joint mission essential task list (jmetl) development handbook

Joint Mission EssentialTask List (JMETL)

Development Handbook

September, 2002

i JMETL DevelopmentHandbook

Page

INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 1

STEP 1: REVIEW MISSION ANALYSIS AND IDENTIFY .................................. 8JOINT MISSION ESSENTIAL TASKS

STEP 2: DESCRIBE CONDITIONS FOR EACH JMET ....................................... 17

STEP 3: ESTABLISH MISSION-BASED STANDARDS ........................................ 28

JMETL DEVELOPMENT EXAMPLE ...................................................................... 34

SUMMARY .................................................................................................................... 39

GLOSSARY OF TERMS ............................................................................................. 40

Table of Contents

1. JMETL DEVELOPMENT PROCESS: STEP 1 .................................................. 3

2. UJTL ORGANIZATION......................................................................................... 4

3. JMETL DEVEPOPMENT PROCESS: STEP 2 ................................................... 6

4. JMETL DEVELOPMENT PROCESS: STEP 3 ................................................... 6

5. JOINT TRAINING SYSTEM ................................................................................ 7

6. JMETL DEFINITION PROCESS ........................................................................ 9

7. MISSION ANALYSIS SUPPORTS JMET DEVELOPMENT ........................... 10

8. EXAMPLE OF AN OPERATIONS TEMPLATE FOR A HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE MISSION ....................................................... 15

9. RELATIONSHIP OF LEVELS OF WAR TO OPERATING ENVIRONMENT ...................................................................................................... 18

List of Figures

JMETL Development iiHandbook

List of Tables

List of Figures (continued)

10. ORGANIZATION OF CONDITIONS FOR JOINT TASKS ............................. 20

11. EXAMPLE OF OPERATION TEMPLATE FOR MISSION TO LIBERATE KUWAIT AND DESTROY IRAQI FORCES ................................. 35

1. A NOTIONAL TASK x MISSIONS MATRIX ...................................................... 14

1 JMETL DevelopmentHandbook

Introduction

Joint training focuses ontasks performed by morethan one Service, under thedirection of a joint forcecommander, and in accor-dance with joint doctrine.

Joint training is fundamen-tal to the effective employ-ment of military forces overa broad range of missions.

This handbook is designed to help combatantcommanders, subordinate joint force commanders,and functional or Service component commandersimplement the Joint Mission Essential Task List(JMETL) process described in CJCSI 3500.01,Joint Training Policy for the Armed Forces of theUnited States.

Definition of Joint Training. Joint training is militarytraining based on joint doctrine designed to prepare jointforces and/or joint staffs to respond to operationalrequirements identified by joint force commanders.Joint training generally involves the performance oftasks by members or elements of more than one militaryService under the direction of a joint force commander.The responsibility for joint training resides with theChairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), combatantcommanders, and subordinate joint force commanders.

Importance of Joint Training. Over the past severalyears, U.S. military forces have significantly downsizedand moved from forward bases back to the ContinentalUnited States (CONUS). During the same period, therange of missions U.S. military forces must prepare forhas greatly expanded. This combination of factorsgreatly increases the requirements for employment ofjoint forces. Thus, jointness will be central to thesuccessful execution of future missions required of theU.S. Armed Forces and joint doctrine will assumeincreasing importance to the conduct of assignedmissions. Consequently, if our armed forces are goingto fight jointly, they must train jointly.

JMETL Development 2Handbook

Constraints on Joint Training. U.S. military forcesoperate with many competing demands. For example,prior to conducting joint training, Service componentcommanders must spend a significant amount of timeconducting Service training. Also, joint force com-manders, in addition to their joint training responsibili-ties, may be involved in current military operations(including meeting presence and access requirements).Moreover, joint training resources are constrained. Asa result, joint commanders cannot train to every task forevery possible mission and must therefore be selectivein establishing their joint training requirements.

Joint Mission Essential Tasks. To accommodate theconstraints on joint training resources, joint forcecommanders must identify the tasks most essential totheir assigned or anticipated missions, with prioritygiven to their wartime missions. These essential tasksare referred to as joint mission essential tasks (JMET).

Joint Mission Essential Task List (JMETL). A jointforce commander's list of priority joint tasks, derivedfrom plans and orders, along with associated conditionsand measurable standards, constitutes the joint forcecommander's warfighting requirements and is called aJoint Mission Essential Task List (JMETL). TheJMETL represents a commander's priority jointwarfighting requirements based on assigned missions.

Plans and OPORDs Describe Joint Mission EssentialTasks. Joint force commanders develop JMET basedon a review of the tasks to be performed to implementoperation plans or execute mission orders. Inputs tothis process are (1) the assigned mission and plan orexecution order, (2) joint doctrine guiding the employ-ment of forces, and (3) a common task language forreporting JMET. This process is illustrated in Figure 1.

Resources for conductingjoint training are con-strained, and otheractivities compete forcommand attention.

JMETs describe a jointforce commander'spriority warfightingrequirements.

A JMETL describes theessential tasks for a jointforce commander, andincludes associatedconditions and measur-able standards.

JMETs are identified byreviewing plans andOPORDs for executing amission.


JMETs are identifiedusing the UJTL as acommon task language

Universal Joint Task List (UJTL) as Common TaskLanguage. The Joint Staff developed and approvedthe Universal Joint Task List for use by joint forcecommanders in establishing their JMETL. The UJTL(CJCSM 3500.04) provides an ordered listing of tasksdescribing the Armed Force's ability to perform activi-ties or processes that joint force commander's require toexecute their assigned missions. Since the UJTL isfounded on joint doctrine and Joint Tactics, Techniquesand Procedures (JTTP), it provides a common languageto describe the warfighting requirements of joint forcecommanders. The UJTL can be used by combatantcommanders, subordinate joint force commanders, andfunctional or Service component commanders.

Figure 1. JMETL Development Process: Step 1

UniversalJoint Task List

(UJTL)

JointDoctrine

Plans/Orders

Step 1IdentifyJMET

M ission Analysis

AssignedMissions


ACCOMPLISHOBJECTIVES OF

NATIONAL MILITARYSTRATEGY

CONDUCTSTRATEGIC

DEPLOYMENT &REDEPLOYMENT

SN.1

DEVELOPSTRATEGIC

INTELLIGENCE

SN.2 SN.3 SN.5SN.4 SN.6

EMPLOYFORCES

PROVIDESUSTAINMENT

PROVIDESTRATEGIC

DIRECTION ANDINTEGRATION

SN.7

CONDUCTMOBILIZATION

CONDUCTFORCE

DEVELOPMENT

ACCOMPLISHOBJECTIVES OFTHEATER AND

CAMPAIGN STRATEGY

CONDUCT INTRA-THEATER STRATEGIC

DEPLOYMENT,CONCENTRATION, &

MANEUVER OF FORCESST.1

DEVELOP THEATER

STRATEGICINTELLIGENCE

ST.2

EMPLOYTHEATER

STRATEGICFIREPOWER

ST.3

SUSTAINTHEATERFORCES

ST.4

PROVIDETHEATER

STRATEGICCOMMAND &

CONTROLST.5

PROVIDETHEATER

PROTECTION

ST.6

ESTABLISHTHEATER FORCEREQUIREMENTS& READINESS

ST.7

DEVELOP &MAINTAIN

ALLIANCE &REGIONALRELATIONS

ST.8

ACCOMPLISHOBJECTIVES OFSUBORDINATE

CAMPAIGNS & MAJOROPERATIONS

CONDUCTOPERATIONAL

MOVEMENTAND MANEUVER

OP.1

DEVELOPOPERATIONALINTELLIGENCE

OP.2

EMPLOYOPERATIONALFIREPOWER

OP.3

PROVIDEOPERATIONAL

SUPPORT

OP.4

EXERCISEOPERATIONALCOMMAND &

CONTROLOP.5

PROVIDEOPERATIONALPROTECTION

OP.6

ACCOMPLISHOBJECTIVES OFBATTLES AND

ENGAGEMENTS

CONDUCTMANEUVER

TA.1

EMPLOYFIREPOWER

TA.2

EXERCISECOMMAND

AND CONTROL

TA.3

DEVELOPINTELLIGENCE

TA.4

PROVIDEMOBILITY

ANDSURVIVABILITY

TA.5

PERFORMCOMBATSERVICESUPPORT

TA.6

STRATEGICNATIONAL

STRATEGICTHEATER

OPERATIONAL

TACTICAL

Figure 2. UJTL Organization

Organization of the UJTL. The tasks contained in theUJTL are organized by the levels of war (strategic,operational, tactical) as shown in Figure 2. The strategiclevel of war is further divided into two parts: national andtheater. Each of the three levels of war are described bytasks organized around the major joint tasks performed atthat level of war. For example, the operational level ofwar, most often the focal point for the Joint Task Force(JTF) commander, is organized around the following:

OP 1. Conduct Operational Movement and ManeuverOP 2. Develop Operational IntelligenceOP 3. Employ Operational FirepowerOP 4. Provide Operational SupportOP 5. Exercise Operational Command and ControlOP 6. Provide Operational Protection

The UJTL is orga-nized by levels of warand is composed ofmajor joint tasks andsubtasks performed ateach level of war.


Each of these major joint tasks is further defined by ahierarchy of subordinate tasks. Each task in the UJTL isassigned a reference number, consisting of a codereferring to the level of war of the task (SN is Strategic,National; ST is Strategic, Theater; OP is Operational;TA is Tactical) and numbers referring to the major jointtasks (OP 1 is Conduct Operational Movement andManeuver) and the subtasks (OP 1.1 is Conduct Opera-tional Movement; OP 1.1.1 is Formulate Request forStrategic Deployment to Theater of Operations/JOA).

UJTL is a Tool for Identifying “What” Joint TasksCan Be Accomplished. The tasks identified and definedin the UJTL provide a menu for commanders of “what”tasks can be performed without specifying "how" theywill be performed or “who” will perform them (e.g., OP3.2.2.1, Employ PSYOP in Theater of Operations/JOA).

Joint Doctrine Describes “How” Joint Tasks arePerformed. Joint doctrine and JTTP provide authorita-tive guidance on how joint tasks are performed. Forexample, Joint Pub 3-53, Doctrine for Joint Psycho-logical Operations, describes how to perform OP3.2.2.1, Employ PSYOP in Theater of Operations/JOA). Employment of Service-specific means isdescribed in Service doctrine.

Plans and OPORDs Specify “Who” and "When"Joint Tasks are Performed. A joint force commanderoften will have a choice regarding the Service or func-tional component to perform joint tasks. These decisionsare made during the planning process when developing aconcept of operation for a joint military mission.OPLANs, CONPLANs, Functional Plans and OPORDSassign joint task execution to elements of a joint force.

Mission Requirements Must Include ConditionsInformation. To more fully describe a mission require-ment, the joint force commander should not only identifythe joint tasks, but also describe the conditions of the

The UJTL identifies"what" joint tasks areperformed.

Joint doctrine describes"how" joint tasks areperformed

Plans and OPORDsspecify "who" and"when" joint tasks areperformed.

Tasks alone do not state amission requirement. Infor-mation on conditions of theoperational environmentmust also be included.



operational environment associated with these tasks (seeFigure 3). Conditions are those variables of an opera-tional environment that may affect unit, system orindividual performance. A complete list of conditions isincluded in CJCSM 3500.04. An example of conditionsthat affect the performance of task OP 1.1.2, ConductIntratheater Deployment and Redeployment of Forceswithin Theater of Operations/JOA, are near-term weathersystems (C 1.3.1.2), the security of intratheater LOCs (C2.6.1.4), and the degree of host-nation support (C 2.8.5).


Joint Force Commanders Establish Standards. Thefinal step in developing joint mission requirements involvesselecting performance measures for joint tasks andestablishing standards consistent with the commander’sintent and concept of operations for a mission (see Figure4). A joint standard is the minimum acceptable profi-ciency required in task performance.

JMETL process iscompleted whenstandards are assignedto tasks.


(UJTL)

JointDoctrine

Plans/Orders

Step 1IdentifyJMET

M ission Analysis

AssignedMissions

Step 2Describe

Conditions

Step 3EstablishStandards


(UJTL)

JointDoctrine

Plans/Orders

Step 1IdentifyJMET

M ission Analysis

AssignedMissions

Step 2Describe

Conditions


JMETL Provides Principal Input to Joint TrainingSystem. A joint force commander’s JMETL providesthe major input to planning, executing, and assessingjoint training as illustrated in Figure 5. As describedabove, the JMETL development process consists ofthree steps. These steps are discussed in detail in thefollowing three sections followed by a section contain-ing a complete JMETL development example.

The JMETL forms therequirements basis forjoint training. Theprocess of developingJMETL is described indetail in the next foursections of this hand-book.

Figure 5. Joint Training System

DEVELOP TRAINING SCENARIO THAT

INCORPORATES JMETL

• Replicate Mission Conditions• Apply Combat Standards

DEVELOPTRAINING

PLAN

• Apply Commander’s Intent• Set Training Objectives• Design Exercise Program• Define Optimum Training Means• Match Forces

COMMANDERASSESSES

TRAINING STATUS

CONDUCTJOINT

TRAININGCOMMANDEREVALUATES

TRAINING

MISSIONS

JMETL

MRCST 2.1ST 4.1.1OP 1.1.2OP 3.1OP 4.4OP 5OP 6.3

X X X X XX X

X

XX

X

X

X

XX

X

X

X

X

X

XX

X

XX

X

...LRC HA PO NEO


(UJTL)

JointDoctrine

Plans/Orders

Step 1IdentifyJMET

M ission Analysis

AssignedMissions

Step 2Describe

Conditions

Step 3EstablishStandards


Joint force command-ers initiate JMETLdevelopment byreviewing their as-signed missions.

Purpose. In this step, commanders examine their mis-sions, apply the UJTL, and identify their joint missionessential tasks. This begins the process of systematicallydetermining mission-based, warfighting requirements.

Review Assigned Missions. Joint force commanders mayhave a number of assigned missions ranging from largescale combat operations to military operations other thanwar (MOOTW). These missions originate in the JointStrategic Capabilities Plan (JSCP), NCA taskings, ortreaty obligations in accordance with the principles andprocedures found in the Unified Command Plan (UCP)and the Unified Action Armed Forces (UNAAF). Foreach mission, one or more joint force commands will be ina supported role while others will be in a supporting role.

Review the Commander's Estimate. Planning for jointoperations by joint force commanders, accomplishedthrough the estimate process, describes the concept ofoperations and the resulting task assignment to joint forceelements. This planning, by establishing responsibilitiesfor every element of a joint or multinational force, pro-vides the foundation for a joint training system anddevelopment of joint training requirements. This is aproduct of cumulative joint planning efforts by a combat-ant commander and subordinate elements. As a result,joint warfighting requirements reflect the sum total (i.e.,across all levels of command) of warfighting capabilitiesrequired to execute a combatant commander's assignedmission. This is illustrated in Figure 6.

Joint warfightingrequirements are aproduct of the cumula-tive planning efforts ofa combatant com-mander and subordi-nate elements.

Step 1: Review Mission Analysis and IdentifyJoint Mission Essential Tasks


Figure 6. JMETL Definition Process

Review Concept of Operation. The concept ofoperation provides information on task sequencing andtask interrelationships. Figure 7 illustrates the method-ology describing a multi-echelon concept of operationand tasks assigned to subordinate commands. Con-sider the perspective of a joint force commander (e.g.,Joint Task Force Commander) assigned a mission by acombatant commander to “eject Iraqi armed forcesfrom Kuwait.” This CJTF and staff must go throughthe planning process to determine “how” the missionwill be accomplished. The product of this missionanalysis is a plan that details tasks to be assigned tosubordinate commands (or coordinated with supportingCINCs). The analysis also identifies tasks to beperformed by the CJTF and staff. For tasks assignedto subordinate commands (e.g., gain and maintain airsuperiority), mission analyses must be conducted todetermine how to accomplish their assigned tasks.

Plans provide an excel-lent starting point for thedevelopment of theJMETL tasks.

WHATWHAT

“WHAT TAS KS ,UNDE RWHAT

C ONDIT IONS ,PE R F OR ME D TO

WHATS TANDAR D.”

R E S TATE D MIS S IONC OMMANDE R ’S

INTE NTAND C ONC E PT OF

OPE R AT IONS

INTE GR AT IONINTE GR AT ION

HOWHOW

JME TLJME TL

JOINTDOCTRINE/

JTTP

JS C P

OPL ANS

��

��

CJCSM 3500.04

UNIVERSAL JOINTTASK LIST

15 MAY 1995

VERSION 2.1


Figure 7. Mission Analysis Supports JMET Development

Joint Planning & Execution Joint Training Requirements (JMET)

Mission A

Mission BMission C

CombatantCommander

Concept of Opns

JFCA

Eject Iraqi Armed forces from Kuwait

Gain and Maintain Air Superiority

Conduct OffensiveCounter-air

JFCBJFCC

MARFORNAVFOR

UJTL

Strategic

Operational

Tactical

SOC

UJTL

Coordinate Information SharingArrangements & Cond/StdsAcquire, Train, Supply, and TransportPersonnel & Cond/StdsFoster Alliance & Regional Relationsand Security Arrangements &Cond/StdsDetermine Theater Force Size andStructure Requirements & Cond/StdsMonitor Worldwide and TheaterStrategic Situation & Cond/Stds

SN 3.5.8

SN 4.1.2

ST 8.1

ST 7.1.6

ST 5.1.4

Establish IntelligenceRequirements & Cond/StdsDevelop Theater Strategy &Cond/StdsProvide Theater Aerospaceand Missile Defense &Cond/StdsCoordinate Training of Unitsand Personnel & Cond/StdsProvide Operational Supportand Cond/StdsProvide Positive Identificationof Friendly Operational Forces& Cond/Stds

ST 2.1

St 5.3.2

ST 6.1

ST 4.2.4

OP 4

OP 6.2.4

Collect Information on OperationalTargets & Cond/StdsCounter Enemy Air Attack inTheater of Opns/JOA & Cond/StdsSelect Target to Attack &Cond/StdsIntegrate Tactical Fires andCond/StdsAcquire and CommunicateInformation and Maintain Status &Cond/Stds

OP 2.2.2

OP 6.1.4

TA 3.1.1

TA 3.3

TA 5.1

Occupy Combat Area &Cond/StdsConduct Lethal Engagement &Cond/StdsSynchronize Tactical Operations& Conds/Stds

TA 1.4.2

TA 3.2.1

TA 5.4.6

Concept of Opns

ARFOR

Concept of Opns

JFACC/AFFOR

F-111F-16

F-117F-18

Concept of Opns

F-15 Wing


Cross Reference OPLAN and/or OPORD to UJTL.Once a concept of operation is determined, detailedplanning is carried out specifying the tasks to beperformed, assigning these tasks to force elements, andsequencing these tasks (documented in phases of anOPLAN). The UJTL provides a comprehensive menuof tasks that joint force commanders have at theirdisposal to accomplish their assigned missions. At thislevel of detail, tasks contained in the OPLAN can beused to cross reference tasks to the UJTL.

Different Operations Require Different Joint TaskAnalysis. Each mission requires somewhat differentcapabilities due to variations in the type of operation,forces involved, combat environment, commander’sintent, and concept of operations. Although many tasksrequired to execute separate missions may be the same,tasks that are required in one type of operation may notbe required in others (e.g., OP 3.2.5, Interdict EnemyOperational Forces/Targets, is required in a majorregional contingency and not required in a humanitarianassistance operation). The purpose of this step is toexamine the tasks required to accomplish each of thecombatant command's assigned missions.

JMET May Apply to Multiple Missions or Theaters.Since deliberate plans are rarely executed as planned,commanders can maintain flexibility by writing JMETsomewhat generically. That allows a single task toapply to a wide range of theaters and types of missions(OP 4.4.3, Provide Health Services in Theater ofOperations/JOA, may be performed in humanitarianassistance operation as well as in a major regionalcontingency). Therefore, JMET tasks should notspecify particular means, tactics, area, or enemy. Suchspecific information can be included in the statement ofrequirements as conditions information.

OPLANs and/orOPORDs containspecified and impliedtasks which can be cross-referenced to the UJTL.

Warfighting require-ments will vary based ontype of military opera-tion, forces involved,combat environment, andother factors.

Since deliberate plansare rarely executed asplanned, commanderscan maintain flexibilityby writing JMET some-what generically.


Construct Command JMETL. After examining the planfor an assigned mission, a joint force commander shouldassess the contribution of each task to mission successand include only the most essential tasks on the commandJMETL. In instances where a commander has multiplemissions, some missions may be more important thanothers. As a result, tasks associated with high prioritymissions receive greater consideration than tasks associ-ated with lower priority missions. In addition, taskscontributing to more than one mission may receiveincreased consideration as JMET. The product of thisstep is command JMETL, to include an audit trail linkingtasks to assigned missions. Subordinate commandsfollow the same process in identifying their missionessential tasks. While the number of JMETs associatedwith an entire plan may be quite large (as illustrated inFigure 7), the number of tasks comprising a JMETL forany single command may consist of only a small numberof tasks.

Identify Common Operational Joint Tasks. USACOM,as a combatant command, must develop a JMETL. Inaddition, USACOM, to prepare forces that it provides tosupport other geographic combatant commanders, mustdevelop an operational joint task list based on the mis-sions of these supported joint force commanders. Thistask list, called a Joint Force Integrator Task List(JFITL), reflects joint tasks, conditions, and standardsrequired by multiple supported combatant commanders.

Joint force command-ers must determine thejoint tasks essential forachieving missionsuccess. Those tasksform the commandJMETL.

Review JMET of Subordinate Commands and StaffElements. When tasks are performed by or under theimmediate direction of a commander, they should beconsidered as potential JMET for that commander.However, for those tasks that are performed by support-ing or subordinate commands, the resulting JMET mustbe those of the supporting or subordinate command. Forexample, in conducting a mission, it is essential that acombatant commander successfully deploy forces to thetheater. The combatant commander's JMET for deploy-ment involves the development of a TPFDD (ST 7.1.4,

Joint force commandersshould produce theirown JMET and shouldreview and approvesubordinate commanderJMET.

USACOM, in its role ofproviding forces tosupport other jointforce commands,produces a JFITL,composed of commonoperational joint tasks.


Commanders haveflexibility in how theyconstruct their commandJMETL.

Determine Forces and Cargo to be Deployed orRedeployed). The task SN 1.2, Conduct Deploymentand Redeployment, may be a JMET for a supportingcommand. In addition, subordinate commands mayinclude tasks in their JMET such as OP 4.6.3, ExpandCapacity of PODs and Allocate Space in the Theater ofOperations/JOA. Each joint force commander shouldreview and approve the JMET of their subordinatecommanders.

Report JMETL. In constructing their JMETL, jointforce commanders and subordinate elements are notlimited to citing the highest level tasks (e.g., OP 1) inthe UJTL task structure; they can also cite two or threedigit tasks (e.g., OP 1.1, OP 1.1.1). As a rule, com-manders should cite tasks primarily at the level of detailthat best and most efficiently describe their warfightingrequirements.

Develop Mission to Task Matrix. As an internalmanagement tool, commanders can develop a mission-by-task matrix to help document the mission basis of acommand’s JMETL (see Table 1: A Notional UJTL xMissions Matrix). The matrix could include bothmissions that are directly tasked (supported) andsupporting missions. The matrix displays tasks thatoccur in multiple missions. Some tasks will always playa role in a joint force commander’s mission (e.g., OP5.2, Assess Operational Situation), whereas other tasks(e.g., OP 6.2.3, Protect Use of Electromagnetic Spec-trum in Theater of Operations/JOA) may only berequired for selected missions. These matrices areuseful to joint force commanders when they developtraining and exercise plans for their forces by ensuringthat tasks included in training plans have a basis incommand missions.

Commander can developa mission-by-task matrixusing the UJTL tohighlight tasks commonto multiple missions. Amatrix can aid thecommander in develop-ing training plans.


MRCLRCPOHANEO

-----

Major Regional ContingencyLesser Regional ContingencyPeace OperationsHum anitarian AssistanceNoncombatant Evacuation Operations

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

2MRC

MRCSpted

MRCSptng LRC PO HA NEO

ST8 Develop and Maintain A lliance and Regional RelationsST 5.4 Provide Strategic D irection to Theater ForcesOP 2.3.2 Analyze and Evaluate Operational AreasOP 4.5.2 Establish Priorities and Supply Operational ForcesOP 4.7.5 Coordinate Politico- M ilitary SupportOP 6.5 Provide Security for Operational Forces and MeansOP ...

x

x x x

Techniques Aiding in JMETL Development. Severaltechniques are available to aid in the process of analyz-ing missions in order to identify JMETL. One techniqueinvolves the construction of operations templates.

Operations Templates Depict Sequencing of JointTasks in Accordance with the Concept of an Opera-tion. Operations templates provide a graphic depictionof tasks or activities interrelationships involved in theconduct of a military operation. Activities representedin an operations template can vary from broad tasks(e.g., OP 1, Exercise Operational Command andControl) to more specific tasks (e.g., OP 5.1.1, Com-municate Operational Information). Some militaryoperational activities may occur once, over a finite timeperiod. An example may be the deployment of forces toa theater of operations. Other tasks may occur periodi-cally, like reviewing or updating a plan. Yet other tasksmay be continuous, like managing a communications

Several techniquescan be used to aid inJMETL development.

Operations tem-plates graphicallydepict concept ofoperation sequenc-ing of joint tasks.

Table 1. A Notional Task x Missions Matrix


network. Some tasks, like developing a plan, may occur at asingle location. Other tasks, like distributing supplies, maybe performed at multiple locations. Thus, joint tasks can berepresented and distinguished within this framework.

Operations Templates Also Depict Interactions AmongTasks. Operations templates represent the interactions andinterdependencies among tasks that influence their combinedeffect on mission success. For example, refueling ratesaffect the ability of forces to maneuver.

Operations Templates Depict JMET and Other TasksRequired to Conduct Operation. A simplified operationstemplate is shown in Figure 8 for a humanitarian assistancemission. Several tasks are identified that must be performedto execute the commander's concept of operations. Thecommander determines which of these tasks are absolutelyessential (indicated by shading) to the successful executionof the operation and identifies these as JMET. Other tasksmay be included in the template as well.

Joint ForceCommander

MissionConcept

of Operation• Humanitarian Assistance

• Assist local authorities in providing security• Assist in combating disease• Provide relief supplies

CampaignPlan

OP 2.3.2Analyze and

EvaluateOperational Areas

OP 5.4 Directand Lead

SubordinateOperational Forces

OP 5.1.1CommunicateOperationalInformation

OP 4.5.2Establish Priorities

and Supply Operational Forces

OP 1.1.2Conduct

IntratheaterDeployment

of Forces

OP 4.4.1Provide Field

Services

OP 6.5Provide Securityfor Operational

Forces andMeans

OP 4.5.1 Provide for Movement

Services in Theaterof Opns/JOA

OPERATION TEMPLATE

OP 4.7.5Coordinate

Politico-MilitarySupport

OP 1.1.2 Conduct

IntratheaterRedeployment

of Forces

Mission Objectives/End State

• Commander Assigns tasks

• Establish distribution system• Maintain security• Transition relief effort to others

JMET

Operations tem-plates include tasksselected by com-manders as missionessential (JMET) aswell as other tasks.

Operations Tem-plates may display avariety of relation-ships among jointtasks.

Figure 8. Example of an Operations Template for a HumanitarianAssistance Mission


To best reflect acommander's conceptof an operation, JMET,along with other tasks,may be included in anoperations template.

Operations templatemay contain tasksperformed by higherheadquarters orsubordinate organiza-tions.

Based on a review of their priority missions, joint forcecommanders select those joint tasks most essential tomission success as their JMET. They must be selectivebecause resources are inadequate to train forces on allmission tasks. To assist, commanders use the universaljoint task list found in CJCSM 3500.04. The result ofthis step is the production of a JMETL by a joint forcecommander, linked to his assigned missions.

Joint force command-ers begin the JMETLdevelopment processby selecting joint tasksas their JMET.

Summary

Operations templatesdepict the interfacesbetween supported andsupporting commands.

Types of Tasks That Can be Included in Opera-tions Templates. The majority of tasks included inan operations template will be those performed by orunder the direct control of the joint force com-mander. Some of these tasks will be selected by thecommander as mission essential (JMET).

Tasks Performed by Higher Headquarters or Subordi-nate Organizations. In addition, tasks may be includedin an operations template that are either performed by ahigher headquarters or subordinate organization. Forexample, the task SN 3.5.8, Coordinate InformationSharing Arrangements, may be performed by an organi-zation above the joint force commander. Alternately, thetask TA 4.4.4, Perform Health Services, may be per-formed by a subordinate organization.

Tasks Performed by Supporting or Supported Organi-zations. Tasks performed by a supporting command(e.g., USSPACECOM task of SN 2.2.2, Collect Informa-tion on Strategic Targets) directly supporting a commandJMET can be included in an operations template. Inperforming these tasks, the supported command may berequired to perform certain tasks as well (e.g., for SN2.2.2, Collect Information on Strategic Targets, sup-ported command may have to perform ST 2.1.2, Identify,Prioritize, and Validate Intelligence Requirements).These types of tasks represent the interfaces betweensupported and supporting commands and are referred toas command-linked tasks.


Step 2: Describe Conditions for Each JMETPurpose. In this step, commanders describe conditionsfor each JMET based on the mission in which the tasksare performed.

Definition of Conditions. Conditions are variables ofthe environment that affect the performance of tasks.Conditions are generally not under the commander'scontrol (e.g., the condition of climate can be eithertropical, temperate, arid, or arctic). Some conditionsare given to a commander (e.g., ROE provided tocommander or the terrain in a joint operations area),others are not under friendly control (e.g., threatposture), and still others are not under anyone's control(e.g., the weather in a particular geographic area).

Conditions directly affect task performance. Condi-tions reflect the immediate situation or mission contextin which tasks must be performed. For example, inperforming a planning task like OP 5.3.4, DevelopCourses of Action/Prepare Staff Estimates, the condi-tions of the immediate situation could include the clarityof mission orders, the amount of time available tocomplete the planning process, and the relative strengthof friendly forces. In another example, for an employ-ment task like OP 1.1, Conduct Operational Move-ment, the conditions of the immediate situation couldinclude the weather, visibility, and type of terrain. Thenature of a task will help to define the scope of theimmediate situation for that task's performance. Forexample, the immediate situation of a strategic level ofwar task (national military) might span multiple the-aters of war from a headquarters in CONUS. Theserelationships are shown in Figure 9.

Conditions are part ofthe immediate situationor mission context inwhich a task must beperformed.

Conditions are variablesof the environment thataffect performance oftasks.


Conditions are Variables of the Operating Environ-ment. Conditions directly impact the ability to perform atask (e.g., security of lines of communication impactsthe ability to sustain joint task force operations) or theway in which the task is performed (e.g., lack ofinteroperability among friendly units and systemsimpacts procedures for performing task OP 5.1.1,Communicate Operational Information). Further, aspecific condition does not have the same impact on theperformance of all joint tasks. Indeed, a condition thathas a negative impact on one task (e.g., the impact ofpoor visibility on the ability to collect intelligence onenemy targets, OP 2.2.2), may have a similar impact ona second task (e.g., the impact of poor visibility onoperational movement of friendly forces, OP 1.1), apositive impact on a third joint task (e.g., the impact ofpoor visibility on maintaining OPSEC, OP 6.3), and noimpact on a fourth task (e.g., the impact of poor visibil-ity on maintaining alliance and regional relations, ST8). Thus, a particular condition will have varyingimpacts on different tasks.

Level of War of Joint Task Scope of Immediate Environment

Strategic – National

Strategic – Theater

Operational

Tactical

Multiple Theaters of War,HQs in CONUS

Theater of War orOperations

Theater of Operations orJoint Operational Area

Area of Operations,Battlespace

Figure 9. Relationship of Levels of War to Operating Environment

Conditions make iteasier or more difficultto successfully performjoint tasks.


Some conditions areshared by friendly andenemy forces (climate),while others are uniqueto one or the other(days of supply).

Conditions Impact Both Friendly and Enemy Forces.Some conditions are shared by friendly, neutral, andenemy military forces and some are not. For example, thecondition of climate applies to a geographical area thatmay include friendly, neutral, and enemy military forces.Therefore, the condition of climate is shared. On theother hand, a condition such as “days of supply” couldrefer to the friendly force or to an enemy force. In suchsituations, one must designate which force is beingreferred to by the condition. Days of supply (friendly)may be a critical factor in performing operationalmaneuver (OP 1.2) deep into enemy territory by friendlyforces, whereas days of supply (enemy) may be a criticalfactor in the ability of the friendly force to develop enemyoperational intentions (OP 2.3.3.1).

Conditions for Joint Tasks. A list of conditions for jointtasks has been prepared specifically for use in the jointtraining process. This list, found in CJCSM 3500.04, isintended to be comprehensive. It contains a completelisting of conditions applicable to all tasks in the UJTL.Conditions in this list are organized into three categoriesas follows:

♦ C 1.0 Physical Environment (i.e., both thenatural environment of land, air, sea, and spaceas well as those changes caused by man).

♦ C 2.0 Military Environment (i.e., mission andcharacteristics of friendly and enemy forces).

♦ C 3.0 Civil Environment (i.e., political,cultural, and economic factors).

Each of the three categories contains a number of condi-tions organized and numbered in a hierarchical manner. Abreakout of the conditions list is shown in Figure 10.

The UJTL contains alist of conditions forjoint tasks.


Defining Conditions. Every condition in the list ofconditions for joint tasks is clearly defined. Forexample, the condition, forces assigned (C2.2.1), isdefined as the capabilities of combat and supportforces assigned to a combatant commander day-to-day. When defining a condition, it is often useful ornecessary to indicate to whom the condition applies.For example, the condition forces assigned, couldapply to one’s own forces, allied forces, neutralforces, or threat forces. This can be indicated byadding a reference as follows: C 2.2.1, ForcesAssigned (Enemy).

Figure 10. Organization of Conditions for Joint Tasks

C1.0 PHYSICALC1.1 LandC1.1.1 TerrainC1.1.2 Geological FeaturesC1.1.3 Synthetic Terrain Features

C1.2 SeaC1.2.1 Ocean W atersC1.2.2 Ocean Subsurface CharacteristicsC1.2.3 Harbor CapacityC1.2.4 Littoral Characteristics

C1.3 AirC1.3.1 Clim ateC1.3.2 VisibilityC1.3.3 Atm ospheric W eapon

EffectsC1.4 SpaceC1.4.1 Objects in SpaceC1.4.2 Sunspot Activity

C2.0 M ILITARY ENVIRONM ENT

C2.1 M issionC2.1.1 M ission InstructionsC2.1.2 Legal StateC2.1.3 M ission PreparationC2.1.4 Theater Dim ensionsC2.1.5 Tim e Available

C2.2 ForcesC2.2.1 Forces AssignedC2.2.2 Com peting Apportionm entsC2.2.3 Forces AllocatedC2.2.4 Personnel CapabilityC2.2.5 M odern M ilitary System sC2.2.6 Interoperability

C2.3 Com m and, Control & Com m unications– Related Conditions

C2.3.1 Com m and Arrangem entsC2.3.2 M ilitary Style

C2.4 Intelligence – Related ConditionsC2.5 Deploym ent, M ovem ent, and M aneuver

– Related CondtionsC2.6 Firepow er – Related ConditionsC2.7 Protection – Related ConditionsC2.8 Sustainm ent – Related Conditions

C3.0 CIVIL ENVIRONM ENT

C3.1 Political PoliciesC3.1.1 Dom estic Political SupportC3.1.2 International PoliticsC3.1.3 NCA Decisions

C3.2 CultureC3.2.1 Language(s)C3.2.2 Custom s Adjustm entC3.2.3 Religious BeliefsC3.2.4 Significant Cultural SitesC3.2.5 Cultural UnityC3.2.6 National Character

C3.3 Econom yC3.3.1 Population

C3.3.2 Refugee Im pact

C3.3.3 Gross Dom estic Product (GDP)

C3.3.4 International Econom ic Position

C3.3.5 Industry

C3.3.6 National PotentialC3.3.7 Science & Technology

Each condition is definedin CJCSM 3500.04.


Each condition hasdescriptors that specifyhow that conditionmight exist during taskperformance.

Describing Conditions. Condition descriptions specifyhow that condition exists during the conduct of a particu-lar task in the context of a mission. Each condition mayexist to different degrees or at different levels. For mostcases, these differences have been reflected through thecreation of categories as illustrated in the followingexamples:

♦ C 1.3.1.3.3 Wind Velocity - light (<7 mph);moderate (7-24 mph); strong (25-46 mph); high(47 to 72 mph); hurricane force (>73 mph).

♦ C 1.3.2 Visibility - minimal (<1/4 NM); low(1/4 to 1 NM); moderate (1-3 NM); good (3-10NM); high (10 to 20 NM); unlimited (>20 NM).

♦ C 3.2.1 Language(s) - primarily English;English as secondary; other.

♦ C 3.2.5 Cultural Unity - high (unified);moderate (few divisions); low (serious divi-sions).

Describe "Global" Mission Conditions. As a first stepin applying conditions to a joint task, commandersexamine their missions to identify "global" conditions thatare likely to affect the performance of a large number oftasks. For example, climate (C 1.3.1) may affect theperformance of a large number of tasks. Another examplemight be the command arrangements (C 2.3.1) underwhich a mission is being conducted. Such conditions,rather than being specified for each task, can be specifiedas applying to all of the tasks comprising a particularmission.

Linked Conditions. The UJTL contains more than 600tasks. The conditions for joint tasks list, UJTL section 3,contains approximately 250 distinct conditions. It isimpractical to describe all 250 conditions for any one jointtask, let alone for all 600+ tasks. About five conditionswill, in most cases, be sufficient to describe the immediate

Commanders firstidentify conditions thatapply to a largenumber of missiontasks.

Task performance isgenerally affected byonly a small number ofconditions.


situation impacting on the performance of a joint task.Further, conditions significantly impacting one taskwill likely differ from the conditions impacting othertasks. Therefore, to identify, in advance, those condi-tions that significantly impact each joint task facilitatesthe establishment of clear warfighting requirements.

JoinTCAT Software Links Conditions to Joint Tasks.The Joint Training Computerized Analysis Tool(JoinTCAT) Version 2.1 has been designed to aid in theJMETL development process. JoinTCAT contains adata base that identifies approximately five conditionsfor every joint task. These linked conditions represent astart point for identifying conditions that significantlyimpact task performance for a given mission. Com-manders may use the JoinTCAT software to add ordelete condition linkages to their JMET based on thespecific nature of assigned mission(s) and the operatingenvironment.

Different Types of Joint Tasks are Linked to DifferentConditions. Different types of joint tasks will havedifferent condition links. Military activities (e.g.,Conduct Intratheater Deployment and Redeployment ofForces within Theater of Operations/JOA, OP 1.1.2)describing movement of a joint force element, theapplication of firepower, intelligence collection, commu-nication, etc., are associated with conditions directlyimpacting the action undertaken (e.g., lack of portsdirectly impacts the ability to deploy forces by sea). Onthe other hand, staff processes (e.g., Analyze andEvaluate Operational Areas, OP 2.3.2), the essence ofwhich involves planning, analysis, and decision making,are associated with conditions that make the planning,analysis, or decision making activities more complicated(e.g., the lack of an intelligence data base on the area ofoperations impacts the ability to analyze the area ofoperations).

JoinTCAT software linksseveral conditions toeach joint task to providea start point for JMETLdevelopment.

Military activities tend tobe linked to physicalconditions while staffprocesses link to condi-tions that make planning,analysis, and decisionmaking more difficult.


Commanders Review Each Task to EstablishCondition Links. Joint force commanders shouldreview and refine conditions in light of their assignedmissions. The JMETL will include those conditionsthat, in the judgment of a joint force commander, aremost likely to impact joint task performance. Eachcondition linked to a task could, if experienced in itsmost unfavorable state, seriously degrade task perfor-mance and increase the risk of mission failure.

Examples of Linked Conditions. However a condi-tion is described, it is important that it is understood.The following examples illustrate joint tasks and theirlinked conditions:

Commanders produce alist of conditions foreach joint task that iscritical to missionaccomplishment.


Example 1

Mission: Deter AggressionLevel of Command: Joint Task ForceTask: OP 1.1.2, Conduct Intratheater Deployment andRedeployment of Forces within Theater of Operations/JOA

For this type of task, linked conditions are thosephysical conditions making the task of transportingmajor forces in the theater of operations more difficult.Examples can include weather systems, adequacy of liftassets, or status of intratheater LOCs with regard tosecurity. These are illustrated below.

Example 1: Physicalconditions (e.g.,weather) tend to impactmilitary activities likedeployment.

Linked Conditions Condition Descriptors

C 1.3.1.2 Weather Systems - systemsthat determine weather over the next 2 to 5 days

C 2.5.2 Lift Assets - adequacy of liftassets for moving and supportingforces

C 2.5.1.4 Intratheater LOCs - freedomof movement for forces and materiel within a theater

Clear (high pressure)Unsettled (low pressure)Major storm

Robust (as planned)Limited (somewhat less thanplanned)Little or no

SecureContestedUnsecured


Linked Conditions Condition Descriptors

C 2.2.5.2 Modern Information &Intelligence Processing Systems - availability of modern informationsystems in numbers and types

C 2.2.6 Interoperability - the abilityof systems, units, or forces to interactwith other systems, units, or forcesand to operate effectively together

C 3.2.1 Language(s) (Allies) - the spoken and written means of communication

Abundant (widely distributedthroughout the force)Limited (not widely distributedand use closely controlled)Few (treated as “magic bullet” systems)

Full (systems, units, or forcescan integrate easily, bothvertically and horizontally)High (systems, units, or forcescan be integrated vertically andhorizontally with few workarounds)Some (systems, units, or forces canonly partially interoperate)No

Primarily EnglishEnglish as secondaryOther

Example 2: Physicalconditions (e.g.,interoperability) alsoimpact military activitiessuch as communication.

Example 2

Mission: Deter AggressionLevel of Command: Joint Task ForceTask: OP 5.1.1, Communicate Operational Informa-tion

For this type of task, linked conditions are thosephysical conditions making the task of operationalcommunication more difficult. Examples include theavailability of modern information and intelligenceprocessing systems, system interoperability, and thelanguage(s) used for friendly voice and written commu-nications. Notice that for the condition of language, itis necessary to specify whether the language referred tois used by allies or by an enemy. These are illustratedbelow.


Example 3

Mission: Deter AggressionLevel of Command: Joint Task ForceTask: OP 5.3.4, Develop Courses of Action/PrepareStaff Estimates

For this type of task, linked conditions are those vari-ables making it more difficult to develop a course ofaction. These conditions are generally not the physicaltype that make action tasks more difficult. Examplesinclude the clarity of mission instructions, lead time foroperations, and type of command arrangements. Theseare illustrated below.

Linked Condition Condition Descriptors

C 2.1.1 Mission Instructions - clarityof instructions, directives, policyguidance (including end state),strategies, or SOFA below the NCA level

C 2.1.5.1 Lead Time - the time from receipt of a warning or directive toinitiation of military operations

C 2.3.1 Command Arrangements -type of relationships or procedures setup among forces and their staffs forthe effective management of forces andaccomplishment of the mission

Clear (addresses likely issues and hedges, leaves little or no ambiguityas to intent, and allows freedom ofaction where required)Minimal (few in number, leaves mostdecisions to the on-scene commander)Restrictive (a large number ofinstructions, leaves little discretionto the on-scene commander)

Minimal (minutes to hours)Short (hours to days)Moderate (days to weeks)Long (weeks to months)

NATOMultinationalUnilateralAd Hoc

Example 3: Situationalconditions (e.g., missioninstructions) impact staffprocesses like thedevelopment of theaterstrategy.


Joint force command-ers describe condi-tions for each JMETbased on the missionsin which that JMEToccurs.

Describing Conditions for JMET. Joint force com-manders, based on an understanding of their assignedmissions, describe conditions they linked to their JMET.The description of a condition may vary from one missionto another. For example, terrain found in one part of acommander’s AOR for an MRC mission may be totallydifferent than the terrain found in another part of the AORfor an LRC mission. As a result, a commander cannotdetermine that a particular condition will always beencountered. Therefore, condition descriptions may needto be broad enough to cover a variety of missions.

Joint force commanders, when describing a condition(e.g., C 3.2.2.1, Societal Openness) associated with aJMET (e.g., Monitor Worldwide and Theater StrategicSituation, ST 5.1.4), may select a single categoryapplicable to a mission (e.g., moderate) when they arefairly certain about how that condition will be experi-enced. Alternatively, commanders may select multiplecategories of condition descriptions (“moderate” and“high ") when they are uncertain how the condition willimpact military operations.

Joint force command-ers select and describeconditions globally fortheir missions andspecifically for theircommand JMETL.

The complete list of conditions is contained in the UJTL(CJCSM 3500.04). Joint force commanders are initiallyprovided with sets of linked conditions for each of their JMET(in the JoinTCAT software). Joint force commanders canadd or delete conditions. After selecting applicable condi-tions, the commander describes each condition using the al-ternative descriptions provided. In addition, conditions canbe linked globally to a mission. The result of this step is aset of conditions for each JMET and mission that reflect theway a commander is likely to experience these conditionsduring mission execution.

In describing condi-tions, joint forcecommanders canselect one or morecondition descrip-tions.

Summary


Joint force command-ers establish standardsfor JMETs.

A standard consists oftwo parameters: ameasure and a crite-rion.

Step 3: Establish Mission-Based Standards

Purpose. In this step, commanders establish standardsfor their JMETL based on mission requirements. Thesestandards must be set in light of the fact that commandershave already associated conditions to their JMETL basedon mission analysis.

Definition of Standards. Standards express the degree towhich a joint force must perform a JMET under a speci-fied set of conditions. A standard consists of two param-eters: a measure and a criterion. Both are defined below.

Definition of Measure. The first parameter of a standardis a measure providing the basis for describing varyinglevels of joint task performance. A measure is alwaysdirectly task related. For example, consider the task,Communicate Operational Information, OP 5.1.1,referring to the sending and receiving of information fromone unit or staff organization to another by any means.Higher levels of performance on this task are character-ized by a greater capacity to send and receive information(more messages in any given time period), an ability to doso more accurately or more consistently (with less errorsor interruptions), and an ability to do it over greaterdistances (transmission range between communicationnodes). One measure of performance for OP 5.1.1 mightbe the number of messages transmitted per hour. Thismeasure would provide an indicator of the capacity totransmit messages (i.e., the speed of message transmis-sion). More messages per hour would indicate a higherlevel of performance. Fewer message per hours wouldindicate a lower level of performance. A second measurefor OP 5.1.1 might be the percent of error-free messagessent (in content or addressees). This measure providesan indicator of the accuracy with which the task wasperformed. A third measure is the distance over which a

Measures provide abasis for describingvarying levels of taskperformance.


message could be transmitted (transmission range).This is a measure of the power or endurance of taskperformance. Fourth, depending on the means beingemployed to send information, the time required fortransmission from sender to receiver could be animportant measure. Certainly, when messages are sentvia hardcopy, this could be an important measure ofperformance. All of the measures in this example allowus to distinguish among and describe different levels oftask performance for the task Communicate OperationalInformation, OP 5.1.1.

Definition of Criterion. The second parameter of astandard is a “criterion.” A criterion defines acceptablelevels of performance. It is often expressed as a minimumacceptable level of performance. For example, for thetask Communicate Operational Information, OP5.1.1,, a performance criterion for the measure, numberof messages transmitted per hour, might be 40. Thecombination of a measure and a criterion comprise thestandard for a JMET (i.e., 40 messages transmitted perhour).

Desired Characteristics of Measures. Measures allow-ing objective assessment are preferred to those requiringsubjective judgment. Quantitative measures are oftenobjectively measured. Measures related to outcomes orproducts are preferred to those that simply measureactivity levels (e.g., number of steaming hours as ameasure of movement) or the process of task performance(e.g., percent of task steps performed in the correctsequence).

Examples of JMET Measures and Standards. Astandard often consists of either (1) a single measure andcriterion or (2) multiple measures and associated criteria.The following examples illustrate some joint tasks andtheir standards.

A criterion definesacceptable levels oftask performance.

Measures are preferredthat are objective andthat focus on theoutcomes or productsof task performance.


Example 1

Mission: Deter AggressionLevel of Command: Joint Force Supporting CommandTask: SN 6.3, Mobilize at Home Station

For the joint task SN 6.3, Mobilize at Home Station,given conditions of a partial reserve callup, full domes-tic political support, and cooperative press relations, acriterion of performance for the measure, days toassemble forces, could be established as 10 days. Thisrepresents a measure of the time it takes to perform thetask. A second measure could be employed to reflecthow well the task was performed. Such a measuremight be the percent of personnel who report fullyequipped and trained. These measures are illustratedbelow.

Example 2

Mission: Deter AggressionLevel of Command: Joint Force Supported CommandTask: ST 4.3.2, Provide Supplies and Services forTheater Forces

A criterion can also establish an acceptable range oftask performance. For example, for the task ST 4.3.2,Provide Supplies and Services for Theater Forces,given contested intratheater LOCs, a moderateintratheater distance (between 50 and 150 NM), andnegligible host nation support, an acceptable range ofperformance could be specified as between 90 and 120days of supplies in place to support the campaign.

Example 2: A perfor-mance measure for ST4.3.2, Provide Suppliesand Services for TheaterForces, could be "daysof supplies in place tosupport campaign."

Example 1: A perfor-mance measure for SN 6.3,Mobilize at Home Station,could be "days to assembleforces."

MeasureCriterion

Days to assemble forces

Percent of personnel fully equipped and trained

10

94


Having either less than this range (too risky) or more thanthis range (too cumbersome) could present problems.Several other measures are illustrated below.

MeasureCriterion1,000

Days of supplies in place to support campaign

Days that supply effort can be sustained

90 - 120

180

Tons/day supplies processed and issued intheater

Example 3

Mission: Deter AggressionLevel of Command: Joint Task Force CommandTask: OP 1.3.2., Enhance Movement of OperationalForces

This task involves preparation or improvement of LOCsfor operational movement. More than one measure mayaddress a common aspect of task performance (e.g., time).In this example, more than one measure related to time isused to set a standard for OP 1.3.2, Enhance Movementof Operational Forces, given conditions of tropicalclimate and undeveloped lines of communication. Onemeasure concerns the time for initial performance (ofrepairs or improvements) and the second concerns thetime period before the task may have to be performedagain. These measures are illustrated below.

Example 3: A perfor-mance measure for OP1.3.2, Enhance Move-ment of OperationalForces could be"durability of repairs."

MeasureCriterion

Months that repairs will last

Days to complete improvements

6

10


Setting Standards. JMETL standards for are setwithin the framework of a joint force commander’smission and in the context of the mission-derivedconditions. JMETL standards should only be set after(1) mission analysis is complete, (2) linked conditionshave been identified and described, and (3) measureshave been selected that reflect the way in which thetask contributes to mission accomplishment. This tiesJMETL standards to missions.

A Standard May Use More than One Measure. Eachjoint task may have standards using one or moremeasures. A standard can be set on any measureapplying to a task. In some situations, one measuremay be sufficient. In other situations, a commandermay have to specify a standard using more than onemeasure to fully define a required level of performance.For example, in specifying a standard for engagingenemy targets, measures for both engagement timeand accuracy may be required to fully define a re-quired level of performance.

Standards Do Not Specify Who Performs Joint Tasks.A standard for a single JMET does not normally have tobe met by a single joint force component. In many jointoperations, several elements of the force (componentcommands, unit types, system types) may be assignedresponsibility to perform a JMET. Therefore, theassessment of performance will often reflect the com-bined capabilities of multiple force elements.

JMETL standards reflect the joint force commander’sunderstanding of required warfighting capabilities basedon assigned missions (and the associated concept ofoperation and operation plan) and the conditions likelyto be experienced in carrying out that mission. JMETLstandards must also be established with cognizance offriendly force capabilities (i.e., do not expect a divisionto be as capable as a corps, a single ship to be aseffective as a carrier battle group).

After selecting JMETL,describing conditions,and analyzing tasks in amission context, jointforce commanders canestablish standards.

Standards often requireuse of more than onemeasure.

Standards do not specifywho will perform thetask.

JMETL standards shouldreflect an understandingof friendly force capa-bilities.


Standards for one JMETmay be interdependentwith standards for otherJMETs. When thestandard for one taskchanges, it may affect thestandards on other tasks.

Summary

Joint Task Standards are Interdependent. A standardfor one joint task may be interdependent with standardsfor another joint task involved in the same military opera-tion. For example, the standard for accuracy in locatingtargets in Collect Information on Operational Targets,OP 2.2.2, is interdependent with the standard of successfor Attack Enemy Operational Land/Maritime Targets,OP 3.2.1. Increased accuracy in locating targets may leadto increases in the requirement to successfully engagetargets. Thus, changing a standard for one task in a mili-tary operation may affect standards for other tasks in thesame military operation.

Warfighting Requirements Include Tasks, Conditions,and Standards. An example of a warfighting require-ment follows the syntax of "Perform this task, under con-ditions of ..., to a standard of ..." For example, in thecontext of a Humanitarian Assistance mission, distributesupplies for campaign and theater of operations/JOA (OP4.5) under conditions of stormy weather (C 1.3.1.3) andcontested intratheater lines of communication (C. 2.5.1.4)to a standard of 2,000,000 ton miles of cargo moved perday and four hours or less to locate a unit or major cargoupon status request.

Establishing jointstandards completesJMETL development.

Required warfightingcapability is expressedas: Perform this task,under conditions of ..., toa standard of ...,

Joint force commanders complete the development oftheir JMETL when they establish standards for eachJMET. These standards are based on their high prioritymissions and focus on the tasks most essential tomission success.


The example provided below integrates the JMETLdevelopment methods described in this handbook.

Mission: Liberate Kuwait and Destroy Iraqi Forces.The mission of the Joint Force Commander is to liberatethe people of Kuwait from the occupying Iraqi forces andto protect the future independence of the Kuwaiti peoplethrough the destruction of the Iraqi Republican Guardforces.

Identify Level of Command. This mission is beingcarried out by a joint force command at the operationallevel of war.

Step 1: Review Mission Analysis and Identify JointMission Essential Tasks. Using the operations templatetechnique, a number of tasks central to the OPLAN forthe above mission can be depicted (see Figure 11). Someof the tasks in this template are identified as JMETL (byshading) while others are supporting tasks. Supportingtasks, while not designated as JMETL, may link toJMETL of supporting joint force commands orsubordinate commands.

The JMETL identified in Figure 11 include the following:

- Gain and Maintain Air Superiority in Theater ofOperations/JOA (OP 1.5.3)

- Provide Firepower in Support of OperationalManeuver (OP 3.2.6)

- Plan and Execute Demonstration (OP 1.2.4.2)- Establish Priorities and Supply Operational

Forces (OP 4.5.2)- Conduct Operations in Depth (OP 1.2.4)

JMETL Development Example

JMETL examples areprovided below

State the mission

Identify level of com-mand.

Identify JMET associatedwith mission.


Step 2: Describe Conditions for Each JMET. First ofall, several mission level conditions are assigned toJMET for this mission. These few global conditionsapply to all of the JMET.

Mission will be conducted under the conditions of:

Arid climate (C 1.3.1)Multinational ROE (C 2.1.1.4), and aStrong force allocated (C 2.2.3).

Figure 11. Example of Operation Template for Mission to LiberateKuwait and Destroy Iraqi Forces

Describe mission condi-tions.

Attack Enemy Aircraftand Missiles

(Offensive Counter Air)OP 3.2.3

Exercise MEF inPersian Gulf

Employ PSYOP inTheater of

Operations/JOAOP 3.2.2.1

Conduct PSYOP

Position MEF forAmphibious Assault of

Kuwait

Plan and ExecuteDemonstrationOP 1.2.4.2

Outflank the RepublicanGuards Divisions

Conduct Operations inDepth

OP 1.2.4

Move Forces to AttackPositions

Concentrate Forces inTheater of

Operations/JOAOP 1.2.3

Dominate the Persian Gulf

Gain and MaintainMaritime Superiority in

Theater ofOperations/JOA

OP 1.5.2

Move Logistics to SupportFlanking Movement

Establish Priorities andSupply Operational

ForcesOP 4.5.2

Conduct OperationalDeceptionOP 6.4.2

Transition Joint Forcesto and from TacticalBattle Formations

OP 1.2.1Penetrate Initial Iraqi

Defenses

Attack ForwardGround Forces

Provide Firepower inSupport of Operational

ManeuverOP 3.2.6

Attack Iraqi Air Bases

Employ OperationalCommand and Control

Warfare (C2W)OP 5.6

Attack IraqiC4I

Suppress Iraqi AirDefenses

Suppress Enemy AirDefenses

OP 3.2.4

Conduct Air Interdictionof OperationalForces/TargetsOP 3.2.5.1

Attack Iraqi Logisticsand Ground Forces

Insert SOF

Collect Information onOperational Targets

OP 2.2.2

Conduct SpecialOperations Interdiction

of OperationalForces/TargetsOP 3.2.5.3

Attack Iraqi Logisticsand Ground Forces

Obtain Air SuperiorityOver Iraq

Gain and Maintain AirSuperiority in Theater of

Operations/JOAOP 1.5.3

JMETL


Additional conditions that apply to specific JMET are asfollows:

OP 1.5.3, Gain and Maintain Air Superiority inTheater of Operations/JOA under conditions of :- high military systems reliability (C 2.2.5.3)- high space platforms availability (C 2.7.3.2)

and- unlimited visibility (C 1.3.2).

OP 3.2.6, Provide Firepower in Support ofOperational Maneuver under conditions of:- partial multinational integration (C 2.3.1.2)- general air superiority (C 2.7.2), and- moderate degree of camouflage (enemy

targets) (C 2.6.2)

OP 1.2.4.2, Plan and Execute Demonstration underconditions of:- continuous communications connectivity

(C 2.3.1.6)- general air superiority (C 2.7.2), and- complete foreign government support

(coalition partners) (C 3.1.2.3)

OP 4.5.2, Establish Priorities and SupplyOperational Forces under conditions of:- medium theater dimensions (C 2.1.4)- adequate sustainment facilities (C 2.8.1), and- low economic self-sufficiency (of Saudi

Arabia) (C 3.3.4.1)

OP 1.2.4, Conduct Operations in Depth underconditions of:- low route availability (C 1.1.3.4)- extensive obstacles to movement

(C 1.1.3.3), and- general air superiority (C 2.7.2)

Describe conditions thatapply to JMET.


The conditions linkages described above are notexhaustive; they are the ones identified by the jointforce commander as the most significant for the currentmission.

Step 3: Select Measures and Determine Mission-Based Standards for Each JMET. Based on missionobjectives, tasks identified as JMET, and considerationof the mission- and task-level conditions impactingperformance of the JMET, measures are selected foreach of the JMET tasks. Measures are selected basedon their ability to indicate the degree task performancecontributes to mission success. Standards are thenassigned to each of the selected measures. Standardsachievement is consistent with successfulimplementation of the OPORD for the joint forcecommander’s assigned mission.

The joint force commander must perform:

OP 1.5.3, Gain and Maintain Air Superiority inTheater of Operations/JOA under conditions of :- high military systems reliability (C 2.2.5.3)- high space platforms availability (C 2.7.3.2)

and- unlimited visibility (C 1.3.2)

To a standard of:- 98 percent of friendly air sorties uncontested

by enemy defenses

OP 3.2.6, Provide Firepower in Support ofOperational Maneuver under conditions of:- partial multinational integration (C 2.3.1.2)- general air superiority (C 2.7.2), and- moderate degree of camouflage (enemy

targets) (C 2.6.2)

Select measures andestablish mission-basedstandards for each JMET


To a standard of:- 4 hours to initiate an attack on enemy

operational targets- 80 percent of targets attacked on which

desired effects were achieved

OP 1.2.4.2, Plan and Execute Demonstration underconditions of:- continuous communications connectivity

(C 2.3.1.6)- general air superiority (C 2.7.2), and- complete foreign government support

(coalition partners) (C 3.1.2.3)

To a standard of:- 10 days during which attention of enemy was

held- 25 percent of enemy forces diverted from

prior mission by demonstration

OP 4.5.2, Establish Priorities and SupplyOperational Forces under conditions of:- medium theater dimensions (C 2.1.4)- adequate sustainment facilities (C 2.8.1),

and- low economic self-sufficiency (of Saudi

Arabia) (C 3.3.4.1)

To a standard of:- 45 days of supplies stockpiled to support

campaign- 5,000 tons per day of supplies delivered to

operational forces

OP 1.2.4, Conduct Operations in Depth underconditions of:- low route availability (C 1.1.3.4)- extensive obstacles to movement

(C 1.1.3.3), and- general air superiority (C 2.7.2)


To a standard of:- 50 percent of enemy ground forces cut off

from AO- 2 percent/week enemy force desertions or

surrender

The result of this three step process is a series ofJMETs, with associated conditions and standards,which serve as the joint force commander’s mission-based warfighting requirements. In addition, the jointforce commander has identified supporting tasks, someof which provide links to the JMET of supporting jointforce commanders or of subordinate commands.

The product of this processfor the joint force com-mander is a JMETL, toinclude tasks along withassociated conditions andstandards, tied to a mission.

The process of JMETL development involves theexamination of the missions of a combatant commander,subordinate joint force commander, and functional orService component commanders in order to establishrequired warfighting capabilities consisting of jointtasks, conditions, and standards. This handbook isintended to assist the combatant commands describerequired capabilities in a form useful in the planning,execution and assessment phases of the joint trainingsystem. Further, it should aid resource providers andthe Joint Staff in examining and coordinating jointtraining requirements among a number of combatantcommands with diverse missions. The next phase of thejoint training system begins with the development of ajoint training plan delineating how combatant command-ers allocate their joint training resources to meetJMETL requirements.

This handbook describesthe process of JMETLdevelopment – pavingthe way for planning andconducting joint train-ing.

Summary


Glossary of Terms

AO Area of OperationsAOR Area of ResponsibilityCJCS Chairman, Joint Chiefs of StaffCJCSI Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff InstructionCJCSM Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff ManualCINC Commander in ChiefCJTF Commander Joint Task ForceCOA Course of ActionCONUS Continental United StatesHA Humanitarian AssistanceJFACC Joint Force Air Component CommanderJFC Joint Force CommanderJMET Joint Mission Essential TaskJMETL Joint Mission Essential Task ListJOA Joint Operational AreaJoinTCAT Joint Training Computerized Analysis ToolJSCP Joint Strategic Capabilities PlanJTF Joint Task ForceJTTP Joint Tactics, Techniques, and ProceduresLOC Lines Of CommunicationLRC Lesser Regional ContingencyMOOTW Military Operations Other Than WarMRC Major Regional ContingencyNATO North Atlantic Treaty OrganizationNCA National Command AuthorityNEO Noncombatant Evacuation OperationOPLAN Operation PlanOPORD Operation OrderOPSEC Operations SecurityPO Peace OperationPOD Point of DebarkationROE Rules of EngagementSOC Special Operations CommandTPFDD Time Phased Force Deployment DataUCP Unified Command PlanUJTL Universal Joint Task ListUNAAF Unified Action Armed Forces

Prepared by:Dynamics Research Corporation

60 Frontage RoadAndover, MA 01810

joint mission essential task list (jmetl) development handbook

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