Joint Publication 1-02

Department of Defense

Dictionary of

Military and Associated Terms

12 April 2001

(As Amended Through

31 October 2009)

As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

PREFACE 

JP 1-02 i 

1. Scope 

 The Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms (short 

title: Joint Pub 1-02 or JP 1-02) sets forth standard US military and associated terminology 

to encompass the joint activity of the Armed Forces of the United States in both US joint 

and allied joint operations, as well as to encompass the Department of Defense (DOD) as a 

whole. These military and associated terms, together with their definitions, constitute 

approved DOD terminology for general use by all components of the Department of 

Defense. The Secretary of Defense, by DOD Directive 5025.12, 23 August 1989, 

Standardization of Military and Associated Terminology, has directed the use of JP 1-02 

throughout the Department of Defense to ensure standardization of military and associated 

terminology. 

2. Purpose 

 This publication supplements standard English-language dictionaries with standard 

terminology for military and associated use. However, it is not the intent of this publication 

to restrict the authority of the joint force commander (JFC) from organizing the force and 

executing the mission in a manner the JFC deems most appropriate to ensure unity of effort 

in the accomplishment of the overall mission. 

3. Application — DOD and NATO Activities 

 JP 1-02 is promulgated for mandatory use by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, 

Military Departments, Joint Staff, combatant commands, Defense agencies, and any other 

DOD components. DOD terminology herein is to be used without alteration unless a 

distinctly different context or application is intended. To provide a common interpretation 

of terminology at home and abroad, US officials, when participating in the North Atlantic 

Treaty Organization (NATO) or dealing with NATO matters, will use NATO terminology. 

When a NATO standard for a term or definition does not exist, applicable DOD terminology 

(if any) may be used. 

Note concerning DOD-NATO Standardization: The United States is a signatory to 

NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 3680, which ratifies the NATO Glossary of 

Terms and Definitions (English and French) (short title: AAP-6). Under the provisions 

of STANAG 3680, AAP-6 is established as the primary glossary for NATO. The United 

States carries out its obligation to implement STANAG 3680 in the following manner: (a) 

English-language entries approved for AAP-6 may be proposed by DOD elements for 

inclusion in JP 1-02 as DOD-NATO entries. The purpose of such proposals is to increase 

multinational standardization. After DOD-wide staffing by the US NATO Military 

Terminology Group (USNMTG), terminology so approved for inclusion in JP 1-02 and 

DOD-wide use will appear, along with DOD-only entries, in JP 1-02 with an asterisk in 

parentheses after the term to denote DOD-NATO standardization of terminology, referred to 

as “alignment” in NATO. (b) As stated in paragraph 3, US officials will adhere to NATO 
Preface As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

ii JP 1-02 

terminology when engaged in NATO matters, provided that applicable terminology exists. 

(c) An electronic copy of AAP-6 is provided under “Other Publications” at the internet 

address cited in paragraph 7. 

4. Criteria for Terms 

The following criteria are used to determine the acceptability of terminology for 

inclusion in JP 1-02: 

a. Inadequate coverage in a standard, commonly accepted dictionary, e.g., by MerriamWebster. 

b. Terminology should be 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. 

c. Terms for weaponry are limited to generic weapon systems. 

d. Unless there are special reasons to the contrary, terms and definitions are not to 

consist of or contain abbreviations or other shortened forms, e.g., acronyms. 

e. Only UNCLASSIFIED terminology will be included. 

f. Dictionary entries will not be provided for prowords, code words, brevity words, or 

NATO-only terms. 

g. Dictionary entries will not be Service-specific or functionality-specific unless they 

are commonly employed by US joint forces as a whole. 

h. Dictionary entries will not consist of components or sub-components contained in 

missiles, aircraft, equipment, weapons, etc. 

5. Other DOD Dictionaries 

 Other dictionaries or glossaries for DOD use will be published ONLY AFTER 

coordination with the USNMTG and approval by the Director for Operational Plans and 

Joint Force Development (J-7), Joint Staff. 

6. Publication Format 

 This edition of JP 1-02 has been published in two basic parts: 

a. Main Body. This part of the dictionary contains all terms and definitions approved 

for use within the Department of Defense, to include those terms and definitions that are 

approved for both DOD and NATO use. Each entry approved for both DOD and NATO 

appears with an asterisk in parentheses, i.e., (*), after the term to denote DOD-NATO 

acceptance. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Preface 

JP 1-02 iii 

Note: In rare instances, a term may have a combination of DOD-only definitions and DODNATO definitions. In these instances, though an asterisk will appear after the term to 

denote DOD-NATO standardization, DOD-only definitions will be preceded by “DOD 

only” in parentheses. 

b. Appendix A. Appendix A contains a listing of current abbreviations and acronyms 

in common use within the Department of Defense. This is by no means a complete list of 

DOD abbreviations and acronyms. Rather, it serves as a guide to current DOD usage in 

abbreviations and acronyms. 

7. JP 1-02 on the Internet 

a. JP 1-02 is accessible on-line at the following internet address: 

http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/doddict 

and the following NIPRNET address: 

https://jdeis.js.mil 

where it is available in both electronic publication and searchable database formats. 

b. As changes are approved for JP 1-02, they are added to the internet version, making 

the internet version of JP 1-02 more up-to-date than any printed edition. The internet 

version thus provides the latest changes worldwide between regular printed editions. 

For the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: 

 S. A. FRY 

 Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy 

 Director, Joint Staff 
Preface As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

iv JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

JP 1-02 v 

PAGE 

MAIN BODY ............................................................................................................................. 1 

APPENDIX 

 A Abbreviations and Acronyms ................................................................................. A-1 

 B Department of Defense Terminology Community Points of Contact .................. B-1 

 C Administrative Instructions .................................................................................... C-1 
Table of Contents As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

vi JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A 

JP 1-02 1 

abort — (*) 1. To terminate a mission for any reason other than enemy action. It may 

occur at any point after the beginning of the mission and prior to its completion. 2. To 

discontinue aircraft takeoff or missile launch. 

absolute altimeter — (*) A type of altimeter which measures vertical distance to the 

surface below, using radio, radar, sonic, laser, or capacitive technology. 

absolute dud — A nuclear weapon which, when launched at or emplaced on a target, fails 

to explode. 

absolute filter — (*) A filter capable of cutting off 100% by weight of solid particles 

greater than a stated micron size. 

absolute height — (*) The height of an aircraft directly above the surface or terrain over 

which it is flying. See also altitude.

acceptability — The joint operation plan review criterion for assessing whether the 

contemplated course of action is proportional and worth the cost in personnel, 

equipment, materiel, time involved, or position; is consistent with the law of war; and is 

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

access to classified information — The ability and opportunity to obtain knowledge of 

classified information. Persons have access to classified information if they are 

permitted to gain knowledge of the information or if they are in a place where they 

would be expected to gain such knowledge. Persons do not have access to classified 

information by being in a place where classified information is kept if security 

measures prevent them from gaining knowledge of the information. 

accidental attack — An unintended attack which occurs without deliberate national design 

as a direct result of a random event, such as a mechanical failure, a simple human error, 

or an unauthorized action by a subordinate. 

accompanying supplies — Unit supplies that deploy with forces. 

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. The 

person having this obligation may or may not have actual possession of the property, 

documents, or funds. Accountability is concerned primarily with records, while 

responsibility is concerned primarily with custody, care, and safekeeping. See also

responsibility.

accounting line designator — A five-character code, consisting of the target desired 

ground zero designator and the striking command suffix, to indicate a specific nuclear 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

2 JP 1-02 

strike by a specified weapon delivery system on a target objective to the operation plan. 

Also called ALD.

accuracy of fire — (*) The precision of fire expressed by the closeness of a grouping of 

shots at and around the center of the target. 

accuracy of information — See evaluation.

acoustical surveillance — Employment of electronic devices, including sound-recording, 

-receiving, or -transmitting equipment, for the collection of information. 

acoustic circuit — A mine circuit which responds to the acoustic field of a target. See also

mine.

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

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

acoustic jamming — The deliberate radiation or reradiation of mechanical or 

electroacoustic signals with the objectives of obliterating or obscuring signals that the 

enemy is attempting to receive and of disrupting enemy weapons systems. See also

barrage jamming; electronic warfare; jamming; spot jamming.

acoustic mine — (*) A mine with an acoustic circuit which responds to the acoustic field 

of a ship or sweep. See also mine.

acoustic minehunting — (*) The use of a sonar to detect mines or mine-like objects which 

may be on or protruding from the seabed, or buried. 

acoustic warfare — (*) Action involving the use of underwater acoustic energy to 

determine, exploit, reduce, or prevent hostile use of the underwater acoustic spectrum 

and actions which retain friendly use of the underwater acoustic spectrum. Also called 

AW. There are three divisions within acoustic warfare. 1. acoustic warfare support 

measures. That aspect of acoustic warfare involving actions to search for, intercept, 

locate, record, and analyze radiated acoustic energy in water for the purpose of 

exploiting such radiations. The use of acoustic warfare support measures involves no 

intentional underwater acoustic emission and is generally not detectable by the enemy. 

Also called AWSM. 2. acoustic warfare countermeasures. That aspect of acoustic 

warfare involving actions taken to prevent or reduce an enemy’s effective use of the 

underwater acoustic spectrum. Acoustic warfare countermeasures involve intentional 

underwater acoustic emissions for deception and jamming. Also called AWCM. 3. 

acoustic warfare counter-countermeasures. That aspect of acoustic warfare 

involving actions taken to ensure friendly effective use of the underwater acoustic 

spectrum despite the enemy’s use of underwater acoustic warfare. Acoustic warfare 

counter-countermeasures involve anti-acoustic warfare support measures and antiacoustic warfare countermeasures, and may not involve underwater acoustic emissions. 

Also called AWCCM.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 3 

acoustic warfare counter-countermeasures — See acoustic warfare Part 3.

acoustic warfare countermeasures — See acoustic warfare Part 2.

acoustic warfare support measures — See acoustic warfare Part 1.

acquire — 1. When applied to acquisition radars, the process of detecting the presence and 

location of a target in sufficient detail to permit identification. 2. When applied to 

tracking radars, the process of positioning a radar beam so that a target is in that beam 

to permit the effective employment of weapons. See also target acquisition.

acquire (radar) — See acquire.

acquisition — See collection (acquisition).

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

with US allies or coalition partners that allow US forces to exchange most common 

types of support, including food, fuel, transportation, ammunition, and equipment. 

Authority to negotiate these agreements is usually delegated to the combatant 

commander by the Secretary of Defense. Authority to execute these agreements lies 

with the Secretary of Defense, and may or may not be delegated. Governed by legal 

guidelines, these agreements are used for contingencies, peacekeeping operations, 

unforeseen emergencies, or exercises to correct logistic deficiencies that cannot be 

adequately corrected by national means. The support received or given is reimbursed 

under the conditions of the acquisition and cross-servicing agreement. Also called 

ACSA. See also cross-servicing; servicing. (JP 4-08) 

action agent — In intelligence usage, one who has access to, and performs actions against, 

the target. 

action deferred — Tactical action on a specific track is being withheld for better tactical 

advantage. Weapons are available and commitment is pending. 

action information center — See air defense control center; combat information 

center.

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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

4 JP 1-02 

activation detector — (*) A device used to determine neutron flux or density by virtue of 

the radioactivity induced in it as a result of neutron capture. 

active air defense — Direct defensive action taken to destroy, nullify, or reduce the 

effectiveness of hostile air and missile threats against friendly forces and assets. It 

includes the use of aircraft, air defense weapons, electronic warfare, and other available 

weapons. See also air defense. (JP 3-01) 

active communications satellite — See communications satellite.

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

contested area or position to the enemy. See also passive defense.

active duty — Full-time duty in the active military service of the United States. This 

includes members of the Reserve Components serving on active duty or full-time 

training duty, but does not include full-time National Guard duty. Also called AD. See 

also active duty for training; inactive duty training.

active duty for special work — A tour of active duty for reserve personnel authorized from 

military and reserve personnel appropriations for work on active or reserve component 

programs. This includes annual screening, training camp operations, training ship 

operations, and unit conversion to new weapon systems when such duties are essential. 

Active duty for special work may also be authorized to support study groups, training 

sites and exercises, short-term projects, and doing administrative or support functions. 

By policy, active duty for special work tours are normally limited to 179 days or less in 

one fiscal year. Tours exceeding 180 days are accountable against active duty end 

strength. 

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

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

the Armed Forces in time of war or national emergency and such other times as the 

national security requires. The member is under orders that provide for return to 

non-active status when the period of active duty for training is completed. This 

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

initial duty for training performed by nonprior service enlistees. Also called ADT.

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. Also called AGR. (CJCSM 3150.13) 

active homing guidance — (*) A system of homing guidance wherein both the source for 

illuminating the target and the receiver for detecting the energy reflected from the target 

as the result of the illumination are carried within the missile. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 5 

active material — (*) Material, such as plutonium and certain isotopes of uranium, which 

is capable of supporting a fission chain reaction. 

active mine — (*) A mine actuated by the reflection from a target of a signal emitted by 

the mine. 

active sealift forces — Military Sealift Command active, common-user sealift and the 

afloat pre-positioning force, including the required cargo handling and delivery systems 

as well as necessary operating personnel. See also afloat pre-positioning force; 

common-user sealift; Military Sealift Command. (JP 4-01.2) 

active status — Status of all Reserves except those on an inactive status list or in the 

Retired Reserve. Reservists in an active status may train for points and/or pay and may 

be considered for promotion. 

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

reception center, redistribution center, naval station, naval shipyard. 2. A function, 

mission, action, or collection of actions. Also called ACT. See also establishment.

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) 

actual ground zero — (*) The point on the surface of the Earth at, or vertically below or 

above, the center of an actual nuclear detonation. See also desired ground zero; 

ground zero.

actuate — (*) To operate a mine-firing mechanism by an influence or a series of influences 

in such a way that all the requirements of the mechanism for firing, or for registering a 

target count, are met. 

acute care services — Medical services provided for patients with conditions that generally 

have a rapid onset and follow a short course or require immediate attention. Most 

battlefield care rendered after wounding, illness, or injury onset is acute care service. 

Acute care service is delivered after the onset of symptoms, which differentiates it from 

preventive care that is delivered before symptoms appear. (JP 4-02) 

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) 

adequacy — The joint operation 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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

6 JP 1-02 

adjust — An order to the observer or spotter to initiate an adjustment on a designated target. 

administrative airlift service — The airlift service normally provided by specifically 

identifiable aircraft assigned to organizations or commands for internal administration. 

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, including organization of 

Service forces, control of resources and equipment, personnel management, unit 

logistics, individual and unit training, readiness, mobilization, demobilization, 

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

or other organizations. Also called ADCON. (JP 1) 

administrative escort — A warship or merchant ship under naval control, carrying a 

convoy commodore and staff, and serving as a platform for simultaneous 

communication with an operational control authority and a coastal convoy. 

administrative landing — An unopposed landing involving debarkation from vessels that 

have been administratively loaded. See also administrative loading; administrative 

movement; logistics over-the-shore operations.

administrative loading — (*) A loading system which gives primary consideration to 

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

considerations. Equipment and supplies must be unloaded and sorted before they can 

be used. Also called commercial loading. See also loading.

administrative map — A map that contains graphically recorded information pertaining to 

administrative matters, such as supply and evacuation installations, personnel 

installations, medical facilities, collecting points for stragglers and enemy prisoners of 

war, train bivouacs, service and maintenance areas, main supply roads, traffic 

circulation, boundaries, and other details necessary to show the administrative situation. 

See also map.

administrative movement — (*) A movement in which troops and vehicles are arranged 

to expedite their movement and conserve time and energy when no enemy interference, 

except by air, is anticipated. 

administrative order — (*) An order covering traffic, supplies, maintenance, evacuation, 

personnel, and other administrative details. 

administrative shipping — Support shipping that is capable of transporting troops and 

cargo from origin to destination, but that cannot be loaded or unloaded without non-
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 7 

organic personnel and/or equipment (e.g., cargo handling personnel, stevedores, piers, 

barges, cranes, materials handling equipment, vessels, etc.). See also administrative 

loading; administrative movement.

advanced base — A base located in or near an operational area whose primary mission is to 

support military operations. 

advanced geospatial intelligence — Refers to the technical, geospatial, and intelligence 

information derived through interpretation or analysis using advanced processing of all 

data collected by imagery or imagery-related collection systems. Also known as 

imagery-derived measurement and signature intelligence. Also called AGI. (JP 2-03) 

advanced logistic support site — See naval advanced logistic support site. Also called 

ALSS. (JP 4-01.3) 

advanced operations base — In special operations, a small temporary base established 

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

training or tactical operations. Facilities are normally austere. The base may be ashore 

or afloat. If ashore, it may include an airfield or unimproved airstrip, a pier, or an 

anchorage. An advanced operations base is normally controlled and/or supported by a 

main operations base or a forward operations base. Also called AOB. See also

forward operations base; main operations base. (JP 3-05.1) 

advance force — A temporary organization within the amphibious task force which 

precedes the main body to the objective area, for preparing the objective for the main 

assault by conducting such operations as reconnaissance, seizure of supporting 

positions, mine countermeasures, preliminary bombardment, underwater demolitions, 

and air support. (JP 3-02) 

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. 

advance guard reserve — Second of the two main parts of an advance guard, the other 

being the advance guard support. It protects the main force and is itself protected by 

the advance guard support. Small advance guards do not have reserves. 

advance guard support — First of the two main parts of an advance guard, the other being 

the advance guard reserve. It is made up of three smaller elements, in order from front 

to rear, the advance guard point, the advance party, and the support proper. The 

advance guard support protects the advance guard reserve. 

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

which the use of force may be envisaged. (JP 3-0) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

8 JP 1-02 

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) 

advisory area — (*) A designated area within a flight information region where air traffic 

advisory service is available. 

aerial picket — See air picket.

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. Also called APORT. See also port of debarkation; port 

of embarkation. (JP 3-17) 

aerial port squadron — An Air Force organization that operates and provides the functions 

assigned to aerial ports, including processing personnel and cargo, rigging for airdrop, 

packing parachutes, loading equipment, preparing air cargo and load plans, loading and 

securing aircraft, ejecting cargo for inflight delivery, and supervising units engaged in 

aircraft loading and unloading operations. 

aerodynamic missile — (*) A missile which uses aerodynamic forces to maintain its flight 

path. See also ballistic missile; guided missile. 

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 Force air and space operations center, or air mobility division that 

provides command and control of assigned aeromedical evacuation forces. Also called 

AECT. See also aeromedical evacuation; air mobility division. (JP 3-17) 

aeromedical evacuation coordination center — A coordination center within the joint air 

operations center’s airlift coordination cell that monitors all activities related to 

aeromedical evacuation (AE) operations execution. It manages the medical aspects of 

the AE mission and serves as the net control station for AE communications. It 

coordinates medical requirements with airlift capability, assigns medical missions to 

the appropriate AE elements, and monitors patient movement activities. Also called

AECC. See also aeromedical evacuation; aeromedical evacuation system; 

aeromedical evacuation unit. (JP 4-02.2) 

aeromedical evacuation system — A system that provides: a. control of patient movement 

by air transport; b. specialized medical aircrew, medical crew augmentees, and 

specialty medical attendants and equipment for inflight medical care; c. facilities on or 

in the vicinity of air strips and air bases for the limited medical care of intransit patients 

entering, en route via, or leaving the system; and d. communication with originating, 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 9 

destination, and en route medical facilities concerning patient transportation. Also 

called AES. See also aeromedical evacuation. (JP 4-02.2) 

aeromedical evacuation unit — An operational medical organization concerned primarily 

with the management and control of patients being transported via an aeromedical 

evacuation system or system echelon. See also forward aeromedical evacuation.

aeronautical chart — A specialized representation of mapped features of the Earth, or 

some part of it, produced to show selected terrain, cultural and hydrographic features, 

and supplemental information required for air navigation, pilotage, or for planning air 

operations. 

aeronautical information overprint — (*) Additional information which is printed or 

stamped on a map or chart for the specific purpose of air navigation. 

aeronautical plotting chart — (*) A chart designed for the graphical processes of 

navigation. 

aerospace — Of, or pertaining to, Earth’s envelope of atmosphere and the space above it; 

two separate entities considered as a single realm for activity in launching, guidance, 

and control of vehicles that will travel in both entities. 

aerospace defense — 1. All defensive measures designed to destroy or nullify attacking 

enemy aircraft and missiles and also negate hostile space systems. 2. An inclusive 

term encompassing air defense, ballistic missile defense, and space defense. See also 

air defense; 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. The afloat pre-positioning force consists of the three maritime prepositioning ships squadrons, the Army’s afloat pre-positioning stocks-3 ships, and the 

Navy, Defense Logistics Agency, and 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 (including ammunition and petroleum) that provides for an alternative to 

land-based programs. This concept provides for ships and onboard force support 

equipment and supplies positioned near potential crisis areas that can be delivered 

rapidly to joint airlifted forces in the operational area. Afloat pre-positioning in 

forward areas enhances a force’s capability to respond to a crisis, resulting in faster 

reaction time. See also operation. (JP 4-01.6) 

afloat pre-positioning ships — Forward deployed merchant ships loaded with tactical 

equipment and supplies to support the initial deployment of military forces. Also called

APS. See also merchant ship. (JP 4-01.2) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

10 JP 1-02 

afloat support — (*) A form of logistic support outside the confines of a harbor in which 

fuel, ammunition, and supplies are provided for operating forces either underway or at 

anchor. See also floating base support.

afterwinds — Wind currents set up in the vicinity of a nuclear explosion directed toward 

the burst center, resulting from the updraft accompanying the rise of the fireball. 

agency — In intelligence usage, an organization or individual engaged in collecting and/or 

processing 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. 

agent authentication — The technical support task of providing an agent with personal 

documents, accoutrements, and equipment which have the appearance of authenticity 

as to claimed origin and which support and are consistent with the agent’s cover story. 

agent net — An organization for clandestine purposes that operates under the direction of a 

principal agent. 

aggressor forces — 1. Forces engaged in aggressive military action. 2. In the context of 

training exercises, the “enemy” created to add realism in training maneuvers and 

exercises. 

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

impact. May be defined descriptively (e.g., vent in center of roof), by grid reference, 

or geolocation. More specific classifications of aimpoint include desired point of 

impact, joint desired point of impact, and desired mean point of impact. 2. A 

prominent radar-significant feature, for example a tip of land or bridge, used to assist 

an aircrew in navigating and delivering their weapons (usually in bad weather and/or 

at night). See also desired mean point of impact; desired point of impact. (JP 3-60) 

air — (*) In artillery and naval gunfire support, a spotting, or an observation, by a spotter 

or an observer to indicate that a burst or group of bursts occurred before impact. 

air alert — See airborne alert; air defense warning conditions; ground alert. 

air and space expeditionary task force — A deployed numbered air force (NAF) or 

command echelon immediately subordinate to a NAF provided as the US Air Force 

component command committed to a joint operation. Also called AETF. See also air 

expeditionary force; air expeditionary wing. (JP 3-33) 

air apportionment — See apportionment (air). (JP 3-30) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 11 

air assault — The movement of friendly assault forces (combat, combat support, and 

combat service support) by rotary-wing 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 (combat, combat support, and 

combat service support), using the mobility of rotary-wing assets and the total 

integration of available firepower, 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) 

air attack — 1. coordinated — A combination of two or more types of air attack (dive, 

glide, low-level) in one strike, using one or more types of aircraft. 2. deferred — A 

procedure in which attack groups rendezvous as a single unit. It is used when attack 

groups are launched from more than one station with their departure on the mission 

being delayed pending further orders. 3. divided — A method of delivering a 

coordinated air attack which consists of holding the units in close tactical concentration 

up to a point, then splitting them to attack an objective from different directions. 

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. It also designates some 

aeronautical equipment used to accomplish a particular mission. 3. When applied to 

materiel, items that form an integral part of the aircraft. 4. The state of an aircraft, 

from the instant it becomes entirely sustained by air until it ceases to be so sustained. A 

lighter-than-air aircraft is not considered to be airborne when it is attached to the 

ground, except that moored balloons are airborne whenever sent aloft. Also called 

ABN. See also air transportable unit. (JP 3-17) 

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

airborne and ready for immediate action. See also fighter cover. (DOD only) It is 

designed to reduce reaction time and to increase survivability. See also combat air 

patrol; fighter cover; ground alert. 

airborne assault — See assault phase, Part 2.

airborne assault weapon — An unarmored, mobile, full-tracked gun providing a mobile 

antitank capability for airborne troops. Can be airdropped. 

airborne command post — (*) A suitably equipped aircraft used by the commander for 

the control of his or her forces. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

12 JP 1-02 

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.

airborne early warning and control — (*) Air surveillance and control provided by 

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

and communications equipment for controlling weapon systems. Also called AEW & 

C. See also air picket. 

airborne force — (*) A force composed primarily of ground and air units organized, 

equipped, and trained for airborne operations. See also force(s).

airborne interception equipment — (*) A fire control system, including radar equipment, 

installed in interceptor aircraft used to effect air interception. 

airborne lift — The total capacities expressed in terms of personnel and cargo that are, or 

can be, carried by available aircraft in one trip. 

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, through the designated personnel recovery task force to 

manage requirements for the rescue force by monitoring the status of all its elements, 

requesting additional assets when needed, and ensuring the recovery and supporting 

forces arrive at their designated areas to accomplish the mission. Also called AMC. 

See also combat search and rescue; combat search and rescue task force; 

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. The means employed may be any combination of airborne units, air 

transportable units, and types of transport aircraft, depending on the mission and the 

overall situation. See also assault; assault phase. (JP 3-18) 

airborne order — A command and authorization for flight when a predetermined time 

greater than five minutes is established for aircraft to become airborne. 

airborne radio relay — Airborne equipment used to relay radio transmission from selected 

originating transmitters. 

airborne sensor operator — An individual trained to operate sensor equipment aboard 

aircraft and to perform limited interpretations of collected information produced in 

flight. 

airborne troops — Those ground units whose primary mission is to make assault landings 

from the air. See also troops.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 13 

air-breathing missile — A missile with an engine requiring the intake of air for combustion 

of its fuel, as in a ramjet or turbojet. To be contrasted with the rocket missile, which 

carries its own oxidizer and can operate beyond the atmosphere. 

airburst — (*) An explosion of a bomb or projectile above the surface as distinguished 

from an explosion on contact with the surface or after penetration. See also types of 

burst.

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

assault ship, landing platform helicopter; general purpose amphibious assault ship; or 

general purpose amphibious assault ship (with internal dock) from which aircraft can 

take off, be recovered, or routinely receive and transfer logistic support. See also 

aviation ship. (JP 3-04) 

air cargo — (*) Stores, equipment or vehicles, which do not form part of the aircraft, and 

are either part or all of its payload.

air cartographic camera — (*) A camera having the accuracy and other characteristics 

essential for air survey or cartographic photography. Also called mapping camera.

air cartographic photography — (*) The taking and processing of air photographs for 

mapping and charting purposes. 

air component coordination element — An Air Force component element that interfaces 

and provides liaison with the joint force land component commander, or commander 

Army forces. The air component coordination element is the senior Air Force element 

assisting the joint force land component commander, or commander Army forces in 

planning air component supporting and supported requirements. The air component 

coordination element is responsible to the joint force air component commander and 

coordinates with the joint force land component commander’s staff, representing the 

joint force air component commander’s needs in either a supporting or supported role. 

Also called ACCE. (JP 3-31) 

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 — See inactive aircraft inventory; program aircraft; reserve aircraft; unit 

aircraft.

aircraft arresting barrier — (*) A device, not dependent on an aircraft arresting hook, 

used to stop an aircraft by absorbing its forward momentum in an emergency landing or 

an aborted takeoff. Also called barricade; emergency barrier. See also aircraft 

arresting system.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

14 JP 1-02 

aircraft arresting cable — (*) That portion of an aircraft arresting system which spans the 

runway surface or flight deck landing area and is engaged by the aircraft arresting 

hook. Also called aircraft arresting wire. 

aircraft arresting gear — (*) A device used to engage hook-equipped aircraft to absorb 

the forward momentum of a routine or emergency landing or aborted takeoff. See also

aircraft arresting system.

aircraft arresting hook — (*) A device fitted to an aircraft to engage arresting gear. Also 

called tail hook. See also aircraft arresting system.

aircraft arresting system — (*) A series of components used to stop an aircraft by 

absorbing its momentum in a routine or emergency landing or aborted takeoff. See also

aircraft arresting barrier; aircraft arresting gear; aircraft arresting hook.

aircraft arresting wire — See aircraft arresting cable. See also aircraft arresting 

system. 

aircraft arrestment — (*) Controlled stopping of an aircraft by external means. 

aircraft block speed — True airspeed in knots under zero wind conditions adjusted in 

relation to length of sortie to compensate for takeoff, climbout, letdown, instrument 

approach, and landing. 

aircraft captain — See aircraft commander.

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. 

Designated as CV or CVN. CVN is nuclear powered. 

aircraft commander — (*) The aircrew member designated by competent authority as 

being in command of an aircraft and responsible for its safe operation and 

accomplishment of the assigned mission. Also called AC. 

aircraft control and warning system — A system established to control and report the 

movement of aircraft. It consists of observation facilities (radar, passive electronic, 

visual, or other means), control center, and necessary communications. 

aircraft cross-servicing — (*) Services performed on an aircraft by an organization other 

than that to which the aircraft is assigned, according to an established operational 

aircraft cross-servicing requirement, and for which there may be a charge. Aircraft 

cross-servicing has been divided into two categories: a. Stage A cross-servicing: The 

servicing of an aircraft on an airfield/ship which enables the aircraft to be flown to 

another airfield/ship. b. Stage B cross-servicing: The servicing of an aircraft on an 

airfield/ship which enables the aircraft to be flown on an operational mission. See also

aircraft transient servicing. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 15 

aircraft loading table — A data sheet used by the airlift commander containing 

information as to the load that actually goes into each aircraft. 

aircraft mission equipment — (*) Equipment that must be fitted to an aircraft to enable it 

to fulfill a particular mission or task. Also called aircraft role equipment.

aircraft modification — (*) A change in the physical characteristics of aircraft, 

accomplished either by a change in production specifications or by alteration of items 

already produced. 

aircraft monitoring and control — That equipment installed in aircraft to permit 

monitoring and control of safing, arming, and fuzing functions of nuclear weapons or 

nuclear weapon systems. 

aircraft role equipment — See aircraft mission equipment.

aircraft scrambling — (*) Directing the immediate takeoff of aircraft from a ground alert 

condition of readiness. 

aircraft store — (*) Any device intended for internal or external carriage and mounted on 

aircraft suspension and release equipment, whether or not the item is intended to be 

separated in flight from the aircraft. Aircraft stores are classified in two categories as 

follows. a. expendable store — An aircraft store normally separated from the aircraft 

in flight such as a missile, rocket, bomb, nuclear weapon, mine, torpedo, pyrotechnic 

device, sonobuoy, signal underwater sound device, or other similar items. b. 

nonexpendable store — An aircraft store which is not normally separated from the 

aircraft in flight such as a tank (fuel and spray), line-source disseminator, pod 

(refueling, thrust augmentation, gun, electronic attack, data link, etc.), multiple rack, 

target, cargo drop container, drone, or other similar items. See also payload. 

aircraft tiedown — Securing aircraft when parked in the open to restrain movement due to 

the weather or condition of the parking area. 

aircraft transient servicing — (*) Services performed on an aircraft by an organization 

other than that to which the aircraft is assigned and for which there may be a financial 

charge. This activity is separate from the established aircraft cross-servicing program 

and requires that the transient aircrew supervise the correct application of ground crew 

procedures. See also aircraft cross-servicing.

aircraft utilization — Average numbers of hours during each 24-hour period that an 

aircraft is actually in flight. 

aircraft vectoring — (*) The directional control of in-flight aircraft through transmission 

of azimuth headings. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

16 JP 1-02 

air cushion vehicle — A vehicle capable of being operated so that its weight, including its 

payload, is wholly or significantly supported on a continuously generated cushion or 

“bubble” of air at higher than ambient pressure. Also called ACV. (Note: NATO uses 

the term “ground effect machine.”) 

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

in the atmosphere, or to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of such attack. Also called 

AD. See also active air defense; aerospace defense; passive air 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. 

air defense control center — The principal information, communications, and operations 

center from which all aircraft, antiaircraft operations, air defense artillery, guided 

missiles, and air warning functions of a specific area of air defense responsibility are 

supervised and coordinated. Also called air defense operations center. See also

combat information center. (JP 3-01) 

air defense direction center — An installation having the capability of performing air 

surveillance, interception, control, and direction of allocated air defense weapons 

within an assigned sector of responsibility. It may also have an identification 

capability. (JP 3-01) 

air defense early warning — See early warning.

air defense emergency — An emergency condition, declared by the Commander in Chief, 

North American Air Defense Command, that exists when attack upon the continental 

United States, Alaska, Canada, or United States installations in Greenland by hostile 

aircraft or missiles is considered probable, is imminent, or is taking place. Also called 

ADE.

air defense ground environment — (*) The network of ground radar sites and command 

and control centers within a specific theater of operations which are used for the tactical 

control of air defense operations. 

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

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

ADIZ. 

air defense operations center — See air defense control center.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 17 

air defense operations team — A team of United States Air Force ground environment 

personnel assigned to certain allied air defense control and warning units/elements. 

air defense readiness — An operational status requiring air defense forces to maintain 

higher than ordinary preparedness for a short period of time. 

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) 

air defense warning conditions — A degree of air raid probability according to the 

following code. The term air defense region/sector referred to herein may include 

forces and units afloat and/or deployed to forward areas, as applicable. Air defense 

warning yellow — attack by hostile aircraft and/or missiles is probable. This means 

that hostile aircraft and/or missiles are en route toward an air defense region/sector, or 

unknown aircraft and/or missiles suspected to be hostile are en route toward or are 

within an air defense region/sector. Air defense warning red — attack by hostile 

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

and/or missiles are within an air defense region/sector or are in the immediate vicinity 

of an air defense region/sector with high probability of entering the region/sector. Air 

defense warning white — attack by hostile aircraft and/or missiles is improbable. 

May be called either before or after air defense warning yellow or red. The initial 

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

defense warning other than white for purposes of security control of air traffic. Also 

called ADWCs. (JP 3-01) 

air delivery — See airdrop; airland; air movement. (JP 3-17) 

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

platform; air movement; free drop; free fall; high velocity drop; low velocity 

drop. (JP 3-17) 

airdrop platform — A base upon which vehicles, cargo, or equipment are loaded for 

airdrop. See also airdrop.

air employment/allocation plan — The means by which subordinate commanders advise 

the joint force commander of planned employment/allocation of organic or assigned 

assets, of any expected excess sorties, or of any additional air support requirements. 

air expeditionary force — Deployed US Air Force wings, groups, and squadrons 

committed to a joint operation. Also called AEF. See also air and space 

expeditionary task force. (JP 3-33) 

air expeditionary wing — A wing or wing slice placed under the administrative control of 

an air and space expeditionary task force or air and space task force by Department of 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

18 JP 1-02 

the Air Force orders for a joint operation. Also called AEW. See also air and space 

expeditionary task force. (JP 3-33) 

air facility — An installation from which air operations may be or are being conducted. 

See also facility.

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

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

departure airfield; landing area; landing point; landing site; main airfield; 

redeployment airfield. (JP 3-17) 

airfield traffic — (*) All traffic on the maneuvering area of an airfield and all aircraft 

flying in the vicinity of an airfield. 

Air Force air and space 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 AFAOC. 

(JP 3-09.3) 

Air Force Component Headquarters — The field headquarters facility of the Air Force 

commander charged with the overall conduct of Air Force operations. It is composed 

of the command section and appropriate staff elements. 

Air Force special operations base — A base, airstrip, or other appropriate facility that 

provides physical support to Air Force special operations forces (AFSOF). The facility 

may be used solely to support AFSOF or may be a portion of a larger base supporting 

other operations. As a supporting facility, it is distinct from the forces operating from 

or being supported by it. Also called AFSOB. (JP 3-05) 

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

special operations component. Also called AFSOC. See also Army special 

operations component; Navy special operations component. (JP 3-05.1) 

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

composite organization composed of different Air Force special operations assets. The 

detachment is normally subordinate to an Air Force special operations component, joint 

special operations task force, or joint task force, depending upon size and duration of 

the operation. Also called AFSOD. (JP 3-05) 

Air Force special operations element — An element-size Air Force special operations 

headquarters. It is normally subordinate to an Air Force special operations component 

or detachment, depending upon size and duration of the operation. Also called

AFSOE. (JP 3-05) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 19 

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 designated area in a hostile or potentially hostile operational area that, 

when seized and held, ensures the continuous air landing of troops and materiel and 

provides the maneuver space necessary for projected operations. Normally it is the area 

seized in the assault phase of an airborne operation. (JP 3-18) 2. A designated 

location in an operational area used as a base for supply and evacuation by air. See also 

beachhead; bridgehead. (JP 3-17) 

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

airhead line is bounded by assault objectives that are operationally located to ensure 

that enemy fires cannot be brought to bear on the main objective and for friendly forces 

to conduct defensive operations in depth. See also airhead; assault phase; objective 

area. (JP 3-18) 

air intercept control common — A tactical air-to-ground radio frequency, monitored by 

all air intercept control facilities within an area, that is used as a backup for other 

discrete tactical control frequencies. 

air interception — To effect visual or electronic contact by a friendly aircraft with another 

aircraft. Normally, the air intercept is conducted in the following five phases: a. climb 

phase — Airborne to cruising altitude. b. maneuver phase — Receipt of initial 

vector to target until beginning transition to attack speed and altitude. c. transition 

phase — Increase or decrease of speed and altitude required for the attack. d. attack 

phase — Turn to attack heading, acquire target, complete attack, and turn to breakaway 

heading. e. recovery phase — Breakaway to landing. See also close-controlled air 

interception.

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

enemy’s military potential before it can be brought to bear effectively against friendly 

forces, or to otherwise achieve objectives. Air interdiction is conducted at such 

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

and movement of friendly forces is not required. (JP 3-0) 

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-launched ballistic missile — A ballistic missile launched from an airborne vehicle. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

20 JP 1-02 

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. An air 

liaison officer is usually an aeronautically rated officer. Also called ALO. See also 

liaison. (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; payload. (JP 3-17) 

airlift control team — A cell within the joint air operations center and one of the core 

teams in the air mobility division. The airlift control team brings intratheater airlift 

functional expertise from the theater organizations to plan, coordinate, manage, and 

execute intratheater airlift operations in the area of responsibility and joint operations 

area for the joint force air component commander. United States Transportation 

Command and Air Mobility Command may augment the airlift control team with 

intratheater airlift expertise. These two sources of airlift expertise integrate into a 

single airlift control team within the air mobility division. Also called ALCT. See also 

Air Force air and space 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. The airlift 

mission commander is usually designated by the commander of the deployed airlift 

unit, but may be selected by the Air Force component commander or joint force air 

component commander depending on the nature of the mission. 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 logistic support — Support by air landing or airdrop, including air supply, movement of 

personnel, evacuation of casualties and enemy prisoners of war, and recovery of 

equipment and vehicles. 

airmiss — See near miss. 

air mission — See mission, Part 3.

air mission intelligence report — A detailed report of the results of an air mission, 

including a complete intelligence account of the mission. 

airmobile forces — (*) The ground combat, supporting, and air vehicle units required to 

conduct an airmobile operation. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 21 

airmobile operation — (*) An operation in which combat forces and their equipment 

move about the battlefield by aircraft to engage in ground combat. 

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

a theater by air. This includes both airlift and air refueling. See also air 

refueling. (JP 3-17) 

Air Mobility Command — The Air Force component command of the US Transportation 

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

air mobility control team — A cell within the joint air operations center and one of the 

core teams in the air mobility division. The air mobility control team is the centralized 

source of air mobility command, control, and communications for the director of 

mobility forces during mission execution. The director of mobility forces uses the air 

mobility control team to direct (or redirect as required) air mobility forces in concert 

with other air and space forces to respond to requirement changes, higher priorities, or 

immediate execution limitations. The air mobility control team deconflicts all air 

mobility operations into, out of, and within the area of responsibility or joint operations 

area. The air mobility control team maintains execution process and communications 

connectivity for tasking, coordination, and flight with the joint air operations center’s 

combat operations division, subordinate air mobility units, and mission forces. Also 

called AMCT. See also Air Force air and space operations center; air mobility; air 

mobility division. (JP 3-17) 

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

and execute the air mobility mission. Consists of the air mobility control team, airlift 

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

Coordinates with the joint force commander’s movement requirements and control 

authority, the theater air mobility operations control center, if established, and the Air 

Mobility Command’s tanker/airlift control center, as required. Also called AMD. See 

also air mobility; joint air operations center. (JP 3-17) 

air mobility liaison officer — An officer specially trained to implement the theater air 

control system and to advise on control of airlift assets. 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 movement column — In airborne operations, the lead formation and the serials 

following, proceeding over the same flight path at the same altitude. 

air movement table — (*) A table prepared by a ground force commander in coordination 

with an air force commander. This form, issued as an annex to the operation order: a. 

indicates the allocation of aircraft space to elements of the ground units to be airlifted; 

b. designates the number and type of aircraft in each serial; c. specifies the departure 

area, time of loading, and takeoff. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

22 JP 1-02 

air observation — See air observer.

air observation post — See observation post.

air observer — (*) An individual whose primary mission is to observe or take photographs 

from an aircraft in order to adjust artillery fire or obtain military information. 

air observer adjustment — The correcting of gunfire from an aircraft. See also spot.

air offensive — Sustained operations by strategic and/or tactical air weapon systems against 

hostile air forces or surface targets. 

air photographic reconnaissance — (*) The obtaining of information by air photography, 

divided into three types: a. Strategic photographic reconnaissance; b. Tactical 

photographic reconnaissance; and c. Survey/cartographic photography-air photography 

taken for survey/cartographical purposes and to survey/cartographic standards of 

accuracy. It may be strategic or tactical. 

air picket — (*) An airborne early warning aircraft positioned primarily to detect, report, 

and track approaching enemy aircraft or missiles and to control intercepts. Also called

aerial picket. See also airborne early warning and control.

air plot — (*) 1. A continuous plot used in air navigation of a graphic representation of 

true headings steered and air distances flown. 2. A continuous plot of the position of 

an airborne object represented graphically to show true headings steered and air 

distances flown. 3. Within ships, a display that shows the positions and movements of 

an airborne object relative to the plotting ship. 

airport — See airfield.

air portable — (*) Denotes materiel which is suitable for transport by an aircraft loaded 

internally or externally, with no more than minor dismantling and reassembling within 

the capabilities of user units. This term must be qualified to show the extent of air 

portability. See also load. 

airport surface detection equipment — Short-range radar displaying the airport surface. 

Aircraft and vehicular traffic operating on runways, taxiways, and ramps, moving or 

stationary, may be observed with a high degree of resolution. 

airport surveillance radar — Radar displaying range and azimuth that is normally 

employed in a terminal area as an aid to approach- and departure-control. 

airport traffic area — Unless otherwise specifically designated, that airspace within a 

horizontal radius of five statute miles from the geographic center of any airport at 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 23 

which a control tower is operating, extending from the surface up to, but not including, 

an altitude of 3,000 feet above the elevation of the airport. Also called ATA.

air position — (*) The calculated position of an aircraft assuming no wind effect. 

air priorities committee — (*) A committee set up to determine the priorities of 

passengers and cargo. 

air raid reporting control ship — (*) A ship to which the air defense ship has delegated 

the duties of controlling air warning radar and air raid reporting. 

air reconnaissance — The acquisition of information by employing visual observation 

and/or sensors in air vehicles. 

air reconnaissance liaison officer — An Army officer especially trained in air 

reconnaissance and imagery interpretation matters who is attached to a tactical air 

reconnaissance unit. This officer assists and advises the air commander and staff on 

matters concerning ground operations and informs the supported ground commander 

on the status of air reconnaissance requests. 

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

(JP 3-17) 

air refueling control point — During refueling operations, the geographic point where the 

receiver arrives in the observation or precontact position with respect to the tanker. 

Also called ARCP. 

air refueling control team — A cell within the joint air operations center and one of the 

core teams in the air mobility division. Part of the air operations center that coordinates 

aerial refueling planning, tasking, and scheduling to support combat air operations or to 

support a strategic airbridge within the area of responsibility or joint area of operations. 

Also called ARCT. See also Air Force air and space operations center; air 

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

air refueling control time — During refueling operations, the time the receiver and tanker 

arrive at the air refueling control point. Also called ARCT. 

air refueling initiation point — During refueling operations, a point located upstream from 

the air refueling control point (inbound to the air refueling control point) where the 

receiver aircraft initiates the rendezvous. Also called ARIP.

air request net — A high frequency, single sideband, nonsecure net monitored by all 

tactical air control parties (TACPs) and the air support operations center (ASOC) that 

allows immediate requests to be transmitted from a TACP at any Army echelon 

directly to the ASOC for rapid response. (JP 3-01) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

24 JP 1-02 

air route — (*) The navigable airspace between two points, identified to the extent 

necessary for the application of flight rules. 

air route traffic control center — The principal facility exercising en route control of 

aircraft operating under instrument flight rules within its area of jurisdiction. 

Approximately 26 such centers cover the United States and its possessions. Each has a 

communication capability to adjacent centers. 

air smuggling event — In counterdrug operations, the departure of a suspected drug 

smuggling aircraft, an airdrop of drugs, or the arrival of a suspected drug smuggling 

aircraft. (JP 3-07.4) 

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

the airspace above its territory. See also air sovereignty mission.

air sovereignty mission — The integrated tasks of surveillance and control, the execution 

of which enforces a nation’s authority over its territorial airspace. See also air 

sovereignty.

airspace control — See airspace control in the combat zone. (JP 3-52) 

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

operational area, and may be subdivided into airspace control 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 boundary — The lateral limits of an airspace control area, airspace 

control sector, high density airspace control zone, or airspace restricted area. (JP 3-52) 

airspace control center — The airspace control authority’s primary airspace control 

facility, including assigned Service component, host-nation, and/or multinational 

personnel and equipment. (JP 3-52) 

airspace control facility — Any of the several Service component, host nation, or 

multinational facilities that provide airspace control in the combat zone. (JP 3-52) 

airspace control in the combat zone — A process used to increase combat effectiveness 

by promoting the safe, efficient, and flexible use of airspace. Airspace control is 

provided in order to reduce the risk of friendly fire, enhance air defense operations, and 

permit greater flexibility of operations. Airspace control does not infringe on the 

authority vested in commanders to approve, disapprove, or deny combat operations. 

Also called airspace control; combat airspace control. (JP 3-52) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 25 

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

the details of the approved requests for airspace coordinating measures. It is published 

either as part of the air tasking order or as a separate document. Also called 

ACO. (JP 3-52) 

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 in a combat zone; airspace control order; airspace 

control plan. (JP 3-52) 

airspace control sector — A subelement of the airspace control area, established to 

facilitate the control of the overall area. Airspace control sector boundaries normally 

coincide with air defense organization subdivision boundaries. Airspace control sectors 

are designated in accordance with procedures and guidance contained in the airspace 

control plan in consideration of Service component, host nation, and multinational 

airspace control capabilities and requirements. See also airspace control area. 

(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.

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 control 

boundary; airspace control sector; 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 ground commander, in which friendly aircraft are 

reasonably safe from friendly surface fires. The airspace coordination area may be 

formal or informal. Also called ACA. (JP 3-09.3) 

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

airspace of defined dimensions. 

airspace reservation — The airspace located above an area on the surface of the land or 

water, designated and set apart by Executive Order of the President or by a state, 

commonwealth, or territory, over which the flight of aircraft is prohibited or restricted 

for the purpose of national defense or for other governmental purposes. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

26 JP 1-02 

airspace restrictions — (*) Special restrictive measures applied to segments of airspace of 

defined dimensions. 

air space warning area — See danger area.

airspeed — The speed of an aircraft relative to its surrounding air mass. The unqualified 

term “airspeed” can mean any one of the following. a. calibrated airspeed — 

Indicated airspeed corrected for instrument installation error. b. equivalent airspeed

— Calibrated airspeed corrected for compressibility error. c. indicated airspeed — 

The airspeed shown by an airspeed indicator. d. true airspeed — Equivalent airspeed 

corrected for error due to air density (altitude and temperature). 

airspeed indicator — (*) An instrument which displays the indicated airspeed of the 

aircraft derived from inputs of pitot and static pressures. 

air staging unit — (*) A unit situated at an airfield and concerned with reception, handling, 

servicing, and preparation for departure of aircraft and control of personnel and cargo. 

air station — (*) In photogrammetry, the point in space occupied by the camera lens at the 

moment of exposure. 

air strike — An attack on specific objectives by fighter, bomber, or attack aircraft on an 

offensive mission. May consist of several air organizations under a single command in 

the air. 

air strike coordinator — The air representative of the force commander in a target area, 

who is responsible for directing all aircraft in the target area and coordinating their 

efforts to achieve the most effective use of air striking power. 

air strip — (*) An unimproved surface which has been adapted for takeoff or landing of 

aircraft, usually having minimum facilities. See also airfield.

air superiority — That degree of dominance in the air battle of one force over another that 

permits the conduct of operations by the former and its related land, sea, and air forces 

at a given time and place without prohibitive interference by the opposing force. 

(JP 3-30) 

air support — (*) All forms of support given by air forces on land or sea. See also close 

air support; immediate air support; preplanned air support; tactical air support.

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 (i.e., close air support) and assault support operations. Also called 

ASCS. (JP 3-02)
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 27 

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. It coordinates air missions requiring integration with other 

supporting arms and ground forces. It normally collocates with the Army tactical 

headquarters senior fire support coordination center within the ground combat element. 

Also called ASOC. See also air support; 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 air superiority wherein the opposing air force is 

incapable of effective interference. 

air surface zone — (*) A restricted area established for the purpose of preventing friendly 

surface vessels and aircraft from being fired upon by friendly forces and for permitting 

antisubmarine operations, unrestricted by the operation of friendly submarines. See 

also restricted area.

air surveillance — (*) The systematic observation of airspace by electronic, visual or other 

means, primarily for the purpose of identifying and determining the movements of 

aircraft and missiles, friendly and enemy, in the airspace under observation. See also 

satellite and missile surveillance; surveillance.

air surveillance officer — (*) An individual responsible for coordinating and maintaining 

an accurate, current picture of the air situation within an assigned airspace area. 

air survey camera — See air cartographic camera.

air survey photography — See air cartographic photography.

air target chart — A display of pertinent air target intelligence on a specialized graphic 

base. It is designed primarily to support operations against designated air targets by 

various weapon systems. Also called ATC.

Air Target Materials Program — A Department of Defense program under the 

management control of the National Imagery and Mapping Agency established for and 

limited to the production of medium- and large-scale map, chart, and geodetic products, 

that supports worldwide targeting requirements of the unified and specified commands, 

the Military Departments, and allied participants. It encompasses the determination of 

production and coverage requirements, standardization of products, establishment of 

production priorities and schedules, and the production, distribution, storage, and 

release/exchange of products included under it. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

28 JP 1-02 

air target mosaic — A large-scale mosaic providing photographic coverage of an area and 

permitting comprehensive portrayal of pertinent target detail. These mosaics are used 

for intelligence study and in planning and briefing for air operations. 

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. Normally provides specific instructions to include call 

signs, targets, controlling agencies, etc., as well as general instructions. Also called

ATO. (JP 3-30) 

air tasking order/confirmation — A message used to task joint force components; to 

inform the requesting command and the tasking authority of the action being taken; 

and/or to provide additional information about the mission. The message is used only 

for preplanned missions and is transmitted on a daily basis, normally 12 hours prior to 

the start of the air tasking day or in accordance with established operation plans for the 

operational area. Also called ATOCONF. (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. The airfield may or may not be designated an aerial port. (JP 3-17) 

air-to-air guided missile — (*) An air-launched guided missile for use against air targets. 

See also guided missile.

air-to-surface guided missile — (*) An air-launched guided missile for use against surface 

targets. See also guided missile.

air traffic control and landing system — Department of Defense facilities, personnel, and 

equipment (fixed, mobile, and seaborne) with associated avionics to provide safe, 

orderly, and expeditious aerospace vehicle movements worldwide. Also called

ATCALS. 

air traffic control center — (*) A unit combining the functions of an area control center 

and a flight information center. Also called ATCC. See also area control center; 

flight information region.

air traffic control clearance — (*) Authorization by an air traffic control authority for an 

aircraft to proceed under specified conditions. 

air traffic control facility — Any of the component airspace control facilities primarily 

responsible for providing air traffic control services and, as required, limited tactical 

control services. (JP 3-52) 

air traffic controller — An air controller especially trained for and assigned to the duty of 

airspace management and traffic control of airborne objects. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 29 

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) 

air traffic control service — (*) A service provided for the purpose of: a. preventing 

collisions: (1) between aircraft; and (2) on the maneuvering area between aircraft and 

obstructions; and b. expediting and maintaining an orderly flow of air traffic. 

air traffic identification — The use of electronic devices, operational procedures, visual 

observation, and/or flight plan correlation for the purpose of identifying and locating 

aircraft flying within the airspace control area. 

air traffic section — The link between the staging post and the local air priority committee. 

It is the key to the efficient handling of passengers and cargo at a staging post. It must 

include load control (including Customs and Immigrations facilities), freight, and mail 

sections. 

air transportable unit — (*) A unit, other than airborne, whose equipment is adapted for 

air movement. See also airborne; airborne operation.

air transported operations — The movement by aircraft of troops and their equipment for 

an operation. 

airways station — A ground communication installation established, manned, and 

equipped to communicate with aircraft in flight, as well as with other designated 

airways installations, for the purpose of expeditious and safe movements of aircraft. 

These stations may or may not be located on designated airways. 

air weapons controller — An individual especially trained for and assigned to the duty of 

employing and controlling air weapon systems against airborne and surface objects. 

alert force — Specified forces maintained in a special degree of readiness. 

alerting service — (*) A service provided to notify appropriate organizations regarding 

aircraft in need of search and rescue aid, and assist such organizations as required. 

alert order — 1. A crisis action planning directive from the Secretary of Defense, issued by 

the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that provides essential guidance for planning 

and directs the initiation of execution planning for the selected course of action 

authorized by the Secretary of Defense. 2. A planning directive that provides essential 

planning guidance and directs the initiation of execution planning after the directing 

authority approves a military course of action. An alert order does not authorize 

execution of the approved course of action. Also called ALERTORD. See also 

course of action; execution planning. (JP 5-0) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

30 JP 1-02 

all appropriate action — Action taken in self-defense that is reasonable in intensity, 

duration, and magnitude, based on all the facts known to the commander at the time. 

alliance — The relationship that results from a formal agreement (e.g., treaty) between two 

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

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

allocation — In a general sense, distribution for employment of limited forces and 

resources among competing requirements. Specific allocations (e.g., air sorties, nuclear 

weapons, forces, and transportation) are described as allocation of air sorties, nuclear 

weapons, etc. See also allocation (nuclear); apportionment. (JP 5-0) 

allocation (nuclear) — The apportionment of specific numbers and types of nuclear 

weapons to a commander for a stated time period as a planning factor for use in the 

development of war plans. (Additional authority is required for the actual deployment 

of allocated weapons to locations desired by the commander to support the war plans. 

Expenditures of these weapons are not authorized until released by proper authority.) 

allocation request — A message used to provide an estimate of the total air effort, to 

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

unfilled air requirements. This message is used only for preplanned missions and is 

transmitted on a daily basis, normally 24 hours prior to the start of the next air tasking 

day. Also called ALLOREQ. (JP 3-30) 

allotment — The temporary change of assignment of tactical air forces between subordinate 

commands. The authority to allot is vested in the commander having combatant 

command (command authority). See also combatant command (command 

authority). 

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

Also called ACL. (JP 3-17) 

allowable stacking weight — The amount of weight that can be stacked on corner posts of 

a container when subjected to 1.8 times the force of gravity. (JP 4-01.7) 

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

incorporate all sources of information, most frequently including human resources 

intelligence, imagery intelligence, measurement and signature intelligence, signals 

intelligence, and open-source data in the production of finished intelligence. 2. In 

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) 

all-weather air defense fighter — (*) A fighter aircraft with equipment and weapons 

which enable it to engage airborne targets in all weather conditions, day and night. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 31 

alongside replenishment — The transfer at sea of personnel and/or supplies by rigs 

between two or more ships proceeding side by side. 

alphabet code — See phonetic alphabet.

alternate airfield — (*) An airfield specified in the flight plan to which a flight may 

proceed when it becomes inadvisable to land at the airfield of intended landing. An 

alternate airfield may be the airfield of departure. 

alternate command authority — One or more predesignated officers empowered by the 

commander through predelegation of authority to act under stipulated emergency 

conditions in the accomplishment of previously defined functions. 

alternate command post — Any location designated by a commander to assume command 

post functions in the event the command post becomes inoperative. It may be partially 

or fully equipped and manned or it may be the command post of a subordinate unit. 

alternate headquarters — An existing headquarters of a component or subordinate 

command that is predesignated to assume the responsibilities and functions of another 

headquarters under prescribed emergency conditions. 

alternative — See variant. 

altitude — (*) The vertical distance of a level, a point or an object considered as a point, 

measured from mean sea level. See also drop altitude; elevation; minimum safe 

altitude; transition altitude; true altitude. 

altitude acclimatization — (*) A slow physiological adaptation resulting from prolonged 

exposure to significantly reduced atmospheric pressure. 

altitude chamber — See hypobaric chamber.

altitude delay — (*) Synchronization delay introduced between the time of transmission of 

the radar pulse and the start of the trace on the indicator, for the purpose of eliminating 

the altitude hole on the plan position indicator-type display. 

altitude hole — (*) The blank area at the origin of a radial display, on a radar tube 

presentation, the center of the periphery of which represents the point on the ground 

immediately below the aircraft. In side-looking airborne radar, this is known as the 

altitude slot. 

altitude separation — See vertical separation.

altitude slot — See altitude hole.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

32 JP 1-02 

ambulance exchange point — A location where a patient is transferred from one 

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

established point in an ambulance shuttle or it may be designated independently. Also 

called AXP. See also medical treatment facility. (JP 4-02.2) 

ammunition — See munition. 

ammunition and toxic material open space — (*) An area especially prepared for storage 

of explosive ammunition and toxic material. For reporting purposes, it does not include 

the surrounding area restricted for storage because of safety distance factors. It 

includes barricades and improvised coverings. See also storage.

ammunition controlled supply rate — In Army usage, the amount of ammunition 

estimated to be available to sustain operations of a designated force for a specified time 

if expenditures are controlled at that rate. It is expressed in terms of rounds per weapon 

per day for ammunition items fired by weapons, and in terms of units of measure per 

organization per day for bulk allotment ammunition items. Tactical commanders use 

this rate to control expenditures of ammunition during tactical operations at planned 

intervals. It is issued through command channels at each level. It is determined based 

on consideration of the required supply rates submitted by subordinate commanders 

and ammunition assets available. 

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) 

ammunition supply point — See distribution point.

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 assault — The principal 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 ship (general purpose) — A naval ship designed to embark, deploy, 

and land elements of a landing force in an assault by helicopters, landing craft, 

amphibious vehicles, and by combinations of these methods. Also called LHA. (JP 3-04) 

amphibious assault ship (multipurpose) — A naval ship designed to embark, deploy, and 

land elements of a landing force in an assault by helicopters, landing craft, amphibious 

vehicles, and by combinations of these methods. Also called LHD. (JP 3-02) 

amphibious aviation assault ship — An amphibious assault ship, landing platform 

helicopter; general purpose amphibious assault ship; or general purpose amphibious 

assault ship (with internal dock). (JP 3-04) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 33 

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 — Hosereel system providing capability to 

deliver fuel and/or water from ship to shore. System includes 10,000 feet of 6" buoyant 

hose for fuel, and 10,000 ft of 4" buoyant hose for water. System are deployed on 

Maritime Pre-positioning Squadrons, and are normally used in direct support of 

maritime pre-positioning force operations. 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 pontoon 

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) 

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 a course of action unfavorable to him. (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 lift — The total capacity of assault shipping utilized in an amphibious 

operation, expressed in terms of personnel, vehicles, and measurement or weight tons 

of supplies. (JP 3-02) 

amphibious objective area — A geographical area (delineated for command and control 

purposes in the initiating directive) within which is located the objective(s) to be 

secured by the amphibious force. This area must be of sufficient size to ensure 

accomplishment of the amphibious force’s mission and must provide sufficient area for 

conducting necessary sea, air, and land operations. Also called AOA. See also 

amphibious force; mission. (JP 3-02) 

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

force, embarked in ships or craft with the primary purpose of introducing a landing 

force ashore to accomplish the assigned mission. See also amphibious force; landing 

force; mission; operation. (JP 3-02) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

34 JP 1-02 

amphibious planning — The process of planning for an amphibious operation, 

distinguished by the necessity for concurrent, parallel, and detailed planning by all 

participating forces. The planning pattern is cyclical in nature, composed of a series of 

analyses and judgments of operational situations, each stemming from those that have 

preceded. (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 shipping — Organic Navy ships specifically designed to transport, land, and 

support landing forces in amphibious assault operations and capable of being loaded or 

unloaded by naval personnel without external assistance in the amphibious objective 

area. (JP 3-02) 

amphibious squadron — A tactical and administrative organization composed of 

amphibious assault shipping to transport troops and their equipment for an amphibious 

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

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

operations. The amphibious task force, together with the landing force and other 

forces, constitutes the amphibious force. Also called ATF. See also amphibious 

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

amphibious tractor — See amphibious vehicle.

amphibious transport dock — A ship designed to transport and land troops, equipment, 

and supplies by means of embarked landing craft, amphibious vehicles, and helicopters. 

Designated as LPD. (JP 3-02) 

amphibious transport group — A subdivision of an amphibious task force composed 

primarily of transport ships. The size of the transport group will depend upon the scope 

of the operation. Ships of the transport group will be combat-loaded to support the 

landing force scheme of maneuver ashore. A transport unit will usually be formed to 

embark troops and equipment to be landed over a designated beach or to embark all 

helicopter-borne troops and equipment. (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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 35 

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 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 vehicles. (JP 

3-02) 

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) 

anchorage — A specified location for anchoring or mooring a vessel in-stream or offshore. 

(JP 4-01.6) 

anchor cable — (*) In air transport, a cable in an aircraft to which the parachute static lines 

or strops are attached. 

anchor line extension kit — (*) A device fitted to an aircraft equipped with removable 

clamshell doors to enable paratroopers to exit from the rear. 

annex — A document appended to an operation order or other document to make it clearer 

or to give further details. 

annotated print — (*) A photograph on which interpretation details are indicated by 

words or symbols. 

annotation — (*) A marking placed on imagery or drawings for explanatory purposes or to 

indicate items or areas of special importance. 

annual screening — One day of active duty for training required each year for Individual 

Ready Reserve members so the Services can keep current on each member’s physical 

condition, dependency status, military qualifications, civilian occupational skills, 

availability for service, and other information. 

annual training — The minimal period of training reserve members must perform each 

year to satisfy the training requirements associated with their Reserve Component 

assignment. Also called AT.

antemortem identification media — Records, samples, and photographs taken prior to 

death. These include (but are not limited to) fingerprints, dental x-rays, body tissue 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

36 JP 1-02 

samples, photographs of tattoos, or other identifying marks. These “predeath” 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) 

antenna mine — (*) In naval mine warfare, a contact mine fitted with antennae which, 

when touched by a steel ship, sets up galvanic action to fire the mine. See also mine.

antiarmor helicopter — (*) A helicopter armed primarily for use in the destruction of 

armored targets. Also called antitank helicopter.

anticountermining device — (*) A device fitted in an influence mine designed to prevent 

its actuation by shock. 

antideficiency 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) 

anti-G suit — A device worn by aircrew to counteract the effects on the human body of 

positive acceleration. 

antilift device — A device arranged to detonate the mine to which it is attached, or to 

detonate another mine or charge nearby, if the mine is disturbed. 

antimateriel agent — (*) A living organism or chemical used to cause deterioration of, or 

damage to, selected materiel. 

antimateriel operation — (*) The employment of antimateriel weapons or agents in 

military operations. 

antipersonnel mine (land mine warfare) — A mine designed to cause casualties to 

personnel. See also mine.

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

called ARM. See also guided missile.

antirecovery device — (*) In naval mine warfare, any device in a mine designed to prevent 

an enemy discovering details of the working of the mine mechanism. 

antisubmarine action — An operation by one or more antisubmarine-capable ships, 

submarines, or aircraft (or a combination thereof) against a particular enemy 

submarine. 

antisubmarine air distant support — Antisubmarine air support at a distance from, but 

directly related to, specific convoys or forces. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 37 

antisubmarine air search attack unit — The designation given to one or more aircraft 

separately organized as a tactical unit to search for and destroy submarines. 

antisubmarine barrier — (*) The line formed by a series of static devices or mobile units 

arranged for the purpose of detecting, denying passage to, or destroying hostile 

submarines. See also antisubmarine patrol.

antisubmarine close air support — Air operations for the antisubmarine warfare 

protection of a supported force. 

antisubmarine operation — Operation contributing to the conduct of antisubmarine 

warfare. 

antisubmarine patrol — (*) The systematic and continuing investigation of an area or 

along a line to detect or hamper submarines, used when the direction of submarine 

movement can be established. See also antisubmarine barrier.

antisubmarine screen — (*) An arrangement of ships and/or aircraft for the protection of a 

screened unit against attack by a submarine. 

antisubmarine search — (*) Systematic investigation of a particular area for the purpose 

of locating a submarine known or suspected to be somewhere in the area. Some types 

of search are also used in locating the position of a distress incident. 

antisubmarine support operation — (*) An operation conducted by an antisubmarine 

force in the area around a force or convoy, in areas through which the force or convoy 

is passing, or in defense of geographic areas. Support operations may be completely 

coordinated with those of the force or convoy, or they may be independent operations 

coordinated only to the extent of providing operational intelligence and information. 

antisubmarine warfare — (*) Operations conducted with the intention of denying the 

enemy the effective use of submarines. Also called ASW.

antisubmarine warfare forces — Forces organized primarily for antisubmarine action. 

May be composed of surface ships, aircraft, submarines, or any combination of these, 

and their supporting systems. 

antisurface air operation — (*) An air operation conducted in an air/sea environment 

against enemy surface forces. 

antisweep device — (*) Any device incorporated in the mooring of a mine or obstructor, or 

in the mine circuits to make the sweeping of the mine more difficult. 

antisweeper mine — (*) A mine which is laid or whose mechanism is designed or adjusted 

with the specific object of damaging mine countermeasures vessels. See also mine. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

38 JP 1-02 

antitank helicopter — See antiarmor helicopter.

antitank mine — (*) A mine designed to immobilize or destroy a tank. See also mine.

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

property to terrorist acts, to include limited response and containment by local military 

and civilian forces. Also called AT. See also counterterrorism; proactive measures; 

terrorism. (JP 3-07.2) 

antiwatching device — A device fitted in a moored mine which causes it to sink should it 

show on the surface, so as to prevent the position of the mine or minefield being 

disclosed. See also watching mine.

any Service member mail — Mail sent by the general public to an unspecified Service 

member deployed on a contingency operation, as an expression of patriotic support. 

(JP 1-0) 

apogee — The point at which a missile trajectory or a satellite orbit is farthest from the 

center of the gravitational field of the controlling body or bodies. 

apparent horizon — (*) The visible line of demarcation between land/sea and sky. 

apparent precession — (*) The apparent deflection of the gyro axis, relative to the Earth, 

due to the rotating effect of the Earth and not due to any applied force. Also called

apparent wander. 

appendix — A document appended to an annex of an operation order, operation plan, or 

other document to clarify or to give further details. 

applicable materiel assets — That portion of the total acceptable materiel assets that meets 

the military or other characteristics as defined by the responsible Military Service and 

that is in the right condition and location to satisfy a specific military requirement. 

application — 1. The system or problem to which a computer is applied. Reference is 

often made to an application as being either of the computational type (arithmetic 

computations predominate) or of the data processing type (data handling operations 

predominate). 2. In the intelligence context, the direct extraction and tailoring of 

information from an existing foundation of intelligence and near real time reporting. It 

is focused on and meets specific, narrow requirements, normally on demand. (JP 2-0) 

apportionment — In the general sense, distribution for planning of limited resources 

among competing requirements. Specific apportionments (e.g., air sorties and forces 

for planning) are described as apportionment of air sorties and forces for planning, etc. 

See also allocation; apportionment (air).
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 39 

apportionment (air) — 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. Also called air apportionment. See also apportionment. 

(JP 3-0) 

approach clearance — Authorization for a pilot conducting flight in accordance with 

instrument flight rules to commence an approach to an airport. 

approach end of runway — (*) That end of the runway nearest to the direction from 

which the final approach is made. 

approach lane — An extension of a boat lane from the line of departure toward the 

transport area. 

approach march — (*) Advance of a combat unit when direct contact with the enemy is 

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

ground contact with the enemy is made or when the attack position is occupied. 

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) 

approach sequence — (*) The order in which two or more aircraft are cleared for an 

approach. 

approach time — The time at which an aircraft is expected to commence approach 

procedure. 

approval authority — A representative (person or organization) of the Commandant, US 

Coast Guard, authorized to approve containers within terms of the International 

Conference for Safe Containers. See also International Convention for Safe 

Containers. (JP 4-01.7) 

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

loading or unloading passengers or cargo, refueling, parking, or maintenance. 

archipelagic sea lanes passage — The nonsuspendable right of continuous and expeditious 

transit through archipelagic waters in the normal mode through and over routes 

normally used for navigation and overflight. 

architecture — A framework or structure that portrays relationships among all the elements 

of the subject force, system, or activity. (JP 3-05) 

area air defense commander — Within a unified command, subordinate unified 

command, or joint task force, the commander will assign overall responsibility for air 

defense to a single commander. Normally, this will be the component commander with 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

40 JP 1-02 

the preponderance of air defense capability and the command, control, and 

communications capability to plan and execute integrated air defense operations. 

Representation from the other components involved will be provided, as appropriate, to 

the area air defense commander’s headquarters. Also called AADC. (JP 3-52) 

area assessment — The commander’s prescribed collection of specific information that 

commences upon employment and is a continuous operation. It confirms, corrects, 

refutes, or adds to previous intelligence acquired from area studies and other sources 

prior to employment. (JP 3-05) 

area bombing — (*) Bombing of a target which is in effect a general area rather than a 

small or pinpoint target. 

area command — A command which is composed of those organized elements of one or 

more of the Armed Services, designated to operate in a specific geographical area, 

which are placed under a single commander. See also command. (JP 3-10) 

area control center — (*) A unit established to provide air traffic control service to 

controlled flights in control areas under its jurisdiction. See also air traffic control 

center; flight information region.

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. See also damage control; disaster control. (JP 3-10) 

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 3-16) 

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

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

planned operations. This area also includes areas occupied by enemy forces who could 

jeopardize the accomplishment of the mission. Also called AOI. See also area of 

influence. (JP 2-03) 

area of limitation — A defined area where specific limitations apply to the strength and 

fortifications of disputing or belligerent forces. Normally, upper limits are established 

for the number and type of formations, tanks, antiaircraft weapons, artillery, and other 

weapons systems in the area of limitation. Also called AOL. See also line of 

demarcation; peace operations. (JP 3-07.3) 

area of militarily significant fallout — (*) Area in which radioactive fallout affects the 

ability of military units to carry out their normal mission. 

area of northern operations — A region of variable width in the Northern Hemisphere 

that lies north of the 50 degrees isotherm — a line along which the average temperature 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 41 

of the warmest 4-month period of the year does not exceed 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Mountain regions located outside of this area are included in this category of operations 

provided these same temperature conditions exist. 

area of operations — An operational area defined by the joint force commander for land 

and maritime forces. Areas of operation do not typically encompass the entire 

operational area of the joint force commander, but should be large enough for 

component commanders to accomplish their missions and protect their forces. 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 of separation — See buffer zone. Also called AOS. See also peace operations. 

(JP 3-07.3) 

area operations — (*) In maritime usage, operations conducted in a geographical area and 

not related to the protection of a specific force. 

area oriented — Personnel or units whose organizations, mission, training, and equipping 

are based on projected operational deployment to a specific geographic or demographic 

area. (JP 3-05) 

area radar prediction analysis — Radar target intelligence study designed to provide 

radar-significant data for use in the preparation of radar target predictions. 

area search — Visual reconnaissance of limited or defined areas. 

area target — (*) A target consisting of an area rather than a single point. 

armament delivery recording — Motion picture, still photography, and video recordings 

showing the delivery and impact of ordnance. This differs from reconnaissance 

imagery in that it records the act of delivery and impact and normally is done by the 

weapon system delivering the ordnance. Armament delivery recording is used 

primarily for evaluating strike effectiveness and for combat crew training. It is also one 

of the principal sources of over-the-target documentation in force employments, and 

may be used for public affairs purposes. Also called ADR.

armed forces — The military forces of a nation or a group of nations. See also force.

armed forces censorship — The examination and control of personal communications to 

or from persons in the Armed Forces of the United States and persons accompanying or 

serving with the Armed Forces of the United States. See also censorship.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

42 JP 1-02 

armed forces courier — An officer or enlisted member in the grade of E-7 or above, of the 

US Armed Forces, assigned to perform Armed Forces Courier Service duties and 

identified by possession of an Armed Forces Courier Service Identification Card (ARFCOS Form 9). See also courier.

Armed Forces Courier Service — A joint service of the Departments of the Army, the 

Navy, and the Air Force, with the Chief of Staff, US Army, as Executive Agent. The 

courier service provides one of the available methods for the secure and expeditious 

transmission of material requiring protected handling by military courier. 

armed forces courier station — An Army, Navy, or Air Force activity, approved by the 

respective military department and officially designated by Headquarters, Armed 

Forces Courier Service, for the acceptance, processing, and dispatching of Armed 

Forces Courier Service material. 

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

of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. See also United States 

Armed Forces. (JP 1) 

Armed Forces Radio and Television Service — A worldwide radio and television 

broadcasting organization that provides US military commanders overseas and at sea 

with sufficient electronic media resources to effectively communicate theater, local, 

Department of Defense, and Service-unique command information to their personnel 

and family members. Also called AFRTS. (JP 3-61) 

armed mine — (*) A mine from which all safety devices have been withdrawn and, after 

laying, all automatic safety features and/or arming delay devices have operated. Such a 

mine is ready to be actuated after receipt of a target signal, influence, or contact. 

armed reconnaissance — A mission with the primary purpose of locating and attacking 

targets of opportunity, i.e., enemy materiel, personnel, and facilities, in assigned general 

areas or along assigned ground communications routes, and not for the purpose of 

attacking specific briefed targets. 

armed sweep — (*) A sweep fitted with cutters or other devices to increase its ability to 

cut mine moorings. 

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

condition to a state of readiness for initiation. 

arming delay device — A device fitted in a mine to prevent it being actuated for a preset 

time after laying. 

arming pin — (*) A safety device inserted in a munition, which until its removal, prevents 

the unintentional action of the arming cycle. Also called safety pin. See also safety 

device. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 43 

arming system — That portion of a weapon that serves to ready (arm), safe, or re-safe 

(disarm) the firing system and fuzing system and that may actuate devices in the 

nuclear system. 

armistice — In international law, a suspension or temporary cessation of hostilities by 

agreement between belligerent powers. (JP 3-07.3) 

armistice demarcation line — A geographically defined line from which disputing or 

belligerent forces disengage and withdraw to their respective sides following a truce or 

cease fire agreement. Also called cease fire line in some United Nations operations. 

Also called ADL. See also armistice; cease fire; cease fire line; peace operations. 

(JP 3-07.3) 

arm or de-arm — Applies to those procedures in the arming or de-arming section of the 

applicable aircraft loading manual or checklist that places the ordnance or explosive 

device in a ready or safe condition i.e., rocket launchers, guided missiles, guns — 

internal and pods, paraflares — (external and SUU-44/25 dispenser). (NOTE: The 

removal or installation of pylon or bomb rack safety pins from a nonordnance-loaded 

station is considered a function requiring certification within the purview of this 

publication.) See also arming; de-arming; ordnance. (JP 3-04) 

armored personnel carrier — A lightly armored, highly mobile, full-tracked vehicle, 

amphibious and air-droppable, used primarily for transporting personnel and their 

individual equipment during tactical operations. Production modifications or 

application of special kits permit use as a mortar carrier, command post, flame thrower, 

antiaircraft artillery chassis, or limited recovery vehicle. Also called APC.

arms control agreement — The written or unwritten embodiment of the acceptance of one 

or more arms control measures by two or more nations. 

arms control agreement verification — A concept that entails the collection, processing, 

and reporting of data indicating testing or employment of proscribed weapon systems, 

including country of origin and location, weapon and payload identification, and event 

type. 

arms control measure — Any specific arms control course of action. 

Army Air Defense Command Post — The tactical headquarters of an Army air defense 

commander. 

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. It is 

composed of appropriate staff members, including G-2 air and G-3 air personnel, and 

necessary communication equipment. Also called AAGS. (JP 3-09) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

44 JP 1-02 

Army and Air Force Exchange Service imprest fund activity — A military-operated 

retail activity, usually in remote or forward sites, when regular direct operations 

exchanges cannot be provided. It is a satellite activity of an Army and Air Force 

Exchange Service (AAFES) direct operation. The supported unit appoints the officer in 

charge of an imprest fund activity, who is issued an initial fund by AAFES to purchase 

beginning inventory. Money generated from sales is used to replenish the merchandise 

stock. See also imprest fund. (JP 1-0) 

Army base — A base or group of installations for which a local commander is responsible, 

consisting of facilities necessary for support of Army activities including security, 

internal lines of communications, utilities, plants and systems, and real property for 

which the Army has operating responsibility. See also base complex.

Army corps — A tactical unit larger than a division and smaller than a field army. A corps 

usually consists of two or more divisions together with auxiliary arms and services. 

See also field army.

Army service area — The territory between the corps rear boundary and the combat zone 

rear boundary. Most of the Army administrative establishment and service troops are 

usually located in this area. See also rear area.

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 space support team — A team of space operations experts provided by the 

Commander, US Army Forces Strategic Command upon request of an Army 

component commander or a geographic combatant commander to assist the supported 

commander in integrating space power into the terrestrial operation or campaign. Also 

called ARSST. See also space; space power; space support. (JP 3-14) 

Army special operations component — The Army component of a joint force special 

operations component. Also called ARSOC. See also Air Force special operations 

component; Navy special operations component. (JP 3-05.1) 

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 tactical data link 1 — See tactical digital information link.

arresting barrier — See aircraft arresting barrier.

arresting gear — See aircraft arresting gear. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 45 

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) 

artificial horizon — See attitude indicator.

artillery fire plan table — (*) A presentation of planned targets giving data for 

engagement. Scheduled targets are fired in a definite time sequence. The starting time 

may be on call, at a prearranged time, or at the occurrence of a specific event. 

artillery survey control point — (*) A point at which the coordinates and the altitude are 

known and from which the bearings/azimuths to a number of reference objects are also 

known. 

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

In an amphibious operation, the period of time between the arrival of the major assault 

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

amphibious task force mission. (JP 3-02) 3. To make a short, violent, but 

well-ordered attack against a local objective, such as a gun emplacement, a fort, or a 

machine gun nest. 4. A phase of an airborne operation beginning with delivery by air 

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

of assault objectives and consolidation of the initial airhead. See also assault 

phase. (JP 3-18) 

assault aircraft — (*) A powered aircraft that moves assault troops and/or cargo into an 

objective area. 

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 — A landing craft or amphibious vehicle primarily employed for landing 

troops and equipment in the assault waves of an amphibious operation. (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) 

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 fire — 1. That fire delivered by attacking troops as they close with the enemy. 2. 

In artillery, extremely accurate, short-range destruction fire at point targets. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

46 JP 1-02 

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. In order to accomplish its purpose, it is 

normally required in the objective area no later than five days after commencement of 

the assault landing. 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) 

assault shipping — Shipping assigned to the amphibious task force and utilized for 

transporting assault troops, vehicles, equipment, and supplies to the objective area. (JP 

3-02) 

assault wave — See wave.

assembly — (*) In logistics, an item forming a portion of an equipment, that can be 

provisioned and replaced as an entity and which normally incorporates replaceable 

parts or groups of parts. See also component; subassembly. 

assembly anchorage — (*) An anchorage intended for the assembly and onward routing of 

ships. 

assembly area — (*) 1. An area in which a command is assembled preparatory to further 

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

components into complete units, kits, or assemblies. 

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

joint force capabilities during military operations. 2. Determination of the progress 

toward accomplishing a task, creating an effect, 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. The assessment agent is assigned by the Director, J-7, Joint 

Staff; normally US Joint Forces Command. Also called AA. (CJCSI 5120.02) 

asset (intelligence) — Any resource — person, group, relationship, instrument, installation, 

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

or support role. Often used with a qualifying term such as agent asset or propaganda 

asset. (JP 2-0) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 47 

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

identity of units, personnel, equipment, and supplies. It facilitates the capability to act 

upon that information to improve overall performance of the Department of Defense’s 

logistics practices. 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) 

assistance 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 AIK. (JP 1-06) 

assumed azimuth — The assumption of azimuth origins as a field expedient until the 

required data are available. 

assumed grid — A grid constructed using an arbitrary scale superimposed on a map, chart, 

or photograph for use in point designation without regard to actual geographic location. 

See also grid.

assumption — A supposition on the current situation or a presupposition on the future 

course of events, either or both assumed to be true in the absence of positive proof, 

necessary to enable the commander in the process of planning to complete an estimate 

of the situation and make a decision on the course of action. 

astern fueling — (*) The transfer of fuel at sea during which the receiving ship(s) keep(s) 

station astern of the delivering ship. 

asymmetrical sweep — (*) A sweep whose swept path under conditions of no wind or 

cross-tide is not equally spaced either side of the sweeper’s track. 

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) 

at my command — (*) In artillery and naval gunfire support, the command used when it is 

desired to control the exact time of delivery of fire. 

atomic air burst — See airburst.

atomic demolition munition — A nuclear device designed to be detonated on or below the 

ground surface, or under water as a demolition munition against material-type targets to 

block, deny, and/or canalize the enemy. 

atomic underground burst — See nuclear underground burst.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

48 JP 1-02 

atomic underwater burst — See nuclear underwater burst.

atomic warfare — See nuclear warfare.

atomic weapon — See nuclear weapon.

at priority call — (*) A precedence applied to the task of an artillery unit to provide fire to 

a formation/unit on a guaranteed basis. Normally observer, communications, and 

liaison are not provided. An artillery unit in “direct support” or “in support” may 

simultaneously be placed “at priority call” to another unit or agency for a particular task 

and/or for a specific period of time. 

at sea — Includes the following maritime areas: foreign internal waters, archipelagic 

waters, and territorial seas; foreign contiguous zones; foreign exclusive economic 

zones; the high seas; and US-exclusive economic zone, territorial sea, and internal 

waters. 

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, e.g., attached for quarters and 

rations; attached for flying duty. See also assign. (JP 3-0) 

attachment — See attach.

attack assessment — An evaluation of information to determine the potential or actual 

nature and objectives of an attack for the purpose of providing information for timely 

decisions. See also damage estimation. (JP 3-14) 

attack cargo ship — A naval ship designed or converted to transport combat-loaded cargo 

in an assault landing. Capabilities as to carrying landing craft, speed of ship, 

armament, and size of hatches and booms are greater than those of comparable cargo 

ship types. Designated as LKA.

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

force. It is composed of assault shipping 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 origin — 1. The location or source from which an attack was initiated. 2. The 

nation initiating an attack. See also attack assessment.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 49 

attack pattern — The type and distribution of targets under attack. Also called target 

pattern. See also attack assessment.

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

of departure. 

attack timing — The predicted or actual time of bursts, impacts, or arrival of weapons at 

their intended targets. 

attenuation — (*) 1. Decrease in intensity of a signal, beam, or wave as a result of 

absorption of energy and of scattering out of the path of a detector, but not including 

the reduction due to geometric spreading, i.e., the inverse square of distance effect. 2. 

In mine warfare, the reduction in intensity of an influence as distance from the source 

increases. 3. In camouflage and concealment, the process of making an object or 

surface less conspicuous by reducing its contrast to the surroundings and/or 

background. Also called tone down.

attenuation factor — (*) The ratio of the incident radiation dose or dose rate to the 

radiation dose or dose rate transmitted through a shielding material. This is the 

reciprocal of the transmission factor. 

attitude — (*) The position of a body as determined by the inclination of the axes to some 

frame of reference. If not otherwise specified, this frame of reference is fixed to the 

Earth. 

attitude indicator — (*) An instrument which displays the attitude of the aircraft by 

reference to sources of information which may be contained within the instrument or be 

external to it. When the sources of information are self-contained, the instrument may 

be referred to as an artificial horizon. 

attrition — (*) The reduction of the effectiveness of a force caused by loss of personnel 

and materiel. 

attrition minefield — (*) In naval mine warfare, a field intended primarily to cause 

damage to enemy ships. See also minefield.

attrition rate — (*) A factor, normally expressed as a percentage, reflecting the degree of 

losses of personnel or materiel due to various causes within a specified period of time. 

attrition reserve aircraft — Aircraft procured for the specific purpose of replacing the 

anticipated losses of aircraft because of peacetime and/or wartime attrition. 

attrition sweeping — (*) The continuous sweeping of minefields to keep the risk of mines 

to all ships as low as possible. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

50 JP 1-02 

augmentation forces — Forces to be transferred from a supporting combatant commander 

to the combatant command (command authority) or operational control of a supported 

combatant commander during the execution of an operation order approved by the 

President and Secretary of Defense. (JP 5-0) 

authenticate — A challenge given by voice or electrical means to attest to the authenticity 

of a message or transmission. 

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) 

authenticator — A symbol or group of symbols, or a series of bits, selected or derived in a 

prearranged manner and usually inserted at a predetermined point within a message or 

transmission for the purpose of attesting to the validity of the message or transmission. 

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) 

autocode format — An abbreviated and formatted message header used in conjunction 

with the mobile cryptologic support facility (MCSF) to energize the automatic 

communications relay functions of the MCSF, providing rapid exchange of data 

through the system. 

automated data handling — See automatic data handling.

automated identification technology — A suite of tools for facilitating total asset visibility 

source data capture and transfer. Automated identification technology includes a 

variety of devices, such as bar codes, magnetic strips, optical memory cards, and radio 

frequency tags for marking or “tagging” individual items, multi-packs, equipment, air 

pallets, or containers, along with the hardware and software required to create the 

devices, read the information on them, and integrate that information with other logistic 

information. Also called AIT. (JP 3-35) 

Automated Repatriation Reporting System — The Defense Manpower Data Center uses 

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

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

automatic approach and landing — A control mode in which the aircraft’s speed and 

flight path are automatically controlled for approach, flare-out, and landing. See also 

ground-controlled approach procedure.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 51 

automatic data handling — (*) A generalization of automatic data processing to include 

the aspect of data transfer. 

automatic data processing — 1. Data processing largely performed by automatic means. 

2. That branch of science and technology concerned with methods and techniques 

relating to data processing largely performed by automatic means. 

automatic flight control system — (*) A system which includes all equipment to control 

automatically the flight of an aircraft or missile to a path or attitude described by 

references internal or external to the aircraft or missile. Also called AFCS.

automatic message processing system — Any organized assembly of resources and 

methods used to collect, process, and distribute messages largely by automatic means. 

automatic resupply — A resupply mission fully planned before insertion of a special 

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

unless changed by the operating team after insertion. See also emergency resupply; 

on-call resupply. (JP 3-50) 

automatic search jammer — (*) An intercept receiver and jamming transmitter system 

which searches for and jams signals automatically which have specific radiation 

characteristics. 

automatic supply — A system by which certain supply requirements are automatically 

shipped or issued for a predetermined period of time without requisition by the using 

unit. It is based upon estimated or experience-usage factors. 

automation network — The automation network combines all of the information 

collection devices, automatic identification technologies, and the automated 

information systems that either support or facilitate the joint reception, staging, onward 

movement, and integration process. See also automated identification technology; 

joint reception, staging, onward movement, and integration. (JP 3-35) 

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

has lost all communications with higher echelons. The unit commander assumes full 

responsibility for control of weapons and engagement of hostile targets. 

availability date — The date after notification of mobilization by which forces will be 

marshalled at their home station or mobilization station and available for deployment. 

See also home station; mobilization; mobilization station. (JP 4-05) 

available payload — The passenger and/or cargo capacity expressed in weight and/or space 

available to the user. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

52 JP 1-02 

available-to-load date — A date specified for each unit in a time-phased force and 

deployment data indicating when that unit will be ready to load at the point of 

embarkation. Also called ALD.

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) 

average speed — (*) The average distance traveled per hour, calculated over the whole 

journey, excluding specifically ordered halts. 

aviation combat element — The core element of a Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) 

that is task-organized to conduct aviation operations. The aviation combat element 

(ACE) provides all or a portion of the six functions of Marine aviation necessary to 

accomplish the MAGTF’s mission. These functions are antiair warfare, offensive air 

support, assault support, electronic warfare, air reconnaissance, and control of aircraft 

and missiles. The ACE is usually composed of an aviation unit headquarters and 

various other aviation units or their detachments. It can vary in size from a small 

aviation detachment of specifically required aircraft to one or more Marine aircraft 

wings. The ACE itself is not a formal command. Also called ACE. See also combat 

service support element; command element; ground combat element; Marine airground task force; Marine expeditionary force; Marine expeditionary force 

(forward); Marine expeditionary unit; special purpose Marine air-ground task 

force; task force.

aviation life support equipment — See life support equipment.

aviation medicine — (*) The special field of medicine which is related to the biological 

and psychological problems of flight. 

aviation ship — An aircraft carrier. See also air-capable ship; aircraft; amphibious 

aviation assault ship. (JP 3-04) 

axial route — A route running through the rear area and into the forward area. See also

route.

axis of advance — A line of advance assigned for purposes of control; often a road or a 

group of roads, or a designated series of locations, extending in the direction of the 

enemy. 

azimuth — Quantities may be expressed in positive quantities increasing in a clockwise 

direction, or in X, Y coordinates where south and west are negative. They may be 

referenced to true north or magnetic north depending on the particular weapon system 

used. 

azimuth angle — (*) An angle measured clockwise in the horizontal plane between a 

reference direction and any other line. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 53 

azimuth guidance — (*) Information which will enable the pilot or autopilot of an aircraft 

to follow the required track. 

azimuth resolution — (*) The ability of radar equipment to separate two reflectors at 

similar ranges but different bearings from a reference point. Normally the minimum 

separation distance between the reflectors is quoted and expressed as the angle 

subtended by the reflectors at the reference point. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

54 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

B 

JP 1-02 55 

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 Components. (JP 4-05.1) 

background count — The evidence or effect on a detector of radiation caused by 

background radiation. In connection with health protection, the background count 

includes but is not limited to radiations produced by naturally occurring radioactivity 

and cosmic rays. 

background radiation — (*) Nuclear (or ionizing) radiations arising from within the body 

and from the surroundings to which individuals are always exposed. 

backscatter — Refers to a portion of the laser energy that is scattered back in the direction 

of the seeker by an obscurant. See also laser. 

back-scattering — Radio wave propagation in which the direction of the incident and 

scattered waves, resolved along a reference direction (usually horizontal), are 

oppositely directed. A signal received by back-scattering is often referred to as 

“back-scatter.” 

backshore — The area of a beach extending from the limit of high water foam lines to 

dunes or extreme inland limit of the beach. (JP 4-01.6) 

back tell — (*) The transfer of information from a higher to a lower echelon of command. 

See also track telling.

back-up — (*) In cartography, an image printed on the reverse side of a map sheet already 

printed on one side. Also the printing of such images. 

backwash — An even layer of water that moves along the sea floor from the beach through 

the surf zone and caused by the pile-up of water on the beach from incoming breakers. 

(JP 4-01.6) 

balanced stock(s) — 1. That condition of supply when availability and requirements are in 

equilibrium for specific items. 2. An accumulation of supplies in quantities 

determined necessary to meet requirements for a fixed period. 

balance station zero — See reference datum.

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. In a 

general cargo of mixed commodities, the bale cubic applies. The stowage of the mixed 

cargo comes in contact with the cargo battens and as a general rule does not extend to 

the skin of the ship. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

56 JP 1-02 

balisage — (*) The marking of a route by a system of dim beacon lights enabling vehicles 

to be driven at near day-time speed, under blackout conditions. 

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

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

aerodynamic missile; guided missile. (JP 3-01) 

ballistic missile early warning system — An electronic system for providing detection and 

early warning of attack by enemy intercontinental ballistic missiles. Also called 

BMEWS. (JP 3-14) 

ballistics — (*) The science or art that deals with the motion, behavior, appearance, or 

modification of missiles or other vehicles acted upon by propellants, wind, gravity, 

temperature, or any other modifying substance, condition, or force. 

ballistic trajectory — (*) The trajectory traced after the propulsive force is terminated and 

the body is acted upon only by gravity and aerodynamic drag. 

ballistic wind — That constant wind that would have the same effect upon the trajectory of 

a bomb or projectile as the wind encountered in flight. 

balloon barrage — See barrage, Part 2.

balloon reflector — In electronic warfare, a balloon-supported confusion reflector to 

produce fraudulent radar echoes. 

bandwidth — The difference between the limiting frequencies of a continuous frequency 

band expressed in hertz (cycles per second). The term bandwidth is also loosely used 

to refer to the rate at which data can be transmitted over a given communications 

circuit. In the latter usage, bandwidth is usually expressed in either kilobits per second 

or megabits per second. 

bank angle — (*) The angle between the aircraft’s normal axis and the Earth’s vertical 

plane containing the aircraft’s longitudinal axis. 

bar — A submerged or emerged embankment of sand, gravel, or mud created on the sea 

floor in shallow water by waves and currents. A bar may be composed of mollusk 

shells. (JP 4-01.6) 

bare base — A base having minimum essential facilities to house, sustain, and support 

operations to include, if required, a stabilized runway, taxiways, and aircraft parking 

areas. A bare base must have a source of water that can be made potable. Other 

requirements to operate under bare base conditions form a necessary part of the force 

package deployed to the bare base. See also base. (JP 3-05.1) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 57 

barge — A flat-bed, shallow-draft vessel with no superstructure that is used for the 

transport of cargo and ships’ stores or for general utility purposes. See also 

watercraft. (JP 4-01.6) 

barometric altitude — (*) The altitude determined by a barometric altimeter by reference 

to a pressure level and calculated according to the standard atmosphere laws. See also

altitude.

barrage — 1. A prearranged barrier of fires, except that delivered by small arms, designed 

to protect friendly troops and installations by impeding enemy movements across 

defensive lines or areas. 2. A protective screen of balloons that is moored to the 

ground and kept at given heights to prevent or hinder operations by enemy aircraft. 

This meaning also called balloon barrage. 3. A type of electronic attack intended for 

simultaneous jamming over a wide area of frequency spectrum. See also barrage 

jamming; electronic warfare; fires.

barrage fire — (*) Fire which is designed to fill a volume of space or area rather than 

aimed specifically at a given target. See also fire. 

barrage jamming — Simultaneous electromagnetic jamming over a broad band of 

frequencies. See also jamming.

barricade — See aircraft arresting barrier.

barrier — A coordinated series of obstacles designed or employed to channel, direct, 

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

losses in personnel, time, and equipment on the opposing force. Barriers can exist 

naturally, be man-made, or a combination of both. (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. It is used as far from the force as control conditions permit, 

giving added protection against raids that use the most direct routes of approach. See 

also combat air patrol.

barrier forces — Air, surface, and submarine units and their supporting systems positioned 

across the likely courses of expected enemy transit for early detection and providing 

rapid warning, blocking, and destruction of the enemy. 

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. The plan may designate locations of obstacle zones or belts. It is 

normally prepared as an annex to a campaign plan, operation plan, or operation order. 

(JP 3-15) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

58 JP 1-02 

bar scale — See graphic scale; scale.

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

locality containing installations which provide logistic or other support. See also 

establishment. 3. Home airfield or home carrier. See also base of operations; 

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) 

base commander — In base defense operations, the officer assigned to command a base. 

(JP 3-10) 

base complex — See Army base; installation complex; Marine base; naval base; naval 

or Marine (air) base. See also noncontiguous facility. 

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 US forces. (JP 3-10) 

base defense forces — Troops assigned or attached to a base for the primary purpose of 

base defense and security as well as augmentees and selectively armed personnel 

available to the base commander for base defense from units performing primary 

missions other than base defense. (JP 3-10) 

base defense operations center — A command and control facility, with responsibilities 

similar to a base cluster operations center, established by the base commander to serve 

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

coordinates, and controls all base defense efforts. 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. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 59 

Base defense zones have specific entry, exit, and identification, friend or foe procedures 

established. Also called BDZ. (JP 3-10) 

base development (less force beddown) — The acquisition, development, expansion, 

improvement, and construction and/or replacement of the facilities and resources of an 

area or location to support forces employed in military operations or deployed in 

accordance with strategic plans. (JP 3-34) 

base development plan — A plan for the facilities, installations, and bases required to 

support military operations. 

base element — See base unit.

base line — 1. (surveying) A surveyed line established with more than usual care, to 

which surveys are referred for coordination and correlation. 2. (photogrammetry)

The line between the principal points of two consecutive vertical air photographs. It is 

usually measured on one photograph after the principal point of the other has been 

transferred. 3. (radio navigation systems) The shorter arc of the great circle joining 

two radio transmitting stations of a navigation system. 4. (triangulation) The side of 

one of a series of coordinated triangles the length of which is measured with prescribed 

accuracy and precision and from which lengths of the other triangle sides are obtained 

by computation. 

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

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

base map — (*) A map or chart showing certain fundamental information, used as a base 

upon which additional data of specialized nature are compiled or overprinted. Also, a 

map containing all the information from which maps showing specialized information 

can be prepared. See also chart base; map.

base of operations — An area or facility from which a military force begins its offensive 

operations, to which it falls back in case of reverse, and in which supply facilities are 

organized. 

base period — That period of time for which factors were determined for use in current 

planning and programming. 

base plan — In the context of joint operation planning level 2 planning detail, a type of 

operation plan that describes the concept of operations, major forces, sustainment 

concept, and anticipated timelines for completing the mission. It normally does not 

include annexes or a time-phased force and deployment data. (JP 5-0) 

base section — An area within the communications zone in an operational area organized to 

provide logistic support to forward areas. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

60 JP 1-02 

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

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

military forces engaged in either homeland defense or civil support operations. Also 

called BSI. (JP 3-28) 

base surge — (*) A cloud which rolls out from the bottom of the column produced by a 

subsurface burst of a nuclear weapon. For underwater bursts the surge is, in effect, a 

cloud of liquid droplets which has the property of flowing almost as if it were a 

homogeneous fluid. For subsurface land bursts the surge is made up of small solid 

particles but still behaves like a fluid. 

base unit — Unit of organization in a tactical operation around which a movement or 

maneuver is planned and performed. 

basic cover — Coverage of any installation or area of a permanent nature with which later 

coverage can be compared to discover any changes that have taken place. 

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

potential significance as objectives for attack. Also called BE.

basic intelligence — Fundamental intelligence concerning the general situation, resources, 

capabilities, and vulnerabilities of foreign countries or areas which may be used as 

reference material in the planning of operations at any level and in evaluating 

subsequent information relating to the same subject. 

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

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

the unit or formation and maintained at the prescribed levels. 

basic military route network — (*) Axial, lateral, and connecting routes designated in 

peacetime by the host nation to meet the anticipated military movements and transport 

requirements, both Allied and national. 

basic research — Research directed toward the increase of knowledge, the primary aim 

being a greater knowledge or understanding of the subject under study. See also

research.

basic stocks — (*) Stocks to support the execution of approved operational plans for an 

initial predetermined period. See also sustaining stocks.

basic stopping power — (*) The probability, expressed as a percentage, of a single vehicle 

being stopped by mines while attempting to cross a minefield. 

basic tactical organization — The conventional organization of landing force units for 

combat, involving combinations of infantry, supporting ground arms, and aviation for 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 61 

accomplishment of missions ashore. This organizational form is employed as soon as 

possible following the landing of the various assault components of the landing force. 

basic undertakings — The essential things, expressed in broad terms, that must be done in 

order to implement the commander’s concept successfully. These may include 

military, diplomatic, economic, informational, and other measures. See also strategic 

concept.

basis of issue — Authority that prescribes the number of items to be issued to an individual, 

a unit, a military organization, or for a unit piece of equipment. 

bathymetric contour — See depth contour.

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) 

battery — (*) 1. Tactical and administrative artillery unit or subunit corresponding to a 

company or similar unit in other branches of the Army. 2. All guns, torpedo tubes, 

searchlights, or missile launchers of the same size or caliber or used for the same 

purpose, either installed in one ship or otherwise operating as an entity. 

battery center — (*) A point on the ground, the coordinates of which are used as a 

reference indicating the location of the battery in the production of firing data. Also 

called chart location of the battery.

battery (troop) left (right) — A method of fire in which weapons are discharged from the 

left (right), one after the other, at five second intervals. 

battle damage assessment — The estimate of damage resulting from the application of 

lethal or nonlethal military force. Battle damage assessment is composed of physical 

damage assessment, functional damage assessment, and target system assessment. 

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. 

battlefield coordination detachment — An Army liaison that provides selected 

operational functions between the Army forces and the air component commander. 

Battlefield coordination detachment located in the air operations center interface 

includes exchanging current intelligence and operational data, support requirements, 

coordinating the integration of Army forces requirements for airspace coordinating 

measures, fire support coordination measures, and theater airlift. Also called BCD. 

See also Air Force air and space operations center; liaison. (JP 3-03) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

62 JP 1-02 

battlefield illumination — (*) The lighting of the battle area by artificial light, either 

visible or invisible to the naked eye. 

battlefield surveillance — (*) Systematic observation of the battle area for the purpose of 

providing timely information and combat intelligence. See also surveillance.

battle force — A standing operational naval task force organization of carriers, surface 

combatants, and submarines assigned to numbered fleets. A battle force is subdivided 

into battle groups. 

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. Also 

called BM. (JP 3-01) 

battle reserves — Reserve supplies accumulated by an army, detached corps, or detached 

division in the vicinity of the battlefield, in addition to unit and individual reserves. See 

also reserve supplies.

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

synchronize current and future operations. (JP 3-33) 

battlespace awareness — Knowledge and understanding of the operational area’s 

environment, factors, and conditions, to include the status of friendly and adversary 

forces, neutrals and noncombatants, weather and terrain, that enables timely, relevant, 

comprehensive, and accurate assessments, in order to successfully apply combat power, 

protect the force, and/or complete the mission. (JP 2-01) 

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) 

beach capacity — (*) An estimate, expressed in terms of measurement tons, or weight 

tons, of cargo that may be unloaded over a designated strip of shore per day. See also

clearance capacity; port capacity.

beach group — See naval beach group; shore party.

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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 63 

beach landing site — A geographic location selected for across-the-beach infiltration, 

exfiltration, or resupply operations. Also called BLS. (JP 3-05) 

beach marker — A sign or device used to identify a beach or certain activities thereon for 

incoming waterborne traffic. Markers may be panels, lights, buoys, or electronic 

devices. 

beachmaster — The naval officer in command of the beachmaster unit of the naval beach 

group. Also called BM. 

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 party commander — The naval officer in command of the naval component of the 

shore party. 

beach photography — Vertical, oblique, ground, and periscope coverage at varying scales 

to provide information of offshore, shore, and inland areas. It covers terrain that 

provides observation of the beaches and is primarily concerned with the geological and 

tactical aspects of the beach. 

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

elements thereof, established and operated by shore party units, which contains the 

facilities for the unloading of troops and materiel and the support of the forces ashore; it 

includes facilities for the evacuation of wounded, enemy prisoners of war, and captured 

materiel. Also called BSA. (JP 3-02) 

beach survey — The collection of data describing the physical characteristics of a beach; 

that is, an area whose boundaries are a shoreline, a coastline, and two natural or 

arbitrary assigned flanks. 

beach width — The horizontal dimensions of the beach measured at right angles to the 

shoreline from the line of extreme low water inland to the landward limit of the beach 

(the coastline). 

beam rider — A missile guided by an electronic beam. 

beam width — The angle between the directions, on either side of the axis, at which the 

intensity of the radio frequency field drops to one-half the value it has on the axis. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

64 JP 1-02 

bearing — The horizontal angle at a given point measured clockwise from a specific datum 

point to a second point. See also grid bearing; relative bearing; true bearing. 

beaten zone — The area on the ground upon which the cone of fire falls. 

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. At this time, light intensification devices are no 

longer effective, and the sun is six degrees below the eastern horizon. Also called 

BMCT. 

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

in the absence of other illumination, enough light is available to identify the general 

outlines of ground objects and conduct limited military operations. Light 

intensification devices are still effective and may have enhanced capabilities. At this 

time, the sun is 12 degrees below the eastern horizon. Also called BMNT. 

beleaguered — See missing.

berm, natural — The nearly horizontal portion of a beach or backshore having an abrupt 

fall and formed by deposition of material by wave action. A berm marks the limit of 

ordinary high tide. For air cushion vehicles, berms (constructed) are required to protect 

materials handling equipment operations. See also backshore. (JP 4-01.6) 

besieged — See missing.

bight — A bend in a coast forming an open bay or an open bay formed by such a bend. 

(JP 4-01.6) 

bilateral infrastructure — (*) Infrastructure which concerns only two NATO members 

and is financed by mutual agreement between them (e.g., facilities required for the use 

of forces of one NATO member in the territory of another). See also infrastructure. 

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

billet — 1. Shelter for troops. 2. To quarter troops. 3. A personnel position or assignment 

that may be filled by one person. 

binding — (*) The fastening or securing of items to a movable platform called a pallet. 

See also palletized unit load.

bin storage — Storage of items of supplies and equipment in an individual compartment or 

subdivision of a storage unit in less than bulk quantities. See also bulk storage; 

storage.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 65 

biographical intelligence — That component of intelligence that deals with individual 

foreign personalities of actual or potential importance. 

biological agent — A microorganism that causes disease in personnel, plants, or animals or 

causes the deterioration of materiel. See also biological weapon; chemical agent. 

(JP 3-11) 

biological half-time — See half-life.

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

threat to human or animal health. This can include medical waste, samples of a 

microorganism, virus, or toxin (from a biological source) that can impact human health. 

(JP 3-11)

biological warfare — Employment of biological agents to produce casualties in personnel 

or animals, or damage to plants or materiel; or defense against such employment. 

(JP 3-11) 

biological weapon — An item of materiel which projects, disperses, or disseminates a 

biological agent including arthropod vectors. (JP 3-11) 

biometric — Measurable physical characteristic or personal behavior trait used to recognize 

the identity or verify the claimed identity of an individual. (JP 2-0) 

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

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

black — In intelligence handling, a term used in certain phrases (e.g., living black, black 

border crossing) to indicate reliance on illegal concealment rather than on cover. 

black list — An official counterintelligence listing of actual or potential enemy 

collaborators, sympathizers, intelligence suspects, and other persons whose presence 

menaces the security of friendly forces. 

black propaganda — Propaganda that purports to emanate from a source other than the 

true one. See also propaganda. 

blast effect — Destruction of or damage to structures and personnel by the force of an 

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

the cratering and ground-shock effects of a projectile or charge that goes off beneath 

the surface. 

blast line — A horizontal radial line on the surface of the Earth originating at ground zero 

on which measurements of blast from an explosion are taken. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

66 JP 1-02 

blast wave — A sharply defined wave of increased pressure rapidly propagated through a 

surrounding medium from a center of detonation or similar disturbance. 

blast wave diffraction — (*) The passage around and envelopment of a structure by the 

nuclear blast wave. 

bleeding edge — (*) That edge of a map or chart on which cartographic detail is extended 

to the edge of the sheet. 

blind transmission — Any transmission of information that is made without expectation of 

acknowledgement. (JP 3-05) 

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

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

blocking and chocking — (*) The use of wedges or chocks to prevent the inadvertent 

shifting of cargo in transit. 

blocking position — A defensive position so sited as to deny the enemy access to a given 

area or to prevent the enemy’s advance in a given direction. 

block shipment — A method of shipment of supplies to overseas areas to provide balanced 

stocks or an arbitrary balanced force for a specific number of days, e.g., shipment of 30 

days’ supply for an average force of 10,000 individuals. 

block stowage loading — (*) A method of loading whereby all cargo for a specific destination 

is stowed together. The purpose is to facilitate rapid off-loading at the destination, with the 

least possible disturbance of cargo intended for other points. See also loading.

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) 

blood chit (intelligence) — See blood chit.

blowback — (*) 1. Escape, to the rear and under pressure, of gases formed during the firing of 

the weapon. Blowback may be caused by a defective breech mechanism, a ruptured 

cartridge case, or a faulty primer. 2. Type of weapon operation in which the force of 

expanding gases acting to the rear against the face of the bolt furnishes all the energy 

required to initiate the complete cycle of operation. A weapon which employs this method 

of operation is characterized by the absence of any breech-lock or bolt-lock mechanism. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 67 

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. 

blue force tracking — Employment of techniques to actively or passively identify or track 

US, allied, or coalition forces for the purpose of providing the combatant commander 

enhanced situational awareness and reducing fratricide. Also called BFT. (JP 3-14) 

board — An organized group of individuals within a joint force commander’s headquarters, 

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

guidance or decision. Its responsibilities and authority are governed by the authority 

which established the board. (JP 3-33) 

boat group — The basic organization of landing craft. One boat group is organized for 

each battalion landing team (or equivalent) to be landed in the first trip of landing craft 

or amphibious vehicles. (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 to determine the capacity of boats, landing 

craft, and amphibious vehicles. With respect to landing craft and amphibious vehicles, 

it is based on the requirements of one person with individual equipment. The person is 

assumed to weigh 224 pounds and to occupy 13.5 cubic feet of space. See also man 

space. (JP 3-02) 

boattail — (*) The conical section of a ballistic body that progressively decreases in 

diameter toward the tail to reduce overall aerodynamic drag. 

boat wave — See wave.

bomb disposal unit — See explosive ordnance disposal unit.

bomber — See intermediate-range bomber aircraft; long-range bomber aircraft; 

medium-range bomber aircraft.

bomb impact plot — A graphic representation of the target area, usually a pre-strike air 

photograph, on which prominent dots are plotted to mark the impact or detonation 

points of bombs dropped on a specific bombing attack. 

bombing angle — (*) The angle between the vertical and a line joining the aircraft to what 

would be the point of impact of a bomb released from it at that instant. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

68 JP 1-02 

bombing run — (*) In air bombing, that part of the flight that begins, normally from an 

initial point, with the approach to the target, includes target acquisition, and ends 

normally at the weapon release point. 

bomb release line — (*) An imaginary line around a defended area or objective over which an 

aircraft should release its bomb in order to obtain a hit or hits on an area or objective. 

bomb release point — (*) The point in space at which bombs must be released to reach the 

desired point of detonation. 

bona fides — Good faith. 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) 

bonding — (*) In electrical engineering, the process of connecting together metal parts so 

that they make low resistance electrical contact for direct current and lower frequency 

alternating currents. See also earthing.

booby trap — (*) An explosive or nonexplosive device or other material, deliberately 

placed to cause casualties when an apparently harmless object is disturbed or a 

normally safe act is performed. 

booster — (*) 1. A high-explosive element sufficiently sensitive so as to be actuated by 

small explosive elements in a fuze or primer and powerful enough to cause detonation 

of the main explosive filling. 2. An auxiliary or initial propulsion system which travels 

with a missile or aircraft and which may or may not separate from the parent craft when 

its impulse has been delivered. A booster system may contain, or consist of, one or 

more units. 

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) 

border — (*) In cartography, the area of a map or chart lying between the neatline and the 

surrounding framework. 

border break — (*) A cartographic technique used when it is required to extend a portion 

of the cartographic detail of a map or chart beyond the sheetlines into the margin. 

border crosser — (*) An individual, living close to a frontier, who normally has to cross 

the frontier frequently for legitimate purposes. 

boresafe fuze — (*) Type of fuze having an interrupter in the explosive train that prevents 

a projectile from exploding until after it has cleared the muzzle of a weapon. 

bottom mine — A mine with negative buoyancy which remains on the seabed. Also called

ground mine. See also mine. (JP 3-15) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 69 

bound — (*) 1. In land warfare, a single movement, usually from cover to cover, made by 

troops often under enemy fire. 2. (DOD only) Distance covered in one movement by 

a unit that is advancing by bounds. 

boundary — A line that delineates surface areas for the purpose of facilitating coordination 

and deconfliction of operations between adjacent units, formations, or areas. See also

airspace control boundary. (JP 3-0) 

bouquet mine — (*) In naval mine warfare, a mine in which a number of buoyant mine 

cases are attached to the same sinker, so that when the mooring of one mine case is cut, 

another mine rises from the sinker to its set depth. See also mine.

bracketing — (*) A method of adjusting fire in which a bracket is established by obtaining 

an over and a short along the spotting line, and then successively splitting the bracket in 

half until a target hit or desired bracket is obtained. 

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. Unlike an annex, a branch is not merely an overflow addition. 3. An 

arm or service of the Army. 4. The contingency options built into the base plan. A 

branch is 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) 

breakaway — (*) 1. The onset of a condition in which the shock front moves away from 

the exterior of the expanding fireball produced by the explosion of a nuclear weapon. 

2. (DOD only) After completion of attack, turn to heading as directed. 

breakbulk cargo — Any commodity that, because of its weight, dimensions, or 

incompatibility with other cargo, must be shipped by mode other than military van or 

SEAVAN. See also breakbulk ship. (JP 4-01.7) 

breakbulk ship — A ship with conventional holds for stowage of breakbulk cargo, below 

or above deck, and equipped with cargo-handling gear. Ships also may be capable of 

carrying a limited number of containers, above or below deck. See also breakbulk 

cargo. (JP 4-01.7) 

breaker — A wave in the process of losing energy where offshore energy loss is caused by 

wind action and nearshore energy loss is caused by the impact of the sea floor as the 

wave enters shallow (shoaling) water. Breakers either plunge, spill, or surge. See also 

breaker angle. (JP 4-01.6) 

breaker angle — The angle a breaker makes with the beach. See also breaker. (JP 4-01.6) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

70 JP 1-02 

breakoff position — (*) The position at which a leaver or leaver section breaks off from 

the main convoy to proceed to a different destination. 

break-up — (*) 1. In detection by radar, the separation of one solid return into a number 

of individual returns which correspond to the various objects or structure groupings. 

This separation is contingent upon a number of factors including range, beam width, 

gain setting, object size and distance between objects. 2. In imagery interpretation, the 

result of magnification or enlargement which causes the imaged item to lose its identity 

and the resultant presentation to become a random series of tonal impressions. Also 

called split-up.

brevity code — A code which provides no security but which has as its sole purpose the 

shortening of messages rather than the concealment of their content. (JP 3-04) 

bridgehead — An area of ground held or to be gained on the enemy’s side of an obstacle. 

See also airhead; beachhead.

bridgehead line — (*) The limit of the objective area in the development of the 

bridgehead. See also objective area.

briefing — (*) The act of giving in advance specific instructions or information. 

brigade — A unit usually smaller than a division to which are attached groups and/or battalions 

and smaller units tailored to meet anticipated requirements. Also called BDE.

broach — When a water craft is thrown broadside to the wind and waves, against a bar, or 

against the shoreline. (JP 4-01.6) 

buddy-aid — Acute medical care (first aid) provided by a non-medical Service member to 

another person. (JP 4-02) 

buffer distance — (*) In nuclear warfare: 1. The horizontal distance which, when added to 

the radius of safety, will give the desired assurance that the specified degree of risk will 

not be exceeded. The buffer distance is normally expressed quantitatively in multiples 

of the delivery error. 2. The vertical distance which is added to the fallout safe-height 

of burst in order to determine a desired height of burst which will provide the desired 

assurance that militarily significant fallout will not occur. It is normally expressed 

quantitatively in multiples of the vertical error. 

buffer zone — 1. A defined area controlled by a peace operations force from which 

disputing or belligerent forces have been excluded. A buffer zone is formed to create 

an area of separation between disputing or belligerent forces and reduce the risk of 

renewed conflict. Also called area of separation in some United Nations operations. 

Also called BZ. See also area of separation; line of demarcation; peace operations. 

2. A conical volume centered on the laser’s line of sight with its apex at the aperture of 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 71 

the laser, within which the beam will be contained with a high degree of certainty. It is 

determined by the buffer angle. See also laser. (JP 3-07.3) 

bug — 1. A concealed microphone or listening device or other audiosurveillance device. 2. 

To install means for audiosurveillance. 

bugged — Room or object that contains a concealed listening device. 

building systems — Structures assembled from manufactured components designed to 

provide specific building configurations (e.g., large steel arch structures, large span 

tension fabric structures, panelized buildings, and pre-engineered buildings). (JP 3-34) 

buildup — (*) The process of attaining prescribed strength of units and prescribed levels of 

vehicles, equipment, stores, and supplies. Also may be applied to the means of 

accomplishing this process. 

bulk cargo — That which is generally shipped in volume where the transportation 

conveyance is the only external container; such as liquids, ore, or grain. 

bulk petroleum product — A liquid petroleum product transported by various means and 

stored in tanks or containers having an individual fill capacity greater than 250 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. 

See also bin storage; storage.

bullseye — An established reference point from which the position of an object can be 

referenced. See also reference point. (JP 3-60) 

bureau — A long-standing functional organization, with a supporting staff designed to perform 

a specific function or activity within a joint force commander’s headquarters. (JP 3-33) 

burn notice — An official statement by one intelligence agency to other agencies, domestic 

or foreign, that an individual or group is unreliable for any of a variety of reasons. 

burnout — (*) The point in time or in the missile trajectory when combustion of fuels in 

the rocket engine is terminated by other than programmed cutoff. 

burnout velocity — (*) The velocity attained by a missile at the point of burnout. 

burn-through range — The distance at which a specific radar can discern targets through 

the external interference being received. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

72 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

C 

JP 1-02 73 

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 concealment; evader; 

evasion; recovery; recovery operations. (JP 3-50) 

calibrated focal length — (*) An adjusted value of the equivalent focal length, so 

computed as to equalize the positive and negative values of distortion over the entire 

field used in a camera. 

call fire — Fire delivered on a specific target in response to a request from the supported 

unit. See also fire.

call for fire — (*) A request for fire containing data necessary for obtaining the required 

fire on a target. 

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. See also collective 

call sign; indefinite call sign; international call sign; net call sign; tactical call sign; 

visual call sign; voice call sign.

camera axis — (*) An imaginary line through the optical center of the lens perpendicular 

to the negative photo plane. 

camera axis direction — (*) Direction on the horizontal plane of the optical axis of the 

camera at the time of exposure. This direction is defined by its azimuth expressed in 

degrees in relation to true/magnetic north. 

camera calibration — (*) The determination of the calibrated focal length, the location of 

the principal point with respect to the fiducial marks and the lens distortion effective in 

the focal plane of the camera referred to the particular calibrated focal length. 

camera cycling rate — (*) The frequency with which camera frames are exposed, 

expressed as cycles per second. 

camera nadir — See photo nadir.

camouflage — (*) The use of natural or artificial material on personnel, objects, or tactical 

positions with the aim of confusing, misleading, or evading the enemy. 

camouflage detection photography — (*) Photography utilizing a special type of film 

(usually infrared) designed for the detection of camouflage. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

74 JP 1-02 

camouflet — (*) The resulting cavity in a deep underground burst when there is no rupture 

of the surface. See also crater.

campaign — A series of related major 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; campaign planning. (JP 5-0) 

campaign planning — The process whereby combatant commanders and subordinate joint 

force commanders translate national or theater strategy into operational concepts 

through the development of an operation plan for a campaign. Campaign planning may 

begin during contingency planning when the actual threat, national guidance, and 

available resources become evident, but is normally not completed until after the 

President or Secretary of Defense selects the course of action during crisis action 

planning. Campaign planning is conducted when contemplated military operations 

exceed the scope of a single major joint operation. See also campaign; campaign 

plan. (JP 5-0) 

canalize — To restrict operations to a narrow zone by use of existing or reinforcing 

obstacles or by fire or bombing. 

candidate target list — A list of objects or entities submitted by component commanders, 

appropriate agencies, or the joint force commander’s staff for further development and 

inclusion on the joint target list and/or restricted target list, or moved to the no-strike 

list. Also called CTL. See also joint integrated prioritized target list; target, target 

nomination list. (JP 3-60) 

cannibalize — To remove serviceable parts from one item of equipment in order to install 

them on another item of equipment. 

cannot observe — (*) A type of fire control which indicates that the observer or spotter 

will be unable to adjust fire, but believes a target exists at the given location and is of 

sufficient importance to justify firing upon it without adjustment or observation. 

cantilever lifting frame — Used to move Navy lighterage causeway systems on to and off 

of lighter aboard ship (LASH) vessels. This device is suspended from the Morgan 

LASH barge crane and can lift one causeway section at a time. It is designed to allow 

the long sections to clear the rear of the ship as they are lowered into the water. Also 

called CLF. See also causeway; lighterage. (JP 4-01.6) 

capability — The ability to execute a specified course of action. (A capability may or may 

not be accompanied by an intention.) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 75 

capacity load (Navy) — The maximum quantity of all supplies (ammunition; petroleum, 

oils, and lubricants; rations; general stores; maintenance stores; etc.) which each vessel 

can carry in proportions prescribed by proper authority. See also wartime load.

capstone publications — The top joint doctrine publication in the hierarchy of joint 

publications. The capstone publication links joint doctrine to national strategy and the 

contributions of other government agencies, alliances, and coalitions, and reinforces 

policy for command and control. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff signs this 

publication, and it is intended to be used by combatant commanders, subunified 

commanders, joint task force commanders, Service Chiefs, and Joint Staff directors. 

See also joint publication; keystone publications. (CJCSI 5120.02A) 

capstone requirements document — A document that contains performance-based 

requirements to facilitate development of individual operational requirements 

documents by providing a common framework and operational concept to guide their 

development. Also called CRD.

capsule — (*) 1. A sealed, pressurized cabin for extremely high altitude or space flight 

which provides an acceptable environment for man, animal, or equipment. 2. An 

ejectable sealed cabin having automatic devices for safe return of the occupants to the 

surface. 

captive firing — (*) A firing test of short duration, conducted with the missile propulsion 

system operating while secured to a test stand. 

captured — See missing.

cardinal point effect — (*) The increased intensity of a line or group of returns on the 

radarscope occurring when the radar beam is perpendicular to the rectangular surface of 

a line or group of similarly aligned features in the ground pattern. 

caretaker status — A nonoperating condition in which the installations, materiel, and 

facilities are in a care and limited preservation status. Only a minimum of personnel is 

required to safeguard against fire, theft, and damage from the elements. 

cargo classification (combat loading) — The division of military cargo into categories for 

combat loading aboard ships.

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. 

cargo outturn message — A brief message report transmitted within 48 hours of 

completion of ship discharge to advise both the Military Sealift Command and the 

terminal of loading of the condition of the cargo, including any discrepancies in the 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

76 JP 1-02 

form of overages, shortages, or damages between cargo as manifested and cargo as 

checked at time of discharge. 

cargo outturn report — A detailed report prepared by a discharging terminal to record 

discrepancies in the form of over, short, and damaged cargo as manifested, and cargo 

checked at a time and place of discharge from ship. 

cargo sling — (*) A strap, chain, or other material used to hold cargo items securely which 

are to be hoisted, lowered, or suspended. 

cargo tie-down point — A point on military materiel designed for attachment of various 

means for securing the item for transport. 

cargo transporter — A reusable metal shipping container designed for worldwide surface 

and air movement of suitable military supplies and equipment through the cargo 

transporter service. 

carpet bombing — (*) The progressive distribution of a mass bomb load upon an area 

defined by designated boundaries, in such manner as to inflict damage to all portions 

thereof. 

carrier air wing — Two or more aircraft squadrons formed under one commander for 

administrative and tactical control of operations from a carrier. 

carrier strike group — A standing naval task group consisting of a carrier, embarked 

airwing, 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 3-02) 

carrier striking force — A naval task force composed of aircraft carriers and supporting 

combatant ships capable of conducting strike operations. 

cartridge actuated device — Small explosive devices used to eject stores from launched 

devices, actuate other explosive systems, or provide initiation for aircrew escape 

devices. Also called CAD. (JP 3-04) 

CARVER — A special operations forces acronym used throughout the targeting and 

mission planning cycle to assess mission validity and requirements. The acronym 

stands for criticality, accessibility, recuperability, vulnerability, effect, and 

recognizability. (JP 3-05.1) 

case — 1. An intelligence operation in its entirety. 2. Record of the development of an 

intelligence operation, including personnel, modus operandi, and objectives. 

casual — See transient.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 77 

casualty — Any person who is lost to the organization by having been declared dead, duty 

status – whereabouts unknown, missing, ill, or injured. See also casualty category; 

casualty status; casualty type; duty status – whereabouts unknown; hostile 

casualty; nonhostile casualty. (JP 4-02) 

casualty category — A term used to specifically classify a casualty for reporting purposes 

based upon the casualty type and the casualty status. Casualty categories include killed 

in action, died of wounds received in action, and wounded in action. See also casualty; 

casualty status; casualty type; duty status - whereabouts unknown; missing. (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 receiving and treatment ship — In amphibious operations, a ship designated to 

receive, provide treatment for, and transfer casualties. (JP 3-02) 

casualty status — A term used to classify a casualty for reporting purposes. There are 

seven casualty statuses: (1) deceased; (2) duty status - whereabouts unknown; (3) 

missing; (4) very seriously ill or injured; (5) seriously ill or injured; (6) incapacitating 

illness or injury; and (7) not seriously injured. See also casualty; casualty category; 

casualty type; deceased; duty status - whereabouts unknown; incapacitating 

illness or injury; missing; not seriously injured; seriously ill or injured; very 

seriously ill or injured. (JP 4-02)

casualty type — A term used to identify a casualty for reporting purposes as either a hostile 

casualty or a nonhostile casualty. See also casualty; casualty category; casualty 

status; hostile casualty; nonhostile casualty. (JP 4-02) 

catalytic attack — An attack designed to bring about a war between major powers through 

the disguised machinations of a third power. 

catalytic war — Not to be used. See catalytic attack.

catapult — (*) A structure which provides an auxiliary source of thrust to a missile or 

aircraft; must combine the functions of directing and accelerating the missile during its 

travel on the catapult; serves the same functions for a missile as does a gun tube for a 

shell. 

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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

78 JP 1-02 

categories of data — In the context of perception management and its constituent 

approaches, data obtained by adversary individuals, groups, intelligence systems, and 

officials. Such data fall in two categories: a. information — A compilation of data 

provided by protected or open sources that would provide a substantially complete 

picture of friendly intentions, capabilities, or activities. b. indicators — Data derived 

from open sources or from detectable actions that adversaries can piece together or 

interpret to reach personal conclusions or official estimates concerning friendly 

intentions, capabilities, or activities. (Note: In operations security, actions that convey 

indicators exploitable by adversaries, but that must be carried out regardless, to plan, 

prepare for, and execute activities, are called “observables.”) See also operations 

security.

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. See also barge; watercraft. 

(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) 

caveat — A designator used with a classification to further limit the dissemination of 

restricted information. (JP 3-07.4) 

C-day — See times.

cease fire — 1. A command given to any unit or individual firing any weapon to stop 

engaging the target. See also call for fire; fire mission. 2. A command given to air 

defense artillery units to refrain from firing on, but to continue to track, an airborne 

object. Missiles already in flight will be permitted to continue to intercept. 

cease fire line — See armistice demarcation line. See also armistice; cease fire. 

(JP 3-07.3) 

ceiling — The height above the Earth’s surface of the lowest layer of clouds or obscuration 

phenomena that is reported as “broken,” “overcast,” or “obscured” and not classified as 

“thin” or “partial.” 

celestial guidance — The guidance of a missile or other vehicle by reference to celestial 

bodies. 

celestial sphere — (*) An imaginary sphere of infinite radius concentric with the Earth, on 

which all celestial bodies except the Earth are imagined to be projected. 

cell — A subordinate organization formed around a specific process, capability, or activity 

within a designated larger organization of a joint force commander’s headquarters. A 

cell usually is part of both a functional and traditional staff structures. (JP 3-33) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 79 

cell system — See net, chain, cell system. 

censorship — See armed forces censorship; civil censorship; field press censorship; 

national censorship; primary censorship; prisoner of war censorship; secondary 

censorship.

center — An enduring functional organization, with a supporting staff, designed to perform 

a joint function within a joint force commander’s headquarters. (JP 3-33) 

center of burst — See mean point of impact.

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 3-0) 

centigray — A unit of absorbed dose of radiation (one centigray equals one rad). (JP 

3-11) 

central control officer — The officer designated by the amphibious task force commander 

for the overall coordination of the waterborne ship-to-shore movement. The central 

control officer is embarked in the central control ship. 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. 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) 

centralized receiving and shipping point — Actual location where containers with cargo 

must be sorted before transshipment to the appropriate supply support activity or 

owning unit. Single consignee cargo and ammunition will not pass through the 

centralized receiving and shipping point. Cargo will be shipped directly to the owner 

with the movement organization maintaining visibility, and ammunition will go directly 

to the appropriate ammunition storage facility. Also called CRSP. (JP 4-01.7) 

centrally managed item — An item of materiel subject to inventory control point 

(wholesale level) management. 

central procurement — The procurement of materiel, supplies, or services by an officially 

designated command or agency with funds specifically provided for such procurement 

for the benefit and use of the entire component or, in the case of single managers, for 

the Military Departments as a whole. 

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. Causes enemy radar guided missiles to lock on to it instead of the real 

aircraft, ship, or other platform. See also deception; rope.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

80 JP 1-02 

chain — See net, chain, cell system. 

chain of command — (*) The succession of commanding officers from a superior to a 

subordinate through which command is exercised. Also called command channel.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff instruction — A replacement 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. An instruction is of 

indefinite duration and is applicable to external agencies, or both the Joint Staff and 

external agencies. It remains in effect until superseded, rescinded, or otherwise 

canceled. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff instructions, unlike joint publications, 

will not contain joint doctrine. Terminology used in these publications will be 

consistent with JP 1-02. Also called CJCSI. See also Chairman of the Joint Chiefs 

of Staff manual. (CJCSI 5120.02) 

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. 

A manual is of indefinite duration and is applicable to external agencies or both the 

Joint Staff and external agencies. It may supplement a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of 

Staff instruction or stand alone and remains in effect until superseded, rescinded, or 

otherwise canceled. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff manuals, unlike joint 

publications, will not contain joint doctrine. Terminology used in these publications 

will be consistent with JP 1-02. Also called CJCSM. See also Chairman of the Joint 

Chiefs of Staff instruction. (CJCSI 5120.02) 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff memorandum of policy — A statement of policy 

approved by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and issued for the guidance of 

the Services, the combatant commands, and the Joint Staff. 

Chairman’s program assessment — Provides the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s 

personal appraisal on alternative program recommendations and budget proposals to 

the Secretary of Defense for consideration in refining the defense program and budget 

in accordance with 10 United States Code. The Chairman’s program assessment 

comments on the risk associated with the programmed allocation of Defense resources 

and evaluates the conformance of program objective memoranda to the priorities 

established in strategic plans and combatant commanders’ priority requirements. Also 

called CPA.

Chairman’s program recommendations — Provides the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of 

Staff’s personal recommendations to the Secretary of Defense for the programming and 

budgeting process before publishing the Defense Planning Guidance (DPG) in 

accordance with 10 United States Code. The Chairman’s program recommendations 

articulates programs the Chairman deems critical for the Secretary of Defense to 

consider when identifying Department of Defense (DOD) priorities and performance 

goals in the DPG and emphasizes specific recommendations that will enhance joint 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 81 

readiness, promote joint doctrine and training, improve joint warfighting capabilities, 

and satisfy joint warfighting requirements within DOD resource constraints and within 

acceptable risk levels. Also called CPR.

chalk commander — (*) The commander of all troops embarked under one chalk number. 

See also chalk number; chalk troops.

chalk number — The number given to a complete load and to the transporting carrier. See 

also chalk commander; chalk troops. (JP 3-17) 

chalk troops — (*) A load of troops defined by a particular chalk number. See also chalk 

commander; chalk number.

challenge — (*) Any process carried out by one unit or person with the object of 

ascertaining the friendly or hostile character or identity of another. See also

countersign; password.

chancery — The building upon a diplomatic or consular compound which houses the 

offices of the chief of mission or principal officer. 

change detection — An image enhancement technique that compares two images of the 

same area from different time periods. Identical picture elements are eliminated, 

leaving signatures that have undergone change. (JP 2-03) 

channel airlift — Provides regularly scheduled airlift for movement of sustainment cargo, 

depending upon volume of workload, between designated aerial ports of embarkation 

and seaports of debarkation over validated contingency or distribution channel routes. 

(JP 3-17)

characteristic actuation probability — In naval mine warfare, the average probability of 

a mine of a given type being actuated by one run of the sweep within the characteristic 

actuation width. 

characteristic actuation width — In naval mine warfare, the width of path over which 

mines can be actuated by a single run of the sweep gear. 

characteristic detection probability — In naval mine warfare, the ratio of the number of 

mines detected on a single run to the number of mines which could have been detected 

within the characteristic detection width. 

characteristic detection width — In naval mine warfare, the width of path over which 

mines can be detected on a single run. 

charged demolition target — (*) A demolition target on which all charges have been 

placed and which is in the states of readiness, either state 1--safe, or state 2--armed. 

See also state of readiness--state 1--safe; state of readiness--state 2--armed. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

82 JP 1-02 

chart base — (*) A chart used as a primary source for compilation or as a framework on 

which new detail is printed. Also called topographic base. 

chart index — See map index.

chart location of the battery — See battery center.

chart series — See map; map series.

chart sheet — See map; map sheet.

check firing — In artillery, mortar, and naval gunfire support, a command to cause a 

temporary halt in firing. See also cease fire; fire mission.

checkout — (*) A sequence of functional, operational, and calibrational tests to determine 

the condition and status of a weapon system or element thereof. 

checkpoint — (*) 1. A predetermined point on the surface of the Earth used as a means of 

controlling movement, a registration target for fire adjustment, or reference for 

location. 2. Center of impact; a burst center. 3. Geographical location on land or 

water above which the position of an aircraft in flight may be determined by 

observation or by electrical means. 4. A place where military police check vehicular 

or pedestrian traffic in order to enforce circulation control measures and other laws, 

orders, and regulations. 

check sweeping — (*) In naval mine warfare, sweeping to check that no moored mines are 

left after a previous clearing operation. 

chemical agent — A chemical substance which is intended for use in military operations to 

kill, seriously injure, or incapacitate mainly through its physiological effects. The term 

excludes riot control agents when used for law enforcement purposes, herbicides, 

smoke, and flames. See also chemical dose; chemical warfare; riot control agent. 

(JP 3-11)

chemical agent cumulative action — The building up, within the human body, of small 

ineffective doses of certain chemical agents to a point where eventual effect is similar 

to one large dose. 

chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense — Measures taken to minimize or 

negate the vulnerabilities and/or effects of a chemical, biological, radiological, or 

nuclear incident. Also called CBRN defense. (JP 3-11) 

chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear environment — Conditions found in an 

area resulting from immediate or persisting effects of chemical, biological, radiological, 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 83 

or nuclear attacks or unintentional releases. Also called CBRN environment. 

(JP 3-11) 

chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear hazard — Chemical, biological, 

radiological, and nuclear elements that could cause an adverse affect through their 

accidental or deliberate release, dissemination, or impacts. Also called CBRN hazard. 

(JP 3-11) 

chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear passive defense — Passive measures 

taken to minimize or negate the vulnerability to, and effects of, chemical, biological, 

radiological, or nuclear attacks. This mission area focuses on maintaining the joint 

force’s ability to continue military operations in a chemical, biological, radiological, or 

nuclear environment. Also called CBRN passive defense. (JP 3-40) 

chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear protection — Measures that are taken to 

keep chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats and hazards from having an 

adverse effect on personnel, equipment, or critical assets and facilities. Also called 

CBRN protection. (JP 3-11) 

chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear sense — Activities that continually 

provide chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threat and hazard information 

and intelligence in a timely manner to support the common operational picture. Also 

called CBRN sense. (JP 3-11) 

chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear shape — The command and control 

activity that integrates the sense, shield, and sustain operational elements to 

characterize chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear hazards and threats and 

employ necessary capabilities to counter their effects. Also called CBRN shape. 

(JP 3-11) 

chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear shield — Individual and collective 

protection measures essential to mitigating the effects of chemical, biological, 

radiological, and nuclear hazards. Also called CBRN shield. (JP 3-11) 

chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear sustain — The decontamination and 

medical activities to restore combat power and continue operations. Also called CBRN 

sustain. (JP 3-11) 

chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosive hazards — Those 

chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosive elements that pose 

or could pose a hazard to individuals. Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and 

high-yield explosive hazards include those created from accidental releases, toxic 

industrial materials (especially air and water poisons), biological pathogens, radioactive 

matter, and high-yield explosives. Also included are any hazards resulting from the 

deliberate employment of weapons of mass destruction during military operations. 

Also called CBRNE hazards. (JP 3-07.2) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

84 JP 1-02 

chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives consequence 

management — The consequence management activities for all deliberate and 

inadvertent releases of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield 

explosives that are undertaken when directed or authorized by the President. Also 

called CBRNE CM. (JP 3-41) 

chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high-yield explosives incident — An 

emergency resulting from the deliberate or unintentional release of nuclear, biological, 

radiological, or toxic or poisonous chemical materials, or the detonation of a high-yield 

explosive. Also called CBRNE incident. (JP 3-28) 

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 counterforce targeting; or the release of 

toxic industrial materials into the environment, involving the emergence of chemical, 

biological, radiological and nuclear hazards. (JP 3-11) 

chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapon — A fully engineered assembly 

designed for employment to cause the release of a chemical or biological agent or 

radiological material onto a chosen target or to generate a nuclear detonation. Also 

called CBRN weapon. (JP 3-11)

chemical dose — (*) The amount of chemical agent, expressed in milligrams, that is taken 

or absorbed by the body. 

chemical hazard — Any chemical manufactured, used, transported, or stored which can 

cause death or other harm through toxic properties of those materials. This includes 

chemical agents and chemical weapons (prohibited under the Chemical Weapons 

Convention), as well as toxic industrial chemicals and toxic industrial materials. (JP 3-11)

chemical horn — (*) In naval mine warfare, a mine horn containing an electric battery, the 

electrolyte for which is in a glass tube protected by a thin metal sheet. Also called

Hertz Horn. 

chemical monitoring — (*) The continued or periodic process of determining whether or 

not a chemical agent is present. See also chemical survey.

chemical survey — (*) The directed effort to determine the nature and degree of chemical 

hazard in an area and to delineate the perimeter of the hazard area. 

chemical warfare — All aspects of military operations involving the employment of lethal 

and incapacitating munitions/agents and the warning and protective measures 

associated with such offensive operations. Since riot control agents and herbicides are 

not considered to be chemical warfare agents, those two items will be referred to 

separately or under the broader term “chemical,” which will be used to include all types 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 85 

of chemical munitions/agents collectively. Also called CW. See also chemical agent; 

chemical dose; 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 dose; chemical warfare; 

riot control agent. (JP 3-11) 

chief Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps censor — An officer appointed by the 

commander of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps component of a unified 

command to supervise all censorship activities of that Service. 

chief of mission — The principal officer (the ambassador) in charge of a diplomatic facility 

of the United States, including any individual assigned to be temporarily in charge of 

such a facility. The chief of mission is the personal representative of the President to 

the country of accreditation. The chief of mission is responsible for the direction, 

coordination, and supervision of all US Government executive branch employees in 

that country (except those under the command of a US area military commander). The 

security of the diplomatic post is the chief of mission’s direct responsibility. Also 

called COM. (JP 3-10) 

chief of staff — The senior or principal member or head of a staff, or the principal assistant 

in a staff capacity to a person in a command capacity; the head or controlling member 

of a staff, for purposes of the coordination of its work; a position that in itself is without 

inherent power of command by reason of assignment, except that which is invested in 

such a position by delegation to exercise command in another’s name. 

chronic radiation dose — A dose of ionizing radiation received either continuously or 

intermittently over a prolonged period of time. A chronic radiation dose may be high 

enough to cause radiation sickness and death but, if received at a low dose rate, a 

significant portion of the acute cellular damage may be repaired. See also acute 

radiation dose; radiation dose; radiation dose rate.

chuffing — (*) The characteristic of some rockets to burn intermittently and with an 

irregular noise. 

cipher — Any cryptographic system in which arbitrary symbols (or groups of symbols) 

represent units of plain text of regular length, usually single letters; units of plain text 

are rearranged; or both, in accordance with certain predetermined rules. See also

cryptosystem. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

86 JP 1-02 

circular error probable — An indicator of the delivery accuracy of a weapon system, used 

as a factor in determining probable damage to a target. It is the radius of a circle within 

which half of a missile’s projectiles are expected to fall. Also called CEP. See also

delivery error; deviation; dispersion error; horizontal error.

civic action — See military civic action.

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 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 affairs activities; civilmilitary operations. (JP 3-57) 

civil affairs activities — Activities performed or supported by civil affairs that (1) enhance 

the relationship between military forces and civil authorities in areas where military 

forces are present; and (2) involve application of civil affairs functional specialty skills, 

in areas normally the responsibility of civil government, to enhance conduct of civilmilitary operations. See also civil affairs; civil-military operations. (JP 3-57) 

civil affairs agreement — An agreement that governs the relationship between allied armed 

forces located in a friendly country and the civil authorities and people of that country. 

See also civil affairs. 

civil affairs operations — Those military operations conducted by civil affairs forces that 

(1) enhance the relationship between military forces and civil authorities in localities 

where military forces are present; (2) require coordination with other interagency 

organizations, intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations, 

indigenous populations and institutions, and the private sector; and (3) involve 

application of functional specialty skills that normally are the responsibility of civil 

government to enhance the conduct of civil-military operations. 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. Examples include US Army Logistics Civil Augmentation 

Program, Air Force Contract Augmentation Program, and US Navy Global 

Contingency Capabilities Contracts. Also called CAP. See also contingency; 

contingency contract; external support contract. (JP 4-10) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 87 

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, United States possessions and 

territories, and political subdivisions thereof. (JP 3-28) 

civil censorship — Censorship of civilian communications, such as messages, printed 

matter, and films entering, leaving, or circulating within areas or territories occupied or 

controlled by armed forces. See also censorship. 

civil damage assessment — An appraisal of damage to a nation’s population, industry, 

utilities, communications, transportation, food, water, and medical resources to support 

planning for national recovery. See also damage assessment.

civil defense — All those activities and measures designed or undertaken to: a. minimize 

the effects upon the civilian population caused or which would be caused by an enemy 

attack on the United States; b. deal with the immediate emergency conditions that 

would be created by any such attack; and c. effectuate emergency repairs to, or the 

emergency restoration of, vital utilities and facilities destroyed or damaged by any such 

attack. 

civil defense emergency — See domestic emergencies. 

civil defense intelligence — The product resulting from the collection and evaluation of 

information concerning all aspects of the situation in the United States and its territories 

that are potential or actual targets of any enemy attack including, in the preattack phase, 

the emergency measures taken and estimates of the civil populations’ preparedness. In 

the event of an actual attack, the information will include a description of conditions in 

the affected area with emphasis on the extent of damage, fallout levels, and casualty 

and resource estimates. The product is required by civil and military authorities for use 

in the formulation of decisions, the conduct of operations, and the continuation of the 

planning processes. 

civil disturbance — Group acts of violence and disorder prejudicial to public law and 

order. See also domestic emergencies. (JP 3-28) 

civil disturbance readiness conditions — Required conditions of preparedness to be 

attained by military forces in preparation for deployment to an objective area in 

response to an actual or threatened civil disturbance. 

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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

88 JP 1-02 

civilian internee — A civilian who is interned during armed conflict, occupation, or other 

military operation for security reasons, for protection, or because he or she committed 

an offense against the detaining power. Also called CI. (DODD 2310.01E)

civilian internee camp — An installation established for the internment and administration 

of civilian internees. 

civil-military medicine — A discipline within operational medicine comprising public 

health and medical issues that involve a civil-military interface (foreign or domestic), 

including military medical support to civil authorities (domestic), medical engagement 

cooperation activities, and medical civil-military operations. (JP 4-02) 

civil-military operations — The activities of a commander that establish, maintain, 

influence, or exploit relations between military forces, governmental and 

nongovernmental civilian organizations and authorities, and the civilian populace in a 

friendly, neutral, or hostile operational area in order to facilitate military operations, to 

consolidate and achieve operational US objectives. Civil-military operations may 

include performance by military forces of activities and functions normally the 

responsibility of the local, regional, or national government. These activities may occur 

prior to, during, or subsequent to other military actions. They may also occur, if 

directed, in the absence of other military operations. Civil-military operations may be 

performed by designated civil affairs, by other military forces, or by a combination of 

civil affairs and other forces. 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 with indigenous populations and institutions, the private sector, 

intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations, multinational forces, 

and other governmental agencies in support of the joint force commander. Also called 

CMOC. See also civil affairs activities; civil-military operations; operation. (JP 3-57) 

civil nuclear power — A nation that has the potential to employ nuclear technology for 

development of nuclear weapons but has deliberately decided against doing so. 

civil requirements — The necessary production and distribution of all types of services, 

supplies, and equipment during periods of armed conflict or occupation to ensure the 

productive efficiency of the civilian economy and to provide to civilians the treatment 

and protection to which they are entitled under customary and conventional 

international law. 

Civil Reserve Air Fleet — A program in which the Department of Defense contracts for 

the services of specific aircraft, owned by a US entity or citizen, during national 

emergencies and defense-oriented situations when expanded civil augmentation of 

military airlift activity is required. These aircraft are allocated, in accordance with 

Department of Defense requirements, to segments, according to their capabilities, such 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 89 

as international long range and short range cargo and passenger sections, national 

(domestic and Alaskan sections) and aeromedical evacuation and other segments as 

may be mutually agreed upon by the Department of Defense and the Department of 

Transportation. Also called CRAF. See also reserve. (JP 3-17) 

civil support — Department of Defense support to US civil authorities for domestic 

emergencies, and for designated law enforcement and other activities. Also called CS. 

See also military assistance to civil authorities. (JP 3-28) 

civil transportation — The movement of persons, property, or mail by civil facilities, and 

the resources (including storage, except that for agricultural and petroleum products) 

necessary to accomplish the movement. (Excludes transportation operated or 

controlled by the military as well as petroleum and gas pipelines.) 

clandestine operation — An operation sponsored or conducted by governmental 

departments or agencies in such a way as to assure secrecy or concealment. A 

clandestine operation differs from a covert operation in that emphasis is placed on 

concealment of the operation rather than on concealment of the identity of the sponsor. 

In special operations, an activity may be both covert and clandestine and may focus 

equally on operational considerations and intelligence-related activities. See also

covert operation; overt operation. (JP 3-05.1) 

classes of supply — There are 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 

ammunition; 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. See 

also security classification.

classification of bridges and vehicles — See military load classification.

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. 

classified matter — (*) Official information or matter in any form or of any nature which 

requires protection in the interests of national security. See also unclassified matter. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

90 JP 1-02 

clean aircraft — 1. An aircraft in flight configuration (versus landing configuration); i.e., 

landing gear and flaps retracted, etc. 2. An aircraft that does not have external stores. 

cleansing station — See decontamination station.

clear — 1. To approve or authorize, or to obtain approval or authorization for: a. a person 

or persons with regard to their actions, movements, duties, etc.; b. an object or group of 

objects, as equipment or supplies, with regard to quality, quantity, purpose, movement, 

disposition, etc.; and c. a request, with regard to correctness of form, validity, etc. 2. 

To give one or more aircraft a clearance. 3. To give a person a security clearance. 4. 

To fly over an obstacle without touching it. 5. To pass a designated point, line, or 

object. The end of a column must pass the designated feature before the latter is 

cleared. 6. a. To operate a gun so as to unload it or make certain no ammunition 

remains; and b. to free a gun of stoppages. 7. To clear an engine; to open the throttle 

of an idling engine to free it from carbon. 8. To clear the air to gain either temporary 

or permanent air superiority or control in a given sector. 

clearance capacity — An estimate expressed in terms of measurement or weight tons per 

day of the cargo that may be transported inland from a beach or port over the available 

means of inland communication, including roads, railroads, and inland waterways. The 

estimate is based on an evaluation of the physical characteristics of the transportation 

facilities in the area. See also beach capacity; port capacity.

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)

clearance rate — (*) The area which would be cleared per unit time with a stated 

minimum percentage clearance, using specific minehunting and/or minesweeping 

procedures. 

clearing operation — An operation designed to clear or neutralize all mines and obstacles 

from a route or area. (JP 3-15) 

clock code position — The position of a target in relation to an aircraft or ship with 

dead-ahead position considered as 12 o’clock. 

close air support — Air action by fixed- 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; air support; immediate mission request; preplanned mission request. 

(JP 3-0) 

close-controlled air interception — (*) An interception in which the interceptor is 

continuously controlled to a position from which the target is within visual range or 

radar contact. See also air interception. (JP 3-01.1) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 91 

closed area — (*) A designated area in or over which passage of any kind is prohibited. 

See also prohibited area.

close support — (*) That action of the supporting force against targets or objectives which 

are sufficiently near the supported force as to require detailed integration or 

coordination of the supporting action with the fire, movement, or other actions of the 

supported force. 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. They are assigned to naval support carrier strike 

groups, surface action groups, surface action units, and certain logistic combat service 

support elements. (JP 3-02) 

closure — In transportation, the process of a unit arriving at a specified location. It begins 

when the first element arrives at a designated location, e.g., port of entry and/or port of 

departure, intermediate stops, or final destination, and ends when the last element does 

likewise. For the purposes of studies and command post exercises, a unit is considered 

essentially closed after 95 percent of its movement requirements for personnel and 

equipment are completed. 

closure minefield — (*) In naval mine warfare, a minefield which is planned to present 

such a threat that waterborne shipping is prevented from moving. 

closure shortfall — The specified movement requirement or portion thereof that did not 

meet scheduling criteria and/or movement dates. 

cloud amount — (*) The proportion of sky obscured by cloud, expressed as a fraction of 

sky covered. 

cloud chamber effect — See condensation cloud.

cloud top height — The maximal altitude to which a nuclear mushroom cloud rises. 

cluster bomb unit — (*) An aircraft store composed of a dispenser and submunitions. 

Also called CBU.

clutter — Permanent echoes, cloud, or other atmospheric echo on radar scope; as contact 

has entered scope clutter. See also radar clutter.

coalition — An ad hoc arrangement between two or more nations for common action. See 

also alliance; multinational. (JP 5-0) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

92 JP 1-02 

coalition action — Multinational action outside the bounds of established alliances, usually 

for single occasions or longer cooperation in a narrow sector of common interest. See 

also alliance; coalition; multinational operations. (JP 5-0) 

coarse mine — (*) In naval mine warfare, a relatively insensitive influence mine. 

coassembly — With respect to exports, a cooperative arrangement (e.g., US Government or 

company with foreign government or company) by which finished parts, components, 

assemblies, or subassemblies are provided to an eligible foreign government, 

international organization, or commercial producer for the assembly of an end-item or 

system. This is normally accomplished under the provisions of a manufacturing license 

agreement per the US International Traffic in Arms Regulation and could involve the 

implementation of a government-to- government memorandum of understanding. 

coastal convoy — (*) A convoy whose voyage lies in general on the continental shelf and 

in coastal waters. 

coastal frontier — A geographic division of a coastal area, established for organization and 

command purposes in order to ensure the effective coordination of military forces 

employed in military operations within the coastal frontier area. 

coastal refraction — (*) The change of the direction of travel of a radio ground wave as it 

passes from land to sea or from sea to land. Also called land effect or shoreline effect.

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 — 1. Any system of communication in which arbitrary groups of symbols represent 

units of plain text of varying length. Codes may be used for brevity or for security. 2. 

A cryptosystem in which the cryptographic equivalents (usually called “code groups”), 

typically consisting of letters or digits (or both) in otherwise meaningless combinations, 

are substituted for plain text elements which are primarily words, phrases, or sentences. 

See also cryptosystem. 

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. 

cold war — A state of international tension wherein political, economic, technological, 

sociological, psychological, paramilitary, and military measures short of overt armed 

conflict involving regular military forces are employed to achieve national objectives. 

collaborative purchase — A method of purchase whereby, in buying similar commodities, 

buyers for two or more departments exchange information concerning planned 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 93 

purchases in order to minimize competition between them for commodities in the same 

market. 

collapse depth — (*) The design depth, referenced to the axis of the pressure hull, beyond 

which the hull structure or hull penetrations are presumed to suffer catastrophic failure 

to the point of total collapse. 

collate — 1. The grouping together of related items to provide a record of events and 

facilitate further processing. 2. To compare critically two or more items or documents 

concerning the same general subject; normally accomplished in the processing and 

exploitation portion of the intelligence process. See also intelligence process. (JP 2-0) 

collateral damage — Unintentional or incidental injury or damage to persons or objects 

that would not be lawful military targets in the circumstances ruling at the time. Such 

damage is not unlawful so long as it is not excessive in light of the overall military 

advantage anticipated from the attack. (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 (acquisition) — The obtaining of information in any manner, including direct 

observation, liaison with official agencies, or solicitation from official, unofficial, or 

public sources. 

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.

collection asset — A collection system, platform, or capability that is supporting, assigned, 

or attached to a particular commander. See also capability; collection. (JP 2-01) 

collection coordination facility line number — An arbitrary number assigned to 

contingency intelligence reconnaissance objectives by the Defense Intelligence Agency 

collection coordination facility to facilitate all-source collection. 

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 management authority — Within the Department of Defense, collection 

management authority constitutes the authority to establish, prioritize, and validate 

theater collection requirements, establish sensor tasking guidance, and develop theaterwide collection policies. Also called CMA. See also collection manager; collection 

plan; collection requirement. (JP 2-01.2) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

94 JP 1-02 

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; collection management authority. (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 plan for collecting information from all available sources to meet 

intelligence requirements and for transforming those requirements into orders and 

requests to appropriate agencies. See also information; information requirements; 

intelligence process. (JP 2-01)

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. 

collection requirement — 1. An intelligence need considered in the allocation of 

intelligence resources. Within the Department of Defense, these collection 

requirements fulfill the essential elements of information and other intelligence needs 

of a commander, or an agency. 2. An established intelligence need, validated against 

the appropriate allocation of intelligence resources (as a requirement) to fulfill the 

essential elements of information and other intelligence needs of an intelligence 

consumer. (JP 2-01.2) 

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 assets over which the collection manager 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 resource — A collection system, platform, or capability that is not 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) 

collective call sign — (*) Any call sign which represents two or more facilities, commands, 

authorities, or units. The collective call sign for any of these includes the commander 

thereof and all subordinate commanders therein. See also call sign. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 95 

collective protection — The protection provided to a group of individuals which permits 

relaxation of individual chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear protection. Also 

called COLPRO. (JP 3-11)

collective self-defense — Collective self-defense is the act of defending other designated 

non-US forces. Only the President or Secretary of Defense may authorize US forces to 

exercise the right of collective self-defense. 

collocation — (*) The physical placement of two or more detachments, units, 

organizations, or facilities at a specifically defined location. 

colored beach — That portion of usable coastline sufficient for the assault landing of a 

regimental landing team or similar sized unit. In the event that the landing force 

consists of a single battalion landing team, a colored beach will be used and no further 

subdivision of the beach is required. See also numbered beach. (JP 3-02) 

column formation — (*) A formation in which elements are placed one behind the other. 

column gap — (*) The space between two consecutive elements proceeding on the same 

route. It can be calculated in units of length or in units of time measured from the rear 

of one element to the front of the following element. 

column length — (*) The length of the roadway occupied by a column or a convoy in 

movement. See also road space.

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; patrol; rescue combat air 

patrol. (JP 3-01) 

combat airspace control — See airspace control in the combat zone. (JP 3-52) 

combat and operational stress — The expected and predictable emotional, intellectual, 

physical, and/or behavioral reactions of Service members who have been exposed to 

stressful events in war or military operations other than war. Combat stress reactions 

vary in quality and severity as a function of operational conditions, such as intensity, 

duration, rules of engagement, leadership, effective communication, unit morale, unit 

cohesion, and perceived importance of the mission. (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. (JP 4-02) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

96 JP 1-02 

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. Combatant commands typically have geographic or functional 

responsibilities. See also specified command; unified command. (JP 5-0) 

combatant command chaplain — The senior chaplain assigned to the staff of, or 

designated by, the combatant commander to provide advice on religion, ethics, and 

morale of assigned personnel and to coordinate religious ministries within the 

combatant commander’s area of responsibility. See also command chaplain; lay 

leader; religious support; religious support plan; religious support team. (JP 1-05) 

combatant command (command authority) — Nontransferable command authority 

established by title 10 (“Armed Forces”), United States Code, section 164, exercised 

only by commanders of unified or specified combatant commands unless otherwise 

directed by the President or the Secretary of Defense. Combatant command (command 

authority) cannot be delegated and is the authority of a combatant commander to 

perform those functions of command over assigned forces involving organizing and 

employing commands and forces, assigning tasks, designating objectives, and giving 

authoritative direction over all aspects of military operations, joint training, and 

logistics necessary to accomplish the missions assigned to the command. Combatant 

command (command authority) should be exercised through the commanders of 

subordinate organizations. Normally this authority is exercised through subordinate 

joint force commanders and Service and/or functional component commanders. 

Combatant command (command authority) provides full authority to organize and 

employ commands and forces as the combatant commander considers necessary to 

accomplish assigned missions. Operational control is inherent in combatant command 

(command authority). 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 acquisition review board; joint contracting 

support board. (JP 4-10)

combatant commander’s required 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. Also 

called CRD. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 97 

combat area — A restricted area (air, land, or sea) that is established to prevent or 

minimize mutual interference between friendly forces engaged in combat operations. 

See also combat zone. 

combat assessment — The determination of the overall effectiveness of force employment 

during military operations. Combat assessment is composed of three major 

components: (a) battle damage assessment; (b) munitions effectiveness assessment; 

and (c) reattack recommendation. Also called CA. See also battle damage 

assessment; munitions effectiveness assessment; reattack recommendation. 

(JP 3-60) 

combat camera — The acquisition and utilization of still and motion imagery in support of 

combat, information, humanitarian, special force, intelligence, reconnaissance, 

engineering, legal, public affairs, and other operations involving the Military Services. 

Also called COMCAM. See also visual information; visual information 

documentation. (JP 3-61) 

combat cargo officer — An embarkation officer assigned to major amphibious ships or 

naval staffs, functioning primarily as an adviser to and representative of the naval 

commander in matters pertaining to embarkation and debarkation of troops and their 

supplies and equipment. Also called CCO. See also embarkation officer.

combat chart — A special naval chart, at a scale of 1:50,000, designed for naval surface 

fire support and close air support during coastal or amphibious operations and showing 

detailed hydrography and topography in the coastal belt. 

combat control team — A small task organized team of Air Force parachute and combat 

diver qualified personnel trained and equipped to rapidly establish and control drop, 

landing, and extraction zone air traffic in austere or hostile conditions. They survey 

and establish terminal airheads as well as provide guidance to aircraft for airlift 

operations. They provide command and control, and conduct reconnaissance, 

surveillance, and survey assessments of potential objective airfields or assault zones. 

They also can perform limited weather observations and removal of obstacles or 

unexploded ordinance with demolitions. Also called CCT. (JP 3-17) 

combat engineering — Those engineering capabilities and activities that support the 

maneuver of land combat forces and that require close support to those forces. Combat 

engineering consists of three types of capabilities and activities: mobility, 

countermobility, and survivability. (JP 3-34) 

combat forces — Those forces whose primary missions are to participate in combat. See 

also operating forces. 

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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

98 JP 1-02 

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. See also information.

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 (defensive measures taken to 

reduce vulnerability to terrorist acts) and counterterrorism (offensive measures taken to 

prevent, deter, and respond to terrorism), taken to oppose terrorism throughout the 

entire threat spectrum. Also called CbT. See also antiterrorism; counterterrorism. 

(JP 3-07.2) 

combat intelligence — That knowledge of the enemy, weather, and geographical features 

required by a commander in the planning and conduct of combat operations. (JP 2-0) 

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. Each individual item is stowed so that it can be unloaded at the 

required time. See also loading. (JP 3-02) 

combat power — (*) The total means of destructive and/or disruptive force which a 

military unit/formation can apply against the opponent at a given time. 

combat readiness — Synonymous with operational readiness, with respect to missions or 

functions performed in combat. 

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 search and rescue task force — All forces committed to a specific combat search 

and rescue operation to locate, identify, support, and recover isolated personnel during 

combat. This includes those elements assigned to provide command and control and to 

protect the recovery vehicle(s) from attack. Also called CSARTF. See also combat 

search and rescue; search; search and rescue. (JP 3-50) 

combat service support — The essential capabilities, functions, activities, and tasks 

necessary to sustain all elements of operating forces in theater at all levels of war. 

Within the national and theater logistic systems, it includes but is not limited to that 

support rendered by service forces in ensuring the aspects of supply, maintenance, 

transportation, health services, and other services required by aviation and ground 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 99 

combat troops to permit those units to accomplish their missions in combat. Combat 

service support encompasses those activities at all levels of war that produce 

sustainment to all operating forces on the battlefield. Also called CSS. See also 

combat support. (JP 4-0) 

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 service support element — The core element of a Marine air-ground task force 

(MAGTF) that is task-organized to provide the combat service support necessary to 

accomplish the MAGTF mission. The combat service support element varies in size 

from a small detachment to one or more force service support groups. It provides 

supply, maintenance, transportation, general engineering, health services, and a variety 

of other services to the MAGTF. The combat service support element itself is not a 

formal command. Also called CSSE. See also aviation combat element; command 

element; ground combat element; Marine air-ground task force; Marine 

expeditionary force; Marine expeditionary force (forward); Marine expeditionary 

unit; special purpose Marine air-ground task force; task force. 

combat service support elements — Those elements whose primary missions are to 

provide service support to combat forces and which are a part, or prepared to become a 

part, of a theater, command, or task force formed for combat operations. See also

operating forces; service troops; troops.

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 support elements — Those elements whose primary missions are to provide 

combat support to the combat forces and which are a part, or prepared to become a part, 

of a theater, command, or task force formed for combat operations. See also operating 

forces.

combat support troops — Those units or organizations whose primary mission is to 

furnish operational assistance for the combat elements. See also troops.

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. 

combat surveillance radar — Radar with the normal function of maintaining continuous 

watch over a combat area. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

100 JP 1-02 

combat survival — (*) Those measures to be taken by Service personnel when 

involuntarily separated from friendly forces in combat, including procedures relating to 

individual survival, evasion, escape, and conduct after capture. 

combat vehicle — A vehicle, with or without armor, designed for a specific fighting 

function. Armor protection or armament mounted as supplemental equipment on 

noncombat vehicles will not change the classification of such vehicles to combat 

vehicles. 

combat visual information support center — A visual information support facility 

established at a base of operations during war or military operations other than war to 

provide limited visual information support to the base and its supported elements. Also 

called CVISC.

combat zone — 1. That area required by combat forces for the conduct of operations. 2. 

The territory forward of the Army rear area boundary. See also combat area; 

communications zone.

combination influence mine — (*) A mine designed to actuate only when two or more 

different influences are received either simultaneously or in a predetermined order. 

Also called combined influence mine. See also mine.

combination mission/level of effort-oriented items — Items for which requirement 

computations are based on the criteria used for both level of effort-oriented and 

mission-oriented items. 

combined — Between two or more forces or agencies of two or more allies. (When all 

allies or services are not involved, the participating nations and services shall be 

identified, e.g., combined navies.) See also joint. 

combined airspeed indicator — (*) An instrument which displays both indicated airspeed 

and mach number. 

combined arms team — The full integration and application of two or more arms or 

elements of one Military Service into an operation. (JP 3-18) 

combined force — A military force composed of elements of two or more allied nations. 

See also force(s). 

combined influence mine — See combination influence mine.

combined joint special operations task force — A task force composed of special 

operations units from one or more foreign countries and more than one US Military 

Department formed to carry out a specific special operation or prosecute special 

operations in support of a theater campaign or other operations. The combined joint 

special operations task force may have conventional nonspecial operations units 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 101 

assigned or attached to support the conduct of specific missions. Also called CJSOTF. 

See also joint special operations task force; special operations; task force. (JP 3-05) 

combined operation — (*) An operation conducted by forces of two or more Allied 

nations acting together for the accomplishment of a single mission. (JP 3-52) 

combustor — (*) A name generally assigned to the combination of flame holder or 

stabilizer, igniter, combustion chamber, and injection system of a ramjet or gas turbine. 

command — 1. The authority that a commander in the armed forces lawfully exercises 

over subordinates by virtue of rank or assignment. Command includes the authority 

and responsibility for effectively using available resources and for planning the 

employment of, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling military forces for 

the accomplishment of assigned missions. It also includes responsibility for health, 

welfare, morale, and discipline of assigned personnel. 2. An order given by a 

commander; that is, the will of the commander expressed for the purpose of bringing 

about a particular action. 3. A unit or units, an organization, or an area under the 

command of one individual. Also called CMD. 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. 

Command and control functions are performed through an arrangement of personnel, 

equipment, communications, facilities, and procedures employed by a commander in 

planning, directing, coordinating, and controlling forces and operations in the 

accomplishment of the mission. Also called C2. (JP 1) 

command and control system — The facilities, equipment, communications, procedures, 

and personnel essential to a commander for planning, directing, and controlling 

operations of assigned and attached forces pursuant to the missions assigned. (JP 6-0) 

command assessment element — The small team of personnel sent by the United States 

Northern Command or United States Pacific Command to a chemical, biological, 

radiological, nuclear, or high-yield explosives incident site to conduct a consequence 

management assessment and make an evaluation of potential shortfalls in federal and 

state capabilities, which may become requests for Department of Defense assistance. 

Also called CAE. (JP 3-41) 

command axis — (*) A line along which a headquarters will move. 

command center — A facility from which a commander and his or her representatives 

direct operations and control forces. It is organized to gather, process, analyze, display, 

and disseminate planning and operational data and perform other related tasks. Also 

called CC.

command channel — See chain of command.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

102 JP 1-02 

command chaplain — The senior chaplain assigned to or designated by a commander of a 

staff, command, or unit. See also combatant command chaplain; lay leader; 

religious support; religious support plan. (JP 1-05) 

command controlled stocks — (*) Stocks which are placed at the disposal of a designated 

NATO commander in order to provide him with a flexibility with which to influence 

the battle logistically. “Placed at the disposal of” implies responsibility for storage, 

maintenance, accounting, rotation or turnover, physical security, and subsequent 

transportation to a particular battle area. 

command destruct signal — (*) A signal used to operate intentionally the destruction 

signal in a missile. 

command detonated mine — (*) A mine detonated by remotely controlled means. 

command ejection system — See ejection systems.

command element — The core element of a Marine air-ground task force that is the 

headquarters. The command element is composed of the commander, general or 

executive and special staff sections, headquarters section, and requisite 

communications support, intelligence, and reconnaissance forces necessary to 

accomplish the mission. The command element provides command and control, 

intelligence, and other support essential for effective planning and execution of 

operations by the other elements of the Marine air-ground task force. The command 

element varies in size and composition. Also called CE. See also aviation combat 

element; combat service support element; ground combat element; Marine airground task force; Marine expeditionary force; Marine expeditionary force 

(forward); Marine expeditionary unit; special purpose Marine air-ground task 

force; task force. (JP 3-02) 

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 concept — See concept of operations.

commander’s critical information requirement — An information requirement identified 

by the commander as being critical to facilitating timely decision-making. The two key 

elements are friendly force information requirements and priority intelligence 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 103 

requirements. Also called CCIR. See also information; information requirements; 

intelligence; priority intelligence requirement. (JP 3-0) 

commander’s estimate — In the context of the Joint Operation Planning and Execution 

System level 1 planning detail for contingency planning, a developed course of action. 

The product for this level can be a course of action briefing, command directive, 

commander’s estimate, or a memorandum. The commander’s estimate provides the 

Secretary of Defense with military courses of action to meet a potential contingency. 

See also commander’s estimate of the situation. (JP 5-0) 

commander’s estimate of the situation — A process of reasoning by which a commander 

considers all the circumstances affecting the military situation and arrives at a decision 

as to a course of action to be taken to accomplish the mission. A commander’s 

estimate, which considers a military situation so far in the future as to require major 

assumptions, is called a commander’s long-range estimate of the situation (JP 3-0) 

commander’s intent — A concise expression of the purpose of the operation and the 

desired end state. It may also include the commander’s assessment of the adversary 

commander’s intent and an assessment of where and how much risk is acceptable 

during the operation. See also assessment; end state. (JP 3-0) 

command guidance — (*) A guidance system wherein intelligence transmitted to the 

missile from an outside source causes the missile to traverse a directed flight path. 

command information — Communication by a military organization with Service 

members, civilian employees, retirees, and family members of the organization 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; 

information; 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 

administration, discipline, and training of all embarked units. Also called COT. 

(JP 3-02) 

command net — (*) A communications network which connects an echelon of command 

with some or all of its subordinate echelons for the purpose of command and control. 

command post — (*) A unit’s or subunit’s headquarters where the commander and the 

staff perform their activities. In combat, a unit’s or subunit’s headquarters is often 

divided into echelons; the echelon in which the unit or subunit commander is located or 

from which such commander operates is called a command post. Also called CP.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

104 JP 1-02 

command post exercise — An exercise in which the forces are simulated, involving the 

commander, the staff, and communications within and between headquarters. Also 

called CPX. See also exercise; maneuver.

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 select ejection system — See ejection systems.

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. 

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. 

commercial loading — See administrative loading.

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. 

commission — 1. To put in or make ready for service or use, as to commission an aircraft 

or a ship. 2. A written order giving a person rank and authority as an officer in the 

armed forces. 3. The rank and the authority given by such an order. See also

constitute.

commit — The process of committing one or more air interceptors or surface-to-air missiles 

for interception against a target track. 

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; 

loading.

commodity manager — An individual within the organization of an inventory control 

point or other such organization assigned management responsibility for homogeneous 

grouping of materiel items. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 105 

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. 

common control (artillery) — Horizontal and vertical map or chart location of points in 

the target area and position area, tied in with the horizontal and vertical control in use 

by two or more units. May be established by firing, survey, or combination of both, or 

by assumption. See also control point; ground control.

common infrastructure — (*) Infrastructure essential to the training of NATO forces or to 

the implementation of NATO operational plans which, owing to its degree of common 

use or interest and its compliance with criteria laid down from time to time by the 

North Atlantic Council, is commonly financed by NATO members. See also

infrastructure. 

common item — 1. Any item of materiel that is required for use by more than one activity. 

2. Sometimes 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 shape (as vehicles or clothing). 6. Any part or component that is required in 

the assembly of two or more complete end-items. 

common operating environment — Automation services that support the development of 

the common reusable software modules that enable interoperability across multiple 

combat support applications. This includes segmentation of common software modules 

from existing applications, integration of commercial products, development of a 

common architecture, and development of common tools for application developers. 

Also called COE. (JP 4-01) 

common operational picture — A single identical display of relevant information shared 

by more than one command. A common operational picture facilitates collaborative 

planning and assists all echelons to achieve situational awareness. Also called COP. 

(JP 3-0) 

common servicing — That function performed by one Military Service in support of 

another Military Service for which reimbursement is not required from the Service 

receiving support. See also servicing.

common supplies — Those supplies common to two or more Services. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

106 JP 1-02 

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. 

common use alternatives — Systems, subsystems, devices, components, and materials, 

already developed or under development, that could be used to reduce the cost of new 

systems acquisition and support by reducing duplication of research and development 

effort and by limiting the addition of support base. 

common-use container — Any Department of Defense-owned, -leased, or -controlled 20- 

or 40-foot International Organization for Standardization container managed by US 

Transportation Command as an element of the Department of Defense common-use 

container system. See also component- owned container; Service-unique container. 

(JP 4-01.7) 

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 US 

Government. (JP 3-17) 

common-user item — An item of an interchangeable nature which is in common use by 

two or more nations or Services of a nation. (JP 4-07) 

common-user logistics — Materiel or service support shared with or provided by two or 

more Services, Department of Defense (DOD) agencies, or multinational partners to 

another Service, DOD agency, non-DOD agency, and/or multinational partner in an 

operation. Common-user logistics is usually restricted to a particular type of supply 

and/or service and may be further restricted to specific unit(s) or types of units, specific 

times, missions, and/or geographic areas. Also called CUL. See also common use. 

(JP 4-07) 

common-user military land transportation — Point-to-point land transportation service 

operated by a single Service for common use by two or more Services. 

common-user network — A system of circuits or channels allocated to furnish 

communication paths between switching centers to provide communication service on 

a common basis to all connected stations or subscribers. It is sometimes described as a 

general purpose network. 

common-user ocean terminals — A military installation, part of a military installation, or a 

commercial facility operated under contract or arrangement by the Surface Deployment 

and Distribution Command which regularly provides for two or more Services terminal 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 107 

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 on a common basis for all 

Department of Defense agencies and, as authorized, for other agencies of the US 

Government. The Military Sealift Command, a transportation component command of 

the US Transportation Command, provides common-user sealift for which users 

reimburse the transportation accounts of the Transportation Working Capital Fund. See 

also Military Sealift Command; transportation component command. (JP 3-35) 

common-user transportation — Transportation and transportation services provided on a 

common basis for two or more Department of Defense agencies and, as authorized, 

non-Department of Defense agencies. Common-user assets are under the combatant 

command (command authority) of Commander, United States Transportation 

Command, excluding Service-organic or theater-assigned transportation assets. See 

also common use. (JP 4-01.2) 

communicate — To use any means or method to convey information of any kind from one 

person or place to another. (JP 6-0) 

communication deception — Use of devices, operations, and techniques with the intent of 

confusing or misleading the user of a communications link or a navigation system. 

communication operation instructions — See signal operation instructions.

communications intelligence — Technical information and intelligence derived from 

foreign communications by other than the intended recipients. Also called COMINT. 

(JP 2-0) 

communications intelligence database — The aggregate of technical information and 

intelligence derived from the interception and analysis of foreign communications 

(excluding press, propaganda, and public broadcast) used in the direction and 

redirection of communications intelligence intercept, analysis, and reporting activities. 

communications mark — An electronic indicator used for directing attention to a 

particular object or position of mutual interest within or between command and control 

systems. 

communications net — (*) An organization of stations capable of direct communications 

on a common channel or frequency. 

communications network — An organization of stations capable of intercommunications, 

but not necessarily on the same channel. 

communications satellite — (*) An orbiting vehicle, which relays signals between 

communications stations. There are two types: a. active communications satellite — 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

108 JP 1-02 

A satellite that receives, regenerates, and retransmits signals between stations; b. 

passive communications satellite — A satellite which reflects communications 

signals between stations. Also called COMSAT.

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 equipment — Equipment designed to provide security to 

telecommunications by converting information to a form unintelligible to an 

unauthorized interceptor and by reconverting such information to its original form for 

authorized recipients, as well as equipment designed specifically to aid in (or as an 

essential element of) the conversion process. Communications security equipment is 

cryptoequipment, cryptoancillary equipment, cryptoproduction equipment, and 

authentication equipment. 

communications security material — All documents, devices, equipment, or apparatus, 

including cryptomaterial, used in establishing or maintaining secure communications. 

communications security monitoring — The act of listening to, copying, or recording 

transmissions of one’s own circuits (or when specially agreed, e.g., in allied exercises, 

those of friendly forces) to provide material for communications security analysis in 

order to determine the degree of security being provided to those transmissions. In 

particular, the purposes include providing a basis for advising commanders on the 

security risks resulting from their transmissions, improving the security of 

communications, and planning and conducting manipulative communications 

deception operations. 

communications system — Communications networks and information services that 

enable joint and multinational warfighting capabilities. See also command and 

control. (JP 6-0) 

communications terminal — Terminus of a communications circuit at which data can be 

either entered or received; located with the originator or ultimate addressee. Also 

called CT.

communications zone — Rear part of a theater of war or theater of operations (behind but 

contiguous to the combat zone) which contains the lines of communications, 

establishments for supply and evacuation, and other agencies required for the 

immediate support and maintenance of the field forces. Also called COMMZ. See 

also combat zone; line of communications; rear area; theater of operations; 

theater of war. (JP 4-0) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 109 

community relations — 1. The relationship between military and civilian communities. 2. 

Those public affairs programs that address issues of interest to the general public, 

business, academia, veterans, Service organizations, military-related associations, and 

other non-news media entities. These programs are usually associated with the 

interaction between US military installations and their surrounding or nearby civilian 

communities. Interaction with overseas non-news media civilians in an operational 

area is handled by civil-military operations with public affairs support as required. See 

also public affairs. (JP 3-61) 

community relations program — That command function that evaluates public attitudes, 

identifies the mission of a military organization with the public interest, and executes a 

program of action to earn public understanding and acceptance. 

comparative cover — (*) Coverage of the same area or object taken at different times, to 

show any changes in details. See also cover.

compartmentation — 1. Establishment and management of an organization so that 

information about the personnel, internal organization, or activities of one component is 

made available to any other component only to the extent required for the performance 

of assigned duties. 2. Effects of relief and drainage upon avenues of approach so as to 

produce areas bounded on at least two sides by terrain features such as woods, ridges, 

or ravines that limit observation or observed fire into the area from points outside the 

area. (JP 3-05.1) 

compass rose — (*) A graduated circle, usually marked in degrees, indicating directions 

and printed or inscribed on an appropriate medium. 

complaint-type investigation — A counterintelligence investigation in which sabotage, 

espionage, treason, sedition, subversive activity, or disaffection is suspected. 

completeness — The joint operation 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) 

complete round — A term applied to an assemblage of explosive and nonexplosive 

components designed to perform a specific function at the time and under the 

conditions desired. Examples of complete rounds of ammunition are: a. separate 

loading, consisting of a primer, propelling charge and, except for blank ammunition, a 

projectile and a fuze; b. fixed or semifixed, consisting of a primer, propelling charge, 

cartridge case, a projectile and, except when solid projectiles are used, a fuze; c. 

bomb, consisting of all component parts required to drop and function the bomb once; 

d. missile, consisting of a complete warhead section and a missile body with its 

associated components and propellants; and e. rocket, consisting of all components 

necessary to function. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

110 JP 1-02 

complex contingency operations — Large-scale peace operations (or elements thereof) 

conducted by a combination of military forces and nonmilitary organizations that 

involve one or more of the elements of peace operations that include one or more 

elements of other types of operations such as foreign humanitarian assistance, nation 

assistance, support to insurgency, or support to counterinsurgency. Also called CCOs. 

See also operation; peace operations. (JP 3-08) 

component — 1. One of the subordinate organizations that constitute a joint force. 

Normally a joint force is organized with a combination of Service and functional 

components. (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. Also called COMP. See 

also functional component command; Service component command. (JP 4-0) 

component (materiel) — An assembly or any combination of parts, subassemblies, and 

assemblies mounted together in manufacture, assembly, maintenance, or rebuild. 

component-owned container — A 20- or 40-foot International Organization for 

Standardization container procured and owned by a single Department of Defense 

component. May be either on an individual unit property book or contained within a 

component pool (e.g., Marine Corps maritime pre-positioning force containers). May 

be temporarily assigned to the Department of Defense common-use container system. 

Also called Service-unique container. See also common-use container. (JP 4-01.7) 

composite air photography — Air photographs made with a camera having one principal 

lens and two or more surrounding and oblique lenses. The several resulting 

photographs are corrected or transformed in printing to permit assembly as verticals 

with the same scale. 

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 3-02) 

composite wing — An Air Force wing that operates more than one type of weapon system. 

Some composite wings are built from the ground up and designed to put all resources 

required to meet a specific warfighting objective in a single wing under one 

commander at one location. Other composite wings need not be built from the ground 

up but combine different weapon systems operating at the same base into a single wing. 

compression chamber — See hyperbaric chamber.

compromise — The known or suspected exposure of clandestine personnel, installations, or 

other assets or of classified information or material, to an unauthorized person. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 111 

compromised — (*) A term applied to classified matter, knowledge of which has, in whole 

or in part, passed to an unauthorized person or persons, or which has been subject to 

risk of such passing. See also classified matter.

computed air release point — (*) A computed air position where the first paratroop or 

cargo item is released to land on a specified impact point. 

computer intrusion — An incident of unauthorized access to data or an automated 

information system. 

computer intrusion detection — The process of identifying that a computer intrusion has 

been attempted, is occurring, or has occurred. 

computer modeling — See configuration management; independent review; 

validation; verification.

computer network attack — Actions taken through the use of computer networks to 

disrupt, deny, degrade, or destroy information resident in computers and computer 

networks, or the computers and networks themselves. Also called CNA. See also 

computer network defense; computer network exploitation; computer network 

operations. (JP 3-13) 

computer network defense — Actions taken to protect, monitor, analyze, detect, and 

respond to unauthorized activity within the Department of Defense information systems 

and computer networks. Also called CND. See also computer network attack; 

computer network exploitation; computer network operations. (JP 6-0) 

computer network exploitation — Enabling operations and intelligence collection 

capabilities conducted through the use of computer networks to gather data from target 

or adversary automated information systems or networks. Also called CNE. See also 

computer network attack; computer network defense; computer network 

operations. (JP 6-0) 

computer network operations — Comprised of computer network attack, computer 

network defense, and related computer network exploitation enabling operations. Also 

called CNO. See also computer network attack; computer network defense; 

computer network exploitation. (JP 3-13) 

computer security — The protection resulting from all measures to deny unauthorized 

access and exploitation of friendly computer systems. Also called COMPUSEC. See 

also communications security. (JP 6-0) 

computer simulation — See configuration management; independent review; 

validation; verification.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

112 JP 1-02 

concealment — (*) The protection from observation or surveillance. See also

camouflage; cover; screen.

concentration area — (*) 1. An area, usually in the theater of operations, where troops are 

assembled before beginning active operations. 2. A limited area on which a volume of 

gunfire is placed within a limited time. 

concept of intelligence operations — 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. The concept of intelligence operations, which 

supports the commander’s concept of operations, is contained in the intelligence annex 

of operation plans. The concept of intelligence operations is designed to give an overall 

picture of intelligence support for joint operations. It is included primarily for 

additional clarity of purpose. 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. (JP 4-0) 

concept of operations — A verbal or graphic statement that clearly and concisely expresses 

what the joint force commander intends to accomplish and how it will be done using 

available resources. The concept is designed to give an overall picture of the operation. 

Also called commander’s concept or CONOPS. (JP 5-0) 

concept plan — In the context of joint operation planning level 3 planning detail, 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) 

condensation cloud — A mist or fog of minute water droplets that temporarily surrounds 

the fireball following a nuclear (or atomic) detonation in a comparatively humid 

atmosphere. The expansion of the air in the negative phase of the blast wave from the 

explosion results in a lowering of the temperature, so that condensation of water vapor 

present in the air occurs and a cloud forms. The cloud is soon dispelled when the 

pressure returns to normal and the air warms up again. The phenomenon is similar to 

that used by physicists in the Wilson cloud chamber and is sometimes called the cloud 

chamber effect. 

condensation trail — A visible cloud streak, usually brilliantly white in color, which trails 

behind a missile or other vehicle in flight under certain conditions. Also called 

CONTRAIL.

condition — Those variables of an operational environment or situation in which a unit, 

system, or individual is expected to operate and may affect performance. See also joint 

mission-essential tasks. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 113 

conducting staff — See exercise directing staff.

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. 

confirmation of information (intelligence) — An information item is said to be confirmed 

when it is reported for the second time, preferably by another independent source 

whose reliability is considered when confirming information. (JP 2-0) 

conflict — An armed struggle or clash between organized groups within a nation or 

between nations in order to achieve limited political or military objectives. Although 

regular forces are often involved, irregular forces frequently predominate. Conflict 

often is protracted, confined to a restricted geographic area, and constrained in 

weaponry and level of violence. Within this state, military power in response to threats 

may be exercised in an indirect manner while supportive of other instruments of 

national power. Limited objectives may be achieved by the short, focused, and direct 

application of force. (JP 3-0) 

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. 

Activities aimed at conflict prevention are often conducted under Chapter VI of the 

United Nations Charter. Conflict prevention can include fact-finding missions, 

consultations, warnings, inspections, and monitoring. (JP 3-07.3) 

confusion agent — An individual who is dispatched by the sponsor for the primary purpose 

of confounding the intelligence or counterintelligence apparatus of another country 

rather than for the purpose of collecting and transmitting information. 

confusion reflector — (*) A reflector of electromagnetic radiations used to create echoes 

for confusion purposes. Radar confusion reflectors include such devices as chaff, rope, 

and corner reflectors. 

connecting route — (*) A route connecting axial and/or lateral routes. See also route.

consequence management — Actions taken to maintain or restore essential services and 

manage and mitigate problems resulting from disasters and catastrophes, including 

natural, man-made, or terrorist incidents. Also called CM. (JP 3-28) 

console — (*) A grouping of controls, indicators, and similar electronic or mechanical 

equipment, used to monitor readiness of, and/or control specific functions of, a system, 

such as missile checkout, countdown, or launch operations. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

114 JP 1-02 

consolidated vehicle table — A summary of all vehicles loaded on a ship, listed by types 

and showing the units to which they belong. 

consolidation — The combining or merging of elements to perform a common or related 

function. 

consolidation of position — (*) Organizing and strengthening a newly captured position 

so that it can be used against the enemy. 

constellation — A number of like satellites that are part of a system. Satellites in a 

constellation generally have a similar orbit. For example, the Global Positioning 

System constellation consists of 24 satellites distributed in six orbital planes with 

similar eccentricities, altitudes, and inclinations. See also Global Positioning System. 

(JP 3-14) 

constitute — To provide the legal authority for the existence of a new unit of the Armed 

Services. The new unit is designated and listed, but it has no specific existence until it 

is activated. See also commission.

constraint — In the context of joint operation planning, a requirement placed on the 

command by a higher command that dictates an action, thus restricting freedom of 

action. See also operational limitation; restraint. (JP 5-0) 

consumable supplies and materiel — See expendable supplies and materiel.

consumer — Person or agency that uses information or intelligence produced by either its 

own staff or other agencies. 

consumer logistics — That part of logistics concerning reception of the initial product, 

storage, inspection, distribution, transport, maintenance (including repair and 

serviceability), and disposal of materiel as well as the provision of support and services. 

In consequence, consumer logistics includes materiel requirements determination, 

follow-on support, stock control, provision or construction of facilities (excluding any 

materiel element and those facilities needed to support production logistic activities), 

movement control, codification, reliability and defect reporting, storage, transport and 

handling safety standards, and related training. 

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. 

contact — 1. In air intercept, a term meaning, “Unit has an unevaluated target.” 2. In 

health services, an unevaluated individual who is known to have been sufficiently near 

an infected individual to have been exposed to the transfer of infectious material. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 115 

contact burst preclusion — A fuzing arrangement that prevents an unwanted surface burst 

in the event of failure of the air burst fuze. 

contact mine — (*) A mine detonated by physical contact. See also mine.

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 checkpoint; control point; coordinating 

point. (JP 3-50) 

contact print — (*) A print made from a negative or a diapositive in direct contact with 

sensitized material. 

contact procedure — Those predesignated actions taken by isolated personnel and 

recovery forces that permit link-up between the two parties in hostile territory and 

facilitate the return of isolated personnel to friendly control. See also evader; hostile; 

recovery force. (JP 3-50) 

contact reconnaissance — Locating isolated units out of contact with the main force. 

contact report — (*) A report indicating any detection of the enemy. 

contain — To stop, hold, or surround the forces of the enemy or to cause the enemy to 

center activity on a given front and to prevent the withdrawal of any part of the 

enemy’s forces for use elsewhere. 

container — An article of transport equipment that meets American National Standards 

Institute/International Organization for Standardization standards that is designed to be 

transported by various modes of transportation. These containers are also designed to 

facilitate and optimize the carriage of goods by one or more modes of transportation 

without intermediate handling of the contents and equipped with features permitting 

ready handling and transfer from one mode to another. Containers may be fully 

enclosed with one or more doors, open top, refrigerated, tank, open rack, gondola, 

flatrack, and other designs. See also containerization. (JP 4-01) 

container anchorage terminal — (*) A sheltered anchorage (not a port) with the 

appropriate facilities for the transshipment of containerized cargo from containerships 

to other vessels. 

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. This officer has custodial responsibility for containers from 

time received until dispatched. (JP 4-01.7) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

116 JP 1-02 

container-handling equipment — Items of materials-handling equipment required to 

specifically receive, maneuver, and dispatch International Organization for 

Standardization containers. Also called CHE. See also materials handling 

equipment. (JP 4-01.7) 

containerization — The use of containers to unitize cargo for transportation, supply, and 

storage. Containerization incorporates supply, transportation, packaging, storage, and 

security together with visibility of container and its contents into a distribution system 

from source to user. See also container. (JP 4-01) 

containership — A ship specially constructed and equipped to carry only containers 

without associated equipment, in all available cargo spaces, either below or above deck. 

Containerships are usually non-self-sustaining, do not have built-in capability to load or 

off-load containers, and require port crane service. A containership with 

shipboard-installed cranes capable of loading and off-loading containers without 

assistance of port crane service is considered self-sustaining. See also

non-self-sustaining containership; self-sustaining containership. (JP 4-01.7) 

containership cargo stowage adapter — Serves as the bottom-most temporary deck and 

precludes the necessity of strengthening of tank tops or the installation of hard points 

on decks, thereby accelerating containership readiness. (JP 4-01.6) 

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. See also 

induced radiation; residual radiation. 2. (DOD only) Food and/or water made unfit 

for consumption by humans or animals because of the presence of environmental 

chemicals, radioactive elements, bacteria or organisms, the byproduct of the growth of 

bacteria or organisms, the decomposing material (to include the food substance itself), 

or waste in the food or water. (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) 

contiguous zone — 1. A maritime zone adjacent to the territorial sea that may not extend 

beyond 24 nautical miles (nms) from the baselines from which the breadth of the 

territorial sea is measured. Within the contiguous zone the coastal state may exercise 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 117 

the control necessary to prevent and punish infringement of its customs, fiscal, 

immigration, or sanitary laws and regulations within its territory or territorial sea. In all 

other respects the contiguous zone is an area subject to high seas freedom of 

navigation, overflight, and related freedoms, such as the conduct of military exercises. 

2. The zone of the ocean extending 3-12 nms from the US coastline. 

continental United States — United States territory, including the adjacent territorial 

waters, located within North America between Canada and Mexico. Also called

CONUS.

contingency — A situation requiring military operations in response to natural disasters, 

terrorists, subversives, or as otherwise directed by appropriate authority to protect US 

interests. See also contingency contracting. (JP 5-0) 

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 that may be 

formed by the combatant commander or subordinate joint force commander to augment 

the combatant command or subordinate joint force staffs to provide additional Service 

engineering expertise to support both contingency and crisis action planning and to 

provide construction management in contingency and wartime operations. See also 

combat engineering; contingency; crisis action planning; geospatial engineering. 

(JP 3-34) 

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]). It is a military operation that: a. 

is designated by the Secretary of Defense as an operation in which members of the 

Armed Forces are or may become involved in military actions, operations, or hostilities 

against an enemy of the United States or against an opposing force; or b. is created by 

definition of law. Under Title 10 United States Code, Section 101 [a][13][B], a 

contingency operation exists if a military operation results in the (1) call-up to (or 

retention on) active duty of members of the uniformed Services under certain 

enumerated statutes (Title 10 United States Code, Sections 688, 12301(a), 12302, 

12304, 12305, 12406, or 331-335); and (2) the call-up to (or retention on) active duty of 

members of the uniformed Services under other (non-enumerated) statutes during war 

or national emergency declared by the President or Congress. See also contingency; 

operation. (JP 1) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

118 JP 1-02 

contingency planning — The Joint Operation Planning and Execution System planning 

activities that occur in noncrisis situations. The Joint Planning and Execution 

Community uses contingency planning to develop operation plans for a broad range of 

contingencies based on requirements identified in the Contingency Planning Guidance, 

Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan, or other planning directive. Contingency planning 

underpins and facilitates the transition to crisis action planning. (JP 5-0) 

contingency planning facilities list program — A joint Defense Intelligence Agency and 

unified and specified command program for the production and maintenance of current 

target documentation of all countries of contingency planning interest to US military 

planners. 

Contingency Planning Guidance — The Contingency Planning Guidance (CPG) fulfills 

the statutory duty of the Secretary of Defense to furnish written policy guidance 

annually to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for contingency planning. The 

Secretary issues this guidance with the approval of the President after consultation with 

the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The CPG focuses the guidance 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. 

contingency response program — Fast reaction transportation procedures intended to 

provide for priority use of land transportation assets by Department of Defense when 

required. Also called CORE. (JP 4-01) 

contingency retention stock — That portion of the quantity of an item excess to the 

approved force retention level for which there is no predictable demand or quantifiable 

requirement, and which normally would be allocated as potential DOD excess stock, 

except for a determination that the quantity will be retained for possible contingencies 

for United States forces. (Category C ships, aircraft, and other items being retained as 

contingency reserve are included in this stratum.) 

contingency ZIP Code — A ZIP Code assigned by Military Postal Service Agency to a 

contingency post office for the tactical use of the Armed Forces on a temporary basis. 

The number consists of a five-digit base with a four-digit add-on to assist in routing and 

sorting. (JP 1-0) 

contingent effects — The effects, both desirable and undesirable, that are in addition to the 

primary effects associated with a nuclear detonation. 

continuity of command — The degree or state of being continuous in the exercise of the 

authority vested in an individual of the Armed Forces for the direction, coordination, 

and control of military forces. 

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 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 119 

carrying out the national military strategy. It includes the functions and duties of the 

commander, as well as the supporting functions and duties performed by the staff and 

others acting under the authority and direction of the commander. Also called COOP. 

(JP 3-0) 

continuous fire — (*) 1. Fire conducted at a normal rate without interruption for 

application of adjustment corrections or for other causes. 2. In field artillery and naval 

gunfire support, loading and firing at a specified rate or as rapidly as possible consistent 

with accuracy within the prescribed rate of fire for the weapon. Firing will continue 

until terminated by the command “end of mission” or temporarily suspended by the 

command “cease loading” or “check firing.” 

continuous illumination fire — (*) A type of fire in which illuminating projectiles are 

fired at specified time intervals to provide uninterrupted lighting on the target or 

specified area. 

continuous strip camera — (*) A camera in which the film moves continuously past a slit 

in the focal plane, producing a photograph in one unbroken length by virtue of the 

continuous forward motion of the aircraft. 

continuous strip imagery — (*) Imagery of a strip of terrain in which the image remains 

unbroken throughout its length, along the line of flight. 

contour flight — See terrain flight.

contour interval — (*) Difference in elevation between two adjacent contour lines. 

contour line — (*) A line on a map or chart connecting points of equal elevation. 

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)

contracted logistic support — Support in which maintenance operations for a particular 

military system are performed exclusively by contract support personnel. Also called

CLS. See also logistic support; support. (JP 4-07) 

contracting officer — The 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 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)
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

120 JP 1-02 

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 specifically authorized through their 

contract to accompany the force and have protected status in accordance with 

international conventions. Also called CAAF. (JP 4-10)

contractors not authorized to accompany the force — Contingency contractor employees 

and all tiers of subcontractor employees who are not authorized through their contract 

to accompany the force and do not have protected status in accordance with 

international conventions. Also called non-CAAF. (JP 4-10)

contract support integration — The coordination and synchronization of contracted 

support executed in a designated operational area in support of the joint force. (JP 4-10)

contract termination — Defense procurement: the cessation or cancellation, in whole or in 

part, of work under a prime contract or a subcontract thereunder for the convenience of, 

or at the option of, the government, or due to failure of the contractor to perform in 

accordance with the terms of the contract (default). (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. 2. In mapping, 

charting, and photogrammetry, a collective term for a system of marks or objects on the 

Earth or on a map or a photograph, whose positions or elevations (or both) have been or 

will be determined. 3. Physical or psychological pressures exerted with the intent to 

assure that an agent or group will respond as directed. 4. An indicator governing the 

distribution and use of documents, information, or material. Such indicators are the 

subject of intelligence community agreement and are specifically defined in appropriate 

regulations. See also administrative control; operational control; tactical control. 

control area — A controlled airspace extending upwards from a specified limit above the 

Earth. See also controlled airspace; control zone; terminal control area. (JP 3-04) 

control group — Personnel, ships, and craft designated to control the waterborne ship-toshore movement. (JP 3-02) 

control (intelligence) — See control, Parts 3 and 4. 

controllable mine — (*) A mine which after laying can be controlled by the user, to the 

extent of making the mine safe or live, or to fire the mine. See also mine. 

controlled airspace — (*) An airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic 

control service is provided to controlled flights. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 121 

controlled dangerous air cargo — (*) Cargo which is regarded as highly dangerous and 

which may only be carried by cargo aircraft operating within specific safety 

regulations. 

controlled effects nuclear weapons — Nuclear weapons designed to achieve variation in 

the intensity of specific effects other than normal blast effect. 

controlled exercise — (*) An exercise characterized by the imposition of constraints on 

some or all of the participating units by planning authorities with the principal intention 

of provoking types of interaction. See also free play exercise.

controlled firing area — An area in which ordnance firing is conducted under controlled 

conditions so as to eliminate hazard to aircraft in flight. See also restricted area.

controlled forces — Military or paramilitary forces under effective and sustained political 

and military direction. 

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 US interests and objectives. 

controlled item — See regulated item.

controlled map — A map with precise horizontal and vertical ground control as a basis. 

Scale, azimuth, and elevation are accurate. See also map.

controlled mosaic — (*) A mosaic corrected for scale, rectified and laid to ground control 

to provide an accurate representation of distances and direction. See also mosaic; 

rectification. 

controlled passing — (*) A traffic movement procedure whereby two lines of traffic 

travelling in opposite directions are enabled to traverse alternately a point or section of 

route which can take only one line of traffic at a time. 

controlled port — (*) A harbor or anchorage at which entry and departure, assignment of 

berths, and traffic within the harbor or anchorage are controlled by military authorities. 

controlled reprisal — Not to be used. See controlled response.

controlled response — The selection from a wide variety of feasible options one of which 

will provide the specific military response most advantageous in the circumstances. 

controlled route — (*) A route, the use of which is subject to traffic or movement 

restrictions which may be supervised. See also route. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

122 JP 1-02 

controlled shipping — Shipping that is controlled by the Military Sealift Command. 

Included in this category are Military Sealift Command ships (United States Naval 

Ships), government-owned ships operated under a general agency agreement, and 

commercial ships under charter to the Military Sealift Command. See also Military 

Sealift Command; United States Naval Ship. (JP 3-02.2) 

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 war — Not to be used. See limited war.

control of electromagnetic radiation — A national operation plan to minimize the use of 

electromagnetic radiation in the United States and its possessions and the Panama 

Canal Zone in the event of attack or imminent threat thereof, as an aid to the navigation 

of hostile aircraft, guided missiles, or other devices. See also emission control orders.

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; controlled airspace; terminal 

control area.

conventional forces — 1. Those forces capable of conducting operations using nonnuclear 

weapons. 2. Those forces other than designated special operations forces. (JP 3-05) 

conventional mines — Land mines, other than nuclear or chemical, that are not designed to 

self-destruct. They are designed to be emplaced by hand or mechanical means. 

Conventional mines can be buried or surface laid and are normally emplaced in a 

pattern to aid in recording. See also mine. (JP 3-15) 

conventional weapon — (*) A weapon which is neither nuclear, biological, nor chemical. 

converge — A request or command used in a call for fire to indicate that the observer or 

spotter desires a sheaf in which the planes of fire intersect at a point. 

converged sheaf — The lateral distribution of fire of two or more pieces so that the planes 

of fire intersect at a given point. See also parallel sheaf.

convergence — See convergence factor; grid convergence; grid convergence factor; 

map convergence; true convergence.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 123 

convergence factor — (*) The ratio of the angle between any two meridians on the chart to 

their actual change of longitude. See also convergence.

convergence zone — That region in the deep ocean where sound rays, refractured from the 

depths, return to the surface. 

conversion angle — (*) The angle between a great circle (orthodromic) bearing and a 

rhumb line (loxodromic) bearing of a point, measured at a common origin. 

conversion scale — (*) A scale indicating the relationship between two different units of 

measurement. See also scale.

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. See also coastal convoy; evacuation convoy; ocean convoy.

convoy commodore — A naval officer, or master of one of the ships in a convoy, 

designated to command the convoy, subject to the orders of the officer in tactical 

command. If no surface escort is present, the convoy commodore takes entire 

command. 

convoy dispersal point — (*) The position at sea where a convoy breaks up, each ship 

proceeding independently thereafter. 

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.

convoy joiner — See joiner. See also joiner convoy; joiner section.

convoy leaver — See leaver. See also leaver convoy; leaver section.

convoy loading — (*) The loading of troop units with their equipment and supplies in 

vessels of the same movement group, but not necessarily in the same vessel. See also

loading.

convoy route — (*) The specific route assigned to each convoy by the appropriate routing 

authority. 

convoy schedule — (*) Planned convoy sailings showing the shipping lanes, assembly and 

terminal areas, scheduled speed, and sailing interval. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

124 JP 1-02 

convoy speed — (*) For ships, the speed which the convoy commodore orders the guide of 

the convoy to make good through the water. 

convoy terminal area — (*) A geographical area, designated by the name of a port or 

anchorage on which it is centered, at which convoys or sections of convoys arrive and 

from which they will be dispersed to coastal convoy systems or as independents to their 

final destination. 

convoy through escort — (*) Those ships of the close escort which normally remain with 

the convoy from its port of assembly to its port of arrival. 

convoy title — (*) A combination of letters and numbers that gives the port of departure 

and arrival, speed, and serial number of each convoy. 

cooperating agency — An agency that provides technical and resource support (including 

planning, training, and exercising), at the request of the coordinating agency, to conduct 

operations using their own authorities, subject-matter experts, capabilities or resources 

(i.e., personnel, equipment, or other resource support). The Department of Defense is 

considered a cooperating agency for the majority of the National Response Plan 

support annexes. (JP 3-28) 

cooperative logistics — The logistic support provided a foreign government or agency 

through its participation in the US Department of Defense logistic system, with 

reimbursement to the United States for support provided. 

cooperative logistic support arrangements — The combining term for procedural 

arrangements (cooperative logistic arrangements) and implementing procedures 

(supplementary procedures) that together support, define, or implement cooperative 

logistic understandings between the United States and a friendly foreign government 

under peacetime conditions. 

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 draft plan — (*) A plan for which a draft plan has been coordinated with the 

nations involved. It may be used for future planning and exercises and may be 

implemented during an emergency. See also draft plan; final plan; initial draft plan; 

operation plan.

coordinated fire line — A line beyond which conventional and indirect surface fire support 

means may fire at any time within the boundaries of the establishing headquarters 

without additional coordination. The purpose of the coordinated fire line is to expedite 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 125 

the surface-to-surface attack of targets beyond the coordinated fire line without 

coordination with the ground commander in whose area the targets are located. Also 

called CFL. See also fire support. (JP 3-09) 

coordinated procurement assignee — The agency or Military Service assigned purchase 

responsibility for all Department of Defense requirements of a particular Federal 

Supply Group/class, commodity, or item. 

Coordinated Universal Time — An atomic time scale that is the basis for broadcast time 

signals. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) differs from International Atomic Time by 

an integral number of seconds; it is maintained within 0.9 seconds of UT1 (see 

Universal Time) by introduction of Leap Seconds. The rotational orientation of the 

Earth, specified by UT1, may be obtained to an accuracy of a tenth of a second by 

applying the UTC to the increment DUT1 (where DUT1 = UT1 - UTC) that is 

broadcast in code with the time signals. Also called UTC. See also International 

Atomic Time; Universal Time; ZULU Time.

coordinates — (*) Linear or angular quantities which designate the position that a point 

occupies in a given reference frame or system. Also used as a general term to designate 

the particular kind of reference frame or system such as plane rectangular coordinates 

or spherical coordinates. See also geographic coordinates; georef; grid coordinates.

coordinating agency — An agency that supports the incident management mission by 

providing the leadership, expertise, and authorities to implement critical and specific 

aspects of the response. Responsible for orchestrating a coordinated response, provides 

staff for operations functions, notifies and tasks cooperating agencies, manages tasks 

with cooperating agencies, works with private-sector organizations, communicates 

ongoing activities to organizational elements, plans for short- and long-term incident 

management and maintains trained personnel to execute their appropriate support 

responsibilities. (JP 3-28) 

coordinating altitude — A procedural airspace control method to separate fixed- and 

rotary-wing aircraft by determining an altitude below which fixed-wing aircraft will 

normally not fly and above which rotary-wing aircraft normally will not fly. The 

coordinating altitude is normally specified in the airspace control plan and may include 

a buffer zone for small altitude deviations. (JP 3-52) 

coordinating authority — A commander or individual assigned responsibility for 

coordinating specific functions or activities involving forces of two or more Military 

Departments, two or more joint force components, or two or more forces of the same 

Service. The commander or individual has the authority to require consultation 

between the agencies involved, but does not have the authority to compel agreement. 

In the event that essential agreement cannot be obtained, the matter shall be referred to 

the appointing authority. Coordinating authority is a consultation relationship, not an 

authority through which command may be exercised. Coordinating authority is more 

applicable to planning and similar activities than to operations. (JP 1) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

126 JP 1-02 

coordinating point — (*) Designated point at which, in all types of combat, adjacent 

units/formations must make contact for purposes of control and coordination. 

coordinating review authority — An agency appointed by a Service or combatant 

command to coordinate with and assist the primary review authority in joint doctrine 

development and maintenance. Each Service or combatant command must assign a 

coordinating review authority. When authorized by the appointing Service or 

combatant command, coordinating review authority comments provided to designated 

primary review authorities will represent the position of the appointing Service or 

combatant command with regard to the publication under development. Also called 

CRA. See also joint doctrine; joint publication; lead agent; primary review 

authority. (CJCSI 5120.02A) 

coproduction — 1. With respect to exports, a cooperative manufacturing arrangement 

(e.g., US Government or company with foreign government or company) providing for 

the transfer of production information that enables an eligible foreign government, 

international organization, or commercial producer to manufacture, in whole or in part, 

an item of US defense equipment. Such an arrangement would include the functions of 

production engineering, controlling, quality assurance, and determination of resource 

requirements. This is normally accomplished under the provisions of a manufacturing 

license agreement per the US International Traffic in Arms Regulation and could 

involve the implementation of a government-to- government memorandum of 

understanding. 2. A cooperative manufacturing arrangement (US Government or 

company with foreign government or company) providing for the transfer of 

production information which enables the receiving government, international 

organization, or commercial producer to manufacture, in whole or in part, an item of 

defense equipment. The receiving party could be an eligible foreign government, 

international organization, or foreign producer; or the US Government or a US 

producer, depending on which direction the information is to flow. A typical 

coproduction arrangement would include the functions of production engineering, 

controlling, quality assurance, and determining of resource requirements. It may or 

may not include design engineering information and critical materials production and 

design information. 

copy negative — (*) A negative produced from an original not necessarily at the same 

scale. 

corner reflector — (*) 1. A device, normally consisting of three metallic surfaces or 

screens perpendicular to one another, designed to act as a radar target or marker. 2. In 

radar interpretation, an object which, by means of multiple reflections from smooth 

surfaces, produces a radar return of greater magnitude than might be expected from the 

physical size of the object. 

corps support command — Provides corps logistic support and command and control of 

water supply battalions. (JP 4-01.6) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 127 

corps troops — (*) Troops assigned or attached to a corps, but not a part of one of the 

divisions that make up the corps. 

correlation factor — (*) The ratio of a ground dose rate reading to a reading taken at 

approximately the same time at survey height over the same point on the ground. 

cost-plus award fee contract — A type of contract that provides for a payment consisting 

of a base amount fixed at inception of the contract along with an award amount that is 

based upon a judgmental evaluation by the United States Government. (JP 4-10) 

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 that integrates offensive and defensive operations to attain and 

maintain a desired degree of air superiority. Counterair missions are designed to 

destroy or negate enemy aircraft and missiles, both before and after launch. See also 

air superiority; mission; offensive counterair. (JP 3-01) 

counterattack — Attack by part or all of a defending force against an enemy attacking 

force, for such specific purposes as regaining ground lost or cutting off or destroying 

enemy advance units, and with the general objective of denying to the enemy the 

attainment of the enemy’s purpose in attacking. In sustained defensive operations, it is 

undertaken to restore the battle position and is directed at limited objectives. See also 

countermove; counteroffensive.

counterbattery fire — (*) Fire delivered for the purpose of destroying or neutralizing 

indirect fire weapon systems. 

counterdeception — Efforts to negate, neutralize, diminish the effects of, or gain advantage 

from a foreign deception operation. Counterdeception does not include the intelligence 

function of identifying foreign deception operations. See also deception. (JP 3-13.4)

counterdrug — Those active measures taken to detect, monitor, and counter the 

production, trafficking, and use of illegal drugs. Also called CD and 

counternarcotics (CN). (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. This includes, but is not 

limited to, measures taken to detect, interdict, disrupt, or curtail activities related to 

substances, materiel, weapons, or resources used to finance, support, secure, cultivate, 

process, or transport illegal drugs. (JP 3-07.4) 

counterdrug nonoperational support — Support provided to law enforcement agencies or 

host nations that includes loan or lease of equipment without operators, use of facilities 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

128 JP 1-02 

(such as buildings, training areas, and ranges), training conducted in formal schools, 

transfer of excess equipment, or other support provided by the Services from forces not 

assigned or made available to the combatant commanders. See also counterdrug 

operational support; counterdrug operations. (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 nonoperational 

support; counterdrug operations. (JP 3-07.4) 

counterdrug operations — Civil or military actions taken to reduce or eliminate illicit 

drug trafficking. See also counterdrug; counterdrug nonoperational support; 

counterdrug operational support. (JP 3-07.4) 

counternarcotics — See counterdrug. (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. 

counterfire — (*) Fire intended to destroy or neutralize enemy weapons. (DOD only) 

Includes counterbattery, counterbombardment, and countermortar fire. See also fire.

counterforce — The employment of strategic air and missile forces in an effort to destroy, 

or render impotent, selected military capabilities of an enemy force under any of the 

circumstances by which hostilities may be initiated. 

counterguerrilla operations — Operations and activities conducted by armed forces, 

paramilitary forces, or nonmilitary agencies against guerrillas. (JP 3-24) 

counterinsurgency — Comprehensive civilian and military efforts taken to defeat an 

insurgency and to address any core grievances. Also called COIN. (JP 3-24) 

counterintelligence — Information gathered and activities conducted to protect against 

espionage, other intelligence activities, sabotage, or assassinations conducted by or on 

behalf of foreign governments or elements thereof, foreign organizations, or foreign 

persons, or international terrorist activities. Also called CI. See also 

counterespionage; countersabotage; countersubversion; security; security 

intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 129 

counterintelligence collection — The systematic acquisition of information (through 

investigations, operations, or liaison) concerning espionage, sabotage, terrorism, other 

intelligence activities or assassinations conducted by or on behalf of foreign 

governments or elements thereof, foreign organizations, or foreign persons that are 

directed against or threaten Department of Defense interests. See also

counterintelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

counterintelligence investigation — An official, systematic search for facts to determine 

whether a person(s) is engaged in activities that may be injurious to US national 

security or advantageous to a foreign power. See also counterintelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

counterintelligence operational tasking authority — The levying of counterintelligence 

requirements specific to joint military activities and operations. Counterintelligence 

operational tasking authority is exercised through supporting components. 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 process of analyzing all-source information 

concerning espionage or other multidiscipline intelligence collection threats, sabotage, 

terrorism, and other related threats to US military commanders, the Department of 

Defense, and the US Intelligence Community and developing it into a final product that 

is disseminated. Counterintelligence production is used in formulating security policy, 

plans, and operations. 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.

countermine — (*) To explode the main charge in a mine by the shock of a nearby 

explosion of another mine or independent explosive charge. The explosion of the main 

charge may be caused either by sympathetic detonation or through the explosive train 

and/or firing mechanism of the mine. 

countermine operation — (*) In land mine warfare, an operation to reduce or eliminate 

the effects of mines or minefields. See also countermine; mine warfare.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

130 JP 1-02 

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) 

countermove — (*) An operation undertaken in reaction to or in anticipation of a move by 

the enemy. See also counterattack.

counteroffensive — A large scale offensive undertaken by a defending force to seize the 

initiative from the attacking force. See also counterattack.

counterpreparation fire — (*) Intensive prearranged fire delivered when the imminence 

of the enemy attack is discovered. (DOD only) It is designed to: break up enemy 

formations; disorganize the enemy’s systems of command, communications, and 

observation; decrease the effectiveness of artillery preparation; and impair the enemy’s 

offensive spirit. See also fire. 

counterproliferation — Those actions taken to defeat the threat and/or use of weapons of 

mass destruction against the United States, our forces, friends, allies, and partners. 

Also called CP. See also nonproliferation. (JP 3-40) 

counterpropaganda operations — Those psychological operations activities that identify 

adversary propaganda, contribute to situational awareness, and serve to expose 

adversary attempts to influence friendly populations and military forces. (JP 3-53) 

counterreconnaissance — All measures taken to prevent hostile observation of a force, 

area, or place. 

countersabotage — That aspect of counterintelligence designed to detect, destroy, 

neutralize, or prevent sabotage activities through identification, penetration, 

manipulation, deception, and repression of individuals, groups, or organizations 

conducting or suspected of conducting sabotage activities. 

countersign — (*) A secret challenge and its reply. See also challenge; password.

countersubversion — That aspect of counterintelligence designed to detect, destroy, 

neutralize, or prevent subversive activities through the identification, exploitation, 

penetration, manipulation, deception, and repression of individuals, groups, or 

organizations conducting or suspected of conducting subversive activities. 

countersurveillance — All measures, active or passive, taken to counteract hostile 

surveillance. See also surveillance.

counterterrorism — Operations that include the offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, 

preempt, and respond to terrorism. Also called CT. See also antiterrorism; 

combating terrorism; terrorism. (JP 3-05) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 131 

country cover diagram — (*) A small scale index, by country, depicting the existence of 

air photography for planning purposes only. 

country team — The senior, in-country, US coordinating and supervising body, headed by 

the chief of the US diplomatic mission, and composed of the senior member of each 

represented US department or agency, as desired by the chief of the US diplomatic 

mission. (JP 3-07.4) 

coup de main — An offensive operation that capitalizes on surprise and simultaneous 

execution of supporting operations to achieve success in one swift stroke. (JP 3-0) 

courier — A messenger (usually a commissioned or warrant officer) responsible for the 

secure physical transmission and delivery of documents and material. Generally 

referred to as a command or local courier. See also armed forces courier.

course — (*) The intended direction of movement in the horizontal plane. 

course of action — 1. Any sequence of activities that an individual or unit may follow. 2. 

A possible plan open to an individual or commander that would accomplish, or is 

related to the accomplishment of the mission. 3. The scheme adopted to accomplish a 

job or mission. 4. A line of conduct in an engagement. 5. A product of the Joint 

Operation Planning and Execution System concept development phase and the courseof-action determination steps of the joint operation planning process. Also called 

COA. (JP 5-0) 

cover — (*) 1. The action by land, air, or sea forces to protect by offense, defense, or 

threat of either or both. 2. Those measures necessary to give protection to a person, 

plan, operation, formation, or installation from the enemy intelligence effort and 

leakage of information. 3. The act of maintaining a continuous receiver watch with 

transmitter calibrated and available, but not necessarily available for immediate use. 4. 

Shelter or protection, either natural or artificial. 5. (DOD only) Photographs or other 

recorded images which show a particular area of ground. 6. (DOD only) A code 

meaning, “Keep fighters between force/base and contact designated at distance stated 

from force/base” (e.g., “cover bogey twenty-seven to thirty miles”). 

coverage — (*) 1. The ground area represented on imagery, photomaps, mosaics, maps, 

and other geographical presentation systems. 2. (DOD only) Cover or protection, as 

the coverage of troops by supporting fire. 3. (DOD only) The extent to which 

intelligence information is available in respect to any specified area of interest. 4. 

(DOD only) The summation of the geographical areas and volumes of aerospace under 

surveillance. See also comparative cover.

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. See also fire. (JP 

3-02) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

132 JP 1-02 

covering force — 1. A force operating apart from the main force for the purpose of 

intercepting, engaging, delaying, disorganizing, and deceiving the enemy before the 

enemy can attack the force covered. 2. Any body or detachment of troops which 

provides security for a larger force by observation, reconnaissance, attack, or defense, 

or by any combination of these methods. See also force(s). (JP 3-18) 

covering force area — (*) The area forward of the forward edge of the battle area out to 

the forward positions initially assigned to the covering forces. It is here that the 

covering forces execute assigned tasks. 

cover (military) — Actions to conceal actual friendly intentions, capabilities, operations, 

and other activities by providing a plausible yet erroneous explanation of the 

observable. 

cover search — (*) In air photographic reconnaissance, the process of selection of the most 

suitable existing cover for a specific requirement. 

covert operation — An operation that is so planned and executed as to conceal the identity 

of or permit plausible denial by the sponsor. A covert operation differs from a 

clandestine operation in that emphasis is placed on concealment of the identity of the 

sponsor rather than on concealment of the operation. See also clandestine operation; 

overt operation. (JP 3-60) 

coxswain — A person in charge of a small craft (in the Army, a Class B or smaller craft) 

who often functions as the helmsman. For a causeway ferry, the pilot is in charge with 

the coxswain performing helmsman functions. See causeway. (JP 4-01.6) 

crash locator beacon — (*) An automatic emergency radio locator beacon to help 

searching forces locate a crashed aircraft. See also emergency locator beacon; 

personal locator beacon.

crash position indicator — See crash locator beacon.

crash rescue and fire suppression — Extraction of aircrew members from crashed or 

burning aircraft and the control and extinguishing of aircraft and structural fires. 

(JP 3-34) 

crater — The pit, depression, or cavity formed in the surface of the Earth by an explosion. 

It may range from saucer shaped to conical, depending largely on the depth of burst. In 

the case of a deep underground burst, no rupture of the surface may occur. The 

resulting cavity is termed a “camouflet.” 

crater depth — The maximum depth of the crater measured from the deepest point of the 

pit to the original ground level. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 133 

cratering charge — (*) A charge placed at an adequate depth to produce a crater. 

crater radius — The average radius of the crater measured at the level corresponding to the 

original surface of the ground. 

creeping barrage — (*) A barrage in which the fire of all units participating remains in the 

same relative position throughout and which advances in steps of one line at a time. 

creeping mine — (*) In naval mine warfare, a buoyant mine held below the surface by a 

weight, usually in the form of a chain, which is free to creep along the seabed under the 

influence of stream or current. 

crest — (*) A terrain feature of such altitude that it restricts fire or observation in an area 

beyond, resulting in dead space, or limiting the minimum elevation, or both. 

crested — A report that indicates that engagement of a target or observation of an area is 

not possible because of an obstacle or intervening crest. 

crisis — An incident or situation involving a threat to a nation, its territories, citizens, 

military forces, possessions, or vital interests that develops rapidly and creates a 

condition of such diplomatic, economic, political, or military importance that 

commitment of military forces and resources is contemplated to achieve national 

objectives. (JP 3-0) 

crisis action planning — One of the two types of joint operation planning. The Joint 

Operation Planning and Execution System process involving the time-sensitive 

development of joint operation plans and operation orders for the deployment, 

employment, and sustainment of assigned and allocated forces and resources in 

response to an imminent crisis. Crisis action planning is based on the actual 

circumstances that exist at the time planning occurs. Also called CAP. See also 

contingency planning; joint operation planning; Joint Operation Planning and 

Execution System. (JP 5-0) 

crisis management — Measures to identify, acquire, and plan the use of resources needed 

to anticipate, prevent, and/or resolve a threat or an act of terrorism. It is predominantly 

a law enforcement response, normally executed under federal law. Also called CrM. 

(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) 

critical asset list — A prioritized list of assets, 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 the CAL. (JP 3-01) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

134 JP 1-02 

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 

vitally needed by adversaries for them to plan and act effectively so as to guarantee 

failure or unacceptable consequences for friendly mission accomplishment. 

critical infrastructure protection — Actions taken to prevent, remediate, or mitigate the 

risks resulting from vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure assets. Depending on the 

risk, these actions could include: changes in tactics, techniques, or procedures; adding 

redundancy; selection of another asset; isolation or hardening; guarding, etc. Also 

called CIP. See also defense critical infrastructure; national critical infrastructure 

and key assets. (JP 3-28) 

critical intelligence — Intelligence that is crucial and requires the immediate attention of 

the commander. It is required to enable the commander to make decisions that will 

provide a timely and appropriate response to actions by the potential or actual enemy. 

It includes but is not limited to the following: a. strong indications of the imminent 

outbreak of hostilities of any type (warning of attack); b. aggression of any nature 

against a friendly country; c. indications or use of chemical, biological, radiological, 

nuclear, or high-yield explosives weapons; and d. significant events within adversary 

countries that may lead to modifications of nuclear strike plans. (JP 2-0) 

critical item — An essential item which is in short supply or expected to be in short supply 

for an extended period. See also critical supplies and materiel; regulated item.

critical item list — Prioritized list, compiled from a subordinate commander’s composite 

critical item lists, identifying supply items and weapon systems that assist Service and 

Defense Logistics Agency’s selection of supply items and systems for production surge 

planning. Also may be used in operational situations by the combatant commander 

and/or subordinate joint force commander (within combatant commander directives) to 

cross-level critical supply items between Service components. Also called CIL. See 

also critical item. (JP 4-07) 

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. It addresses the impact 

of temporary or permanent loss of key assets or infrastructures to the installation or a 

unit’s ability to perform its mission. It examines costs of recovery and reconstitution 

including time, dollars, capability, and infrastructure support. (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. Critical 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 135 

billets are selected by heads of joint organizations, approved by the Secretary of 

Defense and documented in the Joint Duty Assignment List. 

critical mass — The minimum amount of fissionable material capable of supporting a chain 

reaction under precisely specified conditions. 

critical node — An element, position, or command and control entity whose disruption or 

destruction immediately degrades the ability of a force to command, control, or 

effectively conduct combat operations. Also called target critical damage point.

critical occupational specialty — A military occupational specialty selected from among 

the combat arms in the Army or equivalent military specialties in the Navy, Air Force, 

or Marine Corps. Equivalent military specialties are those engaged in operational art in 

order to attain strategic goals in an operational area through the design, organization, 

and conduct of campaigns and major operations. Critical occupational specialties are 

designated by the Secretary of Defense. Also called COS. 

critical point — 1. A key geographical point or position important to the success of an 

operation. 2. In point of time, a crisis or a turning point in an operation. 3. A selected 

point along a line of march used for reference in giving instructions. 4. A point where 

there is a change of direction or change in slope in a ridge or stream. 5. Any point 

along a route of march where interference with a troop movement may occur. 

critical requirement — An essential condition, resource, and means for a critical capability 

to be fully operational. (JP 5-0) 

critical safety item — A part, assembly, installation, or production system with one or more 

essential characteristics that, if not conforming to the design data or quality 

requirements, would result in an unsafe condition that could cause loss or serious 

damage to the end item or major components, loss of control, or serious injury to 

personnel. Also called CSI.

critical speed — (*) A speed or range of speeds which a ship cannot sustain due to 

vibration or other similar phenomena. 

critical supplies and materiel — Those supplies vital to the support of operations, which 

owing to various causes are in short supply or are expected to be in short supply. See 

also critical item; regulated item. (JP 4-0) 

critical sustainability item — Any item described at National Stock Number level of 

detail, by federal supply class, as part of the logistic factors file, that significantly affect 

the commander’s ability to execute an operation plan. Also called CSI.

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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

136 JP 1-02 

critic report — See critical intelligence.

crossing area — (*) 1. A number of adjacent crossing sites under the control of one 

commander. 2. (DOD only) A controlled access area for a river crossing operation 

used to decrease traffic congestion at the river. It is normally a brigade-sized area 

defined by lateral boundaries and release lines 3 to 4 kilometers (based on mission, 

enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available-time available) from each side 

of the river. 

cross-leveling — The authority and ability to shift materiel inventory from one owner to 

meet the requirement of another. At the theater strategic level and operational level, 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. Cross-leveling plans must include specific reimbursement 

procedures. (JP 4-07) 

cross-loading (personnel) — The distribution of leaders, key weapons, personnel, and key 

equipment among the aircraft, vessels, or vehicles of a formation to preclude the total 

loss of command and control or unit effectiveness if an aircraft, vessel, or vehicle is 

lost. It is also an important factor in aiding rapid assembly of units at the drop zone or 

landing zone. See also loading.

cross-servicing — A subset of common-user logistics in which a function is performed by 

one Military Service in support of another Military Service and for which 

reimbursement is required from the Service receiving support. See also acquisition 

and cross-servicing agreement; common-user logistics; servicing. (JP 4-07) 

cross-targeting (nuclear) — The layering of weapons from different delivery platforms to 

increase the probability of target damage or destruction. 

cross tell — (*) The transfer of information between facilities at the same operational level. 

See also track telling.

cruise missile — Guided missile, the major portion of whose flight path to its target is 

conducted at approximately constant velocity; depends on the dynamic reaction of air 

for lift and upon propulsion forces to balance drag. 

cruising altitude — (*) A level determined by vertical measurement from mean sea level, 

maintained during a flight or portion thereof. 

cruising level — (*) A level maintained during a significant portion of a flight. See also

altitude.

crush depth — See collapse depth. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 137 

cryogenic liquid — Liquefied gas at very low temperature, such as liquid oxygen, nitrogen, 

or argon. 

cryptanalysis — The steps and operations performed in converting encrypted messages into 

plain text without initial knowledge of the key employed in the encryption. 

cryptochannel — 1. A complete system of crypto-communications between two or more 

holders. 2. The basic unit for naval cryptographic communication. It includes: a. the 

cryptographic aids prescribed; b. the holders thereof; c. the indicators or other means 

of identification; d. the area or areas in which effective; e. the special purpose, if any, 

for which provided; and f. pertinent notes as to distribution, usage, etc. A 

cryptochannel is analogous to a radio circuit. 

cryptographic information — All information significantly descriptive of cryptographic 

techniques and processes or of cryptographic systems and equipment (or their functions 

and capabilities) and all cryptomaterial. 

cryptologic — Of or pertaining to cryptology. 

cryptology — The science that deals with hidden, disguised, or encrypted communications. 

It includes communications security and communications intelligence. 

cryptomaterial — All material including documents, devices, equipment, and apparatus 

essential to the encryption, decryption, or authentication of telecommunications. When 

classified, it is designated CRYPTO and subject to special safeguards. 

cryptopart — (*) A division of a message as prescribed for security reasons. The 

operating instructions for certain cryptosystems prescribe the number of groups which 

may be encrypted in the systems, using a single message indicator. Cryptoparts are 

identified in plain language. They are not to be confused with message parts. 

cryptosecurity — The component of communications security that results from the 

provision of technically sound cryptosystems and their proper use. See also 

communications security. (JP 6-0) 

cryptosystem — The associated items of cryptomaterial that are used as a unit and provide 

a single means of encryption and decryption. See also cipher; code; decrypt; 

encipher.

culminating point — The point at which a force no longer has the capability to continue its 

form of operations, offense or defense. a. In the offense, the point at which effectively 

continuing the attack is no longer possible and the force must consider reverting to a 

defensive posture or attempting an operational pause. b. In the defense, the point at 

which effective counteroffensive action is no longer possible. (JP 5-0) 
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138 JP 1-02 

cultivation — A deliberate and calculated association with a person for the purpose of 

recruitment, obtaining information, or gaining control for these or other purposes. 

culture — (*) A feature of the terrain that has been constructed by man. Included are such 

items as roads, buildings, and canals; boundary lines; and, in a broad sense, all names 

and legends on a map. 

curb weight — Weight of a ground vehicle including fuel, lubricants, coolant, and 

on-vehicle materiel, excluding cargo and operating personnel. 

current — A body of water moving in a certain direction and caused by wind and density 

differences in water. The effects of a current are modified by water depth, underwater 

topography, basin shape, land masses, and deflection from the earth’s rotation. 

(JP 4-01.6) 

current force — The force that exists today. The current force represents actual force 

structure and/or manning available to meet present contingencies. It is the basis for 

operations and contingency plans and orders. See also force; Intermediate Force 

Planning Level; Programmed Forces.

current intelligence — One of two categories of descriptive intelligence that is concerned 

with describing the existing situation. (JP 2-0) 

current, offshore — Deep water movements caused by tides or seasonal changes in ocean 

water level. (JP 4-01.6) 

current, rip — A water movement that flows from the beach through the surf zone in 

swiftly moving narrow channels. See also surf zone. (JP 4-01.6) 

curve of pursuit — (*) The curved path described by a fighter plane making an attack on a 

moving target while holding the proper aiming allowance. 

cusps — Ridges of beach material extending seaward from the beach face with intervening 

troughs. (JP 4-01.6) 

custodian of postal effects — Members of the US Armed Forces or Department of Defense 

civilian employees accountable for administration of the postal effects entrusted to 

them by the United States Postal Service. Civilian custodians of postal effects are 

supervised by the members of the US Armed Forces. Also called COPE. 

custody — 1. The responsibility for the control of, transfer and movement of, and access to, 

weapons and components. Custody also includes the maintenance of accountability for 

weapons and components. 2. Temporary restraint of a person. 

customer ship — (*) The ship in a replenishment unit that receives the transferred 

personnel and/or supplies. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 139 

customer wait time — The total elapsed time between issuance of a customer order and 

satisfaction of that order. Also called CWT. (JP 4-09) 

Customs Over-The-Horizon Enforcement Network — United States Customs Service 

long-range voice communications system. Also called COTHEN. (JP 3-07.4) 

cut-off — (*) The deliberate shutting off of a reaction engine. 

cutoff attack — An attack that provides a direct vector from the interceptor’s position to an 

intercept point with the target track. 

cut-off velocity — (*) The velocity attained by a missile at the point of cut-off. 

cutout — An intermediary or device used to obviate direct contact between members of a 

clandestine organization. 

cutting charge — (*) A charge which produces a cutting effect in line with its plane of 

symmetry. 

cyber counterintelligence — Measures to identify, penetrate, or neutralize foreign 

operations that use cyber means as the primary tradecraft methodology, as well as 

foreign intelligence service collection efforts that use traditional methods to gauge 

cyber capabilities and intentions. See also counterintelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

cyberspace — A global domain within the information environment consisting of the 

interdependent network of information technology infrastructures, including the 

Internet, telecommunications networks, computer systems, and embedded processors 

and controllers. (CJCS CM-0363-08) 

cyberspace operations — The employment of cyber capabilities where the primary 

purpose is to achieve objectives in or through cyberspace. Such operations include 

computer network operations and activities to operate and defend the Global 

Information Grid. (CJCS Memo 19 Aug 2009) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

140 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

D 

JP 1-02 141 

daily intelligence summary — A report prepared in message form at the joint force 

headquarters that provides higher, lateral, and subordinate headquarters with a 

summary of all significant intelligence produced during the previous 24-hour period. 

The “as of” time for information, content, and submission time for the report will be as 

specified by the joint force commander. Also called DISUM.

daily movement summary (shipping) — A tabulation of departures and arrivals of all 

merchant shipping (including neutrals) arriving or departing ports during a 24-hour 

period. 

damage area — (*) In naval mine warfare, the plan area around a minesweeper inside 

which a mine explosion is likely to interrupt operations. 

damage assessment — 1. The determination of the effect of attacks on targets. 2. (DOD 

only) A determination of the effect of a compromise of classified information on 

national security. See also civil damage assessment; military damage assessment. 

(JP 3-60) 

damage control — In naval usage, measures necessary aboard ship to preserve and 

reestablish watertight integrity, stability, maneuverability, and offensive power; to 

control list and trim; to effect rapid repairs of materiel; to limit the spread of and 

provide adequate protection from fire; to limit the spread of, remove the contamination 

by, and provide adequate protection from chemical, biological, and radiological agents; 

and to provide for care of wounded personnel. See also area damage control; 

disaster control.

damage criteria — The critical levels of various effects, such as blast pressure and thermal 

radiation, required to achieve specified levels of damage. 

damage estimation — A preliminary appraisal of the potential effects of an attack. See 

also attack assessment.

damage expectancy (nuclear) — The probability that a weapon will arrive, detonate, and 

achieve at least a specified level of damage (severe or moderate) against a given target. 

Damage expectancy is a function of both probability of arrival and probability of 

damage of a weapon. 

damage radius — (*) In naval mine warfare, the average distance from a ship within 

which a mine containing a given weight and type of explosive must detonate if it is to 

inflict a specified amount of damage. 

damage threat — (*) The probability that a target ship passing once through a minefield 

will explode one or more mines and sustain a specified amount of damage. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

142 JP 1-02 

danger area — (*) 1. In air traffic control, an airspace of defined dimensions within which 

activities dangerous to the flight of aircraft may exist at specified times. 2. (DOD 

only) A specified area above, below, or within which there may be potential danger. 

See also closed area; prohibited area; restricted area.

danger close — In close air support, artillery, mortar, and naval gunfire support fires, it is 

the term included in the method of engagement segment of a call for fire which 

indicates that friendly forces are within close proximity of the target. The close 

proximity distance is determined by the weapon and munition fired. See also call for 

fire; final protective fire. (JP 3-09.3)

dangerous cargo — (*) Cargo which, because of its dangerous properties, is subject to 

special regulations for its transport.

danger space — That space between the weapon and the target where the trajectory does 

not rise 1.8 meters (the average height of a standing human). This includes the area 

encompassed by the beaten zone. See also beaten zone.

data — Representation of facts, concepts, or instructions in a formalized manner suitable 

for communication, interpretation, or processing by humans or by automatic means. 

Any representations such as characters or analog quantities to which meaning is or 

might be assigned. (JP 3-13) 

database — Information that is normally structured and indexed for user access and review. 

Databases may exist in the form of physical files (folders, documents, etc.) or formatted 

automated data processing system data files. (JP 2-0) 

data block — Information presented on air imagery relevant to the geographical position, 

altitude, attitude, and heading of the aircraft and, in certain cases, administrative 

information and information on the sensors employed. 

data code — A number, letter, character, or any combination thereof used to represent a 

data element or data item. 

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. 

data item — A subunit of descriptive information or value classified under a data element. 

For example, the data element “military personnel grade” contains data items such as 

sergeant, captain, and colonel. 

data link — (*) The means of connecting one location to another for the purpose of 

transmitting and receiving data. See also tactical digital information link.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 143 

data link coordination net — A voice coordination net of voice circuits used to coordinate 

technical operation of data terminal equipment. One voice circuit is required for each 

tactical digital information link (TADIL)-B pair, and one net is required for participants 

on each TADIL-A, TADIL-J, or interim Joint Tactical Information Distribution System 

message specification net. The net is normally secure or covered. Also called DCN. 

data mile — A standard unit of distance 

date line — See international date line.

date-time group — The date and time, expressed in digits and time zone suffix, at which 

the message was prepared for transmission. (Expressed as six digits followed by the 

time zone suffix; first pair of digits denotes the date, second pair the hours, third pair 

the minutes, followed by a three-letter month abbreviation and two-digit year 

abbreviation.) Also called DTG.

datum — (*) Any numerical or geometrical quantity or set of such quantities which may 

serve as reference or base for other quantities. Where the concept is geometric, the 

plural form is “datums” in contrast to the normal plural “data.” 

datum (antisubmarine warfare) — A datum is the last known position of a submarine, or 

suspected submarine, after contact has been lost. 

datum error (antisubmarine warfare) — An estimate of the degree of accuracy in the 

reported position of datum. 

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 datums for printing coordinates 

on their maps. The datum is usually referenced in the marginal information of each 

map. 

datum level — (*) A surface to which elevations, heights, or depths on a map or chart are 

related. See also altitude.

datum point — (*) Any reference point of known or assumed coordinates from which 

calculation or measurements may be taken. See also pinpoint.

datum time (antisubmarine warfare) — The time when contact with the submarine, or 

suspected submarine, was lost. 

davit — A small crane on a vessel that is used to raise and lower small boats, such as 

lifeboats, side loadable warping tugs, or causeway sections. (JP 4-01.6) 

day of supply — See one day’s supply.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

144 JP 1-02 

dazzle — Temporary loss of vision or a temporary reduction in visual acuity; may also be 

applied to effects on optics. See also directed-energy warfare; flash blindness.

D-day — See times. (JP 3-02) 

D-day consumption/production differential assets — As applied to the D-to-P concept, 

these assets are required to compensate for the inability of the production base to meet 

expenditure (consumption) requirements during the D-to-P period. See also D-to-P 

concept.

D-day materiel readiness gross capability — As applied to the D-to-P concept, this 

capability represents the sum of all assets on hand on D-day and the gross production 

capability (funded and unfunded) between D-day and P-day. When this capability 

equals the D-to-P materiel readiness gross requirement, requirements and capabilities 

are in balance. See also D-to-P concept.

D-day pipeline assets — As applied to the D-to-P concept, these assets represent the sum of 

continental United States and overseas operating and safety levels and intransit levels 

of supply. See also D-to-P concept.

deadline — To remove a vehicle or piece of equipment from operation or use for one of the 

following reasons: a. is inoperative due to damage, malfunctioning, or necessary 

repairs (the term does not include items temporarily removed from use by reason of 

routine maintenance and repairs that do not affect the combat capability of the item); b. 

is unsafe; and c. would be damaged by further use. 

dead mine — (*) A mine which has been neutralized, sterilized, or rendered safe. See also 

mine.

dead space — (*) 1. An area within the maximum range of a weapon, radar, or observer, 

which cannot be covered by fire or observation from a particular position because of 

intervening obstacles, the nature of the ground, or the characteristics of the trajectory, 

or the limitations of the pointing capabilities of the weapon. 2. An area or zone which 

is within range of a radio transmitter, but in which a signal is not received. 3. The 

volume of space above and around a gun or guided missile system into which it cannot 

fire because of mechanical or electronic limitations. 

de-arming — An operation in which a weapon is changed from a state of readiness for 

initiation to a safe condition. Also called safing. See also arm or de-arm. (JP 3-04) 

debarkation — The unloading of troops, equipment, or supplies from a ship or aircraft. 

debarkation net — A specially prepared type of cargo net employed for the debarkation of 

troops over the side of a ship. 
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JP 1-02 145 

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. 

deceased — A casualty status applicable to a person who is either known to have died, 

determined to have died on the basis of conclusive evidence, or declared to be dead on 

the basis of a presumptive finding of death. The recovery of remains is not a 

prerequisite to determining or declaring a person deceased. See also casualty status.

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 

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) 

decentralized items — Those items of supply for which appropriate authority has 

prescribed local management and procurement. 

deception — Those measures designed to mislead the enemy by manipulation, distortion, or 

falsification of evidence to induce the enemy to react in a manner prejudicial to the 

enemy’s interests. See also counterdeception; military deception. (JP 3-13.4) 

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 course of action — A deception scheme developed during the estimate process 

in sufficient detail to permit decisionmaking. At a minimum, a deception course of 

action will identify the deception objective, the deception target, the desired perception, 

the deception story, and tentative deception means. (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 means — Methods, resources, and techniques that can be used to convey 

information to the deception target. There are three categories of deception means: a. 

physical means. Activities and resources used to convey or deny selected information 

to a foreign power. b. technical means. Military material resources and their 

associated operating techniques used to convey or deny selected information to a 

foreign power. c. administrative means. Resources, methods, and techniques to 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

146 JP 1-02 

convey or deny oral, pictorial, documentary, or other physical evidence to a foreign 

power. (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 decisionmaker 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. 

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. The decision support template 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. See also course 

of action; decision point. (JP 2-01.3) 

decisive engagement — In land and naval warfare, an engagement in which a unit is 

considered fully committed and cannot maneuver or extricate itself. In the absence of 

outside assistance, the action must be fought to a conclusion and either won or lost with 

the forces at hand. 

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 adversary or 

contribute materially to achieving success. See also center of gravity. (JP 3-0) 

deck alert — See ground alert.

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)

declared speed — The continuous speed which a master declares the ship can maintain on a 

forthcoming voyage under moderate weather conditions having due regard to the ship’s 

present condition. 
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JP 1-02 147 

declassification — The determination that, in the interests of national security, classified 

information no longer requires any degree of protection against unauthorized 

disclosure, coupled with removal or cancellation of the classification designation. 

declassify — (*) To cancel the security classification of an item of classified matter. Also 

called DECL. See also downgrade.

declination — (*) The angular distance to a body on the celestial sphere measured north or 

south through 90 degrees from the celestial equator along the hour circle of the body. 

Comparable to latitude on the terrestrial sphere. See also magnetic declination; 

magnetic variation.

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) 

decompression chamber — See hyperbaric chamber.

decompression sickness — A syndrome, including bends, chokes, neurological 

disturbances, and collapse, resulting from exposure to reduced ambient pressure and 

caused by gas bubbles in the tissues, fluids, and blood vessels. 

decontamination — The process of making any person, object, or area safe by absorbing, 

destroying, neutralizing, making harmless, or removing chemical or biological agents, 

or by removing radioactive material clinging to or around it. (JP 3-11) 

decontamination station — (*) A building or location suitably equipped and organized 

where personnel and materiel are cleansed of chemical, biological, or radiological 

contaminants. 

decoy — An imitation in any sense of a person, object, or phenomenon which is intended to 

deceive enemy surveillance devices or mislead enemy evaluation. Also called dummy. 

decoy ship — (*) A ship camouflaged as a noncombatant ship with its armament and other 

fighting equipment hidden and with special provisions for unmasking its weapons 

quickly. Also called Q-ship. 

decrypt — To convert encrypted text into its equivalent plain text by means of a 

cryptosystem. (This does not include solution by cryptanalysis.) (Note: The term 

“decrypt” covers the meanings of “decipher” and “decode.”) See also cryptosystem.

deep fording capability — (*) The characteristic of a self-propelled gun or ground vehicle 

equipped with built-in waterproofing and/or a special waterproofing kit, to negotiate a 

water obstacle with its wheels or tracks in contact with the ground. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

148 JP 1-02 

deep minefield — (*) An antisubmarine minefield which is safe for surface ships to cross. 

See also minefield. 

de facto boundary — (*) An international or administrative boundary whose existence and 

legality is not recognized, but which is a practical division between separate national 

and provincial administering authorities. 

defended asset list — In defensive counterair operations, 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 area — (*) For any particular command, the area extending from the forward edge 

of the battle area to its rear boundary. It is here that the decisive defensive battle is 

fought. 

Defense Business Operations Fund — A revolving industrial fund concept for a large 

number of Defense support functions, including transportation. Utilizes business-like 

cost accounting to determine total cost of a business activity. Defense Business 

Operations Fund-Transportation is comprised of those Defense Business Operations 

Fund accounts assigned by the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Commander in 

Chief, United States Transportation Command control. Also called DBOF. (JP 4-01.7) 

defense classification — See security classification.

Defense Communications System — Department of Defense long-haul voice, data, and 

record traffic system which includes the Defense Data Network, Defense Satellite 

Communications System, and Defense Switched Network. Also called DCS. See also

Defense Switched Network. (JP 3-07.4) 

defense coordinating element — A 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. 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 essential to project, support, and sustain military forces and 

operations worldwide. Also called DCI. (JP 3-27) 

defense emergency — An emergency condition that exists when: a. a major attack is made 

upon US forces overseas or on allied forces in any theater and is confirmed by either 

the commander of a command established by the Secretary of Defense or higher 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 149 

authority; or b. an overt attack of any type is made upon the United States and is 

confirmed either by the commander of a command established by the Secretary of 

Defense or higher authority. 

defense in depth — The siting of mutually supporting defense positions designed to absorb 

and progressively weaken attack, prevent initial observations of the whole position by 

the enemy, and to allow the commander to maneuver the reserve. 

defense industrial base — The Department of Defense, government, and private sector 

worldwide industrial complex with capabilities to perform research and development, 

design, produce, and maintain military weapon systems, subsystems, components, or 

parts to meet military requirements. (JP 3-27) 

defense information infrastructure — The shared or interconnected system of computers, 

communications, data applications, security, people, training, and other support 

structures serving Department of Defense (DOD) local, national, and worldwide 

information needs. The defense information infrastructure connects DOD mission 

support, command and control, and intelligence computers through voice, 

telecommunications, imagery, video, and multimedia services. It provides information 

processing and services to subscribers over the Defense Information Systems Network 

and includes command and control, tactical, intelligence, and commercial 

communications systems used to transmit DOD information. Also called DII. See also 

global information infrastructure; information; infrastructure; national 

information infrastructure. (JP 3-13) 

Defense Information Systems Network — Integrated network, centrally managed and 

configured to provide long-haul information transfer services for all Department of 

Defense activities. It is an information transfer utility designed to provide dedicated 

point-to-point, switched voice and data, imagery, and video teleconferencing services. 

Also called DISN. (JP 2-01) 

defense message system — Consists of all hardware, software, procedures, standards, 

facilities, and personnel used to exchange messages electronically. 

Defense Meteorological Satellite Program — Military weather satellite controlled by 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Also called DMSP.

Defense Planning Guidance — This document, issued by the Secretary of Defense, 

provides firm guidance in the form of goals, priorities, and objectives, including fiscal 

constraints, for the development of the Program Objective Memorandums by the 

Military Departments and Defense agencies. Also called DPG.

defense readiness condition — A uniform system of progressive alert postures for use 

between the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the commanders of unified and 

specified commands and for use by the Services. Defense readiness conditions are 

graduated to match situations of varying military severity (status of alert). Defense 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

150 JP 1-02 

readiness conditions are identified by the short title DEFCON (5), (4), (3), (2), and (1), 

as appropriate. Also called DEFCON. 

Defense Satellite Communications System — Geosynchronous military communications 

satellites that provide high data rate communications for military forces, diplomatic 

corps, and the White House. The Defense Satellite Communications System provides 

long-haul super-high frequency 7/8 gigahertz voice and high data rate communications 

for fixed and transportable terminals, and extends mobile service to a limited number of 

ships and aircraft. Also called DSCS. (JP 3-14) 

defense support of civil authorities — Civil support provided under the auspices of the 

National Response Plan. Also called DSCA. (JP 3-28) 

Defense Support Program — Satellites that provide early warning of missile launches; the 

first line of defense against missile attack against North America. Also called DSP. 

(JP 3-14) 

defense support to public diplomacy — Those activities and measures taken by the 

Department of Defense components to support and facilitate public diplomacy efforts 

of the United States Government. Also called DSPD. (JP 3-13) 

Defense Switched Network — Component of the Defense Communications System that 

handles Department of Defense voice, data, and video communications. Also called

DSN. See also Defense Communications System. (JP 3-07.4) 

Defense Transportation System — That portion of the Nation’s transportation 

infrastructure that supports Department of Defense common-user transportation needs 

across the range of military operations. It consists of those common-user military and 

commercial assets, services, and systems organic to, contracted for, or controlled by the 

Department of Defense. Also called DTS. See also common-user transportation; 

transportation system. (JP 4-01) 

defensive coastal area — (*) A part of a coastal area and of the air, land, and water area 

adjacent to the coastline within which defense operations may involve land, sea, and air 

forces. 

defensive counterair — All defensive measures designed to detect, identify, intercept, and 

destroy or negate enemy forces attempting to penetrate or attack through friendly 

airspace. Also called DCA. See also counterair; offensive counterair. (JP 3-01) 

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 communications. 2. (DOD only) 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.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 151 

defensive sea area — A sea area, usually including the approaches to and the waters of 

important ports, harbors, bays, or sounds, for the control and protection of shipping; for 

the safeguarding of defense installations bordering on waters of the areas; and for 

provision of other security measures required within the specified areas. It does not 

extend seaward beyond the territorial waters. See also maritime control area.

defensive space control — Operations conducted to preserve the ability to exploit space 

capabilities via active and passive actions, while protecting friendly space capabilities 

from attack, interference, or unintentional hazards. (JP 3-14)

defensive zone — A belt of terrain, generally parallel to the front, that includes two or more 

organized, or partially organized, battle positions. 

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. 

definitive care — Care rendered to conclusively manage a patient’s condition. It includes 

the full range of preventive, curative acute, convalescent, restorative, and rehabilitative 

medical care. This normally leads to rehabilitation, return to duty, or discharge from 

the Service. (JP 4-02) 

defoliant operation — (*) The employment of defoliating agents on vegetated areas in 

support of military operations. 

defoliating agent — (*) A chemical which causes trees, shrubs, and other plants to shed 

their leaves prematurely. 

degaussing — The process whereby a ship’s magnetic field is reduced by the use of 

electromagnetic coils, permanent magnets, or other means. 

degree of risk — As specified by the commander, the risk to which friendly forces may be 

subjected from the effects of the detonation of a nuclear weapon used in the attack of a 

close-in enemy target; acceptable degrees of risk under differing tactical conditions are 

emergency, moderate, and negligible. See also emergency risk (nuclear); negligible 

risk (nuclear).

de jure boundary — (*) An international or administrative boundary whose existence and 

legality is recognized. 

delayed entry program — A program under which an individual may enlist in a Reserve 

Component of a military service and specify a future reporting date for entry on active 

duty that would coincide with availability of training spaces and with personal plans 

such as high school graduation. Also called DEP. See also active duty. (JP 4-05) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

152 JP 1-02 

delaying action — See delaying operation.

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) 

delay release sinker — (*) A sinker which holds a moored mine on the sea-bed for a 

predetermined time after laying. 

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. While 

ultimate responsibility cannot be relinquished, delegation of authority carries with it the 

imposition of a measure of responsibility. The extent of the authority delegated must 

be clearly stated. 

deliberate attack — (*) A type of offensive action characterized by preplanned 

coordinated employment of firepower and maneuver to close with and destroy or 

capture the enemy. 

deliberate breaching — (*) The creation of a lane through a minefield or a clear route 

through a barrier or fortification, which is systematically planned and carried out. 

deliberate crossing — (*) The crossing of an inland water obstacle that requires extensive 

planning and detailed preparations. See also hasty crossing.

deliberate defense — (*) A defense normally organized when out of contact with the 

enemy or when contact with the enemy is not imminent and time for organization is 

available. It normally includes an extensive fortified zone incorporating pillboxes, 

forts, and communications systems. See also hasty defense.

delivering ship — The ship in a replenishment unit that delivers the rig(s). 

delivery error — (*) The inaccuracy associated with a given weapon system resulting in a 

dispersion of shots about the aiming point. See also circular error probable; 

deviation; dispersion; dispersion error; horizontal error.

demilitarized zone — A defined area in which the stationing or concentrating of military 

forces, or the retention or establishment of military installations of any description, is 

prohibited. (JP 3-07.3) 

demobilization — 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. See also mobilization. (JP 4-05) 

demolition belt — A selected land area sown with explosive charges, mines, and other 

available obstacles to deny use of the land to enemy operations, and as a protection to 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 153 

friendly troops. There are two types of demolition belts: a. primary. A continuous 

series of obstacles across the whole front, selected by the division or higher 

commander. The preparation of such a belt is normally a priority engineer task. b. 

subsidiary. A supplement to the primary belt to give depth in front or behind or to 

protect the flanks. 

demolition chamber — (*) Space intentionally provided in a structure for the 

emplacement of explosive charges. 

demolition firing party — The party at the site that is technically responsible for the 

demolition and that actually initiates detonation or fires the demolitions. See also 

demolition guard; state of readiness.

demolition guard — A local force positioned to ensure that a target is not captured by an 

enemy before orders are given for its demolition and before the demolition has been 

successfully fired. The commander of the demolition guard is responsible for the 

tactical control of all troops at the demolition site, including the demolition firing party. 

The commander of the demolition guard is responsible for transmitting the order to fire 

to the demolition firing party. 

demolition kit — (*) The demolition tool kit complete with explosives. See also

demolition tool kit.

demolition target — (*) A target of known military interest identified for possible future 

demolition. See also charged demolition target; preliminary demolition target; 

prewithdrawal demolition target; reserved demolition target; uncharged 

demolition target.

demolition tool kit — (*) The tools, materials and accessories of a nonexplosive nature 

necessary for preparing demolition charges. See also demolition kit.

demonstration — 1. An attack or show of force on a front where a decision is not sought, 

made with the aim of deceiving the enemy. See also amphibious demonstration; 

diversion; diversionary attack. 2. (DOD only) In military deception, a show of 

force in an area where a decision is not sought that is made to deceive an adversary. It 

is similar to a feint but no actual contact with the adversary is intended. (JP 3-13.4) 

denial measure — An action to hinder or deny the enemy the use of territory, personnel, or 

facilities. It may include destruction, removal, contamination, or erection of 

obstructions. (JP 3-15) 

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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

154 JP 1-02 

departmental intelligence — Intelligence that any department or agency of the Federal 

Government requires to execute its own mission. 

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. Specifically excluded are contractors and 

foreign host nationals as well as third country civilians. (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, the combatant 

commands, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the 

Department of Defense agencies, field activities, and all other organizational entities in 

the Department of Defense. (JP 1)

Department of Defense construction agent — The 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 (DOD)-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, and other 

infrastructure that supports DOD transportation and logistic operations, including 

commercially provided transportation services. This also includes 463L pallets, nets, 

and tie down equipment as integral components of the DOD Intermodal Container 

System. Size and configuration of the common-use portion of the DOD container 

system controlled by US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), will be 

determined by USTRANSCOM based on established requirements and availability of 

commercially owned containers and equipment. USTRANSCOM will lease or procure 

additional containers as required to augment the DOD container system. See also

container-handling equipment; containerization; International Organization for 

Standardization. (JP 4-01.7) 

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) 

Department of Defense Intelligence Information System Enterprise — The global set of 

resources (people, facilities, hardware, software and processes) that provide 

information technology and information management services to the military 

intelligence community through a tightly-integrated, interconnected and geographically 

distributed regional service center architecture. (JP 2-0) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 155 

Department of Defense 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) 

Department of Defense internal audit organizations — The Army Audit Agency; Naval 

Audit Service; Air Force Audit Agency; and the Office of the Assistant Inspector 

General for Auditing, Office of the Inspector General, Department of Defense. 

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 Components, 

installations, activities, and functions under the control or supervision of the Secretary 

of the Air Force. Also called DAF. See also Military Department.

Department of the Army — The executive part of the Department of the Army at the seat 

of government and all field headquarters, forces, Reserve Components, installations, 

activities, and functions under the control or supervision of the Secretary of the Army. 

Also called DA. See also Military Department.

Department of the Navy — The executive part of the Department of the Navy at the seat of 

government; the headquarters, US Marine Corps; the entire operating forces of the 

United States Navy and of the US Marine Corps, including the Reserve Components 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 US 

Coast Guard when operating as a part of the Navy pursuant to law. Also called DON. 

See also Military Department.

departure airfield — An airfield on which troops and/or materiel are enplaned for flight. 

See also airfield. (JP 3-17) 

departure end — (*) That end of a runway nearest to the direction in which initial 

departure is made. 

departure point — 1. A navigational check point used by aircraft as a marker for setting 

course. (JP 3-17) 2. In amphibious operations, an air control point at the seaward end 

of the helicopter approach lane system from which helicopter waves are dispatched 

along the selected helicopter approach lane to the initial point. (JP 3-02) 

dependents/immediate family — An employee’s spouse; children who are unmarried and 

under age 21 years or who, regardless of age, are physically or mentally incapable of 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

156 JP 1-02 

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) 

deployable joint task force augmentation cell — A combatant commander asset 

composed of personnel from the combatant command and components’ staffs. The 

members are a joint, multidisciplined group of planners and operators who 

operationally report to the combatant commander’s operations directorate until 

deployed to a joint task force. Also called DJTFAC. (JP 3-0) 

deployed nuclear weapons — 1. When used in connection with the transfer of weapons 

between the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense, this term describes 

those weapons transferred to and in the custody of the Department of Defense. 2. 

Those nuclear weapons specifically authorized by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to be 

transferred to the custody of the storage facilities or carrying or delivery units of the 

Armed Forces. 

deployment — 1. In naval usage, the change from a cruising approach or contact 

disposition to a disposition for battle. 2. The movement of forces within operational 

areas. 3. The positioning of forces into a formation for battle. 4. The relocation of 

forces and materiel to desired operational areas. Deployment encompasses all activities 

from origin or home station through destination, specifically including intra-continental 

United States, intertheater, and intratheater movement legs, staging, and holding areas. 

See also deployment order; deployment planning; prepare to deploy order. 

(JP 4-0) 

deployment database — The Joint Operation Planning and Execution System database 

containing the necessary information on forces, materiel, and filler and replacement 

personnel movement requirements to support execution. The database reflects 

information contained in the refined time-phased force and deployment data from the 

contingency planning process or developed during the various phases of the crisis 

action planning process, and the movement schedules or tables developed by the 

transportation component commands to support the deployment of required forces, 

personnel, and materiel. See also time-phased force and deployment data. (JP 5-0) 

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. It includes occupational and environmental 

health surveillance and medical surveillance subcomponents. (JP 4-02) 

deployment order — A planning directive from the Secretary of Defense, issued by the 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that authorizes and directs the transfer of forces 

between combatant commands by reassignment or attachment. A deployment order 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 157 

normally specifies the authority that the gaining combatant commander will exercise 

over the transferred forces. 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 joint operations contemplated in a given plan. Encompasses all 

activities from origin or home station through destination, specifically including 

intra-continental United States, intertheater, and intratheater movement legs, staging 

areas, and holding areas. 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) 

depot maintenance — That maintenance performed on materiel requiring major overhaul 

or a complete rebuild of parts, assemblies, subassemblies, and end-items, including the 

manufacture of parts, modifications, testing, and reclamation as required. Depot 

maintenance serves to support lower categories of maintenance by providing technical 

assistance and performing that maintenance beyond their responsibility. Depot 

maintenance provides stocks of serviceable equipment by using more extensive 

facilities for repair than are available in lower level maintenance activities. 

depth — (*) In maritime/hydrographic use, the vertical distance from the plane of the 

hydrographic datum to the bed of the sea, lake, or river. 

depth contour — (*) A line connecting points of equal depth below the hydrographic 

datum. Also called bathymetric contour or depth curve.

depth curve — See depth contour.

descriptive name — (*) Written indication on maps and charts, used to specify the nature 

of a feature (natural or artificial) shown by a general symbol. 

designated planning agent — The commander responsible for planning, coordinating, and 

executing military taskings in civil emergencies for a particular branch or agency of the 

Department of Defense. (JP 3-28) 

design basis threat — The threat against which an asset must be protected and upon which 

the protective system’s design is based. It is the baseline type and size of threat that 

buildings or other structures are designed to withstand. The design basis threat includes 

the tactics aggressors will use against the asset and the tools, weapons, and explosives 

employed in these tactics. Also called DBT. (JP 3-07.2) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

158 JP 1-02 

desired appreciation — See appreciations.

desired effects — The damage or casualties to the enemy or materiel that a commander 

desires to achieve from a nuclear weapon detonation. Damage effects on materiel are 

classified as light, moderate, or severe. Casualty effects on personnel may be 

immediate, prompt, or delayed. 

desired ground zero — (*) The point on the surface of the Earth at, or vertically below or 

above, the center of a planned nuclear detonation. Also called DGZ. See also actual 

ground zero; ground zero.

desired mean point of impact — A precise point, associated with a target, and assigned as 

the center for impact of multiple weapons or area munitions to create a desired effect. 

May be defined descriptively, by grid reference, or by geolocation. Also called DMPI. 

See also aimpoint; desired point of impact. (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. May be defined 

descriptively, by grid preferences, or geolocation. Also called DPI. See also 

aimpoint; desired mean point of impact. (JP 3-60) 

destroyed — A condition of a target so damaged that it can neither function as intended nor 

be restored to a usable condition. In the case of a building, all vertical supports and 

spanning members are damaged to such an extent that nothing is salvageable. In the 

case of bridges, all spans must have dropped and all piers must require replacement. 

destruction — A type of adjustment for destroying a given target. 

destruction fire — Fire delivered for the sole purpose of destroying material objects. See 

also fire.

destruction fire mission — (*) In artillery, fire delivered for the purpose of destroying a 

point target. See also fire.

destruction radius — (*) In mine warfare, the maximum distance from an exploding 

charge of stated size and type at which a mine will be destroyed by sympathetic 

detonation of the main charge, with a stated probability of destruction, regardless of 

orientation. 

detachment — (*) 1. A part of a unit separated from its main organization for duty 

elsewhere. 2. A temporary military or naval unit formed from other units or parts of 

units. Also called DET.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 159 

detailed photographic report — (*) A comprehensive, analytical, intelligence report 

written as a result of the interpretation of photography usually covering a single subject, 

a target, target complex, and of a detailed nature. 

detained — See missing.

detainee — A term used to refer to any person captured or otherwise detained by an armed 

force. (JP 3-63) 

detainee collecting point — A facility or other location where detainees are assembled for 

subsequent movement to a detainee processing station. 

detainee processing station — A facility or other location where detainees are 

administratively processed and provided custodial care pending disposition and 

subsequent release, transfer, or movement to a prisoner-of-war or civilian internee 

camp. 

detecting circuit — (*) The part of a mine firing circuit which responds to the influence of 

a target. 

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; monitoring. (JP 3-11) 

deterioration limit — (*) A limit placed on a particular product characteristic to define the 

minimum acceptable quality requirement for the product to retain its NATO code 

number. 

deterrence — The prevention from action by fear of the consequences. Deterrence is a 

state of mind brought about by the existence of a credible threat of unacceptable 

counteraction. (JP 3-40) 

deterrent options — A course of action, developed on the best economic, diplomatic, 

political, and military judgment, designed to dissuade an adversary from a current 

course of action or contemplated operations. (In constructing an operation plan, a 

range of options should be presented to effect deterrence. Each option requiring 

deployment of forces should be a separate force module.) 

detonating cord — (*) A waterproof, flexible fabric tube containing a high explosive 

designed to transmit the detonation wave. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

160 JP 1-02 

detonator — (*) A device containing a sensitive explosive intended to produce a 

detonation wave. 

developmental assistance — US Agency for International Development function chartered 

under chapter one of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, primarily designed to 

promote economic growth and the equitable distribution of its benefits. (JP 3-08) 

deviation — (*) 1. The distance by which a point of impact or burst misses the target. See 

also circular error probable; delivery error; dispersion error; horizontal error. 2. 

The angular difference between magnetic and compass headings. 

diaphragm stop — See relative aperture. 

diapositive — (*) A positive photograph on a transparent medium. 

died of wounds received in action — A casualty category applicable to a hostile casualty, 

other than the victim of a terrorist activity, who dies of wounds or other injuries 

received in action after having reached a medical treatment facility. Also called

DWRIA. See also casualty category.

differential ballistic wind — (*) In bombing, a hypothetical wind equal to the difference in 

velocity between the ballistic wind and the actual wind at a release altitude. 

diffraction loading — (*) The total force which is exerted on the sides of a structure by the 

advancing shock front of a nuclear explosion. 

dip — (*) In naval mine warfare, the amount by which a moored mine is carried beneath its 

set depth by a current or tidal stream acting on the mine casing and mooring. 

diplomatic authorization — (*) Authority for overflight or landing obtained at 

government-to-government level through diplomatic channels. 

diplomatic and/or consular facility — Any Foreign Service establishment maintained by 

the US Department of State abroad. It may be designated a “mission” or “consular 

office,” or given a special designation for particular purposes, such as “United States 

Liaison Office.” A “mission” is designated as an embassy and is maintained in order to 

conduct normal continuing diplomatic relations between the US Government and other 

governments. A “consular office” is any consulate general or consulate that may 

participate in most foreign affairs activities, and varies in size and scope. 

dip needle circuit — (*) In naval mine warfare, a mechanism which responds to a change 

in the magnitude of the vertical component of the total magnetic field. 

direct action — Short-duration strikes and other small-scale offensive actions conducted as 

a special operation in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments and which 

employ specialized military capabilities to seize, destroy, capture, exploit, recover, or 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 161 

damage designated targets. Direct action differs from conventional offensive actions in 

the level of physical and political risk, operational techniques, and the degree of 

discriminate and precise use of force to achieve specific objectives. Also called DA. 

See also special operations; special operations forces. (JP 3-05) 

direct action fuze — See impact action fuze; proximity fuze; self-destroying fuse; time 

fuze.

direct air support center — The principal air control agency of the US Marine air 

command and control system responsible for the direction and control of air operations 

directly supporting the ground combat element. It processes and coordinates requests 

for immediate air support and coordinates air missions requiring integration with 

ground forces and other supporting arms. It normally collocates with the senior fire 

support coordination center within the ground combat element and is subordinate to the 

tactical air command center. 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.

directed-energy device — A system using directed energy primarily for a purpose other 

than as a weapon. Directed-energy devices may produce effects that could allow the 

device to be used as a weapon against certain threats; for example, laser rangefinders 

and designators used against sensors that are sensitive to light. See also directed 

energy; directed-energy weapon. 

directed-energy protective measures — That division of directed-energy warfare 

involving actions taken to protect friendly equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure 

friendly effective uses of the electromagnetic spectrum that are threatened by hostile 

directed-energy weapons and devices. 

directed-energy warfare — Military action involving the use of directed-energy weapons, 

devices, and countermeasures to either cause direct damage or destruction of enemy 

equipment, facilities, and personnel, or to determine, exploit, reduce, or prevent hostile 

use of the electromagnetic spectrum through damage, destruction, and disruption. It 

also includes actions taken to protect friendly equipment, facilities, and personnel and 

retain friendly use of the electromagnetic spectrum. Also called DEW. See also

directed energy; directed-energy device; directed-energy weapon; electromagnetic 

spectrum; electronic warfare.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

162 JP 1-02 

directed-energy weapon — A system using directed energy primarily as a direct means to 

damage or destroy enemy equipment, facilities, and personnel. See also directed 

energy; directed-energy device.

direct exchange — A supply method of issuing serviceable materiel in exchange for 

unserviceable materiel on an item-for-item basis. Also called DX.

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) 

direct illumination — (*) Illumination provided by direct light from pyrotechnics or 

searchlights. 

directing staff — See exercise directing staff.

direction — In artillery and naval gunfire support, a term used by a spotter and/or observer 

in a call for fire to indicate the bearing of the spotting line. See also bearing; call for 

fire; naval gunfire support; spotter; spotting line. (JP 2-0) 

directional gyro indicator — An azimuth gyro with a direct display and means for setting 

the datum to a specified compass heading. 

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. 

direction of attack — A specific direction or route that the main attack or center of mass of 

the unit will follow. The unit is restricted, required to attack as indicated, and is not 

normally allowed to bypass the enemy. The direction of attack is used primarily in 

counterattacks or to ensure that supporting attacks make maximal contribution to the 

main attack. 

directive — (*) 1. A military communication in which policy is established or a specific 

action is ordered. 2. A plan issued with a view to putting it into effect when so 

directed, or in the event that a stated contingency arises. 3. Broadly speaking, any 

communication which initiates or governs action, conduct, or procedure. 

directive authority for logistics — Combatant commander authority to issue directives to 

subordinate commanders, including peacetime measures, necessary to ensure the 

effective execution of approved operation plans. Essential measures include the 

optimized use or reallocation of available resources and prevention or elimination of 

redundant facilities and/or overlapping functions among the Service component 

commands. Also called DAFL. See also combatant command (command 

authority); logistics. (JP 1) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 163 

direct laying — Laying in which the sights of weapons are aligned directly on the target. 

Normally used in conjunction with mortars and sometimes artillery. See also lay.

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. Direct liaison authorized is more 

applicable to planning than operations and always carries with it the requirement of 

keeping the commander granting direct liaison authorized informed. Direct liaison 

authorized is a coordination relationship, not an authority through which command may 

be exercised. Also called DIRLAUTH. (JP 1) 

director of mobility forces — Normally a senior officer who is familiar with the area of 

responsibility or joint operations area and possesses an extensive background in air 

mobility operations. When established, the director of mobility forces serves as the 

designated agent for all air mobility issues in the area of responsibility or joint 

operations area, and for other duties as directed. The director of mobility forces 

exercises coordinating authority between the air operations center (or appropriate 

theater command and control node), the tanker airlift control center, the air mobility 

operations control center (when established and when supporting subordinate command 

objectives), and the joint movement center, in order to expedite the resolution of air 

mobility issues. The director of mobility forces may be sourced from the theater’s 

organizations or US Transportation Command. Additionally, the director of mobility 

forces, when designated, will ensure the effective integration of intertheater and 

intratheater air mobility operations, and facilitate the conduct of intratheater air 

mobility operations. Also called DIRMOBFOR. See also Air Force air and space 

operations center; coordinating authority; joint movement center; 618th Tanker 

Airlift Control Center. (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) 

direct support artillery — (*) Artillery whose primary task is to provide fire requested by 

the supported unit. 

direct supporting fire — (*) Fire delivered in support of part of a force, as opposed to 

general supporting fire which is delivered in support of the force as a whole. See also

supporting fire.

direct vendor delivery — A materiel acquisition and distribution method that requires 

vendor delivery directly to the customer. Also called DVD. See also distribution. 

(JP 4-09) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

164 JP 1-02 

disabling fire — The firing of ordnance by ships or aircraft at the steering or propulsion 

system of a vessel. The intent is to disable with minimum injury to personnel or 

damage to vessel. 

disaffected person — A person who is alienated or estranged from those in authority or 

lacks loyalty to the government; a state of mind. 

disarmament — The reduction of a military establishment to some level set by 

international agreement. See also arms control agreement; arms control measure. 

disarmed mine — (*) A mine for which the arming procedure has been reversed, 

rendering the mine inoperative. It is safe to handle and transport and can be rearmed by 

simple action. 

disaster assistance response team — United States Agency for International 

Development’s (USAID) Office of United States Foreign Disaster Assistance provides 

this rapidly deployable team in response to international disasters. A disaster assistance 

response team provides specialists, trained in a variety of disaster relief skills, to assist 

US embassies and USAID missions with the management of US Government response 

to disasters. Also called DART. See also foreign disaster; foreign disaster relief. 

(JP 3-08) 

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

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

initiate recovery. See also area damage control; damage control.

discriminating circuit — (*) That part of the operating circuit of a sea mine which 

distinguishes between the response of the detecting circuit to the passage of a ship and 

the response to other disturbances (e.g., influence sweep, countermining, etc.) 

disease and nonbattle injury — All illnesses and injuries not resulting from enemy or 

terrorist action or caused by conflict. Indigenous disease pathogens, biological warfare 

agents, heat and cold, hazardous noise, altitude, environmental, occupational, and 

industrial exposures, and other naturally occurring disease agents may cause disease 

and nonbattle injury. Disease and nonbattle injuries include injuries and illnesses 

resulting from training or from occupational, environmental, or recreational activities, 

and may result in short- or long-term, acute, or delayed illness, injury, disability, or 

death. Also called DNBI. (JP 4-02) 

disease and nonbattle injury casualty — A person who is not a battle casualty but who is 

lost to the organization by reason of disease or injury, including persons dying of 

disease or injury, by reason of being missing where the absence does not appear to be 

voluntary, or due to enemy action or being interned. Also called DNBI casualty. 

(JP 4-02) 

disembarkation schedule — See debarkation schedule.
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JP 1-02 165 

disengagement — In arms control, a general term for proposals that would result in the 

geographic separation of opposing nonindigenous forces without directly affecting 

indigenous military forces. 

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) 

dispatch route — (*) In road traffic, a roadway over which full control, both as to priorities 

of use and the regulation of movement of traffic in time and space, is exercised. 

Movement authorization is required for its use, even by a single vehicle. See also

route. 

dispenser — (*) In air armament, a container or device which is used to carry and release 

submunitions. See also cluster bomb unit. 

dispersal — Relocation of forces for the purpose of increasing survivability. See also

dispersion.

dispersal airfield — An airfield, military or civil, to which aircraft might move before 

H-hour on either a temporary duty or permanent change of station basis and be able to 

conduct operations. See also airfield.

dispersed movement pattern — (*) A pattern for ship-to-shore movement which provides 

additional separation of landing craft both laterally and in depth. This pattern is used 

when nuclear weapon threat is a factor. 

dispersed site — (*) A site selected to reduce concentration and vulnerability by its 

separation from other military targets or a recognized threat area. 

dispersion — (*) 1. A scattered pattern of hits around the mean point of impact of bombs 

and projectiles dropped or fired under identical conditions. 2. In antiaircraft gunnery, 

the scattering of shots in range and deflection about the mean point of explosion. 3. 

The spreading or separating of troops, materiel, establishments, or activities which are 

usually concentrated in limited areas to reduce vulnerability. 4. In chemical and 

biological operations, the dissemination of agents in liquid or aerosol form. 5. In 

airdrop operations, the scatter of personnel and/or cargo on the drop zone. 6. 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. See also circular error probable; convoy dispersal point; delivery error; 

deviation; dispersion error; horizontal error. 

dispersion error — (*) The distance from the point of impact or burst of a round to the 

mean point of impact or burst. 
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166 JP 1-02 

dispersion pattern — (*) The distribution of a series of rounds fired from one weapon or a 

group of weapons under conditions as nearly identical as possible; the points of burst or 

impact being dispersed about a point called the mean point of impact. 

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) 

disposition — (*) 1. Distribution of the elements of a command within an area; usually the 

exact location of each unit headquarters and the deployment of the forces subordinate 

to it. 2. A prescribed arrangement of the stations to be occupied by the several 

formations and single ships of a fleet, or major subdivisions of a fleet, for any purpose, 

such as cruising, approach, maintaining contact, or battle. 3. A prescribed arrangement 

of all the tactical units composing a flight or group of aircraft. See also deployment; 

dispersion. 4. (DOD only) The removal of a patient from a medical treatment facility 

by reason of return to duty, transfer to another treatment facility, death, or other 

termination of medical case. 

disruptive pattern — (*) In surveillance, an arrangement of suitably colored irregular 

shapes which, when applied to the surface of an object, is intended to enhance its 

camouflage. 

dissemination and integration — In intelligence usage, the delivery of intelligence to users 

in a suitable form and the application of the intelligence to appropriate missions, tasks, 

and functions. See also intelligence process. (JP 2-01) 

distance — 1. The space between adjacent individual ships or boats measured in any 

direction between foremasts. 2. The space between adjacent men, animals, vehicles, or 

units in a formation measured from front to rear. 3. The space between known 

reference points or a ground observer and a target, measured in meters (artillery), in 

yards (naval gunfire), or in units specified by the observer. See also interval.

distant retirement area — In amphibious operations, the sea area located to seaward of the 

landing area. This area is divided into a number of operating areas 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; 

retirement. (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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 167 

distributed fire — (*) Fire so dispersed as to engage most effectively an area target. See 

also fire.

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 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 4-01.4) 

distribution pipeline — Continuum or channel through which the Department of Defense 

conducts distribution operations. The distribution pipeline represents 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; pipeline. (JP 4-01.4) 

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. It 

portrays the interface of the physical, financial, information and communications 

networks for gaining visibility of the theater distribution system and communicates 

control activities necessary for optimizing capacity of the system. It depicts, and is 

continually updated to reflect changes in, infrastructure, support relationships, and 

customer locations to all elements of the distribution system (strategic operational, and 

tactical). See also distribution; distribution system; theater distribution; theater 

distribution system. (JP 4-01.4) 

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. Distribution points usually carry no stocks; items drawn are issued 

completely as soon as possible. 

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. 

ditching — Controlled landing of a distressed aircraft on water. 

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. A diversion order will 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

168 JP 1-02 

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. A diversion may connect one channel to another or it may branch from 

a channel and rejoin it on the other side of the danger. See also demonstration.

diversion airfield — (*) An airfield with at least minimum essential facilities, which may 

be used as an emergency airfield or when the main or redeployment airfield is not 

usable or as required to facilitate tactical operations. Also called divert field. See also

airfield; departure airfield; main airfield; redeployment airfield. 

diversionary attack — (*) An attack wherein a force attacks, or threatens to attack, a target 

other than the main target for the purpose of drawing enemy defenses away from the 

main effort. See also demonstration.

diversionary landing — An operation in which troops are actually landed for the purpose 

of diverting enemy reaction away from the main landing. 

divert field — See diversion airfield.

diving chamber — See hyperbaric chamber.

division — (*) 1. A tactical unit/formation as follows: a. A major administrative and 

tactical unit/formation which combines in itself the necessary arms and services 

required for sustained combat, larger than a regiment/brigade and smaller than a corps. 

b. A number of naval vessels of similar type grouped together for operational and 

administrative command, or a tactical unit of a naval aircraft squadron, consisting of 

two or more sections. c. An air division is an air combat organization normally 

consisting of two or more wings with appropriate service units. The combat wings of 

an air division will normally contain similar type units. 2. An organizational part of a 

headquarters that handles military matters of a particular nature, such as personnel, 

intelligence, plans, and training, or supply and evacuation. 3. (DOD only) A number 

of personnel of a ship’s complement grouped together for tactical and administrative 

control. 

division artillery — Artillery that is permanently an integral part of a division. For tactical 

purposes, all artillery placed under the command of a division commander is 

considered division artillery. 

dock landing ship — A ship designed to transport and launch loaded amphibious craft 

and/or amphibian vehicles with their crews and embarked personnel and/or equipment 

and to render limited docking and repair services to small ships and craft. Also called 

LSD. (JP 3-02)

doctrine — Fundamental principles by which the military forces or elements thereof guide 

their actions in support of national objectives. It is authoritative but requires judgment 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 169 

in application. See also multinational doctrine; joint doctrine; multi-Service 

doctrine.

dolly — Airborne data link equipment. 

dome — See spray dome.

domestic air traffic — Air traffic within the continental United States. 

domestic emergencies — Emergencies affecting the public welfare and occurring within 

the 50 states, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, US possessions and 

territories, or any political subdivision thereof, as a result of enemy attack, insurrection, 

civil disturbance, earthquake, fire, flood, or other public disasters or equivalent 

emergencies that endanger life and property or disrupt the usual process of government. 

Domestic emergencies include civil defense emergencies, civil disturbances, major 

disasters, and natural disasters. See also civil defense emergency; civil disturbance; 

major disaster; 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. 

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. The dominant user will normally act as the lead Service to provide this 

particular common-user 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 common-user logistics. (JP 4-07) 

dominant user concept — The concept that the Service that is the principal consumer will 

have the responsibility for performance of a support workload for all using Services. 

doppler effect — (*) The phenomenon evidenced by the change in the observed frequency 

of a sound or radio wave caused by a time rate of change in the effective length of the 

path of travel between the source and the point of observation. 

doppler radar — A radar system that differentiates between fixed and moving targets by 

detecting the apparent change in frequency of the reflected wave due to motion of 

target or the observer. 

dormant — In mine warfare, the state of a mine during which a time delay feature in a 

mine prevents it from being actuated. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

170 JP 1-02 

dose rate contour line — (*) A line on a map, diagram, or overlay joining all points at 

which the radiation dose rate at a given time is the same. 

dosimetry — (*) The measurement of radiation doses. It applies to both the devices used 

(dosimeters) and to the techniques. 

double agent — Agent in contact with two opposing intelligence services, only one of 

which is aware of the double contact or quasi-intelligence services. 

double flow route — (*) A route of at least two lanes allowing two columns of vehicles to 

proceed simultaneously, either in the same direction or in opposite directions. See also

single flow route.

downgrade — To determine that classified information requires, in the interests of national 

security, a lower degree of protection against unauthorized disclosure than currently 

provided, coupled with a changing of the classification designation to reflect such a 

lower degree. 

downloading — An operation that removes airborne weapons or stores from an aircraft. 

(JP 3-04) 

draft — 1. The conscription of qualified citizens in military service. 2. The depth of water 

that a vessel requires to float freely; the depth of a vessel from the water line to the keel. 

See also active duty; Military Service; watercraft. (JP 4-01.6) 

draft plan — (*) A plan for which a draft plan has been coordinated and agreed with the 

other military headquarters and is ready for coordination with the nations involved, that 

is those nations who would be required to take national actions to support the plan. It 

may be used for future planning and exercises and may form the basis for an operation 

order to be implemented in time of emergency. See also coordinated draft plan; final 

plan; initial draft plan; operation plan.

drag — Force of aerodynamic resistance caused by the violent currents behind the shock 

front. 

drag loading — The force on an object or structure due to transient winds accompanying 

the passage of a blast wave. The drag pressure is the product of the dynamic pressure 

and the drag coefficient which is dependent upon the shape (or geometry) of the 

structure or object. 

drift — (*) In ballistics, a shift in projectile direction due to gyroscopic action which results 

from gravitational and atmospherically induced torques on the spinning projectile. 

drill mine — (*) An inert filled mine or mine-like body, used in loading, laying, or 

discharge practice and trials. See also mine. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 171 

drone — A land, sea, or air vehicle that is remotely or automatically controlled. See also

remotely piloted vehicle; unmanned aerial vehicle. (JP 4-01.5) 

drop altitude — The altitude above mean sea level at which airdrop is executed. See also

altitude; drop height. (JP 3-17) 

drop height — The vertical distance between the drop zone and the aircraft. See also

altitude; drop altitude. 

drop message — (*) A message dropped from an aircraft to a ground or surface unit. 

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. Normally consists of several phases – cueing, detection, sorting, 

monitoring, interception, handover, disruption, endgame, and apprehension – some 

which may occur simultaneously. See also counterdrug operations. (JP 3-07.4) 

dry deck shelter — A shelter module that attaches to the hull of a specially configured 

submarine to provide the submarine with the capability to launch and recover special 

operations personnel, vehicles, and equipment while submerged. The dry deck shelter 

provides a working environment at one atmosphere for the special operations element 

during transit and has structural integrity to the collapse depth of the host submarine. 

Also called DDS. (JP 3-05.1) 

D-to-P assets required on D-day — As applied to the D-to-P concept, this asset 

requirement represents those stocks that must be physically available on D-day to meet 

initial allowance requirements, to fill the wartime pipeline between the producers and 

users (even if P-day and D-day occur simultaneously), and to provide any required Dto-P consumption or production differential stockage. The D-to-P assets required on Dday are also represented as the difference between the D-to-P materiel readiness gross 

requirements and the cumulative sum of all production deliveries during the D-to-P 

period. See also D-to-P concept.

D-to-P concept — A logistic planning concept by which the gross materiel readiness 

requirement in support of approved forces at planned wartime rates for conflicts of 

indefinite duration will be satisfied by a balanced mix of assets on hand on D-day and 

assets to be gained from production through P-day when the planned rate of production 

deliveries to the users equals the planned wartime rate of expenditure (consumption). 

See also D-day consumption/production differential assets; D-day pipeline assets; 

D-to-P assets required on D-day; D-to-P materiel readiness gross requirement. 

D-to-P materiel readiness gross requirement — As applied to the D-to-P concept, the 

gross requirement for all supplies and materiel needed to meet all initial pipeline and 

anticipated expenditure (consumption) requirements between D-day and P-day. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

172 JP 1-02 

Includes initial allowances, continental United States and overseas operating and safety 

levels, intransit levels of supply, and the cumulative sum of all items expended 

(consumed) during the D-to-P period. See also D-to-P concept.

dual agent — One who is simultaneously and independently employed by two or more 

intelligence agencies, covering targets for both. 

dual-capable aircraft — Allied and US fighter aircraft tasked and configured to perform 

either conventional or theater nuclear missions. Also called DCA. 

dual-capable forces — Forces capable of employing dual-capable weapons. 

dual capable unit — (*) A nuclear certified delivery unit capable of executing both 

conventional and nuclear missions. 

dual-firing circuit — (*) An assembly comprising two independent firing systems, both 

electric or both non-electric, so that the firing of either system will detonate all charges. 

dual (multi)-capable weapons — 1. Weapons, weapon systems, or vehicles capable of 

selective equipage with different types or mixes of armament or firepower. 2. 

Sometimes restricted to weapons capable of handling either nuclear or non-nuclear 

munitions. 

dual (multi)-purpose weapons — Weapons which possess the capability for effective 

application in two or more basically different military functions and/or levels of 

conflict.

dual-purpose weapon — A weapon designed for delivering effective fire against air or 

surface targets. 

dual-role tanker — Dual-role tankers carry support personnel, supplies, and equipment for 

the deploying force while escorting and/or refueling combat aircraft to the area of 

responsibility. Dual-role tankers can minimize the total lift requirement while 

providing critical cargo and personnel at the combat aircraft’s time of arrival. See also 

air refueling. (JP 3-17) 

dud — (*) Explosive munition which has not been armed as intended or which has failed to 

explode after being armed. See also absolute dud; dwarf dud; flare dud; nuclear 

dud. 

dud probability — The expected percentage of failures in a given number of firings. 

due in — Quantities of materiel scheduled to be received from vendors, repair facilities, 

assembly operation, interdepot transfers, and other sources. 

dummy — See decoy.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 173 

dummy message — (*) A message sent for some purpose other than its content, which 

may consist of dummy groups or may have a meaningless text. 

dummy minefield — (*) In naval mine warfare, a minefield containing no live mines and 

presenting only a psychological threat. 

dummy run — Any simulated firing practice, particularly a dive bombing approach made 

without release of a bomb. Also called dry run.

dump — (*) A temporary storage area, usually in the open, for bombs, ammunition, 

equipment, or supplies. 

duplicate negative — (*) A negative reproduced from a negative or diapositive. 

durable materiel — See nonexpendable supplies and materiel.

duty status - whereabouts unknown — A transitory casualty status, applicable only to 

military personnel, that is used when the responsible commander suspects the member 

may be a casualty whose absence is involuntary, but does not feel sufficient evidence 

currently exists to make a definite determination of missing or deceased. Also called

DUSTWUN. See also casualty status.

dwarf dud — A nuclear weapon that, when launched at or emplaced on a target, fails to 

provide a yield within a reasonable range of that which could be anticipated with 

normal operation of the weapon. This constitutes a dud only in a relative sense. 

dwell time — (1) The time cargo remains in a terminal’s in-transit storage area while 

awaiting shipment by clearance transportation. (2) The length of time a target is 

expected to remain in one location. See also storage. (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 Contingency Planning Guidance. Also called DTA. 

(JP 2-0) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

174 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

E 

JP 1-02 175 

earliest anticipated launch time — The earliest time expected for a special operations 

tactical element and its supporting platform to depart the staging or marshalling area 

together en route to the operations area. Also called EALT. (JP 3-05.1) 

earliest arrival date — A day, relative to C-day, that is specified by a planner as the earliest 

date when a unit, a resupply shipment, or replacement personnel can be accepted at a 

port of debarkation during a deployment. Used with the latest arrival data, it defines a 

delivery window for transportation planning. Also called EAD. See also latest arrival 

date.

Early Spring — An antireconnaissance satellite weapon system. 

early time — See span of detonation (atomic demolition munition employment).

early warning — (*) Early notification of the launch or approach of unknown weapons or 

weapons carriers. Also called EW. See also attack assessment; tactical warning.

earmarking of stocks — (*) The arrangement whereby nations agree, normally in 

peacetime, to identify a proportion of selected items of their war reserve stocks to be 

called for by specified NATO commanders. 

earthing — (*) The process of making a satisfactory electrical connection between the 

structure, including the metal skin, of an object or vehicle, and the mass of the Earth, to 

ensure a common potential with the Earth. See also bonding. 

echelon — (*) 1. A subdivision of a headquarters, i.e., forward echelon, rear echelon. 2. 

Separate level of command. As compared to a regiment, a division is a higher echelon, 

a battalion is a lower echelon. 3. A fraction of a command in the direction of depth to 

which a principal combat mission is assigned; i.e., attack echelon, support echelon, 

reserve echelon. 4. A formation in which its subdivisions are placed one behind 

another, with a lateral and even spacing to the same side. 

echeloned displacement — (*) Movement of a unit from one position to another without 

discontinuing performance of its primary function. (DOD only) Normally, the unit 

divides into two functional elements (base and advance); and, while the base continues 

to operate, the advance element displaces to a new site where, after it becomes 

operational, it is joined by the base element. 

economic action — The planned use of economic measures designed to influence the 

policies or actions of another state, e.g., to impair the war-making potential of a hostile 

power or to generate economic stability within a friendly power. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

176 JP 1-02 

economic order quantity — That quantity derived from a mathematical technique used to 

determine the optimum (lowest) total variable costs required to order and hold 

inventory. 

economic potential — (*) The total capacity of a nation to produce goods and services. 

economic potential for war — That share of the total economic capacity of a nation that 

can be used for the purposes of war. 

economic retention stock — That portion of the quantity of an item excess of the approved 

force retention level that has been determined will be more economical to retain for 

future peacetime issue in lieu of replacement of future issues by procurement. To 

warrant economic retention, items must have a reasonably predictable demand rate. 

economic warfare — Aggressive use of economic means to achieve national objectives. 

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 damage — That damage necessary to render a target element inoperative, 

unserviceable, nonproductive, or uninhabitable. 

effective US controlled ships — US-owned foreign flagships that can be tasked by the 

Maritime Administration to support Department of Defense requirements when 

necessary. Also called EUSCS. (JP 4-01.2)

ejection — (*) 1. Escape from an aircraft by means of an independently propelled seat or 

capsule. 2. In air armament, the process of forcefully separating an aircraft store from 

an aircraft to achieve satisfactory separation. 

ejection systems — (*) a. command ejection system — A system in which the pilot of an 

aircraft or the occupant of the other ejection seat(s) initiates ejection resulting in the 

automatic ejection of all occupants. b. command select ejection system — A system 

permitting the optional transfer from one crew station to another of the control of a 

command ejection system for automatic ejection of all occupants. c. independent 

ejection system — An ejection system which operates independently of other ejection 

systems installed in one aircraft. d. sequenced ejection system — A system which 

ejects the aircraft crew in sequence to ensure a safe minimum total time of escape 

without collision. 

electrode sweep — In naval mine warfare, a magnetic cable sweep in which the water 

forms part of the electric circuit. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 177 

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 compatibility — The ability of systems, equipment, and devices that 

utilize the electromagnetic spectrum to operate in their intended operational 

environments without suffering unacceptable degradation or causing unintentional 

degradation because of electromagnetic radiation or response. It involves the 

application of sound electromagnetic spectrum management; system, equipment, and 

device design configuration that ensures interference-free operation; and clear concepts 

and doctrines that maximize operational effectiveness. Also called EMC. See also

electromagnetic spectrum; electromagnetic spectrum management; electronic 

warfare. (JP 3-13.1) 

electromagnetic deception — The deliberate radiation, re-radiation, alteration, suppression, 

absorption, denial, enhancement, or reflection of electromagnetic energy in a manner 

intended to convey misleading information to an enemy or to enemy electromagneticdependent weapons, thereby degrading or neutralizing the enemy’s combat capability. 

See also electronic warfare. (JP 3-13.4) 

electromagnetic environment — The resulting product of the power and time distribution, 

in various frequency ranges, of the radiated or conducted electromagnetic emission 

levels that may be encountered by a military force, system, or platform when 

performing its assigned mission in its intended operational environment. It is the sum 

of electromagnetic interference; electromagnetic pulse; hazards of electromagnetic 

radiation to personnel, ordnance, and volatile materials; and natural phenomena effects 

of lightning and precipitation static. Also called EME. (JP 3-13.1)

electromagnetic environmental effects — The impact of the electromagnetic environment 

upon the operational capability of military forces, equipment, systems, and platforms. 

It encompasses all electromagnetic disciplines, including electromagnetic compatibility 

and electromagnetic interference; electromagnetic vulnerability; electromagnetic pulse; 

electronic protection, hazards of electromagnetic radiation to personnel, ordnance, and 

volatile materials; and natural phenomena effects of lightning and precipitation static. 

Also called E3. (JP 3-13.1)

electromagnetic hardening — Action taken to protect personnel, facilities, and/or 

equipment by 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 that interrupts, obstructs, 

or otherwise degrades or limits the effective performance of electronics and electrical 

equipment. It can be induced intentionally, as in some forms of electronic warfare, or 

unintentionally, as a result of spurious emissions and responses, intermodulation 

products, and the like. Also called EMI. (JP 3-13.1)
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

178 JP 1-02 

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 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. Includes gamma radiation, X-rays, ultraviolet, 

visible, and infrared radiation, and radar and radio waves. (JP 3-13.1) 

electromagnetic radiation hazards — Hazards caused by transmitter or antenna 

installation that generates electromagnetic radiation in the vicinity of ordnance, 

personnel, or fueling operations in excess of established safe levels or increases the 

existing levels to a hazardous level; or a personnel, fueling, or ordnance installation 

located in an area that is illuminated by electromagnetic radiation at a level that is 

hazardous to the planned operations or occupancy. Also called EMR hazards or 

RADHAZ. (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) 

electromagnetic spectrum management — Planning, coordinating, and managing joint 

use of the electromagnetic spectrum through operational, engineering, and 

administrative procedures. The objective of spectrum management is to enable 

electronic systems to perform their functions in the intended environment without 

causing or suffering unacceptable interference. See also electromagnetic spectrum. 

(JP 6-0) 

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 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 179 

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 imagery dissemination — The transmission of imagery or imagery products by 

any electronic means. This includes the following four categories. a. primary 

imagery dissemination system — The equipment and procedures used in the 

electronic transmission and receipt of un-exploited original or near-original quality 

imagery in near real time. b. primary imagery dissemination — The electronic 

transmission and receipt of unexploited original or near-original quality imagery in near 

real time through a primary imagery dissemination system. c. secondary imagery 

dissemination system — The equipment and procedures used in the electronic 

transmission and receipt of exploited non-original quality imagery and imagery 

products in other than real or near real time. d. secondary imagery dissemination — 

The electronic transmission and receipt of exploited non-original quality imagery and 

imagery products in other than real or near real time through a secondary imagery 

dissemination system. 

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 line of sight — The path traversed by electromagnetic waves that is not subject 

to reflection or refraction by the atmosphere. 

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 3-13.2) 

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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

180 JP 1-02 

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. Electronic 

warfare consists of three divisions: electronic attack, electronic protection, and 

electronic warfare support. 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. These changes may be the result of deliberate actions on the part of 

friendly, adversary or third parties; or may be brought about by electromagnetic 

interference or other inadvertent phenomena. The purpose of electronic warfare 

reprogramming is to maintain or enhance the effectiveness of electronic warfare and 

target sensing system equipment. Electronic warfare reprogramming includes changes 

to self defense systems, offensive weapons systems, and intelligence collection 

systems. 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 — Any 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. Electro-optical-infrared is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum between 

the high end of the far infrared and the low end of ultraviolet. Electro-optical-infrared 

countermeasure may use laser and broadband jammers, smokes/aerosols, signature 

suppressants, decoys, pyrotechnics/pyrophorics, high-energy lasers, or directed infrared 

energy countermeasures. Also called EO-IR CM. (JP 3-13.1) 

electro-optical intelligence — Intelligence other than signals intelligence derived from the 

optical monitoring of the electromagnetic spectrum from ultraviolet (0.01 micrometers) 

through far infrared (1,000 micrometers). Also called ELECTRO-OPTINT. See also

intelligence; laser intelligence. (JP 2-0) 
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JP 1-02 181 

electro-optics — The technology associated with those components, devices and systems 

which are designed to interact between the electromagnetic (optical) and the electric 

(electronic) state. (JP 2-03) 

element — An organization formed around a specific function within a designated 

directorate of a joint force commander’s headquarters. The subordinate components of 

an element usually are functional cells. (JP 3-33) 

element set — Three lines of data which define the location of a satellite in space. Also 

called ELSET.

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. See also causeway. (JP 4-01.6) 

elevation — (*) The vertical distance of a point or level on or affixed to the surface of the 

Earth measured from mean sea level. See also altitude.

elevation tint — See hypsometric tinting.

elicitation (intelligence) — Acquisition of information from a person or group in a manner 

that does not disclose the intent of the interview or conversation. A technique of 

human source intelligence collection, generally overt, unless the collector is other than 

he or she purports to be. (JP 2-0) 

eligible traffic — Traffic for which movement requirements are submitted and space is 

assigned or allocated. Such traffic must meet eligibility requirements specified in Joint 

Travel Regulations for the Uniformed Services and publications of the Department of 

Defense and Military Departments governing eligibility for land, sea, and air 

transportation, and be in accordance with the guidance of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

embarkation — The process of putting personnel and/or vehicles and their associated 

stores and equipment into ships and/or aircraft. See also loading. (JP 3-02) 

embarkation and tonnage table — A consolidated table showing personnel and cargo, by 

troop or naval units, loaded aboard a combat-loaded ship. 

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.

embarkation element (unit) (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 (unit) (group). It is dissolved upon 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

182 JP 1-02 

completion of the embarkation. An embarkation element normally consists of two or 

more embarkation teams: a unit, of two or more elements; and a group, of two or more 

units. See also embarkation organization; embarkation team.

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.

embarkation order — (*) An order specifying dates, times, routes, loading diagrams, and 

methods of movement to shipside or aircraft for troops and their equipment. See also

movement table.

embarkation organization — A temporary administrative formation of personnel with 

supplies and equipment embarking or to be embarked (combat loaded) aboard 

amphibious shipping. See also embarkation element (unit) (group); embarkation 

team.

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 element (unit) (group); embarkation organization.

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. It consists of consular representatives and 

members of other local US Government agencies in a foreign country who assist in the 

implementation of a Department of State emergency action plan. Also called EAC. 

(JP 3-68) 

emergency anchorage — (*) An anchorage, which may have a limited defense 

organization, for naval vessels, mobile support units, auxiliaries, or merchant ships. 

See also assembly anchorage; holding anchorage; working anchorage.

emergency barrier — See aircraft arresting barrier.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 183 

emergency-essential employee — A Department of Defense civilian employee 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. The position occupied cannot be converted to a military billet because 

it requires uninterrupted performance so as to provide immediate and continuing 

support for combat operations and/or combat systems support functions. See also 

evacuation. (JP 1-0) 

emergency interment — An interment, usually on the battlefield, when conditions do not 

permit either evacuation for interment in an interment site or interment according to 

national or international legal regulations. See also mortuary affairs; temporary 

interment; trench interment. (JP 4-06) 

emergency locator beacon — A generic term for all radio beacons used for emergency 

locating purposes. See also crash locator beacon; personal locator beacon. (JP 3-50) 

emergency operations center — The physical location at which the coordination of 

information and resources to support domestic incident management activities normally 

takes place. An emergency operations center may be a temporary facility or may be 

located in a more central or permanently established facility, perhaps at a higher level 

of organization within a jurisdiction. Emergency operations centers may be organized 

by major functional disciplines (e.g., fire, law enforcement, and medical services), by 

jurisdiction (e.g., Federal, state, regional, county, city, tribal), or by some combination 

thereof. 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 priority — A category of immediate mission request that takes precedence over 

all other priorities, e.g., an enemy breakthrough. See also immediate mission request; 

priority of immediate mission requests.

emergency relocation site — A site located where practicable outside a prime target area to 

which all or portions of a civilian or military headquarters may be moved. As a 

minimum, it is manned to provide for the maintenance of the facility, communications, 

and database. It should be capable of rapid activation, of supporting the initial 

requirements of the relocated headquarters for a predetermined period, and of 

expansion to meet wartime requirements of the relocated headquarters. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

184 JP 1-02 

emergency repair — The least amount of immediate repair to damaged facilities necessary 

for the facilities to support the mission. These repairs will be made using expedient 

materials and methods (such as AM-2 aluminum matting, cold-mix asphalt, plywood 

scabs, temporary utility lines, and emergency generators). Modular or kit-type facility 

substitutes would be appropriate if repairs cannot be made in time to meet mission 

requirements. See also facility substitutes. (JP 3-34) 

emergency resupply — A resupply mission that occurs based on a predetermined set of 

circumstances and time interval should radio contact not be established or, once 

established, is lost between a special operations tactical element and its base. See also

automatic resupply; on-call resupply. (JP 3-05.1) 

emergency risk (nuclear) — A degree of risk where anticipated effects may cause some 

temporary shock, casualties and may significantly reduce the unit’s combat efficiency. 

See also degree of risk; negligible risk (nuclear).

emergency substitute — (*) A product which may be used, in an emergency only, in place 

of another product, but only on the advice of technically qualified personnel of the 

nation using the product, who will specify the limitations. 

emergency support functions — A grouping of government and certain private-sector 

capabilities 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 control orders — Orders used to authorize, control, or prohibit the use of 

electronic emission equipment. Also called EMCON orders. See also control of 

electromagnetic radiation. 

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 cryptoequipment and telecommunications systems. See also communications security. 

(JP 6-0) 

emplacement — (*) 1. A prepared position for one or more weapons or pieces of 

equipment, for protection against hostile fire or bombardment, and from which they can 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 185 

execute their tasks. 2. The act of fixing a gun in a prepared position from which it may 

be fired. 

employment — The strategic, operational, or tactical use of forces. (JP 5-0) 

enabling force — Early deploying forces that establish critical capabilities to facilitate 

deployment and initial employment (including sustainment) of a force. See also 

deployment; employment; force. (JP 4-08) 

enabling mine countermeasures — Countermeasures designed to counter mines once they 

have been laid. This includes both passive and active mine countermeasures. See also

mine countermeasures. (JP 3-15) 

encipher — To convert plain text into unintelligible form by means of a cipher system. 

end evening civil twilight — The time period when the sun has dropped 6 degrees beneath 

the western horizon; it is the instant at which there is no longer sufficient light to see 

objects with the unaided eye. Light intensification devices are recommended from this 

time until begin morning civil twilight. Also called EECT. 

end item — A final combination of end products, component parts, and/or materials that is 

ready for its intended use, e.g., ship, tank, mobile machine shop, or aircraft. 

end of evening nautical twilight — Occurs 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 ground operations. At end of evening nautical twilight there is no further 

sunlight available. (JP 2-01.3) 

end of mission — In artillery, mortar, and naval gunfire support, an order given to terminate 

firing on a specific target. See also cease loading; call for fire; fire mission.

end state — The set of required conditions that defines achievement of the commander’s 

objectives. (JP 3-0) 

endurance — (*) The time an aircraft can continue flying, or a ground vehicle or ship can 

continue operating, under specified conditions, e.g., without refueling. See also

endurance distance.

endurance distance — (*) Total distance that a ground vehicle or ship can be 

self-propelled at any specified endurance speed. 

endurance loading — The stocking aboard ship for a period of time, normally covering the 

number of months between overhauls, of items with all of the following characteristics: 

a. low price; b. low weight and cube; c. a predictable usage rate; and d. 

nondeteriorative. See also loading.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

186 JP 1-02 

enemy capabilities — Those courses of action of which the enemy is physically capable 

and that, if adopted, will affect accomplishment of the friendly mission. The term 

“capabilities” includes not only the general courses of action open to the enemy, such 

as attack, defense, reinforcement, or withdrawal, but also all the particular courses of 

action possible under each general course of action. “Enemy capabilities” are 

considered in the light of all known factors affecting military operations, including 

time, space, weather, terrain, and the strength and disposition of enemy forces. In 

strategic thinking, the capabilities of a nation represent the courses of action within the 

power of the nation for accomplishing its national objectives throughout the range of 

military operations. See also capability; course of action; mission. (JP 2-01.3) 

enemy combatant — In general, a person engaged in hostilities against the United States or 

its coalition partners during an armed conflict. Also called EC. (DODD 2310.01E) 

engage — (*) 1. In air defense, a fire control order used to direct or authorize units and/or 

weapon systems to fire on a designated target. See also cease engagement; hold fire. 

2. (DOD only) To bring the enemy under fire. 

engagement — 1. In air defense, an attack with guns or air-to-air missiles by an interceptor 

aircraft, or the launch of an air defense missile by air defense artillery and the missile’s 

subsequent travel to intercept. 2. A tactical conflict, usually between opposing lower 

echelons maneuver forces. See also battle; campaign.

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) 

enlisted terminal attack controller — Tactical air party member who assists in mission 

planning and provides final control of close air support aircraft in support of 

ground forces. Also called ETAC. See also close air support; mission; terminal. 

en route care — Continuation of the provision of care during movement (evacuation) 

between the health service support capabilities in the continuum of care, without 

clinically compromising the patient’s condition. See also evacuation; patient. 

(JP 4-02) 

envelopment — (*) An offensive maneuver in which the main attacking force passes 

around or over the enemy’s principal defensive positions to secure objectives to the 

enemy’s rear. See also turning movement.

environmental baseline survey — A multi-disciplinary site survey conducted prior to or in 

the initial stage of a joint operational deployment. The survey documents existing 

deployment area environmental conditions, determines the potential for present and 

past site contamination (e.g., hazardous substances, petroleum products, and 

derivatives), and identified potential vulnerabilities (to include occupational and 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 187 

environmental health risks). Surveys accomplished in conjunction with joint 

operational deployments that do not involve training or exercises (e.g., contingency 

operations) should be completed to the extent practicable consistent with operational 

requirements. This survey is performed in conjunction with the environmental health 

site assessment whenever possible. Also called EBS. See also general 

engineering. (JP 3-34) 

environmental cleanup — The process of removing solid, liquid, and hazardous wastes, 

except for unexploded ordnance, resulting from the joint operation of US forces to a 

condition that approaches the one existing prior to operation as determined by the 

environmental baseline survey, if one was conducted. The extent of this process will 

depend upon the operational situation at the time that cleanup is accomplished. 

environmental considerations — The spectrum of environmental media, resources, or 

programs that may impact on, or are affected by, the planning and execution of military 

operations. Factors may include, but are not limited to, environmental compliance, 

pollution prevention, conservation, protection of historical and cultural sites, and 

protection of flora and fauna. (JP 3-34)

environmental stewardship — The integration and application of environmental values 

into the military mission in order to sustain readiness, improve quality of life, 

strengthen civil relations, and preserve valuable natural resources. 

equipment — In logistics, all nonexpendable items needed to outfit or equip an individual 

or organization. See also assembly; component; subassembly; supplies. (JP 4-0) 

equipment operationally ready — The status of an item of equipment in the possession of 

an operating unit that indicates it is capable of fulfilling its intended mission and in a 

system configuration that offers a high assurance of an effective, reliable, and safe 

performance. 

escalation — A deliberate or unpremeditated increase in scope or violence of a conflict. 

escapee — Any person who has been physically captured by the enemy and succeeds in 

getting free. See also evasion and escape. (JP 3-50) 

escape line — A planned route to allow personnel engaged in clandestine activity to depart 

from a site or area when possibility of compromise or apprehension exists. 

escort — (*) 1. A combatant unit(s) assigned to accompany and protect another force or 

convoy. 2. Aircraft assigned to protect other aircraft during a mission. 3. An armed 

guard that accompanies a convoy, a train, prisoners, etc. 4. An armed guard 

accompanying persons as a mark of honor. 5. (DOD only) To convoy. 6. (DOD 

only) A member of the Armed Forces assigned to accompany, assist, or guide an 

individual or group, e.g., an escort officer. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

188 JP 1-02 

escort forces — Combat forces of various types provided to protect other forces against 

enemy attack. 

espionage — The act of obtaining, delivering, transmitting, communicating, or receiving 

information about the national defense with an intent, or reason to believe, that the 

information may be used to the injury of the United States or to the advantage of any 

foreign nation. Espionage is a violation of 18 United States Code 792-798 and Article 

106, Uniform Code of Military Justice. See also counterintelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

espionage against the United States — Overt, covert, or clandestine activity designed to 

obtain information relating to the national defense with intent or reason to believe that it 

will be used to the injury of the United States or to the advantage of a foreign nation. 

For espionage crimes see Chapter 37 of Title 18, United States Code. 

essential care — Medical treatment provided to manage the casualty throughout the range 

of care. This 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 responders; forward resuscitative care; patient; theater. (JP 4-02) 

essential chemicals — In counterdrug operations, compounds that are required in the 

synthetic or extraction processes of drug production, but in most cases do not become 

part of the drug molecule. Essential chemicals are used in the production of cocaine or 

heroin. (JP 3-07.4) 

essential communications traffic — Transmissions (record or voice) of any precedence 

that must be sent electrically in order for the command or activity concerned to avoid a 

serious impact on mission accomplishment or safety or life. 

essential elements of friendly information — Key questions likely to be asked by 

adversary officials and intelligence systems about specific friendly intentions, 

capabilities, and activities, so they can obtain answers critical to their operational 

effectiveness. Also called EEFI. (JP 2-01) 

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 industry — Any industry necessary to the needs of a civilian or war economy. 

The term includes the basic industries as well as the necessary portions of those other 

industries that transform the crude basic raw materials into useful intermediate or end 

products, e.g., the iron and steel industry, the food industry, and the chemical industry. 

essential secrecy — The condition achieved from the denial of critical information to 

adversaries. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 189 

essential task — In the context of joint operation planning, a specified or implied task that 

an organization must perform to accomplish the mission. An essential task is typically 

included in the mission statement. 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) 

establishment — (*) An installation, together with its personnel and equipment, organized 

as an operating entity. See also activity; base; equipment.

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 in order to 

identify and appraise such factors as available as well as needed assets and potential 

obstacles, accomplishments, and consequences. See also intelligence estimate.

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 (air, ground, 

rail, or sea) from a theater of military operation, or between health service support 

capabilities, for the purpose of preventing further illness or injury, providing additional 

care, or providing disposition of patients from the military health care system. 2. The 

clearance of personnel, animals, or materiel from a given locality. 3. The controlled 

process of collecting, classifying, and shipping unserviceable or abandoned materiel, 

US or foreign, to appropriate reclamation, maintenance, technical intelligence, or 

disposal facilities. 4. The ordered or authorized departure of noncombatants from a 

specific area by Department of State, Department of Defense, or appropriate military 

commander. This refers to the movement from one area to another in the same or 

different countries. The evacuation is caused by unusual or emergency circumstances 

and applies equally to command or non-command sponsored family members. See 

also evacuee; noncombatant evacuation operations. (JP 4-02) 

evacuation convoy — (*) A convoy which is used for evacuation of dangerously exposed 

waters. See also evacuation of dangerously exposed waters. 

evacuation of dangerously exposed waters — (*) The movement of merchant ships under 

naval control from severely threatened coastlines and dangerously exposed waters to 

safer localities. See also dangerously exposed waters.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

190 JP 1-02 

evacuation of port equipment — (*) The transfer of mobile/movable equipment from a 

threatened port to another port or to a working anchorage. 

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; expellee; 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. 

evaluation agent — That 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. The evaluation agent, normally the US Joint Forces Command, 

identifies evaluation criteria and the media to be used, develops a proposed evaluation 

directive, coordinates exercise-related evaluation requirements with the sponsoring 

commands, and provides required evaluation reports to the Director, J-7. Also called 

EA. See also joint doctrine; joint test publication. (CJCSI 5120.02A) 

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. Evasion aids include, but are not limited to, 

blood chits, pointee-talkees, evasion charts, barter items, and equipment designed to 

complement issued survival equipment. See also blood chit; evasion; evasion chart; 

pointee-talkee; recovery; recovery operations. (JP 3-50) 

evasion and escape — (*) The procedures and operations whereby military personnel and 

other selected individuals are enabled to emerge from an enemy-held or hostile area to 

areas under friendly control. Also called E&E. 

evasion chart — A special map or chart designed as an evasion aid. Also called EVC. See 

also evasion; evasion aid. (JP 3-50) 

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. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 191 

Also called EPA. See also course of action; evader; evasion; recovery force. 

(JP 3-50) 

event matrix — A description of the indicators and activity expected to occur in each 

named area of interest. It normally cross-references each named area of interest and 

indicator with the times they are expected to occur and the courses of action they will 

confirm or deny. There is no prescribed format. See also activity; area of interest; 

indicator. (JP 2-01.3) 

event template — A guide for collection planning. The event template 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) 

exaggerated stereoscopy — See hyperstereoscopy.

exceptional transport — (*) In railway terminology, transport of a load whose size, 

weight, or preparation entails special difficulties vis-a-vis the facilities or equipment of 

even one of the railway systems to be used. See also ordinary transport.

excess property — The quantity of property in possession of any component of the 

Department of Defense that exceeds the quantity required or authorized for retention by 

that component. 

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. Within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the coastal state 

has sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing 

natural resources, both living and nonliving, of the seabed, subsoil, and the subjacent 

waters and, with regard to other activities, for the economic exploitation and 

exploration of the zone (e.g., the production of energy from the water, currents, and 

winds). Within the EEZ, the coastal state has jurisdiction with regard to establishing 

and using artificial islands, installations, and structures having economic purposes as 

well as for marine scientific research and the protection and preservation of the marine 

environment. Other states may, however, exercise traditional high seas freedoms of 

navigation, overflight, and related freedoms, such as conducting military exercises in 

the EEZ. Also called EEZ.

exclusion zone — A zone established by a sanctioning body to prohibit specific activities in 

a specific geographic area. The purpose may be 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) 

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 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

192 JP 1-02 

initiate military operations. 2. An order to initiate military operations as directed. Also 

called EXORD. (JP 5-0) 

executing commander (nuclear weapons) — A commander to whom nuclear weapons are 

released for delivery against specific targets or in accordance with approved plans. See 

also commander(s); releasing commander (nuclear weapons).

execution planning — The Joint Operation Planning and Execution System translation of 

an approved course of action into an executable plan of action through the preparation 

of a complete operation plan or operation order. Execution planning is detailed 

planning for the commitment of specified forces and resources. During crisis action 

planning, an approved operation plan or other approved course of action is adjusted, 

refined, and translated into an operation order. Execution planning can proceed on the 

basis of prior contingency planning, or it can take place in the absence of prior 

planning. Also called EP. See also Joint Operation Planning and Execution 

System. (JP 5-0) 

executive agent — A term used to indicate a delegation of authority by the Secretary of 

Defense to a subordinate to act on behalf of the Secretary of Defense. Designation as 

executive agent, in and of itself, confers no authority. The exact nature and scope of 

the authority delegated must be stated in the document designating the executive agent. 

An executive agent may be limited to providing only administration and support or 

coordinating common functions, or it may be delegated authority, direction, and control 

over specified resources for specified purposes. Also called EA. (JP 1) 

exercise — A military maneuver or simulated wartime operation involving planning, 

preparation, and execution. It is carried out for the purpose of training and evaluation. 

It may be a multinational, joint, or single-Service exercise, depending on participating 

organizations. See also command post exercise; field exercise; maneuver.

exercise directing staff — (*) A group of officers who by virtue of experience, 

qualifications, and a thorough knowledge of the exercise instructions, are selected to 

direct or control an exercise. 

exercise filled mine — (*) In naval mine warfare, a mine containing an inert filling and an 

indicating device. See also explosive filled mine; fitted mine; mine.

exercise incident — (*) An occurrence injected by directing staffs into the exercise which 

will have an effect on the forces being exercised, or their facilities, and which will 

require action by the appropriate commander and/or staff being exercised. 

exercise mine — (*) In naval mine warfare, a mine suitable for use in mine warfare 

exercises, fitted with visible or audible indicating devices to show where and when it 

would normally fire. See also drill mine; mine; practice mine.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 193 

exercise specifications — (*) The fundamental requirements for an exercise, providing in 

advance an outline of the concept, form, scope, setting, aim, objectives, force 

requirements, political implications, analysis arrangements, and costs. 

exercise sponsor — (*) The commander who conceives a particular exercise and orders 

that it be planned and executed either by the commander’s staff or by a subordinate 

headquarters. 

exercise study — (*) An activity which may take the form of a map exercise, a war game, 

a series of lectures, a discussion group, or an operational analysis. 

exercise term — A combination of two words, normally unclassified, used exclusively to 

designate a test, drill, or exercise. An exercise term is employed to preclude the 

possibility of confusing exercise directives with actual operations directives. 

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.

existence load — Consists of items other than those in the fighting load that are required to 

sustain or protect the combat soldier. These items may be necessary for increased 

personal and environmental protection and are not normally carried by the individual. 

See also fighting load.

exoatmosphere — See nuclear exoatmospheric burst.

expedition — A military operation conducted by an armed force to accomplish a specific 

objective in a foreign country. (JP 3-0) 

expeditionary force — An armed force organized to accomplish a specific objective in a 

foreign country. (JP 3-0) 

expellee — A civilian outside the boundaries of the country of his or her nationality or 

ethnic origin who is being forcibly repatriated to that country or to a third country for 

political or other purposes. See also displaced person; evacuee; refugee. (JP 3-57) 

expendable property — Property that may be consumed in use or loses its identity in use 

and may be dropped from stock record accounts when it is issued or used. 

expendable supplies and materiel — Supplies that are consumed in use, such as 

ammunition, paint, fuel, cleaning and preserving materials, surgical dressings, drugs, 

medicines, etc., or that lose their identity, such as spare parts, etc. Also called 

consumable supplies and materiel.

exploder — (*) A device designed to generate an electric current in a firing circuit after 

deliberate action by the user in order to initiate an explosive charge or charges. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

194 JP 1-02 

exploitation — 1. Taking full advantage of success in military operations, following up 

initial gains, and making permanent the temporary effects already achieved. 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; pursuit. (JP 

2-01.3) 

exploratory hunting — (*) In naval mine warfare, a parallel operation to search sweeping, 

in which a sample of the route or area is subjected to minehunting procedures to 

determine the presence or absence of mines. 

explosive filled mine — (*) In mine warfare, a mine containing an explosive charge but not 

necessarily the firing train needed to detonate it. See also exercise filled mine; fitted 

mine. 

explosive hazard — Any hazard containing an explosive component. Explosive hazards 

include unexploded explosive ordnance (including land mines), booby traps (some 

booby traps are nonexplosive), improvised explosive devices (which are an improvised 

type of booby trap), captured enemy ammunition, and bulk explosives. Also called 

EH. (JP 3-15) 

explosive ordnance — (*) All munitions containing explosives, nuclear fission or fusion 

materials, and biological and chemical agents. This includes bombs and warheads; 

guided and ballistic missiles; artillery, mortar, rocket, and small arms ammunition; all 

mines, torpedoes, and depth charges; demolition charges; pyrotechnics; clusters and 

dispensers; cartridge and propellant actuated devices; electro-explosive devices; 

clandestine and improvised explosive devices; and all similar or related items or 

components explosive in nature. 

explosive ordnance disposal — (*) The detection, identification, on-site evaluation, 

rendering safe, recovery, and final disposal of unexploded explosive ordnance. It may 

also include explosive ordnance which has become hazardous by damage or 

deterioration. Also called EOD. 

explosive ordnance disposal incident — (*) The suspected or detected presence of 

unexploded or damaged explosive ordnance which constitutes a hazard to operations, 

installations, personnel, or material. Not included in this definition are the accidental 

arming or other conditions that develop during the manufacture of high explosive 

material, technical service assembly operations or the laying of mines and demolition 

charges. 

explosive ordnance disposal procedures — (*) Those particular courses or modes of 

action taken by explosive ordnance disposal personnel for access to, diagnosis, 

rendering safe, recovery, and final disposal of explosive ordnance or any hazardous 

material associated with an explosive ordnance disposal incident. a. access 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 195 

procedures — Those actions taken to locate exactly and gain access to unexploded 

explosive ordnance. b. diagnostic procedures — Those actions taken to identify and 

evaluate unexploded explosive ordnance. c. 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. d. recovery procedures — Those actions taken 

to recover unexploded explosive ordnance. e. final disposal procedures — The final 

disposal of explosive ordnance which may include demolition or burning in place, 

removal to a disposal area, or other appropriate means. 

explosive ordnance disposal unit — Personnel with special training and equipment who 

render explosive ordnance safe (such as bombs, mines, projectiles, and booby traps), 

make intelligence reports on such ordnance, and supervise the safe removal thereof. 

explosive train — (*) A succession of initiating and igniting elements arranged to cause a 

charge to function. 

exposure dose — (*) The exposure dose at a given point is a measurement of radiation in 

relation to its ability to produce ionization. The unit of measurement of the exposure 

dose is the roentgen. 

exposure station — See air station.

extended communications search — In search and rescue operations, consists of 

contacting all possible sources of information on the missing craft, including physically 

checking possible locations such as harbors, marinas, and airport ramps. An extended 

communications search is normally conducted after a preliminary communications 

search has yielded no results and when the mission is upgraded to the alert phase. Also 

called EXCOM. See also preliminary communications search; search and rescue 

incident classification, Subpart b.

extent of a military exercise — (*) The scope of an exercise in relation to the involvement 

of NATO and/or national commands. See also intra-command exercise.

extent of damage — The visible plan area of damage to a target element, usually expressed 

in units of 1,000 square feet, in detailed damage analysis and in approximate 

percentages in immediate-type damage assessment reports; e.g., 50 percent structural 

damage. 

external audience — All people who are not part of the internal audience of US military 

members and civilian employees and their immediate families. Part of the concept of 

“publics.” Includes many varied subsets that may be referred to as “audiences” or 

“publics.” See also internal audience; public. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

196 JP 1-02 

external reinforcing force — (*) A reinforcing force which is principally stationed in 

peacetime outside its intended Major NATO Command area of operations. 

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)

extraction parachute — An auxiliary parachute designed to release and extract and deploy 

cargo from aircraft in flight and deploy cargo parachutes. See also gravity extraction. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

F 

JP 1-02 197 

fabricator — An individual or group who, usually without genuine resources, invents or 

inflates information for personal or political gain or political purposes. (JP 2-01.2) 

facility — A real property entity consisting of one or more of the following: a building, a 

structure, a utility system, pavement, and underlying land. See also air facility. 

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) 

fairway — A channel either from offshore, in a river, or in a harbor that has enough depth 

to accommodate the draft of large vessels. See also draft; watercraft. (JP 4-01.6) 

fallout contours — (*) Lines joining points which have the same radiation intensity that 

define a fallout pattern, represented in terms of roentgens per hour. 

fallout pattern — (*) The distribution of fallout as portrayed by fallout contours. 

fallout prediction — An estimate, made before and immediately after a nuclear detonation, 

of the location and intensity of militarily significant quantities of radioactive fallout. 

fallout safe height of burst — The height of burst at or above which no militarily 

significant fallout will be reproduced as a result of a nuclear weapon detonation. See 

also types of burst. 

fallout wind vector plot — (*) A wind vector diagram based on the wind structure from 

the surface of the Earth to the highest altitude of interest. 

false origin — (*) A fixed point to the south and west of a grid zone from which grid 

distances are measured eastward and northward. 

fan camera photography — (*) Photography taken simultaneously by an assembly of 

three or more cameras systematically installed at fixed angles relative to each other so 

as to provide wide lateral coverage with overlapping images. See also tri-camera 

photography.

fan cameras — (*) An assembly of three or more cameras systematically disposed at fixed 

angles relative to each other so as to provide wide lateral coverage with overlapping 

images. See also split cameras.

fan marker beacon — (*) A type of radio beacon, the emissions of which radiate in a 

vertical, fan-shaped pattern. The signal can be keyed for identification purposes. See 

also radio beacon.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

198 JP 1-02 

farm gate type operations — Operational assistance and specialized tactical training 

provided to a friendly foreign air force by the Armed Forces of the United States to 

include, under certain specified conditions, the flying of operational missions in combat 

by combined United States and foreign aircrews as a part of the training being given 

when such missions are beyond the capability of the foreign air force. 

feasibility — The joint operation 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 3-05.1) 

feasibility test — An operation plan review criteria to determine whether or not a plan is 

within the capacity of the resources that can be made available. See also logistic 

implications test.

federal coordinating officer — The federal officer who is appointed to manage Federal 

resource support activities related to Stafford Act disasters and emergencies. The 

federal coordinating officer is responsible for coordinating the timely delivery of 

federal disaster assistance resources and programs to the affected state and local 

governments, individual victims, and the private sector. Also called FCO. (JP 3-41) 

federal modal agencies — See transportation operating agencies. 

federal service — A term applied to National Guard members and units when called to 

active duty to serve the Federal Government under Article I, Section 8 and Article II, 

Section 2 of the Constitution and the US Code, title 10 (Department of Defense), 

sections 12401 to 12408. See also active duty; Reserve Components. (JP 4-05) 

federal supply class management — Those functions of materiel management that can 

best be accomplished by federal supply classification, such as cataloging, characteristic 

screening, standardization, interchangeability and substitution grouping, multi-item 

specification management, and engineering support of the foregoing. 

federal transport agencies — See transportation operating agencies. 

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) 

fender — An object, usually made of rope or rubber, hung over the side of a vessel to 

protect the sides from damage caused by impact with wharves or other craft. 

(JP 4-01.6) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 199 

ferret — An aircraft, ship, or vehicle especially equipped for the detection, location, 

recording, and analyzing of electromagnetic radiation. 

F-hour — See times.

field army — Administrative and tactical organization composed of a headquarters, certain 

organic Army troops, service support troops, a variable number of corps, and a variable 

number of divisions. See also Army corps.

field artillery — Equipment, supplies, ammunition, and personnel involved in the use of 

cannon, rocket, or surface-to-surface missile launchers. Field artillery cannons are 

classified according to caliber as follows. 

 Light — 120mm and less. 

 Medium — 121-160mm. 

 Heavy — 161-210mm. 

 Very heavy — greater than 210mm. 

 Also called FA. See also direct support artillery; general support artillery.

field artillery observer — A person who watches the effects of artillery fire, adjusts the 

center of impact of that fire onto a target, and reports the results to the firing agency. 

See also naval gunfire spotting team; spotter.

field exercise — (*) An exercise conducted in the field under simulated war conditions in 

which troops and armament of one side are actually present, while those of the other 

side may be imaginary or in outline. See also command post exercise.

field fortifications — (*) An emplacement or shelter of a temporary nature which can be 

constructed with reasonable facility by units requiring no more than minor engineer 

supervisory and equipment participation. 

field headquarters — See command post.

field of fire — (*) The area which a weapon or a group of weapons may cover effectively 

with fire from a given position. 

field of view — (*) 1. In photography, the angle between two rays passing through the 

perspective center (rear nodal point) of a camera lens to the two opposite sides of the 

format. Not to be confused with “angle of view.” 2. The total solid angle available to 

the gunner when looking through the gunsight. Also called FOV.

field of vision — (*) The total solid angle available to the gunner from his or her normal 

position. See also field of view.

field ordering officer — A Service member or Department of Defense civilian, who is 

appointed in writing and trained by a contracting officer and authorized to execute 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

200 JP 1-02 

micropurchases in support of forces and/or designated civil-military operations. Also 

called FOO. (JP 4-10)

field press censorship — The security review of news material subject to the jurisdiction of 

the Armed Forces of the United States, including all information or material intended 

for dissemination to the public. Also called FPC. See also censorship. 

field training exercise — An exercise in which actual forces are used to train commanders, 

staffs, and individual units in basic, intermediate, and advanced-level warfare skills. 

Also called FTX. See also exercise; maneuver.

fighter cover — (*) The maintenance of a number of fighter aircraft over a specified area 

or force for the purpose of repelling hostile air activities. See also airborne alert; 

cover.

fighter engagement zone — See weapon engagement zone. 

fighter escort — An offensive counterair operation providing 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) 

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) 

fighting load — Consists of items of individual clothing, equipment, weapons, and 

ammunition that are carried by and are essential to the effectiveness of the combat 

soldier and the accomplishment of the immediate mission of the unit when the soldier 

is on foot. See also existence load.

filler — A substance carried in an ammunition container such as a projectile, mine, bomb, 

or grenade. A filler may be an explosive, chemical, or inert substance. 

filler personnel — Individuals of suitable grade and skill initially required to bring a unit or 

organization to its authorized strength. 

film badge — (*) A photographic film packet to be carried by personnel, in the form of a 

badge, for measuring and permanently recording (usually) gamma-ray dosage. 

filter — (*) In electronics, a device which transmits only part of the incident energy and 

may thereby change the spectral distribution of energy: a. High pass filters transmit 

energy above a certain frequency; b. Low pass filters transmit energy below a certain 

frequency; c. Band pass filters transmit energy of a certain bandwidth; d. Band stop 

filters transmit energy outside a specific frequency band. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 201 

final approach — (*) That part of an instrument approach procedure in which alignment 

and descent for landing are accomplished. a. In a non-precision approach it normally 

begins at the final approach fix or point and ends at the missed approach point or fix. b. 

In a precision approach the final approach commences at the glide path intercept point 

and ends at the decision height/altitude. 

final destination — (*) In naval control of shipping, the final destination of a convoy or of 

an individual ship (whether in convoy or independent) irrespective of whether or not 

routing instructions have been issued. 

final disposal procedures — See explosive ordnance disposal procedures. 

final governing standards — A comprehensive set of country-specific substantive 

environmental provisions, typically technical limitations on effluent, discharges, etc., or 

a specific management practice. (JP 3-34) 

final plan — (*) A plan for which drafts have been coordinated and approved and which 

has been signed by or on behalf of a competent authority. See also operation plan.

final protective fire — (*) An immediately available prearranged barrier of fire designed 

to impede enemy movement across defensive lines or areas. 

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 — Financial management encompasses the two core functions of 

resource management and finance support. Also called FM. See also finance 

support; resource management. (JP 1-06) 

fire — (*) 1. The command given to discharge a weapon(s). 2. To detonate the main 

explosive charge by means of a firing system. See also barrage fire; call fire; 

counterfire; counterpreparation fire; covering fire; destruction fire; direct fire; 

direct supporting fire; distributed fire; grazing fire; harassing fire; indirect fire; 

neutralization fire; observed fire; preparation fire; radar fire; registration fire; 

scheduled fire; searching fire; supporting fire; suppressive fire. 

fireball — (*) The luminous sphere of hot gases which forms a few millionths of a second 

after detonation of a nuclear weapon and immediately starts expanding and cooling. 

fire barrage (specify) — An order to deliver a prearranged barrier of fire. Specification of 

the particular barrage may be by code name, numbering system, unit assignment, or 

other designated means. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

202 JP 1-02 

fire capabilities chart — (*) A chart, usually in the form of an overlay, showing the areas 

which can be reached by the fire of the bulk of the weapons of a unit. 

fire control — (*) The control of all operations in connection with the application of fire on 

a target. 

fire control radar — (*) Radar used to provide target information inputs to a weapon fire 

control system. 

fire control system — (*) A group of interrelated fire control equipments and/or 

instruments designed for use with a weapon or group of weapons. 

fire coordination — See fire support coordination.

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. The fire direction center receives target 

intelligence and requests for fire, and translates them into appropriate fire direction. 

The fire direction center provides timely and effective tactical and technical fire control 

in support of current operations. Also called FDC. (JP 3-09.3) 

fire for effect — That volume of fires delivered on a target to achieve the desired effect. 

Also called FFE. See also final protective fire; fire mission; neutralize; 

suppression. 

fire message — See call for fire.

fire mission — (*) 1. Specific assignment given to a fire unit as part of a definite plan. 2. 

Order used to alert the weapon/battery area and indicate that the message following is a 

call for fire. 

fire plan — (*) A tactical plan for using the weapons of a unit or formation so that their fire 

will be coordinated. 

firepower — (*) 1. The amount of fire which may be delivered by a position, unit, or 

weapon system. 2. Ability to deliver fire. 

fires — The use of weapon systems to create a specific lethal or nonlethal effect on a target. 

(JP 3-0) 

fire storm — (*) Stationary mass fire, generally in built-up urban areas, generating strong, 

inrushing winds from all sides; the winds keep the fires from spreading while adding 

fresh oxygen to increase their intensity. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 203 

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 3-09.3) 

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. Also called FSCC. See also fire; fire support; fire support coordination; 

support; supporting arms coordination center. (JP 3-09.3) 

fire support coordination line — A fire support coordination measure that is established 

and adjusted by appropriate land or amphibious force commanders within their 

boundaries in consultation with superior, subordinate, supporting, and affected 

commanders. Fire support coordination lines facilitate the expeditious attack of surface 

targets of opportunity beyond the coordinating measure. A fire support coordination 

line does not divide an area of operations by defining a boundary between close and 

deep operations or a zone for close air support. The fire support coordination line 

applies to all fires of air, land, and sea-based weapon systems using any type of 

ammunition. Forces attacking targets beyond a fire support coordination line must 

inform all affected commanders in sufficient time to allow necessary reaction to avoid 

fratricide. Supporting elements attacking targets beyond the fire support coordination 

line must ensure that the attack will not produce adverse effects on, or to the rear of, the 

line. Short of a fire support coordination line, all air-to-ground and surface-to-surface 

attack operations are controlled by the appropriate land or amphibious force 

commander. The fire support coordination line should follow well-defined terrain 

features. Coordination of attacks beyond the fire support coordination line is especially 

critical to commanders of air, land, and special operations forces. In exceptional 

circumstances, the inability to conduct this coordination will not preclude the attack of 

targets beyond the fire support coordination line. However, failure to do so may 

increase the risk of fratricide and could waste limited resources. Also called FSCL. 

See also fires; fire support. (JP 3-09) 

fire support coordination measure — A measure employed by land or amphibious 

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 element — That portion of the force tactical operations center at every echelon 

above company or troop (to corps) that is responsible for targeting coordination and for 

integrating fires delivered on surface targets by fire-support means under the control, or 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

204 JP 1-02 

in support, of the force. Also called FSE. See also fire; fire support; force; support. 

(JP 3-09) 

fire support group — (*) A temporary grouping of ships under a single commander 

charged with supporting troop operations ashore by naval gunfire. A fire support group 

may be further subdivided into fire support units and fire support elements. 

fire support officer — Senior field artillery officer assigned to Army maneuver battalions 

and brigades. Advises commander on fire-support matters. Also called FSO. See also 

field artillery; fire; fire support; support. (JP 3-09.1) 

fire support station — An exact location at sea within a fire support area from which a fire 

support ship delivers fire. (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; fire support; 

support. (JP 3-09.3) 

firing area — (*) In a sweeper-sweep combination it is the horizontal area at the depth of a 

particular mine in which the mine will detonate. The firing area has exactly the same 

dimensions as the interception area but will lie astern of it unless the mine detonates 

immediately when actuated. 

firing chart — Map, photo map, or grid sheet showing the relative horizontal and vertical 

positions of batteries, base points, base point lines, check points, targets, and other 

details needed in preparing firing data. 

firing circuit — (*) 1. In land operations, an electrical circuit and/or pyrotechnic loop 

designed to detonate connected charges from a firing point. 2. In naval mine warfare, 

that part of a mine circuit which either completes the detonator circuit or operates a ship 

counter. 

firing mechanism — See firing circuit.

firing point — (*) That point in the firing circuit where the device employed to initiate the 

detonation of the charges is located. Also called FP.

firing system — In demolition, a system composed of elements designed to fire the main 

charge or charges. 

first light — The beginning of morning nautical twilight; i.e., when the center of the 

morning sun is 12 degrees below the horizon. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 205 

first responder care — The health care capability that provides immediate clinical care and 

stabilization to the patient in preparation for evacuation to the next health service 

support capability in the continuum of care. (JP 4-02) 

first responders — The primary health care providers whose responsibility is the provision 

of immediate clinical care and stabilization in preparation for evacuation to the next 

health service support capability in the continuum of care. In addition to treating 

injuries, they treat Service members for common acute minor illnesses. See also 

essential care; evacuation; patient. (JP 4-02) 

first strike — The first offensive move of a war. (Generally associated with nuclear 

operations.) 

fission products — (*) A general term for the complex mixture of substances produced as 

a result of nuclear fission. 

fission to yield ratio — (*) The ratio of the yield derived from nuclear fission to the total 

yield; it is frequently expressed in percent. 

fitted mine — (*) In naval mine warfare, a mine containing an explosive charge, a primer, 

detonator, and firing system. See also exercise filled mine; explosive filled mine.

fix — (*) A position determined from terrestrial, electronic, or astronomical data. 

fixed ammunition — (*) Ammunition in which the cartridge case is permanently attached 

to the projectile. See also munition. 

fixed capital property — 1. Assets of a permanent character having continuing value. 2. 

As used in military establishments, includes real estate and equipment installed or in 

use, either in productive plants or in field operations. Synonymous with fixed assets. 

fixed medical treatment facility — (*) A medical treatment facility which is designed to 

operate for an extended period of time at a specific site. 

fixed port — Water terminals with an improved network of cargo-handling facilities 

designed for the transfer of oceangoing freight. See also water terminal. (JP 4-01.5) 

fixed price type 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. Fixed price contracts are of several types so designed as to 

facilitate proper pricing under varying circumstances. (JP 4-10) 

fixed station patrol — (*) One in which each scout maintains station relative to an 

assigned point on a barrier line while searching the surrounding area. Scouts are not 

stationary but remain underway and patrol near the center of their assigned stations. A 

scout is a surface ship, submarine, or aircraft. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

206 JP 1-02 

fixer system — See fixer network. 

flag days (red or green) — Red flag days are those during which movement requirements 

cannot be met; green flag days are those during which the requisite amount or a surplus 

of transportation capability exists. 

flag officer — A term applied to an officer holding the rank of general, lieutenant general, 

major general, or brigadier general in the US Army, Air Force or Marine Corps or 

admiral, vice admiral, or rear admiral in the US Navy or Coast Guard. 

flame field expedients — Simple, handmade devices used to produce flame or illumination. 

Also called FFE. (JP 3-15) 

flame thrower — (*) A weapon that projects incendiary fuel and has provision for ignition 

of this fuel. 

flammable cargo — See inflammable cargo.

flank guard — (*) A security element operating to the flank of a moving or stationary 

force to protect it from enemy ground observation, direct fire, and surprise attack. 

flanking attack — (*) An offensive maneuver directed at the flank of an enemy. See also

frontal attack.

flare — (*) The change in the flight path of an aircraft so as to reduce the rate of descent 

for touchdown. 

flare dud — A nuclear weapon that, when launched at a target, detonates with anticipated 

yield but at an altitude appreciably greater than intended. This is not a dud insofar as 

yield is concerned, but it is a dud with respect to the effects on the target and the normal 

operation of the weapon. 

flash blindness — (*) Impairment of vision resulting from an intense flash of light. It 

includes temporary or permanent loss of visual functions and may be associated with 

retinal burns. See also dazzle.

flash burn — (*) A burn caused by excessive exposure (of bare skin) to thermal radiation. 

flash message — A category of precedence reserved for initial enemy contact messages or 

operational combat messages of extreme urgency. Brevity is mandatory. See also

precedence.

flash ranging — Finding the position of the burst of a projectile or of an enemy gun by 

observing its flash. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 207 

flash report — Not to be used. See inflight report.

flash suppressor — (*) Device attached to the muzzle of the weapon which reduces the 

amount of visible light or flash created by burning propellant gases. 

flash-to-bang time — (*) The time from light being first observed until the sound of the 

nuclear detonation is heard. 

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 4-01.7) 

flatted cargo — Cargo placed in the bottom of the holds, covered with planks and dunnage, 

and held for future use. Flatted cargo usually has room left above it for the loading of 

vehicles that may be moved without interfering with the flatted cargo. Frequently, 

flatted cargo serves in lieu of ballast. Sometimes called understowed cargo. 

fleet — An organization of ships, aircraft, Marine forces, and shore-based fleet activities all 

under the command of a commander or commander in chief who may exercise 

operational as well as administrative control. See also major fleet; numbered fleet.

fleet ballistic missile submarine — A nuclear-powered submarine designed to deliver 

ballistic missile attacks against assigned targets from either a submerged or surfaced 

condition. Designated as SSBN.

fleet in being — A fleet (force) that avoids decisive action, but, because of its strength and 

location, causes or necessitates counter-concentrations and so reduces the number of 

opposing units available for operations elsewhere. 

Fleet Marine Force — A balanced force of combined arms comprising land, air, and 

service elements of the US Marine Corps. A Fleet Marine Force is an integral part of a 

US fleet and has the status of a type command. Also called FMF. 

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. The flexible deterrent 

option is the means by which the various diplomatic, information, military, and 

economic deterrent measures available to the President are included in the joint 

operation planning process. Also called FDO. See also deterrent options. (JP 3-0) 

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. 

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 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

208 JP 1-02 

more aircraft in two or more elements. 3. A single aircraft airborne on a 

nonoperational mission. 

flight advisory — A message dispatched to aircraft in flight or to interested stations to 

advise of any deviation or irregularity. 

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 aviation 

ship 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 following — (*) The task of maintaining contact with specified aircraft for the 

purpose of determining en route progress and/or flight termination. 

flight information center — (*) A unit established to provide flight information service 

and alerting service. 

flight information region — (*) An airspace of defined dimensions within which flight 

information service and alerting service are provided. Also called FIR. See also air 

traffic control center; area control center.

flight information service — (*) A service provided for the purpose of giving advice and 

information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights. Also called FIS. 

flight levels — (*) Surfaces of constant atmospheric pressure which are related to a specific 

pressure datum, 1013.2 mb (29.92 in), and are separated by specific pressure intervals. 

(Flight levels are expressed in three digits that represent hundreds of feet; e.g., flight 

level 250 represents a barometric altimeter indication of 25,000 feet and flight level 255 

is an indication of 25,500 feet.) 

flight path — (*) The line connecting the successive positions occupied, or to be occupied, 

by an aircraft, missile, or space vehicle as it moves through air or space. 

flight plan — (*) Specified information provided to air traffic services units relative to an 

intended flight or portion of a flight of an aircraft. 

flight plan correlation — A means of identifying aircraft by association with known flight 

plans. 

flight profile — Trajectory, or its graphic representation, followed by its altitude, speed, 

distance flown, and maneuver. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 209 

flight quarters — A ship configuration that assigns and stations personnel at critical 

positions to conduct safe flight operations. (JP 3-04) 

flight readiness firing — A missile system test of short duration conducted with the 

propulsion system operating while the missile is secured to the launcher. Such a test is 

performed to determine the readiness of the missile system and launch facilities prior to 

flight test. 

flight surgeon — (*) A physician specially trained in aviator medical practice whose 

primary duty is the medical examination and medical care of aircrew. 

flight test — (*) Test of an aircraft, rocket, missile, or other vehicle by actual flight or 

launching. Flight tests are planned to achieve specific test objectives and gain 

operational information. 

flight visibility — The average forward horizontal distance from the cockpit of an aircraft in 

flight at which prominent unlighted objects may be seen and identified by day and 

prominent lighted objects may be seen and identified by night. 

floating base support — (*) A form of logistic support in which supplies, repairs, 

maintenance, and other services are provided in harbor or at an anchorage for operating 

forces from ships. 

floating craft company — A company-sized unit made up of various watercraft teams such 

as tugs, barges, and barge cranes. See also watercraft. (JP 4-01.6) 

floating dump — Emergency supplies preloaded in landing craft, amphibious vehicles, or 

in landing ships. Floating dumps are located in the vicinity of the appropriate control 

officer, who directs their landing as requested by the troop commander concerned. 

(JP 3-02) 

floating mine — (*) In naval mine warfare, a mine visible on the surface. See also free 

mine; mine; watching mine. 

flooder — (*) In naval mine warfare, a device fitted to a buoyant mine which, on operation 

after a preset time, floods the mine case and causes it to sink to the bottom. 

flotation — (*) The capability of a vehicle to float in water. 

fly-in echelon — Includes the balance of the initial assault force, not included in the assault 

echelon, and some aviation support equipment. Also called FIE. (JP 4-01.2) 

foam path — A path of fire extinguisher foam laid on a runway to assist aircraft in an 

emergency landing. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

210 JP 1-02 

follow-up — In amphibious operations, the reinforcements and stores carried on transport 

ships and aircraft (not originally part of the amphibious force) that are offloaded 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 echelon — (*) In air transport operations, elements moved into the objective 

area after the assault echelon. 

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) 

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. 

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 designators — Numbers used in conjunction with urgency of need 

designators to establish a matrix of priorities used for supply requisitions. Defines the 

relative importance of the unit to accomplish the objectives of the Department of 

Defense. Also called FADs. 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. These facilities may include modular or kit-type 

facility substitutes. See also facility substitutes. (JP 3-34) 

force closure — The point in time when a supported joint force 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 mental and 

physical well-being of Service members. These measures 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) 

force list — A total list of forces required by an operation plan, including assigned forces, 

augmentation forces, and other forces to be employed in support of the plan. 

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. The elements of force modules 

are linked together or are uniquely identified so that they may be extracted from or 

adjusted as an entity in the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System databases to 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 211 

enhance flexibility and usefulness of the operation plan during a crisis. Also called

FM. See also force module package.

force module package — A force module with a specific functional orientation (e.g. air 

superiority, close air support, reconnaissance, ground defense) that include combat, 

associated combat support, and combat service support forces. Additionally, force 

module packages will contain sustainment in accordance with logistic policy contained 

in Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan Annex B. Also called FMP. See also force 

module.

force multiplier — A capability that, when added to and employed by a combat force, 

significantly increases the combat potential of that force and thus enhances the 

probability of successful mission accomplishment. (JP 3-05.1) 

force planning — 1. Planning associated with the creation and maintenance of military 

capabilities. It is primarily the responsibility of the Military Departments, Services, and 

US Special Operations Command and is conducted under the administrative control 

that runs from the Secretary of Defense to the Military Departments and Services. 2. In 

the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System, the planning conducted by the 

supported combatant command and its components to determine required force 

capabilities to accomplish an assigned mission, as well as by the Military Departments, 

Services, and Service component commands of the combatant commands, to develop 

forces lists, source and tailor required force capabilities with actual units, identify and 

resolve shortfalls, and determine the routing and time-phasing of forces into the 

operational area. (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 5-0) 

force protection — Preventive measures taken to mitigate hostile actions against 

Department of Defense personnel (to include family members), resources, facilities, 

and critical information. Force protection does not include actions to defeat the enemy 

or protect against accidents, weather, or disease. 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 program 

standardizing the Military Services’ identification of and recommended responses to 

terrorist threats against US personnel and facilities. This program facilitates interService coordination. Also called FPCON. There are four FPCONs above normal. a. 

FPCON ALPHA — This condition applies when there is an increased general threat 

of possible terrorist activity against personnel and facilities, the nature and extent of 

which are unpredictable, and circumstances do not justify full implementation of 

FPCON BRAVO measures. However, it may be necessary to implement certain 

measures from higher FPCONs resulting from intelligence received or as a deterrent. 

The measures in this FPCON must be capable of being maintained indefinitely. b. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

212 JP 1-02 

FPCON BRAVO — This condition applies when an increased or more predictable 

threat of terrorist activity exists. Sustaining the measures in this FPCON for a 

prolonged period may affect operational capability and relations with local authorities. 

c. FPCON CHARLIE — This condition applies when an incident occurs or 

intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against 

personnel or facilities is likely. Prolonged implementation of measures in this FPCON 

may create hardship and affect the activities of the unit and its personnel. d. FPCON 

DELTA — This condition applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has 

occurred or when intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific 

location or person is imminent. Normally, this FPCON is declared as a localized 

condition. FPCON DELTA measures are not intended to be sustained for substantial 

periods. See also antiterrorism; force protection. (JP 3-07.2) 

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 rendezvous — (*) A checkpoint at which formations of aircraft or ships join and 

become part of the main force. Also called group rendezvous.

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.

force(s) — See airborne force; armed forces; covering force; garrison force; 

multinational force; Navy cargo handling force; task force; underway 

replenishment force. 

force sequencing — The phased introduction of forces into and out of the operational area. 

(JP 3-68) 

force shortfall — A deficiency in the number or types of units available for planning within 

the time required for the performance of an assigned task. (JP 4-05) 

forces in being — (*) Forces classified as being in state of readiness “A” or “B” as 

prescribed in the appropriate Military Committee document. 

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. 

force structure — See military capability.

force tabs — With reference to war plans, the statement of time-phased deployments of 

major combat units by major commands and geographical areas. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 213 

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 

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. Force visibility provides 

information on the location, operational tempo, assets, and sustainment requirements of 

a force as part of an overall capability for a combatant commander. (JP 3-35) 

forcible entry — Seizing and holding of a military lodgment in the face of armed 

opposition. See also lodgment. (JP 3-18) 

fordability — See shallow fording.

foreign assistance — Assistance to foreign nations ranging from the sale of military 

equipment to donations of food and medical supplies to aid survivors of natural and 

man-made disasters. US foreign assistance takes three forms: development assistance, 

humanitarian assistance, and security assistance. See also domestic emergencies; 

foreign disaster; foreign humanitarian assistance; security assistance. (JP 3-29) 

foreign consequence management — Assistance provided by the United States 

Government to a host nation to mitigate the effects of a deliberate or inadvertent 

chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high-yield explosives attack or event and 

restore essential government services. Also called FCM. (JP 3-41) 

foreign disaster — An act of nature (such as a flood, drought, fire, hurricane, earthquake, 

volcanic eruption, or epidemic), or an act of man (such as a riot, violence, civil strife, 

explosion, fire, or epidemic), which is or threatens to be of sufficient severity and 

magnitude to warrant United States foreign disaster relief to a foreign country, foreign 

persons, or to an intergovernmental organization. See also foreign disaster relief. 

(JP 3-29) 

foreign disaster relief — Prompt aid that can be used to alleviate the suffering of foreign 

disaster victims. Normally it includes humanitarian services and transportation; the 

provision of food, clothing, medicine, beds, and bedding; temporary shelter and 

housing; the furnishing of medical materiel and medical and technical personnel; and 

making repairs to essential services. See also foreign disaster. (JP 3-29) 

foreign humanitarian assistance — Department of Defense activities, normally in support 

of the United States Agency for International Development or Department of State, 

conducted outside the United States, its territories, and possessions to relieve or reduce 

human suffering, disease, hunger, or privation. Also called FHA. See also foreign 

assistance. (JP 3-29) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

214 JP 1-02 

foreign instrumentation signals intelligence — Technical information and intelligence 

derived from the intercept of foreign electromagnetic emissions associated with the 

testing and operational deployment of non-US aerospace, surface, and subsurface 

systems. Foreign instrumentation signals intelligence is a subcategory of signals 

intelligence. Foreign instrumentation signals include but are not limited to telemetry, 

beaconry, electronic interrogators, and video data links. Also called FISINT. See also

signals intelligence. (JP 2-01) 

foreign intelligence — Information relating to capabilities, intentions, and activities of 

foreign powers, organizations, or persons, but not including counterintelligence, except 

for information on international terrorist activities. See also intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

foreign internal defense — Participation by civilian and military agencies of a government 

in any of the action programs taken by another government or other designated 

organization to free and protect its society from subversion, lawlessness, and 

insurgency. Also called FID. (JP 3-22) 

foreign military sales — That portion of United States security assistance authorized by the 

Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, and the Arms Export Control Act of 

1976, as amended. This assistance differs from the Military Assistance Program and 

the International Military Education and Training Program in that the recipient provides 

reimbursement for defense articles and services transferred. Also called FMS.

foreign military sales trainees — Foreign nationals receiving training conducted by the 

Department of Defense on a reimbursable basis, at the country’s request. 

foreign national — Any person other than a US citizen, US permanent or temporary legal 

resident alien, or person in US custody. 

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. Support may come from the nation in which forces are operating. 

Foreign nation support also may be from third party nations and include support or 

assistance, such as logistics, rendered outside the operational area. 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. The term includes third country nationals who are individuals 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 215 

employed by a United States mission abroad and are neither a citizen of the US nor of 

the country to which assigned for duty. Also called FSN. (JP 3-68) 

foreshore — That portion of a beach extending from the low water (datum) shoreline to the 

limit of normal high water wave wash. (JP 4-01.6) 

format — (*) 1. In photography, the size and/or shape of a negative or of the print 

therefrom. 2. In cartography, the shape and size of a map or chart. 

formation — (*) 1. An ordered arrangement of troops and/or vehicles for a specific 

purpose. 2. An ordered arrangement of two or more ships, units, or aircraft proceeding 

together under a commander. 

formatted message text — (*) A message text composed of several sets ordered in a 

specified sequence, each set characterized by an identifier and containing information 

of a specified type, coded and arranged in an ordered sequence of character fields in 

accordance with the NATO message text formatting rules. It is designed to permit both 

manual and automated handling and processing. See also free form message text; 

structured message text.

formerly restricted data — Information removed from the restricted data category upon a 

joint determination by the Department of Energy (or antecedent agencies) and 

Department of Defense that such information relates primarily to the military utilization 

of atomic weapons and that such information can be adequately safeguarded as 

classified defense information. (Section 142d, Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as 

amended.) See also restricted data.

form lines — (*) Lines resembling contours, but representing no actual elevations, which 

have been sketched from visual observation or from inadequate or unreliable map 

sources, to show collectively the configuration of the terrain. 

forward aeromedical evacuation — That phase of evacuation which provides airlift for 

patients between points within the battlefield, from the battlefield to the initial point of 

treatment, and to subsequent points of treatment within the combat zone. (JP 4-02) 

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 

who exercises control from the air of aircraft engaged in close air support of ground 

troops. The forward air controller (airborne) is normally an airborne extension of the 

tactical air control party. A qualified and current forward air controller (airborne) will 

be recognized across the Department of Defense as capable and authorized to perform 

terminal attack control. Also called FAC(A). (JP 3-09.3) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

216 JP 1-02 

forward area — An area in proximity to combat. 

forward arming and refueling point — A temporary facility — organized, equipped, and 

deployed by an aviation commander, and normally located in the main battle area 

closer to the area where operations are being conducted than the aviation unit’s combat 

service area — to provide fuel and ammunition necessary for the employment of 

aviation maneuver units in combat. The forward arming and refueling point permits 

combat aircraft to rapidly refuel and rearm simultaneously. 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. Tasks include reconnaissance; 

construction of low altitude parachute extraction zones, landing strips, and airstrips; and 

providing berms, revetments, and trenches for forward arming and refueling points. 

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. The forward line of own 

troops normally identifies the forward location of covering and screening forces. The 

forward line of own troops may be at, beyond, or short of the forward edge of the battle 

area. An enemy forward line of own troops indicates the forward-most position of 

hostile forces. Also called FLOT. (JP 3-03)

forward logistic site — See naval forward logistic site. Also called FLS. (JP 4-01.3) 

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 oblique air photograph — Oblique photography of the terrain ahead of the 

aircraft. 

forward observer — An observer operating with front line troops and trained to adjust 

ground or naval gunfire and pass back battlefield information. In the absence of a 

forward air controller, the observer may control close air support strikes. Also called 

FO. See also forward air controller; spotter. 

forward operating base — An airfield used to support tactical operations without 

establishing full support facilities. The base may be used for an extended time period. 

Support by a main operating base will be required to provide backup support for a 

forward operating base. Also called FOB. (JP 3-09.3) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 217 

forward operating location — Primarily used for counterdrug operations. Similar to a 

forward operating base (FOB) but without the in-place infrastructure associated with a 

FOB. Also called FOL.

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 operations base — In special operations, a base usually located in friendly 

territory or afloat that is established to extend command and control or communications 

or to provide support for training and tactical operations. Facilities may be established 

for temporary or longer duration operations and may include an airfield or an 

unimproved airstrip, an anchorage, or a pier. A forward operations base may be the 

location of special operations component headquarters or a smaller unit that is 

controlled and/or supported by a main operations base. Also called FOB. See also

advanced operations base; main operations base. (JP 3-05.1) 

forward recovery mission profile — A mission profile that involves the recovery of an 

aircraft at a neutral or friendly forward area airfield or landing site. 

forward resuscitative care — Care provided as close to the point of injury as possible 

based on current operational requirements to attain stabilization and achieve the most 

efficient use of life-and-limb saving medical treatment. Forward resuscitative care 

typically provides essential care for stabilization to ensure the patient can tolerate 

evacuation. Also called FRC. See also essential care; evacuation; medical 

treatment facility; patient. (JP 4-02) 

forward slope — (*) Any slope which descends towards the enemy. 

forward tell — (*) The transfer of information to a higher level of command. See also

track telling.

foundation data — Specific information on essential features that change rarely or slowly, 

such as point positioning data, topographic features, elevation data, geodetic 

information, and safety of navigation data. (JP 2-03) 

four-round illumination diamond — (*) A method of distributing the fire of illumination 

shells which, by a combination of lateral spread and range spread, provides illumination 

of a large area. 

463L system — Aircraft pallets, nets, tie down, and coupling devices, facilities, handling 

equipment, procedures, and other components designed to interface with military and 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

218 JP 1-02 

civilian aircraft cargo restraint systems. Though designed for airlift, system 

components may have to move intermodally via surface to support geographic 

combatant commander objectives. (JP 4-01.7) 

FPCON ALPHA — See force protection condition. 

FPCON BRAVO — See force protection condition. 

FPCON CHARLIE — See force protection condition. 

FPCON DELTA — See force protection condition. 

fragmentary order — An abbreviated form of an operation order issued as needed after an 

operation order to change or modify that order or to execute a branch or sequel to that 

order. Also called FRAGORD. (JP 5-0) 

frame — (*) In photography, any single exposure contained within a continuous sequence 

of photographs. 

free air anomaly — The difference between observed gravity and theoretical gravity that 

has been computed for latitude and corrected for elevation of the station above or below 

the geoid, by application of the normal rate of change of gravity for change of 

elevation, as in free air. 

free air overpressure — (*) The unreflected pressure, in excess of the ambient 

atmospheric pressure, created in the air by the blast wave from an explosion. See also

overpressure.

freedom of navigation operations — Operations conducted to demonstrate US or 

international rights to navigate air or sea routes. (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 field overpressure — See free air overpressure. 

free-fire area — A specific area into which any weapon system may fire without additional 

coordination with the establishing headquarters. Also called FFA. See also fire. 

(JP 3-09) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 219 

free form message text — (*) A message text without prescribed format arrangements. It 

is intended for fast drafting as well as manual handling and processing. See also

formatted message text; structured message text.

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) 

free mine — (*) In naval mine warfare, a moored mine whose mooring has parted or been 

cut. 

free play exercise — (*) An exercise to test the capabilities of forces under simulated 

contingency and/or wartime conditions, limited only by those artificialities or 

restrictions required by peacetime safety regulations. See also controlled exercise.

free rocket — (*) A rocket not subject to guidance or control in flight. 

freight consolidating activity — A transportation activity that receives less than car- or 

truckload shipments of materiel for the purpose of assembling them into car- or 

truckload lots for onward movement to the ultimate consignee or to a freight 

distributing activity or other break bulk point. See also freight distributing activity.

freight distributing activity — A transportation activity that receives and unloads 

consolidated car- or truckloads of less than car- or truckload shipments of material and 

forwards the individual shipments to the ultimate consignee. See also freight 

consolidating activity.

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) 

frequency management — The requesting, recording, deconfliction of and issuance of 

authorization to use frequencies (operate electromagnetic spectrum dependent systems) 

coupled with monitoring and interference resolution processes. (JP 6-0) 

friendly — A contact positively identified as friendly. See also hostile.

friendly fire — In casualty reporting, a casualty circumstance applicable to persons killed in 

action or wounded in action mistakenly or accidentally by friendly forces actively 

engaged with the enemy, who are directing fire at a hostile force or what is thought to 

be a hostile force. See also casualty. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

220 JP 1-02 

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) 

front — (*) 1. The lateral space occupied by an element measured from the extremity of 

one flank to the extremity of the other flank. 2. The direction of the enemy. 3. The 

line of contact of two opposing forces. 4. When a combat situation does not exist or is 

not assumed, the direction toward which the command is faced. 

frontal attack — (*) 1. An offensive maneuver in which the main action is directed 

against the front of the enemy forces. 2. (DOD only) In air intercept, an attack by an 

interceptor aircraft that terminates with a heading crossing angle greater than 135 

degrees. 

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. 

full charge — The larger of the two propelling charges available for naval guns. 

full mission-capable — Material condition of any piece of military equipment, aircraft, or 

training device indicating that it can perform all of its missions. Also called FMC. See 

also deadline; mission-capable; partial mission-capable; partial mission-capable, 

maintenance; partial mission-capable, supply. 

full mobilization — See mobilization.

full-spectrum superiority — The cumulative effect of dominance in the air, land, 

maritime, and space domains and information environment that permits the conduct of 

joint operations without effective opposition or prohibitive interference. (JP 3-0) 

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. This assessment is based upon all-source information, and includes 

an estimation of the time required for recuperation or replacement of the target 

function. See also damage assessment; target. (JP 3-60) 

functional kill — To render a targeted installation, facility, or target system unable to fulfill 

its primary function. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 221 

functions — The appropriate or assigned duties, responsibilities, missions, or tasks of an 

individual, office, or organization. As defined in the National Security Act of 1947, as 

amended, the term “function” includes functions, powers, and duties (5 United States 

Code 171n (a)). 

fusion — In intelligence usage, the process of examining all sources of intelligence and 

information to derive a complete assessment of activity. (JP 2-0) 

fuze cavity — (*) A recess in a charge for receiving a fuze. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

222 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

G 

JP 1-02 223 

gadget — Radar equipment (type of equipment may be indicated by a letter as listed in 

operation orders). May be followed by a color to indicate state of jamming. Colors 

will be used as follows: a. green — Clear of jamming. b. amber — Sector partially 

jammed. c. red — Sector completely jammed. d. blue — Completely jammed. 

gap — An area within a minefield or obstacle belt, free of live mines or obstacles, whose 

width and direction will allow a friendly force to pass through in tactical formation. 

See also phoney minefield. 

gap filler radar — (*) A radar used to supplement the coverage of the principal radar in 

areas where coverage is inadequate. 

gap (imagery) — Any space where imagery fails to meet minimum coverage requirements. 

This might be a space not covered by imagery or a space where the minimum specified 

overlap was not obtained. 

gap marker — (*) In landmine warfare, markers used to indicate a minefield gap. Gap 

markers at the entrance to, and exit from, the gap will be referenced to a landmark or 

intermediate marker. See also marker.

garble — An error in transmission, reception, encryption, or decryption that changes the 

text of a message or any portion thereof in such a manner that it is incorrect or 

undecryptable. 

garnishing — (*) In surveillance, natural or artificial material applied to an object to 

achieve or assist camouflage. 

garrison force — (*) All units assigned to a base or area for defense, development, 

operation, and maintenance of facilities. See also force(s).

gear — A general term for a collection of spars, ropes, blocks, and equipment used for 

lifting and stowing cargo and ships stores. (JP 4-01.6) 

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. Also 

called GAA. See also Military Sealift Command. (JP 3-02.2) 

general air cargo — (*) Cargo without hazardous or dangerous properties and not 

requiring extra precautions for air transport. 

general and complete disarmament — Reductions of armed forces and armaments by all 

states to levels required for internal security and for an international peace force. 

Connotation is “total disarmament” by all states. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

224 JP 1-02 

general cargo — Cargo that is susceptible for loading in general, nonspecialized stowage 

areas or standard shipping containers; e.g., boxes, barrels, bales, crates, packages, 

bundles, and pallets. 

general engineering — Those engineering capabilities and activities, other than combat 

engineering, that modify, maintain, or protect the physical environment. Examples 

include: the construction, repair, maintenance, and operation of infrastructure, 

facilities, lines of communication and bases; terrain modification and repair; and 

selected explosive hazard activities. Also called GE. (JP 3-34) 

general map — A map of small scale used for general planning purposes. See also map.

general military intelligence — Intelligence concerning the (1) military capabilities of 

foreign countries or organizations or (2) topics affecting potential US or multinational 

military operations, relating to the following subjects: armed forces capabilities, 

including order of battle, organization, training, tactics, doctrine, strategy, and other 

factors bearing on military strength and effectiveness; area and terrain intelligence, 

including urban areas, coasts and landing beaches, and meteorological, oceanographic, 

and geological intelligence; transportation in all modes; military materiel production 

and support industries; military and civilian communications systems; military 

economics, including foreign military assistance; insurgency and terrorism; militarypolitical-sociological intelligence; location, identification, and description of militaryrelated installations; government control; escape and evasion; and threats and forecasts. 

(Excludes scientific and technical intelligence.) Also called GMI. See also 

intelligence; military intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

general orders — 1. Permanent instructions, issued in order form, that apply to all 

members of a command, as compared with special orders, which affect only individuals 

or small groups. General orders are usually concerned with matters of policy or 

administration. 2. A series of permanent guard orders that govern the duties of a sentry 

on post. 

general purchasing agents — Agents who have been appointed in the principal overseas 

areas to supervise, control, coordinate, negotiate, and develop the local procurement of 

supplies, services, and facilities by Armed Forces of the United States, in order that the 

most effective utilization may be made of local resources and production. 

general quarters — A condition of readiness when naval action is imminent. All battle 

stations are fully manned and alert; ammunition is ready for instant loading; guns and 

guided missile launchers may be loaded. 

general staff — A group of officers in the headquarters of Army or Marine divisions, 

Marine brigades, and aircraft wings, or similar or larger units that assist their 

commanders in planning, coordinating, and supervising operations. A general staff 

may consist of four or more principal functional sections: personnel (G-1), military 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 225 

intelligence (G-2), operations and training (G-3), logistics (G-4), and (in Army 

organizations) civil affairs and military government (G-5). (A particular section may 

be added or eliminated by the commander, dependent upon the need that has been 

demonstrated.) The comparable Air Force staff is found in the wing and larger units, 

with sections designated personnel, operations, etc. G-2 Air and G-3 Air are Army 

officers assigned to G-2 or G-3 at division, corps, and Army headquarters level who 

assist in planning and coordinating joint operations of ground and air units. Naval 

staffs ordinarily are not organized on these lines, but when they are, they are designated 

N-1, N-2, etc. Similarly, a joint staff may be designated J-1, J-2, etc. In Army brigades 

and smaller units and in Marine Corps units smaller than a brigade or aircraft wing, 

staff sections are designated S-1, S-2, etc., with corresponding duties; referred to as a 

unit staff in the Army and as an executive staff in the Marine Corps. See also staff.

general stopping power — (*) The percentage of a group of vehicles in battle formation 

likely to be stopped by mines when attempting to cross a minefield. 

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; reinforcing. (JP 3-09.3)

general support artillery — (*) Artillery which executes the fire directed by the 

commander of the unit to which it organically belongs or is attached. It fires in support 

of the operation as a whole rather than in support of a specific subordinate unit. Also 

called GSA. See also direct support artillery; general support-reinforcing; 

reinforcing. 

general support-reinforcing — General support-reinforcing artillery has the mission of 

supporting the force as a whole and of providing reinforcing fires for other artillery 

units. Also called GSR. See also direct support artillery; reinforcing. 

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. It encompasses the unloading of units and cargo 

from the ships as rapidly as facilities on the beach permit. It proceeds without regard to 

class, type, or priority of cargo, as permitted by cargo handling facilities ashore. See 

also initial unloading period. (JP 3-02) 

general war — Armed conflict between major powers in which the total resources of the 

belligerents are employed, and the national survival of a major belligerent is in 

jeopardy. 

generation (photography) — The preparation of successive positive and/or negative 

reproductions from an original negative and/or positive (first-generation). For example, 

the first positive produced from an original negative is a second-generation product; the 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

226 JP 1-02 

negative made from this positive is a third-generation product; and the next positive or 

print from that negative is a fourth-generation product. 

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 spheroid. 

See also coordinates. (JP 2-03)

geographic reference points — A means of indicating position, usually expressed either as 

double letters or as code words that are established in operation orders or by other 

means. 

georef — (*) A worldwide position reference system that may be applied to any map or 

chart graduated in latitude and longitude regardless of projection. It is a method of 

expressing latitude and longitude in a form suitable for rapid reporting and plotting. 

(This term is derived from the words “The World Geographic Reference System.”) 

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. Examples include: terrain analyses, terrain 

visualization, digitized terrain products, nonstandard tailored map products, precision 

survey, geospatial data management, baseline survey data, and force beddown analysis. 

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) 

geospatial information and services — The collection, information extraction, storage, 

dissemination, and exploitation of geodetic, geomagnetic, imagery (both commercial 

and national source), gravimetric, aeronautical, topographic, hydrographic, littoral, 

cultural, and toponymic data accurately referenced to a precise location on the Earth’s 

surface. Geospatial services include tools that enable users to access and manipulate 

data, and also include instruction, training, laboratory support, and guidance for the use 

of geospatial data. 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 contingency package — Preassembled package of selected maps, 

charts, and other geographic materials of various scales to support the planning and 

conduct of noncombatant evacuation operations in selected countries or areas. Also 

called GCP. NOTE: Geospatial-intelligence contingency packages are replacing 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 227 

NEOPACKs when updated. See also noncombatant evacuation operations; 

noncombatant evacuees. (JP 3-68) 

glide bomb — A bomb fitted with airfoils to provide lift and which is carried and released 

in the direction of a target by an airplane. 

glide mode — In a flight control system, a control mode in which an aircraft is 

automatically positioned to the center of the glide slope course. 

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; Global 

Transportation Network. (JP 3-17) 

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 — Command and control system for Air Mobility 

Command’s mobility airlift and air refueling assets. Provides aircraft schedules, arrival 

and/or departure, and aircraft status data to support in-transit visibility of aircraft and 

aircrews. Also called GDSS. See also Air Mobility Command; in-transit visibility. 

(JP 3-17) 

global distribution — The process that synchronizes and integrates fulfillment of joint 

force requirements with employment of the joint force. It provides national resources 

(personnel and materiel) to support execution of joint operations. The ultimate 

objective of this process is the effective and efficient accomplishment of the joint force 

mission. 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 Information Grid — The globally interconnected, end-to-end set of information 

capabilities, associated processes and personnel for collecting, processing, storing, 

disseminating, and managing information on demand to warfighters, policy makers, 

and support personnel. The Global Information Grid includes owned and leased 

communications and computing systems and services, software (including 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

228 JP 1-02 

applications), data, security services, other associated services and National Security 

Systems. Also called GIG. See also grid; information. (JP 6-0) 

global information infrastructure — The worldwide interconnection of communications 

networks, computers, databases, and consumer electronics that make vast amounts of 

information available to users. The global information infrastructure encompasses a 

wide range of equipment, including cameras, scanners, keyboards, facsimile machines, 

computers, switches, compact disks, video and audio tape, cable, wire, satellites, fiberoptic transmission lines, networks of all types, televisions, monitors, printers, and much 

more. The friendly and adversary personnel who make decisions and handle the 

transmitted information constitute a critical component of the global information 

infrastructure. Also called GII. See also defense information infrastructure; 

information; information system; national information infrastructure. (JP 3-13) 

Global Network Operations Center — United States Strategic Command operational 

element responsible for: providing global satellite communications system status; 

maintaining global situational awareness to include each combatant commander’s 

planned and current operations as well as contingency plans; supporting radio 

frequency interference resolution management; supporting satellite anomaly resolution 

and management; facilitating satellite communications interface to the defense 

information infrastructure; and managing the regional satellite communications support 

centers. Also called GNC. (JP 6-0) 

Global Patient Movement Requirements Center — A joint activity reporting directly to 

the Commander, US Transportation Command, the Department of Defense single 

manager for the strategic and continental United States regulation and movement of 

uniformed services and other authorized patients. The Global Patient Movement 

Requirements Center provides medical regulating and aeromedical evacuation 

scheduling for the continental United States and intertheater operations and provides 

support to the theater patient movement requirements centers. The Global Patient 

Movement Requirements Center 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 of satisfying transportation 

requirements using the Defense Transportation System to meet national security 

objectives. The process begins with planning, programming, and budgeting for 

transportation assets, services, and associated systems and continues through delivery 

of the users’ transportation movement requirements. Also called GTM. See also

Defense Transportation System; Global Transportation Network. (JP 4-01) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 229 

Global Transportation Network — The automated support necessary to enable US 

Transportation Command and its components to provide global transportation 

management. The Global Transportation Network provides the integrated 

transportation data and systems necessary to accomplish global transportation planning, 

command and control, and in-transit visibility across the range of military operations. 

The designated Department of Defense in-transit visibility system provides customers 

with the ability to track the identity, status, and location of Department of Defense units 

and non-unit cargo, passengers, patients, forces, and military and commercial airlift, 

sealift, and surface assets from origin to destination across the range of military 

operations. The Global Transportation Network collects, integrates, and distributes 

transportation information to combatant commanders, Services, and other Department 

of Defense customers. Global Transportation Network provides US Transportation 

Command with the ability to perform command and control operations, planning and 

analysis, and business operations in tailoring customer requirements throughout the 

requirements process. Also called GTN. See also global transportation 

management; in-transit visibility; United States Transportation Command. 

(JP 4-01) 

go no-go — The condition or state of operability of a component or system: “go,” 

functioning properly; or “no-go,” not functioning properly. Alternatively, 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, including the representative participatory decision-making 

processes typically guaranteed under inclusive, constitutional authority. (JP 3-24)

governing factors — In the context of joint operation planning, those aspects of the 

situation (or externally imposed factors) that the commander deems critical to the 

accomplishment of the mission. (JP 5-0) 

government-owned, contract-operated ships — Those ships to which the US Government 

holds title and which the Military Sealift Command operates under a contract (i.e., 

nongovernment-manned). These ships are designated United States Naval Ships and 

use the prefix “USNS” with the ship name and the letter “T” as a prefix to the ship 

classification (e.g., T-AKR). See also Military Sealift Command; United States 

Naval Ship. (JP 3-02.2) 

government-owned, Military Sealift Command-operated ships — Those ships to which 

the US Government holds title and which the Military Sealift Command operates with 

US Government (civil service) employees. These ships are designated United States 

Naval Ships and use the prefix “USNS” with the ship name and the letter “T” as a 

prefix to the ship classification (e.g., T-AKR). See also Military Sealift Command; 

United States Naval Ship. (JP 3-02.2) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

230 JP 1-02 

gradient — The rate of inclination to horizontal expressed as a ratio, such as 1:25, 

indicating a one unit rise to 25 units of horizontal distance. (JP 4-01.6) 

gradient circuit — (*) In mine warfare, a circuit which is actuated when the rate of 

change, with time, of the magnitude of the influence is within predetermined limits. 

grand strategy — See National Security Strategy.

graphic — (*) Any and all products of the cartographic and photogrammetric art. A 

graphic may be a map, chart, or mosaic or even a film strip that was produced using 

cartographic techniques. 

graphic scale — (*) A graduated line by means of which distances on the map, chart, or 

photograph may be measured in terms of ground distance. See also scale.

grapnel — (*) In naval mine warfare, a device fitted to a mine mooring designed to grapple 

the sweep wire when the mooring is cut. 

graticule — (*) 1. In cartography, a network of lines representing the Earth’s parallels of 

latitude and meridians of longitude. 2. In imagery interpretation, see reticle.

graticule ticks — (*) In cartography, short lines indicating where selected meridians and 

parallels intersect. 

graves registration program — A program that provides for search, recovery, tentative 

identification, and evacuation or temporary interment. Temporary interment is only 

authorized by the geographic combatant commander. Disposition of personal effects is 

included in this program. See also personal effects. (JP 4-06) 

gravity extraction — (*) The extraction of cargoes from the aircraft by influence of their 

own weight. See also extraction parachute.

grazing fire — (*) Fire approximately parallel to the ground where the center of the cone 

of fire does not rise above one meter from the ground. See also fire.

Greenwich Mean Time — See Universal Time. Also called GMT. 

grey propaganda — Propaganda that does not specifically identify any source. See also

propaganda.

grid — 1. Two sets of parallel lines intersecting at right angles and forming squares; the 

grid is superimposed on maps, charts, and other similar representations of the Earth’s 

surface in an accurate and consistent manner in order to permit identification of ground 

locations with respect to other locations and the computation of direction and distance 

to other points. 2. A term used in giving the location of a geographic point by grid 

coordinates. See also military grid; military grid reference system.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 231 

grid bearing — Bearing measured from grid north. 

grid convergence — The horizontal angle at a place between true north and grid north. It is 

proportional to the longitude difference between the place and the central meridian. 

See also convergence.

grid convergence factor — (*) The ratio of the grid convergence angle to the longitude 

difference. In the Lambert Conical Orthomorphic projection, this ratio is constant for 

all charts based on the same two standard parallels. See also convergence; grid 

convergence.

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. See also coordinates. 

grid coordinate system — (*) A plane-rectangular coordinate system usually based on, 

and mathematically adjusted to, a map projection in order that geographic positions 

(latitudes and longitudes) may be readily transformed into plane coordinates and the 

computations relating to them may be made by the ordinary method of plane surveying. 

See also coordinates.

grid interval — (*) The distance represented between the lines of a grid. 

grid magnetic angle — (*) Angular difference in direction between grid north and 

magnetic north. It is measured east or west from grid north. Also called grid 

variation; grivation.

grid navigation — (*) A method of navigation using a grid overlay for direction reference. 

See also navigational grid.

grid north — (*) The northerly or zero direction indicated by the grid datum of directional 

reference. 

grid ticks — (*) Small marks on the neatline of a map or chart indicating additional grid 

reference systems included on that sheet. Grid ticks are sometimes shown on the 

interior grid lines of some maps for ease of referencing. 

grid variation — See grid magnetic angle. 

grivation — See grid magnetic angle. 

grossly transportation feasible — A determination made by the supported commander that 

a draft operation plan can be supported with the apportioned transportation assets. This 

determination is made by using a transportation feasibility estimator to simulate 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

232 JP 1-02 

movement of personnel and cargo from port of embarkation to port of debarkation 

within a specified time frame. 

gross weight — (*) 1. Weight of a vehicle, fully equipped and serviced for operation, 

including the weight of the fuel, lubricants, coolant, vehicle tools and spares, crew, 

personal equipment, and load. 2. Weight of a container or pallet including freight and 

binding. Also called WT. See also net weight. 

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 short period of 

time (usually 15 minutes) after receipt of a mission order. See also airborne alert.

ground combat element — The core element of a Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) 

that is task-organized to conduct ground operations. It is usually constructed around an 

infantry organization but can vary in size from a small ground unit of any type, to one 

or more Marine divisions that can be independently maneuvered under the direction of 

the MAGTF commander. The ground combat element itself is not a formal command. 

Also called GCE. See also aviation combat element; combat service support 

element; command element; Marine air-ground task force; Marine expeditionary 

force; Marine expeditionary force (forward); Marine expeditionary unit; special 

purpose Marine air-ground task force; task force.

ground control — (*) A system of accurate measurements used to determine the distances 

and directions or differences in elevation between points on the Earth. See also

common control (artillery); control point; traverse.

ground-controlled approach procedure — (*) The technique for talking down, through 

the use of both surveillance and precision approach radar, an aircraft during its 

approach so as to place it in a position for landing. See also automatic approach and 

landing.

ground-controlled interception — (*) A technique which permits control of friendly 

aircraft or guided missiles for the purpose of effecting interception. See also air 

interception. 

ground fire — Small arms ground-to-air fire directed against aircraft. 

ground liaison officer — An officer trained in offensive air support activities. Ground 

liaison officers are normally organized into parties under the control of the appropriate 

Army commander to provide liaison to Air Force and naval units engaged in training 

and combat operations. Also called GLO.

ground mine — See bottom mine. 

ground observer center — A center to which ground observer teams report and which in 

turn will pass information to the appropriate control and/or reporting agency. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 233 

ground return — (*) The radar reflection from the terrain as displayed and/or recorded as 

an image. 

ground speed — (*) The horizontal component of the speed of an aircraft relative to the 

Earth’s surface. Also called GS.

ground visibility — Prevailing horizontal visibility near the Earth’s surface as reported by 

an accredited observer. 

ground zero — (*) The point on the surface of the Earth at, or vertically below or above, 

the center of a planned or actual nuclear detonation. See also actual ground zero; 

desired ground zero.

group — 1. A flexible administrative and tactical unit composed of either two or more 

battalions or two or more squadrons. The term also applies to combat support and 

combat service support units. 2. A number of ships and/or aircraft, normally a 

subdivision of a force, assigned for a specific purpose. 3. A long-standing functional 

organization that is formed to support a broad function within a joint force 

commander’s headquarters. Also called GP. (JP 3-33) 

group of targets — (*) Two or more targets on which fire is desired simultaneously. A 

group of targets is designated by a letter/number combination or a nickname. 

group rendezvous — A check point at which formations of the same type will join before 

proceeding. See also force rendezvous. 

guard — 1. A form of security operation whose primary task is to protect the main force 

by fighting to gain time while also observing and reporting information, and to prevent 

enemy ground observation of and direct fire against the main body by reconnoitering, 

attacking, defending, and delaying. A guard force normally operates within the range 

of the main body’s indirect fire weapons. 2. A radio frequency that is normally used 

for emergency transmissions and is continuously monitored. UHF band: 243.0 MHZ; 

VHF band: 121.5 MHZ. See also cover; flank guard; screen. 3. A military or 

civilian individual assigned to protect personnel, equipment, or installations, or to 

oversee a prisoner. 

guarded frequencies — Enemy frequencies that are currently being exploited for combat 

information and intelligence. A guarded frequency is time-oriented in that the guarded 

frequency list changes as the enemy assumes different combat postures. These 

frequencies may be 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 — A combat participant in guerrilla warfare. See also unconventional warfare.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

234 JP 1-02 

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) 

guerrilla warfare — Military and paramilitary operations conducted in enemy-held or 

hostile territory by irregular, predominantly indigenous forces. Also called GW. See 

also unconventional warfare. (JP 3-05.1) 

guidance station equipment — (*) The ground-based portion of a missile guidance system 

necessary to provide guidance during missile flight. 

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 aerodynamic missile; ballistic missile.

guide specification — (*) Minimum requirements to be used as a basis for the evaluation 

of a national specification covering a fuel, lubricant or associated product proposed for 

standardization action. 

guinea-pig — (*) In naval mine warfare, a ship used to determine whether an area can be 

considered safe from influence mines under certain conditions or, specifically, to 

detonate pressure mines. 

gull — (*) In electronic warfare, a floating radar reflector used to simulate a surface target 

at sea for deceptive purposes. 

gun — 1. A cannon with relatively long barrel, operating with relatively low angle of fire, 

and having a high muzzle velocity. 2. A cannon with tube length 30 calibers or more. 

See also howitzer; mortar.

gun carriage — (*) A mobile or fixed support for a gun. It sometimes includes the 

elevating and traversing mechanisms. Also called carriage.

gun-target line — (*) An imaginary straight line from gun to target. Also called GTL. 

gun-type weapon — (*) A device in which two or more pieces of fissionable material, each 

less than a critical mass, are brought together very rapidly so as to form a supercritical 

mass that can explode as the result of a rapidly expanding fission chain. 

gyromagnetic compass — (*) A directional gyroscope whose azimuth scale is maintained 

in alignment with the magnetic meridian by a magnetic detector unit. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

H 

JP 1-02 235 

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. The half-life is a characteristic 

property of each radioactive species and is independent of its amount or condition. The 

effective half-life of a given isotope is the time in which the quantity in the body will 

decrease to half as a result of both radioactive decay and biological elimination. (JP 3-11) 

half-residence time — (*) As applied to delayed fallout, it is the time required for the 

amount of weapon debris deposited in a particular part of the atmosphere to decrease to 

half of its initial value. 

half thickness — (*) Thickness of absorbing material necessary to reduce by one-half the 

intensity of radiation which passes through it. 

handling (ordnance) — 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. See also assembly; 

downloading; loading; ordnance. (JP 3-04) 

handover — The passing of control authority of an aircraft from one control agency to 

another control agency. Handover action may be accomplished between control 

agencies of separate Services when conducting joint operations or between control 

agencies within a single command and control system. Handover action is complete 

when the receiving controller acknowledges assumption of control authority. Also 

called hand-off. 

handover/crossover — In personnel recovery, the transfer of isolated personnel between 

two recovery forces. See also evader; evasion; recovery; recovery operations. 

(JP 3-50) 

handover line — (*) A control feature, preferably following easily defined terrain features, 

at which responsibility for the conduct of combat operations is passed from one force to 

another. 

hang fire — A malfunction that causes an undesired delay in the functioning of a firing 

system. 

harassing fire — (*) Fire designed to disturb the rest of the enemy troops, to curtail 

movement, and, by threat of losses, to lower morale. See also fire.

harassment — An incident in which the primary objective is to disrupt the activities of a 

unit, installation, or ship, rather than to inflict serious casualties or damage. 

harbor — A restricted body of water, an anchorage, or other limited coastal water area and 

its mineable water approaches, from which shipping operations are projected or 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

236 JP 1-02 

supported. Generally, a harbor is part of a base, in which case the harbor defense force 

forms a component element of the base defense force established for the local defense 

of the base and its included harbor. 

harbor defense — The defense of a harbor or anchorage and its water approaches against 

external threats such as: a. submarine, submarine-borne, or small surface craft attack; 

b. enemy minelaying operations; and c. sabotage. The defense of a harbor from 

guided missiles while such missiles are airborne is considered to be a part of air 

defense. See also port security.

hard beach — A portion of a beach especially prepared with a hard surface extending into 

the water, employed for the purpose of loading or unloading directly into or from 

landing ships or landing craft. 

hardened site — (*) A site, normally constructed under rock or concrete cover, designed to 

provide protection against the effects of conventional weapons. It may also be 

equipped to provide protection against the side effects of a nuclear attack and against a 

chemical or a biological attack. 

hard missile base — (*) A launching base that is protected against a nuclear explosion. 

hardstand — (*) 1. A paved or stabilized area where vehicles are parked. 2. Open 

ground area having a prepared surface and used for the storage of materiel. 

hardware — 1. The generic term dealing with physical items as distinguished from its 

capability or function such as equipment, tools, implements, instruments, devices, sets, 

fittings, trimmings, assemblies, subassemblies, components, and parts. The term is 

often used in regard to the stage of development, as in the passage of a device or 

component from the design stage into the hardware stage as the finished object. 2. In 

data automation, the physical equipment or devices forming a computer and peripheral 

components. See also software.

harmonization — The process and/or results of adjusting differences or inconsistencies to 

bring significant features into agreement. 

hasty attack — (*) In land operations, an attack in which preparation time is traded for 

speed in order to exploit an opportunity. See also deliberate attack.

hasty breaching — (*) The rapid creation of a route through a minefield, barrier, or 

fortification by any expedient method. 

hasty breaching (land mine warfare) — 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. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 237 

hasty crossing — (*) The crossing of an inland water obstacle using the crossing means at 

hand or those readily available, and made without pausing for elaborate preparations. 

See also deliberate crossing.

hasty defense — (*) A defense normally organized while in contact with the enemy or 

when contact is imminent and time available for the organization is limited. It is 

characterized by improvement of the natural defensive strength of the terrain by 

utilization of foxholes, emplacements, and obstacles. See also deliberate defense.

hatch — An opening in a ship’s deck giving access to cargo holds. (JP 4-01.6) 

hatch list — A list showing, for each hold section of a cargo ship, a description of the items 

stowed, their volume and weight, the consignee of each, and the total volume and 

weight of materiel in the hold. 

havens (moving) — See moving havens.

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; 

risk. (JP 3-33) 

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. This unintended actuation could have safety 

(premature firing) or reliability (dudding) consequences. 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)

heading hold mode — In a flight control system, a control mode that automatically 

maintains an aircraft heading that exists at the instant of completion of a maneuver. 

heading indicator — (*) An instrument which displays heading transmitted electrically 

from a remote compass system. 

heading select feature — A flight control system feature that permits selection or 

preselection of desired automatically controlled heading or headings of an aircraft. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

238 JP 1-02 

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. Also called HUD. See also 

flight; horizontal situation display. 

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. The term does not include any contract provider who is not a personal 

services contract employee. Also called DOD health care provider. (JP 4-02) 

health hazard assessment — An assessment that characterizes the possible health risks of 

occupational exposures of Service members during the course of their normal duties. 

(JP 4-02) 

health service logistic support — A functional area of logistic support that supports the 

joint force surgeon’s health service support mission. It includes supplying Class VIII 

medical supplies (medical materiel 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 HSLS. 

See also health service support; joint force surgeon. (JP 4-02.1) 

health service support — All services performed, provided, or arranged to promote, 

improve, conserve, or restore the mental or physical well-being of personnel. These 

services include, but are not limited to, the management of health services resources, 

such as manpower, monies, and facilities; preventive and curative health measures; 

evacuation of the wounded, injured, or sick; selection of the medically fit and 

disposition of the medically unfit; blood management; medical supply, equipment, and 

maintenance thereof; combat stress control; and medical, dental, veterinary, laboratory, 

optometric, nutrition therapy, and medical intelligence services. 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. It 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 nuclear, biological, and chemical 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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 239 

heavy antitank weapon — A weapon capable of operating from ground or vehicle, used to 

defeat armor and other material targets. 

heavy artillery — See field artillery.

heavy drop — A system of delivery of heavy supplies and equipment by parachute. 

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.

heavy-lift ship — (*) A ship specially designed and capable of loading and unloading 

heavy and bulky items. It has booms of sufficient capacity to accommodate a single lift 

of 100 tons. 

height delay — See altitude delay.

height hole — See altitude hole.

height of burst — (*) The vertical distance from the Earth’s surface or target to the point of 

burst. Also called HOB. See also optimum height of burst; safe burst height; types 

of burst. 

helicopter coordination section — The section within the Navy tactical air control center 

that coordinates rotary-wing air operations with all helicopter direction centers and air 

traffic control center(s) in the amphibious force. Also called HCS. (JP 3-02) 

helicopter direction center — In amphibious operations, the primary direct control agency 

for the helicopter group/unit commander operating under the overall control of the 

tactical air control center. Also called HDC. (JP 3-02)

helicopter landing zone — A specified ground area for landing assault helicopters to 

embark or disembark troops and/or cargo. A landing zone may contain one or more 

landing sites. Also called HLZ.

helicopter support team — (*) A task organization formed and equipped for employment 

in a landing zone to facilitate the landing and movement of helicopter-borne troops, 

equipment, and supplies, and to evacuate selected casualties and enemy prisoners of 

war. Also called HST. 

helicopter transport area — Areas to the seaward and on the flanks of the outer transport 

and landing ship areas, but preferably inside the area screen, used for launching and/or 

recovering helicopters. (JP 3-02) 

helicopter wave — See wave.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

240 JP 1-02 

helipad — (*) A prepared area designated and used for takeoff and landing of helicopters. 

(Includes touchdown or hover point.) 

heliport — (*) A facility designated for operating, basing, servicing, and maintaining 

helicopters. 

herbicide — A chemical compound that will kill or damage plants. (JP 3-11) 

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) 

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) 

Hertz-Horn — See chemical horn. 

H-hour — See times. (JP 3-02) 

high airburst — The fallout safe height of burst for a nuclear weapon that increases 

damage to or casualties on soft targets, or reduces induced radiation contamination at 

actual ground zero. See also types of burst.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 241 

high altitude bombing — Horizontal bombing with the height of release over 15,000 feet. 

(JP 3-09.3) 

high altitude burst — (*) The explosion of a nuclear weapon which takes place at a height 

in excess of 100,000 feet (30,000 meters). Also called HAB. See also types of burst.

high-altitude low-opening parachute technique — A method of delivering personnel, 

equipment, or supplies from airlift aircraft that must fly at altitudes above the threat 

umbrella. Also called HALO. (JP 3-17) 

high-altitude missile engagement zone — See weapon engagement zone. (JP 3-52) 

high angle — (*) In artillery and naval gunfire support, an order or request to obtain high 

angle fire. 

high angle fire — (*) Fire delivered at angles of elevation greater than the elevation that 

corresponds to the maximum range of the gun and ammunition concerned; fire, the 

range of which decreases as the angle of elevation is increased. 

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. A high-density airspace control zone has defined 

dimensions which usually coincide with geographical features or navigational aids. 

Access to a high-density airspace control zone is normally controlled by the maneuver 

commander. The maneuver commander can also direct a more restrictive weapons 

status within the high-density airspace control zone. Also called HIDACZ. (JP 3-52) 

high explosive cargo — Cargo such as artillery ammunition, bombs, depth charges, 

demolition material, rockets, and missiles.

high oblique — See oblique air photograph.

high-payoff target — A target whose loss to the enemy will significantly contribute to the 

success of the friendly course of action. High-payoff targets are those high-value 

targets that must be acquired and successfully attacked for the success of the friendly 

commander’s mission. Also called HPT. See also high-value target; target. 

(JP 3-60) 

high-payoff target list — A prioritized list of high-payoff targets by phase of the joint 

operation. Also called HPTL. See also high-payoff 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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

242 JP 1-02 

high value airborne asset protection — A defensive counterair mission that defends 

airborne national assets which are so important that the loss of even one could seriously 

impact US warfighting capabilities or provide the enemy with significant propaganda 

value. Examples of high value airborne assets are Airborne Warning and Control 

System, Rivet Joint, Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System, and Compass 

Call. Also called HVAA protection. See also defensive counterair. (JP 3-01) 

high value asset control items — Items of supply identified for intensive management 

control under approved inventory management techniques designed to maintain an 

optimum inventory level of high investment items. Also called hi-value asset control 

items.

high-value target — A target the enemy commander requires for the successful completion 

of the mission. The loss of high-value targets would be expected to seriously degrade 

important enemy functions throughout the friendly commander’s area of interest. 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 (low velocity drop) and lower than free drop velocity. See also airdrop. 

(JP 3-17)

high-water mark — Properly, a mark left on a beach by wave wash at the preceding high 

water. It does not necessarily correspond to the high-water line. Because it can be 

determined by simple observation, it is frequently used in place of the high-water line, 

which can be determined only by a survey. When so used, it is called the high-water 

line. (JP 3-10) 

hill shading — (*) A method of representing relief on a map by depicting the shadows that 

would be cast by high ground if light were shining from a certain direction. 

hinterland, far — That region surrounding a beach or terminal operation to the extent that 

it has characteristics that affect the operation — normally within 100 miles. (JP 4-01.6) 

hinterland, near — The area of land within an operational area of a specific beach or 

terminal operation — usually within 5 miles. (JP 4-01.6) 

hi-value asset control item — See high value asset control items. 

hoist — (*) In helicopters, the mechanism by which external loads may be raised or 

lowered vertically. 

hold — (*) 1. A cargo stowage compartment aboard ship. 2. To maintain or retain 

possession of by force, as a position or an area. 3. In an attack, to exert sufficient 

pressure to prevent movement or redisposition of enemy forces. 4. As applied to air 

traffic, to keep an aircraft within a specified space or location which is identified by 

visual or other means in accordance with Air Traffic Control instructions. See also fix. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 243 

holding anchorage — (*) An anchorage where ships may lie: a. if the assembly or 

working anchorage, or port, to which they have been assigned is full; b. when delayed 

by enemy threats or other factors from proceeding immediately on their next voyage; c. 

when dispersed from a port to avoid the effects of a nuclear attack. See also assembly 

anchorage; emergency anchorage; working anchorage.

holding attack — An attack designed to hold the enemy in position, to deceive the enemy 

as to where the main attack is being made, to prevent the enemy from reinforcing the 

elements opposing the main attack, and/or to cause the enemy to commit the reserves 

prematurely at an indecisive location. 

holding point — (*) A geographically or electronically defined location used in stationing 

aircraft in flight in a predetermined pattern in accordance with air traffic control 

clearance. See also orbit point. 

holding position — (*) A specified location on the airfield, close to the active runway and 

identified by visual means, at which the position of a taxiing aircraft is maintained in 

accordance with air traffic control instructions. 

hollow charge — (*) A shaped charge producing a deep cylindrical hole of relatively small 

diameter in the direction of its axis of rotation. 

homeland — The physical region that includes the continental United States, Alaska, 

Hawaii, United States possessions and territories, and surrounding territorial waters and 

airspace. (JP 3-28) 

homeland defense — The protection of United States sovereignty, territory, domestic 

population, and critical defense 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 3-28) 

home recovery mission profile — A mission profile that involves the recovery of an 

aircraft at its permanent or temporarily assigned operating base. 

home station — The permanent location of active duty units and Reserve Component units 

(e.g., location of armory or reserve center). See also active duty; Reserve 

Components. (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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

244 JP 1-02 

homing guidance — A system by which a missile or torpedo steers itself towards a target 

by means of a self-contained mechanism which is activated by some distinguishing 

characteristics of the target. See also active homing guidance; passive homing 

guidance; semi-active homing guidance.

homing mine — (*) In naval mine warfare, a mine fitted with propulsion equipment which 

homes on to a target. See also mine.

horizontal action mine — (*) In land mine warfare, a mine designed to produce a 

destructive effect in a plane approximately parallel to the ground. 

horizontal error — (*) The error in range, deflection, or in radius, which a weapon may be 

expected to exceed as often as not. Horizontal error of weapons making a nearly 

vertical approach to the target is described in terms of circular error probable. 

Horizontal error of weapons producing elliptical dispersion pattern is expressed in 

terms of probable error. See also circular error probable; delivery error; deviation; 

dispersion error.

horizontal loading — (*) Loading of items of like character in horizontal layers 

throughout the holds of a ship. See also loading.

horizontal situation display — (*) An electronically generated display on which 

navigation information and stored mission and procedural data can be presented. Radar 

information and television picture can also be displayed either as a map overlay or as a 

separate image. See also head-up display.

horizontal situation indicator — (*) An instrument which may display bearing and 

distance to a navigation aid, magnetic heading, track/course and track/course deviation. 

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 3-02.2) 

horn — (*) In naval mine warfare, a projection from the mine shell of some contact mines 

which, when broken or bent by contact, causes the mine to fire. 

hospital — A medical treatment facility capable of providing inpatient care. It is 

appropriately staffed and equipped to provide diagnostic and therapeutic services, as 

well as the necessary supporting services required to perform its assigned mission and 

functions. A hospital may, in addition, discharge the functions of a clinic. 

hostage — A person held as a pledge that certain terms or agreements will be kept. (The 

taking of hostages is forbidden under the Geneva Conventions, 1949.) 

hostage rescue — A personnel recovery method used to recover isolated personnel who are 

specifically designated as hostages. Also called HR. (JP 3-50) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 245 

host country — A nation which permits, either by written agreement or official invitation, 

government representatives and/or agencies of another nation to operate, under 

specified conditions, within its borders. (JP 2-01.2) 

hostile — In combat and combat support operations, an identity applied to a track declared 

to belong to any opposing nation, party, group, or entity, which by virtue of its behavior 

or information collected on it such as characteristics, origin, or nationality contributes 

to the threat to friendly forces. See also neutral; suspect; unknown. 

hostile act — An attack or other use of force against the US, US forces, or other designated 

persons or property. It also includes force used directly to preclude or impede the 

mission and/or duties of US forces, including the recovery of US personnel or vital US 

Government property. (JP 3-28) 

hostile casualty — A person who is the victim of a terrorist activity or who becomes a 

casualty “in action.” “In action” characterizes the casualty as having been the direct 

result of hostile action, sustained in combat or relating thereto, or sustained going to or 

returning from a combat mission provided that the occurrence was directly related to 

hostile action. Included are persons killed or wounded mistakenly or accidentally by 

friendly fire directed at a hostile force or what is thought to be a hostile force. 

However, not to be considered as sustained in action and not to be interpreted as hostile 

casualties are injuries or death due to the elements, self-inflicted wounds, combat 

fatigue, and except in unusual cases, wounds or death inflicted by a friendly force while 

the individual is in an absent-without-leave, deserter, or dropped-from-rolls status or is 

voluntarily absent from a place of duty. See also casualty; casualty type; nonhostile 

casualty. 

hostile environment — Operational environment in which hostile forces have control as 

well as the intent and capability to effectively oppose or react to the operations a unit 

intends to conduct. (JP 3-0) 

hostile force — Any civilian, paramilitary, or military force or terrorist(s), with or without 

national designation, that have committed a hostile act, exhibited hostile intent, or have 

been declared hostile by appropriate US authority. 

hostile intent — The threat of imminent use of force by a foreign force, terrorist(s), or 

organization against the United States and US national interests, US forces and, in 

certain circumstances, US nationals, their property, US commercial assets, and other 

designated non-US forces, foreign nationals, and their property. When hostile intent is 

present, the right exists to use proportional force, including armed force, in self-defense 

by all necessary means available to deter or neutralize the potential attacker or, if 

necessary, to destroy the threat. A determination that hostile intent exists and requires 

the use of proportional force in self-defense must be based on evidence that an attack is 

imminent. Evidence necessary to determine hostile intent will vary depending on the 

state of international and regional political tension, military preparations, intelligence, 

and indications and warning information. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

246 JP 1-02 

hostile track — See hostile.

host nation — A nation which receives the forces and/or supplies of allied nations and/or 

NATO organizations 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) 

host-nation support agreement — Basic agreement normally concluded at government-togovernment or government- to-combatant commander level. These agreements may 

include general agreements, umbrella agreements, and memoranda of understanding. 

See also host nation; host-nation support. (JP 3-35) 

hot photo interpretation report — A preliminary unformatted report of significant 

information from tactical reconnaissance imagery dispatched prior to compilation of 

the initial photo interpretation report. It should pertain to a single objective, event, or 

activity of significant interest to justify immediate reporting. Also called

HOTPHOTOREP.

hot pursuit — Pursuit commenced within the territory, internal waters, the archipelagic 

waters, the territorial sea, or territorial airspace of the pursuing state and continued 

without interruption beyond the territory, territorial sea, or airspace. Hot pursuit also 

exists if pursuit commences within the contiguous or exclusive economic zones or on 

the continental shelf of the pursuing state, continues without interruption, and is 

undertaken based on a violation of the rights for the protection of which the zone was 

established. The right of hot pursuit ceases as soon as the ship or hostile force pursued 

enters the territory or territorial sea of its own state or of a third state. This definition 

does not imply that force may or may not be used in connection with hot pursuit. 

NOTE: This term applies only to law enforcement activities. 

hot spot — (*) Region in a contaminated area in which the level of radioactive 

contamination is considerably greater than in neighboring regions in the area. 

hovering — (*) A self-sustaining maneuver whereby a fixed, or nearly fixed, position is 

maintained relative to a spot on the surface of the Earth or underwater. (JP 3-04) 

hovering ceiling — (*) The highest altitude at which the helicopter is capable of hovering 

in standard atmosphere. It is usually stated in two figures: hovering in ground effect 

and hovering out of ground effect. 

howitzer — 1. A cannon that combines certain characteristics of guns and mortars. The 

howitzer delivers projectiles with medium velocities, either by low or high trajectories. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 247 

2. Normally a cannon with a tube length of 20 to 30 calibers; however, the tube length 

can exceed 30 calibers and still be considered a howitzer when the high angle fire 

zoning solution permits range overlap between charges. See also gun; mortar.

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 4-01.4)

hub and spoke distribution — A physical distribution system developed and modeled on 

industry standards to provide cargo management for a theater. It is based on a “hub” 

moving cargo to and between several “spokes”. It is designed to increase transportation 

efficiencies and in-transit visibility and reduce order ship time. See also distribution;

distribution system; hub; in-transit visibility; spoke. (JP 4-01.4) 

human factors — The psychological, cultural, behavioral, and other human attributes that 

influence decision-making, the flow of information, and the interpretation of 

information by individuals or groups. (JP 2-0) 

human intelligence — A category of intelligence derived from information collected and 

provided by human sources. Also called HUMINT. See also human resources 

intelligence. (JP 2-0)

humanitarian and civic assistance — Assistance to the local populace provided by 

predominantly US forces in conjunction with military operations and exercises. This 

assistance is specifically authorized by Title 10, United States Code, Section 401, and 

funded under separate authorities. Also called HCA. See also foreign humanitarian 

assistance. (JP 3-29) 

humanitarian assistance — Programs conducted to relieve or reduce the results of natural 

or manmade disasters or other endemic conditions such as human pain, disease, hunger, 

or privation that might present a serious threat to life or that can result in great damage 

to or loss of property. Humanitarian assistance provided by US forces is limited in 

scope and duration. The assistance provided is designed to supplement or complement 

the efforts of the host nation civil authorities or agencies that may have the primary 

responsibility for providing humanitarian assistance. Also called HA. (JP 3-57) 

humanitarian assistance coordination center — A temporary center established by a 

geographic combatant commander to assist with interagency coordination and 

planning. A humanitarian assistance coordination center operates during the early 

planning and coordination stages of foreign humanitarian assistance operations by 

providing the link between the geographic combatant commander and other United 

States Government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and international and 

regional organizations at the strategic level. Also called HACC. See also foreign 

humanitarian assistance; interagency coordination. (JP 3-29) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

248 JP 1-02 

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) 

humanitarian mine action — Activities that strive to reduce the social, economic, and 

environmental impact of land mines, unexploded ordnance and small arms ammunition 

- also characterized as explosive remnants of war. (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. It normally is established under the direction of the 

government of the affected country or the United Nations, or a US Government agency 

during a US unilateral operation. Because the humanitarian operations center operates 

at the national level, it will normally consist of senior representatives from the affected 

country, assisting countries, the United Nations, nongovernmental organizations, 

intergovernmental organizations, and other major organizations involved in the 

operation. Also called HOC. See also operation. (JP 3-29) 

human resources intelligence — The intelligence derived from the intelligence collection 

discipline that uses human beings as both sources and collectors, and where the human 

being is the primary collection instrument. Also called HUMINT. 

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) 

hunter track — (*) In naval mine warfare, the track to be followed by the hunter (or 

sweeper) to ensure that the hunting (or sweeping) gear passes over the lap track. 

hydrogen bomb — See thermonuclear weapon.

hydrographic chart — (*) A nautical chart showing depths of water, nature of bottom, 

contours of bottom and coastline, and tides and currents in a given sea or sea and land 

area. 

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) 

hyperbaric chamber — (*) A chamber used to induce an increase in ambient pressure as 

would occur in descending below sea level, in a water or air environment. It is the only 

type of chamber suitable for use in the treatment of decompression sickness in flying or 

diving. Also called compression chamber; diving chamber; recompression 

chamber.
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JP 1-02 249 

hyperbolic navigation system — (*) A radio navigation system which enables the position 

of an aircraft equipped with a suitable receiver to be fixed by two or more intersecting 

hyperbolic position lines. The system employs either a time difference measurement of 

pulse transmissions or a phase difference measurement of phase-locked continuous 

wave transmissions. See also loran.

hypergolic fuel — (*) Fuel which will spontaneously ignite with an oxidizer, such as 

aniline with fuming nitric acid. It is used as the propulsion agent in certain missile 

systems. 

hypersonic — (*) Of or pertaining to speeds equal to, or in excess of, five times the speed 

of sound. See also speed of sound. 

hyperspectral imagery — Term used to describe the imagery derived from subdividing the 

electromagnetic spectrum into very narrow bandwidths. These narrow bandwidths may 

be combined with or subtracted from each other in various ways to form images useful 

in precise terrain or target analysis. Also called HSI.

hyperstereoscopy — (*) Stereoscopic viewing in which the relief effect is noticeably 

exaggerated, caused by the extension of the camera base. Also called exaggerated 

stereoscopy.

hypobaric chamber — (*) A chamber used to induce a decrease in ambient pressure as 

would occur in ascending to altitude. This type of chamber is primarily used for 

training and experimental purposes. Also called altitude chamber; decompression 

chamber.

hypsometric tinting — (*) A method of showing relief on maps and charts by coloring in 

different shades those parts which lie between selected levels. Also called altitude 

tint; elevation tint; layer tint. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

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Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

I 

JP 1-02 251 

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.

identification, friend or foe — A device that emits a signal positively identifying it as a 

friendly. Also called IFF. See also air defense.

identification friend or foe personal identifier — The discrete identification friend or foe 

code assigned to a particular aircraft, ship, or other vehicle for identification by 

electronic means. 

identification, friend or foe/selective identification feature procedures — The directives 

that govern the use of identification, friend or foe selective identification feature 

equipment. See also identification, friend or foe.

identification maneuver — A maneuver performed for identification purposes. 

igloo space — Area in an earth-covered structure of concrete and/or steel designed for the 

storage of ammunition and explosives. See also storage.

ignition system — See firing system.

image format — Actual size of negative, scope, or other medium on which image is 

produced. 

image motion compensation — (*) Movement intentionally imparted to film at such a rate 

as to compensate for the forward motion of an air or space vehicle when photographing 

ground objects. 

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 collateral — (*) The reference materials which support the imagery interpretation 

function. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

252 JP 1-02 

imagery correlation — (*) The mutual relationship between the different signatures on 

imagery from different types of sensors in terms of position and the physical 

characteristics signified. 

imagery data recording — (*) The transposing of information relating to the airborne 

vehicle and sensor, such as speed, height, tilt, position, and time, to the matrix block on 

the sensor record at the moment of image acquisition. 

imagery exploitation — (*) The cycle of processing and printing imagery to the positive or 

negative state, assembly into imagery packs, identification, interpretation, mensuration, 

information extraction, the preparation of reports, and the dissemination of information. 

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; photographic intelligence. (JP 2-03) 

imagery interpretation — (*) 1. The process of location, recognition, identification, and 

description of objects, activities, and terrain represented on imagery. 2. The extraction 

of information from photographs or other recorded images. Also called photographic 

interpretation. 

imagery interpretation key — (*) Any diagram, chart, table, list, or set of examples, etc., 

which is used to aid imagery interpreters in the rapid identification of objects visible on 

imagery. 

imagery pack — (*) An assembly of the records from different imagery sensors covering a 

common target area. 

imitative communications deception — That division of deception involving the 

introduction of false or misleading but plausible communications into target systems 

that mimics or imitates the targeted communications. See also deception; target 

system. (JP 3-13.1) 

imitative electromagnetic deception — See electromagnetic deception.

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. See also air 

support. (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. This may include decontamination of some personal clothing and/or 

equipment. Also called emergency decontamination. See also contamination; 

decontamination. (JP 3-11) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 253 

immediate destination — (*) The next destination of a ship or convoy, irrespective of 

whether or not onward routing instructions have been issued to it. 

immediately vital cargo — (*) A cargo already loaded which the consignee country 

regards as immediately vital for the prosecution of the war or for national survival, 

notwithstanding the risk to the ship. If the cargo is carried in a ship of another nation, 

then that nation must agree to the delivery of the cargo. The use of this term is limited 

to the period of implementation of the shipping movement policy. 

immediate message — A category of precedence reserved for messages relating to 

situations that gravely affect the security of national and multinational forces or 

populace and that require immediate delivery to the addressee(s). See also precedence. 

immediate mission request — A request for an air strike on a target that, by its nature, 

could not be identified sufficiently in advance to permit detailed mission coordination 

and planning. See also preplanned mission request. (JP 3-09.3) 

immediate nuclear support — Nuclear support to meet specific requests that arise during 

the course of a battle, and that by their nature, cannot be planned in advance. See also 

nuclear support; preplanned nuclear support. 

immediate operational readiness — Those operations directly related to the assumption of 

an alert or quick-reaction posture. Typical operations include strip alert, airborne alert 

and/or indoctrination, no-notice launch of an alert force, and the maintenance of 

missiles in an alert configuration. See also nuclear weapon exercise; nuclear weapon 

maneuver.

immediate response — Any form of immediate action taken to save lives, prevent human 

suffering, or mitigate great property damage under imminently serious conditions when 

time does not permit approval from a higher authority. (JP 3-28) 

impact action fuze — (*) A fuze that is set in action by the striking of a projectile or bomb 

against an object, e.g., percussion fuze, contact fuze. Also called direct action fuze. 

impact area — An area having designated boundaries within the limits of which all 

ordnance will detonate or impact. 

impact pressure — (*) The difference between pitot pressure and static pressure. 

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. Also called IMP. 

implied task — In the context of joint operation planning, a task derived during mission 

analysis that an organization must perform or prepare to perform to accomplish a 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

254 JP 1-02 

specified task or the mission, but which is not stated in the higher headquarters order. 

See also essential task; specified task. (JP 5-0) 

implosion weapon — A weapon in which a quantity of fissionable material, less than a 

critical mass at ordinary pressure, has its volume suddenly reduced by compression (a 

step accomplished by using chemical explosives) so that it becomes supercritical, 

producing a nuclear explosion. 

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. 

imprest funds — Funds issued by Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) to a 

military organization to purchase beginning inventory for the operation of an AAFES 

imprest fund activity. See also Army and Air Force Exchange Service imprest fund 

activity. (JP 1-0) 

imprint — (*) Brief note in the margin of a map giving all or some of the following: date 

of publication, printing, name of publisher, printer, place of publication, number of 

copies printed, and related information. 

improved conventional munitions — Munitions characterized by the delivery of two or 

more antipersonnel or antimateriel and/or antiarmor submunitions by a warhead or 

projectile. 

improvised early resupply — (*) The onward movement of commodities which are 

available on land and which can be readily loaded into ships. 

improvised explosive device — (*) A device placed or fabricated in an improvised manner 

incorporating destructive, lethal, noxious, pyrotechnic, or incendiary chemicals and 

designed to destroy, incapacitate, harass, or distract. It may incorporate military stores, 

but is normally devised from nonmilitary components. Also called IED. (JP 3-07.2) 

improvised mine — A mine fabricated from available materials at or near its point of use. 

inactive aircraft inventory — Aircraft in storage or bailment and/or government- furnished 

equipment on loan or lease outside of the Defense establishment or otherwise not 

available to the Military Services. 

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 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 255 

with or without pay. Does not include work or study associated with correspondence 

courses. Also called IDT. See also active duty for training.

Inactive National Guard — Army National Guard personnel in an inactive status not in the 

Selected Reserve who are attached to a specific National Guard unit but do not 

participate in training activities. Upon mobilization, they will mobilize with their units. 

In order for these personnel to remain members of the Inactive National Guard, they 

must muster once a year with their assigned unit. Like the Individual Ready Reserve, 

all members of the Inactive National Guard have legal, contractual obligations. 

Members of the Inactive National Guard may not train for retirement credit or pay and 

are not eligible for promotion. Also called ING. See also Individual Ready Reserve; 

Selected Reserve. (JP 4-05) 

inactive status — Status of reserve members on an inactive status list of a Reserve 

Component or assigned to the Inactive Army National Guard. Those in an inactive 

status may not train for points or pay, and may not be considered for promotion. 

inbound traffic — Traffic originating in an area outside the continental United States 

destined for or moving in the general direction of the continental United States. 

incapacitating agent — A chemical agent, which produces temporary disabling conditions 

which (unlike those caused by riot control agents) can be physical or mental and persist 

for hours or days after exposure to the agent has ceased. (JP 3-11) 

incapacitating illness or injury — The casualty status of a person (a) whose illness or 

injury requires hospitalization but medical authority does not classify as very seriously 

ill or injured; or (b) seriously ill or injured and the illness or injury makes the person 

physically or mentally unable to communicate with the next of kin. Also called III. 

See also casualty status.

incident — 1. In information operations, an assessed event of attempted entry, unauthorized 

entry, or an information attack on an automated information system. It includes 

unauthorized probing and browsing; disruption or denial of service; altered or 

destroyed input, processing, storage, or output of information; or changes to 

information system hardware, firmware, or software characteristics with or without the 

users’ knowledge, instruction, or intent. 2. An occurrence, caused by either human 

action or natural phenomena, that requires action to prevent or minimize loss of life or 

damage to property and/or natural resources. See also information operations. (JP 3-28) 

incident classification — See search and rescue incident classification.

incident command post — The field location at which the primary tactical-level on-scene 

incident command functions are performed. It may be collocated with the incident base 

or other incident facilities and is normally identified by a green rotating or flashing 

light. Also called ICP. See also antiterrorism. (JP 3-28) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

256 JP 1-02 

incident command system — A standardized on-scene emergency management construct 

designed to aid in the management of resources during incidents. Consists of facilities, 

equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications established for this purpose. 

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. Incident management includes measures and activities performed at the 

local, state, and national levels and includes both crisis and consequence management 

activities. (JP 3-28) 

incident of national significance — An actual or potential high-impact event that requires a 

coordinated and effective response by and appropriate combination of Federal, state, 

local, tribal, nongovernmental, and/or private-sector entities in order to save lives and 

minimize damage, and provide the basis for long-term community recovery and 

mitigation activities. (JP 3-41) 

incidents — Brief clashes or other military disturbances generally of a transitory nature and 

not involving protracted hostilities. 

in-company — Two or more units proceeding together under the command of a designated 

senior. 

inclination angle — See pitch angle.

incremental costs — Costs which are additional costs to the Service appropriations that 

would not have been incurred absent support of the contingency operation. See also 

financial management. (JP 1-06) 

indefinite call sign — (*) A call sign which does not represent a specific facility, 

command, authority, activity, or unit, but which may represent any one or any group of 

these. See also call sign.

independent — (*) A merchant ship under naval control sailed singly and unescorted by a 

warship. See also military independent.

independent ejection system — See ejection systems.

independent government estimate — The government’s estimate of the resources and 

projected cost of the resources a contractor will incur in the performance of the 

contract. Also called IGE. (JP 4-10)

independent mine — (*) A mine which is not controlled by the user after laying. See also

mine.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 257 

independent review — In computer modeling and simulation, a review performed by 

competent, objective reviewers who are independent of the model developer. 

Independent review includes either (a) a detailed verification and/or validation of the 

model or simulation; or (b) an examination of the verification and/or validation 

performed by the model or simulation developer. See also configuration 

management; validation; verification.

indicated airspeed — See airspeed.

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) 

indications and warning — Those intelligence activities intended to detect and report timesensitive intelligence information on foreign developments that could involve a threat 

to the United States or allied and/or coalition military, political, or economic interests 

or to US citizens abroad. It includes forewarning of hostile actions or intentions against 

the United States, its activities, overseas forces, or allied and/or coalition nations. Also 

called I&W. See also information; intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

indicator — 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) 

indigenous populations and institutions — A generic term used to describe the civilian 

construct of an operational area to include its populations (legal citizens, legal and 

illegal immigrants, and all categories of dislocated civilians), governmental, tribal, 

commercial, and private organizations and entities. Also called IPI. (JP 3-57)

indirect fire — Fire delivered on a target that is not itself used as a point of aim for the 

weapons or the director. 

indirect laying — (*) Aiming a gun either by sighting at a fixed object, called the aiming 

point, instead of the target or by using a means of pointing other than a sight, such as a 

gun director, when the target cannot be seen from the gun position. 

individual equipment — Referring to method of use: signifies personal clothing and 

equipment, for the personal use of the individual. See also equipment.

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. Individual mobilization augmentees train on a parttime basis with these organizations to prepare for mobilization. Inactive duty training 

for individual mobilization augmentees is decided by component policy and can vary 

from 0 to 48 drills a year. Also called IMA.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

258 JP 1-02 

individual mobilization augmentee detachment — An administrative unit organized to 

train and manage individual mobilization augmentees. 

individual protective equipment — In chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear 

operations, the personal clothing and equipment 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 Reserve, and may have some period of their military service obligation 

remaining. Members may voluntarily participate in training for retirement points and 

promotion with or without pay. Also called IRR. See also Selected Reserve. (JP 4-05) 

individual reserves — The supplies carried on a soldier, animal, or vehicle for individual 

use in an emergency. See also reserve supplies.

individual self-defense — The individual’s inherent right of self-defense is an element of 

unit self-defense. It is critical that individuals are aware of and train to the principle 

that they have the authority to use all available means and to take all appropriate action 

to defend themselves and other US personnel in their vicinity. In the implementation of 

these standing and other rules of engagement (ROE), commanders have the obligation 

to ensure that the individuals within that commander’s unit understand when and how 

they may use force in self-defense. While individuals assigned to a unit respond to a 

hostile act or hostile intent in the exercise of self-defense, their use of force must 

remain consistent with lawful orders of their superiors, the rules contained in joint 

doctrine, and other applicable ROE promulgated for the mission or area of 

responsibility. 

individual sponsored dependent — A dependent not entitled to travel to the overseas 

command at Government expense or who enters the command without endorsement of 

the appropriate overseas commander. 

induced environment — Any manmade or equipment-made environment that directly or 

indirectly affects the performance of man or materiel. 

induced radiation — (*) Radiation produced as a result of exposure to radioactive 

materials, particularly the capture of neutrons. See also contamination; initial 

radiation; residual radiation; residual radioactivity.

induction circuit — (*) In naval mine warfare, a circuit actuated by the rate of change in a 

magnetic field due to the movement of the ship or the changing current in the sweep. 

industrial mobilization — The transformation of industry from its peacetime activity to the 

industrial program necessary to support the national military objectives. It includes the 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 259 

mobilization of materials, labor, capital, production facilities, and contributory items 

and services essential to the industrial program. See also mobilization.

industrial preparedness — The state of preparedness of industry to produce essential 

materiel to support the national military objectives. 

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. 

It includes industrial preparedness measures such as modernization, expansion, and 

preservation of the production facilities and contributory items and services for 

planning with industry. Also called IPP. 

industrial readiness — See industrial preparedness.

inert filling — (*) A prepared non-explosive filling of the same weight as the explosive 

filling. 

inertial guidance — A guidance system designed to project a missile over a predetermined 

path, wherein the path of the missile is adjusted after launching by devices wholly 

within the missile and independent of outside information. The system measures and 

converts accelerations experienced to distance traveled in a certain direction. 

inertial navigation system — (*) A self-contained navigation system using inertial 

detectors, which automatically provides vehicle position, heading, and velocity. Also 

called INS. 

inert mine — (*) A mine or replica of a mine incapable of producing an explosion. 

in extremis — A situation of such exceptional urgency that immediate action must be taken 

to minimize imminent loss of life or catastrophic degradation of the political or military 

situation. (JP 3-05) 

infiltration — 1. The movement through or into an area or territory occupied by either 

friendly or enemy troops or organizations. The movement is made, either by small 

groups or by individuals, at extended or irregular intervals. When used in connection 

with the enemy, it implies that contact is avoided. 2. In intelligence usage, placing an 

agent or other person in a target area in hostile territory. Usually involves crossing a 

frontier or other guarded line. Methods of infiltration are: black (clandestine); grey 

(through legal crossing point but under false documentation); and white (legal). 

(JP 3-05.1) 

inflammable cargo — Cargo such as drummed gasoline and oils. 

inflight phase — The flight of a missile or space vehicle from launch to detonation or 

impact. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

260 JP 1-02 

inflight report — The transmission from the airborne system of information obtained both 

at the target and en route. 

influence field — (*) The distribution in space of the influence of a ship or minesweeping 

equipment. 

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 release sinker — A sinker which holds a moored or rising mine at the sea-bed 

and releases it when actuated by a suitable ship influence. 

influence sweep — A sweep designed to produce an influence similar to that produced by a 

ship and thus actuate mines. 

information — 1. Facts, data, or instructions in any medium or form. 2. The meaning that 

a human assigns to data by means of the known conventions used in their 

representation. (JP 3-13.1) 

information assurance — Measures that protect and defend information and information 

systems by ensuring their availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and 

nonrepudiation. This includes providing for restoration of information systems by 

incorporating protection, detection, and reaction capabilities. Also called IA. See also 

information; information operations; information system. (JP 3-13) 

information-based processes — Processes that collect, analyze, and disseminate 

information using any medium or form. These processes may be stand-alone processes 

or sub-processes that, taken together, comprise a larger system or systems of processes. 

See also information system. (JP 3-13) 

information box — (*) A space on an annotated overlay, mosaic, map, etc., which is used 

for identification, reference, and scale information. 

information environment — The aggregate of individuals, organizations, and systems that 

collect, process, disseminate, or act on information. See also information system. 

(JP 3-13) 

information management — The function of managing an organization’s information 

resources by the handling of knowledge acquired by one or many different individuals 

and organizations in a way that optimizes access by all who have a share in that 

knowledge or a right to that knowledge. (JP 3-0) 

information operations — The integrated employment of the core capabilities of electronic 

warfare, computer network operations, psychological operations, military deception, 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 261 

and operations security, in concert with specified supporting and related capabilities, to 

influence, disrupt, corrupt or usurp adversarial human and automated decision making 

while protecting our own. Also called IO. See also computer network operations; 

electronic warfare; military deception; operations security; psychological 

operations. (JP 3-13) 

information report — Report used to forward raw information collected to fulfill 

intelligence requirements. 

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. 

See also priority intelligence requirement. (JP 2-0) 

information resources — Information and related resources, such as personnel, equipment, 

and information technology. See also information. (JP 3-35) 

information security — The protection of information and information systems against 

unauthorized access or modification of information, whether in storage, processing, or 

transit, and against denial of service to authorized users. Also called INFOSEC. See 

also information system. (JP 3-13) 

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) 

information system — The entire infrastructure, organization, personnel, and components 

for the collection, processing, storage, transmission, display, dissemination, and 

disposition of information. See also information; information operations. (JP 3-13) 

infrared film — Film carrying an emulsion especially sensitive to “near-infrared.” Used to 

photograph through haze because of the penetrating power of infrared light and in 

camouflage detection to distinguish between living vegetation and dead vegetation or 

artificial green pigment. 

infrared imagery — That imagery produced as a result of sensing electromagnetic 

radiations emitted or reflected from a given target surface in the infrared position of the 

electromagnetic spectrum (approximately 0.72 to 1,000 microns). 

infrared linescan system — (*) A passive airborne infrared recording system which scans 

across the ground beneath the flight path, adding successive lines to the record as the 

vehicle advances along the flight path. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

262 JP 1-02 

infrared photography — Photography employing an optical system and direct image 

recording on film sensitive to near-infrared wavelength (infrared film). (Note: Not to 

be confused with “infrared imagery.”) 

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) 

infrared radiation — Radiation emitted or reflected in the infrared portion of the 

electromagnetic spectrum. 

infrastructure — All building and permanent installations necessary for the support, 

redeployment, and military forces operations (e.g., barracks, headquarters, airfields, 

communications, facilities, stores, port installations, and maintenance stations). See 

also bilateral infrastructure; common infrastructure; national infrastructure. 

(JP 3-35) 

initial active duty for training — Basic military training and technical skill training 

required for all accessions. For nonprior service male enlistees between the ages of 18 

1/2 and 26, initial active duty for training shall be not less than 12 weeks and start 

insofar as practical within 270 days after enlistment. Initial active duty for training for 

all other enlistees and inductees shall be prescribed by the Secretary concerned and start 

insofar as practical within 360 days of entry into the Service, except in time of war or 

national emergency declared by Congress or the President when basic training shall be 

not less than 12 weeks or its equivalent. Reservists may not be assigned to active duty 

on land outside the United States or its territories and possessions until basic training 

has been completed. 

initial assessment — An assessment that provides a basic determination of the viability of 

the infiltration and exfiltration portion of a proposed special operations forces mission. 

Also called IA. (JP 3-05.1) 

initial contact report — See contact report.

initial draft plan — (*) A plan which has been drafted and coordinated by the originating 

headquarters, and is ready for external coordination with other military headquarters. It 

cannot be directly implemented by the issuing commander, but it may form the basis 

for an operation order issued by the commander in the event of an emergency. See also 

coordinated draft plan; draft plan; final plan; operation plan.

initial early resupply — The onward movement of ships which are already loaded with 

cargoes which will serve the requirements after D-day. This includes such shipping 

deployed from major ports/major water terminals and subsequently dispersed to 

secondary ports/alternate water terminals and anchorages. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 263 

initial entry into Military Service — Entry for the first time into military status (active 

duty or reserve) by induction, enlistment, or appointment in any Service of the Armed 

Forces of the United States. Appointment may be as a commissioned or warrant 

officer; as a cadet or midshipman at the Service academy of one of the armed forces; or 

as a midshipman, US Naval Reserve, for US Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps 

training at a civilian institution. 

initial issues — The issue of materiel not previously furnished to an individual or 

organization, including new inductees and newly activated organizations, and the issue 

of newly authorized items of materiel. 

initial operational capability — The first attainment of the capability to employ effectively 

a weapon, item of equipment, or system of approved specific characteristics that is 

manned or operated by an adequately trained, equipped, and supported military unit or 

force. Also called IOC.

initial path sweeping — (*) In naval mine warfare, initial sweeping to clear a path through 

a mined area dangerous to the following mine sweepers. See also precursor 

sweeping.

initial photo interpretation report — A first-phase interpretation report, subsequent to the 

Joint Tactical Air Reconnaissance/Surveillance Mission Report, presenting the results 

of the initial readout of new imagery to answer the specific requirements for which the 

mission was requested. 

initial point — 1. The first point at which a moving target is located on a plotting board. 2. 

A well-defined point, easily distinguishable visually and/or electronically, used as a 

starting point for the bomb run to the target. 3. airborne — A point close to the 

landing area where serials (troop carrier air formations) make final alterations in course 

to pass over individual drop or landing zones. 4. helicopter — An air control point in 

the vicinity of the landing zone from which individual flights of helicopters are directed 

to their prescribed landing sites. 5. Any designated place at which a column or 

element thereof is formed by the successive arrival of its various subdivisions, and 

comes under the control of the commander ordering the move. Also called IP. See 

also target approach point. 

initial programmed interpretation report — (*) A standardized imagery interpretation 

report providing information on programmed mission objectives or other vital 

intelligence information which can be readily identified near these objectives, and 

which has not been reported elsewhere. Also called IPIR.

initial provisioning — The process of determining the range and quantity of items (i.e., 

spares and repair parts, special tools, test equipment, and support equipment) required 

to support and maintain an item for an initial period of service. Its phases include the 

identification of items of supply, the establishment of data for catalog, technical 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

264 JP 1-02 

manual, and allowance list preparation, and the preparation of instructions to assure 

delivery of necessary support items with related end articles. 

initial 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

induced radiation; residual radiation. (JP 3-11) 

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. 

This point is ideally associated with a medical treatment facility, can safeguard 

recovered isolated personnel for up to 48 hours, and is where the reintegration process 

begins. (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. All elements intended to land during this 

period are serialized. See also general unloading period. (JP 3-02) 

initiating directive — An order to a subordinate commander to conduct military operations 

as directed. It is issued by the unified commander, subunified commander, Service 

component commander, or joint force commander delegated overall responsibility for 

the operation. (JP 3-18) 

injury — A term comprising such conditions as fractures, wounds, sprains, strains, 

dislocations, concussions, and compressions. In addition, it includes conditions 

resulting from extremes of temperature or prolonged exposure. Acute poisonings 

(except those due to contaminated food) resulting from exposure to a toxic or 

poisonous substance are also classed as injuries. See also casualty; wounded. 

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. The inland petroleum distribution system is 

comprised of three primary subsystems: tactical petroleum terminal, pipeline segments, 

and pump stations. Engineer units install the pipeline and construct the pump stations; 

Quartermaster units install the theater petroleum terminal and operate the total system 

when it is completed. Also called IPDS. (JP 4-03) 

inland search and rescue region — The inland areas of the continental United States, 

except waters under the jurisdiction of the United States. See also search and rescue 

region.
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JP 1-02 265 

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) 

innocent passage — The right of all ships to engage in continuous and expeditious surface 

passage through the territorial sea and archipelagic waters of foreign coastal states in a 

manner not prejudicial to its peace, good order, or security. Passage includes stopping 

and anchoring, but only if incidental to ordinary navigation or necessary by force 

majeure or distress, or for the purpose of rendering assistance to persons, ships, or 

aircraft in danger or distress. 

in-place force — 1. A North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)-assigned force that, in 

peacetime, is principally stationed in the designated combat zone of the NATO 

command to which it is committed. 2. Force within a combatant commander’s area of 

responsibility and under the combatant commander’s combatant command (command 

authority). 

inshore patrol — (*) A naval defense patrol operating generally within a naval defense 

coastal area and comprising all elements of harbor defenses, the coastal lookout system, 

patrol craft supporting bases, aircraft, and Coast Guard stations. 

inspection — In arms control, physical process of determining compliance with arms 

control measures. 

installation — A grouping of facilities, located in the same vicinity, which support 

particular functions. Installations may be elements of a base. See also base; base 

complex.

installation commander — The individual responsible for all operations performed by an 

installation. See also antiterrorism; base commander; installation. (JP 3-07.2) 

installation complex — In the Air Force, a combination of land and facilities comprised of 

a main installation and its noncontiguous properties (auxiliary air fields, annexes, and 

missile fields) that provide direct support to or are supported by that installation. 

Installation complexes may comprise two or more properties, e.g., a major installation, 

a minor installation, or a support site, each with its associated annex(es) or support 

property(ies). See also minor installation.

instructional mine — (*) An inert mine used for instruction and normally sectionalized for 

this purpose. See also inert mine.

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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

266 JP 1-02 

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 — (*) An expression used to denote the task of providing artillery supporting 

fire to a formation or unit. Liaison and observation are not normally provided. See 

also at priority call; direct support.

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 by a group or movement that 

seeks to overthrow or force change of a governing authority. Insurgency can also refer 

to the group itself. (JP 3-24) 

Integrated Consumable Item Support — A decision support system that takes timephased force and deployment data (i.e., Department of Defense deployment plans) and 

calculates the ability of the Defense Logistics Agency, the warehousing unit of the 

Department of Defense, to support those plans. Integrated Consumable Item Support 

can calculate for the planned deployment supply/demand curves for over two million 

individual items stocked by the Defense Logistics Agency in support of deployment. 

Integrated Consumable Item Support allows planners to identify critical end items and 

anticipated shortfalls in the Defense Logistics Agency inventories. Integrated 

Consumable Item Support provides materiel readiness information for Defense 

Logistics Agency managed items to Defense Logistics Agency management, to all 

Services, and to the Joint Staff, to be used as a piece of the larger wartime logistic 

picture, which ultimately is used to assess total readiness and sustainability for 

deliberately planned contingencies. The goals and objectives of Integrated Consumable 

Item Support are to know the “war stoppers,” know the weapons systems affected, and 

know when the Defense Logistics Agency will run out of stock. Also called ICIS. 

(JP 4-03) 

integrated fire control system — A system that performs the functions of target 

acquisition, tracking, data computation, and engagement control, primarily using 

electronic means and assisted by electromechanical devices. 

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. It is an 

integral part of all other aspects of system acquisition and operation. Also called ILS.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 267 

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. It normally includes computation of requirements, funding, budgeting, 

storing, issuing, cataloging, standardizing, and procuring functions. Also called IMM. 

See also materiel; materiel management. (JP 4-07) 

integrated planning — In amphibious operations, the planning accomplished by 

commanders and staffs of corresponding echelons from parallel chains of command 

within the amphibious task force. See also amphibious operation; amphibious task 

force. (JP 3-02) 

integrated priority list — A list of a combatant commander’s highest priority 

requirements, prioritized across Service and functional lines, defining shortfalls in key 

programs that, in the judgment of the combatant commander, adversely affect the 

capability of the combatant commander’s forces to accomplish their assigned mission. 

The integrated priority list provides the combatant commander’s recommendations for 

programming funds in the planning, programming, and budgeting system process. 

Also called IPL.

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; parallel staff; staff.

integrated tactical warning — See tactical warning.

integrated warfare — The conduct of military operations in any combat environment 

wherein opposing forces employ non-conventional weapons in combination with 

conventional weapons. 

integration — 1. In force protection, the synchronized transfer of units into an operational 

commander's force prior to mission execution. 2. The arrangement of military forces 

and their actions to create a force that operates by engaging as a whole. 3. In 

photography, a process by which the average radar picture seen on several scans of the 

time base may be obtained on a print, or the process by which several photographic 

images are combined into a single image. See also force protection. (JP 1) 

intelligence — 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. The term is also applied to the activity which results in the product and to 

the organizations engaged in such activity. See also acoustic intelligence; all-source 

intelligence; basic intelligence; civil defense intelligence; combat intelligence; 

communications intelligence; critical intelligence; current intelligence; 

departmental intelligence; domestic intelligence; electronic intelligence; electrooptical intelligence; foreign intelligence; foreign instrumentation signals 

intelligence; general military intelligence; human resources intelligence; imagery 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

268 JP 1-02 

intelligence; joint intelligence; laser intelligence; measurement and signature 

intelligence; medical intelligence; merchant intelligence; military intelligence; 

national intelligence; nuclear intelligence; open-source intelligence; operational 

intelligence; photographic intelligence; political intelligence; radar intelligence; 

radiation intelligence; scientific and technical intelligence; security intelligence; 

strategic intelligence; tactical intelligence; target intelligence; technical 

intelligence; technical operational intelligence; terrain intelligence; unintentional 

radiation intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

intelligence annex — A supporting document of an operation plan or order that provides 

detailed information on the enemy situation, assignment of intelligence tasks, and 

intelligence administrative procedures. 

intelligence collection plan — A plan for gathering information from all available sources 

to meet an intelligence requirement. Specifically, a logical plan for transforming the 

essential elements of information into orders or requests to sources within a required 

time limit. See also intelligence process.

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 2-01.2) 

intelligence contingency funds — Appropriated funds to be used for intelligence activities 

when the use of other funds is not applicable or would either jeopardize or impede the 

mission of the intelligence unit. 

intelligence database — The sum of holdings of intelligence data and finished intelligence 

products at a given organization. 

intelligence data handling systems — Information systems that process and manipulate 

raw information and intelligence data as required. They are characterized by the 

application of general purpose computers, peripheral equipment, and automated storage 

and retrieval equipment for documents and photographs. While automation is a 

distinguishing characteristic of intelligence data handling systems, individual system 

components may be either automated or manually operated. Also called IDHS.

intelligence discipline — A well defined area of intelligence planning, collection, 

processing, exploitation, analysis, and reporting using a specific category of technical 

or human resources. There are seven major disciplines: human intelligence, geospatial 

intelligence, measurement and signature intelligence, signals intelligence, open-source 

intelligence, technical intelligence, and counterintelligence. See also 

counterintelligence; human intelligence; imagery intelligence; intelligence; 

measurement and signature intelligence; open-source intelligence; signals 

intelligence; technical intelligence. (JP 2-0) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 269 

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 — A formal agreement in which a combatant command joint 

intelligence center receives preplanned intelligence support from other joint intelligence 

centers, Service intelligence organizations, Reserve organizations, and national 

agencies during crisis or contingency operations. (JP 2-01) 

intelligence gathering — Collection of intelligence on other units or forces by own units or 

forces. 

intelligence information report — The primary vehicle used to provide human intelligence 

information to the consumer. It utilizes a message format structure that supports 

automated data entry into 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 journal — A chronological log of intelligence activities covering a stated 

period, usually 24 hours. It is an index of reports and messages that have been received 

and transmitted, important events that have occurred, and actions taken. The journal is 

a permanent and official record. 

intelligence operations — The variety of intelligence and counterintelligence tasks that are 

carried out by various intelligence organizations and activities within the intelligence 

process. Intelligence operations include planning and direction, collection, processing 

and exploitation, analysis and production, dissemination and integration, and evaluation 

and feedback. See also analysis and production; collection; dissemination and 

integration; evaluation and feedback; planning and direction; processing and 

exploitation. (JP 2-01) 

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. Intelligence preparation of the battlespace 

supports the individual operations of the joint force component commands. 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. The process consists of 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 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

270 JP 1-02 

production; collection; dissemination and integration; evaluation and feedback; 

intelligence; planning and direction; processing and exploitation. (JP 2-01) 

intelligence-related activities — Those activities outside the consolidated defense 

intelligence program that: respond to operational commanders’ tasking for 

time-sensitive information on foreign entities; respond to national intelligence 

community tasking of systems whose primary mission is support to operating forces; 

train personnel for intelligence duties; provide an intelligence reserve; or are devoted to 

research and development of intelligence or related capabilities. (Specifically excluded 

are programs that are so closely integrated with a weapon system that their primary 

function is to provide immediate-use targeting data.) (JP 2-01) 

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. Also called INTREP.

intelligence reporting — The preparation and conveyance of information by any means. 

More commonly, the term is restricted to reports as they are prepared by the collector 

and as they are transmitted by the collector to the latter’s headquarters and by this 

component of the intelligence structure to one or more intelligence-producing 

components. Thus, even in this limited sense, reporting embraces both collection and 

dissemination. The term is applied to normal and specialist intelligence reports. See 

also normal intelligence reports; specialist intelligence report. 

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. 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. An intelligence source can be people, documents, 

equipment, or technical sensors. See also intelligence; source. (JP 2-0) 

intelligence subject code — A system of subject and area references to index the 

information contained in intelligence reports as required by a general intelligence 

document reference service. 

intelligence summary — A specific report providing a summary of items of intelligence at 

frequent intervals. Also called INTSUM. See also intelligence.

intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance — An 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. This is an 

integrated intelligence and operations function. Also called ISR. See also 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 271 

intelligence; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance visualization; 

reconnaissance; surveillance. (JP 2-01) 

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 re-tasking 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. The term is not limited to intelligence 

organizations or services but includes any system, in all its parts, that accomplishes the 

listed tasks. (JP 2-01) 

intensity factor — (*) A multiplying factor used in planning activities to evaluate the 

foreseeable intensity or the specific nature of an operation in a given area for a given 

period of time. It is applied to the standard day of supply in order to calculate the 

combat day of supply. 

intensity mine circuit — (*) A circuit whose actuation is dependent on the field strength 

reaching a level differing by some pre-set minimum from that experienced by the mine 

when no ships are in the vicinity. 

intensive management — The continuous process by which the supported and supporting 

commanders, the Services, transportation component commands, and appropriate 

Defense agencies ensure that movement data in the Joint Operation Planning and 

Execution System time-phased force and deployment data for the initial days of 

deployment and/or mobilization are current to support immediate execution. 

intention — An aim or design (as distinct from capability) to execute a specified course of 

action. (JP 2-01) 

interagency — 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 engaged 

US Government agencies for the purpose of achieving an objective. (JP 3-0) 

interceptor — (*) A manned aircraft utilized for identification and/or engagement of 

airborne objects. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

272 JP 1-02 

intercept point — (*) The point to which an airborne vehicle is vectored or guided to 

complete an interception. 

intercept receiver — (*) A receiver designed to detect and provide visual and/or aural 

indication of electromagnetic emissions occurring within the particular portion of the 

electromagnetic spectrum to which it is tuned. 

inter-chart relationship diagram — (*) A diagram on a map or chart showing names 

and/or numbers of adjacent sheets in the same (or related) series. Also called index to 

adjoining sheets. See also map index. 

interconnection — The linking together of interoperable systems. 

intercount dormant period — (*) In naval mine warfare, the period after the actuation of 

a ship counter before it is ready to receive another actuation. 

interdepartmental or agency support — Provision of logistic and/or administrative 

support in services or materiel by one or more Military Services to one or more 

departments or agencies of the United States Government (other than military) with or 

without reimbursement. See also international logistic support; inter-Service 

support; support.

interdepartmental intelligence — Integrated departmental intelligence that is required by 

departments and agencies of the United States Government for the execution of their 

missions but which transcends the exclusive competence of a single department or 

agency to produce. 

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 otherwise 

achieve objectives. 2. In support of law enforcement, activities conducted to divert, 

disrupt, delay, intercept, board, detain, or destroy, as appropriate, vessels, vehicles, 

aircraft, people, and cargo. See also air interdiction. (JP 3-03) 

interface — A boundary or point common to two or more similar or dissimilar command 

and control systems, sub-systems, or other entities against which or at which necessary 

information flow takes place. 

intergovernmental organization — An organization created by a formal agreement (e.g. a 

treaty) between two or more governments. It may be established on a global, regional, 

or functional basis for wide-ranging or narrowly defined purposes. Formed to protect 

and promote national interests shared by member states. Examples include the United 

Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and the African Union. Also called IGO. 

(JP 3-08) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 273 

interim overhaul — An availability for the accomplishment of necessary repairs and urgent 

alterations at a naval shipyard or other shore-based repair activity, normally scheduled 

halfway through the established regular overhaul cycle. 

inter-look dormant period — (*) In mine warfare, the time interval after each look in a 

multi-look mine, during which the firing mechanism will not register. 

intermediate approach — (*) That part of an instrument approach procedure in which 

aircraft configuration, speed, and positioning adjustments are made. It blends the initial 

approach segment into the final approach segment. It begins at the intermediate fix or 

point and ends at the final approach fix or point. 

Intermediate Force Planning Level — The force level established during Planning Force 

development to depict the buildup from the Current Force to the Planning Force. The 

Intermediate Force Planning Level is insufficient to carry out strategy with a reasonable 

assurance of success and consequently cannot be referred to as the Planning Force. See 

also current force; force; Programmed Forces.

intermediate maintenance (field) — Maintenance that is the responsibility of and 

performed by designated maintenance activities for direct support of using 

organizations. Its phases normally consist of: a. calibration, repair, or replacement of 

damaged or unserviceable parts, components, or assemblies; b. the emergency 

manufacture of nonavailable parts; and c. providing technical assistance to using 

organizations. 

intermediate marker (land mine warfare) — (*) A marker, natural, artificial or specially 

installed, which is used as a point of reference between the landmark and the minefield.

intermediate objective — (*) In land warfare, an area or feature between the line of 

departure and an objective which must be seized and/or held. 

intermediate-range bomber aircraft — A bomber designed for a tactical operating radius 

of between 1,000 to 2,500 nautical miles at design gross weight and design bomb load. 

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) 

intermittent arming device — (*) A device included in a mine so that it will be armed 

only at set times. 

intermittent illumination — (*) A type of fire in which illuminating projectiles are fired at 

irregular intervals. 

intermodal — Type of international freight system that permits transshipping among sea, 

highway, rail, and air modes of transportation through use of American National 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

274 JP 1-02 

Standards Institute and International Organization for Standardization containers, 

line-haul assets, and handling equipment. See also International Organization for 

Standardization. (JP 4-01.7) 

intermodal support equipment — Fixed and deployable assets required to assist container 

operations throughout the intermodal container system. Included are straddle cranes, 

chassis, rough terrain container handlers, container cranes and spreader bars. See also

intermodal. (JP 4-01.7) 

intermodal systems — Specialized transportation facilities, assets, and handling procedures 

designed to create a seamless transportation system by combining multimodal 

operations and facilities during the shipment of cargo. See also intermodal; 

transportation system. (JP 4-01) 

internal audience — US military members and civilian employees and their immediate 

families. One of the audiences comprising the concept of “publics.” See also external 

audience. 

internal defense and development — The full range of measures taken by a nation to 

promote its growth and to protect itself from subversion, lawlessness, and insurgency. 

It focuses on building viable institutions (political, economic, social, and military) that 

respond to the needs of society. Also called IDAD. See also foreign internal defense. 

(JP 3-22) 

internal information — See command information.

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. (JP 3-29) 

internal radiation — (*) Nuclear radiation (alpha and beta particles and gamma radiation) 

resulting from radioactive substances in the body. 

internal security — The state of law and order prevailing within a nation. 

internal waters — All waters, other than lawfully claimed archipelagic waters, landward of 

the baseline from which the territorial sea is measured. Archipelagic states may also 

delimit internal waters consistent with the 1982 convention on the law of the sea. All 

states have complete sovereignty over their internal waters. 

international arms control organization — An appropriately constituted organization 

established to supervise and verify the implementation of arms control measures. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 275 

International Atomic Time — The time reference scale established by the Bureau 

International des Poids et Mesures on the basis of atomic clock readings from various 

laboratories around the world. Also called TAI.

international call sign — (*) A call sign assigned in accordance with the provisions of the 

International Telecommunications Union to identify a radio station. The nationality of 

the radio station is identified by the first or the first two characters. (When used in 

visual signaling, international call signs are referred to as “signal letters.”) See also call 

sign.

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 4-01.7) 

international cooperative logistics — (*) Cooperation and mutual support in the field of 

logistics through the coordination of policies, plans, procedures, development activities, 

and the common supply and exchange of goods and services arranged on the basis of 

bilateral and multilateral agreements with appropriate cost reimbursement provisions. 

international date line — (*) The line coinciding approximately with the anti-meridian of 

Greenwich, modified to avoid certain habitable land. In crossing this line there is a date 

change of one day. Also called date line.

international identification code — (*) In railway terminology, a code which identifies a 

military train from point of origin to final destination. The code consists of a series of 

figures, letters, or symbols indicating the priority, country of origin, day of departure, 

national identification code number, and country of destination of the train. 

international loading gauge (GIC) — (*) The loading gauge upon which international 

railway agreements are based. A load whose dimensions fall within the limits of this 

gauge may move without restriction on most of the railways of Continental Western 

Europe. GIC is an abbreviation for “gabarit international de chargement,” formerly 

called PPI. 

international logistics — The negotiating, planning, and implementation of supporting 

logistic arrangements between nations, their forces, and agencies. It includes 

furnishing logistic support (major end items, materiel, and/or services) to, or receiving 

logistic support from, one or more friendly foreign governments, international 

organizations, or military forces, with or without reimbursement. It also includes 

planning and actions related to the intermeshing of a significant element, activity, or 

component of the military logistic systems or procedures of the United States with 

those of one or more foreign governments, international organizations, or military 

forces on a temporary or permanent basis. It includes planning and actions related to 

the utilization of United States logistic policies, systems, and/or procedures to meet 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

276 JP 1-02 

requirements of one or more foreign governments, international organizations, or 

forces. 

international logistic support — The provision of military logistic support by one 

participating nation to one or more participating nations, either with or without 

reimbursement. See also interdepartmental or agency support; inter-Service 

support; support.

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. 

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.

international narcotics activities — Those activities outside the United States which 

produce, transfer, or sell narcotics or other substances controlled in accordance with 

Title 21, “Food and Drugs” — United States Code, sections 811 and 812. (JP 3-07.4) 

International Organization for Standardization — A worldwide federation of national 

standards bodies from some 100 countries, one from each country. The International 

Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a non-governmental organization, established 

to promote the development of standardization and related activities in the world with a 

view to facilitating the international exchange of goods and services, and to developing 

cooperation in the spheres of intellectual, scientific, technological, and economic 

activity. ISO’s work results in international agreements which are published as 

international standards. Also called ISO. 

interned — See missing. 

interocular distance — The distance between the centers of rotation of the eyeballs of an 

individual or between the oculars of optical instruments. 

interoperability — 1. The ability to operate in synergy in the execution of assigned tasks. 

2. The condition achieved among communications-electronics systems or items of 

communications-electronics equipment when information or services can be exchanged 

directly and satisfactorily between them and/or their users. The degree of 

interoperability should be defined when referring to specific cases. (JP 3-32) 

interoperation — The use of interoperable systems, units, or forces. 

interpretability — (*) Suitability of imagery for interpretation with respect to answering 

adequately requirements on a given type of target in terms of quality and scale. a. 

poor — Imagery is unsuitable for interpretation to answer adequately requirements on 

a given type of target. b. fair — Imagery is suitable for interpretation to answer 

requirements on a given type of target but with only average detail. c. good — 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 277 

Imagery is suitable for interpretation to answer requirements on a given type of target 

in considerable detail. d. excellent — Imagery is suitable for interpretation to answer 

requirements on a given type of target in complete detail. 

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) 

interrogation (intelligence) — Systematic effort to procure information by direct 

questioning of a person under the control of the questioner. 

inter-Service education — Military education provided by one Service to members of 

another Service. See also military education; military training. 

inter-Service, intragovernmental agreements — Formal long-term or operational specific 

support agreements between Services, Department of Defense (DOD), and/or nonDOD agencies governed by DOD Instruction 4000.19, Interservice and 

Intragovernmental Support. These agreements, normally developed at the Service 

Secretariat and governmental agency director level, document funding and 

reimbursement procedures as well as standards of support between the supplying and 

receiving Service or agencies. Inter-Service, intragovernmental agreements, while 

binding Service level agreements, do not connote DOD-level executive agent 

responsibilities. See also inter-Service support. (JP 4-07) 

inter-Service support — Action by one Military Service or element thereof to provide 

logistic and/or administrative support to another Military Service or element thereof. 

Such action can be recurring or nonrecurring in character on an installation, area, or 

worldwide basis. See also interdepartmental or agency support; international 

logistic support; support. (JP 4-0) 

inter-Service training — Military training provided by one Service to members of another 

Service. See also military education; military training.

intertheater — Between theaters or between the continental United States and theaters. 

See also intertheater traffic. (JP 3-17) 

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. 

The majority of these air mobility assets is assigned to the Commander, United States 

Transportation Command. Because of the intertheater ranges usually involved, 

intertheater airlift is normally conducted by the heavy, longer range, intercontinental 

airlift assets but may be augmented with shorter range aircraft when required. 

Formerly referred to as “strategic airlift.” 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 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

278 JP 1-02 

or another supporting theater. See also en route care; evacuation; intratheater 

patient movement; patient. (JP 4-02) 

intertheater traffic — Traffic between theaters exclusive of that between the continental 

United States and theaters. 

interval — (*) 1. The space between adjacent groups of ships or boats measured in any 

direction between the corresponding ships or boats in each group. 2. The space 

between adjacent individuals, ground vehicles, or units in a formation that are placed 

side by side, measured abreast. 3. The space between adjacent aircraft measured from 

front to rear in units of time or distance. 4. The time lapse between photographic 

exposures. 5. At battery right or left, an interval ordered in seconds is the time 

between one gun firing and the next gun firing. Five seconds is the standard interval. 

6. At rounds of fire for effect the interval is the time in seconds between successive 

rounds from each gun. 

intervention — Action taken to divert a unit or force from its track, flight path, or mission. 

interview (intelligence) — To gather information from a person who is aware that 

information is being given although there is ignorance of the true connection and 

purposes of the interviewer. Generally overt unless the collector is other than purported 

to be. 

intracoastal sealift — Shipping used primarily for the carriage of personnel and/or cargo 

along a coast or into river ports to support operations within a given area. 

intransit aeromedical evacuation facility — A medical facility, on or in the vicinity of an 

air base, that provides limited medical care for intransit patients awaiting air 

transportation. This type of medical facility is provided to obtain effective utilization of 

transport airlift within operating schedules. It includes “remain overnight” facilities, 

intransit facilities at aerial ports of embarkation and debarkation, and casualty staging 

facilities in an overseas combat area. See also aeromedical evacuation unit. (JP 

4-02) 

intransit inventory — That materiel in the military distribution system that is in the process 

of movement from point of receipt from procurement and production (either 

contractor’s plant or first destination, depending upon point of delivery) and between 

points of storage and distribution. 

intransit stock — See intransit inventory.

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. See also Global 

Transportation Network. (JP 4-01.2) 
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JP 1-02 279 

intratheater — Within a theater. See also intratheater traffic. (JP 3-17) 

intratheater airlift — Airlift conducted within a theater. Assets assigned to a geographic 

combatant commander or attached to a subordinate joint force commander normally 

conduct intratheater airlift operations. Intratheater airlift provides air movement and 

delivery of personnel and equipment directly into objective areas through air landing, 

airdrop, extraction, or other delivery techniques as well as the air logistic support of all 

theater forces, including those engaged in combat operations, to meet specific theater 

objectives and requirements. During large-scale operations, US Transportation 

Command assets may be tasked to augment intratheater airlift operations, and may be 

temporarily attached to a joint force commander. Formerly referred to as theater airlift. 

See also intertheater airlift. (JP 3-17) 

intratheater patient movement — Moving patients within the theater of a combatant 

command or in the continental United States. See also en route care; evacuation; 

intertheater patient movement; patient. (JP 4-02) 

intratheater traffic — Traffic within a theater. 

intruder — An individual, unit, or weapon system, in or near an operational or exercise 

area, which presents the threat of intelligence gathering or disruptive activity. 

intrusion — Movement of a unit or force within another nation’s specified operational area 

outside of territorial seas and territorial airspace for surveillance or intelligence 

gathering in time of peace or tension.

invasion currency — See military currency. 

inventory control — (*) That phase of military logistics which includes managing, 

cataloging, requirements determinations, procurement, distribution, overhaul, and 

disposal of materiel. Also called inventory management; materiel control; materiel 

management; supply management. 

inventory control point — An organizational unit or activity within a Department of 

Defense supply system that is assigned the primary responsibility for the materiel 

management of a group of items either for a particular Service or for the Defense 

Department as a whole. Materiel inventory management includes cataloging direction, 

requirements computation, procurement direction, distribution management, disposal 

direction and, generally, rebuild direction. Also called ICP.

inventory management — See inventory control.

inventory managers — See inventory control point.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

280 JP 1-02 

investment costs — Those program costs required beyond the development phase to 

introduce into operational use a new capability; to procure initial, additional, or 

replacement equipment for operational forces; or to provide for major modifications of 

an existing capability. They exclude research, development, test and evaluation, 

military personnel, and operation and maintenance appropriation costs. 

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)

ionosphere — That part of the atmosphere, extending from about 70 to 500 kilometers, in 

which ions and free electrons exist in sufficient quantities to reflect electromagnetic 

waves. 

IR pointer — See infrared pointer. (JP 3-09.3) 

irregular forces — Armed individuals or groups who are not members of the regular armed 

forces, police, or other internal security forces. (JP 3-24) 

irregular outer edge — (*) In land mine warfare, short mine rows or strips laid in an 

irregular manner in front of a minefield facing the enemy to deceive the enemy as to the 

type or extent of the minefield. Generally, the irregular outer edge will only be used in 

minefields with buried mines. 

irregular warfare — A violent struggle among state and non-state actors for legitimacy 

and influence over the relevant population(s). Irregular warfare favors indirect and 

asymmetric approaches, though it may employ the full range of military and other 

capacities, in order to erode an adversary’s power, influence, and will. Also called IW. 

(JP 1) 

isodose rate line — See dose rate contour line.

isolated personnel — US 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 US 

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 (DD 1833) containing 

information designed to facilitate the identification and authentication of an isolated 

person by a recovery force. Also called ISOPREP. See also authentication; evader; 

recovery force. (JP 3-50) 

issue control group — A detachment that operates the staging area, consisting of holding 

areas and loading areas, in an operation. See also staging area. (JP 4-01.6) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 281 

issue priority designator — See priority designator.

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. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

282 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

J 

JP 1-02 283 

J-2X — The staff element of the intelligence directorate of a joint staff that combines and 

represents the principal authority for counterintelligence and human intelligence 

support. See also counterintelligence; human intelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

jamming — See barrage jamming; electronic attack; electromagnetic jamming; 

selective jamming; spot jamming.

j-axis — A vertical axis in a system of rectangular coordinates; that line on which distances 

above or below (north or south) the reference line are marked, especially on a map, 

chart, or graph. 

jet advisory service — The service provided certain civil aircraft while operating within 

radar and nonradar jet advisory areas. Within radar jet advisory areas, civil aircraft 

receiving this service are provided radar flight following, radar traffic information, and 

vectors around observed traffic. In nonradar jet advisory areas, civil aircraft receiving 

this service are afforded standard instrument flight rules separation from all other 

aircraft known to air traffic control to be operating within these areas. 

jet propulsion — Reaction propulsion in which the propulsion unit obtains oxygen from the 

air, as distinguished from rocket propulsion, in which the unit carries its own 

oxygen-producing material. In connection with aircraft propulsion, the term refers to a 

gasoline or other fuel turbine jet unit that discharges hot gas through a tail pipe and a 

nozzle which provides a thrust that propels the aircraft. See also rocket propulsion.

jet stream — A narrow band of high velocity wind in the upper troposphere or in the 

stratosphere. 

jettison — The selective release of stores from an aircraft other than normal attack. 

jettisoned mines — (*) Mines which are laid as quickly as possible in order to empty the 

minelayer of mines, without regard to their condition or relative positions. 

joiner — (*) An independent merchant ship sailed to join a convoy. See also joiner 

convoy; joiner section.

joiner convoy — (*) A convoy sailed to join the main convoy. See also joiner; joiner 

section.

joiner section — (*) A joiner or joiner convoy, after rendezvous, and while maneuvering to 

integrate with the main convoy. 

joint — Connotes activities, operations, organizations, etc., in which elements of two or 

more Military Departments participate. (JP 1) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

284 JP 1-02 

joint acquisition review board — A joint task force or subunified commander established 

board used to review and make recommendations for controlling critical common-user 

logistic supplies and services within the joint operational area and to recommend the 

proper sources of support for approved support requirements. Also called JARB. See 

also combatant commander logistic procurement support board; joint contracting 

support board. (JP 4-10)

joint after action report — A report consisting of summary joint universal lessons learned. 

It describes a real world operation or training exercise and identifies significant lessons 

learned. Also called JAAR.

joint air attack team — A combination of attack and/or scout rotary-wing aircraft and 

fixed-wing close air support aircraft operating together to locate and attack highpriority targets and other targets of opportunity. The joint air attack team normally 

operates as a coordinated effort supported by fire support, air defense artillery, naval 

surface fire support, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems, electronic 

warfare systems, and ground maneuver forces against enemy forces. Joint terminal 

attack controllers may perform duties as directed by the air mission commander in 

support of the ground commander’s scheme of maneuver. Also called JAAT. See also 

close air support. (JP 3-09.3) 

joint airborne training — Training operations or exercises involving airborne and 

appropriate troop carrier units. This training includes: a. air delivery of personnel and 

equipment; b. assault operations by airborne troops and/or air transportable units; c. 

loading exercises and local orientation fights of short duration; and d. maneuvers 

and/or exercises as agreed upon by Services concerned and/or as authorized by the 

Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

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 — For purposes of base defense operations, a joint base is 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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 285 

joint captured materiel exploitation center — A physical location for deriving 

intelligence information from captured enemy materiel. It is normally subordinate to 

the joint force/J-2. 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. It provides support to the joint force 

commander in humanitarian or nation assistance operations, theater campaigns, or 

civil-military operations concurrent with or subsequent to regional conflict. It can 

organize military interaction among many governmental and nongovernmental 

humanitarian agencies within the theater. Also called JCMOTF. See also civilmilitary operations; joint task force; task force. (JP 3-05.1) 

joint combined exchange training — A program conducted overseas to fulfill US forces 

training requirements and at the same time exchange the sharing of skills between US 

forces and host nation counterparts. Training activities are designed to improve US and 

host nation capabilities. Also called JCET. (JP 3-05) 

joint communications network — The aggregation of all the joint communications 

systems in a theater. The joint communications network includes the joint multichannel trunking and switching system and the joint command and control 

communications system(s). Also called JCN. 

joint concept — Links strategic guidance to the development and employment of future 

joint force capabilities and serve as “engines for transformation” that may ultimately 

lead to doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel 

and facilities (DOTMLPF) and policy changes. (CJCSI 3010.02) 

joint contracting support board — A joint task force or subunified commander 

established board to coordinate all contracting support and to determine specific 

contracting mechanisms to obtain commercially procured common logistic supplies 

and services within the joint operational area. Also called JCSB. See also combatant 

commander logistic procurement support board; joint acquisition review board. 

(JP 4-10)

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. (DODI 5851.06)

joint desired point of impact — A unique, alpha-numeric coded aimpoint identified by a 

three dimensional (latitude, longitude, elevation) mensurated point. It represents a 

weapon or capabilities desired point of impact or penetration and is used as the standard 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

286 JP 1-02 

for identifying aimpoints. Also called a JDPI. See also aimpoint; desired point of 

impact; desired mean point of impact. (JP 3-60) 

joint doctrine — Fundamental principles that guide the employment of US military forces 

in coordinated action toward a common objective. Joint doctrine contained in joint 

publications also includes terms, tactics, techniques, and procedures. It is authoritative 

but requires judgment in application. See also Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

instruction; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff manual; doctrine; joint 

publication; joint test publication; multinational doctrine. (CJCSI 5120.02) 

Joint Doctrine Planning Conference — A forum 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. The Joint Doctrine Planning Conference 

provides recommendations that are approved by the Joint Staff/J-7, in the name of the 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Also called JDPC. (CJCSI 5120.01A) 

joint document exploitation center — A physical location for deriving intelligence 

information from captured adversary documents including all forms of electronic data 

and other forms of stored textual and graphic information. It is normally subordinate to 

the joint force/J-2. Also called JDEC. See also intelligence. (JP 2-01) 

joint duty assignment — An assignment to a designated position in a multi-Service, joint 

or multinational command or activity that is involved in the integrated employment or 

support of the land, sea, and air forces of at least two of the three Military Departments. 

Such involvement includes, but is not limited to, matters relating to national military 

strategy, joint doctrine and policy, strategic planning, contingency planning, and 

command and control of combat operations under a unified or specified command. 

Also called JDA.

Joint Duty Assignment List — Positions designated as joint duty assignments are reflected 

in a list approved by the Secretary of Defense and maintained by the Joint Staff. The 

Joint Duty Assignment List is reflected in the Joint Duty Assignment Management 

Information System. Also called JDAL.

joint engagement zone — See weapon engagement zone. (JP 3-52) 

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 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 287 

incident oversight, direction, and/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 flow and analysis system for transportation — System that determines the 

transportation feasibility of a course of action or operation plan; provides daily lift 

assets needed to move forces and resupply; advises logistic planners of channel and 

port inefficiencies; and interprets shortfalls from various flow possibilities. Also called 

JFAST. See also course of action; operation plan; system. (JP 3-35) 

joint force — A general term applied to a force composed of significant elements, assigned 

or attached, of two or more Military Departments operating under a single joint force 

commander. See 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 making recommendations on 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. The joint 

force air component commander is given the authority necessary to accomplish 

missions and tasks assigned by the establishing commander. Also called JFACC. See 

also joint force commander. (JP 3-0) 

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 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

288 JP 1-02 

commander for making recommendations on 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. The joint 

force land component commander is given the authority necessary to accomplish 

missions and tasks assigned by the establishing commander. 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 making recommendations on 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. The joint force maritime component commander is given 

the authority necessary to accomplish missions and tasks assigned by the establishing 

commander. 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 making recommendations on 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. The joint force special operations component 

commander is given the authority necessary to accomplish missions and tasks assigned 

by the establishing commander. Also called JFSOCC. See also joint force 

commander. (JP 3-0) 

joint force surgeon — A general term applied to a Department of Defense medical 

department officer appointed by the joint force commander to serve as the joint force 

special staff officer responsible for establishing, monitoring, or evaluating joint force 

health service support. Also called JFS. See also health service support; joint force. 

(JP 4-02) 

joint functions — Related capabilities and activities grouped together to help joint force 

commanders synchronize, integrate, and direct joint operations. Functions that are 

common to joint operations at all levels of war fall into six basic groups — command 

and control, intelligence, fires, movement and maneuver, protection, and sustainment. 

(JP 3-0) 

joint guidance, apportionment, and targeting team — A group that makes 

recommendations for air apportionment to engage targets, and provides other targeting 

support requiring component input at the joint force air component commander level. 

Also called JGAT team. See also air apportionment; apportionment; joint force 

air component commander; targeting. (JP 3-60) 

joint information bureau — Facility established by the joint force commander to serve as 

the focal point for the interface between the military and the media during the conduct 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 289 

of joint operations. When operated in support of multinational operations, a joint 

information bureau is called a “multinational information bureau.” Also called JIB. 

See also public affairs. (JP 3-16) 

joint information system — Integrates incident information and public affairs into a 

cohesive organization designed to provide consistent, coordinated, timely information 

during a crisis or incident. Also called JIS. (JP 3-28) 

joint integrated prioritized target list — A prioritized list of targets approved and 

maintained by the joint force commander. Targets and priorities are derived from the 

recommendations of components and other appropriate agencies, in conjunction with 

their proposed operations supporting the joint force commander’s objectives and 

guidance. Also called JIPTL. See also target. (JP 3-60) 

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. This architecture encompasses automated data 

processing equipment capabilities, communications and information requirements, and 

responsibilities to provide national, theater, and tactical commanders with the full range 

of intelligence required for planning and conducting operations. See also architecture; 

intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

joint intelligence liaison element — A liaison element provided by the Central Intelligence 

Agency in support of a unified command or joint task force. 

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. It is a continuous process that includes defining the operational environment; 

describing the impact of the operational environment; evaluating the adversary; and 

determining adversary courses of action. 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 air, space, ground, and maritime adversary 
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290 JP 1-02 

situation. Also called JISE. See also intelligence; joint force; joint operations. 

(JP 2-01) 

joint interagency coordination group — An interagency staff group that establishes 

regular, timely, and collaborative working relationships between civilian and military 

operational planners. Composed of US Government civilian and military experts 

accredited to the combatant commander and tailored to meet the requirements of a 

supported joint force commander, the joint interagency coordination group provides the 

joint force commander with the capability to coordinate with other US Government 

civilian agencies and departments. 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. Responsible for development and validation of the 

architecture and the joint interoperability and management of the multi-tactical data 

link networks. Oversees 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 

information; intelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

joint interrogation operations — 1. Activities conducted by a joint or interagency 

organization to extract information for intelligence purposes from enemy prisoners of 

war, dislocated civilians, enemy combatants, or other uncategorized detainees. 2. 

Activities conducted in support of law enforcement efforts to adjudicate enemy 

combatants who are believed to have committed crimes against US persons or property. 

Also called JIO. See also enemy combatant. (JP 2-01) 

joint line of communications security board — A board established to coordinate the 

security of all lines of communications (including that provided by allies or host 

nations) to support the concept of operations.. Also called JLSB. (JP 3-10) 

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 Operations Center — The Joint Logistics Operations Center is the current 

operations division within the Logistics Directorate of the Joint Staff. It monitors 

crisis, exercises, and interagency actions. It also works acquisition and cross-servicing 

agreements as well as international logistics. The Joint Logistics Operations Center 

reviews deployment orders produced by the Operations Directorate of the Joint Staff 

for logistic issues and ensures the correct airlift priority code is assigned. Also called 

JLOC. See also logistics. (JP 4-01) 

joint logistics over-the-shore commander — The joint logistics over-the-shore (JLOTS) 

commander is selected by the joint force commander (JFC) and is usually from either 

the Army or Navy components that are part of the JFC’s task organization. This 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 291 

individual then builds a joint headquarters from personnel and equipment in theater to 

organize the efforts of all elements participating in accomplishing the JLOTS mission 

having either wet or dry cargo or both. JLOTS commanders will usually integrate 

members from each participating organization to balance the overall knowledge base in 

their headquarters. See also joint logistics over-the-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 4-01.2) 

joint manpower program — The document that reflects an activity’s mission, functions, 

organization, current and projected manpower needs and, when applicable, its required 

mobilization augmentation. A recommended joint manpower program also identifies 

and justifies any changes proposed by the commander or director of a joint activity for 

the next five fiscal years. Also called JMP. 

Joint Materiel Priorities and Allocation Board — The agency charged with performing 

duties for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in matters that establish materiel 

priorities or allocate resources. Also called JMPAB. See also materiel. (JP 4-09) 

joint meteorological and oceanographic coordination cell — A subset of a joint 

meteorological and oceanographic coordination organization which is delegated the 

responsibility of executing the coordination of meteorological and oceanographic 

support operations in the operational area. Also called JMCC. (JP 3-59) 

joint meteorological and oceanographic coordination organization — A Service 

meteorological and oceanographic organization which is designated within the 

operations order as the lead organization responsible for coordinating meteorological 

and oceanographic operations support in the operational area. Also called JMCO. 

(JP 3-59)

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.

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 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

292 JP 1-02 

mortuary affairs and monitors the deceased and missing personal effects program. Also 

called JMAO. See also mortuary affairs; personal effects. (JP 4-06) 

joint movement center — The center established to coordinate the employment of all 

means of transportation (including that provided by allies or host nations) to support the 

concept of operations. This coordination is accomplished through establishment of 

transportation policies within the assigned operational area, consistent with relative 

urgency of need, port and terminal capabilities, transportation asset availability, and 

priorities set by a joint force commander. Also called JMC. See also concept of 

operations. (JP 4-0) 

Joint Munitions Effectiveness Manual-Special Operations — A publication providing a 

single, comprehensive source of information covering weapon effectiveness, selection, 

and requirements for special operations munitions. In addition, the closely related 

fields of weapon characteristics and effects, target characteristics, and target 

vulnerability are treated in limited detail required by the mission planner. Although 

emphasis is placed on weapons that are currently in the inventory, information is also 

included for some weapons not immediately available but projected for the near future. 

Also called JMEM-SO. (JP 3-05.1) 

joint network operations control center — An element of the J-6 established to support a 

joint force commander. The joint network operations control center serves as the single 

control agency for the management and direction of the joint force communications 

systems. The joint network operations control center may include plans and operations, 

administration, system control, and frequency management sections. Also called 

JNCC. (JP 6-0) 

joint nuclear accident coordinating center — A combined Defense Special Weapons 

Agency and Department of Energy centralized agency for exchanging and maintaining 

information concerned with radiological assistance capabilities and coordinating that 

assistance in response to an accident or incident involving radioactive materials. Also 

called JNACC.

joint operation planning — Planning activities associated with joint military operations by 

combatant commanders and their subordinate joint force commanders in response to 

contingencies and crises. Joint operation planning includes planning for the 

mobilization, deployment, employment, sustainment, redeployment, and 

demobilization of joint forces. See also execution planning; Joint Operation 

Planning and Execution System; joint operation planning process. (JP 5-0) 

Joint Operation Planning and Execution System — A system of joint policies, 

procedures, and reporting structures, supported by communications and computer 

systems, 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 JOPES. See 

also joint operation planning; joint operations; level of detail. (JP 5-0) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 293 

joint operation planning process — An orderly, analytical process that consists of a 

logical set of steps to analyze a mission; develop, analyze, and compare alternative 

courses of action against criteria of success and each other; select the best course of 

action; and produce a joint operation plan or order. Also called JOPP. See also joint 

operation planning; Joint Operation Planning and Execution System. (JP 5-0) 

joint operations — A general term to describe military actions conducted by joint forces, or 

by Service forces in relationships (e.g., support, coordinating authority), which, of 

themselves, do not 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 for planning, monitoring, and guiding the execution of the 

commander’s decisions. Also called JOC.

joint patient movement requirements center — A joint activity established to coordinate 

the joint patient movement requirements function for a joint task force operating within 

a unified command area of responsibility. It coordinates with the theater patient 

movement requirements center for intratheater patient movement and the Global 

Patient Movement Requirements Center for intertheater patient movement. Also called 

JPMRC. See also health service support; joint force surgeon; joint operations 

area; medical treatment facility; patient. (JP 4-02) 

joint patient movement team — Teams comprised of personnel trained in medical 

regulating and movement procedures. These teams can supplement a global, theater, or 

joint patient movement requirements center staff. Joint patient movement teams are 

under the operational control of the Global Patient Movement Requirements Center 

until attached to a theater/joint patient movement requirements center or forward 

element supporting the respective joint operation or Federal Emergency Management 

Agency contingency. Also called JPMT. (JP 4-02) 

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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

294 JP 1-02 

joint personnel recovery support product — The basic reference document for personnel 

recovery-specific information on a particular country or region of interest. Also called 

JPRSP. (JP 3-50) 

joint personnel training and tracking activity — The continental US center established 

(upon request of the supported combatant commander) to facilitate the reception, 

accountability, processing, training, and onward movement of both military and civilian 

individual augmentees preparing for overseas movement to support a joint military 

operation. Also called JPTTA. (JP 1-0) 

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. It consists of the Joint Staff, the Services and their 

major commands (including the Service wholesale logistics commands), the combatant 

commands (and their Service component commands), the subordinate unified 

commands and other subordinate joint forces of the combatant commands, and the 

combat support agencies. 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 crisis 

action planning; joint operation planning. (JP 5-0) 

joint psychological operations task force — A joint special operations task force 

composed of headquarters and operational assets. It assists the joint force commander 

in developing strategic, operational, and tactical psychological operation plans for a 

theater campaign or other operations. Mission requirements will determine its 

composition and assigned or attached units to support the joint task force commander. 

Also called JPOTF. See also joint special operations task force; psychological 

operations; special operations. (JP 3-53) 

joint publication — A publication containing joint doctrine that is prepared under the 

direction and authority of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and applies to all 

Armed Forces of the United States. 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 5120.02A) 

joint readiness — See readiness.

joint reception center — The center established in the operational area (per direction of the 

joint force commander), with responsibility for the reception, accountability, training, 

processing, of military and civilian individual augmentees upon their arrival in the 

operational area. Also the center where augmentees will normally be outprocessed 

through upon departure from the operational area. Also called JRC. (JP 3-35) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 295 

joint reception complex — The group of nodes (air and/or sea) designated by the supported 

combatant command, in coordination with the host nation and United States 

Transportation Command, that receives, processes, services, supports, and facilitates 

onward movement of personnel, equipment, materiel, and units deploying into, out of, 

or within a theater line of communications. See also group; node. (JP 3-35) 

joint reception coordination center — The organization, established by the Department of 

the Army as the designated Department of Defense executive agent for the repatriation 

of noncombatants, that ensures Department of Defense personnel and noncombatants 

receive adequate assistance and support for an orderly and expedient debarkation, 

movement to final destination in the US, 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. This phase comprises the essential 

processes required to transition arriving personnel, equipment, and materiel into forces 

capable of meeting operational requirements. Also called JRSOI. See also 

integration; joint force; reception; staging. (JP 3-35) 

joint restricted frequency list — A time and geographically-oriented listing of TABOO, 

PROTECTED, and GUARDED functions, nets, and frequencies. It should be 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 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 Military Services. See also servicing.

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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

296 JP 1-02 

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. It may be limited in size to accommodate a discrete direct action 

mission or may be extensive enough to allow a continuing broad range of 

unconventional warfare operations. 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 

prosecute special operations in support of a theater campaign or other operations. The 

joint special operations task force may have conventional non-special operations units 

assigned or attached to support the conduct of specific missions. Also called JSOTF. 

(JP 3-05) 

joint specialty officer or joint specialist — An officer on the active duty list who is 

particularly trained in, and oriented toward, joint matters. Also called JSO.

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. 

These members should be assigned in such a manner as to ensure that the commander 

understands the tactics, techniques, capabilities, needs, and limitations of the component 

parts of the force. Positions on the staff should be divided so that Service representation 

and influence generally reflect the Service composition of the force. 2. (capitalized as 

Joint Staff) The staff under the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as provided for in 

Title 10, United States Code, Section 155. The Joint Staff assists the Chairman of the 

Joint Chiefs of Staff and, subject to the authority, direction, and control of the 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

in carrying out their responsibilities. Also called JS. See also staff. (JP 1) 

Joint Staff doctrine sponsor — A Joint Staff directorate assigned to coordinate a specific 

joint doctrine project with the Joint Staff. Joint Staff doctrine sponsors assist the lead 

agent and primary review authority as requested and directed and process the final 

coordination (and test publications if applicable) for approval. Also called JSDS. See 

also joint doctrine. (CJCSI 5120.02A) 

Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan — The Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan provides 

guidance to the combatant commanders and the Joint Chiefs of Staff to accomplish 

tasks and missions based on current military capabilities. It apportions limited forces 

and resources to combatant commanders, based on military capabilities resulting from 

completed program and budget actions and intelligence assessments. The Joint 

Strategic Capabilities Plan provides a coherent framework for capabilities-based 

military advice provided to the President and Secretary of Defense. Also called JSCP. 

See also combatant commander; joint. (JP 5-0) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 297 

joint strategic exploitation center — Theater-level physical location for an exploitation 

facility that functions under the direction of the joint force commander and is used to 

hold detainees with potential long-term strategic intelligence value, deemed to be of 

interest to counterintelligence or criminal investigators, or who may be a significant 

threat to the United States, its citizens or interests, or US allies. Also called JSEC. 

(JP 2-01.2) 

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; prepares strategic plans; prepares and reviews joint operation plans; advises the 

President and Secretary of Defense on requirements, programs, and budgets; and 

provides net assessment on the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the United States 

and its allies as compared with those of their potential adversaries. Also called JSPS. 

(JP 5-0) 

joint suppression of enemy air defenses — A broad term that includes all suppression of 

enemy air defense activities provided by one component of the joint force in support of 

another. Also called J-SEAD. See also suppression of enemy air defenses. (JP 3-01) 

joint table of allowances — A document that authorizes end-items of materiel for units 

operated jointly by two or more military assistance advisory groups and missions. Also 

called JTA.

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 spaces which have 

been accepted for planning and programming purposes for the four subsequent fiscal 

years (program years). Also called JTD. See also joint manpower program.

Joint Tactical Air Reconnaissance/Surveillance Mission Report — A preliminary report 

of information from tactical reconnaissance aircrews rendered by designated debriefing 

personnel immediately after landing and dispatched prior to compilation of the initial 

photo interpretation report. It provides a summary of the route conditions, 

observations, and aircrew actions and identifies sensor products. Also called MISREP.

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 and priorities, and 

refining the joint integrated prioritized target list. The board is normally comprised of 

representatives from the joint force staff, all components, and if required, component 

subordinate units. Also called JTCB. See also joint integrated prioritized target 

list; targeting. (JP 3-60) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

298 JP 1-02 

joint targeting steering group — A group formed by a combatant commander to assist in 

developing targeting guidance and reconciling competing requests for assets from 

multiple joint task forces. Also called JTSG. See also group; joint; targeting. 

(JP 3-60) 

joint target list — A consolidated list of selected targets, upon which there are no 

restrictions placed, considered to have military significance in the 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) 

joint task force counterintelligence coordinating authority — An authority that affects 

the overall coordination of counterintelligence (CI) activities (in a joint force 

intelligence directorate counterintelligence and human intelligence staff element, joint 

task force configuration), with subordinate command CI elements, other supporting CI 

organizations, and supporting agencies to ensure full CI coverage of the task force 

operational area. Also called TFCICA. See also counterintelligence; 

counterintelligence activities; joint task force. (JP 2-01.2) 

joint technical augmentation cell — A tailored team that, when directed, deploys to a 

supported combatant commander’s area of responsibility to provide chemical, 

biological, radiological, and nuclear technical advice and planning assistance for 

executing foreign consequence management. Also called JTAC. (JP 3-41) 

Joint Technical Coordinating Group for Munitions Effectiveness — A Joint Staff-level 

organization tasked to produce generic target vulnerability and weaponeering studies. 

The special operations working group is a subordinate organization specializing in 

studies for special operations. Also called JTCG-ME. (JP 3-05.1) 

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. A qualified and current joint terminal attack controller 

will be recognized across the Department of Defense as capable and authorized to 

perform terminal attack control. Also called JTAC. See also terminal attack control. 

(JP 3-09.3) 

joint test publication — A proposed publication produced for the purpose of field-testing 

an emergent concept that has been validated through the Joint Experimentation 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 299 

Program or a similar joint process. Also called JTP. See also Chairman of the Joint 

Chiefs of Staff instruction; joint doctrine; joint publication. (CJCSI 5120.02) 

joint total asset visibility — The capability designed to consolidate source data from a 

variety of joint and Service automated information systems to provide joint force 

commanders with visibility over assets in-storage, in-process, and in-transit. Also 

called JTAV. (JP 3-35) 

Joint Transportation Board — Responsible to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 

the Joint Transportation Board assures that common-user transportation resources 

assigned or available to the Department of Defense are allocated as to achieve 

maximum benefit in meeting Department of Defense objectives. Also called JTB. See 

also common-user transportation. (JP 4-01.2) 

joint urban operations — All joint operations planned and conducted across the range of 

military operations on or against objectives on a topographical complex and its adjacent 

natural terrain where manmade construction or the density of noncombatants are the 

dominant features. Also called JUOs. See also joint operations. (JP 3-0) 

joint warfighting capabilities assessment — A team of warfighting and functional area 

experts from the Joint Staff, unified commands, Services, Office of the Secretary of 

Defense, and Defense agencies tasked by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council 

with completing assessments and providing military recommendations to improve joint 

warfighting capabilities. Also called JWCA.

Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System — The sensitive, compartmented 

information portion of the Defense Information Systems Network. It 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) 

joint zone (air, land, or sea) — An area established for the purpose of permitting friendly 

surface, air, and subsurface forces to operate simultaneously. 

join up — (*) To form separate aircraft or groups of aircraft into a specific formation. 

judge advocate — An officer of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the Army, Air 

Force, Marine Corps, and the United States Coast Guard who is 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. See also stick commander (air 

transport). (JP 3-17) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

300 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

K 

JP 1-02 301 

K-day — The basic date for the introduction of a convoy system on any particular convoy 

lane. See also D-day; M-day.

key employee — Any Reservist identified by his or her employer, private or public, as 

filling a key position. 

key facilities list — A register of selected command installations and industrial facilities of 

primary importance to the support of military operations or military production 

programs. It is prepared under the policy direction of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

key point — (*) A concentrated site or installation, the destruction or capture of which 

would seriously affect the war effort or the success of operations. 

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. 

keystone publications — Joint doctrine publications that establish the doctrinal foundation 

for a series of joint publications in the hierarchy of joint publications. These 

publications are signed by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Keystone 

publications are provided for joint personnel support, intelligence support, operations, 

logistic support, plans, and communications systems support. See also capstone 

publications; joint publication. (CJCSI 5120.02A) 

key terrain — Any locality, or area, the seizure or retention of which affords a marked 

advantage to either combatant. See also vital ground. (JP 2-01.3) 

kill box — A three-dimensional area used to facilitate the integration of joint fires. (JP 3-09) 

killed in action — A casualty category applicable to a hostile casualty, other than the victim 

of a terrorist activity, who is killed outright or who dies as a result of wounds or other 

injuries before reaching a medical treatment facility. Also called KIA. See also

casualty category.

killing zone — An area in which a commander plans to force the enemy to concentrate so 

as to be destroyed with conventional weapons or the tactical employment of nuclear 

weapons. 

kill probability — (*) A measure of the probability of destroying a target. 

kiloton weapon — (*) A nuclear weapon, the yield of which is measured in terms of 

thousands of tons of trinitrotoluene explosive equivalents, producing yields from 1 to 

999 kilotons. See also megaton weapon; nominal weapon; subkiloton weapon.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

302 JP 1-02 

kite — (*) In naval mine warfare, a device which when towed, submerges and planes at a 

predetermined level without sideways displacement. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

L 

JP 1-02 303 

land control operations — The employment of ground forces, supported by naval and air 

forces (as appropriate) to achieve military objectives in vital land areas. Such 

operations include destruction of opposing ground forces, securing key terrain, 

protection of vital land lines of communications, and establishment of local military 

superiority in areas of land operations. See also sea control operations.

land forces — Personnel, weapon systems, vehicles, and support elements operating on 

land to accomplish assigned missions and tasks. 

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. It includes the beach, the approaches to the beach, 

the transport areas, the fire support areas, the airspace above it, and the land included in 

the advance inland to the initial objective. 2. (Airborne) The general area used for 

landing troops and materiel either by airdrop or air landing. This area includes one or 

more drop zones or landing strips. 3. Any specially prepared or selected surface of 

land, water, or deck designated or used for takeoff and landing of aircraft. See also 

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 usually required for the landing of a battalion 

landing team. However, it may also be that portion of a shoreline constituting a tactical 

locality (such as the shore of a bay) over which a force larger or smaller than a battalion 

landing team may be landed. (JP 3-02) 

landing craft — A craft employed in amphibious operations, specifically designed for 

carrying troops and their equipment and for beaching, unloading, and retracting. It is 

also used for 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. The table is the basis for the 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

304 JP 1-02 

assignment of landing craft to the boat groups for the ship-to-shore movement. (JP 

3-02) 

landing diagram — A graphic means of illustrating the plan for the ship-to-shore 

movement. (JP 3-02) 

landing force — A Marine Corps or Army task organization formed to conduct amphibious 

operations. The landing force, together with the amphibious task force and other 

forces, constitute the amphibious force. Also called LF. See also amphibious force; 

amphibious operation; amphibious task force; task organization. (JP 3-02) 

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. The landing 

force support party is brought into existence by a formal activation order issued by the 

commander, landing force. Also called LFSP. See also combat service support; 

combat support; landing force; ship-to-shore 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 group commander — In amphibious operations, the officer designated by the 

commander, landing force as the single tactical commander of a subordinate task 

organization capable of conducting landing operations against a position or group of 

positions. See also amphibious operation; commander, landing force. (JP 3-02) 

landing mat — (*) A prefabricated, portable mat so designed that any number of planks 

(sections) may be rapidly fastened together to form surfacing for emergency runways, 

landing beaches, etc. 

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 point — (*) A point within a landing site where one helicopter or vertical takeoff 

and landing aircraft can land. See also airfield.

landing roll — (*) The movement of an aircraft from touchdown through deceleration to 

taxi speed or full stop. 

landing sequence table — A document that incorporates the detailed plans for ship-toshore movement of nonscheduled units. (JP 3-02) 

landing ship — An assault ship which is designed for long sea voyages and for rapid 

unloading over and on to a beach. (JP 3-02) 
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JP 1-02 305 

landing signalman enlisted — Enlisted man responsible for ensuring that helicopters, 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 threshold — The beginning of that portion of a runway usable for landing. 

landing zone — Any specified zone used for the landing of aircraft. Also called LZ. See 

also airfield. (JP 3-17) 

landing zone control — See pathfinder drop zone control. 

landing zone control party — (*) Personnel specially trained and equipped to establish and 

operate communications devices from the ground for traffic control of 

aircraft/helicopters for a specific landing zone. 

landmark — (*) A feature, either natural or artificial, that can be accurately determined on 

the ground from a grid reference. 

land mine warfare — See mine warfare.

land search — The search of terrain by Earth-bound personnel. 

lane marker — (*) In land mine warfare, sign used to mark a minefield lane. Lane 

markers, at the entrance to and exit from the lane, may be referenced to a landmark or 

intermediate marker. See also marker; minefield lane.

lap — (*) In naval mine warfare, that section or strip of an area assigned to a single 

sweeper or formation of sweepers for a run through the area. 

lap course — (*) In naval mine warfare, the true course desired to be made good during a 

run along a lap. 

lap track — (*) In naval mine warfare, the center line of a lap; ideally, the track to be 

followed by the sweep or detecting gear. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

306 JP 1-02 

lap turn — (*) In naval mine warfare, the maneuver a minesweeper carries out during the 

period between the completion of one run and the commencement of the run 

immediately following. 

lap width — (*) In naval mine warfare, the swept path of the ship or formation divided by 

the percentage coverage being swept to. 

large-lot storage — A quantity of material that will require four or more pallet columns 

stored to maximum height. Usually accepted as stock stored in carload or greater 

quantities. See also storage.

large-scale map — A map having a scale of 1:75,000 or larger. See also map.

large spread — A report by an observer or a spotter to the ship to indicate that the distance 

between the bursts of a salvo is excessive. 

laser — Any device that can produce or amplify optical radiation primarily by the process 

of controlled stimulated emission. A laser may emit electromagnetic radiation from the 

ultraviolet portion of the spectrum through the infrared portion. Also, an acronym for 

“light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” 

laser footprint — The projection of the laser beam and buffer zone on the ground or target 

area. The laser footprint may be part of the laser surface danger zone if that footprint 

lies within the nominal visual hazard distance of the laser. See also buffer zone; laser. 

laser guidance unit — A device which incorporates a laser seeker to provide guidance 

commands to the control system of a missile, projectile or bomb. 

laser guided weapon — (*) A weapon which 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. See also laser. 

laser illuminator — A device for enhancing the illumination in a zone of action by 

irradiating with a laser beam. 

laser intelligence — Technical and geo-location intelligence derived from laser systems; a 

subcategory of electro-optical intelligence. Also called LASINT. See also

electro-optical intelligence; intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

laser linescan system — (*) An active airborne imagery recording system which uses a 

laser as the primary source of illumination to scan the ground beneath the flight path, 

adding successive across-track lines to the record as the vehicle advances. See also

infrared linescan system.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 307 

laser pulse duration — (*) The time during which the laser output pulse power remains 

continuously above half its maximum value. 

laser rangefinder — (*) A device which uses laser energy for determining the distance 

from the device to a place or object. 

laser seeker — (*) A device based on a direction sensitive receiver which 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. 

laser spot — The area on a surface illuminated by a laser. See also laser; spot. 

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.

laser target designating system — (*) A system which is used to direct (aim or point) 

laser energy at a target. The system consists of the laser designator or laser target 

marker with its display and control components necessary to acquire the target and 

direct the beam of laser energy thereon. 

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 laser; target. 

laser-target/gun-target angle — The angle between the laser-to-target line and the laser 

guided weapon/gun-target line at the point where they cross the target. See also laser; 

laser guided weapon; target. 

laser-target line — An imaginary straight line from the laser designator to the target with 

respect to magnetic north. See also laser; laser target designator; target. 

laser target marker — See laser designator.

laser target marking system — See laser target designating system.

lashing — (*) See tie down. (DOD only) See restraint of loads. 

lashing point — See tie down point.

late — (*) In artillery and naval gunfire support, a report made to the observer or spotter, 

whenever there is a delay in reporting “shot” by coupling a time in seconds with the 

report. 

lateral gain — (*) The amount of new ground covered laterally by successive photographic 

runs over an area. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

308 JP 1-02 

lateral route — (*) A route generally parallel to the forward edge of the battle area, which 

crosses, or feeds into, axial routes. See also route.

lateral spread — A technique used to place the mean point of impact of two or more units 

100 meters apart on a line perpendicular to the gun-target line. 

lateral tell — See track telling.

latest arrival date — A day, relative to C-Day, that is specified by the supported 

combatant commander as the latest date when a unit, a resupply shipment, or 

replacement personnel can arrive at the port of debarkation and support the concept of 

operations. Used with the earliest arrival date, it defines a delivery window for 

transportation planning. Also called LAD. 

late time — See span of detonation (atomic demolition munition employment), Part 3. 

lattice — (*) A network of intersecting positional lines printed on a map or chart from 

which a fix may be obtained. 

launch pad — (*) A concrete or other hard surface area on which a missile launcher is 

positioned. 

launch time — The time at which an aircraft or missile is scheduled to be airborne. See 

also airborne order.

launch under attack — Execution by the President of Single Integrated Operational Plan 

forces subsequent to tactical warning of strategic nuclear attack against the United 

States and prior to first impact. Also called LUA. 

launch window — The earliest and latest time a rocket may launch. 

laundering — In counterdrug operations, the process of transforming drug money into a 

more manageable form while concealing its illicit origin. Foreign bank accounts 

and dummy corporations are used as shelters. See also counterdrug operations. 

(JP 3-07.4) 

law enforcement agency — Any of a number of agencies (outside the Department of 

Defense) chartered and empowered to enforce US laws in the following jurisdictions: 

The United States, a state (or political subdivision) of the United States, a 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.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 309 

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.

lay — 1. Direct or adjust the aim of a weapon. 2. Setting of a weapon for a given range, a 

given direction, or both. 3. To drop one or more aerial bombs or aerial mines onto the 

surface from an aircraft. 4. To spread a smoke screen on the ground from an aircraft. 

5. To calculate or project a course. 6. To lay on: a. to execute a bomber strike; b. to 

set up a mission. 

laydown bombing — (*) A very low level bombing technique wherein delay fuzes and/or 

devices are used to allow the attacker to escape the effects of the bomb. 

layer depth — The depth from the surface of the sea to the point above the first major 

negative thermocline at which sound velocity is maximum. 

lay leader — A volunteer appointed by the commanding officer and supervised and trained 

by the command chaplain to serve for a period of time to meet the needs of a particular 

religious faith group when their military chaplains are not available. The lay leader 

may conduct services, but may not exercise any other activities usually reserved for the 

ordained clergy. See also command chaplain; combatant command chaplain; 

religious support; religious support plan; religious support team. (JP 1-05) 

lay reference number — (*) In naval mine warfare, a number allocated to an individual 

mine by the minefield planning authority to provide a simple means of referring to it. 

lead agency — Designated among US Government agencies to coordinate the interagency 

oversight of the day-to-day conduct of an ongoing operation. The lead agency is to 

chair the interagency working group established to coordinate policy related to a 

particular operation. The lead agency determines the agenda, ensures cohesion among 

the agencies, and is responsible for implementing decisions. (JP 3-08) 

lead agent — 1. An individual Service, combatant command, or Joint Staff directorate 

assigned to develop and maintain a joint publication. 2. In medical materiel 

management, the designated unit or organization to coordinate or execute day-to-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. 

lead federal agency — The federal agency that leads and coordinates the overall federal 

response to an emergency. Designation and responsibilities of a lead federal agency 

vary according to the type of emergency and the agency’s statutory authority. Also 

called LFA. (JP 3-41) 

lead nation — One nation assumes the responsibility for procuring and providing a broad 

spectrum of logistic support for all or a part of the multinational force and/or 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

310 JP 1-02 

headquarters. Compensation and/or reimbursement will then be subject to agreements 

between the parties involved. The lead nation may also assume the responsibility to 

coordinate logistics of the other nations within its functional and regional area of 

responsibility. See also logistic support; multinational force. (JP 4-0) 

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 4-07) 

leapfrog — (*) Form of movement in which like supporting elements are moved 

successively through or by one another along the axis of movement of supported 

forces. 

leaver — (*) A merchant ship which breaks off from a convoy to proceed to a different 

destination and becomes independent. Also called convoy leaver. See also leaver 

convoy; leaver section.

leaver convoy — (*) A convoy which has broken off from the main convoy and is 

proceeding to a different destination. See also leaver; leaver section.

leaver section — (*) A group of ships forming part of the main convoy which will 

subsequently break off to become leavers or a leaver convoy. See also leaver; leaver 

convoy.

left (or right) — (*) 1. Terms used to establish the relative position of a body of troops. 

The person using the terms “left” or “right” is assumed to be facing in the direction of 

the enemy regardless of whether the troops are advancing towards or withdrawing from 

the enemy. 2. Correction used in adjusting fire to indicate that a lateral shift of the 

mean point of impact perpendicular to the reference line or spotting line is desired. 

left (right) bank — That bank of a stream or river on the left (right) of the observer when 

facing in the direction of flow or downstream. 

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; the United 

Nations agrees either to purchase the goods or services or authorizes the government to 

supply them subject to reimbursement by the United Nations. A letter of assist 

typically details specifically what is to be provided by the contributing government and 

establishes a funding limit that cannot be exceeded. 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 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 311 

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 US 

Government documents its offer to transfer to a foreign government or international 

organization US 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 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) 

level-of-effort munitions — (*) In stockpile planning, munitions stocked on the basis of 

expected daily expenditure rate, the number of combat days, and the attrition rate 

assumed, to counter targets the number of which is unknown. See also threat-oriented 

munitions.

level of effort-oriented items — Items for which requirements computations are based on 

such factors as equipment and personnel density and time and rate of use. See also

combination mission/level of effort-oriented items; mission-oriented items. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

312 JP 1-02 

leverage — In the context of joint operation planning, a relative advantage in combat power 

and/or other circumstances against the adversary across one or more domains (air, land, 

sea, and space) and/or the information environment sufficient to exploit that advantage. 

Leverage is an element of operational design. See also operational art; operational 

design. (JP 5-0) 

L-hour — See times. (JP 3-02) 

liaison — That contact or intercommunication maintained between elements of military 

forces or other agencies to ensure mutual understanding and unity of purpose and 

action. (JP 3-08) 

liberated territory — (*) Any area, domestic, neutral, or friendly, which, having been 

occupied by an enemy, is retaken by friendly forces. 

licensed production — A direct commercial arrangement between a US company and a 

foreign government, international organization, or foreign company, providing for the 

transfer of production information which enables the foreign government, international 

organization, or commercial producer to manufacture, in whole or in part, an item of 

US defense equipment. A typical license production arrangement would include the 

functions of production engineering, controlling, quality assurance and determining of 

resource requirements. It may or may not include design engineering information and 

critical materials production and design information. A licensed production 

arrangement is accomplished under the provisions of a manufacturing license 

agreement per the US International Traffic in Arms Regulation. 

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. 

lifeguard submarine — (*) A submarine employed for rescue in an area which cannot be 

adequately covered by air or surface rescue facilities because of enemy opposition, 

distance from friendly bases, or other reasons. It is stationed near the objective and 

sometimes along the route to be flown by the strike aircraft. 

life support equipment — Equipment designed to sustain aircrew members and passengers 

throughout the flight environment, optimizing their mission effectiveness and affording 

a means of safe and reliable escape, descent, survival, and recovery in emergency 

situations. 

light artillery — See field artillery.

light damage — See nuclear damage, Part 1. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 313 

lightening — (*) The operation (normally carried out at anchor) of transferring crude oil 

cargo from a large tanker to a smaller tanker, so reducing the draft of the larger tanker 

to enable it to enter port. 

lighterage — The process in which small craft are used to transport cargo or personnel from 

ship to shore. Lighterage may be performed using amphibians, landing craft, discharge 

lighters, causeways, and barges. (JP 4-01.6) 

light filter — (*) An optical element such as a sheet of glass, gelatine, or plastic dyed in a 

specific manner to absorb selectively light of certain colors. 

light line — (*) A designated line forward of which vehicles are required to use black-out 

lights at night. 

lightweight amphibious container handler — A United States Marine Corps piece of 

equipment usually maneuvered by a bulldozer and used to retrieve 20-foot equivalent 

containers from landing craft in the surf and place them on flatbed truck trailers. See 

also container. (JP 4-01.6) 

limited production-type item — An item under development, commercially available or 

available from other Government agencies, for which an urgent operational 

requirement exists and for which no other existing item is suitable. Such an item 

appears to fulfill an approved materiel requirement or other Military Departmentapproved requirements and to be promising enough operationally to warrant initiating 

procurement and/or production for service issue prior to completion of development 

and/or test or adoption as a standard item. 

limited standard item — An item of supply determined by standardization action as 

authorized for procurement only to support in-service military materiel requirements. 

limited war — Armed conflict short of general war, exclusive of incidents, involving the 

overt engagement of the military forces of two or more nations. 

limiting factor — A factor or condition that, either temporarily or permanently, impedes 

mission accomplishment. Illustrative examples are transportation network deficiencies, 

lack of in-place facilities, malpositioned forces or materiel, extreme climatic conditions, 

distance, transit or overflight rights, political conditions, etc. 

limit of fire — (*) 1. The boundary marking off the area on which gunfire can be 

delivered. 2. Safe angular limits for firing at aerial targets. 

linear scale — See graphic scale; scale.

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 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

314 JP 1-02 

military forces move. Also called LOC. See also base of operations; route. (JP 

2-01.3) 

line of demarcation — A line defining the boundary of a buffer zone or area of limitation. 

A line of demarcation may also be used to define the forward limits of disputing or 

belligerent forces after each phase of disengagement or withdrawal has been 

completed. See also area of limitation; buffer zone; disengagement; 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 warfare, a suitably 

marked offshore coordinating line to assist assault craft to land on designated beaches 

at scheduled times the seaward end of a boat lane. Also called LOD. (JP 3-02) 

line of operations — 1. A logical line that connects actions on nodes and/or decisive points 

related in time and purpose with an objective(s). 2. A physical 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 3-0) 

line overlap — See overlap, Part 1.

line-route map — A map or overlay for signal communications operations that shows the 

actual routes and types of construction of wire circuits in the field. It also gives the 

locations of switchboards and telegraph stations. See also map.

line search — (*) Reconnaissance along a specific line of communications, such as a road, 

railway or waterway, to detect fleeting targets and activities in general. 

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, 

which links any two or more routes. See also node. (JP 3-0) 

link encryption — The application of online crypto-operation to a link of a 

communications system so that all information passing over the link is encrypted in its 

entirety. 

link-lift vehicle — The conveyance, together with its operating personnel, used to satisfy a 

movement requirement between nodes. 

link-route segments — Route segments that connect nodes wherein link-lift vehicles 

perform the movement function. 

liquid explosive — (*) Explosive which is fluid at normal temperatures. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 315 

liquid propellant — Any liquid combustible fed to the combustion chamber of a rocket 

engine. 

listening watch — A continuous receiver watch established for the reception of traffic 

addressed to, or of interest to, the unit maintaining the watch, with complete log 

optional. 

litter — A basket or frame utilized for the transport of injured persons. 

litter patient — A patient requiring litter accommodations while in transit. 

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) 

load — (*) The total weight of passengers and/or freight carried on board a ship, aircraft, 

train, road vehicle, or other means of conveyance. See also airlift capability; airlift 

requirement.

load control group — (*) Personnel who are concerned with organization and control of 

loading within the pick-up zone. 

loading — (*) The process of putting personnel, materiel, supplies and other freight on 

board ships, aircraft, trains, road vehicles, or other means of conveyance. See also

embarkation.

loading chart (aircraft) — Any one of a series of charts carried in an aircraft that shows 

the proper location for loads to be transported and that pertains to check-lists, balance 

records, and clearances for weight and balance. 

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. See also ocean manifest.

loading point — (*) A point where one aircraft can be loaded or unloaded. 

loading site — (*) An area containing a number of loading points. 

loadmaster — An Air Force technician qualified to plan loads, to operate auxiliary 

materials handling equipment, and to supervise loading and unloading of aircraft. 

(JP 3-17) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

316 JP 1-02 

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; signal. (JP 3-50) 

load spreader — (*) Material used to distribute the weight of a load over a given area to 

avoid exceeding designed stress. 

localizer — (*) A directional radio beacon which provides to an aircraft an indication of its 

lateral position relative to a predetermined final approach course. See also instrument 

landing system.

local mean time — (*) The time interval elapsed since the mean sun’s transit of the 

observer’s anti-meridian. 

local procurement — The process of obtaining personnel, services, supplies, and 

equipment from local or indigenous sources. 

local purchase — The function of acquiring a decentralized item of supply from sources 

outside the Department of Defense. 

lock on — Signifies that a tracking or target-seeking system is continuously and 

automatically tracking a target in one or more coordinates (e.g., range, bearing, 

elevation). 

lodgment — 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. See also hostile. (JP 3-18) 

lodgment area — See airhead, Part 1; beachhead.

loft bombing — A method of bombing in which the delivery plane approaches the target at 

a very low altitude, makes a definite pullup at a given point, releases the bomb at a 

predetermined point during the pullup, and tosses the bomb onto the target. See also

toss bombing. 

logistic assessment — An evaluation of: a. the logistic support required to support 

particular military operations in a theater, country, or area; and b. the actual and/or 

potential logistic support available for the conduct of military operations either within 

the theater, country, or area, or located elsewhere. 

logistic estimate of the situation — An appraisal resulting from an orderly examination of 

the logistic factors influencing contemplated courses of action in order to provide 

conclusions concerning the degree and manner of that influence. 

logistic implications test — An analysis of the major logistic aspects of a joint strategic war 

plan and the consideration of the logistic implications resultant therefrom as they may 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 317 

limit the acceptability of the plan. The logistic analysis and consideration are 

conducted concurrently with the development of the strategic plan. The objective is to 

establish whether the logistic requirements generated by the plan are in balance with 

availabilities, and to set forth those logistic implications that should be weighed by the 

Joint Chiefs of Staff in their consideration of the plan. See also feasibility test.

logistic marking and reading symbology — A system designed to improve the flow of 

cargo through the seaport of embarkation and debarkation using bar code technology. 

See also logistics. (JP 4-01.6) 

logistic routes — See line of communications. 

logistics — Planning and executing the movement and support of forces. It includes those 

aspects of military operations that deal with: a. design and development, acquisition, 

storage, movement, distribution, maintenance, evacuation, and disposition of materiel; 

b. movement, evacuation, and hospitalization of personnel; c. acquisition or 

construction, maintenance, operation, and disposition of facilities; and d. acquisition or 

furnishing of services. (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-theshore 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 sourcing — The identification of the origin and determination of the availability of 

the time-phased force and deployment data nonunit logistic requirements. 

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) 

logistic support (medical) — Medical care, treatment, hospitalization, and evacuation as 

well as the furnishing of medical services, supplies, materiel, and adjuncts thereto. 

long-range bomber aircraft — A bomber designed for a tactical operating radius over 

2,500 nautical miles at design gross weight and design bomb load. 

long-range transport aircraft — See transport aircraft.

look — (*) In mine warfare, a period during which a mine circuit is receptive of an 

influence. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

318 JP 1-02 

loran — (*) A long-range radio navigation position fixing system using the time difference 

of reception of pulse type transmissions from two or more fixed stations. This term is 

derived from the words long-range electronic navigation. 

lot — Specifically, a quantity of material all of which was manufactured under identical 

conditions and assigned an identifying lot number. 

low airburst — (*) The fallout safe height of burst for a nuclear weapon which maximizes 

damage to or casualties on surface targets. See also types of burst. 

low-altitude missile engagement zone — See weapon engagement zone. (JP 3-52) 

low angle — (*) In artillery and naval gunfire support, an order or request to obtain low 

angle fire. 

low angle fire — (*) Fire delivered at angles of elevation below the elevation that 

corresponds to the maximum range of the gun and ammunition concerned. 

low angle loft bombing — (*) Type of loft bombing of free fall bombs wherein weapon 

release occurs at an angle less than 35 degrees above the horizontal. See also loft 

bombing.

low dollar value item — An item that normally requires considerably less management 

effort than those in the other management intensity groupings. 

low level flight — See terrain flight.

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 oblique — See oblique air photograph.

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 political-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. 

Execution of these operations is undertaken with the knowledge that the action and/or 

sponsorship of the operation may preclude plausible denial by the initiating power. 

(JP 3-05.1) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

M 

JP 1-02 319 

mach number — The ratio of the velocity of a body to that of sound in the surrounding 

medium. 

magnetic bearing — See bearing.

magnetic circuit — See magnetic mine.

magnetic compass — (*) An instrument containing a freely suspended magnetic element 

which displays the direction of the horizontal component of the Earth’s magnetic field 

at the point of observation. 

magnetic declination — (*) The angle between the magnetic and geographical meridians 

at any place, expressed in degrees east or west to indicate the direction of magnetic 

north from true north. In nautical and aeronautical navigation, the term magnetic 

variation is used instead of magnetic declination and the angle is termed variation of the 

compass or magnetic variation. Magnetic declination is not otherwise synonymous 

with magnetic variation which refers to regular or irregular change with time of the 

magnetic declination, dip, or intensity. See also magnetic variation.

magnetic equator — (*) A line drawn on a map or chart connecting all points at which the 

magnetic inclination (dip) is zero for a specified epoch. Also called aclinic line.

magnetic mine — A mine which responds to the magnetic field of a target. (JP 3-15) 

magnetic minehunting — The process of using magnetic detectors to determine the 

presence of mines or minelike objects. 

magnetic north — (*) The direction indicated by the north seeking pole of a freely 

suspended magnetic needle, influenced only by the Earth’s magnetic field. 

magnetic tape — A tape or ribbon of any material impregnated or coated with magnetic or 

other material on which information may be placed in the form of magnetically 

polarized spots. 

magnetic variation — (*) 1. In navigation, at a given place and time, the horizontal angle 

between the true north and magnetic north measured east or west according to whether 

magnetic north lies east or west of true north. See also magnetic declination. 2. In 

cartography, the annual change in direction of the horizontal component of the Earth’s 

magnetic field. 

mail embargo — A temporary shutdown or redirection of mail flow to or from a specific 

location. (JP 1-0) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

320 JP 1-02 

main airfield — (*) An airfield planned for permanent occupation in peacetime, also 

suitable for use in wartime and having sufficient operational facilities for full use of its 

combat potential. See also airfield; departure airfield; diversion airfield; 

redeployment airfield.

main armament — The request of the observer or spotter to obtain fire from the largest 

guns installed on the fire support ship. 

main attack — (*) The principal attack or effort into which the commander throws the full 

weight of the offensive power at his disposal. An attack directed against the chief 

objective of the campaign, major operation, or battle. 

main battle area — That portion of the battlefield in which the decisive battle is fought to 

defeat the enemy. For any particular command, the main battle area extends rearward 

from the forward edge of the battle area to the rear boundary of the command’s 

subordinate units. 

main convoy — (*) The convoy as a whole which sails from the convoy assembly 

port/anchorage to its destination. It may be supplemented by joiners or joiner convoys, 

and leavers or leaver convoys may break off. 

main deck — The highest deck running the full length of a vessel (except for an aircraft 

carrier’s hanger deck). See also watercraft. (JP 4-01.6) 

main detonating line — (*) In demolition, a line of detonating cord used to transmit the 

detonation wave to two or more branches. 

main line of resistance — A line at the forward edge of the battle position, designated for 

the purpose of coordinating the fire of all units and supporting weapons, including air 

and naval gunfire. It defines the forward limits of a series of mutually supporting 

defensive areas, but it does not include the areas occupied or used by covering or 

screening forces. 

main 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 operations base — In special operations, a base established by a joint force special 

operations component commander or a subordinate special operations component 

commander in friendly territory to provide sustained command and control, 

administration, and logistic support to special operations activities in designated areas. 

Also called MOB. See also advanced operations base; forward operations base. 

(JP 3-05.1) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 321 

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. 

maintenance area — A general locality in which are grouped a number of maintenance 

activities for the purpose of retaining or restoring materiel to a serviceable condition. 

maintenance engineering — The application of techniques, engineering skills, and effort, 

organized to ensure that the design and development of weapon systems and equipment 

provide adequately for their effective and economical maintenance. 

maintenance (materiel) — 1. All action taken to retain materiel in a serviceable condition 

or to restore it to serviceability. It includes inspection, testing, servicing, classification 

as to serviceability, repair, rebuilding, and reclamation. 2. All supply and repair action 

taken to keep a force in condition to carry out its mission. 3. The routine recurring 

work required to keep a facility (plant, building, structure, ground facility, utility 

system, or other real property) in such condition that it may be continuously used at its 

original or designed capacity and efficiency for its intended purpose. 

maintenance status — 1. A nonoperating condition, deliberately imposed, with adequate 

personnel to maintain and preserve installations, materiel, and facilities in such a 

condition that they may be readily restored to operable condition in a minimum time by 

the assignment of additional personnel and without extensive repair or overhaul. 2. 

That condition of materiel that is in fact, or is administratively classified as, 

unserviceable, pending completion of required servicing or repairs. 3. A condition of 

materiel readiness that reports the level of operational readiness for a piece of 

equipment. 

major combat element — Those organizations and units described in the Joint Strategic 

Capabilities Plan that directly produce combat capability. The size of the element 

varies by Service, force capability, and the total number of such elements available. 

Examples are Army divisions and separate brigades, Air Force squadrons, Navy task 

forces, and Marine expeditionary forces. See also major force.

major disaster — See domestic emergencies.

major fleet — A principal, permanent subdivision of the operating forces of the Navy with 

certain supporting shore activities. Presently there are two such fleets: the Pacific Fleet 

and the Atlantic Fleet. See also fleet.

major force — A military organization comprised of major combat elements and associated 

combat support, combat service support, and sustainment increments. The major force 

is capable of sustained military operations in response to plan employment 

requirements. See also major combat element.

major nuclear power — (*) Any nation that possesses a nuclear striking force capable of 

posing a serious threat to every other nation. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

322 JP 1-02 

major operation — A series of tactical actions (battles, engagements, strikes) conducted by 

combat forces of a single or several Services, coordinated in time and place, to achieve 

strategic or operational objectives in an operational area. These actions are conducted 

simultaneously or sequentially in accordance with a common plan and are controlled by 

a single commander. For noncombat operations, a reference to the relative size and 

scope of a military operation. See also operation. (JP 3-0) 

major weapon system — One of a limited number of systems or subsystems that for 

reasons of military urgency, criticality, or resource requirements, is determined by the 

Department of Defense as being vital to the national interest. 

make safe — One or more actions necessary to prevent or interrupt complete function of 

the system (traditionally synonymous with “dearm,” “disarm,” and “disable”). Among 

the necessary actions are: (1) install (safety devices such as pins or locks); (2) 

disconnect (hoses, linkages, batteries); (3) bleed (accumulators, reservoirs); (4) remove 

(explosive devices such as initiators, fuzes, detonators); and (5) intervene (as in 

welding, lockwiring). 

management and control system (mobility) — Those elements of organizations and/or 

activities that are part of, or are closely related to, the mobility system, and which 

authorize requirements to be moved, to obtain and allocate lift resources, or to direct 

the operation of linklift vehicles. 

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 to achieve a position of advantage in 

respect to the enemy in order to accomplish the mission. See also mission; operation. 

(JP 3-0) 

maneuverable reentry vehicle — A reentry vehicle capable of performing preplanned 

flight maneuvers during the reentry phase. See also multiple independently 

targetable reentry vehicle; multiple reentry vehicle; reentry vehicle. 

manifest — A document specifying in detail the passengers or items carried for a specific 

destination. 

manipulative electromagnetic deception — See electromagnetic deception.

man portable — Capable of being carried by one man. Specifically, the term may be used 

to qualify: 1. Items designed to be carried as an integral part of individual, crewserved, or team equipment of the dismounted soldier in conjunction with assigned 

duties. Upper weight limit: approximately 14 kilograms (31 pounds.) 2. In land 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 323 

warfare, equipment which can be carried by one man over long distance without 

serious degradation of the performance of normal duties. 

manpower — See manpower requirements; manpower resources.

manpower management — (*) The means of manpower control to ensure the most 

efficient and economical use of available manpower. 

manpower management survey — (*) Systematic evaluation of a functional area, 

utilizing expert knowledge, manpower scaling guides, experience, and other practical 

considerations in determining the validity and managerial efficiency of the function’s 

present or proposed manpower establishment. 

manpower requirements — Human resources needed to accomplish specified work loads 

of organizations. 

manpower resources — Human resources available to the Services that can be applied 

against manpower requirements. 

man space — The space and weight factor used to determine the combat capacity of 

vehicles, craft, and transport aircraft, based on the requirements of one person with 

individual equipment. The person is assumed to weigh between 222-250 pounds and to 

occupy 13.5 cubic feet of space. See also boat space.

man transportable — Items that are usually transported on wheeled, tracked, or air 

vehicles, but have integral provisions to allow periodic handling by one or more 

individuals for limited distances (100-500 meters). Upper weight limit: approximately 

65 pounds per individual. 

map — (*) A graphic representation, usually on a plane surface and at an established scale, 

of natural or artificial features on the surface of a part or the whole of the Earth or other 

planetary body. The features are positioned relative to a coordinate reference system. 

See also administrative map; chart index; chart series; chart sheet; controlled 

map; general map; large-scale map; line-route map; map chart; map index; map 

series; map sheet; medium-scale map; operation map; planimetric map; situation 

map; small-scale map; strategic map; tactical map; topographic map; traffic 

circulation map.

map chart — A representation of a land-sea area, using the characteristics of a map to 

represent the land area and the characteristics of a chart to represent the sea area, with 

such special characteristics as to make the map-chart most useful in military operations, 

particularly amphibious operations. See also map.

map convergence — (*) The angle at which one meridian is inclined to another on a map 

or chart. See also convergence.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

324 JP 1-02 

map exercise — An exercise in which a series of military situations is stated and solved on 

a map. 

map index — (*) Graphic key primarily designed to give the relationship between sheets 

of a series, their coverage, availability, and further information on the series. See also

map.

mapping camera — See air cartographic camera.

map reference — (*) A means of identifying a point on the surface of the Earth by relating 

it to information appearing on a map, generally the graticule or grid. 

map reference code — (*) A code used primarily for encoding grid coordinates and other 

information pertaining to maps. This code may be used for other purposes where the 

encryption of numerals is required. 

map series — (*) A group of maps or charts usually having the same scale and 

cartographic specifications, and with each sheet appropriately identified by producing 

agency as belonging to the same series. 

map sheet — (*) An individual map or chart either complete in itself or part of a series. 

See also map.

margin — (*) In cartography, the area of a map or chart lying outside the border. 

marginal data — (*) All explanatory information given in the margin of a map or chart 

which clarifies, defines, illustrates, and/or supplements the graphic portion of the sheet. 

marginal information — See marginal data.

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. It is composed of command and control agencies with communicationselectronics equipment that incorporates a capability from manual through 

semiautomatic control. Also called MACCS. See also direct air support center; 

tactical air operations center. (JP 3-09.3) 

Marine air-ground task force — The Marine Corps principal organization for all missions 

across the range of military operations, composed of forces task-organized under a 

single commander capable of responding rapidly to a contingency anywhere in the 

world. The types of forces in the Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) are 

functionally grouped into four core elements: a command element, an aviation combat 

element, a ground combat element, and a combat service support element. The four 

core elements are categories of forces, not formal commands. The basic structure of 

the MAGTF never varies, though the number, size, and type of Marine Corps units 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 325 

comprising each of its four elements will always be mission dependent. The flexibility 

of the organizational structure allows for one or more subordinate MAGTFs to be 

assigned. Also called MAGTF. See also aviation combat element; combat service 

support element; command element; ground combat element; Marine 

expeditionary force; Marine expeditionary force (forward); Marine expeditionary 

unit; special purpose Marine air-ground task force; task force.

Marine base — A base for support of Marine ground forces, consisting of activities or 

facilities for which the Marine Corps has operating responsibilities, together with 

interior lines of communications and the minimum surrounding area necessary for local 

security. (Normally, not greater than an area of 20 square miles.) See also base 

complex.

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 3-05.1) 

Marine division and wing team — A Marine Corps air-ground team consisting of one 

division and one aircraft wing, together with their normal reinforcements. 

marine environment — The oceans, seas, bays, estuaries, and other major water bodies, 

including their surface interface and interaction, with the atmosphere and with the land 

seaward of the mean high water mark. 

Marine expeditionary brigade — A Marine air-ground task force that is constructed 

around a reinforced infantry regiment, a composite Marine aircraft group, and a combat 

logistics regiment. The Marine expeditionary brigade, commanded by a general 

officer, is task-organized to meet the requirements of a specific situation. It can 

function as part of a joint task force, as the lead echelon of the Marine expeditionary 

force, or alone. It varies in size and composition, and is larger than a Marine 

expeditionary unit but smaller than a Marine expeditionary force. The Marine 

expeditionary brigade is capable of conducting missions across the full range of 

military operations. Also called MEB. See also brigade; Marine air-ground task 

force; Marine expeditionary force. (JP 3-18) 

Marine expeditionary force — The largest Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) and the 

Marine Corps principal warfighting organization, particularly for larger crises or 

contingencies. It is task-organized around a permanent command element and normally 

contains one or more Marine divisions, Marine aircraft wings, and Marine force service 

support groups. The Marine expeditionary force is capable of missions across the range 

of military operations, including amphibious assault and sustained operations ashore in 

any environment. It can operate from a sea base, a land base, or both. Also called 

MEF. See also aviation combat element; combat service support element; 

command element; ground combat element; Marine air-ground task force; 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

326 JP 1-02 

Marine expeditionary force (forward); Marine expeditionary unit; special 

purpose Marine air-ground task force; task force.

Marine expeditionary force (forward) — A designated lead echelon of a Marine 

expeditionary force (MEF), task-organized to meet the requirements of a specific 

situation. A Marine expeditionary force (forward) varies in size and composition, and 

may be commanded by the MEF commander personally or by another designated 

commander. It may be tasked with preparing for the subsequent arrival of the rest of the 

MEF/joint/multinational forces, and/or the conduct of other specified tasks, at the 

discretion of the MEF commander. A Marine expeditionary force (forward) may also 

be a stand-alone Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF), task-organized for a mission 

in which an MEF is not required. Also called MEF (FWD). See also aviation 

combat element; combat service support element; command element; ground 

combat element; Marine air-ground task force; Marine expeditionary force; 

Marine expeditionary unit; Marine expeditionary unit (special operations 

capable); special purpose Marine air-ground task force; task force.

Marine expeditionary unit — A Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) that is 

constructed around an infantry battalion reinforced, a helicopter squadron reinforced, 

and a task-organized combat service support element. It normally fulfills Marine Corps 

forward sea-based deployment requirements. The Marine expeditionary unit provides 

an immediate reaction capability for crisis response and is capable of limited combat 

operations. Also called MEU. See also aviation combat element; combat service 

support element; command element; ground combat element; Marine air-ground 

task force; Marine expeditionary force; Marine expeditionary force (forward); 

Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable); special purpose Marine 

air-ground task force; task force.

Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable) — The Marine Corps standard, 

forward-deployed, sea-based expeditionary organization. The Marine expeditionary 

unit (special operations capable) (MEU[SOC]) is a Marine expeditionary unit, 

augmented with selected personnel and equipment, that is trained and equipped with an 

enhanced capability to conduct amphibious operations and a variety of specialized 

missions of limited scope and duration. These capabilities include specialized 

demolition, clandestine reconnaissance and surveillance, raids, in-extremis hostage 

recovery, and enabling operations for follow-on forces. The MEU(SOC) is not a 

special operations force but, when directed by the Secretary of Defense, the combatant 

commander, and/or other operational commander, may conduct limited special 

operations in extremis, when other forces are inappropriate or unavailable. Also called 

MEU(SOC). See also aviation combat element; combat service support element; 

command element; ground combat element; Marine air-ground task force; 

Marine expeditionary force; Marine expeditionary force (forward); Marine 

expeditionary unit; special purpose Marine air-ground task force; task force. 

Marine Logistics Command — The US Marines may employ the concept of the Marine 

Logistics Command (MLC) in major regional contingencies to provide operational 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 327 

logistic support, which will include arrival and assembly operations. The combat 

service support operations center will be the MLC’s primary combat service support 

coordination center for units undergoing arrival and assembly. Also called MLC. See 

also combat service support operations center. 

Maritime Administration Ready Reserve Force — The Maritime Administration 

(MARAD) Ready Reserve Force is composed of 68 surge sealift assets owned and 

operated by the US Department of Transportation/MARAD and crewed by civilian 

mariners. In time of contingency or exercises, the ships are placed under the 

operational command of the Military Sealift Command. See also National Defense 

Reserve Fleet. (JP 4-01.6) 

maritime control area — An area generally similar to a defensive sea area in purpose 

except that it may be established any place on the high seas. Maritime control areas are 

normally established only in time of war. See also defensive sea area.

maritime defense sector — (*) One of the subdivisions of a coastal area. 

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. (JP 3-32) 

maritime environment — The complex union and interaction between oceans, seas, bays, 

estuaries, and other major water bodies, with the atmosphere and land seaward of the 

mean high water mark. (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 3-0) 

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. Maritime power projection may be accomplished by 

amphibious assault operations, attack of targets ashore, or support of sea control 

operations. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

328 JP 1-02 

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. See also Marine expeditionary 

force; maritime pre-positioning ships. (JP 4-01.6) 

maritime pre-positioning ships — Civilian-crewed, Military Sealift Command-chartered 

ships that are organized into three squadrons and are usually forward-deployed. These 

ships are loaded with pre-positioned equipment and 30 days of supplies to support three 

Marine expeditionary brigades. Also called MPS. See also Navy cargo handling 

battalion.

maritime search and rescue region — The waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United 

States; the territories and possessions of the United States (except Canal Zone and the 

inland area of Alaska), and designated areas of the high seas. See also search and 

rescue region.

maritime special purpose force — A task-organized force formed from elements of a 

Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable) and naval special warfare forces 

that can be quickly tailored to a specific mission. The maritime special purpose force 

can execute on short notice a wide variety of missions in a supporting, supported, or 

unilateral role. It focuses on operations in a maritime environment and is capable of 

operations in conjunction with or in support of special operations forces. The maritime 

special purpose force is integral to and directly relies upon the Marine expeditionary 

unit (special operations capable) for all combat and combat service support. Also 

called MSPF. (JP 3-05) 

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 CH1) 

maritime supremacy — That degree of maritime superiority wherein the opposing force is 

incapable of effective interference.

marker — (*) 1. A visual or electronic aid used to mark a designated point. 2. In land 

mine warfare: See gap marker; intermediate marker; lane marker; row marker; 

strip marker. 3. In naval operations, a maritime unit which maintains an immediate 

offensive or obstructive capability against a specified target.

marking — To maintain contact on a target from such a position that the marking unit has 

an immediate offensive capability. (JP 3-09.3) 

marking error — (*) In naval mine warfare, the distance and bearing of a marker from a 

target. 

marking fire — (*) Fire placed on a target for the purpose of identification. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 329 

marking panel — (*) A sheet of material displayed for visual communication, usually 

between friendly units. See also panel code.

married failure — (*) In naval mine warfare, a moored mine lying on the seabed 

connected to its sinker from which it has failed to release owing to defective 

mechanism. 

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 

stage; 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. The joint complex commander designating the 

location will coordinate the use of the facilities with other allied commands and the 

host nation, and will provide life support to the units while in the marshalling area. See 

also marshalling. (JP 3-35) 

mass — (*) 1. The concentration of combat power. 2. The military formation in which 

units are spaced at less than the normal distances and intervals. 

mass casualty — Any large number of casualties produced in a relatively short period of 

time, usually as the result of a single incident such as a military aircraft accident, 

hurricane, flood, earthquake, or armed attack that exceeds local logistic support 

capabilities. See also casualty. (JP4-02) 

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 commanding officer 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. Also 

called MA. (JP 3-02.2) 

master air attack plan — A plan that contains key information that forms the foundation 

of the joint air tasking order. Sometimes referred to as the air employment plan or joint 

air tasking order shell. Information that may be found in the plan includes joint force 

commander guidance, joint force air component commander guidance, support plans, 

component requests, target update requests, availability of capabilities and forces, target 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

330 JP 1-02 

information from target lists, aircraft allocation, etc. Also called MAAP. See also air 

attack; target. (JP 3-60) 

master film — (*) The earliest generation of imagery (negative or positive) from which 

subsequent copies are produced. 

master plot — (*) A portion of a map or overlay on which are drawn the outlines of the 

areas covered by an air photographic sortie. Latitude and longitude, map, and sortie 

information are shown. See also sortie plot.

materials handling — (*) The movement of materials (raw materials, scrap, semifinished, 

and finished) to, through, and from productive processes; in warehouses and storage; 

and in receiving and shipping areas. 

materials handling equipment — Mechanical devices for handling of supplies with greater 

ease and economy. Also called MHE. See also materials handling. (JP 3-35) 

materiel — All items (including ships, tanks, self-propelled weapons, aircraft, etc., and 

related spares, repair parts, and support equipment, but excluding real property, 

installations, and utilities) 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 cognizance — Denotes responsibility for exercising supply management over 

items or categories of materiel. 

materiel control — See inventory control.

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 

US force structure (active and reserve) and those Allied forces designated for US 

materiel support, through the period prescribed for war materiel planning purposes. It 

is the quantity by which the war materiel requirement exceeds the war materiel 

procurement capability and the war materiel requirement adjustment. It includes the 

M-day force materiel requirement and the war reserve materiel requirement. 

materiel management — See inventory control.

materiel pipeline — The quantity of an item required in the worldwide supply system to 

maintain an uninterrupted replacement flow. 

materiel planning — A subset of logistic planning consisting of a four-step process. a. 

requirements definition. Requirements for significant items must be calculated at 

item level detail (i.e., National Stock Number) to support sustainability planning and 

analysis. Requirements include unit roundout, consumption and attrition replacement, 

safety stock, and the needs of allies. b. apportionment. Items are apportioned to the 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 331 

combatant commanders based on a global scenario to avoid sourcing of items to 

multiple theaters. The basis for apportionment is the capability provided by unit stocks, 

host-nation support, theater pre-positioned war reserve stocks and industrial base, and 

continental United States Department of Defense stockpiles and available production. 

Item apportionment cannot exceed total capabilities. 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. Sourcing of any item is done within the combatant commander’s 

apportionment. d. documentation. Sourced item requirements and corresponding 

shortfalls are major inputs to the combatant commander’s sustainability analysis. 

Sourced item requirements are translated into movement requirements and documented 

in the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System database for transportation 

feasibility analysis. Movement requirements for nonsignificant items are estimated in 

tonnage. 

materiel readiness — The availability of materiel required by a military organization to 

support its wartime activities or contingencies, disaster relief (flood, earthquake, etc.), 

or other emergencies. 

materiel release confirmation — A notification from a shipping or storage activity 

advising the originator of a materiel release order of the positive action taken on the 

order. It will also be used with appropriate shipment status document identifier codes 

as a reply to a followup initiated by the inventory control point. 

materiel release order — An order issued by an accountable supply system manager 

(usually an inventory control point or accountable depot or stock point) directing a 

non-accountable activity (usually a storage site or materiel drop point) within the same 

supply distribution complex to release and ship materiel. 

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. 

maximum effective range — The maximum distance at which a weapon may be expected 

to be accurate and achieve the desired effect. 

maximum elevation figure — (*) A figure, shown in each quadrangle bounded by ticked 

graticule lines on aeronautical charts, which represents the height in thousands and 

hundreds of feet, above mean sea level, of the highest known natural or manmade 

feature in that quadrangle, plus suitable factors to allow for inaccuracy and 

incompleteness of the topographical heighting information. 

maximum enlisted amount — For any month, the sum of: a. the highest rate of basic pay 

payable for such month to any enlisted member of the Armed Forces of the United 

States at the highest pay grade applicable to enlisted members; and b. in the case of 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

332 JP 1-02 

officers entitled to special pay under Title 37, United States Code, for such month, the 

amount of such special pay payable to such officers for such month. (JP 1-0) 

maximum landing weight — (*) The maximum gross weight due to design or operational 

limitations at which an aircraft is permitted to land. 

maximum operating depth — The keel depth that a submarine is not to exceed during 

operations. This depth is determined by the submarine’s national naval authority. See 

also test depth. 

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.

maximum permissible concentration — See radioactivity concentration guide.

maximum permissible dose — (*) That radiation dose which a military commander or 

other appropriate authority may prescribe as the limiting cumulative radiation dose to 

be received over a specific period of time by members of the command, consistent with 

current operational military considerations. 

maximum range — (*) The greatest distance a weapon can fire without consideration of 

dispersion. 

maximum sustained speed — (*) In road transport, the highest speed at which a vehicle, 

with its rated payload, can be driven for an extended period on a level first-class 

highway without sustaining damage. 

maximum take-off weight — (*) The maximum gross weight due to design or operational 

limitations at which an aircraft is permitted to take off. 

mayday — Distress call. 

M-day — See times.

M-day force materiel requirement — The quantity of an item required to be on hand and 

on order (on M-day minus one day) to equip and provide a materiel pipeline for the 

approved peacetime US force structure, both active and reserve. 

meaconing — A system of receiving radio beacon signals and rebroadcasting them on the 

same frequency to confuse navigation. The meaconing stations cause inaccurate 

bearings to be obtained by aircraft or ground stations. (JP 3-13.1) 

mean lethal dose — (*) 1. The amount of nuclear irradiation of the whole body which 

would be fatal to 50 percent of the exposed personnel in a given period of time. 2. The 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 333 

dose of chemical agent that would kill 50 percent of exposed, unprotected, and 

untreated personnel. 

mean line of advance — In naval usage, the direction expected to be made good over a 

sustained period. 

mean point of burst — See mean point of impact.

mean point of impact — (*) The point whose coordinates are the arithmetic means of the 

coordinates of the separate points of impact/burst of a finite number of projectiles fired 

or released at the same aiming point under a given set of conditions. 

mean sea level — The average height of the surface of the sea for all stages of the tide; used 

as a reference for elevations. Also called MSL.

means of transport — See mode of transport.

measured mile — (*) In maritime navigation, distance precisely measured and marked, 

used by a vessel to calibrate its log. 

measurement and signature intelligence — Intelligence obtained by quantitative and 

qualitative analysis of data (metric, angle, spatial, wavelength, time dependence, 

modulation, plasma, and hydromagnetic) derived from specific technical sensors for the 

purpose of identifying any distinctive features associated with the emitter or sender, and 

to facilitate subsequent identification and/or measurement of the same. The detected 

feature may be either reflected or emitted. 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 

(MASINT) collection requirements. It provides automated tools for users in support of 

submission, review, and validation of MASINT nominations of requirements to be 

tasked for national and Department of Defense MASINT 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. Measurement tons equal total cubic feet divided by 40 

(1MTON = 40 cubic feet). Also called M/T, MT, MTON.

measure of effectiveness — A criterion used to assess changes in system behavior, 

capability, or operational environment that is tied to measuring the attainment of an end 

state, achievement of an objective, or creation of an effect. Also called MOE. See also 

combat assessment; mission. (JP 3-0) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

334 JP 1-02 

measure of performance — A criterion used to assess friendly actions that is tied to 

measuring task accomplishment. Also called MOP. (JP 3-0) 

mechanical sweep — (*) In naval mine warfare, any sweep used with the object of 

physically contacting the mine or its appendages. 

median incapacitating dose — (*) The amount or quantity of chemical agent which when 

introduced into the body will incapacitate 50 percent of exposed, unprotected 

personnel. 

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. Pooling is typically used when news media support resources cannot 

accommodate a large number of journalists. See also news media representative; 

public affairs. (JP 3-61) 

medical civil-military operations — All military health-related activities in support of a 

joint force commander that establish, enhance, maintain or influence relations between 

the joint or multinational force and host nation, multinational governmental and 

nongovernmental civilian organizations and authorities, and the civilian populace in 

order to facilitate military operations, achieve US operational objectives, and positively 

impact the health sector. Also called MCMO. (JP 4-02) 

medical contingency file — A web-based database within the Defense Supply Center 

Philadelphia’s Readiness Management Application that identifies and manages 

Department of Defense medical contingency materiel requirements. (JP 4-02) 

medical evacuees — Personnel who are wounded, injured, or ill and must be moved to or 

between medical facilities. (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 that analyzes information on medical and disease threats, enemy 

capabilities, terrain, weather, local medical infrastructure, potential humanitarian and 

refugee situations, transportation issues, and political, religious and social issues for all 

types of operations. Medical intelligence preparation of the operational environment is 

a component of the health service support mission analysis process, and the resulting 

statistics serves as a basis for developing health service support estimates and plans. It 

includes: defining the operational environment, describing the operational environment 

effects on health service support operations, evaluating the operational environmental 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 335 

threats, and determining courses of action to meet actual and potential threats. Also 

called MIPOE. (JP 4-02) 

medical officer — (*) Physician with officer rank. Also called MO.

medical protocols — Directives 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) 

medical regulating — The actions and coordination necessary to arrange for the movement 

of patients through the levels of care. This process matches 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) 

medium-angle loft bombing — Type of loft bombing wherein weapon release occurs at an 

angle between 35 and 75 degrees above the horizontal. 

medium artillery — See field artillery.

medium-lot storage — Generally defined as a quantity of material that will require one to 

three pallet stacks, stored to maximum height. Thus, the term refers to relatively small 

lots as distinguished from definitely large or small lots. See also storage.

medium-range ballistic missile — A ballistic missile with a range capability from about 

600 to 1,500 nautical miles. 

medium-range bomber aircraft — A bomber designed for a tactical operating radius of 

under 1,000 nautical miles at design gross weight and design bomb load. 

medium-range transport aircraft — See transport aircraft.

medium-scale map — A map having a scale larger than 1:600,000 and smaller than 

1:75,000. See also map.

meeting engagement — (*) A combat action that occurs when a moving force, 

incompletely deployed for battle, engages an enemy at an unexpected time and place. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

336 JP 1-02 

megaton weapon — (*) A nuclear weapon, the yield of which is measured in terms of 

millions of tons of trinitrotoluene explosive equivalents. See also kiloton weapon; 

nominal weapon; subkiloton weapon. 

mensuration — The process of measurement of a feature or location on the earth to 

determine an absolute latitude, longitude, and elevation. For targeting applications, the 

errors inherent in both the source for measurement as well as the measurement 

processes must be understood and reported. (JP 3-60) 

merchant convoy — (*) A convoy consisting primarily of merchant ships controlled by 

the naval control of shipping organization. 

merchant intelligence — In intelligence handling, communication instructions for 

reporting by merchant vessels of vital intelligence sightings. Also called MERINT.

merchant ship — (*) A vessel engaged in mercantile trade except river craft, estuarial 

craft, or craft which operate solely within harbor limits. 

merchant ship casualty report — A report by message, or other means, of a casualty to a 

merchant ship at sea or in port. Merchant ship casualty reports are sent by the escort 

force commander or other appropriate authority to the operational control authority in 

whose area the casualty occurred. 

merchant ship communications system — (*) A worldwide system of communications to 

and from merchant ships using the peacetime commercial organization as a basis but 

under operational control authority, with the ability to employ the broadcast mode to 

ships when the situation makes radio silence necessary. Also called mercomms 

system.

merchant ship control zone — (*) A defined area of sea or ocean inside which it may be 

necessary to offer guidance, control, and protection to Allied shipping. 

merchant ship reporting and control message system — (*) A worldwide message 

system for reporting the movements of and information relating to the control of 

merchant ships. 

mercomms system — See merchant ship communications system. 

message — 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. 

message center — See telecommunications center.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 337 

message (telecommunications) — Record information expressed in plain or encrypted 

language and prepared in a format specified for intended transmission by a 

telecommunications system. 

meteorological and oceanographic — A term used to convey all meteorological, 

oceanographic, and space environmental factors as provided by Services, support 

agencies, and other sources. These factors include the whole range of atmospheric 

(weather) and oceanographic phenomena, from the sub-bottom of the earth’s oceans up 

to the space environment (space weather). Also called METOC. (JP 3-59) 

meteorological and oceanographic data — Measurements or observations of 

meteorological and oceanographic variables. (JP 3-59) 

meteorological and oceanographic environment — The surroundings, which include 

conditions, resources, and natural phenomena, in and through which the joint force 

operates. The complete environment extends from the sub-bottom of the Earth’s 

oceans, through maritime, land areas, airspace, ionosphere, and outward into space. 

(JP 3-59)

meteorological and oceanographic operations support community — The collective of 

electronically connected, shore-based meteorological and oceanographic production 

facilities/centers, theater and/or regional meteorological and oceanographic production 

activities. Also called MOSC. See also meteorological and oceanographic. (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) 

microform — (*) A generic term for any form, whether film, video tape, paper, or other 

medium, containing miniaturized or otherwise compressed images which cannot be 

read without special display devices. 

midcourse guidance — The guidance applied to a missile between termination of the boost 

phase and the start of the terminal phase of flight. 

midcourse phase — That portion of the flight of a ballistic missile between the boost phase 

and the terminal phase. See also ballistic trajectory; 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) 

militarily significant fallout — Radioactive contamination capable of inflicting radiation 

doses on personnel which may result in a reduction of their combat effectiveness. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

338 JP 1-02 

Military Affiliate Radio System — A program conducted by the Departments of the 

Army, Navy, and Air Force in which amateur radio stations and operators participate in 

and contribute to the mission of providing auxiliary and emergency communications on 

a local, national, or international basis as an adjunct to normal military 

communications. Also called MARS.

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 US military assistance planning and 

programming in the host country. Also called MAAG.

Military Assistance Articles and Services List — A Department of Defense publication 

listing source, availability, and price of items and services for use by the unified 

commands and Military Departments in preparing military assistance plans and 

programs. 

military assistance for civil disturbances — A mission of civil support involving 

Department of Defense support, normally based on the direction of the President, to 

suppress insurrections, rebellions, and domestic violence, and provide federal 

supplemental assistance to the states to maintain law and order. Also called MACDIS. 

(DODD 3025.15) 

Military Assistance Program — That portion of the US security assistance authorized by 

the Foreign Assistance Act of l961, as amended, which provides defense articles and 

services to recipients on a nonreimbursable (grant) basis. Also called MAP. 

Military Assistance Program training — See international military education and 

training.

military assistance to civil authorities — The broad mission of civil support consisting of 

the three mission subsets of military support to civil authorities, military support to 

civilian law enforcement agencies, and military assistance for civil disturbances. Also 

called MACA. (DODD 3025.1) 

military capability — The ability to achieve a specified wartime objective (win a war or 

battle, destroy a target set). It includes four major components: force structure, 

modernization, readiness, and sustainability. a. force structure — Numbers, size, and 

composition of the units that comprise US defense forces; e.g., divisions, ships, air 

wings. b. modernization — Technical sophistication of forces, units, weapon 

systems, and equipments. c. unit readiness — The ability to provide capabilities 

required by the combatant commanders to execute their assigned missions. This is 

derived from the ability of each unit to deliver the outputs for which it was designed. d. 

sustainability — The ability to maintain the necessary level and duration of 

operational activity to achieve military objectives. Sustainability is a function of 

providing for and maintaining those levels of ready forces, materiel, and consumables 

necessary to support military effort. See also readiness.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 339 

military characteristics — Those characteristics of equipment upon which depends its 

ability to perform desired military functions. Military characteristics include physical 

and operational characteristics but not technical characteristics. 

military civic action — The use of preponderantly indigenous military forces on projects 

useful to the local population at all levels in such fields as education, training, public 

works, agriculture, transportation, communications, health, sanitation, and others 

contributing to economic and social development, which would also serve to improve 

the standing of the military forces with the population. (US forces may at times advise 

or engage in military civic actions in overseas areas.) (JP 3-57) 

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) 

military container moved via ocean — Commercial or Government owned (or leased) 

shipping containers that are moved via ocean transportation without bogey wheels 

attached, i.e., lifted on and off the ship. Also called SEAVAN. 

military convoy — (*) A land or maritime convoy that is controlled and reported as a 

military unit. A maritime convoy can consist of any combination of merchant ships, 

auxiliaries, or other military units. 

military currency — (*) Currency prepared by a power and declared by its military 

commander to be legal tender for use by civilian and/or military personnel as 

prescribed in the areas occupied by its forces. It should be of distinctive design to 

distinguish it from the official currency of the countries concerned, but may be 

denominated in the monetary unit of either. 

military damage assessment — An appraisal of the effects of an attack on a nation’s 

military forces to determine residual military capability and to support planning for 

recovery and reconstitution. See also damage assessment.

military deception — Actions executed to deliberately mislead adversary military decision 

makers as to friendly military capabilities, intentions, and operations, thereby causing 

the adversary to take specific actions (or inactions) that will contribute to the 

accomplishment of the friendly mission. Also called MILDEC. See also deception. 

(JP 3-13.4) 

Military Department — One of the departments within the Department of Defense created 

by the National Security Act of 1947, as amended. Also called MILDEP. See also

Department of the Air Force; Department of the Army; Department of the Navy.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

340 JP 1-02 

military designed vehicle — A vehicle having military characteristics resulting from 

military research and development processes, designed primarily for use by forces in 

the field in direct connection with, or support of, combat or tactical operations. 

military education — The systematic instruction of individuals in subjects that will 

enhance their knowledge of the science and art of war. See also military training. 

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 geographic documentation — Military geographic information that has been 

evaluated, processed, summarized, and published. 

military geographic information — Information concerning physical aspects, resources, 

and artificial features of the terrain that is necessary for planning and operations. 

military geography — The specialized field of geography dealing with natural and 

manmade physical features that may affect the planning and conduct of military 

operations. 

military government — See civil affairs.

military government ordinance — An enactment on the authority of a military governor 

promulgating laws or rules regulating the occupied territory under such control. 

military governor — (*) The military commander or other designated person who, in an 

occupied territory, exercises supreme authority over the civil population subject to the 

laws and usages of war and to any directive received from the commander’s 

government or superior. 

military grid — (*) Two sets of parallel lines intersecting at right angles and forming 

squares; the grid is superimposed on maps, charts, and other similar representations of 

the surface of the Earth in an accurate and consistent manner to permit identification of 

ground locations with respect to other locations and the computation of direction and 

distance to other points. See also military grid reference system.

military grid reference system — (*) A system which uses a standard-scaled grid square, 

based on a point of origin on a map projection of the surface of the Earth in an accurate 

and consistent manner to permit either position referencing or the computation of 

direction and distance between grid positions. Also called MGRS. See also military 

grid. 

military health system — A health system that supports the military mission by fostering, 

protecting, sustaining, and restoring health. It also provides the direction, resources, 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 341 

health care providers, and other means necessary for promoting the health of the 

beneficiary population. These include developing and promoting health awareness 

issues to educate customers, discovering and resolving environmentally based health 

threats, providing health services, including preventive care and problem intervention, 

and improving the means and methods for maintaining the health of the beneficiary 

population, by constantly evaluating the performance of the health care services 

system. (JP 4-02) 

military independent — (*) A merchant ship or auxiliary sailed singly but controlled and 

reported as a military unit. See also independent.

military intelligence — Intelligence on any foreign military or military-related situation or 

activity which is significant to military policymaking or the planning and conduct of 

military operations and activities. Also called MI. (JP 2-01) 

Military Intelligence Board — A decision-making forum which formulates Department of 

Defense intelligence policy and programming priorities. Also called MIB. See also 

intelligence; military intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

Military Intelligence Integrated Data System/Integrated Database — An architecture 

for improving the manner in which military intelligence is analyzed, stored, and 

disseminated. The Integrated Database (IDB) forms the core automated database for 

the Military Intelligence Integrated Data System (MIIDS) program and integrates the 

data in the installation, order of battle, equipment, and selected electronic warfare and 

command, control, and communications files. The IDB is the national-level repository 

for the general military intelligence information available to the entire Department of 

Defense Intelligence Information System community and maintained by DIA and the 

commands. The IDB is kept synchronized by system transactions to disseminate 

updates. Also called MIIDS/IDB. See also architecture; military intelligence. 

(JP 2-01) 

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. 

military journalist — A US Service member or Department of Defense civilian employee 

providing photographic, print, radio, or television command information for military 

internal audiences. See also command information. (JP 3-61) 

military land transportation resources — All military-owned transportation resources, 

designated for common-user, over the ground, point-to-point use. 

military load classification — (*) A standard system in which a route, bridge, or raft is 

assigned class number(s) representing the load it can carry. Vehicles are also assigned 

number(s) indicating the minimum class of route, bridge, or raft they are authorized to 

use. See also route classification.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

342 JP 1-02 

military necessity — (*) The principle whereby a belligerent has the right to apply any 

measures which are required to bring about the successful conclusion of a military 

operation and which are not forbidden by the laws of war. 

military nuclear power — (*) A nation which has nuclear weapons and the capability for 

their employment. 

military occupation — A condition in which territory is under the effective control of a 

foreign armed force. See also occupied territory; phases of military government.

military options — A range of military force responses that can be projected to accomplish 

assigned tasks. Options include one or a combination of the following: civic action, 

humanitarian assistance, civil affairs, and other military activities to develop positive 

relationships with other countries; confidence building and other measures to reduce 

military tensions; military presence; activities to convey threats to adversaries as well as 

truth projections; military deceptions and psychological operations; quarantines, 

blockades, and harassment operations; raids; intervention operations; armed conflict 

involving air, land, maritime, and strategic warfare operations; support for law 

enforcement authorities to counter international criminal activities (terrorism, narcotics 

trafficking, slavery, and piracy); support for law enforcement authorities to suppress 

domestic rebellion; and support for insurgency, counterinsurgency, and civil war in 

foreign countries. See also civil affairs; foreign humanitarian assistance; military 

civic action. (JP 5-01.3) 

military ordinary mail — A special military airlift service for ordinary official mail being 

sent to, from, or between overseas areas. Also called MOM. 

military performance specification container — A container that meets specific written 

standards. Aviation and Troop Command, US Army, procures military performance 

specification containers for the Army and will perform like services for other 

Department of Defense components on request. Also called MILSPEC container. 

(JP 4-01.7) 

military post office — A branch of a designated US-based post office such as New York, 

San Francisco, Miami, or Seattle established by US Postal Service authority and 

operated by one of the Military Services. The term includes Army, Air Force, Navy, 

Marine Corps, and established Coast Guard post offices Also called MPO.

military postal clerk — A person of the US Armed Forces officially designated to perform 

postal duties.

Military Postal Service — The command, organization, personnel, and facilities 

established to provide, through military post offices, a means for the transmission of 

mail to and from the Department of Defense, members of the US Armed Forces, and 

other authorized agencies and individuals. Also called MPS. JP 1) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 343 

Military Postal Service Agency — The single manager operating agency established to 

manage the Military Postal Service. Also called MPSA. 

military posture — The military disposition, strength, and condition of readiness as it 

affects capabilities. 

military requirement — (*) An established need justifying the timely allocation of 

resources to achieve a capability to accomplish approved military objectives, missions, 

or tasks. Also called operational requirement. See also objective force level.

military resources — Military and civilian personnel, facilities, equipment, and supplies 

under the control of a Department of Defense component. 

Military Sealift Command — A major command of the US Navy reporting to Commander 

Fleet Forces Command, and the US Transportation Command’s component command 

responsible for designated common-user sealift transportation services to deploy, 

employ, sustain, and redeploy US forces on a global basis. Also called MSC. See also 

transportation component command. (JP 4-01.2) 

Military Sealift Command force — The Military Sealift Command force common-user 

sealift consists of three subsets: the Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, common-user ocean 

transportation, and the special mission support force. These ship classes include 

government-owned ships (normally civilian-manned) and ships acquired by Military 

Sealift Command charter or allocated from other government agencies. See also 

common-user sealift; Military Sealift Command. (JP 4-01.2) 

Military Service — A branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, established by act 

of Congress, in which persons are appointed, enlisted, or inducted for military service, 

and which operates and is administered within a military or executive department. The 

Military Services are: the United States Army, the United States Navy, the United 

States Air Force, the United States Marine Corps, and the United States Coast Guard. 

military source operations — Refers to the collection, from, by and/or via humans, of 

foreign and military and military-related intelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

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.

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.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

344 JP 1-02 

military support to civil authorities — A mission of civil support consisting of support for 

natural or man-made disasters, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high-yield 

explosive consequence management, and other support as required. Also called 

MSCA. (DODD 3025.1) 

military support to civilian law enforcement agencies — A mission of civil support that 

includes support to civilian law enforcement agencies. This includes but is not limited 

to: combating terrorism, counterdrug operations, national security special events, and 

national critical infrastructure and key asset protection. Also called MSCLEA. 

(DODD 3025.1) 

military symbol — (*) A graphic sign used, usually on map, display or diagram, to 

represent a particular military unit, installation, activity, or other item of military 

interest. 

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) 

military traffic — Department of Defense personnel, mail, and cargo to be, or being, 

transported. 

military training — 1. The instruction of personnel to enhance their capacity to perform 

specific military functions and tasks. 2. The exercise of one or more military units 

conducted to enhance their combat readiness. See also military education.

military van (container) — Military-owned, demountable container, conforming to US and 

international standards, operated in a centrally controlled fleet for movement of military 

cargo. Also called MILVAN. 

MILSPEC container — See military performance specification containers. (JP 4-01.7) 

MILVAN — See military van (container).

MILVAN chassis — The compatible chassis to which the military van (container) is 

attached by coupling the lower four standard corner fittings of the container to 

compatible mounting blocks in the chassis to permit road movement. 

mine — 1. In land mine warfare, an explosive or other material, normally encased, designed 

to destroy or damage ground vehicles, boats, or aircraft, or designed to wound, kill, or 

otherwise incapacitate personnel. It is designed to be detonated by the action of its 

victim, by the passage of time, or by controlled means. 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 land mine warfare; mine warfare. 

(JP 3-15) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 345 

mineable waters — (*) Waters where naval mines of any given type may be effective 

against any given target. 

mine clearance — (*) The process of removing all mines from a route or area. 

mine-cluster — A number of mines (not to exceed five) laid within a two-meter semicircle 

of the central mine. 

mine countermeasures — All methods for preventing or reducing damage or danger from 

mines. Also called MCM. (JP 3-15)

mined area — (*) An area declared dangerous due to the presence or suspected presence of 

mines. 

mine defense — (*) The defense of a position, area, etc., by land or underwater mines. A 

mine defense system includes the personnel and equipment needed to plant, operate, 

maintain, and protect the minefields that are laid. 

mine disposal — The operation by suitably qualified personnel designed to render safe, 

neutralize, recover, remove, or destroy mines. 

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 laid with or 

without a pattern. See also land mine warfare; mine; mine warfare. (JP 3-15) 

minefield breaching — (*) In land mine warfare, the process of clearing a lane through a 

minefield under tactical conditions. See also minefield lane.

minefield density — In land mine warfare, the average number of mines per meter of 

minefield front, or the average number of mines per square meter of minefield. In 

naval warfare, the average number of mines per nautical mile. 

minefield lane — A marked lane, unmined, or cleared of mines, leading through a 

minefield. 

minefield marking — Visible marking of all points required in laying a minefield and 

indicating the extent of such minefields. 

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 laying 

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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

346 JP 1-02 

minehunting — Employment of sensor and neutralization systems, whether air, surface, or 

subsurface, to locate and dispose of individual mines. Minehunting is conducted to 

eliminate mines in a known field when sweeping is not feasible or desirable, or to 

verify the presence or absence of mines in a given area. See also minesweeping. 

(JP 3-15) 

mine row — (*) A single row of mines or clusters of mines. See also mine strip. 

mine spotting — (*) In naval mine warfare, the process of visually observing a mine or 

minefield. 

mine strip — (*) In land mine warfare, two parallel mine rows laid simultaneously six 

meters or six paces apart. See also mine row.

minesweeping — The technique of clearing mines using either mechanical, explosive, or 

influence sweep equipment. Mechanical sweeping removes, disturbs, or otherwise 

neutralizes the mine; explosive sweeping causes sympathetic detonations in, damages, 

or displaces the mine; and influence sweeping produces either the acoustic and/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. Mine warfare is divided into two basic subdivisions: the laying of 

mines to degrade the enemy’s capabilities to wage land, air, and maritime warfare; and 

the countering of enemy-laid mines to permit friendly maneuver or use of selected land 

or sea areas. Also called MIW. (JP 3-15) 

mine warfare chart — (*) A special naval chart, at a scale of 1:50,000 or larger 

(preferably 1:25,000 or larger) designed for planning and executing mine warfare 

operations, either based on an existing standard nautical chart, or produced to special 

specifications. 

mine warfare forces (naval) — Navy forces charged with the strategic, operational, and 

tactical use of naval mines and their countermeasures. Such forces are capable of 

offensive and defensive measures in connection with laying and clearing mines. 

mine warfare group — (*) A task organization of mine warfare units for the conduct of 

minelaying and/or mine countermeasures in maritime operations. 

minewatching — (*) In naval mine warfare, the mine countermeasures procedure to detect, 

record and, if possible, track potential minelayers and to detect, find the position of, 

and/or identify mines during the actual minelaying. 

mine weapons — (*) The collective term for all weapons which may be used in mine 

warfare. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 347 

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. 

minimum aircraft operating surface — (*) The minimum surface on an airfield which is 

essential for the movement of aircraft. It includes the aircraft dispersal areas, the 

minimum operating strip, and the taxiways between them. See also minimum 

operating strip.

minimum attack altitude — The lowest altitude determined by the tactical use of weapons, 

terrain consideration, and weapons effects that permits the safe conduct of an air attack 

and/or minimizes effective enemy counteraction. 

minimum crossing altitude — The lowest altitude at certain radio fixes at which an aircraft 

must cross when proceeding in the direction of a higher minimum en route instrument 

flight rules altitude. 

minimum essential equipment — That part of authorized allowances of Army equipment, 

clothing, and supplies needed to preserve the integrity of a unit during movement 

without regard to the performance of its combat or service mission. Items common 

within this category will normally be carried by or accompany troops to the port and 

will be placed aboard the same ships with the troops. As used in movement directives, 

minimum essential equipment refers to specific items of both organizational and 

individual clothing and equipment. 

minimum force — Those minimum actions, including the use of armed force, sufficient to 

bring a situation under control or to defend against hostile act or hostile intent. All 

actions must cease as soon as the target complies with instructions or ceases hostile 

action. The firing of weapons is to be considered as a means of last resort. 

minimum nuclear safe distance — (*) The sum of the radius of safety and the buffer 

distance. 

minimum nuclear warning time — (*) The sum of system reaction time and personnel 

reaction time. 

minimum obstruction clearance altitude — The specified altitude in effect between radio 

fixes on very high frequency omnirange airways, off-airway routes, or route segments, 

which meets obstruction clearance requirements for the entire route segment, and that 

assures acceptable navigational signal coverage only within 22 miles of a very high 

frequency omnirange. 

minimum operating strip — (*) A runway which meets the minimum requirements for 

operating assigned and/or allocated aircraft types on a particular airfield at maximum or 

combat gross weight. See also minimum aircraft operating surface.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

348 JP 1-02 

minimum range — 1. Least range setting of a gun at which the projectile will clear an 

obstacle or friendly troops between the gun and the target. 2. Shortest distance to 

which a gun can fire from a given position. 3. The range at which a projectile or fuse 

will be armed. 

minimum reception altitude — The lowest altitude required to receive adequate signals to 

determine specific very high frequency omnirange and tactical air navigation fixes. 

minimum residual radioactivity weapon — (*) A nuclear weapon designed to have 

optimum reduction of unwanted effects from fallout, rainout, and burst site 

radioactivity. See also salted weapon.

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 

low-flying aircraft transiting the combat zone. Also called MRR. (JP 3-52) 

minimum safe altitude — (*) The altitude below which it is hazardous to fly owing to 

presence of high ground or other obstacles. 

minor control — See photogrammetric control.

minor installation — In the Air Force, a facility operated by an Active, Reserve, or Guard 

unit of at least squadron size that does not otherwise satisfy all the criteria for a major 

installation. This category includes Air Force stations; air stations; Air Reserve 

stations; and Air Guard stations. Examples of minor installations are Active, Reserve, 

or Guard flying operations that are located at civilian-owned airports. See also

installation complex.

minor port — (*) A port having facilities for the discharge of cargo from coasters or 

lighters only. 

misfire — (*) 1. Failure to fire or explode properly. 2. Failure of a primer or the 

propelling charge of a round or projectile to function wholly or in part. 

missed approach — (*) An approach which is not completed by landing. 

missile assembly-checkout facility — A building, van, or other type structure located near 

the operational missile launching location and designed for the final assembly and 

checkout of the missile system. 

missile control system — (*) A system that serves to maintain attitude stability and to 

correct deflections. See also missile guidance system.

missile defense — Defensive measures designed to destroy attacking enemy missiles, or to 

nullify or reduce the effectiveness of such attack. (JP 3-01) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 349 

missile destruct — (*) Intentional destruction of a missile or similar vehicle for safety or 

other reasons. 

missile destruct system — (*) A system which, when operated by external command or 

preset internal means, destroys the missile or similar vehicle. 

missile guidance system — (*) A system which evaluates flight information, correlates it 

with target data, determines the desired flight path of a missile, and communicates the 

necessary commands to the missile flight control system. See also missile control 

system.

missile release line — The line at which an attacking aircraft could launch an air-to-surface 

missile against a specific target. 

missing — A casualty status for which the United States Code provides statutory guidance 

concerning missing members of the Military Services. Excluded are personnel who are 

in an absent without leave, deserter, or dropped-from-rolls status. A person declared 

missing is categorized as follows. a. beleaguered — The casualty is a member of an 

organized element that has been surrounded by a hostile force to prevent escape of its 

members. b. besieged — The casualty is a member of an organized element that has 

been surrounded by a hostile force, compelling it to surrender. c. captured — The 

casualty has been seized as the result of action of an unfriendly military or paramilitary 

force in a foreign country. d. detained — The casualty is prevented from proceeding 

or is restrained in custody for alleged violation of international law or other reason 

claimed by the government or group under which the person is being held. e. interned

— The casualty is definitely known to have been taken into custody of a nonbelligerent 

foreign power as the result of and for reasons arising out of any armed conflict in which 

the Armed Forces of the United States are engaged. f. missing — The casualty is not 

present at his or her duty location due to apparent involuntary reasons and whose 

location is unknown. g. missing in action — The casualty is a hostile casualty, other 

than the victim of a terrorist activity, who is not present at his or her duty location due 

to apparent involuntary reasons and whose location is unknown. Also called MIA. 

See also casualty category; casualty status.

missing in action — See missing.

mission — 1. The task, together with the purpose, that clearly indicates the action to be 

taken and the reason therefore. 2. In common usage, especially when applied to lower 

military units, a duty assigned to an individual or unit; a task. 3. The dispatching of 

one or more aircraft to accomplish one particular task. 

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 Stafford Act major disaster or emergency 

declaration that orders immediate, short-term emergency response assistance when an 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

350 JP 1-02 

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-capable — Material condition of an aircraft indicating it can perform at least one 

and potentially all of its designated missions. Mission-capable is further defined as the 

sum of full mission-capable and partial mission-capable. Also called MC. See also

full mission-capable; partial mission-capable; partial mission-capable, 

maintenance; partial mission-capable, supply.

mission-essential materiel — 1. That materiel authorized and available to combat, combat 

support, combat service support, and combat readiness training forces in order to 

accomplish their assigned missions. 2. For the purpose of sizing organic industrial 

facilities, that Service-designated materiel authorized to combat, combat support, 

combat service support, and combat readiness training forces and activities, including 

Reserve and National Guard activities, that is required to support approved emergency 

and/or war plans, and where the materiel is used to: a. destroy the enemy or the 

enemy’s capacity to continue war; b. provide battlefield protection of personnel; c. 

communicate under war conditions; d. detect, locate, or maintain surveillance over the 

enemy; e. provide combat transportation and support of men and materiel; and f. 

support training functions. Mission-essential materiel should also be suitable for 

employment under emergency plans to meet the purposes enumerated above. 

mission needs statement — A formatted non-system-specific statement containing 

operational capability needs and written in broad operational terms. It describes 

required operational capabilities and constraints to be studied during the Concept 

Exploration and Definition Phase of the Requirements Generation Process. Also called 

MNS.

mission-oriented items — Items for which requirements computations are based upon the 

assessment of enemy capabilities expressed as a known or estimated quantity of total 

targets to be destroyed. See also combination mission/level of effort-oriented items; 

level of effort-oriented items.

mission-oriented protective posture — A flexible system of protection against chemical, 

biological, radiological, and nuclear contamination. This posture requires personnel to 

wear only that protective clothing and equipment (mission-oriented protective posture 

gear) 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 military members. Also called MOPP gear. See also 

decontamination; mission-oriented protective posture. (JP 3-11) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 351 

mission review report (photographic interpretation) — An intelligence report containing 

information on all targets covered by one photographic sortie. 

mission specific data sets — Further densification of global geospatial foundation data. 

Information created to support specific operations, operation plans, training, or system 

development. Information conforms to established Department of Defense data 

specifications. Also called MSDS. See also geospatial information and services. 

(JP 2-03) 

mission statement — A short sentence or paragraph that describes the organization’s 

essential task (or tasks) and purpose — a clear statement of the action to be taken and 

the reason for doing so. The mission statement contains the elements of who, what, 

when, where, and why, but seldom specifies how. 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) 

mixed — (*) In artillery and naval gunfire support, a spotting, or an observation, by a 

spotter or an observer to indicate that the rounds fired resulted in an equal number of air 

and impact bursts. 

mixed bag — (*) In naval mine warfare, a collection of mines of various types, firing 

systems, sensitivities, arming delays and ship counter settings. 

mixed minefield — (*) A minefield containing both antitank and antipersonnel mines. See 

also minefield.

mobile defense — Defense of an area or position in which maneuver is used with 

organization of fire and utilization of terrain to seize the initiative from the enemy. 

mobile inshore undersea warfare unit — A Navy surveillance unit that provides seaward 

security to joint logistics over-the-shore operations from either a port or harbor 

complex or unimproved beach sites. The mobile inshore undersea warfare unit is 

equipped with mobile radar, sonar, and communications equipment located within a 

mobile van. Also called MIUWU. See also joint logistics over-the-shore 

operations. (JP 4-01.6) 

mobile mine — (*) In naval mine warfare, a mine designed to be propelled to its proposed 

laying position by propulsion equipment like a torpedo. It sinks at the end of its run 

and then operates like a mine. See also mine.

mobile security force — A dedicated security force designed to defeat Level I and II threats 

on a base and/or base cluster. Also called MSF. (JP 3-10) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

352 JP 1-02 

mobile support group (naval) — Provides logistic support to ships at an anchorage; in 

effect a naval base afloat, although certain of its supporting elements may be located 

ashore. 

mobile training team — A team consisting of one or more US military or civilian 

personnel sent on temporary duty, often to a foreign nation, to give instruction. The 

mission of the team is to train indigenous personnel to operate, maintain, and employ 

weapons and support systems, or to develop a self-training capability in a particular 

skill. The Secretary of Defense may direct a team to train either military or civilian 

indigenous personnel, depending upon host-nation requests. Also called MTT. 

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 — The mobility air forces are comprised of those air components and 

Service components that are assigned air mobility forces and/or that routinely exercise 

command authority over their operations. Also called MAF. (JP 3-17) 

mobility analysis — An in-depth examination of all aspects of transportation planning in 

support of operation plan and operation order development. 

mobility corridor — Areas where a force will be canalized due to terrain restrictions. They 

allow military forces to capitalize on the principles of mass and speed and are therefore 

relatively free of obstacles. (JP 2-01.3)

mobility echelon — A subordinate element of a unit that is scheduled for deployment 

separately from the parent unit. 

mobility system support resources — Those resources that are required to: a. complement 

the airlift and sealift forces; and/or b. perform those work functions directly related to 

the origination, processing, or termination of a movement requirement. 

mobilization — 1. The act 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 or part of them are brought 

to a state of readiness for war or other national emergency. This includes activating all 

or part of the Reserve Components as well as assembling and organizing personnel, 

supplies, and materiel. Mobilization of the Armed Forces includes but is not limited to 

the following categories: a. selective mobilization — Expansion of the active Armed 

Forces resulting from action by Congress and/or the President to mobilize Reserve 

Component units, Individual Ready Reservists, and the resources needed for their 

support to meet the requirements of a domestic emergency that is not the result of an 

enemy attack. b. partial mobilization — Expansion of the active Armed Forces 

resulting from action by Congress (up to full mobilization) or by the President (not 

more than 1,000,000 for not more than 24 consecutive months) to mobilize Ready 

Reserve Component units, individual reservists, and the resources needed for their 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 353 

support to meet the requirements of a war or other national emergency involving an 

external threat to the national security. c. full mobilization — Expansion of the active 

Armed Forces resulting from action by Congress and the President to mobilize all 

Reserve Component units 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. Reserve personnel can be placed on active duty for the duration of 

the emergency plus six months. d. total mobilization — Expansion of the active 

Armed Forces resulting from action by Congress and the President to organize and/or 

generate additional units or personnel beyond the existing force structure, and the 

resources needed for their support, to meet the total requirements of a war or other 

national emergency involving an external threat to the national security. 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. Such resources include the manpower and materiel 

resources and services required for the support of essential military, civilian, and 

survival activities, as well as the elements affecting their state of readiness, such as (but 

not limited to) the following: manning levels, state of training, modernization of 

equipment, mobilization materiel reserves and facilities, continuity of government, civil 

defense plans and preparedness measures, psychological preparedness of the people, 

international agreements, planning with industry, dispersion, and standby legislation 

and controls. 

mobilization exercise — An exercise involving, either completely or in part, the 

implementation of mobilization plans. 

mobilization reserves — Not to be used. See war reserves.

mobilization site — The designated location where a Reserve Component unit or individual 

mobilizes or moves after mobilization for further processing, training, and employment. 

This differs from a mobilization station in that it is not necessarily a military 

installation. See also mobilization; mobilization station; Reserve Components. 

(JP 4-05) 

mobilization staff officer — The action officer assigned the principle responsibility or 

additional duties related to Reserve Component mobilization actions. See also 

mobilization; Reserve Components. (JP 4-05.1) 

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 Components. (JP 4-05) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

354 JP 1-02 

mock-up — (*) A model, built to scale, of a machine, apparatus, or weapon, used in 

studying the construction of, and in testing a new development, or in teaching 

personnel how to operate the actual machine, apparatus, or weapon. 

mode (identification, friend or foe) — The number or letter referring to the specific pulse 

spacing of the signals transmitted by an interrogator or transponder. 

mode of transport — The various modes used for a movement. For each mode, there are 

several means of transport. They are: a. inland surface transportation (rail, road, and 

inland waterway); b. sea transport (coastal and ocean); c. air transportation; and d. 

pipelines. 

modernization — See military capability. 

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. This data is maintained and updated by the 

Defense Intelligence Agency. Commands and Services are delegated responsibility to 

maintain their portion of the database. Also called MIDB. See also database. 

(JP 3-13.1) 

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) 

moment — (*) In air transport, the weight of a load multiplied by its distance from a 

reference point in the aircraft. 

monitoring — (*) 1. The act of listening, carrying out surveillance on, and/or recording 

the emissions of one’s own or allied forces for the purposes of maintaining and 

improving procedural standards and security, or for reference, as applicable. 2. The act 

of listening, carrying out surveillance on, and/or recording of enemy emissions for 

intelligence purposes. 3. The act of detecting the presence of radiation and the 

measurement thereof with radiation measuring instruments. Also called radiological 

monitoring.

monitoring service — The general surveillance of known air traffic movements by 

reference to a radar scope presentation or other means, for the purpose of passing 

advisory information concerning conflicting traffic or providing navigational 

assistance. Direct supervision or control is not exercised, nor is positive separation 

provided. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 355 

moored — Lying with both anchors down or tied to a pier, anchor buoy, or mooring buoy. 

(JP 4-01.6) 

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) 

mopping up — (*) The liquidation of remnants of enemy resistance in an area that has 

been surrounded or isolated, or through which other units have passed without 

eliminating all active resistance. 

mortar — A muzzle-loading, indirect fire weapon with either a rifled or smooth bore. It 

usually has a shorter range than a howitzer, employs a higher angle of fire, and has a 

tube with a length of 10 to 20 calibers. See also gun; howitzer.

mortuary affairs — Covers the search for, recovery, identification, preparation, and 

disposition of remains of persons for whom the Services are responsible by status and 

Executive Order. See also joint mortuary affairs office. (JP 4-06) 

mosaic — (*) An assembly of overlapping photographs that have been matched to form a 

continuous photographic representation of a portion of the surface of the Earth. See 

also controlled mosaic; semi-controlled mosaic.

most capable Service or agency — The organization that is best suited to provide common 

supply commodity or logistic service support within a specific joint operation. In this 

context, “best suited” could mean the Service or agency that has required or readily 

available resources and/or expertise. The most capable Service may or may not be the 

dominant user in any particular operation. See also agency. (JP 4-07) 

motorized unit — (*) A unit equipped with complete motor transportation that enables all 

of its personnel, weapons, and equipment to be moved at the same time without 

assistance from other sources. 

mounting — (*) 1. All preparations made in areas designated for the purpose, in 

anticipation of an operation. It includes the assembly in the mounting area, preparation 

and maintenance within the mounting area, movement to loading points, and 

subsequent embarkation into ships, craft, or aircraft if applicable. 2. (DOD only) A 

carriage or stand upon which a weapon is placed. 

mounting area — A general locality where assigned forces of an amphibious or airborne 

operation, with their equipment, are assembled, prepared, and loaded in shipping and/or 

aircraft preparatory to an assault. See also embarkation area.

movement control — 1. The planning, routing, scheduling, and control of personnel and 

cargo movements over lines of communications. 2. An organization responsible for the 

planning, routing, scheduling, and control of personnel and cargo movements over lines 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

356 JP 1-02 

of communications. Also called movement control center or MCC. See also 

consumer logistics; line of communications; movement control center; movement 

control teams; non-unit-related cargo; non-unit-related personnel. (JP 3-10) 

movement control center — See movement control.

movement control post — (*) The post through which the control of movement is 

exercised by the commander, depending on operational requirements. 

movement control team — Movement control teams (MCTs) are Army units that 

decentralize the execution of movement responsibilities on an area basis or at key 

transportation nodes. The mission of the MCTs is movement control of personnel and 

materiel as well as the coordination of bulk fuel and water transportation at pipeline and 

production take-off points. To this end, the MCTs contribute to the development of 

procedures, documents, and practices to facilitate local movement. Their role is to 

expedite, coordinate, and monitor traffic moving through the transportation system. 

MCTs are tailored to meet the anticipated workload. Other Service movement 

requirements that exceed organic capability will be requested through the Army MCTs. 

The movement control center is the higher headquarters for the MCTs and is located at 

Corps level. Also called MCT. (JP 4-01.7) 

movement credit — (*) The allocation granted to one or more vehicles in order to move 

over a controlled route in a fixed time according to movement instructions. 

movement directive — The basic document published by the Department of the Army or 

the Department of the Air Force (or jointly) that authorizes a command to take action to 

move a designated unit from one location to another. 

movement group — Those ships and embarked units that load out and proceed to 

rendezvous in the objective area. (JP 3-02) 

movement order — An order issued by a commander covering the details for a move of the 

command. 

movement phase — In amphibious operations, the period during which various elements of 

the amphibious force move from points of embarkation to the operational area. This 

move may be via rehearsal, staging, or rendezvous areas. The movement phase is 

completed when the various elements of the amphibious force arrive at their assigned 

positions in the operational 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. It includes information and instructions 

concerning departure of ships from embarkation points, the passage at sea, and the 

approach to and arrival in assigned positions in the objective area. See also 

amphibious operation; amphibious task force. (JP 3-02) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 357 

movement report control center — The controlling agency for the entire movement report 

system. It has available all information relative to the movements of naval ships and 

other ships under naval control. 

movement report system — A system established to collect and make available to certain 

commands vital information on the status, location, and movement of flag commands, 

commissioned fleet units, and ships under operational control of the Navy. 

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. 

movement restriction — (*) A restriction temporarily placed on traffic into and/or out of 

areas to permit clearance of or prevention of congestion. 

movement schedule — A schedule developed to monitor or track a separate entity, whether 

it is a force requirement, cargo or personnel increment, or lift asset. The schedule 

reflects the assignment of specific lift resources (such as an aircraft or ship) that will be 

used to move the personnel and cargo included in a specific movement increment. 

Arrival and departure times at ports of embarkation, etc., are detailed to show a flow 

and workload at each location. Movement schedules are detailed enough to support 

plan implementation. 

movement table — (*) A table giving detailed instructions or data for a move. When 

necessary it will be qualified by the words road, rail, sea, air, etc., to signify the type of 

movement. Normally issued as an annex to a movement order or instruction. 

movement to contact — A form of the offense designed to develop the situation and to 

establish or regain contact. See also meeting engagement; reconnaissance in force. 

moving havens — Restricted areas established to provide a measure of security to 

submarines and surface ships in transit through areas in which the existing attack 

restrictions would be inadequate to prevent attack by friendly forces. See also moving 

submarine haven; moving surface ship haven.

moving map display — (*) A display in which a symbol, representing the vehicle, remains 

stationary while the map or chart image moves beneath the symbol so that the display 

simulates the horizontal movement of the vehicle in which it is installed. Occasionally 

the design of the display is such that the map or chart image remains stationary while 

the symbol moves across a screen. See also projected map display.

moving mine — (*) The collective description of mines, such as drifting, oscillating, 

creeping, mobile, rising, homing, and bouquet mines. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

358 JP 1-02 

moving submarine haven — An area established by a submarine operating authority to 

prevent mutual interference among friendly submarines, or between friendly 

submarines and ships operating with towed bodies or arrays. See also moving havens. 

moving surface ship haven — Established by surface ship notices, a moving surface ship 

haven will normally be a circle with a specified radius centered on the estimated 

position of the ship or the guide of a group of ships. See also moving havens.

moving target indicator — (*) A radar presentation which shows only targets which are in 

motion. Signals from stationary targets are subtracted out of the return signal by the 

output of a suitable memory circuit. 

multichannel — Pertaining to communications, usually full duplex, on more than one 

channel simultaneously. Multichannel transmission may be accomplished by either 

time-, frequency-, code-, and phase-division multiplexing or space diversity. 

multi-modal — (*) In transport operations, a term applied to the movement of passengers 

and cargo by more than one method of transport. 

multinational — Between two or more forces or agencies of two or more nations or 

coalition partners. See also alliance; coalition. (JP 5-0) 

multinational doctrine — Fundamental principles that guide the employment of forces of 

two or more nations in coordinated action toward a common objective. It is ratified by 

participating nations. See also doctrine; joint doctrine; multi-Service doctrine.

multinational exercise — An exercise containing one or more non-US participating 

force(s). See also exercise.

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. The extent of the multinational force commander’s command authority is 

determined by the participating nations. Also called MNFC. See also multinational 

force. (JP 3-16) 

multinational integrated logistic support — Two or more nations agree to provide logistic 

assets to a multinational force under operational control of a multinational force 

commander for the logistic support of a multinational force. See also logistic support; 

multinational integrated logistic support unit; multinational logistics; 

multinational logistic support arrangement. (JP 4-08) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 359 

multinational integrated logistic support 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; 

multinational integrated logistic support. (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. 

Multinational logistics includes activities involving both logistic units provided by 

participating nations designated for use by the multinational force commander as well 

as a variety of multinational logistic support arrangements that may be developed and 

used by participating forces. See also logistics; multinational; multinational logistic 

support arrangement. (JP 4-08) 

multinational logistic support arrangement — Any arrangement involving two or more 

nations that facilitates the logistic support of a force (either the forces of the countries 

participating in the arrangement or other countries). See also logistic support; 

multinational; multinational logistics. (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; coalition; coalition action. (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; parallel staff. 

multinational warfare — Warfare conducted by forces of two or more nations, usually 

undertaken within the structure of a coalition or alliance. (JP 3-05) 

multiple drill — See multiple unit training assemblies.

multiple inactive duty training periods — Two scheduled inactive duty training periods 

performed in one calendar day, each at least four hours in duration. No more than two 

inactive duty training periods may be performed in one day. 

multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle — A reentry vehicle carried by a 

delivery system that can place one or more reentry vehicles over each of several 

separate targets. See also maneuverable reentry vehicle; multiple reentry vehicle; 

reentry vehicle.

multiple reentry vehicle — The reentry vehicle of a delivery system that places more than 

one reentry vehicle over an individual target. See also maneuverable reentry vehicle; 

multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle; reentry vehicle.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

360 JP 1-02 

multiple unit training assemblies — Two or more unit training assemblies executed 

during one or more consecutive days. No more than two unit training assemblies may 

be performed in one calendar day. 

multiple warning phenomenology — Deriving warning information from two or more 

systems observing separate physical phenomena associated with the same events to 

attain high credibility while being less susceptible to false reports or spoofing. 

multiplexer — A device that combines (multiplexes) multiple input signals (information 

channels) into an aggregate signal (common channel) for transmission. 

multi-point refueling system — A limited number of KC-135 aircraft can be equipped 

with external wing-mounted pods to conduct drogue air refueling, while still 

maintaining boom air refueling capability on the same mission. This dual refueling 

capability makes KC-135s with multi-point refueling systems ideal for use as ground 

alert aircraft. Also called MPRS. See also air refueling. (JP 3-17) 

multispectral imagery — The image of an object obtained simultaneously in a number of 

discrete spectral bands. Also called MSI. (JP 3-14) 

multi-spot 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 nuclear, biological, or chemical material for use in military 

operations, including demolitions. Certain suitably modified munitions can be used for 

training, ceremonial, or nonoperational purposes. Also called ammunition. (Note: In 

common usage, “munitions” [plural] can be military weapons, ammunition, and 

equipment.) See also explosive ordnance. 

munitions effectiveness assessment — Conducted concurrently and interactively with 

battle damage 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. Munitions effectiveness 

assessment is primarily the responsibility of operations with required inputs and 

coordination from the intelligence community. Also called MEA. See also 

assessment; battle damage assessment; munition. (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) 

muzzle brake — A device attached to the muzzle of a weapon that utilizes escaping gas to 

reduce recoil. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 361 

muzzle compensator — A device attached to the muzzle of a weapon that utilizes escaping 

gas to control muzzle movement. 

muzzle velocity — The velocity of a projectile with respect to the muzzle at the instant the 

projectile leaves the weapon. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

362 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

N 

JP 1-02 363 

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. 

Named areas of interest are usually selected to capture indications of adversary courses 

of action, but also may be related to conditions of the operational environment. Also 

called NAI. See also area of interest. (JP 2-01.3) 

napalm — 1. Powdered aluminum soap or similar compound used to gelatinize oil or 

gasoline for use in napalm bombs or flame throwers. 2. The resultant gelatinized 

substance. 

nap-of-the-earth flight — See terrain flight.

narcoterrorism — Terrorism that is linked to illicit drug trafficking. (JP 3-07.4) 

National Air Mobility System — A broad and comprehensive system of civilian and 

military capabilities and organizations that provides the President and Secretary of 

Defense and combatant commanders with rapid global mobility. This system 

effectively integrates the management of airlift, air refueling, and air mobility support 

assets, processes, and procedures into an integrated whole. Also called NAMS. See 

also airlift; air mobility; air refueling. (JP 3-17) 

national capital region — A geographic area encompassing the District of Columbia and 

eleven local jurisdictions in the State of Maryland and the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

Also called NCR. (JP 3-28) 

national censorship — The examination and control under civil authority of 

communications entering, leaving, or transiting the borders of the United States, its 

territories, or its possessions. See also censorship.

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 critical infrastructure and key assets — The infrastructure and assets vital to a 

nation’s security, governance, public health and safety, economy, and public 

confidence. They include telecommunications, electrical power systems, gas and oil 

distribution and storage, water supply systems, banking and finance, transportation, 

emergency services, industrial assets, information systems, and continuity of 

government operations. Also called NCI&KA. (JP 3-28) 

national defense area — An area established on non-Federal lands located within the 

United States or its possessions or territories for the purpose of safeguarding classified 

defense information or protecting Department of Defense (DOD) equipment and/or 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

364 JP 1-02 

materiel. Establishment of a national defense area temporarily places such non-Federal 

lands under the effective control of the Department of Defense and results only from an 

emergency event. The senior DOD representative at the scene will define the 

boundary, mark it with a physical barrier, and post warning signs. The landowner’s 

consent and cooperation will be obtained whenever possible; however, military 

necessity will dictate the final decision regarding location, shape, and size of the 

national defense area. Also called NDA.

National Defense Reserve Fleet — 1. Including the Ready Reserve Force, a fleet 

composed of ships acquired and maintained by the Maritime Administration 

(MARAD) for use in mobilization or emergency. 2. Less the Ready Reserve Force, a 

fleet composed of the older dry cargo ships, tankers, troop transports, and other assets 

in MARAD’s custody that are maintained at a relatively low level of readiness. They 

are acquired by MARAD from commercial ship operators under the provisions of the 

Merchant Marine Act of 1936 and are available only on mobilization or congressional 

declaration of an emergency. Because the ships are maintained in a state of minimum 

preservation, activation requires 30 to 90 days and extensive shipyard work, for many. 

Also called NDRF. See also Ready Reserve Force. (JP 4-01.6) 

national defense strategy — 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 NDS. (JP 3-0) 

national detainee reporting center — National-level center that obtains and stores 

information concerning enemy prisoners of war, civilian internees, and retained 

personnel and their confiscated personal property. May be established upon the 

outbreak of an armed conflict or when persons are captured or detained by U.S. 

military forces in the course of the full range of military operations. Accounts for all 

persons who pass through the care, custody, and control of the U.S. Department of 

Defense. Also called NDRC. (JP 3-63) 

National Disaster Medical System — A coordinated partnership between Departments of 

Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Defense, and Veterans Affairs 

established for the purpose of responding to the needs of victims of a public health 

emergency. Also called NDMS. (JP 3-41) 

national emergency — A condition declared by the President or the Congress by virtue of 

powers previously vested in them that authorize certain emergency actions to be 

undertaken in the national interest. Action to be taken may include partial, full, or total 

mobilization of national resources. 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 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 365 

together to prepare for, respond to, and recover from domestic incidents, regardless of 

cause, size, or complexity. Also called NIMS. (JP 3-41) 

national information infrastructure — The nationwide interconnection of 

communications networks, computers, databases, and consumer electronics that make 

vast amounts of information available to users. The national information infrastructure 

encompasses a wide range of equipment, including cameras, scanners, keyboards, 

facsimile machines, computers, switches, compact disks, video and audio tape, cable, 

wire, satellites, fiber-optic transmission lines, networks of all types, televisions, 

monitors, printers, and much more. The friendly and adversary personnel who make 

decisions and handle the transmitted information constitute a critical component of the 

national information infrastructure. Also called NII. See also defense information 

infrastructure; global information infrastructure; information. (JP 3-13) 

national infrastructure — (*) Infrastructure provided and financed by a NATO member 

in its own territory solely for its own forces (including those forces assigned to or 

designated for NATO). See also infrastructure. 

national intelligence — The terms “national intelligence” and “intelligence related to the 

national security” each refers to all intelligence, regardless of the source from which 

derived and including information gathered within or outside of the United States, 

which pertains, as determined consistent with any guidelines issued by the President, to 

the interests of more than one department or agency of the Government; and that 

involves (a) threats to the United States, its people, property, or interests; (b) the 

development, proliferation, or use of weapons of mass destruction; or (c) any other 

matter bearing on United States national or homeland security. (JP 2-01.2) 

national intelligence estimate — A strategic estimate of the capabilities, vulnerabilities, 

and probable courses of action of foreign nations produced at the national level as a 

composite of the views of the intelligence community. Also called NIE. (JP 2-01) 

national intelligence support team — A nationally sourced team composed of intelligence 

and communications experts from Defense Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence 

Agency, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, or other 

intelligence community agencies as required. Also called NIST. See also intelligence; 

national intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

national intelligence surveys — Basic intelligence studies produced on a coordinated 

interdepartmental basis and concerned with characteristics, basic resources, and 

relatively unchanging natural features of a foreign country or other area. 

national interagency fire center — A facility located in Boise, Idaho, that is jointly 

operated by several federal agencies and is dedicated to coordination, logistic support, 

and improved weather services in support of fire management operations throughout 

the United States. Also called NIFC. (JP 3-28) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

366 JP 1-02 

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 national defense strategy objectives. Also called NMS. See also National 

Security Strategy; strategy; theater strategy. (JP 3-0) 

national operations center — The primary national hub for domestic incident management 

operational coordination and situational awareness. A standing 24 hours a day, 7 days a 

week interagency organization fusing law enforcement, national intelligence, 

emergency response, and private-sector reporting. 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. 

National Reconnaissance Office — A Department of Defense agency tasked to ensure that 

the United States has the technology and spaceborne and airborne assets needed to 

acquire intelligence worldwide, including support to such functions as monitoring of 

arms control agreements, indications and warning, and the planning and conducting of 

military operations. This mission is accomplished through research and development, 

acquisition, and operation of spaceborne and airborne intelligence data collection 

systems. Also called NRO. (JP 2-0) 

national response coordination center — A multiagency center that provides overall 

federal response and recovery coordination for incidents of national significance and 

emergency management program implementation. This center is a functional 

component of the national operations center. Also called NRCC. (JP 3-28) 

national security — A collective term encompassing both national defense and foreign 

relations of the United States. Specifically, the condition provided by: 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. 

National Security Agency/Central Security Service Representative — The senior theater 

or military command representative of the Director, National Security Agency/Chief, 

Central Security Service in a specific country or military command headquarters who 

provides the Director, National Security Agency, with information on command plans 

requiring cryptologic support. The National Security Agency/Central Security Service 

representative serves as a special advisor to the combatant commander for cryptologic 

matters, to include signals intelligence, communications security, and computer 

security. Also called NCR. See also counterintelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 367 

National Security Council — A governmental body specifically designed to assist the 

President in integrating all spheres of national security policy. The President, Vice 

President, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Defense are statutory members. The 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Director, Central Intelligence Agency; and the 

Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs serve as advisers. Also called

NSC. 

national security interests — The foundation for the development of valid national 

objectives that define US goals or purposes. National security interests include 

preserving US political identity, framework, and institutions; fostering economic 

well-being; and bolstering international order supporting the vital interests of the 

United States and its allies. 

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 3-0) 

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 stock number replacing the 11-digit Federal Stock 

Number. It consists of the 4-digit Federal Supply Classification code and the 9-digit 

National Item Identification Number. The National Item Identification Number 

consists of a 2-digit National Codification Bureau number designating the central 

cataloging office (whether North Atlantic Treaty Organization or other friendly 

country) that assigned the number and a 7-digit (xxx-xxxx) nonsignificant number. 

The number shall be arranged as follows: 9999-00-999-9999. Also called NSN. 

national support element — Any national organization or activity that supports national 

forces that are a part of a multinational force. Their mission is nation-specific support 

to units and common support that is retained by the nation. Also called NSE. See also 

multinational force; support. (JP 1) 

National System for Geospatial Intelligence — The combination of technology, policies, 

capabilities, doctrine, activities, people, data, and communities necessary to produce 

geospatial intelligence in an integrated, multi-intelligence environment. Also called 

NSG. (JP 2-03) 

nation assistance — Civil and/or military assistance rendered to a nation by foreign forces 

within that nation’s territory during peacetime, crises or emergencies, or war based on 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

368 JP 1-02 

agreements mutually concluded between nations. Nation assistance programs include, 

but are not limited to, security assistance, foreign internal defense, other Title 10, US 

Code programs, and activities performed on a reimbursable basis by Federal agencies 

or intergovernmental organizations. (JP 3-0) 

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) 

nautical chart — See hydrographic chart.

nautical mile — A measure of distance equal to one minute of arc on the Earth’s surface. 

The United States has adopted the international nautical mile equal to 1,852 meters or 

6,076.11549 feet. Also called nm. 

nautical plotting chart — (*) An outline chart, devoid of hydrographic information, of a 

specific scale and projection, usually portraying a graticule and compass rose, designed 

to be ancillary to standard nautical charts, and produced either as an individual chart or 

a part of a coordinated series. 

naval advanced logistic support site — An overseas location used as the primary 

transshipment point in the theater of operations for logistic support. A naval advanced 

logistic support site possesses full capabilities for storage, consolidation, and transfer of 

supplies and for support of forward-deployed units (including replacements units) 

during major contingency and wartime periods. Naval advanced logistic support sites, 

with port and airfield facilities in close proximity, are located within the theater of 

operations but not near the main battle areas, and must possess the throughput capacity 

required to accommodate incoming and outgoing intertheater airlift and sealift. When 

fully activated, the naval advanced logistic support site should consist of facilities and 

services provided by the host nation, augmented by support personnel located in the 

theater of operations, or both. Also called NALSS or Naval ALSS. 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 base — A naval base primarily for support of the forces afloat, contiguous to a port or 

anchorage, consisting of activities or facilities for which the Navy has operating 

responsibilities, together with interior lines of communications and the minimum 

surrounding area necessary for local security. (Normally, not greater than an area of 40 

square miles.) See also base complex.

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 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 369 

attack force commander and to the amphibious landing force commander. Also called 

NBG. See also shore party. (JP 3-02) 

naval coastal warfare — Coastal sea control, harbor defense, and port security, executed 

both in coastal areas outside the United States in support of national policy and in the 

United States as part of this Nation’s defense. Also called NCW. (JP 3-10) 

naval coastal warfare commander — An officer designated to conduct naval coastal 

warfare missions within a designated operational area. Also called NCWC. (JP 3-10) 

naval construction force — The combined construction units of the Navy, including 

primarily the mobile construction battalions and the amphibious construction battalions. 

These units are part of the operating forces and represent the Navy’s capability for 

advanced base construction. Also called NCF. (JP 3-34) 

naval coordination and protection of shipping — Control exercised by naval authorities 

of movement, routing, reporting, convoy organization, and tactical diversion of allied 

merchant shipping. It does not include the employment or active protection of such 

shipping. Also called NCAPS. (JP 4-01.2) 

naval coordination and protection of shipping officer — A naval officer appointed to 

form merchant convoys and control and coordinate the routing and movements of such 

convoys, independently sailed merchant ships, and hospital ships in and out of a port or 

base. (JP 4-01.2) 

naval coordination and protection of shipping organization — The organization within 

the Navy which carries out the specific responsibilities of the Chief of Naval 

Operations to provide for the control and protection of movements of merchant ships in 

time of war. Also called NCAPS organization. (JP 4-01.2) 

naval expeditionary warfare — Military operations mounted from the sea, usually on 

short notice, consisting of forward deployed, or rapidly deployable, self-sustaining 

naval forces tailored to achieve a clearly stated objective. Also called NEW. See also 

expedition. (JP 3-33) 

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. Naval forward logistic sites may be located in 

close proximity to main battle areas to permit forward staging of services, throughput 

of high priority cargo, advanced maintenance, and battle damage repair. Naval forward 

logistic sites are linked to in-theater naval advanced logistic support sites by intratheater 

airlift and sealift, but may also serve as transshipment points for intertheater movement 

of high-priority cargo into areas of direct combat. In providing fleet logistic support, 

naval forward logistic site capabilities may range from very austere to near those of a 

naval advanced logistic support site. Also called NFLS or Naval FLS. See also

logistic support; naval advanced logistic support site; staging. (JP 3-35) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

370 JP 1-02 

naval gunfire operations center — (*) The agency established in a ship to control the 

execution of plans for the employment of naval gunfire, process requests for naval 

gunfire support, and to allot ships to forward observers. Ideally located in the same 

ship as the supporting arms coordination center. 

naval gunfire spotting team — The unit of a shore fire control party that designates 

targets; controls commencement, cessation, rate, and types of fire; and spots fire on the 

target. See also field artillery observer; spotter. 

naval gunfire support — Fire provided by Navy surface gun systems in support of a unit or 

units tasked with achieving the commander’s objectives. A subset of naval surface fire 

support. Also called NGFS. See also naval surface fire support. (JP 3-09) 

naval mobile environmental team — A team of naval personnel organized, trained, and 

equipped to support maritime special operations by providing weather, oceanography, 

mapping, charting, and geodesy support. Also called NMET. (JP 3-05) 

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 in order to gain the objectives of any battle or campaign. (JP 

3-32) 

naval or Marine (air) base — An air base for support of naval or Marine air units, 

consisting of landing strips, seaplane alighting areas, and all components of related 

facilities for which the Navy or Marine Corps has operating responsibilities, together 

with interior lines of communications and the minimum surrounding area necessary for 

local security. (Normally, not greater than an area of 20 square miles.) See also base 

complex.

naval port control office — The authority established at a port or port complex to 

coordinate arrangements for logistic support and harbor services to ships under naval 

control and to otherwise support the naval control of shipping organization. 

naval special warfare — A designated naval warfare specialty that conducts operations in 

the coastal, riverine, and maritime environments. Naval special warfare emphasizes 

small, flexible, mobile units operating under, on, and from the sea. These operations 

are characterized by stealth, speed, and precise, violent application of force. Also 

called NSW. (JP 3-05) 

naval special warfare 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 NSW forces or 

NAVSOF. (JP 3-05.1) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 371 

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. It consists of a group headquarters with command and 

control, communications, and support staff; sea-air-land teams; and sea-air-land team 

delivery vehicle teams. Also called NSWG. (JP 3-05.1) 

naval special warfare special operations component — The Navy special operations 

component of a unified or subordinate unified command or joint special operations task 

force. Also called NAVSOC. (JP 3-05) 

naval special warfare task element — A provisional subordinate element of a naval 

special warfare task unit, employed to extend the command and control and support 

capabilities of its parent task unit. Also called NSWTE. See also naval special 

warfare task unit. (JP 3-05.1) 

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 3-05.1) 

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 3-05.1) 

naval special warfare unit — A permanent Navy organization forward based to control 

and support attached naval special warfare forces. Also called NSWU. (JP 3-05.1) 

naval stores — (*) Any articles or commodities used by a naval ship or station, such as 

equipment; consumable supplies; clothing; petroleum, oils, and lubricants; medical 

supplies; and ammunition. 

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) 

naval tactical data system — A complex of data inputs, user consoles, converters, 

adapters, and radio terminals interconnected with high-speed, general-purpose 

computers and its stored programs. Combat data is collected, processed, and composed 

into a picture of the overall tactical situation that enables the force commander to make 

rapid, accurate evaluations and decisions. 

navigational grid — (*) A series of straight lines, superimposed over a conformal 

projection and indicating grid north, used as an aid to navigation. The interval of the 

grid lines is generally a multiple of 60 or 100 nautical miles. See also military grid.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

372 JP 1-02 

navigation head — A transshipment point on a waterway where loads are transferred 

between water carriers and land carriers. A navigation head is similar in function to a 

railhead or truckhead. 

navigation mode — In a flight control system, a control mode in which the flight path of an 

aircraft is automatically maintained by signals from navigation equipment. 

Navy cargo handling battalion — A mobile logistic support unit capable of worldwide 

deployment in its entirety or in specialized detachments. It is organized, trained, and 

equipped to: a. load and offload Navy and Marine Corps cargo carried in maritime prepositioning ships and merchant breakbulk or container ships in all environments; b. 

operate an associated temporary ocean cargo terminal; c. load and offload Navy and 

Marine Corps cargo carried in military-controlled aircraft; and d. operate an associated 

expeditionary air cargo terminal. Also called NCHB or Navy CHB. Two sources of 

Navy cargo handling battalions are: a. Navy cargo handling and port group — The 

active duty, cargo handling, battalion-sized unit composed solely of active duty 

personnel. Also called NAVCHAPGRU. b. Naval Reserve cargo handling 

battalion — A reserve cargo handling battalion composed solely of selected reserve 

personnel. Also called NRCHB. See also maritime pre-positioning ships. (JP 4-01.6) 

Navy cargo handling force — The combined cargo handling units of the Navy, including 

primarily the Navy cargo handling and port group, the Naval Reserve cargo handling 

training battalion, and the Naval Reserve cargo handling battalion. These units are part 

of the operating forces and represent the Navy’s capability for open ocean cargo 

handling. Also called NCHF. See also Navy cargo handling battalion. (JP 4-01.6) 

Navy special operations component — The Navy component of a joint force special 

operations component. Also called NAVSOC. See also Air Force special operations 

component; Army special operations component. (JP 3-05.1) 

Navy support element — The maritime pre-positioning force element that is composed of 

naval beach group staff and subordinate unit personnel, a detachment of Navy cargo 

handling force personnel, and other Navy components, as required. It is tasked with 

conducting the off-load and ship-to-shore movement of maritime pre-positioned 

equipment and/or supplies. Also called NSE. (JP 3-02.2) 

Navy tactical air control center — See tactical air control center. (JP 3-09.3) 

Navy-unique fleet essential aircraft — Combatant commander-controlled airlift assets 

deemed essential for providing air transportation in support of naval operations’ 

transportation requirements. This capability is intended to provide a balance and 

supplement to other airlift assets to ensure the Navy’s ability to respond to emergency 

and wartime requirements. Also called NUFEA. (JP 3-17) 

N-day — See times.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 373 

near miss (aircraft) — Any circumstance in flight where the degree of separation between 

two aircraft is considered by either pilot to have constituted a hazardous situation 

involving potential risk of collision. 

near real time — (*) Pertaining to the timeliness of data or information which has been 

delayed by the time required for electronic communication and automatic data 

processing. This implies that there are no significant delays. Also called NRT. See 

also real time.

neatlines — (*) The lines that bound the body of a map, usually parallels and meridians. 

See also graticule.

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. 

negation — Measures to deceive, disrupt, deny, degrade, or destroy an adversary’s space 

systems and services or any other space system or service used by an adversary that is 

hostile to US national interests. See also space control. (JP 3-14) 

negative phase of the shock wave — The period during which the pressure falls below 

ambient and then returns to the ambient value. See also positive phase of the shock 

wave. 

negative photo plane — (*) The plane in which a film or plate lies at the moment of 

exposure. 

negligible risk (nuclear) — A degree of risk where personnel are reasonably safe, with the 

exceptions of dazzle or temporary loss of night vision. See also emergency risk 

(nuclear).

nerve agent — (*) A potentially lethal chemical agent which interferes with the 

transmission of nerve impulses. (JP 3-11) 

net call sign — (*) A call sign which represents all stations within a net. See also call sign. 

net, chain, cell system — Patterns of clandestine organization, especially for operational 

purposes. Net is the broadest of the three; it usually involves: a. a succession of 

echelons; and b. such functional specialists as may be required to accomplish its 

mission. When it consists largely or entirely of nonstaff employees, it may be called an 

agent net. Chain focuses attention upon the first of these elements; it is commonly 

defined as a series of agents and informants who receive instructions from and pass 

information to a principal agent by means of cutouts and couriers. Cell system 

emphasizes a variant of the first element of net; its distinctive feature is the grouping of 

personnel into small units that are relatively isolated and self-contained. In the interest 

of maximum security for the organization as a whole, each cell has contact with the rest 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

374 JP 1-02 

of the organization only through an agent of the organization and a single member of 

the cell. Others in the cell do not know the agent, and nobody in the cell knows the 

identities or activities of members of other cells. 

net (communications) — An organization of stations capable of direct communications on 

a common channel or frequency. 

net control station — A communications station designated to control traffic and enforce 

circuit discipline within a given net. Also called NCS.

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) 

net inventory assets — That portion of the total materiel assets that is designated to meet 

the materiel inventory objective. It consists of the total materiel assets less the 

peacetime materiel consumption and losses through normal appropriation and 

procurement leadtime periods. 

net sweep — (*) In naval mine warfare, a two-ship sweep, using a netlike device, designed 

to collect drifting mines or scoop them up from the sea bottom. 

net weight — Weight of a ground vehicle without fuel, engine oil, coolant, on-vehicle 

materiel, cargo, or operating personnel. 

network operations — Activities conducted to operate and defend the Global Information 

Grid. Also called NETOPS. (JP 6-0) 

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 hostile; suspect; unknown. 

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. In a 

United Nations enforcement action, the rules of neutrality apply to impartial members 

of the United Nations except so far as they are excluded by the obligation of such 

members under the United Nations Charter. 

neutralization — (*) In mine warfare, a mine is said to be neutralized when it has been 

rendered, by external means, incapable of firing on passage of a target, although it may 

remain dangerous to handle. 

neutralization fire — Fire which is delivered to render the target ineffective or unusable. 

See also fire. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 375 

neutralize — 1. As pertains to military operations, to render ineffective or unusable. 2. To 

render enemy personnel or material 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. 

neutral state — In international law, a state that pursues a policy of neutrality during war. 

See also neutrality. 

neutron induced activity — (*) Radioactivity induced in the ground or an object as a 

result of direct irradiation by neutrons. 

news media representative — An individual employed by a civilian radio or television 

station, newspaper, newsmagazine, periodical, or news agency to gather and report on a 

newsworthy event. Also called NMR. See also public affairs. (JP 3-61) 

nickname — A combination of two separate unclassified words that is assigned an 

unclassified meaning and is employed only for unclassified administrative, morale, or 

public information purposes. 

night effect — (*) An effect mainly caused by variations in the state of polarization of 

reflected waves, which sometimes result in errors in direction finding bearings. The 

effect is most frequent at nightfall. 

night vision device — Any electro-optical device that is used to detect visible and infrared 

energy and provide a visible image. Night vision goggles, forward-looking infrared, 

thermal sights, and low-light level television are night vision devices. Also called

NVD. See also forward-looking infrared; night vision goggles(s). (JP 3-09.3) 

night vision goggle(s) — An electro-optical image intensifying device that detects visible 

and near-infrared energy, intensifies the energy, and provides a visible image for night 

viewing. Night vision goggles can be either hand-held or helmet-mounted. 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. 2. In communications and computer 

systems, the physical location that provides terminating, switching, and gateway access 

services to support information exchange. 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) 

no-fire line — (*) A line short of which artillery or ships do not fire except on request or 

approval of the supported commander, but beyond which they may fire at any time 

without danger to friendly troops. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

376 JP 1-02 

nominal filter — (*) A filter capable of cutting off a nominated minimum percentage by 

weight of solid particles greater than a stated micron size. 

nominal focal length — (*) An approximate value of the focal length, rounded off to some 

standard figure, used for the classification of lenses, mirrors, or cameras. 

nominal scale — See principal scale; scale.

nominal weapon — (*) A nuclear weapon producing a yield of approximately 20 kilotons. 

See also kiloton weapon; megaton weapon; subkiloton weapon.

nonair transportable — That which is not transportable by air by virtue of dimension, 

weight, or special characteristics or restrictions. 

nonaligned state — A state that pursues a policy of nonalignment. 

nonalignment — The political attitude of a state that does not associate or identify itself 

with the political ideology or objective espoused by other states, groups of states, or 

international causes, or with the foreign policies stemming therefrom. It does not 

preclude involvement, but expresses the attitude of no precommitment to a particular 

state (or block) or policy before a situation arises. 

nonappropriated funds — Funds generated by DOD military and civilian personnel and 

their dependents and used to augment funds appropriated by the Congress to provide a 

comprehensive, morale-building welfare, religious, educational, and recreational 

program, designed to improve the well-being of military and civilian personnel and 

their dependents. 

nonbattle injury — A person who becomes a casualty due to circumstances not directly 

attributable to hostile action or terrorist activity. Also called NBI.

noncombatant evacuation operations — Operations directed by the Department of State 

or other appropriate authority, in conjunction with the Department of Defense, whereby 

noncombatants are evacuated from foreign countries when their lives are endangered 

by war, civil unrest, or natural disaster to safe havens or to the United States. Also 

called NEOs. See also evacuation; geospatial-intelligence contingency package; 

noncombatant evacuees; operation; safe haven. (JP 3-0) 

noncombatant evacuees — 1. US citizens who may be ordered to evacuate by competent 

authority include: a. civilian employees of all agencies of the US Government and 

their dependents, except as noted in 2a below; b. military personnel of the Armed 

Forces of the United States specifically designated for evacuation as noncombatants; 

and c. dependents of members of the Armed Forces of the United States. 2. US (and 

non-US) citizens who may be authorized or assisted (but not necessarily ordered to 

evacuate) by competent authority include: a. civilian employees of US Government 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 377 

agencies and their dependents, who are residents in the country concerned on their own 

volition, but express the willingness to be evacuated; b. private US citizens and their 

dependents; c. military personnel and dependents of members of the Armed Forces of 

the United States outlined in 1c above, short of an ordered evacuation; and d. 

designated personnel, including dependents of persons listed in 1a through 1c above, as 

prescribed by the Department of State. See also noncombatant evacuation 

operations. (JP 3-68) 

noncontiguous facility — A facility for which the Service indicated has operating 

responsibility, but which is not located on, or in the immediate vicinity of, a base 

complex of that Service. Its area includes only that actually occupied by the facility, 

plus the minimum surrounding area necessary for close-in security. See also base 

complex.

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) 

nondeferrable issue demand — Issue demand related to specific periods of time that will 

not exist after the close of those periods, even though not satisfied during the period. 

nondeployable account — An account where Reservists (officer and enlisted), either in 

units or individually, are assigned to a reserve component category or a training/retired 

category when the individual has not completed initial active duty for training or its 

equivalent. Reservists in a nondeployable account are not considered as trained 

strength assigned to units or mobilization positions and are not deployable overseas on 

land with those units or mobilization positions. See also training pipeline.

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)

nonexpendable supplies and materiel — Supplies not consumed in use that retain their 

original identity during the period of use, such as weapons, machines, tools, and 

equipment. 

nonfixed medical treatment facility — A medical treatment facility designed to be moved 

from place to place, including medical treatment facilities afloat. 

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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

378 JP 1-02 

nonhostile casualty — A person who becomes a casualty due to circumstances not directly 

attributable to hostile action or terrorist activity. Casualties due to the elements, 

self-inflicted wounds, and combat fatigue are nonhostile casualties. Also called 

NHCS. See also casualty; casualty type; hostile casualty. (JP 4-02) 

nonlethal weapon — A weapon that is explicitly designed and primarily employed so as to 

incapacitate personnel or materiel, while minimizing fatalities, permanent injury to 

personnel, and undesired damage to property and the environment. Also called NLW. 

(JP 3-28) 

non-linear approach — (*) In approach and landing systems, a final approach in which 

the nominal flight path is not a straight line. 

nonorganic transportation requirement — Unit personnel and cargo for which the 

transportation source must be an outside agency, normally a component of US 

Transportation Command. 

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) 

nonprior service personnel — Individuals without any prior military service, who have not 

completed basic inactive duty training, and who receive a commission in or enlist 

directly into an Armed Force of the United States. 

nonproliferation — Actions to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by 

dissuading or impeding access to, or distribution of, sensitive technologies, material, 

and expertise. Also called NP. See also counterproliferation. (JP 3-40) 

nonrecurring demand — A request by an authorized requisitioner to satisfy a materiel 

requirement known to be a one-time occurrence. This materiel is required to provide 

initial stockage allowances, to meet planned program requirements, or to satisfy a 

one-time project or maintenance requirement. Nonrecurring demands normally will 

not be considered by the supporting supply system in the development of 

demand-based elements of the requirements computation. 

non-registered publication — (*) A publication which bears no register number and for 

which periodic accounting is not required. 

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. This 

category usually includes certain of the combat support units and most of the combat 

service support units with higher echelon (division and above) reserve units of the 

landing force. Their landing is directed when the need ashore can be predicted with a 

reasonable degree of accuracy. (JP 3-02) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 379 

non-self-sustaining containership — A containership that does not have a built-in 

capability to load or off-load containers, and requires a port crane or craneship service. 

Also called NSSCS. See also containership; self-sustaining containership. (JP 4-01.7) 

nonstandard item — An item of supply determined by standardization action as not 

authorized for procurement. 

nonstandard unit — A force requirement identified in a time-phased force and deployment 

data for which movement characteristics have not been described in the type unit 

characteristics file. The planner is required to submit detailed movement characteristics 

for these units. 

nonstocked item — An item that does not meet the stockage criteria for a given activity, 

and therefore is not stocked at the particular activity. 

nonstrategic nuclear forces — Those nuclear-capable forces located in an operational area 

with a capability to employ nuclear weapons by land, sea, or air forces against opposing 

forces, supporting installations, or facilities. Such forces may be employed, when 

authorized by competent authority, to support operations that contribute to the 

accomplishment of the commander’s mission within the theater of operations. 

non-submarine contact chart — (*) A special naval chart, at a scale of 1:100,000 to 

1:1,000,000, showing bathymetry, bottom characteristics, wreck data, and 

non-submarine contact data for coastal and off-shore waters. It is designed for use in 

conducting submarine and antisubmarine warfare operations. Also called non-sub 

contact chart. 

non-unit record — A time-phased force and deployment data file entry for non-unit-related 

cargo and personnel. Characteristics include using and providing organization, type of 

movement, routing data, cargo category, weight, volume, area required, and number of 

personnel requiring transportation. 

non-unit-related 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 (e.g., resupply, military support for allies, and support for nonmilitary 

programs, such as civil relief). Also called NURC. 

non-unit-related personnel — All personnel requiring transportation to or from an 

operational area, other than those assigned to a specific unit (e.g., filler personnel; 

replacements; temporary duty/temporary additional duty personnel; civilians; medical 

evacuees; and retrograde personnel). Also called NRP or NUP.

non-US forces — Includes all armed forces of states other than US forces. US forces may 

act in defense of non-US forces when so designated by the President or Secretary of 

Defense. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

380 JP 1-02 

normal charge — Charge employing a standard amount of propellant to fire a gun under 

ordinary conditions, as compared with a reduced charge. See also reduced charge.

normal impact effect — See cardinal point effect. 

normal intelligence reports — A category of reports used in the dissemination of 

intelligence, conventionally used for the immediate dissemination of individual items 

of intelligence. See also intelligence reporting; specialist intelligence report. 

normal lighting — (*) Lighting of vehicles as prescribed or authorized by the law of a 

given country without restrictions for military reasons. See also reduced lighting.

normal operations — Generally and collectively, the broad functions that a combatant 

commander undertakes when assigned responsibility for a given geographic or 

functional area. Except as otherwise qualified in certain unified command plan 

paragraphs that relate to particular commands, “normal operations” of a combatant 

commander include: planning and execution of operations throughout the range of 

military operations; planning and conduct of cold war activities; planning and 

administration of military assistance; and maintaining the relationships and exercising 

the directive or coordinating authority prescribed in JP 0-2 and JP 4-01. 

North American Aerospace Defense Command — A bi-national command of the US and 

Canada that provides aerospace surveillance, warning and assessment of aerospace 

attack, and maintains the sovereignty of US and Canadian airspace. Also called 

NORAD. 

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. Attacking 

these may violate the law of armed conflict or interfere with friendly relations with 

indigenous personnel or governments. Also called NSL. See also law of armed 

conflict. (JP 3-60) 

notice to airmen — A notice containing information concerning the establishment, 

condition, or change in any aeronautical facility, service, procedures, or hazard, the 

timely knowledge of which is essential to personnel concerned with flight operations. 

Also called NOTAM.

notional ship — A theoretical or average ship of any one category used in transportation 

planning (e.g., a Liberty ship for dry cargo; a T-2 tanker for bulk petroleum, oils, and 

lubricants; a personnel transport of 2,400 troop spaces). 

not mission capable, maintenance — Material condition indicating that systems and 

equipment are not capable of performing any of their assigned missions because of 

maintenance requirements. Also called NMCM. See also not mission capable, 

supply.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 381 

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. See also not mission 

capable, maintenance.

not seriously injured — The casualty status of a person whose injury may or may not 

require hospitalization; medical authority does not classify as very seriously injured, 

seriously injured, or incapacitating illness or injury; and the person can communicate 

with the next of kin. Also called NSI. See also casualty status. (JP 4-02) 

no-wind position — See air position.

nuclear accident — See nuclear weapon(s) accident.

nuclear airburst — (*) The explosion of a nuclear weapon in the air, at a height greater 

than the maximum radius of the fireball. See also types of burst.

nuclear bonus effects — (*) Desirable damage or casualties produced by the effects from 

friendly nuclear weapons that cannot be accurately calculated in targeting as the 

uncertainties involved preclude depending on them for a militarily significant result. 

nuclear burst — See types of burst.

nuclear certifiable — (*) Indicates a unit or vehicle possessing the potential of passing 

functional tests and inspections of all normal and emergency systems affecting the 

nuclear weapons. 

nuclear certified — See nuclear certified delivery unit; nuclear certified delivery 

vehicle. 

nuclear certified delivery unit — (*) Any level of organization and support elements 

which are capable of executing nuclear missions in accordance with appropriate 

bilateral arrangements and NATO directives. See also nuclear delivery unit. 

nuclear certified delivery vehicle — (*) A delivery vehicle whose compatibility with a 

nuclear weapon has been certified by the applicable nuclear power through formal 

procedures. See also nuclear delivery vehicle.

nuclear cloud — (*) An all-inclusive term for the volume of hot gases, smoke, dust, and 

other particulate matter from the nuclear bomb itself and from its environment, which is 

carried aloft in conjunction with the rise of the fireball produced by the detonation of 

the nuclear weapon. 

nuclear collateral damage — Undesired damage or casualties produced by the effects from 

friendly nuclear weapons. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

382 JP 1-02 

nuclear column — (*) A hollow cylinder of water and spray thrown up from an 

underwater burst of a nuclear weapon, through which the hot, high-pressure gases 

formed in the explosion are vented to the atmosphere. A somewhat similar column of 

dirt is formed in an underground explosion. 

nuclear commitment — (*) A statement by a NATO member that specific forces have 

been committed or will be committed to NATO in a nuclear only or dual capable role. 

nuclear contact surface burst — An explosion of a nuclear weapon whose center of 

energy is at the surface of land or water. 

nuclear coordination — A broad term encompassing all the actions involved with planning 

nuclear strikes, including liaison between commanders, for the purpose of satisfying 

support requirements or because of the extension of weapons effects into the territory 

of another. 

nuclear damage — (*) 1. Light Damage — Damage which does not prevent the 

immediate use of equipment or installations for which it was intended. Some repair by 

the user may be required to make full use of the equipment or installations. 2. 

Moderate Damage — Damage which prevents the use of equipment or installations 

until extensive repairs are made. 3. Severe Damage — Damage which prevents use of 

equipment or installations permanently. 

nuclear damage assessment — (*) The determination of the damage effect to the 

population, forces, and resources resulting from actual nuclear attack. It is performed 

during and after an attack. The operational significance of the damage is not evaluated 

in this assessment. 

nuclear delivery unit — (*) Any level of organization capable of employing a nuclear 

weapon system or systems when the weapon or weapons have been released by proper 

authority. 

nuclear delivery vehicle — (*) That portion of the weapon system which provides the 

means of delivery of a nuclear weapon to the target. 

nuclear detonation detection and reporting system — (*) A system deployed to provide 

surveillance coverage of critical friendly target areas, and indicate place, height of 

burst, yield, and ground zero of nuclear detonations. Also called NUDETS.

nuclear dud — A nuclear weapon that, when launched at or emplaced on a target, fails to 

provide any explosion of that part of the weapon designed to produce the nuclear yield. 

nuclear energy — All forms of energy released in the course of a nuclear fission or nuclear 

transformation. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 383 

nuclear exoatmospheric burst — The explosion of a nuclear weapon above the sensible 

atmosphere (above 120 kilometers) where atmospheric interaction is minimal. See also

types of burst.

nuclear incident — An unexpected event involving a nuclear weapon, facility, or 

component, resulting in any of the following, but not constituting a nuclear weapon(s) 

accident: 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. 

nuclear intelligence — Intelligence derived from the collection and analysis of radiation 

and other effects resulting from radioactive sources. Also called NUCINT. See also

intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

nuclear logistic movement — The transport of nuclear weapons in connection with supply 

or maintenance operations. Under certain specified conditions, combat aircraft may be 

used for such movements. 

nuclear nation — (*) Military nuclear powers and civil nuclear powers.

nuclear parity — A condition at a given point in time when opposing forces possess 

nuclear offensive and defensive systems approximately equal in overall combat 

effectiveness. 

nuclear planning system — A system composed of personnel, directives, and electronic 

data processing systems to directly support geographic nuclear combatant commanders 

in developing, maintaining, and disseminating nuclear operation plans. 

nuclear proximity-surface burst — An explosion of a nuclear weapon at a height less than 

the maximum radius of its fireball, but low enough to facilitate cratering and/or the 

propagation of a shock wave into the ground. 

nuclear radiation — Particulate and electromagnetic radiation emitted from atomic nuclei 

in various nuclear processes. The important nuclear radiations, from the weapon 

standpoint, are alpha and beta particles, gamma rays, and neutrons. (JP 3-11) 

nuclear reactor — A facility in which fissile material is used in a self-supporting chain 

reaction (nuclear fission) to produce heat and/or radiation for both practical application 

and research and development. (JP 3-40) 

nuclear round — See complete round.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

384 JP 1-02 

nuclear safety line — (*) A line selected, if possible, to follow well-defined topographical 

features and used to delineate levels of protective measures, degrees of damage or risk 

to friendly troops, and/or to prescribe limits to which the effects of friendly weapons 

may be permitted to extend. 

nuclear stalemate — A concept that postulates a situation wherein the relative strength of 

opposing nuclear forces results in mutual deterrence against employment of nuclear 

forces. 

nuclear strike warning — (*) A warning of impending friendly or suspected enemy 

nuclear attack. 

nuclear support — The use of nuclear weapons against hostile forces in support of friendly 

air, land, and naval operations. See also immediate nuclear support; preplanned 

nuclear support.

nuclear transmutation — Artificially induced modification (nuclear reaction) of the 

constituents of certain nuclei, thus giving rise to different nuclides. 

nuclear underground burst — (*) The explosion of a nuclear weapon in which the center 

of the detonation lies at a point beneath the surface of the ground. See also types of 

burst.

nuclear underwater burst — (*) The explosion of a nuclear weapon in which the center 

of the detonation lies at a point beneath the surface of the water. See also types of 

burst.

nuclear vulnerability assessment — (*) The estimation of the probable effect on 

population, forces, and resources from a hypothetical nuclear attack. It is performed 

predominantly in the preattack period; however, it may be extended to the transattack 

or postattack periods. 

nuclear warfare — (*) Warfare involving the employment of nuclear weapons. See also

postattack period; transattack period.

nuclear warning message — A warning message that must be disseminated to all affected 

friendly forces any time a nuclear weapon is to be detonated if effects of the weapon 

will have impact upon those forces. 

nuclear weapon — A complete assembly (i.e., implosion type, gun type, or thermonuclear 

type), in its intended ultimate configuration which, upon completion of the prescribed 

arming, fusing, and firing sequence, is capable of producing the intended nuclear 

reaction and release of energy. (JP 3-11) 

nuclear weapon degradation — The degeneration of a nuclear warhead to such an extent 

that the anticipated nuclear yield is lessened. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 385 

nuclear weapon employment time — (*) The time required for delivery of a nuclear 

weapon after the decision to fire has been made. 

nuclear weapon exercise — (*) An operation not directly related to immediate operational 

readiness. It includes removal of a weapon from its normal storage location, preparing 

for use, delivery to an employment unit, and the movement in a ground training 

exercise, to include loading aboard an aircraft or missile and return to storage. It may 

include any or all of the operations listed above, but does not include launching or 

flying operations. Typical exercises include aircraft generation exercises, ground 

readiness exercises, ground tactical exercises, and various categories of inspections 

designed to evaluate the capability of the unit to perform its prescribed mission. See 

also immediate operational readiness; nuclear weapon maneuver.

nuclear weapon maneuver — (*) An operation not directly related to immediate 

operational readiness. It may consist of all those operations listed for a nuclear weapon 

exercise and is extended to include flyaway in combat aircraft, but does not include 

expenditure of the weapon. Typical maneuvers include nuclear operational readiness 

maneuvers and tactical air operations. See also immediate operational readiness; 

nuclear weapon exercise.

nuclear weapon(s) accident — An unexpected event involving nuclear weapons or 

radiological nuclear weapon components that results in any of the following; a. 

accidental or unauthorized launching, firing, or use by United States forces or United 

States supported allied forces of a nuclear-capable weapon system that could create the 

risk of an outbreak of war; b. nuclear detonation; c. nonnuclear detonation or burning 

of a nuclear weapon or radiological nuclear weapon component; d. radioactive 

contamination; e. seizure, theft, loss, or destruction of a nuclear weapon or radiological 

nuclear weapon component, including jettisoning; and f. public hazard, actual or 

implied. 

nuclear weapons state — See military nuclear power.

nuclear weapons surety — Materiel, personnel, and procedures that contribute to the 

security, safety, and reliability of nuclear weapons and to the assurance that there will 

be no nuclear weapon accidents, incidents, unauthorized weapon detonations, or 

degradation in performance at the target. 

nuclear yields — The energy released in the detonation of a nuclear weapon, measured in 

terms of the kilotons or megatons of trinitrotoluene required to produce the same 

energy release. Yields are categorized as follows: 

 very low — less than 1 kiloton; 

 low — 1 kiloton to 10 kilotons; 

 medium — over 10 kilotons to 50 kilotons; 

 high — over 50 kilotons to 500 kilotons; 

 very high — over 500 kilotons. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

386 JP 1-02 

 See also nominal weapon; subkiloton weapon. 

nuisance minefield — (*) A minefield laid to delay and disorganize the enemy and to 

hinder the use of an area or route. See also minefield.

number . . . in (out) — (*) In artillery, term used to indicate a change in status of weapon 

number _______________. 

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.

numbered wave — See wave.

numerical scale — See scale.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

O 

JP 1-02 387 

objective — 1. The clearly defined, decisive, and attainable goal toward which every 

operation is directed. 2. The specific target of the action taken (for example, a definite 

terrain feature, the seizure or holding of which is essential to the commander’s plan, or, 

an enemy force or capability without regard to terrain features). See also target. 

(JP 5-0) 

objective area — (*) A defined geographical area within which is located an objective to 

be captured or reached by the military forces. This area is defined by competent 

authority for purposes of command and control. Also called OA.

objective force level — The level of military forces that needs to be attained within a finite 

time frame and resource level to accomplish approved military objectives, missions, or 

tasks. See also military requirement.

obligated reservist — An individual who has a statutory requirement imposed by the 

Military Selective Service Act of 1967 or Section 651, Title 10, United States Code, to 

serve on active duty in the armed forces or to serve while not on active duty in a 

Reserve Component for a period not to exceed that prescribed by the applicable statute. 

oblique air photograph — (*) An air photograph taken with the camera axis directed 

between the horizontal and vertical planes. Commonly referred to as an “oblique.” a. 

High Oblique. One in which the apparent horizon appears. b. Low Oblique. One in 

which the apparent horizon does not appear. 

oblique air photograph strip — Photographic strip composed of oblique air photographs. 

obliquity — The characteristic in wide-angle or oblique photography that portrays the 

terrain and objects at such an angle and range that details necessary for interpretation 

are seriously masked or are at a very small scale, rendering interpretation difficult or 

impossible. 

observation helicopter — (*) Helicopter used primarily for observation and 

reconnaissance, but which may be used for other roles. 

observation post — (*) A position from which military observations are made, or fire 

directed and adjusted, and which possesses appropriate communications; may be 

airborne. Also called OP.

observed fire — (*) Fire for which the point of impact or burst can be seen by an observer. 

The fire can be controlled and adjusted on the basis of observation. See also fire.

observed fire procedure — (*) A standardized procedure for use in adjusting indirect fire 

on a target. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

388 JP 1-02 

observer-target line — (*) An imaginary straight line from the observer/spotter to the 

target. See also spotting line. 

observer-target range — The distance along an imaginary straight line from the observer 

or spotter to the target. 

obstacle — Any obstruction designed or employed to disrupt, fix, turn, or block the 

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

equipment on the opposing force. Obstacles can exist naturally or can be man-made, or 

can be a combination of both. (JP 3-15)

obstacle belt — A brigade-level command and control measure, normally given 

graphically, to show where within an obstacle zone the ground tactical commander 

plans to limit friendly obstacle employment and focus the defense. It assigns an intent 

to the obstacle plan and provides the necessary guidance on the overall effect of 

obstacles within a belt. See also obstacle. (JP 3-15) 

obstacle clearing — The total elimination or neutralization of obstacles. 

obstacle intelligence — Those collection efforts to detect the presence of enemy (and 

natural) obstacles, determine their types and dimensions, and provide the necessary 

information to plan appropriate combined arms breaching, clearance, or bypass 

operations to negate the impact on the friendly scheme of maneuver. It is typically 

related to the tactical level of intelligence. Also called OBSTINTEL. (JP 2-0) 

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, normally done 

graphically, to designate specific land areas where lower echelons are allowed to 

employ tactical obstacles. See also obstacle. (JP 3-15) 

obstructor — (*) In naval mine warfare, a device laid with the sole object of obstructing or 

damaging mechanical minesweeping equipment. 

occupational and environmental health surveillance — The regular or repeated 

collection, analysis, archiving, interpretation, and dissemination of occupational and 

environmental health-related data for monitoring the health of, or potential health 

hazard impact on, a population and individual personnel, and for intervening in a timely 

manner to prevent, treat, or control the occurrence of disease or injury when determined 

necessary. (JP 4-02) 

occupational and environmental health threats — Threats to the health of military 

personnel and to military readiness created by exposure to hazardous agents, 

environmental contamination, or toxic industrial materials. See also health threat. 

(JP 4-02) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 389 

occupation currency — See military currency.

occupied territory — Territory under the authority and effective control of a belligerent 

armed force. The term is not applicable to territory being administered pursuant to 

peace terms, treaty, or other agreement, express or implied, with the civil authority of 

the territory. See also civil affairs agreement.

Ocean Cargo Clearance Authority — The Surface Deployment and Distribution 

Command activity that books Department of Defense sponsored cargo and passengers 

for surface movement, performs related contract administration, and accomplishes 

export and import surface traffic management functions for Department of Defense 

cargo moving within the Defense Transportation System. Also called OCCA. 

(JP 4-01.2) 

ocean convoy — (*) A convoy whose voyage lies, in general, outside the continental shelf. 

See also convoy.

ocean manifest — (*) A detailed listing of the entire cargo loaded into any one ship 

showing all pertinent data which will readily identify such cargo and where and how 

the cargo is stowed. 

oceanography — The study of the sea, embracing and integrating all knowledge pertaining 

to the sea and its physical boundaries, the chemistry and physics of seawater, and 

marine biology. From a military perspective, oceanography includes basic 

oceanography plus the study of bathymetry, hydrography, geophysics, astrometry and 

precise time; supported by ocean engineering, operational supercomputing, and 

operations research. (JP 3-59) 

ocean station ship — (*) A ship assigned to operate within a specified area to provide 

several services, including search and rescue, meteorological information, navigational 

aid, and communications facilities. 

offensive counterair — Offensive operations to destroy, disrupt, or neutralize enemy 

aircraft, missiles, launch platforms, and their supporting structures and systems both 

before and after launch, but as close to their source as possible. Offensive counterair 

operations range throughout enemy territory and are generally conducted at the 

initiative of friendly forces. These operations include attack operations, suppression of 

enemy air defenses, fighter escort, and fighter sweep. Also called OCA. See also 

counterair; defensive counterair; operation. (JP 3-01) 

offensive counterair attack operations — Offensive action in support of the offensive 

counterair mission against surface targets which contribute to the enemy’s air power 

capabilities. Any part of the joint force may be tasked to conduct or support offensive 

counterair attack operations. Also called OCA attack ops. See also counterair; 

offensive counterair. (JP 3-01) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

390 JP 1-02 

offensive minefield — In naval mine warfare, a minefield laid in enemy territorial water or 

waters under enemy control. (JP 3-15) 

offensive space control — Those operations to prevent an adversary’s hostile use of 

US/third party space capabilities and services or negate (disrupt, deny, degrade, 

deceive, or destroy) an adversary’s space capabilities. (JP 3-14)

office — An enduring organization that is formed around a specific function within a joint 

force commander’s 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.

officer of the deck — The officer of the deck under way has been designated by the 

commanding officer to be in charge of the ship, including its safe and proper operation. 

The officer of the deck reports directly to the commanding officer for the safe 

navigation and general operation of the ship, to the executive officer (and command 

duty officer if appointed) for carrying out the ship’s routine, and to the navigator on 

sighting navigational landmarks and making course and speed changes. 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. 

off-load preparation party — A temporary task organization of Navy and Marine 

maintenance, embarkation, equipment operators, and cargo-handling personnel 

deployed to the maritime pre-positioning ship before or during its transit to the 

objective area to prepare the ship’s off-load systems and embarked equipment for offload. Also called OPP. See also task organization. (JP 3-35) 

offset bombing — (*) Any bombing procedure which employs a reference or aiming point 

other than the actual target. 

offset costs — Costs for which funds have been appropriated that may not be incurred as a 

result of a contingency operation. Those funds may then be applied to the cost of the 

operation. See also contingency operation. (JP 1-06) 

offset distance (nuclear) — The distance the desired ground zero or actual ground zero is 

offset from the center of an area target or from a point target. 

offset lasing — The technique of aiming a laser designator at a point other than the target 

and, after laser acquisition, moving the laser to designate the target for terminal attack 

guidance. See also laser target designator. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 391 

offshore assets — Oil and gas facilities, mining and industrial installations, ocean thermal 

energy conversion facilities, deep water ports, aids to navigation, and nuclear power 

plants located or in operation seaward of the coastline. 

offshore bulk fuel system — The system used for transferring fuel from points offshore to 

reception facilities on the beach. It consists of two subsystems: amphibious bulk liquid 

transfer system and the offshore petroleum discharge system. See also amphibious 

bulk liquid transfer system; offshore petroleum discharge system. (JP 4-01.6) 

offshore patrol — (*) A naval defense patrol operating in the outer areas of navigable 

coastal waters. It is a part of the naval local defense forces consisting of naval ships 

and aircraft and operates outside those areas assigned to the inshore patrol. 

offshore petroleum discharge system — Provides a semipermanent, all-weather facility 

for bulk transfer of petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) directly from an offshore 

tanker to a beach termination unit (BTU) located immediately inland from the high 

watermark. POL then is either transported inland or stored in the beach support area. 

Major offshore petroleum discharge systems (OPDS) components are: the OPDS 

tanker with booster pumps and spread mooring winches; a recoverable single anchor 

leg mooring (SALM) to accommodate tankers of up to 70,000 deadweight tons; ship to 

SALM hoselines; up to 4 miles of 6-inch (internal diameter) conduit for pumping to the 

beach; and two BTUs to interface with the shoreside systems. OPDS can support a 

two-line system for multiproduct discharge, but ship standoff distance is reduced from 

4 to 2 miles. Amphibious construction battalions install the OPDS with underwater 

construction team assistance. OPDS are embarked on selected Ready Reserve Force 

tankers modified to support the system. Also called OPDS. See also facility; 

petroleum, oils, and lubricants; single-anchor leg mooring. (JP 4-01.6) 

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. 

oiler — (*) A naval or merchant tanker specially equipped and rigged for replenishing 

other ships at sea. 

on berth — Said of a ship when it is properly moored to a quay, wharf, jetty, pier, or buoy 

or when it is at anchor and available for loading or discharging passengers and cargo. 

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. Such 

requirements will be called forward upon order of competent authority. See also call 

for fire.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

392 JP 1-02 

on-call resupply — A resupply mission planned before insertion of a special operations 

team into the operations area but not executed until requested by the operating team. 

See also automatic resupply; emergency resupply. (JP 3-05.1) 

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-call target (nuclear) — A planned nuclear target other than a scheduled nuclear target 

for which a need can be anticipated but which will be delivered upon request rather 

than at a specific time. Coordination and warning of friendly troops and aircraft are 

mandatory. 

on-call wave — See wave.

one day’s supply — (*) A unit or quantity of supplies adopted as a standard of 

measurement, used in estimating the average daily expenditure under stated conditions. 

It may also be expressed in terms of a factor, e.g., rounds of ammunition per weapon 

per day. 

one-look circuit — (*) A mine circuit which requires actuation by a given influence once 

only. 

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. 

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. May be determined by 

endurance or orders. 

open improved storage space — Open area that has been graded and hard surfaced or 

prepared with topping of some suitable material so as to permit effective materials 

handling operations. See also storage. 

open ocean — Ocean limit defined as greater than 12 nautical miles (nm) from shore, as 

compared with high seas that are over 200 nm from shore. See also contiguous zone.

open route — (*) A route not subject to traffic or movement control restrictions. 

open-source intelligence — Information of potential intelligence value that is available to 

the general public. Also called OSINT. See also intelligence. (JP 2-0) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 393 

open unimproved wet space — That water area specifically allotted to and usable for 

storage of floating equipment. See also storage.

operating forces — Those forces whose primary missions are to participate in combat and 

the integral supporting elements thereof. See also combat forces; combat service 

support element; combat support elements.

operating level of supply — The quantities of materiel required to sustain operations in the 

interval between requisitions or the arrival of successive shipments. These quantities 

should be based on the established replenishment period (monthly, quarterly, etc.) 

operation — 1. A military action or the carrying out of a strategic, operational, tactical, 

service, training, or administrative military mission. 2. The process of carrying on 

combat, including movement, supply, attack, defense, and maneuvers needed to gain 

the objectives of any battle or campaign. 

operational architecture — Descriptions of the tasks, operational elements, and 

information flows required to accomplish or support a warfighting function. 

operational area — An overarching term encompassing more descriptive terms for 

geographic areas in which military operations are conducted. Operational areas 

include, but are not limited to, such descriptors as area of responsibility, theater of war, 

theater of operations, joint operations area, amphibious objective area, joint special 

operations area, and area of operations. 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 application of creative imagination by commanders and staffs — 

supported by their skill, knowledge, and experience — to design strategies, campaigns, 

and major operations and organize and employ military forces. Operational art 

integrates ends, ways, and means across the levels of war. (JP 3-0) 

operational authority — That authority exercised by a commander in the chain of 

command, defined further as combatant command (command authority), operational 

control, tactical control, or a support relationship. See also combatant command 

(command authority); in support of; operational control; support; tactical 

control. (JP 1) 

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. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

394 JP 1-02 

operational contract support — The process of planning for and obtaining supplies, 

services, and construction from commercial sources in support of joint operations along 

with the associated contractor management functions. (JP 4-10)

operational control — Command authority that may be exercised by commanders at any 

echelon at or below the level of combatant command. Operational control is inherent in 

combatant command (command authority) and may be delegated within the command. 

Operational control is the authority to perform those functions of command over 

subordinate forces involving organizing and employing commands and forces, 

assigning tasks, designating objectives, and giving authoritative direction necessary to 

accomplish the mission. Operational control includes authoritative direction over all 

aspects of military operations and joint training necessary to accomplish missions 

assigned to the command. Operational control should be exercised through the 

commanders of subordinate organizations. Normally this authority is exercised through 

subordinate joint force commanders and Service and/or functional component 

commanders. Operational control normally provides full authority to organize 

commands and forces and to employ those forces as the commander in operational 

control considers necessary to accomplish assigned missions; it does not, in and of 

itself, include authoritative direction for logistics or matters of administration, 

discipline, internal organization, or unit training. 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.

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, in order to minimize contact and transfer hazards and to sustain 

operations. This may include decontamination of the individual beyond the scope of 

immediate decontamination, as well as decontamination of mission-essential spares and 

limited terrain decontamination. See also decontamination; immediate 

decontamination; thorough decontamination. (JP 3-11) 

operational design — The conception and construction of the framework that underpins a 

campaign or major operation plan and its subsequent execution. See also campaign; 

major operation. (JP 3-0) 

operational design element — A key consideration used in operational design. (JP 3-0) 

operational documentation — Visual information documentation of activities to convey 

information about people, places, and things. It is general purpose documentation 

normally accomplished in peacetime. Also called OPDOC. See also visual 

information documentation.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 395 

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 evaluation — The test and analysis of a specific end item or system, insofar as 

practicable under Service operating conditions, in order to determine if quantity 

production is warranted considering: a. the increase in military effectiveness to be 

gained; and b. its effectiveness as compared with currently available items or systems, 

consideration being given to: (1) personnel capabilities to maintain and operate the 

equipment; (2) size, weight, and location considerations; and (3) enemy capabilities in 

the field. See also technical evaluation.

operational exposure guide — 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 war — The level of war at which campaigns and major operations are 

planned, conducted, and sustained to achieve strategic objectives within theaters or 

other operational areas. Activities at this level link tactics and strategy by establishing 

operational objectives needed to achieve the strategic objectives, sequencing events to 

achieve the operational objectives, initiating actions, and applying resources to bring 

about and sustain these events. See also strategic level of war; tactical level of war. 

(JP 3-0) 

operational 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) 

operationally ready — 1. A unit, ship, or weapon system capable of performing the 

missions or functions for which organized or designed. Incorporates both equipment 

readiness and personnel readiness. 2. Personnel available and qualified to perform 

assigned missions or functions. 

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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

396 JP 1-02 

operational procedures — (*) The detailed methods by which headquarters and units 

carry out their operational tasks. 

operational reach — The distance and duration across which a unit 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. 

May be used in a general sense or to express a level or degree of readiness. Also called 

OR. See also combat readiness.

operational readiness evaluation — (*) An evaluation of the operational capability and 

effectiveness of a unit or any portion thereof. 

operational requirement — See military requirement.

Operational Requirements Document — A formatted statement containing performance 

and related operational parameters for the proposed concept or system. Prepared by the 

user or user’s representative at each milestone beginning with Milestone I, Concept 

Demonstration Approval of the Requirements Generation Process. Also called ORD.

operational reserve — An emergency reserve of men and/or materiel established for the 

support of a specific operation. See also reserve supplies.

operational route — (*) Land route allocated to a command for the conduct of a specific 

operation; derived from the corresponding basic military route network. 

operational support airlift — Operational support airlift missions are movements of 

high-priority passengers and cargo with time, place, or mission-sensitive requirements. 

Operational support airlift aircraft are those fixed-wing aircraft acquired and/or retained 

exclusively for operational support airlift missions, as well as any other Department of 

Defense-owned or controlled aircraft, fixed- or rotary-wing, used for operational 

support airlift purposes. Also called OSA. See also aircraft. (JP 3-17) 

operational testing — A continuing process of evaluation that may be applied to either 

operational personnel or situations to determine their validity or reliability. 

operational training — (*) Training that develops, maintains, or improves the operational 

readiness of individuals or units. 

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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 397 

operation annexes — Those amplifying instructions that are of such a nature, or are so 

voluminous or technical, as to make their inclusion in the body of the plan or order 

undesirable. 

operation map — A map showing the location and strength of friendly forces involved in 

an operation. It may indicate predicted movement and location of enemy forces. See 

also map.

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 — 1. Any plan for the conduct of military operations prepared in response 

to actual and potential contingencies. 2. In the context of joint operation planning level 

4 planning detail, a complete and detailed joint plan containing a full description of the 

concept of operations, all annexes applicable to the plan, and a time-phased force and 

deployment data. It identifies the specific forces, functional support, and resources 

required to execute the plan and provide closure estimates for their flow into the 

theater. 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; command 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.

operations security — A process of identifying critical information and subsequently 

analyzing friendly actions attendant to military operations and other activities to: a. 

identify those actions that can be observed by adversary intelligence systems; b. 

determine indicators that adversary intelligence systems might obtain that could be 

interpreted or pieced together to derive critical information in time to be useful to 

adversaries; and c. select and execute measures that eliminate or reduce to an 

acceptable level the vulnerabilities of friendly actions to adversary exploitation. Also 

called OPSEC. See also operations security indicators; operations security 

measures; operations security planning guidance; operations security 

vulnerability. (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 measures — Methods and means to gain and maintain essential 

secrecy about critical information. See also operations security. (JP 3-13.3) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

398 JP 1-02 

operations security planning guidance — Guidance that serves as the blueprint for 

operations security planning by all functional elements throughout the organization. It 

defines the critical information that requires protection from adversary appreciations, 

taking into account friendly and adversary goals, estimated key adversary questions, 

probable adversary knowledge, desirable and harmful adversary appreciations, and 

pertinent intelligence system threats. It also should outline provisional operations 

security measures to ensure the requisite essential secrecy. (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 decisionmaking. (JP 

3-13.3) 

operations support element — An element that is responsible for all administrative, 

operations support and services support functions within the counterintelligence and 

human intelligence staff element of a joint force intelligence directorate. Also called 

OSE. (JP 2-01.2) 

operations to restore order — Operations intended to halt violence and support, reinstate, 

or establish civil authorities. They are designed to return an unstable and lawless 

environment to the point where indigenous police forces can effectively enforce the law 

and restore civil authority. See also operation; peace operations. (JP 3-07.3) 

opportune lift — That portion of lift capability available for use after planned requirements 

have been met. (JP 4-02) 

opportunity target — See target of opportunity.

opposite numbers — Officers (including foreign) having corresponding duty assignments 

within their respective Military Services or establishments. 

optical axis — (*) In a lens element, the straight line which passes through the centers of 

curvature of the lens surfaces. In an optical system, the line formed by the coinciding 

principal axes of the series of optical elements. 

optical minehunting — (*) The use of an optical system (e.g., television or towed diver) to 

detect and classify mines or minelike objects on or protruding from the seabed. 

optimum height — (*) The height of an explosion which will produce the maximum effect 

against a given target. 

optimum height of burst — (*) For nuclear weapons and for a particular target (or area), 

the height at which it is estimated a weapon of a specified energy yield will produce a 

certain desired effect over the maximum possible area. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 399 

orbital injection — The process of providing a space vehicle with sufficient velocity to 

establish an orbit. 

orbit determination — The process of describing the past, present, or predicted position of 

a satellite in terms of orbital parameters. 

orbit point — (*) A geographically or electronically defined location used in stationing 

aircraft in flight during tactical operations when a predetermined pattern is not 

established. See also holding point. (JP 3-50) 

order — (*) A communication, written, oral, or by signal, which conveys instructions from 

a superior to a subordinate. (DOD only) In a broad sense, the terms “order” and 

“command” are synonymous. However, an order implies discretion as to the details of 

execution whereas a command does not. 

order and shipping time — The time elapsing between the initiation of stock 

replenishment action for a specific activity and the receipt by that activity of the 

materiel resulting from such action. Order and shipping time is applicable only to 

materiel within the supply system, and it is composed of the distinct elements, order 

time, and shipping time. 

ordered departure — A procedure by which the number of US Government personnel, 

their dependents, or both are reduced at a foreign service post. Departure is directed by 

the Department of State (initiated by the chief of mission or the Secretary of State) to 

designated safe havens with implementation of the combatant commander 

noncombatant evacuation operations 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) 

order time — 1. The time elapsing between the initiation of stock replenishment action and 

submittal of requisition or order. 2. The time elapsing between the submittal of 

requisition or order and shipment of materiel by the supplying activity. See also order 

and shipping time.

ordinary transport — (*) In railway terminology, transport of a load whose size, weight, 

or preparation does not entail special difficulties vis-à-vis the facilities or equipment of 

the railway systems to be used. See also exceptional transport.

ordnance — Explosives, chemicals, pyrotechnics, and similar stores, e.g., bombs, guns and 

ammunition, flares, smoke, or napalm. 

organic — Assigned to and forming an essential part of a military organization. Organic 

parts of a unit are those listed in its table of organization for the Army, Air Force, and 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

400 JP 1-02 

Marine Corps, and are assigned to the administrative organizations of the operating 

forces for the Navy. 

organizational equipment — Referring to method of use: signifies that equipment (other 

than individual equipment) used in furtherance of the common mission of an 

organization or unit. See also equipment.

organizational maintenance — That maintenance that is the responsibility of and 

performed by a using organization on its assigned equipment. Its phases normally 

consist of inspecting, servicing, lubricating, and adjusting, as well as the replacing of 

parts, minor assemblies, and subassemblies. 

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, the organization for 

embarkation 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) 

organization for landing — In amphibious operations, the specific tactical grouping of the 

landing force for the assault. (JP 3-02) 

organization of the ground — (*) The development of a defensive position by 

strengthening the natural defenses of the terrain and by assignment of the occupying 

troops to specific localities. 

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force — A network of 13 regional organized 

crime drug enforcement task forces designed to coordinate 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) 

origin — Beginning point of a deployment where unit or non-unit-related cargo or 

personnel are located. 

original destination — (*) In naval control of shipping, the original final destination of a 

convoy or an individual ship (whether in convoy or independent). This is particularly 

applicable to the original destination of a voyage begun in peacetime. 

original negative — See generation (photography).

original positive — See generation (photography).
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 401 

originating medical 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. The responsibility of 

the originator includes the responsibility for the functions of the drafter and the 

releasing officer. See also releasing officer. 

oropesa sweep — (*) In naval mine warfare, a form of sweep in which a length of sweep 

wire is towed by a single ship, lateral displacement being caused by an otter and depth 

being controlled at the ship end by a kite and at the other end by a float and float wire. 

orthomorphic projection — (*) A projection in which the scale, although varying 

throughout the map, is the same in all directions at any point, so that very small areas 

are represented by correct shape and bearings are correct. 

oscillating mine — (*) A mine, hydrostatically controlled, which maintains a pre-set depth 

below the surface of the water independently of the rise and fall of the tide. See also

mine. 

other detainee — Person in the custody of the US Armed Forces who has not been 

classified as an enemy prisoner of war (article 4, Geneva Convention of 1949 Relative 

to the Treatment of Prisoners of War (GPW)), retained personnel (article 33, GPW), or 

civilian internee (article 78, Geneva Convention). Also called OD. See also civilian 

internee; custody; detainee; prisoner of war; retained personnel. (JP 1-0) 

other government agency — Within the context of interagency coordination, a non 

Department of Defense agency of the United States Government. Also called OGA. 

(JP 1) 

other war reserve materiel requirement — War reserve materiel requirement less the 

pre-positioned war reserve materiel requirement. 

other war reserve materiel requirement, balance — That portion of the other war reserve 

materiel requirement that has not been acquired or funded. This level consists of the 

other war reserve materiel requirement less the other war reserve materiel requirement 

protectable. 

other war reserve materiel requirement, protectable — The portion of the other war 

reserve materiel requirement that is protected for purposes of procurement, funding, 

and inventory management. 

other war reserve stock — The quantity of an item acquired and placed in stock against the 

other war reserve materiel requirement. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

402 JP 1-02 

otter — (*) In naval mine warfare, a device which, when towed, displaces itself sideways 

to a predetermined distance. 

outbound traffic — Traffic originating in the continental United States destined for 

overseas or overseas traffic moving in a general direction away from the continental 

United States. 

outer fix — A fix in the destination terminal area, other than the approach fix, to which 

aircraft are normally cleared by an air route traffic control center or a terminal area 

traffic control facility, and from which aircraft are cleared to the approach fix or final 

approach course. 

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) 

outline map — (*) A map which represents just sufficient geographic information to 

permit the correlation of additional data placed upon it. 

outline plan — (*) A preliminary plan which outlines the salient features or principles of a 

course of action prior to the initiation of detailed planning. 

outsized cargo — Cargo that exceeds the dimensions of oversized cargo and requires the 

use of a C-5 or C-17 aircraft or surface transportation. 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) 

overhaul — The restoration of an item to a completely serviceable condition as prescribed 

by maintenance serviceability standards. See also rebuild; repair.

overhead clearance — The vertical distance between the route surface and any obstruction 

above it. 

overlap — 1. In photography, the amount by which one photograph includes the same area 

covered by another, customarily expressed as a percentage. The overlap between 

successive air photographs on a flight line is called “forward overlap.” The overlap 

between photographs in adjacent parallel flight lines is called “side overlap.” 2. In 

cartography, that portion of a map or chart that overlaps the area covered by another of 

the same series. 3. In naval mine warfare, the width of that part of the swept path of a 

ship or formation that is also swept by an adjacent sweeper or formation or is reswept 

on the next adjacent lap. 

overlay — A printing or drawing on a transparent or semi-transparent medium at the same 

scale as a map, chart, etc., to show details not appearing or requiring special emphasis 

on the original. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 403 

overpressure — The pressure resulting from the blast wave of an explosion. It is 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) 

overprint — (*) Information printed or stamped upon a map or chart, in addition to that 

originally printed, to show data of importance or special use. 

overseas — All locations, including Alaska and Hawaii, outside the continental United 

States. 

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) 

overseas search and rescue region — Overseas unified command areas (or portions 

thereof not included within the inland region or the maritime region). See also search 

and rescue region.

oversized cargo — 1. Large items of specific equipment such as a barge, side loadable 

warping tug, causeway section, powered, or causeway section, nonpowered. Requires 

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. This cargo is air transportable on the C-5, 

C-17, C-130, KC-10 and most civilian contract cargo carriers. See also outsized 

cargo. (JP 3-17) 

over the beach operations — See logistics over-the-shore operations. 

Over-the-horizon amphibious operations — An operational initiative launched from 

beyond visual and radar range of the shoreline. (JP 3-02) 

over-the-horizon radar — A radar system that makes use of the atmospheric reflection and 

refraction phenomena to extend its range of detection beyond line of sight. 

Over-the-horizon radars may be either forward scatter or back scatter systems. 

overt operation — An operation conducted openly, without concealment. See also

clandestine operation; covert operation. (JP 3-05.1) 

overt peacetime psychological operations programs — Those programs developed by 

combatant commands, in coordination with the chiefs of US diplomatic missions, that 

plan, support, and provide for the conduct of psychological operations, during military 

operations other than war, in support of US regional objectives, policies, interests, and 

theater military missions. Also called OP3. See also psychological operations. 

(JP 3-53) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

404 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

P 

JP 1-02 405 

pace — (*) For ground forces, the speed of a column or element regulated to maintain a 

prescribed average speed. 

pace setter — (*) An individual, selected by the column commander, who travels in the 

lead vehicle or element to regulate the column speed and establish the pace necessary to 

meet the required movement order. 

packaged petroleum product — A petroleum product (generally a lubricant, oil, grease, or 

specialty item) normally packaged by a manufacturer and procured, stored, transported, 

and issued in containers having a fill capacity of 55 United States gallons (or 45 

Imperial gallons, or 205 liters) or less. 

packup kit — Service-provided maintenance gear 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) 

padding — Extraneous text added to a message for the purpose of concealing its beginning, 

ending, or length. 

pallet — (*) 1. A flat base for combining stores or carrying a single item to form a unit 

load for handling, transportation, and storage by materials handling equipment. 2. 

(DOD only) 463L pallet – An 88” x 108” aluminum flat base used to facilitate the 

upload and download of aircraft. 

palletized load system — A truck with hydraulic load handling mechanism, trailer, and 

flatrack system capable of self-loading and -unloading. Truck and companion 

trailer each have a 16.5 ton payload capacity. Also called PLS. See also flatrack. 

(JP 4-01.7) 

palletized load system flatrack — Topless, sideless container component of palletized load 

system, some of which conform to International Organization for Standardization 

specifications. See also palletized load system. (JP 4-01.7) 

palletized unit load — Quantity of any item, packaged or unpackaged, which is arranged 

on a pallet in a specified manner and securely strapped or fastened thereto so that the 

whole is handled as a unit. (JP 4-01.6) 

panel code — (*) A prearranged code designed for visual communications, usually 

between friendly units, by making use of marking panels. See also marking panel.

panoramic camera — (*) 1. In aerial photography, a camera which, through a system of 

moving optics or mirrors, scans a wide area of the terrain, usually from horizon to 

horizon. The camera may be mounted vertically or obliquely within the aircraft, to 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

406 JP 1-02 

scan across or along the line of flight. 2. In ground photography, a camera which 

photographs a wide expanse of terrain by rotating horizontally about the vertical axis 

through the center of the camera lens. 

parachute deployment height — (*) The height above the intended impact point at which 

the parachute or parachutes are fully deployed. 

paradrop — (*) Delivery by parachute of personnel or cargo from an aircraft in flight. 

parallel chains of command — In amphibious operations, a parallel system of command, 

responding to the interrelationship of Navy, landing force, Air Force, and other major 

forces assigned, 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) 

parallel sheaf — In artillery and naval gunfire support, a sheaf in which the planes (lines) of 

fire of all pieces are parallel. See also converged sheaf. 

parallel staff — (*) A staff in which one officer from each nation, or Service, working in 

parallel is appointed to each post. See also multinational staff; integrated staff; joint 

staff.

paramilitary forces — Forces or groups distinct from the regular armed forces of any 

country, but resembling them in organization, equipment, training, or mission. (JP 

3-24) 

pararescue team — Specially trained personnel qualified to penetrate to the site of an 

incident by land or parachute, render medical aid, accomplish survival methods, and 

rescue survivors. Also called PRT.

parlimentaire — An agent employed by a commander of belligerent forces in the field to 

go in person within the enemy lines for the purpose of communicating or negotiating 

openly and directly with the enemy commander. 

parrot — Identification friend or foe transponder equipment. 

partial mission-capable — Material condition of an aircraft or training device indicating 

that it can perform at least one but not all of its missions. Also called PMC. See also

full mission-capable; mission-capable; partial mission-capable, maintenance; 

partial mission-capable, supply.

partial mission-capable, maintenance — Material condition of an aircraft or training 

device indicating that it can perform at least one but not all of its missions because of 

maintenance requirements existing on the inoperable subsystem(s). Also called

PMCM. See also full mission-capable; mission-capable; partial mission-capable; 

partial mission-capable, supply.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 407 

partial mission-capable, supply — Material condition of an aircraft or training device 

indicating it can perform at least one but not all of its missions because maintenance 

required to clear the discrepancy cannot continue due to a supply shortage. Also called

PMCS. See also full mission-capable; mission-capable; partial mission-capable; 

partial mission-capable, maintenance. 

partial mobilization — See mobilization, Part 2.

partial storage monitoring — A periodic inspection of major assemblies or components 

for nuclear weapons, consisting mainly of external observation of humidity, 

temperatures, and visual damage or deterioration during storage. This type of 

inspection is also conducted prior to and upon completion of a movement. 

partisan warfare — Not to be used. See guerrilla warfare.

partner nation — Those nations that the United States works with to disrupt the 

production, transportation, distribution, and sale of illicit drugs, as well as the money 

involved with this illicit activity. Also called PN. (JP 3-07.4) 

part number — A combination of numbers, letters, and symbols assigned by a designer, a 

manufacturer, or vendor to identify a specific part or item of materiel. 

pass — 1. A short tactical run or dive by an aircraft at a target. 2. A single sweep through 

or within firing range of an enemy air formation. 

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. A passage may be designated as a forward or rearward passage of 

lines. 

passenger mile — One passenger transported one mile. For air and ocean transport, use 

nautical miles; for rail, highway, and inland waterway transport in the continental 

United States, use statute miles. 

passive — (*) In surveillance, an adjective applied to actions or equipments which emit no 

energy capable of being detected. 

passive air defense — All measures, other than active air defense, taken to minimize the 

effectiveness of hostile air and missile threats against friendly forces and assets. These 

measures include camouflage, concealment, deception, dispersion, reconstitution, 

redundancy, detection and warning systems, and the use of protective construction. See 

also air defense; concealment, deception, dispersion. (JP 3-01) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

408 JP 1-02 

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.

passive homing guidance — (*) A system of homing guidance wherein the receiver in the 

missile utilizes radiation from the target.

passive mine — (*) 1. A mine whose anticountermining device has been operated 

preventing the firing mechanism from being actuated. The mine will usually remain 

passive for a comparatively short time. 2. A mine which does not emit a signal to 

detect the presence of a target. See also active mine. 

pass time — (*) In road transport, the time that elapses between the moment when the 

leading vehicle of a column passes a given point and the moment when the last vehicle 

passes the same point. 

password — (*) A secret word or distinctive sound used to reply to a challenge. See also

challenge; countersign. 

pathfinder drop zone control — The communication and operation center from which 

pathfinders exercise aircraft guidance. 

pathfinder landing zone control — See pathfinder drop zone control.

pathfinders — 1. Experienced aircraft crews who lead a formation to the drop zone, 

release point, or target. 2. Teams dropped or air landed at an objective to establish and 

operate navigational aids for the purpose of guiding aircraft to drop and landing zones. 

3. A radar device used for navigating or homing to an objective when visibility 

precludes accurate visual navigation. 4. Teams air delivered into enemy territory for 

the purpose of determining the best approach and withdrawal lanes, landing zones, and 

sites for helicopterborne forces. 

pathogen — A disease producing microorganism that directly attacks human tissue and 

biological processes. (JP 3-11) 

patient — A sick, injured, wounded, or other person requiring medical and/or dental care or 

treatment. (JP 4-02) 

patient movement — The act or process of moving a sick, injured, wounded, or other 

person to obtain medical and/or dental care or treatment. Functions include medical 

regulating, patient evacuation, and en route medical care. See also patient; 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. Also called PMIs. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 409 

patient movement policy — Command decision establishing the maximum number of days 

that patients may be held within the command for treatment. Patients who, in the 

opinion of responsible medical officers, cannot be returned to a duty status within the 

period prescribed are evacuated by the first available means, provided the travel 

involved will not aggravate their disabilities. See also evacuation; patient. (JP 4-02) 

patient movement requirements center — Term used to represent any theater, joint or the 

Global Patient Movement Requirements Center function. A joint activity that 

coordinates patient movement. It is the functional merging of joint medical regulating 

processes, Services’ medical regulating processes, and patient movement evacuation 

requirements planning (transport to bed plan). Also called PMRC. See also patient. 

(JP 4-02) 

patrol — (*) A detachment of ground, sea, or air forces sent out for the purpose of 

gathering information or carrying out a destructive, harassing, mopping-up, or security 

mission. See also combat air patrol.

pattern bombing — The systematic covering of a target area with bombs uniformly 

distributed according to a plan. 

pattern laying — (*) In land mine warfare, the laying of mines in a fixed relationship to 

each other. 

payload — (*) 1. The sum of the weight of passengers and cargo that an aircraft can carry. 

See also load. 2. The warhead, its container, and activating devices in a military 

missile. 3. The satellite or research vehicle of a space probe or research missile. 4. 

The load (expressed in tons of cargo or equipment, gallons of liquid, or number of 

passengers) which the vehicle is designed to transport under specified conditions of 

operation, in addition to its unladen weight. 

payload build-up (missile and space) — The process by which the scientific 

instrumentation (sensors, detectors, etc.) and necessary mechanical and electronic 

subassemblies are assembled into a complete operational package capable of achieving 

the scientific objectives of the mission. 

payload integration (missile and space) — The compatible installation of a complete 

payload package into the spacecraft and space vehicle. 

payload (missile) — See payload, Part 2.

P-day — That point in time at which the rate of production of an item available for military 

consumption equals the rate at which the item is required by the Armed Forces. 

peace building — Stability actions, predominately diplomatic and economic, that 

strengthen and rebuild governmental infrastructure and institutions in order to avoid a 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

410 JP 1-02 

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. 

See also peace building; peace enforcement; peacekeeping; peace operations. 

(JP 3-07.3) 

peace operations — A broad term that encompasses 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. Peace operations include peacekeeping, peace enforcement, 

peacemaking, peace building, and conflict prevention efforts. Also called PO. See also 

peace building; peace enforcement; peacekeeping; and peacemaking. (JP 3-07.3) 

peacetime force materiel assets — That portion of total materiel assets that is designated to 

meet the peacetime force materiel requirement. See also war reserves.

peacetime force materiel requirement — The quantity of an item required to equip, 

provide a materiel pipeline, and sustain the United States force structure (active and 

reserve) and those allied forces designated for United States peacetime support in 

current Secretary of Defense guidance (including approved supply support 

arrangements with foreign military sales countries) and to support the scheduled 

establishment through normal appropriation and procurement leadtime periods. 

peacetime materiel consumption and losses — The quantity of an item consumed, lost, or 

worn out beyond economical repair through normal appropriation and procurement 

leadtime periods. 

peacetime operating stocks — Logistic resources on hand or on order necessary to support 

day-to-day operational requirements, and which, in part, can also be used to offset 

sustaining requirements. Also called POS. (JP 4-03) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 411 

peak overpressure — (*) The maximum value of overpressure at a given location which is 

generally experienced at the instant the shock (or blast) wave reaches that location.

pencil beam — (*) A searchlight beam reduced to, or set at, its minimum width. 

penetration — (*) In land operations, a form of offensive which seeks to break through the 

enemy’s defense and disrupt the defensive system. 

penetration aids — Techniques and/or devices employed by offensive aerospace weapon 

systems to increase the probability of penetration of enemy defenses. 

penetration (air traffic control) — That portion of a published high altitude instrument 

approach procedure that prescribes a descent path from the fix on which the procedure 

is based to a fix or altitude from which an approach to the airport is made. 

penetration (intelligence) — The recruitment of agents within or the infiltration of agents 

or technical monitoring devices in an organization or group for the purpose of acquiring 

information or of influencing its activities. 

percentage clearance — (*) In mine warfare, the estimated percentage of mines of 

specified characteristics which have been cleared from an area or channel. 

perception management — Actions to convey and/or deny selected information and 

indicators to foreign audiences to influence their emotions, motives, and objective 

reasoning as well as to intelligence systems and leaders at all levels to influence official 

estimates, ultimately resulting in foreign behaviors and official actions favorable to the 

originator’s objectives. In various ways, perception management combines truth 

projection, operations security, cover and deception, and psychological operations. See 

also psychological operations. 

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)

perils of the sea — Accidents and dangers peculiar to maritime activities, such as storms, 

waves, and wind; collision; grounding; fire, smoke and noxious fumes; flooding, 

sinking and capsizing; loss of propulsion or steering; and any other hazards resulting 

from the unique environment of the sea. 

perimeter defense — A defense without an exposed flank, consisting of forces deployed 

along the perimeter of the defended area. 

periodic intelligence summary — A report of the intelligence situation in a tactical 

operation (normally produced at corps level or its equivalent and higher) usually at 

intervals of 24 hours, or as directed by the commander. Also called PERINTSUM. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

412 JP 1-02 

period — The time it takes for a satellite to complete one orbit around the earth. (JP 3-14) 

period of interest — A period of time in which a launch of a missile is expected. Also 

called POI. 

perishable cargo — Cargo requiring refrigeration, such as meat, fruit, fresh vegetables, and 

medical department biologicals.

permafrost — Permanently frozen subsoil. 

permanent echo — Any dense and fixed radar return caused by reflection of energy from 

the Earth’s surface or manmade structure. Distinguished from “ground clutter” by 

being from definable locations rather than large areas. 

permissive action link — A device included in or attached to a nuclear weapon system to 

preclude arming and/or launching until the insertion of a prescribed discrete code or 

combination. It may include equipment and cabling external to the weapon or weapon 

system to activate components within the weapon or weapon system. 

permissive environment — Operational environment in which host country 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) 

persistency — (*) In biological or chemical warfare, the characteristic of an agent which 

pertains to the duration of its effectiveness under determined conditions after its 

dispersal. (JP 3-11) 

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 surveillance — A collection strategy that emphasizes the ability of some 

collection systems to linger on demand in an area to detect, locate, characterize, 

identify, track, target, and possibly provide battle damage assessment and retargeting in 

near or real-time. Persistent surveillance facilitates the prediction of an adversary’s 

behavior and the formulation and execution of preemptive activities to deter or forestall 

anticipated adversary courses of action. See also surveillance. (JP 2-0) 

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 radio locator beacon with a two-way speech 

facility carried by crew members, either on their person or in their survival equipment, 

and capable of providing homing signals to assist search and rescue operations. Also 

called PLB. See also crash locator beacon; emergency locator beacon.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 413 

personal property — Property of any kind or any interest therein, except real property, 

records of the Federal Government, and naval vessels of the following categories: 

surface combatants, support ships, and submarines. 

personal protective equipment — The equipment provided to shield or isolate a person 

from the chemical, physical, and thermal hazards that can be encountered at a 

hazardous materials incident. Personal protective equipment includes both personal 

protective clothing and respiratory protection. Also called PPE. See also individual 

protective equipment. (JP 3-11)

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) 

person in custody — Any person under the direct control and protection of US forces. 

personnel — Those individuals required in either a military or civilian capacity to 

accomplish the assigned mission. 

personnel increment number — A seven-character, alphanumeric field that uniquely 

describes a non-unit-related personnel entry (line) in a Joint Operation Planning and 

Execution System time-phased force and deployment data. Also called PIN.

personnel locator system — A system that provides rough range and bearing to isolated 

personnel by integrating the survival radio (if equipped with a transponder) with an 

airborne locating system, based on an encrypted communications homing system. Also 

called PLS. (JP 3-50) 

personnel locator system code — A six digit number programmed into survival radios and 

used by recovery forces to covertly locate isolated personnel. Also called PLS code. 

(JP 3-50) 

personnel reaction time (nuclear) — (*) The time required by personnel to take 

prescribed protective measures after receipt of a nuclear strike warning. 

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; evasion and escape; personnel; recovery; 

search and rescue. (JP 3-50) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

414 JP 1-02 

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 task force — A force comprised of US or multinational military forces 

and/or other US agencies formed to execute a specific personnel recovery mission to 

locate, support, and recover isolated personnel. Also called PRTF. (JP 3-50) 

personnel replacement center — The processing centers at selected Army installations 

through which individual personnel will be processed to ensure that soldier readiness 

processing actions have been completed prior to reporting to the aerial port of 

embarkation for deployment to a theater of operations. See also deployment. (JP 1-0) 

personnel security investigation — An inquiry into the activities of an individual, designed 

to develop pertinent information pertaining to trustworthiness and suitability for a 

position of trust as related to loyalty, character, emotional stability, and reliability. Also 

called PSI.

perspective grid — (*) A network of lines, drawn or superimposed on a photograph, to 

represent the perspective of a systematic network of lines on the ground or datum 

plane. 

petroleum intersectional service — (*) An intersectional or interzonal service in a theater 

of operations that operates pipelines and related facilities for the supply of bulk 

petroleum products to theater Army elements and other forces as directed. 

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 joint operation planning, a definitive stage of an operation or campaign 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) 

phases of military government — 1. assault — That period which commences with the 

first contact with civilians ashore and extends to the establishment of military 

government control ashore by the landing force. 2. consolidation — That period 

which commences with the establishment of military government ashore by the landing 

force and extends to the establishment of control by occupation forces. 3. occupation 

— That period which commences when an area has been occupied in fact, and the 

military commander within that area is in a position to enforce public safety and order. 

See also civil affairs; military occupation.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 415 

phonetic alphabet — A list of standard words used to identify letters in a message 

transmitted by radio or telephone. The following are the authorized words, listed in 

order, for each letter in the alphabet: ALFA, BRAVO, CHARLIE, DELTA, ECHO, 

FOXTROT, GOLF, HOTEL, INDIA, JULIETT, KILO, LIMA, MIKE, NOVEMBER, 

OSCAR, PAPA, QUEBEC, ROMEO, SIERRA, TANGO, UNIFORM, VICTOR, 

WHISKEY, X-RAY, YANKEE, and ZULU. 

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 gap, minefield. (JP 3-15) 

photoflash bomb — (*) A bomb designed to produce a brief and intense illumination for 

medium altitude night photography. 

photoflash cartridge — (*) A pyrotechnic cartridge designed to produce a brief and 

intense illumination for low altitude night photography. 

photogrammetric control — (*) Control established by photogrammetric methods as 

distinguished from control established by ground methods. Also called minor control.

photogrammetry — (*) The science or art of obtaining reliable measurements from 

photographic images. 

photographic coverage — The extent to which an area is covered by photography from 

one mission or a series of missions or in a period of time. Coverage, in this sense, 

conveys the idea of availability of photography and is not a synonym for the word 

“photography.” 

photographic intelligence — The collected products of photographic interpretation, 

classified and evaluated for intelligence use. Also called PHOTINT.

photographic interpretation — See imagery interpretation.

photographic panorama — A continuous photograph or an assemblage of overlapping 

oblique or ground photographs that have been matched and joined together to form a 

continuous photographic representation of the area. 

photographic reading — (*) The simple recognition of natural or manmade features from 

photographs not involving imagery interpretation techniques. 

photographic scale — (*) The ratio of a distance measured on a photograph or mosaic to 

the corresponding distance on the ground, classified as follows: 

 a. very large scale — 1:4,999 and larger; 

 b. large scale — 1:5,000 to 1:9,999; 

 c. medium scale — 1:10,000 to 1:24,999; 

 d. small scale — 1:25,000 to 1:49,999; 

 e. very small scale — 1:50,000 and smaller. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

416 JP 1-02 

 See also scale. 

photographic strip — (*) Series of successive overlapping photographs taken along a 

selected course or direction. 

photo interpretation key — See imagery interpretation key.

photomap — (*) A reproduction of a photograph or photomosaic upon which the grid 

lines, marginal data, contours, place names, boundaries, and other data may be added. 

photo nadir — (*) The point at which a vertical line through the perspective center of the 

camera lens intersects the photo plane. 

physical characteristics — Those military characteristics of equipment that are primarily 

physical in nature, such as weight, shape, volume, water-proofing, and sturdiness. 

physical damage assessment — The estimate of the quantitative extent of physical damage 

(through munitions blast, fragmentation, and/or fire damage effects) to a target resulting 

from the application of military force. This assessment is based upon observed or 

interpreted damage. 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. 2. (DOD only) 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) 

pictomap — A topographic map in which the photographic imagery of a standard mosaic 

has been converted into interpretable colors and symbols by means of a pictomap 

process. 

pictorial symbolization — (*) The use of symbols which convey the visual character of 

the features they represent. 

Pierson-Moskowitz scale — A scale that categorizes the force of progressively higher wind 

speeds. See also sea state. (JP 4-01.6) 

pillbox — (*) A small, low fortification that houses machine guns, antitank weapons, etc. 

A pillbox is usually made of concrete, steel, or filled sandbags. 

pilot’s trace — (*) A rough overlay to a map made by the pilot of a photographic 

reconnaissance aircraft during or immediately after a sortie. It shows the location, 

direction, number, and order of photographic runs made, together with the camera(s) 

used on each run. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 417 

pinpoint — (*) 1. A precisely identified point, especially on the ground, that locates a very 

small target, a reference point for rendezvous or for other purposes; the coordinates that 

define this point. 2. The ground position of aircraft determined by direct observation 

of the ground. 

pinpoint photograph — (*) A single photograph or a stereo pair of a specific object or 

target. 

pinpoint target — (*) In artillery and naval gunfire support, a target less than 50 meters in 

diameter. 

pipeline — (*) In logistics, the channel of support or a specific portion thereof by means of 

which materiel or personnel flow from sources of procurement to their point of use. 

(JP 4-0) 

piracy — An illegal act of violence, depredation (e.g., plundering, robbing, or pillaging), or 

detention in or over international waters committed for private ends by the crew or 

passengers of a private ship or aircraft against another ship or aircraft or against persons 

or property on board such ship or aircraft. 

pitch — (*) 1. The movement of an aircraft or ship about its transverse axis. 2. In air 

photography, the camera rotation about the transverse axis of the aircraft. Also called

tip.

pitch angle — (*) The angle between the aircraft’s longitudinal axis and the horizontal 

plane. Also called inclination angle.

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) 

plan identification number — 1. A command-unique four-digit number followed by a 

suffix indicating the Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan (JSCP) year for which the plan is 

written, e.g., “2220-95”. 2. In the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System 

(JOPES) database, a five-digit number representing the command-unique four-digit 

identifier, followed by a one-character, alphabetic suffix indicating the operation plan 

option, or a one-digit number numeric value indicating the JSCP year for which the 

plan is written. Also called PID. 

planimetric map — A map representing only the horizontal position of features. 

Sometimes called a line map. See also map.

plan information capability — The capability that allows a supported command to enter 

and update key elements of information in an operation plan stored in the Joint 

Operation Planning and Execution System. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

418 JP 1-02 

planned target (nuclear) — A nuclear target planned on an area or point in which a need is 

anticipated. A planned nuclear target may be scheduled or on call. Firing data for a 

planned nuclear target may or may not be determined in advance. Coordination and 

warning of friendly troops and aircraft are mandatory. 

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 types of planned targets: scheduled and oncall. 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 directive — In amphibious operations, the plan issued by the designated 

commander, following receipt of the initiating directive, to ensure that the planning 

process and interdependent plans developed by the amphibious force will be 

coordinated, completed in the time allowed, and important aspects not overlooked. See 

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

planning factor — (*) A multiplier used in planning to estimate the amount and type of 

effort involved in a contemplated operation. Planning factors are often expressed as 

rates, ratios, or lengths of time. 

planning factors database — Databases created and maintained by the Military Services 

for the purpose of identifying all geospatial information and services requirements for 

emerging and existing forces and systems. The database identifies: unit requirements, 

at the information content level, for geospatial data and services; system requirements 

for standard Department of Defense geospatial data and services; research, 

development, test, and evaluation requirements for developmental systems, identified 

by milestone; and initial operating capability and full operating capability for emerging 

systems. Also called PFDB. See also data; database; geospatial information and 

services. (JP 2-03) 

planning order — A planning directive that provides essential planning guidance and 

directs the initiation of execution planning before the directing authority approves a 

military course of action. Also called PLANORD. See also execution planning. 

(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. 

The planning phase may occur during movement or at any other time upon receipt of a 

new mission or change in the operational situation. See also amphibious operation. 

(JP 3-02) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 419 

planning team — A functional element within a joint force commander’s headquarters 

established to solve problems related to a specific task or requirement. The planning 

team is not enduring and dissolves upon completion of the assigned task. (JP 3-33) 

plan position indicator — (*) A cathode ray tube on which radar returns are so displayed 

as to bear the same relationship to the transmitter as the objects giving rise to them. 

plant equipment — Personal property of a capital nature, consisting of equipment, 

furniture, vehicles, machine tools, test equipment, and accessory and auxiliary items, 

but excluding special tooling and special test equipment, used or capable of use in the 

manufacture of supplies or for any administrative or general plant purpose. 

plastic zone — (*) The region beyond the rupture zone associated with crater formation 

resulting from an explosion in which there is no visible rupture, but in which the soil is 

permanently deformed and compressed to a high density. See also rupture zone.

plate — (*) 1. In cartography: a. a printing plate of zinc, aluminum, or engraved copper; 

b. collective term for all “states” of an engraved map reproduced from the same 

engraved printing plate; c. all detail to appear on a map or chart which will be 

reproduced from a single printing plate (e.g., the “blue plate” or the “contour plate”). 2. 

In photography, a transparent medium, usually glass, coated with a photographic 

emulsion. See also diapositive. 

platform drop — (*) The airdrop of loaded platforms from rear loading aircraft with roller 

conveyors. See also airdrop; airdrop platform.

plot — (*) 1. Map, chart, or graph representing data of any sort. 2. Representation on a 

diagram or chart of the position or course of a target in terms of angles and distances 

from positions; location of a position on a map or a chart. 3. The visual display of a 

single location of an airborne object at a particular instant of time. 4. A portion of a 

map or overlay on which are drawn the outlines of the areas covered by one or more 

photographs. See also master plot.

point defense — The defense or protection of special vital elements and installations; e.g., 

command and control facilities or air bases. (JP 3-52) 

point designation grid — (*) A system of lines, having no relation to the actual scale, or 

orientation, drawn on a map, chart, or air photograph dividing it into squares so that 

points can be more readily located. 

pointee-talkee — A language aid containing selected phrases in English opposite a 

translation in a foreign language. It is used by pointing to appropriate phrases. See also

evasion aid. (JP 3-50 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

420 JP 1-02 

point of no return — (*) A point along an aircraft track beyond which its endurance will 

not permit return to its own or some other associated base on its own fuel supply. 

point-to-point sealift — The movement of troops and/or cargo in Military Sealift 

Command nucleus or commercial shipping between established ports, in administrative 

landings, or during logistics over-the-shore operations. See also administrative 

landing; administrative movement; logistics over-the-shore operations. 

poised mine — (*) A mine in which the ship counter setting has been run down to “one” 

and which is ready to detonate at the next actuation. See also mine. 

polar coordinates — (*) 1. Coordinates derived from the distance and angular 

measurements from a fixed point (pole). 2. In artillery and naval gunfire support, the 

direction, distance, and vertical correction from the observer/spotter position to the 

target. 

polar orbit — A satellite orbit in which the satellite passes over the North and South Poles 

on each orbit, and eventually passes over all points on the earth. The angle of 

inclination between the equator and a polar orbit is 90 degrees. (JP 3-14) 

polar plot — (*) The method of locating a target or point on the map by means of polar 

coordinates. 

political intelligence — Intelligence concerning foreign and domestic policies of 

governments and the activities of political movements. 

political warfare — Aggressive use of political means to achieve national objectives. 

politico-military gaming — Simulation of situations involving the interaction of political, 

military, sociological, psychological, economic, scientific, and other appropriate 

factors. 

pool — 1. Maintenance and control of a supply of resources or personnel upon which other 

activities may draw. The primary purpose of a pool is to promote maximum efficiency 

of use of the pooled resources or personnel, e.g., a petroleum pool or a labor and 

equipment pool. 2. Any combination of resources which serves a common purpose. 

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 capacity — (*) The estimated capacity of a port or an anchorage to clear cargo in 24 

hours usually expressed in tons. See also beach capacity; clearance capacity. 

port complex — (*) A port complex comprises one or more port areas of varying 

importance whose activities are geographically linked either because these areas are 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 421 

dependent on a common inland transport system or because they constitute a common 

initial destination for convoys. 

port designator — (*) A group of letters identifying ports in convoy titles or messages. 

port evacuation of cargoes — (*) The removal of cargoes from a threatened port to 

alternative storage sites. 

port evacuation of shipping — (*) The movement of merchant ships from a threatened 

port for their own protection. 

port of debarkation — The geographic point at which cargo or personnel are discharged. 

This may be a seaport or aerial port of debarkation; for unit requirements; it may or 

may not coincide with the destination. 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. This may be a seaport or aerial port from which personnel and 

equipment flow to a port of debarkation; for unit and non-unit requirements, it may or 

may not coincide with the origin. 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 under the control of the landing force support party and/or combat 

service support element, 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 combat service support element; 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 harbor 

defense; physical security; security.

port support activity — A tailorable support organization composed of mobilization 

station assets that ensures the equipment of the deploying units is ready to load. The 

port support activity operates unique equipment in conjunction with ship loading 

operations. The port support activity is operationally controlled by the military port 

commander or terminal transfer unit commander. Also called PSA. See also support. 

(JP 3-35) 

positional defense — See position defense.

position defense — (*) The type of defense in which the bulk of the defending force is 

disposed in selected tactical localities where the decisive battle is to be fought. 

Principal reliance is placed on the ability of the forces in the defended localities to 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

422 JP 1-02 

maintain their positions and to control the terrain between them. The reserve is used to 

add depth, to block, or restore the battle position by counterattack. 

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 and radar advisory zone — A specified area established for 

identification and flight following of aircraft in the vicinity of a fleet-defended area. 

Also called PIRAZ. 

positive phase of the shock wave — The period during which the pressure rises very 

sharply to a value that is higher than ambient and then decreases rapidly to the ambient 

pressure. See also negative phase of the shock wave. 

Posse Comitatus Act — Prohibits search, seizure, or arrest powers to US military 

personnel. Amended in 1981 under Public Law 97-86 to permit increased Department 

of Defense support of drug interdiction and other law enforcement activities. (Title 18, 

“Use of Army and Air Force as Posse Comitatus” - United States Code, Section 1385) 

postattack period — In nuclear warfare, that period which extends from the termination of 

the final attack until political authorities agree to terminate hostilities. See also

posthostilities period; transattack period. 

posthostilities period — That period subsequent to the date of ratification by political 

authorities of agreements to terminate hostilities. 

poststrike reconnaissance — Missions undertaken for the purpose of gathering 

information used to measure results of a strike. 

power projection — The ability of a nation to apply all or some of its elements of national 

power - political, economic, informational, or military - to rapidly and effectively 

deploy and sustain forces in and from multiple dispersed locations to respond to crises, 

to contribute to deterrence, and to enhance regional stability. See also elements of 

national power. (JP 3-35) 

PPI gauge — See international loading gauge.

practice mine — (*) 1. In land mine warfare, an inert mine to which is fitted a fuze and a 

device to indicate, in a non-lethal fashion, that the fuze has been activated. See also

mine. 2. In naval mine warfare, an inert-filled mine but complete with assembly, 

suitable for instruction and for practice in preparation. See also drill mine.

prearranged fire — (*) Fire that is formally planned and executed against targets or target 

areas of known location. Such fire is usually planned well in advance and is executed 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 423 

at a predetermined time or during a predetermined period of time. See also fire; oncall; scheduled fire.

preassault operations — Operations conducted by the amphibious force upon its arrival in 

the operational area and prior to H-hour and/or L-hour. See also amphibious force; 

times. (JP 3-02) 

precautionary launch — The launching of nuclear loaded aircraft under imminent nuclear 

attack so as to preclude friendly aircraft destruction and loss of weapons on the ground 

and/or carrier. 

precautionary personnel recovery — The planning and pre-positioning of aircraft, ships, 

or ground forces and facilities before an operation to provide personnel recovery 

assistance if needed. Precautionary postures include: duckbutt; lifeguard; airborne 

alert; and quick response posture. Also called precautionary PR. (JP 3-50) 

precedence — 1. communications — A designation assigned to a message by the 

originator to indicate to communications personnel the relative order of handling and to 

the addressee the order in which the message is to be noted. Examples of 

communication precedence from most immediate to least are flash, immediate, priority, 

and routine. 2. reconnaissance — A letter designation, assigned by a unit requesting 

several reconnaissance missions, to indicate the relative order of importance (within an 

established priority) of the mission requested. 3. evacuation — The assignment of a 

priority for medical evacuation that is based on patient condition, advice of the senior 

medical person at the scene, and the tactical situation. See also flash message;

immediate message; priority message; routine message.

precession — See apparent precession.

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 frequency — A frequency requirement accurate to within one part in 

1,000,000,000. 

precise time and time interval — A reference value of time and time interval (frequency). 

Standards are maintained through traceable measurements referenced to a primary 

timing or frequency standard. The Department of Defense standard for precise time 

and time interval is Universal Coordinated Time as maintained by the United States 

Naval Observatory. (JP 3-59)

precision bombing — Bombing directed at a specific point target. 

precision-guided munition — A weapon that uses a seeker to detect electromagnetic 

energy reflected from a target or reference point and, through processing, provides 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

424 JP 1-02 

guidance commands to a control system that guides the weapon to the target. Also 

called PGM. See also munitions. (JP 3-03) 

precursor — Any chemical reactant which takes place at any stage in the production by 

whatever method of a toxic chemical. This includes any key component of a binary or 

multicomponent chemical system. (JP 3-11) 

precursor chemical — Compounds that are required in the synthetic or extraction 

processes of drug production, and become incorporated into the drug molecule. Not 

used in the production of cocaine or heroin. (JP 3-07.4) 

precursor front — (*) An air pressure wave which moves ahead of the main blast wave 

for some distance as a result of a nuclear explosion of appropriate yield and low burst 

height over a heat-absorbing (or dusty) surface. The pressure at the precursor front 

increases more gradually than in a true (or ideal) shock wave, so that the behavior in the 

precursor region is said to be non-ideal. 

precursor sweeping — (*) The sweeping of an area by relatively safe means in order to 

reduce the risk to mine countermeasures vessels in subsequent operations. 

predicted fire — (*) Fire that is delivered without adjustment. 

predominant height — (*) In air reconnaissance, the height of 51 percent or more of the 

structures within an area of similar surface material. 

preemptive attack — An attack initiated on the basis of incontrovertible evidence that an 

enemy attack is imminent. 

preinitiation — The initiation of the fission chain reaction in the active material of a 

nuclear weapon at any time earlier than that at which either the designed or the 

maximum compression or degree of assembly is attained. 

pre-launch survivability — The probability that a delivery and/or launch vehicle will 

survive an enemy attack under an established condition of warning. 

preliminary communications search — In search and rescue operations, consists of 

contacting and checking major facilities within the areas where the craft might be or 

might have been seen. A preliminary communications search is normally conducted 

during the uncertainty phase. Also called PRECOM. See also extended 

communications search; search and rescue incident classification, Subpart a.

preliminary demolition target — (*) A target, other than a reserved demolition target, 

which is earmarked for demolition and which can be executed immediately after 

preparation, provided that prior authority has been granted. See also demolition 

target; reserved demolition target. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 425 

preliminary movement schedule — A projection of the routing of movement requirements 

reflected in the time-phased force and deployment data, from origin to destination, 

including identification of origins, ports of embarkation, ports of debarkation, and en 

route stops; associated time frames for arrival and departure at each location; type of lift 

assets required to accomplish the move; and cargo details by carrier. Schedules are 

sufficiently detailed to support comparative analysis of requirements against 

capabilities and to develop location workloads for reception and onward movement. 

preload loading — (*) The loading of selected items aboard ship at one port prior to the 

main loading of the ship at another. See also loading.

premature dud — See flare dud.

preparation fire — Fire delivered on a target preparatory to an assault. See also fire.

prepare to deploy order — An order issued by competent authority to move forces or 

prepare forces for movement (e.g., increase deployability posture of units). Also called 

PTDO. (JP 5-0) 

preplanned air support — Air support in accordance with a program, planned in advance 

of operations. See also air support. (JP 3-09.3) 

preplanned mission request — A request for an air strike on a target that can be 

anticipated sufficiently in advance to permit detailed mission coordination and 

planning. (JP 3-09.3) 

preplanned nuclear support — Nuclear support planned in advance of operations. See 

also immediate nuclear support; nuclear support.

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 materiel requirement, balance — That portion of the 

pre-positioned war reserve materiel requirement that has not been acquired or funded. 

This level consists of the pre-positioned war reserve materiel requirement, less the prepositioned war reserve requirement, protectable. 

pre-positioned war reserve materiel requirement, protectable — That portion of the 

pre-positioned war reserve materiel requirement that is protected for purposes of 

procurement, funding, and inventory management. 

pre-positioned war reserve requirement — That portion of the war reserve materiel 

requirement that the current Secretary of Defense guidance dictates be reserved and 

positioned at or near the point of planned use or issue to the user prior to hostilities to 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

426 JP 1-02 

reduce reaction time and to assure timely support of a specific force or project until 

replenishment can be effected. 

pre-positioned war reserve stock — The assets that are designated to satisfy the prepositioned war reserve materiel requirement. Also called PWRS. 

presail — The time prior to a ship getting under way used to prepare for at-sea events. 

(JP 3-04)

prescribed nuclear load — (*) A specified quantity of nuclear weapons to be carried by a 

delivery unit. The establishment and replenishment of this load after each expenditure 

is a command decision and is dependent upon the tactical situation, the nuclear 

logistical situation, and the capability of the unit to transport and utilize the load. It 

may vary from day to day and among similar delivery units. 

prescribed nuclear stockage — (*) A specified quantity of nuclear weapons, components 

of nuclear weapons, and warhead test equipment to be stocked in special ammunition 

supply points or other logistical installations. The establishment and replenishment of 

this stockage is a command decision and is dependent upon the tactical situation, the 

allocation, the capability of the logistical support unit to store and maintain the nuclear 

weapons, and the nuclear logistical situation. The prescribed stockage may vary from 

time to time and among similar logistical support units. 

preset guidance — A technique of missile control wherein a predetermined flight path is 

set into the control mechanism and cannot be adjusted after launching.

Presidential Call-up — Procedures by which the President brings all or a part of the Army 

National Guard or the Air National Guard to active Federal service under section 12406 

and Chapter 15 of title 10, US Code. See also active duty; federal service; 

Presidential Reserve Call-up. (JP 4-05) 

Presidential Reserve Call-up — Provision of a public law (title 10, US 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 270 days to meet the requirements of any 

operational mission. Members called under this provision may not be used for disaster 

relief or to suppress insurrection. This authority has particular utility when used in 

circumstances in which the escalatory national or international signals of partial or full 

mobilization would be undesirable. Forces available under this authority can provide a 

tailored, limited-scope, deterrent, or operational response, or may be used as a 

precursor to any subsequent mobilization. Also called PRC. See also Individual 

Ready Reserve; mobilization; Presidential Call-up; Selected Reserve. (JP 4-05) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 427 

pressure breathing — (*) The technique of breathing which is required when oxygen is 

supplied direct to an individual at a pressure higher than the ambient barometric 

pressure. 

pressure front — See shock front.

pressure mine — 1. In land mine warfare, a mine whose fuse responds to the direct 

pressure of a target. 2. In naval mine warfare, a mine whose circuit responds to the 

hydrodynamic pressure field of a target. See also mine. (JP 3-15) 

pressure mine circuit — See pressure mine.

pressurized cabin — The occupied space of an aircraft in which the air pressure has been 

increased above that of the ambient atmosphere by compression of the ambient 

atmosphere into the space. 

prestrike reconnaissance — Missions undertaken for the purpose of obtaining complete 

information about known targets for use by the strike force. 

prevention — 1. The security procedures undertaken by the public and private sectors in 

order to discourage terrorist acts. (JP 3-07.2) 2. In space usage, measures to preclude 

an adversary’s hostile use of United States or third-party space systems and services. 

Prevention can include diplomatic, economic, and political measures. See also space 

control. (JP 3-14) 

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 and any other 

hazards to submerged navigation (e.g., explosive detonations, research submersible 

operations, oil drilling rigs, etc.). (JP 3-32) 

prevention of stripping equipment — See antirecovery device.

preventive deployment — The deployment of military forces to deter violence at the 

interface or zone of potential conflict where tension is rising among parties. Forces 

may be employed in such a way that they are indistinguishable from a peace operations 

force in terms of equipment, force posture, and activities. See also peace 

enforcement; peacekeeping; peace operations. (JP 3-07.3) 

preventive diplomacy — Diplomatic actions taken in advance of a predictable crisis to 

prevent or limit violence. (JP 3-0) 

preventive maintenance — The care and servicing by personnel for the purpose of 

maintaining equipment and facilities in satisfactory operating condition by providing 

for systematic inspection, detection, and correction of incipient failures either before 

they occur or before they develop into major defects. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

428 JP 1-02 

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. These threats 

include nonbattle injuries, combat stress responses, weapons of mass destruction, and 

other threats to the health and readiness of military personnel. Communicable diseases 

include anthropod-, vector-, food-, waste-, and waterborne diseases. Preventative 

medicine measures include field sanitation, medical surveillance, pest and vector 

control, disease risk assessment, environmental and occupational health surveillance, 

waste (human, hazardous, and medical) disposal, food safety inspection, and potable 

water surveillance. Also called PVNTMED. (JP 4-02) 

preventive war — A war initiated in the belief that military conflict, while not imminent, is 

inevitable, and that to delay would involve greater risk. 

prewithdrawal demolition target — A target prepared for demolition preliminary to a 

withdrawal, the demolition of which can be executed as soon after preparation as 

convenient on the orders of the officer to whom the responsibility for such demolitions 

has been delegated. See also demolition target.

primary agency — The federal department or agency assigned primary responsibility for 

managing and coordinating a specific emergency support function in the National 

Response Plan. (JP 3-28) 

primary aircraft authorization — The number of aircraft authorized to a unit for 

performance of its operational mission. The primary authorization forms the basis for 

the allocation of operating resources to include manpower, support equipment, and 

flying-hour funds. Also called PAA. 

primary aircraft inventory — The aircraft assigned to meet the primary aircraft 

authorization. Also called PAI. 

primary censorship — Armed forces censorship performed by personnel of a company, 

battery, squadron, ship, station, base, or similar unit on the personal communications of 

persons assigned, attached, or otherwise under the jurisdiction of a unit. See also

censorship.

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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 429 

primary flight control — The controlling agency on aviation ships and amphibious 

aviation assault 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. See also amphibious aviation assault ship; aviation ship. 

(JP 3-04)

primary imagery dissemination — See electronic imagery dissemination.

primary imagery dissemination system — See electronic imagery dissemination.

primary interest — Principal, although not exclusive, interest and responsibility for 

accomplishment of a given mission, including responsibility for reconciling the 

activities of other agencies that possess collateral interest in the program. 

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 

develop and maintain the assigned joint publication under the cognizance of the lead 

agent. Also called PRA. See also joint publication; lead agent. (CJCSI 5120.02A) 

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)

primed charge — (*) A charge ready in all aspects for ignition. 

prime mover — A vehicle, including heavy construction equipment, possessing military 

characteristics, designed primarily for towing heavy, wheeled weapons and frequently 

providing facilities for the transportation of the crew of, and ammunition for, the 

weapon. 

prime vendor — A contracting process that provides commercial products to regionally 

grouped military and federal customers from commercial distributors using electronic 

commerce. Customers typically receive materiel delivery through the vendor’s 

commercial distribution system. Also called PV. See also distribution system. 

(JP 4-09) 

principal building — A building aboard a diplomatic or consular compound where 

classified information may be handled, stored, discussed, or processed, but that does 

not house the offices of the chief of mission or principal officer. 

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 for incidents of national significance. Also called PFO. (JP 3-41) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

430 JP 1-02 

principal items — End items and replacement assemblies of such importance that 

management techniques require centralized individual item management throughout the 

supply system, to include depot level, base level, and items in the hands of using units. 

These specifically include the items where, in the judgment of the Services, there is a 

need for central inventory control, including centralized computation of requirements, 

central procurement, central direction of distribution, and central knowledge and 

control of all assets owned by the Services. 

principal officer — The officer in charge of a diplomatic mission, consular office, or other 

Foreign Service post, such as a United States Liaison Office. 

principal operational interest — When used in connection with an established facility 

operated by one Service for joint use by two or more Services, “principal operational 

interest” indicates a requirement for the greatest use of, or the greatest need for, the 

services of that facility. The term may be applied to a Service, but is more applicable to 

a command. 

principal parallel — (*) On an oblique photograph, a line parallel to the true horizon and 

passing through the principal point. 

principal plane — (*) A vertical plane which contains the principal point of an oblique 

photograph, the perspective center of the lens, and the ground nadir. 

principal scale — (*) In cartography, the scale of a reduced or generating globe 

representing the sphere or spheroid, defined by the fractional relation of their respective 

radii. Also called nominal scale. See also scale.

principal vertical — (*) On an oblique photograph, a line perpendicular to the true horizon 

and passing through the principal point. 

printing size of a map or chart — (*) The dimensions of the smallest rectangle which will 

contain a map or chart, including all the printed material in its margin. 

print reference — (*) A reference to an individual print in an air photographic sortie. 

priority designator — A two-digit issue and priority code (01 through 15) placed in 

military standard requisitioning and issue procedure requisitions. It is based upon a 

combination of factors that relate the mission of the requisitioner and the urgency of 

need or the end use and is used to provide a means of assigning relative rankings to 

competing demands placed on the Department of Defense supply system. 

priority intelligence requirement — An intelligence requirement, stated as a priority for 

intelligence support, that the commander and staff need to understand the adversary or 

the operational environment. Also called PIR. See also information requirements; 

intelligence; intelligence process; intelligence requirement. (JP 2-0) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 431 

priority message — A category of precedence reserved for messages that require 

expeditious action by the addressee(s) and/or furnish essential information for the 

conduct of operations in progress when routine precedence will not suffice. See also

precedence.

priority national intelligence objectives — A guide for the coordination of intelligence 

collection and production in response to requirements relating to the formulation and 

execution of national security policy. They are compiled annually by the Washington 

Intelligence Community and flow directly from the intelligence mission as set forth by 

the National Security Council. They are specific enough to provide a basis for planning 

the allocation of collection and research resources, but not so specific as to constitute in 

themselves research and collection requirements. 

priority of immediate mission requests — See emergency priority; urgent priority. 

priority system for mission requests for tactical reconnaissance — A system that assigns 

each tactical reconnaissance request the appropriate priority as follows. Priority I — 

Takes precedence over all other requests except those previously assigned priority I. 

The results of these requests are of paramount importance to the immediate battle 

situation or objective. Priority II — The results of these requirements are in support of 

the general battle situation and will be accomplished as soon as possible after priority I 

requests. These are requests to gain current battle information. Priority III — The 

results of these requests update the intelligence database but do not affect the 

immediate battle situation. Priority IV — The results of these requests are of a routine 

nature. These results will be fulfilled when the reconnaissance effort permits. See also

precedence. 

prior permission — (*) Permission granted by the appropriate authority prior to the 

commencement of a flight or a series of flights landing in or flying over the territory of 

the nation concerned. 

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. In 

particular, one who, while engaged in combat under orders of his or her government, is 

captured by the armed forces of the enemy. As such, he or she is entitled to the 

combatant’s privilege of immunity from the municipal law of the capturing state for 

warlike acts which do not amount to breaches of the law of armed conflict. For 

example, a prisoner of war may be, but is not limited to, any person belonging to one of 

the following categories who has fallen into the power of the enemy: a member of the 

armed forces, organized militia or volunteer corps; a person who accompanies the 

armed forces without actually being a member thereof; a member of a merchant marine 

or civilian aircraft crew not qualifying for more favorable treatment; or individuals 

who, on the approach of the enemy, spontaneously take up arms to resist the invading 

forces. Also called POW or PW. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

432 JP 1-02 

prisoner of war branch camp — (*) A subsidiary camp under the supervision and 

administration of a prisoner of war camp. 

prisoner of war camp — An installation established for the internment and administration 

of prisoners of war. 

prisoner of war censorship — The censorship of the communications to and from enemy 

prisoners of war and civilian internees held by the United States Armed Forces. See 

also censorship.

prisoner of war compound — (*) A subdivision of a prisoner of war enclosure. 

prisoner of war enclosure — (*) A subdivision of a prisoner of war camp. 

prisoner of war personnel record — (*) A form for recording the photograph, 

fingerprints, and other pertinent personal data concerning the prisoner of war, including 

that required by the Geneva Convention. 

private sector — An umbrella term that may be applied in the United States and in foreign 

countries 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, for 

example, between the government and the prime contractor (JP 4-10)

proactive measures — In antiterrorism, measures taken in the preventive stage of 

antiterrorism designed to harden targets and detect actions before they occur. (JP 3-07.2) 

proactive mine countermeasures — Measures intended to prevent the enemy from 

successfully laying mines. See also mine countermeasures. (JP 3-15) 

probability of damage — (*) The probability that damage will occur to a target expressed 

as a percentage or as a decimal. Also called PD.

probable error — See horizontal error.

probable error deflection — Error in deflection that is exceeded as often as not. 

probable error height of burst — Error in height of burst that projectile and/or missile 

fuzes may be expected to exceed as often as not. 

probable error range — Error in range that is exceeded as often as not. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 433 

probably destroyed — (*) In air operations, a damage assessment on an enemy aircraft 

seen to break off combat in circumstances which lead to the conclusion that it must be a 

loss although it is not actually seen to crash. 

probe — In information operations, any attempt to gather information about an automated 

information system or its on-line users. See also information; information 

operations; information system. (JP 3-13) 

procedural control — (*) A method of airspace control which relies on a combination of 

previously agreed and promulgated orders and procedures. (JP 3-01) 

procedures — Standard, detailed steps that prescribe how to perform specific tasks. See 

also tactics; techniques. (CJCSI 5120.02) 

procedure turn — (*) An aircraft maneuver in which a turn is made away from a 

designated track followed by a turn in the opposite direction, both turns being executed 

at a constant rate so as to permit the aircraft to intercept and proceed along the 

reciprocal of the designated track. 

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 — (*) 1. In photography, the operations necessary to produce negatives, 

diapositives, or prints from exposed films, plates, or paper. 2. (DOD only) 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 Military Service or Department of Defense component. (JP 4-0)

proclamation — A document published to the inhabitants of an area that sets forth the basis 

of authority and scope of activities of a commander in a given area and which defines 

the obligations, liabilities, duties, and rights of the population affected. 

procurement lead time — The interval in time between the initiation of procurement 

action and receipt into the supply system of the production model (excludes prototypes) 

purchased as the result of such actions. It is composed of two elements, production 

lead time and administrative lead time. See also production lead time; receipt into 

the supply system. (JP 4-10)
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

434 JP 1-02 

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)

producer countries — In counterdrug operations, countries where naturally occurring 

plants such as coca, cannabis, or poppies are cultivated for later refinement into illicit 

drugs. See also counterdrug operations. (JP 3-07.4) 

production base — The total national industrial production capacity available for the 

manufacture of items to meet materiel requirements. 

production lead time — The time interval between the placement of a contract and receipt 

into the supply system of materiel purchased. Two entries are provided: a. initial — 

The time interval if the item is not under production as of the date of contract 

placement; and b. reorder — The time interval if the item is under production as of 

the date of contract placement. See also procurement lead time. (JP 4-10) 

production logistics — That part of logistics concerning research, design, development, 

manufacture, and acceptance of materiel. In consequence, production logistics 

includes: standardization and interoperability, contracting, quality assurance, initial 

provisioning, transportability, reliability and defect analysis, safety standards, 

specifications and production processes, trials and testing (including provision of 

necessary facilities), equipment documentation, configuration control, and 

modifications. 

production loss appraisal — An estimate of damage inflicted on an industry in terms of 

quantities of finished products denied the enemy from the moment of attack through the 

period of reconstruction to the point when full production is resumed. 

proficiency training aircraft — Aircraft required to maintain the proficiency of pilots and 

other aircrew members who are assigned to nonflying duties. 

profile — See flight profile.

program aircraft — The total of the active and reserve aircraft. See also aircraft.

Programmed Forces — The forces that exist for each year of the Future Years Defense 

Program. They contain the major combat and tactical support forces that are expected 

to execute the national strategy within manpower, fiscal, and other constraints. See 

also current force; force; Intermediate Force Planning Level.

program of nuclear cooperation — (*) Presidentially approved bilateral proposals for the 

United States to provide nuclear weapons and specified support to user nations who 

desire to commit delivery units to NATO in nuclear only or dual capable roles. After 

presidential approval in principle, negotiations will be initiated with the user nation to 

develop detailed support arrangements. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 435 

prohibited area — A specified area within the land areas of a state or its internal waters, 

archipelagic waters, or territorial sea adjacent thereto over which the flight of aircraft is 

prohibited. May also refer to land or sea areas to which access is prohibited. See also 

closed area; danger area; restricted area. 

projected map display — (*) The displayed image of a map or chart projected through an 

optical or electro-optical system onto a viewing surface. 

projection print — An enlarged or reduced photographic print made by projection of the 

image of a negative or a transparency onto a sensitized surface. 

proliferation — The transfer of weapons of mass destruction, related materials, technology, 

and expertise from suppliers to hostile state or non-state actors. (JP 3-40) 

prompt radiation — The gamma rays produced in fission and as a result of other neutron 

reactions and nuclear excitation of the weapon materials appearing within a second or 

less after a nuclear explosion. The radiations from these sources are known either as 

prompt or instantaneous gamma rays. See also induced radiation; initial radiation; 

residual radiation.

proofing — The verification 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) 

propaganda — Any form of communication in support of national objectives designed to 

influence the opinions, emotions, attitudes, or behavior of any group in order to benefit 

the sponsor, either directly or indirectly. See also black propaganda; grey 

propaganda; white propaganda. (JP 3-13.2) 

propelled mine — See mobile mine.

proper authority — An authority authorized to call an opposing force hostile; may be 

either the President, the Secretary of Defense, the affected combatant commander, 

and/or any commander so delegated by either the President, Secretary of Defense or the 

combatant commander. 

proper clearance — A clearance for entry of units into specified defense areas by civil or 

military authorities having responsibility for granting such clearance. 

property — 1. Anything that may be owned. 2. As used in the military establishment, this 

term is usually confined to tangible property, including real estate and materiel. For 

special purposes and as used in certain statutes, this term may exclude such items as the 

public domain, certain lands, certain categories of naval vessels, and records of the 

Federal Government. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

436 JP 1-02 

property account — A formal record of property and property transactions in terms of 

quantity and/or cost, generally by item. An official record of Government property 

required to be maintained. 

proportional navigation — A method of homing navigation in which the missile turn rate 

is directly proportional to the turn rate in space of the line of sight. 

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. 

protected frequencies — Those friendly 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. 

These frequencies are of such critical importance that jamming should be restricted 

unless absolutely necessary or until coordination with the using unit is made. They are 

generally time-oriented, may change with the tactical situation, and must be updated 

periodically. 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. They may or may not be 

marked with protected emblems. 

protected site — (*) A facility which is protected by the use of camouflage or 

concealment, selective siting, construction of facilities designed to prevent damage 

from fragments caused by conventional weapons, or a combination of such measures. 

protection — 1. Preservation of the effectiveness and survivability of mission-related 

military and nonmilitary personnel, equipment, facilities, information, and 

infrastructure deployed or located within or outside the boundaries of a given 

operational area. (JP 3-0) 2. In space usage, active and passive defensive measures to 

ensure that United States and friendly space systems perform as designed by seeking to 

overcome an adversary’s attempts to negate them and to minimize damage if negation 

is attempted. See also mission-oriented protective posture; space control. (JP 3-14) 

protection of shipping — The use of proportionate force by US warships, military aircraft, 

and other forces, when necessary for the protection of US flag vessels and aircraft, US 

citizens (whether embarked in US or foreign vessels), and their property against 

unlawful violence. This protection may be extended (consistent with international law) 

to foreign flag vessels, aircraft, and persons. (JP 3-0) 

protective clothing — (*) Clothing especially designed, fabricated, or treated to protect 

personnel against hazards caused by extreme changes in physical environment, 

dangerous working conditions, or enemy action. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 437 

protective mask — A protective ensemble designed to protect the wearer’s face and eyes 

and prevent the breathing of air contaminated with chemical and/or biological agents. 

See also mission-oriented protective posture. (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 laid in friendly 

territorial waters to protect ports, harbors, anchorages, coasts, and coastal routes. See 

also minefield. (JP 3-15) 

prototype — A model suitable for evaluation of design, performance, and production 

potential. 

provincial reconstruction team — An interim interagency organization designed 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)

provisioning — See initial provisioning.

proword — See procedure word.

proximity fuze — (*) A fuze wherein primary initiation occurs by remotely sensing the 

presence, distance, and/or direction of a target or its associated environment by means 

of a signal generated by the fuze or emitted by the target, or by detecting a disturbance 

of a natural field surrounding the target.

proximity operations — In space operations, on-orbit activities of a resident space object 

that deliberately and necessarily maintains a close distance from another resident space 

object for a specific purpose. Two objects in space that pass each other by natural 

orbital mechanics (e.g., routine orbital conjunctions or close approaches) or Department 

of Defense space systems which are designated to utilize cluster or formation flight to 

maintain required proximity to provide required system functionality do not fall within 

this definition. (JP 3-14)

pseudopursuit navigation — A method of homing navigation in which the missile is 

directed toward the instantaneous target position in azimuth, while pursuit navigation in 

elevation is delayed until more favorable angle of attack on the target is achieved. 

psychological consolidation activities — Planned psychological activities across the range 

of military operations directed at the civilian population located in areas under friendly 

control in order to achieve a desired behavior that supports the military objectives and 

the operational freedom of the supported commanders. 

psychological 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, 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

438 JP 1-02 

and individuals. The purpose of psychological operations is to induce or reinforce 

foreign attitudes and behavior favorable to the originator’s objectives. Also called 

PSYOP. See also overt peacetime psychological operations programs; perception 

management. (JP 3-13.2) 

psychological operations assessment team — A small, tailored team (approximately 4-12 

personnel) that consists of psychological operations planners and product 

distribution/dissemination and logistic specialists. The team is deployed to theater at 

the request of the combatant commander to assess the situation, develop psychological 

operations objectives, and recommend the appropriate level of support to accomplish 

the mission. Also called POAT. (JP 3-53) 

psychological operations impact indicators — An observable event or a discernible 

subjectively determined behavioral change that represents an effect of a psychological 

operations activity on the intended foreign target audience at a particular point in time. 

It is measured evidence, ascertained during the analytical phase of the psychological 

operations development process, to evaluate the degree to which the psychological 

operations objective is achieved. (JP 3-53) 

psychological operations support element — A tailored element that can provide limited 

psychological operations support. Psychological operations support elements do not 

contain organic command and control capability; therefore, command relationships 

must be clearly defined. The size, composition and capability of the psychological 

operations support element are determined by the requirements of the supported 

commander. A psychological operations support element is not designed to provide 

full-spectrum psychological operations capability; reachback is critical for its mission 

success. Also called PSE. (JP 3-53) 

public affairs — Those public information, command information, and community 

relations activities directed toward both the external and internal publics with interest in 

the Department of Defense. Also called PA. See also command information; 

community relations; 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. It includes judgments about 

the public affairs impact of pending decisions and recommendations about the structure 

of public affairs support for the assigned mission. See also assessment; public affairs. 

(JP 3-61) 

public affairs ground rules — Conditions established by a military command to govern the 

conduct of news gathering and the release and/or use of specified information during an 

operation or during a specific period of time. See also public affairs. (JP 3-61) 

public affairs guidance — Normally, a package of information to support the public 

discussion of defense issues and operations. Such guidance can range from a 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 439 

telephonic response to a specific question to a more comprehensive package. Included 

could be an approved public affairs policy, contingency statements, answers to 

anticipated media questions, and community relations guidance. The public affairs 

guidance also addresses the method(s), timing, location, and other details governing the 

release of information to the public. Public affairs guidance is approved by the 

Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs. Also called PAG. See also 

community relations; public affairs. (JP 3-61) 

public diplomacy — 1. Those overt international public information activities of the 

United States Government designed to promote United States foreign policy objectives 

by seeking to understand, inform, and influence foreign audiences and opinion makers, 

and by broadening the dialogue between American citizens and institutions and their 

counterparts abroad. 2. In peace building, civilian agency efforts to promote an 

understanding of the reconstruction efforts, rule of law, and civic responsibility through 

public affairs and international public diplomacy operations. Its objective is to promote 

and sustain consent for peace building both within the host nation and externally in the 

region and in the larger international community. (JP 3-07.3) 

public information — Information of a military nature, the dissemination of which through 

public news media is not inconsistent with security, and the release of which is 

considered desirable or nonobjectionable to the responsible releasing agency. 

public key infrastructure — An enterprise-wide service (i.e. data integrity, user 

identification and authentication, user non-repudiation, data confidentiality, encryption, 

and digital signature) that supports digital signatures and other public key-based 

security mechanisms for Department of Defense functional enterprise programs, 

including generation, production, distribution, control, and accounting of public key 

certificates. A public key infrastructure provides the means to bind public keys to their 

owners and helps in the distribution of reliable public keys in large heterogeneous 

networks. Public keys are bound to their owners by public key certificates. These 

certificates contain information such as the owner’s name and the associated public key 

and are issued by a reliable certification authority. Also called PKI. 

pull-up point — (*) The point at which an aircraft must start to climb from a low-level 

approach in order to gain sufficient height from which to execute the attack or 

retirement. See also contact point. 

pulse code — A system of using selected pulse-repetition frequencies to allow a specific 

laser seeker to acquire a target illuminated by a specific laser designator. See also 

laser; laser designator; laser seeker. 

pulse duration — In radar, measurement of pulse transmission time in microseconds; that 

is, the time the radar’s transmitter is energized during each cycle. Also called pulse 

length and pulse width. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

440 JP 1-02 

pulsejet — (*) A jet-propulsion engine containing neither compressor nor turbine. 

Equipped with valves in the front which open and shut, it takes in air to create thrust in 

rapid periodic bursts rather than continuously. 

pulse repetition frequency — 1. In lasers, the number of pulses that occur each second. 2. 

In radar, the number of pulses that occur each second. Pulse repetition frequency 

should not be confused with transmission frequency, which is determined by the rate at 

which cycles are repeated within the transmitted pulse. Also called PRF. See also 

laser. 

pulsing — (*) In naval mine warfare, a method of operating magnetic and acoustic sweeps 

in which the sweep is energized by current which varies or is intermittent in accordance 

with a predetermined schedule. 

purchase description — A statement outlining the essential characteristics and functions of 

an item, service, or materiel required to meet the minimum needs of the Government. 

It is used when a specification is not available or when specific procurement 

specifications are not required by the individual Military Departments or the 

Department of Defense. 

purchase notice agreements — Agreements concerning the purchase of brand-name items 

for resale purposes established by each Military Service under the control of the 

Defense Logistics Agency. 

purchasing office — Any installation or activity, or any division, office, branch, section, 

unit, or other organizational element of an installation or activity charged with the 

functions of procuring supplies or services. 

purposeful interference — In space operations, deliberate actions taken to deny or disrupt 

a space system, service, or capability. Purposeful interference threats include but are 

not limited to: mission uplink or downlink interference; command uplink interference; 

telemetry downlink jamming; positioning jamming; unauthorized access; information 

insertion; and signal probing. Also called PI. (JP 3-14)

pursuit — (*) An offensive operation designed to catch or cut off a hostile force attempting 

to escape, with the aim of destroying it. 

pyrotechnic — A mixture of chemicals which, when ignited, is capable of reacting 

exothermically to produce light, heat, smoke, sound or gas. 

pyrotechnic delay — (*) A pyrotechnic device added to a firing system which transmits 

the ignition flame after a predetermined delay. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

Q 

JP 1-02 441 

q-message — (*) A classified message relating to navigational dangers, navigational aids, 

mined areas, and searched or swept channels. 

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) 

quadrant elevation — (*) The angle between the horizontal plane and the axis of the bore 

when the weapon is laid. (DOD only) It is the algebraic sum of the elevation, angle of 

site, and complementary angle of site. 

quadruple container — A quadruple container box 57.5” x 96” x 96” with a metal frame, 

pallet base, and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) corner fittings. 

Four of these boxes can be lashed together to form a 20- foot American National 

Standards Institute and/or ISO intermodal container. Also called QUADCON. 

quay — A structure of solid construction along a shore or bank that provides berthing and 

generally provides cargo-handling facilities. A similar facility of open construction is 

called a wharf. See also wharf. (JP 4-01.5) 

quick response force — A company-sized force providing responsive, mission-tailored, 

lightly armed ground units that can deploy on short notice, with minimal lift assets, and 

capable of providing immediate or emergency response. Also called QRF. (JP 3-27) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

442 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

R 

JP 1-02 443 

radar — A radio detection device that provides information on range, azimuth, and/or 

elevation of objects. 

radar advisory — The term used to indicate that the provision of advice and information is 

based on radar observation. 

radar altimetry area — (*) A large and comparatively level terrain area with a defined 

elevation which can be used in determining the altitude of airborne equipment by the 

use of radar. 

radar beacon — A receiver-transmitter combination that sends out a coded signal when 

triggered by the proper type of pulse, enabling determination of range and bearing 

information by the interrogating station or aircraft. Also called RB.

radar camouflage — (*) The use of radar absorbent or reflecting materials to change the 

radar echoing properties of a surface of an object. 

radar clutter — (*) Unwanted signals, echoes, or images on the face of the display tube 

which interfere with observation of desired signals. 

radar countermeasures — See electronic warfare; chaff.

radar coverage — (*) The limits within which objects can be detected by one or more 

radar stations. 

radar danning — (*) In naval mine warfare, a method of navigating by using radar to keep 

the required distance from a line of dan buoys. 

radar deception — See electromagnetic deception. 

radar exploitation report — A formatted statement of the results of a tactical radar 

imagery reconnaissance mission. The report includes the interpretation of the sensor 

imagery. Also called RADAREXREP.

radar fire — (*) Gunfire aimed at a target which is tracked by radar. See also fire. 

radar guardship — (*) Any ship which has been assigned the task by the officer in tactical 

command of maintaining the radar watch. 

radar horizon — (*) The locus of points at which the rays from a radar antenna become 

tangential to the Earth’s surface. On the open sea this locus is horizontal, but on land it 

varies according to the topographical features of the terrain. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

444 JP 1-02 

radar imagery — Imagery produced by recording radar waves reflected from a given target 

surface. 

radar intelligence — Intelligence derived from data collected by radar. Also called

RADINT. See also intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

radar netting — (*) The linking of several radars to a single center to provide integrated 

target information. 

radar netting station — (*) A center which can receive data from radar tracking stations 

and exchange this data among other radar tracking stations, thus forming a radar netting 

system. See also radar netting unit; radar tracking station. 

radar netting unit — Optional electronic equipment that converts the operations central of 

certain air defense fire distribution systems to a radar netting station. See also radar 

netting station. 

radar picket — Any ship, aircraft, or vehicle, stationed at a distance from the force 

protected, and integrated into a common operational picture for the purpose of 

increasing the radar detection range. (JP 3-07.4) 

radar reconnaissance — Reconnaissance by means of radar to obtain information on 

enemy activity and to determine the nature of terrain. 

radarscope overlay — (*) A transparent overlay for placing on the radarscope for 

comparison and identification of radar returns. 

radarscope photography — (*) A film record of the returns shown by a radar screen. 

radar signal film — The film on which is recorded all the reflected signals acquired by a 

coherent radar, and that must be viewed or processed through an optical correlator to 

permit interpretation. 

radar silence — (*) An imposed discipline prohibiting the transmission by radar of 

electromagnetic signals on some or all frequencies. 

radar spoking — Periodic flashes of the rotating time base on a radial display. Sometimes 

caused by mutual interference. 

radar tracking station — A radar facility that has the capability of tracking moving targets. 

radial — A magnetic bearing extending from a very high frequency omni-range and/or 

tactical air navigation station. 

radial displacement — (*) On vertical photographs, the apparent “leaning out,” or the 

apparent displacement of the top of any object having height in relation to its base. The 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 445 

direction of displacement is radial from the principal point on a true vertical, or from 

the isocenter on a vertical photograph distorted by tip or tilt. 

radiant exposure — See thermal exposure.

radiation dose — The total amount of ionizing radiation absorbed by material or tissues. 

See also exposure dose. (JP 3-11)

radiation dose rate — Measurement of radiation dose per unit of time. (JP 3-11) 

radiation exposure state — (*) The condition of a unit, or exceptionally an individual, 

deduced from the cumulative whole body radiation dose(s) received. It is expressed as 

a symbol which indicates the potential for future operations and the degree of risk if 

exposed to additional nuclear radiation. 

radiation 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) 

radiation intelligence — Intelligence derived from the collection and analysis of 

non-information-bearing elements extracted from the electromagnetic energy 

unintentionally emanated by foreign devices, equipments, and systems, excluding those 

generated by the detonation of atomic or nuclear weapons. 

radiation intensity — (*) The radiation dose rate at a given time and place. It may be 

used, coupled with a figure, to denote the radiation intensity at a given number of 

hours after a nuclear burst, e.g., RI-3 is the radiation intensity 3 hours after the time of 

burst. Also called RI. 

radiation scattering — (*) The diversion of radiation (thermal, electromagnetic, or 

nuclear) from its original path as a result of interaction or collisions with atoms, 

molecules, or larger particles in the atmosphere or other media between the source of 

the radiation (e.g., a nuclear explosion) and a point at some distance away. As a result 

of scattering, radiation (especially gamma rays and neutrons) will be received at such a 

point from many directions instead of only from the direction of the source. 

radiation sickness — (*) An illness resulting from excessive exposure to ionizing 

radiation. The earliest symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which may be 

followed by loss of hair, hemorrhage, inflammation of the mouth and throat, and 

general loss of energy. 

radioactive decay — (*) The decrease in the radiation intensity of any radioactive material 

with respect to time. 

radioactive decay curve — (*) A graph line representing the decrease of radioactivity with 

the passage of time. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

446 JP 1-02 

radioactive decay rate — The time rate of the disintegration of radioactive material 

generally accompanied by the emission of particles and/or gamma radiation. 

radioactivity — The spontaneous emission of radiation, generally alpha or beta particles, 

often accompanied by gamma rays, from the nuclei of an unstable isotope. 

radioactivity concentration guide — (*) The amount of any specified radioisotope that is 

acceptable in air and water for continuous consumption. 

radio and wire integration — The combining of wire circuits with radio facilities. Also 

called RWI.

radio approach aids — (*) Equipment making use of radio to determine the position of an 

aircraft with considerable accuracy from the time it is in the vicinity of an airfield or 

carrier until it reaches a position from which landing can be carried out. 

radio beacon — (*) A radio transmitter which emits a distinctive or characteristic signal 

used for the determination of bearings, courses, or location. 

radio countermeasures — See electronic warfare.

radio deception — The employment of radio to deceive the enemy. Radio deception 

includes sending false dispatches, using deceptive headings, employing enemy call 

signs, etc. See also electronic warfare.

radio detection — (*) The detection of the presence of an object by radio-location without 

precise determination of its position. 

radio direction finding — (*) Radio-location in which only the direction of a station is 

determined by means of its emissions. 

radio direction finding database — The aggregate of information, acquired by both 

airborne and surface means, necessary to provide support to radio direction-finding 

operations to produce fixes on target transmitters and/or emitters. The resultant 

bearings and fixes serve as a basis for tactical decisions concerning military operations, 

including exercises, planned or underway. 

radio fix — The location of a ship or aircraft by determining the direction of radio signals 

coming to the ship or aircraft from two or more sending stations, the locations of which 

are known. 

radio 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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 447 

radio guard — A ship, aircraft, or radio station designated to listen for and record 

transmissions and to handle traffic on a designated frequency for a certain unit or units. 

radiological accident — A loss of control over radiation or radioactive material that 

presents a hazard to life, health, or property or that may result in any member of the 

general population exceeding exposure limits for ionizing radiation. (JP 3-41) 

radiological defense — Defensive measures taken against the radiation hazards resulting 

from the employment of nuclear and radiological weapons. (JP 3-41) 

radiological dispersal device — An improvised assembly or process, other than a nuclear 

explosive device, designed to disseminate radioactive material in order to cause 

destruction, damage, or injury. Also called RDD. (JP 3-11) 

radiological environment — Conditions found in an area resulting from the presence of a 

radiological hazard. (JP 3-41) 

radiological exposure device — A radioactive source placed to cause injury or death. Also 

called RED. (JP 3-11)

radiological monitoring — See monitoring.

radiological operation — (*) The employment of radioactive materials or radiation 

producing devices to cause casualties or restrict the use of terrain. It includes the 

intentional employment of fallout from nuclear weapons. 

radiological survey — (*) The directed effort to determine the distribution and dose rates 

of radiation in an area. 

radiological survey flight altitude — The altitude at which an aircraft is flown during an 

aerial radiological survey. 

radio magnetic indicator — (*) An instrument which displays aircraft heading and 

bearing to selected radio navigation aids. 

radio navigation — (*) Radio-location intended for the determination of position or 

direction or for obstruction warning in navigation. 

radio range finding — (*) Radio-location in which the distance of an object is determined 

by means of its radio emissions, whether independent, reflected, or retransmitted on the 

same or other wavelength. 

radio range station — (*) A radio navigation land station in the aeronautical radio 

navigation service providing radio equi-signal zones. (In certain instances a radio range 

station may be placed on board a ship.) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

448 JP 1-02 

radio silence — (*) A condition in which all or certain radio equipment capable of 

radiation is kept inoperative. (DOD only) (Note: In combined or United States Joint or 

intra-Service communications the frequency bands and/or types of equipment affected 

will be specified.) 

radio telegraphy — The transmission of telegraphic codes by means of radio. 

radio telephony — (*) The transmission of speech by means of modulated radio waves. 

radius of action — (*) The maximum distance a ship, aircraft, or vehicle can travel away 

from its base along a given course with normal combat load and return without 

refueling, allowing for all safety and operating factors. 

radius of damage — The distance from ground zero at which there is a 0.50 probability of 

achieving the desired damage. 

radius of integration — The distance from ground zero that indicates the area within which 

the effects of both the nuclear detonation and conventional weapons are to be 

integrated. 

radius of safety — (*) The horizontal distance from ground zero beyond which the weapon 

effects on friendly troops are acceptable. 

raid — An operation to temporarily seize an area in order to secure information, confuse an 

adversary, capture personnel or equipment, or to destroy a capability. It ends with a 

planned withdrawal upon completion of the assigned mission. (JP 3-0) 

railhead — A point on a railway where loads are transferred between trains and other 

means of transport. See also navigation head. (JP 4-09) 

railway line capacity — (*) The maximum number of trains which can be moved in each 

direction over a specified section of track in a 24 hour period. See also route capacity. 

railway loading ramp — (*) A sloping platform situated at the end or beside a track and 

rising to the level of the floor of the rail cars or wagons. 

rainfall (nuclear) — The water that is precipitated from the base surge clouds after an 

underwater burst of a nuclear weapon. This rain is radioactive and presents an 

important secondary effect of such a burst. 

rainout — (*) Radioactive material in the atmosphere brought down by precipitation. 

ramjet — (*) A jet-propulsion engine containing neither compressor nor turbine which 

depends for its operation on the air compression accomplished by the forward motion 

of the engine. See also pulsejet. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 449 

random minelaying — (*) In land mine warfare, the laying of mines without regard to 

pattern. 

range — 1. The distance between any given point and an object or target. 2. Extent or 

distance limiting the operation or action of something, such as the range of an aircraft, 

ship, or gun. 3. The distance that can be covered over a hard surface by a ground 

vehicle, with its rated payload, using the fuel in its tank and its cans normally carried as 

part of the ground vehicle equipment. 4. Area equipped for practice in shooting at 

targets. In this meaning, also called target range.

range marker — (*) A single calibration blip fed onto the time base of a radial display. 

The rotation of the time base shows the single blips as a circle on the plan position 

indicator scope. It may be used to measure range. 

range markers — Two upright markers that may be lighted at night and placed so that, 

when aligned, the direction indicated assists in piloting. They may be used in 

amphibious operations to aid in beaching landing ships or craft. 

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. Rangers also can execute direct action 

operations in support of conventional nonspecial operations missions conducted by a 

combatant commander and can operate as conventional light infantry when properly 

augmented with other elements of combined arms. (JP 3-05.1) 

range spread — The technique used to place the mean point of impact of two or more units 

100 meters apart on the gun-target line. 

ranging — (*) The process of establishing target distance. Types of ranging include echo, 

intermittent, manual, navigational, explosive echo, optical, radar, etc. See also spot. 

rapid and precise response — Rapid and precise response is the ability of the defense 

supply chain to meet the constantly changing needs of the joint force. (JP 4-0)

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) 

rapid response force — A battalion minus-sized force providing responsive, missiontailored, lightly armed ground units that can deploy on short notice, with minimal lift 

assets, and capable of providing immediate or emergency response. Also called RRF. 

(JP 3-27) 

rated load — (*) The designed safe operating load for the equipment under prescribed 

conditions. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

450 JP 1-02 

rate of fire — (*) The number of rounds fired per weapon per minute. 

rate of march — (*) The average number of miles or kilometers to be traveled in a given 

period of time, including all ordered halts. It is expressed in miles or kilometers in the 

hour. See also pace.

ratification — 1. The declaration by which a nation formally accepts, with our without 

reservation, the content of a standardization agreement. 2. The process of approving an 

unauthorized commitment by an official who has the authority to do so. See also 

implementation; reservation; subscription; unauthorized commitment. (JP 4-10)

rationalization — Any action that increases the effectiveness of allied forces through more 

efficient or effective use of defense resources committed to the alliance. 

Rationalization includes consolidation, reassignment of national priorities to higher 

alliance needs, standardization, specialization, mutual support or improved 

interoperability, and greater cooperation. Rationalization applies to both weapons 

and/or materiel resources and non-weapons military matters. 

ration dense — Foods that, through processing, have been reduced in volume and quantity 

to a small compact package without appreciable loss of food value, quality, or 

acceptance, with a high yield in relation to space occupied, such as dehydrates and 

concentrates. 

ratio print — A print the scale of which has been changed from that of the negative by 

photographic enlargement or reduction. 

ratline — An organized effort for moving personnel and/or material by clandestine means 

across a denied area or border. 

R-day — See times.

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) 

reaction time — 1. The elapsed time between the initiation of an action and the required 

response. 2. The time required between the receipt of an order directing an operation 

and the arrival of the initial element of the force concerned in the designated area. 

readiness — The ability of United States military forces to fight and meet the demands of 

the national military strategy. Readiness is the synthesis of two distinct but interrelated 

levels. a. unit readiness — The ability to provide capabilities required by the 

combatant commanders to execute their assigned missions. This is derived from the 

ability of each unit to deliver the outputs for which it was designed. b. joint readiness

— The combatant commander’s ability to integrate and synchronize ready combat and 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 451 

support forces to execute his or her assigned missions. See also military capability; 

National Military Strategy. 

readiness condition — See operational readiness.

ready position — (*) In helicopter operations, a designated place where a helicopter load 

of troops and/or equipment waits for pick-up. 

Ready Reserve — The Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve, and Inactive National 

Guard liable for active duty as prescribed by law (title 10, US Code, sections 10142, 

12301, and 12302). See also active duty; Inactive National Guard; Individual 

Ready Reserve; Selected Reserve. (JP 4-05) 

ready-to-load date — The date when a unit will be ready to move from the origin, i.e., 

mobilization station. Also called RLD.

reallocation authority — (*) The authority given to NATO commanders and normally 

negotiated in peacetime, to reallocate in an “emergency in war” national logistic 

resources controlled by the combat forces under their command, and made available by 

nations, in order to influence the battle logistically. 

real property — Lands, buildings, structures, utilities systems, improvements, and 

appurtenances thereto. Includes equipment attached to and made part of buildings and 

structures (such as heating systems) but not movable equipment (such as plant 

equipment). 

real time — Pertaining to the timeliness of data or information which has been delayed only 

by the time required for electronic communication. This implies that there are no 

noticeable delays. See also near real time. 

rear area — For any particular command, the area extending forward from its rear 

boundary to the rear of the area assigned to the next lower level of command. This area 

is provided primarily for the performance of support functions. See also Army service 

area. (JP 3-10) 

rear area operations center/rear tactical operations center — A command and control 

facility that serves as an area and/or subarea commander’s planning, coordinating, 

monitoring, advising, and directing agency for area security operations. (JP 3-10) 

rear echelon — (*) Elements of a force which are not required in the objective area. 

rear guard — 1. The rearmost elements of an advancing or a withdrawing force. It has the 

following functions: to protect the rear of a column from hostile forces; during the 

withdrawal, to delay the enemy; during the advance, to keep supply routes open. 2. 

Security detachment that a moving ground force details to the rear to keep it informed 

and covered. See also guard. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

452 JP 1-02 

rearming — 1. An operation that replenishes the prescribed stores of ammunition, bombs, 

and other armament items for an aircraft, naval ship, tank, or armored vehicle 

(including replacement of defective ordnance equipment) in order to make it ready for 

combat service. 2. Resetting the fuze on a bomb or on an artillery, mortar, or rocket 

projectile so that it will detonate at the desired time. 

reattack recommendation — An assessment, derived from the results of battle damage 

assessment and munitions effectiveness assessment, providing the commander 

systematic advice on reattack of targets and further target selection to achieve 

objectives. The reattack recommendation considers objective achievement, target, and 

aimpoint selection, attack timing, tactics, and weapon system and munitions selection. 

The reattack recommendation is a combined operations and intelligence function. Also 

called RR. See also assessment; battle damage assessment; munitions effectiveness 

assessment; target. (JP 3-60) 

rebuild — The restoration of an item to a standard as nearly as possible to its original 

condition in appearance, performance, and life expectancy. See also overhaul; repair.

receipt — A transmission made by a receiving station to indicate that a message has been 

satisfactorily received. 

receipt into the supply system — That point in time when the first item or first quantity of 

the item of the contract has been received at or is en route to point of first delivery after 

inspection and acceptance. See also procurement lead time. (JP 4-10) 

receiving ship — The ship in a replenishment unit that receives the rig(s). 

reception — 1. All ground arrangements connected with the delivery and disposition of air 

or sea drops. Includes selection and preparation of site, signals for warning and 

approach, facilitation of secure departure of agents, speedy collection of delivered 

articles, and their prompt removal to storage places having maximum security. When a 

group is involved, it may be called a reception committee. 2. Arrangements to 

welcome and provide secure quarters or transportation for defectors, escapees, evaders, 

or incoming agents. 3. The process of receiving, offloading, marshalling, 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) 

reclama — A request to duly constituted authority to reconsider its decision or its proposed 

action. 

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 

communications-electronics patterns. 2. In ground combat operations, the 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 453 

determination that an object is similar within a category of something already known; 

e.g., tank, truck, man. 

recognition signal — Any prearranged signal by which individuals or units may identify 

each other. 

recompression chamber — See hyperbaric chamber. 

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. Also called RECON. (JP 2-0) 

reconnaissance by fire — (*) A method of reconnaissance in which fire is placed on a 

suspected enemy position to cause the enemy to disclose a presence by movement or 

return of fire. 

reconnaissance exploitation report — (*) A standard message format used to report the 

results of a tactical air reconnaissance mission. Whenever possible the report should 

include the interpretation of sensor imagery. Also called RECCEXREP. 

reconnaissance in force — (*) An offensive operation designed to discover and/or test the 

enemy’s strength or to obtain other information. 

reconnaissance patrol — See patrol.

reconnaissance photography — Photography taken to obtain information on the results of 

bombing, or on enemy movements, concentrations, activities, and forces. The primary 

purposes do not include making maps, charts, or mosaics. 

reconstitution site — A location selected by the surviving command authority as the site at 

which a damaged or destroyed headquarters can be reformed from survivors of the 

attack and/or personnel from other sources, predesignated as replacements.

record information — All forms (e.g., narrative, graphic, data, computer memory) of 

information registered in either temporary or permanent form so that it can be retrieved, 

reproduced, or preserved. 

recoverable item — An item that normally is not consumed in use and is subject to return 

for repair or disposal. See also reparable item. 

recovery — 1. In air (aviation) operations, that phase of a mission which involves the return 

of an aircraft to a land base or platform afloat. 2. The retrieval of a mine from the 

location where emplaced. 3. In personnel recovery, actions taken to physically gain 

custody of isolated personnel and return them to the initial reception point. 4. Actions 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

454 JP 1-02 

taken to extricate damaged or disabled equipment for return to friendly control or repair 

at another location. See also evader; evasion; recovery; recovery force. (JP 3-50) 

recovery activation signal — In personnel recovery, a precoordinated signal from an 

evader to a receiving or observing source that indicates, “I am here, start the recovery 

planning.” Also called RAS. See also evader; evasion; recovery operations; signal. 

(JP 3-50) 

recovery airfield — Any airfield, military or civil, at which aircraft might land 

post-H-hour. It is not expected that combat missions would be conducted from a 

recovery airfield. See also airfield. 

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 force — In personnel recovery, an organization consisting of personnel and 

equipment with a mission of locating, supporting, and recovering isolated personnel, 

and returning them to friendly control. See also evader; evasion; recovery 

operations. (JP 3-50) 

recovery mechanism — Designated indigenous or surrogate infrastructure that is 

specifically developed, trained, and directed by US forces to contact, authenticate, 

support, move, and exfiltrate designated isolated personnel from uncertain or hostile 

areas back to friendly control. Recovery mechanisms may operate with other US or 

multinational personnel recovery capabilities. 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 procedures — See explosive ordnance disposal procedures.

recovery site — In personnel recovery, an area from which isolated personnel can be 

recovered. See also escapee; evader; evasion; evasion and escape. (JP 3-50) 

recovery team — In personnel recovery, designated US or US-directed forces, who 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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 455 

recovery zone — A designated geographic area from which special operations forces can 

be extracted by air, boat, or other means. Also called RZ. (JP 3-05.1) 

rectification — (*) In photogrammetry, the process of projecting a tilted or oblique 

photograph on to a horizontal reference plane. 

recuperation — Not to be used. See recovery and reconstitution.

recurring demand — A request by an authorized requisitioner to satisfy a materiel 

requirement for consumption or stock replenishment that is anticipated to recur 

periodically. Demands for which the probability of future occurrence is unknown will 

be considered as recurring. Recurring demands will be considered by the supporting 

supply system in order to procure, store, and distribute materiel to meet similar 

demands in the future. 

redeployment — The transfer of forces and materiel to support another joint force 

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) 

redeployment airfield — (*) An airfield not occupied in its entirety in peacetime, but 

available immediately upon outbreak of war for use and occupation by units redeployed 

from their peacetime locations. It must have substantially the same standard of 

operational facilities as the main airfield. See also airfield; departure airfield; 

diversion airfield; main airfield.

RED HORSE — Air Force units wartime-structured to provide a heavy engineer capability. 

They have a responsibility across the operational area, are not tied to a specific base, 

and are not responsible for base operation and maintenance. These units are mobile, 

rapidly deployable, and largely self-sufficient for limited periods of time. (JP 3-34) 

redistribution — The utilization of logistic resources after Transfer of Authority necessary 

for the fulfillment of the commander’s combat missions. The logistic resources are 

designated in peacetime and will become assigned to the NATO commander in crisis 

and conflict. (JP 4-08) 

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) 

reduced charge — 1. The smaller of the two propelling charges available for naval guns. 

2. Charge employing a reduced amount of propellant to fire a gun at short ranges as 

compared to a normal charge. See also normal charge.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

456 JP 1-02 

reduced lighting — (*) The reduction in brightness of ground vehicle lights by either 

reducing power or by screening in such a way that any visible light is limited in output. 

See also normal lighting.

reduced operating status — Applies to the Military Sealift Command ships withdrawn 

from full operating status because of decreased operational requirements. A ship in 

reduced operating status is crewed for a level of ship maintenance and possible future 

operational requirements, with crew size predetermined contractually. The condition of 

readiness in terms of calendar days required to attain full operating status is designated 

by the numeral following the acronym ROS (e.g., ROS-5). Also called ROS. See also 

Military Sealift Command. (JP 4-01.6) 

reduction — The creation of lanes through a minefield or obstacle to allow passage of the 

attacking ground force. (JP 3-15) 

reduction (photographic) — The production of a negative, diapositive, or print at a scale 

smaller than the original. 

reefer — 1. A refrigerator. 2. A motor vehicle, railroad freight car, ship, aircraft, or other 

conveyance, so constructed and insulated as to protect commodities from either heat or 

cold. 

reentry vehicle — (*) That part of a space vehicle designed to re-enter the Earth’s 

atmosphere in the terminal portion of its trajectory. Also called RV. See also

maneuverable reentry vehicle; multiple reentry vehicle.

reference datum — As used in the loading of aircraft, an imaginary vertical plane at or near 

the nose of the aircraft from which all horizontal distances are measured for balance 

purposes. Diagrams of each aircraft show this reference datum as “balance station 

zero.” 

reference diversion point — (*) One of a number of positions selected by the routing 

authority on both sides of the route of a convoy or independent to facilitate diversion at 

sea. 

reference point — (*) A prominent, easily located point in the terrain. 

reflected shock wave — When a shock wave traveling in a medium strikes the interface 

between this medium and a denser medium, part of the energy of the shock wave 

induces a shock wave in the denser medium and the remainder of the energy results in 

the formation of a reflected shock wave that travels back through the less dense 

medium.

reflex sight — (*) An optical or computing sight that reflects a reticle image (or images) 

onto a combining glass for superimposition on the target. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 457 

refraction — The process by which the direction of a wave is changed when moving into 

shallow water at an angle to the bathymetric contours. The crest of the wave advancing 

in shallower water moves more slowly than the crest still advancing in deeper water, 

causing the wave crest to bend toward alignment with the underwater contours. 

(JP 4-01.6) 

refuge area — (*) A coastal area considered safe from enemy attack to which merchant 

ships may be ordered to proceed when the shipping movement policy is implemented. 

See also safe anchorage.

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; expellee; 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 and responsible for air and missile defenses in the assigned region. 

Exercises authorities as delegated by the area air defense commander. Also called 

RADC. (JP 3-01) 

regional liaison group — A combined Department of State-Department of Defense 

element collocated with a combatant command for the purpose of coordinating post 

emergency evacuation plans. Also called RLG. (JP 3-68) 

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, federal or coordinating officer can assume their National Response Plan 

coordination responsibilities. Also called RRCC. (JP 3-28) 

regional satellite communications support center — United States Strategic Command 

operational element responsible for providing the operational communications planners 

with a single all-spectrum (extremely high frequency, super-high frequency, ultrahigh 

frequency, Ku, and Ka) point of contact for accessing and managing satellite 

communications (SATCOM) resources. Specific tasks include: supporting combatant 

commanders’ deliberate and crisis planning, assisting combatant commanders in dayto-day management of apportioned resources and allocating non-apportioned resources, 

assisting theater spectrum managers, and facilitating SATCOM interface to the defense 

information infrastructure. Also called RSSC. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

458 JP 1-02 

regional security officer — A security officer responsible to the chief of mission 

(ambassador), for security functions of all US embassies and consulates in a given 

country or group of adjacent countries. Also called RSO. (JP 3-10) 

register — (*) In cartography, the correct position of one component of a composite map 

image in relation to the other components, at each stage of production. 

registration — The adjustment of fire to determine firing data corrections. 

registration fire — (*) Fire delivered to obtain accurate data for subsequent effective 

engagement of targets. See also fire.

registration point — (*) Terrain feature or other designated point on which fire is adjusted 

for the purpose of obtaining corrections to firing data. 

regrade — To determine that certain classified information requires, in the interests of 

national defense, a higher or a lower degree of protection against unauthorized 

disclosure than currently provided, coupled with a changing of the classification 

designation to reflect such higher or lower degree. 

regular drill — See unit training assembly.

regulated item — (*) Any item whose issue to a user is subject to control by an 

appropriate authority for reasons that may include cost, scarcity, technical or hazardous 

nature, or operational significance. Also called controlled item. See also critical 

supplies and materiel.

regulating point — An anchorage, port, or ocean area to which assault and assault followon echelons and follow-up shipping proceed on a schedule, and at which they are 

normally controlled by the commander, amphibious task force, until needed in the 

transport area for unloading. See also assault; commander, amphibious task force. 

(JP 3-02) 

regulating station — A command agency established to control all movements of 

personnel and supplies into or out of a given area. 

rehabilitation — (*) 1. The processing, usually in a relatively quiet area, of units or 

individuals recently withdrawn from combat or arduous duty, during which units 

recondition equipment and are rested, furnished special facilities, filled up with 

replacements, issued replacement supplies and equipment, given training, and generally 

made ready for employment in future operations. 2. The action performed in restoring 

an installation to authorized design standards. 

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 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 459 

duty or discharge from the Service. Also called restorative care. See also patient; 

patient movement policy; theater. (JP 4-02) 

rehearsal phase — In amphibious operations, the period during which the prospective 

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

detailed operations, and the combat readiness of participating forces; (2) ensuring that 

all echelons are familiar with plans; and (3) testing communications-information 

systems. See also amphibious operation. (JP 3-02) 

reinforcement training unit — See voluntary training unit.

reinforcing — A support mission in which the supporting unit assists the supported unit to 

accomplish the supported unit’s mission. Only like units (e.g., artillery to artillery, 

intelligence to intelligence, armor to armor, etc) can be given a reinforcing/reinforced 

mission. 

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 conducting appropriate debriefings and 

reintegrating recovered isolated personnel back to duty and their family. (JP 3-50) 

relateral tell — (*) The relay of information between facilities through the use of a third 

facility. This type of telling is appropriate between automated facilities in a degraded 

communications environment. See also track telling.

relative altitude — See vertical separation.

relative biological effectiveness — The ratio of the number of rads of gamma (or X) 

radiation of a certain energy that will produce a specified biological effect to the 

number of rads of another radiation required to produce the same effect measures the 

“relative biological effectiveness” of the latter radiation. 

release — (*) In air armament, the intentional separation of a free-fall aircraft store, from 

its suspension equipment, for purposes of employment of the store. 

release altitude — Altitude of an aircraft above the ground at the time of release of bombs, 

rockets, missiles, tow targets, etc. 

release point (road) — A well-defined point on a route at which the elements composing a 

column return under the authority of their respective commanders, each one of these 

elements continuing its movement towards its own appropriate destination. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

460 JP 1-02 

releasing commander (nuclear weapons) — A commander who has been delegated 

authority to approve the use of nuclear weapons within prescribed limits. See also

executing commander (nuclear weapons). 

releasing officer — A properly designated individual who may authorize the sending of a 

message for and in the name of the originator. See also originator.

reliability diagram — (*) In cartography, a diagram showing the dates and quality of the 

source material from which a map or chart has been compiled. See also information 

box.

reliability of source — See evaluation.

relief — (*) Inequalities of evaluation and the configuration of land features on the surface 

of the Earth which may be represented on maps or charts by contours, hypsometric 

tints, shading, or spot elevations. 

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. The responsibilities of the replaced 

elements for the mission and the assigned zone of operations are transferred to the 

incoming unit. The incoming unit continues the operation as ordered. 

religious support — The entire spectrum of professional duties that a chaplain provides and 

performs in the dual role of religious leader and staff officer assisted by enlisted support 

personnel. See also combatant command chaplain; command chaplain; lay leader; 

religious support plan; religious support team. (JP 1-05) 

religious support plan — A plan that describes how religious support will be provided to 

all members of a joint force. When approved by the commander, it may be included as 

an annex to an operation plan. Also called RSP. See also combatant command 

chaplain; command chaplain; lay leader; religious support; religious support 

team. (JP 1-05)

religious support team — A team that is composed of at least one chaplain and one 

enlisted support person. Religious support teams assigned at Joint Staff and combatant 

command level may be from different Services; those assigned at joint task force and 

below are normally from the same Service. The team works together in designing, 

implementing, and executing the command religious program. Also called RST. See 

also combatant command chaplain; command chaplain; lay leader; religious 

support; religious support plan. (JP 1-05) 

relocatable building — A building designed to be readily moved, erected, disassembled, 

stored, and reused. All types of buildings or building forms designed to provide 

relocatable capabilities are included in this definition. In classifying buildings as 

relocatable, the estimated funded and unfunded costs for average building disassembly, 

repackaging (including normal repair and refurbishment of components), and 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 461 

nonrecoverable building components, including typical foundations, may not exceed 20 

percent of the building acquisition cost. Excluded from this definition are building 

types and forms that are provided as an integral part of a mobile equipment item and 

that are incidental portions of such equipment components, such as communications 

vans or trailers. (JP 3-34) 

remain-behind equipment — Unit equipment left by deploying forces at their bases when 

they deploy. (JP 3-02.2) 

remaining forces — The total surviving United States forces at any given stage of combat 

operations. 

remote delivery — (*) In mine warfare, the delivery of mines to a target area by any means 

other than direct emplacement. The exact position of mines so laid may not be known. 

remotely piloted vehicle — (*) An unmanned vehicle capable of being controlled from a 

distant location through a communication link. It is normally designed to be 

recoverable. See also drone.

render safe procedures — See explosive ordnance disposal procedures.

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) 

reorder cycle — The interval between successive reorder (procurement) actions. 

reorder point — 1. That point at which time a stock replenishment requisition would be 

submitted to maintain the predetermined or calculated stockage objective. 2. The sum 

of the safety level of supply plus the level for order and shipping time equals the 

reorder point. 

repair — The restoration of an item to serviceable condition through correction of a specific 

failure or unserviceable condition. See also overhaul; rebuild.

repair and restoration — Repair, beyond emergency repair, of war-damaged facilities to 

restore operational capability in accordance with combatant command standards of 

construction, including repair and restoration of pavement surfaces. Normally, repairs 

to facilities will be made using materials similar to those of the original construction. 

For severely damaged facilities (i.e., essentially destroyed), restoration may require 

reconstruction. (JP 3-34) 

repair cycle — The stages through which a reparable item passes from the time of its 

removal or replacement until it is reinstalled or placed in stock in a serviceable 

condition. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

462 JP 1-02 

repair cycle aircraft — Aircraft in the active inventory that are in or awaiting depot 

maintenance, including those in transit to or from depot maintenance. 

reparable item — An item that can be reconditioned or economically repaired for reuse 

when it becomes unserviceable. See also recoverable item.

repatriate — A person who returns to his or her country or citizenship, having left said 

native country either against his or her will, or as one of a group who left for reason of 

politics, religion, or other pertinent reasons. 

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. 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) 

repeater-jammer — (*) A receiver transmitter device which amplifies, multiplies, and 

retransmits the signals received, for purposes of deception or jamming. 

replacement demand — A demand representing replacement of items consumed or worn 

out. 

replacement factor — (*) The estimated percentage of equipment or repair parts in use 

that will require replacement during a given period due to wearing out beyond repair, 

enemy action, abandonment, pilferage, and other causes except catastrophes. 

replacements — Personnel required to take the place of others who depart a unit. 

replenishment at sea — (*) Those operations required to make a transfer of personnel 

and/or supplies when at sea. 

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) 

reported unit — A unit designation that has been mentioned in an agent report, captured 

document, or interrogation report, but for which available information is insufficient to 

include the unit in accepted order of battle holdings. 

reporting post — (*) An element of the control and reporting system used to extend the 

radar coverage of the control and reporting center. It does not undertake the control of 

aircraft. 

reporting time interval — 1. In surveillance, the time interval between the detection of an 

event and the receipt of a report by the user. 2. In communications, the time for 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 463 

transmission of data or a report from the originating terminal to the end receiver. See 

also near real time.

representative downwind direction — (*) During the forecast period, the mean surface 

downwind direction in the hazard area towards which the cloud travels. 

representative downwind speed — (*) The mean surface downwind speed in the hazard 

area during the forecast period. 

representative fraction — The scale of a map, chart, or photograph expressed as a fraction 

or ratio. See also scale.

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 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. A 

request for information can be initiated to respond to operational requirements and will 

be validated in accordance with the combatant command’s procedures. 2. The 

National Security Agency/Central Security Service uses this term to state ad hoc signals 

intelligence requirements. Also called RFI. See also information; intelligence. 

(JP 2-0) 

request modify — (*) In artillery and naval gunfire support, a request by any person, other 

than the person authorized to make modifications to a fire plan, for a modification. 

required delivery date — The date that a force must arrive at the destination and complete 

unloading. Also called RDD. 

required supply rate (ammunition) — The amount of ammunition expressed in terms of 

rounds per weapon per day for ammunition items fired by weapons (and in terms of 

other units of measure per day for bulk allotment and other items) estimated to be 

required to sustain operations of any designated force without restriction for a specified 

period. Tactical commanders use this rate to state their requirements for ammunition to 

support planned tactical operations at specified intervals. The required supply rate is 

submitted through command channels. It is consolidated at each echelon and is 

considered by each commander in subsequently determining the controlled supply rate 

within the command. Also called RSR. See also ammunition controlled supply rate.

requirements — See military requirement.

requirements capability — This capability provides a Joint Operation Planning and 

Execution System user with the ability to identify, update, review, and delete data on 

forces and sustainment required to support an operation plan or course of action. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

464 JP 1-02 

requirements management system — A system for the management of theater and 

national imagery collection requirements that provides automated tools for users in 

support of submission, review, and validation of imagery nominations as requirements 

to be tasked on national or Department of Defense imagery collection, production, and 

exploitation resources. Also called RMS. See also imagery. (JP 2-01) 

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)

requisition — (*) 1. An authoritative demand or request especially for personnel, supplies, 

or services authorized but not made available without specific request. 2. (DOD only) 

To demand or require services from an invaded or conquered nation. 

requisitioning objective — The maximum quantities of materiel to be maintained on hand 

and on order to sustain current operations. It will consist of the sum of stocks 

represented by the operating level, safety level, and the order and shipping time or 

procurement lead time, as appropriate. 

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 ship — (*) In shipping control, a ship of a convoy stationed at the rear of a convoy 

column to rescue survivors. 

research — All effort directed toward increased knowledge of natural phenomena and 

environment and toward the solution of problems in all fields of science. This includes 

basic and applied research. 

reseau — (*) A grid system of a standard size in the image plane of a photographic system 

used for mensuration purposes. 

reservation — The stated qualification by a nation that describes the part of a 

standardization agreement that it will not implement or will implement only with 

limitations. See also implementation; ratification; subscription.

reserve — 1. Portion of a body of troops that is kept to the rear, or withheld from action at 

the beginning of an engagement, in order to be available for a decisive movement. 2. 

Members of the Military Services who are not in active service but who are subject to 

call to active duty. 3. Portion of an appropriation or contract authorization held or set 

aside for future operations or contingencies and, in respect to which, administrative 

authorization to incur commitments or obligations has been withheld. See also

operational reserve; reserve supplies. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 465 

reserve aircraft — Those aircraft that have been accumulated in excess of immediate needs 

for active aircraft and are retained in the inventory against possible future needs. See 

also aircraft. 

reserve component category — The category that identifies an individual’s status in a 

reserve component. The three reserve component categories are Ready Reserve, 

Standby Reserve, and Retired Reserve. Each reservist is identified by a specific reserve 

component category designation. 

Reserve Components — Reserve Components of the Armed Forces of the United States 

are: a. the Army National Guard of the United States; b. the Army Reserve; c. the 

Naval Reserve; d. the Marine Corps Reserve; e. the Air National Guard of the United 

States; f. the Air Force Reserve; and g. the Coast Guard Reserve. Also called RCs. 

See also component; reserve. (JP 4-05) 

reserved demolition target — A target for demolition, the destruction of which must be 

controlled at a specific level of command because it plays a vital part in the tactical, 

operational, or strategic plan, or because of the importance of the structure itself, or 

because the demolition may be executed in the face of the enemy. See also demolition 

target.

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) 

reserved route — (*) In road traffic, a specific route allocated exclusively to an authority 

or formation. See also route.

reserve supplies — Supplies accumulated in excess of immediate needs for the purpose of 

ensuring continuity of an adequate supply. Also called reserves. See also battle 

reserves; contingency retention stock; economic retention stock; individual 

reserves; unit reserves.

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 capabilities assessment — Provides an automated or manual crisis action 

capability to assess the effects of weapons of mass destruction events for operations 

planning. Residual capabilities assessment tasks include, but are not limited to, 

assessment of infrastructure and facility damage, fallout prediction, weapons effect 

analysis, population impact assessment, and tracking strategic assets. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

466 JP 1-02 

residual contamination — (*) Contamination which remains after steps have been taken 

to remove it. These steps may consist of nothing more than allowing the contamination 

to decay normally. 

residual forces — Unexpended portions of the remaining United States forces that have an 

immediate combat potential for continued military operations, and that have been 

deliberately withheld from utilization. 

residual radiation — Nuclear radiation caused by fallout, artificial dispersion of 

radioactive material, or irradiation which results from a nuclear explosion and persists 

longer than one minute after burst. See also contamination; induced radiation; 

initial radiation. (JP 3-11)

residual radioactivity — Nuclear radiation that results from radioactive sources and 

persists for longer than one minute. Sources of residual radioactivity created by nuclear 

explosions include fission fragments and radioactive matter created primarily by 

neutron activation, but may also be created by gamma and other radiation activation. 

Other possible sources of residual radioactivity include radioactive material created and 

dispersed by means other than nuclear explosion. See also contamination; induced 

radiation; initial radiation. 

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. 

resolution — 1. A measurement of the smallest detail that can be distinguished by a sensor 

system under specific conditions. 2. A formal expression of an official body such as 

Congress, the United Nations Security Council, or North Atlantic Treaty Organization 

North Atlantic Committee that may provide the basis for or set limits on a military 

operation. 

resource management — A financial management function which includes providing 

advice and guidance to the commander, developing command resource requirements, 

identifying sources of funding, determining cost, acquiring funds, distributing and 

controlling funds, tracking costs and obligations, cost capturing and reimbursement 

procedures, providing accounting support, and establishing a management internal 

control process. 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. 

response force — A mobile force with appropriate fire support designated, usually by the 

area commander, to deal with Level II threats in the rear area. Also called RF. 

(JP 3-10) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 467 

responsibility — 1. The obligation to carry forward an assigned task to a successful 

conclusion. With responsibility goes authority to direct and take the necessary action to 

ensure success. 2. The obligation for the proper custody, care, and safekeeping of 

property or funds entrusted to the possession or supervision of an individual. See also

accountability.

responsor — (*) An electronic device used to receive an electronic challenge and display a 

reply thereto. 

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. See also

rehabilitation.

restitution — (*) The process of determining the true planimetric position of objects whose 

images appear on photographs. 

restitution factor — See correlation factor.

restraint — In the context of joint operation planning, a requirement placed on the 

command by a higher command that prohibits an action, thus restricting freedom of 

action. See also constraint; operational limitation. (JP 5-0) 

restraint of loads — The process of binding, lashing, and wedging items into one unit or 

into its transporter in a manner that will ensure immobility during transit. 

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 air surface zone; controlled firing area; 

restricted areas (air).

restricted areas (air) — Designated areas established by appropriate authority over which 

flight of aircraft is restricted. They are shown on aeronautical charts, published in 

notices to airmen, and provided in publications of aids to air navigation. See also

restricted area. 

restricted dangerous air cargo — (*) Cargo which does not belong to the highly 

dangerous category but which is hazardous and requires, for transport by cargo or 

passenger aircraft, extra precautions in packing and handling. 

restricted data — All data (information) concerning: a. design, manufacture, or use of 

atomic weapons; b. the production of special nuclear material; or c. the use of special 

nuclear material in the production of energy, but shall not include data declassified or 

removed from the restricted data category pursuant to Section 142 of the Atomic 

Energy Act. (Section 11w, Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.) See also

formerly restricted data.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

468 JP 1-02 

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 area — Airspace of defined dimensions, designated by the airspace 

control authority, in response to specific operational situations/requirements within 

which the operation of one or more airspace users is restricted. Also called ROA. (JP 

3-52) 

restricted target list — A list of restricted targets nominated by elements of the joint force 

and approved by the joint force commander. This list also includes restricted targets 

directed by higher authorities. Also called RTL. See also restricted target; target. 

(JP 3-60) 

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) 

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) 

restrictive fire plan — (*) A safety measure for friendly aircraft which establishes airspace 

that is reasonably safe from friendly surface delivered non-nuclear fires. 

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 — Enemy medical personnel and medical staff administrators who are 

engaged in either the search for, collection, transport, or treatment of the wounded or 

sick, or the prevention of disease; chaplains attached to enemy armed forces; and, staff 

of National Red Cross 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. 

Also called RP. See also personnel. (JP 3-63) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 469 

reticle — (*) A mark such as a cross or a system of lines lying in the image plane of a 

viewing apparatus. It may be used singly as a reference mark on certain types of 

monocular instruments or as one of a pair to form a floating mark as in certain types of 

stereoscopes. See also graticule. 

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 or Standby Reserve. See also active duty; Ready 

Reserve; Standby Reserve. (JP 4-05) 

retirement — (*) An operation in which a force out of contact moves away from the 

enemy. 

retrofit action — Action taken to modify inservice equipment. 

retrograde cargo — Cargo evacuated from a theater. 

retrograde movement — Any movement of a command to the rear, or away from the 

enemy. It may be forced by the enemy or may be made voluntarily. Such movements 

may be classified as withdrawal, retirement, or delaying action. 

retrograde operation — See retrograde movement.

retrograde personnel — Personnel evacuated from a theater who may include medical 

patients, noncombatants, and civilians. 

returned to military control — The status of a person whose casualty status of “duty status 

- whereabouts unknown” or “missing” has been changed due to the person’s return or 

recovery by US military authority. Also called RMC. See also casualty status; duty 

status - whereabouts unknown; missing. 

returnee — A displaced person who has returned voluntarily to his or her former place of 

residence. (JP 3-29)

return load — (*) Personnel and/or cargo to be transported by a returning carrier. 

return to base — An order to proceed to the point indicated by the displayed information or 

by verbal communication. This point is being used to return the aircraft to a place at 

which the aircraft can land. Command heading, speed, and altitude may be used, if 

desired. Also called RTB.

revolving fund — A fund established to finance a cycle of operations to which 

reimbursements and collections are returned for reuse in a manner such as will maintain 

the principal of the fund, e.g., working capital funds, industrial funds, and loan funds. 

(JP 1-06) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

470 JP 1-02 

right (left) bank — See left (right) bank.

right (or left) — See left (or right).

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 which can produce rapidly in humans sensory 

irritation or disabling physical effects which disappear within a short time following 

termination of exposure. Also called RCA. See also chemical warfare. (JP 3-11)

riot control operations — The employment of riot control agents and/or special tactics, 

formations, and equipment in the control of violent disorders. 

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. The mine may fire by 

contact, hydrostatic pressure, or other means. 

risk — 1. Probability and severity of loss linked to hazards. 2. See degree of risk. See also 

hazard; risk management. (JP 3-33) 

risk assessment — The identification and assessment of hazards (first two steps of risk 

management process). 

risk management — The process of identifying, assessing, and controlling risks arising 

from operational factors and making decisions that balance risk cost with mission 

benefits. Also called RM. See also risk. (JP 2-0) 

riverine area — An inland or coastal area comprising both land and water, characterized by 

limited land lines of communication, with extensive water surface and/or inland 

waterways that provide natural routes for surface transportation and communications. 

riverine operations — Operations conducted by forces organized to cope with and exploit 

the unique characteristics of a riverine area, to locate and destroy hostile forces, and/or 

to achieve or maintain control of the riverine area. Joint riverine operations combine 

land, naval, and air operations, as appropriate, and are suited to the nature of the 

specific riverine area in which operations are to be conducted. 

road block — (*) A barrier or obstacle (usually covered by fire) used to block or limit the 

movement of hostile vehicles along a route. 

road capacity — The maximum traffic flow obtainable on a given roadway using all 

available lanes; usually expressed in vehicles per hour or vehicles per day. 

road clearance time — (*) The total time a column requires to travel over and clear a 

section of the road. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 471 

road hazard sign — (*) A sign used to indicate traffic hazards. Military hazard signs 

should be used in a communications zone area only in accordance with existing 

agreements with national authorities. 

road net — The system of roads available within a particular locality or area. 

road space — (*) The length of roadway allocated to and/or actually occupied by a column 

on a route, expressed in miles or kilometers. 

rocket propulsion — Reaction propulsion wherein both the fuel and the oxidizer, 

generating the hot gases expended through a nozzle, are carried as part of the rocket 

engine. Specifically, rocket propulsion differs from jet propulsion in that jet propulsion 

utilizes atmospheric air as an oxidizer, whereas rocket propulsion utilizes nitric acid or 

a similar compound as an oxidizer. See also jet propulsion. 

roentgen — (*) A unit of exposure dose of gamma (or X-) radiation. In field dosimetry, 

one roentgen is essentially equal to one rad. 

roentgen equivalent mammal — One roentgen equivalent mammal is the quantity of 

ionizing radiation of any type which, when absorbed by man or other mammal, 

produces a physiological effect equivalent to that produced by the absorption of 1 

roentgen of X-ray or gamma radiation. Also called REM.

role number — (*) In the medical field, the classification of treatment facilities according 

to their different capabilities. 

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) 

roll back — The process of progressive destruction and/or neutralization of the opposing 

defenses, starting at the periphery and working inward, to permit deeper penetration of 

succeeding defense positions. 

roll-in-point — The point at which aircraft enter the final leg of the attack, e.g., dive, glide. 

roll-on/roll-off discharge facility — Provides a means of disembarking vehicles from a 

roll-on and roll-off ship to lighterage. The roll-on/roll-off discharge facility consists of 

six causeway sections, nonpowered assembled into a platform that is two sections long 

and three sections wide. When use of landing craft, utility, as lighters, is being 

considered, a seventh “sea end” causeway section, non-powered, fitted with a rhino 

horn, is required. The roll-on/roll-off discharge facility assembly includes fendering, 

lighting, and a ramp for vehicle movement from ship to the platform. Also called 

RRDF. See also facility; lighterage. (JP 4-01.6) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

472 JP 1-02 

roll-up — The process for orderly dismantling of facilities no longer required in support of 

operations and available for transfer to other areas. 

romper — (*) A ship which has moved more than 10 nautical miles ahead of its convoy, 

and is unable to rejoin it. See also straggler. 

rope — (*) An element of chaff consisting of a long roll of metallic foil or wire which is 

designed for broad, low-frequency responses. See also chaff. 

rough terrain container handler — A piece of materials handling equipment used to pick 

up and move containers. Also called RTCH. See also materials handling 

equipment. (JP 4-01.6) 

route — (*) The prescribed course to be traveled from a specific point of origin to a 

specific destination. See also axial route; controlled route; dispatch route; lateral 

route; reserved route; signed route; supervised route.

route capacity — (*) 1. The maximum traffic flow of vehicles in one direction at the most 

restricted point on the route. 2. The maximum number of metric tons which can be 

moved in one direction over a particular route in one hour. It is the product of the 

maximum traffic flow and the average payload of the vehicles using the route. See also

railway line capacity.

route classification — (*) Classification assigned to a route using factors of minimum 

width, worst route type, least bridge, raft, or culvert military load classification, and 

obstructions to traffic flow. See also military load classification.

route lanes — (*) A series of parallel tracks for the routing of independently sailed ships. 

routine message — A category of precedence to be used for all types of messages that 

justify transmission by rapid means unless of sufficient urgency to require a higher 

precedence. See also precedence.

routing indicator — A group of letters assigned to indicate: a. the geographic location of a 

station; b. a fixed headquarters of a command, activity, or unit at a geographic 

location; and c. the general location of a tape relay or tributary station to facilitate the 

routing of traffic over the tape relay networks. 

row marker — (*) In land mine warfare, a natural, artificial, or specially installed marker, 

located at the start or finish of a mine row where mines are laid by individual rows. See 

also marker.

rules for the use of force — Directives issued to guide United States forces on the use of 

force during various operations. These directives may take the form of execute orders, 

deployment orders, memoranda of agreement, or plans. Also called RUF. (JP 3-28) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 473 

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) 

run — 1. That part of a flight of one photographic reconnaissance aircraft during which 

photographs are taken. 2. The transit of a sweeper-sweep combination or of a 

mine-hunter operating its equipment through a lap. This term may also be applied to a 

transit of any formation of sweepers. 

runway visual range — (*) The maximum distance in the direction of takeoff or landing at 

which the runway, or specified lights or markers delineating it, can be seen from a 

position above a specified point on its center line at a height corresponding to the 

average eye level of pilots at touch-down. 

rupture zone — (*) The region immediately adjacent to the crater boundary in which the 

stresses produced by the explosion have exceeded the ultimate strength of the medium. 

It is characterized by the appearance of numerous radial cracks of various sizes. See 

also plastic zone.

ruse — In military deception, a trick of war designed to deceive the adversary, usually 

involving the deliberate exposure of false information to the adversary’s intelligence 

collection system. (JP 3-13.4) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

474 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

S 

JP 1-02 475 

sabotage — An act or acts with intent to injure, interfere with, or obstruct the national 

defense of a country by willfully injuring or destroying, or attempting to injure or 

destroy, any national defense or war materiel, premises, or utilities, to include human 

and natural resources. 

sabotage alert team — See security alert team.

safe anchorage — (*) An anchorage considered safe from enemy attack to which merchant 

ships may be ordered to proceed when the shipping movement policy is implemented. 

See also refuge area.

safe area — A designated area in hostile territory that offers the evader or escapee a 

reasonable chance of avoiding capture and of surviving until he or she can be 

evacuated. (JP 3-50) 

safe burst height — (*) The height of burst at or above which the level of fallout or damage 

to ground installations is at a predetermined level acceptable to the military 

commander. See also types of burst.

safe current — (*) In naval mine warfare, the maximum current that can be supplied to a 

sweep in a given waveform and pulse cycle which does not produce a danger area with 

respect to the mines being swept for. 

safe depth — (*) In naval mine warfare, the shallowest depth of water in which a ship will 

not actuate a bottom mine of the type under consideration. Safe depth is usually quoted 

for conditions of ship upright, calm sea, and a given speed. 

safe distance — (*) In naval mine warfare, the horizontal range from the edge of the 

explosion damage area to the center of the sweeper. 

safe haven — 1. Designated area(s) to which noncombatants of the United States 

Government’s responsibility and commercial vehicles and materiel may be evacuated 

during a domestic or other valid emergency. 2. Temporary storage provided to 

Department of Energy classified shipment transporters at Department of Defense 

facilities in order to assure safety and security of nuclear material and/or nonnuclear 

classified material. Also includes parking for commercial vehicles containing Class A 

or Class B explosives. 3. 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. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

476 JP 1-02 

safe separation distance — (*) The minimum distance between the delivery system and 

the weapon beyond which the hazards associated with functioning (detonation) are 

acceptable. 

safety and arming mechanism — (*) A dual function device which prevents the 

unintended activation of a main charge or propulsion unit prior to arming, but allows 

activation thereafter upon receipt of the appropriate stimuli. 

safety device — (*) A device which prevents unintentional functioning. 

safety distance — (*) In road transport, the distance between vehicles traveling in column 

specified by the command in light of safety requirements. 

safety fuze — A pyrotechnic contained in a flexible and weather-proof sheath burning at a 

timed and constant rate; used to transmit a flame to the detonator. 

safety height — See altitude; minimum safe altitude.

safety lane — (*) Specified sea lane designated for use in transit by submarine and surface 

ships to prevent attack by friendly forces. 

safety level of supply — The quantity of materiel, in addition to the operating level of 

supply, required to be on hand to permit continuous operations in the event of minor 

interruption of normal replenishment or unpredictable fluctuations in demand. 

safety line — (*) In land mine warfare, demarcation line for trip wire or wire-actuated 

mines in a minefield. It serves to protect the laying personnel. After the minefield is 

laid, this line is neither marked on the ground nor plotted on the minefield record. 

safety wire — (*) A cable, wire, or lanyard attached to the aircraft and routed to an 

expendable aircraft store to prevent arming initiation prior to store release. 

safety zone — (*) An area (land, sea, or air) reserved for noncombat operations of friendly 

aircraft, surface ships, submarines, or ground forces. (Note: DOD does not use the 

word “submarines”.) 

safing — As applied to weapons and ammunition, the changing from a state of readiness for 

initiation to a safe condition. Also called de-arming. 

safing and arming mechanism — A mechanism whose primary purpose is to prevent an 

unintended functioning of the main charge of the ammunition prior to completion of the 

arming delay and, in turn, allow the explosive train of the ammunition to function after 

arming. 

salted weapon — (*) A nuclear weapon which has, in addition to its normal components, 

certain elements or isotopes which capture neutrons at the time of the explosion and 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 477 

produce radioactive products over and above the usual radioactive weapon debris. See 

also minimum residual radioactivity weapon. 

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. 

salvage operation — 1. The recovery, evacuation, and reclamation of damaged, discarded, 

condemned, or abandoned allied or enemy materiel, ships, craft, and floating equipment 

for reuse, repair, refabrication, or scrapping. 2. Naval salvage operations include 

harbor and channel clearance, diving, hazardous towing and rescue tug services, and 

the recovery of materiel, ships, craft, and floating equipment sunk offshore or 

elsewhere stranded. 

salvo — 1. In naval gunfire support, a method of fire in which a number of weapons are 

fired at the same target simultaneously. 2. In close air support or air interdiction 

operations, a method of delivery in which the release mechanisms are operated to 

release or fire all ordnance of a specific type simultaneously. 

sanction enforcement — Operations that employ coercive measures to interdict the 

movement of certain types of designated items into or out of a nation or specified area. 

(JP 3-0) 

sanctuary — A nation or area near or contiguous to the combat area that, by tacit agreement 

between the warring powers, is exempt from attack and therefore serves as a refuge for 

staging, logistic, or other activities of the combatant powers. 

sanitize — To revise a report or other document in such a fashion as to prevent 

identification of sources, or of the actual persons and places with which it is concerned, 

or of the means by which it was acquired. Usually involves deletion or substitution of 

names and other key details. 

satellite and missile surveillance — The systematic observation of aerospace for the 

purpose of detecting, tracking, and characterizing objects, events, and phenomena 

associated with satellites and inflight missiles, friendly and enemy. See also

surveillance.

S-bend distortion — See S-curve distortion.

scale — (*) The ratio or fraction between the distance on a map, chart, or photograph and 

the corresponding distance on the surface of the Earth. See also conversion scale; 

graphic scale; photographic scale; principal scale. 

scale (photographic) — See photographic scale.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

478 JP 1-02 

scaling law — (*) A mathematical relationship which permits the effects of a nuclear 

explosion of given energy yield to be determined as a function of distance from the 

explosion (or from ground zero) provided the corresponding effect is known as a 

function of distance for a reference explosion, e.g., of 1-kiloton energy yield. 

scan — 1. The path periodically followed by a radiation beam. 2. In electronic 

intelligence, the motion of an electronic beam through space looking for a target. 

Scanning is produced by the motion of the antenna or by lobe switching. See also 

electronic intelligence.

scan line — (*) The line produced on a recording medium frame by a single sweep of a 

scanner. 

scan period — The period taken by a radar, sonar, etc., to complete a scan pattern and 

return to a starting point. 

scan rate — (*) The rate at which individual scans are recorded. 

scan type — The path made in space by a point on the radar beam; for example, circular, 

helical, conical, spiral, or sector. 

scatterable mine — In land mine warfare, a mine laid without regard to classical pattern 

and which is designed to be delivered by aircraft, artillery, missile, ground dispenser, or 

by hand. Once laid, it normally has a limited life. See also mine. (JP 3-15) 

scene of action commander — In antisubmarine warfare, the commander at the scene of 

contact. The commander is usually in a ship, or may be in a fixed-wing aircraft, 

helicopter, or submarine. 

scheduled arrival date — The projected arrival date of a specified movement requirement 

at a specified location. 

scheduled fire — (*) A type of prearranged fire executed at a predetermined time. 

scheduled maintenance — Periodic prescribed inspection and/or servicing of equipment 

accomplished on a calendar, mileage, or hours of operation basis. See also

organizational maintenance.

scheduled service (air transport) — A routine air transport service operated in accordance 

with a timetable. 

scheduled speed — (*) The planned sustained speed of a convoy through the water which 

determines the speed classification of that convoy. See also convoy speed; critical 

speed; declared speed. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 479 

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) 

scheduled target (nuclear) — A planned target on which a nuclear weapon is to be 

delivered at a specific time during the operation of the supported force. The time is 

specified in terms of minutes before or after a designated time or in terms of the 

accomplishment of a predetermined movement or task. Coordination and warning of 

friendly troops and aircraft are mandatory. 

scheduled wave — See wave.

schedule of fire — Groups of fires or series of fires fired in a definite sequence according to 

a definite program. The time of starting the schedule may be ON CALL. For 

identification purposes, schedules may be referred to by a code name or other 

designation. 

schedule of targets — In artillery, mortar, and naval gunfire support, individual targets, 

groups, or series of targets to be fired on, in a definite sequence according to a definite 

program. 

scheduling and movement — Joint Operation Planning and Execution System application 

software providing the capability to create, update, allocate, manifest, and review 

organic carrier information before and during deployment. It provides the ability to 

review, analyze, and generate several predefined reports on an extensive variety of 

scheduling and movement information. Also called S&M.

scheduling and movement capability — The capability required by Joint Operation 

Planning and Execution System planners and operators to allow for review and update 

of scheduling and movement data before and during implementation of a deployment 

operation. 

scheme of maneuver — Description of how arrayed forces will accomplish the 

commander’s intent. It is the central expression of the commander’s concept for 

operations and governs the design of supporting plans or annexes. 

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; research; scientific 

intelligence; technical intelligence. (JP 2-01) 

scientific intelligence — See scientific and technical intelligence.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

480 JP 1-02 

screen — (*) 1. An arrangement of ships, aircraft and/or submarines to protect a main 

body or convoy. 2. In cartography, a sheet of transparent film, glass, or plastic 

carrying a “ruling” or other regularly repeated pattern which may be used in 

conjunction with a mask, either photographically or photomechanically, to produce 

areas of the pattern. 3. In surveillance, camouflage and concealment, any natural or 

artificial material, opaque to surveillance sensor(s), interposed between the sensor(s) 

and the object to be camouflaged or concealed. See also concealment. 4. A security 

element whose primary task is to observe, identify, and report information, and which 

only fights in self-protection. See also flank guard; guard. 5. (DOD only) A task to 

maintain surveillance; provide early warning to the main body; or impede, destroy, and 

harass enemy reconnaissance within its capability without becoming decisively 

engaged. See also security operations.

scribing — (*) In cartography, a method of preparing a map or chart by cutting the lines 

into a prepared coating. 

S-curve distortion — (*) The distortion in the image produced by a scanning sensor which 

results from the forward displacement of the sensor during the time of lateral scan. 

S-Day — See times.

sea-air-land team — US Navy forces organized, trained, and equipped to conduct special 

operations in maritime, littoral, and riverine environments. Also called SEAL. 

(JP 3-05) 

sea areas — Areas in the amphibious objective area designated for the stationing of 

amphibious task force ships. Sea areas include inner transport area, sea echelon area, 

fire support area, etc. 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. It may also carry 

tugs, stacked causeway sections, various watercraft, or heavy lift equipment to better 

support joint logistics over-the-shore operations. 

seabasing — The deployment, assembly, command projection, reconstitution, and reemployment of joint power from the sea without reliance on land bases within the 

operational area. See also amphibious operation. (JP 3-02) 

seaborne forces — US or foreign combatants or auxiliary ships, including aircraft and 

ground forces assigned to or emanating from such vessels and other military forces 

operating in support of such forces and operating in, on, or over the sea. 

sea control operations — The employment of naval forces, supported by land and air 

forces as appropriate, in order to achieve military objectives in vital sea areas. Such 

operations include destruction of enemy naval forces, suppression of enemy sea 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 481 

commerce, protection of vital sea lanes, and establishment of local military superiority 

in areas of naval operations. See also land control operations. 

sea echelon — A portion of the assault shipping which 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 assault shipping is phased into the transport area, and to which assault shipping 

withdraws 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) 

sea frontier — The naval command of a coastal frontier, including the coastal zone in 

addition to the land area of the coastal frontier and the adjacent sea areas. 

sealed cabin — (*) The occupied space of an aircraft characterized by walls which do not 

allow any gaseous exchange between the ambient atmosphere and the inside 

atmosphere and containing its own ways of regenerating the inside atmosphere. 

sealift enhancement features — Special equipment and modifications that adapt merchanttype dry cargo ships and tankers to specific military missions. They are typically 

installed on Ready Reserve Force ships or ships under Military Sealift Command 

control. Sealift enhancements fall into three categories: productivity, survivability, and 

operational enhancements. Also called SEFs. See also Military Sealift Command; 

Ready Reserve. (JP 4-01.2) 

Sealift Readiness Program — A standby contractual agreement between Military Sealift 

Command and US ship operators for voluntary provision of private ships for defense 

use. Call-up of ships may be authorized by joint approval of the Secretary of Defense 

and the Secretary of Transportation. Also called SRP. See also Military Sealift 

Command. (JP 4-01.2) 

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 — 1. An operation to locate an enemy force known or believed to be at sea. 2. A 

systematic reconnaissance of a defined area, so that all parts of the area have passed 

within visibility. 3. To distribute gunfire over an area in depth by successive changes 

in gun elevation. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

482 JP 1-02 

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 alert notice — An alerting message used for United States domestic 

flights. It corresponds to the declaration of the alert phase. Also called ALNOT. See 

also search and rescue incident classification, subpart b. 

search and rescue incident classification — Three emergency phases into which an 

incident may be classified or progress, according to the seriousness of the incident and 

its requirement for rescue service. a. uncertainty phase — Doubt exists as to the 

safety of a craft or person because of knowledge of possible difficulties or because of 

lack of information concerning progress or position. b. alert phase — Apprehension 

exists for the safety of a craft or person because of definite information that serious 

difficulties exist that do not amount to a distress or because of a continued lack of 

information concerning progress or position. c. distress phase — Immediate 

assistance is required by a craft or person because of being threatened by grave or 

imminent danger or because of continued lack of information concerning progress or 

position after procedures for the alert phase have been executed. 

search and rescue region — See inland search and rescue region; maritime search and 

rescue region; overseas search and rescue region.

search attack unit — The designation given to one or more ships and/or aircraft separately 

organized or detached from a formation as a tactical unit to search for and destroy 

submarines. Also called SAU.

searched channel — (*) In naval mine warfare, the whole or part of a route or a path which 

has been searched, swept, or hunted, the width of the channel being specified. 

searching fire — (*) Fire distributed in depth by successive changes in the elevation of a 

gun. See also fire.

search jammer — See automatic search jammer.

search mission — (*) In air operations, an air reconnaissance by one or more aircraft 

dispatched to locate an object or objects known or suspected to be in a specific area. 

search radius — In search and rescue operations, a radius centered on a datum point having 

a length equal to the total probable error plus an additional safety length to ensure a 

greater than 50 percent probability that the target is in the search area. 

search sweeping — (*) In naval mine warfare, the operation of sweeping a sample of route 

or area to determine whether poised mines are present. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 483 

SEASHED — A temporary deck in container ships for transport of large military vehicles 

and outsized breakbulk cargo that will not fit into containers. See also outsized cargo. 

(JP 4-01.6) 

sea state — A scale that categorizes the force of progressively higher seas by wave height. 

This scale is mathematically co-related to the Pierson-Moskowitz scale and the 

relationship of wind to waves. See also Pierson-Moskowitz scale. (JP 4-01.6) 

sea surveillance — (*) The systematic observation of surface and subsurface sea areas by 

all available and practicable means primarily for the purpose of locating, identifying 

and determining the movements of ships, submarines, and other vehicles, friendly and 

enemy, proceeding on or under the surface of the world’s seas and oceans. See also

surveillance.

sea surveillance system — (*) A system for collecting, reporting, correlating, and 

presenting information supporting and derived from the task of sea surveillance. 

seaward launch point — A designated point off the coast from which special operations 

forces will launch to proceed to the beach to conduct operations. Also called SLP. See 

also seaward recovery point. (JP 3-05.1) 

seaward recovery point — A designated point off the coast to which special operations 

forces will proceed for recovery by submarine or other means of recovery. Also called

SRP. See also seaward launch point. (JP 3-05.1) 

secondary censorship — Armed forces censorship performed on the personal 

communications of officers, civilian employees, and accompanying civilians of the 

Armed Forces of the United States, and on those personal communications of enlisted 

personnel of the Armed Forces not subject to Armed Forces primary censorship or 

those requiring reexamination. See also censorship.

secondary imagery dissemination — See electronic imagery dissemination.

secondary imagery dissemination system — See electronic imagery dissemination.

secondary loads — Unit equipment, supplies, and major end items that are transported in 

the beds of organic vehicles. 

secondary port — (*) A port with one or more berths, normally at quays, which can 

accommodate ocean-going ships for discharge. 

secondary rescue facilities — Local airbase-ready aircraft, crash boats, and other air, 

surface, subsurface, and ground elements suitable for rescue missions, including 

government and privately operated units and facilities. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

484 JP 1-02 

secondary road — A road supplementing a main road, usually wide enough and suitable 

for two-way, all-weather traffic at moderate or slow speeds. 

secondary wave breaker system — A series of waves superimposed on another series and 

differing in height, period, or angle of approach to the beach. (JP 4-01.6) 

second strike — The first counterblow of a war. (Generally associated with nuclear 

operations.) 

secret — See security classification.

Secretary of a Military Department — The Secretary of the Air Force, Army, or Navy. 

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 — 1. As applied to ships or naval aircraft, a tactical subdivision of a division. It is 

normally one-half of a division in the case of ships, and two aircraft in the case of 

aircraft. 2. A subdivision of an office, installation, territory, works, or organization; 

especially a major subdivision of a staff. 3. A tactical unit of the Army and Marine 

Corps. A section is smaller than a platoon and larger than a squad. In some 

organizations the section, rather than the squad, is the basic tactical unit. 4. An area in 

a warehouse extending from one wall to the next; usually the largest subdivision of one 

floor. 

sector — (*) 1. An area designated by boundaries within which a unit operates, and for 

which it is responsible. 2. One of the subdivisions of a coastal frontier. See also area 

of influence; zone of action.

sector air defense commander — Commander subordinate to an area/regional air defense 

commander and responsible for air and missile defenses in the assigned sector. 

Exercises authorities delegated by the area/regional air defense commander. Also 

called SADC. (JP 3-01) 

sector of fire — (*) A defined area which is required to be covered by the fire of 

individual or crew served weapons or the weapons of a unit. 

sector scan — (*) Scan in which the antenna oscillates through a selected angle. 

secure — (*) In an operational context, to gain possession of a position or terrain feature, 

with or without force, and to make such disposition as will prevent, as far as possible, 

its destruction or loss by enemy action. See also denial measure.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 485 

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. 2. A condition that 

results from the establishment and maintenance of protective measures that ensure a 

state of inviolability from hostile acts or influences. 3. With respect to classified 

matter, 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.

security alert team — Two or more security force members who form the initial 

reinforcing element responding to security alarms, emergencies, or irregularities. Also 

called SAT.

security assistance — Group of programs authorized by the Foreign Assistance Act of 

1961, as amended, and the Arms Export Control Act of 1976, as amended, or other 

related statutes by which the United States provides defense articles, military training, 

and other defense-related services by grant, loan, credit, or cash sales in furtherance of 

national policies and objectives. Also called SA. See also security assistance 

organization; security cooperation. (JP 3-57) 

security assistance organization — All Department of Defense elements located in a 

foreign country with assigned responsibilities for carrying out security assistance 

management functions. It includes military assistance advisory groups, military 

missions and groups, offices of defense and military cooperation, liaison groups, and 

defense attaché personnel designated to perform security assistance functions. Also 

called SAO. See also security assistance; security cooperation. (JP 3-07.1) 

security certification — A certification issued by competent authority to indicate that a 

person has been investigated and is eligible for access to classified matter to the extent 

stated in the certification. 

security classification — A category to which national security information and material is 

assigned to denote the degree of damage that unauthorized disclosure would cause to 

national defense or foreign relations of the United States and to denote the degree of 

protection required. There are three such categories. a. top secret — National security 

information or material that requires the highest degree of protection and the 

unauthorized disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally 

grave damage to the national security. Examples of “exceptionally grave damage” 

include armed hostilities against the United States or its allies; disruption of foreign 

relations vitally affecting the national security; the compromise of vital national defense 

plans or complex cryptologic and communications intelligence systems; the revelation 

of sensitive intelligence operations; and the disclosure of scientific or technological 

developments vital to national security. b. secret — National security information or 

material that requires a substantial degree of protection and the unauthorized disclosure 

of which could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage to the national security. 

Examples of “serious damage” include disruption of foreign relations significantly 

affecting the national security; significant impairment of a program or policy directly 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

486 JP 1-02 

related to the national security; revelation of significant military plans or intelligence 

operations; and compromise of significant scientific or technological developments 

relating to national security. c. confidential — National security information or 

material that requires protection and the unauthorized disclosure of which could 

reasonably be expected to cause damage to the national security. See also

classification; security. 

security clearance — An administrative determination by competent authority that an 

individual is eligible, from a security stand-point, for access to classified information. 

security cooperation — All Department of Defense interactions with foreign defense 

establishments to build defense relationships that promote specific US security 

interests, develop allied and friendly military capabilities for self-defense and 

multinational operations, and provide US forces with peacetime and contingency 

access to a host nation. See also security assistance; security assistance 

organization. (JP 3-07.1) 

security cooperation activity — Military activity that involves other nations and is 

intended to shape the operational environment in peacetime. Activities include 

programs and exercises that the US military conducts with other nations to improve 

mutual understanding and improve interoperability with treaty partners or potential 

coalition partners. They are designed to support a combatant commander’s theater 

strategy as articulated in the theater security cooperation plan. (JP 3-0) 

security cooperation planning — The subset of joint strategic planning conducted to 

support the Department of Defense’s security cooperation program. This planning 

supports a combatant commander’s theater strategy. See also security cooperation. 

(JP 5-0) 

security countermeasures — Those protective activities required to prevent espionage, 

sabotage, theft, or unauthorized use of classified or controlled information, systems, or 

material of the Department of Defense. See also counterintelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

security intelligence — (*) Intelligence on the identity, capabilities, and intentions of 

hostile organizations or individuals who are or may be engaged in espionage, sabotage, 

subversion, or terrorism. See also counterintelligence; intelligence; security.

security review — The process of reviewing news media products at some point, usually 

before transmission, to ensure that no oral, written, or visual information is filed for 

publication or broadcast that would divulge national security information or would 

jeopardize ongoing or future operations or that would threaten the safety of the 

members of the force. See also security. (JP 3-61) 

security sector reform — The set of policies, plans, programs, and activities that a 

government undertakes to improve the way it provides safety, security, and justice. 

Also called SSR. (JP 3-24) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 487 

sedition — Willfully advocating or teaching the duty or necessity of overthrowing the US 

government or any political subdivision by force or violence. See also

counterintelligence. (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. 

See also combat forces. (JP 3-18) 

seizures — In counterdrug operations, includes drugs and conveyances seized by law 

enforcement authorities and drug-related assets (monetary instruments, etc.) 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. Selected 

Reservists actively participate in a Reserve Component training program. The Selected 

Reserve also includes persons performing initial active duty for training. See also 

Ready Reserve. (JP 4-05) 

Selected Reserve strength — The total number of guardsmen and reservists in the Selected 

Reserve who are subject to the 200K Presidential recall or mobilization under 

declaration of war or national emergency. 

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. 

selective jamming — See spot jamming.

selective loading — (*) The arrangement and stowage of equipment and supplies aboard 

ship in a manner designed to facilitate issues to units. See also loading.

selective mobilization — See mobilization, Part 2.

selective release process — The process involving requesting, analyzing, and obtaining 

approval for release of weapons to obtain specific, limited damage on selected targets. 

selective unloading — In an amphibious operation, the controlled unloading from assault 

shipping, and movement ashore, of specific items of cargo at the request of the landing 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

488 JP 1-02 

force commander. Normally, selective unloading parallels the landing of nonscheduled 

units during the initial unloading period of the ship-to-shore movement. (JP 3-02) 

selenodesy — That branch of applied mathematics that determines, by observation and 

measurement, the exact positions of points and the figures and areas of large portions of 

the moon’s surface, or the shape and size of the moon. 

self-defense — A commander has the authority and obligation to use all necessary means 

available and to take all appropriate action to defend that commander’s unit and other 

US forces in the vicinity from a hostile act or hostile intent. Force used should not 

exceed that which is necessary to decisively counter the hostile act or intent and ensure 

the continued safety of US forces or other persons and property they are ordered to 

protect. US forces may employ such force in self-defense only so long as the hostile 

force continues to present an imminent threat. 

self-destroying fuze — (*) A fuze designed to burst a projectile before the end of its flight. 

self-protection depth — (*) The depth of water where the aggregate danger width relative 

to mines affected by a minesweeping technique is zero. Safe depth is a particular 

self-protection depth. 

self-sustaining containership — A containership with shipboard-installed cranes capable 

of loading and off-loading containers without assistance of port crane service. See also

containership. (JP 4-01.7) 

semi-active homing guidance — (*) A system of homing guidance wherein the receiver in 

the missile utilizes radiations from the target which has been illuminated by an outside 

source. 

semi-controlled mosaic — (*) A mosaic composed of corrected or uncorrected prints laid 

so that major ground features match their geographical coordinates. See also mosaic.

semipermanent joint task force — A joint task force that has been assigned an expanded 

or follow-on mission and will continue to conduct these operations in a specified area 

for an undetermined period of time. See also joint task force; mission; operation. 

(JP 3-33) 

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) 

senior contracting official — The lead Service or joint command designated contracting 

official who has direct managerial responsibility over theater support contracting. Also 

called SCO. (JP 4-10)
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 489 

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) 

senior officer present afloat — The senior line officer of the Navy, on active service, 

eligible for command at sea, who is present and in command of any unit of the 

operating forces afloat in the locality or within an area prescribed by competent 

authority. This officer is responsible for the administration of matters which 

collectively affect naval units of the operating forces afloat in the locality prescribed. 

Also called SOPA. 

sensitive — Requiring special protection from disclosure that could cause embarrassment, 

compromise, or threat to the security of the sponsoring power. May be applied to an 

agency, installation, person, position, document, material, or activity. 

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. (These controls are 

over and above the provisions of DOD 5200.1-R, Information Security Program 

Regulation.) Also called SCI.

sensitive compartmented information facility — An accredited area, room, group of 

rooms, or installation where sensitive compartmented information (SCI) may be stored, 

used, discussed, and/or electronically processed. Sensitive compartmented information 

facility (SCIF) procedural and physical measures prevent the free access of persons 

unless they have been formally indoctrinated for the particular SCI authorized for use 

or storage within the SCIF. Also called SCIF. See also sensitive compartmented 

information. (JP 2-01) 

sensitive site exploitation — A related series of activities inside a captured sensitive site to 

exploit personnel documents, electronic data, and material captured at the site, while 

neutralizing any threat posed by the site or its contents. Also called SSE. (JP 3-31) 

separation zone — (*) An area between two adjacent horizontal or vertical areas into 

which units are not to proceed unless certain safety measures can be fulfilled. 

sequel — In a campaign, a major operation that follows the current major operation. In a 

single major operation, a sequel is the next phase. Plans for a sequel are based on the 

possible outcomes (success, stalemate, or defeat) associated with the current operation. 

See also branch. (JP 5-0) 

sequence circuit — (*) In mine warfare, a circuit which requires actuation by a 

predetermined sequence of influences of predetermined magnitudes. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

490 JP 1-02 

sequenced ejection system — See ejection systems.

serial — 1. An element or a group of elements within a series which is given a numerical 

or alphabetical designation for convenience in planning, scheduling, and control. 2. A 

serial can be 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) 

seriously ill or injured — The casualty status of a person whose illness or injury is 

classified by medical authority to be of such severity that there is cause for immediate 

concern, but there is not imminent danger to life. Also called SII. See also casualty 

status. (JP 4-02) 

seriously wounded — A casualty whose injuries or illness are of such severity that the 

patient is rendered unable to walk or sit, thereby requiring a litter for movement and 

evacuation. See also evacuation; litter; patient. (JP 4-02) 

service ammunition — Ammunition intended for combat rather than for training purposes. 

Service-common— Equipment, material, supplies, and services adopted by a Military 

Service for use by its own forces and activities. These include standard military items, 

base operating support, and the supplies and services provided by a Military Service to 

support and sustain its own forces, including those assigned to the combatant 

commands. Items and services defined as Service-common by one Military Service are 

not necessarily Service-common for all other Military Services. See also special 

operations-peculiar. (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 environment — (*) All external conditions, whether natural or induced, to which 

items of materiel are likely to be subjected throughout their life cycle. 

Service force module — A hypothetical force module built per Service doctrine composed 

of combat, combat support, and combat service support forces and sustainment for an 

estimated period, e.g., 30 days. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 491 

service group — A major naval administration and/or tactical organization, consisting of 

the commander and the staff, designed to exercise operational and administrative 

control of assigned squadrons and units in executing their tasks of providing logistic 

support of fleet operations. 

service mine — (*) A mine capable of a destructive explosion. 

Service-organic transportation assets — Transportation assets that are: a. Assigned to a 

Military Department for functions of the Secretaries of the Military Departments set 

forth in Title 10 of the United States Code, Sections 3013(b), 5013(b), and 8013(b), 

including administrative functions (such as motor pools), intelligence functions, 

training functions, and maintenance functions; b. Assigned to the Department of the 

Army for the execution of the missions of the Army Corps of Engineers; c. Assigned to 

the Department of the Navy as the special mission support force of missile range 

instrumentation ships, ocean survey ships, cable ships, oceanographic research ships, 

acoustic research ships, and naval test support ships; the naval fleet auxiliary force of 

fleet ammunition ships, fleet stores ships, fleet ocean tugs, and fleet oilers; hospital 

ships; and Navy-unique fleet essential airlift aircraft to provide delivery of passengers 

and/or cargo from forward Air Mobility Command channel hubs to mobile fleet units; 

Marine Corps intermediate maintenance activity ships, Marine Corps helicopter support 

to senior federal officials; and, prior to the complete discharge of cargo, maritime prepositioning ships; d. Assigned to the Department of the Air Force for search and rescue, 

weather reconnaissance, audiovisual services, and aeromedical evacuation functions, 

and transportation of senior federal officials. (JP 4-01) 

service squadron — An administrative and/or tactical subdivision of a naval service force 

or service group, consisting of the commander and the staff and organized to exercise 

operational and administrative control of assigned units in providing logistic support of 

fleet units as directed. 

service test — A test of an item, system of materiel, or technique conducted under 

simulated or actual operational conditions to determine whether the specified military 

requirements or characteristics are satisfied. See also troop test.

service troops — Those units designed to render supply, maintenance, transportation, 

evacuation, hospitalization, and other services required by air and ground combat units 

to carry out effectively their mission in combat. See also combat service support 

elements; troops.

Service-unique container — Any 20- or 40-foot International Organization for 

Standardization container procured or leased by a Service to meet Service-unique 

requirements. Also called component-owned container. See also common-use 

container; component-owned container. (JP 4-01.7) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

492 JP 1-02 

servicing — See common servicing; cross-servicing; joint servicing. See also

inter-Service support.

severe damage — See nuclear damage, Part 3.

shaded relief — (*) A cartographic technique that provides an apparent three-dimensional 

configuration of the terrain on maps and charts by the use of graded shadows that 

would be cast by high ground if light were shining from the northwest. Shaded relief is 

usually used in combination with contours. See also hill shading.

shadowing — To observe and maintain contact (not necessarily continuously) with a unit or 

force. 

shallow fording — The ability of a self-propelled gun or ground vehicle equipped with 

built-in waterproofing, with its wheels or tracks in contact with the ground, to negotiate 

a water obstacle without the use of a special waterproofing kit. See also flotation. 

shaped charge — (*) A charge shaped so as to concentrate its explosive force in a 

particular direction. 

shear link assembly — (*) A device designed to break at a specified mechanical load. 

sheet explosive — (*) Plastic explosive provided in a sheet form. 

sheetlines — Those lines defining the geographic limits of the map or chart detail. 

shelf life — (*) The length of time during which an item of supply, subject to deterioration 

or having a limited life which cannot be renewed, is considered serviceable while 

stored. See also storage life. 

shell (specify) — (*) A command or request indicating the type of projectile to be used. 

shelter — An International Organization for Standardization container outfitted with liveor work-in capability. See also International Organization for 

Standardization. (JP 4-01.7) 

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 which tend to protect 

personnel or materials from the effects of a nuclear explosion. 

shifting fire — Fire delivered at constant range at varying deflections; used to cover the 

width of a target that is too great to be covered by an open sheaf. 

ship counter — In naval mine warfare, a device in a mine which prevents the mine from 

detonating until a preset number of actuations has taken place. (JP 3-15) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 493 

ship haven — See moving havens.

ship influence — (*) In naval mine warfare, the magnetic, acoustic, and pressure effects of 

a ship, or a minesweep simulating a ship, which is detectable by a mine or other 

sensing devices. 

shipping configuration — The manner in which an item is prepared for shipment. 

shipping control — See naval control of shipping.

shipping designator — A code word assigned to a particular overseas base, port, or area for 

specific use as an address on shipments to the overseas location concerned. The code 

word is usually four letters and may be followed by a number to indicate a particular 

addressee. 

shipping lane — (*) A term used to indicate the general flow of merchant shipping 

between two departure/terminal areas. 

shipping time — The time elapsing between the shipment of materiel by the supplying 

activity and receipt of materiel by the requiring activity. See also order and shipping 

time.

ship-to-shore movement — That portion of the action phase of an amphibious operation 

which includes the deployment of the landing force from the assault shipping to 

designated landing areas. (JP 3-02) 

shoal — A sandbank or bar that makes water shoal; i.e., a sand-bank that is not rocky and 

on which there is a water depth of 6 fathoms or less. (JP 4-01.6) 

shock front — (*) The boundary between the pressure disturbance created by an explosion 

(in air, water, or earth) and the ambient atmosphere, water, or earth. 

shore fire control party — A specially trained unit for control of naval gunfire in support 

of troops ashore. It consists of a spotting team to adjust fire and a naval gunfire liaison 

team to perform liaison functions for the supported battalion commander. Also called 

SFCP.

shoreline effect — See coastal refraction.

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. It 

comprises elements of both the naval and landing forces. Also called beach group. 

See also beachmaster unit; beach party; naval beach group. (JP 3-02) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

494 JP 1-02 

shore-to-shore movement — The assault movement of personnel and materiel directly 

from a shore staging area to the objective, involving no further transfers between types 

of craft or ships incident to the assault movement. 

shortfall — The lack of forces, equipment, personnel, materiel, or capability, reflected as 

the difference between the resources identified as a plan requirement and those 

apportioned to a combatant commander for planning, that would adversely affect the 

command’s ability to accomplish its mission. 

short-range air defense engagement zone — See weapon engagement zone. (JP 3-52) 

short-range ballistic missile — A ballistic missile with a range capability up to about 600 

nautical miles. Also called SRBM.

short-range transport aircraft — See transport aircraft.

short scope buoy — (*) A buoy used as a navigational reference which remains nearly 

vertical over its sinker. 

short supply — An item is in short supply when the total of stock on hand and anticipated 

receipts during a given period are less than the total estimated demand during that 

period. 

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.

short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft — (*) Fixed-wing aircraft capable of clearing 

a 15-meter (50-foot) obstacle within 450 meters (1,500 feet) of commencing takeoff 

run, and capable of landing vertically. Also called STOVL. See also short takeoff 

and landing. 

short title — (*) A short, identifying combination of letters, and/or numbers assigned to a 

document or device for purposes of brevity and/or security. 

show of force — An operation designed to demonstrate US resolve that involves increased 

visibility of US deployed forces in an attempt to defuse a specific situation that, if 

allowed to continue, may be detrimental to US interests or national objectives. (JP 3-0) 

shuttered fuze — (*) A fuze in which inadvertent initiation of the detonator will not 

initiate either the booster or the burst charge. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 495 

side-looking airborne radar — (*) An airborne radar, viewing at right angles to the axis of 

the vehicle, which produces a presentation of terrain or moving targets. Also called 

SLAR. 

side oblique air photograph — An oblique photograph taken with the camera axis at right 

angles to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. 

side overlap — See overlap.

sighting — Actual visual contact. Does not include other contacts, which must be reported 

by type, e.g., radar and sonar contacts. See also contact report.

SIGINT direct service — A reporting procedure to provide signals intelligence (SIGINT) 

to a military commander or other authorized recipient in response to SIGINT 

requirements. The product may vary from recurring, serialized reports produced by the 

National Security Agency/Central Security Service to instantaneous aperiodic reports 

provided to the command or other recipient, usually from a fixed SIGINT activity 

engaged in collection and processing. See also signals intelligence.

SIGINT direct service activity — A signals intelligence (SIGINT) activity composed of 

collection and associated resources that normally performs in a direct service role under 

the SIGINT operational control of the Director, National Security Agency/Chief, 

Central Security Service. See also signals intelligence.

SIGINT direct support — The provision of signals intelligence (SIGINT) information to a 

military commander by a SIGINT direct support unit in response to SIGINT 

operational tasking levied by that commander. See also signals intelligence.

SIGINT direct support unit — A signals intelligence (SIGINT) unit, usually mobile, 

designed to perform a SIGINT direct support role for a military commander under 

delegated authority from the Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central 

Security Service. See also signals intelligence.

SIGINT operational control — The authoritative direction of signals intelligence 

(SIGINT) activities, including tasking and allocation of effort, and the authoritative 

prescription of those uniform techniques and standards by which SIGINT information 

is collected, processed, and reported. See also signals intelligence.

SIGINT operational tasking — The authoritative operational direction of and direct 

levying of signals intelligence (SIGINT) information needs by a military commander 

on designated SIGINT resources. These requirements are directive, irrespective of 

other priorities, and are conditioned only by the capability of those resources to produce 

such information. Operational tasking includes authority to deploy all or part of the 

SIGINT resources for which SIGINT operational tasking authority has been delegated. 

See also signals intelligence. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

496 JP 1-02 

SIGINT operational tasking authority — A military commander’s authority to 

operationally direct and levy signals intelligence (SIGINT) requirements on designated 

SIGINT resources; includes authority to deploy and redeploy all or part of the SIGINT 

resources for which SIGINT operational tasking authority has been delegated. Also 

called SOTA. See also signals intelligence. 

SIGINT resources — Personnel and equipment of any unit, activity, or organizational 

element engaged in signals intelligence activities. See also signals intelligence. 

SIGINT support plans — Plans prepared by the National Security Agency/Central 

Security Service, in coordination with concerned elements of the United States SIGINT 

system, which specify how the resources of the system will be aligned in crisis or war 

to support military operations covered by certain Joint Chiefs of Staff and unified and 

specified command operation plans. See also signals intelligence.

signal — (*) 1. As applied to electronics, any transmitted electrical impulse. 2. 

Operationally, a type of message, the text of which consists of one or more letters, 

words, characters, signal flags, visual displays, or special sounds with prearranged 

meaning, and which is conveyed or transmitted by visual, acoustical, or electrical 

means. 

signal center — A combination of signal communication facilities operated by the Army in 

the field and consisting of a communications center, telephone switching central and 

appropriate means of signal communications. 

signal letters — See international call sign.

signal operation 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. 

signal security — A generic term that includes both communications security and 

electronics security. See also security. 

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) 

signal-to-noise ratio — The ratio of the amplitude of the desired signal to the amplitude of 

noise signals at a given point in time. 

signature equipment — (*) Any item of equipment which reveals the type and nature of 

the unit or formation to which it belongs. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 497 

signed route — A route along which a unit has placed directional signs bearing its unit 

identification symbol. The signs are for the unit’s use only and must comply with 

movement regulations. 

significant wave height — The average height of the third of waves observed during a 

given period of time. Significant wave height is used for evaluating the impact of 

waves and breakers on watercraft in the open sea and surf zones. See also surf zone. 

(JP 4-01.6) 

Silver Triangle — The South American region consisting of Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia 

that is historically known to be a major illegal drug production area. (JP 3-07.4) 

simulative electromagnetic deception — See electromagnetic deception.

simultaneous engagement — The concurrent engagement of hostile targets by combination 

of interceptor aircraft and surface-to-air missiles. 

single-anchor leg mooring — A mooring facility dedicated to the offshore petroleum 

discharge system. Once installed, it 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 department purchase — A method of purchase whereby one Military Department 

buys commodities for another Military Department or Departments. 

single flow route — (*) A route at least one-and-a-half lanes wide allowing the passage of 

a column of vehicles, and permitting isolated vehicles to pass or travel in the opposite 

direction at predetermined points. See also double flow route. 

single integrated theater logistic manager — Service component or agency, usually in a 

mature theater, that is designated by the combatant commander or subunified 

commander as the single in-theater manager for planning and execution of a specific 

common-user logistic (CUL) item or related items. Single integrated logistic managers 

are normally long-term in nature with responsibilities that include planning, 

coordination, control, and execution of a specific CUL function (or similar CUL 

functions) at the theater level, in both peacetime and during actual operations, within 

the parameters of combatant commander’s directives. Also called SITLM. See also 

agency. (JP 4-07) 

single manager— A Military Department or Agency designated by the Secretary of 

Defense to be responsible for management of specified commodities or common 

service activities on a Department of Defense-wide basis. (JP 4-01) 

single manager for transportation — The United States Transportation Command is the 

Department of Defense single manager for transportation, other than Service-organic or 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

498 JP 1-02 

theater-assigned transportation assets. See also Service-organic transportation 

assets; theater-assigned transportation assets; United States Transportation 

Command. (JP 4-01) 

single port manager — Through its transportation component commands, the US 

Transportation Command is the Department of Defense-designated single port manager 

for all common-user aerial and seaports worldwide. The single port manager performs 

those functions necessary to support the strategic flow of the deploying forces’ 

equipment and sustainment from the aerial and seaport of embarkation and hand-off to 

the combatant commander in the aerial and seaport of debarkation. The single port 

manager is responsible for providing strategic deployment status information to the 

combatant commander and to manage workload of the aerial port of debarkation and 

seaport of debarkation operator based on the commander’s priorities and guidance. The 

single port manager is responsible through all phases of the theater aerial and seaport 

operations continuum, from a unimproved airfield and bare beach deployment to a 

commercial contract supported deployment. Also called SPM. See also Surface 

Deployment and Distribution Command; transportation component command; 

United States Transportation Command. (JP 4-01.2) 

single-service manager — A component commander, designated by the combatant 

commander, who has been assigned responsibility and delegated the authority to 

coordinate specific theater personnel support activities such as theater postal operations. 

See also component. (JP 1-0) 

sinker — (*) In naval mine warfare, a heavy weight to which a buoyant mine is moored. 

The sinker generally houses the mooring rope drum and depth-setting mechanism and 

for mines laid by ships, it also serves as a launching trolley. 

situation map — (*) A map showing the tactical or the administrative situation at a 

particular time. See also map.

situation report — (*) A report giving the situation in the area of a reporting unit or 

formation. Also called SITREP.

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) 

618th Tanker Airlift Control Center — The Air Mobility Command direct reporting unit 

responsible for tasking and controlling operational missions for all activities involving 

forces supporting US Transportation Command’s global air mobility mission. The 

Tanker Airlift Control Center is comprised of the following functions: current 

operations, command and control, logistic operations, aerial port operations, 

aeromedical evacuation, flight planning, diplomatic clearances, and weather. Also 

called 618th TACC. See also Air Mobility Command. (JP 3-17) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 499 

skim sweeping — (*) In naval mine warfare, the technique of wire sweeping to a fixed 

depth over deep-laid moored mines to cut any shallow enough to endanger surface 

shipping. 

skin paint — A radar indication caused by the reflected radar signal from an object. 

skin tracking — The tracking of an object by means of a skin paint. 

slant range — (*) The line of sight distance between two points, not at the same level 

relative to a specific datum. 

slated items — Bulk petroleum and packaged bulk petroleum items that are requisitioned 

for overseas use by means of a consolidated requirement document, prepared and 

submitted through joint petroleum office channels. Packaged petroleum items are 

requisitioned in accordance with normal requisitioning procedures. 

slice — An average logistic planning factor used to obtain estimates of requirements for 

personnel and materiel. (e.g., a personnel slice generally consists of the total strength 

of the stated basic combatant elements, plus its proportionate share of all supporting 

and higher headquarters personnel.) 

slightly wounded — A casualty whose injuries or illness are relatively minor, permitting 

the patient to walk and/or sit. See also patient; walking patient. (JP 4-02) 

small arms — Man portable, individual, and crew-served weapon systems used mainly 

against personnel and lightly armored or unarmored equipment. 

small arms ammunition — Ammunition for small arms, i.e., all ammunition up to and 

including 20 millimeters (.787 inches). 

small-lot storage — Generally considered to be a quantity of less than one pallet stack, 

stacked to maximum storage height. Thus, the term refers to a lot consisting of from 

one container to two or more pallet loads, but is not of sufficient quantity to form a 

complete pallet column. See also storage.

small-scale map — A map having a scale smaller than 1:600,000. See also map.

smoke screen — A cloud of smoke used to conceal ground maneuver, obstacle breaching, 

recovery operations, and amphibious assault operations as well as key assembly areas, 

supply routes, and logistic facilities. 

snagline mine — (*) A contact mine with a buoyant line attached to one of the horns or 

switches which may be caught up and pulled by the hull or propellers of a ship. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

500 JP 1-02 

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)

soft missile base — (*) A launching base that is not protected against a nuclear explosion. 

soil shear strength — The maximum resistance of a soil to shearing stresses. 

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) 

solenoid sweep — (*) In naval mine warfare, a magnetic sweep consisting of a horizontal 

axis coil wound on a floating iron tube. 

sonar — A sonic device used primarily for the detection and location of underwater objects. 

(This term is derived from the words “sound navigation and ranging.”) 

sonic — Of or pertaining to sound or the speed of sound. See also speed of sound.

sonobuoy — A sonar device used to detect submerged submarines that, when activated, 

relays information by radio. It may be active directional or nondirectional, or it may be 

passive directional or nondirectional. 

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) 

sortie number — (*) A reference used to identify the images taken by all the sensors 

during one air reconnaissance sortie. 

sortie plot — An overlay representing the area on a map covered by imagery taken during 

one sortie. 

sortie reference — See sortie number.

sorting — In counterdrug operations, the process involved in differentiating traffic which 

could be involved in drug trafficking from legitimate air traffic. See also counterdrug 

operations. (JP 3-07.4) 

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 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 501 

being used for intelligence purposes. In this context, a controlled source is in the 

employment or under the control of the intelligence activity and knows that the 

information is to be used for intelligence purposes. An uncontrolled source is a 

voluntary contributor of information and may or may not know that the information is 

to be used for intelligence purposes. See also agent; collection agency.

source registry — A source record/catalogue of leads and sources acquired by collectors 

and centralized for management, coordination and deconfliction of source operations. 

(JP 2-01.2) 

space — A medium like the land, sea, and air within which military activities shall be 

conducted to achieve US national security objectives. (JP 3-14) 

space asset — Any individual part of a space system as follows. (1) Equipment that is or 

can be placed in space (e.g., a satellite or a launch vehicle). (2) Terrestrially-based 

equipment that directly supports space activity (e.g., a satellite ground station). 

(JP 3-14) 

space assignment — An assignment to the individual Departments/Services by the 

appropriate transportation operating agency of movement capability which completely 

or partially satisfies the stated requirements of the 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. 

space available mail — A transportation category for military mail transported to and from 

overseas bases by air on a space-available basis. Also called SAM.

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 space (e.g., a ground-based or 

airborne laser capable of negating a satellite). See also space; space asset. (JP 3-14) 

space control — Operations to ensure freedom of action in space for the US and its allies 

and, when directed, deny an adversary freedom of action in space. The space control 

mission area includes: operations conducted to protect friendly space capabilities from 

attack, interference, or unintentional hazards (defensive space control); operations to 

deny an adversary’s use of space capabilities (offensive space control); supported by 

the requisite current and predictive knowledge of the space environment and the 

operational environment upon which space operations depend (space situational 

awareness). See also combat service support; combat support; negation; space; 

space systems. (JP 3-14) 

space coordinating authority — A commander responsible for coordinating joint space 

operations and integrating space capabilities in the operational area. Also called SCA. 

(JP 3-14)
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

502 JP 1-02 

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. See also ionosphere. 

(JP 3-59)

space force application — Combat operations in, through, and from space to influence the 

course and outcome of conflict. The space force application mission area includes 

ballistic missile defense and force projection. See also ballistic missile; force 

protection; space. (JP 3-14) 

space force enhancement — Combat support operations and force-multiplying capabilities 

delivered from space systems to improve the effectiveness of military forces as well as 

support other intelligence, civil, and commercial users. The space force enhancement 

mission area includes: intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; integrated tactical 

warning and attack assessment; command, control, and communications; positioning, 

navigation, and timing; and environmental monitoring. See also combat support; 

space. (JP 3-14) 

space forces — The space and terrestrial systems, equipment, facilities, organizations, and 

personnel necessary to access, use and, if directed, control space for national security. 

See also national security; space; space systems. (JP 3-14) 

space power — The total strength of a nation’s capabilities to conduct and influence 

activities to, in, through, and from space to achieve its objectives. See also space. 

(JP 3-14) 

space sensor — An instrument or mechanical device mounted on a space platform or space 

vehicle for collecting information or detecting activity or conditions either in space or 

in a terrestrial medium. See also space. (JP 3-14) 

space situational awareness — The requisite current and predictive knowledge of the 

space environment and the operational environment upon which space operations 

depend — including physical, virtual, and human domains — as well as all factors, 

activities, and events of friendly and adversary space forces across the spectrum of 

conflict. (JP 3-14)

space superiority — The degree of dominance in space of one force over another that 

permits the conduct of operations by the former and its related land, maritime, air, 

space, and special operations forces at a given time and place without prohibitive 

interference by the opposing force. See also space. (JP 3-14) 

space support — Operations to deploy and sustain military and intelligence systems in 

space. The space support mission area includes launching and deploying space 

vehicles, maintaining and sustaining spacecraft on-orbit, rendezvous and proximity 

operations, disposing of (including deorbiting and recovering) space capabilities, and 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 503 

reconstitution of space forces, if required. See also combat service support; space. 

(JP 3-14) 

space surveillance — The observation of space and of the activities occurring in space. 

This mission is normally accomplished with the aid of ground-based radars and electrooptical sensors. This term is separate and distinct from the intelligence collection 

mission conducted by space-based sensors which surveil terrestrial activity. See also 

space; space control. (JP 3-14) 

space systems — All of the devices and organizations forming the space network. These 

consist of: spacecraft; mission packages(s); ground stations; data links among 

spacecraft, mission or user terminals, which may include initial reception, processing, 

and exploitation; launch systems; and directly related supporting infrastructure, 

including space surveillance and battle management and/or command and control. See 

also space. (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. Space weather may 

impact spacecraft and ground-based systems. Space weather is influenced by 

phenomena such as solar flare activity, ionospheric variability, energetic particle 

events, and geophysical events. See also space; space asset. (JP 3-14) 

span of detonation (atomic demolition munition employment) — That total period of 

time, resulting from a timer error, between the earliest and the latest possible detonation 

time. 1. early time — The earliest possible time that an atomic demolition munition 

can detonate; 2. fire time — That time the atomic demolition munition will detonate 

should the timers function precisely without error; 3. late time — The latest possible 

time that an atomic demolition munition can detonate. 

special access program — A sensitive program, approved in writing by a head of agency 

with original top secret classification authority, that imposes need-to-know and access 

controls beyond those normally provided for access to confidential, secret, or top secret 

information. The level of controls is based on the criticality of the program and the 

assessed hostile intelligence threat. The program may be an acquisition program, an 

intelligence program, or an operations and support program. Also called SAP. 

(JP 3-05.1) 

special actions — Those functions that due to particular sensitivities, compartmentation, or 

caveats cannot be conducted in normal staff channels and therefore require 

extraordinary processes and procedures and may involve the use of sensitive 

capabilities. (JP 3-05.1) 

special activities — Activities conducted in support of national foreign policy objectives 

that are planned and executed so that the role of the US Government is not apparent or 

acknowledged publicly. They are also functions in support of such activities but are 

not intended to influence US political processes, public opinion, policies, or media and 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

504 JP 1-02 

do not include diplomatic activities or the collection and production of intelligence or 

related support functions. (JP 3-05) 

special agent — A person, either United States military or civilian, who is a specialist in 

military security or the collection of intelligence or counterintelligence information. 

special air operation — An air operation conducted in support of special operations and 

other clandestine, covert, and psychological activities. (JP 3-05.1) 

special ammunition supply point — A mobile supply point where special ammunition is 

stored and issued to delivery units. 

special assignment airlift requirements — Airlift requirements, including Chairman of the 

Joint Chiefs of Staff -directed or -coordinated exercises, that require special 

consideration due to the number of passengers involved, weight or size of cargo, 

urgency of movement, sensitivity, or other valid factors that preclude the use of channel 

airlift. See also airlift requirement; channel airlift.

special boat squadron — A permanent Navy echelon III major command to which two or 

more special boat units are assigned for some operational and all administrative 

purposes. The squadron is tasked with the training and deployment of these special 

boat units and may augment naval special warfare task groups and task units. Also 

called SBS. (JP 3-05.1) 

special boat team — US Navy forces organized, trained, and equipped to conduct or 

support special operations with patrol boats or other combatant craft. Also called SBT. 

(JP 3-05) 

special cargo — Cargo that requires special handling or protection, such as pyrotechnics, 

detonators, watches, and precision instruments. 

special-equipment vehicle — A vehicle consisting of a general-purpose chassis with 

special-purpose body and/or mounted equipments designed to meet a specialized 

requirement. 

special events for homeland security — Those special events designated as having an 

impact on homeland security. Also called SEHS. (JP 3-28) 

special forces — US 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 — A combat arms organization capable of planning, conducting, and 

supporting special operations activities in all operational environments in peace, 

conflict, and war. It consists of a group headquarters and headquarters company, a 

support company, and special forces battalions. The group can operate as a single unit, 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 505 

but normally the battalions plan and conduct operations from widely separated 

locations. The group provides general operational direction and synchronizes the 

activities of subordinate battalions. Although principally structured for unconventional 

warfare, special forces group units are capable of task-organizing to meet specific 

requirements. Also called SFG. (JP 3-05) 

special forces operations base — A command, control, and support base established and 

operated by a special forces group or battalion from organic and attached resources. 

The base commander and his staff coordinate and synchronize the activities of 

subordinate and forward-deployed forces. A special forces operations base is normally 

established for an extended period of time to support a series of operations. Also called 

SFOB. (JP 3-05) 

special hazard — (*) In aircraft crash rescue and fire-fighting activities: fuels, materials, 

components, or situations that could increase the risks normally associated with 

military aircraft accidents and could require special procedures, equipment, or 

extinguishing agents. 

special information operations — Information operations that by their sensitive nature and 

due to their potential effect or impact, security requirements, or risk to the national 

security of the United States, require a special review and approval process. Also called 

SIO. See also information; information operations; operation. (JP 3-13) 

specialist intelligence report — A category of specialized, technical reports used in the 

dissemination of intelligence. Also called SPIREP. See also intelligence reporting.

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. 

special mission unit — A generic term to represent a group of operations and support 

personnel from designated organizations that is task-organized to perform highly 

classified activities. Also called SMU. (JP 3-05.1) 

special operations — Operations conducted in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive 

environments to achieve military, diplomatic, informational, and/or economic 

objectives employing military capabilities for which there is no broad conventional 

force requirement. These operations often require covert, clandestine, or low visibility 

capabilities. Special operations are applicable across the range of military operations. 

They can be conducted independently or in conjunction with operations of 

conventional forces or other government agencies and may include operations through, 

with, or by indigenous or surrogate forces. Special operations differ from conventional 

operations in degree of physical and political risk, operational techniques, mode of 

employment, independence from friendly support, and dependence on detailed 

operational intelligence and indigenous assets. Also called SO. (JP 3-05) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

506 JP 1-02 

special operations combat control team — A team of Air Force personnel organized, 

trained, and equipped to conduct and support special operations. Under clandestine, 

covert, or low-visibility conditions, these teams establish and control air assault zones; 

assist aircraft by verbal control, positioning, and operating navigation aids; conduct 

limited offensive direct action and special reconnaissance operations; and assist in the 

insertion and extraction of special operations forces. Also called SOCCT. See also

combat control team. (JP 3-05.1) 

special operations command — A subordinate unified or other joint command established 

by a joint force commander to plan, coordinate, conduct, and support joint special 

operations within the joint force commander’s assigned operational area. Also called 

SOC. See also special operations. (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. It performs command and control functions according to 

mission requirements. It normally collocates with the command post of the supported 

force. It can also receive special operations forces operational, intelligence, and target 

acquisition reports directly from deployed special operations elements and provide 

them to the supported component headquarters. It remains under the operational 

control of the joint force special operations component commander or commander, 

joint special operations task force. Also called SOCCE. See also command and 

control; joint force special operations component commander; special operations; 

special operations forces. (JP 3-05.1) 

special operations forces — Those Active and Reserve Component forces of the Military 

Services designated by the Secretary of Defense and specifically organized, trained, 

and equipped to conduct and support special operations. Also called SOF. See also 

Air Force special operations forces; Army special operations forces; naval special 

warfare forces. (JP 3-05.1) 

special operations liaison element — A special operations liaison team provided by the 

joint force special operations component commander to the joint force air component 

commander (if designated), or appropriate Service component air command and control 

organization, to coordinate, deconflict, and integrate special operations air, surface, and 

subsurface operations with conventional 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 mission planning folder — The package that contains the materials 

required to execute a given special operations mission. It will include the mission 

tasking letter, mission tasking package, original feasibility assessment (as desired), 

initial assessment (as desired), target intelligence package, plan of execution, 

infiltration and exfiltration plan of execution, and other documentation as required or 

desired. Also called SOMPF. (JP 3-05.1) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 507 

special operations naval mobile environment team — A team of Navy personnel 

organized, trained, and equipped to support naval special warfare forces by providing 

weather, oceanographic, mapping, charting, and geodesy support. Also called

SONMET. (JP 3-05.1) 

special operations-peculiar — Equipment, material, supplies, and services required for 

special operations missions for which there is no Service-common requirement. These 

are limited to items and services initially designed for, or used by, special operations 

forces until adopted for Service-common use by one or more Military Service; 

modifications approved by the Commander, US Special Operations Command for 

application to standard items and services used by the Military Services; and items and 

services approved by the Commander, US Special Operations Command as critically 

urgent for the immediate accomplishment of a special operations mission. Also called 

SO-peculiar. See also Service-common; special operations. (JP 3-05) 

special operations terminal attack controller — United States Air Force combat control 

personnel certified to perform the terminal attack control function in support of special 

operations forces missions. Special operations terminal attack controller operations 

emphasize the employment of night infrared, laser, and beacon tactics and equipment. 

Also called SOTAC. See also special operations; special tactics team; terminal. 

special operations weather team/tactical element — A task-organized team of Air Force 

personnel organized, trained, and equipped to collect critical weather observations from 

data-sparse areas. These teams are trained to operate independently in permissive or 

uncertain environments, or as augmentation to other special operations elements in 

hostile environments, in direct support of special operations. Also called SOWT/TE. 

(JP 3-05) 

special operations wing — An Air Force special operations wing. Also called SOW. 

(JP 3-05.1) 

special (or project) equipment — Equipment not authorized in standard equipment 

publications but determined as essential in connection with a contemplated operation, 

function, or mission. See also equipment.

special purpose Marine air-ground task force — A Marine air-ground task force 

organized, trained, and equipped with narrowly focused capabilities. It is designed to 

accomplish a specific mission, often of limited scope and duration. It may be any size, 

but normally it is a relatively small force — the size of a Marine expeditionary unit or 

smaller. Also called SPMAGTF. See also aviation combat element; combat service 

support element; command element; ground combat element; Marine air-ground 

task force; Marine expeditionary force; Marine expeditionary force (forward); 

Marine expeditionary unit; task force. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

508 JP 1-02 

special-purpose vehicle — A vehicle incorporating a special chassis and designed to meet a 

specialized requirement.

special reconnaissance — Reconnaissance and surveillance actions conducted as a special 

operation in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments to collect or verify 

information of strategic or operational significance, employing military capabilities not 

normally found in conventional forces. These actions provide an additive capability for 

commanders and supplement other conventional reconnaissance and surveillance 

actions. Also called SR. (JP 3-05) 

special staff — All staff officers having duties at a headquarters and not included in the 

general (coordinating) staff group or in the personal staff group. The special staff 

includes certain technical specialists and heads of services, e.g., quartermaster officer, 

antiaircraft officer, transportation officer, etc. See also staff.

special tactics — US Air Force special operations forces organized, trained, and equipped 

to conduct special operations. They include combat control team, pararescue, and 

combat weather personnel who provide the interface between air and ground combat 

operations. Also called ST. See also special tactics team. (JP 3-05) 

special tactics team — A task-organized element of special tactics that may include combat 

control, pararescue, and combat weather personnel. Functions include austere airfield 

and assault zone reconnaissance, surveillance, establishment, and terminal control; 

terminal attack control; combat search and rescue; combat casualty care and evacuation 

staging; and tactical weather observations and forecasting. Also called STT. See also 

combat search and rescue; special operations; special operations forces; special 

tactics; terminal attack control. (JP 3-05) 

special unloading berth — Berths established in the vicinity of the approach lanes into 

which transports may move for unloading, thus reducing the running time for landing 

craft and assisting in the dispersion of transports. (JP 3-02.2) 

special weapons — A term sometimes used to indicate weapons grouped for special 

procedures, for security, or other reasons. Specific terminology, e.g., “nuclear 

weapons” or “guided missiles,” is preferable. 

specific intelligence collection requirement — An identified gap in intelligence holdings 

that may be satisfied only by collection action, and that has been validated by the 

appropriate requirements control authority. Also called SICR.

specific search — Reconnaissance of a limited number of points for specific information. 

specified combatant command — See specified command. (JP 1) 

specified command — A command that has a broad, continuing mission, normally 

functional, and is established and so designated by the President through the Secretary 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 509 

of Defense with the advice and assistance of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

It normally is composed of forces from a single Military Department. Also called

specified combatant command. (JP 1) 

specified task — In the context of joint operation planning, a task that is specifically 

assigned to an organization by its higher headquarters. See also essential task; 

implied task. (JP 5-0) 

spectrozonal photography — (*) A photographic technique whereby the natural spectral 

emissions of all objects are selectively filtered in order to image only those objects 

within a particular spectral band or zone and eliminate the unwanted background. 

speed of advance — (*) In naval usage, the speed expected to be made good over the 

ground. Also called SOA. See also pace; rate of march.

speed of sound — (*) The speed at which sound travels in a given medium under specified 

conditions. The speed of sound at sea level in the International Standard Atmosphere is 

1108 ft/second, 658 knots, 1215 km/hour. See also hypersonic; sonic; subsonic; 

supersonic; transonic. 

spillover — The part of the laser spot that is not on the target because of beam divergence 

or standoff range, improper boresighting of laser designator, or poor operator 

illuminating procedures. See also laser spot. 

spin stabilization — Directional stability of a projectile obtained by the action of 

gyroscopic forces that result from spinning of the body about its axis of symmetry. 

split cameras — (*) An assembly of two cameras disposed at a fixed overlapping angle 

relative to each other. 

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)

split pair — See split vertical photography.

split-up — See break-up.

split vertical photography — (*) Photographs taken simultaneously by two cameras 

mounted at an angle from the vertical, one tilted to the left and one to the right, to 

obtain a small side overlap. 

spoiling attack — A tactical maneuver employed to seriously impair a hostile attack while 

the enemy is in the process of forming or assembling for an attack. Usually employed 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

510 JP 1-02 

by armored units in defense by an attack on enemy assembly positions in front of a 

main line of resistance or battle position. 

sponsor — Military member or civilian employee with dependents. 

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 4-01.4)

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. (DOD only) An approved shipboard helicopter landing site. See 

also ordnance. (JP 3-04) 

spot elevation — (*) A point on a map or chart whose elevation is noted. 

spot jamming — (*) The jamming of a specific channel or frequency. See also barrage 

jamming; electronic warfare; jamming.

spot net — Radio communication net used by a spotter in calling fire. 

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.) See Joint Tactical Air 

Reconnaissance/Surveillance Mission Report. (JP 3-09.3)

spot size — (*) The size of the electron spot on the face of the cathode ray tube. 

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. See 

also field artillery observer; naval gunfire spotting team.

spotting — Parking aircraft in an approved shipboard landing site. (JP 3-04)

spotting line — (*) Any straight line to which the fall of shot of projectiles is related or fire 

is adjusted by an observer or a spotter. See also gun-target line; observer-target line.

spray dome — (*) The mound of water spray thrown up into the air when the shock wave 

from an underwater detonation of a nuclear weapon reaches the surface. 

spreader bar — A device specially designed to permit the lifting and handling of 

containers or vehicles and breakbulk cargo. (JP 4-01.6) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 511 

spreading fire — A notification by the spotter or the naval gunfire ship, depending on who 

is controlling the fire, to indicate that fire is about to be distributed over an area. 

sprocket — (*) In naval mine warfare, an anti-sweep device included in a mine mooring to 

allow a sweep wire to pass through the mooring without parting the mine from its 

sinker. 

squadron — 1. An organization consisting of two or more divisions of ships, or two or 

more divisions (Navy) or flights of aircraft. It is normally but not necessarily 

composed of ships or aircraft of the same type. 2. The basic administrative aviation 

unit of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. 3. Battalion-sized ground or 

aviation units in US Army cavalry regiments. 

squib — A small pyrotechnic device that may be used to fire the igniter in a rocket or for 

some similar purpose. Not to be confused with a detonator that explodes. 

squirt — (*) In air-to-air refuelling, a means of providing visual detection of a nearby 

aircraft. In practice this is achieved by the donor aircraft dumping fuel and/or the 

receiver aircraft selecting afterburners, if so equipped. 

staballoy — Metal alloys made from high-density depleted uranium mixed with other 

metals for use in kinetic energy penetrators for armor-piercing munitions. Several 

different metals, such as titanium or molybdenum, can be used for the purpose. The 

various staballoy metals have low radioactivity that is not considered to be a significant 

health hazard. 

stability operations — An overarching term encompassing 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, 

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. See also patient. (JP 4-02) 

stable base film — (*) A particular type of film having a high stability in regard to 

shrinkage and stretching. 

stable patient — A patient for whom no inflight medical intervention is expected but the 

potential for medical intervention exists. See also patient. (JP 4-02) 

staff — See multinational staff; general staff; integrated staff; joint staff; parallel staff; 

special staff.

staff estimates — Assessments of courses of action by the various staff elements of a 

command that serve as the foundation of the commander’s estimate. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

512 JP 1-02 

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) 

staff supervision — The process of advising other staff officers and individuals subordinate 

to the commander of the commander’s plans and policies, interpreting those plans and 

policies, assisting such subordinates in carrying them out, determining the extent to 

which they are being followed, and advising the commander thereof. 

stage — (*) 1. An element of the missile or propulsion system that generally separates 

from the missile at burnout or cut-off. Stages are numbered chronologically in order of 

burning. 2. To process, in a specified area, troops which are in transit from one 

locality to another. See also marshalling; staging area. 

staged crews — Aircrews specifically positioned at intermediate airfields to take over 

aircraft operating on air routes, thus relieving complementary crews of flying fatigue 

and speeding up the flow rate of the aircraft concerned. 

staging — Assembling, holding, and organizing arriving personnel, equipment, and 

sustaining materiel in preparation for onward movement. The organizing and 

preparation for movement of personnel, equipment, and materiel at designated areas to 

incrementally build forces capable of meeting the operational commander’s 

requirements. See also staging area. (JP 3-35) 

staging area — 1. Amphibious or airborne — A general locality between the mounting 

area and the objective of an amphibious or airborne expedition, through which the 

expedition or parts thereof pass after mounting, for refueling, regrouping of ships, 

and/or exercise, inspection, and redistribution of troops. 2. Other movements — A 

general locality established for the concentration of troop units and transient personnel 

between movements over the lines of communications. Also called SA. See also 

airborne; marshalling; stage; 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. 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. 

standard advanced base units — Personnel and materiel organized to function as 

advanced base units, including the functional components that are employed in the 

establishment of naval advanced bases. Such advanced base units may establish repair 

bases, supply bases, supply depots, airfields, air bases, or other naval shore 

establishments at overseas locations. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 513 

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 — See standing operating procedure.

standard parallel — (*) A parallel on a map or chart along which the scale is as stated for 

that map or chart. 

standard pattern — (*) In land mine warfare, the agreed pattern to which mines are 

normally laid. 

standard positioning system — One of two levels of service provided by the global 

positioning system, the standard positioning system normally offers users a horizontal 

accuracy of 100 meters or better with a 95% probability. Also called SPS. 

standard route — In naval control of shipping, a pre-planned single track that is assigned a 

code name and connects positions within the main shipping lanes. 

standard unit — A type unit whose unit-type code and movement characteristics are 

described in the type unit characteristics file. 

standard use Army aircraft flight route — Routes established below the coordinating 

altitude to facilitate the movement of Army aviation assets. Routes are normally 

located in the corps through brigade rear areas of operation and do not require approval 

by the airspace control authority. Also called SAAFR. (JP 3-52) 

Standby Reserve — Those units and members of the Reserve Components (other than 

those in the Ready Reserve or Retired Reserve) who are liable for active duty only, as 

provided in title 10 , US Code, sections 10151, 12301, and 12306. See also active 

duty; Ready Reserve; Reserve Components; Retired Reserve. (JP 4-05) 

stand fast — (*) In artillery, the order at which all action on the position ceases 

immediately. 

standing joint force headquarters — A staff organization operating under a flag officer 

providing a combatant commander with a full-time, trained joint command and control 

element integrated into the combatant commander’s staff whose focus is on 

contingency and crisis action planning. Also called SJFHQ. (JP 3-0) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

514 JP 1-02 

standing operating procedure — (*) A set of instructions covering those features of 

operations which lend themselves to a definite or standardized procedure without loss 

of effectiveness. The procedure is applicable unless ordered otherwise. Also called

SOP. (3-31)

standing order — (*) A promulgated order which remains in force until amended or 

cancelled. 

standing rules for the use of force — Preapproved directives issued to guide United States 

forces on the use of force during various operations. These directives may take the 

form of execute orders, deployment orders, memoranda of agreement, or plans. Also 

called SRUF. (JP 3-28) 

state and regional defense airlift — The program for use during an emergency of civil 

aircraft other than air carrier aircraft. 

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; 

expellee; refugee. (JP 3-29) 

state of readiness — See defense readiness condition; weapons readiness state.

state of readiness--state 1--safe — The state of a demolition target upon or within which 

the demolition charge has been placed and secured. The firing or initiating circuits 

have been installed, but not connected to the demolition charge. Detonators or 

initiators have not been connected nor installed. See also state of readiness--state 

2--armed.

state of readiness--state 2--armed — The state of a demolition target in which the 

demolition charges are in place, the firing and priming circuits are installed and 

complete, and the charge is ready for immediate firing. See also state of 

readiness--state 1--safe.

static air temperature — (*) The temperature at a point at rest relative to the ambient air. 

static line (air transport) — A line attached to a parachute pack and to a strop or anchor 

cable in an aircraft so that, when the load is dropped, the parachute is deployed 

automatically. 

static line cable — See anchor cable.

static marking — (*) Marks on photographic negatives and other imagery caused by 

unwanted discharges of static electricity. 

station — 1. A general term meaning any military or naval activity at a fixed land location. 

2. A particular kind of activity to which other activities or individuals may come for a 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 515 

specific service, often of a technical nature, e.g., aid station. 3. An assigned or 

prescribed position in a naval formation or cruising disposition; or an assigned area in 

an approach, contact, or battle disposition. 4. Any place of duty or post or position in 

the field to which an individual, group of individuals, or a unit may be assigned. 5. 

One or more transmitters or receivers or a combination of transmitters and receivers, 

including the accessory equipment necessary at one location, for carrying on radio 

communication service. Each station will be classified by the service in which it 

operates permanently or temporarily. 

station authentication — A security measure designed to establish the authenticity of a 

transmitting or receiving station. 

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 — An agreement that defines the legal position of a visiting 

military force deployed in the territory of a friendly state. Agreements delineating the 

status of visiting military forces may be bilateral or multilateral. Provisions pertaining 

to the status of visiting forces may be set forth in a separate agreement, or they may 

form a part of a more comprehensive agreement. These provisions describe how the 

authorities of a visiting force may control members of that force and the amenability of 

the force or its members to the local law or to the authority of local officials. Also 

called SOFA. See also civil affairs agreement. (JP 3-16) 

stay behind — Agent or agent organization established in a given country to be activated in 

the event of hostile overrun or other circumstances under which normal access would 

be denied. 

stay behind force — (*) A force which is left in position to conduct a specified mission 

when the remainder of the force withdraws or retires from the area. 

stellar guidance — A system wherein a guided missile may follow a predetermined course 

with reference primarily to the relative position of the missile and certain preselected 

celestial bodies. 

stepped-up separation — (*) The vertical separation in a formation of aircraft measured 

from an aircraft ahead upward to the next aircraft behind or in echelon. 

stereographic coverage — Photographic coverage with overlapping air photographs to 

provide a three-dimensional presentation of the picture; 60 percent overlap is 

considered normal and 53 percent is generally regarded as the minimum. 

sterilize — (*) 1. In naval mine warfare, to permanently render a mine incapable of firing 

by means of a device (e.g., sterilizer) within the mine. 2. (DOD only) To remove 

from material to be used in covert and clandestine operations, marks or devices which 

can identify it as emanating from the sponsoring nation or organization. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

516 JP 1-02 

sterilizer — (*) In mine warfare, a device included in mines to render the mine 

permanently inoperative on expiration of a pre-determined time after laying. 

stick commander (air transport) — A designated individual who controls paratroops from 

the time they enter the aircraft until their exit. See also jumpmaster. 

stimulants — Controlled drugs that make the user feel stronger, more decisive, and 

self-possessed; includes cocaine and amphetamines. (JP 3-07.4) 

stockage objective — The maximum quantities of materiel to be maintained on hand to 

sustain current operations. It will consist of the sum of stocks represented by the 

operating level and the safety level. 

stock control — (*) Process of maintaining inventory data on the quantity, location, and 

condition of supplies and equipment due-in, on-hand, and due-out, to determine 

quantities of material and equipment available and/or required for issue and to facilitate 

distribution and management of materiel. See also inventory control.

stock coordination — A supply management function exercised usually at department level 

that controls the assignment of material cognizance for items or categories of material 

to inventory managers. 

Stock Number — See National Stock Number.

stockpile to target sequence — 1. The order of events involved in removing a nuclear 

weapon from storage and assembling, testing, transporting, and delivering it on the 

target. 2. A document that defines the logistic and employment concepts and related 

physical environments involved in the delivery of a nuclear weapon from the stockpile 

to the target. It may also define the logistic flow involved in moving nuclear weapons 

to and from the stockpile for quality assurance testing, modification and retrofit, and the 

recycling of limited life components. 

stock record account — A basic record showing by item the receipt and issuance of 

property, the balances on hand, and such other identifying or stock control data as may 

be required by proper authority. 

stop-loss — Presidential authority under Title 10 US Code 12305 to suspend laws relating 

to promotion, retirement, or separation of any member of the Armed Forces determined 

essential to the national security of the United States (“laws relating to promotion” 

broadly includes, among others, grade tables, current general or flag officer 

authorizations, and E8 and 9 limits). This authority may be exercised by the President 

only if Reservists are serving on active duty under Title 10 authorities for Presidential 

Reserve Call-up, partial mobilization, or full mobilization. See also mobilization; 

partial mobilization; Presidential Reserve Call-up. (JP 4-05) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 517 

storage — 1. The retention of data in any form, usually for the purpose of orderly retrieval 

and documentation. 2. A device consisting of electronic, electrostatic, electrical, 

hardware, or other elements into which data may be entered, and from which data may 

be obtained as desired. See also ammunition and toxic material open space; bin 

storage; bulk storage; igloo space; large-lot storage; medium-lot storage; open 

improved storage space; open unimproved wet space; small-lot storage. 

storage life — (*) The length of time for which an item of supply, including explosives, 

given specific storage conditions, may be expected to remain serviceable and, if 

relevant, safe. See also shelf life.

stores — See naval stores; supplies.

stowage — The method of placing cargo into a single hold or compartment of a ship to 

prevent damage, shifting, etc. (JP 3-02) 

stowage diagram — (*) A scaled drawing included in the loading plan of a vessel for each 

deck or platform showing the exact location of all cargo. See also stowage plan.

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. 

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. Each port of discharge is indicated by colors or other appropriate 

means. Deck and between-deck cargo normally is shown in perspective, while cargo 

stowed in the lower hold is shown in profile, except that vehicles usually are shown in 

perspective regardless of stowage. See also stowage diagram.

strafing — The delivery of automatic weapons fire by aircraft on ground targets. 

straggler — (*) 1. Any personnel, vehicles, ships, or aircraft which, without apparent 

purpose or assigned mission, become separated from their unit, column, or formation. 

2. A ship separated from its convoy by more than 5 nautical miles, through inability to 

keep up, and unable to rejoin before dark, or over 10 nautical miles from its convoy 

whether or not it can rejoin before dark. See also romper.

strapping — 1. An operation by which supply containers, such as cartons or boxes, are 

reinforced by bands, metal straps, or wire, placed at specified intervals around them, 

drawn taut, and then sealed or clamped by a machine. 2. Measurement of storage 

tanks and calculation of volume to provide tables for conversion of depth of product in 

linear units of measurement to volume of contents. 

strategic advantage — The overall relative power relationship of opponents that enables 

one nation or group of nations effectively to control the course of a military or political 

situation. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

518 JP 1-02 

strategic airlift — See intertheater airlift. (JP 3-17) 

strategic air transport — The movement of personnel and materiel by air in accordance 

with a strategic plan. 

strategic air transport operations — (*) The carriage of passengers and cargo between 

theaters by means of: a. scheduled service; b. special flight; c. air logistic support; d. 

aeromedical evacuation. 

strategic air warfare — Air combat and supporting operations designed to effect, through 

the systematic application of force to a selected series of vital targets, the progressive 

destruction and disintegration of the enemy’s war-making capacity to a point where the 

enemy no longer retains the ability or the will to wage war. Vital targets may include 

key manufacturing systems, sources of raw material, critical material, stockpiles, power 

systems, transportation systems, communication facilities, concentration of 

uncommitted elements of enemy armed forces, key agricultural areas, and other such 

target systems. 

strategic communication — Focused United States Government efforts to understand and 

engage key audiences to create, strengthen, or preserve conditions favorable for the 

advancement of United States Government interests, policies, and objectives through 

the use of coordinated programs, plans, themes, messages, and products synchronized 

with the actions of all instruments of national power. (JP 5-0) 

strategic concentration — (*) The assembly of designated forces in areas from which it is 

intended that operations of the assembled force shall begin so that they are best 

disposed to initiate the plan of campaign. 

strategic concept — The course of action accepted as the result of the estimate of the 

strategic situation. It is a statement of what is to be done in broad terms sufficiently 

flexible to permit its use in framing the military, diplomatic, economic, informational, 

and other measures which stem from it. See also basic undertakings. 

strategic direction — The common thread that integrates and synchronizes the activities of 

the Joint Staff, combatant commands, Services, and combat support agencies. As an 

overarching term, strategic direction encompasses the processes and products by which 

the President, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff provide 

strategic guidance in the form of various strategic products. (JP 5-0) 

strategic estimate — The estimate of the broad strategic factors that influence the 

determination of missions, objectives, and courses of action. The estimate is 

continuous and includes the strategic direction received from the President, Secretary of 

Defense, or the authoritative body of an alliance or coalition. See also commander’s 

estimate of the situation; estimate; logistic estimate of the situation; national 

intelligence estimate. (JP 3-0) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 519 

strategic intelligence — Intelligence required for the formation of policy and military plans 

at national and international levels. Strategic intelligence and tactical intelligence differ 

primarily in level of application, but may also vary in terms of scope and detail. See 

also intelligence; operational intelligence; tactical intelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

strategic level of war — The level of war at which a nation, often as a member of a group 

of nations, determines national or multinational (alliance or coalition) strategic security 

objectives and guidance, and develops and uses national resources to achieve these 

objectives. Activities at this level establish national and multinational military 

objectives; sequence initiatives; define limits and assess risks for the use of military and 

other instruments of national power; develop global plans or theater war plans to 

achieve those objectives; and provide military forces and other capabilities in 

accordance with strategic plans. See also operational level of war; tactical level of 

war. (JP 3-0) 

strategic map — A map of medium scale or smaller used for planning of operations, 

including the movement, concentration, and supply of troops. See also map. 

strategic material (critical) — Material required for essential uses in a war emergency, the 

procurement of which in adequate quantity, quality, or time, is sufficiently uncertain, 

for any reason, to require prior provision of the supply thereof. 

strategic mining — A long-term mining operation designed to deny the enemy the use of 

specific sea routes or sea areas. (JP 3-15) 

strategic mission — A mission directed against one or more of a selected series of enemy 

targets with the purpose of progressive destruction and disintegration of the enemy’s 

warmaking capacity and will to make war. Targets include key manufacturing systems, 

sources of raw material, critical material, stockpiles, power systems, transportation 

systems, communication facilities, and other such target systems. As opposed to 

tactical operations, strategic operations are designed to have a long-range rather than 

immediate effect on the enemy and its military forces. 

strategic mobility — The capability to deploy and sustain military forces worldwide in 

support of national strategy. See also mobility.

strategic plan — A plan for the overall conduct of a war. 

strategic psychological activities — Planned psychological activities in peace, crisis, and 

war which pursue objectives to gain the support and cooperation of friendly and neutral 

countries and to reduce the will and the capacity of hostile or potentially hostile 

countries to wage war. (JP 3-13.2) 

strategic sealift — The afloat pre-positioning and ocean movement of military materiel in 

support of US and multinational forces. Sealift forces include organic and 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

520 JP 1-02 

commercially acquired shipping and shipping services, including chartered foreign-flag 

vessels and associated shipping services. (JP 4-01.5) 

strategic sealift forces — Sealift forces composed of ships, cargo handling and delivery 

systems, and the necessary operating personnel. They include US Navy, US Marine 

Corps, and US Army elements with Active and Reserve components. Merchant marine 

vessels manned by civilian mariners may constitute part of this force. See also force. 

(JP 4-01.6) 

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) 

strategic transport aircraft — (*) Aircraft designed primarily for the carriage of 

personnel and/or cargo over long distances. 

strategic vulnerability — The susceptibility of vital instruments of national power to being 

seriously decreased or adversely changed by the application of actions within the 

capability of another nation to impose. Strategic vulnerability may pertain to political, 

geographic, economic, informational, scientific, sociological, or military factors. 

strategic warning — A warning prior to the initiation of a threatening act. See also

strategic warning lead time; strategic warning post-decision time; strategic 

warning pre-decision time; tactical warning; warning; warning of war.

strategic warning lead time — That time between the receipt of strategic warning and the 

beginning of hostilities. This time may include two action periods: strategic warning 

pre-decision time and strategic warning post-decision time. See also commander’s 

estimate of the situation; strategic concept; strategic warning.

strategic warning post-decision time — That time beginning after the decision, made at 

the highest levels of government(s) in response to strategic warning, is ordered 

executed and ending with the start of hostilities or termination of the threat. It is that 

part of strategic warning lead time available for executing pre-hostility actions to 

strengthen the national strategic posture; however, some preparatory actions may be 

initiated in the predecision period. See also strategic warning; strategic warning 

lead time. 

strategic warning pre-decision time — That time which begins upon receipt of strategic 

warning and ends when a decision is ordered executed. It is that part of strategic 

warning lead time available to the highest levels of government(s) to determine that 

strategic course of action to be executed. See also strategic warning; strategic 

warning lead time. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 521 

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) 

stretcher — See litter.

stretch out — A reduction in the delivery rate specified for a program without a reduction 

in the total quantity to be delivered. 

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. Strike 

coordination and reconnaissance missions are flown in a specific geographic area and 

are an element of the command and control interface to coordinate multiple flights, 

detect and attack targets, neutralize enemy air defenses and provide battle damage 

assessment. Also called SCAR. (JP 3-0) 

strikedown — The movement of aircraft from the flight deck to the hangar deck level. See 

also aircraft; flight deck. (JP 3-04) 

strike photography — (*) Air photographs taken during an air strike. 

strip marker — (*) In land mine warfare, a marker, natural, artificial, or specially 

installed, located at the start and finish of a mine strip. See also marker.

strip plot — (*) A portion of a map or overlay on which a number of photographs taken 

along a flight line is delineated without defining the outlines of individual prints. 

strong point — (*) A key point in a defensive position, usually strongly fortified and 

heavily armed with automatic weapons, around which other positions are grouped for 

its protection. 

structured message text — (*) A message text composed of paragraphs ordered in a 

specified sequence, each paragraph characterized by an identifier and containing 

information in free form. It is designed to facilitate manual handling and processing. 

See also formatted message text; free form message text.

stuffing — Packing of cargo into a container. See also unstuffing. (JP 4-01.7) 

subassembly — (*) In logistics, a portion of an assembly, consisting of two or more parts, 

that can be provisioned and replaced as an entity. See also assembly; component.

subgravity — A condition in which the resultant ambient acceleration is between 0 and 1 

G. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

522 JP 1-02 

subkiloton weapon — (*) A nuclear weapon producing a yield below one kiloton. See 

also kiloton weapon; megaton weapon; nominal weapon.

submarine operating authority — The naval commander exercising operational control of 

submarines. Also called SUBOPAUTH. 

submarine operations area — A geographic area defined for submarine operations for 

peacetime or warfare activities.

submarine patrol area — A restricted area established to allow submarine operations: a. 

unimpeded by the operation of, or possible attack from, friendly forces in wartime; b. 

without submerged mutual interference in peacetime. 

submunition — (*) Any munition that, to perform its task, separates from a parent 

munition. 

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. A subordinate unified command may be 

established on an area or functional basis. Commanders of subordinate unified 

commands have functions and responsibilities similar to those of the commanders of 

unified commands and exercise operational control of assigned commands and forces 

within the assigned operational area. Also called subunified command. See also

area command; functional component command; operational control; 

subordinate command; unified command. (JP 1) 

subscription — An agreement by a nation’s Military Services to agree to accept and abide 

by, with or without reservation, the details of a standardization agreement. See also

implementation; ratification; reservation.

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) 

subsonic — Of or pertaining to speeds less than the speed of sound. See also speed of 

sound.

substitute transport-type vehicle — A wheeled vehicle designed to perform, within certain 

limitations, the same military function as military transport vehicles, but not requiring 

all the special characteristics thereof. They are developed from civilian designs by 

addition of certain features, or from military designs by deletion of certain features. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 523 

subunified command — See subordinate unified command. (JP 1) 

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) 

subversion of Department of Defense personnel — Actions designed to undermine the 

loyalty, morale, or discipline of Department of Defense military and civilian personnel. 

subversive activity — Anyone lending aid, comfort, and moral support to individuals, 

groups, or organizations that advocate the overthrow of incumbent governments by 

force and violence is subversive and is engaged in subversive activity. All willful acts 

that are intended to be detrimental to the best interests of the government and that do 

not fall into the categories of treason, sedition, sabotage, or espionage will be placed in 

the category of subversive activity. 

subversive political action — A planned series of activities designed to accomplish 

political objectives by influencing, dominating, or displacing individuals or groups who 

are so placed as to affect the decisions and actions of another government. 

summit — The highest altitude above mean sea level that a projectile reaches in its flight 

from the gun to the target; the algebraic sum of the maximum ordinate and the altitude 

of the gun. 

sun-synchronous orbit — An orbit in which the satellite’s orbital plane is at a fixed 

orientation to the sun, i.e., the orbit precesses about the earth at the same rate that the 

earth orbits the sun. It has the characteristics of maintaining similar sun angles along its 

ground trace for all orbits, and typically has an inclination from 96 to 98 degrees, 

depending on the orbit altitude and orbit shape (eccentricity). (JP 3-14) 

supercargo — Personnel that accompany cargo on board a ship for the purpose of 

accomplishing en route maintenance and security. 

supersonic — Of or pertaining to speed in excess of the speed of sound. See also speed of 

sound.

supervised route — (*) In road traffic, a roadway over which limited control is exercised 

by means of traffic control posts, traffic patrols, or both. Movement credit is required 

for its use by a column of vehicles or a vehicle of exceptional size or weight. See also 

route. 

supplementary facilities — (*) Facilities required at a particular location to provide a 

specified minimum of support for reinforcing forces, which exceed the facilities 

required to support in-place forces. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

524 JP 1-02 

supplies — In logistics, all materiel and items used in the equipment, support, and 

maintenance of military forces. See also assembly; component; equipment; 

subassembly. (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 Military Services. b. consumer 

phase — That phase of military supply which extends from receipt of finished 

supplies by the Military Services through issue for use or consumption. (JP 4-0) 

supply by air — See airdrop; air movement.

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. The broad management scope includes 

sub-suppliers, suppliers, internal information, and funds flow. See also supply; supply 

chain. (JP 4-09) 

supply control — The process by which an item of supply is controlled within the supply 

system, including requisitioning, receipt, storage, stock control, shipment, disposition, 

identification, and accounting. 

supplying ship — (*) The ship in a replenishment unit that provides the personnel and/or 

supplies to be transferred. 

supply management — See inventory control.

supply point — A location where supplies, services, and materials are located and issued. 

These locations are temporary and mobile, normally being occupied for up to 72 hours. 

supply support activity — Activities assigned a Department of Defense activity address 

code and that have a supply support mission, i.e., direct support supply units, missile 

support elements, and maintenance support units. Also called SSA. (JP 4-01.7) 

supply transaction reporting — Reporting on individual transactions affecting the stock 

status of materiel to the appropriate supply accounting activity as they occur. 

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 in combat. See also close support; direct support; general support; 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 525 

interdepartmental or agency support; international logistic support; inter-Service 

support; mutual support. (JP 1) 

support agency — A federal department or agency designated to assist a specific primary 

agency with available resources, capabilities, or expertise in support of emergency 

support response operations, as coordinated by the representative of the primary 

agency. See also lead federal agency. (JP 3-28) 

supported commander — 1. The commander having primary responsibility for all aspects 

of a task assigned by the Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan or other joint operation 

planning authority. In the context of joint operation planning, this term refers to the 

commander who prepares operation plans or operation orders in response to 

requirements of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 2. 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 

command ship in which all communication facilities incident to the coordination of fire 

support of the artillery, air, and naval gunfire are centralized. This is the naval 

counterpart to the fire support coordination center utilized by the landing force. Also 

called SACC. See also fire support coordination center. (JP 3-09.3) 

supporting artillery — Artillery that executes fire missions in support of a specific unit, 

usually infantry, but remains under the command of the next higher artillery 

commander. 

supporting attack — (*) An offensive operation carried out in conjunction with a main 

attack and designed to achieve one or more of the following: a. deceive the enemy; b. 

destroy or pin down enemy forces which could interfere with the main attack; c. 

control ground whose occupation by the enemy will hinder the main attack; or d. force 

the enemy to commit reserves prematurely or in an indecisive area. 

supporting commander — 1. A commander who provides augmentation forces or other 

support to a supported commander or who develops a supporting plan. This includes 

the designated combatant commands and Department of Defense agencies as 

appropriate. 2. In the context of a support command relationship, the commander who 

aids, protects, complements, or sustains another commander’s force, and who is 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

526 JP 1-02 

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. See also direct supporting fire. 

supporting forces — Forces stationed in or to be deployed to an operational area to provide 

support for the execution of an operation order. Combatant command (command 

authority) of supporting forces is not passed to the supported commander. 

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) 

support items — Items subordinate to or associated with an end item (i.e., spares, repair 

parts, tools, test equipment, and sundry materiel) and required to operate, service, 

repair, or overhaul an end item. 

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. 

suppression mission — A mission to suppress an actual or suspected weapons system for 

the purpose of degrading its performance below the level needed to fulfill its mission 

objectives at a specific time for a specified duration. 

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) 

suppressive fire — Fires on or about a weapons system to degrade its performance below 

the level needed to fulfill its mission objectives, during the conduct of the fire mission. 

See also fire.

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 3-02) 

surface code — See panel code.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 527 

surface combatant — A ship constructed and armed for combat use with the capability to 

conduct operations in multiple maritime roles against air, surface and subsurface 

threats, and land targets. 

Surface Deployment and Distribution Command — A major command of the US Army, 

and the US Transportation Command’s component command responsible for 

designated continental United States land transportation as well as common-user water 

terminal and traffic management service to deploy, employ, sustain, and redeploy US 

forces on a global basis. Also called SDDC. See also transportation component 

command. (JP 4-01.6) 

surface smuggling event — In counterdrug operations, the sighting of a suspected drug 

smuggling vessel or arrival of a suspected drug smuggling vessel. See also arrival 

zone; counterdrug operations; transit zone. (JP 3-07.4) 

surface-to-air guided missile — (*) A surface-launched guided missile for use against air 

targets. 

surface-to-air missile envelope — That air space within the kill capabilities of a specific 

surface-to-air missile system. 

surface-to-air missile installation — A surface-to-air missile site with the surface-to-air 

missile system hardware installed. 

surface-to-air missile site — A plot of ground prepared in such a manner that it will readily 

accept the hardware used in surface-to-air missile system. 

surface-to-air weapon — A surface-launched weapon for use against airborne targets. 

Examples include missiles, rockets, and air defense guns. (JP 3-09.3) 

surface-to-surface guided missile — (*) A surface-launched guided missile for use against 

surface targets. 

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 3-33) 

surface zero — See ground zero.

surf line — The point offshore where waves and swells are affected by the underwater 

surface and become breakers. See also breaker. (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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

528 JP 1-02 

surplus property — Any excess property not required for the needs and for the discharge 

of the responsibilities of all federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, as 

determined by the General Services Administration. 

surprise dosage attack — (*) A chemical operation which establishes on target a dosage 

sufficient to produce the desired casualties before the troops can mask or otherwise 

protect themselves. 

surveillance — The systematic observation of aerospace, surface, or subsurface areas, 

places, persons, or things, by visual, aural, electronic, photographic, or other means. 

See also air surveillance; satellite and missile surveillance; sea surveillance. 

(JP 3-0) 

surveillance approach — An instrument approach conducted in accordance with directions 

issued by a controller referring to the surveillance radar display. 

survey control point — A survey station used to coordinate survey control. 

survey information center — A place where survey data are collected, correlated, and 

made available to subordinate units. 

survey photography — See air cartographic photography. 

survivability — Concept which includes all aspects of protecting personnel, weapons, and 

supplies while simultaneously deceiving the enemy. Survivability tactics include 

building a good defense; employing frequent movement; using concealment, deception, 

and camouflage; and constructing fighting and protective positions for both individuals 

and equipment. (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; hostile; neutral; unknown. (JP 3-07.4) 

suspension equipment — (*) All aircraft devices such as racks, adapters, missile launchers, 

and pylons used for carriage, employment, and jettison of aircraft stores. 

suspension strop — (*) A length of webbing or wire rope between the helicopter and cargo 

sling. 

sustainability — See military capability.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 529 

sustained attrition minefield — (*) In naval mine warfare, a minefield which is 

replenished to maintain its danger to the enemy in the face of countermeasures. 

sustained rate of fire — (*) Actual rate of fire that a weapon can continue to deliver for an 

indefinite length of time without seriously overheating. 

sustaining stocks — (*) Stocks to support the execution of approved operation plans 

beyond the initial predetermined period covered by basic stocks until resupply is 

available for support of continued operations. 

sustainment — The provision of logistics and personnel services required to maintain and 

prolong operations until successful mission accomplishment. (JP 3-0) 

swell — Ocean waves that have traveled out of their fetch. Swell characteristically exhibits 

a more regular and longer period and has flatter crests than waves within their fetch. 

(JP 4-01.6) 

sweep — To employ technical means to uncover planted microphones or other surveillance 

devices. See also technical survey.

sweeper track — See hunter track.

sweep jamming — (*) A narrow band of jamming that is swept back and forth over a 

relatively wide operating band of frequencies. 

swept path — (*) In naval mine warfare, the width of the lane swept by the mechanical 

sweep at all depths less than the sweep depth. 

switch horn — (*) In naval mine warfare, a switch in a mine operated by a projecting 

spike. See also horn.

sympathetic detonation — (*) Detonation of a charge by exploding another charge 

adjacent to it. 

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 ensure intelligence requirements are answered in time to influence the 

decisions they support. (JP 2-0) 

synchronized clock — A technique of timing the delivery of fires by placing all units on a 

common time. The synchronized clock uses a specific hour and minute based on either 

local or universal time. Local time is established using the local time zone. (JP 3-09.3) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

530 JP 1-02 

synthesis — In intelligence usage, the examining and combining of processed information 

with other information and intelligence for final interpretation. 

synthetic exercise — (*) An exercise in which enemy and/or friendly forces are generated, 

displayed, and moved by electronic or other means on simulators, radar scopes, or other 

training devices. 

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 architecture — Descriptions, including graphics, of systems and interconnections 

providing for or supporting warfighting functions. 

systems design — The preparation of an assembly of methods, procedures, or techniques 

united by regulated interaction to form an organized whole. 

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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

T 

JP 1-02 531 

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.

TABOO frequencies — Any friendly frequency of such importance that it must never be 

deliberately jammed or interfered with by friendly forces. Normally, these frequencies 

include international distress, CEASE BUZZER, safety, and controller frequencies. 

These frequencies are generally long standing. However, they may be time-oriented in 

that, as the combat or exercise situation changes, the restrictions may be removed. See 

also electronic warfare. (JP 3-13.1) 

tactical aeromedical evacuation — That phase of evacuation which provides airlift for 

patients from the combat zone to points outside the combat zone, and between points 

within the communications zone. (JP 4-02) 

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. It is 

the senior agency of the US Marine air command and control system that serves as the 

operational command post of the aviation combat element commander. It provides the 

facility from which the aviation combat element commander and his battle staff plan, 

supervise, coordinate, and execute all current and future air operations in support of the 

Marine air-ground task force. The tactical air command center can provide integration, 

coordination, and direction of joint and combined air operations. 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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

532 JP 1-02 

tactical airfield fuel dispensing system — A tactical aircraft refueling system deployed by 

a Marine air-ground task force in support of air operations at an expeditionary airfield 

or a forward arming and refueling point. Also called TAFDS. 

tactical air officer (afloat) — The officer (aviator) under the amphibious task force 

commander who 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. Until control is passed ashore, this officer exercises control over all 

operations of the tactical air control center (afloat) and is charged with the following: a. 

control of all aircraft in the objective area assigned for tactical air operations, including 

offensive and defensive air; b. control of all other aircraft entering or passing through 

the objective area; and c. control of all air warning facilities in the objective area. (JP 

3-02) 

tactical air operations center — The principal air control agency of the US Marine air 

command and control system responsible for airspace control and management. It 

provides real-time surveillance, direction, positive control, and navigational assistance 

for friendly aircraft. It performs real-time direction and control of all antiair warfare 

operations, to include manned interceptors and surface-to-air weapons. It is 

subordinate to the tactical air command center. Also called TAOC. (JP 3-09.3) 

tactical air reconnaissance — The use of air vehicles to obtain information concerning 

terrain, weather, and the disposition, composition, movement, installations, lines of 

communications, electronic and communication emissions of enemy forces. Also 

included are artillery and naval gunfire adjustment, and systematic and random 

observation of ground battle areas, targets, and/or sectors of airspace. 

tactical air support — (*) Air operations carried out in coordination with surface forces 

and which directly assist land or maritime operations. See also air support.

tactical air support element — An element of a US Army division, corps, or field army 

tactical operations center consisting of Army component intelligence staff officer and 

Army component operations staff officer air personnel who coordinate and integrate 

tactical air support with current tactical ground operations. 

tactical air transport operations — The carriage of passengers and cargo within a theater 

by means of: a. airborne operations: (1) parachute assault, (2) helicopterborne assault, 

(3) air landing; b. air logistic support; c. special missions; d. aeromedical evacuation 

missions. (JP 4-02) 

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 assembly area; line of 

departure. (JP 3-35) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 533 

tactical call sign — (*) A call sign which identifies a tactical command or tactical 

communication facility. See also call sign. 

tactical combat force — A combat unit, with appropriate combat support and combat 

service support assets, that is assigned the mission of defeating Level III threats. Also 

called TCF. (JP 3-10) 

tactical concept — (*) A statement, in broad outline, which provides a common basis for 

future development of tactical doctrine. See also tactical sub-concept. 

tactical control — Command authority over assigned or attached forces or commands, or 

military capability or forces made available for tasking, that is limited to the detailed 

direction and control of movements or maneuvers within the operational area necessary 

to accomplish missions or tasks assigned. Tactical control is inherent in operational 

control. Tactical control may be delegated to, and exercised at any level at or below the 

level of combatant command. Tactical control provides sufficient authority for 

controlling and directing the application of force or tactical use of combat support 

assets within the assigned mission or task. Also called TACON. See also combatant 

command; combatant command (command authority); operational control. (JP 1) 

tactical digital information link — A Joint Staff-approved, standardized communication 

link suitable for transmission of digital information. Tactical digital information links 

interface 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 TADIL. 

tactical diversion — See diversion.

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. 

tactical information processing and interpretation system — A tactical, mobile, 

land-based, automated information-handling system designed to store and retrieve 

intelligence information and to process and interpret imagery or nonimagery data. Also 

called TIPI.

tactical intelligence — Intelligence required for the planning and conduct of tactical 

operations. See also intelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

tactical intelligence and related activities — Those activities outside the National Foreign 

Intelligence Program that accomplish the following: a. respond to operational 

commanders’ tasking for time-sensitive information on foreign entities; b. respond to 

national intelligence community tasking of systems whose primary mission is support 

to operating forces; c. train personnel for intelligence duties; d. provide an intelligence 

reserve; or e. are devoted to research and development of intelligence or related 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

534 JP 1-02 

capabilities. Specifically excluded are programs that are so closely integrated with a 

weapon system that their primary function is to provide immediate-use targeting data. 

Also called TIARA.

tactical level of war — The level of war at which battles and engagements are planned and 

executed to achieve military objectives assigned to tactical units or task forces. 

Activities at this level focus on the ordered arrangement and maneuver of combat 

elements in relation to each other and to the enemy to achieve combat objectives. See 

also operational level of war; strategic level of war. (JP 3-0) 

tactical loading — See combat loading; unit loading.

tactical locality — (*) An area of terrain which, because of its location or features, 

possesses a tactical significance in the particular circumstances existing at a particular 

time. 

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 map — A large-scale map used for tactical and administrative purposes. See also

map.

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. 

tactical mining — (*) In naval mine warfare, mining designed to influence a specific 

operation or to counter a known or presumed tactical aim of the enemy. Implicit in 

tactical mining is a limited period of effectiveness of the minefield. 

tactical nuclear weapon employment — The use of nuclear weapons by land, sea, or air 

forces against opposing forces, supporting installations or facilities, in support of 

operations that contribute to the accomplishment of a military mission of limited scope, 

or in support of the military commander’s scheme of maneuver, usually limited to the 

area of military operations. 

tactical obstacles — Those obstacles employed to disrupt enemy formations, to turn them 

into a desired area, to fix them in position under direct and indirect fires, and to block 

enemy penetrations. (JP 3-15) 

tactical operations center — A physical groupment of those elements of a general and 

special staff concerned with the current tactical operations and the tactical support 

thereof. Also called TOC. See also command post.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 535 

tactical questioning — Direct questioning by any Department of Defense personnel of a 

captured or detained person to obtain time-sensitive tactical intelligence information, at 

or near the point of capture or detention and consistent with applicable law. Also called 

TQ. (JP 3-63) 

tactical range — (*) A range in which realistic targets are in use and a certain freedom of 

maneuver is allowed. 

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. 

tactical security — (*) In operations, the measures necessary to deny information to the 

enemy and to ensure that a force retains its freedom of action and is warned or 

protected against an unexpected encounter with the enemy or an attack. See also 

physical security; security. (JP 3-07.2) 

tactical sub-concept — (*) A statement, in broad outline, for a specific field of military 

capability within a tactical concept which provides a common basis both for equipment 

and weapon system development and for future development of tactical doctrine. See 

also tactical concept. 

tactical transport aircraft — (*) Aircraft designed primarily for the carriage of personnel 

and/or cargo over short or medium distances. 

tactical troops — Combat troops, together with any service troops required for their direct 

support, who are organized under one commander to operate as a unit and engage the 

enemy in combat. See also troops.

tactical unit — An organization of troops, aircraft, or ships that is intended to serve as a 

single unit in combat. It may include service units required for its direct support. 

tactical vehicle — See military designed vehicle.

tactical warning — 1. A warning after initiation of a threatening or hostile act based on an 

evaluation of information from all available sources. 2. In satellite and missile 

surveillance, a notification to operational command centers that a specific threat event 

is occurring. The component elements that describe threat events are as follows: a. 

country of origin — Country or countries initiating hostilities; b. event type and size

— Identification of the type of event and determination of the size or number of 

weapons; c. country under attack — Determined by observing trajectory of an 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

536 JP 1-02 

object and predicting its impact point; and d. event time — Time the hostile event 

occurred. Also called integrated tactical warning. See also attack assessment; 

strategic warning.

tactical warning and assessment — A composite term. See separate definitions for 

tactical warning and for attack assessment. 

tactical warning and attack assessment — A composite term. See separate definitions for 

tactical warning and for attack assessment. Also called TW/AA.

tactics — The employment and ordered arrangement of forces in relation to each other. See 

also procedures; techniques. (CJCSI 5120.02) 

tagline — A line attached to a draft of cargo or container to provide control and minimize 

pendulation of cargo during lifting operations. See also container; draft. (JP 4-01.6) 

tare weight — The weight of a container deducted from gross weight to obtain net weight 

or the weight of an empty container. (JP 4-01.7) 

target — 1. An entity or object considered for possible engagement or other action. 2. In 

intelligence usage, a country, area, installation, agency, or person against which 

intelligence operations are directed. 3. An area designated and numbered for future 

firing. 4. In gunfire support usage, an impact burst that hits the target. 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 weapons. Also called TA. See also target 

analysis. (JP 3-60)

target analysis — An examination of potential targets to determine military importance, 

priority of attack, and weapons required to obtain a desired level of damage or 

casualties. See also target acquisition. (JP 3-60) 

target approach point — (*) In air transport operations, a navigational check point over 

which the final turn into the drop zone/landing zone is made. See also initial point. 

target area of interest — The geographical area where high-value targets can be acquired 

and engaged by friendly forces. Not all target areas of interest will form part of the 

friendly course of action; only target areas of interest associated with high priority 

targets are of interest to the staff. These are identified during staff planning and 

wargaming. Target areas of interest differ from engagement areas in degree. 

Engagement areas plan for the use of all available weapons; target areas of interest 

might be engaged by a single weapon. Also called TAI. See also area of interest; 

high-value target; target. (JP 2-01.3) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 537 

target area survey base — (*) A base line used for the locating of targets or other points 

by the intersection of observations from two stations located at opposite ends on the 

line. 

target array — A graphic representation of enemy forces, personnel, and facilities in a 

specific situation, accompanied by a target analysis. 

target audience — An individual or group selected for influence. Also called TA. 

(JP 3-13) 

target base line — A line connecting prime targets along the periphery of a geographic 

area. 

target bearing — 1. true — The true compass bearing of a target from a firing ship. 2. 

relative — The bearing of a target measured in the horizontal from the bow of one’s 

own ship clockwise from 0 degrees to 360 degrees, or from the nose of one’s own 

aircraft in hours of the clock. 

target complex — A geographically integrated series of target concentrations. See also

target. (JP 3-60) 

target component — A set of targets within a target system performing a similar function. 

See also target; target critical damage point. (JP 3-60) 

target concentration — A grouping of geographically proximate targets. See also target; 

target complex. (JP 3-60) 

target critical damage point — The part of a target component that is most vital. Also 

called critical node. See also target; target component. (JP 3-05.1) 

target data inventory — A basic targeting program that provides a standardized target data 

in support of the requirements of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Military Departments, and 

unified and specified commands for target planning coordination and weapons 

application. Also called TDI.

target date — (*) The date on which it is desired that an action be accomplished or 

initiated. 

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) 

target discrimination — (*) The ability of a surveillance or guidance system to identify or 

engage any one target when multiple targets are present. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

538 JP 1-02 

target dossier — (*) A file of assembled target intelligence about a specific geographic 

area. 

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; 

target complex. (JP 3-60) 

target location error — The difference between the coordinates generated for a target and 

the actual location of the target. Target location error is expressed primarily in terms of 

circular and vertical errors or infrequently, as spherical error. 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. Target materials are suitable for training, planning, 

executing, and evaluating military operations. See also Air Target Materials 

Program. (JP 2-0) 

target nomination list — A target-consolidated list of targets made up of the multiple 

candidate target lists. A prioritized list of targets drawn from the joint 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. There are 

two types of targets of opportunity: unplanned and unanticipated. (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; unplanned target; unanticipated target. (JP 3-60) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 539 

target overlay — (*) A transparent sheet which, when superimposed on a particular chart, 

map, drawing, tracing or other representation, depicts target locations and designations. 

The target overlay may also show boundaries between maneuver elements, objectives 

and friendly forward dispositions. 

target pattern — The flight path of aircraft during the attack phase. Also called attack 

pattern.

target priority — A grouping of targets with the indicated sequence of attack. (JP 3-60) 

target range — See range.

target response (nuclear) — The effect on men, material, and equipment of blast, heat, 

light, and nuclear radiation resulting from the explosion of a nuclear weapon. 

target signature — 1. The characteristic pattern of a target displayed by detection and 

identification equipment. 2. In naval mine warfare, the variation in the influence field 

produced by the passage of a ship or sweep. (JP 3-60) 

target stress point — The weakest point (most vulnerable to damage) on the critical 

damage point. Also called vulnerable node. See also target critical damage point. 

(JP 3-05.1) 

target system — 1. All the targets situated in a particular geographic area and functionally 

related. 2. (DOD only) A group of targets that are so related that their destruction will 

produce some particular effect desired by the attacker. See also target; target 

complex. (JP 3-60) 

target system analysis — An all-source examination of potential target systems to 

determine relevance to stated objectives, military importance, and priority of attack. It 

is an open-ended analytic process produced through the intelligence production process 

using national and theater validated requirements as a foundation. Also called TSA. 

(JP 3-60) 

target system assessment — The broad assessment of the overall impact and effectiveness 

of the full spectrum of military force applied against the operation of an enemy target 

system or total combat effectiveness (including significant subdivisions of the system) 

relative to the operational objectives established. See also target system. (JP 3-60) 

target system component — A set of targets belonging to one or more groups of industries 

and basic utilities required to produce component parts of an end product, or one type 

of a series of interrelated commodities. (JP 3-60) 

task component — A subdivision of a fleet, task force, task group, or task unit, organized 

by the respective commander or by higher authority for the accomplishment of specific 

tasks. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

540 JP 1-02 

task element — A component of a naval task unit organized by the commander of a task 

unit or higher authority. (JP 3-02) 

task force — (*) 1. A temporary grouping of units, under one commander, formed for the 

purpose of carrying out a specific operation or mission. 2. A semi-permanent 

organization of units, under one commander, formed for the purpose of carrying out a 

continuing specific task. 3. 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. See also force. 

task group — A component of a naval task force organized by the commander of a task 

force or higher authority. Also called TG. (JP 3-02) 

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

units, and command and control agencies projected targets and specific missions. In 

addition, the tasking order provides specific instructions concerning the mission 

planning agent, targets, and other control agencies, as well as general instructions for 

accomplishment of the mission. Also called TASKORD. See also mission; order; 

target. (JP 3-05.1) 

task order — Order for services placed against an established contract. See also civil 

augmentation program; cost-plus award fee contract. (JP 4-10)

task organization — 1. In the Navy, an organization which assigns to responsible 

commanders the means with which to accomplish their assigned tasks in any planned 

action. 2. An organization table pertaining to a specific naval directive. 

task-organizing — The act of designing an operating force, support staff, or logistic 

package of specific size and composition to meet a unique task or mission. 

Characteristics to examine when task-organizing the force include, but are not limited 

to: training, experience, equipage, sustainability, operating environment, enemy threat, 

and mobility. (JP 3-05) 

task unit — A component of a naval task group organized by the commander of a task 

group or higher authority. (JP 3-02) 

taxiway — (*) A specially prepared or designated path on an airfield for the use of taxiing 

aircraft. 

T-day — See times.

tear line — A physical line on an intelligence message or document separating categories of 

information that have been approved for foreign disclosure and release. Normally, the 

intelligence below the tear line is that which has been previously cleared for disclosure 

or release. (JP 2-0) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 541 

technical analysis — (*) In imagery interpretation, the precise description of details 

appearing on imagery. 

technical architecture — A minimal set of rules governing the arrangement, interaction, 

and interdependence of the parts or elements whose purpose is to ensure that a 

conformant system satisfies a specified set of requirements. 

technical assistance — The providing of advice, assistance, and training pertaining to the 

installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment. 

technical characteristics — Those characteristics of equipment that pertain primarily to the 

engineering principles involved in producing equipment possessing desired military 

characteristics; e.g., for electronic equipment, technical characteristics include such 

items as circuitry as well as types and arrangement of components. 

technical documentation — Visual information documentation (with or without sound as 

an integral documentation component) of an actual event made for purposes of 

evaluation. Typically, technical documentation contributes to the study of human or 

mechanical factors, procedures, and processes in the fields of medicine, science, 

logistics, research, development, test and evaluation, intelligence, investigations, and 

armament delivery. Also called TECDOC. See also visual information 

documentation. 

technical escort — An individual technically qualified and properly equipped to 

accompany designated material requiring a high degree of safety or security during 

shipment. 

technical evaluation — The study and investigations by a developing agency to determine 

the technical suitability of material, equipment, or a system for use in the Military 

Services. See also operational evaluation. 

technical information — Information, including scientific information, that relates to 

research, development, engineering, test, evaluation, production, operation, use, and 

maintenance of munitions and other military supplies and equipment. 

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 operational intelligence — A Defense Intelligence Agency initiative to provide 

enhanced scientific and technical intelligence to the commanders of unified commands 

and their subordinates through a closed loop system involving all Service and Defense 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

542 JP 1-02 

Intelligence Agency scientific and technical intelligence centers. Through a system 

manager in the National Military Joint Intelligence Center, the technical operational 

intelligence program provides timely collection, analysis, and dissemination of area of 

responsibility-specific scientific and technical intelligence to combatant commanders 

and their subordinates for planning, training, and executing joint operations. Also 

called TOPINT. (JP 2-0) 

technical review authority — The organization tasked to provide specialized technical or 

administrative expertise to the primary review authority or coordinating review 

authority for joint publications. Also called TRA. See also coordinating review 

authority; joint publication; primary review authority. (CJCSI 5120.02A) 

technical specification — A detailed description of technical requirements, usually with 

specific acceptance criteria, stated in terms suitable to form the basis for the actual 

design development and production processes of an item having the qualities specified 

in the operational characteristics. See also operational characteristics.

technical supply operations — Operations performed by supply units or technical supply 

elements of supply and maintenance units in acquiring, accounting for, storing, and 

issuing Class II and IV items needed by supported units and maintenance activities. 

technical surveillance countermeasures — Techniques and measures to detect and 

neutralize a wide variety of hostile penetration technologies that are used to obtain 

unauthorized access to classified and sensitive information. Technical penetrations 

include the employment of optical, electro-optical, electromagnetic, fluidic, and 

acoustic means as the sensor and transmission medium, or the use of various types of 

stimulation or modification to equipment or building components for the direct or 

indirect transmission of information meant to be protected. Also called TSCM. See 

also counterintelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

technical survey — A complete electronic and physical inspection to ascertain that offices, 

conference rooms, war rooms, and other similar locations where classified information 

is discussed are free of monitoring systems. See also sweep.

techniques — Non-prescriptive ways or methods used to perform missions, functions, or 

tasks. See also procedures; tactics. (CJCSI 5120.02) 

telecommunication — (*) 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) 

telecommunications center — A facility, normally serving more than one organization or 

terminal, responsible for transmission, receipt, acceptance, processing, and distribution 

of incoming and outgoing messages. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 543 

teleconference — (*) A conference between persons remote from one another but linked 

by a telecommunications system. 

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) 

teleprocessing — The combining of telecommunications and computer operations 

interacting in the automatic processing, reception, and transmission of data and/or 

information. 

television imagery — Imagery acquired by a television camera and recorded or transmitted 

electronically. 

telling — See track telling.

temperature gradient — At sea, a temperature gradient is the change of temperature with 

depth; a positive gradient is a temperature increase with an increase in depth, and a 

negative gradient is a temperature decrease with an increase in depth. 

tempest — An unclassified term referring to technical investigations for compromising 

emanations from electrically operated information processing equipment; these 

investigations are conducted in support of emanations and emissions security. See also

counterintelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

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 emergency interment; mortuary affairs. (JP 4-06) 

terminal — A facility designed to transfer cargo from one means of conveyance to another. 

(Conveyance is the piece of equipment used to transport cargo; i.e., railcar to truck or 

truck to truck. This is as opposed to mode, which is the type of equipment; i.e., ship to 

rail, rail to truck.) 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 clearance capacity — The amount of cargo or personnel that can be moved 

through and out of a terminal on a daily basis. 

terminal control — 1. The authority to direct aircraft to maneuver into a position to deliver 

ordnance, passengers, or cargo to a specific location or target. Terminal control is a 

type of air control. 2. Any electronic, mechanical, or visual control given to aircraft to 

facilitate target acquisition and resolution. See also terminal guidance. (JP 3-09.3) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

544 JP 1-02 

terminal control area — A control area or portion thereof normally situated at the 

confluence of air traffic service routes in the vicinity of one or more major airfields. 

See also control area; controlled airspace; control zone. 

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 — Those actions that provide 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 or impacts. For ballistic missiles that do not exit the atmosphere, terminal 

phase begins when the warhead or payload reaches apogee and ends when the warhead 

or payload detonates or impacts. See also boost phase; midcourse phase. (JP 3-01) 

terminal velocity — (*) 1. Hypothetical maximum speed a body could attain along a 

specified flight path under given conditions of weight and thrust if diving through an 

unlimited distance in air of specified uniform density. 2. Remaining speed of a 

projectile at the point in its downward path where it is level with the muzzle of the 

weapon. 

termination criteria — The specified standards approved by the President and/or the 

Secretary of Defense that must be met before a joint operation can be concluded. 

(JP 3-0) 

terms of reference — 1. A mutual agreement under which a command, element, or unit 

exercises authority or undertakes specific missions or tasks relative to another 

command, element, or unit. 2. The directive providing the legitimacy and authority to 

undertake a mission, task, or endeavor. Also called TORs. (JP 3-0) 

terrain analysis — (*) The collection, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of 

geographic information on the natural and manmade features of the terrain, combined 

with other relevant factors, to predict the effect of the terrain on military operations. 

terrain avoidance system — (*) A system which provides the pilot or navigator of an 

aircraft with a situation display of the ground or obstacles which project above either a 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 545 

horizontal plane through the aircraft or a plane parallel to it, so that the pilot can 

maneuver the aircraft to avoid the obstruction. 

terrain clearance system — (*) A system which provides the pilot, or autopilot, of an 

aircraft with climb or dive signals such that the aircraft will maintain a selected height 

over flat ground and clear the peaks of undulating ground within the selected height in 

a vertical plane through the flight vector. This system differs from terrain following in 

that the aircraft need not descend into a valley to follow the ground contour. 

terrain exercise — An exercise in which a stated military situation is solved on the ground, 

the troops being imaginary and the solution usually being in writing. 

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 detection and fire. Also called TERF.

terrain following system — (*) A system which provides the pilot or autopilot of an 

aircraft with climb or dive signals such that the aircraft will maintain as closely as 

possible a selected height above a ground contour in a vertical plane through the flight 

vector. 

terrain intelligence — Intelligence on the military significance of natural and manmade 

characteristics of an area. 

terrain study — An analysis and interpretation of natural and manmade features of an area, 

their effects on military operations, and the effect of weather and climate on these 

features. 

terrestrial environment — The Earth’s land area, including its man-made and natural 

surface and sub-surface features, and its interfaces and interactions with the atmosphere 

and the oceans. (JP 3-14) 

terrestrial reference guidance — The technique of providing intelligence to a missile from 

certain characteristics of the surface over which the missile is flown, thereby achieving 

flight along a predetermined path. 

territorial airspace — Airspace above land territory, internal waters, archipelagic waters, 

and territorial seas. 

territorial sea — A belt of ocean space adjacent to and measured from the coastal state’s 

baseline to a maximum width of 12 nm. Throughout the vertical and horizontal planes 

of the territorial sea, the coastal state exercises sovereign jurisdiction, subject to the 

right of innocent passage of vessels on the surface and the right of transit passage in, 

under, and over international straits. Territorial sea areas that are a continuation of sea 

lanes through archipelagoes are subject to archipelagic sealane passage, with the same 

transit rights as those that apply to international straits. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

546 JP 1-02 

terrorism — The calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to 

inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the 

pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological. See also 

antiterrorism; combating terrorism; counterterrorism; force protection 

condition; terrorist; terrorist group. (JP 3-07.2) 

terrorist — An individual who commits an act or acts of violence or threatens violence in 

pursuit of political, religious, or ideological objectives. See also terrorism. (JP 3-07.2) 

terrorist group — Any number of terrorists who assemble together, have a unifying 

relationship, or are organized for the purpose of committing an act or acts of violence 

or threatens violence in pursuit of their political, religious, or ideological objectives. 

See also terrorism. (JP 3-07.2) 

terrorist threat level — An intelligence threat assessment of the level of terrorist threat 

faced by US personnel and interests in a foreign country. The assessment is based on a 

continuous intelligence analysis of a minimum of five elements: terrorist group 

existence, capability, history, trends, and targeting. There are five threat levels: 

NEGLIGIBLE, LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH, and CRITICAL. Threat levels should not be 

confused with force protection conditions. Threat level assessments are provided to 

senior leaders to assist them in determining the appropriate local force protection 

condition. (The Department of State also makes threat assessments, which may differ 

from those determined by Department of Defense.) (JP 3-07.2) 

test depth — (*) The depth to which the submarine is tested by actual or simulated 

submergence. See also maximum operating depth.

tests — See service test; troop test. 

theater — The geographical area for which a commander of a geographic combatant 

command has been assigned responsibility. (JP 1) 

theater airlift — See intratheater airlift. (JP 3-17) 

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. Normally designated as a task force or task group 

commander and responsible to a Navy component commander or joint force maritime 

component commander. Also called TASWC. (JP 3-32 CH1)

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); single manager for 

transportation. (JP 4-01) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 547 

theater detainee reporting center — The field operating agency of the national detainee 

reporting center. It is the central tracing agency within the theater, 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 4-01.4) 

theater distribution management — The function of optimizing the distribution networks 

to achieve the effective and efficient flow of personnel, equipment, and materiel to 

meet the combatant commander’s requirements. See also distribution; theater;

theater distribution. (JP 4-01.4) 

theater distribution system — A distribution system comprised of four independent and 

mutually supported networks within theater 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) 

theater event system — Architecture for reporting theater ballistic missile events, 

composed of three independent processing and reporting elements: the joint tactical 

ground stations, tactical detection and reporting, and the space-based infrared system 

mission control station. Also called TES. (JP 3-14)

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. It includes modular hospital 

configurations required to support the theater (emergency medical services, surgical 

services, primary care, veterinary services, dental services, preventive medicine, and 

combat and operational stress control, blood banking services, hospitalization, 

laboratory and pharmacy services, radiology, medical logistics and other medical 

specialty capabilities as required). (JP 4-02) 

theater missile — A missile, which may be a ballistic missile, a cruise missile, or an air-tosurface missile (not including short-range, non-nuclear, direct fire missiles, bombs, or 

rockets such as Maverick or wire-guided missiles), whose target is within a given 

theater of operation. Also called TM. (JP 3-01) 

theater of operations — An operational area defined by the geographic combatant 

commander for the conduct or support of specific military operations. Multiple theaters 

of operations normally will be geographically separate and focused on different 

missions. Theaters of operations are usually of significant size, allowing for operations 

in depth and over extended periods of time. Also called TO. See also theater of war. 

(JP 3-0) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

548 JP 1-02 

theater of war — Defined by the Secretary of Defense or the geographic combatant 

commander, the area of air, land, and water that is, or may become, directly involved in 

the conduct of the war. A theater of war does not normally encompass the geographic 

combatant commander’s entire area of responsibility and may contain more than one 

theater of operations. See also area of responsibility; theater of operations. (JP 3-0) 

theater patient movement requirements center — The 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) 

theater special operations command — A subordinate unified or other joint command 

established by a joint force commander to plan, coordinate, conduct, and support joint 

special operations within the joint force commander’s assigned operational area. Also 

called TSOC. See also special operations. (JP 3-05.1)

theater strategy — Concepts and courses of action directed toward securing the objectives 

of national and multinational policies and strategies through the synchronized and 

integrated employment of military forces and other instruments of national power. See 

also National Military Strategy; National Security Strategy; strategy. (JP 3-0) 

theater support contract — A type of contingency contract that is awarded by contracting 

officers in the operational area serving under the direct contracting authority of the 

Service component, special operations force command, 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 energy — The energy emitted from the fireball as thermal radiation. The total 

amount of thermal energy received per unit area at a specified distance from a nuclear 

explosion is generally expressed in terms of calories per square centimeter. 

thermal exposure — The total normal component of thermal radiation striking a given 

surface throughout the course of a detonation; expressed in calories per square 

centimeter or megajoules per square meter. 

thermal imagery — (*) Imagery produced by sensing and recording the thermal energy 

emitted or reflected from the objects which are imaged. 

thermal pulse — The radiant power versus time pulse from a nuclear weapon detonation. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 549 

thermal radiation — (*) 1. The heat and light produced by a nuclear explosion. 2. (DOD 

only) Electromagnetic radiations emitted from a heat or light source as a consequence 

of its temperature; it consists essentially of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiations. 

thermal shadow — (*) The tone contrast difference of infrared linescan imagery which is 

caused by a thermal gradient which persists as a result of a shadow of an object which 

has been moved. 

thermal X-rays — (*) The electromagnetic radiation, mainly in the soft (low-energy) 

X-ray region, emitted by the debris of a nuclear weapon by virtue of its extremely high 

temperature. 

thermonuclear — An adjective referring to the process (or processes) in which very high 

temperatures are used to bring about the fusion of light nuclei with the accompanying 

release of energy. 

thermonuclear weapon — (*) A weapon in which very high temperatures are used to 

bring about the fusion of light nuclei such as those of hydrogen isotopes (e.g., 

deuterium and tritium) with the accompanying release of energy. The high 

temperatures required are obtained by means of fission. 

thorough decontamination — Decontamination carried out by a unit, with or without 

external support, 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. This may include terrain decontamination 

beyond the scope of operational decontamination. 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. A threat analysis will review the factors of a terrorist group’s 

existence, capability, intentions, history, and targeting, as well as the security 

environment within which friendly forces operate. Threat analysis is an essential step 

in identifying probability of terrorist attack and results in a threat assessment. See also

antiterrorism. (JP 3-07.2) 

threat and vulnerability assessment — In antiterrorism, the pairing of a facility’s threat 

analysis and vulnerability analysis. See also antiterrorism. (JP 3-07.2) 

threat identification and assessment — The Joint Operation Planning and Execution 

System function that provides: timely warning of potential threats to US interests; 

intelligence collection requirements; the effects of environmental, physical, and health 

hazards, and cultural factors on friendly and enemy operations; and determines the 

enemy military posture and possible intentions. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

550 JP 1-02 

threat-oriented munitions — (*) In stockpile planning, munitions intended to neutralize a 

finite assessed threat and for which the total requirement is determined by an agreed 

mathematical model. See also level-of-effort munitions.

threat reduction cooperation — Activities undertaken with the consent and cooperation of 

host nation authorities in a permissive environment to enhance physical security, and to 

reduce, dismantle, redirect, and/or improve protection of a state’s existing weapons of 

mass destruction program, stockpiles, and capabilities. Also called TRC. (JP 3-40) 

threat warning — The urgent communication and acknowledgement of time-critical 

information essential for the preservation of life and/or vital resources. (JP 2-01) 

threshold — (*) The beginning of that portion of the runway usable for landing. 

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. Throughput is usually expressed in measurement tons, short tons, or 

passengers. Reception and storage limitation may affect final throughput. 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) 

tie down diagram — (*) A drawing indicating the prescribed method of securing a 

particular item of cargo within a specific type of vehicle. 

tie down point — (*) An attachment point provided on or within a vehicle for securing 

cargo. 

tie down point pattern — (*) The pattern of tie down points within a vehicle. 

tilt angle — (*) The angle between the optical axis of an air camera and the vertical at the 

time of exposure. 

time-definite delivery — The consistent delivery of requested logistic support at a time and 

destination specified by the receiving activity. See also logistic support. (JP 4-0) 

time fuze — (*) A fuze which contains a graduated time element to regulate the time 

interval after which the fuze will function.

time interval — Duration of a segment of time without reference to when the time interval 

begins or ends. Time intervals may be given in seconds of time or fractions thereof. 

time of attack — The hour at which the attack is to be launched. If a line of departure is 

prescribed, it is the hour at which the line is to be crossed by the leading elements of the 

attack. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 551 

time of delivery — The time at which the addressee or responsible relay agency receipts for 

a message. 

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. 

time of origin — The time at which a message is released for transmission. 

time of receipt — The time at which a receiving station completes reception of a message. 

time on target — The actual time at which munitions impact the target. Also called TOT. 

(JP 3-09.3) 

time over target conflict — A situation wherein two or more delivery vehicles are 

scheduled such that their proximity violates the established separation criteria for yield, 

time, distance, or all three. 

time over target (nuclear) — See time on target — Part 3.

time-phased force and deployment data — The Joint Operation Planning and Execution 

System database portion of an operation plan; it contains time-phased force data, nonunit-related cargo and personnel data, and movement data for the operation plan, 

including the following: a. In-place units; b. Units to be deployed to support the 

operation plan with a priority indicating the desired sequence for their arrival at the port 

of debarkation; c. Routing of forces to be deployed; d. Movement data associated 

with deploying forces; e. Estimates of non-unit-related cargo and personnel 

movements to be conducted concurrently with the deployment of forces; and f. 

Estimate of transportation requirements that must be fulfilled by common-user lift 

resources as well as those requirements that can be fulfilled by assigned or attached 

transportation resources. Also called TPFDD. See also time-phased force and 

deployment data maintenance; time-phased force and deployment data 

refinement; time-phased force and deployment list. (JP 5-0) 

time-phased force and deployment data maintenance — The deliberate planning process 

that requires a supported commander to incorporate changes to time-phased force and 

deployment data (TPFDD) that occur after the TPFDD becomes effective for 

execution. TPFDD maintenance is conducted by the supported combatant commander 

in coordination with the supporting combatant commanders, Service components, US 

Transportation Command, and other agencies as required. At designated intervals, 

changes to data in the TPFDD, including force structure, standard reference files, and 

Services’ type unit characteristics files, are updated in Joint Operation Planning and 

Execution System (JOPES) to ensure currency of deployment data. TPFDD 

maintenance may also be used to update the TPFDD for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs 

of Staff or Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan submission in lieu of refinement during the 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

552 JP 1-02 

JOPES plan development phase. Also called TPFDD maintenance. See also timephased force and deployment data; time-phased force and deployment data 

refinement; time-phased force and deployment list.

time-phased force and deployment data refinement — For both global and regional 

operation plan development, the process consists of several discrete phases time-phased 

force and deployment data (TPFDD) that may be conducted sequentially or 

concurrently, in whole or in part. These phases are concept, plan development, and 

review. The plan development phase consists of several subphases: forces, logistics, 

and transportation, with shortfall identification associated with each phase. The plan 

development phases are collectively referred to as TPFDD refinement. The normal 

TPFDD refinement process consists of sequentially refining force, logistic 

(non-unit-related personnel and sustainment), and transportation data to develop a 

TPFDD file that supports a feasible and adequate overlapping of several refinement 

phases. The decision is made by the supported commander, unless otherwise directed 

by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. For global planning, refinement 

conferences are conducted by the Joint Staff in conjunction with US Transportation 

Command. TPFDD refinement is conducted in coordination with supported and 

supporting commanders, Services, the Joint Staff, and other supporting agencies. 

Commander in Chief, US Transportation Command, will normally host refinement 

conferences at the request of the Joint Staff or the supported commander. Also called

TPFDD refinement. See also time-phased force and deployment data; 

time-phased force and deployment data maintenance; time-phased force and 

deployment list. 

time-phased force and deployment list — Appendix 1 to Annex A of the operation plan. 

It identifies types and/or actual units required to support the operation plan and 

indicates origin and ports of debarkation or ocean area. It may also be generated as a 

computer listing from the time-phased force and deployment data. Also called 

TPFDL. See also Joint Operation Planning and Execution System; time-phased 

force and deployment data; time-phased force and deployment data maintenance; 

time-phased force and deployment data refinement. (JP 4-01.5) 

times — (C-, D-, M-days end at 2400 hours Universal Time (Zulu time) and are assumed to 

be 24 hours long for planning.) The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff normally 

coordinates the proposed date with the commanders of the appropriate unified and 

specified commands, as well as any recommended changes to C-day. L-hour will be 

established per plan, crisis, or theater of operations and will apply to both air and 

surface movements. Normally, L-hour will be established to allow C-day to be a 24-

hour day. a. C-day. The unnamed day on which a deployment operation commences 

or is to commence. The deployment may be movement of troops, cargo, weapon 

systems, or a combination of these elements using any or all types of transport. The 

letter “C” will be the only one used to denote the above. The highest command or 

headquarters responsible for coordinating the planning will specify the exact meaning 

of C-day within the aforementioned definition. The command or headquarters directly 

responsible for the execution of the operation, if other than the one coordinating the 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 553 

planning, will do so in light of the meaning specified by the highest command or 

headquarters coordinating the planning. b. D-day. The unnamed day on which a 

particular operation commences or is to commence. (JP 3-02) c. F-hour. The 

effective time of announcement by the Secretary of Defense to the Military 

Departments of a decision to mobilize Reserve units. d. H-hour. The specific hour on 

D-day at which a particular operation commences. e. H-hour (amphibious 

operations). For amphibious operations, the time the first assault elements are 

scheduled to touch down on the beach, or a landing zone, and in some cases the 

commencement of countermine breaching operations. (JP 3-02) f. L-hour. The 

specific hour on C-day at which a deployment operation commences or is to 

commence. g. L-hour (amphibious operations). In amphibious operations, the time 

at which the first helicopter of the helicopter-borne assault wave touches down in the 

landing zone. (JP 3-02) h. M-day. The term used to designate the unnamed day on 

which full mobilization commences or is due to commence. i. N-day. The unnamed 

day an active duty unit is notified for deployment or redeployment. j. R-day. 

Redeployment day. The day on which redeployment of major combat, combat support, 

and combat service support forces begins in an operation. k. S-day. The day the 

President authorizes Selective Reserve callup (not more than 200,000). l. T-day. The 

effective day coincident with Presidential declaration of national emergency and 

authorization of partial mobilization (not more than 1,000,000 personnel exclusive of 

the 200,000 callup). m. W-day. Declared by the President, W-day is associated with 

an adversary decision to prepare for war (unambiguous strategic warning). (JP 3-02) 

time-sensitive target — A joint force commander designated target 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) 

time slot — (*) Period of time during which certain activities are governed by specific 

regulations. 

time to target — The number of minutes and seconds to elapse before aircraft ordnance 

impacts on target. Also called TTT. (JP 3-09.3) 

tip — See pitch.

tips — External fuel tanks. 

title block — See information box.

TNT equivalent — (*) A measure of the energy released from the detonation of a nuclear 

weapon, or from the explosion of a given quantity of fissionable material, in terms of 

the amount of TNT (trinitrotoluene) which could release the same amount of energy 

when exploded. 

tolerance dose — The amount of radiation that may be received by an individual within a 

specified period with negligible results. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

554 JP 1-02 

tone down — See attenuation.

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 base — See chart base.

topographic map — A map that presents the vertical position of features in measurable 

form as well as their horizontal positions. See also map. 

topography — The configuration of the ground to include its relief and all features. 

Topography addresses both dry land and the sea floor (underwater topography). 

(JP 4-01.6) 

top secret — See security classification.

torpedo defense net — (*) A net employed to close an inner harbor to torpedoes fired from 

seaward or to protect an individual ship at anchor or underway. 

torture — As defined by Title 18, US Code, Section 2340, it is any act committed by a 

person acting under color of law specifically intended to inflict severe physical or 

mental pain or suffering (other than pain or suffering incidental to lawful sanctions) 

upon another person within his custody or physical control. “Severe mental pain or 

suffering” means the prolonged mental harm caused by or resulting from: (a) the 

intentional infliction or threatened infliction of severe physical pain or suffering; (b) the 

administration or application, or threatened administration or application, of mindaltering substances or other procedures calculated to disrupt profoundly the senses or 

personality; (c) the threat of imminent death; or (d) the threat that another person will 

imminently be subjected to death, severe physical pain or suffering, or the 

administration or application of mind-altering substances or other procedures calculated 

to disrupt profoundly the senses or personality. (JP 2-01.2) 

toss bombing — A method of bombing where an aircraft flies on a line towards the target, 

pulls up in a vertical plane, releasing the bomb at an angle that will compensate for the 

effect of gravity drop on the bomb. Similar to loft bombing; unrestricted as to altitude. 

See also loft bombing. 

total active aircraft authorization — The sum of the primary and backup aircraft 

authorizations. 

total active aircraft inventory — The sum of the primary and backup aircraft assigned to 

meet the total active aircraft authorization. 

total dosage attack — (*) A chemical operation which does not involve a time limit within 

which to produce the required toxic level. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 555 

total materiel assets — The total quantity of an item available in the military system 

worldwide and all funded procurement of the item with adjustments to provide for 

transfers out of or into the inventory through the appropriation and procurement 

lead-time periods. It includes peacetime force materiel assets and war reserve stock. 

total materiel requirement — The sum of the peacetime force material requirement and 

the war reserve material requirement. 

total mobilization — See mobilization. 

total overall aircraft inventory — The sum of the total active aircraft inventory and the 

inactive aircraft inventory. Also called TOAI.

total pressure — (*) The sum of dynamic and static pressures. 

touchdown zone — (*) 1. For fixed wing aircraft — The first 3,000 feet or 1,000 meters 

of runway beginning at the threshold. 2. For rotary wings and vectored thrust aircraft 

— That portion of the helicopter landing area or runway used for landing. 

toxic chemical, biological, or radiological attack — An attack directed at personnel, 

animals, or crops, using injurious agents of chemical, biological, or radiological origin. 

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. For example: pesticides, 

petrochemicals, fertilizers, corrosives, poisons, etc. These chemicals are not primarily 

manufactured for the specific purpose of producing human casualties or rendering 

equipment, facilities, or areas dangerous for human use. Hydrogen cyanide, cyanogen 

chloride, phosgene, and chloropicrin are industrial chemicals that also can be military 

chemical agents. Also called TIC. (JP 3-11) 

toxic industrial material — A generic term for toxic 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. Toxic industrial material may be 

chemical, biological, or radioactive and described as toxic industrial chemical, toxic 

industrial biological, or toxic industrial radiological. Also called TIM. (JP 3-11) 

toxic industrial radiological — Any radiological material manufactured, used, transported, 

or stored by industrial, medical, or commercial processes. For example: spent fuel 

rods, medical sources, etc. Also called TIR. (JP 3-11) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

556 JP 1-02 

toxin — Poisonous substances that may be produced naturally (by bacteria, plants, fungi, 

snakes, insects, and other living organisms) or synthetically. (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. The course is the 

path that is planned; the track is the path that is actually taken. 6. One of the two 

endless belts on which a full-track or half-track vehicle runs. 7. A metal part forming a 

path for a moving object; e.g., the track around the inside of a vehicle for moving a 

mounted machine gun. 

track correlation — Correlating track information for identification purposes using all 

available data. 

tracking — Precise and continuous position-finding of targets by radar, optical, or other 

means. (JP 3-07.4) 

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. 

track of interest — In counterdrug operations, contacts that meet the initial sorting criteria 

applicable in the area where the contacts are detected. Also called TOI. See also

suspect. (JP 3-07.4) 

track production area — (*) An area in which tracks are produced by one radar station. 

track symbology — (*) Symbols used to display tracks on a data display console or other 

display device. 

track telling — The process of communicating air surveillance and tactical data 

information between command and control systems or between facilities within the 

systems. Telling may be classified into the following types: back tell; cross tell; 

forward tell; lateral tell; overlap tell; and relateral tell. 

trafficability — Capability of terrain to bear traffic. It refers to the extent to which the 

terrain will permit continued movement of any or all types of traffic. 

traffic circulation map — A map showing traffic routes and the measures for traffic 

regulation. It indicates the roads for use of certain classes of traffic, the location of 

traffic control stations, and the directions in which traffic may move. Also called 

circulation map. See also map.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 557 

traffic control police — Any persons ordered by a military commander and/or by national 

authorities to facilitate the movement of traffic and to prevent and/or report any breach 

of road traffic regulations. 

traffic density — (*) The average number of vehicles that occupy one mile or one 

kilometer of road space, expressed in vehicles per mile or per kilometer. 

traffic flow — (*) The total number of vehicles passing a given point in a given time. 

Traffic flow is expressed as vehicles per hour. 

traffic flow security — The protection resulting from features, inherent in some 

cryptoequipment, that conceal the presence of valid messages on a communications 

circuit, normally achieved by causing the circuit to appear busy at all times. 

traffic information (radar) — Information issued to alert an aircraft to any radar targets 

observed on the radar display that may be in such proximity to its position or intended 

route of flight to warrant its attention. 

traffic management — The direction, control, and supervision of all functions incident to 

the procurement and use of freight and passenger transportation services. 

traffic pattern — The traffic flow that is prescribed for aircraft landing at, taxiing on, and 

taking off from an airport. The usual components of a traffic pattern are upwind leg, 

crosswind leg, downwind leg, base leg, and final approach. 

train — 1. A service force or group of service elements that provides logistic support, e.g., 

an organization of naval auxiliary ships or merchant ships or merchant ships attached to 

a fleet for this purpose; similarly, the vehicles and operating personnel that furnish 

supply, evacuation, and maintenance services to a land unit. 2. Bombs dropped in 

short intervals or sequence. 

trained strength in units — Those reservists assigned to units who have completed initial 

active duty for training of 12 weeks or its equivalent and are eligible for deployment 

overseas on land when mobilized under proper authority. Excludes personnel in 

non-deployable accounts or a training pipeline. 

train headway — The interval of time between two trains boarded by the same unit at the 

same point. 

training aids — Any item developed or procured with the primary intent that it shall assist 

in training and the process of learning. 

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. As a matter of Department of Defense policy, this authority 

includes: a. Providing guidance to Service component commanders on operational 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

558 JP 1-02 

requirements and priorities to be addressed in Military Department training and 

readiness programs; b. Commenting on Service component program recommendations 

and budget requests; c. Coordinating and approving participation by assigned Reserve 

Component forces in joint exercises and other joint training when on active duty for 

training or performing inactive duty for training; d. Obtaining and reviewing readiness 

and inspection reports on assigned Reserve Component forces; and e. Coordinating and 

reviewing mobilization plans (including post-mobilization training activities and 

deployability validation procedures) developed for assigned Reserve Component 

forces. Also called TRO. See also combatant commander. (JP 1) 

training and retirement category — The category identifying (by specific training and 

retirement category designator) a reservist’s training or retirement status in a reserve 

component category and Reserve Component. 

training-pay category — A designation identifying the number of days of training and pay 

required for members of Reserve Components. 

training period — An authorized and scheduled regular inactive duty training period. A 

training period must be at least two hours for retirement point credit and four hours for 

pay. Previously used interchangeably with other common terms such as drills, drill 

period, assemblies, periods of instruction, etc. 

training pipeline — A Reserve Component category designation that identifies untrained 

officer and enlisted personnel who have not completed initial active duty for training of 

12 weeks or its equivalent. See also nondeployable account.

training unit — A unit established to provide military training to individual reservists or to 

Reserve Component units. 

train path — (*) In railway terminology, the timing of a possible movement of a train 

along a given route. All the train paths on a given route constitute a timetable. 

trajectory — See ballistic trajectory.

transattack period — 1. In nuclear warfare, the period from the initiation of the attack to 

its termination. 2. As applied to the Single Integrated Operational Plan, the period that 

extends from execution (or enemy attack, whichever is sooner) to termination of the 

Single Integrated Operational Plan. See also postattack period.

transfer loader — (*) A wheeled or tracked vehicle with a platform capable of vertical and 

horizontal adjustment used in the loading and unloading of aircraft, ships, or other 

vehicles. 

transient — 1. Personnel, ships, or craft stopping temporarily at a post, station, or port to 

which they are not assigned or attached, and having destination elsewhere. 2. An 

independent merchant ship calling at a port and sailing within 12 hours, and for which 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 559 

routing instructions to a further port have been promulgated. 3. An individual awaiting 

orders, transport, etc., at a post or station to which he or she is not attached or assigned. 

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; transient. (JP 1) 

transit area — See staging area.

transit bearing — (*) A bearing determined by noting the time at which two features on 

the Earth’s surface have the same relative bearing. 

transition altitude — The altitude at or below which the vertical position of an aircraft is 

controlled by reference to true altitude. 

transition layer — (*) The airspace between the transition altitude and the transition level. 

transition level — (*) The lowest flight level available for use above the transition altitude. 

See also altitude; transition altitude.

transit passage — The nonsuspendable right of continuous and expeditious navigation 

and/or overflight in the normal mode through an international strait linking one part of 

the high seas (or exclusive economic zone) with another. 

transit route — A sea route which crosses open waters normally joining two coastal 

routes. (JP 3-07.4) 

transit zone — The path taken by either airborne or seaborne smugglers. Zone can include 

transfer operations to another carrier (airdrop, at-sea transfer, etc.). See also arrival 

zone. (JP 3-07.4) 

transmission factor (nuclear) — The ratio of the dose inside the shielding material to the 

outside (ambient) dose. Transmission factor is used to calculate the dose received 

through the shielding material. See also half thickness; shielding.

transmission security — The component of communications security that results from all 

measures designed to protect transmissions from interception and exploitation by 

means other than cryptanalysis. See also communications security. (JP 6-0) 

transonic — (*) Of or pertaining to the speed of a body in a surrounding fluid when the 

relative speed of the fluid is subsonic in some places and supersonic in others. This is 

encountered when passing from subsonic to supersonic speed and vice versa. See also

speed of sound. 

transponder — (*) A receiver-transmitter which will generate a reply signal, upon proper 

interrogation. See also responsor.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

560 JP 1-02 

transportability — The capability of material to be moved by towing, self-propulsion, or 

carrier via any means, such as railways, highways, waterways, pipelines, oceans, and 

airways. 

transport aircraft — (*) Aircraft designed primarily for the carriage of personnel and/or 

cargo. Transport aircraft may be classed according to range, as follows: a. 

Short-range — Not to exceed 1200 nautical miles at normal cruising conditions (2222 

km). b. Medium-range — Between 1200 and 3500 nautical miles at normal cruising 

conditions (2222 and 6482 km). c. Long-range — Exceeds 3500 nautical miles at 

normal cruising conditions (6482 km). See also strategic transport aircraft; tactical 

transport aircraft. 

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) 

transportation closure — The actual arrival date of a specified movement requirement at 

port of debarkation. 

transportation component command — The three component commands of United States 

Transportation Command: Air Force Air Mobility Command, Navy Military Sealift 

Command, and Army Surface Deployment and Distribution Command. Each 

transportation component command remains a major command of its parent Service 

and continues to organize, train, and equip its forces as specified by law. Each 

transportation component command also continues to perform Service-unique missions. 

Also called TCC. See also United States Transportation Command. (JP 4-01.6) 

transportation emergency — A situation created by a shortage of normal transportation 

capability and of a magnitude sufficient to frustrate military movement requirements, 

and which requires extraordinary action by the President or other designated authority 

to ensure continued movement of essential Department of Defense traffic. 

transportation feasibility — Operation plans and operation plans in concept format are 

considered transportation feasible when the capability to move forces, equipment, and 

supplies exists from the point of origin to the final destination according to the plan. 

Transportation feasibility determination will require concurrent analysis and assessment 

of available strategic and theater lift assets, transportation infrastructure, and competing 

demands and restrictions. a. The supported commander of a combatant command will 

analyze deployment, joint reception, staging, onward movement, and integration 

(JRSOI), and theater distribution of forces, equipment, and supplies to final destination. 

b. Supporting combatant commanders will provide an assessment on movement of 

forces from point of origin to aerial port of embarkation and/or seaport of embarkation. 

c. The Commander, United States Transportation Command will assess the strategic 

leg of the time-phased force and deployment data for transportation feasibility, 

indicating to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and supported combatant 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 561 

commander that movements arrive at the port of debarkation consistent with the 

supported combatant commander’s assessment of JRSOI and theater distribution. d. 

Following analysis of all inputs, the supported combatant commander is responsible for 

declaring a plan end-to-end executable. See also operation plan. 

transportation movement requirement — The need for transport of units, personnel, or 

materiel from a specified origin to a specified destination within a specified timeframe. 

(JP 4-01) 

transportation operating agencies — Those Federal agencies having responsibilities under 

national emergency conditions for the operational direction of one or more forms of 

transportation. Also called federal modal agencies; federal transport agencies. 

transportation priorities — Indicators assigned to eligible traffic that establish its 

movement precedence. Appropriate priority systems apply to the movement of traffic 

by sea and air. In times of emergency, priorities may be applicable to continental 

United States movements by land, water, or air. 

transportation system — All the land, water, and air routes and transportation assets 

engaged in the movement of US forces and their supplies across the range of military 

operations, involving both mature and immature theaters and at the strategic, 

operational, and tactical levels of war. (JP 4-0) 

transport control center (air transport) — The operations center through which the air 

transport force commander exercises control over the air transport system. 

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. A transport group provides for the embarkation, movement to the 

objective, landing, and logistic support of the landing force. Transport groups comprise 

all sealift and airlift in which the landing force is embarked. They are categorized as 

follows: a. airlifted groups; b. Navy amphibious ship transport groups; and c. strategic 

sealift shipping groups. (JP 3-02) 

transporting (ordnance) — The movement or repositioning of ordnance or explosive 

devices along established explosive routes (does not apply to the aircraft flight line). 

See also ordnance. (JP 3-04) 

transshipment point — (*) A location where material is transferred between vehicles. 

traverse — (*) 1. To turn a weapon to the right or left on its mount. 2. A method of 

surveying in which lengths and directions of lines between points on the earth are 

obtained by or from field measurements, and used in determining positions of the 

points 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

562 JP 1-02 

traverse level — (*) That vertical displacement above low-level air defense systems, 

expressed both as a height and altitude, at which aircraft can cross the area. 

traverse racking test load value — Externally applied force in pounds or kilograms at the 

top-corner fitting that will strain or stretch end structures of the container sideways. 

(JP 4-01.7) 

treason — Violation of the allegiance owed to one’s sovereign or state; betrayal of one’s 

country. 

trend — The straying of the fall of shot, such as might be caused by incorrect speed settings 

of the fire support ship. 

triangulation station — (*) A point on the Earth, the position of which is determined by 

triangulation. Also called trig point.

tri-camera photography — (*) Photography obtained by simultaneous exposure of three 

cameras systematically disposed in the air vehicle at fixed overlapping angles relative 

to each other in order to cover a wide field. See also fan camera photography.

trig list — A list published by certain Army units that includes essential information of 

accurately located survey points. 

trim — The difference in draft at the bow and stern of a vessel or the manner in which a 

vessel floats in the water based on the distribution of cargo, stores and ballast aboard 

the vessel. See also draft; watercraft. (JP 4-01.6) 

triple point — The intersection of the incident, reflected, and fused (or Mach) shock fronts 

accompanying an air burst. The height of the triple point above the surface, i.e., the 

height of the Mach stem, increases with increasing distance from a given explosion. 

troop basis — An approved list of those military units and individuals (including civilians) 

required for the performance of a particular mission by numbers, organization and 

equipment and, in the case of larger commands, by deployment. 

troops — A collective term for uniformed military personnel (usually not applicable to 

naval personnel afloat). See also airborne troops; combat service support elements; 

combat support troops; service troops; tactical troops. 

troop safety (nuclear) — An element that defines a distance from the proposed burst 

location beyond which personnel meeting the criteria described under degree of risk 

will be safe to the degree prescribed. It is expressed as a combination of a degree of risk 

and vulnerability category. See also emergency risk (nuclear); negligible risk 

(nuclear); unwarned exposed; warned protected.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 563 

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. This 

cargo will also include normal hand-carried combat equipment and weapons to be 

carried ashore by the assault troops.

troop test — A test conducted in the field for the purpose of evaluating operational or 

organizational concepts, doctrine, tactics, and techniques, or to gain further information 

on material. See also service test.

tropical storm — A tropical cyclone in which the surface wind speed is at least 34, but not 

more than 63 knots. 

tropopause — (*) The transition zone between the stratosphere and the troposphere. The 

tropopause normally occurs at an altitude of about 25,000 to 45,000 feet (8 to 15 

kilometers) in polar and temperate zones, and at 55,000 feet (20 kilometers) in the 

tropics.

true airspeed indicator — An instrument which displays the speed of the aircraft relative 

to the ambient air. 

true altitude — The height of an aircraft as measured from mean sea level. 

true bearing — The direction to an object from a point; expressed as a horizontal angle 

measured clockwise from true north. 

true convergence — The angle at which one meridian is inclined to another on the surface 

of the Earth. See also convergence.

true horizon — (*) 1. The boundary of a horizontal plane passing through a point of 

vision. 2. In photogrammetry, the boundary of a horizontal plane passing through the 

perspective center of a lens system. 

true north — (*) The direction from an observer’s position to the geographic North Pole. 

The north direction of any geographic meridian. 

turbojet — A jet engine whose air is supplied by a turbine-driven compressor, the turbine 

being activated by exhaust gases. 

turnaround — (*) The length of time between arriving at a point and being ready to depart 

from that point. It is used in this sense for the loading, unloading, re-fueling, and 

re-arming, where appropriate, of vehicles, aircraft, and ships. See also turnaround 

cycle. 

turnaround cycle — (*) A term used in conjunction with vehicles, ships, and aircraft, and 

comprising the following: loading time at departure point; time to and from destination; 

unloading and loading time at destination; unloading time at returning point; planned 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

564 JP 1-02 

maintenance time; and, where applicable, time awaiting facilities. See also 

turnaround.

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. 

turning point — (*) In land mine warfare, a point on the centerline of a mine strip or row 

where it changes direction. 

turn-off guidance — Information which enables the pilot of a landing aircraft to select and 

follow the correct taxiway from the time the aircraft leaves the runway until it may 

safely be brought to a halt clear of the active runway. 

two-person control — The continuous surveillance and control of positive control material 

at all times by a minimum of two authorized individuals, each capable of detecting 

incorrect or unauthorized procedures with respect to the task being performed and each 

familiar with established security requirements. Also called TPC. 

two-person rule — A system designed to prohibit access by an individual to nuclear 

weapons and certain designated components by requiring the presence at all times of at 

least two authorized persons, each capable of detecting incorrect or unauthorized 

procedures with respect to the task to be performed. 

types of burst — See airburst; fallout safe height of burst; height of burst; high 

airburst; high altitude burst; low airburst; nuclear airburst; nuclear 

exoatmospheric burst; nuclear contact-surface burst; nuclear proximity-surface 

burst; nuclear underground burst; nuclear underwater burst; optimum height of 

burst; safe burst height.

type unit — A type of organizational or functional entity established within the Armed 

Forces and uniquely identified by a five-character, alphanumeric code called a unit type 

code. 

type unit data file — A file that provides standard planning data and movement 

characteristics for personnel, cargo, and accompanying supplies associated with type 

units. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

U 

JP 1-02 565 

ultraviolet imagery — That imagery produced as a result of sensing ultraviolet radiations 

reflected from a given target surface. 

unaccounted for — An inclusive term (not a casualty status) applicable to personnel whose 

person or remains are not recovered or otherwise accounted for following hostile 

action. Commonly used when referring to personnel who are killed in action and 

whose bodies are not recovered. See also casualty; casualty category; casualty 

status; casualty type.

unanticipated target — A target of opportunity that was unknown or not expected to exist 

in the operational environment. See also target of opportunity. 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 Unites States Government. See also ratification. (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) 

uncharged demolition target — (*) A demolition target for which charges have been 

calculated, prepared, and stored in a safe place, and for which execution procedures 

have been established. See also demolition target. 

unclassified matter — (*) Official matter which does not require the application of 

security safeguards, but the disclosure of which may be subject to control for other 

reasons. See also classified matter.

unconventional assisted recovery — Nonconventional assisted recovery conducted by 

special operations forces. Also called UAR. See also authenticate; evader; recovery. 

(JP 3-50) 

unconventional assisted recovery coordination cell — A compartmented special 

operations forces facility, established by the joint force special operations component 

commander, staffed on a continuous basis by supervisory personnel and tactical 

planners to coordinate, synchronize, and de-conflict 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) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

566 JP 1-02 

unconventional assisted recovery mechanism — A recovery mechanism developed and 

managed by special operations forces. Also called UARM. See also recovery; 

unconventional assisted recovery. (JP 3-50) 

unconventional assisted recovery team — A designated special operations forces 

unconventional warfare ground or maritime force capable of conducting 

unconventional assisted recovery with indigenous or surrogate forces. Also called 

UART. (JP 3-50) 

unconventional warfare — A broad spectrum of military and paramilitary operations, 

normally of long duration, predominantly conducted through, with, or by indigenous or 

surrogate forces who are organized, trained, equipped, supported, and directed in 

varying degrees by an external source. It includes, but is not limited to, guerrilla 

warfare, subversion, sabotage, intelligence activities, and unconventional assisted 

recovery. Also called UW. (JP 3-05) 

unconventional warfare forces — US forces having an existing unconventional warfare 

capability. 

under sea warfare — Operations conducted to establish and maintain control of the 

underwater environment by denying an opposing force the effective use of underwater 

systems and weapons. It includes offensive and defensive submarine, antisubmarine, 

and mine warfare operations. Also called USW. See also antisubmarine warfare; 

mine warfare. (JP 3-32 CH1)

understowed cargo — See flatted cargo.

underwater demolition — (*) The destruction or neutralization of underwater obstacles; 

this is normally accomplished by underwater demolition teams. 

underwater demolition team — A group of officers and enlisted specially trained and 

equipped for making hydrographic reconnaissance of approaches to prospective 

landing beaches; for effecting demolition of obstacles and clearing mines in certain 

areas; locating, improving, and marking of useable channels; channel and harbor 

clearance; acquisition of pertinent data during pre-assault operations, including military 

information; observing the hinterland to gain information useful to the landing force; 

and for performing miscellaneous underwater and surface tasks within their 

capabilities. Also called UDT.

underway replenishment — See replenishment at sea.

underway replenishment force — (*) A task force of fleet auxiliaries (consisting of oilers, 

ammunition ships, stores issue ships, etc.) adequately protected by escorts furnished by 

the responsible operational commander. The function of this force is to provide 

underway logistic support for naval forces. See also force. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 567 

underway replenishment group — A task group configured to provide logistic 

replenishment of ships underway by transfer-at-sea methods. 

unexploded explosive ordnance — Explosive ordnance which has been primed, fused, 

armed or otherwise prepared for action, and which has been fired, dropped, launched, 

projected, or placed in such a manner as to constitute a hazard to operations, 

installations, personnel, or material and remains unexploded either by malfunction or 

design or for any other cause. Also called UXO. See also explosive ordnance. 

(JP 3-15) 

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) 

uniformed services — The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Public Health Services. See also

Military Department; Military Service. 

unintentional radiation exploitation — Exploitation for operational purposes of 

noninformation-bearing elements of electromagnetic energy unintentionally emanated 

by targets of interest. 

unintentional radiation intelligence — Intelligence derived from the collection and 

analysis of noninformation-bearing elements extracted from the electromagnetic energy 

unintentionally emanated by foreign devices, equipment, and systems, excluding those 

generated by the detonation of nuclear weapons. Also called RINT. See also

intelligence. (JP 2-0) 

uni-Service command — A command comprised of forces of a single Service. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

568 JP 1-02 

unit — 1. Any military element whose structure is prescribed by competent authority, such 

as a table of organization and equipment; specifically, part of an organization. 2. An 

organization title of a subdivision of a group in a task force. 3. A standard or basic 

quantity into which an item of supply is divided, issued, or used. In this meaning, also 

called unit of issue. 4. With regard to Reserve Components of the Armed Forces, 

denotes a Selected Reserve unit organized, equipped, and trained for mobilization to 

serve on active duty as a unit or to augment or be augmented by another unit. 

Headquarters and support functions without wartime missions are not considered units. 

unit aircraft — Those aircraft provided an aircraft unit for the performance of a flying 

mission. See also aircraft.

unit combat readiness — See combat readiness.

unit commitment status — (*) The degree of commitment of any unit designated and 

categorized as a force allocated to NATO. 

unit designation list — A list of actual units by unit identification code designated to fulfill 

requirements of a force list. 

United States — Includes the land area, internal waters, territorial sea, and airspace of the 

United States, including the following: a. US territories, possessions, and 

commonwealths; and b. Other areas over which the US Government has complete 

jurisdiction and control or has exclusive authority or defense responsibility. 

United States Armed Forces — Used to denote collectively only the regular components 

of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. See also Armed 

Forces of the United States.

United States Civilian Internee Information Center — The national center of 

information in the United States for enemy and US civilian internees. 

United States controlled shipping — That shipping under US flag and selected ships under 

foreign flag considered to be under “effective US control,” i.e., that can reasonably be 

expected to be made available to the United States in time of national emergency. See 

also effective US controlled ships. 

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. Standard message formats with standard 

information content provides all tactical commanders at the joint interface with a 

common playing field and a common language. Also called USMTF. 

United States Military Service-funded foreign training — Training that is provided to 

foreign nationals in United States Military Service schools and installations under 

authority other than the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 569 

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 3-02.2) 

United States Prisoner of War Information Center — The national center of information 

in the United States for enemy and US prisoners of war. 

United States Signals Intelligence System — The unified organization of signals 

intelligence activities under the direction of the Director, National Security 

Agency/Chief, Central Security Service. It consists of the National Security 

Agency/Central Security Service, the components of the Military Services authorized to 

conduct signals intelligence, and such other entities (other than the Federal Bureau of 

Investigation) authorized by the National Security Council or the Secretary of Defense 

to conduct signals intelligence activities. Also called USSS. See also

counterintelligence. (JP 2-01.2) 

United States Transportation Command — The unified command with the mission to 

provide strategic air, land, and sea transportation and common-user port management 

for the Department of Defense across the range of military operations. Also called 

USTRANSCOM. See also global transportation network; single port manager; 

transportation component command; unified command. (JP 4-01) 

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.

unitized load — A single item or a number of items packaged, packed, or arranged in a 

specified manner and capable of being handled as a unit. Unitization may be 

accomplished by placing the item or items in a container or by banding them securely 

together. See also palletized unit load.

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 a Joint Operation Planning and Execution System 

time-phased force and deployment data. Also called ULN. 

unit loading — (*) The loading of troop units with their equipment and supplies in the 

same vessels, aircraft, or land vehicles. See also loading.

unit movement control center — A temporary organization activated by major subordinate 

commands and subordinate units during deployment to control and manage marshalling 

and movement. Also called UMCC. See also deployment; marshaling; unit. 

(JP 3-35) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

570 JP 1-02 

unit of issue — In its special storage meaning, refers to the quantity of an item; as each 

number, dozen, gallon, pair, pound, ream, set, yard. Usually termed unit of issue to 

distinguish from “unit price.” See also unit.

unit movement data — A unit equipment and/or supply listing containing corresponding 

transportability data. Tailored unit movement data has been modified to reflect a 

specific movement requirement. Also called UMD. 

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.

unit price — The cost or price of an item of supply based on the unit of issue. 

unit readiness — See readiness.

unit-related equipment and supplies — All equipment and supplies that are assigned to a 

specific unit or that are designated as accompanying supplies. The logistic dimensions 

of these items are contained in the type unit characteristics file standard. 

unit reserves — Prescribed quantities of supplies carried by a unit as a reserve to cover 

emergencies. See also reserve supplies.

unit training assembly — An authorized and scheduled period of unit inactive duty 

training of a prescribed length of time. 

unit type code — A Joint Chiefs of Staff developed and assigned code, consisting of five 

characters that uniquely identify a “type unit.” 

unity of effort — Coordination and cooperation toward common objectives, even if the 

participants are not necessarily part of the same command or organization - the product 

of successful unified action. (JP 1) 

Universal Joint Task List — A menu of capabilities (mission-derived tasks with associated 

conditions and standards, i.e., the tools) that may be selected by a joint force 

commander to accomplish the assigned mission. Once identified as essential to mission 

accomplishment, the tasks are reflected within the command joint mission essential 

task list. Also called UJTL. (JP 3-33) 

universal polar stereographic grid — A military grid prescribed for joint use in operations 

in limited areas and used for operations requiring precise position reporting. It covers 

areas between the 80 degree parallels and the poles. 

Universal Postal Union — A worldwide postal organization to which the United States and 

most other countries are members. The exchange of mail, except parcel post, between 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 571 

the United States and other nations is governed by the provisions of the Universal 

Postal Union convention. Also called UPU. 

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. 

Universal Time (UT1) is determined from observations of the stars, radio sources, and 

also from ranging observations of the moon and artificial Earth satellites. The scale 

determined directly from such observations is designated Universal Time Observed 

(UTO); it is slightly dependent on the place of observation. When UTO is corrected for 

the shift in longitude of the observing station caused by polar motion, the time scale 

UT1 is obtained. When an accuracy better than one second is not required, Universal 

Time can be used to mean Coordinated Universal Time. Also called ZULU time. 

Formerly called Greenwich Mean Time. 

universal transverse mercator grid — (*) A grid coordinate system based on the 

transverse mercator projection, applied to maps of the Earth’s surface extending to 84 

degrees N and 80 degrees S latitudes. Also called UTM grid. 

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; hostile; neutral; suspect.

unlimited war — Not to be used. See general war. 

unmanned aircraft — An aircraft or balloon that does not carry a human operator and is 

capable of flight under remote control or autonomous programming. Also called UA. 

(JP 3-03) 

unmanned aircraft system — That system whose components include the necessary 

equipment, network, and personnel to control an unmanned aircraft. Also called UAS. 

(JP 3-03) 

unmanned aerial vehicle — A powered, aerial vehicle that does not carry a human 

operator, uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift, can fly autonomously or be 

piloted remotely, can be expendable or recoverable, and can carry a lethal or nonlethal 

payload. Ballistic or semiballistic vehicles, cruise missiles, and artillery projectiles are 

not considered unmanned aerial vehicles. Also called UAV. (JP 3-52) 

unplanned 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) 

unpremeditated expansion of a war — Not to be used. See escalation.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

572 JP 1-02 

unscheduled convoy phase — (*) The period in the early days of war when convoys are 

instituted on an ad hoc basis before the introduction of convoy schedules in the regular 

convoy phase. 

unstable patient — A patient whose physiological status is in fluctuation. Emergent, 

treatment and/or surgical intervention are anticipated during the evacuation. An 

unstable 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.

unwanted cargo — (*) A cargo loaded in peacetime which is not required by the 

consignee country in wartime. 

unwarned exposed — (*) The vulnerability of friendly forces to nuclear weapon effects. 

In this condition, personnel are assumed to be standing in the open at burst time, but 

have dropped to a prone position by the time the blast wave arrives. They are expected 

to have areas of bare skin exposed to direct thermal radiation, and some personnel may 

suffer dazzle. See also warned exposed; warned protected.

urban triad — The three distinguishing characteristics of urban areas: complex manmade 

physical terrain, a population of significant size and density, and an infrastructure upon 

which the area depends. See also infrastructure; joint urban operations. (JP 3-06) 

urgent mining — (*) In naval mine warfare, the laying of mines with correct spacing but 

not in the ordered or planned positions. The mines may be laid either inside or outside 

the allowed area in such positions that they will hamper the movements of the enemy 

more than those of our own forces. 

urgent priority — A category of immediate mission request that is lower than emergency 

priority but takes precedence over ordinary priority; e.g., enemy artillery or mortar fire 

that is falling on friendly troops and causing casualties or enemy troops or mechanized 

units moving up in such force as to threaten a breakthrough. See also immediate 

mission request; priority of immediate mission requests. 

US commercial assets — US commercial aircraft, spacecraft, flag shipping, offshore, and 

land-based assets located landward of the outer limit of the continental shelf of the 

United States, its territories, and possessions, and excluding those privately owned oil 

rigs operating under foreign license in disputed offshore areas. 

use of force policy — Policy guidance issued by the Commandant, US Coast Guard, on the 

use of force and weapons. 

US Defense Representative — A senior US officer in a foreign country representing the 

Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the commander of 

the unified command that coordinates the security matters regarding in-country, non-
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 573 

combat Department of Defense (DOD) elements (i.e., DOD personnel and 

organizations under the command of a combatant commander but not assigned to, or 

attached to, the combatant commander). Also called USDR. 

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. 

US national — US citizen and US permanent and temporary legal resident aliens. 

US person — For intelligence purposes, a US person is defined as one of the following: (1) 

a US citizen; (2) an alien known by the intelligence agency concerned to be a 

permanent resident alien; (3) an unincorporated association substantially composed of 

US citizens or permanent resident aliens; or (4) a corporation incorporated in the 

United States, except for those directed and controlled by a foreign government or 

governments. (JP 2-01.2) 

US Transportation Command coordinating instructions — Instructions of the US 

Transportation Command that establish suspense dates for selected members of the 

joint planning and execution community to complete updates to the operation plan 

database. Instructions will ensure that the target date movement requirements will be 

validated and available for scheduling. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

574 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

V 

JP 1-02 575 

validate — Execution procedure used by combatant command components, supporting 

combatant commanders, and providing organizations to confirm to the supported 

commander and US 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. Unit readiness, movement dates, passengers, and cargo details should be 

confirmed with the unit before validation occurs. 

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. 2. A part of target 

development that ensures all vetted targets meet the objectives and criteria outlined in 

the commander’s guidance and ensures compliance with the law of armed conflict and 

rules of engagement. 3. In computer modeling and simulation, the process of 

determining the degree to which a model or simulation is an accurate representation of 

the real world from the perspective of the intended uses of the model or simulation. 4. 

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 timephased 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. See also independent review; time-phased force and deployment 

data; verification. (JP 3-35) 

valuable cargo — (*) Cargo which may be of value during a later stage of the war.

value engineering — An organized effort directed at analyzing the function of Department 

of Defense systems, equipment, facilities, procedures, and supplies for the purpose of 

achieving the required function at the lowest total cost of effective ownership, 

consistent with requirements for performance, reliability, quality, and maintainability. 

variability — (*) The manner in which the probability of damage to a specific target 

decreases with the distance from ground zero; or, in damage assessment, a 

mathematical factor introduced to average the effects of orientation, minor shielding, 

and uncertainty of target response to the effects considered. 

variable safety level — See safety level of supply.

variant — 1. One of two or more cipher or code symbols that have the same plain text 

equivalent. 2. One of several plain text meanings that are represented by a single code 

group. Also called alternative. 

variation — The angular difference between true and magnetic north. See also deviation.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

576 JP 1-02 

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. 

Otherwise known as a car bomb. 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.

vehicle distance — (*) The clearance between vehicles in a column which is measured 

from the rear of one vehicle to the front of the following vehicle. 

vehicle summary and priority table — A table listing all vehicles by priority of 

debarkation from a combat-loaded ship. It includes the nomenclature, dimensions, 

square feet, cubic feet, weight, and stowage location of each vehicle; the cargo loaded 

in each vehicle; and the name of the unit to which the vehicle belongs. 

verification — 1. In arms control, any action, including inspection, detection, and 

identification, taken to ascertain compliance with agreed measures. 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; independent review; 

validation. 

verify — (*) To ensure that the meaning and phraseology of the transmitted message 

conveys the exact intention of the originator. 

vertex — (*) In artillery and naval gunfire support, the highest point in the trajectory of a 

projectile. 

vertex height — See maximum ordinate.

vertical air photograph — (*) An air photograph taken with the optical axis of the camera 

perpendicular to the surface of the Earth. 

vertical and/or short takeoff and landing — Vertical and/or short takeoff and landing 

capability for aircraft. 

vertical envelopment — A tactical maneuver in which troops, either air-dropped or 

air-landed, attack the rear and flanks of a force, in effect cutting off or encircling the 

force. (JP 3-18) 

vertical interval — Difference in altitude between two specified points or locations, e.g., 

the battery or firing ship and the target; observer location and the target; location of 

previously fired target and new target; observer and a height of burst; and battery or 

firing ship and a height of burst, etc. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 577 

vertical landing zone — A specified ground area for landing vertical takeoff and landing 

aircraft to embark or disembark troops and/or cargo. A landing zone may contain one 

or more landing sites. Also called VLZ. See also landing zone; vertical takeoff and 

landing aircraft. (JP 3-02) 

vertical loading — (*) A type of loading whereby items of like character are vertically 

tiered throughout the holds of a ship so that selected items are available at any stage of 

the unloading. See also loading.

vertical probable error — The product of the range probable error and the slope of fall. 

vertical replenishment — The use of a helicopter for the transfer of materiel to or from a 

ship. Also called VERTREP. (JP 3-04) 

vertical separation — (*) Separation between aircraft expressed in units of vertical 

distance. 

vertical strip — A single flightline of overlapping photos. Photography of this type is 

normally taken of long, narrow targets such as beaches or roads. 

vertical takeoff and landing aircraft — Fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters capable of 

taking off or landing vertically. Also called VTOL aircraft. See also vertical landing 

zone. (JP 3-02) 

very seriously ill or injured — The casualty status of a person whose illness or injury is 

classified by medical authority to be of such severity that life is imminently 

endangered. Also called VSII. See also casualty status. (JP 4-02) 

very small aperture terminal — Refers to a fixed satellite terminal whose antenna 

diameter typically does not exceed two meters. Also called VSAT.

vesicant agent — See blister agent. (JP 3-11) 

vetting — A part of target development that assesses the accuracy of the supporting 

intelligence to targeting. (JP 3-60) 

vignetting — (*) A method of producing a band of color or tone on a map or chart, the 

density of which is reduced uniformly from edge to edge. 

visibility range — The horizontal distance (in kilometers or miles) at which a large dark 

object can just be seen against the horizon sky in daylight. 

visual call sign — (*) A call sign provided primarily for visual signaling. See also call 

sign.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

578 JP 1-02 

visual information — Use of one or more of the various visual media with or without 

sound. Generally, visual information includes still photography, motion picture 

photography, video or audio recording, graphic arts, visual aids, models, display, visual 

presentation services, and the support processes. Also called VI.

visual information documentation — Motion media, still photography, and audio 

recording of technical and nontechnical events while they occur, usually not controlled 

by the recording crew. Visual information documentation encompasses Combat 

Camera, operational documentation, and technical documentation. Also called

VIDOC. See also combat camera; operational documentation; technical 

documentation. 

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. When these criteria do not exist, instrument meteorological 

conditions prevail and instrument flight rules must be complied with. Also called

VMC. See also instrument meteorological conditions. (JP 3-04) 

visual mine firing indicator — (*) A device used with exercise mines to indicate that the 

mine would have detonated had it been poised. 

vital area — (*) A designated area or installation to be defended by air defense units.

vital ground — (*) Ground of such importance that it must be retained or controlled for the 

success of the mission. See also key terrain.

voice call sign — (*) A call sign provided primarily for voice communication. See also

call sign.

Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement — An agreement that provides the Department 

of Defense with assured access to US flag assets, both vessel capacity and intermodal 

systems, to meet Department of Defense contingency requirements. Carriers 

contractually commit specified portions of their fleet to meet time-phased Department 

of Defense contingency requirements. Also called VISA. See also intermodal; 

intermodal systems. (JP 4-01.2) 

voluntary tanker agreement — An agreement established by the Maritime Administration 

to provide for US commercial tanker owners and operators to voluntarily make their 

vessels available to satisfy the Department of Defense needs. It is designed to meet 

contingency or war requirements for point-to-point petroleum, oils, and lubricants 

movements, and not to deal with capacity shortages in resupply operations. Also called 

VTA. (JP 4-01.2) 

voluntary training — Training in a non-pay status for Individual Ready Reservists and 

active status Standby Reservists. Participation in voluntary training is for retirement 

points only and may be achieved by training with Selected Reserve or voluntary 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 579 

training units; by active duty for training; by completion of authorized military 

correspondence courses; by attendance at designated courses of instruction; by 

performing equivalent duty; by participation in special military and professional events 

designated by the Military Departments; or by participation in authorized Civil Defense 

activities. Retirees may voluntarily train with organizations to which they are properly 

preassigned by orders for recall to active duty in a national emergency or declaration of 

war. Such training shall be limited to that training made available within the resources 

authorized by the Secretary concerned. 

voluntary training unit — A unit formed by volunteers to provide Reserve Component 

training in a non-pay status for Individual Ready Reservists and active status Standby 

Reservists attached under competent orders and participating in such units for 

retirement points. Also called reinforcement training unit.

VOR — (*) An air navigational radio aid which uses phase comparison of a ground 

transmitted signal to determine bearing. This term is derived from the words “very 

high frequency omnidirectional radio range.” 

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. 2. 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 effects in an unnatural (man-made) hostile 

environment. 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; 

information operations; information system. (JP 3-60) 

vulnerability assessment — A Department of Defense, command, or unit-level evaluation 

(assessment) to determine the vulnerability of a terrorist attack against an installation, 

unit, exercise, port, ship, residence, facility, or other site. Identifies areas of 

improvement to withstand, mitigate, or deter acts of violence or terrorism. Also called 

VA. (JP 3-07.2) 

vulnerability program — A program to determine the degree of any existing susceptibility 

of nuclear weapon systems to enemy countermeasures, accidental fire, and accidental 

shock and to remedy these weaknesses insofar as possible. 

vulnerability study — An analysis of the capabilities and limitations of a force in a specific 

situation to determine vulnerabilities capable of exploitation by an opposing force. 

vulnerable area — See vital area.

vulnerable node — See target stress point.

vulnerable point — See vital area.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

580 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

W 

JP 1-02 581 

wading crossing — See deep fording capability; shallow fording. 

walking patient — A patient whose injuries and/or illness are relatively minor, permitting 

the patient to walk and not require a litter. See also litter; patient; slightly wounded. 

(JP 4-02) 

wanted cargo — (*) In naval control of shipping, a cargo which is not immediately 

required by the consignee country but will be needed later. 

warble — (*) In naval mine warfare, the process of varying the frequency of sound 

produced by a narrow band noisemaker to ensure that the frequency to which the mine 

will respond is covered. 

warden system — An informal method of communication used to pass information to US 

citizens during emergencies. See also noncombatant evacuation operations. 

(JP 3-68) 

war game — A simulation, by whatever means, of a military operation involving two or 

more opposing forces using rules, data, and procedures designed to depict an actual or 

assumed real life situation. 

warhead — That part of a missile, projectile, torpedo, rocket, or other munition which 

contains either the nuclear or thermonuclear system, high explosive system, chemical 

or biological agents, or inert materials intended to inflict damage. 

warhead mating — The act of attaching a warhead section to a rocket or missile body, 

torpedo, airframe, motor, or guidance section. 

warhead section — (*) A completely assembled warhead, including appropriate skin 

sections and related components. 

war materiel procurement capability — The quantity of an item that can be acquired by 

orders placed on or after the day an operation commences (D-day) from industry or 

from any other available source during the period prescribed for war materiel 

procurement planning purposes. 

war materiel requirement — The quantity of an item required to equip and support the 

approved forces specified in the current Secretary of Defense guidance through the 

period prescribed for war materiel planning purposes. 

warned exposed — (*) The vulnerability of friendly forces to nuclear weapon effects. In 

this condition, personnel are assumed to be prone with all skin covered and with 

thermal protection at least that provided by a two-layer summer uniform. See also

unwarned exposed; warned protected. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

582 JP 1-02 

warned protected — (*) The vulnerability of friendly forces to nuclear weapon effects. In 

this condition, personnel are assumed to have some protection against heat, blast, and 

radiation such as that afforded in closed armored vehicles or crouched in fox holes with 

improvised overhead shielding. See also unwarned exposed; warned exposed.

warning — 1. A communication and acknowledgment of dangers implicit in a wide 

spectrum of activities by potential opponents ranging from routine defense measures to 

substantial increases in readiness and force preparedness and to acts of terrorism or 

political, economic, or military provocation. 2. Operating procedures, practices, or 

conditions that may result in injury or death if not carefully observed or followed. 

(JP 3-04) 

warning area — See danger area.

warning net — A communication system established for the purpose of disseminating 

warning information of enemy movement or action to all interested commands. 

warning of attack — A warning to national policymakers that an adversary is not only 

preparing its armed forces for war, but intends to launch an attack in the near future. 

See also tactical warning; warning; warning of war.

warning of war — A warning to national policymakers that a state or alliance intends war, 

or is on a course that substantially increases the risks of war and is taking steps to 

prepare for war. See also strategic warning; warning; warning of attack.

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 supported commander and requests that the supported commander submit a 

commander’s estimate. 3. (DOD only) A planning directive that describes the 

situation, allocates forces and resources, establishes command relationships, provides 

other initial planning guidance, and initiates subordinate unit mission planning. Also 

called WARNORD. (JP 3-33) 

warning red — See air defense warning conditions.

warning shots — The firing of shots or delivery of ordnance by personnel or weapons 

systems in the vicinity of a person, vessel, or aircraft as a signal to immediately cease 

activity. Warning shots are one measure to convince a potentially hostile force to 

withdraw or cease its threatening actions. 

warning white — See air defense warning conditions.

warning yellow — See air defense warning conditions.

warp — To haul a ship ahead by line or anchor. (JP 4-01.6) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 583 

war reserve materiel requirement — That portion of the war materiel requirement 

required to be on hand on D-day. This level consists of the war materiel requirement 

less the sum of the peacetime assets assumed to be available on D-day and the war 

materiel procurement capability. 

war reserve materiel requirement, balance — That portion of the war reserve materiel 

requirement that has not been acquired or funded. This level consists of the war reserve 

materiel requirement less the war reserve materiel requirement, protectable. 

war reserve materiel requirement, protectable — That portion of the war reserve 

materiel requirement that is either on hand and/or previously funded that shall be 

protected; if issued for peacetime use, it shall be promptly reconstituted. This level 

consists of the pre-positioned war reserve materiel requirement, protectable, and the 

other war reserve materiel requirement, protectable. 

war reserve (nuclear) — Nuclear weapons materiel stockpiled in the custody of the 

Department of Energy or transferred to the custody of the Department of Defense and 

intended for employment in the event of war. 

war reserves — (*) Stocks of materiel amassed in peacetime to meet the increase in 

military requirements consequent upon an outbreak of war. War reserves are intended 

to provide the interim support essential to sustain operations until resupply can be 

effected. 

war reserve stock — That portion of total materiel assets designated to satisfy the war 

reserve materiel requirement. Also called WRS. See also reserve; war reserve 

materiel requirement; war reserves. (JP 2-03) 

war reserve stocks for allies — A Department of Defense program to have the Services 

procure or retain in their inventories those minimum stockpiles of materiel such as 

munitions, equipment, and combat-essential consumables to ensure support for selected 

allied forces in time of war until future in-country production and external resupply can 

meet the estimated combat consumption. 

wartime load — The maximum quantity of supplies of all kinds which a ship can carry. 

The composition of the load is prescribed by proper authority. 

wartime manpower planning system — A standardized Department of Defense 

(DOD)-wide procedure, structure, and database for computing, compiling, projecting, 

and portraying the time-phased wartime manpower requirements, demand, and supply 

of the DOD components. Also called WARMAPS. See also S-day. 

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 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

584 JP 1-02 

by opposing commanders before they are used, but could be exploited or neutralized if 

known in advance. Wartime reserve modes are deliberately held in reserve for wartime 

or emergency use and seldom, if ever, applied or intercepted prior to such use. Also 

called WARM.

Washington Liaison Group — An interagency committee and/or joint monitoring body, 

chaired by the Department of State with representation from the Department of 

Defense, established to coordinate the preparation and implementation of plans for 

evacuation of United States citizens abroad in emergencies. Also called WLG. 

(JP 3-68) 

watching mine — (*) In naval mine warfare, a mine secured to its mooring but showing on 

the surface, possibly only in certain tidal conditions. See also floating mine; mine.

watercraft — Any vessel or craft designed specifically and only for movement on the 

surface of the water. (JP 4-01.6) 

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 CH1) 

water terminal — A facility for berthing ships simultaneously at piers, quays, and/or 

working anchorages, normally located within sheltered coastal waters adjacent to rail, 

highway, air, and/or inland water transportation networks. (JP 4-01.5) 

wave — A formation of forces, including ships, craft, amphibious vehicles or aircraft, 

required to beach or land about the same time. Waves can be classified by function: 

scheduled, on-call, or non-scheduled. Waves can also be classified by type of craft, 

e.g., assault, helicopter, or landing craft. (JP 3-02) 

wave crest — The highest part of a wave. See also crest; wave. (JP 4-01.6) 

wave height — The vertical distance between trough and crest, usually expressed in feet. 

See also wave. (JP 4-01.6) 

wave length — The horizontal distance between successive wave crests measured perpendicular 

to the crest, usually expressed in feet. See also crest; wave; wave crest. (JP 4-01.6) 

wave period — The time it takes for two successive wave crests to pass a given point. See 

also wave; wave crest. (JP 4-01.6) 

wave trough — The lowest part of the wave between crests. See also crest; wave. 

(JP 4-01.6) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 585 

wave velocity — The speed at which a wave form advances across the sea, usually 

expressed in knots. See also wave. (JP 4-01.6) 

way point — 1. In air operations, a point or a series of points in space to which an aircraft, 

ship, or cruise missile may be vectored. 2. A designated point or series of points loaded 

and stored in a global positioning system or other electronic navigational aid system to 

facilitate movement. 

W-day — See times.

weapon and payload identification — 1. The determination of the type of weapon being 

used in an attack. 2. The discrimination of a re-entry vehicle from penetration aids 

being utilized with the re-entry vehicle. See also attack assessment.

weapon debris (nuclear) — The residue of a nuclear weapon after it has exploded; that is, 

materials used for the casing and other components of the weapon, plus unexpended 

plutonium or uranium, together with fission products. 

weaponeering — The process of determining the quantity of a specific type of lethal or 

nonlethal weapons required to achieve a specific level of damage to a given target, 

considering target vulnerability, weapons characteristics and effects, and delivery 

parameters. (JP 3-60) 

weapon engagement zone — In air defense, airspace of defined dimensions within which 

the responsibility for engagement of air threats normally rests with a particular weapon 

system. Also called WEZ. a. 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. b. high-altitude missile 

engagement zone. In air defense, that airspace of defined dimensions within which the 

responsibility for engagement of air threats normally rests with high-altitude surface-toair missiles. Also called HIMEZ. c. low-altitude missile engagement zone. In air 

defense, that airspace of defined dimensions within which the responsibility for 

engagement of air threats normally rests with low- to medium-altitude surface-to-air 

missiles. Also called LOMEZ. d. short-range air defense engagement zone. In air 

defense, that airspace of defined dimensions within which the responsibility for 

engagement of air threats normally rests with short-range air defense weapons. It may 

be established within a low- or high-altitude missile engagement zone. Also called 

SHORADEZ. e. joint engagement zone. In air defense, that airspace of defined 

dimensions within which multiple air defense systems (surface-to-air missiles and 

aircraft) are simultaneously employed to engage air threats. Also called JEZ. (JP 3-52) 

weapons assignment — (*) In air defense, the process by which weapons are assigned to 

individual air weapons controllers for use in accomplishing an assigned mission. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

586 JP 1-02 

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 3-52) 

weapons of mass destruction — Chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons 

capable of a high order of destruction or causing mass casualties and exclude the means of 

transporting or propelling the weapon where such means is a separable and divisible part 

from the weapon. Also called WMD. See also destruction; special operations. (JP 3-40) 

weapons of mass destruction active defense — Active measures to defeat an attack 

with chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons by employing actions to 

divert, neutralize, or destroy those weapons or their means of delivery while en route 

to their target. Also called WMD active defense. (JP 3-40) 

weapons of mass destruction - civil support team — Joint National Guard (Army 

National Guard and Air National Guard) team established to deploy rapidly to assist a 

local incident commander in determining the nature and extent of a weapons of mass 

destruction attack or incident; provide expert technical advice on weapons of mass 

destruction response operations; and help identify and support the arrival of follow-on 

state and federal military response assets. Also called WMD-CST. (JP 3-28) 

weapons of mass destruction consequence management — Actions authorized by the 

Secretary of Defense to mitigate the effects of a weapon of mass destruction attack 

or event and, if necessary, provide temporary essential operations and services at 

home and abroad. Also called WMD CM. (JP 3-40) 

weapons of mass destruction elimination — Actions undertaken in a hostile or 

uncertain environment to systematically locate, characterize, secure, and disable, or 

destroy weapons of mass destruction programs and related capabilities. Also called 

WMD elimination. (JP 3-40) 

weapons of mass destruction interdiction — Operations to track, intercept, search, 

divert, seize, or otherwise stop the transit of weapons of mass destruction, its 

delivery systems, or related materials, technologies, and expertise. Also called

WMD interdiction. (JP 3-40) 

weapons of mass destruction offensive operations — Actions to disrupt, neutralize, or 

destroy a weapon of mass destruction threat before it can be used, or to deter 

subsequent use of such weapons. Also called WMD offensive operations. (JP 

3-40) 

weapons of mass destruction security cooperation and partner activities — Activities 

to improve or promote defense relationships and capacity of allied and partner 

nations to execute or support the other military mission areas to combat weapons of 

mass destruction through military-to-military contact, burden sharing arrangements, 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 587 

combined military activities, and support to international activities. Also called 

WMD security cooperation. (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. Weapons readiness states 

are expressed in numbers of weapons and numbers of minutes. Weapon readiness states 

are defined as follows: a. 2 minutes — Weapons can be launched within two minutes. b. 

5 minutes — Weapons can be launched within five minutes. c. 15 minutes — Weapons 

can be launched within fifteen minutes. d. 30 minutes — Weapons can be launched 

within thirty minutes. e. 1 hour — Weapons can be launched within one hour. f. 3 

hours — Weapons can be launched within three hours. g. released — Weapons are 

released from defense commitment for a specified period of time. 

weapons recommendation sheet — (*) A sheet or chart which defines the intention of the 

attack, and recommends the nature of weapons, and resulting damage expected, 

tonnage, fuzing, spacing, desired mean points of impact, and intervals of reattack. 

weapons state of readiness — See weapons readiness state.

weapon(s) 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. 

weapon system employment concept — (*) A description in broad terms, based on 

established outline characteristics, of the application of a particular equipment or 

weapon system within the framework of tactical concept and future doctrines. 

weapon system video — 1. Imagery recorded by video camera systems aboard aircraft or 

ship that shows delivery and impact of air-to-ground, or surface-to-air ordnance and 

air-to-air engagements. 2. A term used to describe the overarching program or process 

of capturing, clipping, digitizing, editing, and transmitting heads-up display or multifunction display imagery. 3. A term used to refer to actual equipment used by various 

career fields to perform all or part of the weapon system video process. Also called 

WSV. (JP 3-30) 

weapon-target line — An imaginary straight line from a weapon to a target. 

weather deck — A deck having no overhead protection; uppermost deck. (JP 4-01.6) 

weather minimum — The worst weather conditions under which aviation operations may 

be conducted under either visual or instrument flight rules. Usually prescribed by 

directives and standing operating procedures in terms of minimum ceiling, visibility, or 

specific hazards to flight. 

weight and balance sheet — (*) A sheet which records the distribution of weight in an 

aircraft and shows the center of gravity of an aircraft at takeoff and landing. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

588 JP 1-02 

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) 

wharf — A structure built of open rather than solid construction along a shore or a bank that 

provides cargo-handling facilities. A similar facility of solid construction is called a 

quay. See also quay. (JP 4-01.5) 

wheel load capacity — The capacity of airfield runways, taxiways, parking areas, or 

roadways to bear the pressures exerted by aircraft or vehicles in a gross weight static 

configuration. 

white cap — A small wave breaking offshore as a result of the action of strong winds. See 

also wave. (JP 4-01.6) 

whiteout — (*) Loss of orientation with respect to the horizon caused by sun reflecting on 

snow and overcast sky. 

white propaganda — Propaganda disseminated and acknowledged by the sponsor or by an 

accredited agency thereof. See also propaganda. 

Wilson cloud — See condensation cloud.

winch — A hoisting machine used for loading and discharging cargo and stores or for 

hauling in lines. See also stores. (JP 4-01.6) 

wind shear — A change of wind direction and magnitude. 

wind velocity — (*) The horizontal direction and speed of air motion. 

wing — 1. An Air Force unit composed normally of one primary mission group and the 

necessary supporting organizations, i.e., organizations designed to render supply, 

maintenance, hospitalization, and other services required by the primary mission 

groups. Primary mission groups may be functional, such as combat, training, transport, 

or service. 2. A fleet air wing is the basic organizational and administrative unit for 

naval-, land-, and tender-based aviation. Such wings are mobile units to which are 

assigned aircraft squadrons and tenders for administrative organization control. 3. A 

balanced Marine Corps task organization of aircraft groups and squadrons, together 

with appropriate command, air control, administrative, service, and maintenance units. 

A standard Marine Corps aircraft wing contains the aviation elements normally 

required for the air support of a Marine division. 4. A flank unit; that part of a military 

force to the right or left of the main body. 

wingman — An aviator subordinate to and in support of the designated section leader; also, 

the aircraft flown in this role. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

JP 1-02 589 

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. 

withhold (nuclear) — The limiting of authority to employ nuclear weapons by denying 

their use within specified geographical areas or certain countries. 

working anchorage — An anchorage where ships lie to discharge cargoes over-side to 

coasters or lighters. See also emergency anchorage. 

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 joint force commander’s 

headquarters formed around a specific function whose purpose is to provide analysis to 

users. The working group consists of a core functional group and other staff and 

component representatives. Also called WG. (JP 3-33) 

work order — A specific or blanket authorization to perform certain work — usually 

broader in scope than a job order. It is sometimes used synonymously with job order. 

world geographic reference system — See georef.

Worldwide Port System — Automated information system to provide cargo management 

and accountability to water port and regional commanders while providing in-transit 

visibility to the Global Transportation Network. Also called WPS. See also Global 

Transportation Network. (JP 4-01) 

wounded — See seriously wounded; slightly wounded. 

wounded in action — A casualty category applicable to a hostile casualty, other than the 

victim of a terrorist activity, who has incurred an injury due to an external agent or 

cause. The term encompasses all kinds of wounds and other injuries incurred in action, 

whether there is a piercing of the body, as in a penetration or perforated wound, or 

none, as in the contused wound. These include fractures, burns, blast concussions, all 

effects of biological and chemical warfare agents, and the effects of an exposure to 

ionizing radiation or any other destructive weapon or agent. The hostile casualty’s 

status may be categorized as “very seriously ill or injured,” “seriously ill or injured,” 

“incapacitating illness or injury,” or “not seriously injured.” Also called WIA. See 

also casualty category. (JP 4-02) 

wreckage locator chart — A chart indicating the geographic location of all known aircraft 

wreckage sites and all known vessel wrecks that show above low water or can be seen 

from the air. It consists of a visual plot of each wreckage, numbered in chronological 

order, and cross referenced with a wreckage locator file containing all pertinent data 

concerning the wreckage. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

590 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

X 

JP 1-02 591 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

592 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

Y 

JP 1-02 593 

yaw — (*) 1. The rotation of an aircraft, ship, or missile about its vertical axis so as to 

cause the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, ship, or missile to deviate from the flight line 

or heading in its horizontal plane. 2. Angle between the longitudinal axis of a 

projectile at any moment and the tangent to the trajectory in the corresponding point of 

flight of the projectile. 

yield — See nuclear yields.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

594 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

Z 

JP 1-02 595 

zero-length launching — (*) A technique in which the first motion of the missile or 

aircraft removes it from the launcher. 

zero point — The location of the center of a burst of a nuclear weapon at the instant of 

detonation. The zero point may be in the air, or on or beneath the surface of land or 

water, depending upon the type of burst, and it is thus to be distinguished from ground 

zero. 

zone I (nuclear) — A circular area determined by using minimum safe distance I as the 

radius and the desired ground zero as the center from which all armed forces are 

evacuated. If evacuation is not possible or if a commander elects a higher degree of 

risk, maximum protective measures will be required. 

zone II (nuclear) — A circular area (less zone I) determined by using minimum safe 

distance II as the radius and the desired ground zero as the center in which all personnel 

require maximum protection. Maximum protection denotes that armed forces 

personnel are in “buttoned up” tanks or crouched in foxholes with improvised overhead 

shielding. 

zone III (nuclear) — A circular area (less zones I and II) determined by using minimum 

safe distance III as the radius and the desired ground zero as the center in which all 

personnel require minimum protection. Minimum protection denotes that armed forces 

personnel are prone on open ground with all skin areas covered and with an overall 

thermal protection at least equal to that provided by a two-layer uniform. 

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. See also sector.

zone of fire — An area into which a designated ground unit or fire support ship delivers, or 

is prepared to deliver, fire support. Fire may or may not be observed. Also called ZF. 

(JP 3-09) 

ZULU time — See Universal Time.
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

596 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

APPENDIX A 

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 

JP 1-02 A-1 

A 

A analog 

A&P administrative and personnel 

A2C2 Army airspace command and control 

A-3 Operations Directorate (COMAFFOR) 

A-4 Air Force logistics directorate

A-5 Plans Directorate (COMAFFOR) 

AA assessment agent; avenue of approach 

AAA antiaircraft artillery; arrival and assembly area; assign 

 alternate area 

AAAS amphibious aviation assault ship 

AABB American Association of Blood Banks 

AABWS amphibious assault bulk water system 

AAC activity address code 

AACG arrival airfield control group 

AADC area air defense commander 

AADP area air defense plan 

AA&E arms, ammunition, and explosives 

AAEC aeromedical evacuation control team 

AAFES Army and Air Force Exchange Service 

AAFIF automated air facility information file 

AAFS amphibious assault fuel system 

AAFSF amphibious assault fuel supply facility 

AAGS Army air-ground system 

AAI air-to-air interface 

AAM air-to-air missile 

AAMDC US Army Air and Missile Defense Command 

AAOE arrival and assembly operations element 

AAOG arrival and assembly operations group 

AAP Allied administrative publication; assign alternate parent 

AAR after action report; after action review 

AAST aeromedical evacuation administrative support team 

AAT automatic analog test; aviation advisory team 

AATCC amphibious air traffic control center 

AAU analog applique unit 

AAV amphibious assault vehicle 

AAW antiair warfare 

AB airbase 

ABCA American, British, Canadian, Australian Armies 

 Program 

ABCS Army Battle Command System 

ABD airbase defense 

ABFC advanced base functional component 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-2 JP 1-02 

ABFDS aerial bulk fuel delivery system 

ABFS amphibious bulk fuel system 

ABGD air base ground defense 

ABL airborne laser 

ABLTS amphibious bulk liquid transfer system 

ABM antiballistic missile 

ABN airborne 

ABNCP Airborne Command Post 

ABO air base operability; blood typing system 

A/C aircraft 

AC Active Component; aircraft commander; alternating current 

AC2 airspace command and control 

AC-130 Hercules 

ACA airlift clearance authority; airspace control authority; 

 airspace coordination area 

ACAA automatic chemical agent alarm 

ACAPS area communications electronics capabilities 

ACAT aeromedical evacuation command augmentation team 

ACB amphibious construction battalion 

ACC Air Combat Command; air component commander; area 

 coordination center; Army Contracting Command 

ACCE air component coordination element 

ACCON acoustic condition 

ACCS air command and control system 

ACCSA Allied Communications and Computer Security Agency 

ACDO assistant command duty officer 

ACE airborne command element (USAF); air combat element 

 (NATO); Allied Command Europe; aviation combat 

 element; aviation combat element Marine air-ground 

 task force (MAGTF) 

ACEOI automated communications-electronics operating 

 instructions 

ACF air contingency force 

ACI assign call inhibit 

ACIC Army Counterintelligence Center 

ACINT acoustic intelligence 

ACK acknowledgement 

ACL access control list; allowable cabin load 

ACLANT Allied Command Atlantic 

ACLP affiliated contingency load planning 

ACM advanced conventional munitions; advanced cruise missile; 

 air combat maneuver; air contingency Marine air-ground 

 task force (MAGTF); airspace coordinating measure 

ACMREQ airspace control means request; airspace coordination 

 measures request 

ACN assign commercial network 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-3 

ACO administrative contracting officer; airspace control order 

ACOC area communications operations center 

ACOCC air combat operations command center 

ACOS assistant chief of staff 

ACP access control point; air commander’s pointer; airspace 

 control plan; Allied Communications Publication; assign 

 common pool 

ACR armored cavalry regiment (Army); assign channel 

 reassignment 

ACS agile combat support; air-capable ship; airspace control 

 system; auxiliary crane ship 

ACSA acquisition and cross-servicing agreement; Allied 

 Communications Security Agency 

AC/S, C4I Assistant Chief of Staff, Command, Control, 

 Communications, Computers, and Intelligence 

(USMC) 

ACT activity; advance civilian team; Allied Command 

 Transformation 

ACU assault craft unit 

ACV aircraft cockpit video; air cushion vehicle; armored combat 

 vehicle 

ACW advanced conventional weapons 

A/D analog-to-digital 

AD active duty; advanced deployability; air defense; 

 automatic distribution; priority add-on 

ADA aerial damage assessment; air defense artillery 

A/DACG arrival/departure airfield control group 

ADAFCO air defense artillery fire control officer 

ADAL authorized dental allowance list 

ADAM/BAE air defense airspace management/brigade aviation element 

ADAMS Allied Deployment and Movement System 

ADANS Air Mobility Command Deployment Analysis System 

ADC air defense commander; area damage control 

ADCAP advanced capability 

A/DCG arrival/departure control group 

ADCI/MS Associate Director of Central Intelligence for Military 

 Support 

ADCON administrative control 

ADD assign on-line diagnostic 

ADDO Assistant Deputy Director for Operations 

ADDO(MS) Assistant Deputy Director for Operations/Military 

 Support 

ADE air defense emergency; assign digit editing 

ADF automatic direction finding 

ADIZ air defense identification zone 

ADKC/RCU Automatic Key Distribution Center/Rekeying Control Unit 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-4 JP 1-02 

ADL advanced distributed learning; armistice demarcation 

 line; assign XX (SL) routing 

ADMIN administration 

ADN Allied Command Europe desired ground zero number 

ADNET anti-drug network 

ADOC air defense operations center 

ADP air defense plan; automated data processing 

ADPE automated data processing equipment 

ADPS automatic data processing system 

ADR accident data recorder; aircraft damage repair; armament 

 delivery recording 

ADRA Adventist Development and Relief Agency 

ADS air defense section; air defense sector; amphibian discharge 

 site 

ADSIA Allied Data Systems Interoperability Agency 

ADSW active duty for special work 

ADT active duty for training; assign digital transmission group; 

 automatic digital tester 

ADUSD(TP) Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, Transportation 

 Policy 

ADVON advanced echelon 

ADW air defense warnings 

ADWC air defense warning condition 

ADZ amphibious defense zone 

A/E ammunition/explosives

AE aeromedical evacuation; assault echelon; attenuation 

 equalizer 

AEC aeromedical evacuation crew 

AECA Arms Export Control Act 

AECC aeromedical evacuation coordination center 

AECM aeromedical evacuation crew member 

AECS aeromedical evacuation command squadron 

AECT aeromedical evacuation control team 

AEF air and space expeditionary force 

AEG air expeditionary group 

AELT aeromedical evacuation liaison team 

AEOS aeromedical evacuation operations squadron 

AEOT aeromedical evacuation operations team 

AEPS aircrew escape propulsion system 

AEPST aeromedical evacuation plans and strategy team 

AES aeromedical evacuation squadron; aeromedical evacuation 

 system 

AESC aeromedical evacuation support cell 

AET airport emergency team 

AETC Air Education and Training Command 

AETF air and space expeditionary task force 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-5 

A/ETF automated/electronic target folder 

AEU assign essential user bypass 

AEW air and space expeditionary wing; airborne early warning 

AEW&C airborne early warning and control 

AF amphibious force 

AFAARS Air Force After Action Reporting System 

AFAOC Air Force air and space operations center 

AFARN Air Force air request net 

AFATDS Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System 

AFB Air Force base 

AFC area frequency coordinator; automatic frequency control 

AFCA Air Force Communications Agency 

AFCAP Air Force Contract Augmentation Program; Armed 

 Forces contract augmentation program 

AFCC Air Force Component Commander 

AFCCC Air Force Combat Climatology Center 

AFCEE Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence 

AFCENT Allied Forces Central Europe (NATO) 

AFCERT Air Force computer emergency response team 

AFCESA Air Force Civil Engineering Support Agency 

AFCS automatic flight control system 

AFD assign fixed directory 

AFDC Air Force Doctrine Center 

AFDD Air Force doctrine document 

AFDIGS Air Force digital graphics system 

AFDIL Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory 

AFDIS Air Force Weather Agency Dial In Subsystem 

AF/DP Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, United States Air Force 

AFE Armed Forces Entertainment 

AFEES Armed Forces Examining and Entrance Station 

AFFIS Air Facilities File Information System 

AFFMA Air Force Frequency Management Agency 

AFFOR Air Force forces 

AFH Air Force handbook 

AFI Air Force instruction 

AFID anti-fratricide identification device 

AF/IL Deputy Chief of Staff for Installations and Logistics, USAF 

AFIP Armed Forces Institute of Pathology 

AFIS American Forces Information Service 

AFIRB Armed Forces Identification Review Board 

AFIWC Air Force Information Warfare Center 

AFJI Air Force joint instruction 

AFJMAN Air Force Joint Manual 

AFLC Air Force Logistics Command 

AFLE Air Force liaison element 

AFLNO Air Force liaison officer 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-6 JP 1-02 

AFMAN Air Force manual 

AFMC Air Force Materiel Command 

AFMD Air Force Mission Directive 

AFME Armed Forces Medical Examiner 

AFMES Armed Forces Medical Examiner System 

AFMIC Armed Forces Medical Intelligence Center 

AFMLO Air Force Medical Logistics Office 

AFMS Air Force Medical Service 

AFNORTH Air Force North; Allied Forces Northern Europe (NATO) 

AFNORTHWEST Allied Forces North West Europe (NATO) 

AFNSEP Air Force National Security and Emergency Preparedness 

 Agency 

AFOE assault follow-on echelon 

AFOSI Air Force Office of Special Investigations 

AFPAM Air Force pamphlet 

AFPC Air Force Personnel Center 

AFPD Air Force policy directive 

AFPEO Armed Forces Professional Entertainment Overseas 

AFR Air Force Reserve; assign frequency for network reporting 

AFRC Air Force Reserve Command; Armed Forces Recreation 

 Center 

AFRCC Air Force rescue coordination center 

AFRL Air Force Research Laboratory

AFRRI Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute 

AFRTS Armed Forces Radio and Television Service 

AFS aeronautical fixed service 

AFSATCOM Air Force satellite communications (system) 

AFSB Army field support brigade

AFSC Armed Forces Staff College; United States Air Force 

 specialty code 

AFSCN Air Force Satellite Control Network

AFSOB Air Force special operations base 

AFSOC Air Force Special Operations Command; Air Force special 

 operations component 

AFSOCC Air Force special operations control center 

AFSOD Air Force special operations detachment 

AFSOE Air Force special operations element 

AFSOF Air Force special operations forces 

AFSOUTH Allied Forces, South (NATO) 

AFSPACE United States Space Command Air Force 

AFSPC Air Force Space Command 

AFSPOC Air Force Space Operations Center 

AFTAC Air Force Technical Applications Center 

AFTH Air Force Theater Hospital 

AFTN Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunications Network 

AFTO Air Force technical order 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-7 

AFTRANS Air Force Transportation Component 

AFTTP Air Force tactics, techniques, and procedures; Air Force 

 technical training publication 

AFTTP(I) Air Force tactics, techniques, and procedures (instruction) 

AFW Air Force Weather 

AFWA Air Force Weather Agency 

AFWCF Air Force working capital fund 

AFWIN Air Force Weather Information Network 

AF/XO Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Operations, United 

 States Air Force 

AF/XOI Air Force Director of Intelligence, Surveillance, and 

 Reconnaissance 

AF/XOO Director of Operations, United States Air Force 

A/G air to ground 

AG adjutant general (Army) 

AGARD Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Development 

AGCCS Army Global Command and Control System 

AGE aerospace ground equipment 

AGI advanced geospatial intelligence 

AGIL airborne general illumination lightself 

AGL above ground level 

AGM-28A Hound Dog 

AGM-65 Maverick 

AGM-69 short range attack missile 

AGR Active Guard and Reserve 

AGS aviation ground support 

AHA alert holding area 

AHD antihandling device 

AI airborne interceptor; air interdiction; area of interest 

AIA Air Intelligence Agency 

AIASA annual integrated assessment for security assistance 

AIC air intercept controller; assign individual compressed 

 dial; Atlantic Intelligence Command 

AICF/USA Action Internationale Contre La Faim (International Action 

 Against Hunger) 

AIDS acquired immune deficiency syndrome 

AIF automated installation intelligence file 

AIFA AAFES Imprest Fund Activity 

AIG addressee indicator group 

AIIRS automated intelligence information reporting system 

AIK assistance in kind 

AIM Airman’s Information Manual 

AIM-7 Sparrow 

AIM-9 Sidewinder 

AIM-54A Phoenix 

AIMD aircraft intermediate maintenance department 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-8 JP 1-02 

AIQC antiterrorism instructor qualification course 

AIRBAT Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance 

 Requirements-Based Allocation Tool 

AIRCENT Allied Air Forces Central Europe (NATO) 

AIRES advanced imagery requirements exploitation system 

AIREVACCONFIRM air evacuation confirmation 

AIREVACREQ air evacuation request 

AIREVACRESP air evacuation response 

AIRNORTHWEST Allied Air Forces North West Europe (NATO) 

AIRREQRECON air request reconnaissance 

AIRSOUTH Allied Air Forces Southern Europe (NATO) 

AIRSUPREQ air support request 

AIS automated information system 

AIT aeromedical isolation team; automatic identification 

 technology 

AIU Automatic Digital Network Interface Unit 

AJ anti-jam 

AJBPO area joint blood program office 

AJCC alternate joint communications center 

AJ/CM anti-jam control modem 

AJF allied joint force 

AJFP adaptive joint force packaging 

AJMRO area joint medical regulating office 

AJNPE airborne joint nuclear planning element 

AJP Allied joint publication 

AK commercial cargo ship 

AKNLDG acknowledge message 

ALARA as low as reasonably achievable

ALCC airlift control center 

ALCE airlift control element 

ALCF airlift control flight 

ALCG analog line conditioning group 

ALCM air launched cruise missile 

ALCOM United States Alaskan Command 

ALCON all concerned 

ALCS airlift control squadron 

ALCT airlift control team 

ALD accounting line designator; airborne laser designator; 

 available-to-load date 

ALE airlift liaison element 

ALERFA alert phase (ICAO) 

ALERT attack and launch early reporting to theater 

ALERTORD alert order 

ALLOREQ air allocation request 

ALLTV all light level television 

ALMSNSCD airlift mission schedule 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-9 

ALN ammunition lot number

ALNOT alert notice; search and rescue alert notice 

ALO air liaison officer 

ALOC air line of communications 

ALORD alert launch order 

ALP Allied Logistic Publication 

ALSA Air Land Sea Application (Center) 

ALSS advanced logistic support site 

ALT acquisition, logistics, and technology

ALTD airborne laser target designator 

ALTRV altitude reservation 

ALTTSC alternate Tomahawk strike coordinator 

A/M approach and moor 

AM amplitude modulation 

AMAL authorized medical allowance list 

AMB air mobility branch; ambassador 

AMBUS ambulance bus 

AMC airborne mission coordinator; Air Mobility Command; 

 Army Materiel Command: midpoint compromise search 

 area 

AMCC allied movement coordination center; alternate military 

 command center 

AMCIT American citizen 

AMCM airborne mine countermeasures 

AMCT air mobility control team 

AMD air and missile defense; air mobility division 

AME antenna mounted electronics 

AMEDD Army Medical Department 

AMEDDCS U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School 

AMedP Allied Medical Publication

AMEMB American Embassy 

AMF(L) ACE Mobile Force (Land) (NATO) 

AMH automated message handler 

AMIO alien migrant interdiction operations 

AMLO air mobility liaison officer 

AMMO ammunition 

AMOC Air Marine Operations Center 

AMOCC air mobility operations control center 

AMOG air mobility operations group 

AMOPES Army Mobilization and Operations Planning and 

 Execution System 

AMOPS Army mobilization and operations planning system; Army 

 mobilization operations system 

AMOS air mobility operations squadron 

AMOSS Air and Marine Operations Surveillance System 

AMOW air mobility operations wing 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-10 JP 1-02 

AMP amplifier; analysis of mobility platform 

AMPE automated message processing exchange 

AMPN amplification 

AMPSSO Automated Message Processing System Security Office 

 (or Officer) 

AMRAAM advanced medium-range air-to-air missile 

AMS aerial measuring system; air mobility squadron; Army 

 management structure; Asset Management System 

AMSS air mobility support squadron 

AMT aerial mail terminal 

AMVER automated mutual-assistance vessel rescue system 

AMW air mobility wing; amphibious warfare 

AN alphanumeric; analog nonsecure 

ANCA Allied Naval Communications Agency 

ANDVT advanced narrowband digital voice terminal 

ANG Air National Guard 

ANGLICO air-naval gunfire liaison company 

ANGUS Air National Guard of the United States 

A/NM administrative/network management 

ANMCC Alternate National Military Command Center 

ANN assign NNX routing 

ANR Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command 

 Region 

ANSI American National Standards Institute 

ANX assign NNXX routing 

ANY assign NYX routing 

ANZUS Australia-New Zealand-United States Treaty 

AO action officer; administration officer; air officer; area of 

 operations; aviation ordnance person 

AO&M administration, operation, and maintenance 

AOA amphibious objective area 

AOB advanced operations base; aviation operations branch 

AOC air and space operations center (USAF); air operations 

 center; Army operations center 

AOCC air operations control center 

AOC-E Aviation Operations Center-East (USCS) 

AOCU analog orderwire control unit 

AOC-W Aviation Operations Center-West (USCS) 

AOD on-line diagnostic 

AOF azimuth of fire 

AOI area of interest 

AOL area of limitation 

AOP air operations plan; area of probability 

AOR area of responsibility 

AOS area of separation 

AOSS aviation ordnance safety supervisor 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-11 

AOTR Aviation Operational Threat Response 

AP allied publication; antipersonnel; average power 

APA Army pre-positioned afloat 

APAN Asia-Pacific Area Network 

APC aerial port commander; armored personnel carrier; assign 

 preprogrammed conference list 

APCC alternate processing and correlation center 

APES Automated Patient Evacuation System 

APF afloat pre-positioning force 

APG aimpoint graphic 

APHIS Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

APIC allied press information center 

APL antipersonnel land 

APO afloat pre-positioning operations; Air Force post office; 

 Army post office 

APOD aerial port of debarkation 

APOE aerial port of embarkation 

APORT aerial port 

APORTSREP air operations bases report 

APP allied procedural publication 

APPS analytical photogrammetric positioning system 

APR assign primary zone routing 

APS aerial port squadron; afloat pre-positioning ship; Army 

 pre-positioned stocks 

APS-3 afloat pre-positioning stocks 

APU auxiliary power unit 

AR air refueling; Army regulation; Army reserve 

ARB alternate recovery base; assign receive bypass lists 

ARBS angle rate bombing system 

ARC air Reserve Components; American Red Cross 

ARCENT United States Army Central Command 

ARCP air refueling control point 

ARCT air refueling control team; air refueling control time 

ARDF automatic radio direction finding 

AREC air resource element coordinator 

ARFOR Army forces 

ARG amphibious ready group 

ARGO automatic ranging grid overlay 

ARINC Aeronautical Radio Incorporated 

ARIP air refueling initiation point 

ARL-M airborne reconnaissance low-multifunction 

ARM antiradiation missile 

ARNG Army National Guard 

ARNGUS Army National Guard of the United States 

ARNORTH US Army North 

ARP air refueling point 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-12 JP 1-02 

ARPERCEN United States Army Reserve Personnel Center 

ARQ automatic request-repeat 

ARRC Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps (NATO) 

ARRDATE arrival date 

ARS acute radiation syndrome; air rescue service 

ARSOA Army special operations aviation 

ARSOC Army special operations component 

ARSOF Army special operations forces 

ARSOTF Army special operations task force 

ARSPACE Army Space Command 

ARSPOC Army space operations center 

ARSST Army space support team

ART air reserve technician 

ARTCC air route traffic control center 

ARTS III Automated Radar Tracking System 

ARTYMET artillery meteorological 

AS analog secure; aviation ship 

A/S anti-spoofing 

ASA automatic spectrum analyzer 

ASA(ALT) Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, 

 Logistics, and Technology

ASAP as soon as possible 

ASARS Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System 

ASAS All Source Analysis System 

ASAT antisatellite weapon 

ASB naval advanced support base 

ASBP Armed Services Blood Program 

ASBPO Armed Services Blood Program Office 

ASC acting service chief; Aeronautical Systems Center; Air 

 Systems Command; Army Sustainment Command; 

 assign switch classmark; Automatic Digital Network 

 switching center 

ASCC Air Standardization Coordinating Committee; Army Service 

 component command; Army Service component 

commander 

ASCIET all Services combat identification evaluation team 

ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange 

ASCOPE areas, structures, capabilities, organizations, people, and 

 events 

ASCS air support control section; air support coordination 

 section 

ASD Assistant Secretary of Defense 

ASD(A&L) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Acquisition and Logistics) 

ASD(C) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) 

ASD(C3I) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Command, Control, 

 Communications, and Intelligence) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-13 

ASD(FM&P) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Force Management and 

 Personnel) 

ASD(FMP) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Force Management Policy) 

ASD(HA) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) 

ASD(HD) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Homeland Defense) 

ASD(HD&ASA) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Homeland Defense and 

 Americas’ Security Affairs) 

ASDI analog simple data interface 

ASDIA All-Source Document Index 

ASD(ISA) Assistant Secretary of Defense (International Security 

 Affairs) 

ASD(ISP) Assistant Secretary of Defense (International Security 

 Policy) 

ASD(LA) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Legislative Affairs) 

ASD(NII) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Networks and Information 

 Integration) 

ASD(P&L) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Production and 

 Logistics) 

ASD(PA) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) 

ASD(PA&E) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Program Analysis and 

 Evaluation) 

ASD(RA) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Reserve Affairs) 

ASD(RSA) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Regional Security Affairs) 

ASD(S&R) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Strategy and 

 Requirements) 

ASD(SO/LIC) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Special Operations and Low- 

 Intensity Conflict) 

ASD(SO/LIC&IC) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Special Operations/Low 

 Intensity Conflict and Interdependent Capabilities) 

ASE aircraft survivability equipment; automated stabilization 

 equipment 

ASF aeromedical staging facility 

ASG area support group 

ASH Assistant Administrator for Security and Hazardous 

 Materials 

ASI assign and display switch initialization 

ASIC Air and Space Interoperability Council 

ASIF Airlift Support Industrial Fund 

ASL allowable supply list; archipelagic sea lane; assign switch 

 locator (SL) routing; authorized stockage list (Army) 

ASM air-to-surface missile; armored scout mission; automated 

 scheduling message 

ASMD antiship missile defense 

ASN(RD&A) Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, 

 Development and Acquisition

ASO advanced special operations; air support operations 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-14 JP 1-02 

ASOC air support operations center 

ASOFDTG as of date/time group 

ASP ammunition supply point

ASPA American Service-Members’ Protection Act 

ASPP acquisition systems protection program 

ASPPO Armed Service Production Planning Office 

ASR air support request; available supply rate 

ASSETREP transportation assets report 

AST assign secondary traffic channels 

ASTS aeromedical staging squadron 

ASW antisubmarine warfare; average surface wind 

ASWBPL Armed Services Whole Blood Processing Laboratories 

ASWC antisubmarine warfare commander 

AT annual training; antitank; antiterrorism 

At total attainable search area 

ATA Airlift Tanker Association; airport traffic area 

ATAC antiterrorism alert center (Navy) 

ATACC advanced tactical air command center 

ATACMS Army Tactical Missile System 

ATACO air tactical actions control officer 

ATACS Army Tactical Communications System 

ATAF Allied Tactical Air Force (NATO) 

ATBM antitactical ballistic missile 

ATC air target chart; Air Threat Conference; air traffic control; 

 air transportable clinic (USAF) 

ATCA Allied Tactical Communications Agency 

ATCAA air traffic control assigned airspace 

ATCALS air traffic control and landing system 

ATCC air traffic control center; Antiterrorism Coordinating 

 Committee 

ATCC-SSG Antiterrorism Coordinating Committee-Senior Steering 

 Group 

ATCRBS Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System 

ATCS air traffic control section 

ATDL1 Army tactical data link 1 

ATDLS Advanced Tactical Data Link System 

ATDM adaptive time division multiplexer 

ATDS airborne tactical data system 

ATEP Antiterrorism Enterprise Portal 

ATF Advanced Targeting FLIR; amphibious task force; Bureau 

 of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (TREAS) 

AT/FP antiterrorism/force protection 

ATG amphibious task group; assign trunk group cluster 

ATGM antitank guided missile; antitank guided munition 

ATH air transportable hospital; assign thresholds 

ATHS Airborne Target Handover System 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-15 

ATM advanced trauma management; air target material; assign 

 traffic metering 

ATMCT air terminal movement control team 

ATMP Air Target Materials Program 

ATN assign thresholds 

ATO air tasking order; antiterrorism officer 

ATOC air tactical operations center; air terminal operations center 

ATOCONF air tasking order/confirmation 

ATP advance targeting pod; allied tactical publication 

ATR attrition reserve 

ATS air traffic service; assign terminal service 

ATSD(AE) Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (Atomic Energy) 

ATSD(IO) Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (Intelligence 

 Oversight) 

ATSD(NCB) Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and 

 Chemical and Biological Defense Programs 

ATT assign terminal type 

ATTU air transportable treatment unit 

ATWG antiterrorism working group 

AUEL automated unit equipment list 

AUF airborne use of force 

AUG application user group 

AUIC active duty unit identification code 

AUTODIN Automatic Digital Network 

AUX auxiliary 

AV air vehicle; asset visibility 

AV-8 Harrier 

AVCAL aviation consolidated allowance list

AVDTG analog via digital trunk group 

AVGAS aviation gasoline 

AVIM aviation intermediate maintenance 

AVL assign variable location 

AVOU analog voice orderwire unit 

AVOW analog voice orderwire 

AVS audiovisual squadron 

AVUM aviation unit maintenance 

AV/VI audiovisual/visual information 

AW acoustic warfare; air warfare 

AWACS Airborne Warning and Control System 

AWC air warfare commander 

AWCAP airborne weapons corrective action program 

AWCCM acoustic warfare counter-countermeasures 

AWCM acoustic warfare countermeasures 

AWDS automated weather distribution system 

AWN Automated Weather Network 

AWOL absent without leave 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-16 JP 1-02 

AWS Air Weather Service 

AWSE armament weapons support equipment 

AWSIM air warfare simulation model 

AWSR Air Weather Service regulation 

AXP ambulance exchange point 

AXX assign XXX routing 

AZR assign zone restriction lists 

B 

B cross-over barrier pattern 

B-52 Stratofortress 

B&A boat and aircraft 

BAE brigade aviation element 

BAF backup alert force 

BAG baggage 

BAH basic allowance for housing 

BAI backup aircraft inventory; battlefield air interdiction 

BALO battalion air liaison officer 

BAS basic allowance for subsistence; battalion aid station 

BATF Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms 

B/B baseband 

BB breakbulk 

BBL barrel (42 US gallons) 

BC bottom current 

BCA border crossing authority 

BCAT beddown capability assessment tool 

BCD battlefield coordination detachment 

BCI bit count integrity 

BCL battlefield coordination line 

BCN beacon 

BCOC base cluster operations center 

BCR baseline change request 

BCT brigade combat team 

BCTP battle command training program 

BCU beach clearance unit 

BDA battle damage assessment 

BDAREP battle damage assessment report 

BDC blood donor center 

BDE brigade 

BDL beach discharge lighter 

BDOC base defense operations center 

BDR battle damage repair 

BDRP Biological Defense Research Program 

BDZ base defense zone 

BE basic encyclopedia 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-17 

BEAR base expeditionary airfield resources 

BEE bioenvironmental engineering officer 

BEN base encyclopedia number 

BE number basic encyclopedia number 

BER bit error ratio 

BES budget estimate submission 

BFT blue force tracking

BfV Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz (federal office for 

 defending the Constitution) 

BGC boat group commander 

BHR Bureau of Humanitarian Response 

BI battlefield injury 

BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs 

BIAS Battlefield Illumination Assistance System 

BIDDS Base Information Digital Distribution System 

BIDE basic identity data element 

BIFC Boise Interagency Fire Center 

BIH International Time Bureau (Bureau International 

 d’l’Heure) 

BII base information infrastructure 

BINM Bureau of International Narcotics Matters 

BIO biological; Bureau of International Organizations 

BIS Bureau of Industry and Security 

BISS base installation security system 

BIT built-in test 

BITE built-in test equipment 

BIU beach interface unit 

BKA Bundeskriminalamt (federal criminal office) 

BL biocontainment level 

BLCP beach lighterage control point 

BLDREP blood report 

BLDSHIPREP blood shipment report 

BLM Bureau of Land Management 

BLOS beyond line of sight 

BLS beach landing site 

BLT battalion landing team 

BM ballistic missile; battle management; beachmaster 

BMC4I Battle Management Command, Control, Communications, 

 Computers, and Intelligence 

BMCT begin morning civil twilight 

BMD ballistic missile defense 

BMDO Ballistic Missile Defense Organization 

BMET biomedical equipment technician 

BMEWS ballistic missile early warning system 

BMNT begin morning nautical twilight 

BMU beachmaster unit 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-18 JP 1-02 

BN battalion 

BND Bundesnachrichtendienst (federal intelligence service) 

BOA basic ordering agreement 

BOC base operations center; bomb on coordinate 

BOCCA Bureau of Coordination of Civil Aircraft (NATO) 

BOG beach operations group 

BOH bottom of hill 

BORFIC Border Patrol Field Intelligence Center 

BOS base operating support; battlefield operating system 

BOSG base operations support group 

BOSS base operating support service 

BOT bomb on target 

BP battle position; block parity 

BPA blanket purchase agreement 

BPD blood products depot 

BPG beach party group 

BPI bits per inch 

BPO blood program office 

BPPBS bi-annual planning, programming, and budget system 

bps bits per second 

BPSK biphase shift keying 

BPT beach party team 

BPWRR bulk petroleum war reserve requirement 

BPWRS bulk petroleum war reserve stocks 

BR budget review 

BRAC base realignment and closure 

BRACE Base Resource and Capability Estimator 

BRC base recovery course 

BS battle staff; broadcast source 

BSA beach support area; brigade support area 

BSC black station clock 

BSC ro black station clock receive out 

BSCT behavioral science consultation team 

BSD blood supply detachment 

BSI base support installation 

BSP base support plan 

BSSG brigade service support group 

BSU blood supply unit 

BT bathythermograph 

BTB believed-to-be 

BTC blood transshipment center 

BTG basic target graphic 

BTOC battalion tactical operations center 

BTS Border and Transportation Security (DHS) 

BTU beach termination unit 

BULK bulk cargo 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-19 

BUMEDINST Bureau of Medicine and Surgery instruction 

BVR beyond visual range 

BW bandwidth; biological warfare; biological weapon 

BWC Biological Weapons Convention 

BZ buffer zone 

C 

C Celsius; centigrade; clock; compromise band; coverage 

 factor; creeping line pattern 

C&A certification and accreditation 

C&E communications and electronics 

C&LAT cargo and loading analysis table 

C2 command and control 

C2-attack an offensive form of command and control warfare 

C2E command and control element 

C2IP Command and Control Initiatives Program 

C2IPS Command and Control Information Processing System 

C2P command and control protection 

C2-protect a defensive form of command and control warfare 

C2S command and control support 

C-2X coalition Intelligence Directorate counterintelligence and 

 human intelligence staff element 

C3 command, control, and communications 

C3AG Command, Control, and Communications Advisory Group 

C3CM command, control, and communications countermeasures 

C3I command, control, communications, and intelligence 

C3IC coalition coordination, communications, and integration 

 center 

C3SMP Command, Control, and Communications Systems Master 

 Plan 

C4CM command, control, communications, and computer 

 countermeasures 

C4I command, control, communications, computers, and 

 intelligence 

C4IFTW command, control, communications, computers, and 

 intelligence for the Warrior 

C4ISR command, control, communications, computers, 

 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance 

C4S command, control, communications, and computer 

 systems 

C4 systems command, control, communications, and computer 

 systems 

C-5 Galaxy 

C-17 Globemaster III 

C-21 Learjet 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-20 JP 1-02 

C-27 Spartan 

C-130 Hercules 

C-141 Starlifter 

CA civil administration; civil affairs; combat assessment 

C/A course acquisition 

CAA civil air augmentation; combat aviation advisors; 

 command arrangement agreement 

CAAF contractors authorized to accompany the force

CAB combat aviation brigade 

CAC common access card; current actions center 

CACOM Civil Affairs command 

CACTIS community automated intelligence system 

CAD Canadian Air Division; cartridge actuated device; collective 

 address designator 

CADRS concern and deficiency reporting system 

CADS containerized ammunition distribution system 

CAE command assessment element 

CAF Canadian Air Force; combat air forces; commander, 

 airborne/air assault force 

CAFMS computer-assisted force management system 

CAG carrier air group; civil affairs group; collective address group 

CAGO contractor acquired government owned

CAIMS conventional ammunition integrated management system 

CAINS carrier aircraft inertial navigation system 

CAL caliber; critical asset list 

CALA Community Airborne Library Architecture 

CALCM conventional air-launched cruise missile 

CALICS communication, authentication, location, intentions, 

 condition, and situation 

CALMS computer-aided load manifesting system 

CAM chemical agent monitor; crisis action module 

CAMPS Consolidated Air Mobility Planning System 

CAMT countering air and missile threats 

CANA convulsant antidote for nerve agent 

CANADA COM Canada Command 

CANR Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command 

 Region 

CANUS Canada-United States 

CAO chief administrative officer; civil affairs operations; 

 counterair operation 

CAOC combat air operations center; combined air operations 

 center 

CAO SOP standing operating procedures for coordination of atomic 

 operations 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-21 

CAP Civil Air Patrol; civil augmentation program; combat air 

 patrol; configuration and alarm panel; Consolidated 

 Appeals Process (UN); crisis action planning 

CAPT civil affairs planning team

CAR Chief of the Army Reserve 

CARDA continental United States airborne reconnaissance for 

 damage assessment; continental United States area 

 reconnaissance for damage assessment 

CARE Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere 

 (CAREUSA) 

CARIBROC Caribbean Regional Operations Center 

CARP computed air release point; contingency alternate route 

 plan 

CARS combat arms regimental system 

CARVER criticality, accessibility, recuperability, vulnerability, effect, 

 and recognizability 

CAS casualty; civil aviation security; close air support 

CASEVAC casualty evacuation 

CASF contingency aeromedical staging facility 

CASP computer-aided search planning 

CASPER contact area summary position report 

CASREP casualty report 

CASREQ close air support request 

CAT category; crisis action team 

CATCC carrier air traffic control center 

CATF commander, amphibious task force 

CAU crypto ancillary unit; cryptographic auxiliary unit 

CAVU ceiling and visibility unlimited 

CAW carrier air wing 

CAW/ESS crisis action weather and environmental support system 

CAX computer-assisted exercise 

C-B chemical-biological 

CB chemical-biological; construction battalion (SEABEES) 

CBBLS hundreds of barrels 

CBD chemical, biological defense 

CBFS cesium beam frequency standard 

CBIRF chemical-biological incident response force 

CBLTU common battery line terminal unit 

CBMR capabilities-based munitions requirements 

CBMU construction battalion maintenance unit 

CBP capabilities-based planning; Customs and Border Protection 

CBPO Consolidated Base Personnel Office 

CBPS chemical biological protective shelter 

CBR chemical, biological, and radiological 

CBRN Caribbean Basin Radar Network; chemical, biological, 

 radiological, and nuclear 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-22 JP 1-02 

CBRNE chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield 

 explosives 

CBRN hazard chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear hazard

CBRN passive defense chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear passive 

 defense 

CBRT chemical-biological response team 

CBS common battery signaling 

CBT common battery terminal 

CbT combating terrorism 

CbT-RIF Combating Terrorism Readiness Initiatives Fund 

CBTZ combat zone 

CBU cluster bomb unit; conference bridge unit; construction 

 battalion unit 

CBW chemical and biological warfare 

C/C cabin cruiser; cast off and clear 

CC command center; component command (NATO); critical 

 capability 

CC&D camouflage, concealment, and deception 

CCA carrier-controlled approach; central contracting authority; 

 circuit card assembly; container control activity; 

 contamination control area; contingency capabilities 

 assessment; contract construction agent (DOD) 

CCAP combatant command AFRTS planner 

CCAS contingency contract administration services 

CCAS-C contingency contract administration services commander 

CCATT critical care air transport team 

CCB Community Counterterrorism Board; Configuration 

 Control Board 

CCC coalition coordination cell; coalition coordination center; 

 crisis coordination center; critical control circuit; cross- 

 cultural communications course 

CCD camouflage, concealment, and deception 

CCDR combatant commander 

CCE container control element; continuing criminal enterprise 

CCEB Combined Communications-Electronics Board 

CCF collection coordination facility 

CCG crisis coordination group 

CCGD commander, Coast Guard district 

CCIB command center integration branch 

CCIF Combatant Commander Initiative Fund 

CCIP continuously computed impact point 

CCIR commander’s critical information requirement; 

 International Radio Consultative Committee 

CCIS common channel interswitch signaling 

CCITT International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative 

 Committee 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-23 

CCIU CEF control interface unit 

CCJTF commander, combined joint task force 

CCL communications/computer link 

CCLI computer control list item 

CCO central control officer; combat cargo officer; command 

 and control office; complex contingency operation; 

 contingency contracting officer 

CCOI critical contact of interest 

CCP casualty collection point; consolidated cryptologic 

 program; consolidation and containerization point 

CCPDS command center processing and display system 

CCR closed circuit refueling

CCRD combatant commander’s required delivery date 

C-CS communication and computer systems 

CCS central control ship; container control site 

CCSA containership cargo stowage adapter 

CCSD command communications service designator; control 

 communications service designator 

CCT collaborative contingency targeting; combat control team 

CCTI Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff commended 

 training issue 

CCTV closed circuit television 

CCW 1980 United Nations Convention on Conventional 

 Weapons; continuous carrier wave 

CD channel designator; compact disc; counterdrug 

C-day unnamed day on which a deployment operation begins 

CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

CDE collateral damage estimation 

CDERA Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency 

CDF combined distribution frame 

CDI cargo disposition instructions; conditioned diphase 

C di conditioned diphase 

CDHAM Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance 

 Medicine 

CDIP combined defense improvement project 

CDIPO counterdrug intelligence preparation for operations 

CDLMS common data link management system 

CDM cable driver modem 

CDMGB cable driver modem group buffer 

CDN compressed dial number 

CDO command duty officer; commander, detainee operations 

CDOC counterdrug operations center 

CDOPS counterdrug operations 

CDP commander’s dissemination policy; landing craft air cushion 

 departure point 

CDR commander; continuous data recording 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-24 JP 1-02 

CDRAFSOF commander, Air Force special operations forces 

CDRARNORTH Commander, US Army North 

CDRCFCOM Commander, Combined Forces Command 

CDRESC commander, electronic security command 

CDREUDAC Commander, European Command Defense Analysis 

 Center (ELINT) or European Data Analysis Center 

CDRFORSCOM Commander, Forces Command 

CDRG catastrophic disaster response group (FEMA) 

CDRJSOTF commander, joint special operations task force 

CDRL contract data requirements list 

CDRMTMC Commander, Military Traffic Management Command 

CDRNORAD Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command 

CD-ROM compact disc read-only memory 

CDRTSOC commander, theater special operations command 

CDRUNC Commander, United Nations Command 

CDRUSAINSCOM Commander, United States Army Intelligence and Security 

 Command 

CDRUSCENTCOM Commander, United States Central Command 

CDRUSELEMNORAD Commander, United States Element, North American 

 Aerospace Defense Command 

CDRUSEUCOM Commander, United States European Command 

CDRUSJFCOM Commander, United States Joint Forces Command 

CDRUSNAVEUR Commander, United States Naval Forces, Europe 

CDRUSNORTHCOM Commander, United States Northern Command 

CDRUSPACOM Commander, United States Pacific 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 

CDSSC continuity of operations plan designated successor service 

 chief 

CDU counterdrug update 

C-E communications-electronics 

CE casualty estimation; circular error; command element 

 (MAGTF); communications-electronics; core element; 

counterespionage 

CEA captured enemy ammunition 

CEB combat engineer battalion 

CEC civil engineer corps 

CECOM communications-electronics command 

CEDI commercial electronic data interface 

CEDREP communications-electronics deployment report 

CEE captured enemy equipment 

CEF civil engineering file; common equipment facility 

CEG common equipment group 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-25 

CEI critical employment indicator 

CEM combined effects munition 

CEMC communications-electronics management center 

CENTRIXS Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange 

 System 

CEOI communications-electronics operating instructions 

CEP cable entrance panel; circular error probable 

CEPOD communications-electronics post-deployment report 

CERF Central Emergency Revolving Fund (UN) 

CERFP CBRNE enhanced response force package 

CERP Commanders’ Emergency Response Program 

CERT computer emergency response team 

CERTSUB certain submarine 

CES coast earth station 

CESE civil engineering support equipment; communications 

 equipment support element 

CESG communications equipment support group 

CESO civil engineer support office 

CESPG civil engineering support plan group; civil engineering 

 support planning generator 

CEXC combined explosives exploitation cell 

CF Canadian forces; causeway ferry; drift error confidence factor 

CFA Committee on Food Aid Policies and Programmes (UN) 

CFACC combined force air component commander 

CFB Canadian forces base 

CFC Combined Forces Command, Korea 

CF-COP counterfire common operational picture 

CFL Contingency Planning Facilities List; coordinated fire 

 line 

CFM cubic feet per minute 

CFO chief financial officer 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

CFS CI force protection source 

CFSO counterintelligence force protection source operations 

CFST coalition forces support team 

CG Chairman’s guidance; Coast Guard; commanding general; 

 Comptroller General 

CGAS Coast Guard Air Station 

CGAUX Coast Guard Auxiliary 

CGC Coast Guard Cutter 

CGCAP Coast Guard capabilities plan 

CGDEFOR Coast Guard defense force 

CGFMFLANT Commanding General, Fleet Marine Forces, Atlantic 

CGFMFPAC Commanding General, Fleet Marine Forces, Pacific 

CGIS US Coast Guard Investigative Service 

CGLSMP Coast Guard logistic support and mobilization plan 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-26 JP 1-02 

CGRS common geographic reference system 

CGS common ground station; continental United States ground 

 station 

CGUSAREUR Commanding General, United States Army, Europe 

CH channel; contingency hospital 

CH-53 Sea Stallion 

CHAMPUS Civilian Health and Medical Program for the Uniformed 

 Services 

CHARC counterintelligence and human intelligence analysis and 

 requirements cell 

CHB cargo handling battalion 

CHCS composite health care system 

CHCSS Chief, Central Security Service 

CHE cargo-handling equipment; container-handling equipment 

CHET customs high endurance tracker 

CHOP change of operational control 

CHPPM US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive 

 Medicine 

CHRIS chemical hazard response information system 

CHSTR characteristics of transportation resources 

CHSTREP characteristics of transportation resources report 

CI civilian internee; counterintelligence 

CIA Central Intelligence Agency 

CIAP Central Intelligence Agency program; central intelligence 

 architecture plan; command, control, communications, 

 computers, intelligence surveillance, reconnaissance 

 (C4ISR) integrated architecture program; command 

 intelligence architecture plan; command intelligence 

 architecture program 

CIAS counterintelligence analysis section 

CIAT counterintelligence analytic team 

CIB combined information bureau; controlled image base 

CIC combat information center; combat intelligence center 

 (Marine Corps); combined intelligence center; 

 communications interface controller; content indicator 

 code; counterintelligence center 

CICA counterintelligence coordination authority 

CICAD Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission 

CID combat identification; combat intelligence division; 

 criminal investigation division 

CIDB common intelligence database 

CIDC Criminal Investigation Division Command 

CIE collaborative information environment 

CIEG/CIEL common information exchange glossary and language 

CIFA counterintelligence field activity 

CIG communications interface group 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-27 

CIHO counterintelligence/human intelligence officer 

CIIR counterintelligence information report 

CI/KR critical infrastructure/key resources 

CIL command information library; critical item list 

CILO counterintelligence liaison officer 

CIM civil information management; compartmented 

 information management 

CIMIC civil-military cooperation 

CIN cargo increment number 

CIO chief information officer; command intelligence officer 

CIOTA counterintelligence operational tasking authority 

CIP communications interface processor; critical infrastructure 

 protection 

CIPSU communications interface processor pseudo line 

CIR continuing intelligence requirement 

CIRM International Radio-Medical Center 

CIRV common interswitch rekeying variable 

CIRVIS communications instructions for reporting vital intelligence 

 sightings 

CIS common item support; Commonwealth of Independent 

 States; communications interface shelter 

CISD critical incident stress debriefing 

CISO counterintelligence staff office; counterintelligence support 

 officer 

CITP counter-IED targeting program 

CIV civilian 

CIVPOL civilian police 

CIWG communications interoperability working group 

CJ-4 combined-joint logistics officer 

CJATF commander, joint amphibious task force 

CJB Congressional Justification Book 

CJCS Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

CJCSAN Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Alerting Network 

CJCSI Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff instruction 

CJCSM Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff manual 

CJDA critical joint duty assignment 

CJMAB Central Joint Mortuary Affairs Board 

CJMAO Central Joint Mortuary Affairs Office; Chief, joint 

 mortuary affairs office 

CJSOTF combined joint special operations task force 

CJTF combined joint task force (NATO); commander, joint task 

 force 

CJTF-CS Commander, Joint Task Force - Civil Support 

CJTF-NCR Commander, Joint Task Force - National Capital Region 

C-JWICS Containerized Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications 

 System 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-28 JP 1-02 

CKT circuit 

CL class 

CLA landing craft air cushion launch area 

CLD compact laser designator 

CLEA civilian law enforcement agency 

C-level category level 

CLF cantilever lifting frame; combat logistics force; 

 commander, landing force 

CLG combat logistics group 

CLGP cannon-launched guided projectile 

CLIPS communications link interface planning system 

CLPSB combatant commander logistic procurement support 

 board

CLPT contingency load planning team 

CLS contracted logistic support 

CLSS combat logistic support squadron 

CLT civil liaison team; combat lasing team 

CLZ craft landing zone; cushion landing zone; landing craft air 

 cushion landing zone 

CM Chairman’s memorandum; collection manager; 

 configuration management; consequence management; 

 control modem; countermine 

Cm mean coverage factor 

cm centimeter 

CMA collection management authority 

CMAA Cooperative Military Airlift Agreement 

CMAH commander of a combatant command’s Mobile Alternate 

 Headquarters 

CMAT consequence management advisory team 

CMC Commandant of the Marine Corps; crew management 

 cell 

Cmc midpoint compromise coverage factor 

CMCB civil-military coordination board 

CMD command; cruise missile defense 

CMHT consequence management home team 

CMMA collection management mission application 

CMO Central Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT) 

 Organization; chief medical officer; chief military observer; 

 civil-military operations; collection management office(r); 

 configuration management office 

CMOC Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center; civil-military 

 operations center 

CMOS cargo movement operations system; complementary 

 metal-oxide semiconductor 

CMP communications message processor; contractor 

 management plan 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-29 

CMPF commander, maritime pre-positioned force 

CMPT consequence management planning team 

CM R&A consequence management response and assessment 

CMRT consequence management response team 

CMS cockpit management system; command management 

 system; community management staff; community 

 security materiel system; contingency mutual support; 

 crisis management system 

CMST consequence management support team 

CMTS comments 

CMTU cartridge magnetic tape unit 

CMV commercial motor vehicle 

CMX crisis management exercise 

CN counternarcotic 

CNA computer network attack 

CNAC Customs National Aviation Center (USCS) 

C-NAF component numbered air force

CNASP chairman’s net assessment for strategic planning 

CNC Crime and Narcotics Center 

CNCE communications nodal control element 

CND computer network defense; counternarcotics division 

CNE computer network exploitation; Counter Narcotics 

 Enforcement 

CNGB Chief, National Guard Bureau 

CNM classified notice to mariners

CNO Chief of Naval Operations; computer network operations 

CNOG Chairman, Nuclear Operations Group 

CNRF Commander, Naval Reserve Forces 

CNSG Commander, Naval Security Group 

CNTY country 

CNWDI critical nuclear weapons design information 

CO commanding officer 

COA course of action 

COAA course-of-action analysis 

COAMPS Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System 

COB collocated operating base; contingency operating base 

COBOL common business-oriented language 

COC combat operations center 

CoC Code of Conduct 

COCOM combatant command (command authority) 

COD carrier onboard delivery; combat operations division 

COE Army Corps of Engineers; common operating environment; 

 concept of employment 

COEDMHA Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and 

 Humanitarian Assistance 

COF conduct of fire 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-30 JP 1-02 

COFC container on flatcar 

COG center of gravity; continuity of government 

COGARD Coast Guard 

COI contact of interest 

COIN counterinsurgency 

COLDS cargo offload and discharge system 

COLISEUM community on-line intelligence system for end-users and 

 managers 

COLPRO collective protection

COLT combat observation and lasing team 

COM chief of mission; collection operations management; 

 command; commander 

COMACC Commander, Air Combat Command 

COMAFFOR commander, Air Force forces 

COMAFSOC Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command 

COMAJF commander, allied joint force 

COMALF commander airlift forces 

COMALOC commercial air line of communications 

COMARFOR commander, Army forces 

COMCAM combat camera 

COMCARGRU commander, carrier group 

COMCRUDESGRU commander, cruiser destroyer group 

COMDCAEUR Commander, Defense Communications Agency Europe 

COMDESRON commander destroyer squadron 

COMDT COGARD Commandant, United States Coast Guard 

COMDTINST Commandant, United States Coast Guard instruction 

COMICEDEFOR Commander, United States Forces, Iceland 

COMIDEASTFOR Commander, Middle East Forces 

COMINEWARCOM Commander, Mine Warfare Command 

COMINT communications intelligence 

COMJCSE Commander, Joint Communications Support Element 

COMJIC Commander, Joint Intelligence Center 

COMJSOTF commander, joint special operations task force 

COMLANDFOR commander, land forces 

COMLANTAREACOGARD Commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area 

COMLOGGRU combat logistics group 

COMM communications 

COMMARFOR commander, Marine Corps forces 

COMMARFORNORTH Commander, Marine Corps Forces North 

COMMDZ Commander, Maritime Defense Zone 

COMMZ communications zone 

COMNAV Committee for European Airspace Coordination Working 

 Group on Communications and Navigation Aids 

COMNAVAIRLANT Commander, Naval Air Force, Atlantic 

COMNAVAIRPAC Commander, Naval Air Force, Pacific 

COMNAVAIRSYSCOM Commander, Naval Air Systems Command 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-31 

COMNAVCOMTELCOM Commander, Naval Computer and Telecommunications 

 Command 

COMNAVFOR commander, Navy forces 

COMNAVMETOCCOM Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography 

 Command 

COMNAVSEASYSCOM Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command 

COMNAVSECGRP Commander, United States Navy Security Group 

COMNAVSURFLANT Commander, Naval Surface Force, Atlantic 

COMNAVSURFPAC Commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific 

COMP component 

COMPACAF Commander, Pacific Air Forces 

COMPACAREACOGARD Commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area 

COMPACFLT Commander, Pacific Fleet 

COMPASS common operational modeling, planning, and simulation 

 strategy; Computerized Movement Planning and Status 

 System 

COMPES contingency operations mobility planning and execution 

 system 

COMPLAN communications plan 

COMPUSEC computer security 

COMSAT communications satellite 

COMSC Commander, Military Sealift Command 

COMSCINST Commander, Military Sealift Command instruction 

COMSEC communications security 

COMSOC Commander, Special Operations Command 

COMSOCCENT Commander, Special Operations Command, United States 

 Central Command 

COMSOCEUR Commander, Special Operations Command, United States 

 European Command 

COMSOCPAC Commander Special Operations Command, United States 

 Pacific Command 

COMSOCSOUTH Commander Special Operations Command, United States 

 Southern Command 

COMSOF commander, special operations forces 

COMSTAT communications status 

COMSUBLANT Commander Submarine Force, United States Atlantic Fleet 

COMSUBPAC Commander Submarine Force, United States Pacific 

 Fleet 

COMSUPNAVFOR commander, supporting naval forces 

COMTAC tactical communications 

COMUSAFE Commander, United States Air Force in Europe 

COMUSARCENT Commander, United States Army Forces, Central 

 Command 

COMUSCENTAF Commander, United States Air Force, Central Command 

COMUSFLTFORCOM Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command 

COMUSFORAZ Commander, United States Forces, Azores 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-32 JP 1-02 

COMUSJ Commander, United States Forces, Japan 

COMUSK Commander, United States Forces, Korea 

COMUSLANTFLT Commander, US Atlantic Fleet 

COMUSMARCENT Commander, United States Marine Forces, Central 

 Command 

COMUSNAVCENT Commander, United States Navy, Central Command 

COMUSPACFLT Commander, US Pacific Fleet 

COMUSSOCJFCOM Commander Special Operations Command, United States 

 Joint Forces Command 

CONCAP construction capabilities contract (Navy); Construction 

 Capabilities Contract Process; construction capabilities 

 contract program 

CONEX container express 

CONEXPLAN contingency and exercise plan 

CONOPS concept of operations 

CONPLAN concept plan; operation plan in concept format 

CONR continental United States North American Aerospace 

 Defense Command Region 

CONTRAIL condensation trail 

CONUS continental United States 

CONUSA Continental United States Army 

COOP continuity of operations 

COP common operational picture 

COP-CSE common operational picture-combat support enabled 

COPE custodian of postal effects 

COPG chairman, operations planners group 

COPPERHEAD name for cannon-launched guided projectile 

COPS communications operational planning system 

COR contracting officer representative 

CORE contingency response program 

COS chief of staff; chief of station; critical occupational specialty 

COSCOM corps support command 

COSMIC North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) security 

 category 

COSPAS cosmicheskaya sistyema poiska avariynch sudov - space 

 system for search of distressed vessels (Russian satellite 

 system) 

COSR combat and operational stress reactions 

COT commanding officer of troops; crisis operations team 

COTHEN Customs Over-the Horizon Enforcement Network 

COTP captain of the port 

COTS cargo offload and transfer system; commercial off-the-shelf; 

 container offloading and transfer system 

COU cable orderwire unit 

counter C3 counter command, control, and communications 

COVCOM covert communications 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-33 

CP check point; collection point; command post; contact point; 

 control point; counterproliferation 

CP&I coastal patrol and interdiction 

CPA Chairman’s program assessment; closest point of approach 

CPD combat plans division 

CPE customer premise equipment 

CPFL contingency planning facilities list 

CPG central processor group; Commander, Amphibious Group; 

 Contingency Planning Guidance 

CPI crash position indicator 

CPIC coalition press information center 

CPM civilian personnel manual 

CPO chief petty officer; complete provisions only 

CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Chairman’s program 

 recommendation 

CPRC coalition personnel recovery center 

CPS characters per second; collective protective shelter 

CPT common procedural terminology 

CPU central processing unit 

CPX command post exercise 

CR critical requirement 

CRA command relationships agreement; continuing resolution 

 authority; coordinating review authority 

CRAF Civil Reserve Air Fleet 

CRAM control random access memory 

CRB configuration review board 

CRC circuit routing chart; civil response corps; control and 

 reporting center; CONUS replacement center; COOP 

 response cell; cyclic redundancy rate 

CRD capstone requirements document; chemical 

 reconnaissance detachment; combatant commander’s 

 required date 

CRE contingency response element; control reporting element 

CREST casualty and resource estimation support tool 

CRF channel reassignment function 

CRG contingency response group 

CRI collective routing indicator 

CRIF cargo routing information file 

CRITIC critical information; critical intelligence communication; 

 critical message (intelligence) 

CRITICOMM critical intelligence communications system 

CRM collection requirements management; crew resource 

 management 

CrM crisis management 

CRO combat rescue officer 

CROP common relevant operational picture 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-34 JP 1-02 

CRP control and reporting post 

CRRC combat rubber raiding craft 

CRS Catholic Relief Services; Chairman’s readiness system; 

 coastal radio station; community relations service; 

 container recovery system; Coordinator for 

 Reconstruction and Stabilization 

CRSP centralized receiving and shipping point 

CRT cathode ray tube; contingency response team 

CRTS casualty receiving and treatment ship 

CR-UAV close-range unmanned aerial vehicle 

CRW contingency response wing 

CRYPTO cryptographic 

CS call sign; Chaplain Service (Air Force); circuit switch; civil 

 support; coastal station; combat support; content staging; 

 controlled space; creeping line single-unit; critical source 

CSA Chief of Staff, United States Army; combat support agency; 

 container stuffing activity 

CSAAS combat support agency assessment system 

CSADR combat support agency director’s report 

CSAF Chief of Staff, United States Air Force 

CSAM computer security for acquisition managers 

CSAR combat search and rescue 

CSAR3 combat support agency responsiveness and readiness report 

CSARTE combat search and rescue task element 

CSARTF combat search and rescue task force 

CSB contracting support brigade

CSB (ME) combat support brigade (maneuver enhancement) 

CSC combat support center; community support center; convoy 

 support center; creeping line single-unit coordinated; 

 International Convention for Safe Containers 

CSCC coastal sea control commander 

CSE client server environment; combat support enhanced; 

 combat support equipment; contingency support 

 element 

CSEL circuit switch select line; combat survivor evader locator; 

 command senior enlisted leader 

CSEP Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff -sponsored 

 exercise program 

CSG carrier strike group; Chairman’s Staff Group; 

 coordinating subgroup; cryptologic services group; 

 Cryptologic Support Group 

CSGN coordinating subgroup for narcotics 

CSH combat support hospital 

CSI critical safety item; critical sustainability item 

CSIF communications service industrial fund 

CSIP contract support integration plan
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-35 

CSIPG circuit switch interface planning guide 

CSL combat stores list; cooperative security location 

CSNP causeway section, nonpowered 

CSNP(BE) causeway section, nonpowered (beach end) 

CSNP(I) causeway section, nonpowered (intermediate) 

CSNP(SE) causeway section, nonpowered (sea end) 

CSO communications support organization 

CSOA combined special operations area 

CSOB command systems operations branch 

CSOD command systems operation division 

CSP call service position; career sea pay; causeway section, 

 powered; commence search point; contracting support plan; 

 crisis staffing procedures (JCS); cryptologic support package 

CSPAR combatant commander’s preparedness assessment report 

CSR central source registry; combatant commander’s 

 summary report; commander’s summary report; 

 controlled supply rate 

CSRF common source route file 

CSS central security service; combat service support; 

 communications subsystem; coordinator surface search 

CSSA combat service support area 

CSSC coded switch set controller 

CSSE combat service support element (MAGTF) 

CSST combat service support team 

CSSU combat service support unit 

CST contingency support team; customer service team 

CSW compartment stowage worksheet; coordinate seeking 

 weapons 

CT communications terminal; control telemetry; 

 counterterrorism; country team 

CTA common table of allowance 

CTL candidate target list 

CTAPS contingency Theater Air Control System automated 

 planning system 

CTC cargo transfer company (USA); counterterrorist center 

CTF combined task force 

CTG commander, task group 

CTID communications transmission identifier 

CTM core target material 

CTOC corps tactical operations center 

CTP common tactical picture 

CTR cooperative threat reduction 

CTRIF Combating Terrorism Readiness Initiative Fund 

CTS commodity tracking system 

CTSS central targeting support staff 

CTU commander, task unit 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-36 JP 1-02 

CU cubic capacity; common unit 

CUL common-user logistics 

CULT common-user land transportation 

CV aircraft carrier; carrier; critical vulnerability; curriculum 

 vitae 

CVAMP Core Vulnerability Assessment Management Program 

CVISC combat visual information support center 

CVN aircraft carrier, nuclear 

CVR cockpit voice recorder 

CVS commercial vendor services 

CVSD continuous variable slope delta 

CVT criticality-vulnerability-threat 

CVW carrier air wing; cryptovariable weekly (GPS) 

CVWC carrier strike group air wing commander 

CW carrier wave; chemical warfare; continuous wave 

CWC Chemical Weapons Convention; composite warfare 

 commander 

CWDE chemical warfare defense equipment 

CWMD combating weapons of mass destruction 

CWO communications watch officer 

CWP causeway pier 

CWPD Conventional War Plans Division, Joint Staff (J-7) 

CWR calm water ramp 

CWT combat weather team; customer wait time 

CY calendar year 

D 

D total drift, data 

d surface drift 

D&D denial and deception 

D&F determinations and findings 

D&M detection and monitoring 

D&R debrief and reintegrate 

D3A decide, detect, deliver, and assess 

D/A digital-to-analog 

DA data adapter aerospace drift; data administrator; Department 

 of the Army; Development Assistance; direct action; 

 Directorate for Administration (DIA); double agent 

Da aerospace drift 

DA&M Director of Administration and Management 

DAA designated approving authority; display alternate area 

 routing lists 

DAADC(AMD) deputy area air defense commander for air and missile 

 defense 

DAAS defense automatic addressing system 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-37 

DAASO defense automatic addressing system office 

DAB Defense Acquisition Board 

DAC Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) counterintelligence and 

 security activity; Department of Army civilians 

DACB data adapter control block 

DACG departure airfield control group 

DACM data adapter control mode 

DADCAP dawn and dusk combat air patrol 

DAF Department of the Air Force 

DAFL directive authority for logistics 

DAICC domestic air interdiction coordinator center 

DAL defended asset list 

DALIS Disaster Assistance Logistics Information System 

DALS downed aviator locator system 

DAMA demand assigned multiple access 

DAMES defense automatic addressing system (DAAS) automated 

 message exchange system 

DAN Diver’s Alert Network 

DAO defense attaché office; defense attaché officer; department/ 

 agency/organization 

DAP designated acquisition program 

DAR Defense Acquisition Regulation; distortion adaptive 

 receiver 

DARO Defense Airborne Reconnaissance Office 

DARPA Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency 

DART disaster assistance response team; downed aircraft 

 recovery team; dynamic analysis and replanning tool 

DAS deep air support (USMC); defense attaché system; direct 

 access subscriber; direct air support 

DAS3 decentralized automated service support system 

DASA Department of the Army (DA) staff agencies 

DASC direct air support center 

DASC(A) direct air support center (airborne) 

DASD Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense 

DASD-CN Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counternarcotics 

DASD(H&RA) Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Humanitarian & 

 Refugee Affairs) 

DASD(I) Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Intelligence) 

DASD(PK/HA) Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Peacekeeping 

 and Humanitarian Affairs) 

DASD(S&IO) Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Security and 

 Information Operations) 

DASSS decentralized automated service support system 

DAT deployment action team 

DATT defense attaché 

DATU data adapter termination unit 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-38 JP 1-02 

dB decibel 

DBA database administrator 

DBDB digital bathymetric database 

DBG database generation 

DBI defense budget issue 

DBMS database management system; Defense-Business 

 Management System 

DBOF Defense Business Operations Fund 

DBSS Defense Blood Standard System 

DBT design basis threat 

D/C downconverter 

DC Deputies Committee; direct current; dislocated civilian 

DCA Defense Communications Agency; Defense Cooperation 

 Agreements; defensive counterair; dual-capable aircraft 

DCAA Defense Contract Audit Agency 

DCAM Defense Medical Logistics Standard Support (DMLSS) 

 customer assistance module 

DCC damage control center; deployment control center 

DCCC defense collection coordination center 

DCCEP developing country combined exercise program 

DCD data collection device 

DCE defense coordinating element 

D-cell deployment cell 

DCGS distributed common ground/surface system 

DCHA Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian 

 Assistance 

DCI defense critical infrastructure; Director of Central 

 Intelligence; dual channel interchange 

D/CI&SP Director, Counterintelligence and Security Programs 

DCID Director of Central Intelligence directive 

DCIIS Defense Counterintelligence Information System 

DCIO defense criminal investigative organization 

DCIP Defense Critical Infrastructure Program 

DCIS Defense Criminal Investigative Services 

DCJTF deputy commander, joint task force 

DCM data channel multiplexer; deputy chief of mission 

DCMA Defense Contract Management Agency 

DCMC Office of Deputy Chairman, Military Committee 

DCMO deputy chief military observer 

DCN data link coordination net 

DCNO Deputy Chief of Naval Operations 

DCO defense coordinating officer (DOD); dial central office 

DCP Defense Continuity Program; detainee collection point

DCPA Defense Civil Preparedness Agency 

DCPG digital clock pulse generator 

DCR DOTMLPF change recommendation 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-39 

DCS Defense Communications System; Defense Courier 

 Service; deputy chief of staff; digital computer system 

DCSCU dual capability servo control unit 

DC/S for RA Deputy Chief of Staff for Reserve Affairs 

DCSINT Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence 

DCSLOG Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, US Army 

DCSOPS Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, United 

 States Army 

DCSPER Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, United States Army 

DCST Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) contingency support team 

DCTS Defense Collaboration Tool Suite 

DD Department of Defense (form); destroyer (Navy ship) 

DDA Deputy Director for Administration (CIA); designated 

 development activity 

D-day unnamed day on which operations commence or are 

 scheduled to commence 

DDC data distribution center; defense distribution center 

DDCI Deputy Director of Central Intelligence (CIA) 

DDCI/CM Deputy Director of Central Intelligence for Community 

 Management 

DDG guided missile destroyer 

DDI Deputy Director of Intelligence (CIA) 

DDL digital data link 

DDM digital data modem 

DDMA Defense Distribution Mapping Activity 

DDMS Deputy Director for Military Support 

DDO Deputy Director of Operations (CIA) 

DDOC Deployment and Distribution Operations Center 

DDP detailed deployment plan 

DDR disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration 

DDR&E director of defense research and engineering 

DDRRR disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, reintegration, and 

 resettlement 

DDS defense dissemination system; Deployable Disbursing 

 System; dry deck shelter 

DDSM Defense Distinguished Service Medal 

DDS&T Deputy Director for Science & Technology (CIA) 

DDWSO Deputy Director for Wargaming, Simulation, and 

 Operations 

DE damage expectancy; delay equalizer; directed energy 

De total drift error 

de individual drift error 

DEA Drug Enforcement Administration 

dea aerospace drift error 

DEACN Drug Enforcement Administration Communications 

 Network 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-40 JP 1-02 

DEAR disease and environmental alert report 

DEARAS Department of Defense (DOD) Emergency Authorities 

 Retrieval and Analysis System 

DeCA Defense Commissary Agency 

DECL declassify 

DEFCON defense readiness condition 

DEFSMAC Defense Special Missile and Aerospace Center 

DEL deployable equipment list 

DEMARC demarcation 

de max maximum drift error 

DEMIL demilitarization 

de min minimum drift error 

de minimax minimax drift error 

DeMS deployment management system 

DEMUX demultiplex 

DEP Delayed Entry Program; deployed 

DEP&S Drug Enforcement Plans and Support 

DEPCJTF deputy commander, joint task force 

DEPID deployment indicator code 

DEPMEDS deployable medical systems 

DepOpsDeps Service deputy operations deputies 

DEPORD deployment order 

DESC Defense Energy Support Center 

DESCOM Depot System Command (Army) 

DESIGAREA designated area message 

DEST destination; domestic emergency support team 

DET detachment; detainee 

DETRESFA distress phase (ICAO) 

DEW directed-energy warfare 

DF direction finding; dispersion factor; disposition form 

DFARS Department of Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation 

 Supplement 

DFAS Defense Finance and Accounting Service 

DFAS-DE Defense Finance and Accounting Service-Denver 

DFC deputy force commander; detention facility commander

DFE Defense Joint Intelligence Operations Center forward 

 element; division force equivalent 

DFM deterrent force module 

DFO disaster field office (FEMA) 

DFR Defense Fuel Region 

DFR/E Defense Fuel Region, Europe 

DFRIF Defense Freight Railway Interchange Fleet 

DFR/ME Defense Fuel Region, Middle East 

DFSC Defense Fuel Supply Center 

DFSP Defense Fuel Support Point 

DFT deployment for training 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-41 

DG defense guidance 

DGIAP Defense General Intelligence and Applications Program 

DGM digital group multiplex 

DGZ desired ground zero 

DH death due to hostilities; Directorate for Human Intelligence 

 (DIA) 

DHA detainee holding area

DHB Defense Health Board

DHE Department of Defense (DOD) human intelligence 

 (HUMINT) element 

DHHS Department of Health and Human Services 

DHM Department of Defense human intelligence manager 

DHMO Department of Defense human intelligence management 

 office 

DHS Defense Human Intelligence (HUMINT) Service; 

 Department of Homeland Security; Director of Health 

 Services 

DI Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Directorate for Analysis; 

 DIA Directorate for Intelligence Production; discrete 

 identifier; dynamic interface 

DIA Defense Intelligence Agency 

DIAC Defense Intelligence Analysis Center 

DIA/DHX Defense Intelligence Agency, Directorate of Human 

 Intelligence, Office of Document and Media Operations 

DIAM Defense Intelligence Agency manual; Defense Intelligence 

 Agency memorandum 

DIAP Defense Intelligence Analysis Program; Drug Interdiction 

 Assistance Program 

DIAR Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) regulation 

DIB defense industrial base 

DIBITS digital in-band interswitch trunk signaling 

DIBRS defense incident-based reporting system 

DIBTS digital in-band trunk signaling 

DICO Data Information Coordination Office 

DIDHS Deployable Intelligence Data Handling System 

DIDO designated intelligence disclosure official 

DIDS Defense Intelligence Dissemination System 

DIEB Defense Intelligence Executive Board 

DIEPS Digital Imagery Exploitation Production System 

DIG digital 

DIGO Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation 

DII defense information infrastructure 

DII-COE defense information infrastructure-common operating 

 environment 

DIILS Defense Institute of International Legal Studies 

DIJE Defense Intelligence Joint Environment 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-42 JP 1-02 

DILPA diphase loop modem-A 

DIMA drilling individual mobilization augmentee 

DIN defense intelligence notice 

DINET Defense Industrial Net 

DINFOS Defense Information School 

DIOC drug interdiction operations center 

DIOCC Defense Intelligence Operations Coordination Center

DIPC defense industrial plant equipment center 

DIPFAC diplomatic facility 

DIPGM diphase supergroup modem 

DIRINT Director of Intelligence (USMC) 

DIRJIATF director, joint inter-agency task force 

DIRLAUTH direct liaison authorized 

DIRM Directorate for Information and Resource Management 

DIRMOBFOR director of mobility forces 

DIRNSA Director, National Security Agency 

DIRSPACEFOR director of space forces (USAF)

DIS daily intelligence summary; defense information system; 

 Defense Investigative Service; distributed interactive 

 simulation 

DISA Defense Information Systems Agency 

DISA-LO Defense Information Systems Agency - liaison officer 

DISANMOC Defense Information Systems Agency Network 

 Management and Operations Center 

DisasterAWARE Disaster All-Hazard Warnings, Analysis, and Risk 

 Evaluation System 

DISCOM division support command (Army) 

DISGM diphase supergroup 

DISN Defense Information Systems Network 

DISN-E Defense Information Systems Network – Europe 

DISO defense intelligence support office 

DISP drug investigation support program (FAA) 

DISUM daily intelligence summary 

DITDS defense information threat data system; defense 

 intelligence threat data system 

DITSUM defense intelligence terrorist summary 

DJIOC Defense Joint Intelligence Operations Center 

DJS Director, Joint Staff 

DJSM Director, Joint Staff memorandum 

DJTFAC deployable joint task force augmentation cell 

DJTFS deputy joint task force surgeon 

DLA Defense Logistics Agency 

DLAM Defense Logistics Agency manual 

DLAR Defense Logistics Agency regulation 

DLEA drug law enforcement agency 

DLED dedicated loop encryption device 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-43 

DLIS Defense Logistics Information Service 

DLP data link processor 

DLPMA diphase loop modem A 

DLQ deck landing qualification 

DLR depot-level repairable 

DLSA Defense Legal Services Agency 

DLSS Defense Logistics Standard Systems 

DLTM digital line termination module 

DLTU digital line termination unit 

DM detection and monitoring 

dmax maximum drift distance 

DMB datum marker buoy 

DMC data mode control 

DMD digital message device 

DMDC defense management data center; defense manpower data 

 center 

DME distance measuring equipment 

DMHS Defense Message Handling System

DMI director military intelligence 

DMIGS Domestic Mobile Integrated Geospatial-Intelligence System 

dmin minimum drift distance 

DML data manipulation language 

DMLSS Defense Medical Logistics Standard Support 

DMO directory maintenance official 

DMOS duty military occupational specialty 

DMPI designated mean point of impact; desired mean point of 

 impact 

DMRD defense management resource decision 

DMRIS defense medical regulating information system 

DMS defense message system; defense meteorological system; 

 director of military support 

DMSB Defense Medical Standardization Board 

DMSM Defense Meritorious Service Medal 

DMSO Defense Modeling and Simulation Office; director of major 

 staff office; Division Medical Supply Office 

DMSP Defense Meteorological Satellite Program 

DMSSC defense medical systems support center 

DMT disaster management team (UN) 

DMU disk memory unit 

DMZ demilitarized zone 

DN digital nonsecure 

DNA Defense Nuclear Agency; deoxyribonucleic acid 

DNAT defense nuclear advisory team 

DNBI disease and nonbattle injury 

DNBI casualty disease and nonbattle injury casualty 

DNC digital nautical chart 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-44 JP 1-02 

DND Department of National Defence 

DNDO Domestic Nuclear Detection Office 

DNGA Director of National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency 

DNI Director of National Intelligence; Director of Naval 

 Intelligence 

DNIF duty not involving flying 

DNMSP driftnet monitoring support program 

DNSO Defense Network Systems Organization 

DNVT digital nonsecure voice terminal 

DNY display area code (NYX) routing 

DOA dead on arrival; director of administration 

DOB date of birth; dispersal operating base 

DOC Department of Commerce; designed operational capability 

DOCC deep operations coordination cell 

DOCDIV documents division 

DOCEX document exploitation 

DOCNET Doctrine Networked Education and Training 

DOD Department of Defense 

DODAAC Department of Defense activity address code 

DODAAD Department of Defense Activity Address Directory 

DODAC DOD ammunition code 

DODD Department of Defense directive 

DODDS Department of Defense Dependent Schools 

DODEX Department of Defense intelligence system information 

 system extension 

DODFMR Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation 

DODI Department of Defense instruction 

DODIC Department of Defense identification code 

DODID Department of Defense Intelligence Digest 

DODIIS Department of Defense Intelligence Information System 

DODIPC Department of Defense intelligence production community 

DODIPP Department of Defense Intelligence Production Program 

DOD-JIC Department of Defense Joint Intelligence Center 

DODM data orderwire diphase modem 

DOE Department of Energy 

DOF degree of freedom 

DOI Defense Special Security Communications System 

 (DSSCS) Operating Instructions; Department of 

 Interior 

DOJ Department of Justice 

DOL Department of Labor 

DOM day of month 

DOMS director of military support 

DON Department of the Navy 

DOPMA Defense Officer Personnel Management Act 

DOR date of rank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-45 

DOS date of separation; days of supply; denial of service; 

 Department of State; disk operating system 

DOT Department of Transportation 

DOTEO Department of Transportation emergency organization 

DOTMLPF doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and 

 education, personnel, and facilities 

DOW data orderwire; died of wounds 

DOX-T direct operational exchange-tactical 

DOY day of year 

DP Air Force component plans officer (staff); decisive point; 

 Directorate for Policy Support (DIA); displaced person 

dp parachute drift 

DPA Defense Production Act 

DPAP Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy

DPAS Defense Priorities and Allocation System 

DPC deception planning cell; Defense Planning Committee 

 (NATO) 

DPEC displaced person exploitation cell 

DPG Defense Planning Guidance 

DPI desired point of impact 

dpi dots per inch 

DPICM dual purpose improved conventional munitions 

DPKO Department of Peacekeeping Operations 

DPLSM dipulse group modem 

DPM dissemination program manager 

DPMO Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office 

DPO distribution process owner 

DPP data patch panel; distributed production program 

DPPDB digital point positioning database 

DPQ defense planning questionnaire (NATO) 

DPR display non-nodal routing 

DPRB Defense Planning and Resources Board 

DPRE displaced persons, refugees, and evacuees 

DPS data processing system 

DPSC Defense Personnel Support Center 

DPSK differential phase shift keying 

DR dead reckoning; digital receiver; disaster relief 

DRB Defense Resources Board 

DRe dead reckoning error 

DRMD deployments requirements manning document 

DRMO Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office 

DRMS Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service; distance 

 root-mean-square 

DRN Disaster Response Network 

DRO departmental requirements office 

DRS detainee reporting system
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-46 JP 1-02 

DRSN Defense Red Switched Network 

DRT dead reckoning tracer 

DRTC designated reporting technical control 

DS Directorate for Information Systems and Services (DIA); 

 direct support; doctrine sponsor 

DSA defense special assessment (DIA); defensive sea area 

DSAA Defense Security Assistance Agency 

DSAR Defense Supply Agency regulation 

DSB digital in-band trunk signaling (DIBTS) signaling buffer 

DSC defensive space control; digital selective calling 

DSCA Defense Security Cooperation Agency; defense support 

 of civil authorities 

DSCP Defense Supply Center Philadelphia 

DSCR Defense Supply Center Richmond 

DSCS Defense Satellite Communications System 

DSCSOC Defense Satellite Communications System operations 

 center 

DSDI digital simple data interface 

DSG digital signal generator 

DSI defense simulation internet 

DSL display switch locator (SL) routing 

DSMAC digital scene-matching area correlation 

DSN Defense Switched Network 

DSNET Defense Secure Network 

DSNET-2 Defense Secure Network-2 

DSO defensive systems officer 

DSOE deployment schedule of events 

DSP Defense Satellite Program; Defense Support Program 

DSPD defense support to public diplomacy 

DSPL display system programming language 

DSPS Director, Security Plans and Service 

DSR defense source registry 

DSS Defense Security Service; Distribution Standard System 

DSSCS Defense Special Security Communications System 

DSSM Defense Superior Service Medal 

DSSO data system support organization; defense sensitive support 

 office; defense systems support organization 

DSSR Department of State Standardized Regulation 

DST deployment support team 

DSTP Director of Strategic Target Planning 

DSTR destroy 

DSTS-G DISN Satellite Transmission Services - Global 

DSVL doppler sonar velocity log 

DSVT digital subscriber voice terminal 

DT Directorate for MASINT and Technical Collection (DIA) 

DTA Defense Threat Assessment; dynamic threat assessment 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-47 

DTAM defense terrorism awareness message 

DTD detailed troop decontamination 

DTE data terminal equipment; developmental test and 

 evaluation 

DTED digital terrain elevation data 

DTG date-time group; digital trunk group (digital transmission 

 group) 

DTIP Disruptive Technology Innovations Partnership (DIA) 

DTL designator target line 

DTMF dual tone multi-frequency 

DTMR defense traffic management regulation 

DTO division transportation office; drug trafficking organization 

DTOC division tactical operations center 

DTR defense transportation regulation 

DTRA Defense Threat Reduction Agency 

DTRACS Defense Transportation Reporting and Control System 

DTRATCA Defense Threat Reduction and Treaty Compliance Agency 

DTS Defense Transportation System; Defense Travel System; 

 diplomatic telecommunications service 

DTTS Defense Transportation Tracking System 

DU depleted uranium

DUSD (CI&S) Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Counterintelligence 

 and Security 

DUSDL Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Logistics 

DUSD(L&MR) Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Logistics and 

 Materiel Readiness

DUSDP Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy 

DUSTWUN duty status-whereabouts unknown 

DV distinguished visitor 

DVA Department of Veterans Affairs 

DVD digital video device; digital video disc; direct vendor delivery 

DVITS Digital Video Imagery Transmission System 

DVOW digital voice orderwire 

DVT deployment visualization tool 

DWAS Defense Working Capital Accounting System 

DWMCF double-wide modular causeway ferry 

DWRIA died of wounds received in action 

DWT deadweight tonnage 

DWTS Digital Wideband Transmission System 

DX direct exchange; Directorate for External Relations (DIA) 

DZ drop zone 

DZC drop zone controller 

DZCO drop zone control officer 

DZSO drop zone safety officer 

DZST drop zone support team 

DZSTL drop zone support team leader 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-48 JP 1-02 

E 

E total probable error 

E&DCP evaluation and data collection plan 

E&E emergency and extraordinary expense authority; evasion 

 and escape 

E&EE emergency and extraordinary expense 

E&I engineering and installation 

E&M ear and mouth; special signaling leads 

E1 Echelon 1 

E2 Echelon 2 

E3 Echelon 3; electromagnetic environmental effects 

E4 Echelon 4 

E5 Echelon 5 

E-8C joint surveillance, target attack radar system (JSTARS) 

 aircraft 

EA electronic attack; emergency action; evaluation agent; 

 executive agent; executive assistant 

ea each 

EAC echelons above corps (Army); emergency action; 

 emergency action committee 

EACS expeditionary aeromedical evacuation crew member support 

EACT expeditionary aeromedical evacuation coordination team 

EAD earliest arrival date; echelons above division (Army); 

 extended active duty 

EADRU Euro-Atlantic disaster response unit 

EADS Eastern Air Defense Sector 

EAES expeditionary aeromedical evacuation squadron 

EAF expeditionary aerospace forces 

EAI executive agent instruction 

EALT earliest anticipated launch time 

EAM emergency action message 

EAP emergency action plan; emergency action procedures 

EAPC Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council 

EAP-CJCS emergency action procedures of the Chairman of the 

 Joint Chiefs of Staff 

EARLY evasion and recovery supplemental data report 

E-ARTS en route automated radar tracking system 

EASF expeditionary aeromedical staging facility 

EAST expeditionary aeromedical evacuation staging team 

EASTPAC eastern Pacific Ocean 

EBCDIC extended binary coded decimal interchange code 

EBS environmental baseline survey 

EC electronic combat; enemy combatant; error control; European 

 Community 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-49 

ECAC Electromagnetic Compatibility Analysis Center 

ECB echelons corps and below (Army) 

ECC engineer coordination cell; evacuation control center 

ECHA Executive Committee for Humanitarian Affairs 

ECHO European Community Humanitarian Aid Department 

ECM electronic countermeasures 

ECN electronic change notice; Minimum Essential Emergency 

 Communications Network 

ECO electronic combat officer 

ECOSOC Economic and Social Council (UN) 

ECP emergency command precedence; engineering change 

 proposal; entry control point 

ECS expeditionary combat support 

ECU environmental control unit 

ED envelope delay; evaluation directive 

EDA Excess Defense Articles 

EDC estimated date of completion 

EDD earliest delivery date 

EDI electronic data interchange 

EDSS equipment deployment and storage system 

EE emergency establishment 

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 

EEFI essential elements of friendly information 

EEI essential element of information 

EELV evolved expendable launch vehicle 

EEO equal employment opportunity 

EEPROM electronic erasable programmable read-only memory 

EER enlisted employee review; extended echo ranging 

EEZ exclusive economic zone 

EFA engineering field activity 

EFAC emergency family assistance center 

EFD engineering field division 

EFST essential fire support task 

EFT electronic funds transfer 

EFTO encrypt for transmission only 

EGM Earth Gravity Model 

EGS Earth ground station 

EH explosive hazard 

EHCC explosive hazards coordination cell 

EHF extremely high frequency 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-50 JP 1-02 

EHO environmental health officer 

EHRA environmental health risk assessment 

EHSA environmental health site assessment 

EHT explosive hazard team 

EI environmental information; exercise item 

EIA Electronic Industries Association 

EID electrically initiated device

EIS Environmental Impact Statement 

ELBA emergency locator beacon 

ELCAS elevated causeway system 

ELCAS(M) elevated causeway system (modular) 

ELCAS(NL) elevated causeway system (Navy lighterage) 

ELD emitter locating data 

ELECTRO-OPTINT electro-optical intelligence 

ELINT electronic intelligence 

ELIST enhanced logistics intratheater support tool 

ELOS extended line of sight 

ELPP equal level patch panel 

ELR extra-long-range aircraft 

ELSEC electronics security 

ELSET element set 

ELT emergency locator transmitter 

ELV expendable launch vehicle 

ELVA emergency low visibility approach 

EM electromagnetic; executive manager 

EMAC emergency management assistance compact 

E-mail electronic mail 

EMALL electronic mall 

EMC electromagnetic compatibility 

EMCON emission control 

EMCON orders emission control orders 

EMD effective miss distance 

EME electromagnetic environment 

EMEDS Expeditionary Medical Support 

EMF expeditionary medical facility 

EMI electromagnetic interface; electromagnetic interference 

EMIO expanded maritime interception operations 

EMP electromagnetic pulse 

EMR hazards electromagnetic radiation hazards 

EMS electromagnetic spectrum; emergency medical services 

EMSEC emanations security 

EMT emergency medical technician; emergency medical 

 treatment 

EMTF expeditionary mobility task force 

EMV electromagnetic vulnerability 

ENCOM engineer command (Army) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-51 

ENDEX exercise termination 

ENL enlisted 

ENSCE enemy situation correlation element 

ENWGS Enhanced Naval Warfare Gaming System 

EO electro-optical; end office; equal opportunity; executive 

 order; eyes only 

EOB electronic order of battle; enemy order of battle 

EOC early operational capability; emergency operating center; 

 emergency operations center 

EOD explosive ordnance disposal 

EOI electro-optic(al) imagery 

EO-IR electro-optical-infrared 

EO-IR CM electro-optical-infrared countermeasure 

EOL end of link 

EOM end of message 

EOP emergency operating procedures 

E-O TDA electro-optical tactical decision aid 

EOW engineering orderwire 

EP electronic protection; emergency preparedness; emergency 

 procedures; execution planning 

EPA Environmental Protection Agency; evasion plan of action 

EPBX electronic private branch exchange 

EPC Emergency Procurement Committee

EPF enhanced palletized load system (PLS) flatrack 

EPH emergency planning handbook 

EPIC El Paso Intelligence Center 

EPIRB emergency position-indicating radio beacon 

EPLO emergency preparedness liaison officer 

EPROM erasable programmable read-only memory 

EPW enemy prisoner of war 

EPW/CI enemy prisoner of war/civilian internee 

ERC exercise related construction 

ERDC Engineer Research and Development Center 

ERGM extended range guided munitions 

ERO engine running on or offload 

ERRO Emergency Response and Recovery Office 

ERSD estimated return to service date 

ERT emergency response team (FEMA); engineer 

 reconnaissance team 

ERT-A emergency response team - advance element 

ERU emergency response unit 

ES electronic warfare support 

ESB engineer support battalion 

ESC Electronics Systems Center; expeditionary sustainment 

 command 

ESF Economic Support Fund; emergency support function 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-52 JP 1-02 

ESG executive steering group; expeditionary strike group 

ESGN electrically suspended gyro navigation 

ESI extremely sensitive information 

ESK electronic staff weather officer kit 

ESM expeditionary site mapping 

ESO embarkation staff officer; environmental science officer 

ESOC Emergency Supply Operations Center 

ESP engineer support plan 

ESR external supported recovery 

EST embarked security team; emergency service team; 

 emergency support team (FEMA); en route support 

 team 

ETA estimated time of arrival 

ETAC emergency tactical air control; enlisted terminal attack 

 controller 

ETD estimated time of departure 

ETF electronic target folder 

ETI estimated time of intercept 

ETIC estimated time for completion; estimated time in 

 commission 

ETM electronic transmission 

ETPL endorsed TEMPEST products list 

ETR export traffic release 

ETS European telephone system 

ETSS extended training service specialist 

ETX end of text 

EU European Union 

E-UAV endurance unmanned aerial vehicle 

EUB essential user bypass 

EURV essential user rekeying variable 

EUSA Eighth US Army 

EUSC effective United States control/controlled 

EUSCS effective United States controlled ships 

EVC evasion chart 

EVE equal value exchange 

EW early warning; electronic warfare 

EWC electronic warfare coordinator 

EWCC electronic warfare coordination cell 

EWCS electronic warfare control ship 

EW/GCI early warning/ground-controlled intercept 

EWIR electronic warfare integrated reprogramming 

EWO electronic warfare officer 

EXCIMS Executive Council for Modeling and Simulations 

EXCOM extended communications search 

ExCom executive committee 

EXDIR Executive Director (CIA) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-53 

EXDIR/ICA Executive Director for Intelligence Community Affairs 

 (USG) 

EXECSEC executive secretary 

EXER exercise 

EXORD execute order 

EXPLAN exercise plan 

EZ exchange zone 

EZCO extraction zone control officer 

EZM engagement zone manager 

F 

F Fahrenheit; flare patterns; flash 

F2T2EA find, fix, track, target, engage, and assess 

F&ES fire and emergency services 

FA feasibility assessment; field artillery 

FAA Federal Aviation Administration; Foreign Assistance Act 

FAAR facilitated after-action review 

FAC forward air controller 

FAC(A) forward air controller (airborne) 

FACE forward aviation combat engineering 

FACSFAC fleet area control and surveillance facility 

FACT field advance civilian team; field assessment and 

 coordination team 

FAD feasible arrival date; force activity designator 

FAE fuel air explosive 

FALD Field Administration and Logistics Division 

FALOP Forward Area Limited Observing Program

FAM functional area manager 

FAMP forward area minefield planning 

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization (UN); foreign area 

 officer 

FAPES Force Augmentation Planning and Execution System 

FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation; Federal Aviation 

 Regulation 

FARC Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia 

FARP forward arming and refueling point 

FAS Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA); frequency 

 assignment subcommittee; fueling at sea; functional 

 account symbol 

FASCAM family of scatterable mines 

FAST field assessment surveillance team; fleet antiterrorism 

 security team 

FAX facsimile 

FB forward boundary 

FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-54 JP 1-02 

FBIS Foreign Broadcast Information Service 

FBO faith-based organization 

FC field circular; final coordination; fires cell (Army); floating 

 causeway; floating craft; force commander 

FCA Foreign Claims Act; functional configuration audit 

FCC Federal Communications Commission; Federal coordinating 

 center; functional combatant commander 

FCE forward command element 

FCG foreign clearance guide 

FCM foreign consequence management 

FCO federal coordinating officer 

FCP fire control party 

FCT firepower control team 

FD from temporary duty 

FDA Food and Drug Administration 

FDBM functional database manager 

FDC fire direction center 

FDESC force description 

FDL fast deployment logistics 

FDLP flight deck landing practice 

FDM frequency division multiplexing 

FDO fire direction officer; flexible deterrent option; flight deck 

 officer; foreign disclosure officer 

FDR/FA flight data recorder/fault analyzer 

FDS fault detection system 

FDSL fixed directory subscriber list 

FDSS fault detection subsystem 

FDSSS flight deck status and signaling system 

FDT forward distribution team 

FDUL fixed directory unit list 

FDX full duplex 

FE facilities engineering 

FEA front-end analysis 

FEBA forward edge of the battle area 

FEC forward error correction 

FECC fires and effects coordination cell 

FED-STD federal standard 

FEK frequency exchange keying 

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency 

FEP fleet satellite (FLTSAT) extremely high frequency (EHF) 

 package 

FEPP federal excess personal property; foreign excess personal 

 property 

FEST foreign emergency support team; forward engineer support 

 team 

FET facility engineer team 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-55 

FEU forty-foot equivalent unit 

FEZ fighter engagement zone 

FF navy fast frigate 

Ff fatigue correction factor 

FFA free-fire area 

FFC force fires coordinator 

FFCC flight ferry control center; force fires coordination center 

FFD foundation feature data 

FFE field force engineering; fire for effect; flame field 

 expedients 

FFG guided missile frigate 

FFH fast frequency hopping 

FFH-net fast-frequency-hopping net 

FFHT-net fast-frequency-hopping training net 

FFIR friendly force information requirement 

FFP Food for Peace; fresh frozen plasma 

FFTU forward freight terminal unit 

FG fighter group 

FGMDSS Future Global Maritime Distress and Safety System 

FGS final governing standard 

FH fleet hospital 

FHA Bureau for Food and Humanitarian Assistance; Federal 

 Highway Administration; foreign humanitarian assistance 

FHC family help center 

F-hour effective time of announcement by the Secretary of Defense 

 to the Military Departments of a decision to mobilize 

 Reserve units 

FHP force health protection 

FHWA Federal Highway Administration 

FI foreign intelligence 

FIA functional interoperability architecture 

FIC force indicator code 

FID foreign internal defense 

FIDAF foreign internal defense augmentation force 

FIE fly-in echelon 

FIFO first-in-first-out 

FinCEN Financial Crimes Enforcement Network 

FIR first-impressions report; flight information region 

FIRCAP foreign intelligence requirements capabilities and priorities 

1st IOC 1st Information Operations Command (Land) 

FIS flight information service; Foreign Intelligence Service 

FISC fleet and industrial supply center 

FISINT foreign instrumentation signals intelligence 

FISS foreign intelligence and security services 

FIST fire support team; fleet imagery support terminal; fleet 

 intelligence support team 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-56 JP 1-02 

FIWC fleet information warfare center 

FIXe navigational fix error 

FLAR forward-looking airborne radar 

FLENUMMETOCCEN Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center 

FLENUMMETOCDET Fleet Numerical Meteorological and Oceanographic 

 Detachment 

FLETC Federal Law Enforcement Training Center 

FLIP flight information publication; flight instruction procedures 

FLIR forward-looking infrared 

FLITE federal legal information through electronics 

FLO/FLO float-on/float-off 

FLOLS fresnel lens optical landing system 

FLOT forward line of own troops 

FLP force level planning 

FLS forward logistic site 

FLSG force logistic support group 

FLTSAT fleet satellite 

FLTSATCOM fleet satellite communications 

FM field manual (Army); financial management; flare 

 multiunit; force module; frequency modulation; 

 functional manager 

FMA-net frequency management A-net 

FMAS foreign media analysis subsystem 

FMAT financial management augmentation team 

FMC force movement characteristics; full mission-capable 

FMCH fleet multichannel 

FMCR Fleet Marine Corps Reserve 

FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 

FMI field manual-interim 

FMF Fleet Marine Force 

FMFP foreign military financing program 

FMID force module identifier 

FMO frequency management office; functional manager office 

FMP force module package; foreign materiel program 

FMS force module subsystem; foreign military sales 

FMSC frequency management sub-committee 

FMT-net frequency management training net 

FMV full motion video 

FN foreign nation 

FNMOC Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center 

FNMOD Fleet Numerical Meteorological and Oceanographic 

 Detachment 

FNOC Fleet Numerical Oceanographic Command 

FNS foreign nation support 

FO fiber optic; flash override; forward observer 

FOB forward operating base; forward operations base 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-57 

FOC full operational capability; future operations cell 

FOD field operations division; foreign object damage 

FOFW fiber optic field wire 

FOG Field Operations Guide for Disaster Assessment and 

 Response 

FOI fault detection isolation 

FOIA Freedom of Information Act 

FOIU fiber optic interface unit 

FOL fiber optic link; forward operating location 

FON freedom of navigation (operations) 

FOO field ordering officer

FORSCOM United States Army Forces Command 

FORSTAT force status and identity report 

FOS forward operating site; full operational status 

FOT follow-on operational test 

FOUO for official use only 

FOV field of view 

FP firing point; force protection; frequency panel 

FPA foreign policy advisor 

FPC field press censorship; final planning conference; future plans 

 cell 

FPCON force protection condition 

FPD force protection detachment; foreign post differential 

FPF final protective fire 

FPM Federal personnel manual 

FPO fleet post office 

FPOC focal point operations center 

FPS force protection source 

FPTAS flight path threat analysis simulation 

FPTS forward propagation by tropospheric scatter 

FPWG force protection working group 

FR final report; frequency response 

FRA Federal Railroad Administration (DOT) 

FRAG fragmentation code 

FRAGORD fragmentary order 

FRC federal resource coordinator; forward resuscitative care 

FRD formerly restricted data 

FREQ frequency 

FRERP Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan 

FRF fragment retention film 

FRMAC Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center 

 (DOE) 

FRN force requirement number 

FROG free rocket over ground 

FRP Federal response plan (USG) 

FRRS frequency resource record system 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-58 JP 1-02 

FS fighter squadron; file separator; file server; flare single-unit 

fs search radius safety factor 

FSA fire support area 

FSB fire support base; forward staging base; forward support 

 base; forward support battalion 

FSC fire support cell; fire support coordinator (USMC) 

FSCC fire support coordination center 

FSCL fire support coordination line 

FSCM fire support coordination measure 

FSCOORD fire support coordinator (Army) 

FSE fire support element 

FSEM fire support execution matrix 

FSK frequency shift key 

FSN foreign service national 

FSO fire support officer; flight safety officer; foreign service 

 officer 

FSR field service representative

FSS fast sealift ships; fire support station; flight service station 

FSSG force service support group (USMC) 

FSST forward space support to theater 

FST fleet surgical team 

FSU former Soviet Union; forward support unit 

FSW feet of seawater 

ft feet; foot 

ft3 cubic feet 

FTC Federal Trade Commission 

FTCA Foreign Tort Claims Act 

FTP file transfer protocol 

FTRG fleet tactical readiness group 

FTS Federal Telecommunications System; Federal telephone 

 service; file transfer service 

FTU field training unit; freight terminal unit 

FTX field training exercise 

FUAC functional area code 

FUNCPLAN functional plan 

F/V fishing vessel 

Fv aircraft speed correction factor 

FVT Force Validation Tool 

FW fighter wing; fixed-wing; weather correction factor 

FWD forward 

FWDA friendly weapon danger area 

FWF former warring factions 

FY fiscal year 

FYDP Future Years Defense Program 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-59 

G 

G-1 Army or Marine Corps component manpower or personnel 

 staff officer (Army division or higher staff, Marine Corps 

 brigade or higher staff) 

G-2 Army or Marine Corps component intelligence staff officer 

 (Army division or higher staff, Marine Corps brigade or 

 higher staff) 

G-3 Army or Marine Corps component operations staff 

 officer (Army division or higher staff, Marine Corps 

 brigade or higher staff) 

G-4 Army or Marine Corps component logistics staff officer 

 (Army division or higher staff, Marine Corps brigade or 

 higher staff); Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics 

G-6 Army or Marine Corps component command, control, 

 communications, and computer systems staff officer; 

 assistant chief of staff for communications 

G-7 information operations staff officer (ARFOR) 

G/A ground to air 

GA Tabun, a nerve agent 

GAA general agency agreement; geospatial intelligence assessment 

 activity 

GAFS General Accounting and Finance System 

GAMSS Global Air Mobility Support System 

GAO General Accounting Office; Government Accountability 

 Office 

GAR gateway access request 

GARS Global Area Reference System 

GAT governmental assistance team 

GATB guidance, apportionment, and targeting board 

GATES Global Air Transportation Execution System 

GB group buffer; Sarin, a nerve agent 

GBL government bill of lading 

GBR ground-based radar 

GBS Global Broadcast Service; Global Broadcast System 

GBU guided bomb unit 

GC general counsel; Geneva Convention; Geneva 

 Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian 

 Persons in Time of War 

GC3A global command, control, and communications assessment 

GC4A global command, control, communications, and computer 

 assessment 

GCA ground controlled approach 

GCC geographic combatant commander; global contingency 

 construction 

GCCC Global Contingency Construction Contract
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-60 JP 1-02 

GCCS Global Command and Control System 

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 (MAGTF) 

GCI ground control intercept 

GCP geospatial-intelligence contingency package; ground 

 commander’s pointer 

GCRI general collective routing indicator (RI) 

GCS ground control station 

GCSC Global Contingency Service Contract

GCSS-J Global Combat Support System - Joint

GD Soman, a nerve agent 

GDF gridded data field 

GDIP General Defense Intelligence Program 

GDIPP General Defense Intelligence Proposed Program 

GDP General Defense Plan (SACEUR): gross domestic product 

GDSS Global Decision Support System 

GE general engineering 

GEM Global Information Grid (GIG) Enterprise Management 

GENADMIN general admin (message) 

GENSER general service (message) 

GENTEXT general text 

GEO geosynchronous Earth orbit 

GEOCODE geographic code 

GEOFILE geolocation code file; standard specified geographic 

 location file 

GEOINT geospatial intelligence 

GEOLOC geographic location; geographic location code 

GEOREF geographic reference; world geographic reference system 

GF a nerve agent 

GFE government-furnished equipment 

GFI government-furnished information 

GFM Global Force Management; global freight management; 

 government-furnished material 

GFMPL Graphics Fleet Mission Program Library 

GFOAR global family of operation plans assessment report 

GFU group framing unit 

GHz gigahertz 

GI geomatics and imagery 

GI&S geospatial information and services 

GIAC graphic input aggregate control 

GIC (gabarit international de chargement) international 

 loading gauge 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-61 

GIE global information environment 

GIG Global Information Grid 

GII global information infrastructure 

GIP gridded installation photograph 

GIS geographic information system; geospatial information 

 systems 

GLCM ground launched cruise missile 

GLINT gated laser intensifier 

GLO ground liaison officer 

GLTD ground laser target designator 

GM group modem 

GMD global missile defense; ground-based midcourse defense; 

 group mux and/or demux 

GMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety System 

GMF ground mobile force 

GMFP global military force policy 

GMI general military intelligence 

GMR graduated mobilization response; ground mobile radar 

GMT Greenwich Mean Time 

GMTI ground moving target indicator 

GNC Global Network Operations Center 

GND Global Information Grid (GIG) Network Defense 

GOCO government-owned, contractor-operated 

GOES geostationary operational environmental satellite 

GOGO government-owned, government-operated 

GOS grade of service 

GOSG general officer steering group 

GOTS government off-the-shelf 

GP general purpose; group 

GPC government purchase card 

GPD gallons per day 

GPE geospatial intelligence preparation of the environment 

GPEE general purpose encryption equipment 

GPL Geospatial Product Library 

GPM gallons per minute 

GPMDM group modem 

GPMRC Global Patient Movement Requirements Center 

GPS Global Positioning System 

GPW Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners 

 of War 

GQ general quarters

GR graduated response 

GRASP general retrieval and sort processor 

GRCA ground reference coverage area 

GRG gridded reference graphic 

GRL global reach laydown 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-62 JP 1-02 

GRREG graves registration 

GS general service; general support; ground speed; group 

 separator 

GSA General Services Administration; general support 

 artillery 

GSE ground support equipment 

GSI glide slope indicator 

GSM ground station module 

GSO general services officer 

GSORTS Global Status of Resources and Training System 

GS-R general support-reinforcing 

GSR general support-reinforcing; ground surveillance radar 

GSSA general supply support area 

gt gross ton 

GTAS ground-to-air signals 

GTL gun-target line 

GTM global transportation management 

GTN Global Transportation Network 

GUARD US National Guard and Air Guard 

GUARDS General Unified Ammunition Reporting Data System 

G/VLLD ground/vehicle laser locator designator 

GW guerrilla warfare 

GWC global weather central 

GWEN Ground Wave Emergency Network 

GWOT global war on terror 

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 

H 

H&I harassing and interdicting 

H&S headquarters and service 

HA holding area; humanitarian assistance 

HAARS high-altitude airdrop resupply system 

HAB high altitude burst 

HAC helicopter aircraft commander 

HACC humanitarian assistance coordination center 

HAHO high-altitude high-opening parachute technique 

HALO high-altitude low-opening parachute technique 

HAP humanitarian assistance program 

HAP-EP humanitarian assistance program-excess property 

HARM high-speed antiradiation missile 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-63 

HARP high altitude release point 

HAST humanitarian assistance survey team 

HATR hazardous air traffic report 

HAZ hazardous cargo 

HAZMAT hazardous materials 

HB heavy boat 

HBCT heavy brigade combat team 

HCA head of contracting activity; humanitarian and civic 

 assistance 

HCAS hostile casualty 

HCL hydrochloride 

HCO helicopter control officer 

HCP hardcopy printer 

HCS helicopter combat support (Navy); helicopter 

 coordination section 

HCT human intelligence (HUMINT) collection team 

HD a mustard agent; harmonic distortion; homeland defense 

HDC harbor defense commander; helicopter direction center 

HDCU harbor defense command unit 

HDO humanitarian demining operations 

HDPLX half duplex 

HDR humanitarian daily ration 

HDTC Humanitarian Demining Training Center 

HE heavy equipment; high explosive 

HEAT helicopter external air transport; high explosive antitank 

HEC helicopter element coordinator 

HEFOE hydraulic electrical fuel oxygen engine 

HEI high explosives incendiary 

HEL-H heavy helicopter 

HEL-L light helicopter 

HEL-M medium helicopter 

HELO helicopter 

HEMP high-altitude electromagnetic pulse 

HEMTT heavy expanded mobile tactical truck 

HEO highly elliptical orbit 

HEPA high efficiency particulate air 

HERF hazards of electromagnetic radiation to fuels 

HERO electromagnetic radiation hazards; hazards of 

 electromagnetic radiation to ordnance 

HERP hazards of electromagnetic radiation to personnel 

HET heavy equipment transporter; human intelligence (HUMINT) 

 exploitation team 

HEWSweb Humanitarian Early Warning Service 

HF high frequency 

HFDF high frequency direction-finding 

HFRB high frequency regional broadcast 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-64 JP 1-02 

HH homing pattern 

HHC headquarters and headquarters company

HHD headquarters and headquarters detachment 

H-hour seaborne assault landing hour; specific time an operation 

 or exercise begins 

HHQ higher headquarters 

HHS Department of Health and Human Services 

HIC humanitarian information center 

HICAP high-capacity firefighting foam station 

HIDACZ high-density airspace control zone 

HIDTA high-intensity drug trafficking area 

HIFR helicopter in-flight refueling 

HIMAD high to medium altitude air defense 

HIMARS High Mobility Artillery Rocket System 

HIMEZ high-altitude missile engagement zone 

HIRSS hover infrared suppressor subsystem 

HIRTA high intensity radio transmission area

HIU humanitarian information unit 

HIV human immuno-deficiency virus 

HJ crypto key change 

HLPS heavy-lift pre-position ship 

HLZ helicopter landing zone 

HM hazardous material 

HMA humanitarian mine action 

HMH Marine heavy helicopter squadron 

HMIS Hazardous Material Information System 

HMLA Marine light/attack helicopter squadron 

HMM Marine medium helicopter squadron 

HMMWV high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle 

HMOD harbormaster operations detachment 

HMW health, morale, and welfare 

HN host nation 

HNS host-nation support 

HNSA host-nation support agreement 

HNSCC host-nation support coordination cell 

HOB height of burst 

HOC human intelligence operations cell; humanitarian 

 operations center 

HOCC humanitarian operations coordination center 

HOD head of delegation 

HOGE hover out of ground effect 

HOIS hostile intelligence service 

HOM head of mission 

HOSTAC helicopter operations from ships other than aircraft carriers 

 (USN publication) 

HOTPHOTOREP hot photo interpretation report 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-65 

HPA high power amplifier 

HPMSK high priority mission support kit 

HPT high-payoff target 

HPTL high-payoff target list 

HQ HAVE QUICK; headquarters 

HQCOMDT headquarters commandant 

HQDA Headquarters, Department of the Army 

HQFM-net HAVE QUICK frequency modulation net 

HQFMT-net HAVE QUICK frequency modulation training net 

HQMC Headquarters, Marine Corps 

HR helicopter request; hostage rescue 

HRB high-risk billet 

HRC high-risk-of-capture 

HRJTF humanitarian relief joint task force 

HRO humanitarian relief organizations 

HRP high-risk personnel; human remains pouch 

HRS horizon reference system 

HRT hostage rescue team 

HS helicopter antisubmarine (Navy); homeland security; homing 

 single-unit 

HSAC Homeland Security Advisory Council 

HSAS Homeland Security Advisory System 

HSB high speed boat 

HSC helicopter sea combat (Navy); Homeland Security Council 

HSCDM high speed cable driver modem 

HSC/PC Homeland Security Council Principals Committee 

HSC/PCC Homeland Security Council Policy Coordination Committee 

HSD human intelligence support detachment 

HSE headquarters support element; human intelligence support 

 element (DIA) 

HSEP hospital surgical expansion package (USAF) 

HSI hyperspectral imagery 

HSLS health service logistic support 

HSM humanitarian service medal 

HSPD homeland security Presidential directive 

HSPR high speed pulse restorer 

HSS health service support 

HSSDB high speed serial data buffer 

HST helicopter support team 

HT hatch team 

HTERRCAS hostile terrorist casualty 

HTG hard target graphic 

HTH high test hypochlorite 

HU hospital unit 

HUD head-up display 

HUMINT human intelligence; human resources intelligence 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-66 JP 1-02 

HUMRO humanitarian relief operation 

HUMRO OCP humanitarian relief operation operational capability 

 package 

HUS hardened unique storage 

HVA high value asset 

HVAA high value airborne asset 

HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning 

HVI high-value individual 

HVT high-value target 

HW hazardous waste 

HWM high water mark 

HYE high-yield explosives 

Hz hertz 

I 

I immediate; individual 

I&A Office of Intelligence and Analysis 

I&W indications and warning 

IA implementing arrangement; individual augmentee; 

 information assurance; initial assessment 

IAC Interagency Advisory Council 

IACG interagency coordination group 

IADB Inter-American Defense Board 

IADS integrated air defense system 

IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency (UN) 

IAF initial approach fix 

IAIP Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection 

IAM inertially aided munition 

IAMSAR International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue 

 manual 

IAP international airport 

IAR interoperability assessment report 

IASC Interagency Standing Committee (UN); interim acting 

 service chief 

IATA International Air Transport Association 

IATACS Improved Army Tactical Communications System 

IATO interim authority to operate 

IAVM information assurance vulnerability management 

IAW in accordance with 

I/B inboard 

IBB International Broadcasting Bureau 

IBCT infantry brigade combat team 

IBES intelligence budget estimate submission 

IBM International Business Machines 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-67 

IBS Integrated Booking System; integrated broadcast service; 

 Integrated Broadcast System 

IBU inshore boat unit 

IC incident commander; intelligence community; intercept 

IC3 integrated command, control, and communications 

ICAD individual concern and deficiency 

ICAF Interagency Conflict Assessment Framework 

ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization 

ICBM intercontinental ballistic missile 

ICC information coordination center; Intelligence Coordination 

 Center; International Criminal Court; Interstate 

 Commerce Commission 

ICD international classifications of diseases; International 

 Cooperation and Development Program (USDA) 

ICDC Intelligence Community Deputies Committee 

ICDS improved container delivery system 

ICE Immigration and Customs Enforcement 

ICEDEFOR Iceland Defense Forces 

IC/EXCOM Intelligence Community Executive Committee 

ICF intelligence contingency funds 

ICG interagency core group 

ICIS integrated consumable item support 

ICITAP International Crime Investigative Training Assistance 

 Program (DOJ) 

ICM image city map; improved conventional munitions; 

 integrated collection management 

ICN idle channel noise; interface control net 

ICNIA integrated communications, navigation, and identification 

 avionics 

ICOD intelligence cutoff data 

ICODES integrated computerized deployment system 

ICON imagery communications and operations node; 

 intermediate coordination node 

ICP incident command post; intertheater communications 

 security (COMSEC) package; interface change proposal; 

 inventory control point 

ICPC Intelligence Community Principals Committee 

ICR Intelligence Collection Requirements 

ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross 

ICRI interswitch collective routing indicator 

ICS incident command system; internal communications 

 system; inter-Service chaplain support 

ICSF integrated command communications system framework 

ICSAR interagency committee on search and rescue 

ICU intensive care unit; interface control unit 

ICVA International Council of Voluntary Agencies 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-68 JP 1-02 

ICW in coordination with 

ID identification; initiating directive 

IDAD internal defense and development 

IDB integrated database 

IDCA International Development Cooperation Agency 

IDDF intermediate data distribution facility 

IDEAS Intelligence Data Elements Authorized Standards 

IDEX imagery data exploitation system 

IDF intermediate distribution frame 

IDHS intelligence data handling system 

ID/IQ indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity

IDM improved data modem; information dissemination 

 management 

IDNDR International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (UN) 

IDO installation deployment officer 

IDP imagery derived product; imminent danger pay; 

 internally displaced person 

IDRA infectious disease risk assessment 

IDS individual deployment site; integrated deployment system; 

 interface design standards; intrusion detection system 

IDSS interoperability decision support system 

IDT inactive duty training 

IDZ inner defense zone 

IEB intelligence exploitation base 

IED improvised explosive device 

IEDD improvised explosive device defeat 

IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 

IEL illustrative evaluation scenario 

IEMATS improved emergency message automatic transmission 

 system 

IER information exchange requirement 

IES imagery exploitation system 

IESS imagery exploitation support system 

IEW intelligence and electronic warfare 

IF intermediate frequency 

IFC intelligence fusion center 

IFCS improved fire control system 

IFF identification, friend or foe 

IFFN identification, friend, foe, or neutral 

IFF/SIF identification, friend or foe/selective identification feature 

IFP integrated force package 

IFR instrument flight rules 

IFRC International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent 

 Societies 

IFSAR interferometric synthetic aperture radar 

IG inspector general 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-69 

IGE independent government estimate

IGL intelligence gain/loss 

IGO intergovernmental organization 

IGSM interim ground station module (JSTARS) 

IHADSS integrated helmet and display sight system (Army) 

IHC International Humanitarian Community 

IHO industrial hygiene officer 

IHS international health specialist 

IIB interagency information bureau 

IICL Institute of International Container Lessors 

III incapacitating illness or injury 

IIM intelligence information management 

IIP interagency implementation plan; international information 

 program; interoperability improvement program 

IIR imagery interpretation report; imaging infrared; 

 intelligence information report 

IJC3S initial joint command, control, and communications 

 system; Integrated Joint Command, Control, and 

 Communications System 

IL intermediate location 

ILO International Labor Organization (UN) 

ILOC integrated line of communications 

ILS integrated logistic support 

IM information management 

IMA individual mobilization augmentee 

IMAAC Interagency Modeling and Atmospheric Assessment 

 Center

IMC instrument meteorological conditions; International 

 Medical Corps 

IMDC isolated, missing, detained, or captured 

IMDG international maritime dangerous goods (UN) 

IMET international military education and training 

IMETS Integrated Meteorological System 

IMF International Monetary Fund (UN) 

IMI international military information 

IMINT imagery intelligence 

IMIT international military information team 

IMLTU intermatrix line termination unit 

IMM integrated materiel management 

IMMDELREQ immediate delivery required 

IMO information management officer; International Maritime 

 Organization 

IMOSAR International Maritime Organization (IMO) search 

 and rescue manual 

IMOSS interim mobile oceanographic support system 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-70 JP 1-02 

IMP implementation; information management plan; 

 inventory management plan 

IMPT incident management planning team 

IMRL individual material requirements list

IMS information management system; Interagency 

 Management System; international military staff; 

 international military standardization 

IMSU installation medical support unit 

IMU inertial measuring unit; intermatrix unit 

IN Air Force component intelligence officer (staff); impulse 

 noise; instructor 

INCERFA uncertainty phase (ICAO) 

INCNR increment number 

INCSEA incidents at sea 

INDRAC Interagency Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction 

 Database of Responsibilities, Authorities, and 

 Capabilities 

INF infantry 

INFLTREP inflight report 

INFOCON information operations condition 

INFOSEC information security 

ING Inactive National Guard 

INID intercept network in dialing 

INJILL injured or ill 

INL Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement 

 Affairs (USG) 

INM international narcotics matters 

INMARSAT international maritime satellite 

INR Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Department of State 

INREQ information request 

INRP Initial National Response Plan 

INS Immigration and Naturalization Service; inertial navigation 

 system; insert code 

INSARAG International Search and Rescue Advisory Group 

INSCOM United States Army Intelligence and Security Command 

INTAC individual terrorism awareness course 

INTACS integrated tactical communications system 

INTELSAT International Telecommunications Satellite Organization 

INTELSITSUM intelligence situation summary 

InterAction American Council for Voluntary International Action 

INTERCO International Code of signals 

INTERPOL International Criminal Police Organization 

INTERPOL-USNCB International Criminal Police Organization, United States 

 National Central Bureau (DOJ) 

INTREP intelligence report 

INTSUM intelligence summary 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-71 

INU inertial navigation unit; integration unit 

INV invalid 

INVOL involuntary 

I/O input/output 

IO information objectives; information operations; 

 intelligence oversight 

IOC Industrial Operations Command; initial operational 

 capability; intelligence operations center; investigations 

 operations center 

IOI injured other than hostilities or illness 

IOM installation, operation, and maintenance; International 

 Organization for Migration 

IOP interface operating procedure 

IOSS Interagency Operations Security (OPSEC) Support Staff 

IOU input/output unit 

IOWG information operations working group 

IP initial point; initial position; instructor pilot; internet 

 protocol 

IPA intelligence production agency 

IPB intelligence preparation of the battlespace 

IPBD intelligence program budget decision 

IPC initial planning conference; integration planning cell; 

 interagency planning cell 

IPDM intelligence program decision memorandum 

IPDP inland petroleum distribution plan 

IPDS imagery processing and dissemination system; inland 

 petroleum distribution system (Army) 

IPE individual protective equipment; industrial plant equipment 

IPG isolated personnel guidance 

IPI indigenous populations and institutions 

IPIR initial photo interpretation report 

IPL imagery product library; integrated priority list 

IPO International Program Office 

IPOE intelligence preparation of the operational environment 

IPOM intelligence program objective memorandum 

IPP impact point prediction; industrial preparedness program 

IPR in-progress review; intelligence production requirement 

IPRG intelligence program review group 

IPS illustrative planning scenario; Interim Polar System; 

 interoperability planning system 

IPSG intelligence program support group 

IPSP intelligence priorities for strategic planning 

IPT integrated planning team; integrated process team; 

 Integrated Product Team 

I/R internment/resettlement 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-72 JP 1-02 

IR incident report; information rate; information requirement; 

 infrared; intelligence requirement 

IRAC interdepartment radio advisory committee 

I/R BN internment/resettlement battalion

IRC International Red Cross; International Rescue 

 Committee; internet relay chat 

IRCCM infrared counter countermeasures 

IRCM infrared countermeasures 

IRDS infrared detection set 

IRF Immediate Reaction Forces (NATO); incident response force 

IRINT infrared intelligence 

IRISA Intelligence Report Index Summary File 

IRO international relief organization 

IR pointer infrared pointer 

IRR Individual Ready Reserve; integrated readiness report 

IRS Internal Revenue Service 

IRST infrared search and track 

IRSTS infrared search and track sensor; Infrared Search and Track 

 System 

IRT Initial Response Team 

IS information superiority; information system; interswitch 

ISA international standardization agreement; inter-Service 

 agreement 

ISAF International Security Assistance Force 

ISB intermediate staging base 

ISDB integrated satellite communications (SATCOM) database 

ISE intelligence support element 

ISG information synchronization group 

ISMCS international station meteorological climatic summary 

ISMMP integrated continental United States (CONUS) medical 

 mobilization plan 

ISN Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation; 

 internment serial number 

ISO International Organization for Standardization; isolation 

ISOO Information Security Oversight Office 

ISOPAK International Organization for Standardization package 

ISOPREP isolated personnel report 

ISP internet service provider 

ISR intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance 

ISS in-system select 

ISSA inter-Service support agreement 

ISSG Intelligence Senior Steering Group 

ISSM information system security manager 

ISSO information systems security organization 

IST integrated system test; interswitch trunk 

IT information technology 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-73 

ITA international telegraphic alphabet 

ITAC intelligence and threat analysis center (Army) 

ITALD improved tactical air-launched decoy 

ITAR international traffic in arms regulation (coassembly) 

ITF intelligence task force (DIA) 

ITG infrared target graphic 

ITO installation transportation officer 

ITRO inter-Service training organization 

ITU International Telecommunications Union 

ITV in-transit visibility 

ITW/AA integrated tactical warning and attack assessment 

IUWG inshore undersea warfare group 

IV intravenous 

IVR initial voice report 

IVSN Initial Voice Switched Network 

IW irregular warfare 

IWC information operations warfare commander 

IW-D defensive information warfare 

IWG intelligence working group; interagency working group 

IWSC Information Warfare Support Center 

IWW inland waterway 

IWWS inland waterway system 

J 

J-1 manpower and personnel directorate of a joint staff; 

 manpower and personnel staff section 

J-2 intelligence directorate of a joint staff; intelligence staff 

 section 

J-2A deputy directorate for administration of a joint staff 

J2-CI Joint Counterintelligence Office 

J-2J deputy directorate for support of a joint staff 

J-2M deputy directorate for crisis management of a joint staff 

J-2O deputy directorate for crisis operations of a joint staff 

J-2P deputy directorate for assessment, doctrine, requirements, 

 and capabilities of a joint staff 

J-2T Deputy Directorate for Targeting, Joint Staff Intelligence 

 Directorate 

J-2T-1 joint staff target operations division 

J-2T-2 Target Plans Division 

J-2X joint force counterintelligence and human intelligence 

 staff element 

J-3 operations directorate of a joint staff; operations staff section 

J-4 logistics directorate of a joint staff; logistics staff section 

J-5 plans directorate of a joint staff; plans staff section 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-74 JP 1-02 

J-6 communications system directorate of a joint staff; 

 command, control, communications, and computer 

 systems staff section 

J-7 engineering staff section; Joint Staff Operational Plans 

 and Joint Force Development Directorate; operational 

 plans and interoperability directorate of a joint staff 

J-7/JED exercises and training directorate of a joint staff 

J-8 Director for Force Structure, Resource, and Assessment, Joint 

 Staff; force structure, resource, and assessment directorate 

 of a joint staff 

J-9 civil-military operations staff section 

JA judge advocate 

J-A judge advocate directorate of a joint staff 

JAAR joint after-action report 

JAARS Joint After-Action Reporting System 

JAAT joint air attack team 

JA/ATT joint airborne and air transportability training 

JAC joint analysis center 

JACC joint airspace control center 

JACCC joint airlift coordination and control cell 

JACC/CP joint airborne communications center/command post 

JACE joint air coordination element 

JACS joint automated communication-electronics operating 

 instructions system 

JADO joint air defense operations 

JADOCS Joint Automated Deep Operations Coordination System 

JAFWIN JWICS Air Force weather information network 

JAG Judge Advocate General 

JAGMAN Manual of the Judge Advocate General (US Navy) 

JAI joint administrative instruction; joint airdrop inspection 

JAIC joint air intelligence center 

JAIEG joint atomic information exchange group 

JAMPS Joint Interoperability of Tactical Command and Control 

 Systems (JINTACCS) automated message preparation 

 system 

JANAP Joint Army, Navy, Air Force publication 

JAO joint air operations 

JAOC joint air operations center 

JAOP joint air operations plan 

JAPO joint area petroleum office 

JAR joint activity report 

JARB joint acquisition review board 

JARCC joint air reconnaissance control center 

JARN joint air request net 

JARS joint automated readiness system 

JASC joint action steering committee 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-75 

JASSM Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile 

JAT joint acceptance test 

JATACS joint advanced tactical cryptological support 

JAT Guide Joint Antiterrorism Program Manager’s Guide 

JAWS Joint Munitions Effectiveness Manual (JMEM)/air-to- 

 surface weaponeering system 

JBP Joint Blood Program 

JBPO joint blood program office 

JC2WC joint command and control warfare center 

JCA jamming control authority; Joint Capability Area 

JCASREP joint casualty report 

JCAT joint crisis action team 

JCC joint command center; joint contracting center; joint course 

 catalog 

JCCB Joint Configuration Control Board 

JCCC joint combat camera center 

JCCP joint casualty collection point 

JCE Joint Intelligence Virtual Architecture (JIVA) Collaborative 

 Environment 

JCEOI joint communications-electronics operating instructions 

JCET joint combined exchange training; joint combined exercise 

 for training 

JCEWR joint coordination of electronic warfare reprogramming 

JCEWS joint force commander’s electronic warfare staff 

JCGRO joint central graves registration office 

JCIDO Joint Combat Identification Office 

JCIOC joint counterintelligence operations center 

JCISA Joint Command Information Systems Activity 

JCISB Joint Counterintelligence Support Branch 

JCLL joint center for lessons learned 

JCMA joint communications security monitor activity 

JCMB Joint Collection Management Board 

JCMC joint crisis management capability 

JCMEB joint civil-military engineering board 

JCMEC joint captured materiel exploitation center 

JCMO joint communications security management office 

JCMOTF joint civil-military operations task force 

JCMPO Joint Cruise Missile Project Office 

JCMT joint collection management tools 

JCN joint communications network 

JCS Joint Chiefs of Staff 

JCSAN Joint Chiefs of Staff Alerting Network 

JCSAR joint combat search and rescue 

JCSB joint contracting support board

JCSC joint communications satellite center 

JCSE joint communications support element 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-76 JP 1-02 

JCSM Joint Chiefs of Staff memorandum 

JCSP joint contracting support plan 

JCSS joint communications support squadron 

JCTN joint composite track network 

JDA joint duty assignment 

JDAAP Joint Doctrine Awareness Action Plan 

JDAL Joint Duty Assignment List 

JDAM Joint Direct Attack Munition 

JDAMIS Joint Duty Assignment Management Information System 

JDC joint deployment community; Joint Doctrine Center 

JDD joint doctrine distribution 

JDDC joint doctrine development community 

JDDE Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise

JDDOC joint deployment and distribution operations center 

JDEC joint document exploitation center 

JDEIS Joint Doctrine, Education, and Training Electronic 

 Information System 

JDIG Joint Drug Intelligence Group 

JDISS joint deployable intelligence support system 

JDN joint data network 

JDNO joint data network operations officer 

JDOG joint detention operations group 

JDOMS Joint Director of Military Support 

JDPC Joint Doctrine Planning Conference 

JDPO Joint Deployment Process Owner 

JDSS Joint Decision Support System 

JDSSC Joint Data Systems Support Center 

JDTC Joint Deployment Training Center 

JE joint experimentation 

JEAP Joint Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) Analysis Program 

JECE Joint Elimination Coordination Element 

JECG joint exercise control group 

JECPO Joint Electronic Commerce Program Office 

JEDD Joint Education and Doctrine Division 

JEEP joint emergency evacuation plan 

JEL Joint Electronic Library 

JEM joint exercise manual 

JEMB joint environmental management board 

JEMP joint exercise management package 

JEPES joint engineer planning and execution system 

JET Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) 

 editing tool 

JEWC Joint Electronic Warfare Center 

JEZ joint engagement zone 

JFA joint field activity 

JFACC joint force air component commander 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-77 

JFAST Joint Flow and Analysis System for Transportation 

JFC joint force commander 

JFCC joint functional component command 

JFCC-IMD Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated 

 Missile Defense 

JFCC ISR Joint Functional Component Command for Intelligence, 

 Surveillance, and Reconnaissance 

JFCC NW Joint Functional Component Command for Network 

 Warfare

JFCC SPACE Joint Functional Component Command for Space

JFCH joint force chaplain 

JFE joint fires element 

JFHQ joint force headquarters 

JFHQ – NCR Joint Force Headquarters – National Capital Region 

JFHQ – State Joint Force Headquarters – State 

JFIIT Joint Fires Integration and Interoperability Team 

JFIP Japanese facilities improvement project 

JFLCC joint force land component commander 

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 package (packaging) 

JFRB Joint Foreign Release Board 

JFRG joint force requirements generator 

JFRG II joint force requirements generator II 

JFS joint force surgeon 

JFSOC joint force special operations component 

JFSOCC joint force special operations component commander 

JFTR joint Federal travel regulations 

JFUB joint facilities utilization board 

JGAT joint guidance, apportionment, and targeting 

JHMCS joint helmet-mounted cueing system 

JI joint inspection 

JIACG joint interagency coordination group 

JIADS joint integrated air defense system 

JIATF joint interagency task force 

JIATF-E joint interagency task force - East 

JIATF-S joint interagency task force - South 

JIATF-W joint interagency task force - West 

JIB joint information bureau 

JIC joint information center 

JICC joint information coordination center; joint interface control 

 cell 

JICO joint interface control officer 

JICPAC Joint Intelligence Center, Pacific 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-78 JP 1-02 

JICTRANS Joint Intelligence Center for Transportation 

JIDC joint intelligence and debriefing center; joint 

 interrogation and debriefing center 

JIEO joint interoperability engineering organization 

JIEP joint intelligence estimate for planning 

JIES joint interoperability evaluation system 

JIG joint interrogation group 

JILE joint intelligence liaison element 

JIMB joint information management board 

JIMP joint implementation master plan 

JIMPP joint industrial mobilization planning process 

JIMS joint information management system 

JINTACCS Joint Interoperability of Tactical Command and Control 

 Systems 

JIO joint interrogation operations 

JIOC joint information operations center; joint intelligence 

 operations center 

JIOCPAC Joint Intelligence Operations Center, Pacific 

JIOC-SOUTH Joint Intelligence Operations Center, South 

JIOC TRANS Joint Intelligence Operations Center - Transportation 

JIOP joint interface operational procedures 

JIOP-MTF joint interface operating procedures-message text formats 

JIOWC Joint Information Operations Warfare Command 

JIPC joint imagery production complex 

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 

JITC joint interoperability test command 

JITF-CT Joint Intelligence Task Force for Combating Terrorism 

JIVA Joint Intelligence Virtual Architecture 

JKDDC Joint Knowledge Development and Distribution Capability 

JLCC joint lighterage control center; joint logistics coordination 

 center 

JLE joint logistics environment

JLLP Joint Lessons Learned Program 

JLNCHREP joint launch report 

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 

JM&S joint modeling and simulation 

JMAARS joint model after-action review system 

JMAG Joint METOC Advisory Group 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-79 

JMAO joint mortuary affairs office; joint mortuary affairs officer 

JMAR joint medical asset repository 

JMAS joint manpower automation system 

JMAT joint mobility assistance team 

JMB joint meteorology and oceanography board

JMC joint military command; joint movement center 

JMCC joint meteorological and oceanographic coordination cell

JMCG joint movement control group 

JMCIS joint maritime command information system 

JMCO joint meteorological and oceanographic coordination 

 organization

JMCOMS joint maritime communications system 

JMD joint manning document 

JMeDSAF joint medical semi-automated forces 

JMEM Joint Munitions Effectiveness Manual 

JMEM-SO Joint Munitions Effectiveness Manual-Special Operations 

JMET joint mission-essential task 

JMETL joint mission-essential task list 

JMIC Joint Military Intelligence College 

JMICS Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System 

 (JWICS) mobile integrated communications system 

JMIE joint maritime information element 

JMIP joint military intelligence program 

JMITC Joint Military Intelligence Training Center 

JMLO joint medical logistics officer 

JMMC Joint Material Management Center 

JMMT joint military mail terminal 

JMNA joint military net assessment 

JMO joint maritime operations; joint meteorological and 

 oceanographic officer 

JMO(AIR) joint maritime operations (air) 

JMOC joint medical operations center 

JMP joint manpower program 

JMPA joint military postal activity; joint military satellite 

 communications (MILSATCOM) panel administrator 

JMPAB Joint Materiel Priorities and Allocation Board 

JMRC joint mobile relay center 

JMRO Joint Medical Regulating Office 

JMRR Joint Monthly Readiness Review 

JMSEP joint modeling and simulation executive panel 

JMSWG Joint Multi-Tactical Digital Information Link 

 (Multi-TADIL) Standards Working Group 

JMT joint military training 

JMTCA joint munitions transportation coordinating activity 

JMTCSS Joint Maritime Tactical Communications Switching 

 System 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-80 JP 1-02 

JMUA Joint Meritorious Unit Award 

JMV joint METOC viewer 

JMWG joint medical working group 

JNACC joint nuclear accident coordinating center 

JNCC joint network operations (NETOPS) control center 

JNOCC Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) 

 Network Operation Control Center 

JNPE joint nuclear planning element 

JOA joint operations area 

JOAF joint operations area forecast 

JOC joint operations center; joint oversight committee 

JOCC joint operations command center 

JOERAD joint spectrum center ordnance E3 risk assessment 

 database

JOG joint operations graphic 

JOGS joint operation graphics system 

JOPES Joint Operation Planning and Execution System 

JOPESIR Joint Operation Planning and Execution System Incident 

 Reporting System 

JOPESREP Joint Operation Planning and Execution System Reporting 

 System 

JOPP joint operation planning process 

JOR joint operational requirement 

JORD joint operational requirements document 

JOSG joint operational steering group 

JOT&E joint operational test and evaluation 

JOTS Joint Operational Tactical System 

JP joint publication 

JPAC joint planning augmentation cell; Joint POW/MIA 

 Accounting Command 

JPADS joint precision airdrop system 

JPAG Joint Planning Advisory Group 

JPASE Joint Public Affairs Support Element 

JPATS joint primary aircraft training system 

JPAV joint personnel asset visibility 

JPC joint planning cell; joint postal cell 

JPD joint planning document 

JPEC joint planning and execution community 

JPERSTAT joint personnel status and casualty report 

JPG joint planning group 

JPME joint professional military education 

JPMRC joint patient movement requirements center 

JPMT joint patient movement team 

JPN joint planning network 

JPO joint petroleum office; Joint Program Office 

JPOC joint planning orientation course 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-81 

JPOI joint program of instruction 

JPOM joint preparation and onward movement 

JPO-STC Joint Program Office for Special Technology 

 Countermeasures 

JPOTF joint psychological operations task force 

JPOTG joint psychological operations task group 

JPRA Joint Personnel Recovery Agency 

JPRC joint personnel recovery center 

JPRSP joint personnel recovery support product 

JPS joint processing system 

JPTTA joint personnel training and tracking activity 

JQR joint qualification requirements 

JQRR joint quarterly readiness review 

JRADS Joint Resource Assessment Data System 

JRB Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) Review 

 Board 

JRC joint reception center; joint reconnaissance center 

JRCC joint reception coordination center 

JRERP Joint Radiological Emergency Response Plan 

JRFL joint restricted frequency list 

JRG joint review group 

JRIC joint reserve intelligence center 

JRMB Joint Requirements and Management Board 

JROC Joint Requirements Oversight Council 

JRS joint reporting structure 

JRSC jam-resistant secure communications; joint rescue 

 sub-center 

JRSOI joint reception, staging, onward movement, and integration 

JRTC joint readiness training center 

JRX joint readiness exercise 

JS the joint staff 

JSA joint security area 

JSAC joint strike analysis cell; joint strike analysis center 

JSAM joint security assistance memorandum; Joint Service 

 Achievement Medal; joint standoff surface attack missile 

JSAN Joint Staff automation for the nineties 

JSAP Joint Staff action process 

JSAS joint strike analysis system 

JSC joint security coordinator; Joint Spectrum Center 

JSCAT joint staff crisis action team 

JSCC joint security coordination center; joint Services coordination 

 committee 

JSCM joint Service commendation medal 

JSCP Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan 

JSDS Joint Staff doctrine sponsor 

J-SEAD joint suppression of enemy air defenses 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-82 JP 1-02 

JSEC joint strategic exploitation center 

JSHO joint shipboard helicopter operations

JSIDS joint Services imagery digitizing system 

JSIR joint spectrum interference resolution 

JSISC Joint Staff Information Service Center 

JSIT Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) 

 information trace 

JSIVA Joint Staff Integrated Vulnerability Assessment 

JSM Joint Staff Manual 

JSME joint spectrum management element 

JSMS joint spectrum management system 

JSO joint security operations; joint specialty officer or joint 

 specialist 

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 

JSOFI Joint Special Operations Forces Institute 

JSOTF joint special operations task force 

JSOU Joint Special Operations University 

JSOW joint stand-off weapon 

JSPA joint satellite communications (SATCOM) panel 

 administrator 

JSPD joint strategic planning document 

JSPDSA joint strategic planning document supporting analyses 

JSPOC Joint Space Operations Center 

JSPS Joint Strategic Planning System 

JSR joint strategy review 

JSRC joint subregional command (NATO) 

JSS joint surveillance system 

JSSA joint Services survival, evasion, resistance, and escape 

 (SERE) agency 

JSSIS joint staff support information system 

JSST joint space support team 

JSTAR joint system threat assessment report 

JSTARS Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System 

JSTE joint system training exercise 

JSTO joint space tasking order

JT&E joint test and evaluation 

JTA joint table of allowances; joint technical architecture 

JTAC joint technical augmentation cell; joint terminal attack 

 controller; Joint Terrorism Analysis Center 

JTACE joint technical advisory chemical, biological, 

 radiological, and nuclear element 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-83 

JTADS Joint Tactical Air Defense System (Army); Joint Tactical 

 Display System 

JTAGS joint tactical ground station (Army); joint tactical ground 

 station (Army and Navy); joint tactical ground system 

JTAO joint tactical air operations 

JTAR joint tactical air strike request 

JTASC joint training analysis and simulation center 

JTASG Joint Targeting Automation Steering Group 

JTAV joint total asset visibility 

JTAV-IT joint total asset visibility-in theater 

JTB Joint Transportation Board 

JTC joint technical committee; Joint Training Confederation 

JTCB joint targeting coordination board 

JTCC joint transportation coordination cell; joint transportation 

 corporate information management center 

JTCG/ME Joint Technical Coordinating Group for Munitions 

 Effectiveness 

JTD joint table of distribution; joint theater distribution 

JTDC joint track data coordinator 

JTF joint task force 

JTF-6 joint task force-6 

JTF-AK Joint Task Force - Alaska 

JTF-B joint task force-Bravo 

JTFCEM joint task force contingency engineering management 

JTF-CM joint task force - consequence management 

JTF-CS Joint Task Force-Civil Support 

JTF-E joint task force - elimination 

JTF-GNO Joint Task Force-Global Network Operations 

JTF-GTMO Joint Task Force-Guantanamo 

JTF-HD Joint Task Force-Homeland Defense 

JTF HQ joint task force headquarters 

JTF-MAO joint task force - mortuary affairs office 

JTF-N Joint Task Force-North 

JTFP Joint Tactical Fusion Program 

JTF-PO joint task force-port opening

JTFS joint task force surgeon 

JTF-State Joint Task Force-State 

JTIC joint transportation intelligence center 

JTIDS Joint Tactical Information Distribution System 

JTL joint target list 

JTLM Joint Theater Logistics Management 

JTLS joint theater-level simulation 

JTM joint training manual 

JTMD joint table of mobilization and distribution; Joint 

 Terminology Master Database 

JTMP joint training master plan 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-84 JP 1-02 

JTMS joint theater movement staff; joint training master schedule 

JTP joint test publication; joint training plan 

JTR joint travel regulations 

JTRB joint telecommunication resources board 

JTS Joint Targeting School 

JTSG joint targeting steering group 

JTSSCCB Joint Tactical Switched Systems Configuration Control 

 Board 

JTSST joint training system support team 

JTT joint targeting toolbox; joint training team 

JTTF joint terrorism task force 

JUH-MTF Joint User Handbook-Message Text Formats 

JUIC joint unit identification code 

JULL Joint Universal Lessons Learned (report) 

JULLS Joint Universal Lessons Learned System 

JUO joint urban operation 

JUSMAG Joint United States Military Advisory Group 

JUWTF joint unconventional warfare task force 

JV Joint Vision 

JV 2020 Joint Vision 2020 

JVB Joint Visitors Bureau 

JVIDS Joint Visual Integrated Display System 

JVSEAS Joint Virtual Security Environment Assessment System 

JWAC Joint Warfare Analysis Center 

JWARS Joint Warfare Analysis and Requirements System 

JWC Joint Warfare Center 

JWCA joint warfighting capabilities assessment 

JWFC Joint Warfighting Center 

JWG joint working group 

JWICS Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System 

JWID joint warrior interoperability demonstration 

K 

Ka Kurtz-above band 

KAL key assets list 

KAPP Key Assets Protection Program 

kb kilobit 

kbps kilobits per second 

KC-135 Stratotanker 

KDE key doctrine element 

KEK key encryption key 

KG key generator 

kg kilogram 

kHz kilohertz 

KIA killed in action 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-85 

K-Kill catastrophic kill 

km kilometer 

KMC knowledge management center 

KNP Korean National Police 

KP key pulse 

kph kilometers per hour 

KPP key performance parameter

KQ ID tactical location identifier 

kt kiloton(s); knot (nautical miles per hour) 

Ku Kurtz-under band 

kVA kilo Volt-Amps 

KVG key variable generator 

kW kilowatt 

KWOC keyword-out-of-context 

L 

L length 

l search subarea length 

LA lead agent; legal adviser; line amplifier; loop key generator 

 (LKG) adapter 

LAADS low altitude air defense system 

LAAM light anti-aircraft missile 

LABS laser airborne bathymetry system 

LACH lightweight amphibious container handler 

LACV lighter, air cushioned vehicle 

LAD latest arrival date 

LAMPS Light Airborne Multipurpose System (helicopter) 

LAN local area network 

LANDCENT Allied Land Forces Central Europe (NATO) 

LANDSAT land satellite 

LANDSOUTH Allied Land Forces Southern Europe (NATO) 

LANTIRN low-altitude navigation and targeting infrared for night 

LAO limited attack option 

LARC lighter, amphibious resupply, cargo 

LARC-V lighter, amphibious resupply, cargo, 5 ton 

LARS lightweight airborne recovery system 

LASH lighter aboard ship 

LASINT laser intelligence 

LAT latitude 

LAV light armored vehicle 

lb pound 

LBR Laser Beam Rider 

LC lake current; legal counsel 

LCAC landing craft, air cushion 

LCAP low combat air patrol 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-86 JP 1-02 

LCB line of constant bearing 

LCC amphibious command ship; land component commander; 

 launch control center; lighterage control center; link 

 communications circuit; logistics component command 

LCCS landing craft control ship 

LCE logistics capability estimator; logistics combat element 

 (MAGTF); logistics combat element (Marine) 

LCES line conditioning equipment scanner 

LCM landing craft, mechanized; letter-class mail; life-cycle 

 management 

LCMC life cycle management command

LCO landing craft air cushion control officer; lighterage 

 control officer 

LCP lighterage control point 

LCPL landing craft personnel (large) 

LCS landing craft air cushion control ship 

LCSR life cycle systems readiness

LCU landing craft, utility; launch correlation unit 

LCVP landing craft, vehicle, personnel 

LD line of departure 

LDA limited depository account 

LDF lightweight digital facsimile 

LDI line driver interface 

LDO laser designator operator 

LDR leader; low data rate 

LE law enforcement; low-order explosives 

LEA law enforcement agency 

LEAP Light ExoAtmospheric Projectile 

LEASAT leased satellite 

LEAU Law Enforcement Assistance Unit (FAA) 

LECIC Law Enforcement and Counterintelligence Center (DOD) 

LED law enforcement desk; light emitting diode 

LEDET law enforcement detachment 

LEGAT legal attaché 

LEO law enforcement operations; low Earth orbit 

LEP laser eye protection; linear error probable 

LERSM lower echelon reporting and surveillance module 

LERTCON alert condition 

LES law enforcement sensitive; leave and earnings statement; 

 Lincoln Laboratories Experimental Satellite 

LESO Law Enforcement Support Office 

LET light equipment transport 

LF landing force; low frequency 

LFA lead federal agency 

LFORM landing force operational reserve material 

LFSP landing force support party 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-87 

LfV Landesamt für Verfassungsschutz (regional authority for 

 constitutional protection) 

LG deputy chief of staff for logistics 

LGB laser-guided bomb 

LGM laser-guided missile; loop group multiplexer 

LGM-30 Minuteman 

LGW laser-guided weapon 

LHA amphibious assault ship (general purpose) 

LHD amphibious assault ship (multipurpose) 

L-hour specific hour on C-day at which a deployment operation 

 commences or is to commence 

LHT line-haul tractor 

LIDAR light detection and ranging 

LIF light interference filter 

LIMDIS limited distribution 

LIMFAC limiting factor 

LIPS Logistics Information Processing System 

LIS logistics information system 

LIWA land information warfare activity 

LKA attack cargo ship 

LKG loop key generator 

LKP last known position 

LL lessons learned 

LLLGB low-level laser-guided bomb 

LLLTV low-light level television 

LLSO low-level source operation 

LLTR low-level transit route 

LM loop modem 

LMARS Logistics Metrics Analysis Reporting System 

LMAV laser MAVERICK 

LMF language media format 

LMSR large, medium speed roll-on/roll-off 

LN lead nation 

LNA low voice amplifier 

LNO liaison officer 

LO low observable 

LOA Lead Operational Authority; letter of assist; letter of 

 authorization; letter of offer and acceptance; lodgment 

 operational area; logistics over-the-shore (LOTS) operation 

 area 

LOAC law of armed conflict 

LOAL lock-on after launch 

LOBL lock-on before launch 

LOC line of communications; logistics operations center 

LOC ACC location accuracy 

LOCAP low combat air patrol 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-88 JP 1-02 

LOCE Linked Operational Intelligence Centers Europe; Linked 

 Operations-Intelligence Centers Europe 

LOD line of departure 

LOE letter of evaluation 

LOG logistics 

LOGAIR logistics aircraft 

LOGAIS logistics automated information system 

LOGCAP logistics civil augmentation program 

LOGCAT logistics capability assessment tool 

LOGDET logistics detail 

LOGEX logistics exercise 

LOGFAC Logistics Feasibility Assessment Capability 

LOGFOR logistics force packaging system 

LOGMARS logistics applications of automated marking and reading 

 symbols 

LOGMOD logistics module 

LOGPLAN logistics planning system 

LOGSAFE logistic sustainment analysis and feasibility estimator 

LOI letter of instruction; loss of input 

LO/LO lift-on/lift-off 

LOMEZ low-altitude missile engagement zone 

LONG longitude 

LOO line of operations 

LOP line of position 

LORAN long-range aid to navigation 

LO/RO lift-on/roll-off 

LOROP long range oblique photography 

LOS line of sight 

LOTS logistics over-the-shore 

LOX liquid oxygen 

LP listening post 

LPD amphibious transport dock; low probability of detection 

LPH amphibious assault ship, landing platform helicopter 

LPI low probability of intercept 

LPSB logistics procurement support board 

LPU line printer unit 

LPV laser-protective visor 

LRC logistics readiness center 

LRD laser range finder-detector 

LRF laser range finder 

LRF/D laser range finder/detector 

LRG long-range aircraft 

LRM low rate multiplexer 

LRP load and roll pallet 

LRRP long range reconnaissance patrol 

LRS launch and recovery site 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-89 

LRST long-range surveillance team 

LRSU long-range surveillance unit 

LSA logistic support analysis; logistics supportability analysis 

LSB landing support battalion; lower sideband 

LSCDM low speed cable driver modem 

LSD dock landing ship; least significant digit 

LSE landing signalman enlisted; logistic support element 

LSO landing safety officer; landing signals officer 

LSPR low speed pulse restorer 

LSS laser spot search; local sensor subsystem 

LST landing ship, tank; laser spot tracker; tank landing ship 

LSU logistics civil augmentation program support unit

LSV logistics support vessel 

LT large tug; local terminal; long ton 

L/T long ton 

LTD laser target designator 

LTD/R laser target designator/ranger 

LTF logistics task force 

LTG local timing generator 

LTL laser-to-target line 

LTON long ton 

LTS low-altitude navigation and targeting infrared for night 

 (LANTIRN) targeting system 

LTT loss to theater 

LTU line termination unit 

LUA launch under attack 

LUT local user terminal 

LVS Logistics Vehicle System (USMC) 

LW leeway 

LWR Lutheran World Relief 

LZ landing zone 

LZCO landing zone control officer 

M 

M&S modeling and simulation 

M88A1 recovery vehicle 

MA master; medical attendant; mortuary affairs 

mA milliampere(s) 

MAAG military assistance advisory group 

MAAP master air attack plan 

MAC Mortuary Affairs Center 

MACA military assistance to civil authorities 

MACB multinational acquisition and contracting board 

MACCS Marine air command and control system 

MACDIS military assistance for civil disturbances 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-90 JP 1-02 

MACG Marine air control group 

MACOM major command (Army) 

MACP mortuary affairs collection point 

MACSAT multiple access commercial satellite 

MAD Militärischer Abschirmdienst (military protection service); 

 military air distress 

MADCP mortuary affairs decontamination collection point 

MAEB mean area of effectiveness for blast 

MAEF mean area of effectiveness for fragments 

MAF mobility air forces 

MAFC Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) all-source fusion 

 center 

MAG Marine aircraft group 

MAGTF Marine air-ground task force 

MAGTF ACE Marine air-ground task force aviation combat element 

MAJCOM major command (USAF) 

MANFOR manpower force packaging system 

MANPADS man-portable air defense system 

MANPER manpower and personnel module 

MAOC-N Maritime Analysis and Operations Center-Narcotics 

MAP Military Assistance Program; missed approach point; 

 missed approach procedure 

MAR METOC assistance request 

MARAD Maritime Administration 

MARCORMATCOM Marine Corps Materiel Command 

MARCORSYSCOM Marine Corps Systems Command

MARDIV Marine division 

MARFOR Marine Corps forces 

MARFOREUR Marine Corps Forces, Europe 

MARFORLANT Marine Corps Forces, Atlantic 

MARFORNORTH Marine Corps Forces, North 

MARFORPAC Marine Corps Forces, Pacific 

MARFORSOUTH Marine Corps Forces, South 

MARFORSTRAT United States Marine Corps Forces, United States 

 Strategic Command

MARINCEN Maritime Intelligence Center 

MARLO Marine liaison officer 

MAROP marine operators 

MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution 

 from Ships 

MARS Military Affiliate Radio System 

MARSA military assumes responsibility for separation of aircraft 

MARSOC Marine Corps special operations command 

MARSOF Marine Corps special operations forces 

MART mobile Automatic Digital Network (AUTODIN) remote 

 terminal 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-91 

MASCAL mass casualty 

MASF mobile aeromedical staging facility 

MASH mobile Army surgical hospital 

MASINT measurement and signature intelligence 

MASLO measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT) liaison 

 officer 

MAST military assistance to safety and traffic; mobile ashore 

 support terminal 

MAT medical analysis tool 

MATCALS Marine air traffic control and landing system 

MATCS Marine air traffic control squadron

M/ATMP Missiles/Air Target Materials Program 

MAW Marine aircraft wing 

MAX maximum 

MAXORD maximum ordinate 

MB medium boat; megabyte 

MBA main battle area 

MBBLs thousands of barrels 

MBCDM medical biological chemical defense materiel 

MBI major budget issue 

Mbps megabytes per second 

Mbs megabits per second 

MC Military Committee (NATO); military community; 

 mission-capable 

MC-130 Combat Talon (I and II) 

MCA mail control activity; maximum calling area; military civic 

 action; mission concept approval; movement control 

 agency 

MCAG maritime civil affairs group

MCAP maximum calling area precedence 

MCAS Marine Corps air station 

MCAT maritime civil affairs team

MCB movement control battalion 

MCBAT medical chemical biological advisory team 

MCC Marine component commander; maritime component 

 commander; master control center; military cooperation 

 committee; military coordinating committee; mission 

 control center; mobility control center; movement control 

 center 

MCCC mobile consolidated command center 

MCCDC Marine Corps Combat Development Command 

MCCISWG military command, control, and information systems 

 working group 

MCD medical crew director 

MCDA military and civil defense assets (UN) 

MCDP Marine Corps doctrine publication 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-92 JP 1-02 

MCDS modular cargo delivery system 

MCEB Military Communications-Electronics Board 

MCEWG Military Communications-Electronics Working Group 

MC/FI mass casualty/fatality incident 

MCIA Marine Corps Intelligence Activity 

MCIO military criminal investigative organization 

MCIP Marine Corps information publication; military command 

 inspection program 

MCM Manual for Courts-Martial; military classification manual; 

 mine countermeasures 

MCMC mine countermeasures commander 

MCMG Military Committee Meteorological Group (NATO) 

MCMO medical civil-military operations 

MCMOPS mine countermeasures operations 

M/CM/S mobility, countermobility, and/or survivability 

MCMREP mine countermeasure report 

MCO Mapping Customer Operations; Marine Corps order 

MCOO modified combined obstacle overlay 

MCRP Marine Corps reference publication 

MCS maneuver control system; Military Capabilities Study; mine 

 countermeasures ship; modular causeway system 

MCSF mobile cryptologic support facility 

MCSFB Marine Corps security force battalion 

MCT movement control team 

MCTC Midwest Counterdrug Training Center 

MCTFT Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training 

MCU maintenance communications unit 

MCW modulated carrier wave 

MCWP Marine Corps warfighting publication 

MCX Marine Corps Exchange 

MDA Magen David Adom (Israeli equivalent of the Red 

 Cross); maritime domain awareness 

M-DARC military direct access radar channel 

M-day mobilization day; unnamed day on which mobilization of 

 forces begins 

MDCI multidiscipline counterintelligence 

MDDOC MAGTF deployment and distribution operations center 

MDF Main Defense Forces (NATO); main distribution frame 

MDITDS migration defense intelligence threat data system; 

 Modernized Defense Intelligence Threat Data System 

MDMA methylenedioxymethamphetamine 

MDR medium data rate 

MDRO mission disaster response officer 

MDS Message Dissemination Subsystem; mission design series 

MDSS II Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) Deployment 

 Support System II 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-93 

MDSU mobile diving and salvage unit 

MDW Military District of Washington 

MDZ maritime defense zone 

MEA munitions effect assessment; munitions effectiveness 

 assessment 

MEB Marine expeditionary brigade 

MEBU mission essential backup 

MEC medium endurance cutter 

ME/C medical examiner and/or coroner 

MED manipulative electronic deception 

MEDAL Mine Warfare Environmental Decision Aids Library 

MEDCAP medical civic action program 

MEDCC medical coordination cell 

MEDCOM US Army Medical Command 

MEDEVAC medical evacuation 

MEDINT medical intelligence 

MEDLOG medical logistics (USAF AIS) 

MEDLOGCO medical logistics company 

MEDLOG JR medical logistics, junior (USAF) 

MEDMOB Medical Mobilization Planning and Execution System 

MEDNEO medical noncombatant evacuation operation 

MEDREG medical regulating 

MEDREGREP medical regulating report 

MEDRETE medical readiness training exercise 

MEDS meteorological data system 

MEDSOM medical supply, optical, and maintenance unit 

MEDSTAT medical status 

MEF Marine expeditionary force 

MEF(FWD) Marine expeditionary force (forward) 

MEFPAKA manpower and equipment force packaging 

MEL maintenance expenditure limit; minimum equipment list 

MEO medium Earth orbit; military equal opportunity 

MEP mobile electric power 

MEPCOM military entrance processing command 

MEPES Medical Planning and Execution System 

MEPRS Military Entrance Processing and Reporting System 

MERCO merchant ship reporting and control 

MERINT merchant intelligence 

MERSHIPS merchant ships 

MES medical equipment set 

MESAR minimum-essential security assistance requirements 

MET medium equipment transporter; mobile environmental team 

METAR meteorological airfield report; meteorological aviation 

 report 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-94 JP 1-02 

METARS routine aviation weather report (roughly translated from 

 French; international standard code format for hourly 

 surface weather observations) 

METCON control of meteorological information (roughly translated 

 from French); meteorological control (Navy) 

METL mission-essential task list 

METMF meteorological mobile facility 

METMR(R) meteorological mobile facility (replacement) 

METOC meteorological and oceanographic 

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 (Army) 

MEU Marine expeditionary unit 

MEU(SOC) Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable) 

MEVA mission essential vulnerable area 

MEWSG Multi-Service Electronic Warfare Support Group (NATO) 

MEZ missile engagement zone 

MF medium frequency; mobile facility; multi-frequency 

MFC multinational force commander 

MFDS Modular Fuel Delivery System 

MFE manpower force element 

MFFIMS mass fatality field information management system 

MFO multinational force and observers 

MFP major force program 

MFPC maritime future plans center 

MFPF minefield planning folder 

MFS multifunction switch 

MGB medium girder bridge 

MGM master group multiplexer 

MGRS military grid reference system 

MGS mobile ground system 

MGT management 

MGW maximum gross weight

MHC management headquarters ceiling 

MHE materials handling equipment 

MHU modular heat unit 

MHW mean high water 

MHz megahertz 

MI military intelligence; movement instructions 

MIA missing in action 

MIAC maritime intelligence and analysis center 

MIB Military Intelligence Board 

MIC Multinational Interoperability Council 

MICAP mission capable/mission capability 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-95 

MICON mission concept 

MICRO-MICS micro-medical inventory control system 

MICRO-SNAP micro-shipboard non-tactical automated data processing 

 system 

MIDB modernized integrated database; modernized intelligence 

 database 

MIDDS-T Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) Integrated 

 Data Display System-Tactical 

MIF maritime interception force 

MIIDS/IDB Military Intelligence Integrated Data System/Integrated 

 Database 

MIJI meaconing, interference, jamming, and intrusion 

MILALOC military air line of communications 

MILCON military construction 

MILDEC military deception 

MILDEP Military Department 

MILGP military group (assigned to American Embassy in host 

 nation) 

MILOB military observer 

MILOC military oceanography group (NATO) 

MILPERS military personnel 

MILSATCOM military satellite communications 

MILSPEC military performance specification 

MILSTAMP military standard transportation and movement procedures 

MILSTAR military strategic and tactical relay system 

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 support unit 

MILVAN military van (container) 

MIM maintenance instruction manual 

MIMP Mobilization Information Management Plan 

MINEOPS joint minelaying operations 

MIO maritime interception operations 

MIO-9 information operations threat analysis division (DIA) 

MIP Military Intelligence Program 

MIPE mobile intelligence processing element 

MIPOE medical intelligence preparation of the operational 

 environment 

MIPR military interdepartmental purchase request 

MIS maritime intelligence summary 

MISCAP mission capability 

MISREP mission report 

MISS missing 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-96 JP 1-02 

MIST military information support team 

MITASK mission tasking 

MITO minimum interval takeoff 

MITT mobile integrated tactical terminal 

MIUW mobile inshore undersea warfare 

MIUWU mobile inshore undersea warfare unit 

MIW mine warfare 

MJCS Joint Chiefs of Staff memorandum 

MJLC multinational joint logistic center 

M-Kill mobility kill 

MLA mission load allowance 

MLAYREP mine laying report 

MLC Marine Logistics Command 

MLE maritime law enforcement 

MLEA Maritime Law Enforcement Academy 

MLG Marine logistics group

MLI munitions list item 

MLMC medical logistics management center 

MLO military liaison office 

MLP message load plan 

MLPP multilevel precedence and preemption 

MLPS Medical Logistics Proponent Subcommittee 

MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System 

MLS microwave landing system; multilevel security 

MLSA mutual logistics support agreement

MLW mean low water 

MMA military mission area 

MMAC military mine action center 

MMC materiel management center 

MMG DOD Master Mobilization Guide 

MMI man/machine interface 

MMLS mobile microwave landing system 

MMS mast-mounted sight 

MMT military mail terminal 

MNCC multinational coordination 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 

MNL multinational logistics 

MNLC multinational logistic center 

MNP master navigation plan 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-97 

MNS mine neutralization system (USN); mission needs 

 statement 

MNTF multinational task force 

MO medical officer; month 

MOA memorandum of agreement; military operating area 

MOADS maneuver-oriented ammunition distribution system 

MOB main operating base; main operations base; mobilization 

MOBCON mobilization control 

MOBREP military manpower mobilization and accession status 

 report 

MOC maritime operations center 

MOCC measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT) 

 operations coordination center; mobile operations control 

 center 

MOD Minister (Ministry) of Defense 

MODEM modulator/demodulator 

MODLOC miscellaneous operational details, local operations 

MOD T-AGOS modified tactical auxiliary general ocean surveillance 

MOE measure of effectiveness 

MOG maximum (aircraft) on ground; movement on ground 

 (aircraft); multinational observer group 

MOGAS motor gasoline 

MOLE multichannel operational line evaluator 

MOM military ordinary mail 

MOMAT mobility matting 

MOMSS mode and message selection system 

MOP measure of performance; memorandum of policy 

MOPP mission-oriented protective posture 

MOR memorandum of record 

MOS military occupational specialty 

MOSC meteorological and oceanographic operations support 

 community

MOTR maritime operational threat response 

MOU memorandum of understanding 

MOUT military operations in urban terrain; military 

 operations on urbanized terrain 

MOVREP movement report 

MOW maintenance orderwire 

MP military police (Army and Marine); multinational publication 

MPA maritime patrol aircraft; mission and payload assessment; 

 mission planning agent 

MPAT military patient administration team; Multinational Planning 

 Augmentation Team 

MPC mid-planning conference; military personnel center 

MPE/S maritime pre-positioning equipment and supplies 

MPF maritime pre-positioning force 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-98 JP 1-02 

MPG maritime planning group; mensurated point graphic 

mph miles per hour 

MPLAN Marine Corps Mobilization Management Plan 

MPM medical planning module 

MPNTP Master Positioning Navigation and Timing Plan

MPO military post office 

MPP maritime procedural publication

MPR maritime patrol and reconnaissance 

MPRS multi-point refueling system 

MPS maritime pre-positioning ship; message processor shelter; 

 Military Postal Service 

MPSA Military Postal Service Agency 

MPSRON maritime pre-positioning ships squadron 

MR milliradian; mobile reserve 

MRAALS Marine remote area approach and landing system 

MRAT medical radiobiology advisory team 

MRCI maximum rescue coverage intercept 

MRE meal, ready to eat 

MRG movement requirements generator 

MRI magnetic resonance imaging 

MRMC US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command 

MRO mass rescue operation; medical regulating office; medical 

 regulating officer 

MROC multicommand required operational capability 

MRR minimum-risk route 

MRRR mobility requirement resource roster 

MRS measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT) 

 requirements system; meteorological radar subsystem; 

 movement report system 

MRSA Materiel Readiness Support Agency 

MRT maintenance recovery team 

MRU mountain rescue unit 

MS message switch 

ms millisecond 

MSC major subordinate command; maritime support center; 

 Military Sealift Command; military staff committee; 

 mission support confirmation 

MSCA military support to civil authorities; military support to 

 civilian authorities 

MSCD military support to civil defense 

MSCLEA military support to civilian law enforcement agencies 

MSCO Military Sealift Command Office 

MSD marginal support date; mobile security division 

MS-DOS Microsoft disk operating system 

MSDS mission specific data set 

MSE mission support element; mobile subscriber equipment; 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-99 

MSECR HIS 6000 security module 

MSEL master scenario events list 

MSF Medicins Sans Frontieres (“Doctors Without Borders”); 

 mission support force; mobile security force; multiplex 

 signal format 

MSG Marine Security Guard; message 

MSGID message identification 

MSHARPP mission, symbolism, history, accessibility, recognizability, 

 population, and proximity 

MSI modified surface index; multispectral imagery 

MSIC Missile and Space Intelligence Center 

MSIS Marine safety information system 

MSK mission support kit 

MSL master station log; mean sea level 

MSNAP merchant ship naval augmentation program 

MSO map support office; marine safety office(r); maritime 

 security operations; military satellite communications 

 (MILSATCOM) systems organization; military source 

 operation; military strategic objective; military support 

 operations; mobilization staff officer 

MSOC Marine special operations company 

MSP mission support plan; mobile sensor platform 

MSPES mobilization stationing, planning, and execution system 

MSPF maritime special purpose force 

MSPS mobilization stationing and planning system 

MSR main supply route; maritime support request; mission support 

 request 

MSRR modeling and simulation resource repository 

MSRV message switch rekeying variable 

MSS medical surveillance system; meteorological satellite 

 subsystem 

MSSG Marine expeditionary unit (MEU) service support group 

MST Marine expeditionary force (MEF) weather support team; 

 meteorological and oceanographic support team; 

 mission support team 

M/T measurement ton 

MT measurement ton; military technician; ministry team 

MTA military training agreement 

MTAC Multiple Threat Alert Center 

MTBF mean time between failures 

MT Bn motor transport battalion 

MTCR missile technology control regime 

MT/D measurement tons per day 

MTF medical treatment facility; message text format 

MTG master timing generator 

MTI moving target indicator 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-100 JP 1-02 

MTIC Military Targeting Intelligence Committee 

MTL mission tasking letter 

MTMS maritime tactical message system 

MTN multi-tactical data link network 

MTO message to observer; mission type order 

MTOE modified table of organization and equipment 

MTON measurement ton 

MTP maritime task plan; mission tasking packet 

MTS Movement Tracking System 

MTS/SOF-IRIS multifunction system 

MTT magnetic tape transport; mobile training team 

MTTP multi-Service tactics, techniques, and procedures

MTW major theater war 

MTX message text format 

MU marry up 

MUL master urgency list (DOD) 

MULE modular universal laser equipment 

MUREP munitions report 

MUSARC major United States Army reserve commands 

MUSE mobile utilities support equipment 

MUST medical unit, self-contained, transportable 

MUX multiplex 

MV merchant vessel; motor vessel 

mV millivolt 

MWBP missile warning bypass 

MWC Missile Warning Center (NORAD) 

MWD military working dog 

MWDT military working dog team 

MWF medical working file 

MWG mobilization working group 

MWOD multiple word-of-day 

MWR missile warning receiver; morale, welfare, and recreation 

MWSG Marine wing support group 

MWSS Marine wing support squadron 

N 

N number of required track spacings; number of search and 

 rescue units (SRUs) 

N-1 Navy component manpower or personnel staff officer 

N-2 Director of Naval Intelligence; Navy component intelligence 

 staff officer 

N-3 Navy component operations staff officer 

N-4 Navy component logistics staff officer 

N-5 Navy component plans staff officer 

N-6 Navy component communications staff officer 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-101 

NA nation assistance

NAAG North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Army 

 Armaments Group 

NAC North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) 

 Air Center; North Atlantic Council (NATO) 

NACE National Military Command System (NMCS) Automated 

 Control Executive 

NACISA North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) 

 Communications and Information Systems Agency 

NACISC North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) 

 Communications and Information Systems Committee 

NACSEM National Communications Security/Emanations Security 

 (COMSEC/EMSEC) Information Memorandum 

NACSI national communications security (COMSEC) instruction 

NACSIM national communications security (COMSEC) information 

 memorandum 

NADEFCOL North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defense 

 College 

NADEP naval aircraft depot 

NAE Navy acquisition executive

NAEC-ENG Naval Air Engineering Center - Engineering 

NAF naval air facility; nonappropriated funds; numbered air 

 force 

NAFAG North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Air Force 

 Armaments Group 

NAI named area of interest 

NAIC National Air Intelligence Center 

NAK negative acknowledgement 

NALC Navy ammunition logistics code 

NALE naval and amphibious liaison element 

NALSS naval advanced logistic support site 

NAMP North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Annual 

 Manpower Plan 

NAMS National Air Mobility System 

NAMTO Navy material transportation office 

NAOC national airborne operations center (E-4B aircraft) 

NAPCAP North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allied 

 Pre-Committed Civil Aircraft Program 

NAPMA North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Airborne 

 Early Warning and Control Program Management 

 Agency 

NAPMIS Navy Preventive Medicine Information System 

NAR nonconventional assisted recovery; notice of ammunition 

 reclassification 

NARAC national atmospheric release advisory capability 

NARC non-automatic relay center 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-102 JP 1-02 

NAS naval air station 

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

NASAR National Association for Search and Rescue 

NAS computer national airspace system computer 

NASIC National Air and Space Intelligence Center 

NAT nonair-transportable (cargo) 

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization 

NATOPS Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures 

 Standardization 

NAU Narcotics Assistance Unit 

NAVAID navigation aid 

NAVAIDS navigational aids 

NAVAIR naval air; Naval Air Systems Command 

NAVAIRSYSCOM Naval Air Systems Command (Also called NAVAIR) 

NAVATAC Navy Antiterrorism Analysis Center; Navy Antiterrorist 

 Alert Center 

NAVCHAPDET naval cargo handling and port group detachment 

NAVCHAPGRU Navy cargo handling and port group 

NAVCOMSTA naval communications station 

NAVEODTECHDIV Naval Explosives Ordnance Disposal Technology 

 Division 

NAVEURMETOCCEN Naval Europe Meteorology and Oceanography Center 

NAVFAC Naval Facilities Engineering Command 

NAVFACENGCOM Naval Facilities Engineering Command 

NAVFAC-X Naval Facilities Engineering Command-expeditionary 

NAVFAX Navy facsimile 

NAVFOR Navy forces 

NAVICECEN Naval Ice Center 

NAVLANTMETOCCEN Naval Atlantic Meteorology and Oceanography Center 

NAVMAG naval magazine 

NAVMED Navy Medical; Navy medicine 

NAVMEDCOMINST Navy medical command instruction 

NAVMEDLOGCOM Navy Medical Logistical Command 

NAVMEDP Navy medical pamphlet 

NAVMETOCCOM Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command 

NAVMTO naval military transportation office; Navy Material 

 Transportation Office 

NAVOCEANO Naval Oceanographic Office 

NAVORD naval ordnance 

NAVORDSTA naval ordnance station 

NAVPACMETOCCEN Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Center 

NAVSAFECEN naval safety center 

NAVSAT navigation satellite 

NAVSEA Naval Sea Systems Command 

NAVSEAINST Naval Sea Systems Command instruction 

NAVSEALOGCEN naval sea logistics center 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-103 

NAVSEASYSCOM Naval Sea Systems Command 

NAVSO United States Navy Forces, Southern Command 

NAVSOC Naval Satellite Operations Center; naval special 

 operations command; naval special operations 

 component; naval special warfare special operations 

 component; Navy special operations component 

NAVSOF naval special operations forces; Navy special operations 

 forces 

NAVSPACECOM Naval Space Command 

NAVSPECWARCOM Naval Special Warfare Command 

NAVSPOC Naval Space Operations Center 

NAVSUP naval supply; Naval Supply Systems Command 

NAVSUPINST Navy Support Instruction 

NAVSUPSYSCOM Naval Supply Systems Command

NAVWAR navigation warfare

NAWCAD Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division 

NB narrowband 

NBC nuclear, biological, and chemical 

NBCCS nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) contamination 

 survivability 

NBDP narrow band direct printing 

NBG naval beach group 

NBI nonbattle injury 

NBS National Bureau of Standards 

NBST narrowband secure terminal 

NBVC Naval Base Ventura County 

NC3A nuclear command, control, and communications (C3) 

 assessment 

NCAA North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Civil Airlift 

 Agency 

NCAGS naval cooperation and guidance for shipping 

NCAPS naval coordination and protection of shipping 

NCB national central bureau; naval construction brigade 

NCC National Coordinating Center; naval component commander; 

 Navy component command; Navy component 

 commander; network control center; North American 

 Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Command 

 Center 

NCCS Nuclear Command and Control System 

NCD net control device 

NCDC National Climatic Data Center 

NCESGR National Committee of Employer Support for the Guard 

 and Reserve 

NCF naval construction force 

NCFSU naval construction force support unit 

NCHB Navy cargo handling battalion 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-104 JP 1-02 

NCHF Navy cargo handling force 

NCIC National Crime Information Center 

NCI&KA national critical infrastructure and key assets 

NCIS Naval Criminal Investigative Service 

NCISRA Naval Criminal Investigative Service resident agent 

NCISRO Naval Criminal Investigative Service regional office 

NCISRU Naval Criminal Investigative Service resident unit 

NCIX National Counterintelligence Executive 

NCMP Navy Capabilities and Mobilization Plan 

NCO noncombat operations; noncommissioned officer 

NCOB National Counterintelligence Operations Board 

NCOIC noncommissioned officer in charge 

NCOS naval control of shipping 

NCP National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution 

 Contingency Plan 

NCR National Capital Region (US); national cryptologic 

 representative; National Security Agency/Central Security 

 Service representative; naval construction regiment 

NCRCC National Capital Region Coordination Center 

NCRCG National Cyber Response Coordination Group 

NCRDEF national cryptologic representative defense 

NCR-IADS National Capital Region - Integrated Air Defense System 

NCS National Clandestine Service; National Communications 

 System; naval control of shipping; net control station 

NCSC National Computer Security Center 

NCSE national intelligence support team (NIST) communications 

 support element 

NCT network control terminal 

NCTAMS naval computer and telecommunications area master 

 station 

NCTC National Counterterrorism Center; North East Counterdrug 

 Training Center 

NCTS naval computer and telecommunications station 

NCW naval coastal warfare 

NCWC naval coastal warfare commander 

NCWS naval coastal warfare squadron 

NDA national defense area 

NDAA National Defense Authorization Act 

NDAF Navy, Defense Logistics Agency, Air Force 

N-day day an active duty unit is notified for deployment or 

 redeployment 

NDB nondirectional beacon 

NDCS national drug control strategy 

NDDOC US Northern Command Deployment and Distribution 

 Operations Center 

NDHQ National Defence Headquarters, Canada 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-105 

NDIC National Drug Intelligence Center 

NDL national desired ground zero list 

NDMC North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defense 

 Manpower Committee 

NDMS National Disaster Medical System 

NDOC National Defense Operations Center 

NDP national disclosure policy 

NDPB National Drug Policy Board 

NDPC National Disclosure Policy Committee 

NDRC national detainee reporting center

NDRF National Defense Reserve Fleet 

NDS national defense strategy 

NDSF National Defense Sealift Fund 

NDU National Defense University 

NEA Northeast Asia 

NEAT naval embarked advisory team 

NECC Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

NEMT National Emergency Management Team 

NEO noncombatant evacuation operation 

NEOCC noncombatant evacuation operation coordination center 

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act 

NEREP Nuclear Execution and Reporting Plan 

NES National Exploitation System 

NESDIS National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information 

 Service (DOC) 

NEST nuclear emergency support team 

NETOPS network operations 

NETS Nationwide Emergency Telecommunications System 

NETT new equipment training team 

NETWARCOM Naval Network Warfare Command

NEW naval expeditionary warfare; net explosive weight 

NEWAC North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Electronic 

 Warfare Advisory Committee 

NEWCS NATO electronic warfare core staff 

NEXCOM Navy Exchange Command 

NFA no-fire area 

NFD nodal fault diagnostics 

NFELC Naval Facilities Expeditionary Logistics Center 

NFESC Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center 

NFI national foreign intelligence 

NFIB National Foreign Intelligence Board 

NFIP National Flood Insurance Program (FEMA); National 

 Foreign Intelligence Program 

NFLIR navigation forward-looking infrared 

NFLS naval forward logistic site 

NFN national file number 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-106 JP 1-02 

NFO naval flight officer 

NG National Guard 

NGA National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency 

NGB National Guard Bureau 

NGB-OC National Guard Bureau — Office of the Chaplain 

NGF naval gun fire 

NGFS naval gunfire support 

NGIC National Ground Intelligence Center 

NGLO naval gunfire liaison officer 

NGO nongovernmental organization 

NGP National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Program 

NGRF National Guard reaction force 

NHCS nonhostile casualty 

NI national identification (number); noted item 

NIBRS National Incident-Based Reporting System 

NIC National Intelligence Council; naval intelligence center 

NICCP National Interdiction Command and Control Plan 

NICI National Interagency Counternarcotics Institute 

NID naval intelligence database 

NIDMS National Military Command System (NMCS) Information 

 for Decision Makers System 

NIDS National Military Command Center (NMCC) information 

 display system 

NIE national intelligence estimate 

NIEX no-notice interoperability exercise 

NIEXPG No-Notice Interoperability Exercise Planning Group 

NIFC national interagency fire center 

NII national information infrastructure 

NIIB National Geospatial Intelligence Agency imagery intelligence 

 brief 

NIL National Information Library 

NIMCAMP National Information Management and Communications 

 Master Plan 

NIMS National Incident Management System 

NIP National Intelligence Program 

NIPRNET Non-Secure Internet Protocol Router Network 

NIPS Naval Intelligence Processing System 

NIRT Nuclear Incident Response Team 

NISH noncombatant evacuation operation (NEO) intelligence 

 support handbook 

NISP national intelligence support plan; Nuclear Weapons 

 Intelligence Support Plan 

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology; national 

 intelligence support team 

NITES Navy Integrated Tactical Environmental System 

NITF national imagery transmission format 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-107 

NIU North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) interface unit 

NIWA naval information warfare activity 

NL Navy lighterage 

NLO naval liaison officer 

.NL. not less than 

NLT not later than 

NLW nonlethal weapon 

NM network management 

nm nautical mile 

NMAWC Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command 

NMB North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military 

 body 

NMCB naval mobile construction battalion 

NMCC National Military Command Center 

NMCM not mission capable, maintenance 

NMCS National Military Command System; not mission 

 capable, supply 

NMD national missile defense 

NMEC National Media Exploitation Center 

NMET naval mobile environmental team 

NMFS National Marine Fisheries Services 

NMIC National Maritime Intelligence Center 

NMIST National Military Intelligence Support Team (DIA) 

NMOC network management operations center 

NMOSW Naval METOC Operational Support Web 

NMP national media pool 

NMPS Navy mobilization processing site 

NMR news media representative 

NMRC Naval Medical Research Center 

NMS National Military Strategy 

NMSA North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Mutual 

 Support Act 

NMS-CO National Military Strategy for Cyberspace Operations 

NMS-CWMD National Military Strategy to Combat Weapons of Mass 

 Destruction 

NNAG North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Naval 

 Armaments Group 

NNSA National Nuclear Security Administration 

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

NOACT Navy overseas air cargo terminal 

NOC National Operations Center; network operations center 

NOCONTRACT not releasable to contractors or consultants 

NODDS Naval Oceanographic Data Distribution System 

NOE nap-of-the-earth 

NOEA nuclear operations emergency action 

NOFORN not releasable to foreign nationals 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-108 JP 1-02 

NOG Nuclear Operations Group 

NOGAPS Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System 

NOHD nominal ocular hazard distance 

NOIC Naval Operational Intelligence Center 

NOK next of kin 

NOLSC Naval Operational Logistics Support Center

NOMS Nuclear Operations Monitoring System 

NOP nuclear operations 

NOPLAN no operation plan available or prepared 

NORAD North American Aerospace Defense Command 

NORM normal; not operationally ready, maintenance 

NORS not operationally ready, supply 

NOSC network operations and security center 

NOSSA Navy Ordnance Safety and Security Activity

NOTAM notice to airmen 

NOTMAR notice to mariners 

NP nonproliferation 

NPC Nonproliferation Center 

NPES Nuclear Planning and Execution System 

NPG nonunit personnel generator 

NPOESS National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental 

 Satellite System

NPS National Park Service; nonprior service; Nuclear Planning 

 System 

NPT national pipe thread; Treaty on the Nonproliferation of 

 Nuclear Weapons 

NPWIC National Prisoner of War Information Center 

NQ nonquota 

NR North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) restricted; 

 number 

NRC National Response Center; non-unit-related cargo 

NRCC national response coordination center 

NRCHB Naval Reserve cargo handling battalion 

NRCHF Naval Reserve cargo handling force 

NRCHTB Naval Reserve cargo handling training battalion 

NRF National Response Framework 

NRFI not ready for issue 

NRG notional requirements generator 

NRL nuclear weapons (NUWEP) reconnaissance list 

NRO National Reconnaissance Office 

NROC Northern Regional Operations Center (CARIBROC-CBRN) 

NRP National Response Plan; non-unit-related personnel 

NRPC Naval Reserve Personnel Center 

NRT near real time 

NRTD near-real-time dissemination 

NRZ non-return-to-zero 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-109 

NS nuclear survivability 

NSA national security act; National Security Agency; national 

 security area; national shipping authority; North Atlantic 

 Treaty Organization (NATO) Standardization Agency 

NSA/CSS National Security Agency/Central Security Service 

NSAWC Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center 

NSC National Security Council 

NSC/DC Deputies Committee of the National Security Council 

NSCID National Security Council intelligence directive 

NSC/IWG National Security Council/Interagency Working Group 

NSC/PC National Security Council/Principals Committee 

NSC/PCC National Security Council Policy Coordinating Committee 

NSCS National Security Council System 

NSCTI Naval Special Clearance Team One 

NS-CWMD National Strategy to Combat Weapons of Mass 

 Destruction 

NSD National Security Directive; National Security Division (FBI) 

NSDA non-self deployment aircraft 

NSDD national security decision directive 

NSDM national security decision memorandum 

NSDS-E Navy Satellite Display System-Enhanced 

NSE national support element; Navy support element 

NSEP national security emergency preparedness 

NSF National Science Foundation 

NSFS naval surface fire support 

NSG National System for Geospatial Intelligence; north-seeking 

 gyro 

NSGI National System for Geospatial Intelligence 

NSHS National Strategy for Homeland Security 

NSI not seriously injured 

NSL no-strike list 

NSM national search and rescue (SAR) manual 

NSMS National Strategy for Maritime Security 

NSN National Stock Number 

NSNF nonstrategic nuclear forces 

NSO non-Single Integrated Operational Plan (SIOP) option 

NSOC National Security Operations Center; National Signals 

 Intelligence (SIGINT) Operations Center; Navy Satellite 

 Operations Center 

NSOOC North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Staff Officer 

 Orientation Course 

NSP national search and rescue plan 

N-Sp/CC North American Aerospace Defense Command 

 (NORAD)-US Space Command/Command Center 

NSPD national security Presidential directive 

NSRL national signals intelligence (SIGINT) requirements list 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-110 JP 1-02 

NSS National Search and Rescue Supplement; National Security 

 Strategy; national security system; non-self-sustaining 

NSSA National Security Space Architect 

NSSCS non-self-sustaining containership 

NSSE national special security event 

NSST naval space support team 

NST National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency support team 

NSTAC National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee 

NSTISSC National Security Telecommunications and Information 

 Systems Security Committee 

NSTL national strategic targets list 

NSTS National Secure Telephone System 

NSW naval special warfare 

NSWCDD Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division

NSWCOM Naval Special Warfare Command 

NSWG naval special warfare group 

NSWTE naval special warfare task element 

NSWTF naval special warfare task force 

NSWTG naval special warfare task group 

NSWTU naval special warfare task unit 

NSWU naval special warfare unit 

NT nodal terminal 

NTACS Navy tactical air control system 

NTAP National Track Analysis Program 

NTB national target base 

NTBC National Military Joint Intelligence Center Targeting and 

 Battle Damage Assessment Cell 

NTC National Training Center 

NTCS-A Navy Tactical Command System Afloat 

NTDS naval tactical data system 

NTF nuclear task force 

N-TFS New Tactical Forecast System 

NTIC Navy Tactical Intelligence Center 

NTISS National Telecommunications and Information Security 

 System 

NTISSI National Telecommunications and Information Security 

 System (NTISS) Instruction 

NTISSP National Telecommunications and Information Security 

 System (NTISS) Policy 

NTM national or multinational technical means of verification; 

 notice to mariners

NTMPDE National Telecommunications Master Plan for Drug 

 Enforcement 

NTMS national telecommunications management structure 

NTPS near-term pre-positioned ships 

NTRP Navy tactical reference publication
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-111 

NTS night targeting system; noncombatant evacuation operation 

 tracking system 

NTSB National Transportation Safety Board 

NTSS National Time-Sensitive System 

NTTP Navy tactics, techniques, and procedures 

NTU new threat upgrade 

NUC non-unit-related cargo; nuclear 

NUCINT nuclear intelligence 

NUDET nuclear detonation 

NUDETS nuclear detonation detection and reporting system 

NUFEA Navy-unique fleet essential aircraft 

NUP non-unit-related personnel 

NURC non-unit-related cargo 

NURP non-unit-related personnel 

NUWEP policy guidance for the employment of nuclear weapons 

NVD night vision device 

NVDT National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency voluntary 

 deployment team 

NVG night vision goggle(s) 

NVS night vision system 

NW network warfare; not waiverable 

NWARS National Wargaming System 

NWB normal wideband 

NWBLTU normal wideband line termination unit 

NWDC Navy Warfare Development Command 

NWFP Northwest Frontier Province (Pakistan) 

NWP Navy warfare publication; numerical weather prediction

NWREP nuclear weapons report 

NWS National Weather Service 

NWT normal wideband terminal 

O 

1MC general announcing system

1NCD 1st Naval Construction Division 

O contour pattern 

O&I operations and intelligence 

O&M operation and maintenance 

OA objective area; operating assembly; operational area; 

 Operations Aerology shipboard METOC division 

OADR originating agency’s determination required 

OAE operational area evaluation 

OAF Operation ALLIED FORCE 

OAFME Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner 

OAG operations advisory group 

OAI oceanographic area of interest
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-112 JP 1-02 

OAJCG Operation Alliance joint control group 

OAP offset aimpoint 

OAR Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff operation plans 

 assessment report 

OAS offensive air support; Organization of American States 

OASD Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense 

OASD(PA) Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) 

OAU Organization of African Unity 

O/B outboard 

OB operating base; order of battle 

OBA oxygen breathing apparatus 

OBFS offshore bulk fuel system 

OBST obstacle 

OBSTINTEL obstacle intelligence 

OC oleoresin capsicum ; operations center 

OCA offensive counterair; operational control authority 

OCC Operations Computer Center (USCG) 

OCCA Ocean Cargo Clearance Authority 

OCD orderwire clock distributor 

OCDEFT organized crime drug enforcement task force 

OCE officer conducting the exercise 

OCEANCON control of oceanographic information 

OCHA Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 

OCJCS Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

OCJCS-PA Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff-Public 

 Affairs 

OCMI officer in charge, Marine inspection 

OCO offload control officer 

OCONUS outside the continental United States 

OCOP outline contingency operation plan 

OCP operational configuration processing 

OCR Office of Collateral Responsibility 

OCU orderwire control unit (Types I, II, and III) 

OCU-1 orderwire control unit-1 

OD operational detachment; other detainee 

ODA operational detachment-Alpha 

ODATE organization date 

O-Day off-load day 

ODB operational detachment-Bravo 

ODC Office of Defense Cooperation 

ODCSLOG Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (Army) 

ODCSOPS Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and 

 Plans (Army) 

ODCSPER Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (Army) 

ODIN Operational Digital Network 

ODJS Office of the Director, Joint Staff 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-113 

ODR Office of Defense representative 

ODZ outer defense zone 

OEBGD Overseas Environmental Baseline Guidance Document 

OE operational environment 

OEF Operation ENDURING FREEDOM 

OEG operational experts group; operational exposure guide; 

 operations security (OPSEC) executive group 

OEH occupational and environmental health 

OEM original equipment manufacturer 

OER officer evaluation report; operational electronic intelligence 

 (ELINT) requirements 

OES office of emergency services 

OET Office of Emergency Transportation (DOT) 

OF officer (NATO) 

OFAC Office of Foreign Assets Control 

OFCO offensive counterintelligence operation 

OFDA Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance 

OFHIS operational fleet hospital information system 

OFOESA Office of Field Operational and External Support Activities 

OGA other government agency 

OGS overseas ground station 

OH overhead 

OHDACA Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid 

OHDM Office of Humanitarian Assistance, Disaster Relief, and 

 Mine Action 

OI Office of Intelligence (USCS); operating instruction 

OI&A Office of Intelligence and Analysis (DHS) 

OIC officer in charge 

OICC officer in charge of construction; operational intelligence 

 coordination center 

OID operation order (OPORD) identification 

OIF Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 

OIR operational intelligence requirements; other intelligence 

 requirements 

OJT on-the-job training 

OL operating location 

OLD on-line tests and diagnostics 

OLS operational linescan system; optical landing system 

OM contour multiunit 

OMA Office of Military Affairs (CIA) 

OMB Office of Management and Budget; operations management 

 branch 

OMC Office of Military Cooperation; optical memory card 

OMF officer master file 

OMS Office of Mission Support 

OMT operations management team; orthogonal mode transducer 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-114 JP 1-02 

OMT/OMTP operational maintenance test(ing)/test plan 

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; operational publication (USN); 

 ordnance publication 

OP3 overt peacetime psychological operations (PSYOP) 

 program 

OPARS Optimum Path Aircraft Routing System 

OPBAT Operation Bahamas, Turks, and Caicos 

OPCEN operations center (USCG) 

OPCOM operational command (NATO) 

OPCON operational control 

OPDEC operational deception 

OPDOC operational documentation 

OPDS offshore petroleum discharge system 

OPELINT operational electronic intelligence 

OPFOR opposing force; opposition force 

OPG operations planning group 

OPGEN operation general matter 

OPLAN operation plan 

OPLAW operational law 

OPM Office of Personnel Management; operations per minute 

OPMG Office of the Provost Marshal General

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 

OPS operational project stock; operations; operations center 

OPSCOM Operations Committee 

OPSDEPS Service Operations Deputies 

OPSEC operations security 

OPSTK operational stock 

OPSUM operation summary 

OPT operational planning team 

OPTAR operating target 

OPTASK operation task 

OPTASKLINK operations task link 

OPTEMPO operating tempo 

OPTINT optical intelligence 

OPZONE operation zone 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-115 

OR operational readiness; other rank(s) (NATO) 

ORBAT order of battle 

ORCON originator controlled 

ORD Operational Requirements Document 

ORDREF order reference 

ORDTYP order type 

ORG origin (GEOLOC) 

ORIG origin 

ORM operational risk management 

ORP ocean reception point 

ORS operationally responsive space

OS operating system 

OSA operational support airlift 

OSAT out-of-service analog test 

OSC offensive space control; on-scene commander; 

 on-site commander; operational support command; 

 operations support center 

OSCE Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe 

OSD Office of the Secretary of Defense 

OSE on scene endurance; operations support element 

OSEI operational significant event imagery

OSG operational support group 

OSI open system interconnection; operational subsystem 

 interface 

OSIA on-site inspection activity 

OSINT open-source intelligence 

OSIS open-source information system 

OSO operational support office 

OSOCC on-site operations coordination center 

OSP operations support package 

OSPG overseas security policy group 

OSRI originating station routing indicator 

OSV ocean station vessel 

OT operational test 

OT&E operational test and evaluation 

OTC officer in tactical command; over the counter 

OTG operational target graphic 

OTH other; over the horizon 

OTH-B over-the-horizon backscatter (radar) 

OTHT over-the-horizon targeting 

OTI Office of Transition Initiatives 

OTS Officer Training School; one-time source 

OUB offshore petroleum discharge system (OPDS) utility boat 

OUSD Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

OUSD(AT&L) Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, 

 Technology, and Logistics) 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-116 JP 1-02 

OUSD(C) Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) 

OUSD(P) Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Policy) 

OUT outsize cargo 

OVE on-vehicle equipment 

OVER oversize cargo 

OVM Operation Vigilant Mariner 

OW orderwire 

OWS operational weather squadron 

P 

P parallel pattern; priority; publication 

PA parent relay; physician assistant; primary agency; probability 

 of arrival; public affairs 

PAA position area of artillery; primary aircraft authorization 

PABX private automatic branch exchange (telephone) 

PACAF Pacific Air Forces 

PAD patient administration director; positional adjustment; 

 precision aircraft direction 

PADD person authorized to direct disposition of human remains 

PADRU Pan American Disaster Response Unit 

PADS position azimuth determining system 

PAG public affairs guidance 

PAI primary aircraft inventory 

PAL permissive action link; personnel allowance list; program 

 assembler language 

PALS precision approach landing system 

PAM preventive and aerospace medicine; pulse amplitude 

 modulation 

PaM passage material 

PANS procedures for air navigation services 

PAO public affairs office; public affairs officer 

PAR performance assessment report; population at risk; 

 precision approach radar 

PARC principal assistant for contracting 

PARKHILL high frequency cryptological device 

PARPRO peacetime application of reconnaissance programs 

PAS personnel accounting symbol 

PAT public affairs team 

PAV policy assessment visit 

PAWS phased array warning system 

PAX passengers; public affairs plans 

PB particle beam; patrol boat; peace building; President’s budget 

PB4T planning board for training

PBA performance-based agreement; production base analysis 

PBCR portable bar code recorder 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-117 

PBD program budget decision 

PC patrol craft; personal computer; pilot in command; 

 preliminary coordination; Principals Committee 

Pc cumulative probability of detection 

P,C,&H packing, crating, and handling 

PCA Posse Comitatus Act 

PCC policy coordination committee; primary control center 

PCF personnel control facility 

PCL positive control launch 

PC-LITE processor, laptop imagery transmission equipment 

PCM pulse code modulation 

PCO primary control officer; procuring contracting officer 

PCRTS primary casualty receiving and treatment ship 

PCS permanent change of station; personal communications 

 system; primary control ship; processing subsystem; 

 processor controlled strapping 

PCT personnel control team 

PCTC pure car and truck carrier 

PCZ physical control zone 

PD position description; Presidential directive; probability of 

 damage; probability of detection; procedures description; 

 program definition; program directive; program director; 

 public diplomacy 

Pd drift compensated parallelogram pattern 

PDA preliminary damage assessment 

PDAI primary development/test aircraft inventory 

PDC Pacific Disaster Center 

PDD Presidential decision directive 

PDDA power driven decontamination apparatus 

PDDG program directive development group 

PDG positional data graphic 

PDM program decision memorandum 

PDOP position dilution of precision 

PDS position determining system; primary distribution site; 

 protected distribution system 

PDSC public diplomacy and strategic communication 

PDUSD(P&R) Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel & 

 Readiness) 

PE peace enforcement; peacetime establishment; personal 

 effects; program element 

PEAD Presidential emergency action document 

PEAS psychological operations (PSYOP) effects analysis 

 subsystem 

PEC program element code 

PECK patient evacuation contingency kit 

PECP precision engagement collaboration process 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-118 JP 1-02 

PEDB planning and execution database 

PEGEO personnel geographic location 

PEI principal end item 

PEM program element monitor 

PEO peace enforcement operations; program executive officer 

PEP personnel exchange program 

PER personnel 

PERE person eligible to receive effects 

PERID period 

PERINTSUM periodic intelligence summary 

PERMREP permanent representative (NATO) 

PERSCO personnel support for contingency operations 

PERSCOM personnel command (Army) 

PERSINS personnel information system 

PES preparedness evaluation system 

PFA primary federal agency 

PFD personal flotation device 

PFDB planning factors database 

PFIAB President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board 

PFID positive friendly identification 

PFO principal federal official 

PFP Partnership for Peace (NATO) 

PGI procedures, guidance, and information

PGM precision-guided munition 

pH potential of hydrogen 

PHEO public health emergency officer

PHIBCB amphibious construction battalion 

PHIBGRU amphibious group 

PHIBOP amphibious operation 

PHIBRON amphibious squadron 

PHO posthostilities operations 

PHOTINT photographic intelligence 

PHS Public Health Service 

PI point of impact; probability of incapacitation; procedural 

 item; purposeful interference 

PIC parent indicator code; payment in cash; person identification 

 code; pilot in command; press information center (NATO) 

PID plan identification number 

PIDD planned inactivation or discontinued date 

PIF problem identification flag 

PII pre-incident indicators 

PIM pretrained individual manpower 

PIN personnel increment number 

PINS precise integrated navigation system 

PIO press information officer; public information officer 

PIPS plans integration partitioning system 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-119 

PIR priority intelligence requirement 

PIRAZ positive identification and radar advisory zone 

PIREP pilot report 

PIRT Purposeful Interference Response Team

PIW person in water 

PJ pararescue jumper 

PK peacekeeping; probability of kill 

PKG-POL packaged petroleum, oils, and lubricants 

PKI public key infrastructure 

PKO peacekeeping operations 

PKP purple k powder 

PL phase line; public law 

PLA plain language address 

PLAD plain language address directory 

PLANORD planning order 

PLAT pilot’s landing aid television 

PLB personal locator beacon 

PLC power line conditioner 

PLGR precise lightweight global positioning system (GPS) 

 receiver 

PLL phase locked loop 

PLL/ASL prescribed load list/authorized stock level 

PLRS position location reporting system 

PLS palletized load system; personal locator system; 

 personnel locator system; pillars of logistic support; 

 precision location system 

PLT platoon; program library tape 

PM Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (DOS); parallel track 

 multiunit; passage material; patient movement; 

 peacemaking; political-military affairs; preventive 

 medicine; program management; program manager; 

 provost marshal 

PMA political/military assessment 

PMAA Production Management Alternative Architecture 

PMAI primary mission aircraft inventory 

P/M/C passengers/mail/cargo 

PMC parallel multiunit circle; partial mission-capable 

PMCF post maintenance check flight

PMCM partial mission-capable, maintenance 

PMCS partial mission-capable, supply 

PMCT port movement control team 

PMD program management directive 

PME professional military education 

PMEL precision measurement equipment laboratory 

PMESII political, military, economic, social, information, and 

 infrastructure 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-120 JP 1-02 

PMGM program manager’s guidance memorandum 

PMI patient movement item 

PMIS psychological operations (PSYOP) management 

 information subsystem 

PMN parallel track multiunit non-return 

PMO production management office(r); program management 

 office 

PMOS primary military occupational specialty 

PMR parallel track multiunit return; patient movement request; 

 patient movement requirement 

PMRC patient movement requirements center 

PMS portable meteorological subsystem 

PN partner nation; pseudonoise 

PNID precedence network in dialing 

PNT positioning, navigation, and timing

PNVS pilot night vision system 

P/O part of 

PO peace operations; petty officer 

POA plan of action 

POADS psychological operations automated data system 

POAI primary other aircraft inventory 

POAS psychological operations automated system 

POAT psychological operations assessment team 

POB persons on board; psychological operations battalion 

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 period of interest; program of instruction 

POL petroleum, oils, and lubricants 

POLAD policy advisor; political advisor 

POLCAP bulk petroleum capabilities report 

POLMIL political-military 

POM program objective memorandum 

POMCUS pre-positioning of materiel configured to unit sets 

POMSO Plans, Operations, and Military Support Office(r) (NG) 

POP performance oriented packaging 

POPS port operational performance simulator 

POR proposed operational requirement 

PORTS portable remote telecommunications system 

PORTSIM port simulation model 

POS peacetime operating stocks; Point of Sale; probability of 

 success 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-121 

POSF port of support file 

POSSUB possible submarine 

POSTMOB post mobilization 

POTF psychological operations task force 

POTG psychological operations task group 

POTUS President of the United States 

POV privately owned vehicle 

POW prisoner of war 

P/P patch panel 

p-p peak-to-peak 

PPA personnel information system (PERSINS) personnel 

 activity 

PPAG proposed public affairs guidance 

PPBE Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution 

PPD program planning document 

PPDB point positioning database 

PPE personal protective equipment 

PPF personnel processing file 

Pplan programming plan 

PPLI precise participant location and identification 

ppm parts per million 

PPP power projection platform; primary patch panel; priority 

 placement program 

PPR prior permission required 

PPS precise positioning service 

PR personnel recovery; Phoenix Raven; primary zone; 

 production requirement; program review 

PRA patient reception area; primary review authority 

PRANG Puerto Rican Air National Guard 

PRBS pseudorandom binary sequence 

PRC populace and resources control; Presidential Reserve 

 Call-up 

PRCC personnel recovery coordination cell 

PRD personnel readiness division; Presidential review 

 directive 

PRDO personnel recovery duty officer 

PRECOM preliminary communications search 

PREMOB pre-mobilization 

PREPO pre-positioned force, equipment, or supplies; pre- 

 positioning 

PREREP pre-arrival report 

PRF personnel resources file; pulse repetition frequency 

PRG program review group 

PRI movement priority for forces having the same latest arrival 

 date (LAD); priority; progressive routing indicator 

PRIFLY primary flight control 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-122 JP 1-02 

Prime BEEF Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force 

PRISM Planning Tool for Resource, Integration, 

 Synchronization, and Management 

PRM Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (DOS); 

 Presidential review memorandum 

PRMFL perm file 

PRMS personnel recovery mission software 

PRN pseudorandom noise 

PRO personnel recovery officer 

PROBSUB probable submarine 

PROC processor; Puerto Rican Operations Center 

PROFIS professional officer filler information system 

PROM programmable read-only memory 

PROPIN caution - proprietary information involved 

PROVORG providing organization 

proword procedure word 

PRP personnel reliability program 

PRRIS Puerto Rican radar integration system 

PRSL primary zone/switch location 

PRT pararescue team; patient reception team; provincial 

 reconstruction team 

PRTF personnel recovery task force 

PRU pararescue unit; primary reporting unit 

PS parallel track single-unit; processing subsystem 

PSA port support activity 

PSB poststrike base 

PSC port security company; principal subordinate command 

PSD planning systems division 

PSE peculiar support equipment; psychological operations 

 support element 

PS/HD port security/harbor defense 

PSHDGRU port security and harbor defense group 

PSI personnel security investigation; Proliferation Security 

 Initiative 

psi pounds per square inch 

PSK phase shift keying 

PSL parallel track single-unit long-range aid to navigation 

 (LORAN) 

PSMS Personnel Status Monitoring System 

PSN packet switching node; public switch network 

PSO peace support operations (NATO); post security officer 

PSP perforated steel planking; portable sensor platform; 

 power support platform 

PSPS psychological operations (PSYOP) studies program 

 subsystem 

PSS parallel single-unit spiral; personnel services support 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-123 

P-STATIC precipitation static 

PSTN public switched telephone network 

PSU port security unit 

PSV pseudosynthetic video 

PSYOP psychological operations 

PTA position, time, altitude 

PTAI primary training aircraft inventory 

PTC peace through confrontation; primary traffic channel 

PTDO prepare to deploy order 

PTT postal telephone and telegraph; public telephone and 

 telegraph; push-to-talk 

PTTI precise time and time interval 

pub publication 

PUK packup kit 

PUL parent unit level 

PV prime vendor 

PVNTMED preventive medicine 

PVT positioning, velocity, and timing 

PW prisoner of war 

pW picowatt 

PWB printed wiring board (assembly) 

PWD programmed warhead detonation 

PWF personnel working file 

PWIS Prisoner of War Information System 

PWR pre-positioned wartime reserves 

PWRMR pre-positioned war materiel requirement 

PWRMS pre-positioned war reserve materiel stock 

PWRR petroleum war reserve requirements 

PWRS petroleum war reserve stocks; pre-positioned war reserve 

 stock 

PWS performance work statement

PZ pickup zone 

Q 

QA quality assurance 

QAM quadrature amplitude modulation 

QAT quality assurance team 

QC quality control 

QD quality distance 

QDR quality deficiency report 

QEEM quick erect expandable mast 

QHDA qualified hazardous duty area 

QM quartermaster 

QPSK quadrature phase shift keying 

QRA quick reaction antenna 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-124 JP 1-02 

QRCT quick reaction communications terminal 

QRE quick reaction element 

QRF quick response force 

QRG quick response graphic 

QRP quick response posture 

QRS quick reaction strike 

QRSA quick reaction satellite antenna 

QRT quick reaction team 

QS quality surveillance 

Q-ship decoy ship 

QSR quality surveillance representative 

QSTAG quadripartite standardization agreement 

QTY quantity 

QUADCON quadruple container 

R 

R routine; search radius 

R&D research and development 

R&R rest and recuperation 

R&S reconnaissance and surveillance 

R2P2 rapid response planning process 

RA response action; risk analysis; risk assessment 

RAA redeployment assembly area 

RABFAC radar beacon forward air controller 

RAC responsible analytic center 

RAC-OT readiness assessment system - output tool 

RADAREXREP radar exploitation report 

RADAY radio day 

RADBN radio battalion 

RADC regional air defense commander 

RADCON radiological control team 

RADF radarfind 

RADHAZ electromagnetic radiation hazards 

RADINT radar intelligence 

RADS rapid area distribution support (USAF) 

RAE right of assistance entry 

RAF Royal Air Force (UK) 

R-AFF regimental affiliation 

RAM raised angle marker; random access memory; random 

 antiterrorism measure 

RAMCC regional air movement coordination center 

RAOB rawindsonde observation 

RAOC rear area operations center; regional air operations center 

RAP Radiological Assistance Program (DOE); rear area 

 protection; Remedial Action Projects Program (JCS) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-125 

RAS recovery activation signal; refueling at sea 

RAST recovery assistance, securing, and traversing systems 

RASU random access storage unit 

RATT radio teletype 

RB radar beacon; short-range coastal or river boat 

RBC red blood cell 

RBE remain-behind equipment 

RBECS Revised Battlefield Electronic Communications, 

 Electronics, Intelligence, and Operations (CEIO) System 

RBI RED/BLACK isolator 

RB std rubidium standard 

RC receive clock; regional coordinator; Reserve Component; 

 river current 

RCA residual capabilities assessment; riot control agent 

RCAT regional counterdrug analysis team 

RCC regional contracting center; relocation coordination 

 center 

RCCPDS Reserve Component common personnel data system 

RCEM regional contingency engineering management 

RCHB reserve cargo handling battalion 

RCIED radio-controlled improvised explosive device 

RCM Rules for Courts-Martial 

RCMP Royal Canadian Mounted Police 

RC NORTH Regional Command North (NATO) 

RCO regional contracting office 

RCP resynchronization control panel 

RCS radar cross section 

RC SOUTH Regional Command South (NATO) 

RCSP remote call service position 

RCT regimental combat team; rescue coordination team (Navy) 

RCTA Regional Counterdrug Training Academy 

RCU rate changes unit; remote control unit 

RCVR receiver 

RD receive data; ringdown 

RDA research, development, and acquisition 

R-day redeployment day 

RDCFP Regional Defense Counterterrorism Fellowship Program 

RDD radiological dispersal device; required delivery date 

RDECOM US Army Research, Development, and Engineering 

 Command 

RDF radio direction finder; rapid deployment force 

RDO request for deployment order 

RDT&E research, development, test and evaluation 

REACT rapid execution and combat targeting 

REAC/TS radiation emergency assistance center/training site (DOE) 

READY resource augmentation duty program 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-126 JP 1-02 

RECA Residual Capability Assessment 

RECAS residual capability assessment system 

RECAT residual capability assessment team 

RECCE reconnaissance 

RECCEXREP reconnaissance exploitation report 

RECMOB reconstitution-mobilization 

RECON reconnaissance 

RED radiological exposure device

RED HORSE Rapid Engineers Deployable Heavy Operations Repair 

 Squadron, Engineers 

REF reference(s) 

REGT regiment 

REL relative 

RELCAN releasable to Canada 

REM roentgen equivalent mammal 

REMT regional emergency management team 

REMUS remote environmental monitoring unit system 

REPOL bulk petroleum contingency report; petroleum damage and 

 deficiency report; reporting emergency petroleum, oils, 

 and lubricants 

REPSHIP report of shipment 

REPUNIT reporting unit 

REQCONF request confirmation 

REQSTATASK air mission request status tasking 

RES radiation exposure status

RESA research, evaluation, and system analysis 

RESCAP rescue combat air patrol 

RESCORT rescue escort 

RESPROD responsible production 

RET retired 

RF radio frequency; reserve force; response force 

RFA radio frequency authorization; request for assistance; 

 restrictive fire area 

RFC response force commander 

RF CM radio frequency countermeasures 

RFD revision first draft 

RF/EMPINT radio frequency/electromagnetic pulse intelligence 

RFF request for feedback; request for forces 

RFI radio frequency interference; ready for issue; request for 

 information 

RFID radio frequency identification 

RFL restrictive fire line 

RFP request for proposal 

RFS request for service 

RFW request for waiver 

RG reconstitution group 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-127 

RGR Rangers 

RGS remote geospatial intelligence services 

RH reentry home 

Rh Rhesus factor 

RHIB rigid hull inflatable boat 

RI radiation intensity; Refugees International; routing 

 indicator 

RIB rubberized inflatable boat 

RIC routing indicator code 

RICO regional interface control officer 

RIG recognition identification group 

RIK replacement in kind 

RIMS registrant information management system 

RINT unintentional radiation intelligence 

RIP register of intelligence publications 

RIS reconnaissance information system 

RISOP red integrated strategic offensive plan 

RISTA reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, and target 

 acquisition 

RIT remote imagery transceiver 

RJTD reconstitution joint table of distribution 

RLD ready-to-load date 

RLE rail liaison element 

RLG regional liaison group; ring laser gyro 

RLGM remote loop group multiplexer 

RLGM/CD remote loop group multiplexer/cable driver 

RLP remote line printer 

RM recovery mechanism; resource management; risk 

 management 

RMC remote multiplexer combiner; rescue mission commander; 

 Resource Management Committee (CSIF); returned to 

 military control 

RMKS remarks 

RMO regional Marine officer 

RMP religious ministry professional 

RMS requirements management system; root-mean-square 

RMU receiver matrix unit 

RNAV area navigation 

RNP remote network processor 

R/O receive only 

Ro search radius rounded to next highest whole number 

ROA restricted operations area 

ROC regional operations center; rehearsal of concept; required 

 operational capability 

ROCU remote orderwire control unit 

ROE rules of engagement 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-128 JP 1-02 

ROEX rules of engagement exercise 

ROG railhead operations group 

ROICC resident officer in charge of construction 

ROK Republic of Korea 

ROM read-only memory; restriction of movement; rough order 

 of magnitude 

RON remain overnight 

RO/RO roll-on/roll-off 

ROS reduced operating status 

ROTC Reserve Officer Training Corps 

ROTHR relocatable over-the-horizon backscatter radar (USN) 

ROWPU reverse osmosis water purification unit 

ROZ restricted operations zone 

RP reconstitution priority; release point (road); retained 

 personnel 

RPG rocket propelled grenade 

RPM revolutions per minute

RPO rendezvous and proximity operations

RPPO Requirements, Plans, and Policy Office 

RPT report 

RPTOR reporting organization 

RPV remotely piloted vehicle 

RQMT requirement 

RQT rapid query tool 

RR reattack recommendation 

RRC regional reporting center 

RRCC regional response coordination center 

RRDF roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) discharge facility 

RRF rapid reaction force; rapid response force; Ready Reserve 

 Fleet; Ready Reserve Force 

RRPP rapid response planning process 

RS rate synthesizer; religious support; requirement submission 

RSA retrograde storage area 

RSC red station clock; regional service center; rescue sub-center 

RSD reporting of supply discrepancy 

RSE retrograde support element 

RSG reference signal generator 

RSI rationalization, standardization, and interoperability 

RSL received signal level 

RSN role specialist nation 

RSO regional security officer 

RSOC regional signals intelligence (SIGINT) operations center 

RSOI reception, staging, onward movement, and integration 

RSP recognized surface picture; Red Switch Project (DOD); 

 religious support plan; religious support policy 

RSPA Research and Special Programs Administration 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-129 

RSS radio subsystem; remote sensors subsystem; 

 root-sum-squared 

RSSC regional satellite communications (SATCOM) support 

 center; regional satellite support cell; regional signals 

 intelligence (SIGINT) support center (NSA); regional 

 space support center 

RSSC-LO regional space support center liaison officer 

RST religious support team 

RSTA reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition 

RSTV real-time synthetic video 

RSU rapid support unit; rear support unit; remote switching 

 unit 

R/T receiver/transmitter 

RT recovery team; remote terminal; rough terrain 

RTA residual threat assessment 

RTB return to base 

RTCC rough terrain container crane 

RTCH rough terrain container handler 

RTD returned to duty 

RTF regional task force; return to force 

RTFL rough terrain forklift 

RTG radar target graphic 

RTL restricted target list 

RTLP receiver test level point 

RTM real-time mode 

RTOC rear tactical operations center 

RTS remote transfer switch 

RTTY radio teletype 

RU release unit; rescue unit 

RUF rules for the use of force 

RUIC Reserve unit identification number 

RUSCOM rapid ultrahigh frequency (UHF) satellite communications 

RV long-range seagoing rescue vessel; reentry vehicle; 

 rekeying variable; rendezvous 

RVR runway visibility recorder 

RVT remote video terminal 

RW rotary-wing 

RWCM regional wartime construction manager 

RWI radio and wire integration 

RWR radar warning receiver 

RWS rawinsonde subsystem 

RX receive; receiver 

RZ recovery zone; return-to-zero 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-130 JP 1-02 

S 

618th TACC 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center 

S&F store-and-forward 

S&M scheduling and movement 

S&R search and recovery 

S&T science and technology; scientific and technical 

S&TI scientific and technical intelligence 

S-2 battalion or brigade intelligence staff officer (Army; Marine 

 Corps battalion or regiment) 

S-3 battalion or brigade operations staff officer (Army; Marine 

 Corps battalion or regiment) 

S-4 battalion or brigade logistics staff officer (Army; Marine 

 Corps battalion or regiment) 

SA security assistance; selective availability (GPS); senior 

 adviser; situational awareness; staging area; stand-alone 

 switch 

SAA senior airfield authority 

SAAFR standard use Army aircraft flight route 

SAAM special assignment airlift mission 

SAB scientific advisory board (USAF) 

SABER situational awareness beacon with reply 

SAC special actions cell; special agent in charge; supporting 

 arms coordinator 

SACC supporting arms coordination center 

SACEUR Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (NATO) 

SACLANT Supreme Allied Command, Atlantic 

SACS secure telephone unit (STU) access control system 

SACT Supreme Allied Commander Transformation 

SADC sector air defense commander 

SADL situation awareness data link 

SAF Secretary of the Air Force 

SAFE secure analyst file environment; selected area for evasion 

SAFE-CP selected area for evasion-contact point 

SAFER evasion and recovery selected area for evasion (SAFE) 

 area activation request 

SAFWIN secure Air Force weather information network 

SAG surface action group 

SAI sea-to-air interface; single agency item 

SAL small arms locker 

SAL-GP semiactive laser-guided projectile (USN) 

SALM single-anchor leg mooring 

SALT supporting arms liaison team 

SALTS streamlined automated logistics transfer system; 

 streamlined automated logistics transmission system 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-131 

SALUTE size, activity, location, unit, time, and equipment 

SAM space available mail; special airlift mission; surface-to-air 

 missile 

SAMM security assistance management manual 

SAMS School of Advanced Military Studies 

SAO security assistance office/officer; security assistance 

 organization; selected attack option 

SAOC sector air operations center 

SAP special access program 

SAPI special access program for intelligence 

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; surveillance and 

 reconnaissance center 

SARDOT search and rescue point 

SARIR search and rescue incident report 

SARMIS search and rescue management information system 

SARNEG search and rescue numerical encryption group 

SARREQ search and rescue request 

SARSAT search and rescue satellite-aided tracking 

SARSIT search and rescue situation summary report 

SARTEL search and rescue (SAR) telephone (private hotline) 

SARTF search and rescue task force 

SAS sealed authenticator system; special ammunition storage 

SASP special ammunition supply point 

SASS supporting arms special staff 

SASSY supported activities supply systems 

SAT satellite; security alert team 

SATCOM satellite communications 

SAU search attack unit 

SAW surface acoustic wave 

SB standby base 

SBCT Stryker brigade combat team 

SBIRS space-based infrared system 

SBL space-based laser 

SBPO Service blood program officer 

SBR special boat squadron 

SBRPT subordinate reporting organization 

SBS senior battle staff; support battle staff 

SBSS science-based stockpile stewardship 

SBT special boat team 

SBSO sustainment brigade special operations 

SBU special boat unit 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-132 JP 1-02 

SC sea current; search and rescue coordinator; station clock; 

 strategic communication 

SCA space coordinating authority; support to civil 

 administration 

SCAR strike coordination and reconnaissance 

SCAS stability control augment system 

SCATANA security control of air traffic and navigation aids 

SC ATLANTIC Strategic Command, Atlantic (NATO) 

SCATMINE scatterable mine 

SCATMINEWARN scatterable minefield warning 

SCC security classification code; shipping coordination center; 

 Standards Coordinating Committee 

SCC-WMD United States Strategic Command Center for Combating 

 Weapons of Mass Destruction 

SCDL surveillance control data link 

SCE Service cryptologic element 

SC EUROPE Strategic Command, Europe (NATO) 

SCF(UK) Save the Children Fund (United Kingdom) 

SCF(US) Save the Children Federation (United States) 

SCG Security Cooperation Guidance; switching controller group 

SCI sensitive compartmented information 

SCIF sensitive compartmented information facility 

SCL standard conventional load 

SCM security countermeasure 

SCMP strategic command, control, and communications (C3) 

 master plan 

SCNE self-contained navigation equipment 

SCO secondary control officer; senior contracting official; 

 state coordinating officer 

SCOC systems control and operations concept 

SCONUM ship control number 

SCP secure conferencing project; security cooperation plan; 

 system change proposal 

SCPT strategic connectivity performance test 

SCRB software configuration review board 

SCT shipping coordination team; single channel transponder 

SCTIS single channel transponder injection system 

SCTS single channel transponder system 

SCT-UR single channel transponder ultrahigh frequency (UHF) 

 receiver 

SCUD surface-to-surface missile system 

SDA Seventh-Day Adventist (ADRA) 

S-day day the President authorizes selective reserve call-up 

SDB Satellite Communications Database 

SDDC Surface Deployment and Distribution Command 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-133 

SDDCTEA Surface Deployment and Distribution Command 

 Transportation Engineering Agency 

SDF self defense force 

SDIO Strategic Defense Initiative Organization 

SDLS satellite data link standards 

SDMX space division matrix 

SDN system development notification 

SDNRIU secure digital net radio interface unit 

SDO ship’s debarkation officer 

SDP strategic distribution platform 

SDR system design review 

SDSG space division switching group 

SDSM space division switching matrix 

SDV sea-air-land team (SEAL) delivery vehicle; submerged 

 delivery vehicle 

SE spherical error 

SEA Southeast Asia 

SEABEE Navy construction engineer; sea barge 

SEAD suppression of enemy air defenses 

SEAL sea-air-land team 

SEAVAN military container moved via ocean 

SEC submarine element coordinator 

SECAF Secretary of the Air Force 

SECARMY Secretary of the Army 

SecDef Secretary of Defense 

SECDHS Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security 

SECNAV Secretary of the Navy 

SECNAVINST Secretary of the Navy instruction 

SECOMP secure en route communications package 

SECORD secure cord switchboard 

SECRA secondary radar data only 

SECSTATE Secretary of State 

SECTRANS Secretary of Transportation 

SED signals external data 

SEDAS spurious emission detection acquisition system 

SEF sealift enhancement feature 

SEHS special events for homeland security 

SEI specific emitter identification 

SEL REL selective release 

SELRES Selected Reserve 

SEMA special electronic mission aircraft 

SEMS standard embarkation management system 

SEO/SEP special enforcement operation/special enforcement 

 program 

SEP signal entrance panel; spherical error probable 

SEPLO state emergency preparedness liaison officer 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-134 JP 1-02 

SERE survival, evasion, resistance, and escape 

SERER survival, evasion, resistance, escape, recovery 

SES senior executive service 

SETA system engineering and technical assistance 

SEW shared early warning 

S/EWCC signals intelligence/electronic warfare coordination center 

SEWG Special Events Working Group 

S/EWOC signals intelligence/electronic warfare operations center 

SEWS satellite early warning system 

SF security force; security forces (Air Force or Navy); single 

 frequency; special forces; standard form 

SFA security force assistance 

SFAF standard frequency action format 

SFCP shore fire control party 

SFG security forces group; special forces group 

SFI spectral composition 

SFLEO senior federal law enforcement official 

SFMS special forces medical sergeant 

SFOB special forces operations base 

SFOD-A/B/C special forces operational detachment-A/B/C 

SFOR Stabilization Force 

SFS security forces squadron 

SG strike group; supergroup; Surgeon General 

SGEMP system-generated electromagnetic pulse 

SGSA squadron group systems advisor 

SHAPE Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe 

SHD special handling designator 

SHF super-high frequency 

SHORAD short-range air defense 

SHORADEZ short-range air defense engagement zone 

SI special intelligence; United States Strategic Command 

 strategic instruction 

SIA station of initial assignment 

SIAGL survey instrument azimuth gyroscope lightweight 

SIC subject identification code 

SICO sector interface control officer 

SICR specific intelligence collection requirement 

SID secondary imagery dissemination; standard instrument 

 departure 

SIDAC single integrated damage analysis capability 

SIDL standard intelligence documents list 

SIDS secondary imagery dissemination system 

SIF selective identification feature; strategic internment 

 facility 

SIG signal 

SIGINT signals intelligence 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-135 

SIGSEC signal security 

SII seriously ill or injured; statement of intelligence interest 

SIM system impact message 

SIMLM single integrated medical logistics management; single 

 integrated medical logistics manager 

SINCGARS single-channel ground and airborne radio system 

SINS ship’s inertial navigation system 

SIO senior intelligence officer; special information operations 

SIOP Single Integrated Operational Plan 

SIOP-ESI Single Integrated Operational Plan-Extremely Sensitive 

 Information 

SIPRNET SECRET Internet Protocol Router Network 

SIR serious incident report; specific information requirement 

SIRADS stored imagery repository and dissemination system 

SIRMO senior information resources management official 

SIS special information systems 

SITLM single integrated theater logistic manager 

SITREP situation report 

SIV special interest vessel 

SJA staff judge advocate 

SJFHQ standing joint force headquarters 

SJFHQ(CE) standing joint force headquarters (core element) 

SJFHQ-N Standing Joint Force Headquarters - North 

SJS Secretary, Joint Staff 

SKE station-keeping equipment 

SL sea level; switch locator 

SLA service level agreement 

SLAM stand-off land attack missile 

SLAR side-looking airborne radar 

SLBM submarine-launched ballistic missile 

SLC satellite laser communications; single line concept 

SLCM sea-launched cruise missile 

SLCP ship lighterage control point; ship’s loading characteristics 

 pamphlet 

SLD system link designator 

SLEP service life extension program 

SLGR small, lightweight ground receiver (GPS) 

SLIT serial-lot item tracking 

SLO space liaison officer 

SLOC sea line of communications 

SLP seaward launch point 

SLWT side loadable warping tug 

SM Secretary, Joint Staff, memorandum; Service manager; staff 

 memorandum; system manager 

SMART special medical augmentation response team 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-136 JP 1-02 

SMART-AIT special medical augmentation response - aeromedical 

 isolation team 

SMC midpoint compromise track spacing; search and rescue 

 mission coordinator; system master catalog 

SMCA single manager for conventional ammunition 

SMCC strategic mobile command center 

SMCM surface mine countermeasures 

SMCOO spectrum management concept of operations 

SMCR Selected Marine Corps Reserve 

SMD strategic missile defense 

SMDC Space & Missile Defense Command (Army) 

SMDC/ARSTRAT United States Army Space and Missile Defense 

 Command/United States Army Forces Strategic 

 Command

SME subject matter expert 

SMEB significant military exercise brief 

SMEO small end office 

SMFT semi-trailer mounted fabric tank 

SMI security management infrastructure 

SMIO search and rescue (SAR) mission information officer 

SMO senior meteorological and oceanographic officer; 

 strategic mobility office(r); support to military 

 operations 

SMP sub-motor pool 

SMPT School of Military Packaging Technology 

SMRI service message routing indicator 

SMS single mobility system 

SMTP simple message transfer protocol 

SMU special mission unit; supported activities supply system 

 (SASSY) management unit 

S/N signal to noise 

SN serial number

SNCO staff noncommissioned officer 

SNF strategic nuclear forces 

SNIE special national intelligence estimates 

SNLC Senior North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) 

 Logisticians Conference 

SNM system notification message 

SNOI signal not of interest 

SO safety observer; special operations 

SOA separate operating agency; special operations aviation; 

 speed of advance; status of action; sustained operations 

 ashore 

SOAF status of action file 

SOAGS special operations air-ground system 

SOC security operations center; special operations commander 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-137 

SOCA special operations communications assembly 

SOCC Sector Operations Control Center (NORAD) 

SOCCE special operations command and control element 

SOCCENT Special Operations Component, United States Central 

 Command 

SOCCET special operations critical care evacuation team 

SOCCT special operations combat control team 

SOCEUR Special Operations Component, United States European 

 Command 

SOCEX special operations capable exercise 

SOCJFCOM Special Operations Command, Joint Forces Command 

SOCOORD special operations coordination element 

SOCP special operations communication package 

SOCPAC Special Operations Component, United States Pacific 

 Command 

SOCRATES Special Operations Command, Research, Analysis, and 

 Threat Evaluation System 

SOCSOUTH Special Operations Component, United States Southern 

 Command 

SOD special operations division; strategy and options decision 

 (Planning, Programming, and Budgeting System) 

SODARS special operations debrief and retrieval system 

SOE special operations executive 

SOF special operations forces; supervisor of flying 

SOFA status-of-forces agreement 

SOFAR sound fixing and ranging 

SOFLAM special operations laser marker 

SOFME special operations forces medical element 

SOFSA special operations forces support activity 

SOG special operations group 

SOI signal of interest; signal operating instructions; space 

 object identification 

SOIC senior officer of the Intelligence Community 

SOLAS safety of life at sea 

SOLE special operations liaison element 

SOLIS signals intelligence (SIGINT) On-line Information System 

SOLL special operations low-level 

SOM satellite communications operational manager; start of 

 message; system operational manager 

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 

SOMPF special operations mission planning folder 

SONMET special operations naval mobile environment team 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-138 JP 1-02 

SoO ship of opportunity 

SOOP Center for Operations, Plans, and Policy 

SOP standard operating procedure; standing operating 

 procedure 

SOPA senior officer present afloat (USN) 

SO-peculiar special operations-peculiar 

SOR statement of requirement 

SORTIEALOT sortie allotment message 

SORTS Status of Resources and Training System 

SOS special operations squadron 

SOSB special operations support battalion 

SOSC special opertions support command (theater army) 

SOSCOM special operations support command 

SOSE special operations staff element 

SOSG station operations support group 

SOSR suppress, obscure, secure, and reduce 

SOTA signals intelligence (SIGINT) operational tasking authority 

SOTAC special operations terminal attack controller 

SOTF special operations task force 

SOTSE special operations theater support element 

SOUTHAF Southern Command Air Forces 

SOUTHROC Southern Region Operational Center (USSOUTHCOM) 

SOW special operations wing; standoff weapon; statement of 

 work 

SOWT special operations weather team 

SOWT/TE special operations weather team/tactical element 

SP security police 

SPA special psychological operations (PSYOP) assessment; 

 submarine patrol area 

SPACEAF Space Air Forces 

SPACECON control of space information 

SPCC ships parts control center (USN) 

SPEAR strike protection evaluation and antiair research 

SPEC specified 

SPECAT special category 

SPECWAR special warfare 

SPG Strategic Planning Guidance 

SPI special investigative (USAF) 

SPINS special instructions 

SPINTCOMM special intelligence communications handling system 

SPIREP specialist intelligence report; spot intelligence report 

SPLX simplex 

SPM single point mooring; single port manager 

SPMAGTF special purpose Marine air-ground task force 

SPO system program office 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-139 

SPOC search and rescue (SAR) points of contact; space command 

 operations center 

SPOD seaport of debarkation 

SPOE seaport of embarkation 

SPOTREP spot report 

SPP Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America; shared 

 production program; state partnership program 

SPR software problem report 

SPRINT special psychiatric rapid intervention team 

SPS special psychological operations (PSYOP) study; 

 standard positioning service 

SPSC system planning and system control 

SPTCONF support confirmation 

SPTD CMD supported command 

SPTG CMD supporting command 

SPTREQ support request 

sqft square feet 

SR special reconnaissance 

SRA specialized-repair activity 

SRAM short-range air-to-surface attack missile; system 

 replacement and modernization 

SRB software release bulletin; system review board (JOPES) 

SRBM short-range ballistic missile 

SRC security risk category; service reception center; Single 

 Integrated Operational Plan (SIOP) response cell; 

 standard requirements code; survival recovery center 

SRCC service reserve coordination center 

SRF secure Reserve force 

SRG Seabee readiness group; short-range aircraft 

SRI surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence (Marine 

 Corps) 

SRIG surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence group 

 (USMC) 

SROC Senior Readiness Oversight Council; Southern Region 

 Operational Center, United States Southern Command 

SROE standing rules of engagement 

SRP Sealift Readiness Program; sealift reserve program; 

 seaward recovery point; Single Integrated Operational 

 Plan (SIOP) reconnaissance plan 

SRP/PDS stabilization reference package/position determining 

 system 

SRR search and rescue region 

SRS search and rescue sector 

SRSG special representative of the Secretary-General 

SRT scheduled return time; special reaction team; standard 

 remote terminal; strategic relocatable target 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-140 JP 1-02 

SRTD signals research and target development 

S/RTF search and recovery task force 

SRU search and rescue unit 

SR-UAV short-range unmanned aerial vehicle 

SRUF standing rules for the use of force 

SRWBR short range wide band radio 

S/S steamship 

SS submarine 

SSA software support activity; space situational awareness; 

 special support activity (NSA); strapdown sensor 

 assembly; supply support activity; supply support area 

SSB single side band; support services branch; surveillance 

 support branch 

SSBN fleet ballistic missile submarine 

SSB-SC single sideband-suppressed carrier 

SSC small scale contingency; surveillance support center 

SSCO shipper’s service control office 

SSCRA Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act 

SSE satellite communications (SATCOM) systems expert; 

 sensitive site exploitation; space support element 

SSF software support facility 

SSI standing signal instruction 

SSM surface-to-surface missile 

SSMI special sensor microwave imager 

SSMS single shelter message switch 

SSN attack submarine, nuclear; Social Security number; space 

 surveillance network 

SS (number) sea state (number) 

SSO special security office(r); spot security office 

SSP signals intelligence (SIGINT) support plan 

SSPM single service postal manager 

SSPO strategic systems program office 

SSR security sector reform 

SSS Selective Service System; shelter subsystem 

SSSC surface, subsurface search surveillance coordination 

SST special support team (National Security Agency) 

SSTR stability, security, transition, and reconstruction 

ST short ton; small tug; special tactics; strike team 

S/T short ton 

ST&E security test and evaluation 

STA system tape A 

STAB space tactical awareness brief 

STA clk station clock 

STAMMIS standard Army multi-command management information 

 system 

STAMP standard air munitions package (USAF) 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-141 

STANAG standardization agreement (NATO) 

STANAVFORLANT Standing Naval Forces, Atlantic (NATO) 

STAR scheduled theater airlift route; sensitive target approval and 

 review; standard attribute reference; standard terminal 

 arrival route; surface-to-air recovery; system threat 

 assessment report 

STARC state area coordinators 

STARS Standard Accounting and Reporting System 

START Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty 

STARTEX start of exercise 

STB super tropical bleach 

STC secondary traffic channel 

STD sexually transmitted disease 

STDM synchronous time division multiplexer 

STE secure telephone equipment 

STEL STU III Standford telecommunications (secure telephone) 

STEP software test and evaluation program; standardized tactical 

 entry point; standard tool for employment planning 

STG seasonal target graphic 

STICS scalable transportable intelligence communications system 

STO special technical operations 

STOC special technical operations coordinator 

STOD special technical operations division 

STOL short takeoff and landing 

STOMPS stand-alone tactical operational message processing system 

STON short ton 

STOVL short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft 

STP security technical procedure 

STR strength 

STRAPP standard tanks, racks and pylons packages (USAF) 

STRATOPS strategic operations division 

STREAM standard tensioned replenishment alongside method 

STS special tactics squadron 

STT small tactical terminal; special tactics team 

STU secure telephone unit 

STU-III secure telephone unit III 

STW strike warfare 

STWC strike warfare commander 

STX start of text 

SU search unit 

SUBJ subject 

sub-JIB subordinate-joint information bureau 

SUBOPAUTH submarine operating authority 

sub-PIC subordinate-press information center 

SUBROC submarine rocket 

SUC surf current 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-142 JP 1-02 

SUIC service unit identification code 

SUMMITS scenario unrestricted mobility model of intratheater 

 simulation 

SUPE supervisory commands program 

SUPPO supply officer

SURG surgeon 

SUROBS surf observation 

SURPIC surface picture 

SUW surface warfare 

SUWC surface warfare commander 

S/V sailboat 

SVC Service 

SVIP secure voice improvement program 

SVLTU service line termination unit 

SVR surface vessel radar 

SVS secure voice system 

Sw switch 

SWA Southwest Asia 

SWAT special weapons and tactics 

SWBD switchboard 

SWC strike warfare commander; swell/wave current 

SWI special weather intelligence 

SWO staff weather officer 

SWORD submarine warfare operations research division 

SWPC Space Weather Prediction Center

SWSOCC Southwest Sector Operation Control Center North 

 American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) 

SWXS Space Weather Squadron 

SYDP six year defense plan 

SYG Secretary General (UN) 

SYNC synchronization 

SYS system 

SYSCOM systems command

SYSCON systems control 

SZ surf zone 

T 

2-D two-dimensional 

2E Role 2 enhanced 

2LM Role 2 light maneuver 

3-D three-dimensional 

T search time available; short ton; trackline pattern 

T&DE test and diagnostic equipment 

T&E test and evaluation 

T2 technology transfer 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-143 

TA target acquisition; target audience; technical arrangement; 

 theater Army; threat assessment 

TAA tactical assembly area 

TAACOM theater Army area command 

TAADS The Army Authorization Document System 

TAAMDCOORD theater Army air and missile defense coordinator 

TAB tactical air base 

TAC tactical advanced computer; terminal access controller; 

 terminal attack control; terminal attack controller 

TAC(A) tactical air coordinator (airborne) 

TACAIR tactical air 

TACAMO take charge and move out (E-6A/B aircraft) 

TACAN tactical air navigation 

TACC tactical air command center (Marine Corps); tactical air 

 control center (Navy) 

TAC-D tactical deception 

TACDAR tactical detection and reporting 

TACINTEL tactical intelligence 

TACLAN tactical local area network 

TACLOG tactical-logistical 

TACM tactical air command manual 

TACO theater allied contracting office 

TACON tactical control 

TACOPDAT tactical operational data 

TA/CP technology assessment/control plan 

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 

TACSIM tactical simulation 

TACSTANS tactical standards 

TACT tactical aviation control team 

TACTRAGRULANT Tactical Training Group, Atlantic 

TAD tactical air direction; temporary additional duty 

 (non-unit-related personnel); theater air defense; time 

 available for delivery 

TADC tactical air direction center 

TADCS tactical airborne digital camera system 

TADIL tactical digital information link 

TADL tactical digital information link 

TADS Tactical Air Defense System; target acquisition system 

 and designation sight 

TAES theater aeromedical evacuation system 

TAF tactical air force 

TAFDS tactical airfield fuel dispensing system 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-144 JP 1-02 

TAFIM technical architecture framework for information 

 management 

TAFS tactical aerodrome forecasts 

TAFT technical assistance field team 

TAG technical assessment group; the adjutant general; 

 Tomahawk land-attack missile aimpoint graphic 

T-AGOS tactical auxiliary general ocean surveillance 

TAGS theater air-ground system 

T-AH hospital ship 

TAI International Atomic Time; target area of interest; total 

 active inventory 

TAIS transportation automated information systems 

TAK cargo ship 

T-AKR fast logistics ship 

TALD tactical air-launched decoy 

TALON Threat and Local Observation Notice 

TAMCA theater Army movement control agency 

TAMCO theater Army movement control center 

TAMD theater air and missile defense 

TAMMC theater army material management command 

TAMMIS theater Army medical management information system 

TAMS transportation analysis, modeling, and simulation 

tanalt tangent altitude 

TAO tactical action officer 

TAOC tactical air operations center (USMC) 

TAP troopship 

TAR tactical air request; Training and Administration of the 

 Reserve 

TARBS transportable amplitude modulation and frequency 

 modulation radio broadcast system 

TARBUL target bulletin 

TARE tactical record evaluation 

TAREX target exploitation; target plans and operations 

TARS tethered aerostat radar system 

TARWI target weather and intelligence 

TAS tactical atmospheric summary; true air speed 

T-ASA Television Audio Support Agency 

TASCID tactical Automatic Digital Network (AUTODIN) satellite 

 compensation interface device 

TASCO tactical automatic switch control officer 

TASIP tailored analytic intelligence support to individual 

 electronic warfare and command and control warfare 

 projects 

TASKORD tasking order 

TASMO tactical air support for maritime operations 

TASOSC theater Army special operations support command 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-145 

TASS tactical automated security system; tactical automated 

 switch system 

TASWC theater antisubmarine warfare commander

TAT tactical analysis team; technical assistance team 

TATC tactical air traffic control 

T-AVB aviation logistics support ship 

TAW tactical airlift wing 

TBD to be determined 

TBM tactical ballistic missile; theater ballistic missile 

TBMCS theater battle management core system 

TBMD theater ballistic missile defense 

TBP to be published 

TBSL to be supplied later 

TBTC transportable blood transshipment center 

TC tidal current; transmit clock and/or telemetry combiner; 

 training circular; Transportation Corps (Army) 

TCA terminal control area; time of closest approach; traditional 

 combatant commander activity 

TC-ACCIS Transportation Coordinator’s Automated Command and 

 Control Information System 

TC-AIMS Transportation Coordinator’s Automated Information for 

 Movement System 

TC-AIMS II Transportation Coordinator’s Automated Information for 

 Movement System II 

TCAM theater Army medical management information system 

 (TAMMIS) customer assistance module 

TCC transmission control code; transportation component 

 command 

TCCF tactical communications control facility 

TCEM theater contingency engineering management 

TCF tactical combat force; technical control facility 

TCM theater construction manager 

TCMD transportation control and movement document 

TCN third country national; transportation control number 

TCS theater communications system 

TCSEC trusted computer system evaluation criteria 

TD temporary duty; theater distribution; tie down; timing 

 distributor; total drift; transmit data 

TDA Table of Distribution and Allowance 

TDAD Table of Distribution and Allowance (TDA) designation 

T-day effective day coincident with Presidential declaration of a 

 National Emergency and authorization of partial 

 mobilization 

TDBM technical database management 

TDBSS Theater Defense Blood Standard System 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-146 JP 1-02 

TDD target desired ground zero (DGZ) designator; time definite 

 delivery 

TDF tactical digital facsimile 

TDI target data inventory 

TDIC time division interface controller 

TDIG time division interface group 

TDIM time division interface module 

TDL tactical data link 

TDM time division multiplexed 

TDMA time division multiple access 

TDMC theater distribution management cell 

TDMF time division matrix function 

TDMM time division memory module 

TDMX time division matrix 

TDN target development nomination 

TDP theater distribution plan 

TDR transportation discrepancy report 

TDRC theater detainee reporting center

TDSG time division switching group 

TDSGM time division switching group modified 

TDT theater display terminal 

TDY temporary duty 

TE transaction editor 

TEA Transportation Engineering Agency 

tech technical 

TECHCON technical control 

TECHDOC technical documentation 

TECHELINT technical electronic intelligence 

TECHEVAL technical evaluation 

TECHINT technical intelligence 

TECHOPDAT technical operational data 

TECS II Treasury Enforcement Communications System 

TED trunk encryption device 

TEK TeleEngineering Kit 

TEL transporter-erector-launcher (missile platform) 

TELEX teletype 

TELINT telemetry intelligence 

TELNET telecommunication network 

TEMPER tent extendible modular personnel 

TENCAP tactical exploitation of national capabilities program 

TEOB tactical electronic order of battle 

TEP test and evaluation plan; theater engagement plan 

TERCOM terrain contour matching 

TERF terrain flight 

TERPES tactical electronic reconnaissance processing and 

 evaluation system 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-147 

TERPROM terrain profile matching 

TERS tactical event reporting system 

TES theater event system 

TESS Tactical Environmental Support System 

TEU technical escort unit; twenty-foot equivalent unit 

TEWLS Theater Enterprise Wide Logistics System 

TF task force 

TFA toxic free area 

TFADS Table Formatted Aeronautic Data Set 

TFCICA task force counterintelligence coordinating authority 

TFE tactical field exchange; transportation feasibility 

 estimator 

TFLIR targeting forward-looking infrared 

TFMS-M Transportation Financial Management System-Military 

TFR temporary flight restriction 

TFS tactical fighter squadron; Tactical Forecast System 

TG task group 

TGC trunk group cluster 

TGEN table generate 

TGM trunk group multiplexer 

TGMOW transmission group module and/or orderwire 

TGO terminal guidance operations 

TGT target 

TGTINFOREP target information report 

TGU trunk compatibility unit 

TI threat identification; training instructor 

TIAP theater intelligence architecture program 

TIARA tactical intelligence and related activities 

TIB toxic industrial biological 

TIBS tactical information broadcast service 

TIC target information center; toxic industrial chemical 

TIDP technical interface design plan 

TIDS tactical imagery dissemination system 

TIF theater internment facility

TIFF tagged image file format 

TII total inactive inventory 

TIM theater information management; toxic industrial material 

TIO target intelligence officer 

TIP target intelligence package; trafficking in persons 

TIPG telephone interface planning guide 

TIPI tactical information processing and interpretation system; 

 tactical information processing interpretation 

TIPS tactical optical surveillance system (TOSS) imagery 

 processing system 

TIR toxic industrial radiological 

TIROS television infrared observation satellite 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-148 JP 1-02 

TIS technical interface specification; thermal imaging system 

TISG technical interoperability standards group 

TISS thermal imaging sensor system 

TJAG the judge advocate general 

T-JMC theater-joint movement center 

T-JTB theater-joint transportation board 

TJTN theater joint tactical network 

TL team leader 

TLAM Tomahawk land attack missile 

TLAMM theater lead agent for medical materiel 

TLAM/N Tomahawk land attack missile/nuclear 

TLC traffic load control 

TLCF teleconference 

TLE target location error 

TLM topographic line map 

TLP transmission level point 

TLR trailer 

TLX teletype 

TM tactical missile; target materials; team member; technical 

 manual; theater missile; TROPO modem 

TMAO theater mortuary affairs officer 

TMD tactical munitions dispenser; theater missile defense 

TMEP theater mortuary evacuation point 

TMG timing 

TMIP theater medical information program 

TMIS theater medical information system 

TML terminal 

TMLMC theater medical logistic management center 

TMMMC theater medical materiel management center 

TMN trackline multiunit non-return 

TMO traffic management office; transportation management 

 office 

TMP target materials program; telecommunications 

 management program; theater manpower forces 

TMR trackline multiunit return 

T/M/S type, model, and/or series (also as TMS) 

TNAPS tactical network analysis and planning system 

TNAPS+ tactical network analysis and planning system plus 

TNC theater network operations (NETOPS) center 

TNCC theater network operations (NETOPS) control center 

TNCO transnational criminal organization 

T-net training net 

TNF theater nuclear force 

TNL target nomination list 

T/O table of organization 

TO technical order; theater of operations 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-149 

TO&E table of organization and equipment 

TOA table of allowance 

TOAI total overall aircraft inventory 

TOC tactical operations center; tanker airlift control center 

 (TALCE) operations center 

TOCU tropospheric scatter (TROPO) orderwire control unit 

TOD tactical ocean data; time of day 

TOE table of organization and equipment 

TOF time of flight 

TOFC trailer on flatcar 

TOH top of hill 

TOI track of interest 

TOPINT technical operational intelligence 

TOR term of reference; time of receipt 

TOS time on station 

TOSS tactical optical surveillance system 

TOT time on target 

TOW tube launched, optically tracked, wire guided 

TP technical publication; turn point 

TPB tactical psychological operations battalion 

TPC tactical pilotage chart; two person control 

TPC/PC tactical pilotage chart and/or pilotage chart 

TPED tasking, processing, exploitation, and dissemination 

TPERS type personnel element 

TPFDD time-phased force and deployment data 

TPFDL time-phased force and deployment list 

TPL technical publications list; telephone private line 

TPME task, purpose, method, and effects 

TPMRC theater patient movement requirements center 

TPO task performance observation 

TPRC theater planning response cell 

TPT tactical petroleum terminal 

TPTRL time-phased transportation requirements list 

TPU tank pump unit 

TQ tactical questioning

TRA technical review authority 

TRAC2ES transportation command regulating and command and 

 control evacuation system 

TRACON terminal radar approach control facility 

TRADOC United States Army Training and Doctrine Command 

TRAM target recognition attack multisensor 

TRANSEC transmission security 

TRAP tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel (Marine Corps); 

 tactical related applications; tanks, racks, adapters, and 

 pylons; terrorism research and analysis program 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-150 JP 1-02 

TRC tactical radio communication; threat reduction cooperation; 

 transmission release code 

TRCC tactical record communications center 

TRE tactical receive equipment 

TREAS Department of the Treasury 

TREE transient radiation effects on electronics 

TRIADS Tri-Wall Aerial Distribution System 

TRICON triple container 

TRI-TAC Tri-Service Tactical Communications Program 

TRK truck; trunk 

TRNG training 

TRO training and readiness oversight 

TROPO troposphere; tropospheric scatter 

TRP target reference point 

TRS tactical reconnaissance squadron 

TS terminal service; top secret 

TSA target system analysis; theater storage area; Transportation 

 Security Administration; travel security advisory 

TSB technical support branch; trunk signaling buffer 

TSBn transportation support battalion (USMC) 

TSC theater security cooperation; theater support command; 

 theater sustainment command 

TSCIF tactical sensitive compartmented information facility 

TSCM technical surveillance countermeasures 

TSCO target selection confusion of the operator; top secret 

 control officer 

TSCP theater security cooperation plan 

TSCR time sensitive collection requirement 

TSE tactical support element 

TSEC transmission security 

TSG targeting support group; test signal generator 

TSGCE tri-Service group on communications and electronics 

TSGCEE tri-Service group on communications and electronic 

 equipment (NATO) 

TSM trunk signaling message 

TSN trackline single-unit non-return; track supervision net 

TSO technical standard order; telecommunications service order 

TSOC theater special operations command 

TSP telecommunications service priority 

TSR telecommunications service request; theater source registry; 

 theater support representative; trackline single-unit return 

TSS tactical shelter system; target sensing system; timesharing 

 system; time signal set; traffic service station 

TSSP tactical satellite signal processor 

TSSR tropospheric scatter (TROPO)-satellite support radio 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-151 

TST tactical support team; theater support team; time-sensitive 

 target 

TSWA temporary secure working area 

TT terminal transfer 

TT&C telemetry, tracking, and commanding 

TTB transportation terminal battalion 

TTD tactical terrain data; technical task directive 

TTFACOR targets, threats, friendlies, artillery, clearance, ordnance, 

 restrictions 

TTG thermally tempered glass 

TTL transistor-transistor logic 

TTM threat training manual; training target material 

TTP tactics, techniques, and procedures; trailer transfer point 

TTR tactical training range 

TTT time to target 

TTU transportation terminal unit 

TTY teletype 

TUBA transition unit box assembly 

TUCHA type unit characteristics file 

TUCHAREP type unit characteristics report 

TUDET type unit equipment detail file 

TV television 

TVA Tennessee Valley Authority 

TW/AA tactical warning and attack assessment 

TWC Office for Counterterrorism Analysis (DIA); total water 

 current 

TWCF Transportation Working Capital Fund 

TWCM theater wartime construction manager 

TWD transnational warfare counterdrug analysis 

TWDS tactical water distribution system 

TWI Office for Information Warfare Support (DIA) 

TWPL teletypewriter private line 

TWX teletypewriter exchange 

TX transmitter; transmit 

TYCOM type commander 

U 

U wind speed 

UA unmanned aircraft 

UAOBS upper air observation 

UAR unconventional assisted recovery 

UARCC unconventional assisted recovery coordination cell 

UARM unconventional assisted recovery mechanism 

UART unconventional assisted recovery team 

UAS unmanned aircraft system 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-152 JP 1-02 

UAV unmanned aerial vehicle 

U/C unit cost; upconverter 

UCFF Unit Type Code Consumption Factors File 

UCMJ Uniform Code of Military Justice 

UCP Unified Command Plan 

UCT underwater construction team 

UDAC unauthorized disclosure analysis center 

UDC unit descriptor code 

UDESC unit description 

UDL unit designation list 

UDP unit deployment program 

UDT underwater demolition team 

UE unit equipment 

UFC Unified Facilities Criteria 

UFO ultrahigh frequency follow-on 

UFR unfunded requirement 

UGA ungoverned area

UGM-84A Harpoon 

UGM-96A Trident I 

UHF ultrahigh frequency 

UHV Upper Huallaga Valley 

UIC unit identification code 

UICIO unit identification code information officer 

UIRV unique interswitch rekeying variable 

UIS unit identification system 

UJTL Universal Joint Task List 

UK United Kingdom 

UK(I) United Kingdom and Ireland 

ULC unit level code 

ULF ultra low frequency 

ULLS unit level logistics system 

ULN unit line number 

UMCC unit movement control center 

UMCM underwater mine countermeasures 

UMD unit manning document; unit movement data 

UMIB urgent marine information broadcast 

UMMIPS uniform material movement and issue priority system 

UMPR unit manpower personnel record 

UMT unit ministry team 

UN United Nations 

UNAMIR United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda 

UNC United Nations Command 

UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 

UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development 

UND urgency of need designator 

UNDAC United Nations disaster assessment and coordination 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-153 

UNDHA United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs 

UN-DMT United Nations disaster management team 

UNDP United Nations development programme 

UNDPKO United Nations Department for Peacekeeping Operations 

UNEF United Nations emergency force 

UNEP United Nations environment program 

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural 

 Organization 

UNHCHR United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights 

UNHCR United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for 

 Refugees 

UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund 

UNIFIL United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon 

UNIL unclassified national information library 

UNITAF unified task force 

UNITAR United Nations Institute for Training and Research 

UNITREP unit status and identity report 

UNJLC United Nations Joint Logistic Centre 

UNLOC United Nations logistic course 

UNMIH United Nations Mission in Haiti 

UNMILPOC United Nations military police course 

UNMOC United Nations military observers course 

UNMOVCC United Nations movement control course 

UNO unit number 

UNOCHA United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian 

 Affairs 

UNODC United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime 

UNODIR unless otherwise directed 

UNOSOM United Nations Operations in Somalia 

UNPA United Nations Participation Act 

UNPROFOR United Nations protection force 

UNREP underway replenishment 

UNREP CONSOL underway replenishment consolidation 

UNRWA United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine 

 Refugees in the Near East 

UNSC United Nations Security Council 

UNSCR United Nations Security Council resolution 

UNSG United Nations Secretary-General 

UNSOC United Nations staff officers course 

UNTAC United Nations Transition Authority in Cambodia 

UNTSO United Nations Truce and Supervision Organization 

UNV United Nations volunteer 

UOF use of force

UP&TT unit personnel and tonnage table 

UPU Universal Postal Union 

URDB user requirements database 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-154 JP 1-02 

USA United States Army 

USAB United States Army barracks 

USACCSA United States Army Command and Control Support 

 Agency 

USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers 

USACFSC United States Army Community and Family Support 

 Center 

USACHPPM US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive 

 Medicine 

USACIDC United States Army Criminal Investigation Command 

USAF United States Air Force 

USAFE United States Air Forces in Europe 

USAFEP United States Air Force, Europe pamphlet 

USAFLANT United States Air Force, Atlantic Command 

USAFR United States Air Force Reserve 

USAFRICOM United States Africa Command

USAFSOC United States Air Force, Special Operations Command 

USAFSOF United States Air Force, Special Operations Forces 

USAFSOS USAF Special Operations School 

USAID United States Agency for International Development 

USAITAC United States Army Intelligence Threat Analysis Center 

USAJFKSWC United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare 

 Center 

USAMC United States Army Materiel Command 

USAMMA United States Army Medical Materiel Agency 

USAMPS United States Army Military Police School 

USAMRICD US Army Medical Research Institute for Chemical Defense 

USAMRIID US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases 

USAMRMC US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command 

USANCA United States Army Nuclear and Combating Weapons of 

 Mass Destruction Agency

USAO United States Attorney Office 

USAR United States Army Reserve 

USARCENT United States Army, Central Command 

USAREUR United States Army, European Command 

USARIEM United States Army Research Institute of Environmental 

 Medicine 

USARJ United States Army, Japan 

USARNORTH US Army Forces North 

USARPAC United States Army, Pacific Command 

USARSO United States Army, Southern Command 

USASOC US Army Special Operations Command 

USB upper side band 

USBP United States Border Patrol 

USC United States Code; universal service contract 

USCENTAF United States Central Command Air Forces 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-155 

USCENTCOM United States Central Command 

USCG United States Coast Guard 

USCGR United States Coast Guard Reserve 

USCIS US Citizenship and Immigration Services 

USCS United States Cryptologic System; United States 

 Customs Service 

USDA United States Department of Agriculture 

USD(A&T) Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and 

 Technology 

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) 

USDELMC United States Delegation to the NATO Military Committee 

USD(I) Under Secretary of Defense (Intelligence) 

USD(P) Under Secretary of Defense for Policy 

USD(P&R) Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness 

USDR United States defense representative 

USD(R&E) Under Secretary of Defense for Research and 

 Engineering 

USELEMCMOC United States Element Cheyenne Mountain Operations 

 Center 

USELEMNORAD United States Element, North American Aerospace 

 Defense Command 

USERID user identification 

USEUCOM United States European Command 

USFJ United States Forces, Japan 

USFK United States Forces, Korea 

USFORAZORES United States Forces, Azores 

USFS United States Forest Service 

USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service 

USG United States Government 

USGS United States Geological Survey 

USIA United States Information Agency 

USIC United States interdiction coordinator 

USIS United States Information Service 

USJFCOM United States Joint Forces Command 

USLANTFLT United States Atlantic Fleet 

USLO United States liaison officer 

USMARFORCENT United States Marine Component, Central Command 

USMARFORLANT United States Marine Component, Atlantic Command 

USMARFORPAC United States Marine Component, Pacific Command 

USMARFORSOUTH United States Marine Component, Southern Command 

USMC United States Marine Corps 

USMCEB United States Military Communications-Electronics Board 

USMCR United States Marine Corps Reserve 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-156 JP 1-02 

USMER United States merchant ship vessel locator reporting 

 system 

USMILGP United States military group 

USMILREP United States military representative 

USMOG-W United States Military Observer Group - Washington 

USMS United States Marshals Service 

USMTF United States message text format 

USMTM United States military training mission 

USN United States Navy 

USNAVCENT United States Naval Forces, Central Command 

USNAVEUR United States Naval Forces, Europe 

USNAVSO US Naval Forces Southern Command 

USNCB United States National Central Bureau (INTERPOL) 

USNMR United States National Military representative 

USNMTG United States North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) 

 Military Terminology Group 

USNO United States Naval Observatory

USNORTHCOM United States Northern Command 

USNR United States Navy Reserve 

USNS United States Naval Ship 

USPACAF United States Air Forces, Pacific Command 

USPACFLT United States Pacific Fleet 

USPACOM United States Pacific Command 

USPFO(P&C) United States Property and Fiscal Office (Purchasing and 

 Contracting)

USPHS United States Public Health Service 

USPS United States Postal Service 

USREPMC United States representative to the military committee 

 (NATO) 

USSOCOM United States Special Operations Command 

USSOUTHAF United States Air Force, Southern Command 

USSOUTHCOM United States Southern Command 

USSS United States Secret Service (TREAS); United States 

 Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) System 

USSTRATCOM United States Strategic Command 

USTRANSCOM United States Transportation Command 

USUN United States Mission to the United Nations 

USW under sea warfare 

USW/USWC undersea warfare and/or undersea warfare commander 

USYG Under Secretary General 

UT1 unit trainer; Universal Time 

UTC Coordinated Universal Time; unit type code 

UTM universal transverse mercator 

UTO unit table of organization 

UTR underwater tracking range 

UUV unmanned underwater vehicle 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-157 

UVEPROM ultraviolet erasable programmable read-only memory 

UW unconventional warfare 

UWOA unconventional warfare operating area 

UXO unexploded explosive ordnance; unexploded ordnance 

V 

V search and rescue unit ground speed; sector pattern; volt 

v velocity of target drift 

VA Veterans Administration; victim advocate; vulnerability 

 assessment 

V&A valuation and availability 

VAAP vulnerability assessment and assistance program 

VAC volts, alternating current 

VARVAL vessel arrival data, list of vessels available to marine safety 

 offices and captains of the port 

VAT B (weather) visibility (in miles), amount (of clouds, in 

 eighths), (height of cloud) top (in thousands of feet), 

 (height of cloud) base (in thousands of feet) 

VBIED vehicle-borne improvised explosive device 

VBS visit, board, search 

VBSS visit, board, search, and seizure 

VCC voice communications circuit 

VCG virtual coordination group 

VCJCS Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

VCNOG Vice Chairman, Nuclear Operations Group 

VCO voltage controlled oscillator 

VCOPG Vice Chairman, Operations Planners Group 

VCR violent crime report 

VCXO voltage controlled crystal oscillator; voltage controlled 

 oscillator 

VDC volts, direct current 

VDJS Vice Director, Joint Staff 

VDL video downlink 

VDR voice digitization rate 

VDS video subsystem 

VDSD visual distress signaling device 

VDU visual display unit 

VDUC visual display unit controller 

VE vertical error 

VEE Venezuelan equine encephalitis

VEH vehicle; vehicular cargo 

VEO violent extremist organization 

VERTREP vertical replenishment 

VF voice frequency 

VFR visual flight rules 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-158 JP 1-02 

VFS validating flight surgeon 

VFTG voice frequency telegraph 

VHF very high frequency 

VI visual information 

VICE advice 

VID visual identification information display 

VIDOC visual information documentation 

VINSON encrypted ultrahigh frequency communications system 

VIP very important person; visual information processor 

VIRS verbally initiated release system 

VIS visual imaging system 

VISA Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement 

VISOBS visual observer 

VIXS video information exchange system 

VLA vertical line array; visual landing aid 

VLF very low frequency 

VLR very-long-range aircraft 

VLZ vertical landing zone 

VMap vector map 

VMAQ Marine tactical electronic warfare squadron 

VMC visual meteorological conditions 

VMF variable message format 

VMGR Marine aerial refueler and transport squadron 

VMI vendor managed inventory 

VNTK target vulnerability indicator designating degree of 

 hardness; susceptibility of blast; and K-factor 

VO validation office 

VOCODER voice encoder 

VOCU voice orderwire control unit 

VOD vertical onboard delivery 

VOL volunteer 

vol volume 

VOLS vertical optical landing system 

VOR very high frequency omnidirectional range station 

VORTAC very high frequency omnidirectional range station and/or 

 tactical air navigation 

VOX voice actuation (keying) 

VP video processor 

VPB version planning board 

VPD version planning document 

VPV virtual prime vendor 

VS sector single-unit 

VS&PT vehicle summary and priority table 

VSAT very small aperture terminal 

VSG virtual support group 

VSII very seriously ill or injured 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-159 

VSP voice selection panel 

VSR sector single-unit radar 

V/STOL vertical and/or short takeoff and landing aircraft 

VSW very shallow water 

VTA voluntary tanker agreement 

VTC video teleconferencing 

VTOL vertical takeoff and landing 

VTOL-UAV vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicle 

VTS vessel traffic service 

VTT video teletraining 

VU volume unit 

VV&A verification, validation, and accreditation 

VV&C verification, validation, and certification 

VX nerve agent (O-Ethyl S-Diisopropylaminomethyl 

 Methylphosphonothiolate) 

W 

W sweep width 

w search subarea width 

WAAR Wartime Aircraft Activity Report 

WACBE World Area Code Basic Encyclopedia 

WADS Western Air Defense Sector 

WAGB icebreaker (USCG) 

WAI weather area of interest

WAN wide-area network 

WARM wartime reserve mode 

WARMAPS wartime manpower planning system 

WARNORD warning order 

WARP web-based access and retrieval portal 

WAS wide area surveillance 

WASP war air service program 

WATCHCON watch condition 

WB wideband 

WBGTI wet bulb globe temperature index

WC wind current 

WCA water clearance authority 

WCCS Wing Command and Control System 

WCDO War Consumables Distribution Objective 

WCO World Customs Organization 

WCS weapons control status 

W-day declared by the President, W-day is associated with an 

 adversary decision to prepare for war 

WDT warning and display terminal 

WEAX weather facsimile 

WES weapon engagement status 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-160 JP 1-02 

WETM weather team 

WEU Western European Union 

WEZ weapon engagement zone 

WFE warfighting environment 

WFP World Food Programme (UN) 

WG working group 

WGS Wideband Global Satellite Communications (SATCOM); 

 World Geodetic System 

WGS-84 World Geodetic System 1984 

WH wounded due to hostilities 

WHEC high-endurance cutter (USCG) 

WHNRS wartime host-nation religious support 

WHNS wartime host-nation support 

WHNSIMS Wartime Host Nation Support Information Management 

 System 

WHO World Health Organization (UN) 

WIA wounded in action 

WISDIM Warfighting and Intelligence Systems Dictionary for 

 Information Management 

WISP Wartime Information Security Program 

WIT weapons intelligence team 

WLG Washington Liaison Group 

WMD weapons of mass destruction 

WMD CM weapons of mass destruction consequence management 

WMD-CST weapons of mass destruction-civil support team 

WMEC Coast Guard medium-endurance cutter 

WMO World Meteorological Organization 

WMP Air Force War and Mobilization Plan; War and 

 Mobilization Plan 

WOC wing operations center (USAF) 

WOD wind-over deck; word-of-day 

WORM write once read many 

WOT war on terrorism 

WP white phosphorous; Working Party (NATO) 

WPA water jet propulsion assembly 

WPAL wartime personnel allowance list 

WPARR War Plans Additive Requirements Roster 

WPB Coast Guard patrol boat 

WPC Washington Planning Center 

WPM words per minute 

WPN weapon 

WPR War Powers Resolution 

WPS Worldwide Port System 

WR war reserve; weapon radius 

WRA Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (DOS) 

WRAIR Walter Reed Army Institute of Research 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Abbreviations and Acronyms 

JP 1-02 A-161 

WRC World Radiocommunication Conference 

WRL weapons release line 

WRM war reserve materiel 

WRMS war reserve materiel stock 

WRR weapons response range (as well as wpns release rg) 

WRS war reserve stock 

WRSK war readiness spares kit; war reserve spares kit 

WSE weapon support equipment 

WSES surface effect ship (USCG) 

WSESRB Weapon System Explosive Safety Review Board 

WSM waterspace management

WSR weapon system reliability 

WSV weapon system video 

WT gross weight; warping tug; weight 

WTCA water terminal clearance authority 

WTCT weapons of mass destruction technical collection team 

WTLO water terminal logistic office 

Wu uncorrected sweep width 

WVRD World Vision Relief and Development, Inc. 

WWABNCP worldwide airborne command post 

WWII World War II 

WWSVCS Worldwide Secure Voice Conferencing System 

WWX worldwide express 

WX weather 

X 

X initial position error 

XCVR transceiver 

XO executive officer 

XSB barrier single unit 

Y 

Y search and rescue unit (SRU) error 

YR year 

Z 

Z zulu 

z effort 

ZF zone of fire 

Zt total available effort 

ZULU time zone indicator for Universal Time 
Appendix A As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

A-162 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

APPENDIX B

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TERMINOLOGY COMMUNITY 

POINTS OF CONTACT 

JP 1-02 B-1 

1. Military Service Terminology Representatives 

a. Army: US Army HQDA G-3/5, 400 Army Pentagon, Washington, DC 20310; Tel 

(703) 692-6851, DSN 222-6851; Fax (797) 692-6907 

b. Navy: Navy Warfare Development Command, 1530 Gilbert Street, Bldg N26 (Ste 

2128), Norfolk, VA 23511-; Tel (757) 444-5266; DSN 564-5266 

c. Air Force: LeMay Center, 401 Chennault Circle, Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6428; 

Tel (334) 953-7597, DSN 493-7597; Fax (334) 953-1716, DSN 493-1716 

d. Marine Corps: Combat Development and Integration Dept (CDD MID) HQ US 

Marine Corps, 3300 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134-5021; Tel (703) 784-6228, DSN 

278-6228; Fax (703) 784-2917, DSN 278-2917 

e. Coast Guard: US Coast Guard Headquarters (CG-532), 2100 2nd St SW, 

Washington, DC 20593- 0001; Tel (202) 372-2101; Fax (202) 372-2911 

2. Office of the Secretary of Defense 

Office of the Secretary of Defense, OSD Focal Point for Standardization of Military 

and Associated Terminology (ESD/DD), 1777 N. Kent Street, Suite 11100, Arlington, VA 

22209 

3. Joint Staff 

a. Joint Staff Manpower and Personnel Directorate (J-1) Military Secretariat, 1000 

Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, DC 20318-1000; Tel (703) 697-9644, DSN 227-9644; 

Fax (703) 693-1596, DSN 223-1596 

b. Operations Directorate (J-3) Office of the Military Secretariat, 3000 Joint Staff, 

Pentagon, Washington, DC 20318-3000; Tel (703) 695-4705, DSN 225-4705; Fax (703) 

614-1755, DSN 224-1755 

c. Logistics Directorate (J-4) Logistics Planning Division, 4000 Joint Staff, Pentagon, 

Washington, DC 20318-4000; Tel (703) 697-0595, DSN 227-0595; Fax (703) 697-0566, 

DSN 227-0566 

d. Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J-5) Policy Division, 5000 Joint Staff, 

Pentagon, Washington, DC 20318-5000; Tel (703) 614-8715, DSN 224-8715; Fax (703) 

697-1337, DSN 227-1337 
Appendix B As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

B-2 JP 1-02 

e. Communications System Directorate (J-6) C4 Architecture and Integration 

Division, 6000 Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, DC 20318-6000; Tel (703) 693-5332, 

DSN 223-5332; Fax (703) 697-6610, DSN 227-6610 

f. Operational Plans and Joint Force Development Directorate (J-7) Joint 

Education and Doctrine Division, ATTN: Terminology Group, 7000 Joint Staff, Pentagon, 

Washington, DC 20318-7000; Tel (703) 692-7276, DSN 222-7276; Fax (703) 692-5224, 

DSN 222-5224 

g. Force Structure, Resources, and Assessment Directorate (J-8) Forces Division, 

8000 Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, DC 20318-8000; Tel (703) 697-0799, DSN 

227-0799; Fax (703) 614-6601, DSN 224-6601 

4. Defense Agencies 

a. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), JIEO, Center for Standards, 10701 

Parkridge Boulevard, Reston, VA 22091-4398; Tel (703) 735-3532, DSN 364-3532; Fax 

(703) 735-3256, DSN 364-3256 

b. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) ATTN: J2J, Pentagon, Washington, DC 20340-

5037; Tel (703) 695-1032, DSN 225-1032; Fax (703) 697-9650, DSN 227-9650 

c. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) ATTN: J-31/JLOC, Andrew T. McNamara 

Building, 8725 Kingman Road, Rm. 0238, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6220; Tel (703) 767-

2704, DSN 427-2704; Fax (703) 767-3704, DSN 427-3704 

d. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) ATTN: PCO/DFJ, Mail Stop 

P-122, 12310 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20191-3449; Tel (703) 735-2265, DSN 

576-3510; Fax (703) 735-2299 

e. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) ATTN: CSUI, 1680 Texas Street, 

Kirtland AFB, NM 87117; Tel (505) 846-8673, DSN 246-8673; Fax (505) 853-6977, DSN 

263-6977 

f. National Security Agency (NSA) Central Security Service, ATTN: N-51, Rm. 

2A256, Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-1155; Tel (301) 688-7819, DSN 923-7819; Fax 

(301) 497-2844, DSN 923-2844 

5. Combatant Commands 

a. US Central Command (USCENTCOM) ATTN: CCJ5-O, 7115 S Boundary Blvd, 

MacDill AFB, FL 33621-5101; Tel (813) 827-5163, DSN 651-5163; Fax (813) 827-4417, 

DSN (651) 

b. US European Command (USEUCOM) ATTN: CHF, ECJ5-D Unit 30400, Box 

1000, APO AE 09128-4209; Tel 011-49-711-680-5277, DSN 314-430-5277; Fax 011-49-

711-680-7338, DSN 314-430-7338 
Department of Defense Terminology As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Community Points of Contact 

JP 1-02 B-3 

c. US Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) ATTN: JWFC Code JW102, Doctrine 

and Education Group, 116 Lake View Parkway, Suffolk, VA 23435-2697; Tel (757) 203-

7254, DSN 668-7254; Fax (757) 203-6198 

d. US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) ATTN: NCJ527, 250 Vandenberg 

Street, Ste B016, Peterson AFB, CO, 80914-3801; Tel (719) 556-0352, DSN 834-0352; Fax 

(719) 556-0961, DSN 834-0961 

e. US Pacific Command (USPACOM) ATTN: J723 Box 64049, Camp H. M. Smith, 

HI 96861-4049; Tel (808) 477-8214, DSN 477-8214; Fax (808) 477-8289, DSN 477-8289 

f. US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) ATTN: SCJ5-PS 3511 NW 91st Ave, 

Miami, FL 33172-1217; Tel (305) 437-1511, DSN 312-567-1511, Fax (305) 437-1854, 

DSN 312-567-1854 

g. US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) ATTN: SOOP-PJ-D, 7701 

Tampa Point Boulevard, MacDill AFB, FL 33608-6001; Tel (813) 828-7548/3114, DSN 

299-7548/3114; Fax (813) 828-9805, DSN 299-9805 

h. US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) ATTN: J511, 901 SAC Boulevard, Ste 

BB16, Offutt AFB, NE 68113-6500; Tel (402) 294-2923, DSN 271-2923; Fax (402) 

294-1035, DSN 271-1035 

i. US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) ATTN: TCJ5/4-PD, 508 Scott 

Drive, Scott AFB, IL 62225-5357; Tel (618) 229-1840, DSN 779-1840; Fax (618) 256-

8574, DSN 576-8574 
Appendix B As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

B-4 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

APPENDIX C 

ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS 

JP 1-02 C-1 

1. User Comments 

 Users are highly encouraged to submit comments on this publication to the Operational 

Plans and Joint Force Development Directorate, J-7, Joint Doctrine Division, ATTN: 

Chairman, US NATO Military Terminology Group, 7000 Joint Staff, Pentagon, 

Washington, DC 20318-7000; Tel (703) 692-7276, DSN 222-7276; Fax (703) 692-5224, 

DSN 222-5224. These comments should address content (accuracy, usefulness, 

consistency, and organization), writing, and appearance. 

2. Authorship 

 The lead agent and the Joint Staff doctrine sponsor for this publication is the Director 

for Operational Plans and Joint Force Development (J-7). 

3. Supersession 

 This publication supersedes JP 1-02, 23 March 1994, Department of Defense 

Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. 

4. Change Recommendations 

a. Recommendations for urgent changes to this publication should be submitted: 

TO: JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J7-JEDD// 

Routine changes should be submitted to the Director for Operational Plans and Joint 

Force Development (J-7), JEDD, ATTN: Chairman, US NATO Military Terminology 

Group, 7000 Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, DC 20318-7000 via the designated 

terminology point of contact found in Appendix B. 

b. Sample Format for Submission of Proposed Changes: 

To: (Designated Terminology Point of Contact – See Appendix B.) 

Subject: Recommendation for Changes to the “DOD Dictionary of Military and 

Associated Terms (JP 1-02)” 

1. The following changes are recommended for JP 1-02: 

a. Change: grazing fire – Fire which is approximately parallel to the ground and 

where the center of the cone of fire does not rise above the height of a man 

standing one meter from the ground. See also fire. 
Appendix C As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

C-2 JP 1-02 

Reason: (State the reason for the recommended change, and include appropriate 

 reference to source material, if applicable.) 

 NOTE: For proposed changes, added words are underlined, deleted 

 words are line through. 

b. Add: lines of communications – All the routes, land, water, and air, which 

connect an operating military force with a base of operations and along which 

supplies and military forces move. 

Reason: (State the reason for the recommended addition and include appropriate 

 reference to source material, if applicable.) 

c. Delete: frustrated cargo. 

Reason: (State the reason for deleting the term and include appropriate reference 

to 

 source material, if applicable.) 

2. Point of contact for this action is: ________________________ 

 (name and rank or title) 

Tel. XXX-XXXX 

Address of Submitting Office: 

________________________ 

________________________ 

________________________ 

c. When a Joint Staff directorate submits a proposal to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs 

of Staff that would change terminology reflected in this publication, that directorate will 

include a proposed change to this publication as an enclosure to its proposal. 

d. Record of Changes: 

15 October 2001: JMTGM-50-01 (JP 3-0), JMTGM-051-01 (JPs 4-07, 0-2, 3-18, 4-02, 

and 3-07.6), and JMTGM-052-01 (JP 3-02) added. 

19 December 2001: JPs 4-04, 4-09, and 3-05.1 added. 

23 January 2002: JPs 3-60 and 5-00.1 added. 

9 April 2002: JPs 4-01.3 and 4-01.5 added. 

7 May 2002: JP 2-01.2 added. 

14 August 2002: JPs 3-14 and 3-17 added. 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Administrative Instructions 

JP 1-02 C-3 

25 September 2002: JPs 3-06 and 4-08 added. 

9 January 2003: JP 2-01.1 added. 

23 May 2003: JPs 4-01, 3-57.1, 3-05.2, and 4-03 added. 

5 June 2003: JP 3-30 added. 

5 September 2003: JPs 3-09.3 and 3-53 added. 

17 December 2003: JP 3-05 added. 

23 March 2004: JP 3-31 added. 

9 June 2004: JPs 3-07.1 and 1-05 added. 

7 October 2004: JPs 3-40, 3-52, and 2-01 added. 

30 November 2004: CJCSI 5120.02 added. 

9 May 2005: JP 3-61 added. 

31 August 2005: JPs 3-26, 4-01.6, 4-01.2, and CJCSM 3500.04D added. 

20 March 2006: JPs 4-05, 3-13, 3-08, and 6-0 added. 

14 April 2006: CJCS CM-0007-05, and JP 3-07.2 added. 

8 August 2006: JPs 3-17 CH1, 4-06, 2-01.2, 3-13.3, 3-13.4, 3-10, and 3-32 added. 

17 September 2006: JP 3-0 added. 

16 October 2006: JPs 3-41 and 1-0 added. 

9 November 2006: JPs 4-02 and 3-09 added. 

5 January 2007: JPs 5-0 and 3-50 added. 

1 March 2007: JPs 3-68, 3-13.1, 3-01, 3-34, 3-33, 1-04, and CJCSI 5120.02A added. 

22 March 2007: JPs 3-16 and 2-03 added. 

13 June 2007: JPs 1, 3-03, 3-05.1, 3-07.4, 3-15, 3-60, and 3-35 added. 

12 July 2007: JPs 2-0 and 3-27 added. 
Appendix C As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

C-4 JP 1-02 

14 September 2007: JP 3-28 added. 

17 October 2007: JP 3-07.3 added. 

4 March 2008: JPs 3-0 CH1, 1-06, and Terminology Source Study added. 

30 May 2008: JPs 3-32 CH1 and 3-63 added. 

26 August 2008: JPs 3-18, 3-57, 4-0, and 3-11 added. 

30 September 2008: JPs 3-59 and 3-04 added. 

17 October 2008: JP 4-10 added. 

6 January 2009: JP 3-14 added. 

17 March 2009: JPs 1 Change 1 and 3-29 added. 

19 August 2009: JPs 2-01.3, 3-40, 3-09.3, 3-02, and CJCS Memo 19 Aug 09 added. 

31 October 2009: JP’s 3-17 and JP 3-24 added. 

5. Distribution 

a. JP 1-02 may be purchased from the Government Printing Office (GPO). Tel. (202) 

512-0312, GPO Bookstore, or write to: Superintendent of Documents, US Government 

Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. 

b. 

 Army: US Army AG Publication Center SL 

 1655 Woodson Road 

 Attn: Joint Publications 

 St. Louis, MO 63114-6181 

 Air Force: Air Force Publications Distribution Center 

 2800 Eastern Boulevard 

 Baltimore, MD 21220-2896 

 Navy: CO, Naval Inventory Control Point 

 700 Robbins Avenue 

 Bldg 1, Customer Service 

 Philadelphia, PA 19111-5099 
As Amended Through 31 October 2009 Administrative Instructions 

JP 1-02 C-5 

 Marine Corps: Commander (Attn: Publications) 

 814 Radford Blvd, Suite 20321 

 Albany, GA 31704-0321 

 Coast Guard: Commandant (CG-532)), US Coast Guard 

 2100 2nd Street, SW 

 Washington, DC 20593-0001 

 Commander 

 USJFCOM JWFC Code JW2102 

 Doctrine Division (Publication Distribution) 

 116 Lake View Parkway 

 Suffolk, VA 23435-2697 

c. Local reproduction is authorized and access to unclassified publications is 

unrestricted. However, access to and reproduction authorization for classified joint 

publications must be in accordance with DOD Regulation 5200.1-R, Information 

Security Program. 
Appendix C As Amended Through 31 October 2009 

C-6 JP 1-02 

Intentionally Blank