Joint Metoc Handboo - IHMC Ontology and Policy Management

6-The Joint METOC Officer
Chapter 6 - The Joint Task Force METOC Officer
6.1 Structure
The JMO is the senior METOC officer assigned to the Joint Force Commander’s staff.
The CINC Senior METOC Officer (SMO) could also be the JMO, if the CINC deploys
forward.
6.1.1 SMO / JMO Relationship.
The JMO is typically a member of the JTF J3 organization, however, the JMO may also be
found in the J2 shop. During the execution phase, the JMO should be collocated with the
Joint Operations Center (JOC), usually under the J3. The relationship between SMO and
JMO is one of close coordination--it is not a senior-subordinate relationship. Each is a
member of his respective staff (whether pre-existing or ad-hoc) and, as such, reports within
the respective organization. The SMO is the expert on how the CINC prefers METOC
support within the AOR and should ensure that these preferences are communicated to the
Joint Force Commander (JFC) and his staff. If a JFC has not been named, the SMO should
perform JMO checklist tasks. When the JFC is named, his Staff METOC Officer assumes
JMO responsibilities. At this time the SMO and JMO checklists must be exchanged with a
shift of responsibilities to the JFC’s METOC Officer. A close relationship should continue
as staff planning at both the CINC and JFC levels continues until the OPORD/OPLAN is
complete. The SMO, with established resources and organizational ties, provides a
significant wealth of knowledge, experience and support, which the JMO should draw
upon as the plan shifts into execution.
6.1.2 Assets.
The JMO coordinates with the SMO for augmenting personnel and equipment and for
METOC Forecast Center (MFC) support to the operation.
6.2 Roles and Responsibilities
The JMO acts for the JFC to direct and coordinate METOC activities under the JFC's
operational control.
6.2.1 JMO Considerations and Actions in Planning and Executing Support to a JTF.
6.2.1.1 Support JTF Crisis Action Planning (CAP) for a joint operation.
A crisis situation is developing. The JMO starts with Phase I or II and progresses through
five phases of Crisis Action Planning (see Chapter 2).
• Contribute to the Joint Task Force's overall mission analysis
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