*FM 1-02.1
Field Manual
No. 1-02.1
Headquarters
Department of the Army

Washington, DC, 28 February 2024

OPERATIONAL TERMS

This chapter presents military terms currently used in Army doctrine. —A— access control point — A corridor at the installation perimeter through which all vehicles and pedestrians must pass when entering or exiting the installation. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 3-39.32) act of mercy — (DOD) In personnel recovery, assistance rendered to evaders by an individual or elements of the local population who sympathize or empathize with the evaders' cause or plight. See also evader, evasion, recovery, recovery operations. (JP 3-50) actions on contact — A process to help leaders understand what is happening and to take action. (FM 3-90) active — A descriptor that identifies an established kill box that has a fires and airspace status affecting aircraft and fires operating in the kill box. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 3-09.34) active defense — (DOD) The employment of limited offensive action and counterattacks to deny a contested area or position to the enemy. (JP 3-60) administrative contracting officer — (DOD) Contracting officers whose primary duties involve contract administration. (JP 4-10) Also called ACO. administrative control — (DOD) Direction or exercise of authority over subordinate or other organizations in respect to administration and support. (JP 1 Volume 2) Also called ADCON. advance force operations — Operations conducted to refine the location of specific, identified targets and further develop the operational environment for near-term missions. (FM 1-02.1) Also called AFO. advanced operations base — A small, temporary base established near or within a joint operations area to command, control, and support special operations training or tactical operations. (ADP 3-05) advanced trauma management — Resuscitative and stabilizing medical or surgical treatment provided to patients to save life or limb and to prepare them for further evacuation without jeopardizing their well being or prolonging the state of their condition. (FM 4-02) adversary — (DOD) A party acknowledged as potentially hostile to a friendly party and against which the use of force may be envisaged. (JP 3-0) aerial delivery — The air transport of cargo, equipment and/or personnel to a desired location on the ground by aircraft. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-48) aerial port — (DOD) An airfield that has been designated for the sustained air movement of personnel and materiel, as well as an authorized port for entrance into or departure from the country where located. (JP 3-36) Also called APORT. See also port of debarkation, port of embarkation. aeromedical evacuation — (DOD) The movement of patients under medical supervision to and between medical treatment facilities by air transportation. (JP 4-02) Also called AE. after action review — A guided analysis of an organization’s performance, conducted at appropriate times during and at the conclusion of a training event or operation with the objective of improving future performance. (FM 7-0) Also called AAR. agility — The ability to move forces and adjust their dispositions and activities more rapidly than the enemy. (FM 3-0) aimpoint — (DOD) 1. A point associated with a target and assigned for a specific weapon impact. (JP 3-60) air and missile defense — (DOD) Direct [active and passive] defensive actions taken to destroy, nullify, or reduce the effectiveness of hostile air and ballistic missile threats against friendly forces and assets. (JP 3-01) Also called AMD. air apportionment — (DOD) The determination and assignment of the total expected effort by percentage and/or by priority that should be devoted to the various air operations for a given period of time. (JP 3-0) air assault — (DOD) The movement of friendly assault forces by rotary-wing or tiltrotor aircraft to engage and destroy enemy forces or to seize and hold key terrain. (JP 3-18) See also assault. air assault force — (DOD) A force composed primarily of ground and rotary-wing air units organized, equipped, and trained for air assault operations. (JP 3-18) air assault operation — (DOD) An operation in which assault forces, using the mobility of rotary-wing or tiltrotor aircraft and the total integration of available fires, maneuver under the control of a ground or air maneuver commander to engage enemy forces or to seize and hold key terrain. (JP 3-18) air corridor — (DOD) A restricted air route of travel specified for use by friendly aircraft and established for the purpose of preventing friendly aircraft from being fired on by friendly forces. (JP 3-52) air defense — (DOD) Defensive measures designed to destroy attacking enemy aircraft or aerodynamic missiles, or to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of such attack. (JP 3-01) Also called AD. air defense artillery — (DOD) Weapons and equipment for actively combating air targets from the ground. (JP 3-01) Also called ADA. air defense region — (DOD) A geographical subdivision of an air defense area. (JP 3-01) air defense sector — (DOD) A geographical subdivision of an air defense region. (JP 3-01) air defense warning condition — (DOD) An air defense warning given in the form of a color code corresponding to the degree of air raid probability with yellow standing for when an attack by hostile aircraft or missiles is probable; red for when an attack by hostile aircraft or missiles is imminent or is in progress; and white for when an attack by hostile aircraft or missiles is improbable. (JP 3-01) Also called ADWC. air domain — (DOD) The atmosphere, beginning at the Earth’s surface, extending to the altitude where its effects upon operations become negligible. (JP 3-30) air interdiction — (DOD) Air operations to perform interdiction conducted at such distances from friendly forces that detailed integration of each Air mission with the fire and movement of friendly forces is not required. (JP 3-03) Also called AI. air liaison officer — (DOD) The senior tactical air control party member attached to a ground unit who functions as the primary advisor to the ground commander on air power. (JP 3-09.3) Also called ALO. Air Mobility Command — (DOD) The Air Force component command of the United States Transportation Command. (JP 3-36) Also called AMCAMCU.S. Army Materiel Command. air movement — (DOD) Air transport of units, personnel, supplies, and equipment including airdrops and air landings. (JP 3-36) air operations center — (DOD) The senior agency of the Air Force component commander that provides command and control of Air Force Air and space operations and coordinates with other components and Services. (JP 3-30) Also called AOCAOCAirborne Orientation Course. air support operations center — (DOD) The principal air control agency of the theater air control system responsible for the direction and control of air operations directly supporting the ground combat element. (JP 3-09.3) Also called ASOC. air tasking order — (DOD) A method used to task and disseminate to components, subordinate units, and command and control agencies projected sorties, capabilities and/or forces to targets and specific missions. (JP 3-30) Also called ATO. air terminal — (DOD) A facility on an airfield that functions as an air transportation hub and accommodates the loading and unloading of airlift aircraft and the intransit processing of traffic. (JP 3-36) airborne assault — (DOD) The use of airborne forces to parachute into an objective area to attack and eliminate armed resistance and secure designated objectives. (JP 3-18) airborne mission coordinator — (DOD) The designated individual that serves as an airborne extension of the component commander or supported commander responsible for the personnel recovery mission. (JP 3-50) Also called AMCAMCU.S. Army Materiel Command. airborne operation — (DOD) An operation involving the air movement into an objective area of combat forces and their logistic support for execution of a tactical, operational, or strategic mission. (JP 3-18) airdrop — (DOD) The unloading of personnel or materiel from aircraft in flight. (JP 3-36) airfield — (DOD) An area prepared for the accommodation (including any buildings, installations, and equipment), landing, and takeoff of aircraft. See also departure airfield, landing area, landing site. (JP 3-36) air-ground operations — The simultaneous or synchronized employment of ground forces with aviation maneuver and fires to seize, retain, and exploit the initiative. (FM 3-04) Also called AGO. airhead — (DOD) A lodgment that, when seized and held, ensures the continuous air landing of troops and materiel and provides the maneuver space necessary for projected operations. (JP 3-18) airhead line — (DOD) A line denoting the limits of the objective area for an airborne assault. (JP 3-18) airland — (DOD) Movement by air and disembarkment, or unloading, on the ground after the aircraft has landed or while an aircraft is hovering. (JP 3-36) airspace control — (DOD) The exercise of delegated authority over designated airspace and users through control procedures and coordination measures to maximize operational effectiveness. (JP 3-52) airspace control authority — (DOD) The commander designated to assume overall responsibility for the operation of the airspace control system in the airspace control area. (JP 3-52) Also called ACA. airspace control order — (DOD) An order implementing the airspace control plan that provides the details of the approved requests for airspace coordinating measures. (JP 3-52) Also called ACO. airspace control plan — (DOD) The document approved by the joint force commander that provides specific planning guidance and procedures for the airspace control system for the joint force operational area. (JP 3-52) Also called ACP. airspace control system — (DOD) An arrangement of those organizations, personnel, policies, procedures, and facilities required to perform airspace control functions. (JP 3-52) Also called ACS. airspace coordinating measures — (DOD) Measures employed to facilitate the efficient use of airspace to accomplish missions and simultaneously provide safeguards for friendly forces. (JP 3-52) Also called ACM. airspace coordination area — (DOD) A three-dimensional block of airspace in a target area, established by the appropriate ground commander, in which friendly aircraft are reasonably safe from friendly surface fires. (JP 3-09.3) Also called ACA. airspace management — (DOD) The planning, coordination, integration, and regulation of airspace by airspace control elements in support of airspace control. (JP 3-52) alkalinity — The content of carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides, and occasionally berates, silicates, and phosphates in water. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-44) allocation — (DOD) 1. Distribution of limited forces and resources for employment among competing requirements. (JP 5-0) all-source intelligence — (DOD) 1. Intelligence products and/or organizations and activities that incorporate all sources of information in the production of finished intelligence. 2. In intelligence collection, a phrase that indicates that in the satisfaction of intelligence requirements, all collection, processing, exploitation, and reporting systems and resources are identified for possible use and those most capable are tasked. (JP 2-0) See also intelligence. (Army) The integration of intelligence and information from all relevant sources in order to analyze situations or conditions that impact operations. (ADP 2-0) alternate position — A defensive position that the commander assigns to a unit or weapon system for occupation when the primary position becomes untenable or unsuitable for carrying out the assigned task. (FM 3-90) alternate supply route — A route or routes designated within an area of operations to provide for the movement of traffic when main supply routes become disabled or congested. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-93) Also called ASR. See also area of operations, main supply route. altitude — The vertical distance of a level, a point or an object considered as a point, measured from mean sea level or height above ellipsoid. (FM 3-09) ambulance control point — A manned traffic regulating, often stationed at a crossroad or road junction, where ambulances are directed to one of two or more directions to reach loading points and medical treatment facilities. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-02.2) ambulance exchange point — A location where a patient is transferred from one ambulance to another enroute to a medical treatment facility. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-02.2) Also called AXP. ambulance loading point — This is the point in the shuttle system where one or more ambulances are stationed ready to receive patients for evacuation. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-02.2) ambulance relay point — A point in the shuttle system where one or more empty ambulances are stationed to advance to a loading point or to the next relay post to replace departed ambulances. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-02.2) ambulance shuttle system — A system consisting of one or more ambulance loading points, relay points, and when necessary, ambulance control points, all echeloned forward from the principal group of ambulances, the company location, or basic relay points as tactically required. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-02.2) ambush — A variation of attack from concealed positions against a moving or temporarily halted enemy. (FM 3-90) ammunition supply point — A retail ammunition support activity where ammunition is received, stored, issued, and accounted for. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-35) ammunition support activity — Locations that are designated to receive, store, maintain, and provide munitions support to Army forces. (FM 4-30) ammunition transfer holding point — A designated site operated by a brigade support battalion distribution company where ammunition is received, transferred, or temporarily stored, or transferred to supported units within a functional or multifunctional brigade. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-35) Also called ATHP. amphibious operation — (DOD) A military operation launched from the sea by an amphibious force to conduct landing force operations within the littorals. (JP 3-02) Also called PHIBOP. antiaccess — (DOD) Action, activity, or capability, usually long-range, designed to prevent an advancing enemy force from entering an operational area. (JP 3-0) Also called A2. anticipation — The ability to foresee events and requirements and initiate necessary actions that most appropriately satisfy a response without waiting for operation orders or fragmentary orders. (ADP 4-0) Antideficiency Act violations — (DOD) The incurring of obligations or the making of expenditure (outlays) in violation of appropriation law as to purpose, time, and amounts as specified in the defense appropriation or appropriations of funds. (JP 3-80) antiradiation missile — (DOD) A missile which homes passively on a radiation source. (JP 3-01) Also called ARM. antiterrorism — (DOD) Defensive measures used to reduce the vulnerability of individuals and property to terrorist acts, to include rapid containment by local military and civilian forces. (JP 3-26) Also called AT. apportionment — (DOD) The quantities of force capabilities and resources provided for planning purposes only, but not necessarily an identification of the actual forces that may be allocated for use when a plan transitions to execution. (JP 5-0) approach march — The advance of a combat unit when direct contact with the enemy is intended. (FM 3-90) area air defense commander — (DOD) The component commander with the preponderance of air defense capability and the required command, control, and communications capabilities who is assigned by the joint force commander to plan and execute integrated air defense operations. (JP 3-01) Also called AADC. area command — In unconventional warfare, the irregular organizational structure established within an unconventional warfare operational area to command and control irregular forces advised by Army Special Forces. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 3-05.1) area complex — A clandestine, dispersed network of facilities to support resistance activities in a given area designed to achieve security, control, dispersion, and flexibility. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 3-18.1) area damage control — (DOD) Measures taken before, during, and/or after a hostile action or natural or manmade disasters to reduce the probability of damage and minimize its effects. (JP 3-10) Also called ADC. area defense — A type of defensive operation that concentrates on denying enemy forces access to designated terrain for a specific time rather than destroying the enemy outright. (ADP 3-90) area denial — (DOD) Action, activity, or capability, usually short-range, designed to limit an enemy force’s freedom of action within an operational area. (JP 3-0) Also called AD. area of influence — (DOD) A geographical area wherein a commander is directly capable of influencing operations by maneuver or fire support systems normally under the commander's command or control. (JP 3-0) area of interest — (DOD) That area of concern to the commander, including the area of influence, areas adjacent thereto, and extending into enemy territory. (JP 3-0) Also called AOI. area of operations — (DOD) An operational area defined by the joint force commander for land and maritime forces that should be large enough to accomplish their missions and protect their forces. (JP 3-0) Also called AO. area of responsibility — (DOD) The geographical area associated with a combatant command within which a geographic combatant commander has authority to plan and conduct operations. (JP 1 Volume 1) Also called AOR. area reconnaissance — A form of reconnaissance operation that focuses on obtaining detailed information about the terrain or enemy activity within a prescribed area. (FM 3-90) area search — (DOD) Visual reconnaissance of limited or defined areas. (JP 3-50) area security — A type of security operation conducted to protect friendly forces, lines of communications installation routes, and actions within a specific area. (FM 3-90) area support — Method of logistics, medical support, and personnel services in which support relationships are determined by the location of the units requiring support. Sustainment units provide support to units located in or passing through their assigned areas. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-90) ARFOR — The Army component and senior Army headquarters of all Army forces assigned or attached to a combatant command, subordinate joint force command, joint functional command, or multinational command. (FM 3-94) Army core competencies — The Army’s essential and enduring capabilities that define the Army’s fundamental contributions to the Nation’s security. (ADP 1-01) Army corps — (DOD) An echelon of command and tactical formations that employs divisions, multifunctional brigades, and functional brigades to achieve objectives on land. (JP 3-31) Army design methodology — A methodology for applying critical and creative thinking to understand, visualize, and describe problems and approaches to solving them. (ADP 5-0) Army division — (DOD) An echelon of command and tactical formation that employs brigade combat teams, multifunctional brigades, and functional brigades to achieve objectives on land. (JP 3-31) Army doctrine — Fundamental principles, with supporting tactics, techniques, procedures, and terms and symbols, used for the conduct of operations and as a guide for actions of operating forces, and elements of the institutional force that directly support operations in support of national objectives. (ADP 1-01) Army Health System — A component of the Military Health System that is responsible for operational management of the health service support and force health protection missions for training, predeployment, deployment, and postdeployment operations. The Army Health System includes all mission support services performed, provided, or arranged by the Army Medicine to support health service support and force health protection mission requirements for the Army and as directed, for joint, intergovernmental agencies, coalition, and multinational forces. (FM 4-02) Army leader — Anyone who by virtue of assumed role or assigned responsibility inspires and influences people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to accomplish the mission and improve the organization. (ADP 6-22) Army personnel recovery — The military efforts taken to prepare for and execute the recovery and reintegration of isolated personnel. (FM 3-50) Army Profession — A vocation of Soldiers and Department of the Army Civilians whose collective expertise is the ethical design of, support to, and application of landpower; serving under civilian authority; and entrusted to defend the Constitution and the rights and interests of the American people. (ADP 6-22) Army requirements review board — The ARFOR commander's established board to review, validate, approve, and prioritize selected contract support requests. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-71) Also called ARRB. Army Service component command — (DOD) Command responsible for recommendations to the joint force Commander on the allocation and employment of Army forces within a combatant command. (JP 3-31) Also called ASCCASCCArmy service component commander. Army special operations aviation — Designated Active Component forces and units organized, trained, and equipped specifically to conduct air mobility, close air support, and other special air operations. (ADP 3-05) Army special operations forces — (DOD) Those Active and Reserve Component Army forces designated by the Secretary of Defense that are specifically organized, trained, and equipped to conduct and support special operations. (JP 3-05) Also called ARSOF. Army team building — A continuous process of enabling a group of people to reach their goals and improve their effectiveness through leadership and various exercises, activities, and techniques. (FM 6-22) art of tactics — Three interrelated aspects: the creative and flexible array of means to accomplish assigned missions, decision making under conditions of uncertainty when faced with a thinking and adaptive enemy, and the understanding of the effects of combat on Soldiers. (ADP 3-90) artillery target intelligence zone — A weapons locating radar search area in enemy territory that the commander monitor closely to detect and report any weapon ahead of all acquisitions other than those from critical friendly zones or call for fire zones. (FM 3-09) Also called ATIZ. assailable flank — A flank exposed to attack or envelopment. (ADP 3-90) assault — (Army) A short and violent well-ordered attack against a local objective. (FM 3-90) assault echelon — (Army) The element of a force that is scheduled for initial assault on the objective area. (FM 1-02.1) assault position — A covered and concealed position short of the objective from which final preparations are made to assault the objective. (ADP 3-90) assault time — The moment to attack the initial objective throughout the geographical scope of the operation. (ADP 3-90) assembly area — An area a unit occupies to prepare for an operation. (FM 3-90) assembly line rigging — A method of mass rigging designed to get the maximum amount of equipment rigged for airdrop in a minimum amount of time. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-48) assessment — (DOD) 1. A continuous process that measures the overall effectiveness of employing joint force capabilities during military operations. 2. Determination of the progress toward accomplishing a task, creating a condition, or achieving an objective. 3. Analysis of the security, effectiveness, and potential of an existing or planned intelligence activity. 4. Judgment of the motives, qualifications, and characteristics of present or prospective employees or “agents.” (JP 3-0) asset visibility — (DOD) Provides users with information on the location, movement, status and identity of units, personnel, equipment, and supplies. (JP 3-35) Also called AV. assign — (DOD) 1. To place units or personnel in an organization where such placement is relatively permanent, and/or where such organization controls and administers the units or personnel for the primary function, or greater portion of the functions, of the unit or personnel. (JP 3-0) assumption — (DOD) A specific supposition of the operational environment that is assumed to be true, in the absence of positive proof, essential for the continuation of planning. (JP 5-0) assured mobility — A framework—of processes, actions, and capabilities—that assures the ability of a force to deploy, move, and maneuver where and when desired. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 3-90.4) attach — (DOD) 1. The placement of units or personnel in an organization where such placement is relatively temporary. (JP 3-0) attack — A type of offensive operation that defeats enemy forces, seizes terrain, or secures terrain. (FM 3-90) attack by fire — A tactical mission task using direct and indirect fires to engage an enemy from a distance. (FM 3-90) attack by fire position — The general position from which a unit performs the tactical task of attack by fire. (ADP 3-90) attack guidance matrix — A targeting product approved by the commander, which addresses the how and when targets are engaged and the desired effects. (FM 3-09) Also called AGM. attack position — (Army) The last position an attacking force occupies or passes through before crossing the line of departure. (ADP 3-90) audience — (DOD) In public affairs, a broadly-defined group that contains stakeholders and/or publics relevant to military operations. (JP 3-61) authentication — (DOD) 1. A security measure designed to protect a communications system against acceptance of a fraudulent transmission or simulation by establishing the validity of a transmission, message, or originator. 2. A means of identifying individuals and verifying their eligibility to receive specific categories of information. 3. Evidence by proper signature or seal that a document is genuine and official. 4. In personnel recovery missions, the process whereby the identity of an isolated person is confirmed. (JP 3-50) auxiliary — For the purpose of unconventional warfare, the support element of the irregular organization whose organization and operations are clandestine in nature and whose members do not openly indicate their sympathy or involvement with the irregular movement. (ADP 3-05) avenue of approach — (Army) A path used by an attacking force leading to its objective or to key terrain. Avenues of approach exist in all domains. (ADP 3-90) axis of advance — (Army) The general area through which the bulk of a unit’s combat power must move. (ADP 3-90) azimuth — A horizontal angle measured clockwise from a north base line that could be true north, magnetic north, or grid north. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 3-09.50) azimuth of fire — The direction, expressed in mils, that a firing unit is laid (oriented) on when it occupies a position. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 3-09.50) azimuth of the orienting line — The direction from the orienting station to a designated end of the orienting line. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 3-09.50). —B— back-azimuth — The direction equal to the azimuth plus or minus 3200 mils. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 3-09.50) backbrief — A briefing by subordinates to the commander to review how subordinates intend to accomplish their mission. (FM 6-0) ballistic missile — (DOD) Any missile which does not rely upon aerodynamic surfaces to produce lift and consequently follows a ballistic trajectory when thrust is terminated. (JP 3-01) Also called BM. banking suppor t — The provision of cash, non-cash and electronic commerce mechanisms necessary to support the theater procurement process and host nation banking infrastructure. (FM 1-06) base — (DOD) 1. A locality from which operations are projected or supported. (JP 4-0) base boundary — (DOD) A line that delineates the surface area of a base for the purpose of facilitating coordination and deconfliction of operations between adjacent units, formations, or areas. (JP 3-10) base camp — An evolving military facility that supports that military operations of a deployed unit and provides the necessary support and services for sustained operations. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 3-37.10) base cluster — (DOD) A collection of bases, geographically grouped for mutual protection and ease of command and control. (JP 3-10) base cluster operations center — (DOD) A command and control facility that serves as the base cluster commander's focal point for defense and security of the base cluster. (JP 3-10) Also called BCOC. base defense — (DOD) The local military measures, both normal and emergency, required to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of enemy attacks on, or sabotage of, a base, to ensure that the maximum capacity of its facilities is available to United States forces. (JP 3-10) base defense operations — The combined activities of counterintelligence, security, military police, emergency responders, antiterrorism and force protection working groups, and the commander to deny, disrupt, or counter foreign intelligence entities, insider, and other threats targeting United States bases and facilities. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 2-22.2-1) Also called BDO. base defense operations center — (DOD) A command and control facility established by the base commander to serve as the focal point for base security and defense. (JP 3-10) Also called BDOC. basic load — (DOD) The quantity of supplies required to be on hand within, and moved by a unit or formation, expressed according to the wartime organization of the unit or formation and maintained at the prescribed levels. (JP 4-09). battalion — A unit consisting of two or more company-, battery-, or troop-size units and a headquarters. (ADP 3-90) battalion task force — A maneuver battalion-size unit consisting of a battalion headquarters, at least one assigned company-size element, and at least one attached company-size element from another maneuver or support unit (functional and multifunctional). (ADP 3-90) battery — A company-size unit in a field artillery or air defense artillery battalion. (ADP 3-90) battle — A set of related engagements that lasts longer and involves larger forces than an engagement. (ADP 3-90) battle damage assessment — (DOD) The estimate of damage composed of physical and functional damage assessment, as well as target system assessment, resulting from the application of lethal or nonlethal military force. Also called BDA. (JP 3-0) battle damage repair — (DOD) Essential repair, which may be improvised, carried out rapidly in a hostile environment in order to return damaged or disabled equipment to temporary service. (JP 4-09) battle drill — Rehearsed and well understood actions made in response to common battlefield occurrences. (ADP 3-90) battle handover — A coordinated mission between two units that transfers responsibility for fighting an enemy force from one unit to another. (FM 3-90) battle handover line — A designated phase line where responsibility transitions from the stationary force to the moving force and vice versa. (ADP 3-90) Also called BHL. battle injury — (DOD) Damage or harm sustained by personnel during or as a result of battle conditions. (JP 4-02) Also called BI. battle management — (DOD) The management activities within the operational environment based on the commands, direction, and guidance given by appropriate authority. (JP 3-01) Also called BM. battle position — 1. A defensive location oriented on a likely enemy avenue of approach. (ADP 3-90) 2. For attack helicopters, an area designated in which they can maneuver and fire into a designated engagement area or engage targets of opportunity. (FM 1-02.1) Also called BP. See also airspace coordination area, avenue of approach. battle rhythm — (DOD) A deliberate, daily schedule of command, staff, and unit activities intended to maximize use of time and synchronize staff actions. (JP 3-33) (Army) A deliberate cycle of command, staff, and unit activities intended to synchronize current and future operations. (FM 6-0) battle task — A platoon or lower echelon collective task that is crucial to the successful accomplishment of a company, battery, or troop mission-essential task. (FM 7-0) battlefield coordination detachment — (DOD) An Army liaison located in the air operations center that provides selected operational functions between the Army forces and the air component commander. (JP 3-03) Also called BCD. beach capacity — The per day estimate expressed in terms of measurement tons, weight tons, or cargo unloaded over a designated strip of shore. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-13) begin morning nautical twilight — (DOD) The start of that period where, in good conditions and in the absence of other illumination, the sun is 12 degrees below the eastern horizon and enough light is available to identify the general outlines of ground objects and conduct limited military operations. (JP 3-09.3) Also called BMNT. be-prepared mission — A mission assigned to a unit that might be executed. (FM 5-0) biological agent — (DOD) A microorganism (or a toxin derived from it) that causes disease in personnel, plants, or animals or causes the deterioration of materiel. (JP 3-11) biological hazard — (DOD) An organism, or substance derived from an organism, that poses a threat to human or animal health. (JP 3-11) biometrics — (DOD) The process of recognizing an individual based on measurable anatomical, physiological, and behavioral characteristics. (JP 2-0) biometrics-enabled intelligence — (Army) Intelligence resulting from the combination of biometric information with other intelligence, threat information, or information relating to other aspects of the operational environment in order to answer intelligence requirements. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 2-22.82) Also called BEI. blister agent — (DOD) A chemical agent that injures the eyes and lungs and burns or blisters the skin. (JP 3-11) Also called vesicant agent. block — 1. A tactical mission task that denies the enemy access to an area or an avenue of approach. 2. An obstacle effect that integrates fire planning and obstacle effort to stop an attacker along a specific avenue of approach or prevent the attacking force from passing through an engagement area. (FM 3-90) blood agent — (DOD) A chemical compound, including the cyanide group, that affects bodily functions by preventing the normal utilization of oxygen by body tissues. (JP 3-11) blood chit — (DOD) A small sheet of material depicting an American flag and a statement in several languages to the effect that anyone assisting the bearer to safety will be rewarded. (JP 3-50) blue kill box — A fire support and airspace coordination measure that facilitates attacking surface targets with air-to-surface munitions without further coordination with the area of operations commanders’ headquarters. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 3-09.34) Also called BKB. board — A grouping of predetermined staff representatives with delegated decision authority for a particular purpose or function. (FM 6-0) boost phase — (DOD) That portion of the flight of a ballistic missile or space vehicle during which the booster and sustainer engines operate. (JP 3-01) boundary — (DOD) A line that delineates surface areas for the purpose of facilitating coordination and deconfliction of operations between adjacent units, formations, or areas. (JP 3-0) bounding overwatch — A movement technique used when contact with enemy forces is expected. (FM 3-90) box formation — A movement formation with elements arranged in a box or square, or two elements up and two elements back. (FM 3-90) branch — (DOD) 1. A subdivision of any organization. 2. A geographically separate unit of an activity, which performs all or part of the primary functions of the parent activity on a smaller scale. 3. An arm or service of the Army. 4. The contingency options built into the base plan used for changing the mission, orientation, or direction of movement of a force to aid success of the operation based on anticipated events, opportunities, or disruptions caused by enemy actions and reactions. (JP 5-0) breach — 1. A tactical mission task in which a unit breaks through or establishes a passage through an enemy obstacle. (FM 3-90) 2. A synchronized combined arms activity under the control of the maneuver commander conducted to allow maneuver through an obstacle. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 3-90.4) breach area — A defined area where a breach occurs. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 3-90.4) breakbulk ship — (DOD) A ship with conventional holds for stowage of breakbulk cargo and a limited number of containers, below or above deck, and equipped with cargo-handling gear. (JP 4-09) breakout — An operation conducted by an encircled force to regain freedom of movement or contact with friendly units. (ADP 3-90) breakpoint chlorination — The application of chlorine to water containing free ammonia. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-44) breakthrough — A rupturing of the enemy’s forward defenses that occurs as a result of an attack. (FM 3-90) bridgehead — (Army) 1. An area on the enemy’s side of the linear obstacle that is large enough to accommodate the majority of the crossing force, has adequate terrain to permit defense of the crossing sites, provides security of crossing forces from enemy direct fire, and provides a base for continuing the attack. (Marine Corps) 2. An area of ground held or to be gained on the enemy’s side of an obstacle. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 3-90.4) bridgehead force — A force that assaults across a gap, after the crossing is established, to secure the enemy side (the bridgehead) to allow the buildup and passage of a breakout force during gap crossing. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 3-90.4) bridgehead line — The limit of the objective area in the development of the bridgehead. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 3-90.4) brigade — A unit consisting of two or more battalions and a headquarters company or detachment. (ADP 3-90) brigade combat team — (Army) A combined arms organization consisting of a brigade headquarters, at least two maneuver battalions, and necessary supporting functional capabilities. (ADP 3-90) Also called BCTBCTBasic combat training. brigade support area — A designated area in which sustainment elements locate to provide support to a brigade. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-90) Also called BSA. buffer zone — (DOD) 1. A defined area controlled by a peace operations force from which disputing or belligerent forces have been excluded. Also called area of separation in some United Nations operations. (JP 3-07.3) Also called BZ. bypass — A tactical mission task in which a unit deliberately avoids contact with an obstacle or enemy force. (FM 3-90) bypass criteria — Measures established by higher echelon headquarters that specify the conditions and size under which enemy units and contact may be avoided. (FM 3-90) —C— cache — (DOD) A source of subsistence and supplies, typically containing items such as food, water, medical items, and/or communications equipment, packaged to prevent damage from exposure and hidden in isolated locations by such methods as burial, concealment, and/or submersion, to support isolated personnel. (JP 3-50) call for fire — A standardized request for fire containing data necessary for obtaining the required fire on a target. (FM 3-09) Also called CFF. call for fire zone — A weapons locating radar search area from which the commander wants to attack hostile firing systems. (FM 3-09) Also called CFFZ. call forward area — (Army) 1. In gap crossing, the final preparations waiting area within the crossing area (Marine Corps) 2. The area at the departure airfield where plane loads are assembled in a ready condition before being directed to the loading ramp area. The joint inspection is conducted in this area. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 3-90.4) call sign — (DOD) Any combination of characters or pronounceable words, which identifies a communication facility, a command, an authority, an activity, or a unit; used primarily for establishing and maintaining communications. (JP 3-50) Also called CS. campaign — (DOD) A series of related major operations aimed at achieving strategic and operational objectives within a given time and space. (JP 5-0) campaign plan — (DOD) A joint operation plan for a series of related major operations aimed at achieving strategic or operational objectives within a given time and space. (JP 5-0) canalize — (Army) A tactical mission task in which a unit restricts enemy movement to a narrow zone. (FM 3-90) candidate target list — (DOD) A list of entities submitted by component commanders, appropriate agencies, or the joint force commander’s staff for further development and inclusion on the joint target list, restricted target list, or the no-strike list. (JP 3-60) Also called CTL. capacity building — The process of creating an environment that fosters host-nation institutional development, community participation, human resources development, and strengthening of managerial systems. (FM 3-07) captivity exploitation — The captor’s effort to achieve its goals and objectives through the use of propaganda, interrogation, legal justification, concessions, reprisal, indoctrination, and forced labor against captive individuals or groups. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 3-50.20) captured enemy documents and media — Any piece of recorded information previously under enemy control regardless of its form—written, printed, engraved, and photographic matter as well as recorded media and media devices—that pertains to the enemy, weather, or terrain that are under the U.S. Government’s physical control and are not publicly available. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 2-91.8) carrier-owned containers — Containers owned or leased by the ocean liner carrier for the movement of intermodal cargo. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-12) casualty — (DOD) Any person who is lost to the organization by having been declared dead, duty status— whereabouts unknown, missing, ill, or injured. (JP 4-02) casualty collection point —A location that may or may not be staffed, where casualties are assembled for evacuation to a medical treatment facility. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-02.2) casualty evacuation — (DOD) The unregulated movement of casualties that can include movement both to and between medical treatment facilities. (JP 4-02) Also called CASEVAC. (Army) The movement of casualties aboard nonmedical vehicles or aircraft without en route medical care. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-02.13) catastrophic event — (DOD) Any natural or man-made incident, including terrorism, which results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the population, infrastructure, environment, economy, national morale, and/or government functions. (JP 3-28) C-day — (DOD) The unnamed day on which a deployment operation commences or is to commence. (JP 5-0) cell — (DOD) A subordinate organization formed around a specific process, capability, or activity within a designated larger organization of a joint force commander’s headquarters. (JP 3-33) censor zone — An area from which weapons locating radar is prohibited from reporting acquisitions. (FM 3-09) Also called CZ. center of gravity — (DOD) The source of power that provides moral or physical strength, freedom of action, or will to act. (JP 5-0) Also called COG. centralized control — (Army) A focal point for transportation planning and resource allocation at the appropriate integrated logistics support level to manage current and future requirements of the supported force. (ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications 4-16) chaff — (DOD) Radar confusion reflectors, consisting of thin, narrow metallic strips of various lengths and frequency responses, which are used to reflect echoes for confusion purposes. (JP 3-85) chain of command — (DOD) The succession of commanding officers from a superior to a subordinate through which command is exercised. (JP 1 Volume 2) Also called command channel. characteristic — A feature or quality that marks an organization or function as distinctive or is representative of that organization or function. (ADP 1-01) checkpoint — A predetermined point on the ground used to control movement, tactical maneuver, and orientation. (FM 3-90) Also called CP. chemical agent — (DOD) A chemical substance that is intended for use in military operations to kill, seriously injure, or incapacitate mainly through its physiological effects. (JP 3-11) chemical hazard — (DOD) Any chemical manufactured, used, transported, or stored that can cause death or other harm through toxic properties of those materials, including chemical agents and chemical weapons prohibited under the Chemical Weapons Convention as well as toxic industrial chemicals. (JP 3-11) chemical warfare — (DOD) All aspects of military operations involving the employment of lethal and incapacitating chemical munitions/agents and the warning and protective measures associated with such offensive operations. (JP 3-11) Also called CW. chemical weapon — (DOD) Together or separately, (a) a toxic chemical and its precursors, except when intended for a purpose not prohibited under the chemical Weapons Convention; (b) a munition or device, specifically designed to cause death or other harm through toxic properties of those chemicals specified in (a), above, which would be released as a result of the employment of such munition or device; (c) any equipment specifically designed for use directly in connection with the employment of munitions or devices specified in

This chapter presents acronyms, abbreviations, and geographical entity codes.