JKO Joint Fires Observer Familiarization Glossary Terms

Air Interdiction (AI)

Air operations conducted to destroy, neutralize, or delay the enemy's military potential before it can be brought to bear effectively against friendly forces at such distance from friendly forces that detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of friendly forces is not required. (JP 1-02)

Air Liaison Officer (ALO)

The senior tactical air control party member attached to a ground unit who functions as the primary advisor to the ground commander on air power. An air liaison officer is usually an aeronautically rated officer.

Air Liaison Officers (ALO)

Air Operations Center (AOC)

The senior agency of the Air Force component commander that provides command and control of Air Force air and space operations and coordinates with other components and Services. (JP 3-30)

Air Superiority

That degree of dominance in the air battle of one force over another that permits the conduct of operations by the former and its related land, sea, and air forces at a given time and place without prohibitive interference by the opposing force. (JP 1-02)

Air Support Operations Center (ASOC)

The principal air control agency of the theater air control system responsible for the direction and control of air operations directly supporting the ground combat element. It processes and coordinates requests for immediate air support and coordinates air missions requiring integration with other supporting arms and ground forces. It normally collocates with the Army tactical headquarters senior fire support coordination center within the ground combat element.

Airspace Control Authority (ACA)

The commander designated to assume overall responsibility for the operation of the airspace control system in the airspace control area. (JP 1-02)

Airspace Coordination Area (ACA)

A three-dimensional block of airspace in a target area, established by the appropriate commander, in which friendly aircraft are reasonably safe from friendly surface fires. (JP 3-09.3)

Airspace Control Order (ACO)

An order implementing the airspace control plan that provides the details of the approved requests for airspace control measures. It is published either as part of the air tasking order or as a separate document. (JP 1-02)

Airspace Coordination Area (ACOA)

A three-dimensional block of airspace in a target area, established by the appropriate ground commander, in which friendly aircraft are reasonably safe from friendly surface fires. The airspace coordination area may be formal or informal. (JP 1-02)

Antiaircraft Artillery (AAA)

Guns engaging military aircraft in combat from the ground.

Area Air Defense Commander (AADC)

Within a unified command, subordinate unified command, or joint task force, the commander will assign overall responsibility for air defense to a single commander. Normally this will be the component commander with the preponderance of air defense capability and the command, control, and communication capability to plan and execute integrated air defense operations. Representation from the other components involved will be provided, as appropriate, to the area air defense commander's headquarters. (JP 1-02)

Army Air

Ground System (AAGS)-The Army system which provides for interface between Army and tactical air support agencies of other services in the planning, evaluating, processing, and coordinating of air support requirements and operations. It is composed of appropriate staff members, including G-2 air and G-3 air personnel, and necessary communication equipment. (JP 1-02)

Battle Damage Assessment (BDA)

The timely and accurate estimate of damage resulting from the application of military force, either lethal or non-lethal, against a predetermined objective. Battle damage assessment can be applied to the employment of all types of weapon systems (air, ground, naval, and special forces weapon systems) throughout the range of military operations. Battle damage assessment is primarily an intelligence responsibility with required inputs and coordination from the operators. Battle damage assessment is composed of physical damage assessment, functional damage assessment, and target system assessment. (JP 1-02)

Boundary

A line that delineates surface areas for the purpose of facilitating coordination and deconfliction of operations between adjacent units, formations, or areas. (JP 1-02)

Close Air Support (CAS)

Air action by fixed- and rotary-wing 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 1-02)

Command And Control (C2)

The exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commander over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of the mission. Command and control functions are performed through an arrangement of personnel, equipment, communications, facilities, and procedures employed by a commander in planning, directing, coordinating, and controlling forces and operations in the accomplishment of the mission. (JP 1-02)

Danger Close

Ordnance delivery inside the 0.1 percent Probability Of Incapacitation (PI) distance. The supported commander must accept responsibility for the risk to friendly forces when targets are inside the 0.1 percent PI distance. (JP 3-09.3)

Direct Air Support Center (DASC)

The principal air control agency of the US Marine air command and control system responsible for the direction and control of air operations directly supporting the ground combat element. It processes and coordinates requests for immediate air support and coordinates air missions requiring integration with ground forces and other supporting arms. It normally collocates with the senior fire support coordination center within the ground combat element and is subordinate to the tactical air command center. (JP 1-02)

Direct Support (DS)

A mission requiring a force to support another specific force and authorizing it to answer directly to the supported force's request for assistance. (JP 3-09.3)

Electronic Countermeasures (ECM)

The offensive part of EW. Actions taken to prevent or reduce an enemy's effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as jamming and electromagnetic deception, and employment of weapons that use either electromagnetic or directed energy as their primary destructive mechanism (lasers, radio frequency weapons, particle beams). (JP 1-02)

Electronic Attack (EA)

Division of electronic warfare involving the use of electromagnetic energy, directed energy, or antiradiation weapons to attack personnel, facilities, or equipment with the intent of degrading, neutralizing, or destroying enemy combat capability and is considered a form of fires. Also called EA. See also electronic protection; electronic warfare; electronic warfare support. (JP 3-13.1)

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 electronic warfare are: electronic attack, electronic protection, and electronic warfare support. a. Electronic attack. That division of electronic warfare involving the use of electromagnetic energy, directed energy, or antiradiation weapons to attack personnel, facilities, or equipment with the intent of degrading, neutralizing, or destroying enemy combat capability and is considered a form of fires. Also called EA. 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 electromagnetic or directed energy as their primary destructive mechanism (lasers, radio frequency weapons, particle beams). b. Electronic protection. That division of electronic warfare involving passive and active means taken to protect personnel, facilities, and equipment from any effects of friendly or enemy employment of electronic warfare that degrade, neutralize, or destroy friendly combat capability. Also called EP. c. Electronic warfare support. That division of electronic warfare involving actions tasked by, or under direct control of, an operational commander to search for, intercept, identify, and locate or localize sources of intentional and unintentional radiated electromagnetic energy for the purpose of immediate threat recognition, targeting, planning and conduct of future operations. Thus, electronic warfare support provides information required for decisions involving electronic warfare operations and other tactical actions such as threat avoidance, targeting, and homing. Also called ES. Electronic warfare support data can be used to produce signals intelligence, provide targeting for electronic or destructive attack, and produce measurement and signature intelligence. (JP 1-02)

Extended Range Guided Munitions (ERGM)

N/A

Field Artillery (FA)

Equipment, supplies, ammunition, and personnel involved in the use of cannon, rocket, or surface-to-surface missile launchers. Also called FA. (JP 3-09)

Field of View (FOV)

The total solid angle available to the gunner when looking through the gunsight. Also called FOV.

Fire Control Radar (FCR)

N/A

Fire Support Coordination Center (FSCC)

A single location in which are centralized communications facilities and personnel incident to the coordination of all forms of fire support for Marine forces. (JP 3-09)

Fire Support Coordination Line (FSCL)

A fire support coordinating measure that is established and adjusted by appropriate land or amphibious force commanders within their boundaries in consultation with superior, subordinate, supporting, and affected commanders. Fire support coordination lines (FSCLs) facilitate the expeditious attack of surface targets of opportunity beyond the coordinating measure. An FSCL does not divide an area of operations by defining a boundary between close and deep operations or a zone for close air support. The FSCL applies to all fires of air, land, and sea-based weapons systems using any type of ammunition. Forces attacking targets beyond an FSCL must inform all affected commanders in sufficient time to allow necessary reaction to avoid fratricide. Supporting elements attacking targets beyond the FSCL must ensure that the attack will not produce adverse attacks on, or to the rear of, the line. Short of an FSCL, all air-to-ground and surface-to surface attack operations are controlled by the appropriate land or amphibious force commander. The FSCL should follow well-defined terrain features. Coordination of attacks beyond the FSCL is especially critical to commanders of air, land, and special operations forces. In exceptional circumstances, the inability to conduct this coordination will not preclude the attack of targets beyond the FSCL. However, failure to do so may increase the risk of fratricide and could waste limited resources. (JP 1-02)

Fire Support Coordination Measure (FSCM)

A measure employed by land or amphibious commanders to facilitate the rapid engagement of targets and simultaneously provide safeguards for friendly forces.

Fire Support Coordination Measures (FSCM)

Measures employed by land or amphibious commanders to facilitate the rapid engagement of targets and simultaneously provide safeguards for friendly forces.

Fire Support Element (FSE)

That section of the tactical operations center at every echelon above company responsible for targeting coordination and for integrating fires under the control or in support of the force. (JP 3-09)

Fire Support Team (FIST)

A team provided by the field artillery component to each maneuver company and troop to plan and coordinate all supporting fires available to the unit, including mortars, field artillery, naval surface fire support, and close air support integration.

Forward Air Controller (FAC)

An officer (aviator/pilot) member of the tactical air control party who, from a forward ground or airborne position, controls aircraft in close air support of ground troops. (JP 1-02)

Forward Air Controller (Airborne) (FAC(A))

A specifically trained and qualified aviation officer who exercises control from the air of aircraft engaged in close air support of ground troops. The forward air controller (airborne) is normally an airborne extension of the tactical air control party. (JP 1-02)

Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP)

A temporary facility, organized, equipped, and deployed to provide fuel and ammunition necessary for the employment of aviation maneuver units in combat. Also called FARP. (JP 3-09.3)

Forward Edge Battle Area (FEBA)

The foremost limits of a series of areas in which ground combat units are deployed, excluding the areas in which the covering or screening forces are operating, designated to coordinate fire support, the positioning of forces, or the maneuver of units. (JP 1-02)

Forward Line of Own Troops (FLOT)

A line that indicates the most forward positions of friendly forces in any kind of military operation at a specific time. The forward line of own troops (FLOT) normally identifies the forward location of covering and screening forces. The FLOT may be at, beyond, or short of the forward edge of the battle area. An enemy FLOT indicates the forward-most position of hostile forces. (JP 1-02)

Forward

Looking Infrared (FLIR)-An airborne, electro-optical thermal imaging device that detects far-infrared energy, converts the energy into an electronic signal, and provides a visible image for day or night viewing. Also called FLIR. (JP 1-02)

General Support (GS)

1. That support which is given to the supported force as a whole and not to any particular subdivision thereof. See also close support; direct support; mutual support; support. 2. A tactical artillery mission. (JP 3-09.3)

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A satellite constellation that provides highly accurate position, velocity, and time navigation information to users. (JP 1-02)

Gun Target Line (GTL)

An imaginary straight line from gun to target. (JP 3-09.3)

H Hour

1. The specific hour on D-day at which a particular operation commences. (JP 5-0) 2. In amphibious operations, the time the first landing craft or amphibious vehicle of the waterborne wave lands or is scheduled to land on the beach, and in some cases, the commencement of countermine breaching operations. (JP 3-02)

high explosive (HE)

High-explosive incendiary (HEI) is a type of ammunition specially designed to impart energy and therefore damage to its target in one or both of two ways: via a high-explosive charge and/or via its incendiary (fire-causing) effects.

High Value Target (HVT)

A target the enemy commander requires for the successful completion of the mission. Also called HVT. See also high-payoff target; target. (JP 3-60)

Identification Friend Foe (IFF)

A device that emits a signal positively identifying it as a friendly.

Inertial Navigation System (INS)

A self-contained navigation system using inertial detectors, which automatically provides vehicle position, heading, and velocity. (JP 3-09)

Infrared Pointer (IP)

A low power laser device operating in the near infrared light spectrum that is visible with light amplifying night vision devices. (JP 1-02)

Interdiction

An action to divert, disrupt, delay, or destroy the enemy's surface military potential before it can be used effectively against friendly forces. (JP 1-02)

Joint Air Operations (JAO)

Air operations performed with air capabilities/forces made available by components in support of the joint force commander's operation or campaign objectives, or in support of other components of the joint force. (JP 1-02)

Joint Air Operations Center (JAOC)

A jointly staffed facility established for planning, directing, and executing joint air operations in support of the joint force commander's operation or campaign objectives. (JP 1-02)

Joint Fires Observer (JFO)

A certified/qualified Service member trained to request, control, and adjust surface-to-surface fires, provide timely and accurate targeting information in support of CAS to a JTAC, FAC(A), or directly to aircraft when authorized by controlling TAC, and perform autonomous TGO. (JFO MOA Signed 28 July 2016)

Joint Fire Support

Joint fires that assist land, maritime, amphibious, and special operations forces to move, maneuver, and control territory, populations, and key waters. (JP 1-02)

Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC)

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 air forces; planning and coordinating air operations; or accomplishing such operational missions as may be assigned. The joint force air component commander is given the authority necessary to accomplish missions and tasks assigned by the establishing commander. (JP 1-02)

Joint Force Commander (JFC)

A general term applied to a combatant commander, subunified commander, or joint task force commander authorized to exercise combatant command (command authority) or operational control over a joint force. (JP 1-02)

Joint Operations Area (JOA)

An area of land, sea, and airspace, defined by a geographic combatant commander or subordinate unified commander, in which a joint force commander (normally a joint task force commander) conducts military operations to accomplish a specific mission. Joint operations areas are particularly useful when operations are limited in scope and geographic area or when operations are to be conducted on the boundaries between theaters.

Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS)

E-8 aircraft with two primary radar modes; moving target indicator and synthetic aperture radar. Two types of ground stations can receive JSTARS radar information: the common ground station, normally found with Army ground units, and the joint services workstation, normally found in the AFAOC/ASOC or TACC.

Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC)

A qualified (certified) service member who, from a forward position, directs the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations. A qualified and current joint terminal attack controller will be recognized across the Department of Defense as capable and authorized to perform terminal attack control. (JP 1-02)

Landing Zone (LZ)

Any specified zone used for the landing of aircraft. (JP 3-17)

Laser Target Line

An imaginary straight line from the laser designator to the target with respect to magnetic north. (This term and its definition are approved for inclusion in the next edition of Joint Pub 1-02.)

Littoral

The littoral comprises two segments of operational environment: 1. Seaward: the area from the open ocean to the shore, which must be controlled to support operations ashore. 2. Landward: the area inland from the shore that can be supported and defended directly from the sea. (JP 2-01.3)

Man Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS)

A short range, point defense, shoulder-fired SAM.

Marine air command and control system (MACCS)

A system that provides the aviation combat element commander with the means to command, coordinate, and control all air operations within an assigned sector and to coordinate air operations with other Services. (JP 3-09.3)

No Fire Area (NFA)

An area designated by the appropriate commander into which fires or their effects are prohibited. (JP 3-09.3)

Night Vision Device (NVD)

Any electro-optical device that is used to detect visible and infrared energy and provide a visible image. Also called NVD.

Night Vision Goggles (NVG)

An electro-optical image intensifying device that detects visible and near-infrared energy, intensifies the energy, and provides a visible image for night viewing. Night vision goggles can be either hand-held or helmet-mounted. (JP 1-02)

Operation Order (OPORD)

A directive issued by a commander to subordinate commanders for the purpose of effecting the coordinated execution of an operation.

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)

Point Defense

The defense or protection of special vital elements and installations; e.g., command and control facilities or air bases. (JP 3-52)

Probability Of Incapacitation (PI)

Usually associated with casualty criterion used in 'Danger Close' .1% Risk-Estimate Distances for weapons. The casualty criterion is the 5-minute assault criterion for a prone soldier in winter clothing and helmet. The physical incapacitation means a soldier is physically unable to function in an assault within a 5-minute period after an attack. A PI value of less than 0.1 percent PI can be interpreted as being less than or equal to one chance in one thousand.

Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF)

Pulse repetition frequency refers to the number of pulses that occur each second from a laser designator.

Reconnaissance (RECCE)

A mission undertaken to obtain, by visual observation or other detection methods, information about the activities and resources of an enemy or adversary, or to secure data concerning the meteorological, hydrographic, or geographic characteristics of a particular area.

Reconnaissance (RECON)

Restrictive Fire Area (RFA)

An area in which specific restrictions are imposed and into which fires that exceed those restrictions will not be delivered without coordination with the establishing headquarters. (JP 3-09)

Restrictive Fire Line (RFL)

A line established between converging friendly surface forces that prohibits fires or their effects across that line. (JP 3-09)

Rule Of Engagement (ROE)

Directives issued by competent military authority that delineate the circumstances and limitations under which United States forces will initiate and/or continue combat engagement with other forces encountered. (JP 1-02)

Safety Zone

The safety zone is a 20-degree wedge whose apex is at the target, extends 10 degrees either side of the target-to-designator line, and extends from the surface to infinity. Final Attack Headings (FAHs) must avoid the 20-degree safety exclusion zone, unless the tactical situation dictates otherwise. (JP 3-09.3)

Self Propelled Anti

Aircraft Gun (SPAAG) -AAA systems such as the ZSU-23-4 Shilka and 2S6 Tunguska.

Special Operations Forces (SOF)

Those Active and Reserve Component forces of the Military Services designated by the Secretary of Defense and specifically organized, trained, and equipped to conduct and support special operations. (JP 3-05.1)

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

A set of instructions covering those features of operations which lend themselves to a definite or standardized procedure without loss of effectiveness. The procedure is applicable unless ordered otherwise.

Supporting Arms Coordination Center (SACC)

A single location on board an amphibious warfare command ship in which all communication facilities incident to the coordination of fire support of the artillery, air, and naval gunfire are centralized. Also called SACC. See also fire support coordination center. (JP 3-09.3)

Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD)

That activity which neutralizes, destroys, or temporarily degrades surface-based enemy air defenses by destructive and/or disruptive means. (JP 1-02)

Surface to Air Missiles (SAM)

Missiles engaging military aircraft in combat from the ground.

Tactical Air Command Center (Marine TACC)

The principal US Marine Corps air command and control agency from which air operations and air defense warning functions are directed. Also called Marine TACC. Source: JP 3-09.3

Tactical Air Control Center (TACC)

The principal air operations installation (ship-based) from which all aircraft and air warning functions of tactical air operations are controlled. Also called Navy TACC. Source: JP 3-09.3

Tactical Air Control Party (TACP)

A subordinate operational component of a tactical air control system designed to provide air liaison to land forces and for the control of aircraft. (JP 1-02)

Tactical Air Coordinator (Airborne) (TAC(A))

An officer who coordinates, from an aircraft, the actions of other aircraft engaged in air support of ground or sea forces. Also called TAC(A). See also forward observer. (JP 3-09.3)

Tactical Risk Assessment (TRA)

The processing of available information to ascertain a level of acceptable risk to friendly forces or noncombatants. Based on the current risk assessment, the supported commander will weigh the benefits and liabilities of authorizing a particular type of terminal attack control. Specific levels of risk should not be associated with each type of terminal attack control. (JP 3-09.3)

Target Reference Point (TRP)

A predetermined point of reference, normally a permanent structure or terrain feature, that can be used when describing a target location.

Targeting

The process of selecting and prioritizing targets and matching the appropriate response to them, taking account of operational requirements and capabilities. (JP 1-02)

Terminal Attack Control (TAC)

The authority to control the maneuver of and grant weapons release clearance to attacking aircraft. (Approved for inclusion in the next edition of JP 1-02.)

Terminal Control

1. The authority to direct aircraft to maneuver into a position to deliver ordnance, passengers, or cargo to a specific location or target. Terminal control is a type of air control. 2. Any electronic, mechanical, or visual control given to aircraft to facilitate target acquisition and resolution. See also terminal guidance.

Terminal Guidance

1. The guidance applied to a guided missile between midcourse guidance and arrival in the vicinity of the target. 2. Electronic, mechanical, visual, or other assistance given an aircraft pilot to facilitate arrival at, operation within or over, landing upon, or departure from an air landing or airdrop facility. 3. Any electronic, mechanical, voice or visual communication that provides approaching aircraft or weapons additional information regarding a specific location or target. Terminal guidance is not a type of air control. Those providing terminal guidance do not have weapons release authority, or authority to direct the maneuver of aircraft. See also terminal control.

Terminal Guidance Operations (TGO)

Those actions that provide electronic, mechanical, voice or visual communications that provide approaching aircraft and/or weapons additional information regarding a specific target location. Actions that provide terminal guidance to weapons or aircraft to facilitate target engagement. (JP 3-09)

Theater Air Control System (TACS)

Provides the commander and Air Force forces (COMAFFOR) the capability to plan and conduct joint air operations. (JP 3-09.3)

Time On Target (TOT)

1. Time at which aircraft are scheduled to attack/photograph the target. 2. The actual time at which aircraft attack/photograph the target. 3. The time at which a nuclear detonation as planned at a specified desired ground zero. (JP 1-02.)

Time To Target (TTT)

The number of minutes and seconds to elapse before aircraft ordnance impacts on target. (JP 1-02)

Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL)

Missile launcher and reloader in a single vehicle, separate from the radar.

Transporter Erector Launcher Radar (TELR)

Completely self-contained SAM with acquisition and targeting radars as well as missile launcher and reloader in the same vehicle.

Troop In Contact (TIC)

JTACs/FAC(A)s and aircrews should regard friendly ground forces receiving effective fire as "troops in contact." JTACs and aircrews must carefully weigh the choice of munitions and types of TAC against the risk of friendly fire (e.g., "troops in contact" does not necessarily dictate a specific type of control). "Troops in contact" is an advisory call to increase awareness and to highlight the urgency of the ground situation; however, the call does not remove the aircrews'/JTACs' responsibility to avoid civilian and friendly troop casualties. "Troops in contact" requires the supported commander to determine priority of CAS with respect to other mission impacts.

Troops In Contact (TIC)

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)

A UAS is the unmanned aircraft (UA) and all of the associated support equipment, control station, data links, telemetry, communications and navigation equipment, etc., necessary to operate the unmanned aircraft.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)

A powered, aerial vehicle that does not carry a human operator, uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift, can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely, can be expendable or recoverable, and can carry a lethal or nonlethal payload. Ballistic or semiballistic vehicles, cruise missiles, and artillery projectiles are not considered unmanned aerial vehicles. (JP 1-02)