JP 1-02, DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms - DMRTI ...

As Amended Through 15 March 2012provides observation of the beaches and is primarily concerned with the geological andtactical aspects of the beach.beach support area — In amphibious operations, the area to the rear of a landing force orelements thereof, established and operated by shore party units, which contains thefacilities for the unloading of troops and materiel and the support of the forces ashore; itincludes facilities for the evacuation of wounded, enemy prisoners of war, and capturedmateriel. Also called BSA. (JP 3-02)beach survey — The collection of data describing the physical characteristics of a beach;that is, an area whose boundaries are a shoreline, a coastline, and two natural orarbitrary assigned flanks.beach width — The horizontal dimensions of the beach measured at right angles to theshoreline from the line of extreme low water inland to the landward limit of the beach(the coastline).begin morning civil twilight — The period of time at which the sun is halfway betweenbeginning morning and nautical twilight and sunrise, when there is enough light to seeobjects clearly with the unaided eye. At this time, light intensification devices are nolonger effective, and the sun is six degrees below the eastern horizon. Also called BMCT.begin morning nautical twilight — The start of that period where, in good conditions andin the absence of other illumination, enough light is available to identify the generaloutlines of ground objects and conduct limited military operations. Lightintensification devices are still effective and may have enhanced capabilities. At thistime, the sun is 12 degrees below the eastern horizon. Also called BMNT.believed-to-be — In mortuary affairs, the status of any human remains until a positiveidentification has been determined. Used interchangeably with tentative identification.Also called BTB. (JP 4-06)berm, natural — The nearly horizontal portion of a beach or backshore having an abruptfall and formed by deposition of material by wave action. A berm marks the limit ofordinary high tide. For air cushion vehicles, berms (constructed) are required to protectmaterials handling equipment operations. See also backshore. (JP 4-01.6)bight — A bend in a coast forming an open bay or an open bay formed by such a bend. (JP 4-01.6)bill — A ship’s publication listing operational or administrative procedures. (JP 3-04)biological agent — A microorganism that causes disease in personnel, plants, or animals orcauses the deterioration of materiel. See also biological weapon; chemical agent. (JP 3-11)biological half-time — See half-life.36 JP 1-02