"Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms of the United States Department of Defense" (Year Revised Edition)

Key Chapter Title List

1. Scope, Purpose, and Application
2. Term Selection Criteria
3. Other DoD Dictionary Coordination Requirements
4. Publication Format and Structure
5. Internet Access Channels
6. Main Term Body (A-Z)
7. Appendix of Abbreviations and Acronyms
8. DoD Terminology Community Points of Contact
9. Appendix of Administrative Directives
10. Related Instructions for Joint Publications
11. Terminology Standardization Coordination (DoD-NATO)
12. Classified Terminology Usage Specifications

Document Introduction

Designated as the official terminology authority by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the *Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms* (Joint Publication 1-02, abbreviated as JP 1-02) is a core tool for ensuring unified communication across U.S. military joint operations, allied coalition operations, and various DoD departments. Initially released in 2001 and revised on August 19, 2009, its development is based on the 1989 DoD Directive on Standardization of Military and Associated Terms (DoD Directive 5025.12), aiming to establish a standardized terminology system across the entire military.

The dictionary's core mission is to supplement gaps in general English dictionaries regarding military and associated fields, providing a unified and precise terminology reference for U.S. military joint operations, allied coalition operations, and daily DoD administrative and operational command. It is important to note that the dictionary does not restrict the authority of Joint Force Commanders (JFC) to flexibly organize forces and execute missions based on actual operational needs; rather, it enhances command efficiency and coordination consistency through terminology standardization.

In terms of application scope, this dictionary is mandatorily binding for all U.S. DoD departments (including the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Military Departments, Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, etc.), requiring consistent terminology usage unless specific contextual exceptions are explicitly required. In NATO-related activities, NATO standard terminology takes precedence; if no corresponding NATO standard exists, DoD terminology may be applied. The dictionary also details the coordination mechanism for DoD and NATO terminology standardization, including term selection, annotation, and application rules, reflecting the professionalism of inter-agency collaboration.

Term selection follows strict eight criteria, covering core dimensions such as gaps in general dictionary coverage, military and associated significance, definition comprehensibility, the principle of non-abbreviation, and non-classified requirements, ensuring the practicality and authority of included terms. The dictionary adopts a two-part structure: the main body contains all DoD-approved terms and definitions (including DoD-NATO common terms, marked with (*)), while Appendix A compiles commonly used DoD abbreviations and acronyms, providing convenient reference for users.

As a dynamic resource accessible and updated in real-time via the internet (including DTIC website and NIPRNET addresses), the online version of this dictionary consistently maintains a more up-to-date status than the printed version. It provides an authoritative channel for global defense researchers, policymakers, intelligence professionals, and military personnel to access official U.S. military terminology. Its content covers multiple core military areas such as operational command, logistics support, intelligence reconnaissance, weapons systems, and communication technology, making it a key reference for understanding U.S. military operational concepts, command systems, and coordination mechanisms.