FM 1-02 (FM 101-5-1) MCRP 5-12A OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS (SEPTEMBER 2004) - page 4

 

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FM 1-02 (FM 101-5-1) MCRP 5-12A OPERATIONAL TERMS AND GRAPHICS (SEPTEMBER 2004) - page 4

 

 

FM 1-02/MCRP 5-12A________________________________________________________________
latent (nuclear) ineffectiveness - 1. The minimum exposure that will result in the average
service member becoming performance-degraded within three hours and remaining so until
death. 2. The minimum exposure that will result in the average service member becoming
combat ineffective at any time within six weeks of postexposure. (FM 100-30)
lateral boundary - Control measure that defines the left or right limit of a unit’s operational
area. Together with the rear and forward boundaries and a coordinating altitude, lateral
boundaries define the area of operations for a commander. (FM 3-90) (See page 7-12 for
symbol.)
lateral spread - (DOD) 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. See FM 6-20-40.
lateral tell - See cross tell.
latest time information is of value - The time by which an intelligence organization or staff
must deliver information to the requester in order to provide decisionmakers with timely
intelligence. This must include the time anticipated for processing and disseminating that
information, as well as for making the decision. (FM 34-1)
latest time intelligence is of value - (Marine Corps) The time by which information must be
delivered to the requestor in order to provide decisionmakers with timely intelligence. Also
called LTIOV.
law and order - A military police mission consisting of those measures necessary to enforce
laws, directives, and punitive regulations. Tasks include law enforcement, criminal
investigation, and support to US Customs operations. On the battlefield, law and order
operations are conducted only when the combat commander requires it and when battle
intensity permits. (FM 3-19.1)
law of armed conflict - See law of war.
law of war - (DOD) That part of international law that regulates the conduct of armed
hostilities. Also called the law of armed conflict; LOW. See also rules of engagement.
See FM 27-10.
lay - (DOD) 1. Direct or adjust the aim of a weapon. See FM 6-20. 2. Setting of a weapon for a
given range, a given direction, or both. See FM 6-20. 3. To drop one or more aerial bombs or
aerial mines onto the surface from an aircraft. See 3-04.111. 4. To spread a smoke screen on
the ground from an aircraft. See FM 3-04.111. 5. To calculate or project a course. See FM 3-
04.111. 6. To lay on: a. to execute a bomber strike; b. to set up a mission. See FM 3-04.111.
leadership - Influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation while operating
to accomplish the mission and improving the organization. (FM 22-100)
least separation distance - The minimum distance that a desired ground zero must be
separated from an object to ensure no more than a 10 percent chance of damage with a 99
percent assurance. It is the sum of the radius of preclusion and the buffer distance. Also
called LSD. See also desired ground zero; minimum safe distance. (FM 100-30)
level of care -Describes the five levels of treatment within the military health care system.
Each level has the same capabilities as the level before it, but adds a new treatment
capability that distinguishes it from the previous level. Level I: The first medical care a
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_________________________________________________________________Operational Terms
soldier receives is provided at this level. This care includes immediate lifesaving measures,
emergency medical treatment, advanced trauma management (ATM), disease prevention,
stress prevention, casualty collection, and evacuation from supported unit to supporting
medical treatment facility (MTF). Level I elements are found in divisions, corps, and in
echelons above corps (EAC) units. These elements include the trauma specialist assisted by
first aid (self-aid/buddy aid) and enhanced first aid (combat lifesaver) and the Level I MTF
(battalion aid station). Some or all of these elements are found in maneuver, combat support,
and combat service support units. When a Level I medical capability is not present in a unit,
this support is provided, on an area support basis, to that unit by the supporting Level II
medical unit. Level II: Capabilities duplicate Level I and expand available services by
adding operational dental care, laboratory, x-ray, and patient holding capabilities. Some
Level II facilities also have mental health and preventive medicine capabilities. Emergency
medical treatment and ATM is continued. If necessary, additional emergency measures are
instituted; however, these measures do not exceed those dictated by the immediate needs.
Level II units are located in the combat zone (brigade, division, corps support areas) and at
EAC. Forward support, brigade support, main support, division support, area support
medical companies, and medical troops provide Level II medical care. The forward surgical
team (FST) from the corps collocates with a medical company/troop and provides emergency
resuscitative surgical capability. The combined medical company and FST are generally
considered to be Level II+. This capability is organic to the medical company/troop, main
support battalion, division support command, airborne and air assault divisions, and the
support squadron, armor cavalry regiment (light). Level III: This level of support expands
the support provided at Level II. Level III characterizes the care that is provided by the
combat support hospital (CSH) in the corps. Minimum operational functions required for a
Level III hospital include: command, control, and communications; patient administration;
nutritional care; supply and services; triage; emergency medical treatment; pre-operative
care; orthopedics; general surgery; operating rooms and central materiel and supply services;
anesthesia, nursing services (to include intensive and intermediate care wards); pharmacy;
clinical laboratory and blood banking; radiology services; and hospital ministry team
services. Operational conditions may require Level III units to locate in offshore support
facilities, third country support bases, or in other locations. Level III hospitalization provides
hospital care to all classes of patients and with medical resupply can indefinitely sustain
care. The Level III hospital in some environments may be augmented with specialty teams,
such as head and neck or renal hemodialysis team. Level IV: This level of care is provided at
an EAC CSH that is normally augmented with additional and specialized medical and
surgical capabilities and with additional patient holding capabilities. The EAC CSH is
staffed and equipped for general and specialized medical and surgical treatment. This level
of care provides further treatment to stabilize those patients requiring evacuation to
continental United States (CONUS). Level V (CONUS Support Base): This definitive level of
care is provided in the CONUS support base. The patient is treated in hospitals staffed and
equipped to provide the most definitive care available. Hospitals used to provide this care are
not limited to US Army hospitals. Hospitals from the other Military Services, the
Department of Veterans Affairs, and the civilian health care systems may also be included.
Civilian hospitals include those hospitals that are members of the National Disaster Medical
Systems. (FM 4-02)
levels of risk - Utilizing the risk assessment matrix, the point where the severity row and
probability column intersect defines the level of risk. There are four levels of risk: extremely
high risk (E), high risk (H), moderate risk (M), and low risk (L). See also risk assessment
matrix. (FM 100-14)
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FM 1-02/MCRP 5-12A________________________________________________________________
lewisite - A blister agent (an arsenical vesicant) used as a moderately delayed-action casualty
agent with a persistency somewhat shorter than HD (distilled mustard). It produces effects
similar to mustard, although unlike mustard, it produces immediate pain. (FM 3-9)
L-hour - (DOD) 1. The specific hour on C-day at which a deployment operation commences or is
to commence. 2. In amphibious operations, the time at which the first helicopter of the
helicopter-borne assault wave touches down in the landing zone. See also times. See FM
101-5.
liaison - (DOD, NATO) That contact or intercommunication maintained between elements of
military forces or other agencies [Note: the NATO definition does not include “or other
agencies”] to ensure mutual understanding and unity of purpose and action. See FM 6-0.
lift - All helicopters assigned to a particular mission to move troops, supplies, and equipment.
See also air assault operation; chalk. (FM 3-04.111)
lift fire - In direct fire, the command to raise the cone of fire so that the beaten zone strikes the
target, but the space between the target and the firing weapons is safe for maneuver by
friendly forces. (FM 7-8)
light line - (DOD, NATO) A designated line forward of which vehicles are required to use black-
out lights at night. Also called LL. See FM 3-90. (See page 7-44 for symbol.)
limited access route - A one-way route with one or more restrictions which preclude its use by
the full range of military traffic. See also alternate supply route; main supply route.
(FM 4-01.30).
limited visibility operations - Operations conducted at night and during other periods of
reduced visibility. See also final coordination line; limit of advance; probable line of
deployment. (FM 3-90)
limit of advance - (Army) A phase line used to control forward progress of the attack. The
attacking unit does not advance any of its elements or assets beyond the limit of advance, but
the attacking unit can push its security forces to that limit. (FM 3-90) (Marine Corps) An
easily recognized terrain feature beyond which attacking elements will not advance. Also
called LOA. See also final coordination line; probable line of deployment. (See page 7-
31 for symbol.)
limit of fire - (DOD, NATO) 1. The boundary marking off the area on which gunfire can be
delivered. 2. Safe angular limits for firing at aerial targets. (Army) Tactical markers used to
define the sector of fire for an individual soldier, a weapon system, or a unit that prevents
fratricide of adjacent units and focuses fire to kill the enemy. See also engagement area;
final protective line. (FM 3-20.15)
line - (NATO) In artillery and naval gunfire support, a spotting, or an observation used by a
spotter or an observer to indicate that a burst(s) occurred on the spotting line. [Note: the
Army definition also applies to mortar fire.] See FM 6-30.
line formation - An arrangement of vehicles or personnel in which elements are arranged
abreast of each other. This formation permits maximum fire to front and rear and a
minimum of fire to the flanks. See also box formation; column formation; echelon
formation; formation; vee formation; wedge formation. (FM 3-90)
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_________________________________________________________________Operational Terms
line haul - In highway transportation, a type of haul involving long trips over the road in which
the portion of driving time is high in relation to the time consumed in loading and unloading.
Line haul usually involves one trip or a portion of a trip per operating shift of 10 hours, or 2
trips per day. (FM 4-01.30)
line of communications - (DOD) A route, either land, water, and/or air, that connects an
operating military force with a base of operations and along which supplies and military
forces move. Also called LOC. See also communications zone; route. See FM 3-0.
line of contact - A general trace delineating the locations where friendly and enemy forces are
engaged. [Note: the Marine Corps definition replaces “friendly and enemy forces” with “two
opposing forces.”] Also called LC. See also forward edge of the battle area; forward line
of own troops; line of departure; line of departure is line of contact. (FM 3-90) (See
page 7-14 for symbol.)
line of demarcation - (DOD) A line defining the boundary of a buffer zone or an 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. See FM 3-07.
line of departure - (DOD, NATO) 1. In land warfare, a line designated to coordinate the
departure of attack elements.
2. In amphibious warfare, a suitably marked offshore
coordinating line to assist assault craft to land on designated beaches at scheduled times.
(Army) A phase line crossed at a prescribed time by troops initiating an offensive operation.
Also called LD. See also line of contact; line of departure is line of contact. (FM 3-90)
(See page 7-31 for symbol.)
line of departure is line of contact - The designation of forward friendly positions as the line
of departure when opposing forces are in contact. Also called LD/LC. See also line of
contact; line of departure. (FM 3-90) (See page 7-31 for symbol.)
line of sight -The unobstructed path from a soldier, weapon, weapon sight, electronic-sending
and -receiving antennas, or piece of reconnaissance equipment to another point. Also called
LOS. See also intervisibility. (FM 34-130)
lines of operations - (DOD) Lines that define the directional orientation of the force in time
and space in relation to the enemy. They connect the force with its base of operations and its
objectives. See FM 3-0.
linkup - (Army) A meeting of friendly ground forces which occurs in a variety of circumstances.
(FM 3-90) (Marine Corps) An operation wherein two friendly ground forces join together in a
hostile area. See also linkup point.
linkup point - A point where two infiltrating elements in the same or different infiltration
lanes are scheduled to meet to consolidate before proceeding with their missions. See also air
assault operation; airborne operation; breakout; linkup. (FM 3-90) (See page 7-42 for
symbol.)
list of targets - (DOD) A tabulation of confirmed or suspect targets maintained by any echelon
for informational and fire support planning purposes. See also fire plan; target list. See FM
6-20-10.
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FM 1-02/MCRP 5-12A________________________________________________________________
loading plan - (DOD, NATO) 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 groupings of personnel or material moving
by highway, water, rail, or air transportation. See FM 55-1.
local air defense warning - Air attack probabilities that allow the local commander to alert
his forces to air and/or missile attack without changing the air defense warning conditions.
Local air defense warnings (LADW) are designed to alert a particular unit, several units, or
an area of the battlefield. LADW parallel air defense warning conditions and reflect the local
air and missile threat. a. Dynamite—Aircraft are inbound or attacking now. Response is
immediate. b. Lookout—Aircraft are in the area of interest but are not threatening or are
inbound but there is time to react. c. Snowman—No aircraft pose a threat at this time. Also
called LADW. (FM 44-100)
local air superiority - Air superiority maintained for a specific time and space in support of a
particular operation. (FM 3-04.111)
local haul - In highway transportation, a type of haul characterized by short driving time in
relation to loading and unloading time and normally involving four or more trips per day.
(FM 4-01.30)
local security - (Army) Low-level security operations conducted near a unit to prevent surprise
by the enemy. (FM 3-90) (Marine Corps) Those security elements established in the
proximity of a unit to prevent surprise by the enemy.
lock on - (DOD) 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).
(NATO) The state of a tracking system or target acquisition system which is continuously
and automatically tracking a target using one or more parameters. See FM 44-100.
lodgment area - (DOD) 1. A designated area in a hostile or threatened territory which, 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. See FM 90-26. 2. A designated location in an area of
operations used as a base for supply and evacuation by air. See FM 90-26. 3. A designated
area on a hostile or potentially hostile site that, when seized and held, ensures the
continuous landing of troops and materiel and provides maneuver space requisite for
subsequent projected operations ashore. See also airhead; beachhead.
log crib - A type of point obstacle used as a road block that cannot be readily bypassed. See also
abatis; cratering charge; point obstacle; road block. (FM 5-34)
log hurdle - A type of point obstacle used to slow tracked vehicles and make them more
vulnerable to antitank fires or make the tracked vehicles vulnerable to “belly shots” as they
climb over the hurdles. See also abatis; cratering charge; point obstacle; road block.
(FM 5-34)
logistics - (DOD) 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. (NATO) The science of planning and carrying
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_________________________________________________________________Operational Terms
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,
transport, distribution, maintenance, evacuation, and disposition of materiel; b. transport of
personnel; c. acquisition, construction, maintenance, operation, and disposition of facilities;
d. acquisition or furnishing of services; and e. medical and health support services. See also
combat service support. See FM 4-0.
logistics assault base - A temporary logistics support area transported across enemy lines via
helicopter to support extended deep air assault and raids. If the logistics assault base is to
become a permanent facility, the unit must develop it into a forward operations base. Also
called LAB. (FM 90-4)
logistics base - A principal or supplementary base of support; a locality containing installations
which provide logistics support. (FM 4-0)
logistics-over-the-shore operations - (DOD) The loading and unloading of ships without the
benefit of deep draft-capable, fixed port facilities, in friendly or nondefended territory, and, in
time of war, during phases of theater development in which there is no opposition by the
enemy; or as a means of moving forces close to tactical assembly areas dependent on threat
force capabilities. Also called LOTS operations. See FM 4-0.
logistics package - A grouping of multiple classes of supplies and supply vehicles under the
control of a single convoy commander. Also called LOGPAC. (FM 4-0)
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)
logistics release point - 1. The point along the supply route where the unit first sergeant or
unit guide takes control of a company logistics package. 2. The point along the supply route
where the supported unit meets the supporting unit to transfer supplies. Also called LRP.
(FM 4-0) (See page 7-63 for symbol.)
log posts - A type of point obstacle with posts placed in belts and combined with wire and
usually used as a road block or turning obstacle. To breach a belt of log posts requires an
extensive breaching effort. See also abatis; cratering charge; point obstacle; road
block. (FM 5-34)
lost - (NATO) In artillery and naval gunfire support, a spotting or an observation used by a
spotter or an observer to indicate that rounds fired by a gun or mortar were not observed.
[Note: the Army definition also applies to direct fire gunnery.] See FM 6-30.
low-altitude missile engagement zone - (DOD) In air defense, that airspace of defined
dimensions within which the responsibility for engagement of air threats rests with low- to
medium-altitude surface-to-air missiles. Also called LOMEZ. See also weapon
engagement zone. See FM 3-52. (See page 7-21 for symbol.)
low-level transit route
-
(DOD, NATO) 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. See also air corridor; flight corridor;
minimum-risk route. See FM 3-52. (See page 7-20 for symbol.)
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FM 1-02/MCRP 5-12A________________________________________________________________
—M—
magnetic azimuth - An angle of direction measured clockwise from magnetic north. See also
azimuth; grid azimuth; true azimuth. (FM 3-25.26)
magnetic declination - (DOD, NATO) 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. See FM 3-25.26.
magnetic mine - (DOD, NATO) A mine which responds to the magnetic field of a target. See
FM 20-32.
magnetic variation - (DOD, NATO) 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. 2. In cartography, the annual change
in direction of the horizontal component of the Earth’s magnetic field. See also magnetic
declination. See FM 3-25.26.
main battle area - (DOD) 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. (Army) The area where the commander intends to deploy the bulk of his combat power
and conduct his decisive operations to defeat an attacking enemy. Also called MBA. See also
defensive operations; forward edge of the battle area; handover line. (FM 3-90)
main body - The principal part of a tactical command or formation. It does not include detached
elements of the command, such as advance guards, flank guards, and covering forces. (FM 3-
90)
main command post - A cell that includes those staff activities involved in controlling and
sustaining current operations and in planning future operations. (See page 5-39 for symbol.)
main detonating line - (DOD, NATO) In demolition, a line of detonating cord used to transmit
the detonation wave to two or more branches. See FM 5-250.
main effort - (Army) The activity, unit, or area that commanders determine constitutes the
most important task at that time. (FM 3-0) (Marine Corps) The designated subordinate unit
whose mission at a given point in time is most critical to overall mission success. It is usually
weighted with the preponderance of combat power and is directed against a center of gravity
through a critical vulnerability.
main operations base - (DOD) 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 logistical support to special operations activities in designated areas. Also called MOB.
See also advanced operations base; forward operations base. See FM 100-25.
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_________________________________________________________________Operational Terms
main supply route - (DOD, NATO) The route or routes designated within an operational area
upon which the bulk of traffic flows in support of military operations. Also called MSR. See
FM 4-01.30. (See page 7-69 for symbol.)
maintenance (materiel) - (DOD) 1. All action taken to retain materiel in 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. (Army) Actions taken to keep materiel in
serviceable, operational condition, and updating and upgrading its capability. It includes
performing preventive maintenance checks and services; recovering and evacuating disabled
equipment; diagnosing equipment faults; substituting parts, components, and assemblies;
exchanging serviceable materiel for unserviceable materiel; and repairing equipment. (FM 4-
30.3) (See page 5-25 for symbols.)
maintenance collection point - A point established to collect equipment awaiting repair,
controlled exchange, cannibalization, or evacuation. It may be operated by the user or by the
direct support maintenance units. Also called MCP. See also unit maintenance collection
point. (FM 4-30.3) (See page 7-63 for symbol.)
maintenance status - (DOD) 1. A nonoperating condition, deliberately imposed, with adequate
personnel to maintain and preserve installations, materiel, and facilities in such a condition
that they may readily be 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. See FM 4-30.3.
maintenance support team - A tailored direct support team that collocates with a unit
maintenance element for a designated period. Also called MST. (FM 4-30.3)
major disaster - (DOD) Any flood, fire, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, or other catastrophe
which, in the determination of the President, is or threatens to be of sufficient severity to
warrant disaster assistance by the Federal Government under Public Law
606,
91st
Congress (42 United States Code 58) to supplement the efforts and available resources of
State and local governments in alleviating the damage and hardship, or suffering caused
thereby. See also domestic emergencies. See FM 3-07.
major operation - (DOD) 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. See also operation. See FM 3-0.
maneuver - (DOD, NATO) 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 battlespace through movement
in combination with fires to achieve a position of advantage in respect to the enemy in order
to accomplish the mission. [Note: the NATO definition replaces “in the battlespace” with “on
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FM 1-02/MCRP 5-12A________________________________________________________________
the battlefield.”]
(Army) One of the nine principles of war: Place the enemy in a
disadvantageous position through the flexible application of combat power. See also mission;
operation; principles of war. (FM 3-0)
maneuver and mobility support - A military police mission performed to support and
preserve the commander’s freedom of movement in his area of responsibility and enhance the
movement of friendly resources in all environments. Tasks include route reconnaissance and
surveillance, main supply route regulation and enforcement, temporary route signing,
support to river crossings, and straggler and refugee control. Also called MMS. (FM 3-19.1)
maneuver battlefield operating system - (Army) The movement of forces to achieve a
position of advantage with respect to enemy forces. This system includes the employment of
forces in combination with direct fire or fire potential. This system also includes the conduct
of tactical tasks associated with force protection. See also battlefield operating systems.
(FM 7-15)
manifest - (DOD) A document specifying in detail the passengers or items carried for a specific
destination. See FM 55-1.
manipulative electromagnetic deception - (DOD) Actions to eliminate revealing, or convey
misleading, electromagnetic telltale indicators that may be used by hostile forces. Also called
MED. See also electronic warfare; electromagnetic deception; imitative
electromagnetic deception; simulative electromagnetic deception. See FM 3-13.
map - (DOD, NATO) A graphic representation, usually on a plane surface, and at an established
scale, of natural or artificial features on the surface of part or whole of the Earth or other
planetary body. These features are positioned relative to a coordinate reference system. See
also large-scale map; medium-scale map; small-scale map. See FM 3-25.26.
march column - A group of two to five serials using the same route for a single movement,
organized under a single commander for planning, regulating, and controlling. See also
march serial; march unit; movement order. (FM 3-90)
march serial - A subdivision of a march column consisting of a group of two to five march units
using the same route for a single movement, organized under a single commander for
planning, regulating, and controlling. See also march column; march unit; movement
order. (FM 3-90)
march unit - The smallest subdivision of a march column; a group of normally no more than 25
vehicles using the same route for a single movement organized under a single commander for
planning, regulating, and controlling. See also march column; march serial; movement
order. (FM 3-90)
Marine air-ground task force - (Marine Corps) 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 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 or attached. In a joint or multinational
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_________________________________________________________________Operational Terms
environment, other Service or multinational forces may be assigned or attached to the
MAGTF. Also called MAGTF. See also aviation combat element; combat service
support element; command element; ground combat element; Marine
expeditionary brigade; Marine expeditionary force; Marine expeditionary force
(forward); Marine expeditionary unit; special purpose Marine air-ground task
force; task force.
Marine expeditionary brigade - (Marine Corps) A Marine air-ground task force that is
constructed around a reinforced infantry regiment, a composite Marine aircraft group, and a
brigade service support group. The Marine expeditionary brigade (MEB), 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
(MEF), or alone. It varies in size and composition, and is larger than a Marine expeditionary
unit but smaller than a MEF. The MEB is capable of conducting missions across the full
range of military operations. In a joint or multinational environment, the MEB may contain
other Service or multinational forces assigned or attached. Also called MEB. See also
brigade; Marine air-ground task force; Marine expeditionary force.
Marine expeditionary force - (Marine Corps) 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 also contain other Service or multinational forces
assigned or attached to the MAGTF. Also called MEF. See also aviation combat element;
combat service support element; command element; ground combat element;
Marine air-ground task force; Marine expeditionary brigade; Marine expeditionary
force (forward); Marine expeditionary unit; special purpose Marine air-ground
task force; task force.
Marine expeditionary force (forward) - (DOD) 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 a MEF is not required. It may also contain
other Service or foreign military forces assigned or attached to the MAGTF. 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 forces capable); special purpose Marine air-ground task force; task force.
Marine expeditionary unit - (Marine Corps) 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
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or multinational environment, it may contain other Service or multinational forces assigned
or attached to the MAGTF. 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) - (Marine Corps) The Marine
Corps standard, forward-deployed, sea-based expeditionary organization. The Marine
expeditionary unit (special operations capable) (MEU[SOC]) is a Marine expeditionary unit
(MEU), 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 President/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. In a joint or multinational environment, it may
also contain other Service or multinational forces assigned or attached to the MAGTF. 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 brigade; Marine expeditionary force; Marine expeditionary
force (forward); Marine expeditionary unit; special purpose Marine air-ground
task force; task force.
mark - (NATO) In artillery and naval fire support: a. a call for fire on a specified location in
order to orient the observer/spotter or to indicate targets; b. to report the instant of optimum
light on the target produced by illumination shells. [Note: the Army definition also applies to
mortar fire.] See FM 6-30.
marking smoke - Smoke employed to relay prearranged communications on the battlefield. It
is frequently used to identify targets, evacuation points, friendly perimeters, and so forth.
(FM 3-50)
marshalling - (DOD, NATO) 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.
See FM 90-26. 2. The process of assembling, holding, and organizing supplies and/or
equipment, especially vehicles of transportation, for onward movement. See FM 100-17. See
also staging area.
marshalling area - (DOD) 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 FM 100-17. (Marine
Corps) 1. The general area in which unit preparation areas and departure airfields may be
located and from which air movement is initiated.
2. In amphibious operations, the
designated area in which, as part of the mounting process, units are reorganized for
embarkation; vehicles and equipment are prepared to move directly to embarkation areas;
and housekeeping facilities are provided for troops by other units. See also marshalling.
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mask only - 1. A protective measure that provides some relief from mission-oriented protective
posture (MOPP) gear for personnel who must work in a vapor- or aerosol-contaminated
environment. Personnel must be within protective shelters (certain types of vans, tanks, or
buildings) where the danger of transfer hazards is minimal. This posture is only used when
the only threat is vapor. Mask only cannot be used when blister agents are present. 2. A
protective measure used when the commander anticipates that his only chemical threat is
from riot control agents. (FM 3-11.4)
mass - (DOD, NATO) 1. The concentration of combat power. 2. The military formation in which
units are spaced at less than normal distances and intervals. (Army) One of the nine
principles of war: Concentrate the effects of combat power at the decisive place and time. See
also principles of war. (FM 3-0)
mass casualty - (DOD) 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. See also
casualty. See FM 4-02.
massed fire - (DOD) 1. The fire of 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. See also
concentrated fire. See FM 6-30.
materiel release confirmation - (DOD) 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
follow-up initiated by the inventory control point. See FM 10-15.
materiel release order - (DOD) An order issued by an accountable supply system manager
(usually an inventory control point or accountable depot or stock point) directing a
nonaccountable activity (usually a storage site or materiel drop point) within the same
supply distribution complex to release and ship materiel. See FM 10-15.
maximum effective range - (DOD, NATO) The maximum distance at which a weapon may be
expected to be accurate and achieve the desired effect. [Note: the NATO definition replaces
“effect” with “result.”] (Army) The distance from a weapon system at which a 50 percent
probability of target hit is expected, or the tracer burnout range. (FM 3-22.1)
maximum range - (DOD, NATO) The greatest distance a weapon can fire without
consideration of dispersion. (Army) The maximum distance a projectile or rocket can go at
the optimum elevation of the weapon. (FM 3-22.1)
maximum rate of fire - The largest quantity of rounds physically or mechanically possible to
fire through a weapon or weapon system in a specified period of time regardless of the
damage that could be done to the system if this number of rounds was fired for a prolonged
period of time. See also sustained rate of fire. (FM 3-21.91)
M-day - (DOD) The term used to designate the unnamed day on which full mobilization
commences or is due to commence. See also times. See FM 101-5.
meaconing - (DOD, NATO) 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 and ground stations. See FM 34-1.
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measurement and signature intelligence - (DOD) Scientific and technical 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 target,
source, emitter, or sender measurement of the same. The detected feature may be either
reflected or emitted. Also called MASINT. See also intelligence; scientific and technical
intelligence. See FM 34-1.
medical countermeasures - Those measures taken to maintain soldier sustainability through
the prevention and pretreatment of injury from nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC)
agent hazards; and following injury, those measures taken to treat NBC casualties and
improve medical capability for diagnosis, physiological resuscitation, and continued medical
management of NBC casualties. (FM 4-02.7)
medical evacuation - (Army/Marine Corps) The timely and efficient movement of the
wounded, injured, or ill while providing en route medical care to and between medical
treatment facilities. Also called MEDEVAC. See also aeromedical evacuation; casualty
evacuation. (FM 4-02)
medical evacuees - (DOD) Personnel who are wounded, injured, or ill and must be moved to or
between medical facilities. See FM 4-02.
medical intelligence
-
(DOD) 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 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.
medical surveillance - (DOD) The ongoing systematic collection of health data essential to the
evaluation, planning, and implementation of public health practice, closely integrated with
the timely dissemination of data as required by higher authority. See FM 4-02.17.
medical threat - 1. A collective term used to designate all potential or continuing enemy
actions and environmental situations that could possibly adversely affect the combat
effectiveness of friendly forces, to include wounding, injuries, or sickness incurred while
engaged in an operation.
2. A composite of all ongoing potential enemy actions and
environmental conditions (diseases and nonbattle injuries) that may render a soldier combat
ineffective. (FM 4-02)
medical treatment facility - (DOD) A facility established for the purpose of furnishing
medical and/or dental care to eligible individuals. Also called MTF. See FM 4-02. (See page
5-22 for symbol.)
medical waste - Any waste that is generated in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of
human beings or animals. (FM 3-100.4)
medium-scale map - (DOD) A map having a scale larger than 1:600,000 and smaller than
1:75,000. See also large-scale map; map; small-scale map. See FM 3-25.26.
meeting engagement - (DOD, NATO) A combat action that occurs when a moving force,
incompletely deployed for battle, engages an enemy at an unexpected time and place. [Note:
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the Army definition does not include the phrase “incompletely deployed for battle.”] See also
movement to contact. See FM 3-0.
message - A procedure word meaning, “A message which requires recording is about to follow.”
See also procedure word. (FM 24-19)
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. [Note: the Marine Corps uses METT-T: mission, enemy, terrain and
weather, troops and support available-time available.] (FM 6-0)
military chemical compound - Chemical substance that has become generally accepted by
the public for use in conventional war. Included are riot control agents, flame and smoke
materials, and military herbicides. Excluded are chemical agents. (FM 3-9)
military crest - (Army/Marine Corps) An area on the forward slope of a hill or ridge from which
maximum observation covering the slope down to the base of the hill or ridge can be
obtained. (FM 3-25.26)
military deception - (DOD) 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. The five categories of military deception are as
follows: a. strategic military deception—Military deception planned and executed by and
in support of senior military commanders to result in adversary military policies and actions
that support the originator’s strategic military objectives, policies, and operations.
b. operational military deception—Military deception planned and executed by and in
support of operational-level commanders to result in adversary actions that are favorable to
the originator’s objectives and operations. Operational military deception is planned and
conducted in a theater to support campaigns and major operations. c. tactical military
deception—Military deception planned and executed by and in support of tactical
commanders to result in adversary actions that are favorable to the originator’s objectives
and operations. Tactical military deception is planned and conducted to support battles and
engagements. d. Service military deception—Military deception planned and executed by
the Services that applies to Service support to joint operations. Service military deception is
designed to protect and enhance the combat capabilities of Service forces and systems.
e. military deception in support of operations security (OPSEC)—Military deception
planned and executed by and in support of all levels of command to support the prevention
and inadvertent compromise of sensitive or classified activities, capabilities, or intentions.
Deceptive OPSEC measures are designed to distract foreign intelligence away from, or to
provide cover for, military operations and activities. See also deception. See FM 3-13.
military deception in support of operations security (OPSEC) (DOD) - Military deception
planned and executed by and in support of all levels of command to support the prevention
and inadvertent compromise of sensitive or classified activities, capabilities, or intentions.
Deceptive OPSEC measures are designed to distract foreign intelligence away from, or to
provide cover for, military operations and activities. See also military deception. See FM 3-
13.
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military environmental protection - The application and integration of all aspects of natural
environmental considerations as they apply to the conduct of military operations. (FM 3-
100.4)
military gamble - A decision in which a commander risks the force without a reasonable level
of information about the outcome. (FM 6-0)
military grid reference system - (DOD, NATO) 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 FM 3-25.26.
military load classification - (DOD, NATO) 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.
Also called MLC. See also route classification. See FM 5-100.
military operations other than war - (DOD) Operations that encompass the use of military
capabilities across the range of military operations short of war. These military actions can
be applied to complement any combination of other instruments of national power and occur
before, during, and after the war. Also called MOOTW. See also counterdrug;
counterinsurgency; domestic emergencies; foreign humanitarian assistance; peace
operations; stability operations; support operations. See FM 3-0.
military police response force - Those forces to which the commander assigns the mission of
responding to and conducting operations to close with and destroy or delay attacking enemy
forces beyond the capabilities of base defenses (Level II and Level III). (FM 3-19.1)
military strategy - (DOD) The art and science of employing the armed forces of a nation to
secure the objectives of national policy by the application of force or the threat of force. See
also strategy. See FM 3-0.
military symbol - (DOD) A graphic sign, usually on a map, display or diagram, to represent a
particular military unit, installation, activity, or other item of military interest. See FM 1-02.
mine - (DOD, NATO) 1. 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. The
term does not include devices attached to the bottoms of ships or to harbor installations by
personnel operating underwater, nor does it include devices which explode immediately on
expiration of a predetermined time after laying. 2. (DOD only) In land mine warfare, an
explosive or material, normally encased, designed to destroy or damage ground vehicles,
boats, or aircraft, or designed to wound, kill, or otherwise incapacitate personnel. It may be
detonated by the action of its victim, by the passage of time, or by controlled means. (NATO
only) In land mine warfare, an explosive munition designed to be placed under, on or near
the ground or other surface area to be actuated by the presence, proximity or contact of a
person, land vehicle, aircraft or boat, including landing craft. See also mine warfare. See
FM 20-32. (See page 7-46 for symbol.)
minefield - (DOD, NATO) 1. In naval warfare, an area of water containing mines laid with or
without a pattern. 2. (DOD only) In land warfare, an area of ground containing mines
emplaced with or without a pattern. (NATO only) In land mine warfare, a defined area in
which mines have been emplaced. See also mine; mine warfare. See FM 20-32. (See page 7-
47 for symbol.)
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_________________________________________________________________Operational Terms
minefield breaching - (DOD, NATO) In land mine warfare, the process of clearing a lane
through a minefield under tactical conditions. See also breach; lane. See FM 20-32.
mine warfare - (DOD) 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 selected land or sea areas. Also
called MIW. See FM 20-32.
minimum range - (DOD) 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.
See FM 3-22.1.
minimum-risk route - (DOD) 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. See FM 3-52. (See page 7-19 for
symbol.)
minimum safe distance - The minimum distance in meters from desired ground zero at which
a specific degree of personnel risk and vulnerability will not be exceeded with a 99 percent
assurance. The minimum safe distance is the sum of the radius of safety and the buffer
distance. Also called MSD. See also desired ground zero; least separation distance.
(FM 100-30)
misfire - (DOD, NATO) 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. See FM 6-40.
misinformation - Incorrect information from any source that is released for unknown reasons
or to solicit a response or interest from a non-political or non-military target. (FM 3-13)
missing - (DOD) 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. missing—The casualty is not present at his or her
duty location due to apparent involuntary reasons and whose location is unknown.
f. 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. See FM 4-02.
missing in action - (DOD) 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; missing. See
FM 4-02.
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FM 1-02/MCRP 5-12A________________________________________________________________
mission - (DOD) 1. The task, together with the purpose, that clearly indicates the action to be
taken and the reason therefor. See FM 101-5. 2. In common usage, especially when applied to
lower military units, a duty assigned to an individual or unit; a task. See FM 101-5. 3. The
dispatching of one or more aircraft to accomplish one particular task. See FM 3-04.111.
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 configured load - Load built inside a theater of operations for a specific mission, unit,
or other purpose. Resources
(personnel, equipment, and supplies) in a hub in the
communications zone/intermediate staging base or corps area normally configured as mission
configured loads. Also called MCL. (FM 4-0).
mission creep - Tangential efforts to assist in areas of concern unrelated to assigned duties
that cripple efficient mission accomplishment. (FM 100-8)
mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available-time available and
civil considerations - See METT-TC.
mission-essential task - A collective task in which an organization must be proficient to
accomplish an appropriate portion of its wartime mission(s). (FM 7-0)
mission-essential task list
- A compilation of collective mission-essential tasks an
organization must perform successfully to accomplish its wartime mission(s). Also called
METL. (FM 7-0)
mission orders - A technique for completing combat orders to allow subordinates maximum
freedom of planning and action to accomplish missions that leaves the “how” of mission
accomplishment to the subordinate. (FM 6-0)
mission-oriented protective posture - (DOD) A flexible system for protection against
nuclear, biological, and chemical 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. [Note: The Army definition adds: The seven levels of MOPP are shown in the
following table.]
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_________________________________________________________________Operational Terms
Table 1-1. Seven Levels of MOPP
MOPP/
MOPP
MASK
MOPP
MOPP 1
MOPP 2
MOPP 3
MOPP 4
Equipment
READY
ONLY
ZERO
Mask
Carried
Worn
Carried
Carried
Carried
Worn1
Worn
Over-garment
Ready3
Note
Available4
Worn1
Worn1
Worn1
Worn
Vinyl Overboot
Ready3
Note
Available4
Available4
Worn
Worn
Worn
Gloves
Ready3
Note
Available4
Available4
Available4
Available4
Worn
Helmet, Protective
Ready3
Note
Available4
Available4
Worn
Worn
Worn
Cover
Chemical
Protective Under-
Ready3
Note
Available4
Worn1
Worn1
Worn1
Worn1
garment (CPU)2
1 In hot weather, coat or hood can be left open for ventilation.
2 The CPU is worn under the BDU (primarily applies to SOF) or CVC coveralls.
3 Must be available to the soldier within two hours. Second set available in six hours.
4 Must be within arm’s reach of soldier.
[Note: Items can be readily available or available at the commander’s discretion.] Also called
MOPP. (FM 3-11.4)
mission statement - A short paragraph or sentence describing the task and purpose that
clearly indicates the action to be taken and the reason thereof. It usually contains the
elements of who, what, when, and where, and the reason thereof, but seldom specifies how.
See also commander’s intent; operation order; operation plan. (FM 101-5)
mission support site - A preselected area used as a temporary base or stopover point. The
mission support site is used to increase the operational range within the joint special
operations area. Also called MSS. (FM 3-05.201)
mixed minefield - (DOD, NATO) A minefield containing both antitank and antipersonnel
mines. See also minefield. See FM 20-32.
mobile defense - (DOD) 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. (Army) A
type of defensive operation that concentrates on the destruction or defeat of the enemy
through a decisive attack by the striking force. (FM 3-0)
mobility - (DOD, NATO) 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. (Army) Those
activities that enable a force to move personnel and equipment on the battlefield without
delays due to terrain or obstacles. (FM 5-100)
mobility corridor - (DOD) 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. See FM 34-130.
mobility/countermobility/survivability battlefield operating system - (Army) Mobility
operations preserve the freedom of maneuver of friendly forces; countermobility operations
deny mobility to enemy forces; survivability operations protect friendly forces from the effects
of enemy weapon systems. See also battlefield operating systems. (FM 7-15)
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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. See also breach;
countermobility operations; survivability operations; terrain reinforcement. (FM 5-
100)
mobilization - (DOD) 1. The act of assembling and organizing national resources to support
national objectives in time of war or other emergencies. 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 support to meet the
requirements of 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 in the existing
approved force structure, as well as all individual reservists, 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. See FM 100-17.
moderate nuclear risk - (NATO) A degree of risk where anticipated effects are tolerable, or at
worst a minor nuisance. See also degree of risk; emergency risk (nuclear); negligible
risk (nuclear). See FM 100-30.
mode of transport - (DOD) The various modes used for 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. See
FM 55-1.
monitoring - (DOD, NATO) 1. The act of listening, carrying out surveillance on, and/or
recording the emissions of one’s own or allied forces for the purpose of maintaining and
improving procedural standards and security, or for reference, as applicable. See FM 34-1.
2. The act of listening, carrying out surveillance on, and/or recording of enemy emissions for
intelligence purposes. See FM 34-1. 3. The act of detecting the presence of radiation and the
measurement thereof with radiation measuring instruments. Also called radiological
monitoring. See FM 3-3-1. (Army) 1. An element of assessment: continuous observation of
the common operational picture to identify indicators of opportunities for success, threats to
the force, and gaps in information. (FM 6-0) 2. The assessment of emissions and ambient air
quality conditions. (FM 3-100.4)
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more to follow - A procedure word meaning “Transmitting station has additional traffic for the
receiving station.” See also procedure word. (FM 24-19)
mortuary affairs - (DOD) Covers the search for, recovery, identification, preparation, and
disposition of remains or persons for whom the Services are responsible by status and
Executive Order. See also graves registration. See FM 10-64. (See page 5-21 for symbol.)
mosaic - (DOD, NATO) 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
FM 3-25.26.
movement bid - A request for clearance to move on main supply routes to other controlled
routes for which a clearance is required prior to initiating the movement. (FM 4-01.30)
movement control - (DOD, NATO) 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 of communications. [Note: the Army definition adds “Organizations responsible for
these functions are movement control teams, movement control centers, and movement
control activities.”] Also called movement control center/MCC. See also line of
communications; nonunit-related cargo. (FM 4-01.30)
movement control center (MCC) - See movement control.
movement credit - (DOD, NATO) The allocation granted to one or more vehicles in order to
move over a controlled route in a fixed time according to movement instructions. See FM 4-
01.30.
movement formation - 1. An ordered arrangement of troops and/or vehicles for a specific
purpose. 2. An ordered arrangement of two or more units, aircraft, or ships proceeding
together under a commander. Types of formations include: box, column, diamond, line, vee,
wedge, and echelon (right or left). See also box formation; column formation; diamond
formation; echelon formation; line formation; vee formation; wedge formation. (FM
3-90)
movement order - (DOD) An order issued by a commander covering the details for a move of
the command. See FM 101-5.
movement phase - (DOD) 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.
movement requirement - (DOD) A stated movement mode and time-phased need for transport
of units, personnel, and/or materiel from a specified origin to a specified destination. See FM
4-01.30.
movement schedule - (DOD) 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
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each location. Movement schedules are detailed enough to support plan implementation. See
FM 4-01.30.
movement table - (DOD, NATO) 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. See also
movement order. See FM 4-01.30.
movement to contact - (DOD) A form of the offensive designed to develop the situation and to
establish or regain contact. [Note: the NATO term is “advance to contact.”] See also meeting
engagement; offensive operations; reconnaissance in force. See FM 3-0.
multinational operations - (DOD) 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. See FM 100-8.
multi-spectral imagery - (DOD, NATO) The image of an object obtained simultaneously in a
number of discrete spectral bands. Also called MSI. See FM 34-3.
multi-spectral obscurant - An obscurant that blocks or attenuates more than two portions of
the electromagnetic spectrum (such as visual, infrared, and millimeter wave). (FM 3-50)
munition - (DOD, NATO) 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 FM 20-32.
mutual support - (DOD, NATO) That support which units render each other against an enemy
because of their assigned tasks, their positions relative to each other and to the enemy, and
inherent capabilities. See also direct support; support. See FM 3-90.
—N—
named area of interest - (DOD) The geographical area where 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 battlespace. See FM 3-90. (Marine Corps) A point or area along a particular
avenue of approach through which enemy activity is expected to occur. Activity or lack of
activity within a named area of interest will help to confirm or deny a particular enemy
course of action.. Also called NAI. See also area of interest; event template. (See page 7-
35 for symbol.)
nap-of-the-earth flight - See terrain flight.
national command - (NATO) A command that is organized by, and functions under the
authority of, a specific nation. It may or may not be placed under a NATO commander. See
also command. See FM 100-8.
national intelligence support team
- (DOD) A nationally sourced team composed of
intelligence and communications experts from either Defense Intelligence Agency, Central
Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, or any combination of these agencies. Also
called NIST. See also intelligence. See FM 34-1.
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natural decontamination - The process of decontamination by natural evaporation or
decomposition of the chemical agent. (FM 3-5)
natural disaster - (DOD) All domestic emergencies except those created as a result of enemy
attack or civil disturbance. See domestic emergencies. See FM 3-07.
natural environment - The human ecosystem, including both the physical and biological
systems that provide resources (clean air, clean water, healthy surroundings, sufficient food),
necessary to sustain productive human life. Included in the natural environment are
manmade structures, such as water and waste-water treatment facilities, and
natural/cultural resources. (FM 3-100.4)
naval gunfire support - (DOD) 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 amphibious operation; naval surface fire support.
See FM 6-20-30.
naval surface fire support - (DOD) Fire provided by Navy surface gun and missile systems in
support of a unit or units tasked with achieving the commander’s objectives. Also called
NSFS. See FM 6-20-30.
NBC defense - See nuclear, biological, and chemical defense.
NBC monitoring - See nuclear, biological, and chemical monitoring.
NBC reconnaissance - See nuclear, biological, and chemical reconnaissance.
NBC surveillance - See nuclear, biological, and chemical surveillance.
NBC survey - See nuclear, biological, and chemical survey.
N-day -
(DOD) The unnamed day an active duty unit is notified for deployment or
redeployment. See also times. See FM 101-5.
need to know - (DOD) 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. See FM 34-1.
neglect
-
(NATO) In artillery, mortar, and naval gunfire support, a report to the
observer/spotter to indicate that the last round(s) was fired with incorrect data and that the
round(s) will be fired again using correct data. See FM 6-30.
negligible risk (nuclear) - (DOD) A degree of risk where personnel are reasonably safe, with
the exceptions of dazzle or temporary loss of night vision. See also degree of risk (nuclear);
emergency risk (nuclear); moderate risk. See FM 100-30.
negligible risk levels - Level of contamination that will cause mild incapacitation among no
more than five percent of unprotected soldiers who operate for twelve continuous hours
within one meter of contaminated surfaces. (FM 3-11)
nerve agent - (DOD, NATO) A potentially lethal chemical agent which interferes with the
transmission of nerve impulses. See FM 3-9.
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nested concept - The means to achieve unity of purpose whereby each succeeding echelon’s
concept is included in the other. (FM 101-5)
net control station - (DOD) A communications station designated to control traffic and enforce
circuit discipline within a given net. Also called NCS. See FM 11-32.
neutral - (DOD) 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. (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 100-8) 2. A meteorological condition that exists when conditions
are intermediate between lapse and inversion: when the temperatures of the ground are
approximately the same temperature of the lower air up to four meters above it. This
condition has light to moderate winds and slight turbulence, and is considered average for
release of chemical weapons. (FM 3-6) See also hostile; suspect; unknown. (See page 4-3
for symbol.)
neutrality - (DOD) 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. See FM 3-07.
neutralization - (DOD, NATO) 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. See FM 20-32.
neutralize - (DOD) 1. As applies to military operations, to render ineffective or unusable. 2. To
render enemy personnel or material incapable of interfering with a particular operation. See
FM 3-90. 3. To render safe mines, bombs, missiles, and booby traps. See FM 5-250. 4. To
make harmless anything contaminated with a chemical agent. See FM 3-9. (See page A-4 for
symbol.)
no-fire area - (DOD) A land area, designated by the appropriate commander, into which fires or
their effects are prohibited. (Marine Corps) A designated area into which neither fires nor
effects of fires will occur. Two exceptions occur: a. the establishing headquarters asks for or
approves fire or b. an enemy force takes refuge in the area, poses a major threat, and there is
insufficient time to clear the fires needed to defend the friendly force. Also called NFA. See
also fires. See FM 3-90. (See page 7-37 for symbol.)
nonalignment - (DOD) 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 bloc) or
policy before a situation arises. See FM 41-10.
nonbattle injury - (DOD) A person who becomes a casualty due to circumstances not directly
attributable to hostile action or terrorist activity. Also called NBI. See FM 4-02.
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.
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(FM 41-10) 2. An individual, such as chaplain or medical personnel, whose duties do not
involve combat.
noncombatant evacuation operations - (DOD) 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. Also called NEO. See also
evacuation; operation. See FM 3-07.
noncontiguous area of operations - When one or more of the commander’s subordinate
forces do not share a common boundary. (FM 3-90)
nongovernmental organizations - (DOD) Transnational organizations of private citizens that
maintain a consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
Nongovernmental organizations may be professional associations, foundations, multinational
businesses, or simply groups with a common interest in humanitarian assistance activities
(development and relief). “Nongovernmental organizations” is a term normally used by non-
United States organizations. See also military operations other than war; stability
operations; support operations. Also called NGOs. See FM 3-07.
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. See also
nonlethal weapons. (FM 6-20)
nonlethal weapons - (DOD) 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. See FM 6-20.
nonpersistent agent - (DOD) A chemical agent that, when released, dissipates and/or loses its
ability to cause casualties after 10 to 15 minutes. See FM 3-11.
non-unit-related cargo - (DOD) 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. See FM 4-0.
notice of violation - Formal written document provided to an installation by a regulatory
agency as a result of environmental noncompliance. Also called NOV. (FM 3-100.4)
notice to airmen - (DOD, NATO) A notice [Note: the NATO definition adds: “distributed by
means of telecommunication”] 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. See FM 3-04.111.
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not mission capable, maintenance - (DOD) 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. See
FM 4-30.3.
not mission capable, supply - (DOD) 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. See FM 4-30.3.
nuclear, biological, and chemical defense - (DOD) Defensive measures that enable friendly
forces to survive, fight, and win against enemy use of nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC)
weapons and agents. US forces apply NBC defensive measures before and during integrated
warfare. In integrated warfare, opposing forces employ nonconventional weapons along with
conventional weapons (NBC weapons are nonconventional). Also called NBC defense. See
also integrated warfare. See FM 3-11.
nuclear, biological, and chemical monitoring - A protective measure performed by units to
ensure advanced early warning for contamination hazards from the use of weapons of mass
destruction. It primarily includes sensor warnings of the presence of primarily nuclear or
chemical materials. Monitoring may be either periodic or continuous. Also called NBC
monitoring. (FM 3-3-1)
nuclear, biological, and chemical reconnaissance - A mission undertaken to obtain
information (of military significance) about unknown NBC contamination pertaining to
routes, areas, and zones. This information confirms or denies the presence or absence of NBC
attacks or NBC hazards through the use of detection and identification equipment or visual
observation, or by the collection of samples in any specified location or region by using NBC
detection, identification, and sampling equipment. Also called NBC reconnaissance. (FM 3-
19)
nuclear, biological, and chemical surveillance - The systematic observation of aerospace,
surface, or subsurface areas, places, persons, or things by visual, electronic, mechanical, or
other means for NBC attacks or hazards. Also called NBC surveillance. (FM 3-19)
nuclear, biological, and chemical survey - The collection of detailed information (of military
significance) pertaining to specific contaminated areas to determine the type of
contamination and degree (extent or intensity) of the NBC hazard. This survey typically
determines the outer boundaries of the hazard area. Also called NBC survey. (FM 3-19)
nuclear, biological, and chemical warning and reporting system - The primary means of
warning units of an actual or predicted nuclear, chemical, and biological (NBC) hazard.
Units use the nuclear, biological, and chemical warning and reporting system as battlefield
intelligence to send and receive NBC 1-6 reports. Also called NBCWRS. (FM 3-11)
nuclear collateral damage - (DOD) Undesired damage or casualties produced by the effects
from friendly nuclear weapons. [Note: the NATO term is “nuclear collateral effects.” See
AAP-6.] See FM 100-30.
nuclear environment - The presence or implication of any nuclear-capable system before,
during, or after nuclear weapons employment by either friendly or enemy forces. (FM 100-
30).
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_________________________________________________________________Operational Terms
nuclear strike warning - (DOD, NATO) A warning of impending friendly or suspected enemy
nuclear attack. See also strike warning. See FM 100-30.
nuclear yields - (DOD) The energy released in the detonation of a nuclear weapon measured in
terms of 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.
(FM 100-30)
nuisance minefield - (DOD) A minefield laid to delay and disorganize the enemy and to hinder
the use of an area or route. (Army) In landmine warfare, a minefield that imposes caution on
enemy forces and disrupts, delays, and sometimes weakens or destroys follow-on echelons.
See also minefield. (FM 20-32)
—O—
objective - (DOD) 1. The clearly defined, decisive, and attainable goals towards which every
military operation should be 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). (NATO) The
physical object of the action taken, e.g., a definite tactical feature, the seizure and/or holding
of which is essential to the commander’s plan. (Army) 1. One of the nine principles of war:
Direct every military action 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) See also decisive point;
principles of war; target. (See page 7-32 for symbol.)
obscurant - A chemical agent that decreases the energy available for the functions of seekers,
trackers, and vision enhancement devices. (FM 3-50)
obscuration - The effects of weather, battlefield dust, and debris, or the use of smoke
munitions to hamper observation and target-acquisition capability or to conceal activities or
movement. (FM 3-50)
obscuration smoke - Smoke placed on or near enemy positions to minimize enemy observation
both within and beyond the position area. (FM 3-50)
observation post - (DOD, NATO) A position from which military observations are made, or fire
directed and adjusted, and which possesses appropriate communications; may be airborne.
Also called OP. See FM 3-90. (See page 7-26 for symbol.)
observed fire - (DOD, NATO) 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.
See FM 6-30.
observer-target line - (DOD, NATO) An imaginary straight line from the observer/spotter to
the target. See FM 6-30.
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obstacle - (DOD) 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 be natural, manmade, or a combination of
both. See also reinforcing obstacles. See FM 90-7. (See page 7-45 for symbol.)
obstacle belt
-
(DOD) 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. See FM 3-90. (See page 7-45 for symbol.)
obstacle control measures - Specific measures that simplify the granting of obstacle-
emplacing authority while providing obstacle control. (FM 3-90)
obstacle groups - One or more individual obstacles grouped to provide a specific obstacle effect.
(FM 3-90)
obstacle line - A conceptual control measure used at battalion or brigade level to show
placement intent without specifying a particular type of linear obstacle. (FM 90-7) (See page
7-45 for symbol.)
obstacle restricted areas - (DOD) A command and control measure used to limit the type or
number of obstacles within an area. See also obstacle. See FM 90-7. (See page 7-50 for
symbol.)
obstacle zone
-
(DOD) 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 countermobility operations; obstacle. See FM 3-90. (See page
7-45 for symbol.)
occupy - A tactical mission task that involves a force moving into an area so that it can control
the entire area. Both the force’s movement to and occupation of the area occur without
enemy opposition. (FM 3-90) (See page A-4 for symbol.)
offensive - One of the nine principles of war: Seize, retain, and exploit the initiative. See also
principles of war. (FM 3-0)
offensive air support - (Army) That part of tactical air support of land operations that consists
of tactical air reconnaissance and close air support, which are conducted in direct support of
land operations.
(FM 3-04.111) (Marine Corps) Those air operations conducted against
enemy installations, facilities, and personnel to directly assist the attainment of MAGTF
objectives by the destruction of enemy resources or the isolation of the enemy’s military
forces. Also called OAS.
offensive counterair - (DOD) 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 the enemy territory and are generally conducted at the initiative of
friendly forces. These operations include attack operations, fighter sweep, escort, and
suppression of enemy air defenses. Also called OCA. See also counterair; defensive
counterair; operation. See FM 44-100.
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_________________________________________________________________Operational Terms
offensive counterspace - Combat operations conducted against enemy systems (or their
support systems) designed to operate in space (e.g., a directed-energy weapon operating from
an aircraft or ground location that is used to destroy enemy satellites). Also called OCS. (FM
44-100)
offensive information operations - (DOD) The integrated use of assigned and supporting
capabilities and activities, mutually supported by intelligence, to affect adversary
decisionmakers to achieve or promote specific objectives. These capabilities and activities
include, but are not limited to, operations security, military deception, psychological
operations, electronic warfare, physical destruction, and special information operations, and
could also include computer network attack. (Army) 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. See also
computer network attack; defensive information operations; electronic warfare;
information operations; intelligence; military deception; operations security;
psychological operations. (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)
on-call - (DOD) 1. 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-phased and destination information. Such requirements will be
called forward upon order of competent authority. See also call for fire. See FM 6-30.
on-call resupply - (DOD) 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 emergency resupply. See FM 100-25.
on-call target - (NATO) In artillery and naval fire support, a planned target other than a
scheduled target on which fire is delivered when requested. [Note: the Army definition also
applies to mortar fire.] See FM 6-30.
one day’s supply - (DOD, NATO) 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.
Also called day of supply. See 4-0.
on-order mission - A mission to be executed at an unspecified time in the future. A unit with
an on-order mission is a committed force. The commander envisions task execution in the
concept of operations; however, he may not know the exact time or place of execution.
Subordinate commanders develop plans and orders and allocate resources, task-organize,
and position forces for execution. See also be-prepared mission. (FM 101-5)
operating level of supply - (DOD) 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.). See FM
4-0.
operation - (DOD, NATO) 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. See FM 3-0.
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operational approach - The manner in which a commander attacks the enemy center of
gravity. See also direct approach; indirect approach. (FM 3-0)
operational art
-
(DOD) The employment of military forces to attain strategic and/or
operational objectives through the design, organization, integration, and conduct of
strategies, campaigns, major operations, and battles. Operational art translates the joint
force commander’s strategy into operational design, and, ultimately, tactical action, by
integrating the key activities at all levels of war. See also strategic level of war; tactical
level of war. See FM 3-0.
operational command - (NATO) The authority granted to a commander to assign missions or
tasks to subordinate commanders, to deploy units, to reassign forces, and to retain or
delegate operational and/or tactical control as the commander deems necessary. Note: It does
not of itself include responsibility for administration. [Note: this term is only used within the
context of NATO operations.] Also called OPCOM. See also operational control. See FM
100-8.
operational control - (DOD) 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
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. Also
called OPCON. See also assign; combatant command; combatant command
(command authority); detachment; operational command; tactical control. See FM
3-0.
operational decontamination - (DOD, NATO) 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. See FM 3-5.
operational environment
-
(DOD) A composite of the conditions, circumstances, and
influences which affect the employment of military forces and bear on the decisions of the
unit commander. Some examples are as follows: a. 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.
b. uncertain environment—Operational environment in which host government forces,
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_________________________________________________________________Operational Terms
whether opposed 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. c. hostile
environment—Operational environment in which hostile forces have control and the intent
and capability to effectively oppose or react to the operations a unit intends to conduct. See
FM 3-07.
operational fires - The operational-level commander’s application of nonlethal and lethal
weapons effects to accomplish objectives during the conduct of a campaign or major
operation. (FM 3-0)
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. See also area of operations;
battlefield organization; battlespace. (FM 3-0)
operational level of war - (DOD) The level of war at which campaigns and major operations
are planned, conducted, and sustained to accomplish strategic objectives within theaters or
operational areas. Activities at this level link tactics and strategy by establishing operational
objectives needed to accomplish the strategic objectives, sequencing events to achieve the
operational objectives, initiating actions, and applying resources to bring about and sustain
these events. These activities imply a broader dimension of time or space than do tactics;
they ensure the logistic and administrative support of tactical forces, and provide the means
by which tactical successes are exploited to achieve strategic objectives. See also strategic
level of war; tactical level of war. See FM 3-0.
operationally ready - (DOD) 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. See FM 63-2.
operational military deception - (DOD) Military deception planned and executed by and in
support of operational-level commanders to result in adversary actions that are favorable to
the originator’s objectives and operations. Operational military deception is planned and
conducted in a theater to support campaigns and major operations. See also military
deception. See FM 3-13.
operational pause
- A deliberate halt taken to extend operational reach or prevent
culmination. (FM 3-0)
operational picture - A single display of relevant information within a commander’s area of
interest. (FM 3-0)
operational psychological activities - Psychological operations that are conducted prior to,
during war or conflict, and at the conclusion of open hostilities in a defined geographic area
to promote the effectiveness of the area command’s campaigns and strategies. (FM 3-05.30)
operational reach - (DOD) The distance and duration across which a unit can successfully
employ military capabilities. See FM 3-0.
operational readiness float - (Army) A quantity of selected class II and VII items authorized
for use by direct support maintenance units in exchange with supported units if a like item
cannot be repaired in a timely manner. (FM 63-2). (Marine Corps) A pool of mission-
essential, maintenance significant end items used to provide replacement items for
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unserviceable, reparable end items which cannot be repaired in time to meet an operational
commitment. Also called ORF.
operational reserve - (DOD) An emergency reserve of men and/or materiel established for the
support of a specific operation. See FM 3-0.
operation annexes - (DOD) 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. See FM 101-5.
operation exposure guide - (DOD) The maximum amount of nuclear radiation that the
commander considers a unit may be permitted to receive while performing a particular
mission or missions. [Note: the Army term is “operational exposure guidance.”] Also called
OEG. See also radiation status. See FM 3-3-1.
operation order - (DOD, NATO) A directive [Note: the NATO definition adds “usually formal”]
issued by a commander to subordinate commanders for the purpose of effecting the
coordinated execution of an operation. [Note: Army definition adds, “Also called the five-
paragraph field order, it contains as a minimum a description of the task organization,
situation, mission, execution, administrative and logistics support, and command and signal
for the specified operation.”] Also called OPORD. See also operation plan. See FM 101-5.
operation plan - (DOD) Any plan, except for the Single Integrated Operational Plan, for the
conduct of military operations. Plans are prepared by combatant commanders in response to
requirements established by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and by commanders of
subordinate commands in response to requirements tasked by the establishing unified
commander. Operation plans are prepared in either a complete format (OPLAN) or as a
concept plan (CONPLAN). The CONPLAN can be published with or without a time-phased
force and deployment data (TPFDD) file. a. OPLAN—An operation plan for the conduct of
joint operations that can be used as a basis for development of an operation order (OPORD).
An OPLAN identifies the forces and supplies required to execute the CINC’s Strategic
Concept and a movement schedule of these resources to the theater of operations. The forces
and supplies are identified in TPFDD files. OPLANs will include all phases of the tasked
operation. The plan is prepared with the appropriate annexes, appendixes, and TPFDD files
as described in the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System manuals containing
planning policies, procedures, and formats. b. CONPLAN—An operation plan in an
abbreviated format that would require considerable expansion or alteration to convert it into
an OPLAN or OPORD. A CONPLAN contains the CINC’s Strategic Concept and those
annexes and appendixes deemed necessary by the combatant commander to complete
planning. Generally, detailed support requirements are not calculated and TPFDD files are
not prepared. c. CONPLAN with TPFDD—A CONPLAN with TPFDD is the same as a
CONPLAN except that it requires more detailed planning for phased deployment of forces.
(Army) Any plan for the preparation, execution, and assessment of military operations. Also
called OPLAN. See also operation order; time-phased force and deployment data.
(FM 101-5)
operations process - The activities performed during operations: plan, prepare, and execute
with continuous assessment. (FM 6-0)
operations security - (DOD) 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
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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.
[Note: the Army replaces
“critical information” with
“essential elements of friendly information.”] Also called OPSEC. See FM 3-13.
operator’s spraydown - Decontamination of mission-essential portions of one’s equipment
before continuing the mission. Operator’s spraydown is most effective when done within 15
minutes of contamination. Those surfaces that must be touched on the exterior of the vehicle
or equipment that must be used are decontaminated with onboard portable decontamination
apparatus (such as the M-11 or M-13). (FM 3-5)
opposed entry - A military operation to enter an area against opposition. See also air assault
operation; airborne operation; amphibious operation; assault echelon. (FM 90-26)
opposing information - Intentional or unintentional truth-based information from any source
that represents an opposing view. (FM 3-13)
order - (DOD, NATO) A communication, written, oral, or by signal, which conveys instructions
from a superior to a subordinate. [Note: the NATO definition ends here.] 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. See also fragmentary order;
movement order; operation order; overlay order; warning order. (FM 6-0)
orders group - A group assembled to receive a commander’s orders. The basic composition of
this group is normally prescribed in the standing operating procedures of the unit or
formation concerned. (FM 101-5)
organic - (DOD) 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
Marine Corps, and are assigned to the administrative organizations of the operating forces
for the Navy. See also assign; attach; operational control. See FM 6-0.
organophosphate - A phosphate-containing organic compound. Organophosphates inhibit
cholinesterase enzymes. G-series and H-series nerve agents are organophosphates, as are
certain common insecticides. (FM 3-9)
out - A procedure word meaning, “This is the end of my transmission to you and no answer is
required or expected.” (Since “over” and “out” have opposite meanings, they are never used
together.) See also procedure word. (FM 24-19)
over - (NATO) In artillery and naval fire support, a spotting or an observation, used by a spotter
or an observer, to indicate that a burst(s) occurred beyond the target in relation to the
spotting line. [Note: the Army definition also applies to mortar fire]. See FM 6-30. (Army)
1. A procedure word meaning, “This is the end of my transmission to you and a response is
necessary. Go ahead; transmit.” See also procedure word. (FM 24-19) 2. In direct fire, a
sensing that a round or burst of rounds went above the intended target and landed beyond
the target. (FM 3-20.12)
overlap tell - (NATO) The transfer of information to an adjacent facility concerning tracks
detected in the adjacent facility’s area of concern. See also track telling.
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overlay - (DOD) 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. (Army) On digital displays, a set of graphical data that can be placed or
removed from another set of graphical data without causing distortion of or damage to either
set of graphical data. (FM 101-5)
overlay order - A technique used to issue an order (normally a fragmentary order) that has
abbreviated instructions written on an overlay. (FM 101-5)
overt operation - (DOD) An operation conducted openly, without concealment. See also
clandestine operation; covert operation. See FM 100-25.
overwatch - (Army/Marine Corps) 1. A tactical movement technique in which one element is
positioned to support the movement of another element with immediate fire. 2. The tactical
role of an element positioned to support the movement of another element with immediate
fire. See also support by fire. See FM 3-90.
—P—
packaged petroleum product - (DOD) 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. See FM 10-67.
palletized unit load - (DOD, NATO) 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. See FM 10-1.
parallel planning
-
(Army) Two or more echelons planning for an operation nearly
simultaneously. (FM 101-5) (Marine Corps) Planning by parallel chains of command refers to
the planning procedures resulting from the close and continuous coordination necessary
between corresponding naval and troop echelons.
paramilitary forces - (DOD) Forces or groups distinct from the regular armed forces of any
country, but resembling them in organization, equipment, training, or mission. See FM 3-07.
partial mobilization - (DOD) 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 more than
24 consecutive months) to mobilize Ready Reserve Component units, individual reservists,
and the resources needed for their support to meet the requirements of a war or other
national emergency involving an external threat to the national security. See also
mobilization. See FM 100-17.
passage lane - A lane through an enemy or friendly obstacle that provides a safe passage for a
passing force. (FM 3-90)
passage of lines - (DOD, NATO) 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.
[Note: the NATO definition does not include the last sentence.] (Army) A tactical enabling
operation in which one unit moves through another unit’s positions with the intent of moving
into or out of enemy contact. (FM 3-90). (See page A-4 for symbols.)
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passage point - A specifically designated place where the passing units will pass through the
stationary unit. Also called PP. (FM 3-90) (See page 7-43 for symbol.)
passive air defense - (DOD) 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. (NATO)
All measures, other than active air defense, taken to minimize the effectiveness of hostile air
action. These measures include deception, dispersion, and the use of protective construction.
See also active air defense; air defense; concealment; deception; dispersion. See FM
44-100.
passive defense - (DOD) 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.
(Army) One of the four operational elements of theater missile defense. Operations that
provide essential individual and collective protection for friendly forces, population centers,
and critical assets. The principal measures used to accomplish passive defense are tactical
warning, reducing target effectiveness, reducing vulnerability, and recovery and
reconstitution. See also active defense; attack operations; theater missile defense.
(FM 100-12)
passive defense measures - Measures taken to reduce the possibilities or effects of nuclear,
biological, and chemical attack. (FM 3-3)
passive mine - (DOD) 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 FM 20-32.
pass time - (DOD) 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. See FM 55-1.
password - (DOD, NATO) A secret word or distinctive sound used to reply to a challenge. See
also challenge. See FM 11-43.
pathfinders - (DOD) 1. Experienced aircraft crews who lead a formation to the drop zone,
release point, or target. See FM 90-26. 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. See FM 90-26. 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. See FM 90-26. See also landing zone control
party.
patient decontamination - The process of decontaminating patients using nonmedical
personnel as patient decontamination teams working under the supervision of medical
personnel. The patient decontamination process is performed at a location adjacent to the
supporting medical treatment facility. See also patient decontamination team. (FM 4-
02.7)
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patient decontamination team - A team composed of nonmedical personnel designated by the
supported unit commander to perform patient decontamination under medical supervision.
See also patient decontamination. (FM 4-02.7)
patrol - (DOD, NATO) 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 FM 7-7.
patrol base - The point of origin of a patrol where all equipment not required for the patrol is
left. All supplies necessary for resupplying the patrol and additional medical supplies and
assistance are staged at this location. (FM 7-7)
pattern laying - (DOD, NATO) In land mine warfare, the laying of mines in a fixed
relationship to each other. See FM 20-32.
payload - (DOD, NATO) 1. The sum of the weight of passengers and cargo that an aircraft can
carry. See FM 55-17. 2. The warhead, its container, and activating devices in a military
missile. See FM 44-100. 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. See FM 55-17.
peace building - (DOD) Post-conflict actions, predominantly diplomatic and economic, that
strengthen and rebuild governmental infrastructure and institutions in order to avoid a
relapse into conflict. See also peace enforcement; peacekeeping; peacemaking; peace
operations. See FM 3-07.
peace enforcement - (DOD) 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. Also called PE. See also peace building;
peacekeeping; peacemaking; peace operations. See FM 3-07.
peacekeeping - (DOD) 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. See also peace building; peace enforcement; peacemaking; peace
operations. See FM 3-07.
peacemaking - (DOD) 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. See FM 3-
07.
peace operations - (DOD) A broad term that encompasses peacekeeping operations and peace
enforcement operations conducted in support of diplomatic efforts to establish and maintain
peace. Also called PO. See also peace building; peace enforcement; peacekeeping;
peacemaking. See FM 3-07.
peace support psychological activities - Planned psychological activities conducted as an
integral part of peace support operations, designed to create a supportive atmosphere and a
willingness to cooperate among the parties in conflict and civilian population in the area of
operations, to protect the force and assist in the achievement of mission objectives. Also
called PSPA. (FM 3-05.30)
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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 US military conducts with other nations to shape the international environment,
improve mutual understanding with other countries, and improve interoperability with
treaty partners or potential coalition partners. Peacetime military engagement activities are
designed to support a combatant commander’s objectives as articulated in the theater
engagement plan. Also called PME. (FM 3-0)
penetration - (DOD, NATO) In land operations, a form of offensive which seeks to break
through the enemy’s defense and disrupt the defensive system. (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). (See page A-5 for symbol.)
perceptions - Mental images the commander wants the deception target to believe are real. See
also deception target. (FM 3-13)
perimeter defense - (DOD) A defense without an exposed flank, consisting of forces deployed
along the perimeter of the defended area. See also strong point. See FM 3-90.
periodic monitoring - The periodic check of the unit area for presence of beta or gamma
radiation. It is performed when intelligence indicates threat use of nuclear weapons, nuclear
warfare has been initiated, the dose rate falls below 1 centigray per hour, or when ordered by
the unit commander. (FM 3-3-1)
permissive environment - (DOD) 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. See also operational environment. See FM 3-07.
persistency - (DOD, NATO) In biological or chemical warfare, the characteristic of an agent
which applies to the duration of its effectiveness under determined conditions after its
dispersal. See FM 3-9.
persistent agent - (DOD) A chemical agent that, when released, remains able to cause
casualties for more than 24 hours to several days or weeks. See FM 3-9.
personal wipedown - Process of removing or neutralizing contamination from the individual’s
equipment including the protective mask, hood, gloves, weapon, and helmet. It is performed
to stop the spread, transfer, and penetration of contamination. (FM 3-5)
petroleum, oils, and lubricants - (DOD, NATO) A broad term which includes all petroleum
and associated products used by the Armed Forces. Also called POL. See FM 4-0.
phase - (Army) A specific part of an operation that is different from those that precede or follow.
A change in phase usually involves a change of task. (FM 3-0) (Marine Corps) A planning
and execution tool that is used to divide an operation in duration or activity. A change in
phase may involve a change in task or task organization. Phasing helps in planning and
controlling and may be indicated by time, by distance, by terrain, or by occurrence of an
event.
phase line - (DOD) A line utilized for control and coordination of military operations, usually an
easily identified feature in the operational area. (NATO) A line utilized for control and
coordination of military operations, usually a terrain feature extending across the zone of
action. Also called PL. See FM 3-90. (See page 7-15 for symbol.)
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phoney minefield - (DOD, NATO) 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. See
FM 20-32. See page 7-24 for symbol.
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 hazards - Those hazards that can cause explosions, fires, violent chemical reactions,
and other hazardous situations. (FM 3-100.4)
physical security - (DOD, NATO) 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. See also communications security; operations security. See FM 3-19.30.
pickup zone - A geographic area used to pick up troops or equipment by helicopter. Also called
PZ. (FM 90-4) (See page 7-17 for symbol.)
pickup zone control officer - The officer designated by the commander with the responsibility
for establishing, organizing, setting up, and controlling the pickup zone during air assault
pickup zone operations. Also called PZCO. (FM 90-4)
pickup zone control party - The personnel designated to assist the pickup zone control officer
with the establishment, setting up, and controlling of the pickup zone. (FM 90-4)
piecemeal commitment - 1. The immediate employment of units in combat as they become
available instead of waiting for larger aggregations of units to ensure mass.
2. The
unsynchronized employment of available forces so that their combat power is not employed
effectively. (FM 3-90)
pinpoint - (DOD, NATO) 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. (DOD only) The ground position of aircraft determined by direct
observation of the ground. See FM 3-04.111.
plan - A design for a future or anticipated operation. (FM 101-5)
planned target(s) - (DOD) Targets that are known to exist in an operational area, and against
which effects are scheduled in advance or are on call. Examples range from targets on joint
target lists in the applicable campaign plans, to targets detected in sufficient time to list in
the air tasking order, mission-type orders, or fire support plan. Planned targets have two
subcategories: scheduled or on-call. (NATO) In artillery and naval gunfire support, a target
on which fire is prearranged. [Note: the Army definition also applies to mortar fire.] See also
immediate target(s); on-call target; priority target; scheduled target(s). See FM 6-20-
30.
planning - The means by which the commander envisions a desired outcome, lays out effective
ways of achieving it, and communicates to his subordinates his vision, intent, and decisions,
focusing on the results he expects to achieve. (FM 3-0)
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planning factor - (DOD, NATO) 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. See FM 101-5.
planning horizons - Points in time the commander uses to focus the organization’s planning
efforts to shape future events. (FM 101-5)
planning phase - (DOD) In amphibious operations, the phase normally denoted by the period
extending from the issuance of the order initiating the amphibious operation 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.
point defense - (DOD) The defense or protection of special vital elements and installations,
e.g., command and control facilities or air bases. See FM 44-100.
point obstacle - Any obstruction designed or employed to deny ease of movement on a road,
lane, or bridge that is normally part of or completes a larger manmade or natural obstacle
that has a designed effect on the attacking enemy force. See also abatis; cratering charge;
log crib; log hurdle; log posts; road block. (FM 90-7)
point of departure - (Army) The point where the unit crosses the line of departure and begins
moving along a direction of attack. (FM 3-90) (Marine Corps) A specific place where a unit
will cross the line of departure. Also called PD.
point of impact - (NATO) 1. The point on the drop zone where the first parachutist or air
dropped cargo item lands or is expected to land. See FM 90-26. 2. The point at which a
projectile, bomb, or re-entry vehicle impacts or is expected to impact. Also called impact
point.
point target - 1. A target of such small dimension that it requires the accurate placement of
ordnance in order to neutralize or destroy it. (FM 6-20-40) 2. Nuclear—A target in which the
ratio of radius of damage to target radius is equal to or greater than 5. (FM 100-30)
police information - The products from the collection, analysis, and interpretation of all
available information concerning known and potential enemy and criminal threats and
vulnerabilities of support organizations. It involves intelligence preparation of the
battlefield, criminal intelligence preparation of the battlefield, and the police information
assessment process. (FM 3-19.1)
police intelligence operations - A military police function that supports, enhances, and
contributes to the commander’s force protection program, common operational picture, and
situational understanding. The police intelligence operations function ensures that
information collected during the conduct of other military police functions is provided as
input to the intelligence collection effort and turned into action or reports. (FM 7-15)
populace and resource control - Operations in populace and resource control (PRC) provide
security for the populace, deny personnel and materiel to the enemy, mobilize population and
materiel resources, and detect and reduce the effectiveness of enemy agents. Populace
control measures include curfews, movement restrictions, travel permits, registration cards,
and resettlement of villagers. Resource control measures include licensing, regulations or
guidelines, checkpoints (for example, road blocks), ration controls, amnesty programs, and
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inspection of facilities. Most military operations employ some type of PRC measures. Also
called PRC. (FM 41-10)
pop-up point - The location at which aircraft quickly gain altitude for target acquisition and
engagement. Also called PUP. See also target box. (FM 44-100) (See page 7-22 for symbol.)
port - A place at which ships may discharge or receive their cargoes. It includes any port
accessible to ships on the seacoast, navigable rivers, or inland waterways. The term “port”
should not be used in conjunction with air facilities, which are designated as aerial ports,
airports, etc. (FM 4-01.30)
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. Also called POD. See also port of embarkation. See FM 4-
01.30.
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. Also called POE. See also port of debarkation. See FM 4-01.30.
position - 1. A location or area occupied by a military unit. 2. The location of a weapon, unit, or
individual from which fire is delivered upon a target. Positions may be classified as primary,
alternate, subsequent, and supplementary positions. See also alternate position; battle
position; primary position; subsequent position; supplementary position. (FM 3-90)
position area for artillery - An area assigned to an artillery unit where individual artillery
systems can maneuver to increase their survivability. A position area for artillery is not an
area of operations for the artillery unit occupying it. Also called PAA. (FM 3-90) (See page 7-
38 for symbol.)
positive control - (DOD) 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. See FM 3-52. (Army) A technique of
regulating forces that involves commanders and leaders actively assessing, deciding, and
directing them. (FM 6-0)
post-conflict activity - Those stability operations and support operations that are conducted in
the period following conflict termination. (FM 41-10)
power projection - (DOD) The ability of a nation to apply all or some of its elements of
national power—political [Note: the Army replaces “political” with “diplomatic.”], 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 FM 3-0. (Marine Corps) The application of measured, precise offensive
military force at a chosen time and place, using maneuver and combined arms against enemy
forces.
precedence - (DOD) 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 communications
precedence from most immediate to least are flash, immediate, priority, and routine. See FM
24-1.
2. reconnaissance—A letter designation, assigned by a unit requesting several
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reconnaissance missions, to indicate the relative order of importance (within an established
priority) of the mission request. 3. evacuation—The assignment of a priority for medical
evacuation that is based on a patient condition, advice of the senior medical person at the
scene, and the tactical situation. See FM 8-10-6.
preclusion of damage - A nuclear planning restriction used in conjunction with least
separation distance to avoid damage to important structures. If appropriate, it is included in
the commander’s guidance. See also least separation distance; preclusion of obstacles.
(FM 100-30)
preclusion of obstacles - A nuclear planning restriction used in conjunction with least
separation distance which, if appropriate, is included in the commander’s guidance. It can
include preclusion of fallout and tree blowdown. See also least separation distance;
preclusion of damage. (FM 100-30)
preclusion-oriented method analysis - A method of analyzing nuclear targets used when
detailed information about size, composition, disposition, location, and movement is not
available. (FM 100-30)
preparation - Activities by the unit before execution to improve its ability to conduct the
operation, including, but not limited to, the following: plan refinement, rehearsals,
reconnaissance, coordination, inspection, and movement. (FM 3-0)
preparation fire - (DOD) Fire delivered on a target preparatory to an assault. (NATO) Fire
delivered before an a attack to weaken the enemy position. See also fire. See FM 6-20-40.
preplanned air support - (DOD, NATO) Air support in accordance with a program, planned in
advance of operations. See also air support. See FM 3-04.111.
preplanned mission request - (DOD) A request for an air strike on a target that can be
anticipated sufficiently in advance to permit detailed mission coordination and planning. See
FM 6-20.
pre-position - (DOD, NATO) 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. See FM 100-17-2.
pre-positioned supplies - Supplies located at or near the point of planned use or at other
designated locations to reduce reaction time and to ensure resupply. (FM 100-17-2)
prescribed load - The quantity of combat essential supplies and repair parts (other than
ammunition) authorized by major commanders to be on hand in units and which is carried by
individuals or on unit vehicles. The prescribed load is continuously reconstituted as used.
(FM 4-0)
pre-stock point - Location where mines, explosives, and materials for use in preparation of a
planned obstacle are stored. (FM 20-32)
preventive maintenance - (DOD) 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 major defects. Also called PM. See also preventive maintenance
checks and services. See FM 4-30.3.
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