A
Actions On Contact
A process to help leaders understand what is happening and to take action. (FM 3-90)
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)
Air Movement
Air transport of units, personnel, supplies, and equipment including airdrops and air landings. (JP 3-36)
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)
Ambush
A variation of attack from concealed positions against a moving or temporarily halted enemy. (FM 3-90)
Approach March
The advance of a combat unit when direct contact with the enemy is intended. (FM 3-90)
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 Of Influence
An area inclusive of and extending beyond an operational area wherein a commander is capable of direct influence by maneuver, fire support, and information normally under the commander’s command or control. (JP 3-0)
Area Of Interest
That area of concern to the commander, including the area of influence, areas adjacent to it, and extending into enemy territory. (JP 3-0)
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 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)
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 Position
A covered and concealed position short of the objective from which final preparations are made to assault the objective. (ADP 3-90)
Assembly Area
An area a unit occupies to prepare for an operation. (FM 3-90)
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 Position
(Army) The last position an attacking force occupies or passes through before crossing the line of departure. (ADP 3-90)
Avenue Of Approach
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)
B
Basic Load
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)
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)
Battle Position
A defensive location oriented on a likely enemy avenue of approach. (ADP 3-90)
Block
1. A tactical mission task that denies the enemy access to an area or an avenue of approach. (FM 3-90) 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)
Bounding Overwatch
A movement technique used when contact with enemy forces is expected. (FM 3-90)
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. (ATP 3-90.4)
Breach Area
A defined area where a breach occurs. (ATP 3-90.4)
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
Call For Fire
A standardized request for fire containing data necessary for obtaining the required fire on a target. (FM 3-09)
Canalize
(Army) A tactical mission task in which a unit restricts enemy movement to a narrow zone. (FM 3-90)
Casualty Evacuation
(Army) The movement of casualties aboard nonmedical vehicles or aircraft without en route medical care. (FM 4-02)
Checkpoint
A predetermined point on the ground used to control movement, tactical maneuver, and orientation. (FM 3-90)
Clear
A tactical mission task in which a unit eliminates all enemy forces within an assigned area. (FM 3-90)
Close Air Support
Air action by aircraft against hostile targets that are in close proximity to friendly forces and that require detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those forces. (JP 3-09.3)
Close Combat
Warfare carried out on land in a direct-fire fight, supported by direct and indirect fires and other assets. (ADP 3-0)
Combat Load
The minimum mission-essential equipment and supplies as determined by the commander responsible for carrying out the mission, required for Soldiers to fight and survive immediate combat operations. (FM 4-40)
Combat Outpost
A reinforced observation post capable of conducting limited combat operations. (FM 3-90)
*Combat Patrol
A patrol that provides security and harasses, destroys, or captures enemy troops, equipment, or installations.
Combat Power
(Joint) The total means of destructive and disruptive force that a military unit/formation can apply against an enemy at a given time. (JP 3-0)
Combined Arms
The synchronized and simultaneous application of arms to achieve an effect greater than if each element was used separately or sequentially. (ADP 3-0)
Command And Control
The exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commander over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of the mission. (JP 1, Vol 2)
Command And Control Warfighting Function
The related tasks and a system that enable commanders to synchronize and converge all elements of combat power. (ADP 3-0)
Commander’s Intent
A clear and concise expression of the purpose of an operation and the desired objectives and military end state. (JP 3-0)
Concealment
Protection from observation or surveillance. (FM 3-96)
Concept Of Operations
(Army) A statement that directs the manner in which subordinate units cooperate to accomplish the mission and establishes the sequence of actions the force will use to achieve the end state. (ADP 5-0)
Confirmation Brief
A brief subordinate leaders give to the higher commander immediately after the operation order is given to confirm understanding. (ADP 5-0)
Consolidate
To organize and strengthen a captured position to use it against the enemy. (FM 3-90)
Contact Point
In land warfare, a point on the terrain, easily identifiable, where two or more units are required to make contact. (JP 3-50)
Contain
A tactical mission task in which a unit stops, holds, or surrounds an enemy force. (FM 3-90)
Control
(Army) A tactical mission task in which a unit maintains physical influence over an assigned area. (FM 3-90)
Conventional Warfare
A violent struggle for domination between nation-states or coalitions of nation-states. (FM 3-0)
Coordination Point
A point that indicates a specific location for the coordination of tactical actions between adjacent units. (FM 3-90)
Cordon And Search
A variation of movement to contact where a friendly force isolates and searches a target area. (FM 3-90)
Counterattack
A variation of attack by a defending force against an attacking enemy force. (FM 3-90)
Countermobility
A set of combined arms activities that use or enhance the effects of natural and man-made obstacles to prevent the enemy freedom of movement and maneuver. (ATP 3-90.8)
Counterreconnaissance
A tactical mission task that encompasses all measures taken by a unit to counter enemy reconnaissance and surveillance efforts. (FM 3-90)
Cover
(Army) 1. Protection from the effects of fires. (FM 3-96) 2. A type of security operation done independent of the main body to protect them by fighting to gain time while preventing enemy ground observation of and direct fire against the main body. (ADP 3-90)
Cyberspace Operations
The employment of cyberspace capabilities where the primary purpose is to achieve objectives in or through cyberspace. (JP 3-0)
D
Deception Means
Methods, resources, and techniques that can be used to convey information to the deception target. (JP 3-13.4)
Decisive Point
Key terrain, key event, critical factor, or function that, when acted upon, enables commanders to gain a marked advantage over an enemy or contribute materially to achieving success. (JP 5-0)
Decisive Terrain
Key terrain whose seizure and retention is mandatory for successful mission accomplishment. (ADP 3-90)
Decisively Engaged
A fully committed force or unit that cannot maneuver or extricate itself. (FM 3-90)
Defeat
To render a force incapable of achieving its objectives. (ADP 3-0)
Defeat In Detail
Concentrating overwhelming combat power against separate parts of a force rather than defeating the entire force at once. (ADP 3-90)
Defensive Operation
An operation to defeat an enemy attack, gain time, economize forces, and develop conditions favorable for offensive or stability operations. (ADP 3-0)
Delay
When a force under pressure trades space for time by slowing down the enemy’s momentum and inflicting maximum damage on enemy forces without becoming decisively engaged. (ADP 3-90)
Delay Line
A phase line over which an enemy is not allowed to cross before a specific date and time or enemy condition. (FM 3-90)
Deliberate Operation
An operation in which the tactical situation allows the development and coordination of detailed plans, including multiple branches and sequels. (ADP 3-90)
Demonstration
(Army) A variation of tactical deception used as a show of force in an area where a unit does not seek a decision and attempts to mislead an adversary. (FM 3-90)
Deny
A task to hinder or prevent the enemy from using terrain, space, personnel, supplies, or facilities. (ATP 3-21.20)
Destroy
A tactical mission task that physically renders an enemy force combat-ineffective until reconstituted. (FM 3-90)
Detachment Left In Contact
An element left in contact as part of the previously designated security force while the main body conducts its withdrawal. (FM 3-90)
Directed Obstacle
An obstacle directed by a higher commander as a specified task to a subordinate unit. (ATP 3-90.8)
Disengage
A tactical mission task in which a unit breaks contact with an enemy to conduct another mission or to avoid becoming decisively engaged. (FM 3-90)
Disengagement Criteria
Protocols that specify those circumstances where a friendly force must break contact with the direct fire and observed indirect fire to avoid becoming decisively engaged or to preserve friendly combat power. (FM 3-90)
Disengagement Line
A phase line located on identifiable terrain that, when crossed by the enemy, signals to defending elements that it is time to displace to their next position. (ADP 3-90)
Dismounted Movement
A movement of troops and equipment mainly by foot, with limited support by vehicles. (FM 3-90)
Disrupt
1. A tactical mission task in which a unit upsets an enemy’s formation or tempo and causes the enemy force to attack prematurely or in a piecemeal fashion. (FM 3-90) 2. An obstacle effect that focuses fire planning and obstacle effort to cause the enemy to break up its formation and tempo, interrupt its timetable, commit breaching assets prematurely, and attack in a piecemeal effort. (FM 3-90)
Domain
A physically defined portion of an operational environment requiring a unique set of warfighting capabilities and skills. (FM 3-0)
Double Envelopment
A variation of envelopment where forces simultaneously attack along both flanks of an enemy force. (FM 3-90)
Dynamic Targeting
Targeting that prosecutes targets identified too late or not selected for action in time to be included in deliberate targeting. (JP 3-60)
E
Electromagnetic Protection
(Joint) Division of electromagnetic warfare involving actions taken to protect personnel, facilities, and equipment from any effects of friendly or enemy use of the electromagnetic spectrum that degrade, neutralize, or destroy friendly combat capability. (JP 3-85)
Electromagnetic Warfare
Military action involving the use of electromagnetic and directed energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum or to attack the enemy. (JP 3-85)
Emission Control
The selective and controlled use of electromagnetic, acoustic, or other emitters to optimize command and control capabilities while minimizing, for operations security: a. detection by enemy sensors, b. mutual interference among friendly systems, and/or c. enemy interference with the ability to execute a military deception plan. (JP 3-85)
Enabling Operation
An operation that sets the friendly conditions required for mission accomplishment. (FM 3-90)
Encirclement
Where one force loses its freedom of maneuver because an opposing force is able to isolate it by controlling all ground lines of communications and reinforcement. (FM 3-90)
End State
The set of required conditions that defines achievement of the commander’s objectives. (JP 3-0)
Enemy
A party identified as hostile against which the use of force is authorized. (ADP 3-0)
Engagement Area
An area where the commander masses effects to contain and destroy an enemy force. (FM 3-90)
Engagement Criteria
Protocols that specify those circumstances for initiating engagement with an enemy force. (FM 3-90)
Engagement Priority
Identifies the order in which the unit engages enemy systems or functions. (FM 3-90)
Envelopment
A form of maneuver in which an attacking force avoids an enemy’s principal defense by attacking along an assailable flank. (FM 3-90)
Exfiltrate
A tactical mission task in which a unit removes Soldiers or units from areas under enemy control by stealth, deception, surprise, or clandestine means. (FM 3-90)
Exploitation
(Army) A type of offensive operation following a successful attack to disorganize the enemy in depth. (FM 3-90)
F
Feint
A variation of tactical deception that makes contact solely to deceive the adversary as to the location, time of attack or both. (FM 3-90)
Field Of Fire
The area that a weapon or group of weapons may cover effectively from a given position. (FM 3-90)
Final Coordination Line
A phase line close to the enemy position used to coordinate the lifting or shifting of supporting fires with the final deployment of maneuver elements. (ADP 3-90)
Final Protective Fire
An immediately available, prearranged barrier of fire designed to impede enemy movement across defensive lines or areas. (JP 3-09.3)
Final Protective Line
A selected line of fire where an enemy assault is to be checked by interlocking fire from all available weapons and obstacles. (FM 3-90)
Fire And Movement
The concept of applying fires from all sources to suppress, neutralize, or destroy the enemy, and the tactical movement of combat forces in relation to the enemy (as components of maneuver, applicable at all echelons). At the squad level, fire and maneuver entails a team placing suppressive fire on the enemy as another team moves against or around the enemy. (FM 3-96)
Fire Superiority
The dominating fires of one force over another force that permits that force to maneuver at a given time and place without prohibitive interference by the other. (FM 3-90)
Fix
1. A tactical mission task in which a unit prevents the enemy from moving from a specific location for a specific period. (FM 3-90) 2. An obstacle effect that focuses fire planning and obstacle effort to slow an attacker’s movement within a specified area, normally an engagement area. (FM 3-90)
Fixing Force
A force designated to supplement the striking force by preventing the enemy from moving from a specific area for a specific time. (ADP 3-90)
Follow And Assume
A tactical mission task in which a committed force follows and supports a lead force conducting an offensive operation and continues mission if lead force cannot continue. (FM 3-90)
Follow And Support
A tactical mission task in which a committed force follows and supports a lead force conducting an offensive operation. (FM 3-90)
Forced March
A march longer or faster than usual or in adverse conditions. (FM 3-90)
Forms Of Maneuver
Distinct tactical combinations of fire and movement with a unique set of doctrinal characteristics that differ primarily in the relationship between the maneuvering force and the enemy. (ADP 3-90)
Forward Boundary
A boundary that delineates the forward edge of a unit’s area of operation. (FM 3-90)
Forward Edge Of The Battle Area
The foremost limits of a series of areas in which ground combat units are deployed to coordinate fire support, the positioning of forces, or the maneuver of units, excluding areas in which covering or screening forces are operating. (JP 3-09.3)
Forward Line Of Own Troops
A line that indicates the most forward positions of friendly forces in any kind of military operation at a specific time. (FM 3-90)
Forward Passage Of Lines
Occurs when a unit passes through another unit’s positions while moving toward the enemy. (ADP 3-90)
Fragmentary Order
An abbreviated operation order issued as needed to change or modify an order or to execute a branch or sequel. (JP 5-0)
Fratricide
The unintentional killing or wounding of friendly or neutral personnel by friendly firepower. (ADP 3-37)
Frontal Attack
A form of maneuver in which an attacking force seeks to destroy a weaker enemy force or fix a larger enemy force in place over a broad front. (FM 3-90)
G
Gap
1. An area free of obstacles that enables forces to maneuver in a tactical formation. (FM 3-90) 2. A ravine, mountain pass, river, or other terrain feature that presents an obstacle that may be bridged. (ATP 3-90.4)
Guard
A type of security operation done to protect the main body by fighting to gain time while preventing enemy ground observation of and direct fire against the main body. (ADP 3-90)
H
Hasty Operation
An operation in which a commander directs immediately available forces, using fragmentary orders, to perform tasks with minimal preparation, trading planning and preparation time for speed of execution. (ADP 3-90)
High-payoff Target
A target whose loss to the enemy will significantly contribute to the success of the friendly course of action. (JP 3-60)
High-value Target
A target the enemy commander requires for the successful completion of the mission. (JP 3-60)
Human Dimension
Encompasses people and the interaction between individuals and groups, how they understand information and events, make decisions, generate will, and act within an operational environment. (FM 3-0)
I
Infiltration
A form of maneuver in which an attacking force conducts undetected movement through or into an area occupied by enemy forces. (FM 3-90)
Infiltration Lane
A control measure that coordinates forward and lateral movement of infiltrating units and fixes fire planning responsibilities. (FM 3-90)
Information Dimension
The content and data that individuals, groups, and information systems communicate and exchange, as well as the analytics and technical processes used to exchange information within an operational environment. (FM 3-0)
Information Environment
The aggregate of social, cultural, linguistic, psychological, technical, and physical factors that affect how humans and automated systems derive meaning from, act upon, and are impacted by information, including the individuals, organizations, and systems that collect, process, disseminate, or use information. (JP 3-04)
Informational Considerations
Those aspects of the human, information, and physical dimensions that affect how humans and automated systems derive meaning from, use, act upon, and are impacted by information. (FM 3-0)
Interdict
A tactical mission task in which a unit prevents, disrupts, or delays the enemy’s use of an area or route in any domain. (FM 3-90)
Isolate
A tactical mission task in which a unit seals off an enemy, physically and psychologically, from sources of support and denies it freedom of movement. (FM 3-90)
K
Key Terrain
(Army) An identifiable characteristic whose seizure or retention affords a marked advantage to either combatant. (ADP 3-90)
Kill Zone
The location where fires are concentrated in an ambush. (FM 3-90)
Knowledge Management
The process of enabling knowledge flow to enhance shared understanding, learning, and decision making. (ADP 6-0)
L
Lateral Boundary
A boundary defining the left or right limit of a unit’s assigned area. (FM 3-90)
Leadership
The activity of influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to accomplish the mission and improve the organization. (ADP 6-22)
Limit Of Advance
A phase line used to control forward progress of the attack. (ADP 3-90)
Line Of Contact
A general trace delineating the locations where friendly and enemy forces are engaged. (FM 3-90)
Line Of Departure
In land warfare, a line designated to coordinate the departure of attack elements. (JP 3-31)
Linkup
A type of enabling operation that involves the meeting of friendly ground forces, which occurs in a variety of circumstances. (FM 3-90)
Linkup Point
A designated place where two forces are scheduled to meet. (FM 3-90)
Local Security
The low-level security activities conducted near a unit to prevent surprise by the enemy. (ADP 3-90)
M
Main Battle Area
The area where the commander intends to deploy the bulk of their unit to defeat an attacking enemy. (FM 3-90)
Main Effort
A designated subordinate unit whose mission at a given point in time is most critical to overall mission success. (ADP 3-0)
Maneuver
(Army) Movement in conjunction with fires. (ADP 3-90)
March Column
All march serials using the same route for a single movement under control of a single commander. (FM 3-90)
March Serial
A subdivision of a march column organized under one commander. (FM 3-90)
March Unit
A subdivision of a march serial. (FM 3-90)
Medical Evacuation
The timely and effective movement of the wounded, injured, or ill to and between medical treatment facilities on dedicated and properly marked medical platforms with en route care provided by medical personnel. (ATP 4-02.2)
Meeting Engagement
A combat action that occurs when a moving force engages an enemy at an unexpected time and place. (FM 3-90)
Mission
The essential task or tasks, together with the purpose, that clearly indicates the action to be taken and the reason for the action. (JP 3-0)
Mission Command
(Army) The Army’s approach to command and control that empowers subordinate decision making and decentralized execution appropriate to the situation. (ADP 6-0)
Mission Orders
Directives that emphasize to subordinates the results to be attained, not how they are to achieve them. (ADP 6-0)
Mission Statement
A short sentence or paragraph that describes the organization’s essential task(s), purpose, and action containing the elements of who, what, when, where, and why. (JP 5-0)
Mobile Defense
A type of defensive operation that concentrates on the destruction or defeat of the enemy through a decisive attack by a striking force. (ADP 3-90)
Mounted Movement
The movement of troops and equipment by combat and tactical vehicles. (FM 3-90)
Movement
The positioning of combat power to establish the conditions for maneuver. (ADP 3-90)
Movement Formation
An ordered arrangement of forces for a specific purpose and describes the general configuration of a unit on the ground. (ADP 3-90)
Movement To Contact
(Army) A type of offensive operation designed to establish or regain contact to develop the situation. (FM 3-90)
Multidomain Operations
The combined arms employment of joint and Army capabilities to create and exploit relative advantages to achieve objectives, defeat enemy forces, and consolidate gains on behalf of joint force commanders. (FM 3-0)
N
Named Area Of Interest
A geospatial area or systems node or link against which information that will satisfy a specific information requirement can be collected, usually to capture indications of enemy and adversary courses of action. (JP 2-0)
Networked Munitions
Remotely controlled, interconnected, weapon systems designed to provide rapidly emplaced ground-based countermobility and protection capability through scalable application of lethal and nonlethal means. (JP 3-15)
Neutralize
A tactical mission task in which a unit renders the enemy incapable of interfering with an operation. (FM 3-90)
Nontactical Movement
A movement in which troops and vehicles are arranged to expedite their movement and conserve time and energy when no enemy ground interference is anticipated. (FM 3-90)
O
Objective Area
A geographical area, defined by competent authority, within which is located an objective to be captured or reached by the military forces. (JP 3-06)
Objective Rally Point
An easily identifiable point where all elements of the infiltrating unit assemble and prepare to attack the objective. (ADP 3-90)
Obscuration
The employment of materials into the environment that degrade optical and/or electro-optical capabilities within select portions of the electromagnetic spectrum in order to deny acquisition by or deceive an enemy or adversary. (ATP 3-11.50)
Observation Post
A position from which observations are made or fires are directed and adjusted. (FM 3-90)
Occupy
A tactical mission task in which a unit moves into an area to control it without enemy opposition. (FM 3-90)
Offensive Operation
An operation to defeat or destroy enemy forces and gain control of terrain, resources, and population centers. (ADP 3-0)
Operation
A sequence of tactical actions with a common purpose or unifying theme. (JP 1, Vol 1)
Operational Environment
The aggregate of the conditions, circumstances, and influences that affect the employment of capabilities and bear on the decisions of the commander. (JP 3-0)
Operational Framework
A cognitive tool used to assist commanders and staffs in clearly visualizing and describing the application of combat power in time, space, purpose, and resources in the concept of operations. (ADP 1-01)
Operations In Depth
The simultaneous application of combat power throughout an area of operations. (ADP 3-90)
Operations Process
The major command and control activities performed during operations: planning, preparing, executing, and continuously assessing the operation. (ADP 5-0)
Operations Security
A capability that identifies and controls critical information, indicators of friendly force actions attendant to military operations, and incorporates countermeasures to reduce the risk of an adversary exploiting vulnerabilities. (JP 3-13.3)
Overwatch
A task that positions an element to support the movement of another element with immediate fire. (ATP 3-21.10)
P
Passage Lane
A lane through an obstacle that provides safe passage for a passing force. (FM 3-90)
Passage Of Lines
An operation in which a force moves forward or rearward through another force’s combat positions with the intention of moving into or out of contact with the enemy. (JP 3-18)
Passage Point
A designated place where passing units pass through the stationary unit. (FM 3-90)
*Patrol
A detachment sent out by a larger unit to conduct a specific mission that operates semi-independently and returns to the main body upon completion of mission.
Penetration
A form of maneuver in which a force attacks on a narrow front. (FM 3-90)
Physical Dimension
The material characteristics and capabilities, both natural and manufactured, within an operational environment. (FM 3-0)
Physical Security
That part of security concerned with physical measures designed to safeguard personnel; to prevent unauthorized access to equipment, installations, material, and documents; and to safeguard them against espionage, sabotage, damage, and theft. (JP 3-0)
Point Of Breach
The location at an obstacle where the creation of a lane is being attempted. (ATP 3-90.4)
Point Of Departure
The point where the unit crosses the line of departure and begins moving along a direction of attack. (ADP 3-90)
Point Of Penetration
(Army) Point of penetration is the location, identified on the ground, where the commanders concentrate their efforts to seize a foothold on the far side objective. (ATP 3-90.4)
Primary Position
The position that covers the enemy’s most likely avenue of approach into the assigned area. (FM 3-90)
Probable Line Of Deployment
A phase line that designates the location where the commander intends to deploy the unit into assault formation before beginning the assault. (ADP 3-90)
Pursuit
A type of offensive operation to catch or cut off a disorganized hostile force attempting to escape, with the aim of destroying it. (FM 3-90)
Q
Quartering Party
A group dispatched to a new assigned area in advance of the main body. (FM 3-90)
Quick Reaction Force
A commander designated force to respond to threat attacks or emergencies. (FM 3-90)
R
Raid
(Army) A variation of attack to temporarily seize an objective with a planned withdrawal. (FM 3-90)
Rally Point
An easily identifiable point on the ground at which units can reassemble and reorganize if they become dispersed. (FM 3-90)
Rear Boundary
A boundary that delineates the rearward limits of a unit’s assigned area. (FM 3-90)
Rearward Passage Of Lines
Occurs when a unit passes through another unit’s positions while moving away from the enemy. (ADP 3-90)
Reconnaissance
A mission undertaken to obtain information about the activities and resources of an enemy or adversary, or to secure data concerning the meteorological, hydrographic, geographic, or other characteristics of a particular area, by visual observation or other detection methods. (JP 2-0)
Reconnaissance By Fire
A technique in which a unit fires on a suspected enemy position. (FM 3-90)
Reconnaissance Objective
The most important result desired from that specific reconnaissance effort. (FM 3-90)
Reduce
A tactical mission task in which a unit destroys an encircled or bypassed enemy force. (FM 3-90)
Reduction
The creation of lanes through a minefield or obstacle to enable passage of the attacking ground force. (JP 3-15)
Reduction Area
A number of adjacent points of breach that are under the control of the breaching commander. (ATP 3-90.4)
Rehearsal
A session in which the commander and staff or unit practices expected actions to improve performance during execution. (ADP 5-0)
Release Point
A designated place on a route where elements are released from centralized control. (FM 3-90)
Relief In Place
An operation in which, by direction of higher authority, all or part of a unit is replaced in an area by the incoming unit and the responsibilities of the replaced elements for the mission and the assigned zone of operations are transferred to the incoming unit (JP 3-07.3)
Reorganization
All measures taken by the commander to maintain unit combat effectiveness or return it to a specified level of combat capability. (ATP 3-94.4)
Reserved Obstacle
(Army) Obstacles of any type, for which the commander restricts execution authority. (ATP 3-90.8)
Retain
A tactical mission task in which a unit prevents enemy occupation or use of terrain. (FM 3-90)
Retirement
When a force out of contact moves away from the enemy. (ADP 3-90)
Retrograde
(Army) A type of defensive operation that involves organized movement away from the enemy. (ADP 3-90)
Retrograde Movement
Any movement to the rear or away from the enemy. (FM 3-90)
Risk Management
The process to identify, assess, and mitigate risks and make decisions that balance risk cost with mission benefits. (JP 3-0)
Route
The prescribed course to be traveled from a point of origin to a destination. (FM 3-90)
Route Reconnaissance
A form of reconnaissance operation to obtain detailed information of a specified route and all terrain from which the enemy could influence movement along that route. (FM 3-90)
S
Scheme Of Fires
(Joint) The detailed, logical sequence of targets and fire support events to find and engage targets to support the commander’s objectives. (JP 3-09)
Screen
A type of security operation that primarily provides early warning to the protected force. (ADP 3-90)
Search And Attack
A variation of a movement to contact where a friendly force conducts coordinated attacks to defeat a distributed enemy force. (FM 3-90)
Sector
An operational area assigned to a unit in the defense that has rear and lateral boundaries and interlocking fires. (FM 3-0)
Sector Of Fire
That area assigned to a unit or weapon system in which it will engage the enemy according to the established engagement priorities. (FM 3-90)
Secure
A tactical mission task in which a unit prevents the enemy from damaging or destroying a force, facility, or geographical location. (FM 3-90)
Security
Measures taken by a military unit, activity, or installation to protect itself against all acts designed to, or which may, impair its effectiveness. (JP 3-10)
Security Area
That area occupied by a unit’s security elements and includes the areas of influence of those security elements. (ADP 3-90)
Security Objective
The most important entity to protect during that specific security effort. (FM 3-90)
Security Operations
Those operations performed by commanders to provide early and accurate warning of enemy operations, to provide the forces being protected with time and maneuver space within which to react to the enemy, and to develop the situation to allow commanders to effectively use their protected forces. (ADP 3-90)
Seize
(Army) A tactical mission task in which a unit takes possession of a designated area by using overwhelming force. (FM 3-90)
Sequential Relief In Place
Occurs when each element within the relieved unit is relieved in successions, from right to left or left to right, depending on how it is deployed. (ADP 3-90).
Simultaneous Relief In Place
Occurs when all elements are relieved at the same time. (ADP 3-90)
Single Envelopment
A variation of envelopment where a force attacks along one flank of an enemy force. (FM 3-90)
Situational Obstacle
An obstacle that a unit plans and possibly prepares prior to starting an operation, but does not execute unless specific criteria are met. (ATP 3-90.8)
Spoiling Attack
A variation of an attack employed against an enemy preparing for an attack. (FM 3-90)
Staggered Relief In Place
Occurs when a commander relieves each element in a sequence determined by the tactical situation, not its geographical orientation. (ADP 3-90)
Start Point
A designated place on a route where elements fall under the control of a designated march commander. (FM 3-90)
Stay-behind Operation
An operation in which a unit remains in position to conduct a specified mission while the remainder of the force withdraws or retires from an area. (FM 3-90)
Striking Force
A dedicated counterattack force in a mobile defense constituted with the bulk of available combat power. (ADP 3-90)
Strong Point
A heavily fortified battle position tied to a natural or reinforcing obstacle to create an anchor for the defense or to deny the enemy decisive or key terrain. (ADP 3-90)
Subsequent Position
A position that a unit expects to move to during the course of battle. (FM 3-90)
Supplementary Position
A defensive position located within a unit’s assigned area that provides the best sectors of fire and defensive terrain along an avenue of approach that is not the primary avenue where the enemy is expected to attack. (FM 3-90)
Support By Fire
A tactical mission task in which a unit engages the enemy by direct fire in support of another maneuvering force. (FM 3-90)
Support By Fire Position
The general position from which a unit performs the tactical mission task of support by fire. (ADP 3-90)
Supporting Effort
A designated subordinate unit with a mission that supports the success of the main effort. (ADP 3-0)
Suppress
A tactical mission task in which a unit temporarily degrades a force or weapon system from accomplishing its mission. (FM 3-90)
Suppression
(Joint) Temporary or transient degradation by an opposing force of the performance of a weapons system below the level needed to fulfill its mission objectives. (JP 3-01) (Army) In the context of the computed effects of field artillery fires, renders a target ineffective for a short period of time producing suppression of enemy air defenses at least 3-percent casualties or materiel damage. (FM 3-09)
Surveillance
The systematic observation of aerospace, cyberspace, surface or subsurface areas, places, persons, or things by visual, aural, electronic, photographic, or other means. (JP 3-0)
Survivability
(Army, Marine Corps) A quality or capability of military forces which permits them to avoid or withstand hostile actions or environmental conditions while retaining the ability to fulfill their primary mission. (ATP 3-37.34)
Survivability Operations
Those protection activities that alter the physical environment by providing or improving cover, camouflage, and concealment. (ATP 3-37.34)
Sustainment
(Army) The provision of logistics, financial management, personnel services, and health service support necessary to maintain operations until successful mission completion. (ADP 4-0)
T
Tactical Assembly Area
An area that is generally out of the reach of light artillery and the location where units make final preparations (precombat checks and inspections) and rest, prior to moving to the line of departure. (JP 3-35)
Tactical Mission Task
The specific activity a unit performs while executing a tactical operation or form of maneuver. (FM 3-90)
Tactical Movement
A movement in which troops and vehicles are arranged to protect combat forces during movement when a threat of enemy interference is possible. (FM 3-90)
Tactical Road March
A rapid movement used to relocate units within an assigned area to prepare for combat operations. (FM 3-90)
Tactics
(Army) The employment, ordered arrangement, and directed actions of forces in relation to each other. (ADP 3-90)
Tailgate Medical Support
An economy of force device employed primarily to retain maximum mobility during movement halts or to avoid the time and effort required to set up a formal, operational treatment facility (for example, during rapid advance and retrograde operations). (FM 4-02)
Target Reference Point
A predetermined point of reference, normally a permanent structure or terrain feature that can be used when describing a target location. (JP 3-09.3)
Tempo
The relative speed and rhythm of military operations over time with respect to the enemy. (ADP 3-0)
Terminal Attack Control
The authority to control the maneuver of and grant weapons release clearance to attacking aircraft. (JP 3-09.3)
Terrain Management
The process of allocating terrain by specifying locations for units and activities to deconflict activities that might interfere with each other. (FM 3-90)
Traveling
A movement technique used when speed is necessary and contact with enemy forces is not likely. (FM 3-90)
Traveling Overwatch
A movement technique used when contact with enemy forces is possible. (FM 3-90)
Trigger Line
A phase line located on identifiable terrain used to initiate and mass fires into an engagement area at a predetermined range. (FM 3-90)
Troop Leading Procedures
A dynamic process used by small-unit leaders to analyze a mission, develop a plan, and prepare for an operation. (ADP 5-0)
Troop Movement
The movement of Soldiers and units from one place to another by any available means. (FM 3-90)
Turn
An obstacle effect that integrates fire planning and obstacle effort to divert an enemy formation from one avenue of approach to an adjacent avenue of approach or into an engagement area. (FM 3-90)
Turning Movement
(Army) A form of maneuver in which the attacking force seeks to avoid the enemy’s principal defensive positions by attacking to the rear of their current positions forcing them to move or divert forces to meet the threat. (FM 3-90)
V
Vertical Envelopment
A variation of envelopment where air-dropped or airlanded troops attack an enemy forces rear, flank, or both. (FM 3-90)
W
Warfighting Function
A group of tasks and systems united by a common purpose that commanders use to accomplish missions and training objectives. (ADP 3-0)
Withdraw
To disengage from an enemy force and move in a direction away from the enemy. (ADP 3-90)
Z
Zone
An operational area assigned to a unit in the offense that only has rear and lateral boundaries. (FM 3-0)
Zone Reconnaissance
A form of reconnaissance operation that involves a directed effort to obtain detailed information on all routes, obstacles, terrain, and enemy forces within a zone defined by boundaries. (FM 3-90)
End of Manual (Final Page)