Military reference books and manuals (2009-2023, Volume 2)

August 2008

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

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Appendix A.

Special Operations Related Definitions

AIR FORCE SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
(AFSOC).

AFSOC is the Air Force service component

to U.S. Special Operations Command.

AIR FORCE SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES (AFSOF).

Those Active and Reserve Component Air Force

forces designated by the SecDef that are specifically

organized, trained, and equipped to conduct and

support special operations.

AMBASSADOR.

A diplomatic agent of the highest

rank accredited to a foreign government or sovereign

as the resident representative of his own government,

also called the Chief of Mission. In the U.S. system,

the Ambassador is the personal representative of the

President and reports to him through the Secretary

of State.

ANTITERRORISM (AT).

Defensive measures used to

reduce the vulnerability of individuals and property

to terrorism. See also Counterterrorism, Combating

Counterterrorism, and Terrorism.

AREA ASSESSMENT.

In unconventional warfare, the

prescribed collection of specific information by the

commander which commences immediately after

infiltration and is a continuous operation. It confirms,

corrects, refutes, or adds to previous intelligence

acquired from area studies and other sources prior

to infiltration.

AREA COMMAND.

In unconventional warfare, the

organizational structure established within a joint

special operations area to command and control

resistance forces. It consists of the area commander,

his staff, and representatives of the resistance element,

to include Special Forces after infiltration.

AREA ORIENTED.

Personnel or units whose organi-

zation, mission, training, and equipping are based

upon projected operational deployment to a specific

geographic or demographic area.

ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND (ARSOC).

ARSOC is a specific term, which may be used to refer

to the Army component of a joint special operations

command or task force.

ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES (ARSOF).

Those Active and Reserve Component Army forces

designated by the SecDef that are specifically orga-

nized, trained, and equipped to conduct and support

special operations.

ASSET (Intelligence) (DoD, IADB).

Any resources,

person, group relationship, instrument, installation, or

supply at the disposition of an intelligence organiza-

tion for use in an operational or support role. Often

used with a qualifying term such as agent asset or

propaganda asset.

ATTACHE.

A person attached to the embassy in a dip-

lomatic status who is not normally a career member

of the diplomatic service. In the U.S. system, attachés

generally represent agencies other than the Depart-

ment of State, (i.e., DoD, CIA, USIS).

BARE BASE (Air Operations).

A base having a runway

of minimum length and width constructed of mat-

ting or otherwise stabilized, to include taxiways,

parking areas and a source of water. Other necessi-

ties required to operate under bare base conditions

form a necessary part of the force package deployed

to the bare base.

CAPABILITY.

The ability to execute a specified course

of action.

CHARGE D` AFFAIRS

. An embassy official (normally

the Deputy Chief of Mission or second highest-rank-

ing officer), who takes charge of the mission in the

absence of the Ambassador.

CELL.

Small group of individuals who work together

for a clandestine or subversive purpose and whose

identity is unknown by members of other cells within

the overall organization.

CHIEF OF MISSION.

The Chief of Mission is the senior

diplomatic official at a diplomatic mission. In the U.S.

system, chiefs of missions have the diplomatic title

of “Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary”

and are appointed by the President and confirmed

by the Senate.

CHIEF OF STATION (CIA).

The Chief of Station is the

official in charge of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agen-

cy’s (station) operations in a given foreign country.

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CIVIL ADMINISTRATION.

An administration estab-

lished by a foreign government in 1) friendly territory

under an agreement with the government of the area

concerned to exercise certain authority normally

the function of the local government; or 2) hostile

territory occupied by United States forces, where a

foreign government exercises executive, legislative,

and judicial authority until an indigenous civil gov-

ernment can be established.

CIVIL AFFAIRS (CA).

Designated active and reserve

component forces and units organized, trained, and

equipped specifically to conduct CA activities and to

support civil-military operations (CMO).

CIVIL AFFAIRS OPERATIONS.

Operations conducted

by civil affairs forces that a) enhance the relation-

ship between military forces and civil authorities in

localities where military forces are present; b) require

coordination with other interagency organizations,

intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental

organizations, indigenous populations and institu-

tions, and the private sector; and c) involve applica-

tion of functional specialty skills that normally are

the responsibility of civil government to enhance the

conduct of civil-military operations.

CIVIL MILITARY OPERATIONS (CMO).

The activities

of a commander that establish, maintain, influence,

or exploit relations between military forces, govern-

mental and nongovernmental civilian organizations

and authorities, and the civilian populace in a friendly,

neutral, or hostile operational area in order to facilitate

military operations and to consolidate and achieve

operational U.S. objectives. Civil-military opera-

tions may include performance by military forces of

activities and functions normally the responsibility

of the local, regional, or national government. These

activities may occur prior to, during, or subsequent

to other military actions. They may also occur, if

directed, in the absence of other military opera-

tions. Civil-military operations may be performed

by designated CA, by other military forces, or by a

combination of CA and other forces.

CLANDESTINE OPERATION.

An operation spon-

sored or conducted by governmental departments

or agencies in such a way as to assure secrecy or

concealment. A clandestine operation differs from a

covert operation in that emphasis is placed on conceal-

ment of the operation rather than the concealment

of the identity of the sponsor. In special operations,

an activity may be both covert and clandestine and

may focus equally on operational considerations and

intelligence-related activities.

COALITION WARFARE.

The combined effort of

nations with common strategic interests to coordi-

nate their warfighting capability for defense of those

interests.

COMBAT SEARCH AND RESCUE (CSAR).

A specific

task performed by rescue forces to effect the recovery

of distressed personnel during war or operations

other than war.

COMBATING TERRORISM (CBT).

Actions, including

antiterrorism (defensive measures taken to reduce

vulnerability to terrorist acts) and counterterror-

ism (offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, and

respond to terrorism), taken to oppose terrorism

throughout the entire threat spectrum.

COMBATANT COMMAND (COMMAND AUTHOR-
ITY) (COCOM).

Nontransferable command authority

established by title 10 (Armed Forces), United States

Code, section 164, exercised only by commanders

of unified or specified commands unless otherwise

directed by the President or the SecDef. COCOM

authority cannot be delegated and is the authority of

a combatant commander to perform those functions

of command over assigned forces involving organiz-

ing and employing commands and forces, assigning

tasks, designating objectives, and giving authoritative

direction over all aspects of military operations, joint

training, and logistics necessary to accomplish the

missions assigned to the command. COCOM should

be exercised through commanders of subordinate

organizations — normally through subordinate Joint

Force Commanders and Service and/or functional

Component Commanders. COCOM provides full

authority to organize and employ commands and

forces as the combatant commander considers nec-

essary to accomplish assigned missions. Operational

control is inherent in COCOM.

COMBINED JOINT SPECIAL OPERATIONS TASK
FORCE (CJSOTF).

A task force composed of special

operations units from one or more foreign countries

and more than one U.S. Military Department formed

to carry out a specific special operation or prosecute

special operations in support of a theater campaign or

other operations. The CJSOTF may have conventional

nonspecial operations units assigned or attached to

support the conduct of specific missions.

COMMAND AND CONTROL WARFARE (C2W).

The integrated use of operations security, military

deception, psychological operations, electronic war-

fare, and physical destruction, mutually supported

by intelligence to deny information to influence,

degrade, or destroy adversary command and control

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Appendix A. Special Operations Related Definitions

capabilities, while protecting friendly command and

control capabilities against such actions. Command

and control warfare is an application of information

warfare in military operations and is a subset of

information warfare. Command and control war-

fare applies across the range of military operations

and all levels of conflict. Also called C2W. C2W is

both offensive and defensive: a. C2 attack. Prevent

effective C2 adversary forces by denying informa-

tion to, influencing, degrading, or destroying the

adversary C2 system. b. C2-protect. Maintain effective

command and control of own forces by turning to

friendly advantage or negating adversary efforts to

deny information to, influence, degrade, or destroy

the friendly C2 system.

CONSULATE GENERAL/CONSULATE.

A constitu-

ent post of an embassy in a foreign country located

in an important city other than the national capital.

Consulates General are larger than Consulates, with

more responsibilities and additional staff.

CONVENTIONAL FORCES.

Those forces capable of

conducting operations using non nuclear weapons.

Also, those forces not specially trained, equipped,

and organized to conduct special operations. (See

also Special Operations)

COUNTERDRUG (CD).

Those active measures taken

to detect, monitor, and counter the production, traf-

ficking, and use of illegal drugs.

COUNTERINTELLIGENCE (CI).

Information gathered

and activities conducted to protect against espionage,

other intelligence activities, sabotage, or assassinations

conducted by or on behalf of foreign governments or

elements thereof, foreign organizations, or foreign

persons, or international terrorists activities.

COUNTERMINE (CM).

To explode the main charge in

a mine by the shock of a nearby explosion of another

independent explosive charge or mine. The explosion

of the main charge may be caused either by sympa-

thetic detonation or through the explosive train and

or firing mechanism of the mine.

COUNTERMINE OPERATION.

In land mine warfare,

an operation to reduce or eliminate the effects of

mines or minefields.

COUNTERPROLIFERATION (CP).

CP refers to actions

taken to seize, destroy, render safe, capture, or recover

weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

COUNTERTERRORISM (CT).

Operations that include

the offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, pre-

empt, and respond to terrorism.

COUNTRY TEAM.

Generally, the ranking representa-

tives of embassy sections and other U.S. Government

agencies operating in the country. i.e., CIA, AID,

USIS. Chaired by the Ambassador or the Chief of

Mission, the country team meets on a regular basis

to advise the Ambassador on what the United States

is or should be doing and to review current develop-

ments in the country.

COVERT OPERATIONS

. An operation that is so

planned and executed as to conceal the identity of

or permit plausible denial by the sponsor. A covert

operation differs from a clandestine operation in

that emphasis is placed on the concealment of the

identity of the sponsor rather than on concealment

of the operation.

DECEPTION.

Those measures designed to mislead

the enemy by manipulation, distortion, or falsifica-

tion of evidence to induce him to react in a manner

prejudicial to his interests.

DECONFLICT.

To reconcile or resolve a conflict in

interests as in targeting.

DENIAL MEASURE.

An action to hinder or deny the

enemy use of space, personnel, or facilities. It may

include destruction, removal, contamination, or erec-

tion of obstructions.

DIRECT ACTION (DA).

Short-duration strikes and

other small-scale offensive actions as a special opera-

tion in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive envi-

ronments and which employ specialized military

capabilities to seize, destroy, capture, recover, or

damage designated targets. Direct action differs from

conventional offensive actions in the level of physical

and political risk, operational techniques, and the

degree of discriminate and precise use of force to

achieve specific objectives.

ELECTRONIC COUNTER COUNTERMEASURES.

That division of electronic warfare involving actions

taken to ensure friendly, effective use of the elec-

tromagnetic spectrum despite the enemy’s use of

electronic warfare.

ELECTRONIC WARFARE (EW).

Any military action

involving the use of electromagnetic and directed

energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum or to

attack the enemy. The three major subdivisions within

EW are electronic attack, electronic protection, and

electronic warfare support.
a. Electronic Attack (EA). That division of EW involv-

ing the use of electromagnetic, directed energy, or

antiradiation weapons to attack personnel, facilities, or

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equipment with the intent of degrading, neutralizing,

or destroying enemy combat capability. EA includes

1. actions taken to prevent or reduce an enemy’s

effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum, such

as jamming and electromagnetic deception, and 2.

employment of weapons that use either electromag-

netic or directed energy as their primary destructive

mechanism (lasers, radio frequency weapons, particle

beams).
b. Electronic Protection (EP). That division of elec-

tronic warfare involving actions taken to protect

personnel, facilities, and equipment from any effects

of friendly or enemy employment of EW that degrade,

neutralize, or destroy friendly combat capability.
c. Electronic Warfare Support (ES). Those divisions

of electronic warfare involving actions tasked by, or

under direct control of, and operational commander

to search for, intercept, identify, and locate sources of

intentional and unintentional radiated electromag-

netic energy for the purpose of immediate threat

recognition, targeting, planning and conduct of future

operations. Thus, ES provides information required

for decisions involving electronic warfare operations

and other tactical actions such as threat avoidance,

targeting, and homing. Electronic warfare support

data can be used to produce signal intelligence, pro-

vide targeting for electronic or destructive attack, and

produce measurement and signature intelligence.

EMERGENCY RESUPPLY

. A resupply mission that

occurs based on a predetermined set of circumstances

and time interval should radio contact not be estab-

lished, or once established, is lost between the main

base and between a special operations tactical element

and its base.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF FRIENDLY INFORMATION
(EEFI).

Key positions likely to be asked by adver-

sary officials and intelligence systems about specific

friendly intentions, capabilities, and activities, so

they can obtain answers critical to their operational

effectiveness.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF INFORMATION (EEI).

The

critical items of information regarding the enemy

and the environment needed by the commander by

a particular time to relate with other available infor-

mation and intelligence in order to assist in reaching

a logical decision.

EVASION AND ESCAPE (E&E).

The procedures and

operations whereby military personnel and other

selected individuals are enabled to emerge from an

enemy-held or hostile area to areas under friendly

control.

EVASION AND RECOVERY (E&R).

The full spectrum

of coordinated actions carried out by evaders, recovery

forces, and operational recovery planners to effect

the successful return of personnel isolated in hostile

territory to friendly control.

EXFILTRATION.

The removal of personnel or units

from areas under enemy control.

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE

. Information relating to

the capabilities, intentions, and activities of foreign

powers, organizations, or persons, but not includ-

ing counterintelligence, except for information on

international terrorist activities.

FOREIGN INTERNAL DEFENSE (FID).

Participation

by civilian and military agencies of a government in

any of the action programs taken by another govern-

ment or other designated organization to free and

protect its society from subversion, lawlessness, and

insurgency.

FORWARD ARMING AND REFUELING POINT
(FARP).

A temporary facility, organized, equipped,

and deployed by an aviation commander and normally

located in the main battle area closer to the area of

operation than the aviation unit’s combat service area,

to provide fuel and ammunition necessary for the

employment of aviation maneuver units in combat.

The FARP permits combat aircraft to rapidly refuel

and rearm simultaneously. In special operations, a

FARP is often quickly and clandestinely established

to support a single operation, frequently in hostile or

denied territory. Once its mission is served, it is as

quickly dismantled, preferably without leaving signs

of its presence.

FORWARD OPERATIONAL BASE (FOB).

In special

operations, a base usually located in friendly territory

or afloat, which is established to extend command

and control or communications or to provide sup-

port for training and tactical operations. Facilities

are usually temporary; they may include an airfield

or an unimproved airstrip, an anchorage, or a pier.

The FOB may be the location of a special operations

component headquarters or a smaller unit that is

supported by a main operations base.

FORWARD OPERATING LOCATION (FOL).

A tempo-

rary base of operations for small groups of personnel

established near or within the JSOA to support train-

ing of indigenous personnel or tactical operations.

The FOL may be established to support one or a series

of missions. Facilities are austere; they may include

an unimproved airstrip, a pier, or an anchorage. A

main operational base or a forward operations base

may support the FOL.

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Appendix A. Special Operations Related Definitions

HOST NATION (HN).

A nation that receives the forces

and/or supplies of allied nations, coalition partners,

and/or NATO organizations to be located on, to oper-

ate in, or to transit through its territory.

HOST NATION SUPPORT (HNS).

Civil and/or mili-

tary assistance rendered by a nation to foreign forces

within its territory during peacetime, crises or emer-

gencies, or war based on agreements mutually con-

cluded between nations.

HUMAN INTELLIGENCE (HUMINT).

A category of

intelligence derived from information collected and

provided by human sources.

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE (HA).

Programs con-

ducted to relieve or reduce the results of natural or

man-made disasters or other endemic conditions

such as human pain, disease, hunger, or privation that

might present a serious threat to life or that can result

in great damage to or loss of property. HA provided

by U.S. forces is limited in scope and duration. The

assistance provided is designed to supplement or

complement the efforts of the HN civil authorities

or agencies that may have the primary responsibility

for providing HA.

INFILTRATION.

a. The movement through or into

an area or territory occupied by either friendly or

enemy troops or organizations. The movement is made

either by small groups or by individuals at extended

or irregular intervals. When used in connection

with the enemy, it infers that contact is avoided. b. In

intelligence usage, placing an agent or other person

in a target area in hostile territory. Usually involves

crossing a frontier or other guarded line. Methods

of infiltration are black (clandestine); gray (through

legal crossing point but under false documentation);

and white (legal).

INFORMATION.

a. Facts, data, or instructions in

any medium or form. b. The meaning that a human

assigns to data by means of the known conventions

used in their representation.

INFORMATION OPERATIONS (IO).

Actions taken

to affect adversary information and information

systems while defending one’s own information and

information systems.

INFORMATION WARFARE (IW).

Information opera-

tions conducted during time of crisis or conflict to

achieve or promote specific objectives over a specific

adversary or adversaries.

INTELLIGENCE REPORTING.

The preparation and

conveyance of information by any means. More com-

monly, the term is restricted to reports as the collector

prepares them and as they are transmitted by him

to his headquarters and by this component of the

intelligence structure to one or more intelligence-

producing components. Thus, even in this limited

sense, reporting embraces both collection and dis-

semination. The term is applied to normal and spe-

cialist intelligence reports.

JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF

. Staff within the DoD, which

consists of the Chairman, who is the presiding offi-

cer thereof but who has no vote; the Chief of Staff,

United States Army; the Chief of Naval Operations;

the Chief of Staff, United States Air Force; and the

Commandant, United States Marine Corps. The Joint

Chiefs of Staff are the principal military advisers to

the President, the National Security Council, and

the SecDef.

JOINT COMBINED EXCHANGE TRAINING.

A pro-

gram conducted overseas to fulfill U.S. forces train-

ing requirements and at the same time exchange the

sharing of skills between U.S. forces and host nation

counterparts. Also called JCET.

JOINT DOCTRINE.

Fundamental principles that guide

the employment of forces of two or more military

departments in coordinated action toward a common

objective. It is authoritative; as such, joint doctrine

will be followed except when, in the judgement of

the commander, exceptional circumstances dictate

otherwise. It will be promulgated by or for the Chair-

man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in coordination with

the combatant commands and Services.

JOINT FORCE COMMANDER (JFC).

A general term

applied to a Combatant Commander, Subunified

Commander, or a Joint Task Force Commander autho-

rized to exercise combatant command (command

authority) or operational control over a joint force.

JOINT FORCE SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMPONENT
COMMANDER (JFSOCC).

The commander within a

unified command, subordinate unified command,

or Joint Task Force responsible to the establishing

commander for making recommendations on the

proper employment of assigned, attached, and/or

made available for tasking special operations forces

and assets; planning and coordinating special opera-

tions; or accomplishing such operational missions as

may be assigned. The JFSOCC is given the authority

necessary for the accomplishment of missions and

tasks assigned by the establishing commander.

JOINT PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS TASK FORCE
(JPOTF).

A joint special operations task force com-

posed of headquarters and operational assets. It

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assists the Joint Force Commander in developing

strategic, operational, and tactical PSYOP plans for

a theater campaign or other operations. Mission

requirements will determine its composition and

assigned or attached units to support the Joint Task

Force Commander.

JOINT SPECIAL OPERATIONS AIR COMPONENT
COMMANDER (JSOACC).

The commander within a

Joint Force Special Operations Command responsible

for planning and executing joint special operations

air activities.

JOINT SPECIAL OPERATIONS AREA (JSOA).

restricted area of land, sea, and airspace assigned

by a Joint Force Commander to the commander of

a joint special operations force to conduct special

operations activities. The commander of joint special

operations forces may further assign a specific area or

sector within the JSOA to a subordinate commander

for mission execution. The scope and duration of the

special operations forces mission, friendly and hostile

situation, and politico-military considerations all

influence the number, composition, and sequencing

of SOF deployed into a JSOA. It may be limited in size

to accommodate a discrete direct action mission or

may be extensive enough to allow continuing a broad

range of unconventional warfare operations

JOINT SPECIAL OPERATIONS TASK FORCE (JSOTF

A joint task force composed of special operations

units from more than one service, formed to carry

out a specific special operation or prosecute special

operations in support of a theater campaign or other

operations. The JSOTF may have conventional non-

special operations units assigned or attached to sup-

port the conduct of specific missions.

JOINT TASK FORCE (JTF).

A joint force that is consti-

tuted and so designated by the SecDef, a Combatant

Commander, a Subunified Commander, or an existing

JTF commander.

MAIN OPERATIONAL BASE (MOB).

A designated base

established by a theater Special Operations Command,

Joint Special Operations Task Force, or a component

force in friendly or neutral territory which provides

sustained command and control, administration, and

logistics to support operations in designated areas,

including forward operational bases and forward

operating locations.

MILITARY CIVIC ACTION.

The use of preponderantly

indigenous military forces on projects useful to the

local population at all levels in such fields as education,

training, public works, agriculture, transportation,

communications, health, sanitation, and others

contributing to economic and social development,

which would also serve to improve the standing of

the military forces with the population. (U.S. forces

may at times advise or engage in military civic action

in overseas areas.)

MOBILE SEA BASE.

An afloat base composed of com-

mand and barracks facilities, small craft repair shops,

and logistics support ships, which provide support

as a base of operations from which a sea force can

launch and conduct sea warfare.

MOBILE TRAINING TEAM (MTT).

A team consisting

of one or more U.S. military or civilian personnel

sent on temporary duty, often to a foreign nation,

to give instruction. The mission of the team is to

train indigenous personnel to operate, maintain, and

employ weapons and support systems, or to develop

a self-training capability in a particular skill. The

National Command Authorities may direct a team to

train either military or civilian indigenous personnel,

depending upon host nation requests.

NATIONAL COMMAND AUTHORITIES (NCA).

The

President and the SecDef or their duly deputized

alternates or successors.

NATIONAL OBJECTIVES.

The aims, derived from

national goals and interests, toward which a national

policy or strategy is directed and efforts and resources

of the nation are applied.

NATIONAL POLICY.

A broad course of action or state-

ments of guidance adopted by the government at the

national level in pursuit of national objectives.

NATIONAL SECURITY.

A collective term encompass-

ing both national defense and foreign relations of the

United States. Specifically, the condition provided

by
a. A military or defense advantage over any foreign

nation or group of nations,
b. A favorable foreign relations position, and
c. A defense posture capable of successfully resisting

hostile or destructive action from within or without,

overt or covert.

NATIONAL STRATEGY.

The art and science of devel-

oping and using the political, economic, and psycho-

logical powers of a nation, together with its armed

forces, during peace and war, to secure national

objectives.

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Appendix A. Special Operations Related Definitions

NAVAL SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
(NAVSOC).

NAVSOC is a specific term, which may

be used to refer to the Navy component of a joint

special operations command or task force.

NAVAL SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES (NAVSOF).

NAVSOF is an umbrella term for Naval forces that

conduct and support special operations.

NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE (NSW).

A designated

naval warfare specialty which conducts operations

in the coastal, riverine, and maritime environments.

Naval special warfare emphasizes small, flexible,

mobile units operating under, on, and from the sea.

These operations are characterized by stealth, speed,

and precise, violent application of force.

NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE GROUP (NSWG).

A per-

manent Navy echelon III major command to which

most naval special warfare forces are assigned for

some operational and all administrative purposes. It

consists of a group headquarters with command and

control, communications, and support staff; SEAL

teams; and SEAL delivery vehicle teams.

NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE TASK GROUP (NSWTG).

A provisional subordinate element of a naval special

warfare organization that plans, conducts, and sup-

ports special operations in support of fleet command-

ers and Joint Force Special Operations Component

Commanders.

NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE TASK UNIT (NSWTU).

A provisional subordinate unit of a naval special

warfare task group.

OPERATIONAL CONTROL (OPCON).

Command

authority that may be exercised by commanders at

any echelon at or below the level of combatant com-

mand. OPCON 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 SecDef. OPCON is the authority

to perform those functions of command over sub-

ordinate forces involving organizing and employing

forces and commands, assigning tasks, designating

objectives, and giving authoritative direction neces-

sary to accomplish the mission. OPCON includes

authoritative direction over all aspects of military

operations and joint training necessary to accomplish

missions assigned to the command. OPCON 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.

OPCON normally provides full authority to organize

commands and forces and to employ those forces as

the commander in OPCON considers necessary to

accomplish assigned missions. OPCON does not,

in and of itself, include authoritative direction for

logistics or matters of administration, discipline,

internal organization, or unit training.

PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS (PSYOP).

Planned

operations to convey selected information and indi-

cators to foreign audiences to influence their emo-

tions, motives, objective reasoning, and ultimately

the behavior of foreign government, organizations,

groups, and individuals. The purpose of PSYOP is

to induce or reinforce foreign attitudes and behavior

favorable to the originator’s objectives.

RAID.

An operation, usually small scale, involving a

swift penetration of hostile territory to secure infor-

mation, confuse the enemy, or to destroy installations.

It ends with a planned withdrawal upon completion

of the assigned mission.

RANGERS.

Rapidly deployable airborne light infantry

organized and trained to conduct highly complex

joint direct action operations in coordination with

or in support of other special operations units of

all Services. Rangers can also execute direct action

operations in support of conventional nonspecial

operations missions conducted by a Combatant Com-

mander and can operate as conventional light infantry

when properly augmented with other elements of

combined arms.

SABOTAGE.

An act or acts with intent to injure, inter-

fere with, or obstruct the national defense of a country

by willfully injuring or destroying, or attempting to

injure or destroy any national defense or war material,

premises, or utilities, to include human and natural

resources.

SEA-AIR-LAND (SEAL) TEAM.

U.S. Navy forces

organized, trained, and equipped to conduct spe-

cial operations in maritime, littoral, and riverine

environments.

SEAL TROOP.

An administrative term for CONUS

based Naval Special Warfare subordinate unit of

an NSW squadron or SEAL Team. Normally com-

manded by a SEAL Lieutenant Commander (04), a

SEALTP consists of a command and control element,

an operational element, and other attachments, e.g.

mobility element. Abbreviated as SEALTP.

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August 2008

Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR).

The use of aircraft,

surface craft, submarines, specialized rescue teams,

and equipment to search for and rescue personnel in

distress on land or at sea.

SECURITY ASSISTANCE.

Group of programs

authorized by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961,

as amended, and the Arms Export Control Act of

1976, as amended, or other related statutes by which

the United States provides defense articles, military

training, and other defense-related services, by grant,

credit, or cash sales, in furtherance of national poli-

cies and objectives.

SECURITY ASSISTANCE ORGANIZATIONS (SAO).

All DoD elements located in a foreign country with

assigned responsibilities for carrying out security

assistance management functions. It includes military

assistance advisory groups, military missions and

groups, offices of defense and military cooperation,

liaison groups, and defense attaché personnel desig-

nated to perform security assistance functions.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES (SA).

Activities conducted in

support of national foreign policy objectives, which

are planned and executed so the role of the United

States Government is not apparent or acknowledged

publicly. They are also functions in support of such

activities, but are not intended to influence United

States political processes, public opinion, policies, or

media and do not include diplomatic activities or the

collection and production of intelligence or related

support functions.

SPECIAL BOAT DETACHMENT (SBD).

The deployable,

operational entity of a SBTP. SBDs operate combatant

craft in the conduct of SO and maintain the associated

craft and equipment.

SPECIAL BOAT TEAM (SBT).

U.S. Navy forces orga-

nized, trained, and equipped to conduct or support

special operations with patrol boats or other combat-

ant craft.

SPECIAL BOAT TROOP (SBTP).

The deployable, opera-

tional entity of an SBT normally commanded by a

SEAL O-3 and consists of a small C2 element, CSS

and other capabilities, and one or more SB Detach-

ments (SBD).

SPECIAL FORCES (SF).

U.S. Army forces organized,

trained, and equipped specifically to conduct special

operations with an emphasis on unconventional war-

fare capabilities.

SPECIAL FORCES GROUP (SFG).

A combat arms orga-

nization capable of planning, conducting, and sup-

porting special operations activities in all operational

environments in peace, conflict, and war. It consists

of a group headquarters and Headquarters Com-

pany, a support company, and Special Forces bat-

talions. The group can operate as a single unit, but

normally the battalions plan and conduct operations

from widely separated locations. The group provides

general operational direction and synchronizes the

activities of its subordinate battalions. Although

principally structured for unconventional warfare,

SFG units are capable of task organizing to meet

specific requirements.

SPECIAL FORCES OPERATIONAL BASE (SFOB).

command, control, and support base established and

operated by a Special Forces group or battalion from

organic and attached resources. The base commander

and his staff coordinate and synchronize the activi-

ties of subordinate and forward-deployed forces. The

SFOB is normally established for an extended period

of time to support a series of operations.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS (SO).

Operations conducted in

hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments

to achieve military, diplomatic, informational, and/or

economic objectives employing military capabilities

for which there is no broad conventional force require-

ment. These operations often require low-visibility,

clandestine, or covert capabilities. SO are applicable

across the range of military operations. They may

be conducted independently or in conjunction with

operations of conventional forces or other govern-

ment agencies and may include operations through,

with, or by indigenous or surrogate forces. SO differ

from conventional operations in degree of physical

and political risk, operational techniques, mode of

employment, indepen-dence from friendly support,

and dependence on detailed operational intelligence

and indigenous assets.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND (SOC).

A subordi-

nate, unified, or other joint command established by a

Joint Force Commander to plan, coordinate, conduct,

and support joint special operations within the Joint

Force Commander’s assigned area of operations.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND AND CON-
TROL ELEMENT (SOCCE).

The focal point for the

synchronization of special operations forces with

conventional forces operations. It performs command

and control or liaison functions according to mission

requirements and as directed by the establishing

special operations forces commander. Its level of

authority and responsibility may vary widely. The

SOCCE normally collocates with the command post

of the supported force. The SOCCE can also receive

special operations forces operational, intelligence,

August 2008

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

A-9

Appendix A. Special Operations Related Definitions

and target acquisition reports directly from deployed

special operations elements and provide them to the

supported component headquarters. The SOCCE

remains under the operational control of the Joint

Force Special Operations Component Commander,

or the Commander, Joint Special Operations Task

Force.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES (SOF).

Those active

and Reserve Component forces of the military services

designated by the SecDef and specifically organized,

trained, and equipped to conduct and support special

operations.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS LIAISON ELEMENT (SOLE).

special operations liaison team provided by the Joint

Force Special Operations Component Commander

to the Joint Force Air Component Commander (if

designated), or appropriate Service component air

command and control organization, to coordinate,

deconflict, and integrate special operations air, sur-

face, and subsurface operations with conventional

air operations.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS LOW LEVEL (SOLL).

USAF

strategic and tactical airlift SOLL crews are trained

to perform specialized low-level flight. SOLL II is an

NVG landing, airdrop, and low-level flight capability

with avionics upgrades in designated aircraft.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS WEATHER TEAM (SOWT).

task organized team of Air Force personnel organized,

trained, and equipped to collect critical meteoro-

logical, oceanographic, and hydrological information

from data sparse areas. These teams are trained to

operate independently in permissive or uncertain

environments, or as augmentation to other special

operations elements in hostile environments, in direct

support of special operations.

SPECIAL RECONNAISSANCE (SR).

Reconnaissance

and surveillance actions conducted as a special opera-

tion in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environ-

ments to collect or verify information of strategic or

operational significance, employing military capabili-

ties not normally found in conventional forces. These

actions provide an additive capability for commanders

and supplement other conventional reconnaissance

and surveillance actions.

SPECIAL TACTICS (ST).

U.S. Air Force special opera-

tions forces organized, trained, and equipped to con-

duct special operations. They include combat control

team, pararescue, and special operations weather

personnel who provide the interface between air and

ground combat operations.

SPECIAL TACTICS TEAM (STT).

A task-organized

element of special tactics that may include combat

control, pararescue, and special operations weather

personnel. Functions include austere airfield and

assault zone reconnaissance, surveillance, establish-

ment, and terminal control; combat search and rescue;

combat casualty care and evacuation staging; terminal

attack control; and environmental reconnaissance

and austere weather operations.

STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE.

(DoD) Intelligence that

is required for the formation of policy and military

plans at national and international levels. Strategic

intelligence and tactical intelligence differ primarily

in level of application but may also vary in terms of

scope and detail.

STRATEGIC PSYCHOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES.

Planned

psychological activities in peace, crisis, and war, which

pursue objectives to gain the support and coopera-

tion of friendly and neutral countries and to reduce

the will and capacity of hostile or potentially hostile

countries to wage war.

TACTICAL CONTROL (TACON).

Command author-

ity over assigned or attached forces or commands,

or military capability or forces made available for

tasking, which is limited to the detailed direction

and control of movements or maneuvers within the

operational area necessary to accomplish missions

or tasks assigned. TACON is inherent in operational

control. TACON may be delegated to and exercised at

any level at or below the level of combatant 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 SecDef. TACON provides sufficient authority

for controlling or directing the application of force

or tactical use of combat support assets within the

assigned mission or task.

TERMINAL GUIDANCE.

a. The guidance applied to

a guided missile between midcourse guidance and

arrival in the vicinity of the target. b. Electronic,

mechanical, visual, or other assistance given an air-

craft pilot to facilitate arrival at, operation within or

over, landing upon, or departure from an air landing

or airdrop facility.

TERRORISM

. The calculated use of unlawful vio-

lence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear;

intended to coerce or intimidate governments or

societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally

political, religious, or ideological.

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE (UW).

A broad

spectrum of military and paramilitary operations,

normally of long duration, predominantly conducted

through, with, or by indigenous or surrogate forces

who are organized, trained, equipped, supported, and

directed in varying degrees by an external source. It

includes, but is not limited to, guerrilla warfare, sub-

version, sabotage, intelligence activities, and uncon-

ventional assisted recovery.

U.S. COUNTRY TEAM.

The senior, in country, United

States coordinating and supervising body, headed by

the Chief of the United States diplomatic mission,

usually an ambassador, and composed of the senior

member of each represented United States department

or agency. (See also Country Team.)

USSOCOM BOARD OF DIRECTORS (BOD).

The BOD

is an integral part of the USSOCOM Strategic Plan-

ning Process co-chaired by the COMUSSOCOM and

the ASD(SO/LIC) with the SOF Service Component

Commanders participating as members.

USSOCOM STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS.

A pro-

cess that drives decision making related to resourcing,

acquisition, sustainment, and modernization. It is a

continuous process with a biennial cycle that facilitates

the shaping of the strategic direction of SOF.

WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION (WMD).

Weap-

ons that are capable of a high order of destruction

and/or of being used in such a manner as to destroy

large numbers of people. WMD can be high explo-

sives or nuclear, chemical, biological, and radiological

weapons, but exclude the means of transporting or

propelling the weapon where such means is a separable

and divisible part of the weapon.

August 2008

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B-1

Appendix B.

Glossary

AA&E.

Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives

ABN.

Airborne

ACC.

Area Component Commander; Air Combat

Command

ACE.

Aviation Combat Element

ADCON.

Administrative Control

ADE.

Aerial Delivery Equipment

AFRES.

Air Force Reserve

AFSOB.

Air Force Special Operations Base

AFSOC.

Air Force Special Operations Command/

Component

AFSOD.

Air Force Special Operations Detachment

AFSOD/E.

Air Force Special Operations Detach-

ment or Element

AFSOF.

Air Force Special Operations Forces

AIE.

Alternate Insertion and Extraction

AIS.

Automated Information System(s)

ALE.

ARSOF Liaison Elements

AMC.

Air Mobility Command; Army Materiel

Command

ANG.

Air National Guard

AO.

Area of Operations

AOB.

Advanced Operational Base

AOC.

Air Operations Center (Capable)

AOR.

Area of Responsibility

ARNG.

Army National Guard

ARRS.

Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

ARSOA.

Army Special Operations Aviation

ARSOC.

Army Special Operations Command

ARSOF.

Army Special Operations Forces

ARSOTF.

Army Special Operations Task Force

ASD

(SO/LIC). Assistant Secretary of Defense for

Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict

ASDS.

Advanced SEAL Delivery System

ASG.

Area Support Group

AT.

Antiterrorism

AVN.

Aviation

AZ.

Assualt Zone

BCT.

Brigade Combat Team

BDA.

Battle Damage Assessment

BDE.

Brigade

BN.

Battalion

BOD.

Board of Directors (USSOCOM)

BSSG.

Brigade Service Support Group

BUD/S.

Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL

C2.

Command and Control

C3.

Command, Control, and Communications

C3I.

Command, Control, Communications, and

Intelligence

C4I.

Command, Control, Communications, Com-

puters, and Intelligence

C4I2.

Command, Control, Communications, Com-

puters, Intelligence, and Interoperability

CRISR.

Command, Control, Communications,

Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and

Reconnaissance

CA.

Civil Affairs

CAB.

Civil Affairs Battalion

CAMPS.

Computer Aided Mission Planning System

CAO.

Civil Affairs Operations

CAP.

Combat Air Patrol

CAS.

Close Air Support

CBR.

Chemical, Biological, and Radiological

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

CBRNE.

Chemical, Biological, Radiological,

Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosives

CBT.

Combating Terrorism

CCDR.

Combatant Commander

CCT.

Combat Control Team

CD.

Counterdrug

CE.

Command Element

CFT.

Cross Functional Team

CFTP.

Cross Functional Troop

CG.

Commanding General

CI.

Counterintelligence

CINC.

Commander-in-Chief (President of the

United States)

CJTF.

Commander, Joint Task Force

CM.

Countermine

CM&D.

Collection Management and

Dissemination

CMO.

Civil-Military Operations

CMS.

Cryptologic Material Security

COA.

Course of Action

COCOM.

Combatant Command

COMAFSOC.

Commander, Air Force Special

Operations Command

COMSEC.

Communications Security

COMSOC.

Commander, Special Operations

Command

COMSOCAFRICA.

Commander, Special Opera-

tions Command Africa

COMSOCCENT.

Commander, Special Operations

Command Central

COMSOCEUR.

Commander, Special Operations

Command Europe

COMSOCKOR.

Commander, Special Operations

Command Korea

COMSOCPAC.

Commander, Special Operations

Command Pacific

COMSOCSOUTH.

Commander, Special Opera-

tions Command South

CONOPS.

Concept of Operations

CONUS.

Continental United States

COS.

Chief of Staff

COSCOM.

Corps Support Command

CP.

Counter Proliferation

CRRC.

Combat Rubber Raiding Craft

CS.

Combat Support

CS/CSS.

Combat Support/Combat Service Support

CSAR.

Combat Search and Rescue

CSSE.

Combat Service Support Element

CT.

Counterterrorism

DA.

Direct Action

DANTAN.

Detection Avoidance Navigation, Threat

Avoidance Navigation

DDS.

Dry Deck Shelter

DET.

Detachment

DFT.

Deployments for Training

DoD.

Department of Defense

DoDD.

Department of Defense Directive

DoS.

Department of State

DR.

Direct Relief

DS.

Direct Support

DZ.

Drop Zone

E&E.

Evasion and Escape

E&R.

Evasion and Recovery

EA.

Emergency Action

ECCM.

Electronic Counter-Countermeasures

ECM.

Electronic Countermeasures

EEFI.

Essential Elements of Friendly Information

EEI.

Essential Elements of Information

ELINT.

Electronic Intelligence

EMCON.

Emissions Control

EOB.

Electronic Order of Battle

EOD.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal

ESM.

Electronic Warfare Support Measures

EW.

Electronic Warfare

FARP.

Forward Arming and Refueling Point

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B-3

Appendix B. Glossary

FHP.

Force Health Protection

FID.

Foreign Internal Defense

FMTU.

Foreign Military Training Unit

FOB.

Forward Operations Base

FOL.

Forward Operating Location

FPB.

Fast Patrol Boat

FSB.

Forward Staging Base

GCC.

Geographic Combatant Command

GPF.

General Purpose Forces

GPS.

Global Positioning System

GS.

General Support

GW.

Guerrilla Warfare

GWOT.

Global War on Terrorism

FHA.

Foreign Humanitarian Assistance

HA.

Humanitarian Assistance

HAHO.

High Altitude High Opening

HALO.

High Altitude Low Opening

HF.

High Frequency

HHQ.

Higher Headquarters

HN.

Host Nation

HNS.

Host Nation Support

HRS.

Humanitarian Relief Service

HQ.

Headquarters

HQMC.

Headquarters Marine Corps

HSLLADS.

High Speed Low Level Aerial Delivery

System

HUMINT.

Human Intelligence

IDAD.

Internal Defense and Development

IO.

Information Operations

IRCM.

Infrared Countermeasures

IRR.

Individual Ready Reserve

ISB.

Intermediate Staging Base

ISE.

Intelligence Support Element

ISR.

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance

ITC.

Individual Training Course

JASORS.

Joint Advanced Special Operations Radio

System

JCD&E.

Joint Concept Development and

Experimentation

JCET.

Joint and Combined Exchange for Training

JCMOTF.

Joint Civil-Military Operations Task

Force

JCS.

Joint Chiefs of Staff

JCSE.

Joint Communications Support Element

JFACC.

Joint Force Air Component Commander

JFC.

Joint Force Commander

JFLCC.

Joint Force Land Component Commander

JFMCC.

Joint Force Maritime Component

Commander

JFSOCC.

Joint Force Special Operations Compo-

nent Commander

JI&I.

Joint Interoperability and Integration

JOC.

Joint Operations Center

JOPES.

Joint Operations Planning and Execution

System

JP.

Joint Publication

JPOTF.

Joint Psychological Operations Task Force

JPOTG.

Joint Psychological Operations Task Group

JRCC.

Joint Rescue Coordination Center

JSCP.

Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan

JSOA.

Joint Special Operations Area

JSOACC.

Joint Special Operations Air Component

Commander

JSOC.

Joint Special Operations Command

JSOSE.

Joint Special Operations Support Element

JSOTF.

Joint Special Operations Task Force

JTF.

Joint Task Force

KTS.

Knots

LOGSU.

Logistics and Support Unit

MARSOC.

Marine Corps Forces Special Operations

Command

MARSOF.

Marine Corps Special Operations Forces

MATC.

Mini Armored Troop Carrier

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August 2008

Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

MCCT.

Mobile Command Communications Team

MCD.

Mobile Communication Detachment

METL.

Mission Essential Task List

MFP.

Major Force Program

MI.

Military Intelligence

MSOAG.

Marine Special Operations Advisory

Group

MSOB.

Marine Special Operations Battalion

MSOC.

Marine Special Operations Company

MSOSG.

Marine Special Operations Support Group

MSOS.

Marine Special Operations School

MSOT.

Marine Special Operations Team

MTG.

Master Training Guide

MTT.

Mobile Training Team

NAB.

Naval Amphibious Base

NAS.

Naval Air Station

NATO.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NAVSOF.

Navy Special Operations Forces

NAVSPECWARCEN.

Naval Special Warfare Center

NAVSPECWARCOM.

Naval Special Warfare

Command

NAVSPECWARDEVGRU.

Naval Special Warfare

Development Group

NCA.

National Command Authorities

NCC.

Naval Component Command

NEO.

Noncombatant Evacuation Operation(s)

NM.

Nautical Miles

NOD.

Night Observation Devices

NOSG.

Naval Operations Support Group

NR.

Naval Reserve

NRF.

Naval Reserve Force

NSW.

Naval Special Warfare

NSWG/U.

Naval Special Warfare Group or Unit

NSWTG.

Naval Special Warfare Task Group

NSWTU.

Naval Special Warfare Task Unit

NVG.

Night-Vision Goggles

OCONUS.

Outside the Continental United States

OPCON.

Operational Control

OPLAN.

Operation Plan

OPSEC.

Operational Security

OSC.

Operational Support Company

PB.

Patrol Boat

PBL.

Patrol Boat Light

PBR.

Patrol Boat, Riverine

PED.

Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination

PJ.

Pararescue

POB/C.

PSYOP Battalion or Company

POC.

Point of Contact

POG.

Psychological Operations Group

POG(A).

Psychological Operations Group

(Airborne)

PR.

Personnel Recovery

PSYOP.

Psychological Operations

RATTV.

Rescue All Terrain Vehicle

R&S.

Reconnaissance and Surveillance

RC.

Reserve Component

RGT.

Regiment

RGR.

Ranger

RIB.

Rigid Inflatable Boat

ROK.

Republic of Korea

ROKN.

Republic of Korea Navy

RSE.

Ranger Support Element

RSOV.

Ranger Special Operations Vehicle

SA.

Security Assistance

SACEUR.

Supreme Allied Commander Europe

SAO.

Security Assistance Office

SATCOM.

Satellite Communications

SBT.

Special Boat Team

SBTP.

Special Boat Troop

SBTP-C.

Special Boat Troop - Coastal

SBTP-R.

Special Boat Troop - Riverine

SCI.

Sensitive Compartmented Information

August 2008

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B-5

Appendix B. Glossary

SCIF.

Sensitive Compartmented Information

Facility

SCUBA.

Self-Contained Underwater Breathing

Apparatus

SDV.

SEAL Delivery Vehicle

SDVT.

SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team

SEABEE.

Navy Construction Battalion Personnel

SEAL.

Sea-Air-Land

SEALTP.

Sea-Air-Land Troop

SF.

Special Forces

SFA.

Security Forces Assistance

SFG.

Special Forces Group

SFG(A).

Special Forces Group (Airborne)

SFOB.

Special Forces Operational Base

SFOD.

Special Forces Operational Detachment

SIG.

Signal

SIGINT.

Signal Intelligence

SJA.

Staff Judge Advocate

SME.

Subject Matter Expert

SMTB.

Special Missions Training Branch

SO.

Special Operations

SOA.

Special Operations Area; Special Operations

Aviation

SOAG.

Special Operations Aviation Group

SOC.

Special Operations Command; Special

Operations Capable

SOCAFRICA.

Special Operations Command,

Africa Command

SOCC.

Special Operations Control Center

SOCCE.

Special Operations Command and Con-

trol Element

SOCCENT.

Special Operations Command, Central

Command

SOCEUR.

Special Operations Command, Europe

SOCJFCOM.

Special Operations Command, Joint

Forces Command

SOCKOR.

Special Operations Command, Korea

SOCOM.

Special Operations Command

SOCPAC.

Special Operations Command, Pacific

SOCSOUTH.

Special Operations Command, South

SOF.

Special Operations Forces

SOG.

Special Operations Group (USAF)

SOLE.

Special Operations Liaison Element

SOLL.

Special Operations Low Level

SOS.

Special Operations Squadron

SOTF.

Special Operations Task Force

SOW.

Special Operations Wing

SOWT.

Special Operations Weather Team

SPTCONF.

Support Confirmation

SPTREQ.

Support Request

SR.

Special Reconnaissance

STT.

Special Tactics Team

SUPPACT.

Support Activity

SWCC.

Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen

TACON.

Tactical Control

TF.

Task Force

TF/TA.

Terrain Following/Terrain Avoidance

THREATCON.

JCS Terrorist Threat Condition

TIP.

Target Intelligence Package

TOA.

Transfer of Authority

TOC.

Tactical Operations Center

TOE.

Table of Operations and Equipment

TOS.

Theater Operating System

TOT.

Time on Target

TRADET.

Training Detachment

TSC.

Theater Security Cooperation

TSOC.

Theater Special Operations Command

TTP.

Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures

TTP&E.

Tactics, Techniques, Procedures, and

Equipment

UAV.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

UCP.

Unified Command Plan

UDT.

Underwater Demolition Team

UHF.

Ultra-High Frequency

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August 2008

Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

USAID.

United States Agency for International

Development

USASOC.

United States Army Special Operations

Command

USCENTCOM.

U.S. Central Command

USDR.

United States Defense Representative

USEUCOM.

United States European Command

USJFCOM.

U.S. Joint Forces Command

USPACOM.

United States Pacific Command

USIA.

United States Information Agency

USNORTHCOM.

U.S. Northern Command

USSOCOM.

United States Special Operations

Command

UW.

Unconventional Warfare

VHF.

Very High Frequency

VLS.

Vertical Launch System

WMD.

Weapons of Mass Destruction

August 2008

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C-1

Appendix C.

Bibliography

Joint Pub 1-02,

Department of Defense Diction-

ary of Military and Associated Terms

, April 2001,

amended May 2008.
Joint Pub 3-0,

Joint Operations

, September 2006.

Joint Pub 3-05,

Doctrine for Joint Special Opera-

tions

, December 2003.

Joint Pub 3-05.1,

Joint Tactics, Techniques, and

Procedures for Joint Special Operations Task Force

Operations

, April 2007.

Joint Pub 3-13,

Information Operations

, February

2006.
Joint Pub 3-50,

Personnel Recovery

, January 2007.

Joint Pub 3-53,

Doctrine for Joint Psychological

Operations

, September 2003.

Joint Pub 3-57,

Civil-Military Operations

, July 2008.

Joint Pub 5-0,

Joint Operations Planning

, December

2006.

US Special Operations Forces Posture Statement

2007

ASD/SOLIC CORE SOC Manpower Study 2001

USSOCOM Publication 1

US Army Special Operations Forces Reference Data

US Army FM 3-05,

Psychological Operations

, Sep-

tember 2003.
4th Psychological Operations Group,

Capabilities

Handbook

CJCSI 3110.05C
DoDD S-3600.1.
DoDD 5240.1.
DoDD S-5110.10
USAF DD 2-5.5.
AFI 11-2MC-130 Volume III, Addenda A – D
C-130 Technical Order 1C-130A-9, 31 Jan 2005.
DOD Facts on File.
NAVSPECWARCOM Organization and Capabili-

ties Briefing.
NWP 3-05,

Naval Special Warfare

PREFACE (U)

1. (U) Scope

(U) This publication provides joint doctrine for planning and executing counter-

improvised explosive device (C-IED) operations. It outlines responsibilities, provides
command and control considerations, discusses organizational options, details the C-IED
process and attack the network methodology, and introduces models for coordinating with
C-IED supporting organizations.

2. (U) Purpose

(U) This publication has been prepared under the direction of the Chairman of the Joint

Chiefs of Staff. It sets forth joint doctrine to govern the activities and performance of the
Armed Forces of the United States in joint operations, and provides the doctrinal basis for
the planning and conduct of joint C-IED operations. It provides military guidance for the
exercise of authority by combatant commanders and other joint force commanders (JFCs)
and prescribes joint doctrine for operations, education, and training. It provides military
guidance for use by the Armed Forces in preparing their appropriate plans. It is not the
intent of this publication to restrict the authority of the JFC from organizing the force and
executing the mission in a manner the JFC deems most appropriate to ensure unity of effort
in the accomplishment of the overall objective.

3. (U) Application

a. (U) Joint doctrine established in this publication applies to the Joint Staff,

commanders of combatant commands, subunified commands, joint task forces, subordinate
components of these commands, and the Services.

b. (U) The guidance in this publication is authoritative; as such, this doctrine will be

followed except when, in the judgment of the commander, exceptional circumstances dictate
otherwise. If conflicts arise between the contents of this publication and the contents of
Service publications, this publication will take precedence unless the Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, normally in coordination with the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,

vii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

COMMANDER’S OVERVIEW (U)

•

(U) Provides Insight on the Improvised Explosive Device Threat

•

(U) Describes the Improvised Explosive Device Network

•

(U) Covers Planning for Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Operations

•

(U) Explains Attacking the Improvised Explosive Device Network

•

(U) Discusses Staff Responsibilities

•

(U) Describes Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force

(U) The Improvised Explosive Device Threat

(U) An improvised
explosive device (IED) is a
weapon that is fabricated
or emplaced in an
unconventional manner
incorporating destructive,
lethal, noxious,
pyrotechnic, or incendiary
chemicals designed to kill,
destroy, incapacitate,
harass, deny mobility, or
distract.

(U) Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) may incorporate
military munitions and hardware, but are generally
constructed from components that are nonmilitary in
nature. IEDs are employed by threat groups across the
globe to achieve their aims. This is, in part, due to IEDs’
potential to produce strategic effects beyond their tactical
impact. IEDs are designed to kill opponents and influence
their actions, discredit them among the populace, and
degrade their ability to achieve their objectives. It is
projected that such individuals and groups will likely
increase their employment of IEDs while enhancing the
lethality of their weapons and tactics. These weapons will
represent a continuing threat to US forces and multinational
forces (MNFs).

(U) IEDs vary widely in
shape, size, and form;
however, they usually
share three common
components: main
charges, initiating system,
and containers.

(U) Methods of IED employment fall within two major
categories: suicide and non-suicide. In regard to suicide
attacks, insurgents and terrorists can employ IEDs via
person or vehicle, both of which are typically disguised as
part of the populace. In non-suicide attacks, they conceal
IEDs in the ground or in water, inside packages, common
containers, vehicles, and even in carcasses.

(U) The IED battle is an
evolving contest between
the IED network and the

(U) Our enemies employ IEDs to demonstrate their
freedom of action; demoralize, distract, and discredit US,
multinational, and host nation (HN) security forces; create

Executive Summary

viii

JP 3-15.1

US and its multinational
partners.

fear within the general population; gain media exposure;
and negatively impact US, HN, and partner nation interests.
Meeting this threat requires a national effort based on a
whole-of-government approach that addresses the device,
the network that designs and emplaces the device, and the
social-political aspects of the operational environment that
facilitates IED employment.

(U) The Improvised Explosive Device Network

(U) The leadership of
these IED networks plan,
organize, and execute
many critical activities
necessary to accomplish
their objectives.

(U) IED networks are centrally and decentrally organized
because of the need to protect relationships and hide
activities at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels.
Within these IED networks, functional plans and operations
are interconnected and may impact each other in direct and
indirect ways and at all levels. Recognizing these
interrelationships is critical when attempting to attack a
network. Fundamental to all networks is an understanding
of the resourcing, especially financial resourcing, required
to start up, sustain, and grow the organization from the
strategic level through to the tactical units.

(U) Virtually all such
networked organizations
use some variant of a
cellular or compartmented
structure to enhance
security and organize for
operations.

(U) Whether the IED is employed by an insurgent, a
terrorist, or a criminal gang, it is resourced, manufactured,
emplaced, and executed through what is likely a secretive
and networked organization. Any group that systematically
employs IEDs must perform a series of networked
operations or activities to be successful. These operational
requirements include resourcing (finance and supply) and
personnel (bomb-making specialists and planners), which
are driven or guided by ideological or economic
motivation. Although some network activities may occur
simultaneously or sequentially, activities associated with
these operations are frequently conducted independently.
Each of the functions may be organized as one or more
cells within the network, and participants in each
function/cell may be unaware of the others’ existence.

(U) The IED Activity
Model.

(U) Counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED)
operations should begin with a holistic understanding of the
enemy and the common activities associated with an IED
attack in order to break the enemy’s operational cycle.

IED activities can be categorized in four recurring
phases—planning, execution,

assessment, and

exploitation

—and may be conducted concurrently or

asynchronously by multiple cells.

Executive Summary (U)

(U) Planning for Counter-Improvised Device Operations

(U) Counter-improvised
explosive device (C-IED)
operations often focus on
the device; however, the
device is merely the end
product of a complex set
of activities the adversary
executes to achieve his
objectives.

(U) An IED attack is the result of a planned operation that
can have strategic, operational, and/or tactical effects, not
solely because of the military value of the target, but also
the psychological effects on units, the local population, the
region, and political leadership.

An integrated,

synchronized C-IED plan is designed to address all
levels of war.

The actions at the strategic level include the

coordination of all instruments of national power, the
collaboration and cooperation with the combatant
commands to deny the enemy funding, supplies, safe
havens, and a favorable information environment to
influence public opinion. At the combatant command
level, the C-IED plan provides guidance for isolation and
attacking elements of the IED network, mitigating effects
of an IED blast, training the force in C-IED tactics,
techniques, and procedures (TTP), and transferring
equipment and capabilities to participating MNFs and the
HN.

(U) C-IED Concept of
Operations.

(U) The foundation of a C-IED concept of operations
(CONOPS) is a coherent strategy that links strategic,
operational, and tactical activities to objectives, and
integrates interagency actions to ensure unity of effort, both
inside and outside of the area of responsibility. It describes
how the actions of the joint force components and
supporting organizations will be integrated, synchronized,
and phased to accomplish the mission, including potential
branches and sequels. A theater C-IED CONOPS includes
the commander’s intent, the desired end state, and
objectives.

(U) Joint force C-IED
activities must be viewed
both individually and in
the context of their
relationship to the other
interagency partners’
activities conducted using
other instruments of
national power.

(U)

Joint force C-IED activities fulfill five basic

purposes:

•

(U) Protect US, multinational (if applicable), and HN

forces and the local populace against the physical effects of
IEDs.

•

(U) Enable mobility in operational areas.

•

(U) Expose and neutralize IED networks.

•

(U) Neutralize impact of IED use.

•

(U) Stabilize economic activity in the affected locality.

Executive Summary

JP 3-15.1

(U) Mission Analysis.

(U) The joint force will conduct C-IED operations within
the context of a broader operation or campaign. In certain
instances, however, the joint force commander (JFC) may
choose to conduct focused C-IED operations to eliminate or
neutralize the threat in a specific area. In either case, the
mission analysis phase of the joint operational planning
process will provide for the effective planning to achieve
the commander’s objectives.

(U) Lines of Operation.

(U) As JFCs visualize the operational design of the
operation, they may use several lines of operation (LOOs)
to help visualize the intended progress of the joint force
toward achieving operational and strategic objectives.

There are three basic C-IED LOOs that form the basis
for the conduct of all C-IED planning and operations:
“attack the network” (AtN) “defeat the device,” and
“train the force.”

(U) A Balanced Approach.

(U) A successful C-IED operation plan is one that employs
a mix of lethal and nonlethal actions to deny the enemy
access, freedom of movement, and action. Constant
pressure on critical nodes in the enemy’s infrastructure will
keep the enemy off balance and degrade his overall
effectiveness. It will also force the enemy to reveal
increasing portions of the network as they attempt to
reconstitute their activities.

(U) Attacking the Improvised Explosive Device Network

(U) In the context of C-
IED operations, “Attack
the Network” operations
specifically target the
enemy’s ability to resource
and conduct IED attacks.

(U) In order for the IED network to survive in an
environment where it is being hunted by friendly forces, the
adversary must be able to continuously respond to changing
environmental pressures—political, economic, social, and
military. Survival and success are directly connected to
adaptability and the ability to compete for resources—
financial, logistical, and human.

(U) Attacking the
Network—General
Considerations.

(U) While attacking the adversary’s network is a complex,
time-consuming task, raising the adversaries’ cost of IED
employment to unacceptable levels can be accomplished
through a focused, continuous series of operations designed
to disrupt the people, places, processes, and materials that
support the IEDs’ design, supply, and employment chain.

(U) Counter-Network
Strategy Development.

(U) The ends of an effective counter-network strategy that
curtails the IED threat to the joint force or HN population
will invariably focus on the operational environment that

Executive Summary (U)

allows the threat to take place. The ways of the counter-
network strategy use an operation or campaign design
process that allows operational art to link ends, ways, and
means to reach the desired end state. To AtN, commanders
and staffs must first understand the operational
environment in network terms. An important feature of any
network is its adaptability to a changing environment; one
change to a node or link may substantially affect the entire
network. Because of this dynamic nature of complex
adaptive systems, a second imperative for effective counter
network operations is to closely link operations and
intelligence. The third essential element for an effective
strategy is to rapidly assess the effects created by
operations and feed the assessment into the intelligence
process.

(U) Attack the Network
Across the Levels of War.

(U)

At the strategic, national, and theater levels

, AtN

operations are focused on global, international, or
transnational threats and networks requiring coordination
and integration with interagency partners, MNFs, and
multinational organizations. Key AtN operations at this
level include positively shaping the strategic environment
using the full range of the instruments of national power
and developing and providing the partnerships,
information, and resources required for strategic success.

(FOUO)

At the operational level

, AtN operations should

employ a highly adaptable, collaborative, and decentralized
approach, blending physical and cognitive abilities to
achieve a desired end state. Through the use of specialized
analytical tools, commanders will be able to refine their
understanding of the operating environment and focus
resources on key nodes in the IED infrastructure.

(U)

At the tactical level

, the focus is on executing AtN

operations. Accurate, timely, and relevant intelligence will
drive this effort, and tactical units should exercise refined
procedures to conduct analysis, template, and target
networks.

(U) Targeting the
Network.

(U) There are a number of targeting methodologies that
have been developed to facilitate AtN. These
methodologies (which include find, fix, finish, exploit,
analyze, and disseminate and decide, detect, deliver, and
assess) can also be merged to complement each other.
Regardless of the method employed, established processes
and procedures must be identified, standardized, and

Executive Summary

xii

JP 3-15.1

exploited to develop and refine a comprehensive picture of
the adversary to effectively target and attack an IED
network.

(U) Multi-Echelon,
Multidiscipline C-IED
Fusion.

(U) Organizing and allocating resources for AtN operations
requires a coordinated, synchronized, and integrated effort
beginning at the tactical level and often involving the use of
national-level resources. Intelligence personnel at all
echelons must be prepared to employ traditional and
nontraditional information sources to build the picture of
the adversary’s infrastructure and share that information
and intelligence across the joint force.

(U) Staff Responsibilities

(U) Intelligence
Directorate of a Joint
Staff [J-2].

(U) The intelligence directorate of a joint staff’s (J-2’s)
mission is to provide the commander with timely and
accurate intelligence to support the commander, joint task
force’s (CJTF’s), objectives, as stated in the C-IED plan,
and to meet the information needs of the staff and
component commands for operations and planning. The
J-2 may elect to create a C-IED intelligence cell in order to
focus the analyst’s efforts. The mission of the J-2’s C-IED
intelligence cell is to produce and disseminate timely, all-
source fused intelligence that will serve as a basis for the
development and conduct of the command’s C-IED effort.

(U) Operations
Directorate of a Joint
Staff (J-3).

(U) The operations directorate of a joint staff  (J-3) is
responsible for the direction of the joint task force’s (JTF’s)
combat forces. The J-3 ensures that sufficient, properly
equipped C-IED forces are available to support the JTF’s
mission within the operational area.  The JTF J-3 C-IED
operations intelligence fusion cell is the J-3’s focal point to
coordinate and synchronize all IED-related  matters.
Chaired by the J-3, the C-IED working group is tasked to
work specific issues relating to the development of the JTF
C-IED plan.

(U) Engineering Staff
Section.

(U) The engineering staff section (J-7) coordinates combat,
general and, in coordination with the J-2, geospatial
engineering requirements for the joint force. In the C-IED
effort, the J-7 establishes the explosive  hazards
coordination  cell  (EHCC) to advise the joint force on
developments in adversary IED employment and potential
friendly countermeasures. In certain situations, the EHCC

Executive Summary (U)

xiii

may also forward deploy (with the maneuver units) an
explosive hazard awareness team.

(U) Joint Task Force
(JTF) C-IED Boards,
Working Groups, and
Cells.

(U) In order to effectively manage the overall C-IED effort,
the JTF will establish a variety of specialized boards,
working groups, and cells. The JTF commander may
decide to establish a JTF C-IED management board as a
senior steering committee to manage the command’s
C-IED efforts. The purpose of the C-IED management
board is to bring together senior JTF leadership with C-IED
specialists to shape and direct the C-IED fight. Depending
on the commander’s requirements, J-3 recommends the
formation of a C-IED working group. The working group,
consisting of representatives from the J-2, J-2 collection
management, J-2 plans, J-7, J-3 plans, J-3 operations,
C-IED task force, and other members, as required, is tasked
to work specific issues related to the C-IED plan.

(U) Coordinating with
Supporting Theater- and
National-Level C-IED
Organizations.

(U) In organizing the operational area for the C-IED effort,
the commander will have the ability to call upon assistance
from highly specialized theater military, Department of
Defense (DOD), national, and interagency assets that can
deploy elements forward to augment the JTF staff. The
theater, national, DOD, and interagency assets can perform
a wide variety of functions designed to degrade the
insurgents’ IED infrastructure from detailed
forensic/technical evaluations of IEDs, to managing a high-
value individual targeting effort.

(U) Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force

(U) The task force
construct is useful when a
large number of C-IED
assets have been deployed
to support large-scale,
long duration operations.

(U) As an alternative to using the JTF staff to manage the
C-IED effort, the CJTF can establish a task force,
integrating tactical- and operational-level organizations and
streamlining communications under a single headquarters
whose total focus is on the C-IED effort. A C-IED task
force is normally built around an appropriately augmented
brigade-level headquarters or its equivalent (explosive
ordnance disposal [EOD] group, ordnance group, engineer
brigade, maneuver enhancement brigade, Army EOD
battalion or Navy EOD mobile unit).  In addition to
controlling the subordinate EOD organizations and
battalions, the C-IED  task force  commander is given
operational control or tactical control of the JTF’s
specialized C-IED assets to include weapons intelligence
team, combined explosives exploitation cell, C-IED

Military reference books and manuals (2009-2023, Volume 2) - page 30