communications, as well as policies and procedures for their use. (FM 3-0)
insurgency – An organized movement aimed at the overthrow of a constituted government through the use of subversion and armed conflict. (JP 1-02)
integration – One of the eight characteristics of combat service support: the total inclusion of Army combat service support into the operations process (plan, prepare, execute, assess), as well as into other logistics comnponents of the unified force. (FM 4-0).
intelligence – 1. The product resulting from the collection, processing, integration, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of available information concerning foreign countries or areas.
2.
Information and knowledge about an adversary obtained through observation,
investigation, analysis, or understanding. (JP 1-02)
intelligence preparation of the battlefield – The systematic, continuous process of analyzing the threat and environment in a specific geographic area. Intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB) is designed to support the staff estimate and military decisionmaking process. Most intelligence requirements are generated as a result of the IPB process and its interrelation with the decisionmaking process. (FM 34-130)
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. (JP 1-02)
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance plan – An integrated plan for collection of information from all available sources and analysis of that information to produce
intelligence to meet requirements. Specifically, a logical plan for transforming priority intelligence requirements into orders or requests to reconnaissance and surveillance assets to collect pertinent information within a required time limit. (FM 34-3)
interagency – Activities or operations conducted by or through coordination with two or more agencies or an agency and one or more Services of the same nation. (FM 3-07)
interdict – A tactical mission task where the commander prevents, disrupts, or delays the enemy’s use of an area or route. (FM 3-90)
interior lines – A force operates on interior lines when its operations diverge from a central point. (FM 3-0)
isolate – A tactical mission task that requires a unit to seal off—both physically and psychologically—an enemy from his sources of support, deny an enemy freedom of
movement, and prevent an enemy unit from having contact with other enemy forces. (FM 3-90)
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. (JP 1-02)
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. (JP 1-02)
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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 create joint forces. (JP 1-02)
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. (JP 1-02)
key terrain – Any locality, or area, the seizure or retention of which affords a marked advantage to either combatant. (JP 1-02)
landing zone – Any specified zone used for the landing of aircraft. JP 1-02)
law of war – That part of international law that regulates the conduct of armed hostilities. (JP
1-02)
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 1-02) line of communications – A route, either land, water, and/or air, that connects an operating military force with a base of operations and along which supplies and military forces move.
(JP 1-02)
lines of operations – (Army) A line that defines the orientation of the force in time and space, or purpose, in relation to an enemy or objective. (FMI 5-0.1).
logistics – The science of planning and carrying out the movement and maintenance of forces.
In its most comprehensive sense, those aspects of military operations which deal with: a. design and development, acquisition, storage, movement, distribution, maintenance, evacuation, and disposition of materiel; b. movement, evacuation, and hospitalization of personnel; c. acquisition or construction, maintenance, operation, and disposition of facilities; and d. acquisition and furnishing of services. (JP 1-02)
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 close to tactical assembly areas dependent on threat force capabilities. (JP 1-02)
logistics preparation of the theater – Actions taken by combat service support personnel to optimize means—force structure, resources, and strategic lift—of supporting the joint force commander’s plan. (FM 4-0)
major operation – A series of tactical actions (battles, engagements, strikes) conducted by various combat forces of a single or several Services, coordinated in time and place, to accomplish operational and, sometimes, strategic 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. (JP 1-02)
maneuver – One of the nine principles of war: place the enemy in a disadvantageous position through the flexible application of combat power. (FM 3-0)
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, Glossary-16
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and type of Marine Corps units 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. In a joint or multinational environment, other Service or
multinational forces may be assigned or attached. (FM 1-02)
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
consists of 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. In a joint or multinational environment, it may contain other Service or multinational forces assigned or attached to the MAGTF. (FM 1-02)
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. In a joint or multinational environment, it may contain other Service or multinational forces assigned or attached to the MAGTF. (FM 1-02)
mass – One of the nine principles of war: the effects of combat power at the decisive place and time. (FM 3-0)
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 logistical support capabilities. (JP 1-02)
measure of effectiveness – (Army) 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. (FMI 5-0.1)
medical evacuation – The timely and efficient movement of the wounded, injured, or ill while providing en route medical care to and between medical treatment facilities. (FM 4-02) meeting engagement – A combat action that occurs when a moving force engages an enemy at an unexpected time and place. (FM 3-0)
METT-TC – A memory aid used in two contexts: (1) In the context of information management, the major subject categories into which relevant information is grouped for military operations: mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time
available, civil considerations. (2) In the context of tactics, the major factors considered during mission analysis. (FM 6-0)
military deception – Actions executed to deliberately mislead adversary military decisionmakers 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. (JP 1-02)
military decisionmaking process – A process that integrates the activities of the commander, staff and subordinate commanders in developing and operation plan or order. It establishes procedures for analyzing a mission; developing, analyzing, and comparing courses of action; selecting the best course of action; and producing an operation plan or order (FMI 5-0.1).
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Glossary
misinformation – Incorrect information from any source that is released for unknown reasons or to solicit a response or interest from a nonpolitical or nonmilitary target. (FM 3-13) mission – 1. The task, together with the purpose, that clearly indicates the action to be taken and the reason therefor. 2. In common usage, especially when applied to lower military units, a duty assigned to an individual or unit; a task. (JP 1-02)
mission command – The conduct of military operations through decentralized execution based upon mission orders for effective mission accomplishment. Successful mission command results from subordinate leaders at all echelons exercising disciplined initiative within the commander’s intent to accomplish missions. It requires an environment of trust and mutual understanding. (FM 6-0)
mission orders – A technique for completing combat orders that allows subordinates maximum freedom of planning and action in accomplishing missions and leaves the “how” of mission accomplishment to the subordinate. (FM 6-0)
mobile defense – (Army) A type of defensive operation that concentrates on the destruction or defeat of the enemy through a decisive attack by a striking force. (FM 3-0)
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 1-02)
mobility operations – Obstacle reduction by maneuver and engineer units to reduce or negate the effects of existing or reinforcing obstacles. The objective is to maintain freedom of movement for maneuver units, weapon systems, and critical supplies. (FM 3-34)
modified combined obstacle overlay – A joint intelligence preparation of the battlespace product used to portray the effects of each battlespace dimension on military operations. It normally depicts militarily significant aspects of the battlespace environment, such as obstacles restricting military movement, key geography, and military objectives. (JP 1-02) monitoring – (Army) Continuous observation of the current situation to identify opportunities for the force, threats to the force, gaps in information, and progress according to the plan or order. (FMI 5-0.1)
movement to contact – A form of the offensive designed to develop the situation and to establish or regain contact. (JP 1-02)
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. (JP 1-02)
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. (JP 1-02)
naval surface fire support – Fire provided by Navy surface gun and missile systems in support of a unit or units. (JP 1-02)
neutral – (Army) 1. An individual, group of individuals, organization, or nation that is not hostile to or in any way supportive of only one belligerent force in a hostile environment.
(FM 3-07)
no-fire area – A land area, designated by the appropriate commander, into which fires or their effects are prohibited. (JP 1-02)
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noncombatant – 1. An individual in an area of combat operations who is not armed and is not participating in any activity in support of any of the factions or forces involved in combat.
2. An individual, such as chaplain or medical personnel, whose duties do not involve combat.
(FM 3-07)
noncombatant evacuation operations – Operations directed by the Department of State, the Department of Defense, or other appropriate authority 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 1-02)
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. (JP 1-02) nonlethal fires – Any fires that do not directly seek the physical destruction of the intended target and are designed to impair, disrupt, or delay the performance of enemy operational forces, functions, and facilities. Psychological operations, electronic warfare (jamming), and other command and control countermeasures are all nonlethal fire options. (FM 6-20)
nonlethal weapons – Weapons that are 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. a. Unlike conventional lethal weapons that destroy their targets through blast, penetration, and fragmentation, nonlethal weapons employ means other than gross physical destruction to prevent the target from functioning. b. Nonlethal weapons are intended to have one, or both, of the following characteristics: (1) They have relatively reversible effects on personnel or materiel. (2) They affect objects differently within their area of influence. (JP 1-02)
objective – (Army) 1. One of the nine principles of war: direct every military operation toward a clearly defined, decisive and attainable objective. (FM 3-0) 2. A location on the ground used to orient operations, phase operations, facilitate changes of direction, and provide for unity of effort. (FM 3-90)
offensive – One of the nine principles of war: seize, retain, and exploit the initiative. (FM 3-0) offensive information operations – The integrated use of assigned and supporting capabilities and activities, mutually supported by intelligence, to affect enemy
decisionmakers or to influence others to achieve or promote specific objectives. (FM 3-0) offensive operations – Operations which aim at destroying or defeating an enemy. Their purpose is to impose US will on the enemy and achieve decisive victory. (FM 3-0)
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. (JP 1-02)
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. When
forces are transferred between combatant commands, the command relationship the gaining commander will exercise (and the losing commander will relinquish) over these forces must be specified by the Secretary of Defense. 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 26 October 2006
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Glossary
direction necessary to accomplish the mission. Operational control includes authoritative direction over all aspects of military operations and joint training necessary to accomplish the 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. (JP
1-02)
operational framework – The arrangement of friendly forces and resources in time, space, and purpose with respect to each other and the enemy or situation. It consists of the area of operations, battlespace, and battlefield organization. (FM 3-0)
operations process – The major command and control activities performed during operations: planning, preparation, execution with continuous assessment. These activities occur
continuously throughout an operation, overlapping and recurring as required. (FMI 5-0.1) 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 hostile 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. (JP 1-02)
paramilitary forces – Forces or groups distinct from the regular armed forces of any country, but resembling them in organization, equipment, training, or mission. (JP 1-02)
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. (JP 1-02)
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. (JP 1-02)
peacekeeping – Military operations undertaken with the consent of all major parties to a dispute, designed to monitor and facilitate implementation of an agreement (ceasefire, truce, or other such agreement) and support diplomatic efforts to reach a long-term political settlement. (JP 1-02)
peace operations – A broad term that encompasses peacekeeping operations and peace enforcement operations conducted in support of diplomatic efforts to establish and maintain peace. (JP 1-02)
penetration – (Army) A form of maneuver in which an attacking force seeks to rupture enemy defenses on a narrow front to disrupt the defensive system. (FM 3-90).
perceptions – Mental images the commander wants the deception target to believe are real.
(FM 3-13)
phase line – A line utilized for control and coordination of military operations, usually an easily identified feature in the operational area. (JP 1-02)
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physical destruction – The application of combat power to destroy or degrade adversary forces, sources of information, command and control systems, and installations. It includes direct and indirect forces from ground, sea, and air forces. Also included are direct actions by special operations forces. (FM 3-13)
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. 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. (JP 1-02)
pickup zone – A geographic area used to pick up troops or equipment by helicopter. (FM 90-4) plan – A design for a future or anticipated operation. (FM 5-0)
planning – The process by which commanders (and staffs, if available) translate the commander’s visualization into a specific course of action for preparation and execution, focusing on the expected results. (FMI 5-0.1)
port of debarkation – (DOD) 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. (JP 1-02)
port of embarkation – (DOD) The geographic point in a routing scheme from which cargo and personnel depart. This may be a seaport or aerial port from which personnel and equipment flow to a port of debarkation; for unit and nonunit requirements, it may or may not coincide with the origin. (JP 1-02)
principles of war – Principles that provide general guidance for conducting war and military operations other than war at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. The nine principles of war are: objective, offensive, mass, economy of force, maneuver, unity of command, security, surprise, and simplicity (FM 3-0)
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. (JP 1-02)
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, and individuals. The purpose of psychological operations is to induce or reinforce foreign attitudes and behavior favorable to the originator’s objectives. (JP 1-02)
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. (JP 1-02)
pursuit – An offensive operation designed to catch or cut off a hostile force attempting to escape, with the aim of destroying it. (JP 1-02)
push – In logistics, the delivery of a predetermined amount of supplies to a user on a scheduled basis without the user requesting them. (FM 4-0)
railhead – A point on a railway where loads are transferred between trains and other means of transport. (JP 1-02)
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reachback – The process of obtaining products, services, and applications, or forces, or equipment, or material from organizations that are not forward deployed. (JP 1-02)
rear area – (Army) 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, and is where the majority of the echelon’s sustaining functions occur. (FM 3-0)
refugee – A person who, by reason of real or imagined danger, has left his home country or country of nationality and is unwilling or unable to return. (JP 1-02)
relevant information – All information of importance to commanders and staffs in the exercise of command and control. (FM 3-0)
relief in place – (Army) An tactical enabling operation in which, by direction of higher authority, all or part of a unit is replaced in an area by the incoming unit. (FM 3-90) reorganization – Action taken to shift internal resources within a degraded unit to increase its level of combat effectiveness. (FM 100-9)
reserve – Portion of a body of troops which is kept to the rear or withheld from action at the beginning of an engagement, in order to be available for a decisive movement. (JP 1-02) responsiveness – One of the eight principles of combat service support: providing the right support at the right place at the right time. (FM 4-0)
retrograde – A type of defensive operation that involves organized movement away from the enemy. (FM 3-0)
riot control agent – (Army) A substance that produces temporary irritating or disabling physical effects that disappear within min