tactical conflict assessment and planning framework
UN
United Nations
UNDPKO
United Nations Department for Peacekeeping Operations
UNSG
United Nations Secretary General
U.S.
United States
USAID
United States Agency for International Development
USG
United States Government
SECTION II – TERMS
adversary
(joint) A party acknowledged as potentially hostile to a friendly party and against which the use of force may be envisaged. (JP 3-0)
alliance
(joint) The relationship that results from a formal agreement (for example, a treaty) between two or more nations for broad, long-term objectives that further the common interests of the members.
(JP 3-0)
area of operations
(joint) 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. (JP 3-0)
assessment
(joint) 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) (Army) The continuous monitoring and evaluation of the current situation and progress of an operation. (FM 3-0)
branch
(joint) 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. (JP 5-0)
campaign
(joint) A series of related major operations aimed at achieving strategic and operational objectives within a given time and space. (JP 5-0)
Glossary-2
FM 3-07
6 October 2008
Glossary
*capacity building
The process of creating an environment that fosters host-nation institutional development, community participation, human resources development, and strengthening managerial systems.
civil affairs operations
(joint) 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. (JP 3-57)
coalition
(joint) An ad hoc arrangement between two or more nations for common action. (JP 5-0)
combat power
(joint) The total means of destructive and/or disruptive force which a military unit/formation can apply against the opponent at a given time. (JP 4-0) (Army) The total means of destructive and/or disruptive force which a military unit/formation can apply against the opponent at a given time. Army forces generate combat power by converting fighting potential into effective action. Combat power includes a unit’s constructive and information capabilities as well as its disruptive and destructive force. (FM 3-0)
command
(joint) 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. (JP 1)
command and control
(joint) The exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commander over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of a 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. (JP 1) (Army) The exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commander over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of a mission.
Commanders perform command and control functions through a command and control system.
(FM 6-0)
commander’s intent
(joint) 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. (JP 3-0) (Army) A clear, concise statement of what the force must do and the conditions the force must establish with respect to the enemy, terrain, and civil considerations that represent the desired end state. (FM 3-0)
commander’s visualization
The mental process of developing situational understanding, determining a desired end state, and envisioning the broad sequence of events by which the force will achieve that end state. (FM 3-0) compel
To use, or threaten to use, lethal force to establish control and dominance, effect behavioral change, or enforce compliance with mandates, agreements, or civil authority. (FM 3-0)
6 October 2008
FM 3-07
Glossary-3
Glossary
*comprehensive approach
An approach that integrates the cooperative efforts of the departments and agencies of the United States Government, intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations, multinational partners, and private sector entities to achieve unity of effort toward a shared goal.
concept of operations
(joint) 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. (JP 5-0) (Army) A statement that directs the manner in which subordinate units cooperate to accomplish the mission and establishes the sequence of actions the force will use to achieve the end state. It is normally expressed in terms of decisive, shaping, and sustaining operations. (FM 3-0)
conduct
To perform the activities of the operations process: planning, preparing, executing, and continuously assessing. (FM 6-0)
*conflict transformation
The process of reducing the means and motivations for violent conflict while developing more viable, peaceful alternatives for the competitive pursuit of political and socioeconomic aspirations.
control
(joint) 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. (JP 1-02) (Army) 1. In the context of command and control, the regulation of forces and warfighting functions to accomplish the mission in accordance with the commander’s intent. (FM 3-0) 2. A tactical mission task that requires the commander to maintain physical influence over a specified area to prevent its use by an enemy. (FM 3-90) 3. An action taken to eliminate a hazard or reduce its risk. (FM 5-19) 4. In the context of stability mechanisms, to impose civil order. (FM 3-0) country team
The senior, in-country, U.S. coordinating and supervising body, headed by the chief of the U.S.
diplomatic mission, and composed of the senior member of each represented U.S. department or agency, as desired by the chief of the U.S. diplomatic mission. (JP 3-07.4)
*crisis state
A nation in which the central government does not exert effective control over its own territory.
decisive operation
The operation that directly accomplishes the mission. It determines the outcome of a major operation, battle, or engagement. The decisive operation is the focal point around which commanders design the entire operation. (FM 3-0)
decisive point
(joint) 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. (JP 3-0) [Note: In this context, adversary also refers to enemies.]
defeat mechanism
The method through which friendly forces accomplish their mission against enemy opposition.
(FM 3-0)
Glossary-4
FM 3-07
6 October 2008
Glossary
defensive operations
Combat operations conducted to defeat an enemy attack, gain time, economize forces, and develop conditions favorable for offensive or stability operations. (FM 3-0)
demobilization
(joint) 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. (JP 4-05)
depth
(Army) The extension of operations in time, space, and resources. (FM 3-0)
destroy
1. In the context of defeat mechaisms, to apply lethal combat power on an enemy capability so that it can no longer perform any function and cannot be restored to a usable condition without being entirely rebuilt. (FM 3-0) 2. A tactical mission task that physically renders an enemy force combat-ineffective until it is reconstituted. (FM 3-90)
*disarmament
(Army) The collection, documentation, control, and disposal of small arms, ammunition, explosives, and light and heavy weapons of former combatants, belligerents, and the local populace.
disintegrate
To disrupt the enemy’s command and control system, degrading the ability to conduct operations while leading to a rapid collapse of enemy capabilities or the will to fight. (FM 3-0)
dislocate
To employ forces to obtain significant positional advantage, rendering the enemy’s dispositions less valuable, perhaps even irrelevant. (FM 3-0)
end state
(joint) The set of required conditions that defines achievement of the commander’s objectives. (JP 3-0) enemy
A party identified as hostile against which the use of force is authorized. (FM 3-0)
engagement
(joint) 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 echelon maneuver forces. (JP 1-02) execution
Putting a plan into action by applying combat power to accomplish the mission and using situational understanding to assess progress and make execution and adjustment decisions. (FM 3-0)
force tailoring
The process of determining the right mix of forces and the sequence of their deployment in support of a joint force commander. (FM 3-0)
*fragile state
A country that suffers from institutional weaknesses serious enough to threaten the stability of the central government.
*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 decisionmaking processes typically guaranteed under inclusive, constitutional authority.
6 October 2008
FM 3-07
Glossary-5
Glossary
influence
In the context of stability mechanisms, to alter the opinions and attitudes of a civilian population through information engagement, presence, and conduct. (FM 3-0)
information engagement
The integrated employment of public affairs to inform U.S. and friendly audiences; psychological operations, combat camera, U.S. Government strategic communication and defense support to public diplomacy, and other means necessary to influence foreign audiences; and, leader and Soldier engagements to support both efforts. (FM 3-0)
infrastructure reconnaissance
A multidiscipline variant of reconnaissance to collect technical information on various categories of the public systems, services, and facilities of a country or region. This task may take the form of either an assessment or a survey and develops the situational understanding of the local capability to support the infrastructure requirements of the local populace and/or military operations within a specific area.
(FM 3-34.170)
insurgency
An organized movement aimed at the overthrow of a constituted government through use of
subversion and armed conflict. (JP 3-05)
intelligence
(joint) 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. (JP 2-0)
interagency
(joint) United States Government agencies and departments, including the Department of Defense.
(JP 3-08)
interagency coordination
(joint) Within the context of Department of Defense involvement, the coordination that occurs between elements of Department of Defense and engaged U.S. Government agencies for the purpose of achieving an objective. (JP 3-0)
intergovernmental organization
(joint) 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.
(JP 3-08)
isolate
In the context of defeat mechanisms, to deny an enemy or adversary access to capabilities that enable the exercise of coercion, influence, potential advantage, and freedom of action. (FM 3-0)
knowledge management
The art of creating, organizing, applying, and transferring knowledge to facilitate situational understanding and decision-making. Knowledge management supports improving organizational
learning, innovation, and performance. Knowledge management processes ensure that knowledge products and services are relevant, accurate, timely, and useable to commanders and decision makers.
(FM 3-0)
leadership
The process of influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation, while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization. (FM 6-22)
Glossary-6
FM 3-07
6 October 2008
Glossary
maneuver
(joint) 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. (JP 3-0) measure of effectiveness
(joint) 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. (JP 3-0)
measure of performance
(joint) A criterion used to assess friendly actions that is tied to measuring task accomplishment.
(JP 3-0)
military engagement
(joint) 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)
mission
(joint) 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.
(JP 1-02)
multinational operations
(joint) A collective term to describe military actions conducted by forces of two or more nations, usually undertaken within the structure of a coalition or alliance. (JP 3-16)
neutral
(joint) In combat and combat support operations, an identity applied to a track whose characteristics, behavior, origin, or nationality indicate that it is neither supporting nor opposing friendly forces.
(JP 1-02) (Army) A party identified as neither supporting nor opposing friendly or enemy forces.
(FM 3-0)
noncombatant evacuation operations
(joint) 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. (JP 3-0)
nongovernmental organization
(joint) A private, self-governing, not-for-profit organization dedicated to alleviating human suffering; and/or promoting education, health care, economic development, environmental protection, human rights, and conflict resolution; and/or encouraging the establishment of democratic institutions and civil society. (JP 3-08)
offensive operations
Combat operations conducted to defeat and destroy enemy forces and seize terrain, resources, and population centers. They impose the commander’s will on the enemy. (FM 3-0)
operational approach
The manner in which a commander contends with a center of gravity. (FM 3-0)
6 October 2008
FM 3-07
Glossary-7
Glossary
operational area
(joint) 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. (JP 3-0)
operational environment
(joint) A composite of the conditions, circumstances, and influences that affect the employment of capabilities and bear on the decisions of the commander. (JP 3-0)
operational theme
The character of the dominant major operation being conducted at any time within a land force commander’s area of operations. (FM 3-0)
operations process
The major command and control activities performed during operations: planning, preparing, executing, and continuously assessing the operation. The commander drives the operations process.
(FM 3-0)
peacekeeping
(joint) Military operations undertaken with the consent of all major parties to a dispute, designed to monitor and facilitate implementation of an agreement (cease fire, truce, or other such agreement) and support diplomatic efforts to reach a long-term political settlement. (JP 3-07.3)
peace operations
(joint) A broad term that encompasses multiagency and multinational crisis response and limited contingency operations invilving 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. (JP 3-07.3)
peacetime military engagement
All military activities that involve other nations and are intended to shape the security environment in peacetime. It includes programs and exercises that the United States military conducts with other nations to shape the international environment, improve mutual understanding, and improve
interoperability with treaty partners or potential coalition partners. Peacetime military engagement activities are designed to support a combatant commander’s objectives within the theater security cooperation plan. (FM 3-0)
phase
(joint) 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) (Army) A planning and execution tool used to divide an operation in duration or activity. A change in phase usually involves a change of mission, task organization, or rules of engagement. Phasing helps in planning and controlling and may be indicated by time, distance, terrain, or an event. (FM 3-0)
plan
A design for a future or anticipated operation. (FM 5-0)
planning
The process by which commanders (and the staff, if available) translate the commander’s visualization into a specific course of action for preparation and execution, focusing on the expected results.
(FM 3-0)
preparation
Activities performed by units to improve their ability to execute an operation. Preparation includes, but is not limited to, plan refinement; rehearsals; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; coordination; inspections; and movement. (FM 3-0)
Glossary-8
FM 3-07
6 October 2008
Glossary
protection
(joint) 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. 2. Measures that are taken to keep nuclear, biological, and chemical hazards from having an adverse effect on personnel, equipment, or critical assets and facilities. Protection consists of five groups of activities: hardening of positions; protecting personnel; assuming mission-oriented protective posture; using physical defense measures; and reacting to attack.
3. 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. (JP 3-0)
*reconstruction
The process of rebuilding degraded, damaged, or destroyed political, socioeconomic, and physical infrastructure of a country or territory to create the foundation for long-term development.
refugee
(joint) A person who, by reason of real or imagined danger, has left their home country or country of their nationality and is unwilling or unable to return. (JP 3-07.6)
*reintegration
The process through which former combatants, belligerents, and dislocated civilians receive amnesty, reenter civil society, gain sustainable employment, and become contributing members of the local populace.
*rule of law
A principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities, public and private, including the state itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated, and that are consistent with international human rights principles.
rules of engagement
(joint) Directives issued by competent military authority that delineate the circumstances and limitations under which United States forces will initiate and/or continue combat engagement with other forces encountered. (JP 1-02)
*security
force
assistance
The unified action to generate, employ, and sustain local, host