Glossary: TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Force Manual

This page is a section of TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces.

SECTION I – ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

AKO: Army Knowledge Online
AOR: area of responsibility
AP: antipersonal
AR: Army regulation
AT: antitank
ATGL: antitank grenade launcher
ATGM: anitiank guided missile
AUTL: Army Universal Task List
BP: battle position
C2: command and control
C3D: camouflage, cover, concealment, and deception
CBP: complex battle position
CBRN: chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear
CI: counterintelligence
CP: comand post
CR: counterreconnaissance
CS: combat support
CSS: combat service support
DA: direct action
DODD: Department of Defense Directive
EFP: explosive formed projectile
EW: electronic warfare
FM: field manual
G: guerrilla [in guerrilla unit symbol]
GANG: criminal (generic) [in crimainal organization symbol]
GPS: global positioning system
HEAT: high explosive antitank
HK: hunter-killer
HRO: humantarian relif organization
HT: Hybrid Threat
HUMINT: human intelligence
HVT: high-value target
I: insurgent [in insurgent organization symbol]
IA: information attack
IED: humanitarian relief organization
INFOWAR: Hybrid Threat (for training)
HUMINT: human intelligence
I: insurgent (in unit symbol)
IA: information attack
IED: improvised explosive device
INFOWAR: information warfare
INS: internal security
ISF: internal security forces
JP: joint publication
km: kilometer(s)
LNG: liquefied natural gas
LOC: line of communications
LVCG: live, virtual, constructive, and gaming
LZ: landing zone
MANPADS: man-portable air defense system
m: meter(s)
mm: millimeter(s)
MRL: multiple rocket launcher
NGO: nongovernmental organization
OE: operational environment
OP: observation post
OPFOR: opposing force (AR 350-2)
OPSEC: operational security private
PSC: security contractor
PMESII-PT: political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and time
PSYWAR: psychologcial warfare
POL: petroleum, oils, and lubricants
RISTA: reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition
SAF: small arms fire
SAM: surface-to-air missile
SATCOM: satellitte communications
SBP: simple battle position
SIGINT: signals intelligence
SPF: special-purpose forces
SSM: surface-to-surface missile
SVIED: suicide vest improvised explosive device
SVBIED: suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive device
TC: training circular
TCP: traffic control post
TIC: toxic industrial chemical
TIM: toxic idustrial material
TRADOC: Training and Doctrine Command [US Army]
TRISA: TRADOC G-2 Intelligence Support Activity [US Army]
TTP: tactics, techniques, and procedures
US: United States
UAV: unmanned aerial vehicle
UJTL: Universal Joint Task List
UN: United Nations
VBIED: vehicle borne improvised explosive device
WMD: weapon of mass destruction

SECTION II – TERMS

adherent

An individual or one or more unit, organization, or cell that forms collaborative relationships with, acts on behalf of, or is otherwise inspired, without any requirement of allegiance to another organization, to take action in support of the goals and objectives of another irregular force [such as al-Qa‘ida—the organization and the ideology—including support and/or acts of violence]. (As adapted for TC 7-100.3 from U.S. National Strategy for Counterterrorism)

affilitate

An individual or one or more unit, organization, or cell that aligns with another individual, unit, organization, or cell to influence, support, and/or act in concert with for mutual benefit. No command relationship exists necessarily between an affiliate and the unit, organization, or cell in whose area of responsibility it operates; however, localized operations of the affiliate may support the area, regional, or global agenda of an organization [such as al-Qa’ida]. Affiliates are typically nonmilitary or paramilitary individuals or groups. In some cases, affiliated forces may receive support from regular military forces as part of an agreement under which they cooperate. (As adapted for TC 7-100.3 from

U.S. National Strategy for Counterterrorism)

antiterrorism

Those interrelated aspects of an operational environment, both military and nonmilitary, that differ from one operational environment to another and define the nature of a particular operational environment. The eight operational variables are political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and time. See PMESII-PT.

ambush

A surprise attack from a concealed position used against moving or temporarily halted targets in order to destroy or capture personnel and/or supplies; harrass and demoralize the enemy; delay or block movement of personnel and supplies; and/or canalize enemy movements. (TC 7-100.2)

area defense

A defensive operation designed to achieve tactcial decision by forcing the enemy’s offensive operations to culminate before the enemy can achieve his objective, and/or by denying the enemy his objectives while preserving combat power until decision can be achieved through strategic operations and operational mission accomplishment. (TC 7-100.2)

area of reposnibility

The geographical area and associated airspace, as defined by the Opposing Force (OPFOR), within which a commander has the authority to plan and conduct combat operations. An AOR is bounded by a limit of responsibility (LOR) beyond which the organization may not operate or fire without coordination through the next-higher headquarters. AORs may be linear or nonlinear in nature. Linear AORs may contain subordinate nonlinear AORs and vice versa. (TC 7-100.2)

assault

An attack that destroys an enemy force through firepower and the physical occupation and/or destruction of the enemy position. (TC 7-100.2)

attack

An offensive operation that destroys or defeats enemy forces, seizes and secures terrain, or both destroys or defeats enemy forces and seizes and secures terrain. (TC 7-100.2)

battle

A battle consists of a set of related engagements that last longer and involve larger forces than an engagement. (ADRP 3-90)

battle positon

A defensive location oriented on a likely enemy avenue of approach. (TC 7-100.2)

combating terrorism

Actions, including antiterrorism (defensive measures taken to reduce vulnerability to terrorist acts) and counterterrorism (offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, and respond to terrorism), taken to oppose terrorism throughout the entire threat spectrum. Also called CbT. See antiterrorism and counterterrorism. (See also JP 3-26)

complex battle position

A defensive location designed to employ a combination of complex terrain, C3D, and engineer effort to protect the unit(s) within it from detection and attack while denying their seizure and occupation by the enemy. (TC 7-100.2)

condition

Those variables of an operational environment or situation in which a unit, system, or individual is expected to operate and may affect performance. See also joint mission-essential tasks. (JP 1-02)

counterterrroism

Operations that include the offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, preempt, and respond to terrorism. Also called CT. (JP 3-26)

deception

Those measures designed to mislead the enemy by manipulation, distortion, or falsification of evidence to induce him to react in a manner prejudicial to his interests. (JP 1-02; JP 3-13.4)

enemy

A party identified as hostile against which the use of force is authorized. (ADRP 3-0) [The enemy in the context of TC 7-100.3 is any hostile party to the irregular opposing force (TC 7-100.3)]

enemy combatant

In general, a person engaged in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners during an armed conflict. The term “enemy combatant” includes both “lawful enemy combatants” and “unlawful enemy combatants.” (U.S. Department of Defense Directive (DODD) 2310.01E, The Department of Defense Detainee Program, September 5, 2006)

engagement

A tactical conflict, usually between opposing, lower echelon maneuver forces. (ADP 3-0)

guerrilla

A typically indigenous individual within a irregular unit structure organized along military lines in order to conduct military and paramilitray operations in enemy-held, hostile, or denied territory. TC 7-100.3 typically identifies guerrillas within the context of guerrilla units. [As adapted to TC 7-100.3 from JP 1-02/No approved JP 1-02 definition]

guerrilla force

A group of irregular, predominantly indigenous personnel organized along military lines to conduct military and paramilitary operations in enemy-held, hostile, or denied territory. (JP 1-02; JP 3-05)

hybrid threat

The diverse and dynamic combination of regular forces, irregular forces, and/or criminal elements all unified to achieve mutually benefiting effects. (ADRP 3-0; see also TC 7-100)

improvised explosive device

A weapon that is fabricated or emplaced in an unconventional manner incorporating destructive, lethal, noxious, pyrotechnic, or incendiary chemicals designed to kill, destroy, incapacitate, harass, deny mobility, or distract. Also called IED. (JP 1-02)

information operations

The integrated employment of the core capabilities of electronic warfare, computer network operations, psychological operations, military deception, and operations security, in concert with specified supporting and related capabilities, to influence, disrupt, corrupt or usurp adversarial human and automated decision making while protecting the irregular opposing force human and automated decision making. Also called IO. [As adapted for TC 7-100.3 from JP 3-13]

intergovernmental organization

An organization created by a formal agreement between two or more governments on a global, regional, or functional basis to protect and promote national interests shared by member states. (ADRP 3-0)

irregular forces

Armed individuals or groups who are not members of the regular armed forces, police, or other internal security forces. (JP 1-02; JP 3-24)

irregular warfare

A violent struggle among state and non-state actors for legitimacy and influence over relevant population(s). Irregular warfare favors indirect and asymmetric approaches, though it may employ the full range of military and other capacities, in order to erode an adversary’s power, influence, and will. (JP 1-02)

insurgent

An individual organized within an irregular insurgent organization structure that uses subversion and/or violence in order to overthrow or force change of a governing authority. TC 7-100.3 typically identifies insurgents within the context of cells. [As adapted for TC 7-100.3 from JP 1-02 and JP 3-24/no approved JP 1-02 defintion.]

kill zone

A designated area on the battlefield where the opposing force (OPFOR) plans to destroy an enemy using obstacles and massed fires of direct and indirect weapon systems. (TC 7-100.2) [As adapted for TC 7-100.3 from FM 3-21.8, ATTP 3-06.11, ATTP 3-21.9.]

lawful enemy combatant

Lawful enemy combatants, who are entitled to protections under the Geneva Conventions, include members of the regular armed forces of a State party to the conflict; militia, volunteer corps, and organized resistance movements belonging to a State party to the conflict, which are under responsible command, wear a fixed distinctive sign recognizable at a distance, carry their arms openly, and abide by the laws of war; and members of regular armed forces who profess allegiance to a government or an authority not recognized by the detaining power. (Department of Defense Directive (DODD) 2310.01E, The Department of Defense Detainee Program, 5 September, 2006)

maneuver defense

A defensive operation designed to achieve tactcial decision by skillfully using fires and manuever to destroy key enemy elements of the enemy’s combat system and deny enemy forces their objective, while preserving the friendly force. (TC 7-100.2)

militia

An organization which generally refers to citizens trained as soldiers (as opposed to professional soldiers), but applies more specifically to a state-sponsored militia that is part of the state’s armed forces but subject to activation only in an emergency. To avoid confusion, the TC 7-100 series uses militia typically in the latter sense. Irregular forces might be referred to or declare itself as a “militia;” however, the term militia is not typically used to describe gurrilas, insurgents, or criminals associated with opposing forces. (TC 7-100.2; TC 7-100; TC 7-100.3)

mercenary

An individual who acts individually or acts a member of a formed group and volunteers from recruitment locally or abroad in order to fight in an armed conflict; is operating directly in the hostilities; is motivated by the desire for private gain, are promised, by or on behalf of a party to the conflict, material compensation substantially in excess of that promised or paid to the combatants of similar rank and functions in the armed forces of that party; is neither a national of a party to the conflict nor residents of territory controlled by a party to the conflict; is not a member of the armed forces of a party of the conflict; and, is not on official military duty representing a country that is not involved in the conflict such as a legitimate loan service or training appointment between. (Geneva Conventions IV)

nongovernmental organization

A private, self-governing, not-for-profit organization dedicated to alleviating human suffering; and/or promoting education, health care, economic development, environmental protection, human rights, and conflict resolution; and/or encouraging the establishment of democratic institutions and civil society. NGO. (JP 3-08)

objective

The clearly defined, decisive, and attainable goal toward which every operation is directed. A location on the ground used to orient operations, phase operations, facilitate changes of direction, and provide for unity of effort. (ADRP 1-02)

operational area security

A form of security operations conducted to protect friendly forces. Forces engaged in area security operations focus on the force, installation, route, area, or asset to be protected. (ADRP 3-37)

operational environment

A composite of the conditions, circumstances, and influences that affect the employment of capabilities and bear on the decisions of the commander. (JP 3-0)

operational variables

Those interrelated aspects of an operational environment, both military and nonmilitary, that differ from one operational environment to another and define the nature of a particular operational environment. The eight operational variables are political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and time (PMESII-PT) (ADRP 3-0)

opposing force

A plausible, flexible military and/or paramilitary force representing a composite of varying capabilities of actual worldwide forces, used in lieu of a specific threat force for training and developing US forces (AR 350-2).

paramilitary

An irregular individual belonging to forces or groups distinct from the regular armed forces of any country, but resembling them in organization, equipment, training, or mission. [As adapted for TC 7-100.3 from JP 1-02 and JP 3-24]

paramilitary forces

Forces or groups distinct from the regular armed forces of any country, but resembling them in organization, equipment, training, or mission. (JP 1-02; JP 3-24)

procedure

Standard, detailed steps that prescribe how to perform specific tasks. See also tactics; techniques. (JP 1-02)

propaganda

Any form of adversary communication, especially of a biased or misleading nature, designed to influence the opinions, emotions, attitudes, or behavior of any group in order to benefit the sponsor, either directly or indirectly. (JP 1-02)

protection

The preservation of the effectiveness of mission-related military and nonmilitary personnel, equipment, facilities, information, and infrastructure deployed or located within or outside the boundaries of a given operational area. (ADRP 3-37)

raid

An attack against a stationary target for the purpose of its capture or destruction that culminates in the wihdrawal of the raiding dorce to safe territory. (TC 7-100.2)

reconnaissance attack

A tactical offensive action that locates moving, dispersed, or concealed enemy elements and either fixes or destroys them; and/or gain information about the enemy’s location, dispositons, military capabilities, and/or intentions. (TC 7-100.2)

red team

An organizational element comprised of trained and educated members that provide an independent capability to fully explore alternatives in plans and operations in the context of the operational environment and from the perspective of adversaries and others. (JP 1-02)

resistance movement

An organized effort by some portion of the civil population of a country to resist the legally established government or an occupying power and to disrupt civil order and stability. (JP 1-02; JP 3-05)

risk management

The process of identifying, assessing, and controlling risks arising from operational factors and making decisions that balance risk cost with mission benefits. (JP 1-02)

rules of engagement

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. Also called ROE (JP 1-04; ADRP 3-0)

simple battle position

A defensive location oriented on the most likely enemy avenue of approach. (TC 7-100.2)

standard

A satisfactory level of performance for a task and condition for each individual and collective task to ensure that the individual or organization meets mission requirements. When no standard exists, the commander or organizational leader establishes a standard and the next higher commander or leader approves it. All training conducted by the unit, organization, or cell is assessed against the commander’s or leader’s intent for the training event, mission, and/or published doctrinal standards. See also TC 7-101, Appendix A. [As adapted for TC 7-100.3 from ADP 7-0]

tactics

The employment and ordered arrangement of forces in relation to each other. See also procedures; techniques. (JP 1-02)

task-organizing

The act of designing an operating force, support staff, or sustainment package of specific size and composition to meet a unique task or mission. (ADRP 3-0)

techniques

Non-prescriptive ways or methods used to perform missions, functions, or tasks. See also procedures; tactics. (JP 1-02 )

terrorist

An individual who commits unlawful acts of violence or threat of violence to instill fear and coerce governments and societies in pursuit of political, religious, or ideological objectives. TC 7-100.3 typically identifies terrorists in the context of cells. [As adapted to TC 7-100.3 from JP 1-02/no approved JP 1-02 defintion.]

terrorism

The use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies. Terrorism is often motivated by religious, political, or other ideological beliefs and committed to the pursuit of goals that are usually political. (JP 1-02 and JP 3-07.2)

threat

Any combination of actors, entities, or forces that have the capability and intent to harm the United States forces, United States national interests, or the homeland. (ADRP 3-0) Note. Irregular opposing forces can apply this definition to actors, entities, or forces that have the capability and intent to harm irregular opposing force goals and objectives.

threat analysis

In antiterrorism, a continual process of compiling and examining all available information concerning potential terrorist activities by terrorist groups which could target a facility. A threat analysis will review the factors of a terrorist group's existence, capability, intentions, history, and targeting, as well as the security environment within which friendly forces operate. Threat analysis is an essential step in identifying probability of terrorist attack and results in a threat assessment. See also antiterrorism.

(JP 1-02) Note. Irregular opposing forces can apply this definition to actors, entities, or forces that have the capability and intent to harm irregular opposing force goals and objectives.

traditional warfare

A form of warfare between the regulated militaries of states, or alliances of states, in which the objective is to defeat an adversary’s armed forces, destroy an adversary’s war-making capacity, or seize or retain territory in order to force a change in an adversary’s government or policies. (DOD Directive 3000.07, Irregular Warfare (IW), December 1, 2008)

transnational threat

Any activity, individual, or group not tied to a particular country or region that operates across international boundaries and threatens [United States] national security interests. (JP 3-26) Note. Irregular opposing forces can apply this definition to actors, entities, or forces that have the capability and intent to harm irregular opposing force goals and objectives.

unconventional warfare

A broad spectrum of military and paramilitary operations, normally of long duration, predominantly conducted through, with, or by indigenous or surrogate forces who are organized, trained, equipped, supported, and directed in varying degrees by an external source, and includes but is not limited to, guerrilla warfare, subversion, sabotage, intelligence activities, and unconventional assisted

recovery. (JP 1-02)

unlawful enemy combatant

Persons not entitled to combatant immunity, who engage in acts against the United States or its coalition partners in violation of the laws and customs of war during an armed conflict. For purposes of the war on terrorism, the term unlawful enemy combatant is defined to include, but is not limited to, an individual who is or was part of or supporting Taliban or al Qaeda forces or associated forces that are engaged in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners. (Department of Defense Directive (DODD) 2310.01E, The Department of Defense Detainee Program, September 5, 2006)

weapon of mass destruction

Chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons capable of a high order of destruction or causing mass casualties and exclude the means of transporting or propelling the weapon where such means is a separable and divisible part from the weapon. Also called WMD. (JP 3-40) Note. WMD effects can be caused by other means such as high-yield or low-yield explosives.