Joint Metoc Handboo - IHMC Ontology and Policy Management

3-JTF HQ METOC Support
Chapter 3 - METOC Support to Joint Task Force Headquarters
This chapter summarizes the structure of a Joint Task Force headquarters and the types of
METOC support that might be required by its various elements (J-codes, boards, and
centers).
3.1 Joint Task Force Headquarters METOC Support
3.1.1 Structure.
The JTF METOC organization may range in scope from a small briefing cell to a fullfunction
METOC forecast activity. With the current emphasis on minimizing the footprint
of US forces forward, the size of the JTF staff and thus the allowable number of JTF
METOC personnel collocated with the headquarters will be small. Economy of force will
normally dictate the use of METOC Regional Centers to provide products and services that
the JTF HQ METOC personnel will be unable to provide.
3.1.2 Relationship.
JTF METOC personnel report to the Joint Force METOC Officer (JMO; see Chapter 6),
who is responsible for the direction and coordination of METOC activities under the Joint
Force Commander's operational control. OPCON is the authority exercised by
commanders at or below the combatant command, to organize and employ commands and
forces, assign tasks, designate objectives, and give authoritative direction necessary to
accomplish the mission; it does not include authoritative direction for matters of
administration, discipline, internal organization, or unit training.
3.1.3 Assets.
Variable, depending on scope of the organization and assigned responsibilities.
3.1.4 Roles and Responsibilities.
As assigned to directly support CJTF/JMO.
• To the maximum extent allowable, produce products and forecasts (e.g., the Joint
Operations Area Forecast, JOAF) to support ongoing operations and give METOC
guidance to the components.
• Assist the JMO in providing full spectrum support to the JTF HQ staff, boards, and
centers.
• Functionally coordinate METOC data and product support from externally tasked
assets per Annex H.
3.1.5 METOC Support Capabilities and Requirements.
Will vary with scope of JTF’s mission and Service requirements:
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