridded map, photograph, or chart. 

(JP 3-09) 

ground alert — That status in which aircraft on the ground/deck are fully serviced and 

armed, with combat crews in readiness to take off within a specified period of time after 

receipt of a mission order. See also airborne alert. (JP 3-01) 

ground-based interceptor — A fixed-based, surface-to-air missile for defense against longrange ballistic missiles using an exo-atmospheric hit-to-kill interception of the targeted 

reentry vehicle in the midcourse phase of flight. (JP 3-01) 

ground-based midcourse defense — A surface-to-air ballistic missile defense system for 

exo-atmospheric midcourse phase interception of long-range ballistic missiles using the 

ground-based interceptors. Also called GMD. (JP 3-01) 

group — A long-standing functional organization that is formed to support a broad function 

within a headquarters. (JP 3-33) 

guarded frequencies — A list of time-oriented, enemy frequencies that are currently being 

exploited for combat information and intelligence or jammed after the commander has 

weighed the potential operational gain against the loss of the technical information. See 

also electronic warfare. (JP 3-13.1) 

guerrilla force — A group of irregular, predominantly indigenous personnel organized 

along military lines to conduct military and paramilitary operations in enemy-held, 

hostile, or denied territory. (JP 3-05) 

guided missile — An unmanned vehicle moving above the surface of the Earth whose

trajectory or flight path is capable of being altered by an external or internal mechanism. 

See also ballistic missile. (JP 3-01) 

gun-target line — An imaginary straight line from gun to target. Also called GTL. 

(JP 3-09.3) 
103 

H 

half-life — The time required for the activity of a given radioactive species to decrease to 

half of its initial value due to radioactive decay. (JP 3-11) 

hasty breach — The creation of lanes through enemy minefields by expedient methods such 

as blasting with demolitions, pushing rollers or disabled vehicles through the minefields 

when the time factor does not permit detailed reconnaissance, deliberate breaching, or 

bypassing the obstacle. (JP 3-15) 

hazard — A condition with the potential to cause injury, illness, or death of personnel; 

damage to or loss of equipment or property; or mission degradation. See also injury. 

(JP 3-33) 

hazardous cargo — Cargo that includes not only large bulk-type categories such as

explosives, pyrotechnics, petroleum, oils, and lubricants, compressed gases, corrosives 

and batteries, but lesser quantity materials like super-tropical bleach (oxiderizer), 

pesticides, poisons, medicines, specialized medical chemicals and medical waste that 

can be loaded as cargo. (JP 3-02.1) 

hazards of electromagnetic radiation to fuels — The potential hazard that is created when 

volatile combustibles, such as fuel, are exposed to electromagnetic fields of sufficient 

energy to cause ignition. Also called HERF. (JP 3-04)

hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance — The danger of accidental actuation 

of electro-explosive devices or otherwise electrically activating ordnance because of 

radio frequency electromagnetic fields. Also called HERO. See also electromagnetic 

radiation; HERO SAFE ordnance; HERO UNSAFE ordnance; ordnance. 

(JP 3-04) 

hazards of electromagnetic radiation to personnel — The potential hazard that exists 

when personnel are exposed to an electromagnetic field of sufficient intensity to heat 

the human body. Also called HERP. (JP 3-04)

head of contracting activity — The official who has overall responsibility for managing the 

contracting activity. Also called HCA. (JP 4-10)

head-up display — A display of flight, navigation, attack, or other information 

superimposed upon the pilot’s forward field of view. See also flight. (JP 3-09.3) 

health care provider — Any member of the Armed Forces, civilian employee of the 

Department of Defense, or personal services contract employee under Title 10, United 

States Code, Section 1091 authorized by the Department of Defense to perform health 

care functions. Also called DOD health care provider. (JP 4-02) 
Terms and Definitions 

104 

health service support — All services performed, provided, or arranged to promote, 

improve, conserve, or restore the mental or physical well-being of personnel. Also 

called HSS. (JP 4-02) 

health surveillance — The regular or repeated collection, analysis, and interpretation of 

health-related data and the dissemination of information to monitor the health of a 

population and to identify potential health risks, thereby enabling timely interventions 

to prevent, treat, reduce, or control disease and injury, which includes occupational and 

environmental health surveillance and medical surveillance subcomponents. (JP 4-02) 

health threat — A composite of ongoing or potential enemy actions; adverse environmental, 

occupational, and geographic and meteorological conditions; endemic diseases; and 

employment of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons (to include 

weapons of mass destruction) that have the potential to affect the short- or long-term 

health (including psychological impact) of personnel. (JP 4-02) 

heavy-lift cargo — 1. Any single cargo lift, weighing over 5 long tons, and to be handled 

aboard ship. 2. In Marine Corps usage, individual units of cargo that exceed 800 pounds 

in weight or 100 cubic feet in volume. (JP 4-01.5)

heavy-lift ship — A ship specially designed and capable of loading and unloading heavy 

and bulky items and has booms of sufficient capacity to accommodate a single lift of 

100 tons. (JP 4-01.2) 

height of burst — The vertical distance from the Earth’s surface or target to the point of 

burst. Also called HOB. (JP 3-41) 

helicopter coordination section — The section within the Navy tactical air control center 

that coordinates rotary-wing air operations with the air traffic control center(s) in the 

amphibious force. Also called HCS. (JP 3-02) 

HERO SAFE ordnance — Any ordnance item that is percussion initiated, sufficiently 

shielded or otherwise so protected that all electro-explosive devices contained by the 

item are immune to adverse effects (safety or reliability) when the item is employed in 

its expected radio frequency environments, provided that the general hazards of 

electromagnetic radiation to ordnance requirements defined in the hazards from 

electromagnetic radiation manual are observed. See also electromagnetic radiation; 

hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance; HERO SUSCEPTIBLE 

ordnance; HERO UNSAFE ordnance; ordnance. (JP 3-04) 

HERO SUSCEPTIBLE ordnance — Any ordnance item containing electro-explosive 

devices proven by test or analysis to be adversely affected by radio frequency energy to 

the point that the safety and/or reliability of the system is in jeopardy when the system 

is employed in its expected radio frequency environment. See also electromagnetic 

radiation; hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance; HERO SAFE 

ordnance; HERO UNSAFE ordnance; ordnance. (JP 3-04) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 105 

HERO UNSAFE ordnance — Any ordnance item containing electro-explosive devices that 

has not been classified as HERO SAFE or HERO SUSCEPTIBLE ordnance as a result 

of a hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance (HERO) analysis or test is 

considered HERO UNSAFE ordnance. Additionally, any ordnance item containing 

electro-explosive devices (including those previously classified as HERO SAFE or 

HERO SUSCEPTIBLE ordnance) that has its internal wiring exposed; when tests are 

being conducted on that item that result in additional electrical connections to the item; 

when electro-explosive devices having exposed wire leads are present and handled or 

loaded in any but the tested condition; when the item is being assembled or 

disassembled; or when such ordnance items are damaged causing exposure of internal 

wiring or components or destroying engineered HERO protective devices. See also

electromagnetic radiation; hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance; 

HERO SAFE ordnance; HERO SUSCEPTIBLE ordnance; ordnance. (JP 3-04) 

H-hour — 1. The specific hour on D-day at which a particular operation commences. 

(JP 5-0) 2. In amphibious operations, the time the first landing craft or amphibious 

vehicle of the waterborne wave lands or is scheduled to land on the beach, and in some 

cases, the commencement of countermine breaching operations. (JP 3-02) 

high altitude bombing — Horizontal bombing with the height of release over 15,000 feet. 

(JP 3-09.3) 

high-altitude missile engagement zone — In air and missile defense, that airspace of 

defined dimensions within which the responsibility for engagement of air and missile 

threats normally rests with high-altitude surface-to-air missiles. Also called HIMEZ. 

(JP 3-01) 

high-density airspace control zone — Airspace designated in an airspace control plan or 

airspace control order in which there is a concentrated employment of numerous and 

varied weapons and airspace users. Also called HIDACZ. (JP 3-52) 

high-payoff target — A target whose loss to the enemy will significantly contribute to the 

success of the friendly course of action. Also called HPT. See also high-value target; 

target. (JP 3-60) 

high-risk personnel — Personnel who, by their grade, assignment, symbolic value, or 

relative isolation, are likely to be attractive or accessible terrorist targets. Also called 

HRP. See also antiterrorism. (JP 3-07.2) 

high seas — The open ocean area that is over 200 nautical miles from shore. (JP 3-32) 

high-value airborne asset protection — A defensive counterair mission using fighter 

escorts that defend airborne national assets which are so important that the loss of even 

one could seriously impact United States warfighting capabilities or provide the enemy 
Terms and Definitions 

106 

with significant propaganda value. Also called HVAA protection. See also defensive 

counterair. (JP 3-01) 

high-value target — A target the enemy commander requires for the successful completion 

of the mission. Also called HVT. See also high-payoff target; target. (JP 3-60) 

high velocity drop — A drop procedure in which the drop velocity is greater than 30 feet 

per second and lower than free drop velocity. See also airdrop. (JP 3-17)

homeland — The physical region that includes the continental United States, Alaska, 

Hawaii, United States territories, and surrounding territorial waters and airspace. 

(JP 3-28) 

homeland defense — The protection of United States sovereignty, territory, domestic 

population, and critical infrastructure against external threats and aggression or other 

threats as directed by the President. Also called HD. (JP 3-27) 

homeland security — A concerted national effort to prevent terrorist attacks within the 

United States; reduce America’s vulnerability to terrorism, major disasters, and other 

emergencies; and minimize the damage and recover from attacks, major disasters, and 

other emergencies that occur. Also called HS. (JP 3-27) 

home station — The permanent location of active duty units and Reserve Component units. 

See also active duty; Reserve Component. (JP 4-05) 

homing — The technique whereby a mobile station directs itself, or is directed, towards a 

source of primary or reflected energy, or to a specified point. (JP 3-50) 

homing adaptor — A device, when used with an aircraft radio receiver, that produces aural 

and/or visual signals indicating the direction of a transmitting radio station with respect 

to the heading of the aircraft. (JP 3-50)

horizontal stowage — The lateral distribution of unit equipment or categories of supplies 

so that they can be unloaded simultaneously from two or more holds. (JP 3-02.1) 

hostage rescue — A personnel recovery method used to recover isolated personnel who are 

specifically designated as hostages. Also called HR. (JP 3-50) 

hostile act — An attack or other use of force against the United States, United States forces, 

or other designated persons or property to preclude or impede the mission and/or duties 

of United States forces, including the recovery of United States personnel or vital United 

States Government property. (JP 3-28) 

hostile environment — Operational environment in which host government forces, whether 

opposed to or receptive to operations that a unit intends to conduct, do not have control 

of the territory and population in the intended operational area. (JP 3-0) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 107 

hostile intent — The threat of imminent use of force against the United States, United States 

forces, or other designated persons or property. (JP 3-01) 

host nation — A nation which receives forces and/or supplies from allied nations and/or 

North Atlantic Treaty Organization to be located on, to operate in, or to transit through 

its territory. Also called HN. (JP 3-57) 

host-nation support — Civil and/or military assistance rendered by a nation to foreign 

forces within its territory during peacetime, crises or emergencies, or war based on 

agreements mutually concluded between nations. Also called HNS. See also host 

nation. (JP 4-0) 

hub — An organization that sorts and distributes inbound cargo from wholesale supply 

sources (airlifted, sealifted, and ground transportable) and/or from within the theater. 

See also hub and spoke distribution; spoke. (JP 4-09)

hub and spoke distribution — A physical distribution system, in which a major port serves 

as a central point from which cargo is moved to and from several radiating points to 

increase transportation efficiencies and in-transit visibility. See also distribution;

distribution system; hub; in-transit visibility; spoke. (JP 4-09) 

human factors — The physical, cultural, psychological, and behavioral attributes of an 

individual or group that influence perceptions, understanding, and interactions. 

(JP 2-0) 

human intelligence — A category of intelligence derived from information collected and 

provided by human sources. Also called HUMINT. (JP 2-0)

humanitarian and civic assistance — Assistance to the local populace, specifically 

authorized by Title 10, United States Code, Section 401, and funded under separate 

authorities, provided by predominantly United States forces in conjunction with military 

operations. Also called HCA. See also foreign humanitarian assistance. (JP 3-29) 

humanitarian assistance coordination center — A temporary center established by a 

geographic combatant commander to assist with interagency coordination and planning 

during the early planning and coordination stages of foreign humanitarian assistance 

operations. Also called HACC. See also foreign humanitarian assistance; 

interagency coordination. (JP 3-29) 

humanitarian demining assistance — The activities related to the furnishing of education, 

training, and technical assistance with respect to the detection and clearance of land 

mines and other explosive remnants of war. (JP 3-29) 
Terms and Definitions 

108 

humanitarian mine action — Activities that strive to reduce the social, economic, and 

environmental impact of land mines, unexploded ordnance, and small arms ammunition. 

Also called HMA. (JP 3-15) 

humanitarian operations center — An international and interagency body that coordinates 

the overall relief strategy and unity of effort among all participants in a large foreign 

humanitarian assistance operation. Also called HOC. See also operation. (JP 3-29) 

hung ordnance — Those weapons or stores on an aircraft that the pilot has attempted to 

drop or fire but could not because of a malfunction of the weapon, rack or launcher, or 

aircraft release and control system. (JP 3-04) 

hydrographic reconnaissance — Reconnaissance of an area of water to determine depths, 

beach gradients, the nature of the bottom, and the location of coral reefs, rocks, shoals, 

and man-made obstacles. (JP 3-02) 

hygiene services — The provision of personal hygiene facilities and waste collection; and 

the cleaning, repair, replacement, and return of individual clothing and equipment items 

in a deployed environment. (JP 4-0)

hyperspectral imagery — Term used to describe the imagery derived from subdividing the 

electromagnetic spectrum into very narrow bandwidths allowing images useful in 

precise terrain or target analysis to be formed. Also called HSI. (JP 2-03) 
109 

I 

identification — 1. The process of determining the friendly or hostile character of an 

unknown detected contact. 2. In arms control, the process of determining which nation 

is responsible for the detected violations of any arms control measure. 3. In ground 

combat operations, discrimination between recognizable objects as being friendly or 

enemy, or the name that belongs to the object as a member of a class. Also called ID. 

(JP 3-01) 

identification, friend or foe — A device that emits a signal positively identifying it as a 

friendly. Also called IFF. See also air defense. (JP 3-52) 

identification maneuver — A maneuver performed for identification purposes. (JP 3-52) 

identity intelligence — The intelligence resulting from the processing of identity attributes 

concerning individuals, groups, networks, or populations of interest. Also called I2. 

(JP 2-0)

imagery — A likeness or presentation of any natural or man-made feature or related object 

or activity, and the positional data acquired at the same time the likeness or 

representation was acquired, including: products produced by space-based national 

intelligence reconnaissance systems; and likeness and presentations produced by 

satellites, airborne platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles, or other similar means (except 

that such term does not include handheld or clandestine photography taken by or on 

behalf of human intelligence collection organizations). (JP 2-03) 

imagery exploitation — The cycle of processing, using, interpreting, mensuration and/or 

manipulating imagery, and any assembly or consolidation of the results for 

dissemination. (JP 2-03) 

imagery intelligence — The technical, geographic, and intelligence information derived

through the interpretation or analysis of imagery and collateral materials. Also called 

IMINT. See also intelligence. (JP 2-03) 

immediate air support — Air support to meet specific requests which arise during the 

course of a battle and which by their nature cannot be planned in advance. (JP 3-09.3) 

immediate decontamination — Decontamination carried out by individuals immediately 

upon becoming contaminated to save lives, minimize casualties, and limit the spread of 

contamination. Also called emergency decontamination. See also contamination; 

decontamination. (JP 3-11) 

immediate response — Any form of immediate action taken in the United States and 

territories to save lives, prevent human suffering, or mitigate great property damage in 

response to a request for assistance from a civil authority, under imminently serious 

conditions when time does not permit approval from a higher authority. (JP 3-28) 
Terms and Definitions 

110 

implementation — Procedures governing the mobilization of the force and the deployment, 

employment, and sustainment of military operations in response to execution orders 

issued by the Secretary of Defense. (JP 5-0) 

implied task — In the context of planning, a task derived during mission analysis that an 

organization must perform or prepare to perform to accomplish a specified task or the 

mission, but which is not stated in the higher headquarters order. See also essential 

task; specified task. (JP 5-0) 

imprest fund — A cash fund of a fixed amount established through an advance of funds, 

without appropriation change, to an authorized imprest fund cashier to effect immediate 

cash payments of relatively small amounts for authorized purchases of supplies and 

nonpersonal services. (JP 1-0) 

improvised explosive device — A weapon that is fabricated or emplaced in an 

unconventional manner incorporating destructive, lethal, noxious, pyrotechnic, or 

incendiary chemicals. Also called IED. (JP 3-15.1) 

improvised nuclear device — A device incorporating fissile materials designed or 

constructed outside of an official government agency that has, appears to have, or is 

claimed to be a nuclear weapon that is no longer in the control of a competent authority 

or custodian or has been modified from its designated firing sequence. Also call IND. 

(JP 3-42) 

inactive duty training — Authorized training performed by a member of a Reserve 

Component not on active duty or active duty for training and consisting of regularly 

scheduled unit training assemblies, additional training assemblies, periods of 

appropriate duty or equivalent training, and any special additional duties authorized for 

Reserve Component personnel by the Secretary concerned, and performed by them in 

connection with the prescribed activities of the organization in which they are assigned 

with or without pay. See also active duty for training. (JP 1) 

incapacitating agent — A chemical agent, which produces temporary disabling conditions 

that can be physical or mental and persist for hours or days after exposure to the agent 

has ceased. (JP 3-11) 

incident — An occurrence, caused by either human action or natural phenomena, that 

requires action to prevent or minimize loss of life or damage to, loss of, or other risks to 

property, information, and/or natural resources. See also information operations. 

(JP 3-28) 

incident awareness and assessment — The processing, analysis, and dissemination of 

information collected or acquired through the authorized use of intelligence, 

surveillance, and reconnaissance, and other intelligence, intelligence-related, and/or 
 Terms and Definitions 

 111 

non-intelligence capabilities, during defense support of civil authorities and National 

Guard domestic operations. Also called IAA. (JP 3-28) 

incident command system — A standardized on-scene emergency management construct 

designed to aid in the management of resources during incidents. Also called ICS. 

(JP 3-28) 

incident management — A national comprehensive approach to preventing, preparing for, 

responding to, and recovering from terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other 

emergencies. (JP 3-28) 

incremental costs — Costs additional to the Service appropriations that would not have been 

incurred absent support of the contingency operation. See also financial management. 

(JP 1-06) 

indications — In intelligence usage, information in various degrees of evaluation, all of 

which bear on the intention of a potential enemy to adopt or reject a course of action. 

(JP 2-0) 

indicator — 1. In intelligence usage, an item of information which reflects the intention or 

capability of an adversary to adopt or reject a course of action. (JP 2-0) 2. In operations 

security usage, data derived from friendly detectable actions and open-source 

information that an adversary can interpret and piece together to reach conclusions or 

estimates of friendly intentions, capabilities, or activities. (JP 3-13.3) 3. In the context 

of assessment, a specific piece of information that infers the condition, state, or existence 

of something, and provides a reliable means to ascertain performance or effectiveness. 

(JP 5-0) 

indigenous populations and institutions — The societal framework of an operational 

environment including citizens; legal and illegal immigrants; dislocated civilians; and 

governmental, tribal, ethnic, religious, commercial, and private organizations and 

entities. Also called IPI. (JP 3-57)

individual mobilization augmentee — An individual reservist attending drills who receives 

training and is preassigned to an Active Component organization, a Selective Service 

System, or a Federal Emergency Management Agency billet that must be filled on, or 

shortly after, mobilization. Also called IMA. (JP 4-05) 

individual protective equipment — The personal clothing and equipment provided to all 

military, government civilians, and contractors authorized to accompany the force 

required to protect an individual from chemical, biological, and radiological hazards and 

some nuclear hazards. Also called IPE. (JP 3-11) 

Individual Ready Reserve — A manpower pool consisting of individuals who have had 

some training or who have served previously in the Active Component or in the Selected 
Terms and Definitions 

112 

Reserve and may have some period of their military service obligation remaining. Also 

called IRR. See also Selected Reserve. (JP 4-05) 

industrial mobilization — The transformation of industry from its peacetime activity to the 

industrial program necessary to support the national military objectives. See also

mobilization. (JP 4-05) 

industrial preparedness — The state of preparedness of industry to produce essential 

materiel to support the national military objectives. (JP 4-05) 

industrial preparedness program — Plans, actions, or measures for the transformation of 

the industrial base, both government-owned and civilian-owned, from its peacetime 

activity to the emergency program necessary to support the national military objectives. 

(JP 4-05) 

inertial navigation system — A self-contained navigation system using inertial detectors, 

which automatically provides vehicle position, heading, and velocity. Also called INS. 

(JP 3-09) 

influence mine — A mine actuated by the effect of a target on some physical condition in 

the vicinity of the mine or on radiations emanating from the mine. See also mine. 

(JP 3-15) 

influence sweep — A sweep designed to produce an influence similar to that produced by a 

ship and thus actuate mines. (JP 3-15) 

information environment — The aggregate of individuals, organizations, and systems that 

collect, process, disseminate, or act on information. (JP 3-13) 

information exchange requirement — An exchange of information that is essential to 

command and control, enabling the situational needs of the joint task force and 

component commanders’ to support force employment and decision making. Also 

called IER. (JP 3-33) 

information management — The function of managing an organization’s information 

resources for the handling of data and information acquired by one or many different 

systems, individuals, and organizations in a way that optimizes access by all who have 

a share in that data or a right to that information. Also called IM. (JP 3-0) 

information operations — The integrated employment, during military operations, of 

information-related capabilities in concert with other lines of operation to influence, 

disrupt, corrupt, or usurp the decision-making of adversaries and potential adversaries 

while protecting our own. Also called IO. See also electronic warfare; military 

deception; operations security; military information support operations. (JP 3-13) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 113 

information operations force — A force consisting of units, staff elements, individual 

military professionals in the Active and Reserve Components, and DOD civilian 

employees who conduct or directly support the integration of information-related 

capabilities against adversaries and potential adversaries during military operations as 

well as those who train these professionals. Also called IO force. (DODD 3600.01)

information operations intelligence integration — The integration of intelligence 

disciplines and analytic methods to characterize and forecast, identify vulnerabilities, 

determine effects, and assess the information environment. Also called IOII. (JP 3-13) 

information-related capability — A tool, technique, or activity employed within a 

dimension of the information environment that can be used to create effects and 

operationally desirable conditions. Also called IRC. (JP 3-13)

information report — A report used to forward raw information collected to fulfill 

intelligence requirements. (JP 2-01) 

information requirements — In intelligence usage, those items of information regarding 

the adversary and other relevant aspects of the operational environment that need to be 

collected and processed in order to meet the intelligence requirements of a commander. 

Also called IR. See also priority intelligence requirement. (JP 2-0) 

information superiority — The operational advantage derived from the ability to collect,

process, and disseminate an uninterrupted flow of information while exploiting or 

denying an adversary’s ability to do the same. See also information operations. 

(JP 3-13) 

infrared imagery — That imagery produced as a result of sensing electromagnetic 

radiations emitted or reflected from a given target surface in the infrared portion of the 

electromagnetic spectrum (approximately 0.72 to 1,000 microns). (JP 2-03) 

infrared pointer — A low power laser device operating in the near infrared light spectrum 

that is visible with light amplifying night vision devices. Also called IR pointer. 

(JP 3-09.3) 

initial reception point — In personnel recovery, a secure area or facility under friendly 

control where initial reception of recovered isolated personnel can safely take place. 

(JP 3-50) 

initial response force — The first unit, usually military police, on the scene of a terrorist 

incident. See also antiterrorism. (JP 3-07.2) 

initial unloading period — In amphibious operations, that part of the ship-to-shore 

movement in which unloading is primarily tactical in character and must be instantly 

responsive to landing force requirements. See also general unloading period. 

(JP 3-02) 
Terms and Definitions 

114 

initiating directive — An order to a subordinate commander to conduct military operations 

as directed. Also called ID. (JP 3-18) 

injury — 1. A term comprising such conditions as fractures, wounds, sprains, strains, 

dislocations, concussions, and compressions. 2. Conditions resulting from extremes of 

temperature or prolonged exposure. 3. Acute poisonings (except those due to 

contaminated food) resulting from exposure to a toxic or poisonous substance. See also 

casualty. (JP 4-02) 

inland petroleum distribution system — A multi-product system consisting of both 

commercially available and military standard petroleum equipment that can be 

assembled by military personnel and, when assembled into an integrated petroleum 

distribution system, provides the military with the capability required to support an 

operational force with bulk fuels. Also called IPDS. (JP 4-03) 

inner transport area — In amphibious operations, an area as close to the landing beach as 

depth of water, navigational hazards, boat traffic, and enemy action permit, to which 

transports may move to expedite unloading. See also outer transport area; transport 

area. (JP 3-02) 

instrument approach procedure — A series of predetermined maneuvers for the orderly 

transfer of an aircraft under instrument flight conditions from the beginning of the initial 

approach to a landing or to a point from which a landing may be made visually or the 

missed approach procedure is initiated. (JP 3-04) 

instrument meteorological conditions — Meteorological conditions expressed in terms of 

visibility, distance from cloud, and ceiling; less than minimums specified for visual 

meteorological conditions. Also called IMC. See also visual meteorological 

conditions. (JP 3-04) 

instruments of national power — All of the means available to the government in its pursuit 

of national objectives. They are expressed as diplomatic, economic, informational and 

military. (JP 1) 

in support of — Assisting or protecting another formation, unit, or organization while 

remaining under original control. (JP 1) 

insurgency — The organized use of subversion and violence to seize, nullify, or challenge 

political control of a region. Insurgency can also refer to the group itself. (JP 3-24) 

integrated air and missile defense — The integration of capabilities and overlapping 

operations to defend the homeland and United States national interests, protect the joint 

force, and enable freedom of action by negating an enemy’s ability to create adverse 

effects from their air and missile capabilities. Also called IAMD. (JP 3-01) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 115 

integrated consumable item support — A decision support system that takes time-phased 

force and deployment data and calculates the ability of the Defense Logistics Agency to 

support those plans. Also called ICIS. (JP 4-03) 

Integrated Data Environment/Global Transportation Network Convergence — The intransit visibility system of record providing expanded common integrated data and 

application services enabling a common logistics picture, distribution visibility, and 

materiel asset/in-transit visibility for distribution solutions. Also called IGC. (JP 4-09) 

integrated financial operations — The integration, synchronization, prioritization, and 

targeting of fiscal resources and capabilities across United States departments and 

agencies, multinational partners, and nongovernmental organizations against an 

adversary and in support of the population. Also called IFO. (JP 1-06) 

integrated logistic support — A composite of all the support considerations necessary to 

assure the effective and economical support of a system for its life cycle. Also called

ILS. (JP 4-01.5) 

integrated materiel management — The exercise of total Department of Defense-level 

management responsibility for a federal supply group or class, commodity, or item for 

a single agency, which normally includes computation of requirements, funding, 

budgeting, storing, issuing, cataloging, standardizing, and procuring functions. Also 

called IMM. (JP 4-09) 

integrated staff — A staff in which one officer only is appointed to each post on the 

establishment of the headquarters, irrespective of nationality and Service. See also

multinational staff; joint staff. (JP 3-16) 

integration — 1. In force protection, the synchronized transfer of units into an operational 

commander’s force prior to mission execution. (JP 1) 2. The arrangement of military 

forces and their actions to create a force that operates by engaging as a whole. (JP 1) 3. 

In photography, a process by which the average radar picture seen on several scans of 

the time base may be obtained on a print, or the process by which several photographic 

images are combined into a single image. (JP 1) 4. In intelligence usage, the application 

of the intelligence to appropriate missions, tasks, and functions. See also force 

protection. (JP 2-01) 

intelligence — 1. The product resulting from the collection, processing, integration, 

evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of available information concerning foreign 

nations, hostile or potentially hostile forces or elements, or areas of actual or potential 

operations. 2. The activities that result in the product. 3. The organizations engaged in 

such activities. See also acoustic intelligence; all-source intelligence; 

communications intelligence; critical intelligence; domestic intelligence; electronic 

intelligence; foreign intelligence; foreign instrumentation signals intelligence; 

general military intelligence; imagery intelligence; joint intelligence; measurement 

and signature intelligence; medical intelligence; national intelligence; open-source 
Terms and Definitions 

116 

intelligence; operational intelligence; scientific and technical intelligence; strategic 

intelligence; tactical intelligence; target intelligence; technical intelligence. 

(JP 2-0) 

intelligence asset — Any resource utilized by an intelligence organization for an operational 

support role. (JP 2-0)

intelligence community — All departments or agencies of a government that are concerned

with intelligence activity, either in an oversight, managerial, support, or participatory 

role. Also called IC. (JP 2-0) 

intelligence discipline — A well-defined area of intelligence planning, collection, 

processing, exploitation, analysis, and reporting using a specific category of technical 

or human resources. See also counterintelligence; human intelligence; imagery 

intelligence; intelligence; measurement and signature intelligence; open-source 

intelligence; signals intelligence; technical intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

intelligence estimate — The appraisal, expressed in writing or orally, of available 

intelligence relating to a specific situation or condition with a view to determining the 

courses of action open to the enemy or adversary and the order of probability of their 

adoption. (JP 2-0) 

intelligence federation — An agreement in which a combatant command joint intelligence 

operations center receives intelligence support from other joint intelligence centers, 

Service intelligence organizations, reserve organizations, and national agencies. (JP 2-

01) 

intelligence information report — A formatted message utilized as the primary vehicle for 

providing human intelligence information to the customer via automated intelligence 

community databases. Also called IIR. (JP 2-01.2) 

intelligence interrogation — The systematic process of using approved interrogation 

approaches to question a captured or detained person to obtain reliable information to 

satisfy intelligence requirements, consistent with applicable law. (JP 2-01.2) 

intelligence mission management — A systematic process by an intelligence staff to 

proactively and continuously formulate and revise command intelligence requirements 

and track the resulting information through the processing, exploitation, and 

dissemination process to satisfy user requirements. Also called IMM. (JP 2-01)

intelligence operations — The variety of intelligence and counterintelligence tasks that are 

carried out by various intelligence organizations and activities within the intelligence 

process. See also analysis and production; collection; dissemination; evaluation 

and feedback; planning and direction; processing and exploitation. (JP 2-01) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 117 

intelligence planning — The intelligence component of the Adaptive Planning and 

Execution system, which coordinates and integrates all available Defense Intelligence 

Enterprise capabilities to meet combatant commander intelligence requirements. Also 

called IP. (JP 2-0)

intelligence preparation of the battlespace — The analytical methodologies employed by 

the Services or joint force component commands to reduce uncertainties concerning the 

enemy, environment, time, and terrain. Also called IPB. See also joint intelligence 

preparation of the operational environment. (JP 2-01.3) 

intelligence process — The process by which information is converted into intelligence and 

made available to users, consisting of the six interrelated intelligence operations: 

planning and direction, collection, processing and exploitation, analysis and production, 

dissemination and integration, and evaluation and feedback. See also analysis and 

production; collection; dissemination; evaluation and feedback; intelligence; 

planning and direction; processing and exploitation. (JP 2-01) 

intelligence production — The integration, evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of 

information from single or multiple sources into finished intelligence for known or 

anticipated military and related national security consumer requirements. (JP 2-0)

intelligence report — A specific report of information, usually on a single item, made at 

any level of command in tactical operations and disseminated as rapidly as possible in 

keeping with the timeliness of the information. (JP 2-01) 

intelligence reporting — Intelligence information prepared by the collector and transmitted 

to one or more intelligence-producing components. (JP 2-01.2)

intelligence requirement — 1. Any subject, general or specific, upon which there is a need 

for the collection of information, or the production of intelligence. 2. A requirement for 

intelligence to fill a gap in the command’s knowledge or understanding of the 

operational environment or threat forces. Also called IR. See also intelligence; 

priority intelligence requirement. (JP 2-0) 

intelligence source — The means or system that can be used to observe and record 

information relating to the condition, situation, or activities of a targeted location, 

organization, or individual. See also intelligence; source. (JP 2-0) 

intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance — 1. An integrated operations and 

intelligence activity that synchronizes and integrates the planning and operation of 

sensors, assets, and processing, exploitation, and dissemination systems in direct 

support of current and future operations. 2. The organizations or assets conducting such 

activities. Also called ISR. See also intelligence; intelligence, surveillance, and 

reconnaissance visualization; reconnaissance; surveillance. (JP 2-01) 
Terms and Definitions 

118 

intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance visualization — The capability to 

graphically display the current and future locations of intelligence, surveillance, and 

reconnaissance sensors, their projected platform tracks, vulnerability to threat 

capabilities and meteorological and oceanographic phenomena, fields of regard, tasked 

collection targets, and products to provide a basis for dynamic retasking and timesensitive decision making. Also called ISR visualization. See also intelligence; 

intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; reconnaissance; surveillance. 

(JP 2-01) 

intelligence system — Any formal or informal system to manage data gathering, to obtain 

and process the data, to interpret the data, and to provide reasoned judgments to decision 

makers as a basis for action. (JP 2-01) 

interagency — Of or pertaining to United States Government agencies and departments, 

including the Department of Defense. See also interagency coordination. (JP 3-08) 

interagency coordination — Within the context of Department of Defense involvement, 

the coordination that occurs between elements of Department of Defense and 

participating United States Government departments and agencies for the purpose of 

achieving an objective. (JP 3-0) 

intercontinental ballistic missile — A long-range ballistic missile with a range capability 

greater than 3,000 nautical miles. Also called ICBM. (JP 3-01) 

interdiction — 1. An action to divert, disrupt, delay, or destroy the enemy’s military surface 

capability before it can be used effectively against friendly forces, or to achieve enemy 

objectives. 2. In support of law enforcement, activities conducted to divert, disrupt, 

delay, intercept, board, detain, or destroy, under lawful authority, vessels, vehicles, 

aircraft, people, cargo, and money. See also air interdiction. (JP 3-03) 

intermediate-range ballistic missile — A ballistic missile with a range capability from 

1,500 to 3,000 nautical miles. Also called IRBM. (JP 3-01)

intermediate staging base — A tailorable, temporary location used for staging forces, 

sustainment, and/or extraction into and out of an operational area. Also called ISB. See 

also base; staging base. (JP 3-35) 

intermodal — Type of international freight system that permits transshipping among sea, 

highway, rail, and air modes of transportation through use of American National 

Standards Institute and International Organization for Standardization containers, linehaul assets, and handling equipment. (JP 4-09) 

internal audience — In public affairs, United States military members and Department of 

Defense civilian employees and their immediate families. See also external audience; 

public. (JP 3-61) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 119 

internal defense and development — The full range of measures taken by a nation to 

promote its growth and to protect itself from subversion, lawlessness, insurgency, 

terrorism, and other threats to its security. Also called IDAD. See also foreign internal 

defense. (JP 3-22) 

internally displaced person — Any person who has been forced or obliged to flee or to 

leave their home or places of habitual residence, in particular as a result of or in order 

to avoid the effects of armed conflict, situations of generalized violence, violations of 

human rights or natural or human-made disasters, and who have not crossed an 

internationally recognized state border. Also called IDP. (JP 3-29) 

internal security — The state of law and order prevailing within a nation. (JP 3-08) 

international chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear response — United States 

Government activity that assists foreign governments in responding to the effects from 

an intentional or accidental chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incident on 

foreign territory. Also called ICBRN-R. (JP 3-41) 

International Convention for Safe Containers — A convention held in Geneva, 

Switzerland, on 2 Dec 1972, which resulted in setting standard safety requirements for 

containers moving in international transport. These requirements were ratified by the 

United States on 3 January 1978. Also called CSC. (JP 4-09) 

international military education and training — Formal or informal instruction provided 

to foreign military students, units, and forces on a nonreimbursable (grant) basis by 

offices or employees of the United States, contract technicians, and contractors, and the 

instruction may include correspondence courses; technical, educational, or 

informational publications; and media of all kinds. Also called IMET. See also United 

States Military Service funded foreign training. (JP 3-20) 

interoperability — 1. The ability to act together coherently, effectively, and efficiently to 

achieve tactical, operational, and strategic objectives. (JP 3-0) 2. The condition 

achieved among communications-electronics systems or items of communicationselectronics equipment when information or services can be exchanged directly and 

satisfactorily between them and/or their users. (JP 6-0) 

interorganizational cooperation — The interaction that occurs among elements of the 

Department of Defense; participating United States Government departments and 

agencies; state, territorial, local, and tribal agencies; foreign military forces and 

government agencies; international organizations; nongovernmental organizations; and 

the private sector. (JP 3-08) 

interpretation — A part of the analysis and production phase in the intelligence process in 

which the significance of information is judged in relation to the current body of 

knowledge. See also intelligence process. (JP 2-01) 
Terms and Definitions 

120 

inter-Service support — Action by one Service or element thereof to provide logistics 

and/or administrative support to another Service or element thereof. See also support. 

(JP 4-0) 

intertheater airlift — The common-user airlift linking theaters to the continental United 

States and to other theaters as well as the airlift within the continental United States. 

See also intratheater airlift. (JP 3-17) 

intertheater patient movement — Moving patients between, into, and out of the different 

theaters of the geographic combatant commands and into the continental United States 

or another supporting theater. See also en route care; evacuation; intratheater 

patient movement. (JP 4-02) 

in-transit visibility — The ability to track the identity, status, and location of Department of 

Defense units, and non-unit cargo (excluding bulk petroleum, oils, and lubricants) and 

passengers; patients; and personal property from origin to consignee or destination 

across the range of military operations. Also called ITV. (JP 4-01.2) 

intratheater airlift — Airlift conducted within a theater with assets assigned to a geographic 

combatant commander or attached to a subordinate joint force commander. See also 

intertheater airlift. (JP 3-17) 

intratheater patient movement — Moving patients within the theater of a combatant 

command or within the continental United States. See also en route care; evacuation; 

intertheater patient movement. (JP 4-02) 

inventory control — That phase of military logistics that includes managing, cataloging, 

requirements determinations, procurement, distribution, overhaul, and disposal of 

materiel. Also called inventory management; materiel control; materiel 

management; supply management. (JP 4-09) 

inventory control point — An organizational unit or activity within a Department of 

Defense supply system that is assigned the primary responsibility for the materiel 

inventory management of a group of items either for a particular Service or for the 

Defense Department as a whole. Also called ICP. (JP 4-09) 

ionizing radiation — Particulate (alpha, beta, and neutron) and electromagnetic (X-ray and 

gamma) radiation of sufficient energy to displace electrons from atoms, producing ions. 

(JP 3-11)

irregular warfare — A violent struggle among state and non-state actors for legitimacy and 

influence over the relevant population(s). Also called IW. (JP 1) 

isolated personnel — United States military, Department of Defense civilians and 

contractor personnel (and others designated by the President or Secretary of Defense) 

who are separated from their unit (as an individual or a group) while participating in a 
 Terms and Definitions 

 121 

United States sponsored military activity or mission and are, or may be, in a situation 

where they must survive, evade, resist, or escape. See also combat search and rescue; 

search and rescue. (JP 3-50) 

isolated personnel report — A Department of Defense form containing information 

designed to facilitate the identification and authentication of an isolated person by a 

recovery force. Also called ISOPREP. See also authentication; evader. (JP 3-50) 

item manager — An individual within the organization of an inventory control point or 

other such organization assigned management responsibility for one or more specific 

items of materiel. (JP 4-09) 

 
Terms and Definitions 

122 

Intentionally Blank 
123 

J 

joint — Connotes activities, operations, organizations, etc., in which elements of two or 

more Military Departments participate. (JP 1) 

joint air attack team — A combination of attack and/or scout rotary-wing aircraft and fixedwing close air support aircraft operating together to locate and attack high priority 

targets and other targets of opportunity. Also called JAAT. See also close air support. 

(JP 3-09.3) 

joint air component coordination element — A general term for the liaison element that 

serves as the direct representative of the joint force air component commander for joint 

air operations. Also called JACCE. (JP 3-30) 

joint air-ground integration center — A staff organization designed to enhance joint 

collaborative efforts to deconflict joint air-ground assets in the division’s airspace. Also 

called JAGIC. (JP 3-09.3) 

joint air operations — Air operations performed with air capabilities/forces made available 

by components in support of the joint force commander’s operation or campaign 

objectives, or in support of other components of the joint force. (JP 3-30) 

joint air operations center — A jointly staffed facility established for planning, directing,

and executing joint air operations in support of the joint force commander’s operation 

or campaign objectives. Also called JAOC. See also joint air operations. (JP 3-30) 

joint air operations plan — A plan for a connected series of joint air operations to achieve 

the joint force commander’s objectives within a given time and joint operational area. 

Also called JAOP. See also joint air operations. (JP 3-30) 

joint base — In base defense operations, a locality from which operations of two or more of 

the Military Departments are projected or supported and which is manned by significant 

elements of two or more Military Departments or in which significant elements of two 

or more Military Departments are located. See also base. (JP 3-10) 

joint captured materiel exploitation center — An element responsible for deriving 

intelligence information from captured enemy materiel. It is normally subordinate to 

the intelligence directorate of a joint staff. Also called JCMEC. (JP 2-01) 

joint civil-military operations task force — A joint task force composed of civil-military 

operations units from more than one Service. Also called JCMOTF. See also civilmilitary operations; joint task force. (JP 3-57) 

 
Terms and Definitions 

124 

joint combined exchange training — A program conducted overseas to fulfill United States 

forces training requirements and at the same time exchange the sharing of skills between 

United States forces and host nation counterparts. Also called JCET. (JP 3-05) 

joint communications network — The aggregation of the joint multichannel trunking and 

switching system and the joint command and control communications system(s) in a 

theater. Also called JCN. (JP 6-0) 

joint contracting support board — A board established to coordinate all contracting 

support and to determine specific contracting mechanisms to obtain commercially 

procured common logistic supplies and services within the operational area. Also called 

JCSB. See also combatant commander logistic procurement support board; joint 

requirements review board. (JP 4-10)

joint counterintelligence unit — An organization composed of Service and Department of 

Defense agency counterintelligence personnel that is formed under the authority of the 

Secretary of Defense, assigned to a combatant commander, and focused on strategic and 

operational counterintelligence missions. Also called JCIU. (JP 2-01.2) 

joint data network operations officer — The joint task force operations directorate officer 

responsible to the commander for integrating data from supporting components into a 

common database used to generate the common tactical picture. Also called JDNO. 

(JP 3-01) 

joint deployable intelligence support system — A transportable workstation and 

communications suite that electronically extends a joint intelligence center to a joint 

task force or other tactical user. Also called JDISS. (JP 2-0) 

joint deployment and distribution enterprise — The complex of equipment, procedures, 

doctrine, leaders, technical connectivity, information, shared knowledge, organizations, 

facilities, training, and materiel necessary to conduct joint distribution operations. Also 

called JDDE. (JP 4-0)

joint deployment and distribution operations center — A combatant command 

movement control organization designed to synchronize and optimize national and 

theater multimodal resources for deployment, distribution, and sustainment, Also called 

JDDOC. (JP 4-09) 

joint desired point of impact — A unique, alpha-numeric-coded precise aimpoint 

associated with a target to achieve an explicit weaponeering objective and identified by 

a three-dimensional (latitude, longitude, elevation) mensurated coordinate. Also called 

JDPI. See also aimpoint; desired point of impact. (JP 3-60) 

joint distribution — The operational process of synchronizing all elements of the joint 

logistic system using the Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise for end-to-end 
 Terms and Definitions 

 125 

movement of forces and materiel from point of origin to the designated point of need. 

(JP 4-09) 

joint doctrine — Fundamental principles that guide the employment of United States 

military forces in coordinated action toward a common objective and may include terms, 

tactics, techniques, and procedures. See also Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

instruction; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff manual; joint publication; joint 

test publication; multinational doctrine. (CJCSI 5120.02) 

joint doctrine development community — The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the 

Services, the combatant commands, the Joint Staff, the combat support agencies, the 

doctrine development agencies of the Services and the joint community, the National 

Defense University, the United States Element, North American Aerospace Defense 

Command, the National Guard Bureau, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff controlled 

activities. Also called JDDC. (CJCSI 5120.02) 

Joint Doctrine Development System — The system of lead agents, Joint Staff doctrine 

sponsors, primary review authorities, coordinating review authorities, technical review 

authorities, assessment agents, evaluation agents, Joint Doctrine Planning Conferences, 

procedures, and the hierarchical framework designed to initiate, develop, approve, and 

maintain joint publications. (CJCSI 5120.02) 

Joint Doctrine Planning Conference — A forum convened by the Joint Staff Directorate 

for Joint Force Development that meets semiannually to address and vote on project 

proposals; discuss key joint doctrinal and operational issues; discuss potential changes 

to the joint doctrine development process; keep up to date on the status of the joint 

publication projects and emerging publications; and keep abreast of other initiatives of 

interest to the members. Also called JDPC. (CJCSM 5120.01) 

joint document exploitation center — An element, normally subordinate to the intelligence 

directorate of a joint staff, responsible for deriving intelligence information from 

captured documents including all forms of electronic data and other forms of stored 

textual and graphic information. Also called JDEC. See also intelligence. 

(JP 2-01) 

joint electromagnetic spectrum management operations — Those interrelated functions 

of frequency management, host nation coordination, and joint spectrum interference 

resolution that together enable the planning, management, and execution of operations 

within the electromagnetic operational environment during all phases of military 

operations. Also called JEMSMO. (JP 6-01) 

joint electromagnetic spectrum operations — Those activities consisting of electronic 

warfare and joint electromagnetic spectrum management operations used to exploit, 

attack, protect, and manage the electromagnetic operational environment to achieve the 

commander’s objectives. Also called JEMSO. (JP 6-01) 
Terms and Definitions 

126 

joint engagement zone — In air and missile defense, that airspace of defined dimensions

within which multiple air and missile defense systems (surface-to-air missiles and 

aircraft) are simultaneously employed to engage air and missile threats. Also called 

JEZ. (JP 3-01) 

joint facilities utilization board — A joint board that evaluates and reconciles component 

requests for real estate, use of existing facilities, inter-Service support, and construction 

to ensure compliance with Joint Civil-Military Engineering Board priorities. Also 

called JFUB. (JP 3-34) 

joint field office — A temporary multiagency coordination center established at the incident 

site to provide a central location for coordination of federal, state, local, tribal, 

nongovernmental, and private-sector organizations with primary responsibility for 

incident oversight, direction, or assistance to effectively coordinate protection, 

prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery actions. Also called JFO. (JP 3-28) 

joint fires — Fires delivered during the employment of forces from two or more components 

in coordinated action to produce desired effects in support of a common objective. See 

also fires. (JP 3-0) 

joint fires element — An optional staff element that provides recommendations to the 

operations directorate to accomplish fires planning and synchronization. Also called 

JFE. See also fire support; joint fires. (JP 3-60) 

joint fires observer — A trained Service member who can request, adjust, and control 

surface-to-surface fires, provide targeting information in support of Type 2 and 3 close 

air support terminal attack control, and perform autonomous terminal guidance 

operations. Also called JFO. (JP 3-09.3) 

joint fire support — Joint fires that assist air, land, maritime, and special operations forces 

to move, maneuver, and control territory, populations, airspace, and key waters. See 

also fire support; joint fires. (JP 3-0) 

joint force — A force composed of elements, assigned or attached, of two or more Military 

Departments operating under a single joint force commander. See also joint force 

commander. (JP 3-0) 

joint force air component commander — The commander within a unified command, 

subordinate unified command, or joint task force responsible to the establishing 

commander for recommending the proper employment of assigned, attached, and/or 

made available for tasking air forces; planning and coordinating air operations; or 

accomplishing such operational missions as may be assigned. Also called JFACC. See 

also joint force commander. (JP 3-0) 

joint force chaplain — The military chaplain designated by the joint force commander to 

serve as the senior chaplain for the joint force. Also called the JFCH. (JP 3-0) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 127 

joint force commander — A general term applied to a combatant commander, subunified 

commander, or joint task force commander authorized to exercise combatant command 

(command authority) or operational control over a joint force. Also called JFC. See 

also joint force. (JP 1) 

joint force land component commander — The commander within a unified command, 

subordinate unified command, or joint task force responsible to the establishing 

commander for recommending the proper employment of assigned, attached, and/or 

made available for tasking land forces; planning and coordinating land operations; or 

accomplishing such operational missions as may be assigned. Also called JFLCC. See 

also joint force commander. (JP 3-0) 

joint force maritime component commander — The commander within a unified 

command, subordinate unified command, or joint task force responsible to the 

establishing commander for recommending the proper employment of assigned, 

attached, and/or made available for tasking maritime forces and assets; planning and 

coordinating maritime operations; or accomplishing such operational missions as may 

be assigned. Also called JFMCC. See also joint force commander. (JP 3-0) 

joint force special operations component commander — The commander within a unified 

command, subordinate unified command, or joint task force responsible to the 

establishing commander for recommending the proper employment of assigned, 

attached, and/or made available for tasking special operations forces and assets; 

planning and coordinating special operations; or accomplishing such operational 

missions as may be assigned. Also called JFSOCC. See also joint force commander. 

(JP 3-0) 

joint force surgeon — A Department of Defense medical department officer appointed by 

the joint force commander to serve as the joint force special staff officer to establish, 

monitor, or evaluate joint force health services support. Also called JFS. See also 

health service support; joint force. (JP 4-02) 

joint functions — Related capabilities and activities placed into seven basic groups of 

command and control, information, intelligence, fires, movement and maneuver, 

protection, and sustainment to help joint force commanders synchronize, integrate, and 

direct joint operations. (JP 3-0) 

joint individual augmentee — An unfunded, temporary duty position (or member filling an 

unfunded, temporary duty position) identified on a joint manning document by a 

supported combatant commander to augment headquarters operations during 

contingencies. Also called JIA. (JP 4-05)

joint integrated prioritized target list — A prioritized list of targets approved by the joint 

force commander. Also called JIPTL. See also target. (JP 3-60) 
Terms and Definitions 

128 

joint intelligence — Intelligence produced by elements of more than one Service of the same 

nation. (JP 2-0) 

joint intelligence architecture — A dynamic, flexible structure that consists of the Defense 

Joint Intelligence Operations Center, combatant command joint intelligence operations 

centers, and subordinate joint task force intelligence operations centers or joint 

intelligence support elements to provide national, theater, and tactical commanders with 

the full range of intelligence required for planning and conducting operations. See also

intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

joint intelligence operations center — An interdependent, operational intelligence 

organization at the Department of Defense, combatant command, or joint task force (if 

established) level, that is integrated with national intelligence centers, and capable of 

accessing all sources of intelligence impacting military operations planning, execution, 

and assessment. Also called JIOC. (JP 2-0) 

joint intelligence preparation of the operational environment — The analytical process 

used by joint intelligence organizations to produce intelligence estimates and other 

intelligence products in support of the joint force commander’s decision-making 

process. Also called JIPOE. (JP 2-01.3) 

joint intelligence support element — A subordinate joint force element whose focus is on 

intelligence support for joint operations, providing the joint force commander, joint 

staff, and components with the complete enemy and adversary situation. Also called 

JISE. See also intelligence; joint force; joint operations. (JP 2-01) 

joint interagency coordination group — A staff group that establishes regular, timely, and 

collaborative working relationships between civilian and military operational planners. 

Also called JIACG. (JP 3-08) 

joint interface control officer — The senior interface control officer for multi-tactical data 

link networks in the joint force who is responsible for development and validation of 

the architecture, joint interoperability and management of the multi-tactical data link 

networks, and overseeing operations of a joint interface control cell. Also called JICO. 

(JP 3-01) 

joint interrogation and debriefing center — Physical location for the exploitation of 

intelligence information from detainees and other sources. Also called JIDC. See also 

intelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

joint interrogation operations — 1. Activities conducted by a joint or interagency 

organization to extract information for intelligence purposes from detainees. 2. 

Activities conducted in support of law enforcement efforts to adjudicate enemy 

combatants who are believed to have committed crimes against United States persons 

or property. Also called JIO. (JP 2-01) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 129 

joint land operations — Land operations performed across the range of military operations 

with land forces made available by Service components in support of the joint force 

commander’s operation or campaign objectives, or in support of other components of 

the joint force. (JP 3-31) 

joint land operations plan — A plan for a connected series of joint land operations to 

achieve the joint force commander’s objectives within a given time and operational area. 

(JP 3-31) 

joint logistics — The coordinated use, synchronization, and sharing of two or more Military 

Departments’ logistic resources to support the joint force. See also logistics. (JP 4-0) 

joint logistics enterprise — A multi-tiered matrix of key global logistics providers 

cooperatively engaged or structured to achieve a common purpose without jeopardizing 

the integrity of their own organizational missions and goals. Also called JLEnt. 

(JP 4-0)

joint logistics operations center — The current operations division within the logistics 

directorate of a joint staff, which monitors crises, exercises, and interagency actions and 

works acquisition and cross-servicing agreements as well as international logistics. 

Also called JLOC. See also logistics. 

(JP 4-01) 

joint logistics over-the-shore commander — The commander selected by the joint force 

commander and tasked to organize the efforts of all elements participating in 

accomplishing the joint logistics over-the-shore mission. See also joint logistics overthe-shore operations. (JP 4-01.6) 

joint logistics over-the-shore operations — Operations in which Navy and Army logistics 

over-the-shore forces conduct logistics over-the-shore operations together under a joint 

force commander. Also called JLOTS operations. See also joint logistics; logistics 

over-the-shore operations. (JP 4-01.6) 

joint manpower program — The policy, processes, and systems used in determination and 

prioritization within and among joint Service manpower requirements. Also called

JMP. (JP 1-0) 

joint meteorological and oceanographic officer — Officer designated to provide direct 

meteorological and oceanographic support to a joint force commander. Also called 

JMO. (JP 3-59)

joint mission-essential task — A mission task selected by a joint force commander deemed 

essential to mission accomplishment and defined using the common language of the 

Universal Joint Task List in terms of task, condition, and standard. Also called JMET. 

See also condition, universal joint task list. (JP 3-33) 
Terms and Definitions 

130 

joint mortuary affairs office — Plans and executes all mortuary affairs programs within a 

theater. Provides guidance to facilitate the conduct of all mortuary programs and to 

maintain data (as required) pertaining to recovery, identification, and disposition of all 

US dead and missing in the assigned theater. Serves as the central clearing point for all 

mortuary affairs and monitors the deceased and missing personal effects program. Also 

called JMAO. See also mortuary affairs; personal effects. (JP 4-06) 

joint network operations control center — An element of the communications system 

directorate of a joint staff established as the single control agency for the management 

and direction of the joint force communications systems. Also called JNCC. (JP 6-0) 

joint operations — Military actions conducted by joint forces and those Service forces 

employed in specified command relationships with each other, which of themselves, do 

not establish joint forces. (JP 3-0) 

joint operations area — An area of land, sea, and airspace, defined by a geographic 

combatant commander or subordinate unified commander, in which a joint force 

commander (normally a joint task force commander) conducts military operations to 

accomplish a specific mission. Also called JOA. See also area of responsibility; joint 

special operations area. (JP 3-0) 

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. (JP 3-59) 

joint operations center — A jointly manned facility of a joint force commander’s 

headquarters established to plan, monitor, and guide the execution of the commander’s 

decisions. Also called JOC. (JP 3-41) 

joint patient movement requirements center — A joint activity established to coordinate 

the joint patient movement requirements function for a joint force operating within an 

operational area. Also called JPMRC. See also health service support; joint force 

surgeon; joint operations area; medical treatment facility. 

(JP 4-02) 

joint personnel accountability reconciliation and reporting — A data repository 

developed and implemented by the Defense Manpower Data Center that consumes and 

reconciles data from existing Service deployment systems. Also called JPARR. 

(JP 1-0)

joint personnel processing center — A center established in an operational area by the 

appropriate joint force commander with the responsibility for the in-processing and outprocessing of personnel upon their arrival in and departure from the theater. Also called 

JPPC. (JP 1-0) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 131 

joint personnel recovery center — The primary joint force organization responsible for 

planning and coordinating personnel recovery for military operations within the 

assigned operational area. Also called JPRC. See also combat search and rescue; 

search and rescue. (JP 3-50) 

joint personnel training and tracking activity — The continental United States center 

established to facilitate the reception, accountability, processing, training, and onward 

movement of individual augmentees preparing for overseas movement to support a joint 

military operation. Also called JPTTA. (JP 1-0) 

joint planning — Planning activities associated with military operations by combatant 

commanders and their subordinate commanders. See also joint planning process. (JP 

5-0) 

joint planning and execution community — Those headquarters, commands, and agencies 

involved in the training, preparation, mobilization, deployment, employment, support, 

sustainment, redeployment, and demobilization of military forces assigned or 

committed to a joint operation. Also called JPEC. (JP 5-0) 

joint planning group — A planning organization consisting of designated representatives 

of the joint force headquarters principal and special staff sections, joint force 

components (Service and/or functional), and other supporting organizations or agencies 

as deemed necessary by the joint force commander. Also called JPG. See also joint 

planning. (JP 5-0) 

joint planning process — An orderly, analytical process that consists of a logical set of steps 

to analyze a mission, select the best course of action, and produce a campaign or joint 

operation plan or order. Also called JPP. See also joint planning. (JP 5-0) 

joint proponent — A Service, combatant command, or Joint Staff directorate assigned 

coordinating authority to lead the collaborative development and integration of joint 

capability with specific responsibilities designated by the Secretary of Defense. 

(SecDef Memo 03748-09)

Joint Public Affairs Support Element — A deployable unit assigned to assist a joint force 

commander in developing and training public affairs forces in joint, interagency, and 

multinational environments. Also called JPASE. (JP 3-61)

joint publication — A compilation of agreed to fundamental principles, considerations, and 

guidance on a particular topic, approved by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that 

guides the employment of a joint force toward a common objective. Also called JP. See 

also Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff instruction; Chairman of the Joint 

Chiefs of Staff manual; joint doctrine; joint test publication. (CJCSI 5120.02) 

joint reception coordination center — An organization that, when established, ensures that 

Department of Defense personnel and noncombatant evacuees receive adequate 

assistance and support for an orderly and expedient debarkation, movement to final 
Terms and Definitions 

132 

destination in the United States, and appropriate follow-on assistance at the final 

destination. Also called JRCC. (JP 3-68) 

joint reception, staging, onward movement, and integration — A phase of joint force 

projection occurring in the operational area during which arriving personnel, equipment, 

and materiel transition into forces capable of meeting operational requirements. Also 

called JRSOI. See also integration; joint force; reception; staging. (JP 3-35) 

joint requirements review board — The joint task force or subunified commander’s 

established board to review, validate, approve, and prioritize selected Service 

component contract support requests. Also called JRRB. See also combatant 

commander logistic procurement support board; joint contracting support board. 

(JP 4-10)

joint restricted frequency list — A time and geographically oriented listing of TABOO, 

PROTECTED, and GUARDED functions, nets, and frequencies and limited to the 

minimum number of frequencies necessary for friendly forces to accomplish objectives. 

Also called JRFL. See also electronic warfare; guarded frequencies; protected 

frequencies; TABOO frequencies. (JP 3-13.1) 

joint security area — A specific surface area, designated by the joint force commander to 

facilitate protection of joint bases and their connecting lines of communications that 

support joint operations. Also called JSA. (JP 3-10) 

joint security coordination center — A joint operations center tailored to assist the joint 

security coordinator in meeting the security requirements in the joint operational area. 

Also called JSCC. (JP 3-10) 

joint security coordinator — The officer with responsibility for coordinating the overall 

security of the operational area in accordance with joint force commander directives and 

priorities. Also called JSC. (JP 3-10) 

joint servicing — That function performed by a jointly staffed and financed activity in 

support of two or more Services. (JP 3-05) 

joint special operations air component commander — The commander within a joint 

force special operations command responsible for planning and executing joint special 

operations air activities. Also called JSOACC. (JP 3-05) 

joint special operations area — An area of land, sea, and airspace assigned by a joint force 

commander to the commander of a joint special operations force to conduct special 

operations activities. Also called JSOA. (JP 3-0) 

joint special operations task force — A joint task force composed of special operations 

units from more than one Service, formed to carry out a specific special operation or 
 Terms and Definitions 

 133 

prosecute special operations in support of a theater campaign or other operations. Also 

called JSOTF. (JP 3-05) 

joint staff — 1. The staff of a commander of a unified or specified command, subordinate 

unified command, joint task force, or subordinate functional component (when a 

functional component command will employ forces from more than one Military 

Department), that includes members from the several Services comprising the force. 2. 

(capitalized as Joint Staff) The staff under the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that 

assists the Chairman and the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in carrying out 

their responsibilities. Also called JS. (JP 1) 

Joint Staff doctrine sponsor — A Joint Staff directorate assigned to coordinate a joint 

doctrine project with the Joint Staff. Also called JSDS. See also joint doctrine. 

(CJCSM 5120.01) 

Joint Strategic Planning System — One of the primary means by which the Chairman of 

the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in consultation with the other members of the Joint Chiefs of 

Staff and the combatant commanders, carries out the statutory responsibilities to assist 

the President and Secretary of Defense in providing strategic direction to the Armed 

Forces. Also called JSPS. (JP 5-0) 

joint table of distribution — A manpower document that identifies the positions and 

enumerates the spaces that have been approved for each organizational element of a 

joint activity for a specific fiscal year (authorization year), and those accepted for the 

four subsequent fiscal years (program years). Also called JTD. See also joint 

manpower program. (JP 1-0) 

joint targeting coordination board — A group formed by the joint force commander to 

accomplish broad targeting oversight functions that may include, but are not limited to, 

coordinating targeting information; providing targeting guidance, synchronization, and 

priorities; and approving the joint integrated prioritized target list. Also called JTCB. 

See also joint integrated prioritized target list; targeting. (JP 3-60) 

joint target list — A consolidated list of validated targets of military significance without 

restrictions within a joint force commander’s operational area. Also called JTL. See 

also joint; target. (JP 3-60) 

joint task force — A joint force that is constituted and so designated by the Secretary of 

Defense, a combatant commander, a subunified commander, or an existing joint task 

force commander. Also called JTF. (JP 1) 

Joint Task Force-Civil Support — A standing joint task force established to plan and 

integrate Department of Defense support to the designated lead federal agency for 

domestic chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives 

consequence management operations. Also called JTF-CS. (JP 3-41) 
Terms and Definitions 

134 

joint terminal attack controller — A qualified (certified) Service member who, from a 

forward position, directs the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and 

other offensive air operations. Also called JTAC. See also terminal attack control. 

(JP 3-09.3) 

joint test publication — A proposed publication produced for field-testing an emergent 

concept that has been validated through the Joint Experimentation Program or a similar 

joint process. Also called JTP. See also Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

instruction; joint doctrine; joint publication. (CJCSM 5120.01) 

Joint Transportation Board — The body that prioritizes common-user transportation 

resources assigned or available to the Department of Defense on behalf of the Chairman 

of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Also called JTB. See also common-user transportation. 

(JP 4-01) 

joint urban operations — Joint operations planned and conducted on, or against objectives 

within a topographical complex and its adjacent natural terrain, where man-made 

construction or the density of population are the dominant features. Also called JUOs. 

See also joint operations. (JP 3-06) 

Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System — The sensitive compartmented 

information portion of the Defense Information Systems Network, which incorporates 

advanced networking technologies that permit point-to-point or multipoint information 

exchange involving voice, text, graphics, data, and video teleconferencing. Also called

JWICS. (JP 2-0) 

judge advocate —An officer of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the Army, Air Force, 

or Navy, or officers of the Marine Corps or Coast Guard designated as a judge advocate. 

Also called JA. (JP 1-04) 

jumpmaster — The assigned airborne qualified individual who controls paratroops from the 

time they enter the aircraft until they exit. (JP 3-17) 
135 

K 

key position — A civilian position, public or private (designated by the employer and 

approved by the Secretary concerned), that cannot be vacated during war or national 

emergency. (JP 1-0) 

keystone publications — Joint doctrine publications that establish the doctrinal foundation 

for a series of joint publications in the hierarchy of joint publications. See also capstone 

publications; joint publication. (CJCSM 5120.01) 

key terrain — Any locality, or area, the seizure or retention of which affords a marked 

advantage to either combatant. (JP 2-01.3) 

kill box — A three-dimensional permissive fire support coordination measure with an 

associated airspace coordinating measure used to facilitate the integration of fires. 

(JP 3-09) 

 
Terms and Definitions 

136 

Intentionally Blank 
137 

L 

land control operations — The employment of land forces, supported by maritime and air 

forces (as appropriate) to control vital land areas. See also sea control operations. 

(JP 3-31) 

land domain — The area of the Earth’s surface ending at the high water mark and 

overlapping with the maritime domain in the landward segment of the littorals. 

(JP 3-31)

land forces — Personnel, weapon systems, vehicles, and support elements operating on land 

to accomplish assigned missions and tasks. (JP 3-31) 

landing aid — Any illuminating light, radio beacon, radar device, communicating device, 

or any system of such devices for aiding aircraft in an approach and landing. (JP 3-04) 

landing area — 1. That part of the operational area within which are conducted the landing 

operations of an amphibious force. 2. In airborne operations, the general area used for 

landing troops and materiel either by airdrop or air landing. 3. Any specially prepared 

or selected surface of land, water, or deck designated or used for takeoff and landing of 

aircraft. See also airfield; amphibious force; landing beach; landing force. 

(JP 3-02) 

landing area diagram — A graphic means of showing, for amphibious operations, the 

beach designations, boat lanes, organization of the line of departure, scheduled waves, 

landing ship area, transport areas, and the fire support areas in the immediate vicinity of 

the boat lanes. (JP 3-02) 

landing beach — That portion of a shoreline required for the landing of an amphibious force. 

(JP 3-02) 

landing craft — A craft employed in amphibious operations, specifically designed for 

carrying troops and their equipment and for beaching, unloading, retracting, and 

resupply operations. (JP 3-02) 

landing craft and amphibious vehicle assignment table — A table showing the 

assignment of personnel and materiel to each landing craft and amphibious vehicle and 

the assignment of the landing craft and amphibious vehicles to waves for the ship-toshore movement. (JP 3-02) 

landing craft availability table — A tabulation of the type and number of landing craft that 

will be available from each ship of the transport group. (JP 3-02) 

landing diagram — A graphic means of illustrating the plan for the ship-to-shore 

movement. (JP 3-02) 
Terms and Definitions 

138 

landing force — A Marine Corps or Army task organization, which is part of the amphibious 

force, formed to conduct amphibious operations. Also called LF. See also amphibious 

force; amphibious operation; amphibious task force; task organization. (JP 3-02) 

landing force operational reserve material — Package of contingency supplies prepositioned and maintained onboard selected amphibious warfare ships to enhance 

reaction time and provide support for the embarked landing force in contingencies. Also 

called LFORM. (JP 3-02.1) 

landing force support party — A temporary landing force organization composed of Navy 

and landing force elements, that facilitates the ship-to-shore movement and provides 

initial combat support and combat service support to the landing force. Also called 

LFSP. See also combat service support; combat support; landing force; ship-toshore movement. (JP 3-02) 

landing group — In amphibious operations, a subordinate task organization of the landing 

force capable of conducting landing operations, under a single tactical command, 

against a position or group of positions. (JP 3-02) 

landing plan — In amphibious operations, a collective term referring to all individually 

prepared naval and landing force documents that, taken together, present in detail all 

instructions for execution of the ship-to-shore movement. (JP 3-02) 

landing sequence table — A document that incorporates the detailed plans for ship-to-shore 

movement of nonscheduled units. (JP 3-02) 

landing signalman enlisted — Enlisted man responsible for ensuring that 

helicopters/tiltrotor aircraft, on signal, are safely started, engaged, launched, recovered, 

and shut down. Also called LSE. (JP 3-04)

landing signals officer — Officer responsible for the visual control of aircraft in the terminal 

phase of the approach immediately prior to landing. Also called LSO. See also 

terminal phase. (JP 3-04) 

landing site — 1. A site within a landing zone containing one or more landing points. See 

also airfield. 2. In amphibious operations, a continuous segment of coastline over which 

troops, equipment and supplies can be landed by surface means. (JP 3-02) 

landing zone — Any specified zone used for the landing of aircraft. Also called LZ. See 

also airfield. (JP 3-17) 

laser-guided weapon — A weapon that uses a seeker to detect laser energy reflected from 

a laser marked/designated target and through signal processing provides guidance 

commands to a control system, which guides the weapon to the point from which the 

laser energy is being reflected. Also called LGW. (JP 3-09) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 139 

laser rangefinder — A device that uses laser energy for determining the distance from the 

device to a place or object. (JP 3-09) 

laser seeker — A device based on a direction-sensitive receiver that detects the energy 

reflected from a laser designated target and defines the direction of the target relative to 

the receiver. See also laser-guided weapon. (JP 3-09.3) 

laser spot — The area on a surface illuminated by a laser. See also spot. (JP 3-09) 

laser spot tracker — A device that locks on to the reflected energy from a laser-marked or 

designated target and defines the direction of the target relative to itself. Also called 

LST. (JP 3-09) 

laser target designator — A device that emits a beam of laser energy which is used to mark 

a specific place or object. Also called LTD. See also target. (JP 3-09) 

latest arrival date — A day, relative to C-Day, that is specified by the supported combatant 

commander as the latest date when a unit, resupply shipment, or replacement personnel 

can arrive at the port of debarkation and support the concept of operations. Also called 

LAD. (JP 3-35) 

launch area denied — The geographic area from which an enemy targeting a designated 

defended area cannot launch a ballistic missile without it being engaged by the ballistic 

missile defenses. Also called LAD. (JP 3-01) 

launch on remote — Use of nonorganic sensor data or ballistic missile defense system track 

to launch a weapon, with additional data provided by a different sensor(s) to complete 

the engagement. Also called LOR. (JP 3-01) 

law enforcement agency — Any of a number of agencies (outside the Department of 

Defense) chartered and empowered to enforce United States laws in a state or territory 

(or political subdivision) of the United States, a federally recognized Native American 

tribe or Alaskan Native Village, or within the borders of a host nation. Also called LEA. 

(JP 3-28) 

law of armed conflict — See law of war. (JP 1-04) 

law of war — That part of international law that regulates the conduct of armed hostilities. 

Also called the law of armed conflict. See also rules of engagement. (JP 1-04) 

lead — In intelligence usage, a person with potential for exploitation, warranting additional 

assessment, contact, and/or development. (JP 2-01.2) 

lead agency — The United States Government agency designated to coordinate the 

interagency oversight of the day-to-day conduct of an ongoing operation. (JP 3-08) 
Terms and Definitions 

140 

lead agent — 1. An individual Service, combatant command, or Joint Staff directorate 

assigned to develop and maintain a joint publication. (CJCSM 5120.01) 2. In medical 

materiel management, the designated unit or organization to coordinate or execute dayto-day conduct of an ongoing operation or function. Also called LA. (JP 4-02) 

lead aircraft — 1. The airborne aircraft designated to exercise command of other aircraft 

within the flight. 2. An aircraft in the van of two or more aircraft. (JP 3-09.3) 

lead federal agency — The federal agency that leads and coordinates the overall federal 

response to an emergency. Also called LFA. (JP 3-41) 

lead nation — The nation with the will, capability, competence, and influence to provide 

the essential elements of political consultation and military leadership to coordinate the 

planning, mounting, and execution of a multinational operation. See also logistic 

support; multinational force. (JP 3-16) 

lead Service or agency for common-user logistics — A Service component or Department 

of Defense agency that is responsible for execution of common-user item or service 

support in a specific combatant command or multinational operation as defined in the 

combatant or subordinate joint force commander’s operation plan, operation order, 

and/or directives. See also common-user logistics. (JP 4-0) 

letter of assist — A contractual document issued by the United Nations to a government 

authorizing it to provide goods or services to a peacekeeping operation. Also called 

LOA. See also peacekeeping. (JP 1-06) 

letter of authorization — A document issued by the procuring contracting officer or 

designee that authorizes contractor personnel authorized to accompany the force to 

travel to, from, and within the operational area; and, outlines government furnished 

support authorizations within the operational area. Also called LOA. (JP 4-10)

letter of offer and acceptance — Standard Department of Defense form on which the 

United States Government documents its offer to transfer to a foreign government or 

international organization United States defense articles and services via foreign 

military sales pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act. Also called LOA. See also 

foreign military sales. (JP 4-08) 

level of detail — Within the current joint planning and execution system, movement 

characteristics for both personnel and cargo are described at six distinct levels of detail. 

Levels I, V, and VI describe personnel and Levels I through IV and VI for cargo. Levels 

I through IV are coded and visible in the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System 

automated data processing. Levels V and VI are used by Joint Operation Planning and 

Execution System automated data processing feeder systems. a. level I - personnel: 

expressed as total number of passengers by unit line number. Cargo: expressed in total 

short tons, total measurement tons, total square feet, and total thousands of barrels by 

unit line number. Petroleum, oils, and lubricants is expressed by thousands of barrels 
 Terms and Definitions 

 141 

by unit line number. b. level II - cargo: expressed by short tons and measurement tons 

of bulk, oversize, outsize, and non-air transportable cargo by unit line number. Also 

square feet for vehicles and non self-deployable aircraft and boats by unit line number. 

c. level III - cargo: detail by cargo category code expressed as short tons and 

measurement tons as well as square feet associated to that cargo category code for an 

individual unit line number. d. level IV - cargo: detail for individual dimensional data 

expressed in length, width, and height in number of inches, and weight/volume in short 

tons/measurement tons, along with a cargo description. Each cargo item is associated 

with a cargo category code and a unit line number). e. level V - personnel: any general 

summarization/aggregation of level VI detail in distribution and deployment. f. level 

VI - personnel: detail expressed by name, Service, military occupational specialty and 

unique identification number. Cargo: detail expressed by association to a transportation 

control number or single tracking number or item of equipment to include federal stock 

number/national stock number and/or requisition number. Nested cargo, cargo that is 

contained within another equipment item, may similarly be identified. Also called 

JOPES level of detail. (CJCSM 3122.01A) 

leverage — In the context of planning, a relative advantage in combat power and/or other 

circumstances against the enemy or adversary across any variable within or impacting 

the operational environment sufficient to exploit that advantage. See also operational 

art; operational design. (JP 5-0) 

L-hour — 1. The specific hour on C-day at which a deployment operation commences or is 

to commence. (JP 5-0) 2. In amphibious operations, the time at which the first 

helicopter or tiltrotor aircraft of the airborne ship-to-shore movement wave touches 

down or is scheduled to touch down in the landing zone. (JP 3-02) 

life cycle — The total phases through which an item passes from the time it is initially 

developed until the time it is either consumed in use or disposed of as being excess to 

all known materiel requirements. (JP 4-02) 

lighterage — The process in which small craft are used to transport cargo or personnel from 

ship-to-shore using amphibians, landing craft, discharge lighters, causeways, and 

barges. (JP 4-01.6) 

limitation — An action required or prohibited by higher authority, such as a constraint or a 

restraint, and other restrictions that limit the commander’s freedom of action, such as 

diplomatic agreements, rules of engagement, political and economic conditions in 

affected countries, and host nation issues. See also constraint; restraint. (JP 5-0)

limiting factor — A factor or condition that, either temporarily or permanently, impedes 

mission accomplishment. (JP 5-0) 

line of communications — A route, either land, water, and/or air, that connects an operating 

military force with a base of operations and along which supplies and military forces 

move. Also called LOC. (JP 2-01.3) 
Terms and Definitions 

142 

line of demarcation — A line defining the boundary of a buffer zone used to establish the 

forward limits of disputing or belligerent forces after each phase of disengagement or 

withdrawal has been completed. See also buffer zone; peace operations. (JP 3-07.3) 

line of departure — 1. In land warfare, a line designated to coordinate the departure of 

attack elements. Also called LD. (JP 3-31) 2. In amphibious operations, a suitably 

marked offshore coordinating line, which is located at the seaward end of a boat lane, 

to assist in the landing of landing craft and amphibious vehicles on designated beaches 

at the scheduled times. Also called LOD. (JP 3-02) 

line of effort — In the context of planning, using the purpose (cause and effect) to focus 

efforts toward establishing operational and strategic conditions by linking multiple tasks 

and missions. Also called LOE. (JP 5-0) 

line of operation — A line that defines the interior or exterior orientation of the force in 

relation to the enemy or that connects actions on nodes and/or decisive points related in 

time and space to an objective(s). Also called LOO. (JP 5-0) 

link — 1. A behavioral, physical, or functional relationship between nodes. 2. In 

communications, a general term used to indicate the existence of communications 

facilities between two points. 3. A maritime route, other than a coastal or transit route, 

that connects any two or more routes together. See also node. (JP 3-0) 

listening watch — A continuous receiver watch established for the reception of 

communication addressed to, or of interest to, the unit maintaining the watch, with 

complete log optional. (JP 3-50) 

littoral — The littoral comprises two segments of operational environment: 1. Seaward: the 

area from the open ocean to the shore, which must be controlled to support operations 

ashore. 2. Landward: the area inland from the shore that can be supported and defended 

directly from the sea. (JP 2-01.3) 

loading plan — All of the individually prepared documents which, taken together, present 

in detail all instructions for the arrangement of personnel, and the loading of equipment 

for one or more units or other special grouping of personnel or material moving by 

highway, water, rail, or air transportation. (JP 3-02.1) 

load signal — In personnel recovery, a visual signal displayed in a covert manner to indicate 

the presence of an individual or object at a given location. See also evasion; recovery 

operations. (JP 3-50) 

locate — In personnel recovery, the task where actions are taken to precisely find and 

authenticate the identity of isolated personnel. (JP 3-50) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 143 

lodgment — A designated area in a hostile or potentially hostile operational area that, when 

seized and held, makes the continuous landing of troops and materiel possible and 

provides maneuver space for subsequent operations. (JP 3-18) 

logistics — Planning and executing the movement and support of forces. (JP 4-0) 

logistics over-the-shore operation area — That geographic area required to conduct a 

logistics over-the-shore operation. Also called LOA. See also logistics over-the-shore 

operations. (JP 4-01.6) 

logistics over-the-shore operations — The loading and unloading of ships without the 

benefit of deep draft-capable, fixed port facilities; or as a means of moving forces closer 

to tactical assembly areas dependent on threat force capabilities. Also called LOTS 

operations. See also joint logistics over-the-shore operations. (JP 4-01.6) 

logistic support — Support that encompasses the logistic services, materiel, and 

transportation required to support the continental United States-based and worldwide 

deployed forces. (JP 4-0) 

logistics supportability analysis — Combatant command internal assessment for the Joint 

Strategic Capabilities Plan on capabilities and shortfalls of key logistic capabilities 

required to execute and sustain the concept of support conducted on all level three plans 

with the time phased force deployment data. Also called LSA. (JP 4-0) 

low-altitude missile engagement zone — In air and missile defense, that airspace of defined 

dimensions within which the responsibility for engagement of air and missile threats 

normally rests with low- to medium-altitude surface-to-air missiles. Also called 

LOMEZ. (JP 3-01) 

low-level transit route — A temporary corridor of defined dimensions established in the 

forward area to minimize the risk to friendly aircraft from friendly air defenses or 

surface forces. Also called LLTR. (JP 3-52) 

low velocity drop — A drop procedure in which the drop velocity does not exceed 30 feet 

per second. (JP 3-17) 

low-visibility operations — Sensitive operations wherein the diplomatic-military 

restrictions inherent in covert and clandestine operations are either not necessary or not 

feasible; actions are taken as required to limit exposure of those involved and/or their 

activities and with the knowledge that the action and/or sponsorship of the operation 

may preclude plausible denial by the initiating power. (JP 3-05) 

 
Terms and Definitions 

144 

Intentionally Blank 
145 

M 

magnetic mine — A mine that responds to the magnetic field of a target. (JP 3-15) 

mail embargo — A temporary shutdown or redirection of mail flow to or from a specific 

location. (JP 1-0) 

main operating base — A facility outside the United States and US territories with 

permanently stationed operating forces and robust infrastructure. Main operating bases 

are characterized by command and control structures, enduring family support facilities, 

and strengthened force protection measures. Also called MOB. See also cooperative 

security location; forward operating site. (CJCS CM-0007-05)

main supply route — The route or routes designated within an operational area upon which 

the bulk of traffic flows in support of military operations. Also called MSR. 

(JP 4-01.5) 

maintenance — 1. All action, including inspection, testing, servicing, classification as to 

serviceability, repair, rebuilding, and reclamation, taken to retain materiel in a 

serviceable condition or to restore it to serviceability. 2. All supply and repair action 

taken to keep a force in condition to carry out its mission. 3. The routine recurring work 

required to keep a facility in such condition that it may be continuously used at its 

original or designed capacity and efficiency for its intended purpose. (JP 4-0) 

major force — A military organization comprised of major combat elements and associated 

combat support, combat service support, and sustainment increments. (JP 5-0) 

major operation — 1. A series of tactical actions (battles, engagements, strikes) conducted 

by combat forces, coordinated in time and place, to achieve strategic or operational 

objectives in an operational area. 2. For noncombat operations, a reference to the 

relative size and scope of a military operation. See also operation. (JP 3-0) 

maneuver — 1. A movement to place ships, aircraft, or land forces in a position of advantage 

over the enemy. 2. A tactical exercise carried out at sea, in the air, on the ground, or on 

a map in imitation of war. 3. The operation of a ship, aircraft, or vehicle to cause it to 

perform desired movements. 4. Employment of forces in the operational area, through 

movement in combination with fires and information, to achieve a position of advantage 

in respect to the enemy. See also mission; operation. (JP 3-0) 

manpower management — The means of manpower control to ensure the most efficient 

and economical use of available manpower. (JP 1-0)

manpower requirements — Human resources needed to accomplish specified work loads 

of organizations. (JP 1-0) 
Terms and Definitions 

146 

Marine air command and control system — A system that provides the aviation combat 

element commander with the means to command, coordinate, and control all air 

operations within an assigned sector and to coordinate air operations with other 

Services. Also called MACCS. See also direct air support center; tactical air 

operations center. (JP 3-09.3) 

Marine Corps special operations forces — Those Active Component Marine Corps forces 

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

equipped to conduct and support special operations. Also called MARSOF. (JP 3-05) 

Maritime Administration Ready Reserve Force — The surge sealift assets owned and 

operated by the United States Department of Transportation/Maritime Administration 

and Military Sealift Command (in contingency), crewed by civilian mariners. Also 

called MARAD RRF. See also National Defense Reserve Fleet. (JP 4-01.6) 

maritime domain — The oceans, seas, bays, estuaries, islands, coastal areas, and the 

airspace above these, including the littorals. (JP 3-32) 

maritime domain awareness — The effective understanding of anything associated with 

the maritime domain that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of 

a nation. Also called MDA. (JP 3-32) 

maritime environment — The environment corresponding to the oceans, seas, bays, 

estuaries, islands, coastal areas, including the littorals and their sub-surface features, and 

interfaces and interactions with the atmosphere. (JP 3-59) 

maritime forces — Forces that operate on, under, or above the sea to gain or exploit 

command of the sea, sea control, or sea denial and/or to project power from the sea. 

(JP 3-32) 

maritime interception operations — Efforts to monitor, query, and board merchant vessels 

in international waters to enforce sanctions against other nations such as those in support 

of United Nations Security Council Resolutions and/or prevent the transport of restricted 

goods. Also called MIO. (JP 3-03) 

maritime power projection — Power projection in and from the maritime environment, 

including a broad spectrum of offensive military operations to destroy enemy forces or 

logistic support or to prevent enemy forces from approaching within enemy weapons’ 

range of friendly forces. (JP 3-32) 

maritime pre-positioning force operation — A rapid deployment and assembly of a 

Marine expeditionary force in a secure area using a combination of intertheater airlift 

and forward-deployed maritime pre-positioning ships. Also called MPF operation. 

See also maritime pre-positioning ships. (JP 4-01.6) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 147 

maritime pre-positioning ships — Civilian-crewed, Military Sealift Command-chartered 

ships that are usually forward-deployed and loaded with pre-positioned equipment and 

up to 30 days of supplies to support Marine expeditionary brigades. Also called MPSs. 

See also Navy cargo handling battalion. (JP 3-02.1) 

maritime security operations — Those operations to protect maritime sovereignty and 

resources and to counter maritime-related terrorism, weapons proliferation, 

transnational crime, piracy, environmental destruction, and illegal seaborne migration. 

Also called MSO. (JP 3-32) 

Maritime Security Program — A program authorized in the Maritime Security Act of 2003 

requiring the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, 

to establish a fleet of active, commercially viable, militarily useful, privately-owned 

vessels to meet national defense and other security requirements. Also called MSP. 

(JP 4-01.2)

maritime superiority — That degree of dominance of one force over another that permits 

the conduct of maritime operations by the former and its related land, maritime, and air 

forces at a given time and place without prohibitive interference by the opposing force. 

(JP 3-32) 

maritime supremacy — That degree of maritime superiority wherein an opposing force is 

incapable of effective interference. (JP 3-32) 

maritime terminal — A facility for berthing ships simultaneously at piers, quays, and/or 

working anchorages. Also called water terminal. (JP 4-01.5) 

marking — To maintain contact on a target from such a position that the marking unit has 

an immediate offensive capability. (JP 3-09.3) 

marshalling — 1. The process by which units participating in an amphibious or airborne 

operation group together or assemble when feasible or move to temporary camps in the 

vicinity of embarkation points, complete preparations for combat, or prepare for 

loading. 2. The process of assembling, holding, and organizing supplies and/or 

equipment, especially vehicles of transportation, for onward movement. See also 

staging area. (JP 3-17)

marshalling area — A location in the vicinity of a reception terminal or pre-positioned 

equipment storage site where arriving unit personnel, equipment, materiel, and 

accompanying supplies are reassembled, returned to the control of the unit commander, 

and prepared for onward movement. See also marshalling. (JP 3-35) 

mass atrocity response operations — Military activities conducted to prevent or halt mass 

atrocities. Also called MARO. (JP 3-07.3) 
Terms and Definitions 

148 

mass casualty — Any number of human casualties produced across a period of time that 

exceeds available medical support capabilities. See also casualty. (JP 4-02) 

massed fire — 1. The fire of the batteries of two or more ships directed against a single 

target. 2. Fire from a number of weapons directed at a single point or small area. 

(JP 3-02)

master — The commander of a United States Naval Ship, a commercial ship, or a 

government-owned general agency agreement ship operated for the Military Sealift 

Command by a civilian company to transport Department of Defense cargo. (JP 3-02.1) 

master air attack plan — A plan that contains key information that forms the foundation 

of the joint air tasking order. Also called MAAP. See also target. (JP 3-60) 

materials handling equipment — Equipment used at air, ground, and sea ports to handle 

large cargo. Also called MHE. (JP 4-01.5) 

materiel — All items necessary to equip, operate, maintain, and support military activities 

without distinction as to its application for administrative or combat purposes. See also

equipment; personal property. (JP 4-0) 

materiel inventory objective — The quantity of an item required to be on hand and on order 

on M-day in order to equip, provide a materiel pipeline, and sustain the approved United 

States force structure and those Allied forces designated for United States materiel 

support, through the period prescribed for war materiel planning purposes. (JP 4-09) 

materiel planning — A subset of logistic planning consisting of the four-step process of: a. 

requirements definition. Requirements for significant items are calculated at itemlevel detail to support sustainability planning and analysis. b. apportionment. Items 

are apportioned to the combatant commanders based on a global scenario to avoid 

sourcing of items to multiple theaters. c. sourcing. Sourcing is the matching of 

available capabilities on a given date against item requirements to support sustainability 

analysis and the identification of locations to support transportation planning. d. 

documentation. Sourced item requirements are translated into movement requirements 

and documented in the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System database for 

transportation feasibility analysis. (JP 4-09) 

materiel release order — An order issued by an accountable supply system manager 

directing a non-accountable activity within the same supply distribution complex to 

release and ship materiel. Also called MRO. (JP 4-09) 

materiel requirements — Those quantities of items of equipment and supplies necessary to 

equip, provide a materiel pipeline, and sustain a Service, formation, organization, or unit 

in the fulfillment of its purposes or tasks during a specified period. (JP 4-09) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 149 

maximum ordinate — In artillery and naval gunfire support, the height of the highest point 

in the trajectory of a projectile above the horizontal plane passing through its origin. 

Also called vertex height and MAXORD. (JP 3-09.3) 

M-day — Mobilization day; unnamed day on which mobilization of forces begins. (JP 4-06) 

measurement and signature intelligence — Information produced by quantitative and 

qualitative analysis of physical attributes of targets and events to characterize, locate, 

and identify targets and events, and derived from specialized, technically derived 

measurements of physical phenomenon intrinsic to an object or event. Also called 

MASINT. See also intelligence; scientific and technical intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

Measurement and Signature Intelligence Requirements System — A system for the 

management of theater and national measurement and signature intelligence collection 

requirements, providing automated tools for users in support of submission, review, and 

validation of measurement and signature intelligence nominations of requirements to be 

tasked for national and Department of Defense measurement and signature intelligence 

collection, production, and exploitation resources. Also called MRS. See also 

measurement and signature intelligence. (JP 2-01) 

measurement ton — The unit of volumetric measurement of equipment associated with

surface-delivered cargo equal to the total cubic feet divided by 40. Also called MTON. 

(JP 4-01.5) 

measure of effectiveness — An indicator used to measure a current system state, with 

change indicated by comparing multiple observations over time. Also called MOE. 

See also combat assessment; mission. (JP 5-0) 

measure of performance — An indicator used to measure a friendly action that is tied to

measuring task accomplishment. Also called MOP. (JP 5-0) 

mechanical sweep — In naval mine warfare, any sweep used with the object of physically 

contacting the mine or its appendages. (JP 3-15) 

media operations center — A facility established by the commander to serve as the focal 

point for the interface between the military and the media during the conduct of military 

operations. Also called MOC. (JP 3-61)

media pool — A limited number of news media who represent a larger number of news 

media organizations for purposes of news gathering and sharing of material during a 

specified activity. See also public affairs. (JP 3-61) 

medical civil-military operations — All military health- and veterinary-related activities in 

support of a commander that establish, enhance, maintain or influence relations between 

the force and host nation, multinational governmental and nongovernmental civilian 

organizations and authorities, and the civilian populace to facilitate military operations, 
Terms and Definitions 

150 

achieve United States operational objectives, and positively impact the health, 

agriculture, and economic sectors. Also called MCMO. (JP 4-02) 

medical intelligence — That category of intelligence resulting from collection, evaluation, 

analysis, and interpretation of foreign medical, bio-scientific, and environmental 

information that is of interest to strategic planning and to military medical planning and 

operations for the conservation of the fighting strength of friendly forces and the 

formation of assessments of foreign medical capabilities in both military and civilian 

sectors. Also called MEDINT. See also intelligence. (JP 2-01) 

medical intelligence preparation of the operational environment — A systematic 

continuing process, used by the National Center for Medical Intelligence, that analyzes 

information on medical and disease threats, enemy capabilities, terrain, weather, local 

medical infrastructure, potential humanitarian and dislocated civilian situations, 

transportation issues, and political, religious and social issues for all types of operations. 

Also called MIPOE. (JP 4-02) 

medical logistics support — Class VIII medical supplies (medical material to include 

medical peculiar repair parts used to sustain the health service support system), optical 

fabrication, medical equipment maintenance, blood storage and distribution, and 

medical gases. Also called MEDLOG support. 

(JP 4-02)

medical regulating — The actions and coordination necessary to arrange for the movement 

of patients through the roles of care and to match patients with a medical treatment 

facility that has the necessary health service support capabilities and available bed space. 

See also health service support; medical treatment facility. (JP 4-02) 

medical surveillance — The ongoing, systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of 

data derived from instances of medical care or medical evaluation, and the reporting of 

population-based information for characterizing and countering threats to a population’s 

health, well-being, and performance. See also surveillance. (JP 4-02) 

medical treatment facility — A facility established for the purpose of furnishing medical 

and/or dental care to eligible individuals. Also called MTF. (JP 4-02) 

medical treatment protocol — Directive issued by competent military authority that 

delineate the circumstances and limitations under which United States medical forces 

will initiate medical care and support to those individuals that are not Department of 

Defense health care beneficiaries or designated eligible for care in a military medical 

treatment facility by the Secretary of Defense. (JP 4-02) 

medium-range ballistic missile — A ballistic missile with a range capability from about 

600 to 1,500 nautical miles. Also called MRBM. (JP 3-01)
 Terms and Definitions 

 151 

mensuration — The process of measurement of a feature or location on the Earth to 

determine an absolute latitude, longitude, and elevation. (JP 3-60) 

message — 1. Any thought or idea expressed briefly in a plain or secret language and 

prepared in a form suitable for transmission by any means of communication. (JP 6-0) 

2. A narrowly focused communication directed at a specific audience to support a 

specific theme. Also called MSG. (JP 3-61) 

meteorological and oceanographic — A term used to convey all environmental factors, 

from the sub-bottom of the Earth’s oceans through maritime, land areas, airspace, 

ionosphere, and outward into space. Also called METOC. (JP 3-59) 

meteorological and oceanographic assessment — The assimilation of climatology, current 

and predictive meteorological and oceanographic conditions, and knowledge on 

limiting thresholds for friendly and adversary military capabilities; tactics, techniques, 

and procedures; mission profiles; and weapon systems into a tailored product for 

planning and decision-making processes. (JP 3-59) 

meteorological and oceanographic data — Measurements or observations of 

meteorological and oceanographic variables. (JP 3-59) 

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. 

(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. (JP 3-59) 

midcourse phase — That portion of the flight of a ballistic missile between the boost phase 

and the terminal phase. See also boost phase; terminal phase. (JP 3-01) 

migrant — A person who (1) belongs to a normally migratory culture who may cross 

national boundaries, or (2) has fled his or her native country for economic reasons rather 

than fear of political or ethnic persecution. (JP 3-29) 

military assistance advisory group — A joint Service group, normally under the military 

command of a commander of a unified command and representing the Secretary of 

Defense, which primarily administers the United States military assistance planning and 

programming in the host nation. (JP 3-22) 

military construction — Any construction, alteration, development, conversion, or 

extension of any kind carried out with respect to a military installation. Also called 

MILCON. (JP 3-34) 
Terms and Definitions 

152 

military deception — Actions executed to deliberately mislead adversary military, 

paramilitary, or violent extremist organization decision makers, thereby causing the 

adversary to take specific actions (or inactions) that will contribute to the 

accomplishment of the friendly mission. Also called MILDEC. (JP 3-13.4) 

Military Department — One of the departments within the Department of Defense created

by the National Security Act of 1947, which are the Department of the Army, the 

Department of the Navy, and the Department of the Air Force. Also called MILDEP. 

See also Department of the Air Force; Department of the Army; Department of 

the Navy. (JP 1) 

military engagement — Routine contact and interaction between individuals or elements of 

the Armed Forces of the United States and those of another nation’s armed forces, or 

foreign and domestic civilian authorities or agencies to build trust and confidence, share 

information, coordinate mutual activities, and maintain influence. (JP 3-0) 

military government — The supreme authority the military exercises by force or agreement 

over the lands, property, and indigenous populations and institutions of domestic, allied, 

neutral, or enemy territory, therefore, substituting sovereign authority under rule of law 

for the previously established government. (JP 3-57) 

Military Health System — Provides direction, resources, health care providers, and other 

means necessary to foster, protect, sustain, and restore health to Service members and 

other beneficiaries. Also called MHS. (JP 4-02) 

military information support operations — Planned operations to convey selected 

information and indicators to foreign audiences to influence their emotions, motives, 

objective reasoning, and ultimately the behavior of foreign governments, organizations, 

groups, and individuals in a manner favorable to the originator’s objectives. Also called 

MISO. (JP 3-13.2) 

Military Intelligence Board — A decision-making forum which formulates Department of 

Defense intelligence policy and programming priorities. Also called MIB. See also 

intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

military intervention — The deliberate act of a nation or a group of nations to introduce its 

military forces into the course of an existing controversy. (JP 3-0)

military occupation — A condition in which territory is under the effective control of a 

foreign armed force. (JP 3-0) 

Military Postal Service — The command, organization, personnel, and facilities established 

to provide a means for the transmission of mail to and from the Department of Defense, 

members of the United States Armed Forces, and other authorized agencies and 

individuals. Also called MPS. (JP 1-0) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 153 

Military Postal Service Agency — The single manager operating agency established to 

manage the Military Postal Service. Also called MPSA. (JP 1-0) 

military post office — A branch of a designated United States-based post office established 

by United States Postal Service authority and operated by one of the Services. Also 

called MPO. (JP 1-0) 

Military Sealift Command — A major command of the United States Navy reporting to 

Commander Fleet Forces Command, and the United States Transportation Command’s 

component command responsible for designated common-user sealift transportation 

services to deploy, employ, sustain, and redeploy United States forces on a global basis. 

Also called MSC. See also transportation component command. (JP 4-01.2) 

Military Sealift Command force — Common-user sealift consisting of three subsets: the 

Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, common-user ocean transportation, and the special mission 

support force. See also common-user sealift; Military Sealift Command. (JP 4-01.2) 

military source operations — The collection, from, by and/or via humans, of foreign and 

military and military-related intelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

military specification container — A container that meets specific written standards. Also 

called MILSPEC container. (JP 4-09) 

military standard requisitioning and issue procedure — A uniform procedure established 

by the Department of Defense for use within the Department of Defense to govern 

requisition and issue of materiel within standardized priorities. Also called

MILSTRIP. (JP 4-01) 

military standard transportation and movement procedures — Uniform and standard 

transportation data, documentation, and control procedures applicable to all cargo 

movements in the Department of Defense transportation system. Also called

MILSTAMP. (JP 4-01.5) 

military technician — A Federal civilian employee providing full-time support to a 

National Guard, Reserve, or Active Component organization for administration, 

training, and maintenance of the Selected Reserve. Also called MILTECH. 

(CJCSM 3150.13) 

mine — 1.In land mine warfare, a munition placed under, on or near the ground or other 

surface area and designed to be exploded by the presence, proximity or contact of a 

person or vehicle. 2. In naval mine warfare, an explosive device laid in the water with 

the intention of damaging or sinking ships or of deterring shipping from entering an 

area. See also mine warfare. (JP 3-15) 

mine countermeasures — All methods for preventing or reducing damage or danger from 

mines. Also called MCM. (JP 3-15)
Terms and Definitions 

154 

minefield — 1. In land warfare, an area of ground containing mines emplaced with or 

without a pattern. 2. In naval warfare, an area of water containing mines emplaced with 

or without a pattern. See also mine; mine warfare. (JP 3-15) 

minefield record — A complete written record of all pertinent information concerning a 

minefield, submitted on a standard form by the officer in charge of the emplacement 

operations. (JP 3-15) 

minefield report — An oral, electronic, or written communication concerning mining

activities (friendly or enemy) submitted in a standard format by the fastest secure means 

available. (JP 3-15) 

minehunting — Employment of air, surface, or subsurface sensor and neutralization 

systems to locate and dispose of individual mines in a known field, or to verify the 

presence or absence of mines in a given area. See also minesweeping. (JP 3-15) 

minesweeping — The technique of clearing mines using either mechanical sweeping to 

remove, disturb, or otherwise neutralize the mine; explosive sweeping to cause 

sympathetic detonations, damage, or displace the mine; or influence sweeping to 

produce either the acoustic or magnetic influence required to detonate the mine. See 

also minehunting. (JP 3-15) 

mine warfare — The strategic, operational, and tactical use of mines and mine 

countermeasures either by emplacing mines to degrade the enemy’s capabilities to wage 

land, air, and maritime warfare or by countering of enemy-emplaced mines to permit 

friendly maneuver or use of selected land or sea areas. Also called MIW. (JP 3-15) 

minimize — A condition wherein normal message and telephone traffic is drastically 

reduced in order that messages connected with an actual or simulated emergency shall 

not be delayed. (JP 6-0) 

minimum force — Those minimum actions, including the use of armed force, sufficient to 

bring a situation under control or to defend against a hostile act or hostile intent, where 

the firing of weapons is to be considered as a means of last resort. (JP 3-07.3) 

minimum-risk route — A temporary corridor of defined dimensions recommended for use 

by high-speed, fixed-wing aircraft that presents the minimum known hazards to lowflying aircraft transiting the combat zone. Also called MRR. (JP 3-52) 

missile defense — Defensive measures designed to destroy attacking enemy missiles, or to 

nullify or reduce the effectiveness of such attack. Also called MD. (JP 3-01) 

missile engagement zone — In air and missile defense, that airspace of defined dimensions 

within which the responsibility for engagement of air and missile threats normally rests 

with surface-to-air missile systems. Also called MEZ. (JP 3-01)
 Terms and Definitions 

 155 

mission — 1. The task, together with the purpose, that clearly indicates the action to be taken 

and the reason therefore. (JP 3-0) 2. In common usage, especially when applied to 

lower military units, a duty assigned to an individual or unit; a task. (JP 3-0) 3. The 

dispatching of one or more aircraft to accomplish one particular task. (JP 3-30) 

mission assignment — The vehicle used by the Department of Homeland 

Security/Emergency Preparedness and Response/Federal Emergency Management 

Agency to support federal operations in a declared Stafford Act major disaster or 

emergency declaration that orders immediate, short-term emergency response 

assistance when an applicable state or local government is overwhelmed by the event 

and lacks the capability to perform, or contract for, the necessary work. (JP 3-28) 

mission command — The conduct of military operations through decentralized execution 

based upon mission-type orders. (JP 3-31) 

mission-oriented protective posture — A flexible system of protection against chemical, 

biological, radiological, and nuclear contamination in which personnel are required to 

wear only that protective clothing and equipment appropriate to the threat level, work 

rate imposed by the mission, temperature, and humidity. Also called MOPP. See also 

mission-oriented protective posture gear. (JP 3-11) 

mission-oriented protective posture gear — Military term for individual protective 

equipment, including suit, boots, gloves, mask with hood, first aid treatments, and 

decontamination kits, issued to authorized personnel. Also called MOPP gear. See 

also decontamination; mission-oriented protective posture. (JP 3-11) 

mission statement — A short sentence or paragraph that describes the organization’s 

essential task(s), purpose, and action containing the elements of who, what, when, 

where, and why. See also mission. (JP 5-0) 

mission type order — 1. An order issued to a lower unit that includes the accomplishment 

of the total mission assigned to the higher headquarters. 2. An order to a unit to perform 

a mission without specifying how it is to be accomplished. (JP 3-50) 

mobile security force — A highly mobile and dedicated security force with the capability 

to defeat Level I and II threats in a joint security area. Also called MSF. (JP 3-10) 

mobility — A quality or capability of military forces which permits them to move from place 

to place while retaining the ability to fulfill their primary mission. (JP 3-17) 

mobility air forces — Air components and Service components that are assigned and/or 

routinely exercise command authority over mobility operations. Also called MAF. 

(JP 3-17) 
Terms and Definitions 

156 

mobility corridor — Areas that are relatively free of obstacles where a force will be 

canalized due to terrain restrictions allowing military forces to capitalize on the 

principles of mass and speed. (JP 2-01.3)

mobilization — 1. The process of assembling and organizing national resources to support 

national objectives in time of war or other emergencies. See also industrial 

mobilization. 2. The process by which the Armed Forces of the United States, or part 

of them, are brought to a state of readiness for war or other national emergency. Also 

called MOB. (JP 4-05) 

mobilization base — The total of all resources available, or that can be made available, to 

meet foreseeable wartime needs. (JP 4-05) 

mobilization site — The designated location where a Reserve Component unit or individual 

mobilizes or moves after mobilization for further processing, training, and employment. 

See also mobilization; mobilization station; Reserve Component. (JP 4-05) 

mobilization station — The designated military installation to which a Reserve Component 

unit or individual is moved for further processing, organizing, equipping, training, and 

employment and from which the unit or individual may move to an aerial port of 

embarkation or seaport of embarkation. See also mobilization; mobilization site; 

Reserve Component. (JP 4-05) 

mode of transport — One of, or a combination of, the following modes used for a 

movement: a. inland surface transportation (rail, road, and inland waterway); b. sea 

transport (coastal and ocean); c. air transportation; and d. pipelines. (JP 4-09) 

Modernized Integrated Database — The national-level repository for the general military 

intelligence available to the entire Department of Defense Intelligence Information 

System community and, through Global Command and Control System integrated 

imagery and intelligence, to tactical units. Also called MIDB. (JP 2-01) 

modified combined obstacle overlay — A joint intelligence preparation of the operational 

environment product used to portray the militarily significant aspects of the operational 

environment, such as obstacles restricting military movement, key geography, and 

military objectives. Also called MCOO. See also joint intelligence preparation of 

the operational environment. (JP 2-01.3) 

moored mine — A contact or influence-operated mine of positive buoyancy held below the 

surface by a mooring attached to a sinker or anchor on the bottom. See also mine. 

(JP 3-15) 

morale, welfare, and recreation — The merging of multiple unconnected disciplines into 

programs that improve unit readiness, promote fitness, build unit morale and cohesion, 

enhance quality of life, and provide recreational, social, and other support services. Also 

called MWR. (JP 1-0) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 157 

mortuary affairs — Provides for the search for, recovery, identification, preparation, and 

disposition of human remains of persons for whom the Services are responsible by status 

and executive order. Also called MA. See also joint mortuary affairs office. 

(JP 4-06) 

mounting —1. All preparations made in anticipation of an operation, including assembly in 

the mounting area, preparation and maintenance within the mounting area, movement 

to loading points, and subsequent embarkation into ships, craft, or aircraft if applicable. 

2. A carriage or stand upon which a weapon is placed. (JP 3-02.1) 

mounting area — A general locality where assigned forces of an amphibious or airborne 

operation, with their equipment, are assembled, prepared, and loaded in ships and/or 

aircraft preparatory to an assault. See also embarkation area. (JP 3-02.1) 

movement control — The planning, routing, scheduling, and control of personnel and cargo 

movements over lines of communications; includes maintaining in-transit visibility of 

forces and material through the deployment and/or redeployment process. See also line 

of communications; movement control teams; non-unit cargo; non-unit-related 

personnel. (JP 4-01.5) 

movement control team — An Army team used to decentralize the execution of movement 

responsibilities on an area basis or at key transportation nodes. Also called MCT. 

(JP 4-09) 

movement data — Those essential elements of information to schedule lift, obtain 

transportation assets, manage movement of forces, and report in-transit visibility of 

movements and associated forces (people, equipment, and supplies). (JP 4-09) 

movement group — Those ships and embarked units that load out and proceed to 

rendezvous in the objective area. (JP 3-02) 

movement phase — In amphibious operations, the period during which various elements of 

the amphibious force move from points of embarkation to the objective area. See also 

amphibious force; amphibious operation. (JP 3-02) 

movement plan — In amphibious operations, the naval plan providing for the movement of 

the amphibious task force to the objective area. See also amphibious operation; 

amphibious task force. (JP 3-02) 

movement requirement — A stated movement mode and time-phased need for the 

transport of units, personnel, and/or materiel from a specified origin to a specified 

destination. (JP 4-09) 

movement schedule — A timetable developed to monitor or track the movement of a 

separate entity, whether it is a force requirement, cargo or personnel increment, or lift 
Terms and Definitions 

158 

asset, that reflects the assignment of specific lift resources, shows a flow and workload 

at each location, and supports plan implementation. (JP 4-09) 

movement table — A table giving detailed instructions or data for a move. (JP 4-09) 

movement to contact — A form of the offense designed to develop the situation and to 

establish or regain contact. (JP 3-50) 

multinational — Between two or more forces or agencies of two or more nations or coalition 

partners. See also alliance. (JP 5-0) 

multinational doctrine — The agreed upon fundamental principles that guide the 

employment of forces of two or more nations in coordinated action toward a common 

objective. See also joint doctrine. (JP 3-16) 

multinational force — A force composed of military elements of nations who have formed 

an alliance or coalition for some specific purpose. Also called MNF. See also 

multinational force commander; multinational operations. (JP 1) 

multinational force commander — A general term applied to a commander who exercises 

command authority over a military force composed of elements from two or more 

nations. Also called MNFC. See also multinational force. (JP 3-16) 

multinational integrated logistic unit — An organization resulting when two or more 

nations agree to provide logistics assets to a multinational logistic force under the 

operational control of a multinational commander for the logistic support of a 

multinational force. Also called MILU. See also logistic support; multinational. 

(JP 4-08) 

multinational logistics — Any coordinated logistic activity involving two or more nations 

supporting a multinational force conducting military operations under the auspices of 

an alliance or coalition, including those conducted under United Nations mandate. Also 

called MNL. See also logistics; multinational. (JP 4-08) 

multinational operations — A collective term to describe military actions conducted by 

forces of two or more nations, usually undertaken within the structure of a coalition or 

alliance. See also alliance. (JP 3-16) 

multinational staff — A staff composed of personnel of two or more nations within the

structure of a coalition or alliance. See also integrated staff; joint staff. (JP 3-16) 

multipoint refueling system — KC-135 aircraft equipped with external wing-mounted pods 

to conduct drogue air refueling, while still maintaining boom air refueling capability on 

the same mission. See also air refueling. (JP 3-17) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 159 

multi-Service publication — A publication containing principles, terms, tactics, techniques, 

and procedures used and approved by the forces of two or more Services to perform a 

common military function consistent with approved joint doctrine. (CJCSM 5120.01)

multispot ship — Those ships certified to have two or more adjacent landing areas. See 

also spot. (JP 3-04) 

munition — A complete device charged with explosives; propellants; pyrotechnics; 

initiating composition; or chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear material for use 

in operations including demolitions. (JP 3-42) 

munitions effectiveness assessment — The assessment of the military force applied in 

terms of the weapon system and munitions effectiveness to determine and recommend 

any required changes to the methodology, tactics, weapon system, munitions, fusing, 

and/or weapon delivery parameters to increase force effectiveness. Also called MEA. 

See also assessment; battle damage assessment. (JP 2-01) 

mutual support — That support which units render each other against an enemy, because 

of their assigned tasks, their position relative to each other and to the enemy, and their 

inherent capabilities. See also close support; direct support; support. (JP 3-31) 

 
Terms and Definitions 

160 

Intentionally Blank 
161 

N 

named area of interest — The geospatial area or systems node or link against which 

information that will satisfy a specific information requirement can be collected, usually 

to capture indications of adversary courses of action. Also called NAI. See also area 

of interest. (JP 2-01.3) 

narcoterrorism — Terrorism that is linked to illicit drug trafficking. (JP 3-07.4) 

National Capital Region — A geographic area encompassing the District of Columbia and 

11 local jurisdictions in the State of Maryland and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Also 

called NCR. (JP 3-28) 

National Communications System — The telecommunications system that results from the 

technical and operational integration of the separate telecommunications systems of the 

several executive branch departments and agencies having a significant 

telecommunications capability. Also called NCS. (JP 6-0) 

National Defense Reserve Fleet — 1. Including the Maritime Administration Ready 

Reserve Force, a fleet composed of ships acquired and maintained by the Maritime 

Administration for use in mobilization or emergency. 2. Less the Maritime 

Administration Ready Reserve Force, a fleet composed of the older dry cargo ships, 

tankers, troop transports, and other assets in Maritime Administration’s custody that are 

maintained at a relatively low level of readiness. Also called NDRF. See also

Maritime Administration Ready Reserve Force. (JP 4-01.2) 

National Detainee Reporting Center — The national-level center that accounts for all 

persons who pass through the care, custody, and control of the Department of Defense 

and that obtains and stores information concerning detainees and their confiscated 

personal property. Also called NDRC. (JP 3-63) 

National Disaster Medical System — A federally coordinated medical system, augmenting 

the United States’ medical response capability to assist state, local, and tribal authorities 

in dealing with medical impacts during major peacetime disasters. Also called NDMS. 

(JP 3-41) 

national emergency — A condition declared by the President or Congress by virtue of

powers previously vested in them that authorize certain emergency actions to be 

undertaken in the national interest. See also mobilization. (JP 3-28) 

National Incident Management System — A national crisis response system that provides 

a consistent, nationwide approach for federal, state, local, and tribal governments; the 

private sector; and nongovernmental organizations to work effectively and efficiently 

together to prepare for, respond to, and recover from domestic incidents, regardless of 

cause, size, or complexity. Also called NIMS. (JP 3-41) 
Terms and Definitions 

162 

national intelligence — All intelligence that pertains to more than one agency and involves 

threats to the United States, its people, property, or interests; the development, 

proliferation, or use of weapons of mass destruction; or any other matter bearing on 

United States national or homeland security. (JP 2-01) 

National Military Command System — The priority component of the Global Command 

and Control System designed to support the President, Secretary of Defense, and Joint 

Chiefs of Staff in the exercise of their responsibilities. Also called NMCS. (JP 6-0) 

national military strategy — A document approved by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of 

Staff for distributing and applying military power to attain national security strategy and 

Defense Strategic Guidance objectives. Also called NMS. See also national security 

strategy; strategy; theater strategy. (JP 1) 

national operations center — The primary national hub for domestic incident management 

operational coordination and shared situational awareness. Also called NOC. (JP 3-

28) 

national policy — A broad course of action or statements of guidance adopted by the 

government at the national level in pursuit of national objectives. (JP 1) 

national preparedness — Actions taken to plan, organize, equip, train, and exercise to build 

and sustain the capabilities necessary to prevent, protect against, mitigate the effects of, 

respond to, and recover from those threats that pose the greatest risk to the security of 

the nation. (JP 3-27) 

national security — A collective term encompassing both national defense and foreign 

relations of the United States with the purpose of gaining: a. A military or defense 

advantage over any foreign nation or group of nations; b. A favorable foreign relations 

position; or c. A defense posture capable of successfully resisting hostile or destructive 

action from within or without, overt or covert. See also security. (JP 1) 

National Security Council — A governmental body specifically designed to assist the 

President in integrating all spheres of national security policy. Also called NSC. (JP 1) 

national security interests — The foundation for the development of valid national 

objectives that define United States goals or purposes. (JP 1)

national security space — The space-related systems, services, capabilities, and associated 

information networks of the Department of Defense and the national intelligence 

community, or other space-related systems that the Secretary of Defense may designate 

as national security space systems in coordination with the system owner, that support 

United States national security and enable defense and intelligence operations during 

times of peace, crisis, or conflict. (DODD 3100.10) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 163 

national security strategy — A document approved by the President of the United States 

for developing, applying, and coordinating the instruments of national power to achieve 

objectives that contribute to national security. Also called NSS. See also national 

military strategy; strategy; theater strategy. (JP 1) 

national shipping authority — The organization within each Allied government 

responsible in time of war for the direction of its own merchant shipping. Also called

NSA. (JP 4-01.2) 

national special security event — A designated event that, by virtue of its political, 

economic, social, or religious significance, may be the target of terrorism or other 

criminal activity. Also called NSSE. (JP 3-28) 

national stock number — The 13-digit number that identifies a stock item consisting of the 

4-digit federal supply classification code plus the 9-digit national item identification 

number and arranged as follows: 9999-00-999-9999. Also called NSN. (JP 4-09) 

national support element — Any national organization or activity that supports national 

forces that are a part of a multinational force. See also multinational force; support. 

(JP 1) 

National System for Geospatial Intelligence — The combination of technology, policies, 

capabilities, doctrine, activities, people, data, and organizations necessary to produce 

geospatial intelligence in an integrated, multi-intelligence environment. Also called 

NSG. (JP 2-03) 

natural disaster — An emergency situation posing significant danger to life and property 

that results from a natural cause. See also domestic emergencies. (JP 3-29) 

naval advanced logistic support site — An overseas location used as the primary 

transshipment point in the theater of operations for logistic support. Also called 

NALSS. See also logistic support; naval forward logistic site; support; theater of 

operations. (JP 3-35) 

Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization manual — Series of 

general and specific aircraft procedural manuals that govern the operations of naval 

aircraft. Also called NATOPS manual. (JP 3-04)

naval beach group — A permanently organized naval command within an amphibious force 

composed of a commander and staff, a beachmaster unit, an amphibious construction 

battalion, and assault craft units, designed to provide an administrative group from 

which required naval tactical components may be made available to the attack force 

commander and to the amphibious landing force commander. Also called NBG. See 

also shore party. (JP 3-02) 
Terms and Definitions 

164 

naval construction force — The combined construction units of the Navy that are part of 

the operating forces and represent the Navy’s capability for advanced base construction. 

Also called NCF. (JP 3-34) 

naval forward logistic site — An overseas location, with port and airfield facilities nearby,

which provides logistic support to naval forces within the theater of operations during 

major contingency and wartime periods. Also called NFLS. See also logistic support; 

naval advanced logistic support site; staging. (JP 3-35) 

naval gunfire support — Fire provided by Navy surface gun systems in support of a unit or 

units tasked with achieving the commander’s objectives. Also called NGFS. See also

naval surface fire support. (JP 3-09) 

naval operation — 1. A naval action (or the performance of a naval mission) that may be 

strategic, operational, tactical, logistic, or training. 2. The process of carrying on or 

training for naval combat to gain the objectives of any battle or campaign. 

(JP 3-32) 

naval special warfare — A naval warfare specialty that conducts special operations with an 

emphasis on maritime, coastal, and riverine environments using small, flexible, mobile 

units operating under, on, and from the sea. Also called NSW. (JP 3-05) 

naval special warfare group — A permanent Navy echelon III major command to which 

most naval special warfare forces are assigned for some operational and all 

administrative purposes. (JP 3-05) 

naval special warfare task group — A provisional naval special warfare organization that 

plans, conducts, and supports special operations in support of fleet commanders and 

joint force special operations component commanders. Also called NSWTG. 

(JP 3-05) 

naval special warfare task unit — A provisional subordinate unit of a naval special warfare 

task group. Also called NSWTU. See also naval special warfare task group. 

(JP 3-05) 

naval surface fire support — Fire provided by Navy surface gun and missile systems in 

support of a unit or units. Also called NSFS. See also fire support. (JP 3-09.3) 

navigation warfare — Deliberate defensive and offensive action to assure and prevent 

positioning, navigation, and timing information through coordinated employment of 

space, cyberspace, and electronic warfare operations. Also called NAVWAR. (JP 3-14)

Navy cargo-handling battalion — A mobile logistic support unit that is organized, trained, 

and equipped to: a. load and offload Navy and Marine Corps cargo carried in maritime 

pre-positioning ships and merchant breakbulk or container ships in all environments; b. 

operate an associated temporary ocean cargo terminal; c. load and off-load Navy and 
 Terms and Definitions 

 165 

Marine Corps cargo carried in military-controlled aircraft; and d. operate an associated 

expeditionary air cargo terminal. Also called NCHB. See also maritime prepositioning ships. (JP 3-02.1) 

Navy expeditionary logistics support group — A Navy Reserve command organized and 

staffed to provide a wide range of supply and transportation support critical for 

peacetime support, crisis response, humanitarian, and combat service support missions. 

Also called NAVELSG. (JP 4-01.6)

Navy special operations forces — Those Active and Reserve Component Navy forces 

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

equipped to conduct and support special operations. Also called NAVSOF. (JP 3-05)

Navy support element — The maritime pre-positioning force element that is tasked to 

conduct the off-load and ship-to-shore movement of maritime pre-positioned equipment 

and/or supplies. Also called NSE. (JP 3-02.1) 

Navy-unique fleet essential aircraft — Combatant commander-controlled airlift assets 

deemed essential for providing air transportation in support of naval operations’ 

transportation requirements. Also called NUFEA. (JP 3-17) 

need to know — A criterion used in security procedures that requires the custodians of 

classified information to establish, prior to disclosure, that the intended recipient must 

have access to the information to perform his or her official duties. (JP 2-01.2) 

negation — In space operations, measures to deceive, disrupt, degrade, deny, or destroy 

space systems. See also space control. (JP 3-14) 

nerve agent — A potentially lethal chemical agent that interferes with the transmission of 

nerve impulses. (JP 3-11) 

net explosive weight — The actual weight in pounds of explosive mixtures or compounds, 

including the trinitrotoluene equivalent of energetic material, that is used in 

determination of explosive limits and explosive quantity data arcs. Also called NEW. 

(JP 4-09) 

networked munitions — Remotely controlled, interconnected, weapons systems designed 

to provide rapidly emplaced ground-based countermobility and protection capability 

through scalable application of lethal and nonlethal means. (JP 3-15) 

network engagement — Interactions with friendly, neutral, and threat networks, conducted 

continuously and simultaneously at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels, to help 

achieve the commander’s objectives within an operational area. (JP 3-25) 
Terms and Definitions 

166 

neutral — In combat and combat support operations, an identity applied to a track whose 

characteristics, behavior, origin, or nationality indicate that it is neither supporting nor 

opposing friendly forces. See also suspect; unknown. (JP 3-0) 

neutrality — In international law, the attitude of impartiality during periods of war adopted 

by third states toward a belligerent and subsequently recognized by the belligerent, 

which creates rights and duties between the impartial states and the belligerent. 

(JP 3-0) 

neutralize — 1. As pertains to military operations, to render ineffective or unusable. 2. To 

render enemy personnel or materiel incapable of interfering with a particular operation. 

3. To render safe mines, bombs, missiles, and booby traps. 4. To make harmless 

anything contaminated with a chemical agent. (JP 3-0) 

night vision device — Any electro-optical device that is used to detect visible and infrared 

energy and provide a visible image. Also called NVD. See also forward-looking 

infrared; night vision goggle. (JP 3-09.3) 

night vision goggle — An electro-optical image intensifying device that detects visible and 

near-infrared energy, intensifies the energy, and provides a visible image for night 

viewing. Also called NVG. See also night vision device. (JP 3-09.3) 

node — 1. A location in a mobility system where a movement requirement is originated, 

processed for onward movement, or terminated. (JP 3-17) 2. In communications and 

computer systems, the physical location that provides terminating, switching, and 

gateway access services to support information exchange. (JP 6-0) 3. An element of a 

system that represents a person, place, or physical thing. (JP 3-0) 

no-fire area — An area designated by the appropriate commander into which fires or their 

effects are prohibited. Also called NFA. See also fires. (JP 3-09.3) 

nonappropriated funds — Funds generated by Department of Defense personnel and their 

dependents used to augment funds appropriated by the Congress to provide a 

comprehensive, morale-building welfare, religious, educational, and recreational 

programs. Also called NAF. (JP 1-0) 

nonbattle injury — A person who becomes a casualty due to circumstances not directly 

attributable to hostile action or terrorist activity. Also called NBI. (JP 4-02) 

noncombatant evacuation operation — An operation whereby noncombatant evacuees are 

evacuated from a threatened area abroad, which includes areas facing actual or potential 

danger from natural or manmade disaster, civil unrest, imminent or actual terrorist 

activities, hostilities, and similar circumstances, that is carried out with the assistance of 

the Department of Defense. Also called NEO. See also evacuation; noncombatant 

evacuees; operation; safe haven. (JP 3-68) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 167 

noncombatant evacuation operation tracking system — An automated data processing 

hardware and software package that has the capability to provide evacuee in-transit 

visibility to combatant commanders and senior leadership during the conduct of a 

noncombatant evacuation operation. Also called NTS. (JP 3-68) 

noncombatant evacuees — 1. United States citizens who may be ordered to evacuate by 

competent authority, and who are civilian employees of all agencies of the United States 

Government and their dependents, excepting dependents who are residents in the 

country concerned of their own volition; military personnel of the Armed Forces of the 

United States specifically designated for evacuation as noncombatants; and dependents 

of members of the Armed Forces of the United States. 2. United States citizens and 

non-United States citizens who may be authorized or assisted to evacuate by competent 

authority, and who are civilian employees of United States Government agencies and 

their dependents who are residents in the country concerned of their own volition, but 

express the willingness to be evacuated; private United States citizens and their 

dependents; military personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States and their 

dependents; and designated personnel, including dependents of persons ordered to 

evacuate, as prescribed by the Department of State. See also noncombatant 

evacuation operation. (JP 3-68) 

nonconventional assisted recovery — Personnel recovery conducted by 

indigenous/surrogate personnel that are trained, supported, and led by special operations 

forces, unconventional warfare ground and maritime forces, or other government 

agencies’ personnel that have been specifically trained and directed to establish and 

operate indigenous or surrogate infrastructures. Also called NAR. (JP 3-50) 

nondestructive electronic warfare — Those electronic warfare actions, not including 

employment of wartime reserve modes, that deny, disrupt, or deceive rather than 

damage or destroy. See also electronic warfare. (JP 3-13.1)

nongovernmental organization — A private, self-governing, not-for-profit organization 

dedicated to alleviating human suffering; and/or promoting education, health care, 

economic development, environmental protection, human rights, and conflict 

resolution; and/or encouraging the establishment of democratic institutions and civil 

society. Also called NGO. (JP 3-08) 

nonlethal reference point — A point that designates the intended target for creating 

nonlethal effects, which may not be a precise physical location and is considered an 

aimpoint for databasing. Also called NLRP. (JP 3-60) 

nonlethal weapon — Weapon, device, or munition that is explicitly designed and primarily 

employed to incapacitate personnel or materiel immediately, while minimizing 

fatalities, permanent injury to personnel, and undesired damage to property in the target 

area or environment. Also called NLW. (JP 3-28) 
Terms and Definitions 

168 

nonpersistent agent — A chemical agent that, when released, dissipates and/or loses its 

ability to cause casualties after 10 to 15 minutes. (JP 3-11) 

nonpersistent mine — Mine that remains active for a predetermined period of time until 

self-destruction, self-neutralization, or self-deactivation renders the mine inactive. 

(JP 3-15) 

nonproliferation — Actions to prevent the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction by 

dissuading or impeding access to, or distribution of, sensitive technologies, material, 

and expertise. See also counterproliferation. (JP 3-40) 

nonscheduled units — Units of the landing force held in readiness for landing during the 

initial unloading period, but not included in either scheduled or on-call waves. 

(JP 3-02) 

non-unit cargo — All equipment and supplies requiring transportation to an operational 

area, other than those identified as the equipment or accompanying supplies of a specific 

unit. (JP 4-01.5).

non-unit-related personnel — All personnel requiring transportation to or from an 

operational area, other than those assigned to a specific unit. Also called NRP. 

(JP 1-0) 

no-strike list — A list of objects or entities characterized as protected from the effects of 

military operations under international law and/or rules of engagement. Also called 

NSL. See also law of armed conflict. (JP 3-60) 

not mission capable, supply — Material condition indicating that systems and equipment 

are not capable of performing any of their assigned missions because of maintenance 

work stoppage due to a supply shortage. Also called NMCS. (JP 4-09) 

nuclear hazard — Dangers associated with the blast, thermal, and radiation effects from 

nuclear explosion. (JP 3-11) 

nuclear incident — An unexpected incident involving a nuclear weapon, facility, or

component, but not constituting a nuclear weapon(s) accident, resulting in any of the 

following: a. an increase in the possibility of explosion or radioactive contamination; b. 

errors committed in the assembly, testing, loading, or transportation of equipment, 

and/or the malfunctioning of equipment and materiel which could lead to an 

unintentional operation of all or part of the weapon arming and/or firing sequence, or 

which could lead to a substantial change in yield, or increased dud probability; and c. 

any act of God, unfavorable environment, or condition resulting in damage to the 

weapon, facility, or component. (JP 3-41) 

nuisance minefield — A minefield laid to delay and disorganize the enemy and to hinder 

the use of an area or route. See also minefield. (JP 3-15) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 169 

numbered beach — In amphibious operations, a subdivision of a colored beach, designated 

for the assault landing of a battalion landing team or similarly sized unit, when landed 

as part of a larger force. (JP 3-02) 

numbered fleet — A major tactical unit of the Navy immediately subordinate to a major 

fleet command and comprising various task forces, elements, groups, and units for the 

purpose of prosecuting specific naval operations. See also fleet. (JP 3-32) 

 
Terms and Definitions 

170 

Intentionally Blank 
171 

O 

object-based production — The intelligence communities’ framework for organizing and 

sharing information, relating data from all sources to known objects (e.g., units, people, 

locations, or events). Also called OBP. (JP 2-03) 

objective — 1. The clearly defined, decisive, and attainable goal toward which an operation 

is directed. 2. The specific goal of the action taken which is essential to the 

commander’s plan. See also target. (JP 5-0) 

objective area — A geographical area, defined by competent authority, within which is 

located an objective to be captured or reached by the military forces. Also called OA. 

(JP 3-06) 

observable — In military deception, the detectable result of the combination of an indicator 

within an adversary’s conduit intended to cause action or inaction by the deception 

target. (JP 3-13.4) 

obstacle — Any natural or man-made obstruction designed or employed to disrupt, fix, turn, 

or block the movement of an opposing force, and to impose additional losses in 

personnel, time, and equipment on the opposing force. (JP 3-15)

obstacle belt — A brigade-level command and control measure, normally depicted 

graphically, to show where within an obstacle zone the ground tactical commander plans 

to limit friendly obstacle employment and focus the defense. See also obstacle. 

(JP 3-15) 

obstacle clearing — The total elimination or neutralization of obstacles. (JP 3-15) 

obstacle restricted areas — A command and control measure used to limit the type or 

number of obstacles within an area. See also obstacle. (JP 3-15) 

obstacle zone — A division-level command and control measure to designate specific land 

areas where lower echelons are allowed to employ tactical obstacles. See also obstacle. 

(JP 3-15) 

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. (JP 3-59) 

offensive counterair — Offensive operations to destroy or neutralize enemy aircraft, 

missiles, launch platforms, and their supporting structures and systems both before and 

after launch, and as close to their source as possible. Also called OCA. See also 

counterair; defensive counterair; operation. (JP 3-01) 
Terms and Definitions 

172 

offensive counterair attack operations — Offensive action by any part of the joint force in 

support of the offensive counterair mission against surface targets which contribute to 

the enemy’s air and missile capabilities. Also called OCA attack operations. See also 

counterair; offensive counterair. (JP 3-01) 

offensive counterintelligence operation — A counterintelligence activity conducted to 

support Department of Defense and national intelligence, operational, and contingency 

requirements, using a formally-recruited asset or notional persona, to develop 

information on, and provide information, materials, or equipment to, a foreign 

intelligence entity to penetrate the foreign intelligence entity or exploit, disrupt, or 

manipulate the target in order to counter terrorism, espionage, or other clandestine 

intelligence activities that threaten the security of the Department of Defense or the 

United States. Also called OFCO. (JP 2-01.2) 

offensive cyberspace operations — Missions intended to project power in and through 

cyberspace. Also called OCO. (JP 3-12) 

offensive space control — Offensive operations conducted for space negation. Also called 

OSC. (JP 3-14)

office — An enduring organization that is formed around a specific function within a 

headquarters to coordinate and manage support requirements. (JP 3-33) 

officer in tactical command — In maritime usage, the senior officer present eligible to 

assume command, or the officer to whom the senior officer has delegated tactical 

command. Also called OTC. (JP 3-32) 

officer of the deck — 1. When underway, the officer designated by the commanding officer 

to be in charge of the ship, including its safe and proper operation. 2. When in port or 

at anchor, the officer of the deck is designated by the command duty officer, has similar 

responsibilities, and may be enlisted. Also called OOD. (JP 3-04) 

official information — Information that is owned by, produced for or by, or is subject to the 

control of the United States Government. (JP 3-61) 

offset costs — Costs for which funds have been appropriated that may not be incurred as a 

result of a contingency operation. See also contingency operation. (JP 1-06) 

offshore bulk fuel system — The system used for transferring fuel from points offshore to 

reception facilities on the beach. Also called OBFS. See also amphibious bulk liquid 

transfer system; offshore petroleum discharge system. (JP 4-01.6) 

offshore petroleum discharge system — Provides bulk transfer of petroleum directly from 

an offshore tanker to a beach termination unit located immediately inland from the high 

watermark. Also called OPDS. See also facility; petroleum, oils, and lubricants; 

single-anchor leg mooring. (JP 4-03) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 173 

off-the-shelf item — An item that has been developed and produced to military or 

commercial standards and specifications, is readily available for delivery from an 

industrial source, and may be procured without change to satisfy a military requirement. 

(JP 4-10) 

on-call — 1. A term used to signify that a prearranged concentration, air strike, or final 

protective fire may be called for. 2. Preplanned, identified force or materiel 

requirements without designated time-phase and destination information. (JP 3-01) 

on-call target — Planned target upon which fires or other actions are determined using 

deliberate targeting and triggered, when detected or located, using dynamic targeting. 

See also dynamic targeting; on-call; operational area; planned target; target. 

(JP 3-60) 

on hand — The quantity of an item that is physically available in a storage location and 

contained in the accountable property book records of an issuing activity. (JP 4-09) 

on-scene commander — 1. An individual in the immediate vicinity of an isolating event 

who temporarily assumes command of the incident. 2. The federal officer designated 

to direct federal crisis and consequence management efforts at the scene of a terrorist or 

weapons of mass destruction incident. Also called OSC. (JP 3-50) 

on-station time — The time an aircraft can remain on station, which may be determined by 

endurance or orders. (JP 3-50) 

open ocean — Ocean limit defined as greater than 12 nautical miles from shore. See also 

contiguous zone. (JP 3-32) 

open-source information — Information that any member of the public could lawfully 

obtain by request or observation as well as other unclassified information that has 

limited public distribution or access. (JP 2-0)

open-source intelligence — Relevant information derived from the systematic collection, 

processing, and analysis of publicly available information in response to known or 

anticipated intelligence requirements. Also called OSINT. See also intelligence. 

(JP 2-0) 

operating stocks — Fuel required to sustain daily operations and ensure fuel availability to 

support United States military forces worldwide. Also called OS. (JP 4-03) 

operation — 1. A sequence of tactical actions with a common purpose or unifying theme. 

(JP 1) 2. A military action or the carrying out of a strategic, operational, tactical, service, 

training, or administrative military mission. (JP 3-0) 
Terms and Definitions 

174 

operational access — The ability to project military force into an operational area with 

sufficient freedom of action to accomplish the mission. (JP 3-0) 

operational approach — A broad description of the mission, operational concepts, tasks, 

and actions required to accomplish the mission. (JP 5-0) 

operational area — An overarching term encompassing more descriptive terms (such as 

area of responsibility and joint operations area) for geographic areas in which military 

operations are conducted. Also called OA. See also amphibious objective area; area 

of operations; area of responsibility; joint operations area; joint special operations 

area; theater of operations; theater of war. (JP 3-0) 

operational art — The cognitive approach by commanders and staffs—supported by their 

skill, knowledge, experience, creativity, and judgment—to develop strategies, 

campaigns, and operations to organize and employ military forces by integrating ends, 

ways, and means. (JP 3-0) 

operational characteristics — Those military characteristics that pertain primarily to the 

functions to be performed by equipment, either alone or in conjunction with other 

equipment; e.g., for electronic equipment, operational characteristics include such items 

as frequency coverage, channeling, type of modulation, and character of emission. 

(JP 5-0) 

operational contract support — The process of planning for and obtaining supplies, 

services, and construction from commercial sources in support of joint operations. Also 

called OCS. (JP 4-10)

operational contract support integration cell — A cell established to coordinate, and 

integrate operational contract support actions across all primary and special staffs for an 

operational area. Also called OCSIC. (JP 4-10)

operational control — The authority to perform those functions of command over 

subordinate forces involving organizing and employing commands and forces, 

assigning tasks, designating objectives, and giving authoritative direction necessary to 

accomplish the mission. Also called OPCON. See also combatant command; 

combatant command (command authority); tactical control. (JP 1) 

operational control authority — The naval commander responsible within a specified 

geographical area for the naval control of all merchant shipping under Allied naval 

control. Also called OCA. (JP 3-15) 

operational decontamination — Decontamination carried out by an individual and/or a 

unit, restricted to specific parts of operationally essential equipment, materiel, and/or 

working areas, to minimize contact and transfer hazards and to sustain operations. See 

also decontamination; immediate decontamination; thorough decontamination. 

(JP 3-11) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 175 

operational design — The conception and construction of the framework that underpins a 

campaign or operation plan or order. See also campaign; major operation. (JP 5-0) 

operational energy — The energy required for training, moving, and sustaining military 

forces and weapons platforms for military operations. (JP 4-0)

operational environment — A composite of the conditions, circumstances, and influences 

that affect the employment of capabilities and bear on the decisions of the commander. 

Also called OE. (JP 3-0) 

operational exposure guidance — The maximum amount of nuclear/external ionizing 

radiation that the commander considers a unit may be permitted to receive while 

performing a particular mission or missions. Also called OEG. See also radiation 

exposure status. (JP 3-11)

operational intelligence — Intelligence that is required for planning and conducting 

campaigns and major operations to accomplish strategic objectives within theaters or 

operational areas. See also intelligence; strategic intelligence; tactical intelligence. 

(JP 2-0) 

operational level of warfare — The level of warfare at which campaigns and major 

operations are planned, conducted, and sustained to achieve strategic objectives within 

theaters or other operational areas. See also strategic level of warfare; tactical level 

of warfare. (JP 3-0) 

operational necessity — A mission associated with war or peacetime operations in which 

the consequences of an action justify the risk of loss of aircraft and crew. See also

mission. (JP 3-04) 

operational pause — A temporary halt in operations. (JP 5-0) 

operational preparation of the environment — The conduct of activities in likely or 

potential areas of operations to prepare and shape the operational environment. Also 

called OPE. (JP 3-05) 

operational reach — The distance and duration across which a force can successfully

employ military capabilities. (JP 3-0) 

operational readiness — The capability of a unit/formation, ship, weapon system, or 

equipment to perform the missions or functions for which it is organized or designed. 

Also called OR. (JP 1-0) 

operational support airlift — Airlift movements of high-priority passengers and cargo with 

time, place, or mission-sensitive requirements. Also called OSA. (JP 3-17) 
Terms and Definitions 

176 

operation and maintenance — Maintenance and repair of real property, operation of 

utilities, and provision of other services such as refuse collection and disposal, 

entomology, snow removal, and ice alleviation. Also called O&M. (JP 3-34) 

operation assessment — 1. A continuous process that measures the overall effectiveness of 

employing capabilities during military operations in achieving stated objectives. 2. 

Determination of the progress toward accomplishing a task, creating a condition, or 

achieving an objective. (JP 5-0) 

operation order — A directive issued by a commander to subordinate commanders for the 

purpose of effecting the coordinated execution of an operation. Also called OPORD. 

(JP 5-0) 

operation plan — A complete and detailed plan containing a full description of the concept 

of operations, all annexes applicable to the plan, and a time-phased force and 

deployment list. Also called OPLAN. See also operation order. (JP 5-0) 

operations center — The facility or location on an installation, base, or facility used by the 

commander to command, control, and coordinate all operational activities. Also called 

OC. See also base defense operations center. (JP 3-07.2) 

operations research — The analytical study of military problems undertaken to provide

responsible commanders and staff agencies with a scientific basis for decision on action 

to improve military operations. Also called operational research; operations 

analysis. (JP 3-31) 

operations security — A capability that identifies and controls critical information, 

indicators of friendly force actions attendant to military operations, and incorporates 

countermeasures to reduce the risk of an adversary exploiting vulnerabilities. Also 

called OPSEC. See also operations security indicators; operations security 

measures; operations security planning guidance; operations security 

vulnerability. (JP 3-13.3) 

operations security assessment — An evaluative process to determine the likelihood that 

critical information can be protected from the adversary’s intelligence. (JP 3-13.3)

operations security countermeasures — Methods and means to gain and maintain essential 

secrecy about critical information. (JP 3-13.3)

operations security indicators — Friendly detectable actions and open-source information 

that can be interpreted or pieced together by an adversary to derive critical information. 

(JP 3-13.3) 

operations security planning guidance — Guidance that defines the critical information 

requiring protection from the adversary and outlines provisional measures to ensure 

secrecy. (JP 3-13.3) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 177 

operations security survey — A collection effort by a team of subject matter experts to 

reproduce the intelligence image projected by a specific operation or function simulating 

hostile intelligence processes. (JP 3-13.3)

operations security vulnerability — A condition in which friendly actions provide 

operations security indicators that may be obtained and accurately evaluated by an 

adversary in time to provide a basis for effective adversary decision making. (JP 3-13.3) 

operations support element — An element that conducts all administrative, operations 

support, and services support functions within the counterintelligence and human 

intelligence staff element of an intelligence directorate. Also called OSE. (JP 2-01.2) 

ordered departure — 1. A procedure by which the number of United States Government

personnel, their dependents, or both are reduced at a foreign service post. 2. Mandatory 

departure of some or all categories of personnel and dependents to designated safe 

havens as directed by the Department of State, with the implementation of the theater 

evacuation plan. (JP 3-68) 

order of battle — The identification, strength, command structure, and disposition of the 

personnel, units, and equipment of any military force. Also called OB; OOB. 

(JP 2-01.3) 

ordnance — Explosives, chemicals, pyrotechnics, and similar stores, e.g., bombs, guns and 

ammunition, flares, smoke, or napalm. (JP 3-15) 

ordnance handling — Applies to those individuals who engage in the breakout, lifting, or 

repositioning of ordnance or explosive devices in order to facilitate storage or stowage, 

assembly or disassembly, loading or downloading, or transporting. (JP 3-04)

organic — Assigned to and forming an essential part of a military organization as listed in 

its table of organization for the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, and are assigned to 

the operating forces for the Navy. (JP 1) 

organization for combat — In amphibious operations, task organization of landing force 

units for combat, involving combinations of command, ground and aviation combat, 

combat support, and combat service support units for accomplishment of missions 

ashore. See also amphibious operation; task organization. (JP 3-02) 

organization for embarkation — In amphibious operations, an organization consisting of 

temporary landing force task organizations established by the commander, landing force 

and a temporary organization of Navy forces established by the commander, 

amphibious task force for the purpose of simplifying planning and facilitating the 

execution of embarkation. See also amphibious operation; embarkation; landing 

force; task organization. (JP 3-02) 
Terms and Definitions 

178 

organization for landing — In amphibious operations, the specific tactical grouping of the

landing force for the assault. (JP 3-02) 

Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force — The network of regional task 

forces that coordinates federal law enforcement efforts to combat the national and 

international organizations that cultivate, process, and distribute illicit drugs. Also 

called OCDETF. (JP 3-07.4) 

originating medical treatment facility — A medical facility that initially transfers a patient 

to another medical facility. (JP 4-02) 

originator — The command by whose authority a message is sent, which includes the 

responsibility for the functions of the drafter and the releasing officer. (JP 2-01)

oscillating mine — A hydrostatically controlled mine that maintains a pre-set depth below 

the surface of the water independent of the rise and fall of the tide. See also mine. 

(JP 3-15) 

outer transport area — In amphibious operations, an area inside the antisubmarine screen 

to which assault transports proceed initially after arrival in the objective area. See also

inner transport area; transport area. (JP 3-02) 

outsized cargo — A single item that exceeds 1,000 inches long by 117 inches wide by 105 

inches high in any one dimension. See also oversized cargo. (JP 4-01.6) 

overhead persistent infrared — 1. Those systems originally developed to detect and track 

foreign intercontinental ballistic missile systems. (JP 3-14) 2. Within geospatial 

intelligence, a capability that provides on-demand, persistent, global, and/or localized 

coverage of high- to low-intensity infrared events to detect energy radiation from 

various tactical to strategic objects. Also called OPIR. (JP 2-03)

overpressure — The pressure resulting from the blast wave of an explosion referred to as 

“positive” when it exceeds atmospheric pressure and “negative” during the passage of 

the wave when resulting pressures are less than atmospheric pressure. (JP 3-11) 

Overseas Environmental Baseline Guidance Document — A set of objective criteria and 

management practices developed by the Department of Defense to protect human health 

and the environment. Also called OEBGD. (JP 3-34) 

oversized cargo — 1. Large items of specific equipment such as a barge, side loadable 

warping tug, causeway section, powered, or causeway section, nonpowered that require 

transport by sea. 2. Air cargo exceeding the usable dimension of a 463L pallet loaded 

to the design height of 96 inches, but equal to or less than 1,000 inches in length, 117 

inches in width, and 105 inches in height. See also outsized cargo. (JP 3-17) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 179 

over-the-horizon amphibious operation — An operational initiative launched from 

beyond visual and radar range of the shoreline. (JP 3-02) 

overt — Activities that are openly acknowledged by, or are readily attributable to, the United 

States Government, including those designated to acquire information through legal and 

open means without concealment through the use of observation, elicitation, or from 

knowledgeable human sources. (JP 2-01.2) 

overt operation — An operation conducted openly, without concealment. See also

clandestine operation; covert operation. (JP 2-01.2) 

 
Terms and Definitions 

180 

Intentionally Blank 
181 

P 

packup kit — Service-provided maintenance gear sufficient for a short-term deployment, 

including spare parts and consumables most commonly needed by the deployed 

helicopter detachment. Supplies are sufficient for a short-term deployment but do not 

include all material needed for every maintenance task. Also called PUK. (JP 3-04) 

parallel chains of command — In amphibious operations, a parallel system of command, 

responding to the interrelationship of participating forces, wherein corresponding 

commanders are established at each subordinate level of all components to facilitate 

coordinated planning for, and execution of, the amphibious operation. (JP 3-02) 

paramilitary forces — Armed forces or groups distinct from the conventional armed forces 

of any country, but resembling them in organization, equipment, training, or mission. 

(JP 3-24) 

partial mobilization — Expansion of the active Armed Forces of the United States resulting 

from action by Congress (up to full mobilization) or by the President (not more than 

1,000,000 for not more than 24 consecutive months) to mobilize Ready Reserve 

component units, individual reservists, and the resources needed for their support to 

meet the requirements of a war or other national emergency involving an external threat 

to the national security. (JP 4-05) 

partner nation — 1. A nation that the United States works with in a specific situation or 

operation. (JP 1) 2. In security cooperation, a nation with which the Department of 

Defense conducts security cooperation activities. Also called PN. (JP 3-20) 

passage of lines — An operation in which a force moves forward or rearward through

another force’s combat positions with the intention of moving into or out of contact with 

the enemy. (JP 3-18) 

passive defense — Measures taken to reduce the probability of and to minimize the effects 

of damage caused by hostile action without the intention of taking the initiative. See 

also active defense. (JP 3-60) 

patient movement — The act or process of moving a sick, injured, wounded, or other person 

to obtain medical and/or dental care or treatment, which include medical regulating, 

patient evacuation, and en route medical care. Also called PM. See also patient 

movement items; patient movement requirements center. (JP 4-02) 

patient movement items — The medical equipment and supplies required to support 

patients during aeromedical evacuation, which is part of a standardized list of approved 

safe-to-fly equipment. Also called PMIs. (JP 4-02) 
Terms and Definitions 

182 

patient movement policy — Command decision establishing the maximum number of days 

that patients may be held within the command for treatment. See also evacuation. 

(JP 4-02) 

patient movement requirements center — 1. A joint activity that coordinates patient 

movement by functionally merging of joint medical regulating processes, Services’ 

medical regulating processes, and patient movement evacuation requirements planning 

(transport to bed plan). 2. Term used to represent any theater, joint, or the Global Patient 

Movement Requirements Center function. Also called PMRC. (JP 4-02) 

peace building — Stability actions that strengthen and rebuild a society’s institutions, 

infrastructure, and civic life to avoid a relapse into conflict. Also called PB. See also 

peace enforcement; peacekeeping; peacemaking; peace operations. (JP 3-07.3) 

peace enforcement — Application of military force, or the threat of its use, normally 

pursuant to international authorization, to compel compliance with resolutions or 

sanctions designed to maintain or restore peace and order. See also peace building; 

peacekeeping; peacemaking; peace operations. (JP 3-07.3) 

peacekeeping — Military operations undertaken, with the consent of all major parties to a 

dispute, designed to monitor and facilitate implementation of an agreement (cease fire, 

truce, or other such agreement) and support diplomatic efforts to reach a long-term 

political settlement. See also peace building; peace enforcement; peacemaking; 

peace operations. (JP 3-07.3) 

peacemaking — The process of diplomacy, mediation, negotiation, or other forms of 

peaceful settlements that arranges an end to a dispute and resolves issues that led to it. 

Also called PM. See also peace building; peace enforcement; peacekeeping; peace 

operations. 

(JP 3-07.3) 

peace operations — Multiagency and multinational crisis response and limited contingency 

operations involving all instruments of national power with military missions to contain 

conflict, redress the peace, and shape the environment to support reconciliation and 

rebuilding and facilitate the transition to legitimate governance. Also called PO. See 

also peace building; peace enforcement; peacekeeping; and peacemaking. (JP 3-

07.3) 

performance work statement — A statement of work for performance based acquisitions 

that describe the results in clear, specific, and objective terms with measurable 

outcomes. Also called PWS. (JP 4-10)

permissive environment — Operational environment in which host nation military and law 

enforcement agencies have control, as well as the intent and capability to assist 

operations that a unit intends to conduct. (JP 3-0) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 183 

persistent agent — A chemical agent that, when released, remains able to cause casualties 

for more than 24 hours to several days or weeks. (JP 3-11) 

persistent mine — A land mine, other than nuclear or chemical, that is not designed to selfdestruct; is designed to be emplaced by hand or mechanical means; and can be buried 

or surface emplaced. (JP 3-15) 

personal effects — All privately owned moveable, personal property of an individual. Also 

called PE. See also mortuary affairs; personal property. (JP 4-06) 

personal locator beacon — An emergency device carried by individuals, to assist locating 

during personnel recovery. Also called PLB. See also emergency locator beacon. 

(JP 3-50) 

personal property — Property of any kind or any interest therein, except real property, 

records of the United States Government, and naval vessels of the following categories: 

surface combatants, support ships, and submarines. (JP 4-06) 

personal protective equipment — Mission-specific protective clothing and equipment 

provided to shield or isolate selected personnel from a particular chemical, biological, 

radiological, and some nuclear hazards. Also called PPE. See also individual 

protective equipment. (JP 3-11)

personal staff — Aides and staff officers handling special matters over which the 

commander wishes to exercise close personal control. (JP 3-33)

person authorized to direct disposition of human remains — A person, usually primary 

next of kin, who is authorized to direct disposition of human remains. Also called 

PADD. See also mortuary affairs. (JP 4-06) 

person eligible to receive effects — The person authorized by law to receive the personal 

effects of a deceased military member. Receipt of personal effects does not constitute 

ownership. Also called PERE. See also mortuary affairs; personal effects. 

(JP 4-06) 

personnel — Individuals required in either a military or civilian capacity to accomplish the 

assigned mission. (JP 1-0) 

personnel accountability — The process of identifying, capturing, and recording the 

personal identification information of an individual usually through the use of a 

database. (JP 1-0)

personnel effects inventory officer — An officer appointed to establish clear chain of 

custody for all personal effects of an individual from the time they establish control of 

the effects until they release the effect to mortuary affairs personnel. Also called PEIO. 

(JP 4-06) 
Terms and Definitions 

184 

personnel recovery — The sum of military, diplomatic, and civil efforts to prepare for and 

execute the recovery and reintegration of isolated personnel. Also called PR. See also 

combat search and rescue; evasion; personnel; recovery; search and rescue. 

(JP 3-50) 

personnel recovery coordination cell — The primary joint force component organization 

responsible for coordinating and controlling component personnel recovery missions. 

Also called PRCC. (JP 3-50) 

personnel recovery reference product — A reference document for personnel recovery 

containing specific information on a particular country or region of interest. Also called 

PRRP. (JP 3-50)

personnel services support — Service-provided sustainment activities that support a 

Service member during both exercises and operations. Also called PSS. (JP 1-0)

petroleum, oils, and lubricants — A broad term that includes all petroleum and associated 

products used by the Armed Forces. Also called POL. (JP 4-01.6) 

phase — In planning, a definitive stage of a campaign or operation during which a large 

portion of the forces and capabilities are involved in similar or mutually supporting 

activities for a common purpose. (JP 5-0) 

phase line — A line utilized for control and coordination of military operations, usually an 

easily identified feature in the operational area. Also called PL. (JP 3-09) 

phony minefield — An area free of live mines used to simulate a minefield, or section of a 

minefield, with the object of deceiving the enemy. See also minefield. (JP 3-15) 

physical characteristics — Those military characteristics of equipment that are primarily 

physical in nature. (JP 3-60) 

physical damage assessment — The estimate of the quantitative extent of physical damage 

to a target resulting from the application of military force. See also battle damage 

assessment. (JP 3-60) 

physical security —1. That part of security concerned with physical measures designed to 

safeguard personnel; to prevent unauthorized access to equipment, installations, 

material, and documents; and to safeguard them against espionage, sabotage, damage, 

and theft. (JP 3-0) 2. In communications security, the component that results from all 

physical measures necessary to safeguard classified equipment, material, and 

documents from access thereto or observation thereof by unauthorized persons. See also 

communications security; security. (JP 6-0) 

placement — An individual’s proximity to information of intelligence interest. (JP 2-01.2) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 185 

plan for landing — In amphibious operations, a collective term referring to all individually 

prepared naval and landing force documents which, taken together, present in detail all 

instructions for execution of the ship-to-shore movement. (JP 3-02) 

planned target — Target that is known to exist in the operational environment, upon which 

actions are planned using deliberate targeting, creating effects which support 

commander’s objectives. There are two subcategories of planned targets: scheduled and 

on-call. See also on-call target; operational area; scheduled target; target. 

(JP 3-60) 

planning and direction — In intelligence usage, the determination of intelligence 

requirements, development of appropriate intelligence architecture, preparation of a 

collection plan, and issuance of orders and requests to information collection agencies. 

See also intelligence process. (JP 2-01) 

planning factor — A multiplier used in planning to estimate the amount and type of effort 

involved in a contemplated operation. (JP 5-0) 

planning factors database — Databases created and maintained by the Services for the 

purpose of identifying all geospatial intelligence requirements for emerging and existing 

forces and systems. Also called PFDB. See also geospatial information and services. 

(JP 2-03) 

planning order — A planning directive that provides essential planning guidance and 

directs the development, adaptation, or refinement of a plan/order. Also called 

PLANORD. (JP 5-0) 

planning phase — In amphibious operations, the phase normally denoted by the period 

extending from the issuance of the initiating directive up to the embarkation phase. See 

also amphibious operation. (JP 3-02) 

planning team — A functional element within a headquarters established to solve problems 

related to a specific task or requirement, and which dissolves upon completion of the 

assigned task. (JP 3-33) 

point defense — The defense or protection of special vital elements and installations; e.g., 

command and control facilities or air bases. (JP 3-52) 

pointee-talkee — A language aid containing selected phrases in English opposite a 

translation in a foreign language used by pointing to appropriate phrases. See also

evasion aid. (JP 3-50) 

point of employment — In distribution operations, a physical location designated by the 

commander at the tactical level where force employment, emplacement, or commodity 

consumption occurs. (JP 4-09) 
Terms and Definitions 

186 

point of need — In distribution operations, a physical location within a desired operational 

area designated by the geographic combatant commander or subordinate commander as 

a receiving point for forces or materiel, for subsequent use or consumption. (JP 4-09) 

point of origin — In distribution operations, the beginning point of a deployment, 

redeployment, or movement where forces or materiel are located. (JP 4-09) 

polar orbit — A satellite orbit that passes over the North and South Poles on each orbit, has 

an angle of inclination relative to the equator of 90 degrees, and eventually passes over 

all points on the Earth. (JP 3-14) 

population at risk — The strength in personnel of a given force structure in terms of which 

casualty rates are stated. Also called PAR. (JP 4-02) 

port complex — One or more port areas in which activities are geographically linked either 

because these areas are dependent on a common inland transport system or because they 

constitute a common initial destination for convoys. (JP 4-01.5) 

port of debarkation — The geographic point at which cargo or personnel are discharged. 

Also called POD. See also port of embarkation. (JP 4-0) 

port of embarkation — The geographic point in a routing scheme from which cargo or 

personnel depart. Also called POE. See also port of debarkation. (JP 4-01.2) 

port operations group — A task-organized unit, located at the seaport of embarkation 

and/or debarkation that assists and provides support in the loading and/or unloading and 

staging of personnel, supplies, and equipment from shipping. Also called POG. See 

also landing force support party; task organization. (JP 3-35) 

port security — The safeguarding of vessels, harbors, ports, waterfront facilities, and cargo 

from internal threats such as destruction, loss, or injury from sabotage or other 

subversive acts; accidents; thefts; or other causes of similar nature. See also physical 

security; security. (JP 3-10) 

port support activity — A tailorable support organization composed of mobilization station 

assets that ensures the equipment of the deploying units is ready to load. Also called 

PSA. See also support. (JP 3-35) 

positive control — A method of airspace control that relies on positive identification, 

tracking, and direction of aircraft within an airspace, conducted with electronic means 

by an agency having the authority and responsibility therein. (JP 3-52) 

positive identification — An identification derived from observation and analysis of target 

characteristics including visual recognition, electronic support systems, non-
 Terms and Definitions 

 187 

cooperative target recognition techniques, identification friend or foe systems, or other 

physics-based identification techniques. Also called PID. (JP 3-01)

post-launch abort — Deliberate action taken post-separation to cause a precision munition 

to miss its target. Also called PLA. (JP 3-09.3)

precipitation static — Charged precipitation particles that strike antennas and gradually 

charge the antenna, which ultimately discharges across the insulator, causing a burst of 

static. Also called P-STATIC. (JP 3-13.1) 

precise time and time interval — A reference value of time and time interval (frequency). 

Also called PTTI. (JP 3-59)

precision-guided munition — A guided weapon intended to destroy a point target and 

minimize collateral damage. Also called PGM, smart weapon, smart munition. 

(JP 3-03) 

preferred forces — Specific units that are identified to provide assumptions essential for 

continued planning and assessing the feasibility of a plan. (JP 5-0) 

prelanding operations — Operations conducted by the amphibious force upon its arrival in 

the amphibious objective area or operational area and prior to H-hour and/or L-hour. 

(JP 3-02) 

preparation of the environment — An umbrella term for operations and activities 

conducted by selectively trained special operations forces to develop an environment 

for potential future special operations. Also called PE. (JP 3-05)

prepare to deploy order — An order issued directing an increase in a unit’s deployability 

posture and specifying a timeframe the unit must be ready by to begin deployment upon 

receipt of a deployment order. Also called PTDO. (JP 5-0) 

preplanned air support — Air support in accordance with a program, planned in advance 

of operations. (JP 3-09.3) 

pre-position — To place military units, equipment, or supplies at or near the point of planned 

use or at a designated location to reduce reaction time, and to ensure timely support of 

a specific force during initial phases of an operation. (JP 4-0) 

pre-positioned war reserve stock — The assets that are designated to satisfy the prepositioned war reserve materiel requirement. Also called PWRS. (JP 4-03)

presail — The time prior to a ship getting under way used to prepare for at-sea events. 

(JP 3-04)
Terms and Definitions 

188 

Presidential Reserve Call-up — Provision of a public law (Title 10, United States Code, 

Section 12304) that provides the President a means to activate, without a declaration of 

national emergency, not more than 200,000 members of the Selected Reserve and the 

Individual Ready Reserve (of whom not more than 30,000 may be members of the 

Individual Ready Reserve) for not more than 365 days to meet the requirements of any 

operational mission, other than for disaster relief or to suppress insurrection. Also called 

PRC. See also Individual Ready Reserve; mobilization; Selected Reserve. 

(JP 4-05) 

pressure mine — 1. In land mine warfare, a mine having a fuze that responds to the direct 

pressure of a target. 2. In naval mine warfare, a mine having a circuit that responds to 

the hydrodynamic pressure field of a target. See also mine. (JP 3-15) 

prevention of mutual interference — In submarine operations, procedures established to 

prevent submerged collisions between friendly submarines; between submarines and 

friendly, surface ship-towed bodies and arrays; and between submarines, unmanned 

systems, and any other hazards to submerged navigation. Also called PMI. (JP 3-32) 

preventive maintenance — Care and service of equipment and facilities in satisfactory 

operating condition by systematic inspection, detection, and correction of incipient 

failures either before they occur or before they develop into major defects. (JP 4-02) 

preventive medicine — The anticipation, communication, prediction, identification, 

prevention, education, risk assessment, and control of communicable diseases; illnesses; 

and exposure to endemic, occupational, and environmental threats. Also called 

PVNTMED. (JP 4-02) 

primary agency — The federal department or agency assigned primary responsibility for 

managing and coordinating a specific emergency support function in the National 

Response Framework. (JP 3-28) 

primary control officer — In amphibious operations, the officer embarked in a primary 

control ship assigned to control the movement of landing craft, amphibious vehicles, 

and landing ships to and from a colored beach. Also called PCO. (JP 3-02) 

primary control ship — In amphibious operations, a ship of the task force designated to 

provide support for the primary control officer and a combat information center control 

team for a colored beach. Also called PCS. (JP 3-02) 

primary flight control — The controlling agency on air-capable ships that is responsible 

for air traffic control of aircraft within 5 nautical miles of the ship. On most Coast

Guard cutters, primary flight control duties are performed by a combat information 

center, and the term “PRIFLY” is not used. Also called PRIFLY. (JP 3-04)

primary review authority — The organization, within the lead agent's chain of command, 

that is assigned by the lead agent to perform the actions and coordination necessary to 
 Terms and Definitions 

 189 

develop and maintain the assigned joint publication under the cognizance of the lead 

agent. Also called PRA. See also joint publication; lead agent. (CJCSM 5120.01) 

prime contract — A contract or contractual action entered into by the United States 

Government for the purpose of obtaining supplies, materials, equipment, or services of 

any kind. (JP 4-10)

prime vendor — A contracting process that provides commercial products to regionally 

grouped military and federal customers from commercial distributors using electronic 

commerce. Also called PV. See also distribution system. (JP 4-09) 

principal federal official — The federal official designated by the Secretary of Homeland 

Security to act as his/her representative locally to oversee, coordinate, and execute the 

Secretary’s incident management responsibilities under Homeland Security Presidential 

Directive 5. Also called PFO. (JP 3-41) 

principal officer — The officer in charge of a diplomatic mission, consular office, or other 

foreign service post, such as a United States liaison office. (JP 3-08) 

priority designator — A two-digit issue and priority code placed in military standard

requisitioning and issue procedure requisitions to provide a means of assigning relative 

rankings to competing demands placed on the Department of Defense supply system. 

Also called PD. (JP 4-01) 

priority intelligence requirement — An intelligence requirement that the commander and 

staff need to understand the threat and other aspects of the operational environment. Also 

called PIR. See also information requirements; intelligence; intelligence process; 

intelligence requirement. (JP 2-01) 

prisoner of war — A detained person (as defined in Articles 4 and 5 of the Geneva

Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War of August 12, 1949) who, 

while engaged in combat under orders of his or her government, is captured by the 

armed forces of the enemy. Also called POW. (JP 3-50) 

private sector — An umbrella term that may be applied to any or all of the nonpublic or 

commercial individuals and businesses, specified nonprofit organizations, most of 

academia and other scholastic institutions, and selected nongovernmental organizations. 

(JP 3-57)

privity of contract — The legal relationship that exists between two contracting parties. 

(JP 4-10)

probability of damage — The probability that damage will occur to a target expressed as a 

percentage or as a decimal. Also called PD. (JP 3-60) 
Terms and Definitions 

190 

procedural control — A method of airspace control which relies on a combination of 

previously agreed and promulgated orders and procedures. (JP 3-52) 

procedural identification — An identification based on observation and analysis of target 

behaviors including location and trajectory, as well as compliance with airspace control 

measures. (JP 3-01)

procedures — Standard, detailed steps that prescribe how to perform specific tasks. See 

also tactics; techniques. (CJCSM 5120.01) 

procedure word — A word or phrase limited to radio telephone procedure used to facilitate 

communication by conveying information in a condensed standard form. Also called

proword. (JP 3-09.3) 

processing — A system of operations designed to convert raw data into useful information. 

(JP 2-0) 

processing and exploitation — In intelligence usage, the conversion of collected 

information into forms suitable to the production of intelligence. See also intelligence 

process. (JP 2-01) 

process owner — The head of a Department of Defense component assigned a responsibility 

by the Secretary of Defense when process improvement involves more than one Service 

or Department of Defense component. (JP 4-0)

procurement lead time — The interval in time between the initiation of procurement action 

and receipt of the products or services purchased as the result of such actions. (JP 4-10)

procuring contracting officer — A contracting officer who initiates and signs the contract. 

Also called PCO. See also administrative contracting officer; contracting officer. 

(JP 4-10)

production base — The total national industrial production capacity available for the 

manufacture of items to meet materiel requirements. (JP 4-05) 

production requirement — An intelligence requirement that cannot be met by current 

analytical products resulting in tasking to produce a new product that can meet this 

intelligence requirement. Also called PR. (JP 2-0)

production requirements matrix — A compilation of prioritized combatant command allsource intelligence analysis and production requirements that support all phases of a 

plan. Also called PRMx. (JP 2-01) 

prolonged field care — The continued delivery of medical care prior to patient movement 

beyond the holding capability of that role of care. (JP 4-02) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 191 

prompt radiation — The radiation, essentially neutrons and gamma rays, resulting from a 

nuclear burst and emitted from the fireball within one minute after burst. See also 

residual radiation. (JP 3-11) 

proof — In mine warfare, to verify that a breached lane is free of live mines by passing a 

mine roller or other mine-resistant vehicle through as the lead vehicle. (JP 3-15) 

protected emblems — The red cross, red crescent, and other symbols that designate that 

persons, places, or equipment so marked have a protected status under the law of war. 

(JP 3-60) 

protected frequencies — Friendly, generally time-oriented, frequencies used for a particular 

operation, identified and protected to prevent them from being inadvertently jammed by 

friendly forces while active electronic warfare operations are directed against hostile 

forces. See also electronic warfare. (JP 3-13.1) 

protected persons/places —Persons (such as enemy prisoners of war) and places (such as 

hospitals) that enjoy special protections under the law of war and which may or may not 

be marked with protected emblems. (JP 1-04) 

protection — Preservation of the effectiveness and survivability of mission-related military 

and nonmilitary personnel, equipment, facilities, information, and infrastructure 

deployed or located within or outside the boundaries of a given operational area. See 

also mission-oriented protective posture. (JP 3-0) 

protection of shipping — The use of proportionate force, when necessary for the protection 

of United States flag vessels and aircraft, United States citizens (whether embarked in 

United States or foreign vessels), and their property against unlawful violence. 

(JP 3-0) 

protective clothing — Clothing especially designed, fabricated, or treated to protect

personnel against hazards. (JP 3-11) 

protective minefield — 1. In land mine warfare, a minefield employed to assist a unit in its 

local, close-in protection. 2. In naval mine warfare, a minefield emplaced in friendly 

territorial waters to protect ports, harbors, anchorages, coasts, and coastal routes. See 

also minefield. (JP 3-15) 

provincial reconstruction team — A civil-military team designated to improve stability in 

a given area by helping build the legitimacy and effectiveness of a host nation local or 

provincial government in providing security to its citizens and delivering essential 

government services. Also called PRT. (JP 3-57)

public — In public affairs, a segment of the population with common attributes to which a 

military force can tailor its communication. See also external audience; internal 

audience. (JP 3-61) 
Terms and Definitions 

192 

public affairs — Communication activities with external and internal audiences. Also called

PA. See also command information; public information. (JP 3-61) 

public affairs assessment — An analysis of the news media and public environments to 

evaluate the degree of understanding about strategic and operational objectives and 

military activities and to identify levels of public support. See also assessment; public 

affairs. (JP 3-61) 

public affairs guidance — Constraints and restraints established by proper authority 

regarding public communication activities. Also called PAG. See also public affairs. 

(JP 3-61) 

public information — Within public affairs, information of a military nature, the 

dissemination of which is consistent with security and approved for public release. 

(JP 3-61) 
193 

Q 

Q-route — A system of preplanned shipping lanes in mined or potentially mined waters 

used to minimize the area the mine countermeasures commander has to keep clear of 

mines in order to provide safe passage for friendly shipping. (JP 3-15) 

quadruple container — A 57.5 inches x 96 inches x 96 inches container box with a metal 

frame, pallet base, and International Organization for Standardization corner fittings; 

four of these boxes can be lashed together to form a 20-foot American National 

Standards Institute or International Organization for Standardization intermodal 

container. Also called QUADCON. (JP 4-09) 

 
Terms and Definitions 

194 

Intentionally Blank 
195 

R 

radiation dose — The total amount of ionizing radiation absorbed by material or tissues. 

(JP 3-11)

radiation dose rate — Measurement of radiation dose per unit of time. (JP 3-11) 

radiation exposure status — Criteria to assist the commander in measuring unit exposure 

to radiation based on total past cumulative dose, normally expressed in centigray. Also 

called RES. (JP 3-11) 

radio frequency countermeasures — Any device or technique employing radio frequency 

materials or technology that is intended to impair the effectiveness of enemy activity, 

particularly with respect to precision guided weapons and sensor systems. Also called 

RF CM. (JP 3-13.1) 

radiological dispersal device — An improvised assembly or process, other than a nuclear 

explosive device, designed to disseminate radioactive material to cause destruction, 

damage, or injury. Also called RDD. (JP 3-11) 

radiological exposure device — A radioactive source placed to cause injury or death. Also 

called RED. (JP 3-11) 

radiological hazard — Ionizing radiation that can cause damage, injury, or destruction from 

either external irradiation or due to radiation from radioactive materials within the body. 

(JP 3-11) 

raid — An operation to temporarily seize an area to secure information, confuse an enemy, 

capture personnel or equipment, or to destroy a capability culminating with a planned 

withdrawal. (JP 3-0) 

railhead — A point on a railway where loads are transferred between trains and other means 

of transport. (JP 4-09) 

Rangers — Rapidly deployable airborne light infantry organized and trained to conduct 

highly complex joint direct action operations in coordination with or in support of other 

special operations units of all Services. (JP 3-05) 

rapid global mobility — The timely movement, positioning, and sustainment of military 

forces and capabilities across the range of military operations. See also mobility. 

(JP 3-17) 

rationalization — Any action that increases the effectiveness of allied forces through more 

efficient or effective use of defense resources committed to the alliance. (JP 3-16) 
Terms and Definitions 

196 

reachback — The process of obtaining products, services, and applications, or forces, or 

equipment, or material from organizations that are not forward deployed. (JP 3-30) 

readiness — The ability of military forces to fight and meet the demands of assigned 

missions. See also national military strategy. (JP 1) 

Ready Reserve — The Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve liable for active duty 

as prescribed by law (Title 10, United States Code, Sections 10142, 12301, and 12302). 

See also active duty; Individual Ready Reserve; Selected Reserve. (JP 4-05) 

Realistic Military Training — Department of Defense training conducted off federal 

property utilizing private or non-federal public property and infrastructure. 

(DODI 1322.28) 

real property — Lands, buildings, structures, utilities systems, improvements, and 

appurtenances, thereto that includes equipment attached to and made part of buildings 

and structures, but not movable equipment. (JP 3-34) 

reattack recommendation — An assessment, derived from the results of battle damage 

assessment and munitions effectiveness assessment, providing the commander 

systematic advice on reattack of a target. Also called RR. See also assessment; battle 

damage assessment; munitions effectiveness assessment; target. (JP 3-60) 

receiving ship — The ship in a replenishment unit that receives the rig(s). (JP 4-03) 

reception — 1. All ground arrangements connected with the delivery and disposition of air 

or sea drops. 2. Arrangements to welcome and provide secure quarters or transportation 

for defectors, escapees, evaders, or incoming agents. 3. The process of receiving, offloading, marshalling, accounting for, and transporting of personnel, equipment, and 

materiel from the strategic and/or intratheater deployment phase to a sea, air, or surface 

transportation point of debarkation to the marshalling area. (JP 3-35) 

recognition — 1. The determination by any means of the individuality of persons, or of 

objects such as aircraft, ships, or tanks, or of phenomena such as communicationselectronics patterns. 2. In ground combat operations, the determination that an object is 

similar within a category of something already known. (JP 3-01) 

recognition signal — Any prearranged signal by which individuals or units may identify 

each other. (JP 3-50) 

reconnaissance — A mission undertaken to obtain, by visual observation or other detection 

methods, information about the activities and resources of an enemy or adversary, or to 

secure data concerning the meteorological, hydrographic, or geographic characteristics 

of a particular area. (JP 2-0) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 197 

reconstitution — Actions taken to rapidly restore functionality to an acceptable level for a 

particular mission, operation, or contingency after severe degradation. (JP 3-14) 

recovery — 1. In air (aviation) operations, that phase of a mission that involves the return of 

an aircraft to a land base or platform afloat. (JP 3-52) 2. The retrieval of a mine from 

the location where emplaced. (JP 3-15) 3. In personnel recovery, actions taken to 

physically gain custody of isolated personnel and return them to friendly control. 

(JP 3-50) 4. Actions taken to extricate damaged or disabled equipment for return to 

friendly control or repair at another location. See also evader; evasion. (JP 3-34) 

recovery and reconstitution — 1. Those actions taken by one nation prior to, during, and 

following an attack by an enemy nation to minimize the effects of the attack, rehabilitate 

the national economy, provide for the welfare of the populace, and maximize the combat 

potential of remaining forces and supporting activities. 2. Those actions taken by a 

military force during or after operational employment to restore its combat capability to 

full operational readiness. See also recovery. (JP 3-35) 

recovery mechanism — An indigenous or surrogate infrastructure that is specifically

developed, trained, and directed by United States forces to contact, authenticate, 

support, move, and exfiltrate designated isolated personnel from uncertain or hostile 

areas back to friendly control. Also called RM. (JP 3-50) 

recovery operations — Operations conducted to search for, locate, identify, recover, and 

return isolated personnel, human remains, sensitive equipment, or items critical to 

national security. (JP 3-50) 

recovery site — In personnel recovery, an area from which isolated personnel can be 

recovered. See also escapee; evader; evasion. (JP 3-50) 

recovery team — In personnel recovery, designated United States or United States-directed 

forces, that are specifically trained to operate in conjunction with indigenous or 

surrogate forces, and are tasked to contact, authenticate, support, move, and exfiltrate 

isolated personnel. Also called RT. (JP 3-50) 

recovery vehicle — In personnel recovery, the vehicle on which isolated personnel are 

boarded and transported from the recovery site. (JP 3-50) 

redeployment — The transfer or rotation of forces and materiel to support another 

commander’s operational requirements, or to return personnel, equipment, and materiel 

to the home and/or demobilization stations for reintegration and/or out-processing. See 

also deployment. (JP 3-35) 

red team — An organizational element comprised of trained and educated members that 

provide an independent capability to fully explore alternatives in plans and operations 

in the context of the operational environment and from the perspective of adversaries 

and others. (JP 2-0) 
Terms and Definitions 

198 

reduced operating status — Military Sealift Command ships withdrawn from full operating 

status because of decreased operational requirements. Also called ROS. See also 

Military Sealift Command. (JP 4-01.2) 

reduction — The creation of lanes through a minefield or obstacle to allow passage of the 

attacking ground force. (JP 3-15) 

refraction — The process by which the direction of a wave is changed when moving into 

shallow water at an angle to the bathymetric contours. (JP 4-01.6) 

refugee — A person who, owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of 

race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, 

is outside the country of his or her nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is 

unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of that country. See also 

dislocated civilian; displaced person; evacuee; stateless person. (JP 3-29) 

regimental landing team — A task organization for landing composed of an infantry 

regiment reinforced by those elements that are required for initiation of its combat 

function ashore. (JP 3-02) 

regional air defense commander — Commander, subordinate to the area air defense 

commander, who is responsible for air and missile defenses in the assigned region and 

exercises authorities as delegated by the area air defense commander. Also called 

RADC. (JP 3-01) 

regional response coordination center — A standing facility that is activated to coordinate 

regional response efforts until a joint field office is established and/or the principal 

federal official or coordinating officer can assume their National Response Framework 

coordination responsibilities. Also called RRCC. (JP 3-28) 

regional security officer — A security officer responsible to the chief of mission 

(ambassador), for security functions of all United States embassies and consulates in a 

given country or group of adjacent countries. Also called RSO. (JP 3-10) 

rehabilitative care — Therapy that provides evaluations and treatment programs using

exercises, massage, or electrical therapeutic treatment to restore, reinforce, or enhance 

motor performance and restores patients to functional health allowing for their return to 

duty or discharge from the Service. Also called restorative care. See also patient 

movement policy; theater. (JP 4-02) 

rehearsal phase — In amphibious operations, the period during which the prospective 

operation is practiced. See also amphibious operation. (JP 3-02) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 199 

reinforcing obstacles — Those obstacles specifically constructed, emplaced, or detonated 

through military effort and designed to strengthen existing terrain to disrupt, fix, turn, 

or block enemy movement. See also obstacle. (JP 3-15) 

reintegrate — In personnel recovery, the task of providing medical care and psychological 

decompression to allow the conduct of appropriate debriefings to ultimately return 

recovered personnel back to duty and their family. (JP 3-50) 

release altitude — Altitude of an aircraft above the ground at the time of ordnance release. 

(JP 3-09.3) 

relief in place — An operation in which, by direction of higher authority, all or part of a unit 

is replaced in an area by the incoming unit and the responsibilities of the replaced 

elements for the mission and the assigned zone of operations are transferred to the 

incoming unit. (JP 3-07.3) 

religious advisement — The practice of informing the commander on the impact of religion 

on operations, to include, but not limited to, worship, rituals, customs, and practices of 

United States military personnel, international forces, and the indigenous population, as 

well as the impact of military operations on the religious and humanitarian dynamics in 

the operational area. (JP 3-0) 

religious affairs — The combination of religious support and religious advisement. 

(JP 3-0) 

religious discrimination — The unlawful limits on religious expression; punishment for 

religious beliefs or lack of belief; or the compulsion to express opinions or beliefs 

contrary to religious beliefs of established religions. (JP 3-0) 

religious support — Chaplain-facilitated free exercise of religion through worship, religious 

and pastoral counseling services, ceremonial honors for the fallen, crisis intervention, 

and advice to the commander on ethical and moral issues and morale. Also called RS. 

(JP 3-0) 

religious support team — A team comprising at least one chaplain and one enlisted 

religious affairs person. Also called RST. (JP 3-0) 

remain-behind equipment — Unit equipment left by deploying forces at their bases when 

they deploy. (JP 4-05) 

render safe procedures — The portion of the explosive ordnance disposal procedures 

involving the application of special explosive ordnance disposal methods and tools to 

provide for the interruption of functions or separation of essential components of 

unexploded explosive ordnance to prevent an unacceptable detonation. (JP 3-42) 
Terms and Definitions 

200 

rendezvous area — In an amphibious operation, the area in which the landing craft and 

amphibious vehicles rendezvous to form waves after being loaded, and prior to 

movement to the line of departure. (JP 3-02) 

repairable item — An item that can be reconditioned or economically repaired for reuse 

when it becomes unserviceable. (JP 4-09) 

repair cycle — The stages through which a repairable item passes from the time of its 

removal or replacement until it is reinstalled or placed in stock in a serviceable 

condition. (JP 4-09) 

repatriation — 1. The procedure whereby American citizens and their families are officially 

processed back into the United States subsequent to an evacuation. See also evacuation. 

(JP 3-68) 2. The release and return of enemy prisoners of war to their own country in 

accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of 

War. (JP 1-0) 

replacement in kind — The provision of material and services for a logistic exchange of 

materials and services of equal value between the governments of eligible countries. 

Also called RIK. (JP 1-06) 

reportable incident — Any suspected or alleged violation of Department of Defense policy 

or of other related orders, policies, procedures or applicable law, for which there is 

credible information. (JP 3-63) 

request for assistance — A request based on mission requirements and expressed in terms

of desired outcome formally asking the Department of Defense to provide assistance 

within the United States or United States territories to a local, state, tribal, or other 

federal agency. Also called RFA. (JP 3-28) 

request for information — 1. Any specific time-sensitive ad hoc requirement for 

intelligence information or products to support an ongoing crisis or operation not 

necessarily related to standing requirements or scheduled intelligence production. 2. A 

term used by the National Security Agency/Central Security Service to state ad hoc 

signals intelligence requirements. Also called RFI. See also intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

requirements determination — All activities necessary to develop, consolidate, coordinate, 

validate, approve, and prioritize joint force contract support requirements. (JP 4-10)

requirements development — The process of defining actual contract support requirements 

and capturing these requirements in acquisition ready contract support requirements 

packages. (JP 4-10)

requiring activity — A military or other designated supported organization that identifies 

and receives contracted support during military operations. See also supported unit. 

(JP 4-10)
 Terms and Definitions 

 201 

rescue combat air patrol — An aircraft patrol provided over that portion of an objective 

area in which recovery operations are being conducted for the purpose of intercepting 

and destroying hostile aircraft. Also called RESCAP. See also combat air patrol. 

(JP 3-50) 

rescue coordination center — A unit, recognized by International Civil Aviation 

Organization, International Maritime Organization, or other cognizant international 

body, responsible for promoting efficient organization of search and rescue services and 

coordinating the conduct of search and rescue operations within a search and rescue 

region. Also called RCC. (JP 3-50)

reserve — 1. Portion of a body of troops that is kept to the rear or withheld from action at 

the beginning of an engagement to be available for a decisive movement. 2. Members 

of the uniformed Services who are not in active service but who are subject to call to 

active duty. 3. Portion of an appropriation or contract authorization held or set aside for 

future operations or contingencies and, in respect to which, administrative authorization 

to incur commitments or obligations has been withheld. (JP 4-05) 

Reserve Component — The Armed Forces of the United States Reserve Component 

consists of the Army National Guard of the United States, the Army Reserve, the Navy 

Reserve, the Marine Corps Reserve, the Air National Guard of the United States, the 

Air Force Reserve, and the Coast Guard Reserve. Also called RC. See also 

component; reserve. (JP 4-05) 

reserved obstacles — Those demolition obstacles that are deemed critical to the plan for 

which the authority to detonate is reserved by the designating commander. See also

obstacle. (JP 3-15) 

reset — A set of actions to restore equipment to a desired level of combat capability 

commensurate with a unit’s future mission. (JP 4-0)

resettled person — A refugee or an internally displaced person wishing to return somewhere 

other than his or her previous home or land within the country or area of original 

displacement. (JP 3-29) 

residual forces — Undeployed United States forces that have an immediate combat potential 

for continued military operations, and that have been deliberately withheld from 

utilization. (JP 4-09) 

residual radiation — Nuclear radiation caused by fallout, artificial dispersion of radioactive 

material, or irradiation that results from a nuclear explosion and persists longer than one 

minute after burst. See also contamination; prompt radiation. (JP 3-11) 
Terms and Definitions 

202 

resistance movement — An organized effort by some portion of the civil population of a 

country to resist the legally established government or an occupying power and to 

disrupt civil order and stability. (JP 3-05) 

resource management — A financial management function that provides advice and 

guidance to the commander to develop command resource requirements. Also called 

RM. See also financial management. (JP 1-06) 

resources — The forces, materiel, and other assets or capabilities apportioned or allocated 

to the commander of a unified or specified command. (JP 1) 

rest and recuperation — The withdrawal of individuals from combat or duty in a combat 

area for short periods of rest and recuperation. Also called R&R. (JP 1-0) 

restraint — In the context of planning, a requirement placed on the command by a higher 

command that prohibits an action, thus restricting freedom of action. See also 

constraint; limitation. (JP 5-0) 

restricted area — 1. An area (land, sea, or air) in which there are special restrictive measures 

employed to prevent or minimize interference between friendly forces. 2. An area under 

military jurisdiction in which special security measures are employed to prevent 

unauthorized entry. See also restricted areas (air). (JP 3-34) 

restricted areas (air) — Designated areas established by appropriate authority over which 

flight of aircraft is restricted. See also restricted area. (JP 3-52) 

restricted items list — A document listing those logistic goods and services for which

nations must coordinate any contracting activity with a commander’s centralized 

contracting organization. (JP 4-08) 

restricted operations zone — Airspace reserved for specific activities in which the 

operations of one or more airspace users is restricted. Also called ROZ. (JP 3-52) 

restricted reporting — Reporting option that allows sexual assault victims to confidentially 

disclose the assault to specified individuals (e.g., sexual assault response coordinator, 

sexual assault prevention and response victim advocate, or healthcare personnel) and 

receive medical treatment and counseling without triggering an official investigation. 

(JP 1-0)

restricted target — A valid target that has specific restrictions placed on the actions 

authorized against it due to operational considerations. See also target. (JP 3-60) 

restricted target list — A list of restricted targets nominated by elements of the joint force 

and approved by the joint force commander or directed by higher authorities. Also 

called RTL. See also restricted target; target. (JP 3-60) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 203 

restrictive fire area — An area in which specific restrictions are imposed and into which 

fires that exceed those restrictions will not be delivered without coordination with the 

establishing headquarters. Also called RFA. See also fires. (JP 3-09) 

restrictive fire line — A line established between converging friendly surface forces that 

prohibits fires or their effects across that line. Also called RFL. See also fires. 

(JP 3-09) 

resupply — The act of replenishing stocks in order to maintain required levels of supply. 

(JP 4-09) 

resuscitative care — Advanced emergency medical treatment required to prevent 

immediate loss of life or limb and to attain stabilization to ensure the patient could 

tolerate evacuation. (JP 4-02) 

retained personnel — Detainees who fall into one of the following categories: a. Designated 

enemy medical personnel and medical staff administrators who are exclusively engaged 

in either the search for, collection, transport, or treatment of the wounded or sick, or the 

prevention of disease; b. Staff of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and 

that of other volunteer aid societies, duly recognized and authorized by their 

governments to assist medical service personnel of their own armed forces, provided 

they are exclusively engaged in the search for, or the collection, transport or treatment 

of wounded or sick, or in the prevention of disease, and provided that the staff of such 

societies are subject to military laws and regulations; c. Chaplains attached to enemy 

armed forces. Also called RP. See also personnel. (JP 3-63) 

Retired Reserve — All reserve members who receive retirement pay on the basis of their 

active duty and/or reserve service; those members who are otherwise eligible for 

retirement pay but have not reached age 60 and who have not elected discharge and are 

not voluntary members of the Ready Reserve or Standby Reserve. See also active duty; 

Ready Reserve; Standby Reserve. (JP 4-05) 

retrograde — The process for the movement of non-unit equipment and materiel from a 

forward location to a reset (replenishment, repair, or recapitalization) program or to 

another directed area of operations to replenish unit stocks, or to satisfy stock 

requirements. (JP 4-09) 

returnee — A displaced person who has returned voluntarily to his or her former place of 

residence. (JP 3-29)

return to base — An order to proceed to the point indicated by the displayed information or 

by verbal communication. Also called RTB. (JP 3-01) 

revolving fund account — An account authorized by specific provisions of law to finance

a continuing cycle of business-type operations, and which are authorized to incur 

obligations and expenditures that generate receipts. (JP 1-06)
Terms and Definitions 

204 

riot control agent — Any chemical, not listed in a schedule of the Convention on the 

Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons 

and on their Destruction that can produce rapidly in humans sensory irritation or 

disabling physical effects that disappear within a short time following termination of 

exposure. Also called RCA. See also chemical warfare. (JP 3-11)

rising mine — In naval mine warfare, a mine having positive buoyancy, which is released 

from a sinker by a ship influence or by a timing device. (JP 3-15) 

risk assessment — The identification and assessment of hazards (first two steps of risk 

management process). Also called RA. (JP 3-07.2) 

risk management — The process to identify, assess, and control risks and make decisions 

that balance risk cost with mission benefits. Also called RM. (JP 3-0) 

riverine operations — Operations conducted by forces organized to cope with the unique 

characteristics of a riverine area and/or to achieve or maintain control of the riverine 

area. (JP 3-32) 

role specialist nation — A nation that has agreed to assume responsibility for providing a 

particular class of supply or service for all or part of the multinational force. Also called 

RSN. See also lead nation; multinational force. (JP 4-08) 

roles of medical care — The characterization of health support for the distribution of

medical resources and capabilities. a. Role 1. Provides medical treatment, initial trauma 

care, and forward resuscitation, not including surgical care. Also known as unit-level 

medical care. b. Role 2. Provides medical treatment, advanced trauma management, 

emergency surgery, and resuscitative care. c. Role 3. Provides emergency and specialty 

surgery, intensive care, medical specialty care, and extended holding capacity and 

capability augmented by robust ancillary support. d. Role 4. Provides the full range of 

preventive, acute, restorative, curative, rehabilitative, and convalescent care found in 

United States base hospitals and robust overseas facilities. (JP 4-02) 

roll-on/roll-off discharge facility — A platform made up of causeway sections that provide 

a means of embarking and disembarking vehicles from a roll-on and roll-off ship at sea 

to lighterage. Also called RRDF. See also facility; lighterage. (JP 4-01.6) 

rough terrain container handler — A piece of materials handling equipment used to pick 

up and move containers. Also called RTCH. (JP 4-01.6) 

rules of engagement — Directives issued by competent military authority that delineate the 

circumstances and limitations under which United States forces will initiate and/or 

continue combat engagement with other forces encountered. Also called ROE. See 

also law of war. (JP 1-04) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 205 

ruse — In military deception, an action designed to deceive the adversary, usually involving 

the deliberate exposure of false information to the adversary’s intelligence collection 

system. (JP 3-13.4) 

 
Terms and Definitions 

206 

Intentionally Blank 
207 

S 

safe haven — 1. Designated area(s) to which noncombatant evacuees of the United States 

Government’s responsibility and commercial vehicles and materiel may be evacuated 

during a domestic or other valid emergency. (JP 3-68) 2. A protected body of water or 

the well deck of an amphibious ship used by small craft operating offshore for refuge 

from storms or heavy seas. (JP 4-01.6) 

safe house — An innocent-appearing house or premises established by an organization for 

the purpose of conducting clandestine or covert activity in relative security. (JP 3-07.2) 

safing — As applied to weapons and ammunition, the changing from a state of readiness for 

initiation to a safe condition. Also called de-arming. (JP 3-09.3) 

salvage — 1. Property that has some value in excess of its basic material content but is in 

such condition that it has no reasonable prospect of use for any purpose as a unit and its 

repair or rehabilitation for use as a unit is clearly impractical. 2. The saving or rescuing 

of condemned, discarded, or abandoned property, and of materials contained therein for 

reuse, refabrication, or scrapping. (JP 4-0) 

sanction enforcement — Operations that employ coercive measures to control the 

movement of certain types of designated items into or out of a nation or specified area. 

(JP 3-0) 

scheduled target — Planned target upon which fires or other actions are scheduled for 

prosecution at a specified time. See also planned target; target. (JP 3-60) 

schedule of fire — Groups or series of fires that are fired in a definite sequence according 

to a definite program. (JP 3-09) 

scheme of fires — The detailed, logical sequence of targets and fire support events to find 

and engage targets to support the commander’s objectives. (JP 3-09)

scheme of maneuver — The central expression of the commander’s concept for operations 

that governs the development of supporting plans or annexes of how arrayed forces will 

accomplish the mission. (JP 5-0) 

scientific and technical intelligence — The product resulting from the collection, 

evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of foreign scientific and technical information 

that covers: a. foreign developments in basic and applied research and in applied 

engineering techniques; and b. scientific and technical characteristics, capabilities, and 

limitations of all foreign military systems, weapons, weapon systems, and materiel; the 

research and development related thereto; and the production methods employed for 

their manufacture. Also called S&TI. See also intelligence; technical intelligence. 

(JP 2-01) 
Terms and Definitions 

208 

screening — In intelligence, the evaluation of an individual or a group of individuals to 

determine their potential to answer collection requirements or to identify individuals 

who match a predetermined source profile coupled with the process of identifying and 

assessing the areas of knowledge, cooperation, and possible approach techniques for an 

individual who has information of intelligence value. (JP 2-01.2) 

sea areas — Areas in the amphibious objective area designated for the stationing of 

amphibious task force ships. See also amphibious objective area; fire support area; 

inner transport area; sea echelon area. (JP 3-02) 

sea barge — A type of barge-ship that can carry up to 38 loaded barges and also carry tugs, 

stacked causeway sections, various watercraft, or heavy-lift equipment to better support 

joint logistics over-the-shore operations. (JP 4-01.2)

seabasing — The deployment, assembly, command, projection, reconstitution, sustainment, 

and re-employment of joint power from the sea without reliance on land bases within 

the operational area. See also amphibious operation. (JP 3-02) 

sea control operations — The employment of forces to destroy enemy naval forces, 

suppress enemy sea commerce, protect vital sea lanes, and establish local military 

superiority in vital sea areas. See also land control operations. (JP 3-32) 

sea echelon — A portion of the amphibious warfare ships or other ships that withdraws from 

or remains out of the transport area during an amphibious landing and operates in 

designated areas to seaward in an on-call or unscheduled status. (JP 3-02) 

sea echelon area — In amphibious operations, an area to seaward of a transport area from 

which ships are phased into the transport area, and to which ships withdraw from the 

transport area. (JP 3-02) 

sea echelon plan — In amphibious operations, the distribution plan for amphibious shipping 

in the transport area to minimize losses due to enemy attack by weapons of mass 

destruction and to reduce the area to be swept of mines. See also amphibious 

operation. (JP 3-02) 

SEAL delivery vehicle team — United States Navy forces organized, trained, and equipped 

to conduct special operations with SEAL delivery vehicles, dry deck shelters, and other 

submersible platforms. (JP 3-05) 

sealift enhancement features — Special equipment and modifications that adapt merchanttype dry cargo ships and tankers to specific military missions. Also called SEFs. See 

also Military Sealift Command; Ready Reserve. (JP 4-01.2) 

SEAL team — United States Navy forces organized, trained, and equipped to conduct 

special operations with an emphasis on maritime, coastal, and riverine environments. 

(JP 3-05)
 Terms and Definitions 

 209 

seaport — A land facility designated for reception of personnel or materiel moved by sea, 

and that serves as an authorized port of entrance into or departure from the country in 

which located. See also port of debarkation; port of embarkation. (JP 4-01.2) 

search — A systematic reconnaissance of a defined area, so that all parts of the area have 

passed within visibility. (JP 3-50) 

search and rescue — The use of aircraft, surface craft, submarines, and specialized rescue 

teams and equipment to search for and rescue distressed persons on land or at sea in a 

permissive environment. Also called SAR. See also combat search and rescue; 

isolated personnel; joint personnel recovery center; personnel recovery 

coordination cell. (JP 3-50) 

search and rescue numerical encryption grid — A predesignated ten-letter word without 

repeated letters used exclusively by recovery forces or isolated personnel to encrypt 

numerical data such as position, time, and/or headings in a covert manner. (JP 3-50)

search and rescue point — A predesignated specific location, relative to which isolated 

personnel provide their position to recovery forces. Also called SARDOT. (JP 3-50)

search and rescue region — An area of defined dimensions, recognized by the International 

Civil Aviation Organization, International Maritime Organization, or other cognizant 

international body, and associated with a rescue coordination center within which search 

and rescue services are provided. (JP 3-50) 

sea state — A scale that categorizes the force of progressively higher seas by wave height. 

(JP 4-01.6) 

secondary loads — Unit equipment, supplies, and major end items that are transported in 

the beds of organic vehicles. (JP 3-02.1) 

SECRET Internet Protocol Router Network — The worldwide SECRET-level packet 

switch network that uses high-speed internet protocol routers and high-capacity Defense 

Information Systems Network circuitry. Also called SIPRNET. See also Defense 

Information Systems Network. (JP 6-0) 

section — A subdivision of an office, installation, territory, works, or organization; 

especially a major subdivision of a staff. (JP 3-33) 

sector air defense commander — Commander, subordinate to an area/regional air defense 

commander, who is responsible for air and missile defenses in the assigned sector, and 

exercises authorities delegated by the area/regional air defense commander. Also called 

SADC. (JP 3-01) 
Terms and Definitions 

210 

security — 1. Measures taken by a military unit, activity, or installation to protect itself 

against all acts designed to, or which may, impair its effectiveness. (JP 3-10) 2. A 

condition that results from the establishment and maintenance of protective measures 

that ensure a state of inviolability from hostile acts or influences. (JP 3-10) 3. With 

respect to classified matter, the condition that prevents unauthorized persons from 

having access to official information that is safeguarded in the interests of national 

security. See also national security. (JP 2-0) 

security assistance — Group of programs authorized by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, 

as amended; the Arms Export Control Act of 1976, as amended; or other related statutes 

by which the United States provides defense articles, military training, and other 

defense-related services by grant, lease, loan, credit, or cash sales in furtherance of 

national policies and objectives, and those that are funded and authorized through the 

Department of State to be administered by Department of Defense/Defense Security 

Cooperation Agency are considered part of security cooperation. Also called SA. See 

also security cooperation. (JP 3-20) 

security clearance — An administrative determination by competent authority that an 

individual is eligible for access to classified information. (JP 1-0) 

security cooperation — All Department of Defense interactions with foreign security 

establishments to build security relationships that promote specific United States 

security interests, develop allied and partner nation military and security capabilities for 

self-defense and multinational operations, and provide United States forces with 

peacetime and contingency access to allied and partner nations. Also called SC. See 

also security assistance. (JP 3-20) 

security cooperation organization — A Department of Defense element that is part of the 

United States diplomatic mission located in a foreign country to carry out security 

assistance and cooperation management functions under the supervision and 

coordination authority of the senior defense official/defense attaché. Also called SCO. 

(JP 3-20)

security force assistance — The Department of Defense activities that support the 

development of the capacity and capability of foreign security forces and their 

supporting institutions. Also called SFA. (JP 3-20)

security forces — Duly constituted military, paramilitary, police, and constabulary forces 

of a state. (JP 3-22)

security review — The process of reviewing information and products prior to public release 

to ensure the material will not jeopardize ongoing or future operations. See also

security. (JP 3-61) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 211 

security sector reform — A comprehensive set of programs and activities undertaken by a

host nation to improve the way it provides safety, security, and justice. Also called SSR. 

(JP 3-07) 

security service — Entity or component of a foreign government charged with responsibility 

for counterespionage or internal security functions. (JP 2-01.2) 

segregation — In detainee operations, the removal of a detainee from other detainees and 

their environment for legitimate purposes unrelated to interrogation, such as when 

necessary for the movement, health, safety, and/or security of the detainee, the detention 

facility, or its personnel. (JP 3-63)

seize — To employ combat forces to occupy physically and to control a designated area. 

(JP 3-18) 

seizures — In counterdrug operations, includes drugs and conveyances seized by law 

enforcement authorities and drug-related assets confiscated based on evidence that they 

have been derived from or used in illegal narcotics activities. See also counterdrug 

operations; law enforcement agency. (JP 3-07.4) 

Selected Reserve — Those units and individuals within the Ready Reserve designated by 

their respective Services and approved by the Joint Chiefs of Staff as so essential to 

initial wartime missions that they have priority over all other reserves. See also Ready 

Reserve. (JP 4-05) 

selective identification feature — A capability that, when added to the basic identification 

friend or foe system, provides the means to transmit, receive, and display selected coded 

replies. (JP 3-52) 

selective loading — The arrangement and stowage of equipment and supplies aboard ship 

in a manner designed to facilitate issues to units. (JP 3-02.1) 

selective off-loading — The capability to access and off-load vehicles, supplies, and 

equipment without having to conduct a major reconfiguration or total off-load; 

influenced by the number and types of ships allocated, and the space made available for 

the embarkation of the landing force. (JP 3-02.1) 

selective unloading — In an amphibious operation, the controlled unloading from 

amphibious warfare ships, and movement ashore, of specific items of cargo at the 

request of the landing force commander. (JP 3-02) 

senior airfield authority — An individual designated by the joint force commander to be 

responsible for the control, operation, and maintenance of an airfield to include the 

runways, associated taxiways, parking ramps, land, and facilities whose proximity 

directly affects airfield operations. Also called SAA. (JP 3-17) 
Terms and Definitions 

212 

senior contracting official — The staff official designated by a Service head of contracting

activity to execute theater support contracting authority for a specific command and/or 

operational area. Also called SCO. (JP 4-10)

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 3-59) 

sensitive — An agency, installation, person, position, document, material, or activity 

requiring special protection from disclosure that could cause embarrassment, 

compromise, or threat to the security of the sponsoring power. (JP 2-01) 

sensitive compartmented information — All information and materials bearing special 

community controls indicating restricted handling within present and future community 

intelligence collection programs and their end products for which community systems 

of compartmentation have been or will be formally established. Also called SCI. 

(JP 2-01) 

sensitive compartmented information facility — An accredited area, room, group of 

rooms, or installation where sensitive compartmented information may be stored, used, 

discussed, and/or electronically processed, where procedural and physical measures 

prevent the free access of persons unless they have been formally indoctrinated for the 

particular sensitive compartmented information authorized for use or storage within the 

sensitive compartmented information facility. Also called SCIF. See also sensitive 

compartmented information. (JP 2-01) 

sensitive site — A geographically limited area that contains, but is not limited to, adversary 

information systems, war crimes sites, critical government facilities, and areas suspected 

of containing high value targets. (JP 3-31) 

sequel — The subsequent operation or phase based on the possible outcomes of the current 

operation or phase. See also branch. (JP 5-0) 

serial — 1. An element or a group of elements within a series that is given a numerical or 

alphabetical designation for convenience in planning, scheduling, and control. 2. A 

group of people, vehicles, equipment, or supplies and is used in airborne, air assault, 

amphibious operations, and convoys. (JP 3-02) 

serial assignment table — A table that is used in amphibious operations and shows the serial 

number, the title of the unit, the approximate number of personnel; the material, 

vehicles, or equipment in the serial; the number and type of landing craft and/or 

amphibious vehicles required to boat the serial; and the ship on which the serial is 

embarked. (JP 3-02) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 213 

Service — A branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, established by act of 

Congress, which are: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. 

(JP 1)

Service-common — Equipment, material, supplies, and services including base operating 

support adopted by a Service to support its own forces and those assigned to the 

combatant commands; items and services defined as Service-common by one Service 

are not necessarily Service-common for all other Services. See also special operationspeculiar. (JP 3-05) 

Service component command — A command consisting of the Service component 

commander and all those Service forces, such as individuals, units, detachments, 

organizations, and installations under that command, including the support forces that 

have been assigned to a combatant command or further assigned to a subordinate unified 

command or joint task force. See also component; functional component command. 

(JP 1) 

Service-organic transportation asset — Transportation asset that is assigned to a Military 

Department. 

(JP 4-01) 

Service-unique container — Any 20- or 40-foot International Organization for 

Standardization container procured or leased by a Service to meet Service-unique 

requirements. See also common-use container; component-owned container. 

(JP 4-09) 

sexual assault forensic examination kit — The medical and forensic examination kit used 

to ensure controlled procedures and safekeeping of any bodily specimens in a sexual 

assault case. Also called SAFE kit. (JP 1-0)

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program — A Department of Defense program 

for the Military Departments and Department of Defense components that establishes 

sexual assault prevention and response policies to be implemented worldwide. Also 

called SAPR program. (JP 1-0) 

sexual assault response coordinator — The single point of contact at an installation or 

within a geographic area who overseas sexual assault awareness, prevention, and 

response. Also called SARC. (JP 1-0)

shelter — An International Organization for Standardization container outfitted with live- or 

work-in capability. (JP 4-09) 

shielding — 1. Material of suitable thickness and physical characteristics used to protect 

personnel from radiation during the manufacture, handling, and transportation of 

fissionable and radioactive materials. 2. Obstructions that tend to protect personnel or 

materials from the effects of a nuclear explosion. (JP 3-11) 
Terms and Definitions 

214 

ship-to-shore movement — That portion of the action phase of an amphibious operation 

that includes the deployment of the landing force from ships to designated landing areas. 

(JP 3-02) 

shoot-look-shoot — A firing doctrine in which the result of the first intercept attempt is 

assessed prior to the launch of a subsequent interceptor. Also called SLS. (JP 3-01) 

shore fire control party — A specially trained unit for control of naval gunfire in support 

of troops ashore. Also called SFCP. (JP 3-09) 

shore party — A task organization of the landing force, formed for the purpose of 

facilitating the landing and movement off the beaches of troops, equipment, and 

supplies; for the evacuation from the beaches of casualties and enemy prisoners of war; 

and for facilitating the beaching, retraction, and salvaging of landing ships and craft. 

Also called beach group. See also beachmaster unit; beach party; naval beach 

group. (JP 3-02) 

shortfall — The lack of forces, equipment, personnel, materiel, or capability, reflected as 

the difference between the resources identified as a plan requirement and those 

quantities identified as apportioned for planning that would adversely affect the 

command’s ability to accomplish its mission. (JP 5-0) 

short-range air defense engagement zone — In air and missile defense, that airspace of 

defined dimensions within which the responsibility for engagement of air and missile 

threats normally rests with short-range air defense weapons, and may be established 

within a low- or high-altitude missile engagement zone. Also called SHORADEZ. 

 (JP 3-01) 

short-range ballistic missile — A ballistic missile with a range capability between 300-600 

nautical miles. Also called SRBM. (JP 3-01)

short takeoff and landing — The ability of an aircraft to clear a 50-foot (15 meters) obstacle 

within 1,500 feet (450 meters) of commencing takeoff or in landing, to stop within 1,500 

feet (450 meters) after passing over a 50-foot (15 meters) obstacle. Also called STOL. 

(JP 3-04) 

show of force — An operation planned to demonstrate United States resolve that involves 

increased visibility of United States deployed forces in an attempt to defuse a specific 

situation that, if allowed to continue, may be detrimental to United States interests or 

national objectives. (JP 3-0) 

signal operating instructions — A series of orders issued for technical control and 

coordination of the signal communication activities of a command. In Marine Corps 

usage, these instructions are designated communication operation instructions. Also 

called SOI. (JP 6-0) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 215 

signals intelligence — 1. A category of intelligence comprising either individually or in 

combination all communications intelligence, electronic intelligence, and foreign 

instrumentation signals intelligence, however transmitted. 2. Intelligence derived from 

communications, electronic, and foreign instrumentation signals. Also called SIGINT. 

See also communications intelligence; electronic intelligence; foreign 

instrumentation signals intelligence; intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

signals intelligence operational tasking authority — A military commander’s authority to 

operationally direct and levy signals intelligence requirements on designated signals 

intelligence resources; includes authority to deploy and redeploy all or part of the signals 

intelligence resources for which signals intelligence operational tasking authority has 

been delegated. Also called SOTA. (JP 2-01) 

significant wave height — The average height of the third of waves observed during a given 

period of time. See also surf zone. (JP 4-01.6) 

simultaneous engagement — The concurrent engagement of hostile targets by combination 

of interceptor aircraft and surface-to-air missiles. (JP 3-01)

single-anchor leg mooring — A mooring facility dedicated to the offshore petroleum 

discharge system, which permits a tanker to remain on station and pump in much higher 

sea states than is possible with a spread moor. Also called SALM. See also offshore 

petroleum discharge system. (JP 4-01.6) 

single manager— A Military Department or agency designated by the Secretary of Defense 

to manage specified commodities or common service activities on a Department of 

Defense-wide basis. (JP 4-01) 

single port manager — The transportation component, designated by the Department of 

Defense through the United States Transportation Command, responsible for 

management of all common-user aerial and seaports worldwide. Also called SPM. See 

also transportation component command. (JP 4-01.5) 

single-service manager — A Service component commander who is assigned the 

responsibility and delegated the authority to coordinate and/or perform specified 

personnel support or personnel service support functions in the theater of operations. 

See also component. (JP 1-0) 

site exploitation — A series of activities to recognize, collect, process, preserve, and analyze 

information, personnel, and/or materiel found during the conduct of operations. Also 

called SE. (JP 3-31) 

situation report — A report giving the situation in the area of a reporting unit or formation. 

Also called SITREP. (JP 3-50) 
Terms and Definitions 

216 

situation template — A depiction of assumed adversary dispositions, based on that 

adversary’s preferred method of operations and the impact of the operational 

environment if the adversary should adopt a particular course of action. See also 

adversary template; course of action. (JP 2-01.3) 

sociocultural analysis — The analysis of adversaries and other relevant actors that integrates 

concepts, knowledge, and understanding of societies, populations, and other groups of 

people, including their activities, relationships, and perspectives across time and space 

at varying scales. Also called SCA. (JP 2-0)

sociocultural factors — The social, cultural, and behavioral factors characterizing the

relationships and activities of the population of a specific region or operational 

environment. (JP 2-01.3)

solatium — Monetary compensation given in areas where it is culturally appropriate to 

alleviate grief, suffering, and anxiety resulting from injuries, death, and property loss 

with a monetary payment. (JP 1-06) 

sortie — In air operations, an operational flight by one aircraft. (JP 3-30) 

sortie allotment message — The means by which the joint force commander allots excess 

sorties to meet requirements of subordinate commanders that are expressed in their air 

employment and/or allocation plan. Also called SORTIEALOT. (JP 3-30) 

source — 1. A person, thing, or activity from which information is obtained. 2. In 

clandestine activities, a person (agent), normally a foreign national, in the employ of an 

intelligence activity for intelligence purposes. 3. In interrogation activities, any person 

who furnishes information, either with or without the knowledge that the information is 

being used for intelligence purposes. See also agent; collection agency. (JP 2-01) 

source management — The process to register and monitor the use of sources involved in 

counterintelligence and human intelligence operations to protect the security of the 

operations and avoid conflicts among operational elements. (JP 2-01.2) 

source registry — A source record or catalogue of leads and sources acquired by collectors 

and centralized for management, coordination, and deconfliction of source operations. 

(JP 2-01.2) 

space asset — Equipment that is an individual part of a space system, which is or can be 

placed in space or directly supports space activity terrestrially. (JP 3-14) 

space assignment — An assignment to the individual Military Departments/Services by the 

appropriate transportation operating agency of movement capability, which completely 

or partially satisfies the stated requirements of the Military Departments/Services for 

the operating month and that has been accepted by them without the necessity for 

referral to the Joint Transportation Board for allocation. (JP 4-01) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 217 

space capability — 1. The ability of a space asset to accomplish a mission. 2. The ability 

of a terrestrial-based asset to accomplish a mission in or through space. See also space 

asset. (JP 3-14) 

space control — Operations to ensure freedom of action in space for the United States and 

its allies and deny an adversary freedom of action in space. See also combat service 

support; combat support; negation. (JP 3-14) 

space coordinating authority — The responsibility to plan, integrate, and coordinate space 

operations. Also called SCA. (JP 3-14)

space domain — The area above the altitude where atmospheric effects on airborne objects 

become negligible. (JP 3-14) 

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. (JP 3-59)

space forces —The space and terrestrial systems, equipment, facilities, organizations, and 

personnel, or combination thereof, necessary to conduct space operations. See also 

national security. (JP 3-14) 

space joint operating area — The operational area, bounded by the space domain, assigned 

to Commander, United States Strategic Command, in which space operations are 

conducted. Also called SJOA. (JP 3-14) 

space situational awareness — The requisite foundational, current, and predictive 

knowledge and characterization of space objects and the operational environment upon 

which space operations depend. Also called SSA. (JP 3-14)

space superiority — The degree of control in space of one force over any others that permits 

the conduct of its operations at a given time and place without prohibitive interference 

from terrestrial or space-based threats. (JP 3-14) 

space weather — The conditions and phenomena in space and specifically in the near-Earth 

environment that may affect space assets or space operations. See also space asset. 

(JP 3-59) 

special access program — A sensitive acquisition, intelligence, or operations and support 

program, that imposes need-to-know and access controls beyond those normally 

provided for access to confidential, secret, or top secret information. Also called SAP. 

(JP 3-05) 
Terms and Definitions 

218 

special cargo — Cargo that requires special handling or protection, such as pyrotechnics, 

detonators, watches, and precision instruments. (JP 4-01.5) 

special forces — United States Army forces organized, trained, and equipped to conduct 

special operations with an emphasis on unconventional warfare capabilities. Also called

SF. (JP 3-05) 

special forces group — The largest Army combat element for special operations consisting 

of command and control, special forces battalions, and a support battalion capable of 

long duration missions. Also called SFG. (JP 3-05) 

specialization — An arrangement within an alliance wherein a member or group of members 

most suited by virtue of technical skills, location, or other qualifications assume(s) 

greater responsibility for a specific task or significant portion thereof for one or more 

other members. (JP 3-16) 

special mission unit — A generic term to represent an organization composed of operations 

and support personnel that is task-organized to perform highly classified activities. Also 

called SMU. (JP 3-05) 

special operations — Operations requiring unique modes of employment, tactical 

techniques, equipment and training often conducted in hostile, denied, or politically 

sensitive environments and characterized by one or more of the following: time 

sensitive, clandestine, low visibility, conducted with and/or through indigenous forces, 

requiring regional expertise, and/or a high degree of risk. (JP 3-05) 

special operations command and control element — A special operations element that is 

the focal point for the synchronization of special operations forces activities with 

conventional forces activities. Also called SOCCE. See also command and control; 

joint force special operations component commander; special operations; special 

operations forces. (JP 3-05) 

special operations forces — Those Active and Reserve Component forces of the Services 

designated by the Secretary of Defense and specifically organized, trained, and equipped 

to conduct and support special operations. Also called SOF. See also Air Force special 

operations forces; Army special operations forces; Navy special operations forces. 

(JP 3-05) 

special operations joint task force — A modular, tailorable, and scalable special operations 

task force designed to provide integrated, fully-capable, and enabled joint special 

operations forces to geographic combatant commanders and joint force commanders. 

Also called SOJTF. (JP 3-05)

special operations liaison element — A special operations liaison team provided by the 

joint force special operations component commander to coordinate, deconflict, and 

synchronize special operations air, surface, and subsurface operations with conventional 
 Terms and Definitions 

 219 

air operations. Also called SOLE. See also joint force air component commander; 

joint force special operations component commander; special operations. (JP 3-

05) 

special operations-peculiar — Equipment, material, supplies, and services required for 

special operations missions for which there is no Service-common requirement. See 

also Service-common; special operations. (JP 3-05) 

special operations task force — A scalable unit, normally of battalion size, in charge of the 

special operations element, organized around the nucleus of special operations forces 

and support elements. Also called SOTF. (JP 3-05)

special operations weather team — A task organized team of Air Force personnel 

organized, trained, and equipped to collect critical environmental information from data 

sparse areas. (JP 3-05) 

special operations wing — An Air Force special operations wing. Also called SOW. (JP 

3-05) 

special reconnaissance — Reconnaissance and surveillance actions conducted as a special 

operation in hostile, denied, or diplomatically and/or politically sensitive environments 

to collect or verify information of strategic or operational significance, employing 

military capabilities not normally found in conventional forces. Also called SR. 

(JP 3-05) 

special tactics team — An Air Force task-organized element of special tactics that may 

include combat control, pararescue, tactical air control party, and special operations 

weather personnel. Also called STT. See also combat search and rescue; special 

operations; special operations forces; terminal attack control. (JP 3-05) 

specified combatant command — A command, normally composed of forces from a single 

Military Department, that has a broad, continuing mission, normally functional, and is 

established and so designated by the President through the Secretary of Defense with 

the advice and assistance of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (JP 1) 

specified task — In the context of planning, a task that is specifically assigned to an 

organization by its higher headquarters. See also essential task; implied task. (JP 5-0) 

split-mission oriented protective posture — The concept of maintaining heightened 

protective posture only in those areas (or zones) that are contaminated, allowing 

personnel in uncontaminated areas to continue to operate in a reduced posture. Also 

called split-MOPP. (JP 3-11)

spoke — The portion of the hub and spoke distribution system that refers to transportation 

mode operators responsible for scheduled delivery to a customer of the “hub”. See also 

distribution; distribution system; hub; hub and spoke distribution. (JP 4-09)
Terms and Definitions 

220 

spot — 1. To determine by observation, deviations of ordnance from the target for the 

purpose of supplying necessary information for the adjustment of fire. 2. To place in a 

proper location. 3. An approved shipboard helicopter landing site. See also ordnance. 

(JP 3-04) 

spot net — Radio communication net used by a spotter in calling fire. (JP 3-09.3) 

spot report — A concise narrative report of essential information covering events or 

conditions that may have an immediate and significant effect on current planning and 

operations that is afforded the most expeditious means of transmission consistent with 

requisite security. Also called SPOTREP. (Note: In reconnaissance and surveillance 

usage, spot report is not to be used.) (JP 3-09.3)

spotter — An observer stationed for the purpose of observing and reporting results of naval 

gunfire to the firing agency and who also may be employed in designating targets. 

(JP 3-09) 

spotting — Parking aircraft in an approved shipboard landing site. (JP 3-04)

spreader bar — A device specially designed to permit the lifting and handling of containers 

or vehicles and breakbulk cargo. (JP 4-01.6) 

squadron — 1. An organization consisting of two or more divisions of ships or two or more 

divisions (Navy) or flights of aircraft. 2. The basic administrative aviation unit of the 

Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. 3. Battalion-sized ground or aviation units. 

(JP 3-32) 

stability activities — Various military missions, tasks, and activities conducted outside the 

United States in coordination with other instruments of national power to maintain or 

reestablish a safe and secure environment and provide essential governmental services, 

emergency infrastructure reconstruction, and humanitarian relief. (JP 3-0) 

stabilized patient — A patient whose airway is secured, hemorrhage is controlled, shock 

treated, and fractures are immobilized. (JP 4-02) 

stable patient — A patient for whom no inflight medical intervention is expected but the 

potential for medical intervention exists. (JP 4-02) 

staff estimate — A continual evaluation of how factors in a staff section’s functional area 

support and impact the planning and execution of the mission. (JP 5-0) 

staff judge advocate — A judge advocate so designated in the Army, Air Force, or Marine 

Corps, and the principal legal advisor of a Navy, Coast Guard, or joint force command 

who is a judge advocate. Also called SJA. (JP 1-04) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 221 

staging — Assembling, holding, and organizing arriving personnel, equipment, and 

sustaining materiel in preparation for onward movement. See also staging area. 

(JP 3-35) 

staging area — 1. Airborne – A general locality between the mounting area and the objective 

of an airborne expedition, through which the expedition or parts thereof pass after 

mounting, for refueling, regrouping, and/or exercise, inspection, and redistribution of 

troops. 2. Other movements – A general locality established for the concentration of 

troop units and transient personnel between movements over the lines of 

communications. Also called SA. See also airborne; marshalling; staging. (JP 3-35) 

staging base — 1. An advanced naval base for the anchoring, fueling, and refitting of 

transports and cargo ships as well as replenishment of mobile service squadrons. 

(JP 4-01.2) 2. A landing and takeoff area with minimum servicing, supply, and shelter 

provided for the temporary occupancy of military aircraft during the course of 

movement from one location to another. (JP 3-18) 

stakeholder — In public affairs, an individual or group that is directly impacted by military 

operations, actions, and/or outcomes, and whose interests positively or negatively 

motivate them toward action. (JP 3-61) 

standardization — The process by which the Department of Defense achieves the closest 

practicable cooperation among the Services and Department of Defense agencies for the 

most efficient use of research, development, and production resources, and agrees to 

adopt on the broadest possible basis the use of: a. common or compatible operational, 

administrative, and logistic procedures; b. common or compatible technical procedures 

and criteria; c. common, compatible, or interchangeable supplies, components, 

weapons, or equipment; and d. common or compatible tactical doctrine with 

corresponding organizational compatibility. (JP 4-02) 

standard operating procedure — A set of instructions applicable to those features of 

operations that lend themselves to a definite or standardized procedure without loss of 

effectiveness. Also called SOP; standing operating procedure. (JP 3-31) 

standard use Army aircraft flight route — Route established below the coordination level 

to facilitate the movement of Army aviation assets; it is normally located in the corps 

through brigade rear areas of operation and does not require approval by the airspace 

control authority. Also called SAAFR. (JP 3-52) 

Standby Reserve — Those units and members of the Reserve Component (other than those 

in the Ready Reserve or Retired Reserve) who are liable for active duty only, as provided 

in Title 10, United States Code, Sections 10151, 12301, and 12306. See also active 

duty; Ready Reserve; Reserve Component; Retired Reserve. (JP 4-05) 

standing rules for the use of force — Preapproved directives to guide United States forces 

on the use of force during various operations. Also called SRUF. (JP 3-28) 
Terms and Definitions 

222 

stateless person — A person who is not considered as a national by any state under the 

operation of its law. See also dislocated civilian; displaced person; evacuee; refugee. 

(JP 3-29) 

station time — In air transport operations, the time at which crews, passengers, and cargo 

are to be on board and ready for the flight. (JP 3-17) 

status-of-forces agreement — A bilateral or multilateral agreement that defines the legal 

position of a visiting military force deployed in the territory of a friendly state. Also 

called SOFA. (JP 3-16) 

sterilizer — In mine warfare, a device included in mines to render the mine permanently 

inoperative on expiration of a pre-determined time after laying. (JP 3-15) 

stockage objective — The maximum quantities of materiel to be maintained on hand to 

sustain current operations, which will consist of the sum of stocks represented by the 

operating level and the safety level. (JP 4-08) 

stop-loss — Presidential authority under Title 10, United States Code, Section 12305, to 

suspend laws relating to promotion, retirement, or separation of any member of the 

Armed Forces of the United States determined essential to the national security of the 

United States, to include reservists if serving on active duty under Title 10, United States 

Code, authorities for Presidential Reserve Call-up, partial mobilization, or full 

mobilization. See also mobilization; partial mobilization; Presidential Reserve 

Call-up. (JP 4-05) 

stowage — The placement of cargo into a hold, compartment, or on a deck of a ship in such 

a way as to prevent damage from load shifts while the ship is underway. (JP 3-02.1) 

stowage factor — The number that expresses the space, in cubic feet, occupied by a long 

ton of any commodity as prepared for shipment, including all crating or packaging. 

(JP 4-01.2) 

stowage plan — A completed stowage diagram showing what materiel has been loaded and 

its stowage location in each hold, between-deck compartment, or other space in a ship, 

including deck space. (JP 4-01.5) 

strategic direction — The strategy and intent of the President, Secretary of Defense, and 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in pursuit of national interests. (JP 5-0) 

strategic estimate — The broad range of strategic factors that influence the commander’s 

understanding of the operational environment and the determination of missions, 

objectives, and courses of action. See also estimate. (JP 5-0) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 223 

strategic guidance — The written products by which the President, Secretary of Defense, 

and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff provide strategic direction. (JP 5-0) 

strategic intelligence — Intelligence required for the formation of policy and military plans 

at national and international levels. See also intelligence; operational intelligence; 

tactical intelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

strategic level of warfare — The level of warfare at which a nation, often as a member of a 

group of nations, determines national or multinational (alliance or coalition) strategic 

security objectives and guidance, then develops and uses national resources to achieve 

those objectives. See also operational level of warfare; tactical level of warfare. 

(JP 3-0) 

strategic mobility — The capability to deploy and sustain military forces worldwide in 

support of national strategy. (JP 4-01)

strategic sealift — The afloat pre-positioning and ocean movement of military materiel in 

support of United States and multinational forces. (JP 4-01.5)

strategic sealift shipping — Common-user ships of the Military Sealift Command force, 

including pre-positioned ships after their pre-positioning mission has been completed 

and they have been returned to the operational control of the Military Sealift Command. 

See also Military Sealift Command; Military Sealift Command force. (JP 4-01.2) 

strategy — A prudent idea or set of ideas for employing the instruments of national power 

in a synchronized and integrated fashion to achieve theater, national, and/or 

multinational objectives. (JP 3-0) 

strike — An attack to damage or destroy an objective or a capability. (JP 3-0) 

strike coordination and reconnaissance — A mission flown for the purpose of detecting 

targets and coordinating or performing attack or reconnaissance on those targets. Also 

called SCAR. (JP 3-03) 

structured observation management — The framework for normalizing how geospatial 

intelligence observations from sensors and sources is captured, organized, and shared. 

Also called SOM. (JP 2-03) 

stuffing — Packing of cargo into a container. See also unstuffing. (JP 4-09) 

submarine operating authority — The naval commander exercising operational control of 

submarines. Also called SUBOPAUTH. (JP 3-32) 

subordinate campaign plan — A combatant command prepared plan that satisfies the 

requirements under a Department of Defense campaign plan, which, depending upon 

the circumstances, transitions to a supported or supporting plan in execution. (JP 5-0)
Terms and Definitions 

224 

subordinate command — A command consisting of the commander and all those 

individuals, units, detachments, organizations, or installations that have been placed 

under the command by the authority establishing the subordinate command. (JP 1) 

subordinate unified command — A command established by commanders of unified 

commands, when so authorized by the Secretary of Defense through the Chairman of 

the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to conduct operations on a continuing basis in accordance with 

the criteria set forth for unified commands. See also area command; functional 

component command; operational control; subordinate command; unified 

command. (JP 1) 

subsidiary landing — In an amphibious operation, a landing usually made outside the 

designated landing area, the purpose of which is to support the main landing. (JP 3-02) 

subversion — Actions designed to undermine the military, economic, psychological, or 

political strength or morale of a governing authority. See also unconventional warfare. 

(JP 3-24) 

supercargo — Personnel that accompany cargo on board a ship for the purpose of 

accomplishing en route maintenance and security. (JP 4-01.5) 

supplies — In logistics, all materiel and items used in the equipment, support, and 

maintenance of military forces. See also component; equipment. (JP 4-0) 

supply — The procurement, distribution, maintenance while in storage, and salvage of 

supplies, including the determination of kind and quantity of supplies. a. producer 

phase—That phase of military supply that extends from determination of procurement 

schedules to acceptance of finished supplies by the Services. b. consumer phase—

That phase of military supply that extends from receipt of finished supplies by the 

Services through issue for use or consumption. (JP 4-0) 

supply chain — The linked activities associated with providing materiel from a raw materiel 

stage to an end user as a finished product. See also supply; supply chain management. 

(JP 4-09) 

supply chain management — A cross-functional approach to procuring, producing, and 

delivering products and services to customers. See also supply; supply chain. 

(JP 4-09) 

supply support activity — Activities assigned a Department of Defense activity address 

code and that have a supply support mission. Also called SSA. (JP 4-09) 

support — 1. The action of a force that aids, protects, complements, or sustains another 

force in accordance with a directive requiring such action. 2. A unit that helps another 

unit in battle. 3. An element of a command that assists, protects, or supplies other forces 
 Terms and Definitions 

 225 

in combat. See also close support; direct support; general support; inter-Service 

support; mutual support. (JP 1) 

supported commander — 1. The commander having primary responsibility for all aspects 

of a task assigned by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction 3110.01J, (U) 

2015 Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan (JSCP), or other joint planning authority. 2. In 

the context of joint planning, the commander who prepares operation plans or operation 

orders in response to requirements of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 3. In 

the context of a support command relationship, the commander who receives assistance 

from another commander’s force or capabilities, and who is responsible for ensuring 

that the supporting commander understands the assistance required. See also support; 

supporting commander. (JP 3-0) 

supported unit — As related to contracted support, a supported unit is the organization that 

is the recipient, but not necessarily the requester of, contractor-provided support. See 

also requiring activity. (JP 4-10)

supporting arms — Weapons and weapons systems of all types employed to support forces 

by indirect or direct fire. (JP 3-02) 

supporting arms coordination center — A single location on board an amphibious warfare 

command ship in which all communication facilities incident to the coordination of fire 

support of the artillery, air, and naval gunfire are centralized. Also called SACC. See 

also fire support coordination center. (JP 3-09.3) 

supporting commander — 1. A commander who provides augmentation forces or other 

support to a supported commander or who develops a supporting plan. 2. In the context 

of a support command relationship, the commander who aids, protects, complements, 

or sustains another commander’s force and who is responsible for providing the 

assistance required by the supported commander. See also support; supported 

commander. (JP 3-0) 

supporting fire — Fire delivered by supporting units to assist or protect a unit in combat. 

(JP 3-09) 

supporting operations — In amphibious operations, those operations conducted by forces

other than those conducted by the amphibious force. See also amphibious force; 

amphibious operation. (JP 3-02) 

supporting plan — An operation plan prepared by a supporting commander, a subordinate 

commander, or an agency to satisfy the requests or requirements of the supported 

commander’s plan. See also supported commander; supporting commander. 

(JP 5-0) 

suppression — Temporary or transient degradation by an opposing force of the performance 

of a weapons system below the level needed to fulfill its mission objectives. (JP 3-01) 
Terms and Definitions 

226 

suppression of enemy air defenses — Activity that neutralizes, destroys, or temporarily 

degrades surface-based enemy air defenses by destructive and/or disruptive means. 

Also called SEAD. See also electromagnetic spectrum; electronic warfare. 

(JP 3-01) 

surface action group — A temporary or standing organization of combatant ships, other 

than carriers, tailored for a specific tactical mission. Also called SAG. See group; 

mission. (JP 3-32) 

surface combatant — A ship designed to engage in attacks against airborne, surface, 

subsurface, and shore targets. (JP 3-32) 

surface warfare — That portion of maritime warfare in which operations are conducted to 

destroy or neutralize enemy naval surface forces and merchant vessels. Also called 

SUW. (JP 3-32) 

surf line — The point offshore where waves and swells are affected by the underwater 

surface and become breakers. (JP 4-01.6) 

surf zone — The area of water from the surf line to the beach. See also surf line. 

(JP 4-01.6) 

surveillance — The systematic observation of aerospace, cyberspace, surface, or subsurface 

areas, places, persons, or things by visual, aural, electronic, photographic, or other 

means. (JP 3-0) 

survivability — All aspects of protecting personnel, weapons, and supplies while 

simultaneously deceiving the enemy. (JP 3-34) 

survival, evasion, resistance, and escape — Actions performed by isolated personnel 

designed to ensure their health, mobility, safety, and honor in anticipation of or 

preparation for their return to friendly control. Also called SERE. (JP 3-50) 

suspect — 1. In counterdrug operations, a track of interest where correlating information 

actually ties the track of interest to alleged illegal drug operations. See also 

counterdrug operations; track of interest. 2. An identity applied to a track that is 

potentially hostile because of its characteristics, behavior, origin, or nationality. See 

also assumed friend; neutral; unknown. (JP 3-07.4) 

sustainment — The provision of logistics and personnel services required to maintain and 

prolong operations until successful mission accomplishment. (JP 3-0) 

sustainment, restoration, and modernization — The fuels asset sustainment program 

within Defense Logistics Agency Energy that provides a long-term process to costeffectively sustain, restore, and modernize fuel facilities. Also called SRM. (JP 4-03) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 227 

synchronization — 1. The arrangement of military actions in time, space, and purpose to 

produce maximum relative combat power at a decisive place and time. 2. In the 

intelligence context, application of intelligence sources and methods in concert with the 

operation plan to answer intelligence requirements in time to influence the decisions 

they support. (JP 2-0) 

synthesis — In intelligence usage, the examining and combining of processed information 

with other information and intelligence for final interpretation. (JP 2-0) 

system — A functionally, physically, and/or behaviorally related group of regularly 

interacting or interdependent elements; that group of elements forming a unified whole. 

(JP 3-0) 

systems support contract — A prearranged contract awarded by a Service acquisition 

program management office that provides technical support, maintenance and, in some 

cases, repair parts for selected military weapon and support systems. See also external 

support contract; theater support contract. (JP 4-10) 

 
Terms and Definitions 

228 

Intentionally Blank 
229 

T 

table of allowance — An equipment allowance document that prescribes basic allowances 

of organizational equipment, and provides the control to develop, revise, or change 

equipment authorization inventory data. Also called TOA. (JP 4-09) 

TABOO frequencies — Any friendly frequency of such importance that it must never be

deliberately jammed or interfered with by friendly forces including international 

distress, safety, and controller frequencies. See also electronic warfare. (JP 3-13.1) 

tactical air command center — The principal US Marine Corps air command and control 

agency from which air operations and air defense warning functions are directed. Also 

called Marine TACC. (JP 3-09.3) 

tactical air control center — The principal air operations installation (ship-based) from 

which all aircraft and air warning functions of tactical air operations are controlled. Also 

called Navy TACC. (JP 3-09.3) 

tactical air control party — A subordinate operational component of a tactical air control 

system designed to provide air liaison to land forces and for the control of aircraft. Also 

called TACP. (JP 3-09.3) 

tactical air coordinator (airborne) — An officer who coordinates, from an aircraft, the 

actions of other aircraft engaged in air support of ground or sea forces. Also called 

TAC(A). See also forward observer. (JP 3-09.3) 

tactical air direction center — An air operations installation under the overall control of 

the Navy tactical air control center or the Marine Corps tactical air command center, 

from which aircraft and air warning service functions of tactical air operations in support 

of amphibious operations are directed. Also called TADC. (JP 3-09.3) 

tactical air officer — The officer under the amphibious task force commander who, until 

control is passed ashore, coordinates planning of all phases of air participation of the 

amphibious operation and air operations of supporting forces en route to and in the 

objective area. Also called TAO. (JP 3-02) 

tactical air operations center — The principal air control agency of the United States 

Marine Corps air command and control system responsible for airspace control and 

management. Also called TAOC. (JP 3-09.3) 

tactical assembly area — An area that is generally out of the reach of light artillery and the 

location where units make final preparations (pre-combat checks and inspections) and 

rest, prior to moving to the line of departure. See also line of departure. (JP 3-35) 

 
Terms and Definitions 

230 

tactical combat casualty care — A set of trauma management guidelines focused on the 

most common causes of preventable deaths resulting from hostile action or terrorist 

activity. Also called TCCC. (JP 4-02) 

tactical combat force — A rapidly deployable, air-ground mobile combat unit, with 

appropriate combat support and combat service support assets assigned to and capable 

of defeating Level III threats including combined arms. Also called TCF. (JP 3-10) 

tactical control — The authority over forces that is limited to the detailed direction and 

control of movements or maneuvers within the operational area necessary to accomplish 

missions or tasks assigned. Also called TACON. See also combatant command; 

combatant command (command authority); operational control. (JP 1) 

tactical data link — A Joint Staff-approved, standardized communication link suitable for 

transmission of digital information, which interfaces two or more command and control 

or weapons systems via a single or multiple network architecture and multiple 

communication media for exchange of tactical information. Also called TDL. (JP 6-0) 

tactical exploitation of national capabilities — Congressionally mandated program to 

improve the combat effectiveness of the Services through more effective military use of 

national programs. Also called TENCAP. (JP 2-01) 

tactical intelligence — Intelligence required for the planning and conduct of tactical

operations. See also intelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

tactical level of warfare — The level of warfare at which battles and engagements are 

planned and executed to achieve military objectives assigned to tactical units or task 

forces. See also operational level of warfare; strategic level of warfare. (JP 3-0) 

tactical-logistical group — Representatives designated by troop commanders to assist 

Navy control officers aboard control ships in the ship-to-shore movement of troops, 

equipment, and supplies. Also called TACLOG group. (JP 3-02) 

tactical minefield — A minefield that is employed to directly attack enemy maneuver as 

part of a formation obstacle plan and is laid to delay, channel, or break up an enemy 

advance, giving the defending element a positional advantage over the attacker. 

(JP 3-15) 

tactical obstacle — An obstacle employed to disrupt enemy formations, to turn them into a 

desired area, to fix them in position under direct and indirect fires, or to block enemy 

penetrations. (JP 3-15) 

tactical questioning — The field-expedient initial questioning for information of immediate 

tactical value of a captured or detained person at or near the point of capture and before 

the individual is placed in a detention facility. Also called TQ. (JP 3-63) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 231 

tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel — A Marine Corps mission performed by an 

assigned and briefed aircrew for the specific purpose of the recovery of personnel, 

equipment, and/or aircraft when the tactical situation precludes search and rescue assets 

from responding and when survivors and their location have been confirmed. Also 

called TRAP. (JP 3-50) 

tactical reserve — A part of a force held under the control of the commander as a 

maneuvering force to influence future action. (JP 3-02) 

tactics — The employment and ordered arrangement of forces in relation to each other. See 

also procedures; techniques. (CJCSM 5120.01) 

target — An entity or object that performs a function for the threat considered for possible 

engagement or other action. See also objective area. (JP 3-60) 

target acquisition — The detection, identification, and location of a target in sufficient detail 

to permit the effective employment of capabilities that create the required effects. Also 

called TA. See also target analysis. (JP 3-60)

target analysis — An examination of potential targets to determine military importance, 

priority of engagement, and capabilities required to create a desired effect. See also

target acquisition. (JP 3-60) 

target area of interest — The geographical area where high-value targets can be acquired 

and engaged by friendly forces. Also called TAI. See also area of interest; high-value 

target; target. (JP 2-01.3) 

target audience — An individual or group selected for influence. Also called TA. 

(JP 3-13) 

target component — A set of targets within a target system performing a similar function. 

See also target. (JP 3-60) 

target development — The systematic examination of potential target systems—and their 

components, individual targets, and even elements of targets—to determine the 

necessary type and duration of the action that must be exerted on each target to create 

an effect that is consistent with the commander’s specific objectives. (JP 3-60) 

targeteer — An individual who has completed requisite training and guides the joint 

targeting cycle in their current duties. (JP 3-60) 

target element — A specific feature or part of a target that enables it to function and, which 

if engaged, may create specific effects on that target. (JP 3-60) 
Terms and Definitions 

232 

target folder — A folder, hardcopy or electronic, containing target intelligence and related 

materials prepared for planning and executing action against a specific target. See also 

target. (JP 3-60) 

target information center — The agency or activity responsible for collecting, displaying,

evaluating, and disseminating information pertaining to potential targets. Also called 

TIC. See also target. (JP 3-02) 

targeting — The process of selecting and prioritizing targets and matching the appropriate 

response to them, considering operational requirements and capabilities. See also joint 

targeting coordination board; target. (JP 3-0) 

target intelligence — Intelligence that portrays and locates the components of a target or 

target complex and indicates its vulnerability and relative importance. See also target. 

(JP 3-60) 

target location error — The difference between the coordinates generated for a target and 

the actual location of the target. Also called TLE. (JP 3-09.3) 

target materials — Graphic, textual, tabular, digital, video, or other presentations of target 

intelligence, primarily designed to support operations against designated targets by one 

or more weapon(s) systems. See also Air Target Materials Program. (JP 3-60) 

target nomination list — A prioritized list of targets drawn from the joint target list, or 

restricted target list, and nominated by component commanders, appropriate agencies, 

or the joint force commander’s staff for inclusion on the joint integrated prioritized 

target list. Also called TNL. See also candidate target list; joint integrated 

prioritized target list; target. (JP 3-60) 

target of opportunity — 1. A target identified too late, or not selected for action in time, to 

be included in deliberate targeting that, when detected or located, meets criteria specific 

to achieving objectives and is processed using dynamic targeting. 2. A target visible to 

a surface or air sensor or observer, which is within range of available weapons and 

against which fire has not been scheduled or requested. See also dynamic targeting; 

target; unanticipated target; unscheduled target. (JP 3-60) 

target reference point — A predetermined point of reference, normally a permanent 

structure or terrain feature that can be used when describing a target location. Also 

called TRP. (JP 3-09.3) 

target system — All the targets situated in a particular geographic area and functionally 

related or a group of targets that are so related that their destruction will produce some 

particular effect desired by the attacker. See also target. (JP 3-60) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 233 

target system analysis — An all-source examination of potential target systems to 

determine relevance to stated objectives, military importance, and priority of attack. 

Also called TSA. (JP 3-60) 

target system assessment — The broad assessment of the overall impact and effectiveness 

of military force applied against the operation of an enemy target system, significant 

subdivisions of the system, or total combat effectiveness relative to the operational 

objectives established. See also target system. (JP 3-60) 

target system component — A related group of entities within a target system that perform 

or contribute toward a similar function. (JP 3-60) 

task — A clearly defined action or activity specifically assigned to an individual or 

organization that must be done as it is imposed by an appropriate authority. (JP 1)

task element — A component of a naval task unit organized by the commander of a task 

unit or higher authority. (JP 3-32) 

task force — A component of a fleet organized by the commander of a task fleet or higher 

authority for the accomplishment of a specific task or tasks. Also called TF. (JP 3-32)

task force counterintelligence coordinating authority —An individual in a joint force 

intelligence directorate, counterintelligence and human intelligence staff element, joint 

task force configuration that coordinates counterintelligence activities with other 

supporting counterintelligence organizations and agencies to ensure full 

counterintelligence coverage of the task force operational area. Also called TFCICA. 

See also counterintelligence; counterintelligence activities; joint task force. 

(JP 2-01.2) 

task group — A component of a naval task force organized by the commander of a task 

force or higher authority. Also called TG. (JP 3-32) 

tasking order — A method used to task and to disseminate to components, subordinate 

units, and command and control agencies projected targets and specific missions as well 

as general and specific instructions for accomplishment of the mission. Also called 

TASKORD. See also mission; target. (JP 3-05.1) 

task order — Order for services placed against an established contract. See also civil 

augmentation program. (JP 4-10)

task organization — An organization that assigns to responsible commanders the means 

with which to accomplish their assigned tasks in any planned action. (JP 3-33) 

task unit — A component of a naval task group organized by the commander of a task group 

or higher authority. Also called TU. (JP 3-32) 
Terms and Definitions 

234 

tear line — A physical line on an intelligence message or document separating categories of 

information that have been approved for foreign disclosure and release. (JP 2-0) 

technical analysis — In imagery interpretation, the precise description of details appearing 

on imagery. (JP 2-03) 

technical assistance — The providing of advice, assistance, and training pertaining to the 

installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment. (JP 3-22) 

technical intelligence — Intelligence derived from the collection, processing, analysis, and 

exploitation of data and information pertaining to foreign equipment and materiel for 

the purposes of preventing technological surprise, assessing foreign scientific and 

technical capabilities, and developing countermeasures designed to neutralize an 

adversary’s technological advantages. Also called TECHINT. See also exploitation; 

intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

technical nuclear forensics — The collection, analysis and evaluation of pre-detonation 

(intact) and post-detonation (exploded) radiological or nuclear materials, devices, and 

debris, as well as the immediate effects created by a nuclear detonation. (JP 3-41)

technical review authority — The organization tasked to provide specialized technical or 

administrative expertise to the lead agent, primary review authority, Joint Staff doctrine 

sponsor, or coordinating review authority for joint publications. Also called TRA. See 

also coordinating review authority; joint publication; primary review authority. 

(CJCSM 5120.01) 

technical surveillance countermeasures — Techniques to detect, neutralize, and exploit 

technical surveillance technologies and hazards that permit the unauthorized access to 

or removal of information. Also called TSCM. See also counterintelligence. 

(JP 2-01.2) 

techniques — Non-prescriptive ways or methods used to perform missions, functions, or 

tasks. See also procedures; tactics. (CJCSM 5120.01) 

telecommunications — Any transmission, emission, or reception of signs, signals, writings, 

images, sounds, or information of any nature by wire, radio, visual, or other 

electromagnetic systems. (JP 6-0) 

telemedicine — Rapid access to shared and remote medical expertise by means of 

telecommunications and information technologies to deliver health services and 

exchange health information for the purpose of improving patient care. (JP 4-02) 

temporary interment — A site for the purpose of: a. the interment of the remains if the 

circumstances permit; or b. the reburial of remains exhumed from an emergency 

interment. See also mortuary affairs. (JP 4-06) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 235 

terminal — A facility designed to transfer cargo from one means of conveyance to another. 

See also facility. (JP 4-01.6) 

terminal attack control — The authority to control the maneuver of and grant weapons 

release clearance to attacking aircraft. See also joint terminal attack controller. 

(JP 3-09.3) 

terminal control — 1. A type of air control with the authority to direct aircraft to maneuver 

into a position to deliver ordnance, passengers, or cargo to a specific location or target. 

2. Any electronic, mechanical, or visual control given to aircraft to facilitate target 

acquisition and resolution. See also terminal guidance. (JP 3-09.3) 

terminal guidance — 1. The guidance applied to a guided missile between midcourse 

guidance and arrival in the vicinity of the target. 2. Electronic, mechanical, visual, or 

other assistance given an aircraft pilot to facilitate arrival at, operation within or over, 

landing upon, or departure from an air landing or airdrop facility. See also terminal 

control. (JP 3-03) 

terminal guidance operations — Actions using electronic, mechanical, voice, or visual 

communications that provide approaching aircraft and/or weapons additional 

information regarding a specific target location. Also called TGO. (JP 3-09) 

terminal operations — The reception, processing, and staging of passengers; the receipt, 

transit, storage, and marshalling of cargo; the loading and unloading of modes of 

transport conveyances; and the manifesting and forwarding of cargo and passengers to 

destination. See also operation; terminal. (JP 4-01.5) 

terminal phase — That portion of the flight of a ballistic missile that begins when the 

warhead or payload reenters the atmosphere and ends when the warhead or payload 

detonates, releases its submunitions, or impacts. See also boost phase; midcourse 

phase. (JP 3-01) 

termination criteria — The specified standards approved by the President and/or the 

Secretary of Defense that must be met before a military operation can be concluded. 

(JP 3-0) 

terrain analysis — The collection, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of geographic 

information on the natural and man-made features of the terrain, combined with other 

relevant factors, to predict the effect of the terrain on military operations. (JP 2-03) 

terrain avoidance system — A system that provides the pilot or navigator of an aircraft 

with a situation display of the ground or obstacles so that the pilot can maneuver the 

aircraft to avoid the obstruction. (JP 3-50) 

terrain flight — Flight close to the Earth’s surface during which airspeed, height, and/or 

altitude are adapted to the contours and cover of the ground in order to avoid enemy 
Terms and Definitions 

236 

detection and fire. Also called contour flight; low-level flight; nap-of-the-earth 

flight. (JP 3-09.3) 

territorial airspace — Airspace above land territory and internal, archipelagic, and 

territorial waters. (JP 1) 

territorial waters — A belt of ocean space adjacent to and measured from the coastal states 

baseline to a maximum width of 12 nautical miles. (JP 1) 

terrorism — The unlawful use of violence or threat of violence, often motivated by 

religious, political, or other ideological beliefs, to instill fear and coerce governments or 

societies in pursuit of goals that are usually political. See also antiterrorism; 

combating terrorism; counterterrorism; force protection condition. (JP 3-07.2) 

terrorist threat level — A Department of Defense intelligence threat assessment of the 

level of terrorist threat faced by United States personnel and interests in a foreign 

country; the levels are expressed as LOW, MODERATE, SIGNIFICANT, and 

HIGH. (JP 3-07.2) 

theater — The geographical area for which a commander of a geographic combatant 

command has been assigned responsibility. (JP 1) 

theater antisubmarine warfare commander — A Navy commander assigned to develop 

plans and direct assigned and attached assets for the conduct of antisubmarine warfare 

within an operational area. Also called TASWC. (JP 3-32)

theater-assigned transportation assets — Transportation assets that are assigned under the 

combatant command (command authority) of a geographic combatant commander. See 

also combatant command (command authority). (JP 4-01) 

theater detainee reporting center — The field operating agency of the National Detainee 

Reporting Center responsible for maintaining information on all detainees and their 

personal property within a theater of operations or assigned area of operations. Also 

called TDRC. (JP 3-63)

theater distribution — The flow of personnel, equipment, and materiel within theater to 

meet the geographic combatant commander’s missions. See also distribution; theater;

theater distribution system. (JP 4-09) 

theater distribution system — The four independent and mutually supported networks 

within an area of responsibility to meet the geographic combatant commander’s 

requirements: the physical network, the financial network, the information network, and 

the communications network. See also distribution; distribution plan; distribution 

system; theater; theater distribution. (JP 4-01) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 237 

theater hospitalization capability — Essential care and health service support capabilities 

to either return the patient to duty and/or stabilization to ensure the patient can tolerate 

evacuation to a definitive care facility outside the theater, which is known as Role 3 in 

North Atlantic Treaty Organization doctrine. (JP 4-02) 

theater of operations — An operational area defined by the geographic combatant 

commander for the conduct or support of specific military operations. Also called TO. 

See also theater of war. (JP 3-0) 

theater of war — Defined by the President, Secretary of Defense, or the geographic 

combatant commander as the area of air, land, and water that is, or may become, directly 

involved in the conduct of major operations and campaigns involving combat. See also 

area of responsibility; theater of operations. (JP 3-0) 

theater special operations command — A subordinate unified command established by a 

combatant commander to plan, coordinate, conduct, and support joint special 

operations. Also called TSOC. See also special operations. (JP 3-05)

theater strategy — An overarching construct outlining a combatant commander’s vision for 

integrating and synchronizing military activities and operations with the other 

instruments of national power to achieve national strategic objectives. See also national 

military strategy; national security strategy; strategy. (JP 3-0) 

theater support contract — A type of contingency contract awarded by contracting officers 

in the operational area serving under the direct contracting authority of the Service 

component or designated joint head of contracting activity for the designated 

contingency operation. See also external support contract; systems support 

contract. (JP 4-10)

thermal crossover — The natural phenomenon that normally occurs twice daily when 

temperature conditions are such that there is a loss of contrast between two adjacent 

objects on infrared imagery. (JP 3-09.3) 

thermal radiation — 1. The heat and light produced by a nuclear explosion. 2. 

Electromagnetic radiations emitted from a heat or light source as a consequence of its 

temperature. (JP 3-41) 

thorough decontamination — Decontamination carried out by a unit to reduce 

contamination on personnel, equipment, materiel, and/or working areas equal to natural 

background or to the lowest possible levels, to permit the partial or total removal of 

individual protective equipment and to maintain operations with minimum degradation. 

See also immediate decontamination; operational decontamination. (JP 3-11) 

threat analysis — In antiterrorism, a continual process of compiling and examining all 

available information concerning potential terrorist activities by terrorist groups which 

could target a facility. See also antiterrorism. (JP 3-07.2) 
Terms and Definitions 

238 

threat assessment — In antiterrorism, examining the capabilities, intentions, and 

activities, past and present, of terrorist organizations as well as the security 

environment within which friendly forces operate to determine the level of threat. 

Also called TA. (JP 3-07.2) 

threat warning — The urgent communication and acknowledgement of time-critical 

information essential for the preservation of life and/or vital resources. (JP 2-01) 

throughput — 1. In transportation, the average quantity of cargo and passengers that can 

pass through a port on a daily basis from arrival at the port to loading onto a ship or 

plane, or from the discharge from a ship or plane to the exit (clearance) from the port 

complex. (JP 4-01.5) 2. In patient movement and care, the maximum number of 

patients (stable or stabilized) by category, that can be received at the airport, staged, 

transported, and received at the proper hospital within any 24-hour period. (JP 4-02) 

throughput capacity — The estimated capacity of a port or an anchorage to clear cargo

and/or passengers in 24 hours usually expressed in tons for cargo, but may be expressed 

in any agreed upon unit of measurement. See also clearance capacity. (JP 4-01.5) 

time-definite delivery — The consistent delivery of requested logistic support at a time and 

destination specified by the receiving activity. See also logistic support. Also called 

TDD. (JP 4-09) 

time of flight — In artillery, mortar, and naval gunfire support, the time in seconds from the 

instant a weapon is fired, launched, or released from the delivery vehicle or weapons 

system to the instant it strikes or detonates. Also called TOF. (JP 3-09) 

time on target — The actual time at which munitions impact the target. Also called TOT. 

(JP 3-09.3) 

time-phased force and deployment data — The time-phased force, non-unit cargo, and 

personnel data combined with movement data for the operation plan, operation order, 

or ongoing rotation of forces. Also called TPFDD. (JP 5-0) 

times — The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff coordinates the proposed dates and times 

with the commanders of the appropriate unified and specified commands, as well as any 

recommended changes to when specified operations are to occur (C-, D-, M-days end 

at 2400 hours Universal Time [Zulu time] and are assumed to be 24 hours long for 

planning). (JP 5-0) 

time-sensitive target — A joint force commander-validated target or set of targets requiring 

immediate response because it is a highly lucrative, fleeting target of opportunity or it 

poses (or will soon pose) a danger to friendly forces. Also called TST. (JP 3-60) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 239 

time to target — The number of minutes and seconds to elapse before aircraft ordnance 

impacts on target. Also called TTT. (JP 3-09.3) 

tophandler — A device specially designed to permit the lifting and handling of containers 

from the top with rough terrain container handlers. See also container. (JP 4-01.6) 

topographic map — A map that presents the vertical position of features in measurable form 

as well as their horizontal positions. (JP 2-03)

total mobilization — Expansion of the active Armed Forces of the United States resulting 

from action by Congress and the President to organize and/or generate additional units 

or personnel beyond the existing force structure, and the resources needed for their 

support, to meet the total requirements of a war or other national emergency involving 

an external threat to the national security. (JP 4-05)

toxic industrial biological — Any biological material manufactured, used, transported, or 

stored by industrial, medical, or commercial processes which could pose an infectious 

or toxic threat. Also called TIB. (JP 3-11) 

toxic industrial chemical — A chemical developed or manufactured for use in industrial 

operations or research by industry, government, or academia that poses a hazard. Also 

called TIC. (JP 3-11) 

toxic industrial material — A generic term for toxic, chemical, biological, or radioactive

substances in solid, liquid, aerosolized, or gaseous form that may be used, or stored for 

use, for industrial, commercial, medical, military, or domestic purposes. Also called 

TIM. (JP 3-11) 

toxic industrial radiological — Any radiological material manufactured, used, transported, 

or stored by industrial, medical, or commercial processes. Also called TIR. (JP 3-11) 

track — 1. A series of related contacts displayed on a data display console or other display 

device. 2. To display or record the successive positions of a moving object. 3. To lock 

onto a point of radiation and obtain guidance therefrom. 4. To keep a gun properly 

aimed, or to point continuously a target-locating instrument at a moving target. 5. The 

actual path of an aircraft above or a ship on the surface of the Earth. 6. One of the two 

endless belts on which a full-track or half-track vehicle runs. 7. A metal part forming a 

path for a moving object such as the track around the inside of a vehicle for moving a 

mounted machine gun. (JP 3-01) 

track correlation — Correlating track information for identification purposes using all 

available data. (JP 3-01) 

tracking — Precise and continuous position-finding of targets by radar, optical, or other 

means. (JP 3-07.4) 
Terms and Definitions 

240 

track management — Defined set of procedures whereby the commander ensures accurate 

friendly and enemy unit and/or platform locations and a dissemination procedure for 

filtering, combining, and passing that information to higher, adjacent, and subordinate 

commanders. (JP 3-01) 

track of interest — In counterdrug operations, contacts that meet the initial identification 

criteria applicable in the area where the contacts are detected. Also called TOI. See 

also suspect. (JP 3-07.4) 

tradecraft — 1. Specialized methods and equipment used in the organization and activity 

of intelligence organizations, especially techniques and methods for handling 

communications with agents. 2. Operational practices and skills used in the 

performance of intelligence related duties. (JP 2-01.2) 

traffic management — The direction, control, and supervision of all functions incident to 

the procurement and use of freight and passenger transportation services. (JP 4-09) 

training aid — Any item developed or procured with the primary intent that it shall assist in 

training and the process of learning. (JP 1-06) 

training and readiness oversight — The authority that combatant commanders may 

exercise over assigned Reserve Component forces when not on active duty or when on 

active duty for training. Also called TRO. See also combatant commander. (JP 1) 

transient forces — Forces that pass or stage through, or base temporarily within, the 

operational area of another command but are not under its operational control. See also 

force. (JP 1) 

transitional military authority — Temporary military government exercising the functions 

of civil administration in the absence of a legitimate civil authority. (JP 3-07) 

transit zone — The path taken by either airborne or seaborne smugglers. See also arrival 

zone. (JP 3-07.4) 

transmission security — The component of communications security that results from all

measures designed to protect communications from interception and exploitation by 

means other than cryptanalysis. Also called TRANSEC. See also communications 

security. (JP 6-0) 

transnational threat — Any activity, individual, or group not tied to a particular country or 

region that operates across international boundaries and threatens United States national 

security or interests. (JP 3-26)

transport area — In amphibious operations, an area assigned to a transport organization for 

the purpose of debarking troops and equipment. See also inner transport area; outer 

transport area. (JP 3-02) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 241 

transportation component command — A major command of its parent Service under 

United States Transportation Command, which includes Air Force Air Mobility 

Command, Navy Military Sealift Command, and Army Military Surface Deployment 

and Distribution Command. Also called TCC. (JP 4-01.6) 

transportation feasibility — A determination that the capability exists to move forces, 

equipment, and supplies from the point of origin to the final destination within the time 

required. See also operation plan. (JP 4-09) 

transportation feasible — A determination made by the supported commander that a draft 

operation plan can be supported with the identified or assumed transportation assets. 

(JP 5-0)

transportation priorities — Indicators assigned to eligible traffic that establish its 

movement precedence. (JP 4-09) 

transportation system — All the land, water, and air routes and transportation assets 

conducting movement of United States forces and their supplies during military 

operations. (JP 4-01) 

transport group — An element that directly deploys and supports the landing of the landing 

force, and is functionally designated as a transport group in the amphibious task force 

organization. (JP 3-02) 

transshipment point — A location where material is transferred between vehicles. 

(JP 4-01.5) 

troop space cargo — Cargo such as sea or barracks bags, bedding rolls or hammocks, locker 

trunks, and office equipment, normally stowed in an accessible place, as well as normal 

hand-carried combat equipment and weapons to be carried ashore by the assault troops. 

(JP 3-02.1)

turnaround — The length of time between arriving at a point and being ready to depart from 

that point. (JP 4-01.5) 

turning movement — A variation of the envelopment in which the attacking force passes 

around or over the enemy’s principal defensive positions to secure objectives deep in 

the enemy’s rear to force the enemy to abandon his position or divert major forces to 

meet the threat. (JP 3-06) 

 
Terms and Definitions 

242 

Intentionally Blank 
243 

U 

unanticipated target — A target of opportunity that was unknown or not expected to exist 

in the operational environment. See also operational area; target; target of 

opportunity. (JP 3-60) 

unauthorized commitment — An agreement that is not binding solely because the United 

States Government representative who made it lacked the authority to enter into that 

agreement on behalf of the United States Government. (JP 4-10)

uncertain environment — Operational environment in which host government forces, 

whether opposed to or receptive to operations that a unit intends to conduct, do not have 

totally effective control of the territory and population in the intended operational area. 

(JP 3-0) 

unconventional assisted recovery — Nonconventional assisted recovery conducted by 

special operations forces. Also called UAR. See also evader; recovery. (JP 3-50) 

unconventional assisted recovery coordination cell — A compartmented special 

operations forces cell, established to coordinate, synchronize, and deconflict 

nonconventional assisted recovery operations within the operational area assigned to the 

joint force commander. Also called UARCC. See also joint operations center; joint 

personnel recovery center; special operations forces; unconventional assisted 

recovery. (JP 3-50) 

unconventional warfare — Activities conducted to enable a resistance movement or 

insurgency to coerce, disrupt, or overthrow a government or occupying power by 

operating through or with an underground, auxiliary, and guerrilla force in a denied area. 

Also called UW. (JP 3-05.1) 

undersea warfare — Military operations conducted to establish and maintain control of the 

undersea portion of a maritime operational area. Also called USW. See also 

antisubmarine warfare; mine warfare. (JP 3-32)

underwater demolition — The destruction or neutralization of underwater obstacles that is 

normally accomplished by underwater demolition teams. (JP 3-34) 

underwater demolition team — A group of officers and enlisted specially trained and 

equipped to accomplish the destruction or neutralization of underwater obstacles and 

associated tasks. (JP 3-34) 

unexploded explosive ordnance — Explosive ordnance that has been primed, fused, armed 

or otherwise prepared for action, and that has been fired, dropped, launched, projected, 

or placed in such a manner as to constitute a hazard to operations, installations, 

personnel, or material and remains unexploded either by malfunction or design or for 

any other cause. Also called UXO. See also explosive ordnance. (JP 3-42) 
Terms and Definitions 

244 

unified action — The synchronization, coordination, and/or integration of the activities of 

governmental and nongovernmental entities with military operations to achieve unity of 

effort. (JP 1) 

unified combatant command — See unified command. (JP 1) 

unified command — A command with a broad continuing mission under a single 

commander and composed of significant assigned components of two or more Military 

Departments that is established and so designated by the President, through the 

Secretary of Defense with the advice and assistance of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs 

of Staff. Also called unified combatant command. See also combatant command; 

subordinate unified command. (JP 1) 

Unified Command Plan — The document, approved by the President, that sets forth basic 

guidance to all unified combatant commanders; establishes their missions, 

responsibilities, and force structure; delineates the general geographical area of 

responsibility for geographic combatant commanders; and specifies functional 

responsibilities for functional combatant commanders. Also called UCP. See also

combatant command; combatant commander. (JP 1) 

unified geospatial-intelligence operations — The collaborative and coordinated process to 

assess, align, and execute geospatial intelligence across the National System for 

Geospatial Intelligence and its partner organizations. Also called UGO. (JP 2-03) 

uniformed services — The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Public Health Services. See also

Military Department; Service. (JP 1-0) 

unit — 1. Any military element whose structure is prescribed by competent authority. 2. An 

organization title of a subdivision of a group in a task force.(JP 3-33) 

unit aircraft — Those aircraft provided an aircraft unit for the performance of a flying 

mission. (JP 3-17) 

United States — Includes the land area, internal waters, territorial sea, and airspace of the 

United States, including a. United States territories; and b. Other areas over which the 

United States Government has complete jurisdiction and control or has exclusive 

authority or defense responsibility. (JP 1) 

United States Armed Forces — Used to denote collectively the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, 

Air Force, and Coast Guard. See also Armed Forces of the United States. 

(JP 1) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 245 

United States-controlled shipping — Shipping under United States flag and selected ships 

under foreign flag considered to be under effective United States control. See also 

effective United States-controlled ships. (JP 4-01.2) 

United States message text format — A program designed to enhance joint and combined 

combat effectiveness through standardization of message formats, data elements, and 

information exchange procedures. Also called USMTF. (JP 3-50) 

United States Naval Ship — A public vessel of the United States that is in the custody of 

the Navy and is: a. Operated by the Military Sealift Command and manned by a civil 

service crew; or b. Operated by a commercial company under contract to the Military 

Sealift Command and manned by a merchant marine crew. Also called USNS. See also

Military Sealift Command. (JP 4-01.2) 

United States person — A United States citizen; an alien known by the concerned 

intelligence agency to be a permanent resident alien; an unincorporated association 

substantially composed of United States citizens or permanent resident aliens; or a 

corporation incorporated in the United States, except for those directed and controlled 

by a foreign government or governments. (JP 2-01.2) 

United States Transportation Command patient movement requirements center — A 

United States Transportation Command activity responsible for intratheater patient 

movement management (medical regulating and aeromedical evacuation scheduling), 

the development of theater-level patient movement plans and schedules, the monitoring 

and execution in concert with the Global Patient Movement Requirements Center. Also 

called TPMRC. (JP 4-02) 

unit identification code — A six-character, alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies each 

Active, Reserve, and National Guard unit of the Armed Forces. Also called UIC. 

(JP 1-0) 

unit line number — A seven-character alphanumeric code that describes a unique increment 

of a unit deployment, i.e., advance party, main body, equipment by sea and air, reception 

team, or trail party, in the time-phased force and deployment data. Also called ULN. 

(JP 3-35)

unit movement data — A unit equipment and/or supply listing containing corresponding 

transportability data. Also called UMD. (JP 3-35) 

unit personnel and tonnage table — A table included in the loading plan of a combatloaded ship as a recapitulation of totals of personnel and cargo by type, listing cubic 

measurements and weight. Also called UP&TT. (3-02.1) 

unit type code — A Joint Chiefs of Staff-developed and -assigned code, consisting of five 

characters that uniquely identify a “type unit.” Also called UTC. (JP 3-35) 
Terms and Definitions 

246 

unity of command — The operation of all forces under a single responsible commander 

who has the requisite authority to direct and employ those forces in pursuit of a common 

purpose. (JP 3-0)

unity of effort — Coordination and cooperation toward common objectives, even if the 

participants are not necessarily part of the same command or organization, which is the 

product of successful unified action. (JP 1) 

Universal Joint Task List — A menu of tasks that may be selected by a joint force 

commander to accomplish the assigned mission. Also called UJTL. (JP 3-33) 

Universal Time — A measure of time that conforms, within a close approximation, to the 

mean diurnal rotation of the Earth and serves as the basis of civil timekeeping. Also 

called ZULU time. (JP 5-0) 

unknown — 1. A code meaning “information not available.” 2. An unidentified target. An 

aircraft or ship that has not been determined to be hostile, friendly, or neutral using 

identification friend or foe and other techniques, but that must be tracked by air defense 

or naval engagement systems. 3. An identity applied to an evaluated track that has not 

been identified. See also assumed friend; friend; neutral; suspect. (JP 3-01) 

unmanned aircraft — An aircraft that does not carry a human operator and is capable of 

flight with or without human remote control. Also called UA. (JP 3-30) 

unmanned aircraft system — That system whose components include the necessary 

equipment, network, and personnel to control an unmanned aircraft. Also called UAS. 

(JP 3-30) 

unrestricted reporting — A process that a Service member uses to disclose, without 

requesting confidentiality or restricted reporting, that he or she is the victim of a sexual 

assault. (JP 1-0) 

unscheduled target — A target of opportunity that is known to exist in the operational 

environment. See also operational area; target; target of opportunity. (JP 3-60) 

unstable patient — A patient whose physiological status is in fluctuation and for whom 

emergent, treatment, and/or surgical intervention are anticipated during treatment or 

evacuation, and the patient’s rapidly changing status and requirements are beyond the 

standard en route care capability and requires medical/surgical augmentation. (JP 4-02) 

unstuffing — The removal of cargo from a container. Also called stripping. (JP 4-09)

use of force policy — Policy guidance issued by the Commandant, United States Coast 

Guard, on the use of force and weapons. (JP 3-03) 
 Terms and Definitions 

 247 

US forces — All Armed Forces (including the Coast Guard) of the United States, any person 

in the Armed Forces of the United States, and all equipment of any description that 

either belongs to the US Armed Forces or is being used (including Type I and II Military 

Sealift Command vessels), escorted, or conveyed by the US Armed Forces. (JP 1) 

US national — US citizen and US permanent and temporary legal resident aliens. (JP 1) 

 
Terms and Definitions 

248 

Intentionally Blank 
249 

V 

validate — Execution procedure used by combatant command components, supporting 

combatant commanders, and providing organizations to confirm to the supported 

commander and United States Transportation Command that all the information records 

in a time-phased force and deployment data not only are error-free for automation 

purposes, but also accurately reflect the current status, attributes, and availability of units 

and requirements. (JP 5-0) 

validation — 1. A process associated with the collection and production of intelligence that 

confirms that an intelligence collection or production requirement is sufficiently 

important to justify the dedication of intelligence resources, does not duplicate an 

existing requirement, and has not been previously satisfied. (JP 2-01) 2. A part of target 

development that ensures all candidate targets meet the objectives and criteria outlined 

in the commander’s guidance and ensures compliance with the law of war and rules of 

engagement. (JP 3-60) 3. In the context of time-phased force and deployment data 

validation, it is an execution procedure whereby all the information records in the timephased force and deployment data are confirmed error-free and accurately reflect the 

current status, attributes, and availability of units and requirements. (JP 3-35) 4. A 

global force management procedure for assessing combatant command requirements to 

determine viability, for sourcing, with respect to risk and prioritization between 

competing needs and the nature of the requirement. See also time-phased force and 

deployment data; verification. (JP 3-35) 

vehicle-borne improvised explosive device — A device placed or fabricated in an 

improvised manner on a vehicle incorporating destructive, lethal, noxious, pyrotechnic, 

or incendiary chemicals and designed to destroy, incapacitate, harass, or distract. Also 

called VBIED. (JP 3-10) 

vehicle cargo — Wheeled or tracked equipment, including weapons, that require certain 

deck space, head room, and other definite clearance. (JP 4-01.2)

vehicle summary and priority table — A table detailing all vehicles by priority of 

debarkation from a combat-loaded ship. Also called VS&PT. (JP 3-02.1) 

verification — 1. In arms control, any action, including inspection, detection, and 

identification, taken to ascertain compliance with agreed measures. (JP 3-41) 2. In 

computer modeling and simulation, the process of determining that a model or 

simulation implementation accurately represents the developer’s conceptual description 

and specifications. See also configuration management; validation. (JP 3-13.1) 

vertical replenishment — The use of a helicopter for the transfer of materiel to or from a 

ship. Also called VERTREP. (JP 3-04) 
Terms and Definitions 

250 

vertical stowage — A method of stowage in depth within a single compartment by which 

loaded items are continually accessible for unloading, and the unloading can be 

completed without corresponding changes or prior unloading of other cargo. (JP 3-02.1) 

vetting — A part of target development that assesses the accuracy of the supporting 

intelligence to targeting. (JP 3-60) 

visual information — Various visual media with or without sound that generally includes 

still and motion photography, audio video recording, graphic arts, and visual 

presentations. Also called VI. (JP 3-61) 

visual meteorological conditions — Weather conditions in which visual flight rules apply; 

expressed in terms of visibility, ceiling height, and aircraft clearance from clouds along 

the path of flight. Also called VMC. See also instrument meteorological conditions. 

(JP 3-04) 

Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement — An agreement that provides the Department 

of Defense with assured access to United States flag assets, both vessel capacity and 

intermodal systems, to meet Department of Defense contingency requirements. Also 

called VISA. See also intermodal (JP 4-01.2) 

voluntary tanker agreement — An agreement established by the Maritime Administration 

to provide for United States commercial tanker owners and operators to voluntarily 

make their vessels available to satisfy the Department of Defense to meet contingency 

or war requirements for point-to-point petroleum, oils, and lubricants movements. Also 

called VTA. (JP 4-01.2) 

vulnerability — 1. The susceptibility of a nation or military force to any action by any means 

through which its war potential or combat effectiveness may be reduced or its will to 

fight diminished. (JP 3-01) 2. The characteristics of a system that can cause it to be 

degraded (incapability to perform the designated function or mission) as a result of being 

subjected to a certain level of effects in an unnatural (man-made) hostile environment. 

(JP 3-60) 3. In information operations, a weakness in information system security 

design, procedures, implementation, or internal controls that could be exploited to gain 

unauthorized access to information or an information system. See also information 

operations. (JP 3-13) 

vulnerability assessment — A Department of Defense, command, or unit-level evaluation 

(assessment) to determine the vulnerability of an installation, unit, exercise, port, ship, 

residence, facility, or other site to a terrorist attack. Also called VA. (JP 3-07.2) 
251 

W 

walk-in — An unsolicited contact who provides information. (JP 2-01.2)

warden system — An informal method of communication used to pass information to 

United States citizens living in affected areas overseas during emergencies. See also

noncombatant evacuation operation. (JP 3-68) 

warning intelligence — Those intelligence activities intended to detect and report timesensitive intelligence information on foreign developments that forewarn of hostile 

actions or intention against United States entities, partners, or interests. (JP 2-0)

warning order — 1. A preliminary notice of an order or action that is to follow. 2. A 

planning directive that initiates the development and evaluation of military courses of 

action by a commander. Also called WARNORD. (JP 5-0) 

wartime reserve modes — Characteristics and operating procedures of sensor, 

communications, navigation aids, threat recognition, weapons, and countermeasures 

systems that will contribute to military effectiveness if unknown to or misunderstood by 

opposing commanders before they are used, but could be exploited or neutralized if 

known in advance. Also called WARM. (JP 3-13.1) 

Washington Liaison Group — An organization consisting of members of Department of 

State and Department of Defense, chaired by a representative of Department of State, 

which has basic responsibility for the coordination and implementation of plans for the 

protection and evacuation in emergencies of persons abroad for whom the Secretaries 

of State or Defense are responsible. Also called WLG. (JP 3-68) 

waterspace management — The allocation of waterspace in terms of antisubmarine warfare

attack procedures to permit the rapid and effective engagement of hostile submarines 

while preventing inadvertent attacks on friendly submarines. Also called WSM. 

(JP 3-32) 

wave — A formation of forces, including ships, landing craft, amphibious vehicles or 

aircraft, required to beach or land about the same time. (JP 3-02) 

weaponeer — An individual who has completed requisite training to determine the means 

required to create a desired effect on a given target. (JP 3-60)

weaponeering — The process of determining the specific means required to create a desired 

effect on a given target. (JP 3-60) 

weapon engagement zone — In air and missile defense, airspace of defined dimensions 

within which the responsibility for engagement of air threats normally rests with a 

particular weapon system. Also called WEZ. (JP 3-01) 
Terms and Definitions 

252 

weapons control status — An air and missile defense control measure declared for a 

particular area and time by an area air defense commander, or delegated subordinate 

commander, based on the rules of engagement that establish the conditions under which 

fighters and surface air defense weapons are permitted to engage threats. Also call 

WCS. (JP 3-01)

weapons free zone — An air defense zone established for the protection of key assets or 

facilities, other than air bases, where weapon systems may be fired at any target not 

positively recognized as friendly. (JP 3-01) 

weapons of mass destruction — Chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons 

capable of a high order of destruction or causing mass casualties, and excluding the 

means of transporting or propelling the weapon where such means is a separable and 

divisible part from the weapon. Also called WMD. See also special operations. 

(JP 3-40) 

weapons of mass destruction proliferation — The transfer of weapons of mass destruction 

or related materials, technology, and expertise from suppliers to state or non-state actors. 

(JP 3-40)

weapons readiness state — The degree of readiness of air defense weapons which can 

become airborne or be launched to carry out an assigned task, and normally expressed 

in numbers of weapons and numbers of minutes. (JP 3-01) 

weapons release authority — The authority originating from the President to engage or 

direct engagement of ballistic missile threats using the ground-based midcourse defense 

system. Also call WRA. (JP 3-01)

weapons technical intelligence — A subcategory of technical intelligence derived from the 

technical and forensic collection and exploitation of improvised explosive devices, 

associated components, improvised weapons, and other systems. Also called WTI. (JP 

3-15.1) 

weapon system — A combination of one or more weapons with all related equipment, 

materials, services, personnel, and means of delivery and deployment (if applicable) 

required for self-sufficiency. (JP 3-0) 

wellness — Force health protection program that consolidates and incorporates physical and 

mental fitness, health promotion, and environmental and occupational health. See also 

force health protection. (JP 4-02) 

wing — 1. An Air Force unit composed normally of one primary mission group and the 

necessary supporting organizations. 2. A fleet air wing is the basic organizational and 

administrative unit for naval-, land-, and tender-based aviation. 3. A balanced Marine 

Corps task organization of aircraft groups and squadrons, together with appropriate 
 Terms and Definitions 

 253 

command, air control, administrative, service, and maintenance units. 4. A flank unit; 

that part of a military force to the right or left of the main body. (JP 3-09.3) 

withdrawal operation — A planned retrograde operation in which a force in contact 

disengages from an enemy force and moves in a direction away from the enemy. 

(JP 3-17) 

witting — A term of intelligence art that indicates that one is not only aware of a fact or 

piece of information but also aware of its connection to intelligence activities. 

(JP 2-01.2) 

wounded warrior programs — A system of support and advocacy to guide and assist the 

wounded, ill, and injured Service members and family or designated caregiver through 

treatment, rehabilitation, return to duty, or military retirement into the civilian 

community. Each Military Department has a unique wounded warrior program that 

addresses its Service members' needs. (DODI 6025.22)

working capital fund — A revolving fund established to finance inventories of supplies and 

other stores, or to provide working capital for industrial-type activities. (JP 1-06) 

working group — An enduring or ad hoc organization within a headquarters consisting of 

a core functional group and other staff and component representatives whose purpose is 

to provide analysis on the specific function to users. Also called WG. (JP 3-33) 

 
Terms and Definitions 

254 

Intentionally Blank 
255 

X 

 
Terms and Definitions 

256 

Intentionally Blank 
257 

Y 

 
Terms and Definitions 

258 

Intentionally Blank 
259 

Z 

zone of action — A tactical subdivision of a larger area, the responsibility for which is 

assigned to a tactical unit; generally applied to offensive action. (JP 3-09) 

zone of fire — An area into which a designated ground unit or fire support ship delivers, or 

is prepared to deliver, fire support. Also called ZF. (JP 3-09) 

 
Terms and Definitions 

260 

Intentionally Blank 
 261 

SHORTENED WORD FORMS 

(ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS, AND INITIALISMS) 

see “Explanatory Notes” paragraph 4 for criteria 

A 

A&P analysis and production 

A-1 director of manpower, personnel, and services 

 (USAF) 

A2 antiaccess

A-2 intelligence staff officer (USAF)

A-3 operations directorate (COMAFFOR staff); 

 operations staff officer (USAF) 

A-4 director of logistics (USAF)

A-5 plans directorate (COMAFFOR staff) 

A-6 communications staff officer (USAF)

A-7 director of installations and mission support (USAF)

AA assessment agent; avenue of approach 

AA&E arms, ammunition, and explosives 

AAA antiaircraft artillery; arrival and assembly area 

AABB American Association of Blood Banks 

AAC activity address code 

AACG arrival airfield control group 

AADC area air defense commander 

AADP area air defense plan 

AAFES Army and Air Force Exchange Service 

AAFS amphibious assault fuel system 

AAG aeronautical assignment group

AAGS Army air-ground system 

AAM air-to-air missile 

AAMDC Army air and missile defense command 

AAOG arrival and assembly operations group 

AAP Allied administrative publication 

AAR after action report; after action review; air-to-air refueling 

 area 

AATCC amphibious air traffic control center 

AAV amphibious assault vehicle 

AB air base 

ABCA American, British, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand 

ABCS Army Battle Command System 

ABCT armored brigade combat team 

ABFC advanced base functional component 

ABFDS aerial bulk fuel delivery system 

ABGD air base ground defense 

ABI activity-based intelligence 

ABL airborne laser 
Shortened Word Forms 

262 

ABLTS amphibious bulk liquid transfer system 

ABP air battle plan 

A/C aircraft 

AC Active Component 

AC2 airspace command and control 

ACA airlift clearance authority; airspace control authority; 

 airspace coordination area 

ACB amphibious construction battalion 

ACC Air Combat Command; area coordination center 

ACCE air component coordination element 

ACD automated cargo documentation

ACE Allied Command Europe; aviation combat 

 element (USMC) 

ACEOI automated communications-electronics operating 

 instructions 

ACINT acoustic intelligence 

ACL allowable cabin load 

ACM airspace coordinating measure 

ACO administrative contracting officer; airspace control order 

ACOS assistant chief of staff 

ACP airspace control plan; Allied communications publication 

ACS air-capable ship; airspace control system 

ACSA acquisition and cross-servicing agreement 

ACT advance civilian team; Allied Command Transformation 

ACU assault craft unit 

AD air defense; area denial; automatic distribution 

ADA air defense artillery; Antideficiency Act 

A/DACG arrival/departure airfield control group 

ADAFCO air defense artillery fire control officer 

ADAM air defense airspace management 

ADAM/BAE air defense airspace management/brigade aviation element 

ADAMS Allied Deployment and Movement System 

ADC air defense commander; area damage control 

ADCON administrative control 

ADE airdrop damage estimate 

ADIZ air defense identification zone 

ADM air defense measure 

ADOS active duty for operational support

ADP Army doctrine publication; automated data processing 

ADR airfield damage repair 

ADRP Army doctrine reference publication 

ADS air defense section; air defense sector; 

 amphibian discharge site; authoritative data source 

ADUSD(TP) Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, 

 Transportation Policy 

ADVON advanced echelon 
Shortened Word Forms 

 263 

ADWC air defense warning condition 

ADZ amphibious defense zone 

A/E ammunition/explosives

AE aeromedical evacuation; assault echelon 

AECA Arms Export Control Act 

AECT aeromedical evacuation control team 

AEF air expeditionary force 

AEG air expeditionary group 

AEHF advanced extremely high frequency

AELT aeromedical evacuation liaison team 

AEODP allied explosive ordnance disposal publication 

AEODPS Automated Explosive Ordnance Disposal Publication 

 System 

AEOT aeromedical evacuation operations team 

AESC aeromedical evacuation support cell 

AETC Air Education and Training Command 

AETF air expeditionary task force 

AEW airborne early warning 

AF Air Force; Air Force (form); amphibious force 

AF/A2 Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Force for Intelligence, 

 Surveillance, and Reconnaissance

AFAPD Air Force Applications Program Development

AFARN Air Force air request net 

AFATDS Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System 

AFB Air Force base 

AFCAP Air Force contract augmentation program 

AFCC Air Force Component Commander 

AFCEC Air Force Civil Engineer Center

AFCEE Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment 

AFCESA Air Force Civil Engineering Support Agency 

AFDA Air Force doctrine annex

AFDD Air Force doctrine document 

AFE Armed Forces Entertainment 

AFFOR Air Force forces 

AFH Air Force handbook 

AFHSB Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch (DHA) 

AFHSC Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center 

AFI Air Force instruction 

AFIAA Air Force Intelligence Analysis Agency

AFICA Air Force Installation Contracting Agency

AFIP Armed Forces Institute of Pathology 

AFIS American Forces Information Service 

AFISRA Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and 

 Reconnaissance Agency

AFJI Air Force joint instruction 

AFLE Air Force liaison element 
Shortened Word Forms 

264 

AFMAN Air Force manual 

AFMC Air Force Materiel Command 

AFME Armed Forces Medical Examiner 

AFMES Armed Forces Medical Examiner System 

AFMS Air Force Medical Service 

AFNORTH Air Force North 

AFO advance force operations 

AFOE assault follow-on echelon 

AFOSI Air Force Office of Special Investigations 

AFOSIMAN Air Force Office of Special Investigations manual 

AFPAM Air Force pamphlet 

AFPC Air Force Personnel Center 

AFPD Air Force policy directive 

AFR Air Force Reserve 

AFRAT Air Force Radiation Assessment Team

AFRC Air Force Reserve Command 

AFRCC Air Force Rescue Coordination Center 

AFRL Air Force Research Laboratory

AFRRI Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute 

AFRTS American Forces Radio and Television Service 

AFSB afloat forward staging base; Army field support brigade

AFSC Army Field Support Center 

AFSCN Air Force Satellite Control Network

AFSMO Air Force Spectrum Management Office

AFSOAC Air Force special operations air component

AFSOAD Air Force special operations air detachment

AFSOAE Air Force special operations air element 

AFSOC Air Force Special Operations Command 

AFSOF Air Force special operations forces 

AFSPC Air Force Space Command 

AFSTRAT Air Forces Strategic

AFTAC Air Force Technical Applications Center 

AFTRANS Air Force Transportation Component 

AFTTP Air Force tactics, techniques, and procedures 

AFTTP(I) Air Force tactics, techniques, and procedures (instruction) 

AFW Air Force Weather 

AFWA Air Force Weather Agency 

AGILE Advanced Global Intelligence Learning Environment 

AGL above ground level 

AGO Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organization 

AGS aviation ground support 

AGT Automated Global Force Management Tool 

AH attack helicopter

AHA alert holding area 

AHD antihandling device 

AI acquisition instruction; air interdiction 
Shortened Word Forms 

 265 

AIDS acquired immunodeficiency syndrome 

AIMD aircraft intermediate maintenance department 

AIMT air interdiction of maritime targets

AIP aeronautical information publication 

AIRCOR air corridor

AIRSUPREQ air support request 

AIS automated information system 

AIT automated information technology; 

 automatic identification technology 

AJ anti-jam 

AJA annual joint assessment 

AJBPO area joint blood program office 

AJD allied joint doctrine 

AJODWG allied joint operations doctrine working group 

AJP Allied joint publication 

AKRCC Alaska Rescue Coordination Center 

ALARA as low as reasonably achievable

ALCF airlift control flight 

ALCM air-launched cruise missile 

ALCOM United States Alaskan Command 

ALCT airlift control team 

ALD available-to-load date 

ALEP amphibious lift enhancement program 

ALERTORD alert order 

ALLOREQ allocation request 

ALN ammunition lot number

ALO air liaison officer 

ALOC air line of communications 

ALP Allied logistic publication 

ALSA Air Land Sea Application (Center) 

ALSE aviation life support equipment

ALSS advanced logistic support site 

ALT acquisition, logistics, and technology

ALTRV altitude reservation 

AM amplitude modulation 

AMC airborne mission coordinator; Air Mobility Command 

AMCC allied movement coordination center 

AMCM airborne mine countermeasures 

AMC/SGXM Air Mobility Command/Command Surgeon’s Office

AMCT air mobility control team 

AMD air and missile defense; air mobility division 

AMDC air and missile defense commander

AMedP Allied medical publication

AMEMB American Embassy 

AMETL agency mission-essential task list

AMHS automated message handling system 
Shortened Word Forms 

266 

AMLO air mobility liaison officer 

AMOC Air and Marine Operations Center (DHS) 

AMOG air mobility operations group 

AMOS air mobility operations squadron 

AMOW air mobility operations wing 

AMP analysis of mobility platform 

AMP-PAT analysis of mobility platform suite of port analysis tools 

AMS Aerial Measuring System (DOE); air mobility squadron; 

 Asset Management System 

AMS-TAC Automated Manifesting System–Tactical

AMT aerial mail terminal 

amu atomic mass unit

AMX air mobility express

ANG Air National Guard 

ANGLICO air-naval gunfire liaison company 

ANR Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command 

 Region 

ANSI American National Standards Institute 

AN/VRC Army Navy vehicle radio communications 

ANZUS Australia-New Zealand-United States Treaty 

AO action officer; air officer; area of operations 

AOA amphibious objective area 

AOC air operations center 

AOD air operations directive 

AODB air operations database

AOF azimuth of fire 

AOG Army Operations Group 

AOI area of interest 

AOR area of responsibility 

AOS aircraft on station

AOTR aviation operational threat response 

AP allied publication; antipersonnel 

APAN All Partners Access Network 

APE airfield pavement evaluation

APEX Adaptive Planning and Execution

APF afloat pre-positioning force 

APHIS Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA) 

APL antipersonnel land mine 

APO Army post office 

APOD aerial port of debarkation 

APOE aerial port of embarkation 

APP allied procedural publication 

APS Army pre-positioned stocks 

APS-3 Army pre-positioned stocks-3 

APTD aircraft position target designation

APU auxiliary power unit 
Shortened Word Forms 

 267 

AR air refueling; Army regulation 

ARC air Reserve Components; American Red Cross 

ARCENT United States Army Central Command 

ARCT air refueling control team 

ARDEC United States Army Armament Research, Development, 

 and Engineering Center 

ARFOR Army forces 

ARG Accident Response Group (DOE); amphibious ready 

 group 

ARM air reference measure; antiradiation missile 

ARNG Army National Guard 

ARS acute radiation syndrome 

ARSOF Army special operations forces 

ARSST Army space support team 

ARTYMET artillery meteorological 

A/S anti-spoofing 

ASA(ALT) Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, 

 Logistics, and Technology

ASAP as soon as possible 

ASAT antisatellite 

ASBP Armed Services Blood Program 

ASBPO Armed Services Blood Program Office 

ASC Army Sustainment Command 

ASCC Army Service component command; 

 Army Service component commander 

ASCOPE areas, structures, capabilities, organizations, people, and 

 events 

ASCS air support control section; air support coordination 

 section 

ASD(GSA) Assistant Secretary of Defense for Global Strategic 

 Affairs

ASD(HA) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) 

ASD(HD&ASA) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Homeland Defense and 

 Americas’ Security Affairs) 

ASD(HD&GS) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Homeland Defense and 

 Global Security) 

ASD(L&MR) Assistant Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Materiel 

 Readiness

ASD(NII) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Networks and Information 

 Integration) 

ASD(OEPP) Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy 

 Plans and Programs

ASD(PA) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) 

ASD(RA) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Reserve Affairs) 

ASD(SO/LIC) Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations/Low- 

 Intensity Conflict 
Shortened Word Forms 

268 

ASD(SO/LIC&IC) Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations 

 and Low-Intensity Conflict and Interdependent 

 Capabilities 

ASG Allied System for Geospatial Intelligence 

ASIC Air and Space Interoperability Council 

ASLT air support liaison team; assault support landing table

ASM air-to-surface missile; Army Spectrum Manager 

ASMO Army Spectrum Management Office

ASN(RD&A) Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, 

 Development and Acquisition

ASOC air support operations center 

ASOG air support operations group 

ASOS air support operations squadron 

ASP ammunition supply point

A-Space Analytic Space

ASPR Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and 

 Response (DHHS) 

ASR air support request 

ASW antisubmarine warfare 

ASWC antisubmarine warfare commander 

AT antiterrorism 

ATA antiterrorism assistance 

ATACMS Army Tactical Missile System 

ATC air traffic control 

ATCM air traffic control measure

ATCS air traffic control section 

ATEP Antiterrorism Enterprise Portal 

ATF amphibious task force; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, 

 Firearms, and Explosives (DOJ) 

ATI asset target interaction

ATO air tasking order; antiterrorism officer 

ATOC air terminal operations center 

ATP advanced targeting pod; allied tactical publication; Army 

 tactical publication; Army technical publication; 

 Army techniques publication 

ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (DHHS)

ATTP Army tactics, techniques, and procedures 

AU African Union

AUF airborne use of force 

AUSCANNZUKUS Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, United Kingdom, 

 United States 

AV asset visibility 

AVC Bureau of Arms Control, Verification, and 

 Compliance (DOS)

AVCAL aviation consolidated allowance list

AVGAS aviation gasoline 
Shortened Word Forms 

 269 

AVL anti-vehicle land mine 

AVS asset validation system 

AWACS Airborne Warning and Control System 

AWG Asymmetric Warfare Group (USA)

AWNIS Allied Worldwide Navigational Information System 

AWOL absent without leave 

AXO abandoned explosive ordnance

 
Shortened Word Forms 

270 

Intentionally Blank 
 271 

B 

BAE brigade aviation element 

BAH basic allowance for housing 

BALO battalion air liaison officer 

BALS berthing and loading schedule 

BAS basic allowance for subsistence 

bbl barrel (42 US gallons) 

BCA border crossing authority 

BCC battle control center

BCD battlefield coordination detachment (Army) 

BCG beach control group

BCL battlefield coordination line 

BCOC base cluster operations center 

BCT brigade combat team 

BD barge derrick

BDA battle damage assessment 

BDAREP battle damage assessment report 

BDC blood donor center 

BDE brigade

BDOC base defense operations center 

BDR battle damage repair 

BDZ base defense zone 

BE basic encyclopedia 

BEAR base expeditionary airfield resources; basic expeditionary 

 airfield resources 

BEB brigade engineer battalion 

BEI biometrics-enabled intelligence 

BEWL biometric-enabled watchlist 

BI battle injury 

BIA behavioral influences analysis 

BIAR biometric intelligence analysis report

BIAS Battlefield Illumination Assistance System 

BICES battlefield information collection and exploitation 

 system (NATO)

BICON double container

BIFS Border Intelligence Fusion Section

BII base information infrastructure 

BIMA Biometrics Identity Management Agency

BIS Bureau of Industry and Security (DOC) 

BKB blue kill box

BLCP beach lighterage control point 

BLM Bureau of Land Management 

BLOS beyond line-of-sight 

BLT battalion landing team 

BM ballistic missile; beach module 
Shortened Word Forms 

272 

BMCT begin morning civil twilight 

BMD ballistic missile defense 

BMDS ballistic missile defense system

BMET biomedical electronics technician 

BMNT begin morning nautical twilight 

BMU beachmaster unit 

BN battalion 

BOA basic ordering agreement 

BOC bomb on coordinate 

BOG beach operations group 

BOS base operating support 

BOS-I base operating support-integrator

BOSS base operating support service 

BOT bomb on target 

BP battle position 

BPA blanket purchase agreement 

BPC building partnership capacity

BPG beach party group 

BPLAN base plan

bps bits per second 

BPT beach party team 

BRACE Base Resource and Capability Estimator 

BSA beach support area; brigade support area 

BSB brigade support battalion 

BSC behavioral science consultant 

BSI base support installation 

BSRP bureau strategic resource plan 

BSZ base security zone

BT bathythermograph 

BTB believed-to-be 

BTC blood transshipment center 

BTU beach termination unit 

BTWC Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention

BVR beyond visual range 

BW biological warfare 

BWC Biological Weapons Convention 

BZ buffer zone 
 273 

C 

C Celsius 

C&E communications and electronics 

C&LAT cargo and loading analysis table 

C2 command and control 

C2CRE command and control chemical, biological, radiological, 

 and nuclear response element

C2S command and control support 

C-2X coalition Intelligence Directorate counterintelligence 

 and human intelligence staff element 

C3 command, control, and communications 

C3I command, control, communications, and intelligence 

C4I command, control, communications, computers, and 

 intelligence 

C4S command, control, communications, and computer 

 systems 

CA chaplain assistant; civil administration; civil affairs; 

 combat assessment; coordinating altitude; credibility 

 assessment; criticality assessment 

CAA combat aviation advisor; 

 command arrangement agreement 

CAAF contractors authorized to accompany the force 

CAB commander’s assessment board

CAC common access card 

CACOM civil affairs command 

CAD Canadian air division; contract administration delegation 

CADS containerized ammunition distribution system 

CAF Canadian Air Force; combat air forces; commander, 

 airborne/air assault force; commander, amphibious force; 

 Conflict Assessment Framework (USAID) 

CAG civil affairs group 

CAGO contractor-acquired, government-owned

CAIS civil authority information support

CAISE civil authority information support element 

CAL caliber; critical asset list 

CALCM conventional air-launched cruise missile 

CALICS communication, authentication, location, intentions, 

 condition, and situation 

CAMOC Caribbean Air and Marine Operations Center

CAMPS Consolidated Air Mobility Planning System 

CANR Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command 

 Region 

CANUS Canada-United States 

CANUS BDD Canada-United States Basic Defense Document 
Shortened Word Forms 

274 

CANUS CDP Canada-United States Combined Defense Plan 

CAO chief administrative officer; civil affairs operations; 

 controlled asset operation 

CAOC combined air operations center 

CAP Civil Air Patrol; civil assistance plan; civil augmentation 

 program; combat air patrol 

CAPM credibility assessment program manager 

CAPT civil affairs planning team

CARA chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield 

 explosives analytical and remediation activity

CARE Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere 

 (CAREUSA) 

CARP computed air release point 

CARVER criticality, accessibility, recuperability, vulnerability, 

 effect, and recognizability 

CAS close air support 

CASEVAC casualty evacuation 

CASF contingency aeromedical staging facility 

CAT category; civil affairs team; crisis action team 

CATF commander, amphibious task force 

CBCP Customs and Border Clearance Program (DOD)

CBG coalition building guide 

CBIRF Chemical-Biological Incident Response Force 

CBMU construction battalion maintenance unit 

CBP capabilities-based planning; Customs and Border 

 Protection (DHS) 

CBR chemical, biological, and radiological 

CBRN chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear 

CBRNE chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield 

 explosives (USA/NGB/USCG) 

CBSA Canadian Border Services Agency

CbT combating terrorism 

CC component commander; critical capability 

CCA close combat attack; combat cargo assistant; 

 contract construction agent 

CCAS contingency contract administration services 

CCATT critical care air transport team 

CCB configuration control board 

CCC coalition coordination center 

CCD camouflage, concealment, and deception 

CCDB consolidated counterdrug database

CCDR combatant commander 

CCEB Combined Communications-Electronics Board 

CCG combat communications group 

CCICA command counterintelligence coordinating authority 
Shortened Word Forms 

 275 

CCIF Combatant Commander Initiative Fund 

CCIP continuously computed impact point 

CCIR commander’s critical information requirement 

CCLI commerce control list item 

CCMD combatant command 

CCMF Cyber Combat Mission Force 

CCO central control officer; combat cargo officer; 

 container control officer; contingency contracting 

 officer 

CCP casualty collection point; combatant command campaign 

 plan; consolidated cryptologic program; consolidation 

 and containerization point 

CCR closed circuit refueling

C-CS communication and computer systems 

CCS central control ship; commander’s communication 

 synchronization; core capability set 

CCT combat control team 

CCTV closed circuit television 

CCW 1980 United Nations Convention on Conventional 

 Weapons 

CD compact disc; counterdrug; customer direct 

CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (DHHS) 

CDD chemical decontamination detachment

CDE collateral damage estimation 

CDEMA Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency

CDHAM Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance 

 Medicine 

CDI cargo disposition instructions 

CDIP combined defense improvement project 

CDIPO counterdrug intelligence preparation for operations 

CDM collateral damage methodology 

CDO commander, detainee operations 

CDOPS counterdrug operations 

CDP commander’s dissemination policy 

CDR commander 

CDRAFNORTH Commander, Air Force North 

CDRAFSOF commander, Air Force special operations forces 

CDRJSOTF commander, joint special operations task force 

CDRNORAD Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command 

CDRTSOC commander, theater special operations command 

CDRUSAFRICOM Commander, United States Africa Command 

CDRUSARNORTH Commander, United States Army, North 

CDRUSCENTCOM Commander, United States Central Command 

CDRUSCYBERCOM Commander, United States Cyber Command

CDRUSELEMNORAD Commander, United States Element, North American 

 Aerospace Defense Command 
Shortened Word Forms 

276 

CDRUSEUCOM Commander, United States European Command 

CDRUSINDOPACOM Commander, United States Indo-Pacific Command 

CDRUSNORTHCOM Commander, United States Northern Command 

CDRUSSOCOM Commander, United States Special Operations Command 

CDRUSSOUTHCOM Commander, United States Southern Command 

CDRUSSTRATCOM Commander, United States Strategic Command 

CDRUSTRANSCOM Commander, United States Transportation Command 

CDS Chief of Defence Staff (Canada); container delivery system 

CDSO counterdrug support office 

C-E communications-electronics 

CE circular error; command element (USMC); 

 communications-electronics; core element; 

 counterespionage 

CEA captured enemy ammunition 

CEB combat engineer battalion 

CEC civil engineer corps 

CECOM communications-electronics command 

CEE captured enemy equipment 

CEHC Counter Explosive Hazards Center (USA)

CELLEX cellular exploitation

CEMIRT civil engineer maintenance, inspection, and repair team

CENTRIXS Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange 

 System 

CEOI communications-electronics operating instructions 

CEP Chairman’s Exercise Program 

CERF Central Emergency Revolving Fund (UN) 

CERFP chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and 

 high-yield explosives enhanced response force package 

CERP Commanders’ Emergency Response Program 

CERT computer emergency response team; contingency 

 engineering response team 

CEW civilian expeditionary workforce 

CEXC combined explosives exploitation cell 

CF carrier furnished; causeway ferry; 

 conventional forces 

CFA critical factors analysis 

CFACC combined force air component commander 

CFB Canadian forces base 

CFC Combined Forces Command, Korea 

CF-COP counterfire common operational picture 

CFL coordinated fire line 

CFLCC coalition forces land component commander 

CFO chief financial officer 

CFPM causeway ferry power module

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

CFST coalition forces support team 
Shortened Word Forms 

 277 

CG Coast Guard; commanding general 

CG-652 Coast Guard Spectrum Management and 

 Telecommunications Policy Division 

CGCG Coast Guard Cryptologic Group

CGCIS Coast Guard Counterintelligence Service 

CGDEFOR Coast Guard defense force 

CGIS United States Coast Guard Investigative Service 

CGP Coast Guard publication 

CGTTP Coast Guard tactics, techniques, and procedures

CH contingency hospital 

CHB cargo-handling battalion 

CHCSS Chief, Central Security Service 

CHD counterintelligence and human intelligence detachment 

CHE cargo-handling equipment; container handling equipment 

CHRP contaminated human remains pouch 

CI counterintelligence 

CIA Central Intelligence Agency 

CIAP Central Intelligence Agency program 

CIB combined information bureau; controlled image base 

CIC combat information center

CICA counterintelligence coordinating authority 

CICR counterintelligence collection requirement 

CID combat identification 

CIDNE Combined Information Data Network Exchange

CIE collaborative information environment; cultural 

 intelligence element 

CIEA classification, identification, and engagement area

C-IED counter-improvised explosive device 

C-IEDTF counter-improvised explosive device task force 

CIFA counterintelligence field activity 

CI/KR critical infrastructure and key resources 

CIL command information library; critical information list; 

 critical item list 

CIM civil information management; compartmented 

 information management 

CIMIC civil-military cooperation 

CIN cargo increment number 

CIO chief information officer; command intelligence officer 

CIOC counterintelligence operations cell 

CIOTA counterintelligence operational tasking authority 

CIP critical infrastructure protection 

CIRT Collaborative Issue Resolution Tool 

CIS common item support 

CISAR catastrophic incident search and rescue

CISD critical incident stress debriefing 

CISO counterintelligence staff office 
Shortened Word Forms 

278 

CITE computer intrusion technical exploitation 

CITP counter-improvised explosive device targeting program 

CIVMAR civil service mariner

CIVPOL civilian police 

CJ-4 combined-joint logistics officer 

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 

CJDA critical joint duty assignment 

CJE component joint data networks operations officer equivalent 

CJEODC combined joint explosive ordnance disposal cell 

CJFC combined joint force commander 

CJLOTS combined joint logistics over-the-shore

CJMAB Central Joint Mortuary Affairs Board 

CJOC Canadian Joint Operations Command

CJSART Criminal Justice Sector Assessment Rating Tool

CJSMPT Coalition Joint Spectrum Management Planning Tool

CJTF combined joint task force (NATO); commander, joint 

 task force 

C-JWICS Containerized Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications 

 System 

CL coordination level 

CLA landing craft, air cushion launch area 

CLASSRON class squadron 

CLB combat logistics battalion 

CLDP Commercial Law Development Program 

CLF combat logistics force; commander, landing force 

CLIA Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 

CLIP Clinical Laboratory Improvement Program 

CLPSB combatant commander logistic procurement support board

CLR combat logistics regiment 

CLS contractor logistic support 

CLT civil liaison team 

CLZ cushion landing zone; landing craft, air cushion 

 landing zone 

CM Chairman’s memorandum; collection manager; 

 combination module; countermine; cruise missile 

cm centimeter 

CMA collection management authority 

CMAA cooperative military airlift agreement 

CMAOC Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Center

CMAT consequence management advisory team 

CMC Commandant of the Marine Corps; 

 Office of Civilian-Military Cooperation (USAID) 

CMCB civil-military coordination board 

CMCC combined movement coordination center 
Shortened Word Forms 

 279 

CMD cruise missile defense 

CMDO command military deception officer

CME civil-military engagement 

CMF Cyber Mission Force 

CMM Office of Conflict Management and Mitigation (USAID)

CMMA collection management mission application 

CMO civil-military operations; collection management office(r) 

CMOC cargo movement operations center; civil-military 

 operations center 

CMOS cargo movement operations system; Cargo Movement 

 Operations System (USAF) 

CMP contractor management plan 

CMPF commander, maritime pre-positioning force 

CMSE civil-military support element

CMST consequence management support team 

CMT combat mission team 

C-NAF component numbered air force

CNBG commander, naval beach group

CNC Crime and Narcotics Center (CIA) 

CNCI Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative

CNE computer network exploitation 

CNGB Chief, National Guard Bureau 

CNIC Commander, Navy Installations Command

CNM classified notice to mariners 

CNMF Cyber National Mission Force 

CNMF-HQ Cyber National Mission Force Headquarters 

CNMI Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

CNMOC Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography 

 Command

CNO Chief of Naval Operations 

CNR combat net radio

CNWDI critical nuclear weapons design information 

CO commanding officer; cyberspace operations 

COA course of action 

COB contingency operating base 

COC combat operations center 

CoC Code of Conduct 

COCO contractor-owned, contractor-operated

COCOM combatant command (command authority) 

COD carrier onboard delivery; combat operations division 

COE common operating environment; concept of employment 

COEDMHA Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and 

 Humanitarian Assistance (USPACOM) 

COF chief of fires; conduct of fire 

COG center of gravity; continuity of government 

COI community of interest 
Shortened Word Forms 

280 

COIC counter-improvised explosive device operations 

 integration center; Counter-Improvised Explosive 

 Device Operations/Intelligence Integration 

 Center (JIEDDO)

COIN counterinsurgency 

CO-IPE cyberspace operations-integrated planning element 

COLDS cargo offload and discharge system 

COLISEUM community on-line intelligence system for end-users and 

 managers 

COLPRO collective protection

COLS concept of logistic support

COLT combat observation and lasing team 

COM chief of mission; collection operations management 

COMAFFOR commander, Air Force forces 

COMAFSOAC commander, Air Force special operations air component

COMALOC commercial air line of communications 

COMARFOR commander, Army forces 

COMCAM combat camera 

COMDTINST Commandant instruction (USCG) 

COMFLTCYBERCOM Commander, Fleet Cyber Command

COMINEWARCOM Commander, Mine Warfare Command 

COMINT communications intelligence 

COMLANTAREACOGARD Commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area 

COMMARFOR commander, Marine Corps forces 

COMNAVELSG Commander, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group 

COMNAVFOR commander, Navy forces 

COMNAVMETOCCOM Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography 

 Command 

COMNAVSURFLANT Commander, Naval Surface Force, Atlantic 

COMNAVSURFPAC Commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific 

COMNET communications network

COMPACAF Commander, Pacific Air Forces 

COMPACAREACOGARD Commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area 

COMPASS Computerized Movement Planning and Status System 

COMSC Commander, Military Sealift Command 

COMSCINST Commander, Military Sealift Command instruction 

COMSEC communications security 

COMSTAT communications status 

COMSUBLANT Commander Submarine Force, United States Atlantic Fleet 

COMSUBPAC Commander Submarine Force, United States Pacific Fleet 

COMTENTHFLT Commander, Tenth Fleet

COMUSFLTFORCOM Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command 

COMUSNAVNORTH Commander, United States Naval Forces, Northern 

 Command 

COMUSPACFLT Commander, United States Pacific Fleet 

CONCAP construction capabilities contract (USN); 
Shortened Word Forms 

 281 

 construction capabilities contract program 

CONEX container express 

CONOPS concept of operations 

CONPLAN concept plan; operation plan in concept format 

CONR continental United States North American Aerospace 

 Defense Command Region 

CONUS continental United States 

COOP continuity of operations 

COP common operational picture 

COR contracting officer representative 

CORIVRON coastal riverine squadron 

COS chief of staff 

COSC combat and operational stress control 

COSMIC North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) security 

 category 

COSR combat and operational stress reactions 

COT commanding officer of troops 

COTP captain of the port 

COTS cargo offload and transfer system; commercial off-the-shelf 

CP collection point; command post; contact point; 

 control point; counterproliferation 

CPD combat plans division 

CPF Cyber Protection Force 

CPG Contingency Planning Guidance 

CPO chief petty officer 

CPT cyberspace protection team 

CPU central processing unit 

CR civil reconnaissance; critical requirement 

CRA continuing resolution authority; coordinating 

 review authority 

CRAF Civil Reserve Air Fleet 

C-RAM counter-rocket, artillery, mortar 

CRBM close-range ballistic missile 

CRC Civilian Response Corps (DOS); coastal riverine company; 

 control and reporting center; crisis reaction center 

CRD chemical reconnaissance detachment 

CRE contingency response element 

CREAPER Communications and Radar Electronic Attack Planning 

 Effectiveness Reference 

CREstT Casualty Rate Estimation Tool 

CREW counter radio-controlled improvised explosive device 

 electronic warfare

CRF coastal riverine force; contingency response force 

CRG contingency response group 

CRIF cargo routing information file 

CRM collection requirements management; comment 
Shortened Word Forms 

282 

 resolution matrix 

CRMx collection requirements matrix 

CRO combat rescue officer 

CROP common relevant operational picture 

CRRC combat rubber raiding craft 

CRS coastal riverine squadron 

CRSG country reconstruction and stabilization group 

CRSP centralized receiving and shipping point

CRT chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield 

 explosives response team; contingency response team 

CRTS casualty receiving and treatment ship 

CRW contingency response wing 

CS call sign; circuit switch; combat support; critical source 

CS&C Office of Cybersecurity and Communications (DHS) 

CSA combat support agency 

CSAR combat search and rescue 

CSB contracting support brigade

CSB (MEB) combat support brigade (maneuver enhancement brigade) 

CSC convoy support center; International Convention for 

 Safe Containers 

CSCS country-specific security cooperation section 

CSE combat support equipment; contingency support element; 

 cyberspace support element 

CSEL combat survivor evader locator; command senior 

 enlisted leader 

CSG carrier strike group; cryptologic services group; 

 Cryptologic Support Group 

CSIP contract support integration plan

CSL cooperative security location 

CSNP causeway section, nonpowered 

CSO Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations 

 (DOS); Center for Special Operations (USSOCOM); 

 contractor support to operations 

CSOR contract statement of requirement

CSP campaign support plan; career sea pay; causeway section, 

 powered; contracting support plan 

CSS Central Security Service (NSA); combat service support 

CSSA combat service support area 

CSSAMO combat service support automation management office

CSSB combat sustainment support battalion 

C-SSE consolidated satellite communications system expert

CSSM contracted support synchronization matrix 

CSSP cybersecurity service provider 

CSST combat service support team 

CST combat support team 

CSW coordinate seeking weapons 
Shortened Word Forms 

 283 

CT computed tomography; counterterrorism; country team 

CTA common table of allowance 

CTAF counterterrorism analytical framework 

CTBT Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty

CTC cargo transfer company (USA) 

CTDB combating terrorism database 

CTE critical target element 

CTEP combined training and education plan 

CTF commander, task force; counter threat finance 

CTF IAMD commander, task force integrated air and missile defense

CTFP Combating Terrorism Fellowship Program

CTIP combating trafficking in persons

CTKB combating terrorism knowledge base 

CTL candidate target list 

CTN countering threat networks 

CTP common tactical picture 

CTR cooperative threat reduction 

CTS commodity tracking system; Contingency Tracking 

 System; controlled technical services 

CTU commander, task unit 

C-UAS counter-unmanned aircraft system 

CUI controlled unclassified information

CUL common-user logistics 

CULT common-user land transportation 

CV aircraft carrier; critical vulnerability 

CVE countering violent extremism 

CVN aircraft carrier, nuclear 

CVS commercial vendor services 

CVT criticality-vulnerability-threat 

CVW carrier air wing 

CW chemical warfare; continuous wave 

CWA chemical warfare agent

CWC Chemical Weapons Convention; composite warfare 

 commander 

CWG counterdeception working group 

CWMD countering weapons of mass destruction 

CWP causeway pier 

CWT customer wait time 

CY calendar year 

 
Shortened Word Forms 

284 

Intentionally Blank 
 285 

D 

D&D denial and deception 

D&F determinations and findings 

D&M detection and monitoring 

D3A decide, detect, deliver, and assess 

DA Department of the Army; direct action; Directorate for 

 Mission Services (DIA); double agent 

DA&M Director of Administration and Management 

DAA designated approving authority 

DAADC deputy area air defense commander

DAAS defense automatic addressing system 

DAB Defense Acquisition Board 

DAC Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) counterintelligence 

 and security activity; Development Assistance 

 Committee (OECD) 

DACAS digitally aided close air support

DACG departure airfield control group 

DACO directive authority for cyberspace operations 

DAF Department of the Air Force 

DAFL directive authority for logistics 

DAL defended asset list 

DALIS Disaster Assistance Logistics Information System 

DALS downed aviator locator system 

DAO defense attaché office 

DAR Defense Acquisition Regulation 

DART disaster assistance response team 

DAS deep air support (USMC) 

DASC direct air support center 

DASC(A) direct air support center (airborne) 

DASD(PS) Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense 

 (Program Support)

DATT defense attaché 

DAWIA Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act

DBDB digital bathymetric database 

DBDB-V digital bathymetric database variable

DBIDS Defense Biometric Identification System

DBSMC Defense Business Systems Management Committee

DBSS Defense Blood Standard System 

DBT design basis threat 

DC3 Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center

DC Deputies Committee; direct current; dislocated civilian 

DCA Defense Cooperation Agreements; defensive counterair 

DCAA Defense Contract Audit Agency 

DCAM Defense Medical Logistics Standard Support (DMLSS) 

 customer assistance module 
Shortened Word Forms 

286 

DCAPES Deliberate and Crisis Action Planning and 

 Execution Segments

DCCC defense collection coordination center 

DCE defense coordinating element 

D-cell deployment cell 

DCGS distributed common ground/surface system 

DCGS-A distributed common ground system-Army 

DCGS-MC distributed common ground/surface system Marine Corps 

DCHA Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian 

 Assistance (USAID) 

DCHC Defense Counterintelligence and Human Intelligence Center

DCI defense critical infrastructure; Director of Central 

 Intelligence 

D/CIA Director, Central Intelligence Agency 

DCID Director of Central Intelligence directive 

DCIP Defense Critical Infrastructure Program 

DCISE Defense Industrial Base Collaborative Information 

 Sharing Environment

DCJTF deputy commander, joint task force 

DCM defense collection manager; deputy chief of mission 

DCMA Defense Contract Management Agency 

DCME Defense Collection Management Enterprise 

DCNO Deputy Chief of Naval Operations 

DCO debarkation control officer; defense coordinating officer; 

 defensive cyberspace operations 

DCO-IDM defensive cyberspace operations-internal defensive 

 measures

DCO-RA defensive cyberspace operations-response actions

DCP data collection plan; Defense Continuity Program; 

 detainee collection point 

DCRF defense chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear 

 response force

DCS Defense Collaboration Services; deputy chief of staff 

DCTC Defense Combating Terrorism Center 

DCW Defense Collection Watch (DIA)

DD Department of Defense (form); deputy director 

DDA deputy development advisor 

DDE Defense Logistics Agency distribution expeditionary 

DDED defense distribution expeditionary depot 

DDI Director of Defense Intelligence 

DDL digital data link 

DDM Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Mapping 

DDMS Deputy Director for Military Support (NRO) 

DDN Defense Data Network 

DDOC Deployment and Distribution Operations Center 

 (USTRANSCOM) 
Shortened Word Forms 

 287 

DDP detailed deployment plan 

DDR disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration 

DDS Deployable Disbursing System 

DDSBn deployment and distribution support battalion

DDSM Defense Distinguished Service Medal 

DDST deployment and distribution support team

DE decedent effects; directed energy 

DEA Drug Enforcement Administration (DOJ) 

DEARAS Department of Defense Emergency Authorities 

 Retrieval and Analysis System 

DeCA Defense Commissary Agency 

DEERS Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System

DEFSMAC Defense Special Missile and Aerospace Center 

DEL deployable equipment list 

DEP delayed entry program 

DEPORD deployment order 

DERP Defense Environmental Restoration Program 

DES deception event schedule 

DESC Defense Energy Support Center 

DEST domestic emergency support team 

DEW directed-energy warfare 

DF dangerous fallout; direction finding 

DFARS Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 

DFAS Defense Finance and Accounting Service 

DFBA Defense Forensics and Biometrics Agency 

DFC detention facility commander 

DFE Defense Intelligence Agency forward element; Defense 

 Joint Intelligence Operations Center forward element 

DFRIF Defense Freight Railway Interchange Fleet 

DFSP defense fuel support point 

DG defense guidance 

DGT designated ground target

DHA Defense Health Agency; detainee holding area

DHB Defense Health Board 

DHE defense human intelligence executor

DHE-M Defense Human Intelligence Enterprise-manual

DHHS Department of Health and Human Services 

DHM defense human intelligence manager 

DHP Defense Health Program

DHS Defense Human Intelligence (HUMINT) Service; 

 Department of Homeland Security 

DI Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Directorate for Analysis; 

 DIA Directorate for Intelligence Production 

DI&E data integration and exploitation

DIA Defense Intelligence Agency 

DIAM Defense Intelligence Agency manual 
Shortened Word Forms 

288 

DIAP Defense Intelligence Analysis Program 

DIAR Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) regulation 

DIB defense industrial base; defense institution building 

DID Defense Intelligence Digest

DIDO designated intelligence disclosure official 

DIE deception intelligence estimate 

DIEB Defense Intelligence Executive Board 

DIFC Defence Intelligence Fusion Centre 

DIGO Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation (Australia) 

DIJE Defense Intelligence Joint Environment (United Kingdom) 

DIMOC Defense Imagery Management Operations Center

DINFOS Defense Information School 

DIO defense intelligence officer 

DIPF defense intelligence priorities framework 

DIRI Defense Institution Reform Initiative 

DIRINT Director of Intelligence (USMC) 

DIRLAUTH direct liaison authorized 

DIRMOBFOR director of mobility forces 

DIRNSA Director, National Security Agency 

DIRSPACEFOR director of space forces (USAF)

DISA Defense Information Systems Agency 

DISA-LO Defense Information Systems Agency - liaison officer 

DISN Defense Information Systems Network 

DISO deception in support of operations security 

DISR Department of Defense Information Technology 

 Standards Registry 

DJ-7 Director, Joint Force Development 

DJIOC Defense Joint Intelligence Operations Center 

DJS Director, Joint Staff 

DLA Defense Logistics Agency 

DLD digital liaison detachment 

DLEA drug law enforcement agency 

DLIS Defense Logistics Information Service 

DLM defense logistics manual

DLMS Defense Logistics Management System

DLQ deck landing qualification 

DLSA Defense Legal Services Agency 

DM docking module 

DMA Defense Media Activity

DMDC defense management data center; Defense Manpower 

 Data Center 

DMHS Defense Message Handling System

DMIGS Domestic Mobile Integrated Geospatial-Intelligence System 

DMLSS Defense Medical Logistics Standard Support 

DMMPO Defense Medical Materiel Program Office

DMORT Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team 
Shortened Word Forms 

 289 

DMPI desired mean point of impact

DMSM Defense Meritorious Service Medal 

DMSO Defense Modeling and Simulation Office 

DMSP Defense Meteorological Satellite Program 

DMT disaster management team (UN) 

DMZ demilitarized zone 

DNA deoxyribonucleic acid 

DNBI disease and nonbattle injury 

DNC digital nautical chart 

DND Department of National Defence (Canada) 

DNDO Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DHS) 

DNI Director of National Intelligence; Director of Naval 

 Intelligence 

DOA days of ammunition 

DOB date of birth 

DOC Department of Commerce; designed operational capability 

DOCNET Doctrine Networked Education and Training 

DOD Department of Defense 

DODD Department of Defense directive 

DODFMR Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation 

DODI Department of Defense instruction 

DODIC Department of Defense identification code 

DODIIS Department of Defense Intelligence Information System 

DODIN Department of Defense information network

DODM Department of Defense manual 

DODS-CWMD Department of Defense Strategy for Countering Weapons 

 of Mass Destruction

DOE Department of Energy 

DOEHRS Defense Occupational and Environmental Health 

 Reporting System 

DOEHRS-IH Defense Occupational and Environmental Health 

 Readiness System – Industrial Hygiene 

DOI Department of the Interior 

DOJ Department of Justice 

DOL Department of Labor 

DOMEX document and media exploitation 

DON Department of the Navy 

DOS days of supply; denial of service; Department of State 

DOT Department of Transportation 

DOTEO Department of Transportation emergency organization 

DOTMLPF doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and 

 education, personnel, and facilities 

DOTMLPF-P doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and 

 education, personnel, facilities, and policy 

DOWG deception operations working group 

DOX-T direct operational exchange-tactical 
Shortened Word Forms 

290 

DP decisive point; displaced person 

DPA danger pay allowance; Defense Production Act 

DPAA Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting 

 Agency 

DPAP Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy

DPAS Defense Priorities and Allocation System 

DPC deception planning cell; Defense Planning Committee 

 (NATO) 

DPG Defense Planning Guidance

DPI desired point of impact 

DPIP departing initial point

DPKO Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UN) 

DPM dissemination program manager 

DPMO Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office 

DPO Defense Press Office; distribution process owner 

DPPDB digital point positioning database 

DR dead reckoning; disaster relief 

DRL Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DOS)

DRMS Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service 

DRO departmental requirements officer 

DRRS Defense Readiness Reporting System 

DRRS-S Defense Readiness Reporting System-Strategic 

DRS detainee reporting system

DRSN Defense Red Switched Network 

DRT decontamination and reconnaissance team 

DS Directorate for Management and Chief Information 

 Officer (DIA); direct support 

DSC defensive space control; dual-status commander 

DSCA Defense Security Cooperation Agency; defense support 

 of civil authorities 

DSE direct support element

DSF deployable specialized force; District Stability 

 Framework (USAID) 

DSG Defense Strategic Guidance 

DSM decision support matrix

DSN Defense Switched Network 

DSO Defense Spectrum Organization; defensive systems 

 officer 

DSPD defense support to public diplomacy 

DSR defense strategy review 

DSRSG Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General 

DSS Defense Security Service; Distribution Standard System 

DSS/ALOC direct support system/air line of communications 

DSSCS Defense Special Security Communications System 

DSSM Defense Superior Service Medal 

DSSO defense sensitive support office 
Shortened Word Forms 

 291 

DSSR Department of State Standardized Regulation 

DST decision support template; Defense Logistics Agency 

 support team; deployment support team; district 

 support team 

DSTS-G Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) Satellite 

 Transmission Services - Global 

DT Directorate for MASINT and Technical Collection (DIA) 

DTA dynamic threat assessment 

DTAM defense terrorism awareness message 

DTC defense transportation coordination

DTCI Defense Transportation Coordination Initiative 

DTD Deployable Training Division; detailed troop 

 decontamination 

DTED digital terrain elevation data 

D/T/ID detect/track/identify

DTIP Disruptive Technology Innovations Partnership (DIA) 

DTIRP Defense Treaty Inspection Readiness Program 

DTM directive-type memorandum 

DTO drug trafficking organization 

DTPA diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid 

DTR Defense Transportation Regulation 

DTRA Defense Threat Reduction Agency 

DTS Defense Transportation System; Defense Travel System 

DTSA Defense Technology Security Administration 

DTWR defense terrorism warning report 

DU depleted uranium

DURC dual-use research of concern

DUSD deputy under Secretary of Defense

DUSD (CI&S) Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for 

 Counterintelligence and Security 

DUSD(L&MR) Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Logistics and 

 Materiel Readiness

DVD digital video device 

DVIDS Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System 

DWAS Defense Working Capital Accounting System 

DWT deadweight tonnage 

DZ drop zone 

DZC drop zone controller 

DZST drop zone support team 

 
Shortened Word Forms 

292 

Intentionally Blank 
 293 

E 

E enhanced; total probable error 

E3 electromagnetic environmental effects 

EA electronic attack; emergency action; executive agent 

EAC emergency action committee 

EAD earliest arrival date 

EADRU Euro-Atlantic disaster response unit 

EADS Eastern Air Defense Sector 

EAES expeditionary aeromedical evacuation squadron 

EAF expeditionary airfield 

EAM emergency action message 

EAP emergency action plan 

EAPC Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council 

EASTPAC eastern Pacific Ocean 

EBS environmental baseline survey 

EC electronic combat 

ECC engineer coordination cell; evacuation control center 

ECES expeditionary civil engineer squadron 

ECHA Executive Committee for Humanitarian Affairs (UN) 

ECHO European Commission Directorate General for 

 Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection 

ECM electromagnetic countermeasures; electronic 

 countermeasures 

ECN Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network 

ECO electronic combat officer 

ECOSOC Economic and Social Council (UN) 

ECP entry control point 

ECS expeditionary combat support 

EDA Economic Development Administration (DOC); 

 excess defense articles 

EDI electronic data interchange 

EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid 

EEA environmental executive agent 

EEBD emergency escape breathing device 

EECT end evening civil twilight 

EED electro-explosive device; emergency-essential designation 

EEDAC emergency essential Department of the Army civilian

EEE emergency and extraordinary expense 

EEI essential element of information 

EENT end of evening nautical twilight 

EEO equal employment opportunity 

EER enlisted employee review 

EEZ exclusive economic zone 

EFAC emergency family assistance center 

EFP explosively formed projectile 
Shortened Word Forms 

294 

EFT electronic funds transfer 

EGAT Bureau of Economic Growth, Agriculture, and Trade (USAID)

EGM Earth Gravity Model 

eGPL Enhanced Geospatial Product Library (USAF) 

EH explosive hazard 

EHCC explosive hazards coordination cell 

EHDB explosive hazard database

EHF extremely high frequency 

EHO environmental health officer 

EHRA environmental health risk assessment 

EHSA environmental health site assessment 

EHT explosive hazard team 

EI environmental information 

EID electrically initiated device

EIS Environmental Impact Statement 

eJMAPS electronic Joint Manpower and Personnel System

EJPME enlisted joint professional military education

ELCAS elevated causeway system 

ELCAS(M) elevated causeway system (modular) 

ELINT electronic intelligence 

ELIST enhanced logistics intratheater support tool 

ELT emergency locator transmitter 

EM electromagnetic; emergency management 

EMAC emergency management assistance compact 

EMALL electronic mall 

EMBM electromagnetic battle management

EMC electromagnetic compatibility 

EMCON emission control 

EMD expeditionary military information support detachment 

EME electromagnetic environment 

EMEDS expeditionary medical support 

EMF expeditionary medical facility 

EMI electromagnetic interface; electromagnetic interference 

EMIO expanded maritime interception operations 

EMOE electromagnetic operational environment

EMP electromagnetic pulse 

EMRE Expeditionary Medicine Requirements Estimator 

EMS electromagnetic spectrum; emergency medical services 

EMSC electromagnetic spectrum control 

EMSM electromagnetic spectrum manager 

EMT emergency medical treatment; expeditionary military 

 information support team 

EMU expeditionary medical unit

EMV electromagnetic vulnerability 

EO electro-optical; executive order 

EOB electromagnetic order of battle; electronic order of battle; 
Shortened Word Forms 

 295 

 enemy order of battle 

EOC emergency operating center; emergency operations center 

EOCA explosive ordnance clearance agent

EOD explosive ordnance disposal 

EODB explosive ordnance disposal bulletin 

EODESU explosive ordnance disposal expeditionary support unit 

EODGRU explosive ordnance disposal group (USN) 

EODIMS Explosive Ordnance Disposal Information Management 

 System 

EODMU explosive ordnance disposal mobile unit 

EODMU-1 explosive ordnance disposal mobile unit one 

EODT&T explosive ordnance disposal technology and training 

EODTEU explosive ordnance disposal training and evaluation unit 

EODTIC Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technical Information 

 Centre (NATO) 

EO-IR electro-optical-infrared 

EO-IR CM electro-optical-infrared countermeasure 

EOR engage on remote 

EP electronic protection; emergency preparedness; 

 emergency procedures; excess property 

EPA Environmental Protection Agency; evasion plan of action 

EPBS expeditionary prime base engineer emergency force 

 squadron 

EPC Emergency Procurement Committee 

EPF expeditionary fast transport 

EPH emergency planning handbook 

EPIC El Paso Intelligence Center 

EPIRB emergency position-indicating radio beacon 

EPLO emergency preparedness liaison officer 

EPU expeditionary port unit

EPW enemy prisoner of war 

ERC emergency relief coordinator; en route care; exercise 

 related construction 

ERDC Engineer Research and Development Center 

ERG Emergency Response Guidebook 

ERIMP En route Infrastructure Master Plan (USTRANSCOM) 

ERPSS En Route Patient Staging System 

ERSG executive representative of the Secretary-General 

ERT emergency response team (FEMA); engineer 

 reconnaissance team 

ERU emergency response unit 

ERW explosive remnants of war 

ES electronic warfare support; executive secretariat; 

 expeditionary salvage 

ESAC Electromagnetic-Space Analysis Center (NSA)

ESB engineer support battalion 
Shortened Word Forms 

296 

ESC expeditionary sustainment command 

ESD expeditionary transfer dock 

ESEO environmental science and engineering officer 

ESF Economic Support Fund; emergency support function 

ESG executive steering group; expeditionary strike group 

ESGR Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve 

ESM expeditionary site mapping 

ESMRM explosives safety munitions risk management 

ESO environmental science officer; 

 Expeditionary Support Organization (DFAS) 

ESOH environmental, safety, and occupational health

ESORTS Enhanced Status of Resources and Training System 

ESP engineer support plan; Estimating Supplies Program 

E-Space Electromagnetic-Space

ESR external supported recovery 

EST embarked security team 

ET electronics technician

ETA estimated time of arrival 

ETD estimated time of departure 

ETF electronic target folder 

ETM essential tasks matrix 

ETO Emergency Transportation Operations (DOT)

ETSS extended training service specialist 

ETX end of text 

EU European Union 

EUSC effective United States controlled 

EUSCS effective United States-controlled ships 

EVC evasion chart 

EVE equal value exchange 

EV WHS Enhanced View Web Hosting Service 

EW early warning; electronic warfare 

EWC electronic warfare cell 

EWCA electronic warfare control authority

EWCC electronic warfare coordination cell 

EWE electronic warfare element

EWG electronic warfare group

EWO electronic warfare officer 

EWWG electronic warfare working group 

EXECSEC executive secretary 

EXORD execute order 

EXU-1 Expeditionary Exploitation Unit One 

EZ exchange zone 
 297 

F 

F Fahrenheit 

F2T2EA find, fix, track, target, engage, and assess 

F3EAD find, fix, finish, exploit, analyze, and disseminate

F&ES fire and emergency services 

FA feasibility assessment; field artillery 

FAA Federal Aviation Administration (DOT); Foreign 

 Assistance Act 

FAAO Federal Aviation Administration order 

FAC forward air controller 

FAC(A) forward air controller (airborne) 

FACE forward aviation combat engineering 

FACT field advance civilian team; field assessment and 

 coordination team 

F/AD force/activity designator 

FADM force allocation decision matrix 

FAH final attack heading; foreign affairs handbook 

FALOP Forward Area Limited Observing Program

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization (UN); foreign area 

 officer 

FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation; formal assessment report 

FARC flyaway recompression chamber; Revolutionary Armed 

 Forces of Colombia 

FARP forward arming and refueling point 

FAS Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA); frequency 

 assignment subcommittee 

FASCAM family of scatterable mines 

FAST fleet antiterrorism security team 

FB forward boundary 

FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation (DOJ) 

FBIS Foreign Broadcast Information Service 

FC final coordination; fires cell (Army); floating causeway 

FCA Foreign Claims Act 

FCC Federal Communications Commission; federal coordinating 

 center; functional combatant commander 

FCE forward command element 

FCO federal coordinating officer 

FCP functional campaign plan 

FCT firepower control team 

FD first draft; from temporary duty 

FDA Food and Drug Administration (DHHS) 

FDC fire direction center 

FDO flexible deterrent option; flight deck officer; 

 foreign disclosure officer 

FDP forward distribution point
Shortened Word Forms 

298 

FDPMU forward-deployable preventive medicine unit

FDR foreign disaster relief

FE fires element 

FEA front-end analysis 

FEBA forward edge of the battle area 

FEC facilities engineering command 

FEI forensic-enabled intelligence

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS) 

FEP foreign excess property 

FEPP foreign excess personal property 

FES fire emergency services 

FEST foreign emergency support team; forward engineer 

 support team 

FET facility engineer team 

FEZ fighter engagement zone 

FFA free-fire area 

FFC force fires coordinator 

FFCC force fires coordination center (USMC) 

FFE field force engineering; flame field expedient 

FFIR friendly force information requirement 

FFP fresh frozen plasma; Office of Food for Peace (DOS) 

FFT friendly force tracking

FGS final governing standard; Force Generation Service (UN) 

FH fleet hospital 

FHA Bureau for Food and Humanitarian Assistance; foreign 

 humanitarian assistance 

FHP force health protection 

FHWA Federal Highway Administration (DOT) 

FI foreign intelligence 

FID foreign internal defense 

FIE fly-in echelon; foreign intelligence entity 

FinCEN Financial Crimes Enforcement Network 

FIOP federal interagency operational plan 

1st IOC 1st Information Operations Command (Land) 

FIS Foreign Intelligence Service 

FISINT foreign instrumentation signals intelligence 

FISS foreign intelligence and security services 

FIST fire support team; fleet intelligence support team 

FLC fleet logistics center

FLETC Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (DHS) 

FLIP flight information publication 

FLIR forward-looking infrared 

FLITE federal legal information through electronics 

FLN Front de Libération Nationale 

FLO/FLO float-on/float-off 

FLOT forward line of own troops 
Shortened Word Forms 

 299 

FLS forward logistic site 

FLSG force logistic support group 

FLTCYBERCOM Fleet Cyber Command (USN)

FLTSAT fleet satellite 

FLTSATCOM fleet satellite communications 

FM field manual (USA); financial management; force 

 module; frequency modulation 

FM/A functional manager for analysis 

FMA foreign materiel acquisition 

FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 

FMF Fleet Marine Force (USN); foreign military financing 

FMFP foreign military financing program 

FMO frequency management office; functional manager office 

FMP foreign materiel program 

FMS force module subsystem; foreign military sales 

FMTS Fourth Estate Manpower Tracking System 

FMV full motion video 

FN foreign nation 

FNMOD Fleet Numerical Meteorological and Oceanographic 

 Detachment 

FNS foreign nation support 

FO forward observer 

FOB forward operating base 

FOC full operational capability 

FOD field operations division; foreign object damage 

FOIA Freedom of Information Act 

FORCE fuels operational readiness capability equipment (USAF) 

FORSCOM United States Army Forces Command 

FOS forward operating site; full operational status 

FOUO for official use only 

FOV field of view

FP firing point; force protection; force provider 

FPA foreign policy advisor 

FPCON force protection condition 

FPD force protection detachment; foreign post differential 

FPF final protective fire 

FPO fleet post office 

FPOC focal point operations center 

FPS Federal Protective Service (DHS) 

FPWG force protection working group 

FRA Federal Railroad Administration (DOT) 

FRAGORD fragmentary order 

FRC forward resuscitative care 

FRMAC Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center 

 (DOE) 

FRN force requirement number
Shortened Word Forms 

300 

FRO flexible response option

FRRS frequency resource record system 

FRTP fleet response training plan 

FSA fire support area 

FSB fire support base; forward staging base 

FSC fire support cell; fire support coordinator (USMC) 

FSCC fire support coordination center (USMC) 

FSCL fire support coordination line 

FSCM fire support coordination measure 

FSCOORD fire support coordinator (Army) 

FSE fire support element 

FSEM fire support execution matrix 

FSF foreign security forces 

FSI Foreign Service Institute 

FSN foreign service national 

FSO fire support officer 

FSP functional support plan 

FSR field service representative

FSRT fatality search and recovery team

FSS fast sealift ship; fire support station 

FSSP fuel system supply point 

FST fire support task 

FSW feet of seawater 

ft feet; foot 

ft3 cubic feet 

FTN force tracking number 

FTO foreign terrorist organization

FW fixed-wing 

FWA fraud, waste, and abuse

FWC fleet weather center 

FWRA food and water risk assessment 

FXL forensic exploitation laboratory 

FY fiscal year 

FY1 current fiscal year 

FY2 budget year 

FY3 program year 

FY4 out year 

FY5 out year 

FYDP Future Years Defense Program 
 301 

G 

G-1 Army component manpower or personnel staff officer 

 (Army division or higher staff); assistant chief of staff, 

 personnel/personnel staff section (USMC) 

G-2 Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence; Army 

 component intelligence staff officer (Army division or 

 higher staff); assistant chief of staff, 

 intelligence/intelligence staff section (USMC) 

G-2X Army counterintelligence and human intelligence staff 

 element 

G-3 Army or Marine Corps component operations staff 

 officer (Army division or higher staff, Marine Corps 

 brigade or higher staff); assistant chief of staff, 

 operations 

G-4 Army component logistics staff officer (Army division or

 higher staff); assistant chief of staff, logistics/logistics 

 staff section (USMC) 

G-5 assistant chief of staff, plans (USA); assistant chief of 

 staff, plans/plans staff section (USMC)

G-6 Army component command, control, communications, 

 and computer systems staff officer (Army division or 

 higher staff); assistant chief of staff, communications/ 

 communications system staff section (USMC) 

G-7 Army component information operations staff officer; 

 assistant chief of staff, information engagement/ 

 information operations staff section (USMC) 

GA geospatial analyst 

GAFS General Accounting and Finance System 

GAMSS Global Air Mobility Support System 

GAO Government Accountability Office 

GAR gateway access request 

GARS Global Area Reference System 

GAT governmental assistance team 

GATES Global Air Transportation Execution System 

GBL government bill of lading 

GBR ground-based radar 

GBS Global Broadcast Service; Global Broadcast System 

GC general counsel; Geneva Convention Relative to the 

 Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War 

GCC geographic combatant commander; global contingency 

 construction 

GCCC global contingency construction contract

GCCMAC Global Contingency Construction Multiple Award 

 Contract (USN)

GCCS Global Command and Control System 
Shortened Word Forms 

302 

GCCS-A Global Command and Control System-Army 

GCCS-I3 Global Command and Control System-Integrated 

 Imagery and Intelligence 

GCCS-J Global Command and Control System-Joint 

GCCS-M Global Command and Control System-Maritime 

GCE ground combat element (USMC)

GCI ground control intercept 

GCM global container manager; Global Information Grid 

 (GIG) Content Management 

GCP global campaign plan; ground commander’s pointer 

GCP-CWMD Global Campaign Plan for Combating Weapons of Mass 

 Destruction

GCS ground control station 

GCSC global contingency service contract

GCSMAC Global Contingency Services Multiple Award 

 Contract (USN)

GCSS Global Command Support System

GCSS-J Global Combat Support System-Joint

GDF Guidance for Development of the Force 

GDIP General Defense Intelligence Program 

GDP global defense posture; gross domestic product 

GDSS Global Decision Support System 

GE general engineering 

GEF Guidance for Employment of the Force 

GEM Global Information Grid (GIG) Enterprise Management 

GENTEXT general text 

GEO geosynchronous Earth orbit 

GEOINT geospatial intelligence 

GEOLOC geographic location 

GEOREF geographic reference 

GETM Geospatially Enabled Target Materials (NGA) 

GETS Geospatial Intelligence Enterprise Tasking, Processing, 

 Exploitation, and Dissemination Services

GFE government-furnished equipment 

GFM global force management; global freight management 

GFMAP Global Force Management Allocation Plan

GFMB Global Force Management Board 

GFMIG Global Force Management Implementation Guidance 

GFP government-furnished property

GFS government-furnished support

GHz gigahertz 

GI geomatics and imagery 

GI&S geospatial information and services 

GIANT Global Positioning System Interference and 

 Navigation Tool

GIBCO geospatial-intelligence base for contingency operations 
Shortened Word Forms 

 303 

GICNT Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism

GIE global information environment 

GIMS Geospatial Intelligence Information Management Services

GIO Geospatial Intelligence Organisation (New Zealand)

GIP gridded installation photograph 

GIS geographic information system 

GL government-leased 

GLCM ground-launched cruise missile 

GLD ground liaison detachment 

GLINT gated laser intensifier 

GLO ground liaison officer

GLOC ground line of communications

GLTD ground laser target designator 

GMD ground-based midcourse defense 

GMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety System 

GMI general military intelligence 

GMLRS Global Positioning System Multiple Launch 

 Rocket System 

GMSC Global Mission Support Center (USSOCOM)

GMTI ground moving target indicator 

GNA Global Information Grid (GIG) Network Assurance 

GNCC global network operations center 

GND Global Information Grid (GIG) Network Defense 

GNSC global network operations support center 

GNSS global navigation satellite system 

GNZ Geospatial Intelligence New Zealand 

GO government-owned 

GO/FO general officer/flag officer 

GOTS government off-the-shelf 

GPC geospatial planning cell; government purchase card 

GPD gallons per day 

GPE geospatial intelligence preparation of the environment 

GPEC Global Posture Executive Council 

GPL Geospatial Product Library 

GPM gallons per minute; global pallet manager 

GPMIC Global Patient Movement Integration Center

GPMJAB Global Patient Movement Joint Advisory Board

GPMRC Global Patient Movement Requirements Center 

GPOI Global Peace Operations Initiative 

GPS Global Positioning System 

GPSOC Global Positioning System Operations Center

GPW Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of 

 Prisoners of War 

GRG gridded reference graphic 

GRL global reach laydown 

GROOVE Geospatial Requirements One-Stop Visualization 
Shortened Word Forms 

304 

 Environment 

GS general service; general support 

GSA General Services Administration 

GSE ground support equipment 

GSO general services officer 

GSORTS Global Status of Resources and Training System 

GSR general support-reinforcing; ground surveillance radar 

GSSC global satellite communications (SATCOM) 

 support center 

GST geospatial support team

GTA graphic training aid

GTAS ground-to-air signals 

GTL gun-target line 

GTM global transportation management 

G-TSCMIS Global Theater Security Cooperation Management 

 Information System 

G/VLLD ground/vehicle laser locator designator 

GWS Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the 

 Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces 

 in the Field 

GWS Sea Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the 

 Condition of the Wounded, Sick, and Shipwrecked 

 Members of the Armed Forces at Sea 
 305 

H 

H&S headquarters and service 

HA holding area; humanitarian assistance 

HAC human intelligence analysis cell 

HACC humanitarian assistance coordination center 

HAP humanitarian assistance program 

HARC human intelligence analysis and reporting cell

HAST humanitarian assistance survey team 

HBCT heavy brigade combat team 

HC Directorate for Human Capital (DIA); humanitarian 

 coordinator

HCA head of contracting activity; humanitarian and civic 

 assistance 

HCCC harbormaster command and control center 

HCO helicopter control officer 

HCS helicopter coordination section 

HD harbor defense; homeland defense 

HDC harbor defense commander; helicopter direction center 

HDCU harbor defense command unit 

HDM humanitarian demining 

HDO humanitarian demining operations 

HDR humanitarian daily ration 

HDTC Humanitarian Demining Training Center 

HE high explosives 

HEI high explosives incendiary 

HEMP high-altitude electromagnetic pulse 

HEO highly elliptical orbit 

HEPA high efficiency particulate air 

HERF hazards of electromagnetic radiation to fuels 

HERO hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance 

HERP hazards of electromagnetic radiation to personnel 

HEWSweb Humanitarian Early Warning Service 

HF high frequency 

HFA human factors analysis

HFP hostile fire pay

HHC headquarters and headquarters company

HHQ higher headquarters 

HIC humanitarian information center 

HIDACZ high-density airspace control zone 

HIFLD homeland infrastructure foundation-level data 

HIFR helicopter in-flight refueling 

HIMAD high-to-medium-altitude air defense 

HIMARS High Mobility Artillery Rocket System 

HIMEZ high-altitude missile engagement zone 

HIRTA high intensity radio transmission area
Shortened Word Forms 

306 

HIU humanitarian information unit (DOS) 

HIV human immunodeficiency virus 

HMA humanitarian mine action 

HMCS helmet-mounted cueing system

HMIRS Hazardous Material Information Resource System 

HMMWV high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle 

HMOD harbormaster operations detachment 

HN host nation 

HNC host-nation coordination

HNCC host nation coordination center

HNS host-nation support 

HNSCC host-nation support coordination cell 

HNSF host-nation security forces

HOB height of burst 

HOC human intelligence operations cell; humanitarian 

 operations center 

HOCC humanitarian operations coordination center 

HOM head of mission 

HOSTAC helicopter operations from ships other than aircraft carriers 

 (USN publication) 

HPM high-power microwave

HPT high-payoff target 

HQ headquarters 

HQCOMDT headquarters commandant 

HQDA Headquarters, Department of the Army 

HQMC Headquarters, United States Marine Corps 

HR helicopter request; hostage rescue 

HRB high-risk billet 

HRC high-risk-of-capture; Human Resources Command 

HRF homeland response force 

HRI high risk of isolation

HRO humanitarian relief organizations 

HRP high-risk personnel; human remains pouch 

HRT health response team 

HS health services; helicopter antisubmarine (USN); 

 homeland security 

HSC helicopter sea combat (USN); Homeland Security Council 

HSD health service delivery 

HSI hyperspectral imagery; Office of Homeland Security 

 Investigations (DHS) 

HSIN Homeland Security Information Network (DHS)

HSIP Homeland Security Infrastructure Program

HSM humanitarian service medal 

HSPD homeland security Presidential directive 

HSS health service support 

HST high-speed transport 
Shortened Word Forms 

 307 

HSV high-speed vessel 

HUD Department of Housing and Urban Development 

HUMINT human intelligence 

HUMRO humanitarian relief operation 

HVA high-value asset 

HVAA high-value airborne asset 

HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning 

HVCDS high-velocity container delivery system

HVI high-value individual 

HVT high-value target 

HW hazardous waste 

Hz hertz 

 
Shortened Word Forms 

308 

Intentionally Blank 
 309 

I 

I2 identity intelligence 

I2SP identity intelligence support packet 

I2WD Intelligence and Information Warfare Division (USA)

I&A Office of Intelligence and Analysis (DHS) 

IA imagery analyst; implementing arrangement; individual 

 augmentee; information assurance 

IAA incident area assessment; incident awareness and 

 assessment

IADS integrated air defense system 

IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency (UN) 

IAM inertially aided munition 

IAMD integrated air and missile defense

IAMSAR International Aeronautical and Maritime Search 

 and Rescue manual 

IAP incident action plan; integrated assessment and planning; 

 international airport 

IAPP Interagency Partnership Program

IAS International Assistance System

IASC Inter-Agency Standing Committee (UN) 

IAVM information assurance vulnerability management 

IAW in accordance with 

IBB International Broadcasting Bureau 

IBCT infantry brigade combat team 

IBET integrated border enforcement team

IBS Integrated Booking System; integrated broadcast service; 

 Integrated Broadcast System 

IBS-I Integrated Broadcast Service-Interactive

IBS-S Integrated Broadcast Service-Simplex

IC incident commander; intelligence community 

IC3 integrated command, control, and communications 

ICAF Interagency Conflict Assessment Framework (DOS) 

ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization 

ICAT interagency conflict assessment team 

ICBM intercontinental ballistic missile 

ICBRN-R international chemical, biological, radiological, and 

 nuclear response 

ICC information coordination center; 

 Intelligence Coordination Center (USCG); 

 International Criminal Court 

ICD intelligence community directive 

ICDS improved container delivery system 

ICE Immigration and Customs Enforcement (DHS) 

ICEPP Incident Communications Emergency Policy 

 and Procedures
Shortened Word Forms 

310 

IC/EXCOM Intelligence Community Executive Committee 

ICF intelligence contingency funds 

ICIS integrated consumable item support 

ICITAP International Criminal Investigative Training 

 Assistance Program (DOJ) 

ICJ International Court of Justice 

ICM image city map 

ICODES Integrated Computerized Deployment System 

ICP intertheater communications security package; 

 inventory control point 

ICPO-INTERPOL International Criminal Police Organization-International 

 Police 

ICR Intelligence Collection Requirements 

ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross 

ICS incident command system; integrated country strategy; 

 intelligence community standard 

ICT information and communications technology

ICU intensive care unit 

ICVA International Council of Voluntary Agencies 

ICW in coordination with 

ID identification; identifier; initiating directive 

IDAD internal defense and development 

IDENT Automated Biometric Identification System (DHS) 

IDF indirect fire 

ID/IQ indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity

IDL integrated distribution lane

IDM improved data modem; information dissemination 

 management 

IDP imagery derived product; imminent danger pay; 

 internally displaced person 

IDRA infectious disease risk assessment 

IDSRS Integrated Defense Source Registration System 

IED improvised explosive device 

IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 

IEM installation emergency management

IER information exchange requirement 

IFC intelligence fusion center 

IFF identification, friend or foe 

IFO integrated financial operations; intermediate fuel oil

IFP integrated force package 

IFR instrument flight rules 

IFRC International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent 

 Societies 

IG inspector general 

IGC Integrated Data Environment/Global Transportation 

 Network Convergence
Shortened Word Forms 

 311 

IGL intelligence gain/loss 

IHC international humanitarian community 

IHO industrial hygiene officer 

IHS international health specialist 

IICT Interagency Intelligence Committee on Counterterrorism 

IIP Bureau of International Information Programs (DOS); 

 interagency implementation plan 

IIR intelligence information report 

IJSTO integrated joint special technical operations 

ILAB Bureau of International Labor Affairs (DOL) 

ILO in lieu of; International Labor Organization (UN) 

ILOC integrated line of communications 

ILS integrated logistic support 

IM information management; intermediate module 

IMA individual mobilization augmentee 

IMAAC Interagency Modeling and Atmospheric Assessment 

 Center

IMAT incident management assistance team 

IMC instrument meteorological conditions 

IMDG international maritime dangerous goods (UN) 

IMET international military education and training 

IMF International Monetary Fund (UN) 

IMINT imagery intelligence 

IMM integrated materiel management; intelligence mission 

 management 

IMO information management officer; International Maritime 

 Organization 

IMP information management plan; inventory 

 management plan 

IMPP integrated mission planning process 

IMRL individual material requirements list

IMS information management system; interagency 

 management system; Interagency Management System 

 for Reconstruction and Stabilization 

IMSP information management support plan 

IMT incident management team 

INCLE International Narcotics Control and Law 

 Enforcement (DOS) 

IND improvised nuclear device

INDRAC Interagency Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction 

 Database of Responsibilities, Authorities, and Capabilities 

INFLTREP inflight report

INFOCON information operations condition 

INL Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement 

 Affairs (DOS) 

INLS improved Navy lighterage system 
Shortened Word Forms 

312 

INM international narcotics matters 

INMARSAT international maritime satellite 

INR Bureau of Intelligence and Research (DOS) 

INS inertial navigation system 

INSARAG International Search and Rescue Advisory Group 

INSCOM United States Army Intelligence and Security Command 

INTELSAT International Telecommunications Satellite Organization 

InterAction American Council for Voluntary International Action 

IO information operations 

IOB intelligence oversight board

IOCB information operations coordination board

IOII information operations intelligence integration

IOM International Organization for Migration 

IOSS Interagency Operations Security Support Staff 

IOW information operations wing

IOWG information operations working group 

IP initial point; initial position; intelligence planning; 

 Internet protocol 

IPA intelligence production agency 

IPB intelligence preparation of the battlespace 

IPC integration planning cell; interagency planning cell; 

 interagency policy committee 

IPDP inland petroleum distribution plan 

IPDS inland petroleum distribution system (USA) 

IPE individual protective equipment 

IPG isolated personnel guidance 

IPI indigenous populations and institutions 

IPOE intelligence preparation of the operational environment 

IPP impact point prediction 

IPR in-progress review 

IPR F plan approval in-progress review

IPS Integrated Planning System (DHS); 

 Interim Polar System 

IPT integrated planning team; Integrated Product Team; 

 intelligence planning team 

IR incident report; information requirement; 

 infrared; intelligence requirement 

IRA Provisional Irish Republican Army 

IRAC Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (DOC) 

IRBM intermediate-range ballistic missile

IRC information-related capability; internet relay chat 

IRCM infrared countermeasures 

IR pointer infrared pointer 

IRR Individual Ready Reserve 

IRS Internal Revenue Service 

IRSCC interagency remote sensing coordination cell
Shortened Word Forms 

 313 

IRTPA Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act

IS information superiority; information system 

ISA individual Service augmentee; international 

 standardization agreement 

ISAC information sharing and analysis center 

ISAF International Security Assistance Force 

ISB intermediate staging base 

ISDDC Integrated Mission Support for Surface Deployment and 

 Distribution Command

ISE information sharing environment 

ISG isolated soldier guidance 

ISI2R identify, separate, isolate, influence, and reintegrate 

ISIL Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant 

ISIR identify, separate, influence, and renunciation 

ISN Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation 

 (DOS); internment serial number 

ISO International Organization for Standardization; isolation 

ISOPAK International Organization for Standardization package 

ISOPREP isolated personnel report 

ISP Internet service provider 

ISR intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance 

ISRD intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance division 

ISRLO intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance 

 liaison officer (USAF)

ISR WG Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing

ISS in-system select 

ISU internal airlift or helicopter slingable container unit 

I/T interpreter and translator 

IT information system technician; information technology 

ITA International Trade Administration (DOC) 

ITF integrated task force; intelligence task force (DIA) 

ITL intelligence task list 

ITO installation transportation officer 

ITU International Telecommunications Union 

ITV in-transit visibility 

ITW/AA integrated tactical warning and attack assessment 

IV intravenous 

IW irregular warfare 

IWC information operations warfare commander 

IWG intelligence working group; interagency working group 

IWW inland waterway 

IWWS inland waterway system 
Shortened Word Forms 

314 

Intentionally Blank 
 315 

J 

J-1 manpower and personnel directorate of a joint staff 

J-2 intelligence directorate of a joint staff 

J-2E joint force exploitation staff element

J-2X joint force counterintelligence and human intelligence 

 staff element 

J-3 operations directorate of a joint staff 

J-4 logistics directorate of a joint staff 

J-5 plans directorate of a joint staff 

J-6 communications system directorate of a joint staff 

J-7 engineering staff section of a joint staff; Joint Staff 

 Directorate for Joint Force Development; operational 

 plans and interoperability directorate of a joint staff; 

 training and education directorate of a joint staff; 

 training directorate of a joint staff 

J-8 force structure, resource, and assessment directorate of a 

 joint staff; Joint Staff Directorate for Force Structure, 

 Resource, and Assessment; resource management and 

 financial support directorate of a joint staff 

J-9 civil-military operations directorate/interagency 

 operations directorate of a joint staff; civil-military 

 operations directorate of a joint staff 

J-31 Joint Force Coordinator (Joint Staff)

J-35 future operations cell 

J-39 DDGO Joint Staff, Deputy Director for Global Operations

JA judge advocate 

JAARS Joint After-Action Reporting System 

JAAT joint air attack team 

JA/ATT joint airborne and air transportability training 

JAC joint analysis center 

JACCE joint air component coordination element 

JACE joint air coordination element 

JACS joint automated communication-electronics operating 

 instructions system 

JADOC Joint Air Defense Operations Center (NORAD)

JADOCS Joint Automated Deep Operations Coordination System 

JAG judge advocate general 

JAGIC joint air-ground integration center

JAMMS Joint Asset Movement Management System

JAOC joint air operations center 

JAOP joint air operations plan 

JARN joint air request net 

JASSM joint air-to-surface standoff missile 

JAT joint assessment team 

JBPO joint blood program office 
Shortened Word Forms 

316 

JCA joint capability area 

JCASO Joint Contingency Acquisition Support Office (DLA)

JCC joint collaboration cell; joint contracting center; joint 

 cyberspace center 

JCCA joint combat capability assessment 

JCCC Joint Combat Camera Center; joint communications 

 control center 

JCCSE Joint Continental United States Communications Support 

 Environment

JCEOI joint communications-electronics operating instructions 

JCET joint combined exchange training 

JCEWR joint coordination of electronic warfare reprogramming 

JCEWS joint force commander’s electronic warfare staff 

JCISA Joint Command Information Systems Activity 

JCIU joint counterintelligence unit 

JCMA joint communications security monitoring activity 

JCMB joint collection management board 

JCMEB joint civil-military engineering board 

JCMEC joint captured materiel exploitation center; Joint Captured 

 Materiel Exploitation Center (DIA) 

JCMO joint communications security management office 

JCMOTF joint civil-military operations task force 

JCMS Joint Construction Management System

JCN joint communications network; joint communications 

 node 

JCRM Joint Capabilities Requirements Manager

JCS Joint Chiefs of Staff 

JCSB joint contracting support board

JCSE joint communications support element; Joint 

 Communications Support Element (USTRANSCOM) 

JDAM Joint Direct Attack Munition 

JDAT joint deployable analysis team 

JDD joint doctrine distribution 

JDDC Joint Deployment and Distribution Coordinator 

 (USTRANSCOM); joint doctrine development 

 community 

JDDE joint deployment and distribution enterprise

JDDOC joint deployment and distribution operations center 

JDDT joint doctrine development tool

JDEC joint document exploitation center 

JDEIS Joint Doctrine, Education, and Training Electronic 

 Information System 

JDET joint distribution enabling team 

JDIGS Joint Digital Information Gathering System

JDISS joint deployable intelligence support system 

JDN joint data network; joint doctrine note
Shortened Word Forms 

 317 

JDNC joint data network operations cell 

JDNO joint data network operations officer 

JDOMS Joint Director of Military Support 

JDPC Joint Doctrine Planning Conference 

JDPI joint desired point of impact

JDPO joint deployment process owner 

JDTC Joint Deployment Training Center 

JECC Joint Enabling Capabilities Command (USTRANSCOM) 

JED Joint Education and Doctrine 

JEDD Joint Education and Doctrine Division 

JEFF Joint Expeditionary Forensic Facility (USA)

JEL Joint Electronic Library 

JEL+ Joint Electronic Library Plus 

JEMB joint environmental management board 

JEMSMO joint electromagnetic spectrum management operations

JEMSO joint electromagnetic spectrum operations

JENM joint enterprise network manager 

JEODOC joint explosives ordnance disposal operations center 

JEODTF joint explosives ordnance disposal task force 

JEP Joint Exercise Program

JEPES Joint Engineer Planning and Execution System 

JET joint expeditionary team; Joint Operation Planning and 

 Execution System editing tool 

JEWC Joint Electronic Warfare Center 

JEWCS Joint Electronic Warfare Core Staff (NATO)

JEZ joint engagement zone 

JFACC joint force air component commander 

JFC joint force commander 

JFCC joint functional component command 

JFCC-GS Joint Functional Component Command for Global Strike

JFCC-IMD Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated 

 Missile Defense 

JFCC-ISR Joint Functional Component Command for Intelligence, 

 Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (USSTRATCOM) 

JFCC NW Joint Functional Component Command for Network 

 Warfare

JFCC Space Joint Functional Component Command for Space 

 (USSTRATCOM)

JFCH joint force chaplain 

JFE joint fires element 

JFHQ joint force headquarters 

JFHQ-C joint force headquarters-cyberspace 

JFHQ-DODIN Joint Force Headquarters-Department 

 of Defense Information Network 

JFHQ-NCR Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region 

JFHQ-State joint force headquarters-state 
Shortened Word Forms 

318 

JFLCC joint force land component commander 

JFM joint functional manager 

JFMC joint fleet mail center 

JFMCC joint force maritime component commander 

JFMO joint frequency management office 

JFO joint field office; joint fires observer 

JFP joint force provider; Joint Frequency Panel (MCEB) 

JFRG II joint force requirements generator II 

JFS joint force surgeon 

JFSCC Joint Force Space Component Commander 

 (USSTRATCOM) 

JFSOCC joint force special operations component commander 

JFTR joint Federal travel regulations 

JFUB joint facilities utilization board 

JG joint guide 

JGWE joint global warning enterprise

JHNS Joint Hometown News Service 

JHSV joint high-speed vessel

JIA joint individual augmentation; joint individual augmentee

JIACG joint interagency coordination group 

JIATF joint interagency task force 

JIATF-S Joint Interagency Task Force-South 

JIATF-W Joint Interagency Task Force-West 

JIC joint information center 

JICC joint interface control cell 

JICO joint interface control officer 

JIDC joint interrogation and debriefing center 

JIDO Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Organization (DTRA) 

JIEE Joint Information Exchange Environment

JIEP joint intelligence estimate for planning 

JIMB joint information management board 

JIMPP joint industrial mobilization planning process 

JIO joint interrogation operations 

JIOC joint intelligence operations center 

JIOCPAC Joint Intelligence Operations Center, Pacific 

JIOC-SOUTH Joint Intelligence Operations Center, South 

JIOC-TRANS Joint Intelligence Operations Center–Transportation 

 (USTRANSCOM) 

JIOWC Joint Information Operations Warfare Center 

JIPCL joint integrated prioritized collection list 

JIPOE joint intelligence preparation of the operational environment 

JIPTL joint integrated prioritized target list 

JIS joint information system 

JISE joint intelligence support element 

JITF-CT Joint Intelligence Task Force for Combating Terrorism 

JIVU Joint Intelligence Virtual University
Shortened Word Forms 

 319 

JKnIFE Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization 

 Knowledge and Information Fusion Exchange

JLCC joint lighterage control center; joint logistics coordination 

 center 

JLE joint logistics environment

JLEnt joint logistics enterprise

JLLIS Joint Lessons Learned Information System

JLLP Joint Lessons Learned Program 

JLOA joint logistics over-the-shore operation area

JLOC joint logistics operations center 

JLOTS joint logistics over-the-shore 

JLRC joint logistics readiness center 

JLSB joint line of communications security board 

JLSE joint legal support element 

JLSG joint logistic support group 

JMAC Joint Mortuary Affairs Center (USA) 

JMAO joint mortuary affairs office 

JMAR joint medical asset repository 

JMAT joint medical analysis tool 

JMC joint movement center 

JMCG joint movement control group 

JMD joint manning document 

JMEEL joint mission-essential equipment list 

JMEM Joint Munitions Effectiveness Manual 

JMET joint mission-essential task 

JMETL joint mission-essential task list 

JMIC joint modular intermodal container 

JMICS Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System 

 mobile integrated communications system 

JMIE joint maritime information element 

JMIP joint military intelligence program 

JMISTF joint military information support task force

JMITC Joint Military Intelligence Training Center 

JMMT joint military mail terminal 

JMO joint maritime operations; joint meteorological and 

 oceanographic officer; joint munitions office 

JMOC joint medical operations center 

JMP joint manpower program 

JMPA joint military postal activity 

JMPAB Joint Materiel Priorities and Allocation Board 

JMPS Joint Mission Planning System

JMPT Joint Medical Planning Tool 

JMRR Joint Monthly Readiness Review 

JMTCA joint munitions transportation coordinating activity 

JMUA Joint Meritorious Unit Award 

JMWG joint medical working group 
Shortened Word Forms 

320 

JNCC joint network operations control center 

JNMS joint network management system 

JNSC Joint Navigation Warfare Center Navigation Warfare 

 Support Cell

JNWC Joint Navigation Warfare Center

JOA joint operations area 

JOAF joint operations area forecast 

JOC joint operations center 

JOCC joint operations command center 

JOERAD joint spectrum center ordnance electromagnetic 

 environmental effects risk assessment database

JOG joint operations graphic 

JOPES Joint Operation Planning and Execution System 

JOPG joint operations planning group

JOPPA joint operation planning process for air 

JOSE Joint Operations Security Support Element (Joint Staff) 

JOTC joint operations tasking center

JP joint publication 

JP4 jet propulsion fuel, type 4

JP5 jet propulsion fuel, type 5

JP8 jet propulsion fuel, type 8

JPAC joint planning augmentation cell; Joint POW/MIA 

 Accounting Command 

JPADS joint precision airdrop system 

JPAG Joint Planning Advisory Group 

JPARR joint personnel accountability reconciliation and reporting

JPASE joint public affairs support element; Joint Public Affairs 

 Support Element (USTRANSCOM) 

JPC joint postal cell 

JPEC joint planning and execution community 

JPED joint personal effects depot

JPEG Joint Photographic Experts Group

JPERSTAT joint personnel status and casualty report 

JPG joint planning group 

JPME joint professional military education 

JPMRC joint patient movement requirements center 

JPN joint planning network 

JPO joint petroleum office; Joint Program Office 

JPOC joint personnel operations center; joint planning 

 orientation course 

JPP joint planning process 

JPPC joint personnel processing center 

JPRA Joint Personnel Recovery Agency 

JPRC joint personnel recovery center 

JPSE Joint Planning Support Element (USTRANSCOM) 

JPTTA joint personnel training and tracking activity 
Shortened Word Forms 

 321 

JRC joint reconnaissance center 

JRCC joint reception coordination center 

JRERP Joint Radiological Emergency Response Plan 

JRFL joint restricted frequency list 

JRIC joint reserve intelligence center 

JRIP Joint Reserve Intelligence Program 

JROC Joint Requirements Oversight Council 

JRRB joint requirements review board

JRS joint reporting structure 

JRSOI joint reception, staging, onward movement, and integration 

JRTC joint readiness training center 

JS Joint Staff 

JSA joint security area 

JSAM Joint Service Achievement Medal 

JSAP Joint Staff action processing 

JSC joint security coordinator; Joint Spectrum Center 

JSCC joint security coordination center 

JSCM Joint Service Commendation Medal 

JSDS Joint Staff doctrine sponsor 

JSETS Joint Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking 

 Electronic Tracking System 

JSF joint support force 

JSHO joint shipboard helicopter operations

JSIR joint spectrum interference resolution 

JSIVA Joint Staff Integrated Vulnerability Assessment 

JSME joint spectrum management element 

JSO joint security operations 

JSOA joint special operations area 

JSOAC joint special operations air component; joint special 

 operations aviation component 

JSOACC joint special operations air component commander 

JSOC joint special operations command 

JSOTF joint special operations task force 

JSOU Joint Special Operations University 

JSPA joint satellite communications panel administrator 

JSPOC Joint Space Operations Center 

JSPS Joint Strategic Planning System 

JSR joint strategy review 

JSTARS Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System 

JSTO joint space tasking order

JTA joint technical architecture 

JTAC joint terminal attack controller 

JTAIC Joint Technical Analysis and Integration Cell (USA)

JTAR joint tactical air strike request 

JTB Joint Transportation Board 

JTCB joint targeting coordination board 
Shortened Word Forms 

322 

JTCC joint transportation coordination center 

JTCG/ME Joint Technical Coordinating Group for Munitions 

 Effectiveness 

JTCOIC Joint Training Counter-Improvised Explosive Device 

 Operations Integration Center

JTD joint table of distribution 

JTF joint task force 

JTF-AK Joint Task Force-Alaska 

JTFCEM joint task force contingency engineering management 

JTF-CM joint task force - consequence management 

JTF-CS Joint Task Force-Civil Support 

JTF-GNO Joint Task Force-Global Network Operations 

JTF-HD Joint Task Force-Homeland Defense 

JTF-MAO joint task force - mortuary affairs office 

JTF-N Joint Task Force-North 

JTF-PO joint task force-port opening

JTF-State joint task force-state 

JTIDS Joint Tactical Information Distribution System 

JTL joint target list 

JTLM joint theater logistics management 

JTMD joint table of mobilization and distribution; Joint 

 Terminology Master Database 

JTMS joint theater movement staff; joint training master schedule 

JTP joint test publication; joint training plan 

JTR Joint Travel Regulations 

JTS Joint Training System 

JTSCC joint theater support contracting command

JTTF joint terrorism task force 

JTWG joint targeting working group

JU Joint Tactical Information Distribution System unit

JUH-MTF Joint User Handbook-Message Text Formats 

JUIC joint unit identification code 

JUO joint urban operation 

JUON joint urgent operational need

JVB joint visitors bureau 

JWAC Joint Warfare Analysis Center 

JWG joint working group 

JWICS Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System 
 323 

K 

k thousand 

Ka Kurtz-above band 

kbps kilobits per second 

kg kilogram 

K-Kill catastrophic kill 

KLE key leader engagement 

km kilometer 

kph kilometers per hour 

KQ ID tactical location identifier 

KS knowledge sharing 

kt kiloton(s); knot (nautical miles per hour) 

Ku Kurtz-under band 

kW kilowatt 
Shortened Word Forms 

324 

Intentionally Blank 
 325 

L 

LA lead agent; legal adviser 

LAD latest arrival date; launch area denied 

LAN local area network 

LARC lighter, amphibious resupply, cargo 

LARC-V lighter, amphibious resupply, cargo, 5 ton 

LASH lighter aboard ship 

LAV light armored vehicle 

lb pound 

lbs. pounds

LC legal counsel 

LCAC landing craft, air cushion 

LCADS low-cost aerial delivery system

LCC amphibious command ship; land component commander; 

 lighterage control center 

LCE logistics combat element (USMC) 

LCM landing craft, mechanized; letter-class mail; life-cycle 

 management 

LCO landing craft air cushion control officer 

LCP lighterage control point 

LCS landing craft air cushion control ship 

LCU landing craft, utility 

LD light damage; line of departure 

LDA limited depository account 

LDF local defense force 

LDO laser designator operator 

LDR low data rate 

LE law enforcement; low-order explosives 

LEA law enforcement agency 

LEC lead environmental component 

LED light emitting diode 

LEDET law enforcement detachment (USCG) 

LEGAT legal attaché 

LEIP Law Enforcement Intelligence Program (USCG)

LEMP low-altitude electromagnetic pulse

LEO law enforcement operations; low Earth orbit 

LEP law enforcement professional 

L-EWE land-electronic warfare element

LF landing force 

LFA lead federal agency 

LFOC landing force operations center

LFORM landing force operational reserve material 

LFSP landing force support party 

LG deputy chief of staff for logistics 

LGB laser-guided bomb 
Shortened Word Forms 

326 

LGM laser-guided missile; loop group multiplexer 

LGW laser-guided weapon 

LHA amphibious assault ship (general purpose) 

LHD amphibious assault ship (multipurpose) 

LIDAR light detection and ranging 

LIMDIS limited distribution 

LIPS Logistics Information Processing System 

LJDAM laser-guided joint direct attack munition

LL lessons learned 

LLLTV low-light level television 

LLTR low-level transit route 

LM light maneuver 

LMARS Logistics Metrics Analysis Reporting System 

LMSR large, medium-speed roll-on/roll-off 

LN lead nation; local national 

LNI Library of National Intelligence

LNO liaison officer 

LOA letter of assist; letter of authorization; letter of offer 

 and acceptance; logistics over-the-shore operation area 

LOAC law of armed conflict 

LOAL lock-on after launch 

LOBL lock-on before launch 

LOC line of communications 

LOD line of departure 

LOE letter of evaluation; line of effort 

LOG logistics 

LOGCAP logistics civil augmentation program (USA) 

LOI letter of instruction 

LO/LO lift-on/lift-off 

LOMEZ low-altitude missile engagement zone 

LOO line of operation 

LOR launch on remote 

LO/RO lift-on/roll-off 

LOS line of sight 

LOTS logistics over-the-shore 

LOX liquid oxygen 

LPD amphibious transport dock; low probability of detection 

LPI low probability of intercept 

LRC logistics readiness center 

LRF laser range finder 

LRN Laboratory Response Network (DHHS) 

LRO lighterage repair officer

LRP load and roll pallet 

LRST long-range surveillance team 

LRT logistics response time

LSA logistic support analysis; logistics supportability analysis 
Shortened Word Forms 

 327 

LSC lead Service for contracting 

LSCC lead Service for contracting coordination 

LSD dock landing ship 

LSE landing signalman enlisted; logistic support element 

LSO landing signals officer 

LSS laser spot search; logistics support system; low, slow, and 

 Small 

LSSS logistics support, supplies, and services 

LST laser spot tracker 

LSV logistics support vessel 

LT long ton 

LTD laser target designator 

LTF logistics task force 

LTIOV latest time information is of value

LTL laser-to-target line 

LZ landing zone 
Shortened Word Forms 

328 

Intentionally Blank 
 329 

M 

M million

M&E monitoring and evaluation

MA mortuary affairs 

MAAP master air attack plan 

MAC mobility assault company 

MACB multinational acquisition and contracting board 

MACCS Marine air command and control system 

MACG Marine air control group 

MACP mortuary affairs collection point 

MACRMS mortuary affairs contaminated remains mitigation site

MACS Marine air control squadron

MAF mobility air forces 

MAG Marine aircraft group; maritime assessment group; 

 military assignment group 

MAGTF Marine air-ground task force

MAJCOM major command (USAF) 

MANPADS man-portable air defense system 

MAOC-N Maritime Analysis and Operations Center-Narcotics 

MARAD Maritime Administration 

MARAD RRF Maritime Administration Ready Reserve Force

MARCORLOGCOM Marine Corps Logistics Command

MARDIV Marine division 

MARFOR Marine forces 

MARFOR NORTHCOM Marine Forces Northern Command 

MARFORSOC Marine Forces Special Operations Command 

MARFOR STRATCOM Marine Forces Strategic Command

MARINCEN Maritime Intelligence Center 

Marine TACC Marine Corps tactical air command center

MARLE Marine liaison element 

MARO mass atrocity response operations 

MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution 

 from Ships 

MARS Military Auxiliary Radio System 

MARSOF Marine special operations forces 

MARTS Mortuary Affairs Reporting and Tracking System

MAS maritime air support 

MASF mobile aeromedical staging facility 

MASINT measurement and signature intelligence 

MASLO measurement and signature intelligence liaison officer 

MAST mobile ashore support terminal 

MAW Marine aircraft wing 

MAXORD maximum ordinate 

Mbps megabytes per second 

MC Military Committee (NATO); mission-critical; 
Shortened Word Forms 

330 

 mobile communications 

MC4EB Military Command, Control, Communications and 

 Computers Executive Board

MCA mail control activity; military civic action; movement 

 control agency 

MCAG maritime civil affairs group

MCAS Marine Corps air station 

MCAST maritime civil affairs and security training

MCAT maritime civil affairs team

MCB movement control battalion 

MCC military 

 coordinating committee; military counterintelligence 

 collections; mission control center; 

 mobility control center; movement control center 

MCCC Marine Corps component command 

MCCDC Marine Corps Combat Development Command 

MCD medical crew director 

MCDP Marine Corps doctrinal publication 

MCEB Military Communications-Electronics Board 

MCESG Marine Corps Embassy Security Group 

MC/FI mass casualty/fatality incident 

MCI multinational communications integration 

MCIA Marine Corps Intelligence Activity 

MCIO military criminal investigative organization 

MCIOC Marine Corps Information Operations Center 

MCIP Marine Corps interim publication; military customs 

 inspection program 

MCISRE Marine Corps Intelligence, Surveillance, and 

 Reconnaissance Enterprise 

MCM maneuver control measure; Manual for Courts-Martial; 

 military committee memorandum (memorandum issued 

 in the name of the Chairman); mine countermeasures 

MCMC mine countermeasures commander 

MCMO medical civil-military operations 

MCMOPS mine countermeasures operations 

MCMREP mine countermeasure report 

MCMRON mine countermeasures squadron

MCO major combat operation; Mapping Customer Operations 

 (Defense Logistics Agency); Marine Corps order 

MCOO modified combined obstacle overlay 

MCRP Marine Corps reference publication 

MCS modular causeway system 

MCSB Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion

MCSFR Marine Corps Security Forces Regiment 

MCT movement control team 

MCTOG Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group 
Shortened Word Forms 

 331 

MCTP Marine Corps tactical publication 

MCWL Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory

MCWP Marine Corps warfighting publication 

MCX Marine Corps Exchange 

MD missile defense; moderate damage 

MDA maritime domain awareness; Missile Defense Agency 

MDBS medical detachment, blood support 

MDCO Military Department counterintelligence organization 

MDDOC Marine air-ground task force deployment and 

 distribution operations center 

MDIOC Missile Defense Integration and Operations Center 

 (MDA) 

MDM maritime defense measure

MDMA methylenedioxymethamphetamine 

MDO military deception officer 

MDRO mission disaster response officer 

MDS Message Dissemination Subsystem; mobile diving and 

 salvage 

MDSS II Marine Air-Ground Task Force Deployment 

 Support System II 

MDSU mobile diving and salvage unit 

MEA munitions effect assessment; munitions effectiveness 

 assessment 

MEB maneuver enhancement brigade; Marine expeditionary 

 brigade 

ME/C medical examiner and/or coroner 

MEDCC medical coordination cell 

MEDCOM US Army Medical Command 

MEDCOM (DS) medical command (deployment support) (USA)

MEDEVAC medical evacuation 

MEDINT medical intelligence 

MEDLOG medical logistics 

MEDLOG support medical logistics support 

MEDNEO medical noncombatant evacuation operation 

MEF Marine expeditionary force

MEJA Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act

MEO medium Earth orbit; military equal opportunity 

MEP mobile electric power 

MESF maritime expeditionary security force 

MESFC maritime expeditionary security force commander

MESO maritime expeditionary security operations

MET mobile environmental team 

METCON control of meteorological information (roughly translated 

 from French) 

METL mission-essential task list 

METOC meteorological and oceanographic 
Shortened Word Forms 

332 

METSAT meteorological satellite 

METT-T mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support 

 available-time available 

METT-TC mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support 

 available-time available and civil considerations (USA) 

MEU Marine expeditionary unit 

MEVA mission essential vulnerable area 

MEZ missile engagement zone 

MF mobile facility 

MFC multinational force commander 

MFE mobile field exchange 

MFO multinational force and observers 

MGRS military grid reference system 

MGW maximum gross weight

MHD maritime homeland defense

MHE materials handling equipment 

MHS maritime homeland security; Military Health System

MHz megahertz 

MI military intelligence; movement instructions 

MIA missing in action

MIB Military Intelligence Board 

MIC Multinational Interoperability Council 

MIDAS model for intertheater deployment by air and sea 

MIDB modernized integrated database; modernized intelligence 

 database 

MILAIR military airlift

MILALOC military air line of communications 

MILCO minelike contact 

MILCON military construction 

MILDEC military deception 

MILDEP Military Department 

MILSATCOM military satellite communications 

MILSPEC military specification 

MILSTAMP military standard transportation and movement procedures 

MIL-STD military standard 

MILSTRAP military standard transaction reporting and accounting 

 procedure 

MILSTRIP military standard requisitioning and issue procedure 

MILTECH military technician 

MILU multinational integrated logistic unit 

MIMP Mobilization Information Management Plan 

MIO maritime interception operations 

MIOC maritime interception operations commander

MIP military intelligence program 

MIPOE medical intelligence preparation of the operational 

 environment 
Shortened Word Forms 

 333 

MIPR military interdepartmental purchase request 

MIR multisensor imagery reconnaissance

MIRCS mobile integrated remains collection system

MIS military information support 

MISG military information support group

MISO military information support operations 

MISREP mission report 

MIST mechanism of injury, injury type, signs, treatment; military 

 information support team 

MISTF military information support task force

MITAM mission tasking matrix

MIW mine warfare

MIWC mine warfare commander

MIWG multinational interoperability working group

MJLC multinational joint logistic center 

M-Kill mobility kill 

MLA mission load allowance 

MLEA Maritime Law Enforcement Academy 

MLEM Maritime Law Enforcement Manual

MLG Marine logistics group

MLI munitions list item 

MLMC medical logistics management center 

MLP mobile landing platform 

MLRS multiple launch rocket system 

MLS multilevel security 

MLSA mutual logistics support agreement

MLW mean low water 

MMAC military mine action center 

MMG Department of Defense Master Mobilization Guide 

MMIM Modeled Meteorological Information Manager 

MMS marine mammal system 

MNC multinational corporation 

MNCC multinational coordination center 

MNEODCC multinational explosives ordnance disposal control center 

MNF multinational force 

MNFACC multinational force air component commander 

MNFC multinational force commander 

MNFLCC multinational force land component commander 

MNFMCC multinational force maritime component commander 

MNFSOCC multinational force special operations component commander 

MNJLC multinational joint logistics component 

MNL master net list; multinational logistics 

MNLC multinational logistic center 

MNTF multinational task force 

MOA memorandum of agreement 

MOB main operating base; mobilization 
Shortened Word Forms 

334 

MOBREP military manpower mobilization and accession status 

 report; mobilization report 

MOC maritime operations center; media operations center 

MOD ministry of defense; modification 

Mod model 

MODA ministry of defense advisor 

MOE measure of effectiveness 

MOEI measure of effectiveness indicator

MOG maximum (aircraft) on ground 

MOGAS motor gasoline 

MOMAT mobility matting 

MOP measure of performance; memorandum of policy 

MOPP mission-oriented protective posture 

MOS military occupational specialty 

MOTR maritime operational threat response 

MOU memorandum of understanding 

MOVREP movement report 

MP military police (USA and USMC); multinational publication 

MPA maritime patrol aircraft; mission planning agent 

MPAT military patient administration team; Multinational Planning 

 Augmentation Team 

MPE/S maritime pre-positioning equipment and supplies 

MPF maritime pre-positioning force 

MPFUB maritime pre-positioning force utility boat

mph miles per hour 

MPICE measuring progress in conflict environments

MPNTP Master Positioning Navigation and Timing Plan

MPO military post office 

MPP maritime procedural publication

MPR maritime patrol and reconnaissance 

MPS maritime pre-positioning ship; Military Planning 

 Service (UN); Military Postal Service 

MPSA Military Postal Service Agency 

MPSRON maritime pre-positioning ships squadron 

MPTk Medical Planners’ Toolkit 

MR milliradian 

MRAT medical radiobiology advisory team 

MRBM medium-range ballistic missile

MRI magnetic resonance imaging 

MRO mass rescue operation; materiel release order; medical 

 regulating office; medical regulating officer 

MRR Marine Raider Regiment; minimum-risk route 

MRS measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT) 

 requirements system 

MRT maintenance recovery team 

MRX mission readiness exercise 
Shortened Word Forms 

 335 

MS Microsoft 

MSA Maritime Security Act

MSC major subordinate command; Military Sealift Command 

MSCA military support to civilian authorities 

MSCAT maritime security center augment team 

MSCO Military Sealift Command Office 

MSD mobile security division 

MSE mission support element 

MSF mission support force; mobile security force 

MSG Marine security guard; message 

MSGID message identification 

MSHARPP mission, symbolism, history, accessibility, recognizability, 

 population, and proximity 

MSI modified surface index 

MSIC Missile and Space Intelligence Center 

MSL mean sea level; military shipping label 

MSO map support office; maritime security operations; 

 military source operation; military strategic objective; 

 military support operations 

MSOC Marine special operations company 

MSOR Marine Special Operations Regiment

MSP Maritime Security Program; mission support plan 

MSPA Missing Service Personnel Act

MSR main supply route; mission support request 

MSRP mission strategic resource plan 

MSRT Maritime Security Response Team (USCG) 

MSST maritime safety and security team 

MST mission support team 

MTAB Military Technical Acceptance Board 

MTAC Multiple Threat Alert Center (DON) 

MT Bn motor transport battalion 

MTCR Missile Technology Control Regime 

mtDNA mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid

MTF medical treatment facility; military information support 

 operations task force 

MTFP mission-tailored force package 

MTN multi-tactical data link network 

MTO mission type order 

MTON measurement ton 

MTP mission tasking packet 

MTS Marine tactical system; Movement Tracking System 

MTT mobile training team 

MTW major theater war 

MUOS Mobile Users Object System

MUSE mobile utilities support equipment 

MV merchant vessel 
Shortened Word Forms 

336 

MWC Missile Warning Center (NORAD) 

MWD military working dog 

MWG mobilization working group 

MWR morale, welfare, and recreation 

MWSD Marine wing support detachment 

MWSG Marine wing support group 

MWSS Marine wing support squadron 

MWT modular warping tug 
 337 

N 

N-2 Director of Naval Intelligence; Navy component 

 intelligence staff officer 

N-6 Director of Naval Communications Networks 

NA5CRO non-Article 5 crisis response operation (NATO) 

NAC North Atlantic Council (NATO) 

NAD 83 North American Datum 1983 

NADR nonproliferation, antiterrorism, demining, 

 and related programs

NAE Navy acquisition executive

NAEC-ENG Naval Air Engineering Center - Engineering 

NAF nonappropriated funds; numbered air force 

NAI named area of interest 

NALC Navy ammunition logistics code 

NALE naval and amphibious liaison element 

NALSS naval advanced logistic support site 

NAMS National Air Mobility System 

NAR nonconventional assisted recovery; notice of ammunition 

 reclassification 

NARAC national atmospheric release advisory capability; 

 National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center (DOE) 

NARP Nuclear Weapon Accident Response Procedures

NAS naval air station 

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

NASIC National Air and Space Intelligence Center 

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization 

NATOPS Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures 

 Standardization 

NAVAIDS navigational aids 

NAVAIR Naval Air Systems Command 

NAVCYBERFOR Navy Cyber Forces

NAVELSG Navy expeditionary logistics support group 

NAVEODTECHDIV Naval Explosives Ordnance Disposal Technology 

 Division 

NAVFAC Naval Facilities Engineering Command 

NAVFACENGCOM Naval Facilities Engineering Command 

NAVFAC EXWC Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare 

 Center 

NAVFOR Navy forces 

NAVMED Navy medicine 

NAVMTO Navy Material Transportation Office 

NAVOCEANO Naval Oceanographic Office 

NAVSAT navigation satellite 

NAVSCOLEOD Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal 

NAVSEA Naval Sea Systems Command 
Shortened Word Forms 

338 

NAVSEAINST Naval Sea Systems Command instruction 

NAVSOC Naval Satellite Operations Center; naval special 

 operations command 

NAVSOF Navy special operations forces 

NAVSPACECOM Naval Space Command 

NAVSPECWARCOM Naval Special Warfare Command 

NAVSUP Naval Supply Systems Command 

NAVWAR navigation warfare

NAWCAD Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division 

Navy TACC Navy tactical air control center

NBC nuclear, biological, and chemical 

NBG naval beach group 

NBI nonbattle injury 

NBVC Naval Base Ventura County Agency 

NCAGS naval cooperation and guidance for shipping 

NCAPS naval coordination and protection of shipping 

NCB noncompliant boarding 

NCC Navy component command; Navy 

 component commander 

NCCS Nuclear Command and Control System 

NCDC National Climatic Data Center 

NCES Net-Centric Enterprise Services 

NCESGR National Committee of Employer Support for the Guard 

 and Reserve 

NCF naval construction force 

NCG naval construction group 

NCH natural and cultural resources and historic properties 

 (DOI) 

NCHB Navy cargo-handling battalion 

NCIJTF-AG National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force-Analytical 

 Group (DOD)

NCIS Naval Criminal Investigative Service 

NCIX National Counterintelligence Executive 

NCL National System for Geospatial-Intelligence Consolidated 

 Library 

NCMI National Center for Medical Intelligence 

NCMP Navy Capabilities and Mobilization Plan 

NCO noncombat operations; noncommissioned officer 

NCOIC noncommissioned officer in charge 

NCOS naval control of shipping 

NCP National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution 

 Contingency Plan 

NCPC National Counterproliferation Center 

NCR National Capital Region (US); National Security 

 Agency/Central Security Service representative; naval 

 construction regiment 
Shortened Word Forms 

 339 

NCRCC National Capital Region Coordination Center; United 

 States Northern Command Rescue Coordination Center 

NCRDEF national cryptologic representative defense 

NCR-IADS National Capital Region-Integrated Air Defense System 

NCS National Clandestine Service; National Communications 

 System; net control station 

NCSC National Counterintelligence and Security Center 

NCSD National Cyber Security Division (DHS)

NCTC National Counterterrorism Center 

NDAA national defense authorization act 

NDAF Navy, Defense Logistics Agency, Air Force 

NDB nondirectional beacon 

NDCS national drug control strategy 

NDDOC North American Aerospace Defense Command and 

 United States Northern Command Deployment and 

 Distribution Operations Cell 

NDHQ National Defence Headquarters, Canada 

NDIC National Defense Intelligence College 

NDMS National Disaster Medical System (DHHS) 

NDP national disclosure policy 

NDPC National Disclosure Policy Committee 

NDRC National Detainee Reporting Center

NDRF National Defense Reserve Fleet 

NDS national defense strategy 

NDSF National Defense Sealift Fund 

NDT nuclear disablement team

NDU National Defense University 

NEA Northeast Asia 

NEAT naval embarked advisory team 

NEC National Economic Council 

NECC Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

NEIC Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command 

NELR Navy expeditionary logistics regiment 

NEO noncombatant evacuation operation 

NEOCC noncombatant evacuation operation coordination center 

NEP National Exercise Program

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act 

NES National Exploitation System 

NESDIS National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information 

 Service (DOC) 

NEST nuclear emergency support team (DOE) 

NETWARCOM Naval Network Warfare Command

NEW net explosive weight 

NFA no-fire area 

NFC numbered fleet commander

NFELC Naval Facilities Expeditionary Logistics Center 
Shortened Word Forms 

340 

NFESC Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center 

NFI national foreign intelligence 

NFIB National Foreign Intelligence Board 

NFIP National Flood Insurance Program (FEMA) 

NFLS naval forward logistic site 

NG National Guard 

NGA National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency 

NGB National Guard Bureau 

NGB-OC National Guard Bureau-Office of the Chaplain 

NGCC National Guard Coordination Center

NGCDP National Guard Counterdrug Program

NGCSP National Guard Counterdrug Support Program 

NGDS Net-Centric Geospatial-Intelligence Discovery Services 

NGFS naval gunfire support 

NGIC National Ground Intelligence Center 

NG JFHQ-State National Guard joint force headquarters-state 

NGLO naval gunfire liaison officer 

NGO nongovernmental organization 

NGP National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Program 

NHMD National Human Intelligence Manager directive 

NIC National Intelligence Council 

NICC National Intelligence Coordination Center

NICCL National Incident Communications Conference Line

NICCP National Interdiction Command and Control Plan 

NIH National Institutes of Health (DHHS)

NIL National Information Library 

NIM national intelligence manager 

NIMS National Incident Management System 

NIOC Navy Information Operations Command 

NIP National Intelligence Program 

NIPF National Intelligence Priorities Framework

NIPRNET Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network 

NISP national intelligence support plan 

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology 

NIT nuclear incident team 

NITF national imagery transmission format 

NJOIC National Joint Operations and Intelligence Center

NJTTF National Joint Terrorism Task Force 

NLRP nonlethal reference point 

NLT not later than 

NLW nonlethal weapon 

nm nautical mile

NMAWC Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command 

NMC Navy Munitions Command

NMCB naval mobile construction battalion 

NMCC National Military Command Center 
Shortened Word Forms 

 341 

NMCS National Military Command System; not mission 

 capable, supply 

NMCSO Navy and Marine Corps spectrum office

NMEC National Media Exploitation Center 

NMIC National Maritime Intelligence Center 

NMIO National Maritime Intelligence-Integration Office

NMIST National Military Intelligence Support Team (DIA) 

NMO National Measurement and Signature Intelligence Office

NMS national military strategy 

NMSA North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Mutual 

 Support Act 

NMSC Navy and Marine Corps Spectrum Center

NMS-CO National Military Strategy for Cyberspace Operations 

NMS-CWMD National Military Strategy to Combat Weapons of Mass 

 Destruction 

NMSP-WOT National Military Strategic Plan for the War on Terrorism 

NMT national mission team 

NNSA National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE) 

NNWC Naval Network Warfare Command

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (DOC) 

NOACT Navy overseas air cargo terminal 

NOC National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Operation 

 Center; National Operations Center (DHS); network 

 operations center 

NOE nap-of-the-earth 

NOFORN not releasable to foreign nationals 

NOK next of kin 

NOLSC Naval Operational Logistics Support Center

NOMWC Navy Oceanographic Mine Warfare Center 

non-CAAF contractors not authorized to accompany the force

NORAD North American Aerospace Defense Command 

NOSC network operations and security center 

NOSSA Navy Ordnance Safety and Security Activity

NOTAM notice to airmen 

NPF national planning framework 

NPPD National Protection and Programs Directorate (DHS)

NPS National Park Service; nonprior service 

NPT Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons 

NRAT nuclear/radiological advisory team 

NRC National Response Center (USCG); non-unit-related cargo 

NRCHB Naval Reserve cargo-handling battalion 

NRF National Response Framework 

NRG notional requirements generator 

NRO National Reconnaissance Office 

NRP non-unit-related personnel 

NRT near real time
Shortened Word Forms 

342 

NSA National Security Agency; national shipping authority; 

 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) 

 Standardization Agency 

NSABB National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NIH)

NSA/CSS National Security Agency/Central Security Service 

NSARC National Search and Rescue Committee

NSAT United States Northern Command situational awareness 

 team

NSAWC Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center 

NSC National Security Council 

NSC/DC National Security Council/Deputies Committee 

NSC/IPC National Security Council/interagency policy committee 

NSC/PC National Security Council/Principals Committee 

NSCS National Security Council System 

NSD National Security Directive; National Security Division (FBI) 

NSDD national security decision directive 

NSDM national security decision memorandum 

NSE national support element; Navy support element 

NS/EP national security and emergency preparedness 

NSF national security forces; National Strike Force (USCG) 

NSFS naval surface fire support 

NSG National System for Geospatial Intelligence 

NSHS National Strategy for Homeland Security 

NSL no-strike list 

NSMS National Strategy for Maritime Security 

NSN national stock number 

NSOC National Security Operations Center 

NSP National Search and Rescue Plan 

NSPD national security Presidential directive 

NSPI National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza 

NSPM national security Presidential memorandum 

NSS National Search and Rescue Supplement; national 

 security strategy; national security system 

NSSE national special security event 

NST National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency support team; 

 national support team 

NSTAC National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee 

NSTS National Secure Telephone System 

NSW naval special warfare 

NSWCDD Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division 

NSWC IHEODTD Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Explosive 

 Ordnance Disposal Technology Division

NSWTF naval special warfare task force 

NSWTG naval special warfare task group 

NSWTU naval special warfare task unit 

NTA nontraditional agent

NTACS Navy tactical air control system 
Shortened Word Forms 

 343 

NTIA National Telecommunications and Information 

 Administration (DOC) 

NTM national or multinational technical means of verification; 

 notice to mariners

NTRP Navy tactical reference publication

NTS noncombatant evacuation operation tracking system 

NTSB National Transportation Safety Board 

NTTP Navy tactics, techniques, and procedures 

NUC non-unit-related cargo 

NUFEA Navy-unique fleet essential aircraft 

NURP non-unit-related personnel 

NVD night vision device 

NVDT National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency voluntary 

 deployment team 

NVG night vision goggle 

NVOAD National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster 

NWDC Navy Warfare Development Command 

NWP Navy warfare publication

NWS National Weather Service 

NZ New Zealand 

 
Shortened Word Forms 

344 

Intentionally Blank 
 345 

O 

1MC general announcing system

1NCD 1st Naval Construction Division 

O&I operations and intelligence 

O&M operation and maintenance 

OA objective area; operational area 

OAE operational area evaluation 

OAF Operation ALLIED FORCE 

OAFME Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner 

OAI oceanographic area of interest

OAM Office of Air and Marine (DHS)

OAP offset aimpoint 

OAS offensive air support; Organization of American States 

OASD Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense 

OASD(NII/CIO) Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Networks 

 and Information Integration/Chief Information Officer)

OASD(PA) Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) 

OASD(RA) Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Reserve Affairs) 

OAU Organization of African Unity 

O/B outboard 

OB order of battle 

OBA Office of Biotechnology Activities (NIH); 

 oxygen breathing apparatus 

OBFS offshore bulk fuel system 

OBIM Office of Biometric Identity Management (DHS) 

OBP object-based production 

OC operations center 

OCA offensive counterair; operational control authority 

OCBD Office of Capacity Building and Development (USDA) 

OCCA ocean cargo clearance authority 

OCDETF Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force 

OCHA Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 

OCIE organizational clothing and individual equipment

OCJCS Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

OCO offensive cyberspace operations; offload control officer 

OCONUS outside the continental United States 

OCP operational capability package 

OCS operational contract support

OCSIC operational contract support integration cell 

OCU offload control unit 

ODC Office of Defense Cooperation 

ODCSLOG Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (USA) 

ODNI Office of the Director of National Intelligence 

OE operational environment 

OE&AS organization for embarkation and assignment to shipping 
Shortened Word Forms 

346 

OEBGD Overseas Environmental Baseline Guidance Document 

OEC Office of Emergency Communications (DHS)

OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

OEF Operation ENDURING FREEDOM 

OEG operational experts group; operational exposure guidance; 

 operations security executive group 

OEH occupational and environmental health 

OER officer evaluation report 

OES office of emergency services 

OFAC Office of Foreign Assets Control (Treasury) 

OFCO offensive counterintelligence operation 

OFDA Office of United States Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID) 

OHDACA Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid (DSCA) 

OHDM Office of Humanitarian Assistance, Disaster Relief, and 

 Mine Action 

OI operating instruction; operational interest 

OIA Office of Insular Affairs (DOI); Office of International 

 Affairs (Treasury)

OIC officer in charge 

OICC officer in charge of construction 

OIF Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 

OIIL Office of Intelligence and Investigative Liaison (CBP)

OIR other intelligence requirements 

OJT on-the-job training 

OLEM Office of Land and Emergency Management (EPA) 

OMA Office of Military Affairs (CIA and USAID) 

OMB Office of Management and Budget 

OMC Office of Military Cooperation 

OMSPH Office of Medicine, Science, and Public Health (DHHS) 

ONDCP Office of National Drug Control Policy 

ONE Operation NOBLE EAGLE 

ONI Office of Naval Intelligence 

OOB order of battle 

OOD officer of the deck 

OODA observe, orient, decide, act 

OOS out of service 

OP observation post; ordnance publication 

OPC Ocean Prediction Center (DOC) 

OPCON operational control 

OPDAT Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, 

 Assistance, and Training (DOJ) 

OPDEC operational deception 

OPDS offshore petroleum discharge system (USN) 

OPDS-Future offshore petroleum discharge system-future (USN)

OPDS-L offshore petroleum discharge system-legacy (USN)

OPE operational preparation of the environment 
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 347 

OPELINT operational electronic intelligence 

OPEO Office of Preparedness and Emergency Operations (DHHS) 

OPFOR opposing force; opposition force 

OPG operations planning group 

OPGEN operation general matter 

OPIR overhead persistent infrared

OPLAN operation plan 

OPLAW operational law 

OPM Office of Personnel Management 

OPMG Office of the Provost Marshal General 

OPNAV Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

OPNAVINST Chief of Naval Operations instruction 

OPORD operation order 

OPP off-load preparation party; orderwire patch panel 

OPR office of primary responsibility 

OPREP operational report 

OPROJ operational project 

OPS operational project stock 

OPSDEPS Service Operations Deputies 

OPSEC operations security 

OPSTK operational stock 

OPT operational planning team 

OPTAR operating target 

OPTASK operational tasking (message); operation task 

OPTASKLINK operations task link 

OPTEMPO operating tempo 

OR operational readiness 

ORBAT order of battle 

ORD Office of Research and Development (EPA) 

ORM operational risk management 

ORP ocean reception point 

ORS operationally responsive space

ORSA operations research and systems analysis 

OS operating stocks; operating system 

OSA operational support airlift 

OSC offensive space control; on-scene commander; on-site 

 commander; Open Source Center (CIA) 

OSCE Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe 

OSD Office of the Secretary of Defense 

OSD/DMDPO Office of the Secretary of Defense, Defense Military 

 Deception Program Office

OSE operations support element 

OSEI operational significant event imagery

OSINT open-source information; open-source intelligence 

OSM Office of Spectrum Management (NTIA)

OSOCC on-site operations coordination center 
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OSR on-station report

OT&E operational test and evaluation 

OTA Office of Technical Assistance (Treasury)

OTC officer in tactical command; over the counter 

OTERA organize, train, equip, rebuild/build, and advise 

OTH over the horizon 

OTI Office of Transition Initiatives (USAID) 

OUB offshore petroleum discharge system utility boat 

OUSD Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

OUSD(AT&L) Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, 

 Technology, and Logistics) 

OUSD(C) Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)

OUSD(C/CFO) Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

 (Comptroller/Chief Financial Officer) 

OUSD(I) Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Intelligence)

OUSD(P) Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy 

OVM Operation VIGILANT MARINER 

OWS operational weather squadron 
 349 

P 

P publication 

PA physician assistant; primary agency; probability of arrival; 

 public affairs 

PACAF Pacific Air Forces 

PAD patient administration director 

PADD person authorized to direct disposition of human remains 

PAG public affairs guidance 

PALCON pallet container 

PAM preventive and aerospace medicine 

PaM passage material 

PAO public affairs office; public affairs officer 

PAR population at risk 

PARS Personnel and Accountability System

PAWS phased array warning system 

PAX passengers; public affairs plans 

PB peace building 

PB4T planning board for training

PBA performance-based agreement; production base analysis 

PBIED person-borne improvised explosive device

PBOS Planning Board for Ocean Shipping 

PBR program and budget review 

PC patrol craft; preliminary coordination; 

 Principals Committee 

PC&S post, camp, and station 

PCA Posse Comitatus Act 

PCASS Preliminary Credibility Assessment Screening System 

PCC police contributing country; policy coordination 

 committee 

PCO primary control officer; procuring contracting officer 

PCOF Patient Condition Occurrence Frequency 

PCRTS primary casualty receiving and treatment ship 

PCS permanent change of station; primary control ship 

PCTC pure car and truck carrier 

PD position description; priority designator; 

 probability of damage; probability of detection; 

 program directive 

PDA preliminary damage assessment 

PDAL prioritized defended asset list 

PDC Pacific Disaster Center 

PDD Presidential decision directive 

PDF portable data file 

PDSS predeployment site survey 

PDT partnership development team

PDUSD(P&R) Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel 
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 and Readiness) 

PE personal effects; preparation of the environment; 

 program element 

PECC patient evacuation coordination cell 

PED processing, exploitation, and dissemination 

PEIO personnel effects inventory officer

PEO peace enforcement operations; program executive office 

PEP personnel exchange program 

PERE person eligible to receive effects 

PERMA planning, embarkation, rehearsal, movement, and action

PERMREP permanent representative (NATO) 

PERSCO personnel support for contingency operations 

PFA primary federal agency 

PFDB planning factors database 

PFG Preferred Force Generation 

PFO principal federal official 

PfP Partnership for Peace (NATO) 

PGI procedures, guidance, and information

PGM precision-guided munition 

PHEO public health emergency officer

PHIBCB amphibious construction battalion 

PHIBOP amphibious operation 

PHIBRON amphibious squadron 

PHIT port handling/in-land transportation

PI pandemic influenza; point of impact; 

 purposeful interference 

Pi probability of incapacitation 

PI&ID pandemic influenza and infectious disease

PIAB President’s Intelligence Advisory Board

PIC payment in cash 

PID positive identification 

PII pre-incident indicators 

PIO public information officer 

PIR priority intelligence requirement 

PIREP pilot report 

PIRT purposeful interference response team 

PISA post isolation support activity 

PIT platform information technology 

PIU patient isolation unit

PJ pararescue jumper 

PK probability of kill 

PKB purple kill box

PKO peacekeeping operations 

PKSOI Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute

PL phase line 

PLA post-launch abort 
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PLAD plain language address directory 

PLANORD planning order 

PLB personal locator beacon 

PLS palletized load system 

PLT platoon 

PM Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (DOS); patient 

 movement; peacemaking; preventive medicine; program 

 management; program manager; provost marshal 

PMA political/military assessment 

PMC private military company 

PMCF post maintenance check flight

PME professional military education 

PMESII political, military, economic, social, information, and 

 infrastructure 

PMGM program manager’s guidance memorandum 

PMI patient movement item; prevention of mutual interference 

PMI-ATS Patient Movement Items-Asset Tracking System 

PMITS Patient Movement Item Tracking System

PMO production management office(r); program management 

 office 

PMR patient movement request; patient movement requirement 

PMRC patient movement requirements center 

PN partner nation 

PNA postal net alert

PNT positioning, navigation, and timing

PO peace operations; petty officer 

POA plan of action 

POB persons on board 

POC point of contact 

POCD port operations cargo detachment 

POD plan of the day; port of debarkation; probability of 

 detection 

POE port of embarkation; port of entry 

POES polar operational environment satellite

POF priority of fires 

POG port operations group; psychological operations group 

POI person of interest; point of injury 

POL petroleum, oils, and lubricants 

POLAD policy advisor; political advisor 

POLCAP bulk petroleum capabilities report 

POLMIL political-military 

POM program objective memorandum 

PORTSIM port simulation model 

POS point of sale; Point-of-Service; probability of success 

POTUS President of the United States 

POV privately owned vehicle 
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POW prisoner of war 

POW/MIA prisoner of war/missing in action 

PPAG proposed public affairs guidance 

PPBE Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution 

PPD Presidential policy directive 

PPE personal protective equipment 

PPF personnel processing file 

PPLI precise participant location and identification 

PPTO petroleum pipeline and terminal operating 

PPW patient protective wrap 

PR personnel recovery; Phoenix Raven; 

 production requirement; program review 

PRA patient reception area; primary review authority 

PRC populace and resources control; Presidential Reserve 

 Call-up; primary receiving center 

PRCC personnel recovery coordination cell; personnel recovery 

 coordination center 

PRCS personnel recovery coordination section

PRD personnel readiness division; Presidential review directive 

PRDO personnel recovery duty officer 

PREPO pre-positioned force, equipment, or supplies; 

 pre-positioning 

PREREP pre-arrival report 

PRF pulse repetition frequency 

PRG personnel recovery guidance 

PRIFLY primary flight control 

Prime BEEF prime base engineer emergency force 

PRISM Planning Tool for Resource, Integration, Synchronization, 

 and Management 

PRM Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (DOS) 

PRMS personnel recovery mission software 

PRMx production requirements matrix 

PROVORG providing organization 

PRP Personnel Retrieval and Processing 

PRRP personnel recovery reference product 

PRT patient reception team; provincial reconstruction team 

PRTF personnel recovery task force 

PS port security 

PSA port support activity; principal staff assistant 

PSC private security contractor 

PSD port security detachment 

PSI Proliferation Security Initiative 

psi pounds per square inch 

PSO peace support operations (NATO); post security officer 

PSS personnel services support 

PSS-SOF Precision Strike Suite-Special Operations Forces
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P-STATIC precipitation static 

PSU port security unit 

PSYOP psychological operations (forces) 

PTDO prepare to deploy order 

PTM personnel transport module 

PTTI precise time and time interval 

PUK packup kit 

PV prime vendor 

PVNTMED preventive medicine 

PVT positioning, velocity, and timing 

PWCS port, waterways, and coastal security 

PWG protection working group 

PWRR pre-positioned war reserve requirements 

PWRS petroleum war reserve stocks; pre-positioned war reserve 

 stock 

PWS performance work statement 

PWT precision weapons team

 
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Q 

QA quality assurance 

QAR quality assurance representative

QAT quality assurance team 

QC quality control 

QDR quadrennial defense review 

QHDA qualified hazardous duty area 

QIP quick impact project

QM quartermaster 

QRF quick reaction force; quick response force 

QRP quick response posture 

QS quality surveillance 

QSTAG quadripartite standardization agreement 

QUADCON quadruple container 
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R 

R&D research and development 

R&R rest and recuperation 

R&S reconstruction and stabilization 

R2P2 rapid response planning process 

RA response action; risk analysis; risk assessment 

RAC-OT readiness assessment system - output tool 

RAD routine aerial distribution 

RADBN radio battalion 

RADC regional air defense commander 

RADCON radiological control team 

RAF Royal Air Force (UK) 

RAM raised angle marker; random antiterrorism measure; 

 rockets, artillery, and mortars 

RAMCC regional air movement control center 

RAP Radiological Assistance Program (DOE) 

RAS-OT readiness assessment system-output tool 

RATE refine, adapt, terminate, execute

RBA reimbursable budget authority

RBC red blood cell 

RC Reserve Component; resident coordinator (UN) 

RCA riot control agent 

RCC regional contracting center; rescue coordination center 

RCD regional collection detachment 

RCEM regional contingency engineering management 

RCIED radio-controlled improvised explosive device 

RCM Rules for Courts-Martial 

RCMP Royal Canadian Mounted Police 

RCO regional contracting office 

RCT regimental combat team; rescue coordination team (USN) 

RDCFP Regional Defense Counterterrorism Fellowship Program 

RDCTFP Regional Defense Combating Terrorism 

 Fellowship Program 

RDD radiological dispersal device 

RDO request for deployment order 

RDT&E research, development, test, and evaluation 

REA Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment 

REAC/TS radiation emergency assistance center/training site (DOE) 

RED radiological exposure device

RED HORSE rapid engineer deployable heavy operational repair 

 squadron engineer 

REF Rapid Equipping Force (USA) 

REPOL bulk petroleum contingency report 

REPUNIT reporting unit 

RES radiation exposure status
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RESCAP rescue combat air patrol 

RESCORT rescue escort 

RESPROD responsible production 

RF radio frequency; reserve force 

RFA request for assistance; restrictive fire area 

RFC request for capabilities; revision final coordination 

RF CM radio frequency countermeasures 

RFD revision first draft 

RFF request for feedback; request for forces 

RFI radio frequency interference; request for information 

RFID radio frequency identification 

RFL restrictive fire line 

RFP request for proposal 

RFS request for service; request for sourcing; request for 

 support 

RGS remote geospatial intelligence services 

Rh Rhesus 

Rh(D) Rhesus (D antigen) 

RHIB rigid hull inflatable boat 

RICO regional interface control officer 

RIK replacement in kind 

RM ramp module; recovery mechanism; resource 

 management; risk management 

RMC rescue mission commander 

RMP religious ministry professional 

RMT response management team

ROC rehearsal of concept 

ROE rules of engagement 

ROICC resident officer in charge of construction 

ROK Republic of Korea 

ROM restriction of movement; rough order of magnitude 

ROMO range of military operations

RON remain overnight 

RO/RO roll-on/roll-off 

ROS reduced operating status 

ROTC Reserve Officer Training Corps 

ROWPU reverse osmosis water purification unit 

ROZ restricted operations zone 

RP religious program specialist; retained personnel 

RPG rocket propelled grenade 

RPM revolutions per minute

RPO rendezvous and proximity operations

RPOE rapid port opening element

RQT rapid query tool 

RR reattack recommendation 

RRCC regional response coordination center 
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RRDF roll-on/roll-off discharge facility 

RRF rapid response force; Ready Reserve Force 

RRS remote replication system 

RS religious support 

RSC regional service center; rescue sub-center 

RSE retrograde support element 

RSF recovery support function 

RSI rationalization, standardization, and interoperability 

RSN role specialist nation 

RSO reception, staging, and onward movement; regional 

 security officer; remote split operations 

RSOI reception, staging, onward movement, and integration 

RSS really simple syndication 

RSSC regional space support center 

RSSC-LO regional space support center liaison officer 

RST religious support team 

RSTA reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition 

RT recovery team; rough terrain 

RTB return to base 

RTCC rough terrain container crane 

RTCH rough terrain container handler 

RTD returned to duty 

RTF return to force 

RTL restricted target list 

RUF rules for the use of force 

RV rendezvous 

RW rotary-wing 

RWR radar warning receiver 

 
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S 

618 AOC (TACC) 618th Air Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control 

 Center) 

S&R search and recovery 

S&T science and technology; scientific and technical 

S&TI scientific and technical intelligence 

S-1 battalion or brigade manpower and personnel staff 

 officer; personnel officer/personnel office (USMC) 

S-2 battalion or brigade intelligence staff officer (USA); 

 intelligence officer/intelligence office (USMC) 

S-3 battalion or brigade operations staff officer (USA); 

 operations and training officer/operations and training 

 office (USMC) 

SA security assistance; situational awareness; staging area 

SAA senior airfield authority 

SAAFR standard use Army aircraft flight route 

SAAM special assignment airlift mission 

SAC special actions cell; supporting arms coordinator 

SACC supporting arms coordination center (USMC) 

SACEUR Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (NATO) 

SACT Supreme Allied Commander Transformation 

SADC sector air defense commander 

SADL situation awareness data link 

SADO senior air defense officer

SAFE secure analyst file environment; selected area for evasion; 

 sexual assault forensic examination 

SAG surface action group 

SALM single-anchor leg mooring 

SALT supporting arms liaison team 

SAM surface-to-air missile 

SAO security assistance office; security assistance officer 

SAP special access program 

SAPO subarea petroleum office 

SAPR sexual assault prevention and response 

SAR satellite access request; search and rescue; 

 special access requirement; suspicious activity 

 report; synthetic aperture radar 

SARC sexual assault response coordinator 

SARDOT search and rescue point 

SARIR search and rescue incident report 

SAROPS Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System

SARREQ search and rescue request 

SARSAT search and rescue satellite-aided tracking 

SARSIT search and rescue situation summary report 

SATCOM satellite communications 
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SAWG strategic assessment working group 

SBCT Stryker brigade combat team 

SBU sensitive but unclassified 

SC security cooperation 

SCA sociocultural analysis; space coordinating authority; 

 support to civil administration 

SCAR strike coordination and reconnaissance 

SCC service cryptologic component; Service cyberspace 

 component; shipping coordination center 

SCC-WMD United States Strategic Command Center for Combating 

 Weapons of Mass Destruction 

SCF(US) Save the Children Federation (United States) 

SCG Security Cooperation Guidance 

SCHBT shape, clear, hold, build, and transition

SCI sensitive compartmented information 

SCIF sensitive compartmented information facility 

SCL standard conventional load 

SCM security countermeasure; Service container manager 

SCO secondary control officer; security cooperation 

 organization; senior contracting official; state 

 coordinating officer 

SCP security cooperation plan; service control point 

S/CRS Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction 

 and Stabilization (DOS) 

SCT shipping coordination team 

S/CT Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism (DOS) 

SD severe damage; strategy division 

SDA senior development advisor 

SDB Satellite Communications Database; small diameter bomb 

SDDC Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command 

SDDCTEA Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command 

 Transportation Engineering Agency 

SDF self defense force 

SDO senior defense official; ship’s debarkation officer 

SDOB Secretary of Defense Orders Book 

SDO/DATT senior defense official/defense attaché

SDP strategic distribution platform 

SDZ self-defense zone

SE site exploitation; spherical error 

SEA ships’ bunkers easy acquisition; Southeast Asia 

Seabee Navy construction engineer 

SEAD suppression of enemy air defenses 

SEC submarine element coordinator 

SECAF Secretary of the Air Force 

SECARMY Secretary of the Army 

SecDef Secretary of Defense 
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SECDHS Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security 

SECHS Secretary of Homeland Security 

SECNAV Secretary of the Navy 

SECNAVINST Secretary of the Navy instruction 

SECOMP secure en route communications package 

SECSTATE Secretary of State 

SECTRANS Secretary of Transportation 

SEF sealift enhancement feature 

SEL senior enlisted leader 

SEMA special electronic mission aircraft 

SEPLO state emergency preparedness liaison officer 

SERE survival, evasion, resistance, and escape 

SES senior executive service 

SEW shared early warning 

SEWOC signals intelligence/electronic warfare operations centre 

 (NATO) 

SF special forces; standard form 

SFA security force assistance 

SFAF standard frequency action format 

SFAT spectrum flyaway team

SFC single-fuel concept 

SFCP shore fire control party 

SFG special forces group 

SFMS special forces medical sergeant 

SFOR Stabilization Force 

SG steering group; surgeon general 

SGS strategic guidance statement

SGXM Headquarters, Air Mobility Command/Surgeon 

SHAPE Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe 

SHF super-high frequency 

SHORAD short-range air defense 

SHORADEZ short-range air defense engagement zone 

SI United States Strategic Command strategic instruction 

SIC supporting intelligence center 

SICO sector interface control officer 

SIDO senior intelligence duty officer 

SIF selective identification feature 

SIGINT signals intelligence 

SIM system impact message 

SIMLM single integrated medical logistics manager 

SINCGARS single-channel ground and airborne radio system 

SIO senior intelligence officer 

SIOC Strategic Information and Operations Center (FBI)

SIPRNET SECRET Internet Protocol Router Network 

SIR specific information requirement; Strategic Military 

 Intelligence Review 
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SITREP situation report 

SIV special interest vessel 

SJA staff judge advocate 

SJFHQ(CE) standing joint force headquarters (core element) 

SJFHQ-E standing joint force headquarters – elimination 

SJOA space joint operating area

SJS Secretary, Joint Staff 

SLA special leave accrual 

SLBM submarine-launched ballistic missile 

SLCM sea-launched cruise missile 

SLCP ship lighterage control point; ship’s loading 

 characteristics pamphlet 

SLO space liaison officer 

SLOC sea line of communications 

SLRP survey, liaison, and reconnaissance party 

SLS shoot-look-shoot

SLWT side loadable warping tug 

SM spectrum management; standard missile 

SMB spectrum management branch

SMC search and rescue mission coordinator 

SMCA single manager for conventional ammunition 

SMCM surface mine countermeasures 

SME subject matter expert 

SMO senior meteorological and oceanographic officer; 

 strategic mobility office(r) 

SMRC Specialized Medical Response Capabilities

SMS Single Mobility System 

SMU special mission unit 

SMWDC Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center 

SN serial number

SNA social network analysis 

SNCO staff noncommissioned officer 

SNF strategic nuclear forces 

SOA special operations aviation (USA); sustained 

 operations ashore 

SOAGS special operations air-ground system 

SO-ATP special operations-advanced tactical practitioner 

SOC special operations commander 

SOCCE special operations command and control element 

SOCCET special operations critical care evacuation team 

SOC-FWD special operations command-forward

SOCM special operations combat medic 

SOCNORTH United States Special Operations Command, North 

SOCPAC Special Operations Command Pacific 

SOD special operations division 

SOE special operations executive 
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SOF special operations forces 

SOFA status-of-forces agreement 

SOF-CF special operations forces-conventional forces

SOFLE special operations forces liaison element

SOG special operations group 

SOI signal operating instructions 

SOIC senior officer of the intelligence community 

SOJTF special operations joint task force 

SOLE special operations liaison element 

SOLO special operations liaison officer 

SOM structured observation management 

SOMA status-of-mission agreement 

SOMARDS Standard Operation and Maintenance Army Research and 

 Development System 

SOMARDS NT Standard Operation and Maintenance Army Research and 

 Development System Non-Technical 

SOP standard operating procedure 

SORTIEALOT sortie allotment message 

SORTS Status of Resources and Training System 

SOSB special operations support battalion 

SOST special operations support team 

SOTA signals intelligence operational tasking authority 

SOTF special operations task force 

SOW special operations wing; standoff weapon; statement of 

 work 

SP security police 

SPE senior procurement executive

SPECAT special category 

SPG Strategic Planning Guidance 

SPI sensor point of interest; special investigative (USAF) 

SPINS special instructions 

SPM service postal manager; single port manager 

SPMAGTF special purpose Marine air-ground task force

SPOD seaport of debarkation 

SPOE seaport of embarkation 

SPOT Synchronized Predeployment and Operational Tracker

SPOTREP spot report 

SPP Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America; 

 State Partnership Program 

SR special reconnaissance 

SRBM short-range ballistic missile 

SRG Seabee readiness group 

SRM sustainment, restoration, and modernization 

SROE standing rules of engagement 

SRR search and rescue region 

SRSG special representative of the Secretary-General 
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SRUF standing rules for the use of force 

SS steamship 

SSA security sector assistance; software support activity; space 

 situational awareness; special support activity (NSA); 

supply support activity 

SSB single side band 

SSC small scale contingency; special security center 

SSCO shipper’s service control office 

SSE space support element 

SSI standing signal instruction 

SSM surface-to-surface missile 

SSN Social Security number 

SSO special security office(r) 

SSPM single-service postal manager 

SSR security sector reform 

SSS Selective Service System 

SST special support team (National Security Agency) 

SSTR stability, security, transition, and reconstruction 

SSWG space support working group

ST short ton; strike team 

STANAG standardization agreement (NATO) 

STAR sensitive target approval and review 

STARS Standard Accounting and Reporting System 

START Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty 

S-Team staff augmentation team 

STEP standardized tactical entry point 

STO special technical operations 

STOL short takeoff and landing 

STON short ton 

STS special tactics squadron 

STT special tactics team 

STU secure telephone unit 

STW strike warfare 

STWC strike warfare commander 

SUBOPAUTH submarine operating authority 

SUPP supplement

SUPPO supply officer

SUROBS surf observation 

SUST BDE sustainment brigade 

SUW surface warfare 

SUWC surface warfare commander 

SVC stored value card 

SW shallow water 

SWO staff weather officer 

SWPC Space Weather Prediction Center

SXXI SPECTRUM XXI
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SXXI-O SPECTRUM XXI-Online

SYG Secretary-General (UN) 

SYSCOM systems command

SZ surf zone 

 
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T 

2-D two-dimensional 

2E Role 2 enhanced 

2LM Role 2 light maneuver 

2X counterintelligence and human intelligence staff element 

3-D three-dimensional 

T&E test and evaluation 

T2 technology transfer 

TA target acquisition; target audience; technical arrangement; 

 theater Army; threat assessment 

TAA tactical assembly area; target audience analysis 

TAACOM theater Army area command 

TAAMDCOORD theater Army air and missile defense coordinator 

TAC terminal attack control 

TAC(A) tactical air coordinator (airborne) 

TACAIR tactical air 

TACAN tactical air navigation 

TACC tanker airlift control center 

TAC-D tactical deception 

TACLOG tactical-logistical 

TACO theater allied contracting office 

TACON tactical control 

TACOPDAT tactical operational data 

TACP tactical air control party 

TACRON tactical air control squadron 

T-ACS auxiliary crane ship 

TACS tactical air control system; theater air control system 

TACSAT tactical satellite 

TACT tactical aviation control team 

TAD tactical air direction; temporary additional duty 

 (non-unit-related personnel); theater air defense 

TADC tactical air direction center 

TAF tactical air force 

TAFT technical assistance field team 

TAG technical assistance group; the adjutant general 

TAGS theater air-ground system 

T-AH hospital ship 

TAI target area of interest 

T-AKR fast logistics ship 

TAMP Transitional Assistance Management Program 

TAO tactical air officer 

TAOC tactical air operations center (USMC) 

TAR tactical air request 

TARWI target weather and intelligence 

TASKORD tasking order 
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TASWC theater antisubmarine warfare commander

TAT tactical analysis team; technical assistance team 

TATC tactical air traffic control 

T-AVB aviation logistics support ship 

TBC theater business clearance

TBM theater ballistic missile 

TBMCS theater battle management core system 

TBMD theater ballistic missile defense 

TB MED technical bulletin medical 

TB(X) transportation brigade (expeditionary) 

TC training circular 

TCA traditional combatant commander activity 

TC-AIMS II Transportation Coordinator’s Automated Information for 

 Movement System II 

TCC transportation component command; troop contributing 

 country 

TCCC tactical combat casualty care 

TCCET tactical critical care evacuation team 

TCCT tactical critical care transport 

TCEM theater contingency engineering management 

TCF tactical combat force 

TCM theater construction manager; theater container manager 

TCMD transportation control and movement document 

TCN third country national; transportation control number 

TCO termination contracting officer; transnational criminal 

 organization

TCPED tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, and 

 dissemination

TCS theater communications system 

TCSP theater consolidation and shipping point 

TD theater distribution; tie down 

TDC target development cell 

TDCP theater distribution campaign plan 

TDD time-definite delivery 

TDF theater detention facility 

TDL tactical data link 

TDN tactical data network; target development nomination 

TDP theater distribution plan 

TDRC theater detainee reporting center

TDY temporary duty 

TEA Transportation Engineering Agency 

TEC theater engineer command 

TECHCON technical control 

TECHELINT technical electronic intelligence 

TECHINT technical intelligence 

TEDAC Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (FBI)
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TEL transporter-erector-launcher 

TEMPER tent extendible modular personnel 

TENCAP tactical exploitation of national capabilities program 

TEO team embarkation officer 

TEP theater engagement plan 

TERCOM terrain contour matching 

TET targeting effects team 

TETK TeleEngineering Toolkit 

TEU technical escort unit; twenty-foot equivalent unit 

TEWLS Theater Enterprise Wide Logistics System 

TF task force 

TFC threat finance cell

TFCICA task force counterintelligence coordinating authority 

TFE tactical field exchange; threat finance exploitation 

TFF total force fitness 

TFI threat finance intelligence 

TFMS-M Transportation Financial Management System-Military 

TG task group 

TGM terminally guided munitions 

TGO terminal guidance operations 

THAAD Terminal High Altitude Area Defense 

THOC theater head of contracting 

THT tactical human intelligence team

THX theater express

TI threat identification 

TIA theater intelligence assessment

TIB theater intelligence brigade; toxic industrial biological 

TIC target information center; toxic industrial chemical 

TIDE Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment

TIM toxic industrial material 

TIO target intelligence officer 

TIP target intelligence package; trafficking in persons 

TIR toxic industrial radiological 

TJAG the judge advocate general 

T-JTB theater-joint transportation board 

TLA theater logistics analysis

TLAM Tomahawk land-attack missile 

TLAMM theater lead agent for medical materiel 

TLE target location error 

TLM target list management; topographic line map 

TLO theater logistics overview

TM target materials; technical manual 

TMAO theater mortuary affairs office; theater mortuary affairs 

 officer 

TMD theater missile defense 

TMEP theater mortuary evacuation point 
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TMIP theater medical information program 

TMM transregional, multi-domain, and multifunctional 

TMO traffic management office; transportation management 

 office 

T/M/S type, model, and/or series 

TMT time-phased force and deployment data management tool

TNCC theater network operations control center 

TNL target nomination list 

TO technical order; theater of operations 

TO&E table of organization and equipment 

TOA table of allowance; transfer of authority 

TOC tactical operations center 

TOD tactical ocean data 

TOF time of flight 

TOI track of interest 

TOPINT technical operational intelligence 

TOR term of reference 

TOS time on station 

TOT time on target 

TP transportation priority 

TPE theater provided equipment

TPED tasking, processing, exploitation, and dissemination; 

 theater personal effects depot 

TPFDD time-phased force and deployment data 

TPFDL time-phased force and deployment list 

TPMRC United States Transportation Command patient movement 

 requirements center 

TPP theater posture plan 

TPT tactical petroleum terminal 

TQ tactical questioning

TRA technical review authority 

TRAC2ES United States Transportation Command Regulating 

 and Command and Control Evacuation System 

TRADOC United States Army Training and Doctrine Command 

Trans BDE transportation brigade

Trans Det RPO transportation detachment rapid port opening

TRANSEC transmission security 

TRAP tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel (USMC); 

 tactical related applications 

TRIADS Tri-Wall Aerial Distribution System 

TRICON triple container 

TRO training and readiness oversight 

TROPO tropospheric scatter 

TRP target reference point 

TS time-sensitive; top secret 

TSA target system analysis; Transportation 
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 Security Administration (DHS) 

TSC theater security cooperation; theater support command; 

 theater sustainment command (USA) 

TSCIF temporary sensitive compartmented information facility 

TSCM technical surveillance countermeasures 

TSCP theater security cooperation plan 

TSOC tactical special operations command; theater special 

 operations command 

TSS target sensing system 

TSSA transitional security sector assistance 

TST terminal support team; time-sensitive target 

TSWA temporary secure working area 

TT&C telemetry, tracking, and commanding 

TTAB Technical Training Acceptance Board 

TTAN transportation tracking account number

TTD tactical terrain data 

TTL tagging, tracking, and locating 

TTN transportation tracking number

TTP tactics, techniques, and procedures; trailer transfer point 

TTT time to target 

TTU transportation terminal unit 

TU task unit 

TUCHA type unit characteristics file 

TV television 

TW&A threat warning and assessment

TWCF Transportation Working Capital Fund 

TWDS tactical water distribution system 

TYCOM type commander 

 
Shortened Word Forms 

374 

Intentionally Blank 
 375 

U 

UA unmanned aircraft 

UAR unconventional assisted recovery 

UARCC unconventional assisted recovery coordination cell 

UAS unmanned aircraft system 

UAV unmanned aerial vehicle 

UCMJ Uniform Code of Military Justice 

UCP Unified Command Plan 

UCT underwater construction team 

UDL unit deployment list 

UEWR upgraded early warning radar

UFAC Underground Facilities Analysis Center 

UFC Unified Facilities Criteria 

UFO ultrahigh frequency follow-on 

UGA ungoverned area

UGIRH Urban Generic Information Requirements Handbook 

UGO unified geospatial-intelligence operations

UHF ultrahigh frequency 

UIC unit identification code 

UJTL Universal Joint Task List 

UK United Kingdom 

ULN unit line number 

ULSD ultra-low sulfur diesel 

UMCM underwater mine countermeasures 

UMD unit movement data 

UMMIPS Uniform Material Movement and Issue Priority System 

UMO unit movement officer 

UMS unmanned system 

UN United Nations 

UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 

UN CMCoord United Nations humanitarian civil-military coordination 

UNCT United Nations country team 

UND urgency of need designator 

UNDAC United Nations disaster assessment and coordination 

UNDFS United Nations Department of Field Support 

UN-DMT United Nations disaster management team 

UNDP United Nations Development Programme 

UNDPKO United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations 

UNEP United Nations environment programme 

UNHAS United Nations Humanitarian Air Service

UNHCHR United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights 

UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 

UNHQ United Nations Headquarters 

UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund 

UNITAF unified task force 
Shortened Word Forms 

376 

UNMEM United Nations military expert on mission 

UNO unit number 

UNOCHA United Nations Office for the Coordination of 

 Humanitarian Affairs 

UNODC United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime 

UNOSOM United Nations Operations in Somalia 

UNPA United Nations Participation Act 

UNPROFOR United Nations protection force 

UNSC United Nations Security Council 

UNSCR United Nations Security Council resolution 

UNSG United Nations Secretary-General 

UON urgent operational need

UP&TT unit personnel and tonnage table 

URL uniform resource locater

URN unit reference number

US&R urban search and rescue 

USA United States Army 

USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers 

USACFSC United States Army Community and Family Support 

 Center 

USACHPPM United States Army Center for Health Promotion and 

 Preventive Medicine 

USACIDC United States Army Criminal Investigation Command 

USAEDS United States Atomic Energy Detection System

USAF United States Air Force 

USAFE United States Air Forces in Europe 

USAFR United States Air Force Reserve 

USAFRICOM United States Africa Command

USAFSOS United States Air Force Special Operations School 

USAID United States Agency for International Development 

USAMC United States Army Materiel Command 

USAMMA United States Army Medical Materiel Agency 

USAMRICD United States Army Medical Research Institute of 

 Chemical Defense 

USAMRIID United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious 

 Diseases 

USAMRMC United States Army Medical Research and Materiel 

 Command 

USAR United States Army Reserve 

USARCENT United States Army, Central Command 

USARDECOM United States Army Research, Development, and 

 Engineering Command

USAREUR United States Army, European Command 

USARNORTH United States Army, North 

USARPAC United States Army, Pacific Command 

USARSO United States Army, Southern Command 
Shortened Word Forms 

 377 

USASMDC/ARSTRAT United States Army Space and Missile Defense 

 Command/Army Forces Strategic Command

USASOC United States Army Special Operations Command 

US BICES United States Battlefield Information Collection and 

 Exploitation System 

US BICES-X United States Battlefield Information Collection and 

 Exploitation System Extended 

USC United States Code; universal service contract 

USCENTCOM United States Central Command 

USCG United States Coast Guard 

USCGR United States Coast Guard Reserve 

USCIS United States Citizenship and Immigration Services 

USCS United States Cryptologic System 

USCYBERCOM United States Cyber Command 

USDA United States Department of Agriculture 

USDAO United States defense attaché office 

USD(AT&L) Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, 

 and Logistics 

USD(C) Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) 

USD(I) Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence 

USD(P) Under Secretary of Defense for Policy 

USD(P&R) Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness 

USELEMNORAD United States Element, North American Aerospace 

 Defense Command 

USERID user identification 

USERRA Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment 

 Rights Act 

USEUCOM United States European Command 

USFF United States Fleet Forces Command 

USFK United States Forces, Korea 

USG Under-Secretary-General; United States Government 

USGS United States Geological Survey 

USINDOPACOM United States Indo-Pacific Command 

USIP United States Institute of Peace 

USLO United States liaison office 

USMC United States Marine Corps 

USMCR United States Marine Corps Reserve 

USMILGP United States military group 

USML United States Munitions List 

USMOG United States Military Observer Group 

USMOG-W United States Military Observer Group - Washington 

USMS United States Marshals Service 

USMTF United States message text format 

USN United States Navy 

USNAVSO US Naval Forces Southern Command 

USNMR United States national military representative 
Shortened Word Forms 

378 

USNO United States Naval Observatory

USNORTHCOM United States Northern Command 

USNR United States Navy Reserve 

USNS United States Naval Ship 

USPHS United States Public Health Service (DHHS) 

USPS United States Postal Service 

USSOCOM United States Special Operations Command 

USSOUTHCOM United States Southern Command 

USSS United States Secret Service (DHS) 

USSTRATCOM United States Strategic Command 

USTRANSCOM United States Transportation Command 

USUN United States Mission to the United Nations 

USW undersea warfare 

UTC Coordinated Universal Time; unit type code 

UTM universal transverse mercator 

UTO unit table of organization 

UUV unmanned underwater vehicle; unmanned underwater vessel 

UW unconventional warfare 

UXO unexploded explosive ordnance; unexploded ordnance 
 379 

V 

VA Department of Veterans Affairs; victim advocate; 

 vulnerability assessment 

VAAP vulnerability assessment and assistance program 

VBIED vehicle-borne improvised explosive device 

VBSS visit, board, search, and seizure 

VCJCS Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

VDL video downlink 

VE vertical error; violent extremism 

VEE Venezuelan equine encephalitis

VEO violent extremist organization 

VERTREP vertical replenishment 

VFR visual flight rules 

VFS validating flight surgeon 

VHF very high frequency 

VI visual information 

VID visual identification 

VIP very important person 

VIPPSA very important personnel protection support activity 

VIRIN visual information record identification number 

VIRS verbally initiated release system 

VISA Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement 

VISION ID visual information professional identifier 

VLF very low frequency 

VMap vector map 

VMAQ Marine tactical electronic warfare squadron 

VMC visual meteorological conditions 

VMF variable message format 

VMI vendor managed inventory 

VOD vertical onboard delivery 

VPV virtual prime vendor 

VS&PT vehicle summary and priority table 

VSW very shallow water 

VTA voluntary tanker agreement 

VTC video teleconferencing 

VTOL vertical takeoff and landing 

VTOL-UAS vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aircraft system
Shortened Word Forms 

380 

Intentionally Blank 
 381 

W 

WADS Western Air Defense Sector 

WAI weather area of interest

WAN wide-area network 

WANGO World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations

WARM wartime reserve mode 

WARNORD warning order 

WARP web-based access and retrieval portal 

WAS wide area surveillance 

WASP war air service program 

WB wideband 

WBGTI wet bulb globe temperature index

WBIED waterborne improvised explosive device

WCE weapons of mass destruction coordination element

WCO World Customs Organization 

WCS weapons control status 

WDCO well deck control officer 

Web SM Web Scheduling and Movement

WETM weather team 

WEU Western European Union 

WEZ weapon engagement zone 

WFP World Food Programme (UN) 

WG working group 

WGS Wideband Global Satellite Communications 

WGS 84 World Geodetic System 1984 

WHNS wartime host-nation support 

WHO World Health Organization (UN) 

WIA wounded in action 

WIF Wales Initiative Fund 

WIT weapons intelligence team 

WLG Washington Liaison Group 

WMD weapons of mass destruction 

WMD-CST weapons of mass destruction-civil support team

WMO World Meteorological Organization 

WMP Air Force War and Mobilization Plan 

WOC wing operations center (USAF) 

WOD wind-over deck 

WOT war on terrorism 

WP white phosphorous; working party 

WPB Coast Guard patrol boat 

WPR War Powers Resolution 

WRA Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (DOS); 

 weapons release authority 

WRAIR Walter Reed Army Institute of Research 

WRM war reserve materiel 
Shortened Word Forms 

382 

WRS war reserve stock 

WRSA war reserve stocks for allies 

WS weather squadron

WSESRB Weapon System Explosive Safety Review Board 

WSM waterspace management

WSR weapon system reliability 

WSV weapons system video 

WT warping tug 

WTI weapons technical intelligence 

WWII World War II 

WWX worldwide express 

WX weather 
 383 

X 

XCDS Extracted Container Delivery System

XCVR transceiver 

XMPP extensible messaging and presence protocol 

XO executive officer 
Shortened Word Forms 

384 

Intentionally Blank 
 385 

Y 

YR year 
Shortened Word Forms 

386 

Intentionally Blank 
 387 

Z 

ZF zone of fire 

ZULU time zone indicator for Universal Time 

 
Shortened Word Forms 

388 

Intentionally Blank 
389 

SUMMARY OF CHANGES 

1. Supersession 

a. This document supersedes the DOD Dictionary as of October 2018. The terms and 

definitions in the DOD Dictionary will be updated, per approval and according to policy, 

by modification, deletion, or addition, or remain per revalidation, in accordance with DODI 

5025.12 and CJCSI 5705.01.

b. Shortened word forms (i.e., abbreviations, acronyms, and initialisms) in the DOD 

Dictionary are solely derived from currently approved JP glossaries and not centrally 

managed by the program for the joint force. As of May 2016, those shortened word forms 

not currently found in active JPs were removed. 

c. Record of Updates: 

November 2018 JP 3-0 CH 1, JP 3-11, JP 3-28, and JP 4-05 added.

October 2018: JP 3-60 added. 

September 2018: JP 3-22 added. 

August 2018: JP 3-15.1, JP 3-57, and MCRP 1-10.1 added. 

June 2018: JP 1-05, JP 3-12, JP 3-24, and JP 3-32 added. 

April 2018: JP 3-14, JP 3-27, DODI 8260.03, and DODD 3025.18 added. 

March 2018: JP 3-07.3 added. 

February 2018: JP 3-33, JP 3-35, and JP 3-59 added. 

January 2018: JP 4-02, DODD 2310.01E, DODD 3100.10, DODI 8500.01, 

DODM 6055.09M-V8, CJCSI 3010.02, CJCSI 3180.01, and 

EO 13526 added. 

October 2017: JP 2-01.2 added. 

August 2017: JP 2-01, JP 2-03, and JP 4-01 added. 

July 2017: JP 4-08 and JP 5-0 added. 

June 2017: JP 3-18 and JP 3-20 added. 

May 2017: JP 3-01 added. 

March 2017: JP 3-13.4 and JP 4-01.6 added. 

February 2017: JP 3-0 and JP 3-25 added. 

December 2016: PL 114-92, DODD 2310.01E, DODI 1235.12, DODM 

3150.08, CJCSI 5120.02A, and FAR Part 2.1 added. 

November 2016: JP 3-08 added. 

September 2016: JP 1-04, JP 3-03, JP 3-07, JP 3-15, JP 3-41, and JP 3-42, 

DODI 2000.21, DODD 3100.10, DODM 3150.08, and 

CJCSI 4360.01A added. 

August 2016: JDPC vote and JSAP J7-A 00201-16 added. 

June 2016: JP 1-0, DODD 3100.10, DODI 2000.21, DODI 4151.20, and 

DODM 3150.08 added. 

May 2016: JP 2-01.2 and CJCSI 4360.01A added. 
Summary of Changes 

390 

2. Terms Removed or Replaced as of November 2018 

Terms Removed or Replaced 

Term Action Source Rationale 

centigray Removed JP 3-11 Not used 

chemical, biological, 

radiological, or nuclear 

weapon 

Removed JP 3-11 Not used 

essential element of friendly 

information 

Removed JP 3-0 CH 1 Not used 

inactive status Removed JP 4-05 Not used 

prompt radiation Replaced JP 3-11 Replaced “initial 

radiation” 

selective mobilization Removed JP 4-05 Not used 

time-phased force and 

deployment list 

Removed JP 4-05 Not used 

Figure 1. Terms Removed or Replaced 

3. Terms Added or Modified as of November 2018 

Terms Added or Modified 

Term Action Source 

active duty for training Modified JP 4-05 

base support installation Modified JP 3-28 

chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear 

incident 

Modified JP 3-11 

chemical warfare Modified JP 3-11 

civil authorities Modified JP 3-28 

civil emergency Modified JP 3-28 

combatant command chaplain Added JP 3-0 CH 1 

command chaplain Added JP 3-0 CH 1 

contamination Modified JP 3-11 

contamination mitigation Modified JP 3-11 

crisis management Modified JP 3-28 

critical infrastructure protection Modified JP 3-28 

decontamination Modified JP 3-11 

defense coordinating element Modified JP 3-28 

defense coordinating officer Modified JP 3-28 

delayed entry program Modified JP 4-05 

demobilization Modified JP 4-05 

economy of force Modified JP 3-0 CH 1 

emergency support functions Modified JP 3-28 

exclusion zone Modified JP 3-0 CH 1 

federal military forces Added JP 3-28 

full mobilization Modified JP 4-05 
 Summary of Changes 

391 

full-spectrum superiority Modified JP 3-0 CH 1 

incident Modified JP 3-28 

incident awareness and assessment Modified JP 3-28 

individual protective equipment Modified JP 3-11 

Individual Ready Reserve Modified JP 4-05 

interagency coordination Modified JP 3-0 CH 1 

joint force chaplain Added JP 3-0 CH 1 

joint functions Modified JP 3-0 CH 1 

joint individual augmentee Modified JP 4-05 

law enforcement agency Modified JP 3-28 

link Modified JP 3-0 CH 1 

maneuver Modified JP 3-0 CH 1 

mission assignment Modified JP 3-28 

mission-oriented protective posture gear Modified JP 3-11 

mobilization Modified JP 4-05 

National Capital Region Modified JP 3-28 

national emergency Modified JP 3-28 

national operations center Modified JP 3-28 

nonlethal weapon Modified JP 3-28 

nonpersistent agent Modified JP 3-11 

nuclear hazard Added JP 3-11 

operational decontamination Modified JP 3-11 

partial mobilization Modified JP 4-05 

peace building Modified JP 3-07.3 (Admin) 

permissive environment Modified JP 3-0 CH 1 

personal protective equipment Modified JP 3-11 

Presidential Reserve Call-up Modified JP 4-05 

radiological dispersal device Modified JP 3-11 

radiological hazard Added JP 3-11 

raid Modified JP 3-0 CH 1 

regional response coordination center Modified JP 3-28 

religious advisement Added JP 3-0 CH 1 

religious affairs Added JP 3-0 CH 1 

religious discrimination Added JP 3-0 CH 1 

religious support Added JP 3-0 CH 1 

religious support team Added JP 3-0 CH 1 

request for assistance Modified JP 3-28 

reserve Modified JP 4-05 

stability activities Modified JP 3-0 CH 1 

stop-loss Modified JP 4-05 

supported commander Modified JP 3-0 CH 1 

supporting commander Modified JP 3-0 CH 1 

surveillance Modified JP 3-0 CH 1 

termination criteria Modified JP 3-0 CH 1 

theater strategy Modified JP 3-0 CH 1 
Summary of Changes 

392 

total mobilization Modified JP 4-05 

Figure 2. Terms Added or Modified 

4. Proponency Changes as of November 2018 

Proponency Changes 

Term Previous Source New Source 

complex catastrophe DepSecDef Memo 

OSD001185-13 

JP 3-28 

Figure 3. Proponency Changes