NATO Stanag 2287

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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0510E-05ST2287Ed1 NATO UNCLASSIFIED

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.

http://nsa.nato.int;/

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0752E-05ST2287Ed1Rat1 NATO UNCLASSIFIED

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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Graphical Symbol


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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Graphical Symbol


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


Graphical Symbol


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


Graphical Symbol


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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NATO UNCLASSIFIED


Graphical Symbol


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

0752E-05ST2287Ed1Rat1 NAT

use

nemy l

able to

See: neutralize, suppress, disrupt

D

D

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O UNCLASSIFIED


Graphical Symbol


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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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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Graphical Symbol


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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Graphical Symbol


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

0752E-05ST2287Ed1Rat1

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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NATO UNCLASSIFIED


Graphical Symbol


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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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

0752E-05ST2287Ed1Rat1

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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NATO UNCLASSIFIED

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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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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NATO Stanag 2287

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