JP 1-02

Joint Publication 1-02

Department of Defense

Dictionary of

Military and Associated Terms

12 April 2001

(As Amended Through

April 2010)

As Amended Through April 2010

PREFACE

JP 1-02 i

1. Scope

The Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms (short

title: Joint Pub 1-02 or JP 1-02) sets forth standard US military and associated terminology

to encompass the joint activity of the Armed Forces of the United States in both US joint

and allied joint operations, as well as to encompass the Department of Defense (DOD) as a

whole. These military and associated terms, together with their definitions, constitute

approved DOD terminology for general use by all components of the Department of

Defense. The Secretary of Defense, by DOD Directive 5025.12, 23 August 1989,

Standardization of Military and Associated Terminology, has directed the use of JP 1-02

throughout the Department of Defense to ensure standardization of military and associated

terminology.

2. Purpose

This publication supplements standard English-language dictionaries with standard

terminology for military and associated use. However, it is not the intent of this publication

to restrict the authority of the joint force commander (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 mission.

3. Application — DOD and NATO Activities

JP 1-02 is promulgated for mandatory use by the Office of the Secretary of Defense,

Military Departments, Joint Staff, combatant commands, Defense agencies, and any other

DOD components. DOD terminology herein is to be used without alteration unless a

distinctly different context or application is intended. To provide a common interpretation

of terminology at home and abroad, US officials, when participating in the North Atlantic

Treaty Organization (NATO) or dealing with NATO matters, will use NATO terminology.

When a NATO standard for a term or definition does not exist, applicable DOD terminology

(if any) may be used.

Note concerning DOD-NATO Standardization: The United States is a signatory to

NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 3680, which ratifies the NATO Glossary of

Terms and Definitions (English and French) (short title: AAP-6). Under the provisions

of STANAG 3680, AAP-6 is established as the primary glossary for NATO. The United

States carries out its obligation to implement STANAG 3680 in the following manner: (a)

English-language entries approved for AAP-6 may be proposed by DOD elements for

inclusion in JP 1-02 as DOD-NATO entries. The purpose of such proposals is to increase

multinational standardization. After DOD-wide staffing by the US NATO Military

Terminology Group (USNMTG), terminology so approved for inclusion in JP 1-02 and

DOD-wide use will appear, along with DOD-only entries, in JP 1-02 with an asterisk in

parentheses after the term to denote DOD-NATO standardization of terminology, referred to

as “alignment” in NATO. (b) As stated in paragraph 3, US officials will adhere to NATO

Preface As Amended Through April 2010

ii JP 1-02

terminology when engaged in NATO matters, provided that applicable terminology exists.

address cited in paragraph 7.

4. Criteria for Terms

The following criteria are used to determine the acceptability of terminology for

inclusion in JP 1-02:

a. Inadequate coverage in a standard, commonly accepted dictionary, e.g., by Merriam-

Webster.

b. Terminology should be of general military or associated significance. Technical or

highly specialized terms may be included if they can be defined in easily understood

language and if their inclusion is of general military or associated significance.

c. Terms for weaponry are limited to generic weapon systems.

d. Unless there are special reasons to the contrary, terms and definitions are not to

consist of or contain abbreviations or other shortened forms, e.g., acronyms.

e. Only UNCLASSIFIED terminology will be included.

f. Dictionary entries will not be provided for prowords, code words, brevity words, or

NATO-only terms.

g. Dictionary entries will not be Service-specific or functionality-specific unless they

are commonly employed by US joint forces as a whole.

h. Dictionary entries will not consist of components or sub-components contained in

missiles, aircraft, equipment, weapons, etc.

5. Other DOD Dictionaries

Other dictionaries or glossaries for DOD use will be published ONLY AFTER

coordination with the USNMTG and approval by the Director for Operational Plans and

Joint Force Development (J-7), Joint Staff.

6. Publication Format

This edition of JP 1-02 has been published in two basic parts:

a. Main Body. This part of the dictionary contains all terms and definitions approved

for use within the Department of Defense, to include those terms and definitions that are

approved for both DOD and NATO use. Each entry approved for both DOD and NATO

appears with an asterisk in parentheses, i.e., (*), after the term to denote DOD-NATO

acceptance.

As Amended Through April 2010 Preface

JP 1-02 iii

Note: In rare instances, a term may have a combination of DOD-only definitions and DOD-

NATO definitions. In these instances, though an asterisk will appear after the term to

denote DOD-NATO standardization, DOD-only definitions will be preceded by “DOD

only” in parentheses.

b. Appendix A. Appendix A contains a listing of current abbreviations and acronyms

in common use within the Department of Defense. This is by no means a complete list of

DOD abbreviations and acronyms. Rather, it serves as a guide to current DOD usage in

abbreviations and acronyms.

7. JP 1-02 on the Internet

a. JP 1-02 is accessible on-line at the following internet address:

http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/doddict

and the following NIPRNET address:

https://jdeis.js.mil

where it is available in both electronic publication and searchable database formats.

b. As changes are approved for JP 1-02, they are added to the internet version, making

the internet version of JP 1-02 more up-to-date than any printed edition. The internet

version thus provides the latest changes worldwide between regular printed editions.

For the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

S. A. FRY

Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy

Director, Joint Staff

Preface As Amended Through April 2010

iv JP 1-02

Intentionally Blank

As Amended Through April 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

JP 1-02 v

PAGE

MAIN BODY ............................................................................................................................. 1

APPENDIX

A Abbreviations and Acronyms ................................................................................. A-1

B Department of Defense Terminology Community Points of Contact .................. B-1

C Administrative Instructions .................................................................................... C-1

Table of Contents As Amended Through April 2010

vi JP 1-02

Intentionally Blank

As Amended Through April 2010

JP 1-02 1

abort — (*) 1. To terminate a mission for any reason other than enemy action. It may

occur at any point after the beginning of the mission and prior to its completion. 2. To

discontinue aircraft takeoff or missile launch.

absolute altimeter — (*) A type of altimeter which measures vertical distance to the

surface below, using radio, radar, sonic, laser, or capacitive technology.

absolute filter — (*) A filter capable of cutting off 100% by weight of solid particles

greater than a stated micron size.

absolute height — (*) The height of an aircraft directly above the surface or terrain over

which it is flying. See also altitude.

acceptability — The joint operation plan review criterion for assessing whether the

contemplated course of action is proportional and worth the cost in personnel,

equipment, materiel, time involved, or position; is consistent with the law of war; and is

militarily and politically supportable. See also adequacy; feasibility. (JP 5-0)

access to classified information — The ability and opportunity to obtain knowledge of

classified information. Persons have access to classified information if they are

permitted to gain knowledge of the information or if they are in a place where they

would be expected to gain such knowledge. Persons do not have access to classified

information by being in a place where classified information is kept if security

measures prevent them from gaining knowledge of the information.

accompanying supplies — Unit supplies that deploy with forces.

accountability — The obligation imposed by law or lawful order or regulation on an officer

or other person for keeping accurate record of property, documents, or funds. The

person having this obligation may or may not have actual possession of the property,

documents, or funds. Accountability is concerned primarily with records, while

responsibility is concerned primarily with custody, care, and safekeeping. See also

responsibility.

accuracy of fire — (*) The precision of fire expressed by the closeness of a grouping of

shots at and around the center of the target.

accuracy of information — See evaluation.

acoustical surveillance — Employment of electronic devices, including sound-recording,

-receiving, or -transmitting equipment, for the collection of information.

acoustic intelligence — Intelligence derived from the collection and processing of acoustic

phenomena. Also called ACINT. (JP 2-0)

As Amended Through April 2010

2 JP 1-02

acoustic jamming — The deliberate radiation or reradiation of mechanical or

electroacoustic signals with the objectives of obliterating or obscuring signals that the

enemy is attempting to receive and of disrupting enemy weapons systems. See also

barrage jamming; electronic warfare; jamming; spot jamming.

acoustic mine — (*) A mine with an acoustic circuit which responds to the acoustic field

of a ship or sweep. See also mine.

acoustic minehunting — (*) The use of a sonar to detect mines or mine-like objects which

may be on or protruding from the seabed, or buried.

acoustic warfare — (*) Action involving the use of underwater acoustic energy to

determine, exploit, reduce, or prevent hostile use of the underwater acoustic spectrum

and actions which retain friendly use of the underwater acoustic spectrum. Also called

AW. There are three divisions within acoustic warfare. 1. acoustic warfare support

measures. That aspect of acoustic warfare involving actions to search for, intercept,

locate, record, and analyze radiated acoustic energy in water for the purpose of

exploiting such radiations. The use of acoustic warfare support measures involves no

intentional underwater acoustic emission and is generally not detectable by the enemy.

Also called AWSM. 2. acoustic warfare countermeasures. That aspect of acoustic

warfare involving actions taken to prevent or reduce an enemy’s effective use of the

underwater acoustic spectrum. Acoustic warfare countermeasures involve intentional

underwater acoustic emissions for deception and jamming. Also called AWCM. 3.

acoustic warfare counter-countermeasures. That aspect of acoustic warfare

involving actions taken to ensure friendly effective use of the underwater acoustic

spectrum despite the enemy’s use of underwater acoustic warfare. Acoustic warfare

counter-countermeasures involve anti-acoustic warfare support measures and anti-

acoustic warfare countermeasures, and may not involve underwater acoustic emissions.

Also called AWCCM.

acoustic warfare counter-countermeasures — See acoustic warfare Part 3.

acoustic warfare countermeasures — See acoustic warfare Part 2.

acoustic warfare support measures — See acoustic warfare Part 1.

acquisition and cross-servicing agreement — Agreements negotiated on a bilateral basis

with US allies or coalition partners that allow US forces to exchange most common

types of support, including food, fuel, transportation, ammunition, and equipment.

Authority to negotiate these agreements is usually delegated to the combatant

commander by the Secretary of Defense. Authority to execute these agreements lies

with the Secretary of Defense, and may or may not be delegated. Governed by legal

guidelines, these agreements are used for contingencies, peacekeeping operations,

unforeseen emergencies, or exercises to correct logistic deficiencies that cannot be

adequately corrected by national means. The support received or given is reimbursed

As Amended Through April 2010

JP 1-02 3

under the conditions of the acquisition and cross-servicing agreement. Also called

ACSA. See also cross-servicing; servicing. (JP 4-08)

action agent — In intelligence usage, one who has access to, and performs actions against,

the target.

action information center — See air defense control center; combat information

center.

action phase — In amphibious operations, the period of time between the arrival of the

landing forces of the amphibious force in the operational area and the accomplishment

of their mission. See also amphibious force; amphibious operation; landing force;

mission. (JP 3-02)

activation — Order to active duty (other than for training) in the federal service. See also

active duty; federal service. (JP 4-05)

activation detector — (*) A device used to determine neutron flux or density by virtue of

the radioactivity induced in it as a result of neutron capture.

active air defense — Direct defensive action taken to destroy, nullify, or reduce the

effectiveness of hostile air and missile threats against friendly forces and assets. It

includes the use of aircraft, air defense weapons, electronic warfare, and other available

weapons. See also air defense. (JP 3-01)

active communications satellite — See communications satellite.

active defense — The employment of limited offensive action and counterattacks to deny a

contested area or position to the enemy. See also passive defense.

active duty — Full-time duty in the active military service of the United States. This

includes members of the Reserve Component serving on active duty or full-time

training duty, but does not include full-time National Guard duty. Also called AD. See

also active duty for training; inactive duty training. (JP 4-05)

active duty for special work — A tour of active duty for reserve personnel authorized from

military and reserve personnel appropriations for work on active or reserve component

programs. This includes annual screening, training camp operations, training ship

operations, and unit conversion to new weapon systems when such duties are essential.

Active duty for special work may also be authorized to support study groups, training

sites and exercises, short-term projects, and doing administrative or support functions.

By policy, active duty for special work tours are normally limited to 179 days or less in

one fiscal year. Tours exceeding 180 days are accountable against active duty end

strength.

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4 JP 1-02

active duty for training — A tour of active duty which is used for training members of the

Reserve Components to provide trained units and qualified persons to fill the needs of

the Armed Forces in time of war or national emergency and such other times as the

national security requires. The member is under orders that provide for return to

non-active status when the period of active duty for training is completed. This

includes annual training, special tours of active duty for training, school tours, and the

initial duty for training performed by nonprior service enlistees. Also called ADT.

Active Guard and Reserve — National Guard and Reserve members who are on voluntary

active duty providing full-time support to National Guard, Reserve, and Active

Component organizations for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting,

instructing, or training the Reserve Components. Also called AGR. (CJCSM 3150.13)

active homing guidance — (*) A system of homing guidance wherein both the source for

illuminating the target and the receiver for detecting the energy reflected from the target

as the result of the illumination are carried within the missile.

active material — (*) Material, such as plutonium and certain isotopes of uranium, which

is capable of supporting a fission chain reaction.

active mine — (*) A mine actuated by the reflection from a target of a signal emitted by

the mine.

active sealift forces — Military Sealift Command active, common-user sealift and the

afloat pre-positioning force, including the required cargo handling and delivery systems

as well as necessary operating personnel. See also afloat pre-positioning force;

common-user sealift; Military Sealift Command. (JP 4-01.2)

active status — Status of all Reserves except those on an inactive status list or in the

Retired Reserve. Reservists in an active status may train for points and/or pay and may

be considered for promotion.

activity — 1. A unit, organization, or installation performing a function or mission, e.g.,

reception center, redistribution center, naval station, naval shipyard. 2. A function,

mission, action, or collection of actions. Also called ACT. See also establishment.

act of mercy — In personnel recovery, assistance rendered to evaders by an individual or

elements of the local population who sympathize or empathize with the evaders’ cause

or plight. See also evader; evasion; recovery; recovery operations. (JP 3-50)

actual ground zero — (*) The point on the surface of the Earth at, or vertically below or

above, the center of an actual nuclear detonation. See also desired ground zero;

ground zero.

As Amended Through April 2010

JP 1-02 5

actuate — (*) To operate a mine-firing mechanism by an influence or a series of influences

in such a way that all the requirements of the mechanism for firing, or for registering a

target count, are met.

acute care services — Medical services provided for patients with conditions that generally

have a rapid onset and follow a short course or require immediate attention. Most

battlefield care rendered after wounding, illness, or injury onset is acute care service.

Acute care service is delivered after the onset of symptoms, which differentiates it from

preventive care that is delivered before symptoms appear. (JP 4-02)

acute radiation dose —Total ionizing radiation dose received at one time and over a period

so short that biological recovery cannot occur. (JP 3-11)

acute radiation syndrome — An acute illness caused by irradiation of the body by a high

dose of penetrating radiation in a very short period of time. Also called ARS. (JP 3-

11)

adequacy — The joint operation plan review criterion for assessing whether the scope and

concept of planned operations can accomplish the assigned mission and comply with

the planning guidance provided. See also acceptability; feasibility. (JP 5-0)

adjust — An order to the observer or spotter to initiate an adjustment on a designated target.

administrative contracting officer — Contracting officer whose primary duties involve

contract administration. Also called ACO. See also contracting officer; procuring

contracting officer. (JP 4-10)

administrative control — Direction or exercise of authority over subordinate or other

organizations in respect to administration and support, including organization of

Service forces, control of resources and equipment, personnel management, unit

logistics, individual and unit training, readiness, mobilization, demobilization,

discipline, and other matters not included in the operational missions of the subordinate

or other organizations. Also called ADCON. (JP 1)

administrative landing — An unopposed landing involving debarkation from vessels that

have been administratively loaded. See also administrative loading; administrative

movement; logistics over-the-shore operations.

administrative loading — (*) A loading system which gives primary consideration to

achieving maximum utilization of troop and cargo space without regard to tactical

considerations. Equipment and supplies must be unloaded and sorted before they can

be used. Also called commercial loading. See also loading.

administrative movement — (*) A movement in which troops and vehicles are arranged

to expedite their movement and conserve time and energy when no enemy interference,

except by air, is anticipated.

As Amended Through April 2010

6 JP 1-02

administrative order — (*) An order covering traffic, supplies, maintenance, evacuation,

personnel, and other administrative details.

advanced base — A base located in or near an operational area whose primary mission is to

support military operations.

advanced geospatial intelligence — Refers to the technical, geospatial, and intelligence

information derived through interpretation or analysis using advanced processing of all

data collected by imagery or imagery-related collection systems. Also known as

imagery-derived measurement and signature intelligence. Also called AGI. (JP 2-03)

advanced operations base — In special operations, a small temporary base established

near or within a joint special operations area to command, control, and/or support

training or tactical operations. Facilities are normally austere. The base may be ashore

or afloat. If ashore, it may include an airfield or unimproved airstrip, a pier, or an

anchorage. An advanced operations base is normally controlled and/or supported by a

main operations base or a forward operations base. Also called AOB. See also

forward operations base; main operations base. (JP 3-05.1)

advance force — A temporary organization within the amphibious task force which

precedes the main body to the objective area, for preparing the objective for the main

assault by conducting such operations as reconnaissance, seizure of supporting

positions, mine countermeasures, preliminary bombardment, underwater demolitions,

and air support. (JP 3-02)

advance guard — Detachment sent ahead of the main force to ensure its uninterrupted

advance; to protect the main body against surprise; to facilitate the advance by

removing obstacles and repairing roads and bridges; and to cover the deployment of the

main body if it is committed to action.

adversary — A party acknowledged as potentially hostile to a friendly party and against

which the use of force may be envisaged. (JP 3-0)

adversary template — A model based on an adversary’s known or postulated preferred

methods of operation illustrating the disposition and activity of adversary forces and

assets conducting a particular operation unconstrained by the impact of the operational

environment. (JP 2-01.3)

advisory area — (*) A designated area within a flight information region where air traffic

advisory service is available.

aerial picket — See air picket.

aerial port — An airfield that has been designated for the sustained air movement of

personnel and materiel as well as an authorized port for entrance into or departure from

As Amended Through April 2010

JP 1-02 7

the country where located. Also called APORT. See also port of debarkation; port

of embarkation. (JP 3-17)

aerial port squadron — An Air Force organization that operates and provides the functions

assigned to aerial ports, including processing personnel and cargo, rigging for airdrop,

packing parachutes, loading equipment, preparing air cargo and load plans, loading and

securing aircraft, ejecting cargo for inflight delivery, and supervising units engaged in

aircraft loading and unloading operations.

aerodynamic missile — (*) A missile which uses aerodynamic forces to maintain its flight

path. See also ballistic missile; guided missile.

aeromedical evacuation — The movement of patients under medical supervision to and

between medical treatment facilities by air transportation. Also called AE. (JP 4-02)

aeromedical evacuation control team — A core team assigned to a component-numbered

air force, Air Force air and space operations center, or air mobility division that

provides command and control of assigned aeromedical evacuation forces. Also called

AECT. See also aeromedical evacuation; air mobility division. (JP 3-17)

aeromedical evacuation coordination center — A coordination center within the joint air

operations center’s airlift coordination cell that monitors all activities related to

aeromedical evacuation (AE) operations execution. It manages the medical aspects of

the AE mission and serves as the net control station for AE communications. It

coordinates medical requirements with airlift capability, assigns medical missions to

the appropriate AE elements, and monitors patient movement activities. Also called

AECC. See also aeromedical evacuation; aeromedical evacuation system;

aeromedical evacuation unit. (JP 4-02.2)

aeromedical evacuation system — A system that provides: a. control of patient movement

by air transport; b. specialized medical aircrew, medical crew augmentees, and

specialty medical attendants and equipment for inflight medical care; c. facilities on or

in the vicinity of air strips and air bases for the limited medical care of intransit patients

entering, en route via, or leaving the system; and d. communication with originating,

destination, and en route medical facilities concerning patient transportation. Also

called AES. See also aeromedical evacuation. (JP 4-02.2)

aeromedical evacuation unit — An operational medical organization concerned primarily

with the management and control of patients being transported via an aeromedical

evacuation system or system echelon. See also forward aeromedical evacuation.

aeronautical chart — A specialized representation of mapped features of the Earth, or

some part of it, produced to show selected terrain, cultural and hydrographic features,

and supplemental information required for air navigation, pilotage, or for planning air

operations.

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8 JP 1-02

aeronautical information overprint — (*) Additional information which is printed or

stamped on a map or chart for the specific purpose of air navigation.

aeronautical plotting chart — (*) A chart designed for the graphical processes of

navigation.

aerospace — Of, or pertaining to, Earth’s envelope of atmosphere and the space above it;

two separate entities considered as a single realm for activity in launching, guidance,

and control of vehicles that will travel in both entities.

aerospace defense — 1. All defensive measures designed to destroy or nullify attacking

enemy aircraft and missiles and also negate hostile space systems. 2. An inclusive

term encompassing air defense, ballistic missile defense, and space defense. See also

air defense; space defense. (JP 3-27)

afloat pre-positioning force — Shipping maintained in full operational status to afloat pre-

position military equipment and supplies in support of combatant commanders’

operation plans. The afloat pre-positioning force consists of the three maritime pre-

positioning ships squadrons, the Army’s afloat pre-positioning stocks-3 ships, and the

Navy, Defense Logistics Agency, and Air Force ships. Also called APF. See also

maritime pre-positioning ships. (JP 4-01.2)

afloat pre-positioning operations — Pre-positioning of ships, preloaded with equipment

and supplies (including ammunition and petroleum) that provides for an alternative to

land-based programs. This concept provides for ships and onboard force support

equipment and supplies positioned near potential crisis areas that can be delivered

rapidly to joint airlifted forces in the operational area. Afloat pre-positioning in

forward areas enhances a force’s capability to respond to a crisis, resulting in faster

reaction time. See also operation. (JP 4-01.6)

afloat pre-positioning ships — Forward deployed merchant ships loaded with tactical

equipment and supplies to support the initial deployment of military forces. Also called

APS. See also merchant ship. (JP 4-01.2)

afloat support — (*) A form of logistic support outside the confines of a harbor in which

fuel, ammunition, and supplies are provided for operating forces either underway or at

anchor. See also floating base support.

agency — In intelligence usage, an organization or individual engaged in collecting and/or

processing information. Also called collection agency. See also agent; intelligence

process; source. (JP 2-01)

agent — In intelligence usage, one who is authorized or instructed to obtain or to assist in

obtaining information for intelligence or counterintelligence purposes.

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JP 1-02 9

agent authentication — The technical support task of providing an agent with personal

documents, accoutrements, and equipment which have the appearance of authenticity

as to claimed origin and which support and are consistent with the agent’s cover story.

agent net — An organization for clandestine purposes that operates under the direction of a

principal agent.

aimpoint — 1. A point associated with a target and assigned for a specific weapon impact.

May be defined descriptively (e.g., vent in center of roof), by grid reference, or

geolocation. More specific classifications of aimpoint include desired point of impact,

joint desired point of impact, and desired mean point of impact. 2. A prominent radar-

significant feature, for example a tip of land or bridge, used to assist an aircrew in

navigating and delivering their weapons (usually in bad weather and/or at night). See

also desired mean point of impact; desired point of impact. (JP 3-60)

air — (*) In artillery and naval gunfire support, a spotting, or an observation, by a spotter

or an observer to indicate that a burst or group of bursts occurred before impact.

air alert — See airborne alert; air defense warning conditions; ground alert.

air and space expeditionary task force — A deployed numbered air force or command

echelon immediately subordinate to a numbered air force provided as the United States

Air Force component command committed to a joint operation. Also called AETF.

See also air expeditionary force; air expeditionary wing. (JP 3-30)

air and space operations center — The senior agency of the Air Force component

commander that provides command and control of Air Force air and space operations

and coordinates with other components and Services. Also called AOC. (JP 3-30)

air apportionment — See apportionment (air). (JP 3-30)

air assault — The movement of friendly assault forces (combat, combat support, and

combat service support) by rotary-wing aircraft to engage and destroy enemy forces or

to seize and hold key terrain. See also assault. (JP 3-18)

air assault force — A force composed primarily of ground and rotary-wing air units

organized, equipped, and trained for air assault operations. (JP 3-18)

air assault operation — An operation in which assault forces (combat, combat support, and

combat service support), using the mobility of rotary-wing assets and the total

integration of available firepower, maneuver under the control of a ground or air

maneuver commander to engage enemy forces or to seize and hold key terrain. (JP

3-18)

airborne — 1. In relation to personnel, troops especially trained to effect, following

transport by air, an assault debarkation, either by parachuting or touchdown. 2. In

As Amended Through April 2010

10 JP 1-02

relation to equipment, pieces of equipment that have been especially designed for use

by airborne troops during or after an assault debarkation. It also designates some

aeronautical equipment used to accomplish a particular mission. 3. When applied to

materiel, items that form an integral part of the aircraft. 4. The state of an aircraft,

from the instant it becomes entirely sustained by air until it ceases to be so sustained. A

lighter-than-air aircraft is not considered to be airborne when it is attached to the

ground, except that moored balloons are airborne whenever sent aloft. Also called

ABN. See also air transportable unit. (JP 3-17)

airborne alert — (*) A state of aircraft readiness wherein combat-equipped aircraft are

airborne and ready for immediate action. See also fighter cover. (DOD only) It is

designed to reduce reaction time and to increase survivability. See also combat air

patrol; fighter cover; ground alert.

airborne assault — See assault phase, Part 2.

airborne command post — (*) A suitably equipped aircraft used by the commander for

the control of his or her forces.

airborne early warning — The detection of enemy air or surface units by radar or other

equipment carried in an airborne vehicle, and the transmitting of a warning to friendly

units. Also called AEW.

airborne early warning and control — (*) Air surveillance and control provided by

airborne early warning aircraft which are equipped with search and height-finding radar

and communications equipment for controlling weapon systems. Also called AEW &

C. See also air picket.

airborne force — (*) A force composed primarily of ground and air units organized,

equipped, and trained for airborne operations. See also force(s).

airborne interception equipment — (*) A fire control system, including radar equipment,

installed in interceptor aircraft used to effect air interception.

airborne lift — The total capacities expressed in terms of personnel and cargo that are, or

can be, carried by available aircraft in one trip.

airborne mission coordinator — The designated individual that serves as an airborne

extension of the component commander or supported commander responsible for the

personnel recovery mission, through the designated personnel recovery task force to

manage requirements for the rescue force by monitoring the status of all its elements,

requesting additional assets when needed, and ensuring the recovery and supporting

forces arrive at their designated areas to accomplish the mission. Also called AMC.

See also combat search and rescue; combat search and rescue task force;

personnel recovery coordination cell. (JP 3-50)

As Amended Through April 2010

JP 1-02 11

airborne operation — An operation involving the air movement into an objective area of

combat forces and their logistic support for execution of a tactical, operational, or

strategic mission. The means employed may be any combination of airborne units, air

transportable units, and types of transport aircraft, depending on the mission and the

overall situation. See also assault; assault phase. (JP 3-18)

airborne troops — Those ground units whose primary mission is to make assault landings

from the air. See also troops.

air-breathing missile — A missile with an engine requiring the intake of air for combustion

of its fuel, as in a ramjet or turbojet. To be contrasted with the rocket missile, which

carries its own oxidizer and can operate beyond the atmosphere.

airburst — (*) An explosion of a bomb or projectile above the surface as distinguished

from an explosion on contact with the surface or after penetration. See also types of

burst.

air-capable ship — A ship other than aircraft carrier; aircraft carrier, nuclear; amphibious

assault ship, landing platform helicopter; general purpose amphibious assault ship; or

general purpose amphibious assault ship (with internal dock) from which aircraft can

take off, be recovered, or routinely receive and transfer logistic support. See also

aviation ship. (JP 3-04)

air cargo — (*) Stores, equipment or vehicles, which do not form part of the aircraft, and

are either part or all of its payload.

air cartographic camera — (*) A camera having the accuracy and other characteristics

essential for air survey or cartographic photography. Also called mapping camera.

air cartographic photography — (*) The taking and processing of air photographs for

mapping and charting purposes.

air component coordination element — An Air Force component element that interfaces

and provides liaison with the joint force land component commander, or commander

Army forces. The air component coordination element is the senior Air Force element

assisting the joint force land component commander, or commander Army forces in

planning air component supporting and supported requirements. Also called ACCE.

(JP 3-30)

air corridor — A restricted air route of travel specified for use by friendly aircraft and

established for the purpose of preventing friendly aircraft from being fired on by

friendly forces. (JP 3-52)

aircraft arresting barrier — (*) A device, not dependent on an aircraft arresting hook,

used to stop an aircraft by absorbing its forward momentum in an emergency landing or

As Amended Through April 2010

12 JP 1-02

an aborted takeoff. Also called barricade; emergency barrier. See also aircraft

arresting system.

aircraft arresting cable — (*) That portion of an aircraft arresting system which spans the

runway surface or flight deck landing area and is engaged by the aircraft arresting

hook. Also called aircraft arresting wire.

aircraft arresting gear — (*) A device used to engage hook-equipped aircraft to absorb

the forward momentum of a routine or emergency landing or aborted takeoff. See also

aircraft arresting system.

aircraft arresting hook — (*) A device fitted to an aircraft to engage arresting gear. Also

called tail hook. See also aircraft arresting system.

aircraft arresting system — (*) A series of components used to stop an aircraft by

absorbing its momentum in a routine or emergency landing or aborted takeoff. See also

aircraft arresting barrier; aircraft arresting gear; aircraft arresting hook.

aircraft arresting wire — See aircraft arresting cable. See also aircraft arresting

system.

aircraft arrestment — (*) Controlled stopping of an aircraft by external means.

aircraft captain — See aircraft commander.

aircraft carrier — A warship designed to support and operate aircraft, engage in attacks on

targets afloat or ashore, and engage in sustained operations in support of other forces.

Designated as CV or CVN. CVN is nuclear powered.

aircraft commander — (*) The aircrew member designated by competent authority as

being in command of an aircraft and responsible for its safe operation and

accomplishment of the assigned mission. Also called AC.

aircraft control and warning system — A system established to control and report the

movement of aircraft. It consists of observation facilities (radar, passive electronic,

visual, or other means), control center, and necessary communications.

aircraft cross-servicing — (*) Services performed on an aircraft by an organization other

than that to which the aircraft is assigned, according to an established operational

aircraft cross-servicing requirement, and for which there may be a charge. Aircraft

cross-servicing has been divided into two categories: a. Stage A cross-servicing: The

servicing of an aircraft on an airfield/ship which enables the aircraft to be flown to

another airfield/ship. b. Stage B cross-servicing: The servicing of an aircraft on an

airfield/ship which enables the aircraft to be flown on an operational mission. See also

aircraft transient servicing.

As Amended Through April 2010

JP 1-02 13

aircraft loading table — A data sheet used by the airlift commander containing

information as to the load that actually goes into each aircraft.

aircraft mission equipment — (*) Equipment that must be fitted to an aircraft to enable it

to fulfill a particular mission or task. Also called aircraft role equipment.

aircraft modification — (*) A change in the physical characteristics of aircraft,

accomplished either by a change in production specifications or by alteration of items

already produced.

aircraft role equipment — See aircraft mission equipment.

aircraft scrambling — (*) Directing the immediate takeoff of aircraft from a ground alert

condition of readiness.

aircraft store — (*) Any device intended for internal or external carriage and mounted on

aircraft suspension and release equipment, whether or not the item is intended to be

separated in flight from the aircraft. Aircraft stores are classified in two categories as

follows. a. expendable store — An aircraft store normally separated from the aircraft

in flight such as a missile, rocket, bomb, nuclear weapon, mine, torpedo, pyrotechnic

device, sonobuoy, signal underwater sound device, or other similar items. b.

nonexpendable store — An aircraft store which is not normally separated from the

aircraft in flight such as a tank (fuel and spray), line-source disseminator, pod

(refueling, thrust augmentation, gun, electronic attack, data link, etc.), multiple rack,

target, cargo drop container, drone, or other similar items. See also payload.

aircraft tiedown — Securing aircraft when parked in the open to restrain movement due to

the weather or condition of the parking area.

aircraft transient servicing — (*) Services performed on an aircraft by an organization

other than that to which the aircraft is assigned and for which there may be a financial

charge. This activity is separate from the established aircraft cross-servicing program

and requires that the transient aircrew supervise the correct application of ground crew

procedures. See also aircraft cross-servicing.

aircraft vectoring — (*) The directional control of in-flight aircraft through transmission

of azimuth headings.

air defense — Defensive measures designed to destroy attacking enemy aircraft or missiles

in the atmosphere, or to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of such attack. Also called

AD. See also active air defense; aerospace defense; passive air defense. (JP 3-01)

air defense area — 1. overseas — A specifically defined airspace for which air defense

must be planned and provided. 2. United States — Airspace of defined dimensions

designated by the appropriate agency within which the ready control of airborne

As Amended Through April 2010

14 JP 1-02

vehicles is required in the interest of national security during an air defense emergency.

(JP 3-01)

air defense artillery — Weapons and equipment for actively combating air targets from the

ground. Also called ADA.

air defense control center — The principal information, communications, and operations

center from which all aircraft, antiaircraft operations, air defense artillery, guided

missiles, and air warning functions of a specific area of air defense responsibility are

supervised and coordinated. Also called air defense operations center. See also

combat information center. (JP 3-01)

air defense direction center — An installation having the capability of performing air

surveillance, interception, control, and direction of allocated air defense weapons

within an assigned sector of responsibility. It may also have an identification

capability. (JP 3-01)

air defense early warning — See early warning.

air defense ground environment — (*) The network of ground radar sites and command

and control centers within a specific theater of operations which are used for the tactical

control of air defense operations.

air defense identification zone — Airspace of defined dimensions within which the ready

identification, location, and control of airborne vehicles are required. Also called

ADIZ.

air defense operations center — See air defense control center.

air defense region — A geographical subdivision of an air defense area. (JP 3-01)

air defense sector — A geographical subdivision of an air defense region. (JP 3-01)

air defense warning conditions — A degree of air raid probability according to the

following code. The term air defense region/sector referred to herein may include

forces and units afloat and/or deployed to forward areas, as applicable. Air defense

warning yellow — attack by hostile aircraft and/or missiles is probable. This means

that hostile aircraft and/or missiles are en route toward an air defense region/sector, or

unknown aircraft and/or missiles suspected to be hostile are en route toward or are

within an air defense region/sector. Air defense warning red — attack by hostile

aircraft and/or missiles is imminent or is in progress. This means that hostile aircraft

and/or missiles are within an air defense region/sector or are in the immediate vicinity

of an air defense region/sector with high probability of entering the region/sector. Air

defense warning white — attack by hostile aircraft and/or missiles is improbable.

May be called either before or after air defense warning yellow or red. The initial

declaration of air defense emergency will automatically establish a condition of air

As Amended Through April 2010

JP 1-02 15

defense warning other than white for purposes of security control of air traffic. Also

called ADWCs. (JP 3-01)

air delivery — See airdrop; airland; air movement. (JP 3-17)

air domain — The atmosphere, beginning at the Earth’s surface, extending to the altitude

where its effects upon operations become negligible. (JP 3-30)

airdrop — The unloading of personnel or materiel from aircraft in flight. See also air

movement; free drop; free fall; high velocity drop; low velocity drop. (JP 3-17)

air expeditionary force — Deployed US Air Force wings, groups, and squadrons

committed to a joint operation. Also called AEF. See also air and space

expeditionary task force. (JP 3-33)

air expeditionary wing — A wing or wing slice placed under the administrative control of

an air and space expeditionary task force or air and space task force by Department of

the Air Force orders for a joint operation. Also called AEW. See also air and space

expeditionary task force. (JP 3-33)

air facility — An installation from which air operations may be or are being conducted.