Joint Metoc Handboo - IHMC Ontology and Policy Management

E-METOC LOI
Appendix E - METOC Letter of Instruction (LOI) Examples
E.1 METOC Letters of Instruction
In developing a METOC LOI, be sensitive to differences between the Services. The Air
Force tends to be explicit and will explain and task many items in an LOI. The “plan” is
developed, and deviations or additional actions are coordinated as required during the
“decentralized execution”. The Navy minimizes amplifying guidance, maximizing use of
existing internal directives. If the CONOPS or LOI doesn’t say not to do it, you can do it
(command by negation). Each mission is much like the previous, and Navy personnel
usually know what to do without need for coordination. Suggested format for an LOI
(from JP 3-59):
• Originator
• Addressees: units in the JTF, supporting force commanders, and supporting activities
• Classification
• Subject: unclassified exercise/operation name, followed by 'METOC LOI'
• Reference: applicable/supporting OPORDs, OPLANs, etc.
• Points of contact
• Purpose: what does this LOI achieve?
• Situation: why is a joint force METOC operation required?
• Concept of METOC operations: how will the METOC function operate? Can
reference Annex H
• Assumptions
• Planning factors: METOC conditions that may affect plan execution
• Mission: METOC objectives in support of the Joint Force Commander's plan
• Execution: time period of expected operations, coordinating instructions, tasks and
responsibilities. Paragraph B.1.2.3 of the Handbook includes suggestions for
paragraph 3 (Execution) of Annex H that are applicable in an LOI
• Deployment: on-station time
• OPSEC
• Coordination instructions: instructions common to two or more components or
subdivisions
• Operational constraints: limiting factors, such as manning or equipment
• Administration and Logistics
• Equipment and Supplies
• Command and Control: command relationships
• METCON, OCEANCON, ICECON, SPACECON: conditions for implementation
• Communications: METOC data flow/availability; homepages, KQ identifiers, etc.
• Reporting: after action reports, equipment/personnel status, product assessments, etc.
• METOC Assistance Requests: how to request special products
E-1