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MILITARY COMMITTEE LAND STANDARDIZATION BOARD (MCLSB) 5 July 2006 NSA(ARMY)0510(2006)LO/2287 MC LSB Distribution STANAG 2287 LO (EDITION 1) – TASK VERBS FOR USE IN PLANNING AND THE DISSEMINATION OF ORDERS
Reference: NSA(ARMY)0752-LO/2287, dated 6 September 2005 (Edition 1) (Ratification Draft 1) 1. The enclosed NATO Standardization Agreement which has been ratified by nations as reflected in the NATO Standardization Document Database (NSDD), is promulgated herewith. 2. The reference listed above is to be destroyed in accordance with local document destruction procedures. ACTION BY NATIONAL STAFFS 3. National staffs are requested to examine their ratification status of the STANAG and, if they have not already done so, advise the MC LSB, NSA, through their national delegation as appropriate of their intention regarding its ratification and implementation. J MAJ Brigadier General, POL(A) Director, NSA Enclosure: STANAG 2287 (Edition 1)
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STANAG Nº 2287
(Edition 1)
NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION (NATO)
NATO STANDARDIZATION AGENCY (NSA)
STANDARDIZATION AGREEMENT (STANAG)
SUBJECT: TASK VERBS FOR USE IN PLANNING AND THE DISSEMINATION OF ORDERS Promulgated on 5 July 2006 J MAJ Brigadier General, POL(A) Director, NSA
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RECORD OF AMENDMENTS
No. Reference/date of amendment
Date entered
Signature
EXPLANATORY NOTES AGREEMENT 1. This NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) is promulgated by the Director NATO Standardization Agency under the authority vested in him by the NATO Standardization Organisation Charter. 2. No departure may be made from the agreement without informing the tasking authority in the form of a reservation. Nations may propose changes at any time to the tasking authority where they will be processed in the same manner as the original agreement. 3. Ratifying nations have agreed that national orders, manuals and instructions implementing this STANAG will include a reference to the STANAG number for purposes of identification. RATIFICATION, IMPLEMENTATION AND RESERVATIONS 4. Ratification, implementation and reservation details are available on request or through the NSA websites (internet http://nsa.nato.int; NATO Secure WAN http://nsa.hq.nato.int). FEEDBACK 5. Any comments concerning this publication should be directed to NATO/NSA – Bvd Leopold III - 1110 Brussels - BE.
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STANAG 2287 (Edition 1)
NATO STANDARDIZATION AGREEMENT(STANAG)
TASK VERBS FOR USE IN PLANNING AND THE
DISSEMINATION OF ORDERS Annex: A. Task Verbs Related Document: None AIM 1. The aim of this agreement is to introduce terms for use in missions and tasks to combat elements. AGREEMENT 2. Participating nations agree to use the terms in this agreement for issuing missions and tasks to combat elements in allied operations. Nations also agree to use the graphical symbols to represent the defined terms in schematics. MISSION STATEMENT STRUCTURE 3. For clarity of meaning, the defined terms should be used in mission statements that follow a standard structure. a. An operation order should contain missions for each principal subordinate.
It should provide detail of who is to do what; where, when and why. How the mission is to be accomplished should not be specified in more detail than required to achieve necessary coordination between subordinates.
b. ‘Where’ is usually contained in a graphic, or in the description of the
objective. 'When' is usually given in coordinating instructions. c. ‘What is to be done and why’ is the core of a mission statement. d. A mission statement should contain the task of the subordinate command
together with its purpose. e. The task contains one or potentially two elements. The principle element
is a description of the effect which the superior commander wishes the
subordinate to achieve, at the time of issuing the order. The second element is a description of the activity to be undertaken in order to achieve that effect. That activity should only be specified if necessary; for example, to coordinate activities across a command.
f. The description of purpose should contain sufficient information, and be
sufficiently clear, to guide the recipient’s actions if the stated task is no longer appropriate.
g. The description of purpose should be separated from the task by the term
‘in order to’. h. The description of effect and that of purpose should each contain a single
verb whose effect is measurable; on the enemy, the environment, or friendly forces.
i. There is a considerable number of potential task verbs. Some task verbs
relate to activity; some to effect; and some may relate to both. Should a commander decide to use a task verb not included in this list, it must be defined.
Summary
� SHAPE \ ����* MERGEFORMAT
•always include a task and the associated purpose •immediate effect must be included in task
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on about timing
•must always have an ct obje
include informati•activity may be included in task •task may alsoAttack to in order to …
what] [=why]Both have
easurable tcomes
[= mou
Ta
Special Cases
4. Some types of tactical operation are often ordered by a mission statement that does not include an immediate effect or specify the object of the order. These are important special cases that are regarded as a special category: they do not break the doctrinal principles for mission statements, because the task is clearly described by the doctrine for the type of operation. These orders take the form "conduct [type of operation] in order to [purpose]"; in some cases the imperative is less clumsy e.g. "withdraw in order to avoid decisive engagement". The types of tactical operation that are often ordered in this way are:
seize [object]
sk Purpose
Activity(not always required)
Immediateeffect
Figure 1 – Mission Statement Structure
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Area Reconnaissance Deception Route Reconnaissance Link-Up Surveillance Relief of Encircled Force Screen Relief in Place Guard Forward Passage of Lines Cover Rearward Passage of Lines Advance to Contact Withdrawal Raid Retirement Spoiling Attack March Non-combatant Evacuation Operation IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT 5. This STANAG is implemented when the necessary orders or instructions have been issued to the forces concerned to put the procedures in this agreement into effect.
ANNEX A TO STANAG 2287 (Edition 1)
TASK VERBS 1. The task verbs are listed in Table 1 below. The task verbs are listed in the first column. The second column of the table shows whether the task verb can be used as an activity, as an immediate effect, or both. The third column of the table shows the definition of the term and also the ‘measure’, which indicates how success may be measured: this is not intended to be a formal 'measure of effectiveness' (in campaign planning terms). The fourth column of the table shows a graphic representation for the term. The fifth column contains notes that describe the use of the term. At the bottom of the table the words that have been excluded from the set of task verbs are listed, with notes including suggested alternatives.
Term Definition and Measure
Graphical Symbol
Notes on Term and Definition
advance to contact
A
(Conduct an) offensive operation designed to gain or re-establish contact with the enemy (AAP-6)
ambush
A
Conduct a surprise attack by fire from concealed positions on a moving or temporarily halted enemy (APP-6A)
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Term Definition and Measure
Graphical Symbol
Notes on Term and Definition
arrest
E
To seize and hold a person under authority of the law (new definition)
If used, symbol frame shows affiliation of the object of the arrest.
attack
A
Take offensive action against a specified objective (new definition)
A general all-embracing term to describe offensive operations. Care should be taken in its use. Use a more specific task when possible.
attack by fire
A
Engage an enemy with direct fires, supported by indirect fires, without closing with him (new definition)
Attack by fire excludes assaulting or occupying the objective see: suppress, neutralize, fix, demonstrate
block
E
Deny enemy access to a given area, or to prevent his advance in a particular direction (JWP 0-01.1). Measure: enemy access/advance prevented
A blocked force can move in any direction other than the obstructed one. See: canalize, contain, deny B
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Term Definition and Measure
Graphical Symbol
Notes on Term and Definition
breach
A + E
Break through or secure passage through an enemy defence, obstacle, or fortification. (New definition) Measure: gap created and held
See: penetrate
bypass
A
Manoeuvre around an obstacle, position, or enemy force to maintain the momentum of advance. Measure: momentum maintained
See: infiltrate
canalize
E
Restrict enemy movement to a narrow zone. (New definition) Measure: enemy restricted to zone
The desired zone must be stated in the task. See: block, contain, deny
capture
E
Gain possession of specified enemy personnel, materiel or information. (New definition) Measure: possession of specified enemy
See: secure, seize
C
C
B
B
Term Definition and Measure
Graphical Symbol
Notes on Term and Definition
clear
E
Remove all enemy forces and eliminate organized resistance in an assigned area. (New definition) Measure: absence of enemy interference with friendly forces
contain
E
Restrict the freedom of manoeuvre of an enemy force to a specified area. (New definition) Measure: enemy's freedom of manoeuvre restricted to a defined area
The limits of the containment may be expressed in terms of geography or time. Less specific than fix or isolate See: block, fix, isolate, canalize
Control
E
Maintain physical influence over a specified area to prevent its use by an enemy. (New definition) Measure: enemy unable to use specified area
See: occupy, retain, secure, deny
counter-attack
A
Attack against an enemy attacking force. (New definition)
An imprecise task, open to wide interpretation. Normally better to specify the effect required, e.g. seize, isolate, deny, destroy.
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C
CATK
ENY
C
Term Definition and Measure
Graphical Symbol
Notes on Term and Definition
cover
E
Provide security for the main force by intercepting, engaging, delaying, disorganizing, deceiving the enemy, while also observing and reporting information, before he can attack, observe or defend. Operate independently of main force. Measure: main body protected, threat information gained
Covering force operates beyond fire support of main body. Box in graphic is placeholder for symbol of unit with covering mission. May be omitted See: guard, screen
conduct deception
A
Deception is included in the special category of tactical activities ordered by "conduct..."described above. It is shown here to introduce the
Graphic has 2 functions: 1. As a modifier, it indicates some other task is a deception. 2. On its own, to indicate an
defea
CC
0752E-05
graphic.
unspecified form of deception.
t
E
(To) diminish the effectiveness of the enemy, to the extent that he is either unable to participate in combat or at least cannot fulfil his intention. (New definition) Measure: enemy unable to interfere significantly with friendly forces no graphic
Not very useful below battalion level. See: destroy, neutralize, suppress, disrupt, interdict
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Term Definition and Measure
Graphical Symbol
Notes on Term and Definition
delay
E
Prevent an enemy force arriving at a specified location either: for a specified length of time; or until a specified time or event. Measure: enemy slowed to comply with time/space criteria.
demonstrate
E
Deceive the enemy by making a show of force without seeking contact Measure: enemy is deceived
See: feint
deny
E
Prevent enemy use of a specified thing. Measure: enemy unable tospecified thing
See: control, contain, delay, block, canalize, fix, turn
D
destroy
E
Damage an object or an eforce so that it is rendereduseless to the enemy untireconstituted. Measure: enemy force unfight
D
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use
nemy l
able to
See: neutralize, suppress, disrupt
D
D
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Term Definition and Measure
Graphical Symbol
Notes on Term and Definition
disengage
A
Break contact with the enemy Measure: own force able to manoeuvre out of contact
Graphical representation depends on how disengagement is to be achieved
See: withdraw
disrupt
E
Break apart an enemy's formation and tempo, interrupt the enemy timetable, cause premature and/or piecemeal commitment of forces. Measure: enemy actions uncoordinated and off-balance
envelop
A
Pass around or over the enemy's defensive position to secure objectives to enemy's rear.
See: penetrate, secure
escort
A
Accompany and protect
no graphic
D
E
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Term Definition and Measure
Notes on Term and Definition Graphical Symbol
exfiltrate
E
Withdraw through or around enemy positions without detection.
See also: withdraw
conduct exploitation
E
Exploitation: an offensive operation that usually follows a successful attack and is designed to disorganize the enemy in depth. Measure: enemy disorganized
Exploit is the most unrestricted task an element may receive. It may be issued during execution when committing a reserve. The commander so tasked must be able to act independently, guided only by his higher commander's intent and his own assessment of what can be accomplished as a result of the opportunities inherent with the current situation.
feint
A&E
Deceive the enemy by seeking contact but avoiding a decisive engagement Measure: enemy deceived
Feints are used to cause the enemy to react in three predictable ways: to employ reserves improperly, to shift supporting fires, or to reveal defensive fires.
F
EX
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Term Definition and Measure
Graphical Symbol
Notes on Term and Definition
fix
E
Prevent an enemy from moving any part of his forces from a specified location for a specified period of time Measure: enemy's freedom of action
follow and assume
A
Follow a force conducting an offensive operation, and be prepared to continue the mission if the lead force is fixed, or otherwise unable to continue.
A force given this mission is not a reserve but is committed to accomplish specified tasks.
Follow and support
A
Follow and support a lead force conducting an offensive operation.
A force given this mission is not a reserve but is committed to accomplish specified tasks.
g Guard operates within fire
F
075
uard
E
Protect the main force by fighting to gain time, while also observing and reporting information. Operate within fire support range of main force. Measure: main body protected, threat information gained
support range of main body. Box in graphic is placeholder for symbol of unit with covering mission. See: cover, screen
GG
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Term Definition and Measure
Graphical Symbol
Notes on Term and Definition
infiltrate
E
Move a force into or through areas under enemy control without detection Measure: movement undetected
See: penetrate, bypass
interdict
E
Keep an enemy force out of range so that it cannot be used effectively against a friendly force. Measure: enemy unable to range friendly force
See: defeat, destroy, neutralize, suppress, disrupt, fix
isolate
E
Seal off an enemy force from its sources of support, to deny it freedom ement, and prevent itother ene Measure:
"Seal off" means to sever all links both physically and psychologically.
locate
E
Determinspecified Measure:reported
I
IN
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of mov
from having contact with my forces.enemy isolation e the position of a thing
position of correct thing
Identifying enemy is implied task. Any requirement to track the enemy position must be clear.
L
I
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Term Definition and Measure
Graphical Symbol
Notes on Term and Definition
neutralize
E
Render an enemy element temporarily incapable of interfering with the operation Measure: enemy element need not be suppressed during the rest of the operation
The task must make clear exactly what must be "neutralized" - it is ambiguous to simply state, "neutralize enemy preparation" or "neutralize enemy security forces". See: suppress, disrupt, interdict
occupy
A
Position a unit in a specified area without enemy opposition Measure: area occupied
The command issuing the task does not envisage that the unit will have to fight to accomplish the task. See: retain, capture, secure, control, seize, clear
penetrate
E
Break through enemy defence and disrupt the defensive system. Measure: enemy defence broken through and disrupted
See: infiltrate, breach
N
O
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Term Definition and Measure
Notes on Term and Definition Graphical Symbol
pursue
E
Catch or cut off a hostile force attempting to escape, with the aim of destroying it. Measure: enemy force destroyed
A limitation can be given as to how or where the unit can accomplish contact.
recover
E
Extract a friendly force element or materiel from a location not under friendly control, with or without force. Measure: force element or materiel under friendly control
Object of task is friendly force element.
relief in place
retain
R
P
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A
E
Keep possession of a terrain feature to ensure it is free of enemy occupation or use Measure: area free of enemy use
See: secure, control, occupy
R
RIP
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Term Definition and Measure Notes on Term and
Definition Graphical Symbol
retire
A
Move a force, out of contact, away from the enemy
See: disengage, withdraw
screen
E
Observe, identify, and report information on threats to the main force. Only fight in self-protection. (ADP Comd) Measure: threat information gained
Box in graphic is placeholder for symbol of unit with covering mission. See: cover, guard
secure
E
Gain possession of a position or terrain feature, with or without force, and to make such disposition as will prevent its destruction or loss to enemy action. Measure: position/area held
See: retain, capture, control, occupy, seize, clear
seize
E
Clear a designated area and obtain control of it. (AAP-39, MCRP 5-12C) Measure: area under friendly control
See: capture, secure, occupy, clear
S S
S
S
R
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Term Definition and Measure
Graphical Sy
Notes on Term and Definition mbol
support by fire
A
Engage the enemy by direct fire in support of another manoeuvring force. Measure: enemy unable to interfere with friendly manoeuvre
See: fix, neutralize, suppress, attack by fire
suppress
E
Temporarily degrade an enemy capability to enable a friendly action. Measure: enemy unable to engage friendly forces
Effect is temporary and usually only lasts while friendly force is firing. See: neutralize, fix
turn
E
Force an enemy from one direction of advance to another. (New definition) Measure: enemy forced to move in desired direction
Usage does not agree with 'turning movement'. See: canalize, block
S
T
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Term Definition and Measure Notes on Term and
Definition Graphical Symbol
withdraw
A
Disengage from the enemy and move in a direction away from the enemy. (New definition) Measure: friendly force able to manoeuvre out of contact
See: disengage
W
NOT INCLUDED:
Advance in Contact: use attack or other more specific task
Find: use locate, conduct reconnaissance, conduct surveillance Assault: see seize etc Hold: use retain
Attrit: not specific
Link-Up: see penetrate etc Blind: see suppress Lure: see demonstrate, feint Combat Search and Rescue: see recover Move: may be tactical or administrative, but does not require further definition Counter-Attack by Fire: a tactical graphic rather than a distinct mission Protect: see retain, secure, escort Counter-Reconnaissance: not a distinct mission, see cover etc
Push: see block
Cut-Off: see interdict, pursue, isolate Reduce: use destroy Deceive: see demonstrate, feint Scout: use locate, conduct reconnaissance, conduct surveillance. Delay Until (a specified time): a tactical graphic rather than a distinct mission Withdraw Under Pressure: a tactical graphic rather than a distinct mission Dislocate: see disrupt Defend: not specific
Consolidation and Reorganization:} together with 'sustain', 'rest' etc, these are
Draw: see demonstrate, feint Reconstitute } administrative rather than tactical tasks
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