MCWP 3-35.7 Navy Metoc

MCWP 3-35.
MAGTF Meteorology and

Oceanography Support
U.S. Marine Corps
PCN 143 000041 00

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
Headquarters United States Marine Corps
Washington, DC 20380-1775
30 June 1998
FOREWORD
1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Marine Corps Warfighting Publication (MCWP) 3-35.7, MAGTF Meteorological and Oceano-
graphic Support, provides the information needed by Marines to understand, plan, and conduct
Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) meteorological and oceanographic (METOC) operations.
The focus of MCWP 3-35.7 is METOC effects on operations and missions. It addresses METOC
planning requirements, command relationships, METOC support capabilities, and external support
requirements. Detailed information is provided on:
METOC support organization and structure
Sample METOC support products
Weather and oceanographic effects on MAGTF operations
Meteorological critical values
Sample Annex H (METOC Services) for operation orders and plans.
2. SUPERSESSION
MCWP 3-35.7 is a new publication.
3. CERTIFICATION
Reviewed and approved this date.
BY DIRECTION OF THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS
JOHN E. RHODES
Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps
Commanding General
Marine Corps Combat Development Command
DISTRIBUTION: 143 000041 00

To Our Readers
Changes: Readers of this publication are encouraged to submit suggestions and changes that
will improve it. Recommendations may be sent directly to Commanding General, Doctrine
Division (C 42), Marine Corps Combat Development Command, 3300 Russell Road, Suite
318A, Quantico, VA 22134-5021 or by fax to 703-784-2917 (DSN 278-2917) or by E-mail to
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Additional copies: A printed copy of this publication may be obtained from Marine Corps
Logistics Base, Albany, GA 31704-5001, by following the instructions in MCBul 5600, Marine
Corps Doctrinal Publications Status. An electronic copy may be obtained from the Doctrine
Division, MCCDC, world wide web home page which is found at the following universal
reference locator: http://ismo-www1.quantico.usmc.mil/ docdiv.
Unless otherwise stated, whenever the masculine or feminine gender is used,

both men and women are included.
MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support
Table of Contents
Page
Chapter 1. Introduction
1001 General 1-1

1002 Mission 1-1
1003 Historical Perspective 1-1
1004 General Principles 1-1
1005 Planning Considerations 1-3
1006 Conclusions 1-4
Chapter 2. METOC Support Systems and Functions
2001 METOC Support Network 2-1

2002 Capabilities and Limitations 2-1
2003 Naval METOC Support System 2-1
2004 Marine Corps METOC Support System 2-2
2005 Marine Corps Staff METOC Personnel 2-2
2006 MAGTF METOC Personnel 2-3
Chapter 3. METOC Support to the MAGTF
3001 MAGTF METOC Support Concept of Operations 3-1

3002 METOC Support Principles 3-1
3003 METOC Support Requirements 3-1
3004 Tasks and Responsibilities 3-2
3005 METOC Support Capabilities 3-4
3006 METOC Communications and Information Systems
Requirements 3-5
Appendices
A Glossary A-1
B References and Related Publications B-1
C METOC Support Organization and Structure
C-1
D Support Products and Services D-1
iii
MCWP 3-35.7
E Weather Effects on MAGTF Operations E-1

F Meteorological Critical Values F-1
G Sample Annex H (METOC Services) G-1
H METOC Centers H-1
I Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace I-1
iv
Chapter 1
Introduction
“Know the enemy, know yourself;
Your victory will never be endangered.
Know the ground, know the weather;
Your victory will then be total.”
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War
1001. General 1003. Historical Perspective

Weather and oceanographic conditions are factors Weather and oceanographic support is critical to
over which commanders have no control but that tactical operations and operational-level planning.
have the potential to affect every combatant, piece History is replete with examples of the weather’s
of equipment, and operation. Weather becomes and oceanography’s effects on the timing, as well
more significant to success in the modern bat- as the success or failure, of military operations on
tlespace as advanced technological weapons and a variety of battlefields. Some examples are the
support systems are fielded because of their vul- Spanish Armada, the Battle of Trenton, Hitler’s
nerability to adverse weather. Effective oceano- attempt to take Moscow, the Battle of Stalingrad,
graphic information and support is especially Tarawa, Operation Overlord, the Battle of the
critical to Marine expeditionary forces (MEFs) as Bulge, the Chosin Reservoir, and the Inchon
they seek broader and bolder operational opportu- Landing. The battlespace of tomorrow will pro-
nities to project combat power from the sea. vide examples of victories and defeats that are at-
Many battles and campaigns have been won or tributable to the skillful integration, or lack of
lost as a result of the impact of weather. Although integration, of weather in military planning and
commanders have no control over these factors, the execution of combat operations.
they can take advantage of weather and oceano-
graphic conditions or minimize their effects 1004. General Principles
through planning and training. To do so, com-
manders and planners need support from mete- The following principles comprise the cornerstone
orological and oceanographic (METOC) elements of METOC support in all operations. By applying
operating from the tactical to the national and in- these principles, METOC support is better pre-
ternational levels. pared to enhance and sustain operations. These
principles include:
1002. Mission
Accuracy of data and information
The mission of the Marine Corps METOC Serv- Timeliness of data and information
ice is to provide meteorological, oceanographic, Relevance to the operational user
and space environmental information, products, Unity of effort
and services that are required to support Marine Readiness
Corps operations and other military operations as Evaluation of effectiveness.
may be directed.
1-2 MCWP 3-35.7
a. Accuracy of Data and Information specific METOC information requirements for

Commanders depend on accurate weather and content, form, medium, presentation, timeliness,
oceanographic information to plan and direct their and frequency of delivery.
operations. Inaccurate information can cost lives,
undermine the successful execution of an opera- d. Unity of Effort
tion or mission, waste resources, and impair Weather information that influences a com-
readiness. This is true anytime—whether at peace mander’s decision usually cannot be derived from
or at war. The complexity of the mission and data obtained from a single source. Instead, ME-
amount of detail required; the capability to collect TOC data from many sources must be assembled
data and model and forecast the weather, sea, and into a database. That database contains a com-
coast conditions; the perishable nature of such plete and integrated summary of weather and
data; and human error all affect accuracy. There- oceanographic conditions over an extended region
fore, METOC information will never be totally and time that affect the area that is of interest to
free of inaccuracies. These factors must be ex- the commander. To accomplish this task, ME-
plained and quantified to decisionmakers so that TOC organizations at all levels must have clearly
they may place an appropriate weight and level of defined functions that eliminate duplication, maxi-
confidence on them when making decisions. mize sharing of information, and are mutually
supportive of the overall METOC support con-
b. Timeliness of Data and Information cept. The responsibilities of each organization
Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) METOC must be clear, explicit, and understood by all.
support is effective when a commander receives
accurate weather and oceanographic information e. Readiness
in time to consider its impact on the decision to be METOC units, databases, products, and equip-
made. METOC information that could influence ment must be responsive to the requirements of
an operation is worthless when the commander commanders and their forces. All METOC re-
receives it after an opportunity has passed, an ir- sources must be maintained in a degree of readi-
reversible decision has been made, or an operation ness that ensures employment capability
is complete. Communication links are vital to sup- commensurate with the unit’s mission.
port and sustain the timely dissemination of ME-
TOC information and are key to the overall f. Evaluation of Effectiveness
capability and success of MAGTF METOC The overall effectiveness of METOC support is
operations. based on the successful and effective accom-
plishment of specific military missions. Each ME-
c. Relevance to the Operational User TOC or supporting unit must evaluate effective-
METOC support provides commanders and plan- ness on the basis of the principles stated above.
ners with an understanding of the weather, sea, This requires METOC organizations at all levels
and coastal situations and the impact of these on to be fully integrated into all unit planning and op-
threat operations. It bears on each echelon’s cur- erations. Such interaction leads to mutual under-
rent, planned, and alternate courses of action standing and trust throughout the warfighting
(COAs). METOC personnel and those supporting team.
METOC operations must tailor the information
for specific applications and missions so that the
user can quickly identify and apply relevant infor-
mation without additional analysis or manipula- g. Methods of Providing Weather
tion. Attaining this goal requires METOC Support
personnel to understand operational user needs
and implies a user’s responsibility to identify
MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support 1-3
(1) Direct Support. Direct weather support oc- increase the requirement for thoroughly integrated
curs when a MAGTF METOC unit is organized air, ground, logistic, and command and control
under the operational control of the supported operations; and slow the movement of supplies
commander. Traditionally, most MAGTF ME- and reinforcements. Therefore, commanders must
TOC support has been located within the aviation be aware of and prepare for general and specific
combat element (ACE) and focused on providing effects of the weather and oceanographic condi-
meteorological support. Other MAGTF units re- tions on enemy and friendly major weapons sys-
quiring METOC support for tactical operations tems and operations. This includes evaluating
would request support through the chain of com- plans to minimize adverse METOC effects on
mand to the MAGTF command element (CE). If friendly forces and to maximize the effects on the
directed, METOC forces would be provided on enemy. Timely and accurate METOC estimates
the basis of mission priorities, or other support ar- enable commanders to effectively plan and exe-
rangements would be established. cute the operations.
(2) General Support. At units without organic a. Combat Power

or direct support METOC elements, METOC Combat power is the total destructive force that
support is provided via general support. Units will we can bring to bear on our enemy at a given
verify and relay METOC information require- time. It is made up of many components, each
ments to higher headquarters (HQ). Some organic with its own unique weather and oceanographic
support may still come from observations that sensitivities. To employ these component forces
may be taken by the unit intelligence officer, for maximal effect in the battlespace, commanders
ground reconnaissance units, or artillery regimen- must be knowledgeable of weather and oceano-
tal HQ meteorological personnel. However, the graphic conditions and their effects on the differ-
preponderance of METOC information to such ent aspects of combat power.
units will be provided via general support by ex-
ternal organizations. Communications capabilities b. Concentration and Speed
are improvements on the usefulness of METOC If commanders are knowledgeable of METOC ef-
general support. The current capability of using fects on the enemy and friendly forces, then timely
message text formats to satisfy weather customer and accurate METOC estimates and support will
needs will evolve to include graphics exchange. enable them to consolidate their forces and re-
Editable graphics are constructed from file trans- spond more rapidly than the enemy.
fers of the databases. When this capability ma-
tures, commanders and planners will be able to c. Surprise and Boldness
query the METOC database when desired, con- Changing METOC conditions provide both sides
struct graphics from the query, and tailor the re- with windows of opportunity and vulnerability.
sults for their planning and decisionmaking needs. Defenders use these windows to set the terms of
battle, defeat the enemy attack, and seize the ini-
1005. Planning Considerations tiative. Attackers use these windows to enhance
the attack and carry the battle to the enemy
METOC information is as much a part of intelli- through bold but calculated offensive operations.
gence as enemy and terrain data. It is often as sig-
nificant as enemy intentions and trafficability. It d. Exploiting Vulnerability and
affects enemy actions and the decisions of both Opportunity
forces. Adverse weather and oceanographic con- Vulnerability is often uncertain, and opportunity is
ditions affect mobility; decrease the ability to see fleeting. As the depth of the battlefield is extended
and attack deep; degrade electro-optical systems; in space and time, it becomes more likely that
1-4 MCWP 3-35.7
weather and oceanographic conditions will vary, commanders to optimally employ their forces. As
opening and closing windows of opportunity and such, the requirement for on-scene dedicated ME-
vulnerability. TOC support cannot be overstated. Weather and
changing oceanographic processes can affect all
1006. Conclusions types of Marine Corps operations, including op-
erational maneuver across the range of military
The weather and oceanographic conditions affect operations. Each element of a MAGTF, as well as
military operations. Each has different effects on each echelon of command, has a wide range of
various types of forces and, in some cases, dic- functions and responsibilities with many unique
tates the types of forces that can be employed ef- METOC information and support requirements.
fectively. METOC data is part of the intelligence MAGTF METOC operations, products, and serv-
required by MAGTF commanders and staffs to ices must support them all.
plan and execute operations. That intelligence re-
sults from analyzing weather data, identifying
weather effects, and assessing the impact of
weather on Marine Corps systems, tactics, and
operations to provide vital information for
Chapter 2
METOC Support Systems and Functions
2001. METOC Support Network the Naval METOC Command (NAVMETOC-

COM); and a very limited number of other mete-
The global crisis response capability of the orology- or oceanography-oriented activities,
MAGTF requires an extensive network of such as the Naval Oceanographic and Atmos-
weather observers, analysts, and forecasters. The pheric Research Laboratory and its atmospheric
network consists of the weather and oceano- directorate.
graphic services of each friendly country, the U.S.
Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and a. Naval METOC Command
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and De- The NAVMETOCCOM, located at Stennis Space
partment of Defense (DOD) METOC units within Center, Mississippi, is organized to collectively
the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. provide global METOC support to the fleet
through its regional centers, which include:
2002. Capabilities and
The Naval Atlantic METOC Center
Limitations (NAVLANTMETOCCEN), which is
METOC services provide observation network located in Norfolk, Virginia
and related facilities. Peacetime cooperation The Naval Pacific METOC Center
among nations for weather services provides (NAVPACMETOCCEN), which is located
at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
global and hemispheric analyses in support of
military operations anywhere in the world. During The Naval Pacific METOC Center West
wartime, METOC control and other security re- (NAVPACMETOCCENWEST), which is
strictions may drastically limit the availability of located in Guam
other national and indigenous METOC informa- The Naval European METOC Center
tion. U.S. military METOC services and units are (NAVEURMETOCCEN), which is located
in Rota, Spain.
specialized organizations with worldwide capabili-
ties that are structured to satisfy unique military
requirements. They exchange METOC data with These regional centers have subordinate facilities
national weather services and have access to na- and detachments throughout their geographical
tional and international weather and oceano- areas of responsibility. The regional centers are
graphic databases. Characteristics of the military the primary sources of METOC support for
forces afloat.
METOC services are mobility, responsiveness to
command, and combat readiness.
b. Fleet Numerical METOC Center
2003. Naval METOC Support The Fleet Numerical METOC Center (FNMOC),
located in Monterey, California, is the master
System computer center for the Naval METOC Support
System and the hub of the Naval Environmental
The Naval METOC Support System includes all
Data Network. It is linked with the data collection
Navy and Marine Corps units that contribute
and distribution networks of the Air Force,
oceanographic, meteorological, and hydrographic
NOAA, and the World Meteorological
observations or services; the activities assigned to
2-2 MCWP 3-35.7
Organization (WMO). It is responsible for gener- provide accurate, timely, and comprehensive ME-
ating and distributing basic and applied numerical TOC support that enhances MAGTF mission ac-
(computer) METOC products for use by regional complishment through tactical exploitation of the
centers and other users throughout the fleet and environment.
the DOD. The Navy Oceanographic Data Distri-
bution Expansion System (NODDES) is the pri- 2005. Marine Corps Staff
mary means of distributing the center’s products.
METOC Personnel
c. Naval Oceanographic Office
a. Commandant of the Marine Corps,
The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAV-
OCEANO), located at Stennis Space Center, Deputy Chief of Staff, Aviation,
plans, organizes, and executes multidisciplinary Aviation Logistics Support Branch
ocean surveys and geospatial information and This position is staffed by the senior weather serv-
services (GI&S) programs in support of DOD and ice officer in the Marine Corps. This special staff
Department of the Navy (DON) operational re- officer acts as the 6800 occupation field specialist
quirements and other assigned technical programs and action officer. This is the cognizant officer for
by using assigned ships, aircraft, and other plat- Marine Corps METOC support requirements.
forms, including spacecraft. It is the primary
oceanographic production center for the Navy b. Space and Naval Warfare Systems
and is responsible for receiving and processing Command
satellite data in support of fleet operations. The This external billet is responsible for ensuring that
NAVOCEANO also provides near-real-time validated U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) METOC
oceanographic products, including detailed front requirements are satisfied. This officer also pro-
and eddy analysis, and guidance to naval regional vides technical assistance regarding USMC opera-
METOC centers and command centers worldwide tions to other METOC project officers within and
in support of fleet operations. external to the METOC Systems Office. The ME-
TOC Systems Office plans and manages the de-
2004. Marine Corps METOC sign, development, procurement, and life-cycle
support of hardware and software systems that
Support System measure, transmit, distribute, and process ME-
TOC data.
The Marine Corps METOC Support System is
designed to readily deploy and operate in an aus-
c. Marine Liaison, Commander, Naval
tere expeditionary environment. It is intended to
provide comprehensive METOC support to all
METOC Command
elements of a MAGTF, as well as to the bases and This special staff officer acts as the liaison for
stations of the supporting establishment. This sys- METOC programs and policies between the Navy
and the Marine Corps. This officer is responsible
tem is designed to interconnect and maximize the
support available from naval, joint, and other ME- for advising the commander on issues that affect
TOC sources. The system will be augmented by littoral and expeditionary warfare operations; the
data that is observed, collected, modeled, and re- Marine Corps’ METOC support requirements for
ported by organic Marine Corps METOC assets the CE, ACE, ground combat element (GCE),
and other Marine Corps assets, such as the topo- and combat service support element (CSSE); and
interaction with joint command staffs. This billet
graphic platoons, MAGTF all-source fusion cen-
ter (MAFC), and ground and aviation is located within the joint operations division of
reconnaissance units. The primary function of the the operations directorate (N-3).
Marine Corps METOC Support System is to
d. Marine Liaison, Naval

Oceanographic Office (2) Maintains liaison with other-Service counter-
The responsibilities of the Marine staffing this bil- parts and represents the commanding general at
let include the development, management, and joint Service METOC meetings.
maintenance of Commander, Naval METOC
Command (CNMOC) METOC equipment sup- (3) Maintains staff cognizance and management
port programs; assistance in identifying and devel- coordination for weather-related matters.
oping training materials; participation in matters
concerning the Office of the Federal Coordinator (4) Serves as the Marine Corps senior METOC
of Meteorology (OFCM); evaluation and testing officer when the HQ deploys.
of new hardware and software; participation as a
member of mobile training teams for newly pro- (5) Conducts staff studies directly related to im-
cured CNMOC-provided METOC equipment; proving MAGTF warfighting capabilities.
and performance of other Marine Corps-
associated duties as may be assigned. (6) Prepares and presents staff- and command-
level briefings.
2006. MAGTF METOC Personnel
(7) Provides staff support in planning for the em-
MAGTF METOC personnel provide information ployment and utilization of organic METOC as-
on the past, present, and future states of the ME- sets, equipment, and capabilities.
TOC environment within which aircraft, weapons
systems, and Marines operate. Resident within the (8) Provides climatological, meteorological, tidal,
MEF CE’s intelligence section and Marine wing astronomical, and other METOC data for
support squadrons (MWSSs), they are an integral planning.
part of the MAGTF. The Marine Corps weather
organization consists of two operational chains of (9) Develops and prepares the METOC annex
command—one for the Fleet Marine Force (FMF) (Annex H) for operation plans/orders and pro-
and the other for the Marine Corps air station vides input into the communications and informa-
(MCAS) and Marine Corps air facility (MCAF). tion systems annex (Annex K), the intelligence
(See Appendix C.) annex (Annex B), and other annexes, as neces-
sary, regarding METOC issues.
a. Marine Forces Pacific/Marine
Forces Atlantic METOC Officer b. MEF METOC Officer
The Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFOR- The staff weather officer (SWO) serves within the
PAC) and Marine Corps Forces, Atlantic (MAR- G-2 section under the cognizance of the intelli-
FORLANT) METOC officer billet is currently an gence operations officer. As such, he serves as a
additional duty for the senior weather service offi- technical expert for the MEF commander on all
cer closest to these HQ. The MARFORPAC/ METOC-related matters. The MEF METOC offi-
MARFORLANT METOC officer performs the cer performs the following functions:
following functions:
(1) Advises and assists the commanding general
(1) Advises and assists the commanding general in in the execution and management of METOC re-
the execution and management of METOC resources by planning, coordinating, and validating
sources by planning, coordinating, and validating the collection, evaluation, interpretation, and dis-
the collection, evaluation, interpretation, and dissemination of METOC data.
semination of METOC data.
2-4 MCWP 3-35.7
(2) Coordinates with the MARFORPAC/MAR- (3) Provides METOC effects information with
FORLANT METOC officer on METOC-related particular attention to critical weather threshold
matters. values that limit systems, operations, or tactics.
(3) Maintains liaison with other-Service counter- (4) Advises commanders of METOC support
parts and represents the commanding general at capabilities and limitations and coordinates effec-
joint Service METOC meetings. tive methods of providing support to plan and
carry out MAGTF operations.
(4) Maintains staff cognizance and management
coordination for METOC-related matters. (5) Prepares METOC annexes to operation
plans and orders and reviews METOC annexes of
(5) Provides METOC support to intelligence senior and subordinate commands to ensure that
and staff studies directly related to improving stated responsibilities are coordinated and met.
MAGTF warfighting capabilities.
(6) Prepares climatological studies and analyses
(6) Provides staff support in planning for the in support of planned exercises, operations, and
employment and utilization of organic METOC commitments.
assets, equipment, and capabilities.
(7) Provides METOC support to elements of
(7) Provides climatological, meteorological, the MAGTF other than the ACE as directed.
tidal, astronomical, and other METOC data for
planning. (8) Assists in determining METOC support data
requirements.
(8) Develops, prepares, and updates the ME-
TOC annex (Annex H) for operation plans/orders (9) Coordinates METOC training.
and provides input into the communications and
information systems annex (Annex K), the intelli- d. Marine Wing Support Squadron
gence annex (Annex B), and other annexes, as METOC Officer
necessary, regarding METOC issues. This officer is responsible for training and carry-
ing out the plans and missions as prepared by
(9) Serves as the joint METOC officer (JMO) higher HQ. Responsibilities include:
during joint operations/exercises when the MEF
CE is assigned the role and responsibilities of joint (1) Receiving, monitoring, and analyzing ME-
task force (JTF) HQ. TOC data to produce tailored, value-added infor-
mation for supported units.
c. Marine Wing Support Group
METOC Officer (2) Operating all METOC equipment, including
The Marine wing support group (MWSG) ME- satellite receivers, radar, or other available
TOC officer: weather display equipment used as the basis for
(1) Coordinates all METOC assets that reside in weather forecasting and observing.
the ACE.
(3) Preparing and disseminating forecasts. Fore-
(2) Provides METOC briefings to ACE com- cast services include providing:
manders and their staffs to support current and fu-
ture operations.
Forecasts focused on specific missions, tached to or placed in direct support of another

locations, and weather parameters critical to MAGTF element, its officer in charge is responsi-
current operations and for future planning ble for weather support, including:
Forecasts of upper-air winds
Forecasts of temperature and precipitation (1) Advising and assisting the CE, GCE, CSSE,
amounts to support terrain team hydro- or Marine expeditionary unit (MEU) commander
graphic and trafficability predictions and staff on METOC matters relative to their
Data for chemical downwind messages operations.
Tailored forecasts for dissemination to
supported MEF weather support teams (2) Establishing and implementing policies gov-
Forecasts and observations to air traffic erning METOC support services provided by the
control (ATC) MEF weather support team.
Weather products for intelligence
preparation of the battlespace (IPB) (3) Coordinating with higher METOC echelons as
Weather warnings for mission areas and appropriate to meet operational requirements of
deployed locations the supported MAGTF element.
Aviation flight weather briefings in support
of ACE missions.
(4) Ensuring the combat readiness and mis-
sion capability of METOC personnel and
equipment.
e. MEF Weather Support Team METOC

Officer
MEF weather support teams are sourced from the
MWSS. When a MEF weather support team is at-
(reverse blank)
Chapter 3
METOC Support to the MAGTF
3001. MAGTF METOC Support changing atmospheric conditions, weather

information is highly perishable. Weather
Concept of Operations forecasts must be monitored and updated
continually. All weather observations,
Upon the employment of a MAGTF, tactical ME-
surface and aloft, particularly those taken
TOC support will transition from garrison-based
beyond forward units, must have high
to on-scene METOC support. Naval METOC
priority and be rapidly disseminated to all
centers will retain responsibility for the provision
MAGTF elements.
of weather facsimile support; METOC gridded
The accuracy of oceanographic, particularly
field data; wind, sea, and tropical cyclone warn-
surf zone, estimates must be confirmed
ings and advisories; and area oceanographic sup-
shortly before any surface assault (e.g., by
port. Tailored on-scene METOC support is
ground reconnaissance, sea-air-land (SEAL)
available from METOC assets organic to the
teams, or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
MAGTF CE and ACE. MEF weather support
forces).
teams from the MWSSs are task organized to
Timely, reliable communication is critical to
provide direct support to commanders and staffs
effective METOC support.
of MAGTF elements other than the ACE, that is,
During joint and combined operations,
the CE, the GCE, the MEU, and the CSSE.
warfighters must be presented with a
MAGTF elements should forward unique tactical
common tactical picture of the environment
METOC requirements via the chain of command
and its effects on operations. Close
to the ACE instead of requesting personnel and
coordination between METOC support
equipment directly. The MWSS, equipped with a
providers throughout and supporting the
meteorological mobile facility (METMF) com-
JTF is required.
plex, is normally deployed to a forward operating
base (FOB) in direct support of that airfield.
3003. METOC Support
3002. METOC Support Requirements
Principles Requirements for METOC support vary between
the operational and tactical level and between the
METOC support for MAGTF tactical operations
CE, GCE, ACE, and CSSE.
is based on the following principles:
Weather and oceanographic effects must be

a. The Command Element
The MEF HQ requires forecasts of critical ME-
considered by commanders and planners
TOC elements (such as flying and surf conditions,
during all operational phases to determine
current and tide conditions, and warnings of ex-
the best COA to accomplish the mission and
treme and dangerous weather conditions) at least
METOC effects on estimated threat
operations. 72 - 96 hours before an operation, as well as peri-
odic updates throughout execution.
Accuracy of weather forecasts depends on
the density and timeliness of weather b. The Ground Combat Element
observations. Because of continuously
3-2 MCWP 3-35.7
The GCE requires METOC support in the form of weather elements required by the GCE, the ACE
estimates and graphic products that can be used requires precise aviation-related weather elements
for planning and decisionmaking. There is also a such as:
requirement for general weather forecasts that
cover the following 24 - 48 hours and are focused Altimeter settings
on ground combat-related weather elements and Ceiling height
coastal and sea data such as: Pressure altitude (PA) and density altitude
(DA)
Tidal, current, and surf data Cloud base/cloud top height
Beach slope, water depth, surf zone, and Upper-air temperatures, winds, and heights
surf breaker description In-flight icing and turbulence conditions
Severe weather warnings Severe weather briefings.
Horizontal visibility and obstructions to
vision d. The Combat Service Support
Astronomical data (sunrise, sunset, Element
beginning of morning nautical twilight The CSSE’s operations are heavily influenced by
(BMNT), end of evening nautical twilight extreme weather conditions. Both extreme heat
(EENT), moonrise, moonset, lunar and cold can put added stress and strain on
illumination) MAGTF equipment and create additional require-
Precipitation rate and type ments for maintenance and spare parts. Heavy
Ambient air temperature and humidity precipitation can make outside storage difficult.
Extreme heat or cold Severe weather can degrade the existing road sys-
Surface wind speed and direction tem, thereby affecting trafficability, mobility, and
Cloud cover construction efforts and, in the case of heavy icing
Freeze/thaw depth or snow buildup, making it impassable. Unfavor-
Ice/snow depth able sea state conditions can make landing sup-
Wet bulb globe temperature index port and logistics over the shore operations much
(WBGTI)—an index used to determine heat more difficult. Generally, the CSSE’s specific
stress conditions weather and oceanographic information require-
Windchill index ments are the same as those of the GCE.
Barometric tendencies
Upper-air refractivity indices (used in
3004. Tasks and
providing tactical decision aids (TDAs) for
detection ranges and radars) Responsibilities
Upper-air temperatures, winds, and heights.
a. The Command Element
c. The Aviation Combat Element The CE has no organic METOC data collection
The ACE requires precise current weather infor- assets or forecasting capability. It depends on the
mation for every aircraft flight and forecasts for ACE or external units for operational METOC
the following 72 - 96 hours for the entire area of support. Such support will be coordinated and ob-
operations. Aviation units are concerned with tained by the SWO within the MEF intelligence
weather conditions at widely dispersed departure section. The MAGTF commander’s responsibili-
airfields, weather conditions en route to destina- ties are to:
tions and targets, and conditions at the arrival air-
field or over the target areas. In addition to the Coordinate with the ACE commander to
ensure that the ACE’s METOC support
requirements are met
Provide logistical and communications Provide critical or threshold values for

support to the attached MEF weather determining the weather effects on GCE
support team weapons systems, tactics, and operations
Integrate weather analysis into future Assess the impact of weather effects on
planning and current operations GCE weapons systems, tactics, and
Provide critical or threshold values for operations
determining and assessing the weather Integrate weather and oceanographic
effects on threat weapons systems, tactics, analysis into future planning
capabilities, and estimated COAs Provide trafficability and hydrographic
Integrate climatological, meteorological, forecasts.
and oceanographic estimates into IPB and
analyze resulting intelligence products. c. The Aviation Combat Element
The ACE provides the majority of METOC sup-
Marine ground reconnaissance forces may con- port required by the MAGTF. To do so effec-
duct special missions to gather meteorological, tively, it requires numerical products from the
geographic, and hydrographic reconnaissance in FNMOC, regional center support, satellite data,
support of specific aerospace, land, or maritime and access to both surface and upper-air data
operations (beach gradients, obstacles (natural from the Air Force, Navy, and allied meteorologi-
and manmade), tide and surf, depths of water, cal services, as well as data furnished by MAGTF
contour of the sea bottom, routes of exit from the sources. The ACE commander’s responsibilities
beaches, and soil trafficability). are to:
b. The Ground Combat Element Plan and coordinate tactical METOC

The GCE provides limited but vital METOC sup- support requirements for the ACE and, as
port in the form of upper-air data from its artillery directed, elements of the MAGTF in
forces and surface weather observations from all accordance with the MAGTF commander’s
GCE forces (particularly ground reconnaissance priorities
and combat engineer forces). However, it depends Provide MEF weather support teams to
on the ACE for specialized METOC support. The support each element, as required
GCE commander’s responsibilities are to: Provide METOC personnel with the
technical training and skills necessary to
Identify METOC requirements to the support MAGTF operations
MAGTF CE and coordinate with the ACE Integrate weather analysis and estimates
to ensure that tactical METOC support into future planning and current operations
requirements are known and satisfied Assess the general effect of weather on
Provide logistical and communications weapons systems, tactics, and operations on
support to the attached MEF weather the basis of critical values identified by each
support team element
Provide surface observations and all Provide weather and oceanographic
upper-air observations beyond forward observations, forecasts, staff support, and
troops and relay the data to the ACE and timely advisories or warnings of expected
MAGTF CE weather that may adversely affect MAGTF
operations or that could be a hazard to
personnel or materiel
3-4 MCWP 3-35.7
Ensure rapid dissemination of METOC 3005. METOC Support

products and services
Provide weather support products for use in
Capabilities
soil trafficability and hydrographical
The METOC section within the MEF intelligence
predictions
section and the MWSS weather section in the
Provide climatological support for tactical
ACE are organized and structured to support a
missions, IPB, and tactical decisionmaking
variety of MAGTF- and ACE-specific operations/
aids
deployments. These organizations are manned and
Provide light and tidal data
equipped to be used in a variety of ways, contin-
Provide atmospheric and astronomical
gent on the size, scope, and mission of the
information affecting radar, communi-
MAGTF. Dedicated METOC support is available
cations, and electro-optical weapons
for all MAGTF elements from within the ACE.
systems
However, a greater level of METOC support is
Conduct liaison with naval METOC centers
normally required by, and therefore dedicated to,
and other external METOC elements for
ACE operations.
special tactical support requirements
beyond inherent capabilities
Collect and disseminate METOC data a. Meteorological Mobile Facility
obtained from mission reports and in-flight The highest level of METOC support to the
reports by using the target weather MAGTF is the deployment of the METMF. The
information (TARWI) code. METMF provides a METOC support capability
similar to that found in garrison METOC facili-
ties, is normally deployed as part of an entire
d. The Combat Service Support
MWSS, and is the only realistic option for large-
Element
scale MAGTF operations. Once established
The CSSE provides limited but vital METOC
ashore, the MWSS may use a MEF weather sup-
support in the form of surface weather and traffi-
port team to forward base personnel and equip-
cability reports. However, it depends on external
ment in support of ACE units that are separated
units for most METOC support. The CSSE com-
from the main airbase. This redeployment also
mander’s responsibilities are to:
provides the METMF with a forward data collec-
tion capability that significantly enhances overall
Coordinate with the MAGTF CE and ACE
support efforts to the entire MAGTF.
to ensure that its METOC support
requirements are identified and satisfied
Provide logistical and communications
b. MEF Weather Support Team
Part of the MWSS table of organization (T/O) is
support to the attached MEF weather
dedicated to the formation of MEF weather sup-
support team
port teams. These MEF weather support teams
Integrate METOC analysis and estimates
are task organized to provide a limited level of
into future planning and current operations
METOC support. Consisting of a weather officer,
Provide critical or threshold values for
two forecasters, and two observers, these teams
determining the weather effects on CSSE
are directly attached to the elements that they are
systems and operations
tasked to support and rely on those elements for
Assess the impact of weather effects on
logistical and communications support. MEF
CSSE systems and operations and
weather support teams do not have a standalone
MAGTF-wide combat service support
(CSS).
METOC capability. Instead, during operations ensure that time-perishable METOC information
they get METOC products from the nearest de- may be obtained, processed, and disseminated
ployed METMF or other METOC support or- when needed. Each mission and situation is
ganizations to satisfy the supported units’ unique and, therefore, requires some modifica-
METOC information requirements. tions to the supporting communications and infor-
mation systems architecture. Detailed planning
3006. METOC Communications and close coordination between the SWO, the
MAGTF G-2/S-2, and the G-6/S-6 are critical for
and Information Systems establishing a reliable and effective METOC com-
Requirements munications and information systems architecture.
Specific systems and technical architectures
An area of METOC operations that is currently (equipment, frequencies, communications nets, lo-
undergoing substantial change is METOC com- cal area networks/wide area networks, and sys-
munications and information systems architec- tems) are addressed in Marine Corps Warfighting
tures. The efforts of METOC personnel depend Publication (MCWP) 6-22, Communications and
heavily on a secure, reliable, and fast communica- Information Systems.
tions and information systems architecture to ex-
change METOC information with the joint
METOC forecast unit (JMFU), other component
METOC units, METOC regional and production
centers, and MAGTF elements. Integration of
METOC communications and information sys-
tems requirements into MAGTF communications
planning will provide the conduit for reliable ex-
change of situational and forecast information and
(reverse blank)
Appendix A
Glossary
Section I. Acronyms
Note: Acronyms change over time in response to AMCI . . . . . . Air Mobility Command instruction
new operational concepts, capabilities, doctrinal AOAFCST . . amphibious objective area forecast
changes, and other similar developments. The fol- AR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Army regulation
lowing publications are the sole authoritative ARTYMET . . . . . . . . . . . . artillery meteorological
sources for official military acronyms: ASLTFCST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . assault forecast
ATC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . air traffic control
1. Joint Pub 1-02, DOD Dictionary of Military AUTODIN . . . . . . . . . Automatic Digital Network
and Associated Terms. AVWX . . . . . . . . . aviation route weather forecast
AWDS . . . . . . . . Automated Weather Distribution
2. Fleet Marine Force Reference Publication System
(FMFRP) 0-14, Marine Corps Supplement to the AWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . Automated Weather Network
DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated AWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air Weather Service
Terms. (This publication is being updated and will
be published during fiscal year 1998 with the new BDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . battle damage assessment
designator of Marine Corps Reference Publication BKN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . broken
(MCRP) 5-12C.) BMCT . . . . . . beginning of morning civil twilight
BMNT . . . beginning of morning nautical twilight
55SXS . . . . . . . . . . 55th Space Weather Squadron BSSG . . . . . . . . . . . brigade service support group
AAV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . assault amphibious vehicle CAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . clear air turbulence

AAVC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AAV, command model CE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . command element
AAVP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AAV, personnel model CJCSI . . . . . Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
AAVR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AAV, recovery model instruction
ACCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air Combat Command CJCSM . . . . Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
instruction manual
ACCM . . . . . . . . . . Air Combat Command manual CLF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . commander, landing force
ACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . aviation combat element CLR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . clear
AFCAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air Force catalog CNMOC . . . . . . . . . . Commander, Naval METOC
AFCCC . . . . . . . . . Air Force Combat Climatology Command
Center COA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . course of action
AFDIGS . . . . . Air Force Digital Graphics System COMNAVSURFLANT . . . . . Commander, Naval
AFDIS . . . . . . Air Force Global Weather Central Surface Force Atlantic
Dial-In Subsystem COMNAVSURFPAC . . . . . . Commander, Naval
AFI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air Force instruction Surface Force Pacific
AFJI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air Force joint instruction CONOPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . concept of operations
AFP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air Force publication COVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IREPS coverage diagram
AFTTP . . . Air Force tactical training publication CRRC . . . . . . combat rubber reconnaissance craft
AFWA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air Force Weather Agency CSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . combat service support
A-2 MCWP 3-35.7
CSSE . . . . . . . . . . combat service support element squadron

HMM . . . . . . Marine medium helicopter squadron
DA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . density altitude HQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . headquarters
DAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . direct air support
DEFCON . . . . . . . . . . . defense readiness condition IFR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . instrument flight rules
DMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defense Message System IPB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . intelligence preparation of the
DMSP . . . . . . . . . Defense Meteorological Satellite battlespace
Program IREPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Integrated Refractive Effects
DOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Department of Defense Prediction System
DON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Department of the Navy
DSN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defense Switched Network JMFU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . joint METOC forecast unit
JMO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . joint METOC officer
EECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . end of evening civil twilight JOTS . . . . . . . . . Joint Operational Tactical System
EENT . . . . . . . . . . end of evening nautical twilight JTF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . joint task force
EM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . electromagnetic
EMCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . emission control LCAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . landing craft air cushion
EMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . electromagnetic pulse LCM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . landing craft, mechanized
EOTDA . . Electro-Optical Tactical Decision Aid LCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . landing craft, utility
ES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . electronic warfare support LCVP . . . . . . . . . . landing craft, vehicle, personnel
ESM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . electronic support measure
ESP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . environmental support packet MACG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marine air control group
MAFC . . . . . . . . . MAGTF all-source fusion center
FAA . . . . . . . . . . . . Federal Aviation Administration MAG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marine aircraft group
FALOP . . . . . . . Forward Area Limited Observing MAGTF . . . . . . . . . . . Marine air-ground task force
Program MARFORLANT . . . . . . . . . Marine Corps Forces,
FARP . . . . . . . forward arming and refueling point Atlantic
FLIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . forward looking infrared MARFORPAC . . . . . . . . . . . Marine Corps Forces,
FLTNUMMETOCCENINST . . . Fleet Numerical Pacific
METOC Center instruction MCAF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marine Corps air facility
FLTNUMMETOC DET . . . . . . . . Fleet Numerical MCAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marine Corps air station
METOC Detachment MCRP . . . . . . Marine Corps reference publication
FM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army field manual MCWP . . . Marine Corps warfighting publication
FMF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fleet Marine Force MEF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marine expeditionary force
FMFRP . . . . . . . . . . . . Fleet Marine Force reference MEF(FWD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MEF (forward)
publication METMF . . . . . . . . . . meteorological mobile facility
FNMOC . . . . . . . Fleet Numerical METOC Center METOC . . . . . meteorological and oceanographic
FOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . forward operating base METSAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . meteorological satellite
FTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Federal Telephone System MEU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marine expeditionary unit
MOPP . . . . . . mission-oriented protective posture
GCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ground combat element MRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mini-Rawinsonde System
GI&S . . . . . . . . geospatial information and services MSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . modified surf index
MST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mountain Standard Time
HMH . . . . . . . . . Marine heavy helicopter squadron MWSG . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marine wing support group
HMLA . . . . . . . . . . . Marine light attack helicopter MWSS . . . . . . . . . . Marine wing support squadron
MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support A-3
SAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . surface-to-air missile

NAI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . named area of interest SCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . scattered
NATO . . . . . . North Atlantic Treaty Organization SEAD . . . . . . . . suppression of enemy air defenses
NAVEURMETOCCEN . . . . . . . Naval European SEAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sea-air-land
METOC Center SPOT . . . satellite pour l’observation de la terre
NAVLANTMETOCCEN . . . . . . . . Naval Atlantic STRKFCST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . strike forecast
METOC Center STU-III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . secure telephone unit III
NAVMETOCCOM . . Naval METOC Command SWO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . staff weather officer
NAVMETOCCOMINST . . . . . . . Naval METOC
Command instruction T/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . table of organization
NAVOCEANO . . . . Naval Oceanographic Office TAF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . terminal aerodrome forecast
NAVPACMETOCCEN . . . . . . . . . . . Naval Pacific TAMPS . . . . Tactical Aviation Mission Planning
METOC Center System
NAVPACMETOCCENWEST . . . . Naval Pacific TARWI . . . . . . . . . . . . . target weather information
METOC Center West TAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tactical atmospheric summary
NBC . . . . . . . . . . nuclear, biological, and chemical TC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . technical catalog
NESDIS . . . . . . . National Environmental Satellite TDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tactical decision aid
Data and Information Service TN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . technical note
NFOV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . narrow focus of vision TOW . . . . . tube launched, optically tracked, wire
NOAA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Oceanic and command link guided missile
Atmospheric Administration
NODDES . . . . . . . . . . . Navy Oceanographic Data UAV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . unmanned aerial vehicle
Distribution Expansion System UGDF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . uniform gridded data field
NODDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navy Oceanographic Data USAFETAC . . . . . U.S. Air Force Environmental
Distribution System Technical Applications Center
NOGAPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navy Operational Global USMC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Marine Corps
Atmospheric Prediction System UTC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coordinated Universal Time
NORAPS . . . . . . . . . . . Navy Operational Regional
Atmospheric Prediction System VFR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . visual flight rules
NOSC TD . . . . . . . . Naval Oceanography Systems VMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marine attack squadron
Command technical document VMAQ . . . . . . . Marine tactical electronic warfare
NWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Weather Service squadron
VMFA . . . . . . . . . . Marine fighter attack squadron
OAAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . offensive antiair warfare VMGR . . . . . . . . . . Marine aerial refueler transport
OFCM . . . . Office of the Federal Coordinator of squadron
Meteorology
OPORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . operation order WBGTI . . . . . . wet bulb globe temperature index
OPTASK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . operational task WEAX . . . . . . . . . daily weather forecast (USMC)
OVC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . overcast WFOV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . wide focus of vision
WMO . . . . . . World Meteorological Organization
PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pressure altitude WSR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weather Service regulation
PCS . . . . . . . . . . . propagation conditions summary
PSYOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . psychological operation
PV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Platform Vulnerability
RGR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rapid ground refueling
RP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . reference publication
A-4 MCWP 3-35.7
Section II. Definitions
Note: Definitions of military terms change over berm—The nearly horizontal portion of a beach
time in response to new operational concepts, ca- or backshore having an abrupt fall and formed by
pabilities, doctrinal changes, and other similar de- deposition of material by wave action. Marks the
velopments. The majority of METOC terms are limit of ordinary high tides. (Joint Surf Manual)
not defined in Joint Pub 1-02. Accordingly, the
following publications are the authoritative breaker—A wave tripped by shoaling water.
sources for official definitions of METOC terms Categorized as spilling, plunging, or surging.
used within this publication: (Joint Surf Manual)
1. Joint Pub 3-59, Joint Doctrine for Meteoro- breaker angle—The angle at which a breaker
logical and Oceanographic Support. makes the beach. (Joint Surf Manual)
2. COMNAVSURFPAC/COMNAVSURFLANT C
3840.1B, Joint Surf Manual.
ceiling—The height of the lowest layer of clouds
A when the weather reports describe the sky as bro-
ken or overcast.
absolute humidity—The mass of water vapor in
a given volume of air. It represents the density of clear air turbulence (CAT)—Turbulence en-
water vapor in the air. countered by aircraft flying through cloudless
skies. Thermals, wind shear, and jet streams can
aerosols—Tiny suspended solid particles (dust, be factors in producing CAT.
smoke, etc.) or liquid droplets that enter the at-
mosphere from either natural or human (anthro- climatological forecast—A weather forecast,
pogenic) sources, such as the burning of fossil usually a month or more in the future, that is
fuels. based on the climate of a region rather than on
current weather conditions.
air pressure (atmospheric pressure)—The pres-
sure exerted by the weight of air above a given contrail (condensation trail)—A cloud-like
point, usually expressed in millibars or inches of streamer frequently seen forming behind aircraft
mercury. flying in clear, cold, humid air.
atmosphere—The air surrounding the Earth. D

(Joint Pub 1-02)
deep water—Where water depth is greater than
B one-half the length of the wave. Deep water con-
ditions are said to exist when the surface waves
bar—A submerged or emerged embankment of are not affected by bottom topography. (Joint
sand, gravel, or mud built on the sea floor in shal- Surf Manual)
low water by waves and current. May also be
composed of mollusk shells. (Joint Surf Manual) density—The ratio of the mass of a substance to
the volume occupied by it.
dew—Water that has condensed onto objects inversion—An increase in air temperature with
near the ground when their temperatures have height.
fallen below the dewpoint of the surface air.
isobar—A line connecting points of equal
dewpoint temperature—The temperature to pressure.
which air must be cooled (at constant pressure
and constant water vapor content) for saturation isotach—A line connecting points of equal wind
to occur. speed.
diffraction—The bending of light around objects, isotherm—A line connecting points of equal
such as a cloud of fog droplets, producing fringes temperature.
of light and dark or colored bands. .
J
E
joint meteorological and oceanographic fore-
environmental services—The various combi- na- cast unit—A flexible, transportable, jointly sup-
tions of scientific, technical, and advisory activi- ported collective of METOC personnel and
ties (including modification processes, i.e., the equipment formed to provide the JTF and joint
influence of manmade and natural factors) re- force METOC officer with full METOC services.
quired to acquire, produce, and supply informa- Also called JMFU. (Joint Surf Manual)
tion on the past, present, and future states of
space, atmospheric, oceanographic, and terrestrial joint meteorological and oceanographic offi-
surroundings for use in military planning and deci- cer—Officer designated to provide direct ME-
sionmaking processes, or to modify those sur- TOC support to the JTF commander. Also called
roundings to enhance military operations. (Joint JMO. (Joint Surf Manual)
Pub 1-02)
K
F
knot—A unit of speed equal to one nautical mile
fetch—The area over which ocean waves are per hour. One knot equals 1.15 miles per hour.
generated by a wind with a constant direction and
speed. (Joint Surf Manual) L
G littoral current—Current moving generally par-

allel to and adjacent to the shoreline. (Joint Surf
gradient—The rate of inclination to horizontal Manual)
expressed as a ratio, such as 1:25 indicating one
unit of rise to 25 units of horizontal distance. longshore bar—A ridge that runs generally paral-
Used to describe beach slope. (Joint Surf Manual) lel to the shore and is submerged by high tides.
(Joint Surf Manual)
I
infrared radiation—Electromagnetic radiation

with wavelengths between about 0.7 and 1,000
mm. This radiation is longer than visible radiation
but shorter than microwave radiation.
M
A-6 MCWP 3-35.7
refraction—The deflection of a wave moving in

meteorological and oceanographic forecast shallow water at an angle to the depth contours
center—Shore-based METOC production activ- that causes the advancing wave to bend toward
ity. (Joint Surf Manual) alignment with the depth contours (as opposed to
facing the shoreline directly). (Joint Surf Manual)
meteorological data—Meteorological facts per-
taining to the atmosphere, such as wind, tempera- rip current—Narrow rips of water that flow out
ture, air density, and other phenomena, that affect from the shore through the breaker line. Consists
military operations. (Joint Surf Manual) of feeder currents that flow parallel to the shore
inside the breaker; a “neck,” which is the narrow
modified surf index (MSI)—A single dimension- stream that flows outward; and a head, where the
less number that provides a relative measure of current widens and dissipates. Speeds of up to
the conditions likely to be encountered in the surf two knots occur within the rip current. (Joint Surf
zone. The MSI is a calculated value based on Manual)
breaker type, period and height, speed of any lit-
toral current, relative wind speed, and secondary S
wave height. (Joint Surf Manual)
space environment—The region beginning at the
modified surf limit—The maximum modified lower boundary of the Earth’s ionosphere (ap-
surf index at which routine operations should be proximately 50 km) and extending outward that
attempted. Exceeding the limit is not feasible contains solid particles (asteroids and meteor-
without increasing the casualty rate. (Joint Surf oids), energetic charged particles (ions, protons,
Manual) electrons, etc.), and electromagnetic and ionizing
radiation. (Joint Surf Manual)
O
space weather—Describes the environment and
offshore bar—A bar built principally by wave ac- other natural phenomena above a 50-km altitude.
tion on sand or gravel at a distance from shore (Joint Surf Manual)
and separated by a lagoon. Also known as a bar-
rier bar. (Joint Surf Manual) swash—The rush of water up onto the beach fol-
lowing the breaking of a wave. Also known as
P uprush. (Joint Surf Manual)
plunging breaker—A breaking wave that ex- swell—Ocean waves that have traveled out of
pends its energy suddenly. Characterized by a their fetch. Swell characteristically exhibits a more
wave peaking into an advancing vertical wall of regular and longer period with flatter crests than
water. The crest curls far over and descends vio- sea waves. (Joint Surf Manual)
lently into the preceding trough. Easily identified
by its explosive sound. (Joint Surf Manual) W
precipitation—Any form of water particle, liquid wave crest—The highest part of a wave. (Joint
or solid, that falls from the atmosphere and Surf Manual)
reaches the ground.
wave height—The vertical distance between a
wave trough and a wave crest. (Joint Surf
R Manual)
wavelength—The horizontal distance between weather—The condition of the atmosphere at any

successive wave crests measured perpendicular to particular time and place.
the wave crests. (Joint Surf Manual)
weather elements—The elements of air tempera-
wave period—The time required for a wave crest ture, air pressure, humidity, clouds, precipitation,
to traverse a distance equal to one wavelength. visibility, and wind that determine the present
(Joint Surf Manual) state of the atmosphere (the weather).
wave steepness—The ratio of wave height to wind wave—A wave resulting from the action of
wave length. (Joint Surf Manual) wind on a water surface. While the wind is acting
on it, it is a sea wave; thereafter, it is a swell.
wave trough—The lowest part of a wave be- (Joint Surf Manual)
tween successive wave crests. (Joint Surf
Manual)
wave velocity—The speed at which a wave form

advances, usually expressed in knots. (Joint Surf
Manual)
(reverse blank)
Appendix B
References and Related Publications

Joint Publications
Joint Pub 3-0 Doctrine for Joint Operations
Joint Pub 3-59 Joint Doctrine for Meteorological and Oceanographic
Support
Joint Pub 5-03.1 Joint Operation Planning and Execution System Vol. I, Planning
Policies and Procedures
Joint Pub 6-05.3 Employment of Joint Tactical Communications Systems
(draft)
Joint Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Training
Handbook
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI)
CJCSI 3810.01 Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Manual (CJCSM)
CJCSM 3122.03 Joint Operation Planning and Execution System Vol. II,
Planning Formats and Guidance
Marine Corps Publications
Marine Corps Warfighting Publications (MCWPs)
MCWP 2-1 Intelligence Operations

MCWP 3-1 Ground Combat Operations
MCWP 3-2 Aviation Operations
MCWP 4-1 Logistic Operations
MCWP 5-1 Marine Corps Planning
Navy Publications
CNMOC METOC Concept of Operations (CONOPS)
CNMOC METOC CONOPS Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command ltr 3140 ser
3/255 of 22 Oct 96
B-2 MCWP 3-35.7
NAVMETOCCOM Instructions (NAVMETOCCOMINSTs)
NAVMETOCCOMINST 3140.1K United States Navy Meteorological & Oceanographic

Support System Manual
NAVMETOCCOMINST Policies Concerning the Provision of Meteorology and
3140.17A Oceanography Products and Services
Fleet Numerical METOC Center Instruction (FLTNUMMETOCCENINST)
FLTNUMMETOCCENINST Navy Oceanographic Data Distribution System Products

3147.1 Manual
Fleet Numerical METOC Detachment (FLTNUMMETOC DET) Asheville Notice
FLTNUMMETOC DET Guide to Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command

Asheville Notice 3146 Atmospheric Climatic Summaries, Products, and Services
Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific (COMNAVSURFPAC)/Commander, Naval

Surface Force Atlantic (COMNAVSURFLANT) Manual
COMNAVSURFPAC/ Joint Surf Manual

COMNAVSURFLANT 3840.1B
Reference Publications (RPs)
RP 1 Environmental Effects on Naval Weapons Systems and

Naval Warfare (Unclassified)
RP 33 Fleet Oceanographic and Acoustic Reference Manual
RP 50 Catalog of Classified Naval Oceanographic Office Publications
RP 51 Catalog of Naval Oceanographic Office Unclassified Publications
Naval Oceanographic Office Catalog
NAVOCEANO N03140 METOC Products Available from Warfighting Support

Center Classified Services Branch
Army Publications
U.S. Army Field Manuals (FMs)
FM 1-230 Meteorology for Army Aviators

FM 6-15 Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for Field Artillery
Meteorology
FM 34-81 Weather Support for Army Tactical Operations
FM 34-81-1 Battlefield Weather Effects
FM 34-130 Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield
MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support B-3
FM 100-5 Operations
Army Regulation (AR)/Air Force Joint Instruction (AFJI)
AR 115-10/AFJI 15-157 Meteorological Support for the U.S. Army
Air Force Publications
Air Force Instruction (AFI)
AFI 15-118 Requesting Specialized Weather Support
Air Force Catalog (AFCAT)
AFCAT 15-152 Space Environmental Products
Air Force Publication (AFP)
AFP 105-34 JFACC
U.S. Air Force Environmental Technical Applications Center (USAFETAC) Technical

Catalog (TC)
USAFETAC/TC-95/001 Catalogue of Air Force Weather Technical Publications (1992 -

1995)
Air Weather Service (AWS) Technical Catalog
AWS/TC-91/001 Catalogue of AWS Technical Documents (1941-1991)
Air Force Combat Climatology Center (AFCCC) Technical Note (TN)
AFCCC/TN-95/005 Capabilities, Products and Services of Air Force Combat

Climatology Command
Air Combat Command Instruction (ACCI)
ACCI 15-150 Air Combat Command Weather Operations
Air Combat Command Manual (ACCM)
ACCM 15-151 Air Combat Command Weather Readiness
Air Mobility Command Instructions (AMCIs)

B-4 MCWP 3-35.7
AMCI 10-404 Air Mobility Element/Tanker Task Force/Tanker Airlift

Control Element
AMCI 10-406 Tanker Task Force/Tanker Airlift Control Element
Weather Service Regulations (WSRs)
617 WSR 16-1 Weather Support

617 WSR 16-X Weather Communications
Appendix C
METOC Support Organization and Structure
Figure C-1. MARFORPAC METOC Organization.

C-2 MCWP 3-35.7
Figure C-2. MARFORLANT METOC Organization.

Appendix D
Support Products and Services
Section I: Sample METOC Support Products and Services
Several METOC products and services are avail- MAGTF Standard Tactical
able to aid MAGTF commanders and planners.
Tailored products can be provided upon request
METOC Support Plan
to accommodate many missions and situations. A
This plan provides a common baseline of stan-
brief discussion of some of the more common
dardized products and services to be provided at a
products and services follows.
minimum during MAGTF operations. These tacti-
cal support products are tailored or modified as
Solar/Lunar Almanac necessary by on-scene METOC forces to meet
specific operational requirements and tactical
This almanac provides monthly or daily summa- situations. The METOC support plan is based on
ries of ephemeral data for the sun and moon for the Navy’s Operational Task (OPTASK) ME-
locations worldwide. These summaries include TOC, which uses North Atlantic Treaty Organiza-
times for sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset, tion (NATO) APP-4 standards to provide a
beginning/ending times of nautical and civil twi- standard for the coordination of tactical METOC
light, total daylight in percent illumination, phases services and reporting responsibilities within a
of the moon in percent illumination, time and alti- MAGTF. Support consists of the following three
tude of sun/moon meridian passage, night vision areas:
goggle illumination data, and 24-hour solar/lunar
positions (altitude and azimuth). This can be pro- OPTASK METOC
duced in tabular or graphical format. This involves operational tasks and uses NATO
APP-4 standards to provide a standard message
Weather Effects Matrix for the coordination of tactical METOC services
and reporting responsibilities within a MAGTF.
Weather elements and their associated impact on This is the Navy’s equivalent to the MAGTF An-
operations are the primary focus of the weather nex H.
effects matrix. It is part of the IPB process and
will assist commanders and planners in making Standard Tactical Summaries
go/no go and other tactical decisions. The impact These summaries are designed to provide ME-
of weather on specific mission areas will be de- TOC information and support to MAGTF ele-
fined as favorable, marginal, or unfavorable. This ments during routine operations. They include the
product can be tailored or adapted to meet spe- MAGTF daily weather forecast (WEAX) and tac-
cific operational criteria or mission parameters. A tical atmospheric summary (TAS). These support
weather effects matrix is developed by intelligence products are normally transmitted daily or as
personnel by using meteorological parameters required.
provided by METOC personnel. See figure D-1
(page D-2) for an example of the weather effects Daily Weather Forecast. The WEAX pro-
matrix. vides a plain-language meteorological situation, a
D-2 MCWP 3-35.7
Figure D-1. Weather Effects Matrix.
24-hour forecast, and a 48-hour outlook for each (EM) sensor performance predictions, infrared
METOC or operational zone of interest. Astro- sensor detection range predictions, and communi-
nomical data is included, and a radiological fore- cation range predictions. See Appendix G for an
cast is appended as required. See Appendix G for example of a TAS.
an example of a WEAX.
Special Tactical Summaries
Tactical Atmospheric Summary. This sum- These summaries are designed to provide ME-
mary provides an atmospheric refractive sum- TOC information and support for specific
mary, a tactical assessment, electromagnetic MAGTF operations and/or functions. They
MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support D-3
include the amphibious objective area forecast

(AOAFCST), strike forecast (STRKFCST), and Electro-Optical Tactical Decision
assault forecast (ASLTFCST).
Aid
Amphibious Objective Area Forecast. The
The effects of weather on the sensor performance
AOAFCST is designed to provide support for am-
of various weapons systems and platforms are
phibious rehearsals and landings. It includes a
complex. Although new technology continues to
plain-language meteorological situation, a
offer advantages that increase performance of
24-hour forecast for the amphibious objective/
“smart” weapons, an unavoidable and intangible
landing area, surf forecasts for target beaches, a
factor is the weather and its impact on them.
tactical assessment, an abbreviated atmospheric
Electro-Optical Tactical Decision Aid (EOTDA)
summary, and astronomical data. A radiological
is a software model that predicts the performance
and chemical fallout forecast is appended as the
of air-to-ground weapons systems and direct-view
tactical situation dictates.
optics on the basis of environmental and tactical
information. Performance is expressed primarily in
Strike Forecast. The STRKFCST is designed
terms of maximum detection or lock-on range.
to provide a coordinated forecast whenever multi-
EOTDA supports three regions of the spectrum:
ple ACE strike (offensive antiair warfare
infrared, visible, and laser. Most MAGTF aviation
(OAAW)/suppression of enemy air defenses
platforms, weapons, and systems are supported by
(SEAD)/direct air support (DAS)) platforms the database contained in the program. Systems
(Marine attack squadron (VMA)/Marine fighter not supported can be defined by the user to work
attack squadron (VMFA)/Marine tactical elec- with the EOTDA program. Figure D-2 (page
tronic warfare squadron (VMAQ)) are operating D-4) provides examples of EOTDA products.
as an integrated force under one tactical com-
mander. It includes a plain-language meteorologi-
cal situation, a 24-hour forecast of en route and Integrated Refractive Effects
target weather, an outlook to 48 hours, a tactical Prediction System
assessment, and electro-optical sensor perform-
ance predictions. See Appendix G for an example The Integrated Refractive Effects Prediction Sys-
of a STRKFCST. tem (IREPS) software was developed to provide
a rapid-response, on-scene environmental data
Assault Forecast. The ASLTFCST is designed processing, prediction, and display capability for
to provide a coordinated forecast whenever multi- the comprehensive assessment of refractive effects
ple assault support platforms (Marine aerial refu- on surveillance, communications, electronic war-
eler transport squadron (VMGR)/Marine heavy fare, and weapon guidance systems. Locally col-
helicopter squadron (HMH)/Marine medium heli- lected meteorological information is used to
copter squadron (HMM)/ Marine light attack heli- prepare analyses of present atmospheric and EM
copter squadron (HMLA)) are operating as an propagation conditions. Common applica-
integrated force under one tactical commander. It tions/products include the following.
includes a plain-language meteorological situa-
tion, a 24-hour forecast of en route forward arm- The IREPS Coverage Diagram
ing and refueling point (FARP)/rapid ground The IREPS coverage diagram (COVER) has
refueling (RGR) and landing zone weather, an many tactical uses. The most important task of air
outlook to 48 hours, a tactical assessment, and defense is to develop an air picture through
electro-optical sensor performance predictions. surface-based and airborne surveillance platforms.
See Appendix G for an example of an COVER provides a display of radar detection or
ASLTFCST. communication in the vertical plane. The output
D-4 MCWP 3-35.7
Figure D-2. Sample EOTDA Products.
diagram will alert units to potential “shadow jammers by using the coverage display. Figure
zones” in their radar coverage against attacking D-4 (page D-6) provides examples of tactical
aircraft or missiles. When used for threat surface- uses/applications of the COVER diagram.
to-air missiles (SAMs), the COVER diagram will
show the threat radar’s area of coverage on a Path Loss
curved earth and will plot range versus height. This IREPS product shows one-way path loss in
COVER incorporates the effects of the atmos- decibels versus range due to spreading, diffrac-
phere on a threat system and therefore compli- tion, scattering, and anomalous propagation. It
ments the Tactical Aviation Mission Planning can be used for long-range air-search radar (sur-
System (TAMPS) data. Figure D-3 provides a face based or airborne), for surface search radar
sample COVER display. when employed against low-flying targets, and to
determine the intercept range of radar or commu-
Another tactical use of COVER is for attack air- nications systems by an electronic warfare support
craft positioning. Knowledge of the existence and (ES) receiver. In fact, once an altitude is specified
the height of a surface-based duct would enable for the path-loss curve, it is simply a slice of the
the mission planner to select the optimum altitude COVER display at the specified altitude. Figure
for penetration. By flying below a duct, attack air- D-5 (page D-7) provides a sample path-loss
craft can maximize the element of surprise and re- display.
main undetected by enemy radar. In a similar
situation, electronic attack aircraft can adjust their Platform Vulnerability
position to maximize the effectiveness of onboard
Figure D-3. Sample COVER Diagram.
Platform Vulnerability (PV) is useful in evaluating ranging from overhead transparencies to com-
electronic emission control posture. This IREPS puter/ electronic presentations. Prior planning and
product assesses the relative vulnerability of vari- coordination with the G-2/S-2 and G-3/S-3 are
ous emitters within the Marine air control group recommended to ensure consistency, continuity,
(MACG) versus their value in surveillance or and appropriateness of the type of brief to be con-
communication. A bar graph shows the maximum ducted. Two common METOC briefings are dis-
range at which a specified receiver can detect cussed below.
these emitters under given atmospheric condi-
tions. From this display, it is immediately obvious Climatology Briefs
which emitter within the MACG is most vulner- These briefs can be conducted for any geographi-
able to interception. By selectively silencing vari- cal area or location of interest for any time of
ous emitters, the command, control, and year. They are normally conducted as part of pre-
communications mission planner can customize an deployment workups to normal operations, exer-
emission control (EMCON) plan to a particular cises, or actual contingencies. Climatological
mission. PV is normally employed against aircraft briefs should be requested before initial planning
flying at altitudes higher than 10,000 feet. Figure sessions to allow all planners time to consider the
D-6 (page D-7) provides a sample PV display. historical environmental effects.
Historical and statistical METOC information/

data are used exclusively and should not be con-
METOC Briefings fused with actual or real-time METOC events.
There are several elements that are normally cov-
A number of METOC briefings can be conducted ered, but the brief is not limited to them; they in-
to support MAGTF requirements. A variety of clude general geography and terrain,
media can be used in preparing these briefs, oceanography, general climate, historical EM
D-6 MCWP 3-35.7
Figure D-4. Tactical Uses of the COVER Diagram.

Figure D-5. Sample Path-Loss Display.
Figure D-6. Sample PV Display.

D-8 MCWP 3-35.7
propagation, electro-optical climatology (infrared value information. TDAs allow the operator to
band only), astronomical information, specific enter system information, terrain data, and
weather elements, and assessment/impact on weather conditions, either manually or automati-
planned operations. A sample brief is provided as cally. TDAs describe the exact impacts expected
figure D-7 on pages D-9 through D-17. and the resulting estimated performance degrada-
tion. When such an analysis is done for both
METOC Operational Briefs friendly and threat systems, the commander can
This type of brief is normally conducted twice determine the tactical advantage. TDAs have the
daily (morning/evening) or as necessary to sup- potential to give the commander another tactical
port actual combat operations and exercises. ME- advantage by comparing systems before a battle,
TOC support objectives and information thus allowing additional reaction time to make ad-
requirements are established for this type of brief justments before the enemy is engaged in battle.
based on the combat element being supported, the Application steps include:
level of command, and the mission to be accom-
plished. This brief will normally cover, but is not The specific weather and environmental
limited to, an analysis of the current METOC elements causing a potential impact on the
situation, forecast conditions out to 96 hours, as- system platform, its subsystems, operations,
tronomical data, and an impact assessment of and logistics
planned COAs/operations. Figure D-8 on pages The critical values or ranges of each of
D-18 through D-23 gives an example of a typical these weather elements
brief that may be provided to the ACE com- The resultant effects of correlating each of
mander and staff planners during a MEF-sized these critical values or ranges with the
operation. observed or forecasted weather conditions
that are occurring, or expected to occur, in
Radiological Fallout the area of operations
The critical values or ranges that cause a
Forecast patterns of radiological fallout may be marginal or unsatisfactory capability
used to determine unit maneuvering in the event The impact of weather, the exact cause, and
of a nuclear burst. The output diagram reflects the duration that the event is forecasted to
variable levels of radiation during a user-defined continue
time period. The levels of radiation may also be The effects of weather on threat systems
set by the user. (using the same process)
The tactical advantages presented to both
sides by weather conditions.
Vapor Liquid Substance Tracking
Program In addition to tactical tailoring, the commander
can simulate outcomes by using a range of opti-
This program assists in forecasting patterns of mistic and pessimistic forecast values to show the
chemical fallout, which may be used to determine tactical advantages of each set of conditions.
unit maneuvering in the event of chemical
warfare.
Tactical Decision Aids

TDAs are software programs run on communica-
tions and information systems that use critical-
Figure D-7. Sample Climatology Brief.

D- 10 MCWP 3-35.7
Figure D-7. Sample Climatology Brief (Continued).


D- 12 MCWP 3-35.7


D- 14 MCWP 3-35.7


D- 16 MCWP 3-35.7


D- 18 MCWP 3-35.7
Figure D-8. Sample METOC Operational Brief.

Figure D-8. Sample METOC Operational Brief (Continued).

D- 20 MCWP 3-35.7


D- 22 MCWP 3-35.7


D- 24 MCWP 3-35.7
Section II: Oceanographic Products
Several oceanographic products and services are executive summary to highlight significant
available to aid MAGTF commanders and plan- features.
ners. Tailored products can be provided on re-
quest to accommodate many missions and Sea Surface Conditions
situations. Some of the more common products
and services are listed below. Surface conditions in the operating area can affect
both divers and other reconnaissance personnel.
Tides These conditions are influenced by time of year,
wind, waves, tides, current, cloud cover, tempera-
This product provides a summary of tidal range, ture, visibility, and the presence of other ships.
heights, and times of high and low tides. Exact
site location is required for accurate output. Out- A significant factor is the sea state. Wave action
put is available in tabular or graphical format. can affect everything from the stability of the
moor to the vulnerability of the crew to seasick-
Annotated Imagery of Littoral ness or injury. Unless properly moored, a ship or
Areas boat drifts or swings around an anchor, fouling
lines and dragging divers. In addition, surface
Images obtained from land satellite, the French waves may become a problem when the diver en-
satellite pour l’observation de la terre (SPOT), ters or leaves the water and during decompression
or other national technical means are analyzed to stops near the surface. Table D-1 provides a sam-
extract oceanographic parameters. Detected ob- ple sea state chart.
structions, reefs, shoals, nearshore currents, water
clarity, and sea surface temperatures are typically Hydrographic Survey
annotated.
The purpose of a hydrographic survey is to sys-
tematically collect information about the fore-
Special Tactical Oceanographic shore and nearshore sea approaches to a
Information Chart designated landing beach. This information will be
transferred to a hydrographic sketch, which may
This is a 1:25,000-scale special-purpose chart de- be used by the commander, landing force (CLF),
picting nearshore hydrographic conditions, with to plan landing(s). The survey normally encom-
data appropriate for mine warfare, amphibious passes the nearshore area from the three-fathom
operations, or special operations displayed along line to the water’s edge; the foreshore, backshore,
the chart border. These products are produced by and hinterland for about 100 yards; and the length
the NAVOCEANO Warfighting Support Center. of the beach as designated by CLF. The hydro-
Requests will be coordinated by the MAGTF graphic survey and beach survey overlap in that
SWO to avoid duplication of requirements. they both cover the foreshore.
Environmental Support Packet

The environmental support packet (ESP) de-
scribes nearshore oceanographic conditions by
providing evaluated data on nearshore hydrogra-
phy, tides, currents, marine life, water clarity, and
so on. It normally includes an oceanographic
Table D-1. Sea State Chart.
Wind Wind Wind Average

Sea Force Wind Range Velocity Wave
State Description (Beaufort) Description (kt) (kt) Height (ft)
0 The sea is like a mirror. 0 Calm <1 0 0
Ripples with the appearance of scales are 1 Light air 1-3 2 0.05
formed, but without foam crests.
1 Small wavelets, still short but more pronounced, 2 Light breeze 4-6 5 0.18
form; crests have a glassy appearance but do
not break.
2 Large wavelets form; crests begin to break. 3 Gentle 7 - 10 8.5 0.6
Foam of a glassy appearance forms; there may breeze 10 0.88
be scattered whitecaps.
3 Small waves form, becoming longer; whitecaps 4 Moderate 11 - 16 12 1.4
are fairly frequent. breeze 13.5 1.8
14 2.0
16 2.9
4 Moderate waves appear, taking a more 5 Fresh 17 - 21 18 3.8
pronounced form; there are many whitecaps breeze 19 4.3
and a chance of some spray. 20 5.0
5 Large waves begin to form; white foam crests 6 Strong 22 - 27 22 6.4
are more extensive everywhere. There is some breeze 24 7.9
spray. 24.5 8.2
26 9.6
6 The sea heaps up and white foam from 7 Moderate 28 - 33 28 11
breaking waves begins to be blown in streaks gale 30 14
along the direction of the wind. Spindrift begins. 30.5 14
32 16
7 Moderately high waves of greater length form; 8 Fresh gale 34 - 40 34 19
edges of crests break into spindrift. The foam is 36 21
blown in well-marked streaks along the direction 37 23
of the wind. Spray affects visibility. 38 25
40 28
8 High waves form. Dense streaks of foam 9 Strong gale 41 - 47 42 31
appear along the direction of the wind. The sea 44 36
begins to roll. Visibility is affected. 46 40
Table D-1. Sea State Chart (Continued).

D-26 MCWP 3-35.7
Wind Wind Wind Average

Sea Force Wind Range Velocity Wave
State Description (Beaufort) Description (kt) (kt) Height (ft)
9 Very high waves with long overhanging crests 10 Whole gale 48 - 55 48 44
form. Foam is in great patches and is blown in 50 49
dense white streaks along the direction of the 51.5 52
wind. The surface of the sea takes on a white 52 54
appearance. The rolling of the sea becomes 54 59
heavy and shock-like. Visibility is affected.
Exceptionally high waves appear. The sea is 11 Storm 56 - 63 56 64

completely covered with long white patches of 59.5 73
foam along the direction of the wind.
Everywhere the edges of the wave crests are
blown into froth. Visibility is seriously affected.
The air is filled with foam and spray. The sea is 12 Hurricane 64 - 71 > 64 > 80
completely white with driving spray. Visibility is
very seriously affected.
Appendix E
Weather Effects on MAGTF Operations
This appendix describes common weather ele- operations. Weather elements can drastically alter
ments and weather effects on specific types of terrain features and trafficability. Conversely, ter-
units and selected operations. rain features may exert considerable influence on
local weather. The relationship between weather
Common Effects and terrain must be carefully correlated in terrain
studies to produce accurate terrain intelligence.
Although environmental elements tend to have This planning is an integral part of the IPB
different effects on different types of units and op- process.
erations, many can be identified as having similar
effects on a majority of combat elements and Weather Elements
operations.
Terrain features affect weather, climate, and
Many of the common effects can be derived for weather elements such as:
planning purposes from the climate of the theater
of operations. Special attention must be given to Visibility
those elements of weather that may limit opera- Temperature
tions or preclude them altogether. For instance, Humidity
operations in the tropics must be planned to con- Precipitation
sider the recurring cycle of the monsoon season. Wind
In continental Europe, strategies must consider Clouds.
severe winters and the annual autumn freezes and
spring thaws, which affect trafficability and cross- Specific elements vary with the geographical area,
country movement. time, and season. A description of the climate of a
large area considers terrain influences only in gen-
Very early in the planning process, planners must eral terms, whereas a description of a small area
relate the possible COAs to weather expectancies such as a single valley can be specific. It is impor-
derived from climatological studies. There must tant that commanders and staffs understand and
be an acceptable likelihood that the weather con- consider weather in their tactical planning. They
ditions required for any proposed COA will oc- must recognize the tactical significance of weather
cur. It is imperative for an operation to be effects on intended operations and the risks or op-
meteorologically feasible at the operational level portunities that they present. The effects of
of warfare and for planning for seasonal weather weather are integrated with enemy and terrain
changes to be considered early in the planning analysis through IPB. Factors that must be con-
process. sidered include:
When considering the effects of environmental Visibility

conditions, the impact that weather and terrain Wind
have on each other must be considered. Weather Precipitation
and terrain are so interrelated that they must be Clouds
considered together when planning ground and air Temperature and humidity
E-2 MCWP 3-35.7
Severe weather Generally, winds above 20 nautical miles per hour

Illumination and obstructions to vision. create such effects. Smoke operations are usually
ineffective at wind speeds greater than seven nau-
Visibility tical miles per hour. As surface wind speed in-
Low visibility is beneficial to offensive and retro- creases, either naturally or enhanced by vehicle
grade operations and detrimental to defensive op- movement, the windchill becomes a critical factor.
erations. In the offense, it conceals the The windchill factor adversely affects improperly
concentration of maneuver of friendly forces, thus clothed personnel and impedes activity in unshel-
enhancing the possibility of achieving surprise. tered areas. Wind speed also affects the distance
Low visibility hinders the defense because cohe- that sound will travel. Wind may prove beneficial
sion and control become difficult to maintain, re- by aiding in drying soil. A windchill index chart
connaissance and surveillance are impeded, and developed by the U.S. Army Research Institute of
target acquisition is less accurate. Environmental Medicine is shown as figure E-1.
Trench foot and immersion foot may occur at any
These disadvantages may be offset partially by ex- point on the chart.
tensive use of illuminants, radar, sound detection,
and thermal and infrared devices; however, infra- Precipitation
red devices are degraded in range by any moisture The primary significance of precipitation is its ef-
source, precipitation, or moisture-absorbing fect on soil; visibility; personnel effectiveness; and
smoke. Smoke and obscurant aerosols can be ex- the functioning of ground maneuver units, avia-
pected on medium-intensity to high-intensity bat- tion, CSS operations, and electro-optical and in-
tlefields and may be used locally to reduce frared systems. The state of the ground affects
visibility. In all operations, obscurants limit the trafficability; heavy rain can make some unsur-
use of aircraft and aerial optical and infrared sur- faced roads and off-road areas impassable. Rain
veillance devices. and snow can greatly reduce:
Wind Personnel effectiveness by limiting visibility,

Wind speed and direction, both on the surface and increasing fatigue, and causing discomfort
aloft, usually favor the upwind force in the use of and other physical and psychological
nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) weapons. problems
Winds of sufficient speed can reduce the combat The persistence of chemical agents (or can
effectiveness of a force downwind by blowing create NBC hot spots)
dust, smoke, sand, rain, or snow on personnel and The range of lasers, night vision devices,
equipment. The force located upwind has better and thermal tank sights
visibility and can, therefore, advance and maneu- The effectiveness of aircraft.
ver faster. Strong winds limit airborne, air assault,
and aviation operations. Precipitation also degrades the quality of supplies
in storage. Snow accumulation of greater than
Strong surface winds and gusts can: one inch degrades trafficability and reduces the
impact of mines and the blast effects of point mu-
Injure personnel nitions. Generally, precipitation in excess of 0.10
Damage material and structures inches per hour or two inches in a 12-hour period
Give anomalous radar returns is considered critical for tactical operations.
Restrict visibility by blowing sand, dust, and Snowfall exceeding 18 inches reduces tracked ve-
other material. hicle speed; movement on foot is very difficult
without snowshoes or skis.
MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support E-3
Clouds Temperature and Humidity

The type and amount of cloud cover, as well as Temperature and humidity affect air density. Air
the height of cloud bases and tops, influence density decreases as the temperature or humidity
friendly and enemy aviation operations. Extensive increases; thus, the efficiency of aircraft propul-
cloud cover reduces the effectiveness of air sup- sion is reduced in areas of high temperature or
port. This effect becomes more pronounced as high humidity. Although temperature and humid-
cloud cover increases, cloud bases lower, and ity may not directly affect a particular tactical op-
conditions associated with clouds (such as icing, eration, extremes will reduce personnel and
turbulence, and poor visibility aloft) increase. In a equipment capabilities and may necessitate a re-
relatively unstable air mass, clouds are associated duction of aircraft payloads (for example, fuel,
with strong vertical currents, turbulence, and re- weapons, and personnel).
stricted visibility aloft. Generally, close air support
missions and aerial resupply missions require a Tactics that are effective in one climate may be in-
ceiling of at least 1,000 feet. effective when applied in another. The high tem-
peratures and humidity in the tropics are
Clouds affect ground operations by limiting illu- conducive to the growth of dense foliage, which
mination and the solar heating of targets for infra- greatly affects tactical operations. Desert climates
red systems. Clouds limit the use of can range from extremely hot in the daytime to
infrared-guided artillery by decreasing the enve- very cold at night, requiring added protective
lope in which it can seek and lock on to laser- measures. In arctic climates, cold weather periods
designated targets. Cloud-free line of sight is re- create an almost constant need for heated shelters;
quired for delivery of precision-guided munitions cause difficulty in constructing fortifications; in-
from aircraft. crease the dependence on logistical support; and
E-4 MCWP 3-35.7
necessitate special clothing, equipment, and sur- communications and both communication and
vival training. noncommunication use of the EM spectrum.
Windchill factors are produced by a combination Illumination and Obstructions to

of temperature and wind speed. A windchill factor Vision
of -26 °F (-32 °C) is considered to be the critical Illumination and obstructions to vision affect the
value for equipment and personnel operating in visibility required for various operations and af-
cold weather. The opposite extreme, 120 °F (49 fect the overall planning for security, conceal-
°C), is the critical value for personnel operating in ment, and target acquisition by visual, electronic,
hot weather. The critical WBGTI value for per- or electro-optical means.
sonnel operating in hot weather is 90 °F. Similar
restrictions occur in desert terrain, where the tem- Meteorological Products
perature from day to night may vary as much as
100 °F (37 °C). Personnel operating in warm tem-
Meteorological products are categorized as either
peratures are more susceptible to becoming heat
primary products or tactical weather products.
casualties when in mission-oriented protective
Primary products are used by the weather service
posture (MOPP) gear.
officer in preparing tactical weather products.
They are usually received in the form of weather
Temperatures of targets and objects on the battle-
observations, forecasts, gridded data, and clima-
field at night are important for the use of thermal
tological studies. Primary products are received
sights and forward looking infrared (FLIR) de-
from indigenous sources, other Marine Corps
vices. A difference in temperature or thermal con-
weather units, the Navy, the Air Force, and in-
trast is required for these devices to see a target.
flight aircraft in wartime and from the National
Normally, the target and background heat and
Weather Service (NWS) and Federal Aviation
cool at different rates. Twice a day, in the morn-
Administration (FAA) in peacetime. Although
ing and evening, targets without internal heating
some primary weather products are passed di-
come to relatively the same temperature as the
rectly to MAGTF users, many need to be modi-
background. At this point, thermal crossover oc-
fied or updated to reflect local observation, local
curs and the thermal device does not have the ca-
terrain, and mission requirements.
pability to see the target. The duration of thermal
crossover may be only a few seconds when the
Weather observations contain information on ex-
morning sun strikes a target or several minutes on
isting weather conditions and specific weather ele-
cloudy, adverse-weather days; this depends on the
ments at specific locations and times. The basic
threshold temperature contrast required by the
types of observations are surface and upper air.
thermal device. TDAs can be used to predict these
temperature differences for planners and to esti-
Surface Observations
mate lengths of thermal crossover periods.
Surface observations are taken hourly or as re-
quired by the Marine Corps Weather Service. Ob-
Severe Weather
servations include:
Severe weather affects most operations by pre-
senting a threat of injury to personnel, damaging
Surface winds
equipment and structures, limiting ground and air
Precipitation type and intensity
mobility and air operations, and threatening troop
Prevailing visibility
morale. Electrical storms often accompany severe
Obstructions to vision
weather conditions and add the hazard of light-
Clouds/ceiling
ning strikes at munitions storage areas and fueling
Temperature
points. Lightning may also interrupt landline
Dewpoint temperature survival rate times for personnel in water of vari-

Surface atmospheric pressure ous temperatures.
Remarks
Altimeter setting Effects of Weather on Ground
Humidity. Maneuver Operations
Armor and infantry operations are influenced pri-
Additional elements may include: marily by those weather elements that degrade
trafficability and visibility. Figure E-3 (page E-9)
Snow depth shows the effects of weather on armor in infantry
Precipitation amounts operations.
State of the ground
Maximum and minimum temperatures. Effects of Weather on Artillery
Operations
Other information such as windchill, PA, and DA Artillery operations are heavily weather depend-
can be derived from the surface observation. The ent. Artillery not only must contend with those
wet bulb globe temperature is obtained from weather effects that are common to all units, but
weather units and provides information on heat also may compensate for a number of special ef-
casualty potential. Freeze-thaw depth, ice thick- fects pertinent to their operations. Figure E-4
ness, current water depth, river stages, and traffi- (page E-10) shows the effects of weather on artil-
cability are obtained from engineer units. lery operations.
Upper-Air Observations Effects of Weather on Aviation

Upper-air observations are taken by METMFs
Operations
and artillery meteorological (ARTYMET) sec-
Marine aviation is involved in multifaceted opera-
tions at established time intervals. They measure
tions over the length and breadth of the battle-
temperature, pressure, relative humidity, and wind
field. These operations include aerial weapons,
speed and direction. From these observations, fall-
reconnaissance and surveillance, and routine lo-
out wind estimates, ballistics information, and
gistic support. Missions are varied and require the
computer meteorological messages are prepared.
operation of both fixed-wing and rotary-wing
aviation assets in a variety of flight modes and al-
Weather Planning Factors titudes. Figure E-5 (pages E-11 and E-12) shows
the effects of weather on aviation operations.
This paragraph describes weather planning factors
that are unique to specific units or selected Effects of Weather on
operations.
Communications and Information
Systems Operations
Effects of Weather on Amphibious Communications and information systems opera-
Operations tions are affected by a number of weather ele-
Weather effects on amphibious operations may be ments. Virtually all of the special weather
beneficial or detrimental. Certain weather condi- conditions that apply to communications and in-
tions may help to conceal landing operations. formation systems operations affect EM propaga-
Other conditions may hinder beaching and tion. Figure E-6 (page E-13) shows the effects of
unloading, task force movement, and essential air weather on communications and information sys-
support operations. Figure E-2 (pages E-7 and tems operations.
E-8) shows effects of weather on amphibious op-
erations. Table E-1 (page E-8) shows 50%
E-6 MCWP 3-35.7
Effects of Weather on Air Defense Effects of Weather on Medical Support

Operations Operations
Air defense operations require environmental in- Air medical evacuation requires the same weather
formation for both deployment and employment. support as other aviation elements. Besides avia-
Deployment requires climatological data, traffica- tion operations, weather influences are considered
bility, and severe weather forecasts. Environ- in establishing field hospitals and anticipating pre-
mental elements affecting employment vary stockage and workloads. The requirements for
according to the type of weapons systems used. weather support for ground evacuation of casual-
When missile systems require radar surveillance, ties are the same as for land transportation, in-
elements such as refractive index and precipitation cluding considering patient comfort under
must be known. Other systems require visual tar- extreme weather conditions. Figure E-11 (page
get acquisition. Figure E-7 (page E-14) shows the E-18) shows the effects of weather on medical
effects of weather on air defense operations. support operations.
Effects of Weather on Engineer Effects of Weather on Military Police

Operations Operations
Engineer operations are influenced by current en- Military police are involved in weather-sensitive
vironmental conditions, forecasted conditions, and operations such as:
climatology. Figure E-8 (page E-15) shows the
effects of weather on engineer operations. Route and area reconnaissance
Security
Effects of Weather on Intelligence Traffic and movement control
Operations Rear area protection
Many intelligence operations such as collection Refugee control
and dissemination may be hindered by certain Enemy prisoner of war control
weather conditions. All-source intelligence proc- Civil disturbance control operations.
essing requires evaluation of all weather condi-
tions, current and forecasted, as they affect enemy Acoustical propagation can significantly affect the
and friendly operations. Figure E-9 (page E-16) use of loudspeakers in civil disturbance control
shows the effects of weather on intelligence operations. Acoustical propagation is a function
operations. of attenuation and refraction, which in turn are in-
fluenced by temperature gradient, density, wind,
Effects of Weather on Logistic and sky cover. Figure E-12 (page E-18) shows
Operations the effects of weather on military police
Logistical operations include the supply, mainte- operations.
nance, and transportation required to support the
MAGTF. Numerous weather factors affect the Effects of Weather on NBC Operations
planning and activities required for each opera- NBC operations are extremely sensitive to envi-
tion. Those weather factors that influence logistic ronmental conditions that affect the movement
operations subsequently affect the supported and diffusion of chemical or biological fallout.
combat force. If logistic units are prevented from Figure E-13 (page E-19) shows the effects of
supporting forward combat elements, the success weather on NBC operations.
of the combat mission may be jeopardized. Figure Effects of Weather on Psychological
E-10 (page E-17) shows the effects of weather on Operations
logistical operations. Tactical psychological operations (PSYOPs) are
influenced primarily by those weather elements
that degrade the audibility of loudspeaker broad-

casts and affect the distribution of leaflets. Figure
E-14 (page E-20) shows the effects of weather on
PSYOPs.
Severe Weather
Severe weather hampers debarkation and landing craft operations, creates unacceptable surf conditions,
may preclude landing, and interferes with construction support.
Wind (Surface)
Surface wind may cause postponement of landings. It affects the state of the sea and handling of landing
craft.
Windchill
Windchill may cause a requirement for special equipment and rigging for landing and for special supplies and
equipment to support operations afloat and ashore.
Temperature (Surface)
Extreme surface temperatures may cause a requirement for special equipment and rigging for landing and
for special supplies and equipment to support operations afloat and ashore.
Tide
Tide conditions may cause postponement of landings and may conceal beach obstacles.
Ceiling—Cloud and Sky Cover
Cloud and sky cover may hamper air support operations and landing craft navigation and may offer conceal-
ment from air reconnaissance.
Fog
Fog reduces visibility and increases landing craft navigation problems and water and terrain hazards. It may
provide concealment.
Illumination
Illumination may dictate the time of landing and support operations.
Lunar Phase
The lunar phase affects tidal conditions.
Figure E-2. Effects of Weather on Amphibious Operations.

E-8 MCWP 3-35.7
Freeze or Thaw Depth
Freeze or thaw depth may hamper movement over the beach and construction support.
State of the Sea
State of the sea may preclude landing or resupply of landing forces and may cause debarkation to be can-
celed. It may endanger the use of landing craft. Severe conditions can degrade naval gunfire support.
Temperature (Water)
Cold temperatures decrease survivability of personnel in the water. Survival in sea water temperatures in ex-
cess of 70 °F depends more on fatigue factors than on hypothermia.
Figure E-2. Effects of Weather on Amphibious Operations (Continued).
Table E-1. 50% Survival Rate Times (hours).
Sea Water Temperature (°F) 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

Without Immersion Suit 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.9
With Immersion Suit 1.5 1.7 1.9 2.1 2.3 2.5 2.7 2.9 3.1 3.3
Without Immersion Suit 2 2.2 2.3 2.5 2.6 2.8 2.9 3 3.2 3.3
With Immersion Suit 3.5 4 4.4 4.8 5.3 5.8 6.2 6.7 7.1 7.6
Without Immersion Suit 3.5 4.3 5.2 6.1 6.9 7.8 8.6 9.4 10.3 11.1
With Immersion Suit 8 9.2 10.4 11.6 12.8 14 15.2 16.4 17.6 18.8
Without Immersion Suit 12 12.9 13.7 14.6 15.4 16.3 17.1 18 18.8 19.6
With Immersion Suit 20 21.2 22.4 23.6 24.8 26 27.2 28.4 29.6 30.8
Visibility
Visibility may affect visual acquisition and may degrade laser range finding and target designation. Poor visi-
bility increases the survivability of light infantry.
Precipitation
Precipitation degrades trafficability and the effectiveness of target acquisition and weapon control systems
and limits visibility.
Wind (Surface)
High crosswinds cause degradation of trajectory data and first-round hit capability and cause smoke to dis-
perse quickly.
Windchill
Windchill influences the type of lubricants to be used, determines engine warm-up periods, and affects the
sustained rate of fire for weapons as well as personnel effectiveness and safety.
Extreme temperatures decrease the habitability of vehicles and reduce personnel effectiveness. Low tem-
peratures degrade the ballistics of main guns and require frequent starting of vehicles.
Humidity
When coupled with high temperatures, humidity decreases the effectiveness of crews in closed vehicles and
the stamina of unmounted Marines.
Barometric Pressure
Barometric pressure affects M1 gunnery computations.
Figure E-3. Effects of Weather on Ground Maneuver Operations.

E-10 MCWP 3-35.7
Cloud and sky cover affect target acquisition and terminally guided munitions.
Visibility
Visibility affects target acquisition and fire adjustment as well as electro-optical target designation.
Electrical Storms and Thunder
Electrical storms and thunder restrict munitions handling.
Refractive Index
Refraction affects radar, laser, and infrared distance measuring techniques.
Wind (Surface)
Surface wind affects the accuracy of rocket fires.
Wind (Aloft)
Wind profiles are used to calculate ballistic wind correction.
Altimeter Setting and Atmospheric Pressure
Altimeter setting and atmospheric pressure are important factors in ensuring altitude accuracy, in barofuzing,
and in making fire control calculations.
Density Profile
The density profile affects fire control computations.
Pressure Profile
The pressure profile is used for baroarming and barofuzing techniques and for calculating densities.
Surface temperature information is used in making fire control surface density determinations and in
estimating ballistic atmosphere pressure and densities aloft.
Temperature Profile
The temperature profile is used to calculate ballistic temperature and air density.
Moisture Profile
The moisture profile is used to determine virtual temperature and atmosphere ducting conditions. It affects
electro-optical target designation.
Figure E-4. Effects of Weather on Artillery Operations.

Cloud and sky cover limit operations in which aircraft are required to operate clear of clouds, may preclude
landings or increase danger in takeoffs, and may preclude close air support missions.
Visibility
Visibility affects landing and takeoff capabilities, reconnaissance and target acquisition, electro-optical target
designation, and terminally guided munitions. Low visibility increases flight hazards.
Electrical storms are hazardous to in-flight operations, refueling operations, and rearming operations.
Precipitation
Precipitation affects visibility, flight safety, and density altitude. Powdery snow may preclude hover
operations.
Snow Depth
Snow affects ground handling.
Refractive Index
Refraction affects optical, radar, laser, and infrared range finding techniques.
State of the Ground
The state of the ground influences the effectiveness of air-delivered munitions.
Turbulence
Turbulence affects reconnaissance and surveillance; shear affects systems performance. Turbulence may
cause aircraft structural damage and affect aircraft control. Severe turbulence may cause cancellation of
operations.
Wind (Surface)
Surface wind affects aircraft control near the ground. It affects landing and takeoff as well as ground speed
for low-level flights.
Blowing Dust and Sand
Blowing dust and sand may affect hydraulic systems and windscreens.
Wind (Aloft)
Wind aloft affects navigation and ground speed at higher flight altitudes.
Figure E-5. Effects of Weather on Aviation Operations.

E-12 MCWP 3-35.7
Density Altitude
DA affects lift capabilities and reciprocating engine performance. It also limits fuel and weapons load.
Pressure Altitude
PA affects reciprocating engine performance.
Pressure Profile
Pressure affects terrain avoidance.
High temperatures reduce lift capabilities. Cold temperatures increase maintenance requirements and
time to perform. Temperature extremes can also reduce the number of personnel carried because of
weight and bulk of protection gear.
Dewpoint
Dewpoint affects engine efficiency calculations and serves as a warning of possible fog formation or icing
conditions.
Illumination
Illumination affects operations using night vision devices.
Figure E-5. Effects of Weather on Aviation Operations (Continued).

Dust
Dust affects EM propagation.
Electrical storms interfere with radio and wire communications and may disrupt synchronization for data
communications.
Fog
Fog affects EM propagation.
Precipitation
Precipitation affects EM propagation.
Blowing Snow
Blowing snow builds static discharge, which may affect EM propagation.
Ionospheric Disturbance
Ionospheric disturbance affects the reliability of radio communications systems.
Refractive Index
Refraction affects EM propagation characteristics of the atmosphere.
Icing
Icing may damage cable lines and antennas; it decreases the efficiency of microwave systems.
Wind (Surface)
Surface wind may damage antennas and transmission lines, may cause cable blowdown, and interferes with
antenna installation.
High temperatures adversely affect electronic circuits and may increase maintenance requirements. Ex-
treme cold may snap cable lines. Cold decreases the life of battery-operated equipment.
Humidity
Humidity may cause fungal growth within circuits; this can result in premature system failure.
Figure E-6. Effects of Weather on Communications and Information Systems Operations.

E-14 MCWP 3-35.7
Refractive Index
Refraction degrades target acquisition and radar tracking performance, especially during superrefraction.
Fog
Fog degrades visual acquisition and tracking.
Cloud Cover and Ceiling
Cloud cover may degrade visual acquisition and tracking.
Precipitation
Precipitation degrades or prevents visual acquisition and tracking and infrared homing. It may weaken ra-
dar signals.
Surface Pressure
Surface pressure affects calibration of equipment.
Electrical Storms
Electrical storms degrade the effectiveness of electronic systems.
Light Data
Light affects visual acquisition and tracking.
Temperature
High temperatures degrade the effectiveness of electronic systems. Very low temperatures may affect
mechanical devices. Extreme cold can produce detectable ice-fog exhaust trails from certain weapons
systems and vehicles.
Humidity
Humidity affects refraction and may degrade radar effectiveness.
Figure E-7. Effects of Weather on Air Defense Operations.

Visibility
Visibility affects survey operations.
Precipitation
Precipitation influences river current, water depth, and bridge construction; complicates construction and
maintenance operations; and affects flooding, river crossing operations, and soil bearing strength.
Snow Depth
Snow depth affects site selection and construction, flood prediction, and mobility and countermobility
operations.
Freeze or Thaw Depth
Freeze or thaw depth affects site selection and construction and complicates excavation.
Temperature (Water)
Water temperature affects the survivability of troops in the water during port construction, river crossings,
and beach operations.
Tide
The tide affects site selection and port and beach operations, including the timing of beach operations.
Wind (Surface)
Surface wind affects river crossings, port and watercraft operations, smoke operations, and structural
strength requirements. It also hinders certain construction operations.
Humidity
Humidity affects the handling, storage, and use of building materials.
Surface temperature affects trafficability, flood potential, ice thickness, and river crossing capabilities. It may
affect the use of certain construction materials.
Figure E-8. Effects of Weather on Engineer Operations.

E-16 MCWP 3-35.7
Cloud and sky cover may affect aerial infrared and photographic collections systems, restrict use of UAVs,
and increase the effectiveness of illumination devices.
Visibility
Visibility may affect visual, photographic, infrared, and electronic data collection systems.
Electrical storms affect the efficiency of electronic systems and dissemination through radio and wire com-
munications systems.
Precipitation
Precipitation obstructs vision, degrades photographic and infrared collection systems, and may degrade ra-
dar collection systems.
Severe Weather
Severe weather may prevent employment of aerial collection systems and may damage or prevent installa-
tion of collection system antennas.
Ionospheric Disturbances
Ionospheric disturbances may degrade electronic collection and communications and radar collection
systems.
Light Data
Light data is required for planning collection operations and for long-range planning.
Icing
Ice may degrade the performance of aerial collection systems if permitted to coat antennas.
Wind (Surface)
Surface wind may affect the employment of aerial collection systems and may damage or prevent the instal-
lation of electronic collection system antennas.
Surface temperature may affect collection system reliability.
Inversion
Inversion may provide false indications to certain electronic collection systems.
Figure E-9. Effects of Weather on Intelligence Operations.

Visibility
Reduced visibility may slow ground movement of munitions and supplies forward, may preclude aerial re-
supply operations, and may conceal ground transportation operations.
Electrical storms endanger storage, handling, and transportation of munitions and fuels; may interrupt com-
puterized inventory operations; and can damage storage facilities and stored material.
Precipitation
Precipitation may affect storage of munitions and supplies and may preclude ground transportation over un-
paved surfaces.
Snow Depth
Snow depth affects the ability to move supplies forward and affects the forward deployment of maintenance
teams.
Freezing Precipitation
Freezing precipitation has a severe impact on logistical and maintenance support (air and surface).
Surf and Tide Conditions
Surf and tide conditions affect the movement of supplies ashore and amphibious operations.
Cold may affect vehicle starting and warm-up periods and may increase maintenance requirements (as a
result of temperature-induced failures). It creates ice, which may preclude the use of waterways for trans-
portation. Temperature affects the storage of perishable supplies; affects snow melting, which can cause
flooding, reduce trafficability, and hinder ground transportation; and affects freeze or thaw depth, which
may determine the use of supply routes. Temperature information is required for calibration of artillery
systems.
Humidity
Humidity affects the storage of munitions and other supplies and may increase equipment failure rates and
affect maintenance operations.
Figure E-10. Effects of Weather on Logistic Operations.

E-18 MCWP 3-35.7
Precipitation
Precipitation affects available water supply, influences hospital site selection, and may damage unprotected
supplies.
Severe Weather
Severe weather may produce an increased nonbattle casualty load.
Extreme temperatures may require special protection of medical supplies, increase patient load because of
heat and cold injuries, and affect seasonal diseases.
Humidity
Humidity may affect storage of medical supplies.
Figure E-11. Effects of Weather on Medical Support Operations.
Precipitation
Precipitation may require additional protection for enemy prisoners of war.
Severe Weather
Severe weather may affect security operations and refugee control.
Wind (Surface)
Wind affects the use of riot control agents.
Inversion
Inversion may affect the use of riot control agents.
Figure E-12. Effects of Weather on Military Police Operations.

Information on cloud and ground albedo, sky cover, and visibility are required to estimate thermal levels re-
sulting from nuclear bursts.
Precipitation
Precipitation affects the persistence of chemical agents. Snow may cover and render ineffective certain liquid
agents. Precipitation may produce radioactive rainout and hot spots.
Sunlight
Sunlight shortens the life span of biological agents.
State of the Ground
The state of the ground influences the effectiveness of chemical agents and affects fallout concentration lev-
els. Wet soil degrades the effectiveness of smoke munitions.
Turbulence
Turbulence affects the length of time that chemical agents and smoke will remain in the target area.
Wind (Surface)
Wind measurements from the surface to 98,424 ft (50,000 m) or higher are needed for fallout pattern predic-
tion (nuclear weapons). Wind affects chemical/biological agent dispersion and may decrease chemical agent
persistence.
Wind (Aloft)
Wind aloft affects the aerial delivery of chemical/biological agents and may degrade the effectiveness of
smoke operations.
Humidity
A high level of humidity increases the effectiveness of smoke and some chemical agents. Combined with high
temperatures, it reduces the time in which troops in protective gear are effective. High humidity levels destroy
some chemical agents. Humidity affects biological agents; the effect varies depending on humidity level and
the type of agent.
Inversion
Inversion affects aerosol dispersion and the persistence of chemical/biological agents.
Figure E-13. Effects of Weather on NBC Operations.

E-20 MCWP 3-35.7
Cloud and sky cover may affect aerial loudspeakers and leaflet delivery by restricting visibility and access to
the target.
Visibility
The delivery of leaflets by aircraft may be hampered when the pilot cannot see the target.
Electrical storms and thunder reduce the audibility of loudspeakers and interfere with radio broadcasts.
Precipitation
Precipitation may force the target audience under cover, where they are not receptive to leaflet drops or loud-
speaker broadcasts. It reduces the audibility of loudspeakers and destroys leaflets.
Snow
Snow reduces the effectiveness of leaflet dissemination and durability.
Wind (Surface)
High winds will reduce the audibility of loudspeakers. Wind speed and direction will affect the distribution of
leaflets by air or artillery.
Humidity
Humidity affects the distance that sound will travel.
Figure E-14. Effects of Weather on PSYOPs.

Appendix F
Meteorological Critical Values
Meteorological critical values are those values Weather information is frequently color coded to
that significantly reduce the effectiveness of op- help the decisionmaker quickly assess the impact
erations, equipment, and weapons systems. Sig- of weather on impending operations and deci-
nificant variations above or below critical values sions. This person normally is the tactical unit
can prevent the successful completion of a mis- commander to whom the weather service person-
sion. Therefore, the MAGTF SWO must be in- nel provide support. The following color code is
cluded in the planning stages of all operations. suggested for consistency within the operational
Commanders must be aware of meteorological commands:
critical values and consider them in all planning.
Green (favorable)—there are no weather
This appendix provides tables of critical values for restrictions.
specific operations. It does not, however, provide Amber (marginal)—weather degrades or
absolute values for every operation or weapons limits.
system in the battlespace. Critical values must be Red (unfavorable)—weather significantly
weighed against the tactical situation and the mis- affects or prohibits.
sion. Although weather personnel forecast and
call attention to critical factors, only commanders The following tables provide meteorological criti-
decide which values are critical for each opera- cal values for a variety of military operations and
tion. Additional input from NAVOCEANO, ter- functions.
rain analysis teams, and other sources and the
criticality of the mission are weighed by the com-
mander in reaching a decision. Tables within this
appendix show some meteorological critical val-
ues for specific and branch operations.
F-2 MCWP 3-35.7
Table F-1. Amphibious Operations.
Amphibious Operations
Element Critical Value Impact
Ceiling—cloud and sky cover [ 1,000 ft Concealment; close air support
planning
Visibility (surface) [ 1 mi Target acquisition
Wind (surface) m 7 kt Personnel landing and smoke
operations
m 35 kt Wave and surf limits
Temperature (surface) > 90 °F Personnel and equipment support
< 32 °F Planning and logistic support,

fuels, and expendable supplies
Windchill [ -25 °F 1-min exposure Troop safety
[ -74 °F 1-sec exposure
Precipitation > 0.1 in/h liquid Shore trafficability
Effective illumination < 0.0011 lux (lx) Planning for night landing
operations and concealment
Littoral current Any underlying current or riptide Mission planning
> 3 kt
Tides Variable threshold of watercraft Type of watercraft required;
timing of mission
Temperature (water) > 86 °F Personnel safety
State of the sea > 3-ft waves Mission planning
Surf breaker description Surging surf > 4-ft breakers Mission planning
Surf zone Area covered by surf Mission planning
MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support F-3
Table F-2. Intelligence Operations.
Intelligence Operations
Ceiling—cloud and sky cover [ 200 ft Engagement range
[ 1,000 ft Aerial observation
Surface visibility at the following < 1 mi Determination of enemy’s ability
wavelengths: 1.06 m, 3 - 5 m, to conceal actions; location and
8 - 12 m identification of targets
Wind (surface) > 60 kt Equipment damage
Precipitation > 0.1 in/h liquid Audio sensors and radar
effectiveness
> 0.5 in/h liquid Speed of personnel and
equipment movement
> 2 in within a 12-h period Speed of personnel and
equipment movement;
trafficability and storage of
equipment
Snow depth and cover > 6 in Trafficability
Thunderstorms and lightning Any occurrence within 3 mi Troop and equipment safety;
false alarms and false readings
Temperature (surface) >122 °F Emplacement site selection
< -58 °F
Temperature (ground) < 32 °F Trafficability assessment
Wet bulb globe temperature > 85 °F Troop safety
EM propagation Subrefraction and superrefraction Ducting of radar transmission and
returns
Effective illumination < 0.0011 lx Target acquisition
River stage and current strength > 6-ft depth Enemy’s ability to cross rivers or
streams
F-4 MCWP 3-35.7
Table F-3. Ground Maneuver Operations.
Ground Maneuver Operations

Ceiling—cloud and sky cover [ 1,000 ft Concealment and cover from
threat surveillance; tactical air
and aerial supply support;
background contact for target
acquisition or using thermal
devices
Surface visibility at the following Dragon < 800 ft Target acquisition; system
wavelengths: 1.06 m, 3 - 5 m, Tube launched, optically tracked, selection
8 - 12 m wire command link guided missile
(TOW) < 1,600 m
Wind (surface) > 7 kt Smoke operations; background
radar noise
> 20 kt Visibility restriction in blowing
sand and snow; soil drying speed;
aerial resupply; windchill effect on
equipment and personnel
> 30 kt Accuracy of antitank missiles
> 75 kt Antenna failure
> 125 kt Equipment (van) failure
Precipitation > 0.1 in/h liquid Soil type (affected by
> 2 in within a 12-h period temperature and moisture);
vehicle movement; site location;
river levels; runoff; flooding;
delays in resupply; demolitions;
river crossing; visibility; target
acquisition; radar effectiveness
Snow depth and cover > 2 in within a 12-h period Effectiveness of mines; choice of
> 6 in construction materials;
> 24 in trafficability
Freeze and thaw depth < 6 in Off-road employment of wheeled
and tracked vehicles
Thunderstorms and lightning Any occurrence within 3 mi Munitions safety; personnel
communications equipment
safety
Temperature (surface) m 122 °F Thermal sights
> 90 °F Lubricants, personnel, and

infrared sensors
> 32 °F River crossing sites and off-road
movements (affected by melting
snow and ice)
< 32 °F Drying of soil; freeze or thaw
depth
Any change of 50 °F Munitions trajectories
Windchill [ -25 °F 1-min exposure Time before exposed flesh will
[ -75 °F 1-sec exposure suffer frostbite
Table F-3. Ground Maneuver Operations (Continued).
Ground Maneuver Operations

Effective illumination < 0.0011 lx Use of night vision devices
Sea/shore conditions Current and tide > 5 kt Beach and port sea-to-shore
loading and offloading operations
Waves > 3 ft Landing operations
Swell > 3 ft
Surf > 5 - 6 ft
Table F-4. Field Artillery Operations.
Field Artillery Operations

Ceiling—cloud and sky cover [ 600 ft Target acquisition; Copperhead
performance
Visibility—slant range at the [ 1 mi Target acquisition
following wavelengths: 1.06 m,
3 - 5 m, 8 - 12 m
Wind—vertical profile > 5-kt change/3,280 ft UAV operations; nuclear fallout
prediction
Thunderstorms and lightning Any occurrence within 3 mi Safety and storage of munitions
Effective illumination < 0.0011 lx Mission planning for night artillery
operations
Table F-5. Aviation and Air Assault Operations.

F-6 MCWP 3-35.7
Aviation and Air Assault Operations

Ceiling—cloud and sky cover [ 300 ft (90 m) Nap-of-the-earth planning and
acquisition—rotary wing
[ 300 ft (90 m) flat terrain Daylight target acquisition—fixed
wing
[ 500 ft (150 m) mountain terrain Daylight target acquisition—fixed
wing
[ 500 ft (150 m) flat terrain Night target acquisition—fixed
wing
[ 1,000 ft mountain terrain Night target acquisition—fixed
wing
Visibility (surface) [ 0.25 mi (400 m) Navigation and target
[ 1 mi (1,600 m) Landing and takeoff minimums
for mission planning
[ 3 mi (4,800 m) Landing and takeoff minimums
for mission planning
Visibility (slant range) [ 0.25 mi (400 m) Navigation and target
[ 3 mi (4,800 m) mountain terrain Navigation and target
Wind (surface) > 30 kt Mission planning; aircraft safety
> 15-kt gust spread
Wind (aloft) > 30 kt Mission planning—duration
Precipitation Any freezing Rotorblade icing; aircraft
survivability and damage
> 0.5 in/h liquid Target acquisition
Hail m 0.25-in diameter Aircraft damage
Snow depth and cover > l in (2.54 cm) powder Location of landing zone and
drop zone; vertigo
Icing m Light (clear/rime) Mission planning and safety;
ordnance delivery
restrictions—rotary wing
Turbulence Moderate Mission planning; aircraft
survivability
Thunderstorms and lightning Any occurrence within 3 mi of site Refueling and rearming
operations
DA: variable with aircraft, weight, > 6,900 ft Flight control, runway limits,
power, and temperature takeoff, and landing
Effective illumination < 0.0011 lx Mission planning for night
operations
Table F-6. Air Defense Operations.
Air Defense Operations

Ceiling—cloud and sky cover [ 500 ft Selection of weapons systems
and positioning for convoy
[ 5,000 ft Aircraft detection and
identification
Visibility (surface) < 2 mi Aircraft detection and
identification for short-range air
defense systems
< 3 mi Weapons system selection and
placement for the Stinger system
Wind (surface) > 30 kt Communications and radar
antenna
> 50 kt Weapons system selection and
> 57-kt gusts planning
Wind (aloft) > 50 kt Aiming and tracking
Precipitation > 0.5 in/h liquid All radar m 10 GHz (degraded); all
infrared sensors
Thunderstorms and lightning Any occurrence within 2 mi of site Communications, radar, and
storage and protection of missile
systems
Temperature (surface) > 120 °F Mission planning for use of a
< -45 °F man-portable air defense system
Windchill [ -25 °F 1-min exposure Personnel protection; planning

gear and equipment needs
[ -74 °F 1-sec exposure Personnel protection; planning
gear and equipment needs
Effective illumination < 0.0011 lx Target acquisition of aircraft
F-8 MCWP 3-35.7
Table F-7. Engineer Operations.
Engineer Operations
Ceiling—cloud and sky cover [ 500 ft Area of operations and location of
facilities; personnel safety; aerial
reconnaissance; camouflage
needs
Visibility (surface) [ 0.25 mi Mission planning; concealment
and cover
Wind (surface) m 13 kt Construction and stability of
bridges and structures
Precipitation > 0.5 in/h liquid Need for mines (reduced);
loading and offloading operations
Snow depth and cover > 2 in within a 12-h period Some areas of operations and
locations of facilities; stability of
bridge structures; types of
demolitions to be used and size
and charge; blast from trigger
mechanisms (may render mines
ineffective)
Freeze and thaw depth < 6 in Trafficability determination
Thunderstorms and lightning Any occurrence within 1 mi of site Equipment and personnel safety;
munitions protection
Temperature (ground) < -32 °F Freeze or thaw depth
determination; construction
material; operations, personnel,
and structures (threatened as a
result of precipitation at or below
32 °F)
Humidity > 35% Comfort, equipment operations,
and site selection planning
Table F-8. Airborne Operations.
Airborne Operations
Ceiling—cloud and sky cover [ 300 ft (90 m) flat terrain Mission planning (day)—jump
altitude, aircraft penetration
[ 500 ft (150 m) flat terrain Mission planning (night)—jump
altitude, aircraft penetration
[ 500 ft (150 m) mountain terrain Target acquisition (day)
[ 1,000 ft (300 m) mountain terrain Target acquisition (night)
[ 10,000 ft mountain terrain Mission planning for landing zone
or drop zone
Surface visibility at the following [ 0.25 mi (400 m) Mission planning—infrared
visible wavelengths: 1.06 m, 3 - 5 sensors; navigation and target
m, 8 - 12 m acquisition—rotary wing
[ 1 mi (1,600 m) Day mission planning—minimum
takeoff or landing, minimum fixed
wing
[ 3 mi (4,800 m) Night mission planning—
minimum takeoff or landing,
minimum fixed wing
Wind (surface) m 13 kt Troop safety for paradrop
operations; limiting value for
operations during training
m 15 kt (m 21 kt for C-12 and Mission planning and aircraft
U-21) safety and recovery
m 25 kt (OV-1) Mission planning and aircraft
m 30 kt and/or gust speeds safety and recovery
Wind (aloft) m 40 kt Jump point; planning for flight
route and duration
Precipitation Any intensity or type Rate of troop fall and target
acquisition
Thunderstorms and lightning Any occurrence Aircraft performance; aircraft
refueling; reliability of
communications systems;
predetonation of certain
munitions
Temperature (surface) [ 32 °F (0 °C) Ground conditions
PA < 100 ft Parachute opening altitude
DA: variable with aircraft, weight, > 6,900 ft Planning; cargo limits
power, and temperature
> 4,000 ft Weight limits for attack and
OH-58s
> 2,000 ft OH-58 troop configuration
(limited)
Effective illumination < 0.0011 lx Planning of night missions;
navigation safety
Table F-9. Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Operations.

F-10 MCWP 3-35.7
NBC Operations
Ceiling—cloud and sky cover [ 5,000 ft Aerial deployment agents;
thermal effects (enhanced if burst
is below clouds); thermal and
electromagnetic pulse (EMP)
effects (reduced if burst is above
clouds)
Wind > 3 kt but < 7 kt NBC operations (favorable)
> 10 kt NBC operations (unfavorable)
> 15 kt First-round munitions accuracy
Precipitation Any intensity or type Washing of agents and smoke
out of the atmosphere; nuclear
hot spot creation
Thunderstorms and lightning Any occurrence within 3 mi Troop and munitions storage
safety
Temperature (surface) > 95 °F Rate of evaporation of liquid
chemical agents; dispersion of
aerosols (high risk of injury in
MOPP IV)
> 68 °F Risk of heat illness in persons in
MOPP IV (moderate)
< 32 °F Type of shelter (determined by
climate extremes); troop
vulnerability to nuclear radiation
(indirectly affected); thermal
radiation effect (indirect) due to
type of troop clothing
Temperature (vertical gradient Reversal from stable to unstable Time agents or smoke will remain
profile) in an area (reduced)
Reversal from unstable to stable Time agents or smoke will remain
in an area (increased)
Humidity > 60% Agent effectiveness and
dispersion for blister agents (very
effective in hot, humid weather)
Effective illumination < 0.0011 lx Night operation of NBC
equipment
Table F-10. Logistic Operations.
Logistic Operations
Snow depth and cover > 2 in Trafficability
Freeze and thaw depth < 6 in Site and equipment selection;
mobility
Thunderstorms and lightning Any occurrence within 3 mi Equipment, personnel, and
munitions safety
Temperature (surface) > 122 °F Storage and required temperature
< -25 °F control for movement of
medicines; munitions storage
Humidity > 70% Storage of selected supplies and
munitions
Table F-11. Communications and Information Systems Operations.
Communications and Information Systems Operations

Wind (surface) > 7 kt Radar background noise
> 25 kt Safety and stability for installing
line of sight and troposcatter
antennas
> 69 kt Wind damage to main
communications antenna—linear
pole
> 78 kt Safety and stability of single
channel radio and short-range,
wideband radio antennas
Precipitation Any occurrence of freezing Damage to equipment and
antennas; wind tolerances of
antennas; troop safety
> 0.5 in/h liquid Blocking of troposcatter
transmission; radar range
(decreased); signal for single
channel radio, short-range
wideband radio, and line of sight
communications (attenuated by
precipitation)
Thunderstorms and lightning Any occurrence within 3 mi Damage to equipment;
interference with radio signals,
especially high frequency signals
Temperature (vertical gradient or All significant inversions Fading during use of troposcatter
profile) equipment
Ionospheric disturbances Not applicable Dictation of most usable
frequencies for communications
F-12 MCWP 3-35.7
Table F-12. Waterborne Surface Assault (General) Critical Values.
Element: Sea State (As Defined in Appendix A)

Platform Favorable Marginal Unfavorable
Combat rubber reconnaissance craft (CRRC) 1 2 >2
Landing craft, mechanized (LCM)8 2 3 >3
Landing craft, utility (LCU) 2 3 >3
Landing craft air cushion (LCAC) 3 4 >4
Element: Maximum Surf
CRRC < 2 ft 2 - 3 ft > 3 ft
LCM8 < 6 ft 6 - 7 ft > 7 ft
LCU < 6 ft 6 - 7 ft > 7 ft
LCAC < 7 ft 7 - 8 ft > 8 ft
Element: MSI
LCM8 <7 7-8 >8
LCU < 11 11 - 12 > 12
Landing craft, vehicle, personnel (LCVP) <4 4-5 >5
Element: Littoral Current
LCU < 1 kt 1 - 2 kt > 2 kt
Element: Miscellaneous
LCAC
- Significant breaker height 0 - 4 ft 4 - 8 ft 8 - 12 ft
- Significant breaker type Spilling Surging Plunging (steep)
- Allowable load size 75 tons 60 tons 45 tons
Table F-13. Critical Values for the Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV).
Load Maximum Surf Height Wave Interval (Not Less Than)

100% Plunging Surf:
Combat load 6 ft 9 sec
Troop load 6 ft 9 sec
Combat equipped 6 ft 13 sec
50% Plunging Surf, 50% Spilling Surf:
100% Spilling Surf:
Note: Criteria are applicable to the AAV, personnel model (AAVP)-7A1; AAV, command model (AAVC)-7A1;
and AAV, recovery model (AAVR)-7A1. Criteria are based on the following three load conditions: combat
load—10,000 lb; troop load—5,600 lb; combat equipped—no load.
Planning for combat operations should be predicated on the AAVP-7A1’s demonstrated capability of negotiating
10-ft plunging waves in combat-load and troop-load conditions and 8-foot plunging waves in combat-equipped
conditions.
(reverse blank)
Appendix G
Sample Annex H (METOC Services)
I MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

CAMP PENDLETON BLUELAND
012200T MAR 98
Annex H (METOC Services) to I MEF Operation Order 2-98 (Operation Backup) (U)
REFERENCES:
(a) (U) CJCSI 3810.01, Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations
(b) (U) Joint Pub 3-59, Joint Doctrine for Meteorological and Oceanographic Support
(c) (U) Joint Pub 3-59.1, JTTP for Meteorological and Oceanographic Support
(d) (U) NAVMETOCCOMINST 3140.1K, United States Navy Meteorological & Oceanographic
Support System Manual
(e) (U) MCWP 3-35.7, MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support
(f) (U) JTF X Operation Order (OPORD), Annex H
Time Zone: T
1. (U) SITUATION
a. (U) Concept of METOC Support. METOC support under this annex includes collection, process-
ing, derivation, and dissemination of information describing past, present, and future atmospheric,
oceanographic, and terrestrial conditions. USMC METOC personnel who are organic to the ACE will
provide METOC support to forward-deployed elements/units of I MEF/Blue Force. A JMFU, com-
posed of USMC and Blue Force METOC personnel, will be established to support the JTF HQ, I
MEF, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG)-39, 1st Marine Division, and Brigade Service Support Group
(BSSG)-5. The JMFU will be under the direction of the JMO.
b. (U) Assumptions
(1) (U) Indigenous weather facilities and services are available.
(2) (U) Meteorological satellites will be available to provide imagery and data to forces in and out
of the theater of operations.
G-2 MCWP 3-35.7
(3) (U) METOC observations from all areas under military and political control of the enemy will
be denied.
(4) (U) METOC data of all types may continue to be made available by friendly and neutral coun-
tries under WMO agreements.
c. (U) Planning Factors. In March, the Pacific Ridge begins to move northward and gradually intensify
as a thermal trough (heat low) begins to form over northwestern Mexico, western Arizona, and south-
eastern California. Due to the influx of warm air, resulting from the migration and development of these
pressure systems, the high-pressure center located over the northwestern U.S. has weakened and al-
most disappeared, allowing Nevada low-pressure systems to affect the local area. A “Nevada low” is a
local name given to the surface reflection of an upper-level closed low or deep trough over Nevada.
The Nevada low is typically a “cold” low that develops during the February-to-April period, producing
strong pressure gradients over western Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and southern California. The primary
concern with a Nevada low is the strong winds associated with the pressure system. With a well-
developed Nevada low over southern Nevada, Yuma can expect southwesterly winds in advance of the
associated cold front and westerly to northwesterly winds sustained at 15 - 20 knots with gusts of 30 -
40 knots following frontal passage. As with any lower desert region, blowing sand and dust can be a
significant problem for flight operations. The sand dunes, located west-northwest of Yuma, become a
factor with a sustained surface wind of 22 knots or greater from the west through northwest. Reduced
visibility to less than 3 miles in blowing dust or sand will result. (See Appendix 1.)
2. (U) MISSION. Provide METOC services for I MEF and other designated units
supporting/participating in operations under all situations of the basic order.
3. (U) EXECUTION
a. (U) Concept of Operations. The METOC support organization will be directed by the JTF com-
mander, with recommendations and advice from the JMO. The HQ Air Force Weather Agency
(AFWA) and the FNMOC, which comprise the two primary METOC production centers, will provide
routine centralized METOC support as required or special METOC support as tasked for the area of
operations. In addition, the AFWA and FNMOC will provide initial METOC support until METOC
communications are established and the JMFU is operational. Once established, the JMFU will be the
primary METOC forecast agency for military forces in BLUELAND and will provide tailored theater-
level products for the area of operations. (See Appendix 2.) METOC personnel at all echelons will fur-
ther tailor these products, as necessary, to support their customers.
b. (U) Tasks and Responsibilities
(1) (U) The I MEF SWO is responsible for providing/arranging METOC support to HQ, I MEF
(Forward) (MEF(FWD)), and for coordinating and directing overall METOC support for opera-
tions in BLUELAND.
(2) (U) The SWO is responsible for providing METOC support to all forces in theater, as outlined
by references (a) - (d). The JMO will develop the MEF METOC plan and will coordinate METOC
support during implementation of the OPORD.
MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support G-3
(3) (U) When directed by the commanding general of I MEF, MWSS 372 and Blue Force METOC
personnel will combine to form the JMFU.
(a) (U) The JMFU will be established at Yuma, BLUELAND.
(b) (U) MWSS 372’s METMF, forward deployed to Auxiliary II, BLUELAND, will be the al-
ternate JMFU. The alternate JMFU is responsible for producing and disseminating JMFU
products:
(1) When directed by the JMO.
(2) If connectivity with the primary JMFU is lost for a period of six hours.
(4) (U) MWSS 372 will provide METOC support to all forward-deployed units located in the vi-
cinity of Auxiliary II, BLUELAND.
(5) (U) When directed by the JMO, MWSS 372 will provide a fully equipped MEF weather sup-
port team, capable of rapid redeployment, to accompany operational commanders and to provide
on-scene METOC services.
(6) (U) The HQ AFWA and the NAVMETOCCOM will, through their centralized facilities, pro-
vide centralized products.
(7) (U) The 55th Space Weather Squadron (55SXS) will provide specialized space METOC
products.
(8) (U) Units at all echelons will follow the steps below to determine and fill METOC support re-
quirements. Higher echelon units receiving shortfalls will look within their resources for the re-
quired capability.
(a) (U) Determine METOC service support requirements.
(b) (U) To the extent possible, provide resources from organic organizations to satisfy their
requirements.
(c) (U) When unable to satisfy their requirements, notify the next highest echelon of the
shortfall.
(9) (U) Intelligence units at all echelons of command will ensure that all TARWI and Forward Area
Limited Observing Program (FALOP) inputs are passed to the JMFU in a timely manner.
(10) (U) Pilot reports received by METOC/ATC personnel will be forwarded to the JMFU in a
timely manner.
(11) (U) METOC reports include the following.

G-4 MCWP 3-35.7
(a) (U) All METOC units with forecast requirements will issue a METOC terminal aerodrome
forecast (TAF) every six hours or as directed by the JMFU.
(b) (U) All METOC units will take and disseminate surface observations every hour and upper-
air soundings every 12 hours or as directed by the JMFU.
c. (U) Coordinating Instructions
(1) Direct coordination is authorized and encouraged between all echelon SWOs. SWOs will coor-
dinate special METOC support requirements with the JMO.
(2) The I MEF(FWD) WEAX is the official forecast for the area of operations. (See Appendix 2,
Tab A.) METOC units may tailor the I MEF(FWD) WEAX to meet specific operational require-
ments. Coordinate significant deviations from the I MEF(FWD) WEAX with the JMFU officer in
charge, except to satisfy an immediate operational need or under conditions affecting the safety of
personnel or equipment. In these cases, coordinate with the JMFU officer in charge after the fact.
4. (U) ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS. Logistics of METOC equipment and supplies will be
conducted as outlined in unit standing operating procedures and Annex D. METOC units are expected to
deploy with enough materials to last until resupply can be reasonably expected. Report problems with lo-
gistic support for METOC units through the operational chain of command.
5. (U) COMMAND AND CONTROL. Use theater and tactical nets in addition to established METOC
circuits to pass data and forecast guidance. (See Annex K.)
a. (U) METOC command and control includes normal METOC services augmented with tailored fore-
casts to support the operational and tactical commanders. Regional METOC data streams provide ob-
servations, general forecasts, and special products as requested. Exploit all other data sources,
including U.S. and foreign satellite, teletype, and facsimile broadcasts.
b. (U) Loss of METOC communications circuits will critically degrade the control of METOC services.
Copy joint Service, allied, or other nations’ data sources to continue accurate and consistent support.
Supplement data with local observations taken by tactical units in theater.
c. (U) METOC services are available to echelons where special circuits are not available. Commercial
telephone lines, unclassified weather broadcasts sent in the blind, and computer bulletin boards will be
used to provide information. MEF weather support teams are available to accompany operational com-
manders to provide on-scene METOC support.
d. (U) Dissemination of METOC data will be in accordance with applicable operations security instruc-
tions. (See Annex C.)
G. GLAD
BGen, U.S. Marine Corps
Commanding
Appendices:
1 - Astronomical and Climatological Data
2 - MAGTF Standard Tactical METOC Support Plan
OFFICIAL:
D. L. WHO
COL USMC
G-6 MCWP 3-35.7

012200T MAR 98
Appendix 1 (Astronomical and Climatological Data) to Annex H (METOC Services) to I MEF Op-
eration Order 2-98 (Operation Backup) (U)
Astronomical and Climatological Data (U)
1. All times are listed as local times or Mountain Standard Time (MST). Local time (Tango) is -7 hours
from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) (Zulu). BLUELAND remains in MST throughout the year.
Terms and definitions include:
a. Sunrise/Moonrise. The instant when the upper edge of the sun/moon appears on the sea-level
horizon.
b. Sunset/Moonset. The instant when the upper edge of the sun/moon disappears below the sea-level
horizon.
c. Nautical Twilight. When the center of the sun’s disk is 12 degrees below the sea-level horizon.
BMNT = beginning of morning nautical twilight. EENT = end of evening nautical twilight.
d. Civil Twilight. When the center of the sun’s disk is 6 degrees below the sea-level horizon. BMCT =
beginning of morning civil twilight. EECT = end of evening civil twilight.
e. Lunar Illumination (% LUM). Given in percentage of the “actual” lunar disk visible at midnight of
each given day.
2. Astronomical data for Yuma, BLUELAND, (32°39’N, 114°37’W) is as follows:
a. Astronomical Data for March 19xx:
Sun Moon %
Date BMNT BMCT Rise Set EECT EENT Rise Set LUM
Mar 1 0612 0641 0706 1836 1901 1929 1536 0435 89
Mar 2 0611 0640 0704 1837 1902 1930 1630 0513 94
Mar 3 0610 0639 0703 1838 1902 1931 1725 0550 98
Mar 4 0609 0637 0702 1838 1903 1932 1820 0625 98
Mar 5 0608 0636 0701 1839 1904 1932 1916 0700 100
Mar 6 0606 0635 0700 1840 1905 1933 2013 0734 99

Mar 7 0605 0634 0658 1841 1905 1934 2112 0810 97
Mar 8 0604 0632 0657 1842 1906 1935 2211 0848 92
Mar 9 0603 0631 0656 1842 1907 1935 2312 0929 85
Mar 10 0601 0630 0655 1843 1908 1936 —— 1014 75
Mar 11 0600 0629 0653 1844 1908 1937 0012 1103 66

Mar 12 0559 0627 0652 1845 1909 1938 0112 1158 55
Mar 13 0558 0626 0651 1845 1910 1938 0211 1257 43

Mar 14 0556 0625 0649 1846 1911 1939 0305 1400 32
Mar 15 0555 0624 0648 1847 1911 1940 0356 1506 21
Mar 16 0554 0622 0647 1847 1912 1941 0443 1612 12

Mar 17 0552 0621 0646 1848 1913 1941 0526 1718 05
Mar 18 0551 0620 0644 1849 1913 1942 0607 1822 01
Mar 19 0550 0618 0643 1850 1914 1943 0647 1926 00
Mar 20 0548 0617 0642 1850 1915 1944 0726 2028 02
Mar 21 0547 0616 0640 1851 1916 1944 0805 2128 06

Mar 22 0546 0614 0639 1852 1916 1945 0846 2226 12
Mar 23 0544 0613 0638 1852 1917 1946 0928 2321 19
Mar 24 0543 0612 0636 1853 1918 1947 1012 —— 26
Mar 25 0542 0610 0635 1854 1919 1947 1058 0013 37
Mar 26 0540 0609 0634 1855 1919 1948 1146 0102 47

Mar 27 0539 0608 0632 1855 1920 1949 1236 0148 57
Mar 28 0538 0607 0631 1856 1921 1950 1328 0230 66
Mar 29 0536 0605 0630 1857 1921 1950 1421 0310 75
Mar 30 0535 0604 0629 1857 1922 1951 1514 0347 83
Mar 31 0534 0603 0627 1858 1923 1952 1609 0423 90
b. Astronomical Data for April 19xx:
Sun Moon %
Date BMNT BMCT Rise Set EECT EENT Rise Set LUM
Apr 1 0532 0601 0626 1859 1924 1953 1706 0458 95
Apr 2 0531 0600 0625 1900 1924 1954 1803 0533 99
Apr 3 0529 0559 0623 1900 1925 1954 1902 0609 99
Apr 4 0528 0557 0622 1901 1926 1955 2002 0646 100
Apr 5 0527 0556 0621 1902 1927 1956 2104 0727 99
Apr 6 0525 0555 0620 1902 1927 1957 2206 0811 95

Apr 7 0524 0553 0618 1903 1928 1958 2307 0900 88
Apr 8 0523 0552 0617 1904 1929 1958 —— 0954 78
Apr 9 0521 0551 0616 1904 1930 1959 0006 1051 70
Apr 10 0520 0550 0615 1905 1930 2000 0101 1153 58
Apr 11 0519 0548 0613 1906 1931 2001 0152 1256 46

Apr 12 0517 0547 0612 1907 1932 2002 0239 1400 35
Apr 13 0516 0546 0611 1907 1933 2002 0322 1504 24
Apr 14 0515 0544 0610 1908 1933 2003 0403 1608 15
Apr 15 0513 0543 0609 1909 1934 2004 0442 1710 07
Apr 16 0512 0542 0607 1909 1935 2005 0520 1812 03
Apr 17 0511 0541 0606 1910 1936 2006 0559 1912 00
G-8 MCWP 3-35.7
Apr 18 0509 0540 0605 1911 1936 2007 0639 2011 00

Apr 19 0508 0538 0604 1912 1937 2008 0720 2108 03
Apr 20 0507 0537 0603 1912 1938 2008 0804 2203 08
Apr 21 0506 0536 0602 1913 1939 2009 0850 2254 14

Apr 22 0504 0535 0601 1914 1940 2010 0938 2341 22
Apr 23 0503 0534 0559 1915 1940 2011 1028 —— 28
Apr 24 0502 0533 0558 1915 1941 2012 1119 0025 39
Apr 25 0501 0531 0557 1916 1942 2013 1211 0106 49
Apr 26 0459 0530 0556 1917 1943 2014 1304 0144 59

Apr 27 0458 0529 0555 1917 1943 2015 1357 0220 68
Apr 28 0457 0528 0554 1918 1944 2015 1452 0255 78
Apr 29 0456 0527 0553 1919 1945 2016 1549 0329 86
Apr 30 0455 0526 0552 1920 1946 2017 1647 0404 92
3. All climatological data is based on observations from 1948 through 1994. Terms and definitions
include:
a. Temperatures. Listed in degrees Fahrenheit for conversion to Celsius: (°F - 32)/1.8 = °C.
b. Sky Condition. CLR = clear (absence of clouds or obscuring phenomena). SCT = scattered (1/10 -
5/10 sky coverage). BKN = broken (6/10 - 9/10 sky coverage). OVC = overcast (10/10 sky coverage).
c. Field Condition. VFR = visual flight rules (ceiling 1,000 ft or greater and/or visibility 3 mi or
greater). IFR = instrument flight rules (ceiling below 1,000 ft and visibility below 3 mi).
d. Visibility. The greatest visibility equaled or exceeded throughout at least one-half of the horizon cir-
cle (not necessarily continuous).
e. Ceiling. The height ascribed to the lowest broken or overcast layer aloft that is predominately
opaque or the vertical visibility into an obscuring phenomena.
4. Climatological data for March is as follows. (See figure G-1.)
Temperature Humidity Precipitation

Average maximum 79 °F 0500L 48% Absolute maximum 1.8 in
Average minimum 51 °F 1400L 28% Absolute minimum 0.0 in
Absolute maximum 100 °F 1700L 19% Average 0.2 in
Absolute minimum 32 °F Average 34%
Average 65 °F
Sky Condition Field Condition Ceiling/Visibility

CLR 50% VFR 99.0% < 3,000 ft and 3 mi 1.0%
SCT 21% IFR 1.0% < 1,500 ft and 3 mi < 0.5%
BKN 16% < 1,000 ft and 3 mi < 0.5%

OVC 13%
Surface Winds Thunderstorms

0800L NNE 6.0 kt Average number of days 0.7
1400L W 9.5 kt
2000L W 7.8 kt
All hours W 8.4 kt
Maximum NW 2.0 kt
Figure G-1. Sample Climate Summary for March.
5. Climatological data for April is as follows. (See figure G-2.)
Temperature Humidity Precipitation

Average maximum 87 °F 0500L 44% Absolute maximum 1.2 in
Average minimum 57 °F 1400L 17% Absolute minimum 0.0 in
Absolute maximum 109 °F 1700L 16% Average 0.1 in
Absolute minimum 41 °F Average 29%
Average 72 °F
Sky Condition Field Condition Ceiling/Visibility
CLR 58% VFR 99.0% < 3,000 ft and 3 mi 1.0%
SCT 20% IFR 1.0% < 1,500 ft and 3 mi < 0.5%
G-10 MCWP 3-35.7
BKN 14% < 1,000 ft and 3 mi < 0.5%

OVC 8%
Surface Winds Thunderstorms

0800L N 6.4 kt Average number of days 0.7
1400L W 9.6 kt
2000L W 8.1 kt
All hours W 8.7 kt
Maximum N 52.0 kt
Figure G-2. Sample Climate Summary for April.


012200T MAR 98
Appendix 2 (MAGTF Standard Tactical METOC Support Plan) to Annex H (METOC Services)
to I MEF Operation Order 2-98 (Operation Backup) (U)
MAGTF Standard Tactical METOC Support Plan (U)
1. Upon the employment of a MAGTF (MEU/MEF(FWD)/MEF) as part of a larger naval, joint, or com-
bined force, responsibility for the provision of tactical METOC support will transition from garrison-
based to on-scene METOC support assets under the direction and control of the ACE commander. Naval
METOC centers will retain responsibility for the provision of weather facsimile support; METOC field
data; wind, sea, and tropical cyclone warnings/advisories; area oceanographic support; and detailed local
forecasts/tactical support products for naval units operating independently.
2. Tailored on-scene METOC support is available from METOC assets organic to the ACE. The
MWSSs, equipped with a METMF complex, are normally deployed to a FOB in direct support of that
airfield. MEF weather support teams from the MWSSs are assigned to provide direct support to
commanders/staffs of MAGTF elements other than the ACE, that is, the CE, GCE, and CSSE. MAGTF
elements should forward unique tactical METOC support requirements via the chain of command to the
ACE instead of requesting personnel and equipment directly.
3. The MAGTF ACE commander shall coordinate all tactical METOC support requirements for each ele-
ment; designate MWSSs to provide MEF weather support teams; provide for the timely dissemination of
local warnings/advisories, observations/forecasts, and tactical support summaries/products; and maintain
liaison with naval METOC centers for special tactical support requirements. To provide a common base-
line within each MAGTF, tailored tactical METOC support should be developed in accordance with this
appendix.
4. The MAGTF Standard Tactical METOC Support Plan consists of the following:
a. OPTASK METOC (Meteorology/Oceanography). OPTASKs are developed by using NATO

APP-4 standards to provide a standard message for coordination of tactical METOC services and re-
porting responsibilities within a MAGTF. A standing Marine Corps-wide OPTASK METOC has yet to
be promulgated by the FMF Pacific/Atlantic commanders. Once published, MAGTF commanders will
issue serialized OPTASK METOC supplements detailing specific requirements for all operations and
exercises.
b. Standard Tactical Summaries. These summaries are designed to provide minimum levels of tactical
METOC support to MAGTF elements during routine operations. They include the WEAX and TAS.
These support products are normally transmitted daily or as required.
(1) The I MEF WEAX is based on the standard NAVMETOCCOM WEAX/aviation route weather
forecast (AVWX) format and shall include a meteorological situation, 24-hour forecast, and out-
look to 48 hours for each METOC zone of interest. Astronomical data and a radiological fallout
forecast should be appended as required. (See Enclosure (1) to Tab A of this appendix for METOC
zones.)
G-12 MCWP 3-35.7
(2) The TAS shall include an atmospheric refractive summary, a tactical assessment, EM sensor
performance predictions, infrared sensor detection range predictions, communication range predic-
tions, and an M-unit summary. Radiosonde calibration data should be appended when air-capable
units are operating in proximity.
c. Special Tactical Summaries. These summaries are designed to provide minimum levels of tactical
METOC support for specific operations and/or functions of Marine aviation. They include the
AOAFCST, STRKFCST, and ASLTFCST.
(1) The AOAFCST is designed to provide support for exercise/real-world amphibious landings and
rehearsals. It shall include a meteorological situation, a 24-hour forecast for the amphibious objec-
tive area/landing area, a surf forecast for target beaches, a tactical assessment, an abbreviated at-
mospheric summary, and astronomical data. A radiological and chemical fallout forecast should be
appended as the tactical situation dictates. The initial forecast should be issued at least 24 hours be-
fore the beginning of amphibious operations.
(2) The STRKFCST is designed to provide a coordinated forecast whenever multiple strike
(OAAW/SEAD/DAS) platforms (VMFA/VMA/VMAQ) are operating as an integrated force under
one tactical commander. It shall include a meteorological situation, a 24-hour forecast of en route
and target weather, an outlook to 48 hours, a tactical assessment, and electro-optical sensor per-
formance predictions.
(3) The ASLTFCST is designed to provide a coordinated forecast whenever multiple assault sup-
port platforms (VMGR/HMH/HMM/HMLA) are operating as an integrated force under one tacti-
cal commander. It shall include a meteorological situation, a 24-hour forecast of en route
FARP/RGR and landing zone weather, an outlook to 48 hours, a tactical assessment, and electro-
optical sensor performance predictions.
5. Tabs A through E of this appendix include drafting guides for each of the tactical summaries discussed
in this plan. They provide METOC forecasters with a baseline for development of tailored tactical sup-
port summaries that meet minimum support requirements. On-scene tactical support products should be
modified as required to meet specific operational requirements and tactical situations. Additionally, ME-
TOC forecasters should strive to maintain a balance between full-spectrum support to MAGTF elements
and communications efficiency. Under normal conditions, tactical summaries should not exceed 2 - 3
pages in length.

012200T MAR 98
Tab A (WEAX) to Appendix 2 (MAGTF Standard Tactical METOC Support Plan) to Annex H
(METOC Services) to I MEF Operation Order 2-98 (Operation Backup) (U)
I MEF WEAX (U)
(PASS TO (CE/ACE/GCE/CSSE))
MSGID/GENADMIN/UNIT/SERIAL/MON/YR//
SUBJ/I MEF WEAX//
RMKS/
1. ( ) METEOROLOGICAL SITUATION AT Z (Note: Include the location/movement/development of

synoptic high- and low-pressure centers and associated fronts referenced to common geographical points,
areas, or established METOC zones. When in doubt, use latitude/longitude.)
2. ( ) 24-HOUR FORECAST COMMENCING Z (ALONG TRACK FROM N(S)/ E(W) TO

N(S)/ E(W)) OR VICINITY OF N(S)/ E(W) (Note: Area of operations should be omitted if
the Marine Forces commander prefers an unclassified forecast.
a. Sky/Weather (Plain-Language Format)
b. Visibility (NM)
c. Surface Winds (kt)
d. Maximum/Minimum Temperatures (°F/°C)
e. Relative Humidity (%)
f. Absolute Humidity (g/m³)
g. WBGTI/Flag Condition
h. Aviation Parameters
(1) Cloud/Ceilings (ft) (Note: TAF format is recommended.)
(2) Winds/Temperatures Aloft (Flight Level/Direction/Speed (kt)/Temperatures (°C))
(3) Turbulence (Note: Include discussion of all known CAT.)
(4) Minimum Freezing Level (ft)
(5) Icing
(6) Contrails (ft)
G-14 MCWP 3-35.7
(7) Minimum Altimeter Setting (inches of Mercury)
(8) Maximum PA/DA
3. ( ) OUTLOOK TO 48 HOURS
4. ( ) ASTRONOMICAL DATA (UTC OR LOCAL)
a. Sunrise/Sunset/Sunrise
b. BMNT/BMCT/EECT/EENT
c. Moonrise/Moonset/Illumination (%)
5. ( ) 24-HOUR RADIOLOGICAL FALLOUT FORECAST FOR (AIR BURST/SURFACE BURST)
Weapon Yield (Kilotons)
a. Effective Downwind Direction (True (T))/Speed (kt) __ /__ __/__ __/__
b. Sector Angle/Distance to Zone 1 (NM) __/__ __/__ __/__
(Note: Radiological fallout forecast should be included for actual/exercise defense readiness condition
(DEFCON) 3 or MOPP level 2; otherwise at senior forecaster’s discretion.)
6. ( ) RELEASED BY (Note: Include when MINIMIZE imposed.)//

DECL/ // (As required.)

012200T MAR 98
Enclosure 1 (METOC Zones) to Tab A (WEAX) to Appendix 2 (MAGTF Standard Tactical ME-
TOC Support Plan) to Annex H (METOC Services) to I MEF Operation Order 2-98 (Operation
Backup) (U)
METOC Zones (U)
Figure G-3. METOC Zones.

G-16 MCWP 3-35.7

012200T MAR 98
Tab B (Tactical Atmospheric Summary) to Appendix 2 (MAGTF Standard Tactical METOC

Support Plan) to Annex H (METOC Services) to I MEF Operation Order 2-98 (Operation
Backup) (U)
Tactical Atmospheric Summary (U)
(PASS TO (MAG/TACC/DASC/MATC/TAOC/SAAWC))
SUBJ/TACTICAL ATMOSPHERIC SUMMARY//
RMKS/
1. ( ) ATMOSPHERIC REFRACTIVE SUMMARY: BASED ON Z UPPER-AIR SOUNDING

TAKEN AT N/ W
a. Surface-Based Duct Height (ft)
b. Elevated Ducts (Bottom-Top) (ft)
2. ( ) TACTICAL ASSESSMENT (Note: 1. Expand on the guidance contained in the propagation condi-
tions summary (PCS) module. Specifically, discuss the atmospheric impact on MAGTF EM systems with
respect to sensor-target-duct geometry (i.e., aircraft positioning; optimum altitudes for jamming, attack,
EM surveillance, etc.). Highlight those sensors that are significantly degraded/enhanced. Focus on tactical
guidance that will enable the tactical air coordinator, sector antiair warfare coordinator, and combat mis-
sion planners to effectively exploit a given atmospheric environment. 2. As feasible, include an
analysis/forecast of atmospheric refractivity conditions in the projected operating area.)
3. ( ) EM SENSOR PERFORMANCE PREDICTIONS
a. Air Search Radar Ranges (NM) for (Missile)/(Fighter Bomber) Square Meter Targets at Various
Altitudes, Based on 90% Probability of Detection
Altitude (100 ft2) (005) (010) (050) (100) (200) (300)

Radar
AN/TPS-59 __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__
AN/TPS-63 __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__
AN/TPS-73 __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__
AN/MPQ-50 __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__
AN/MPQ-62 __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__
AN/UPS-3 __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__
AN/MPQ-53 __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__
AN/APS-138 __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__
AN/APY-1/2 __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__ __/__
(Note: Radar cross sections should be tailored to the expected threat. Naval Oceanography Systems
Command Technical Document (NOSC TD) 1195, Selected Electromagnetic System Parameters for Use
in the Tactical Environmental Support System/Air Force Tactical Training Publication (AFTTP) 3-1,
Threat Manual, provide representative values of typical U.S./threat platforms. Include all air-search ra-
dars organic to or in support of the MAGTF.
b. Electronic Support Measure (ESM) Intercept Ranges (NM) for Various Emitters
ESM Receiver
Emitter (AN/ALQ-99 - ft)
_____ (surface) __________
_____ (airborne) __________
_____ (missile) __________
(Note: A representative set of emitters tailored to the expected threat is preferable to listing every emitter
available.)
c. ES Counterdetection Ranges (NM) for Various Threat ES Receivers:
U.S. Emitter ES Receiver

(Surface) (Airborne)
_______ _______ _______
_______ _______ _______
(Note: A representative list of U.S. emitters and threat ES receivers is recommended.)
4. ( ) FLIR DETECTION RANGE PREDICTIONS WIDE FOCUS OF VISION (WFOV)/NARROW

FOCUS OF VISION (NFOV) (NM) FOR TARGET AT VARIOUS ALTITUDES, BASED ON
50% PROBABILITY OF DETECTION, VISIBILITY NM, WIND SPEED kt, ABSOLUTE
HUMIDITY g/m³
Altitude (100 ft2) (005) (010) (050) (100) (200) (300)

Sensor
AN/AAR-51 /NA /NA /NA NA/NA NA/NA NA/NA
AN/AAS-38A / / / / / /
AN/AWS-1 / / NA/NA NA/NA NA/NA NA/
(Note: Include FLIR sensors available within the MAGTF. Target types should be tailored to expected
threat. Flight levels should be consistent with platforms supported.)
5. ( ) COMMUNICATION RANGE PREDICTIONS
G-18 MCWP 3-35.7
a. Ultrahigh Frequency Communication Range (Normal/Extended/Greatly Extended)
b. High Frequency Radio Propagation Condition/Forecast
(1) High Frequency Propagation Condition/Forecast
(2) 10.7-cm Flux
6. ( ) M-UNIT SUMMARY (PROVIDED FOR INPUT INTO IREPS)
Height (ft) M-Unit Type (Subrefractive/Normal/Superrefractive/Trapping)
_______ _____ _____
_______ _____ _____
_______ _____ _____
_______ _____ _____
(Note: Include enough significant levels to enable MEF weather support teams to generate representative
coverage diagrams using IREPS.)
7. ( ) MINI-RAWINSONDE SYSTEM (MRS) CALIBRATION DATA (Note: Include this section only
if MRS-capable units are operating in proximity.)

DECL/ //

012200T MAR 98
Tab C (Strike Forecast) to Appendix 2 (MAGTF Standard Tactical METOC Support Plan) to An-
nex H (METOC Services) to I MEF Operation Order 2-98 (Operation Backup) (U)
Strike Forecast (U)
(PASS TO (MAG/TACC/DASC/FSCC/MATC/TAOC/SAAWC))
SUBJ/STRIKE FORECAST (STRKFCST)//
RMKS/
1. ( ) METEOROLOGICAL SITUATION AT Z
2. ( ) 24-HOUR FORECAST COMMENCING Z
a. En Route Weather to to
(1) Sky/Weather
(2) Visibility/Slant Range Visibility (NM)
(3) Sea Surface Temperature (°F)/In-Water Survival Time
(4) Cloud Tops/Ceilings (ft)
(5) En-route Winds/Temperatures Aloft (Location/Flight Level/Direction/Speed (kt)/ Temperatures

(°C))
(6) Turbulence
(8) Icing
(10) Contrail Formation
(11) Ditch Headings (Degrees T)
b. Target Area Weather (Note: Repeat for each target area.)
(1) Sky/Weather

G-20 MCWP 3-35.7
(3) Surface Winds (kt)
(4) Maximum/Minimum Temperatures (°F)
(7) Turbulence
(8) Freezing Level (ft)
(9) Icing
(11) D-Values
(13) Astronomical Data (UTC) at Z:

Sunrise/Sunset/Sun Angles (Elevation/Azimuth):
BMNT/BMCT/EECT/EENT:
Moonrise/Moonset/Percent Illumination/Moon Angles (Elevation/Azimuth)/Lux Values:
4. ( ) TACTICAL ASSESSMENT (Note: Correlate the current/forecasted weather to major concerns

such as aerial refueling track cloud layers and ceilings, severe weather, target ceilings and visibilities, bat-
tle damage assessment (BDA), impact on electro-optical systems/weapons, IFR conditions, etc.)
5. ( ) ELECTRO-OPTICAL SENSOR PERFORMANCE PREDICTIONS (Note: Include representative

electro-optical sensor performance predictions for strike sensors/weapons systems and key METOC
assumptions.)

DECL/ //

012200T MAR 98
Tab D (Assault Forecast) to Appendix 2 (MAGTF Standard Tactical METOC Support Plan) to
Annex H (METOC Services) to I MEF Operation Order 2-98 (Operation Backup) (U)
Assault Forecast (U)
(PASS TO (MAG/TACC/DASC/FSCC/MATC/TAOC/SAAWC))
SUBJ/ASSAULT FORECAST (ASLTFCST)//
RMKS/
2. ( ) 24-HOUR FORECAST COMMENCING Z
a. En Route Weather to to
(1) Sky/Weather
(3) Sea Surface Temperature (°F)/In-Water Survival Time
(5) En-route Winds/Temperatures Aloft (Location/Flight Level/Direction/Speed (kt)/ Temperatures

(°C))
(6) Turbulence
(8) Icing
(11) Ditch Headings (Degrees T)
b. FARP/RGR Weather (As required, include for return leg if necessary.)
(1) Sky/Weather

G-22 MCWP 3-35.7
(7) Maximum PA/DA
c. Assault Landing Zone Weather (Note: Repeat for each assault landing zone.)
(1) Sky/Weather
(5) Maximum PA/DA
(8) Turbulence
(10) Icing
(12) D-Values
(14) Astronomical Data (UTC) at Z:

Sunrise/Sunset/Sun Angles (Elevation/Azimuth):
BMNT/BMCT/EECT/EENT:
Moonrise/Moonset/Percent Illumination/Moon Angles (Elevation/Azimuth)/Lux Values:
4. ( ) TACTICAL ASSESSMENT (Note: Correlate the current/forecasted weather to major concerns

such as FARP/RGR ceilings and visibilities, severe weather, landing zone ceilings and visibilities, BDA,
impact on electro-optical systems/weapons, IFR conditions, etc.)
5. ( ) ELECTRO-OPTICAL SENSOR PERFORMANCE PREDICTIONS (Note: Include representative

electro-optical sensor performance predictions for associated assault platforms and key METOC
assumptions.)

DECL/ //
G-24 MCWP 3-35.7

012200T MAR 98
Tab E (Amphibious Objective Area Forecast) to Appendix 2 (MAGTF Standard Tactical METOC
Support Plan) to Annex H (METOC Services) to I MEF Operation Order 2-98 (Operation
Backup) (U)
Amphibious Objective Area Forecast (U)
(PASS TO (CATF/CLF/MEF WEATHER SUPPORT TEAM/ACE))

SUBJ/AMPHIBIOUS OBJECTIVE AREA FORECAST (AOAFCST)//
RMKS/
2. ( ) 24-HOUR FORECAST COMMENCING Z FOR AMPHIBIOUS OBJECTIVE AREA (Note:

Include separate forecast for landing area if significantly different from amphibious objective area
weather.)
a. Sky/Weather
b. Visibility (NM)
c. Surface Winds (kt)
d. Maximum/Minimum Temperatures (°F) (Note: include windchill factor if applicable.)
e. Sea Surface Temperature (°F)
f. Combined Seas (ft)
g. In-Water Survival Time (h)
h. Aviation Parameters
(1) Clouds/Ceilings (ft)
(3) Turbulence
(5) Icing

(7) Maximum PA/DA
(9) Slant Range Visibility (NM)
3. ( ) SURF FORECAST FOR (RED)/(BLUE) BEACH (Note: Output format included in Mobile Ocean-
ography Support System surf module.)
a. ALPHA. Significant Breaker Height (ft).
b. BRAVO. Maximum Breaker Height (ft).
c. CHARLIE. Dominant Breaker Period(s).
d. DELTA. Dominant Breaker Type (% Spilling, Plunging, Surging).
e. ECHO. Breaker Angle (°).
f. FOXTROT. Littoral Current (kt).
g. GOLF1. Number of Surf Lines.

GOLF2. Surf Zone Width (ft).
h. MSI
i. High/Low Tides (UTC or Local)
j. Beach Conditions (Note: Provide summary of hydrographic reconnaissance data, including bottom
type, beach slope/type/trafficability, and significant obstacles (locations) ashore and in shallows. Marine
METOC personnel will be unable to provide without external assistance from reconnaissance units or
NAVOCEANO.)
4. ( ) TACTICAL ASSESSMENT (Note: See COMNAVSURFPAC/COMNAVSURFLANT 3840.1B

for a discussion of modified surf limits for various landing craft types. Discuss no-go criteria, LCAC limi-
tations, etc.)
5. ( ) ATMOSPHERIC REFRACTIVE SUMMARY
a. Evaporative Duct Height (ft)
b. Surface-Based Duct Height (ft)
c. Elevated Duct Heights (Bottom-Top) (ft)
d. Radar PCS
G-26 MCWP 3-35.7
(1) Surface-to-Surface Radar Ranges (Note: Expand on the guidance contained in EM PCS
module.)
(2) Surface-to-Air Radar Ranges
(3) Air-to-Air Radar Ranges
(4) Air-to-Surface Radar Ranges
e. Communication Range Predictions
(1) Ultrahigh Frequency Communication Range (Normal/Extended/Greatly Extended)
(2) High Frequency Radio Propagation Summary
6. ( ) ASTRONOMICAL DATA (UTC OR LOCAL)
a. Sunrise/Sunset
b. BMNT/BMCT/EECT/EENT
c. Moonrise/Moonset/Percent Illumination
d. Night Vision Effectiveness (Lumens)
7. ( ) 24-HOUR RADIOLOGICAL FALLOUT/CHEMICAL FALLOUT FORECAST (Note: Include as

tactical situation dictates.)
a. Effective Downwind Direction (T)/Speed (kt)
b. Distance (NM)

DECL/ //
Appendix H
METOC Centers
Introduction DOD center for defense METSAT data process-

ing and the only U.S. agency that provides auto-
METOC centers are Air Force and Navy central- mated worldwide cloud depictions and forecasts.
ized production sites and climatology centers. Computer programs model the resident atmos-
METOC centers are broken down into two cate- pheric database and project changes. These mod-
gories—strategic forecast and climatology centers els form building blocks for worldwide tailored
and theater, regional, and component forecast weather support to warfighters.
centers. See Joint Pub 3-59 for more information.
Communications Connectivity. Access to
numerical weather prediction METOC fields is
Strategic Forecast and
gained through landline connectivity with the
Climatology Centers FNMOC. The AFWA data acquisition is chiefly
through the Automated Weather Network
Headquarters, Air Force Weather (AWN); observations, forecasts, and advisories
Agency are relayed through high-speed circuitry. Satellite
The HQ AFWA is located at Offutt Air Force data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite
Base, Nebraska. Program (DMSP) and the National Environmental
Satellite Data and Information Service (NESDIS)
Primary Mission. The primary mission of the polar orbiting and geostationary satellites is re-
HQ AFWA is to focus on weather support world- layed to the HQ AFWA through communications
wide to theater JTF land and air operations. To satellite or direct readout. Foreign geostationary
do this, the AFWA ingests atmospheric and satel- satellite imagery is relayed over landlines.
lite observations to build an accurate, worldwide
weather database to produce gridded analysis and Worldwide data and product dissemination is
forecast fields of parameters that feed specific ap- through the Air Force Digital Graphics System
plication programs for the warfighter. The AFWA (AFDIGS) for facsimile graphics, through the
also provides tailored support products. See AFI AWN for alphanumeric data, and through the
15-118, Requesting Specialized Weather Support, Automated Weather Distribution System
for procedures to request support and AFCAT (AWDS) for both graphics and alphanumerics.
15-152, Space Environmental Products, Volumes The automated Defense Switched Network
1, 2, and 3, for a detailed product and station (DSN) delivers HQ AFWA computer flight plans,
listing. mission-tailored products, and other alphanumeric
products to users in the field. The Air Force
Capabilities. Weather reports from meteoro- Global Weather Central Dial-In Subsystem (AF-
logical sources throughout the world are gathered DIS) provides worldwide access to the AFWA
and relayed to the HQ AFWA. These reports are products through phone lines. The AFWA graph-
combined with information that is available from ics products to which the AFDIS provides access,
military and civilian meteorological satellites through computer modem link, include high-
(METSATs) to construct a near-real-time inte- resolution analysis and forecast fields, observa-
grated environmental database. The AFWA is the tions, bulletins, and satellite imagery.
H-2 MCWP 3-35.7
Anomaly assessments (communications and

General Product Types. Cloud depiction, satellite operations).
forecast products, and military operation support
products (electro-optical TDA and soil moisture) Fleet Numerical METOC Center
are generated at the HQ AFWA. The basic output The FNMOC is located in Monterey, California.
is data in the format of the uniform gridded data
field (UGDF). This format provides the basis for Primary Mission. The primary mission of the
AFWA support to JTF operations. This support FNMOC is to provide numerical weather predic-
product achieves consistency through the use of tion METOC data fields to other production cen-
common numerical weather prediction data fields ters and operating forces worldwide. The data
from the FNMOC. fields include global and higher resolution regional
atmospheric and oceanographic analyses and fore-
55th Space Weather Squadron casts. The FNMOC is the DOD’s center for
The 55SXS is located at Falcon Air Force Base, worldwide numerical weather prediction and is
Colorado. the center of expertise for microwave satellite
data. Consistency among all DOD forecast prod-
Primary Mission. The primary mission of the ucts is provided through the common baseline nu-
55SXS is to collect, maintain, analyze, and fore- merical weather prediction dataset generated by
cast space environmental conditions that can af- the FNMOC. Submit requests for support in ac-
fect any location worldwide in support of DOD cordance with NAVMETOCCOMINST 3140.1K.
forces. For the latest Navy Oceanographic Data Distribu-
tion System (NODDS) product listings, see
Capabilities. 55SXS support includes event no- FLTNUMMETOCCENINST 3147.1, Navy
tifications and warnings; routine observations; Oceanographic Data Distribution System Prod-
analyses; and forecasts for the ionosphere, the ucts Manual.
Earth’s geomagnetic field, the magnetosphere,
and the sun. Additionally, the Air Force Space Capabilities. The FNMOC’s primary numerical
Forecast Center provides assessments of space forecast model is the Navy Operational Global
environmental conditions with respect to satellite, Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS), an
communications, and radar anomalies. See AFI 82-km-resolution spectral wave model. The high-
15-118 on procedures to request support and AF- resolution regional numerical forecast model is
CAT 15-152, Volume 5, for a detailed product the Navy Operational Regional Atmospheric Pre-
listing. General product types include: diction System (NORAPS), which provides at-
mospheric data at 45-km resolution. Higher
Alert notification of events (solar flares, resolution nested regions can be located to cover
radio bursts, geomagnetic storms, and contingency regions worldwide on short notice.
proton events)
Tailored support to exercises and The NODDS provides worldwide dial-in access to
contingencies, as required (radio FNMOC products through various computer mo-
propagation forecasts, solar and dem links. Products available from the FNMOC
geomagnetic forecasts, and corrections for include unclassified analysis and numerical fore-
ionospheric refraction) cast fields of the Earth’s geomagnetic field, the
Routine observation, analysis, and magnetosphere, and the sun. Additionally, the
prediction of the space environment 55SXS provides assessments of space environ-
(planetary geomagnetic indices, solar flux, mental conditions with respect to satellite, com-
and radio propagation) munications, and radar anomalies. See AFI
15-118 on procedures to request support and
MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support H-3
AFCAT 15-152, Volume 5, for a detailed product Primary Mission. The primary mission of the
listing. General product types include: AFCCC is to collect and store global environ-
mental observations in its climatic database. It
Alert notification of events (solar flares, analyzes and applies information from the data-
radio bursts, geomagnetic storms, and base, the HQ AFWA technical library, and other
proton events) sources to prepare tailored environmental studies
Tailored support to exercises and and analyses for DOD forces worldwide.
contingencies, as required (radio propa-
gation forecasts, solar and geomagnetic Capabilities. The AFCCC can prepare tailored
forecasts, and corrections for ionospheric environmental studies on almost any facet of me-
refraction) teorology affecting military operations from the
Routine observation, analysis, and Earth’s surface through 400,000 feet above mean
prediction of the space environment sea level. All studies and analyses are tailored to
(planetary geomagnetic indices, solar flux, user requests. See AFI 15-118 to request support.
and radio propagation) Special product request procedures are provided
Anomaly assessments (communications and in Chapter 2 and Appendix A of
satellite operations). USAFETAC/TC-95/001, Catalogue of Air Force
Weather Technical Publications (1992 - 1995).
Communications Connectivity. Access to Contingency support needed before JMFU activa-
the worldwide METOC database is gained tion should be requested from the AFCCC direc-
through connectivity to the FNMOC. Data and tor of operations. After normal duty hours,
product dissemination are provided through a land- contact the command post. Air Force and Army
line to the FNMOC; Automatic Digital Network requests for Navy METOC support will be coor-
(AUTODIN) to users, as required; standard Navy dinated between the AFCCC and the FLTNUM-
command, control, communications, computers, METOC DET. Responses are provided through
and intelligence (C4I) systems; the Joint Opera- the AFCCC in accordance with the AWS and the
tional Tactical System (JOTS); and dial-in com- CNMOC memorandum of agreement. See AF-
puter access through modem. Database CAT 15-152, Volume 4, for a detailed product
summaries are available on CD-ROM. listing. Additionally, a complete listing is pub-
lished periodically as an AFCCC technical
General Product Types. General product catalog.
types include:
Communications Connectivity. Communi-
Three-dimensional oceanographic analyses cations connectivity includes DSN and commer-
Ocean front and eddy analyses cial phone (both secure telephone unit III (STU-
Bathymetric profiles and databases III) and nonsecure), nonsecure and secure facsim-
Enclosed ocean basin circulation analyses ile, and the Defense Message System (DMS)
and forecasts through Scott Air Force Base.
Mine drift predictions
Oil spill dispersion predictions General Product Types. General product
Tactical oceanographic summaries types include:
Specialized exercises and mission support
Specialized oceanographic publications. Airfield summary packages
Air Force Combat Climatology Center Surface observation climatic summaries
The AFCCC is located at Scott Air Force Base, Climatic briefs
Illinois. Specialized precipitation and temperature
studies
H-4 MCWP 3-35.7
Descriptive (narrative) climatology studies Latin American Weather Operations Center,

Engineering design and construction studies Howard Air Force Base, Panama
Environmental simulation studies Tanker Airlift Control Center, Scott Air
Low-level route climatologies Force Base, Illinois
Mission success indicators United States Naval Atlantic Meteorology
Wind duration studies.
Station Norfolk, Virginia
Fleet Numerical METOC Detachment United States Naval European Meteorology
The FLTNUMMETOC DET is located in and Oceanography Center, Rota, Spain
Asheville, North Carolina. United States Naval Pacific Meteorology
and Oceanography Center, Pearl Harbor,
Primary Mission. The primary mission of the Hawaii
FLTNUMMETOC DET is to provide METOC United States Naval Pacific Meteorology
climatological services. To request support, see and Oceanography Center West/Joint
NAVMETOCCOMINST 3140.1K or FLTNUM- Typhoon Warning Center, Guam
METOC DET Asheville Notice 3146, Guide to U.S. Air Forces, U.S. Central Command
Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Com- Weather Support Center, Shaw Air Force
mand Atmospheric Climatic Summaries, Prod- Base, South Carolina
ucts, and Services, or coordinate directly by Air Combat Command Weather Support
phone. Support requests requiring AFCCC clima- Unit, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.
tological input will be coordinated. See
FLTNUMMETOC DET Asheville Notice 3146 Air Force Theater METOC Centers
for a detailed product listing.
Primary Mission. The primary mission of Air
Communications Connectivity. Communi- Force theater METOC centers is to function as
cations connectivity is through commercial phone the Air Force, Army, and special operations
lines and the Federal Telephone System (FTS). forces component hubs for disseminating tailored
Real-time DMS message receipt and transmission METOC information to Air Force and Army
is through a personal computer-based component forces within their areas of responsi-
GATEGUARD system. bility. The mission also includes joint forces upon
request or tasking from the commander in chief’s
Operational, Theater, and senior METOC officer or JMO supporting the
JTF.
Regional Component Forecast
Centers Capabilities. Air Force component METOC
centers produce tailored analysis and forecast
Operational, theater, and regional component guidance products that focus on the individual
forecast centers, shown below, include Air Force component’s air-land areas. Products are based on
theater METOC centers and Navy METOC numerical weather prediction guidance from HQ
centers. AFWA and other agencies. These centers rou-
Combined METOC Operations Center, tinely produce:
Yongsan Army Installation, Seoul, Republic
of Korea Weather advisories and warnings
Alaskan Weather Operations Center, Analyses and forecasts for particular
Elemendorf Air Force Base, Alaska operations and other tailored METOC data
European Command Forecast Unit, Products and services to support peacetime
Traben-Trarbach, Germany training
MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support H-5
Support to exercise and contingency position analyses; acoustic prediction services;

operations. and tailored METOC data, products, and services
to support exercise and contingency operations.
Information on how to obtain specific support and Theater METOC centers function as the primary
detailed product descriptions can be obtained by communications node for transmitting data to
calling the individual center directly. fleet users through Navy C4I systems. Support
may be requested in accordance with NAVME-
Product Descriptions. These centers produce TOCCOMINST 3140.1K or by contacting the
alphanumeric and graphic products such as cloud supporting theater center directly to request
and visibility forecasts; drop zone forecasts; haz- services.
ard forecasts; air refueling forecasts; and various
other tailored METOC data, products, and serv-
ices. These centers are the Army point of contact
Primary METOC Production
for Army weather support requirements, including Center Integration
sea state information.
The two primary METOC production centers
Navy Theater METOC Centers supporting joint operations are the FNMOC and
HQ AFWA. In combination, these two centers
Primary Mission. The primary mission of Navy provide most of the central site data and products
theater METOC centers is to function as the Navy needed to support in-theater requirements. Opera-
theater component hub for dissemination of ME- tionally, they produce an integrated product set
TOC data and to provide full support services to for the theater and are available for transmission
naval component forces and joint forces on re- to supported components through existing com-
quest. These METOC centers administer Navy ponent communications and information systems.
METOC operations within their assigned area of Consistency within the integrated product set is
responsibility. achieved through use of common numerical
weather prediction data fields from the FNMOC
Capabilities. Theater METOC centers provide in the generation of all application products.
tailored analyses and forecast guidance products
focused on an individual component’s maritime
and littoral areas of responsibility. These centers
routinely produce:
Significant weather and sea advisories and
warnings and individual ship route forecasts
Aviation weather forecasts
Optimum track ship routing
Weather across your track services.
Navy METOC centers provide deployable mobile

environmental team services; ocean frontal
(reverse blank)
Appendix I
Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace
Introduction and further refined during the conduct of the op-

eration. Each function in the process is performed
The commander uses IPB to understand the bat- continually to ensure that:
tlespace and to integrate information on the en-
emy, weather, and terrain as well as the options The products of the IPB remain complete
presented to friendly and threat forces. IPB is the and valid
primary responsibility of the J-2, G-2, and S-2; The support provided to the commander
however, the IPB process is not limited to the in- remains relevant to direct the intelligence
telligence section and units. All commanders and system throughout the current mission and
staff officers participate in the IPB process and into preparation for the next.
use its products for planning and decisionmaking.
(See FM 34-130, Intelligence Preparation of the An overview of each function is presented below.
Battlefield, for a complete discussion of IPB.)
Step 1: Define the Battlespace
What Is IPB? Environment
In step 1 of the IPB process, the G-2/S-2:
IPB is a systematic, continuous process of analyz-
ing the threat and environment in a specific geo- Establishes the limits of the area of interest
graphic area. It is designed to support staff in four dimensions: depth, width, height,
estimates and military decisionmaking. Applying and EM spectrum
the IPB process helps the commander to selec- Identifies characteristics of the battlespace
tively apply and maximize his combat power at that will influence friendly and threat
critical points in time and space on the battlefield operations
by: Identifies gaps in current intelligence
holdings.
Determining the threat’s likely COAs
Describing the environment within which This focuses the command’s initial intelligence
the unit is operating and the effects of the operation efforts and the remaining steps of the
environment on the unit’s operations. IPB process. To further focus the remainder of
the IPB process, the G-2/S-2 identifies character-
IPB consists of four steps: istics of the battlespace that require in-depth
evaluation of their effects on friendly and threat
Define the battlespace environment. operations, such as terrain, weather, logistical in-
Describe the battlespace’s effects. frastructure, and demographics. Generally, these
Evaluate the threat. are analyzed in more detail for areas within the
Determine the threat’s COAs. command’s area of operations and battlespace
than for other areas in the area of interest. By
The IPB process is continuous. IPB is not just convention, intelligence collection includes sens-
conducted before and during the command’s ini- ing or obtaining data other than weather. Weather
tial planning for an operation, but is continued data collection is not considered to be a part of
the intelligence collection process. IPB uses
I-2 MCWP 3-35.7
climatology and oceanographic information to Step 2: Describe the Battlespace’s

determine maneuver and trafficability estimates Effects
and other effects on MAGTF and threat Step 2 evaluates the effects of the environment on
operations. friendly and threat operations. The G-2/S-2 iden-
tifies the limitations and opportunities that the en-
The G-2/S-2 establishes the limits of the area of vironment offers for the potential operations of
interest to focus intelligence collection efforts on friendly and threat forces. This evaluation focuses
the geographic areas of significance to the com- on the general capabilities of each force until
mand’s specific mission. The limits of the area of COAs are developed in later steps of the IPB
interest are based on the amount of time esti- process.
mated to complete the unit’s mission and the lo-
cation and nature of the characteristics of the This assessment of the environment always in-
battlespace that will influence the operation. If cludes an examination of terrain, including
the command has not been assigned an area of oceanographic conditions and weather. This part
operations, the G-2/S-2 coordinates with the of the IPB process provides the basis on which
G-3/S-3 to develop a joint recommendation on its concepts of operations are built and plans are
limits for the commander’s approval. Similarly, made. Discussions of the characteristics of geog-
the G-2/S-2 confers with the G-3/S-3 on recom- raphy and infrastructure and their effects on
mendations for the command’s battlespace during friendly and threat operations may also be
the development of friendly COAs. The area re- included.
quiring monitoring by the MAGTF METOC units
is considerably larger than the area defined by the The characteristics of geography include general
G-2/S-2. Weather systems and their associated ef- characteristics of the terrain and weather such as
fects will continue to influence and cross the bat- climate, elevation, soil, vegetation, wind, mois-
tlespace regardless of the military situation. ture, and temperature. An area’s infrastructure
Weather systems that are perhaps thousands of consists of the facilities, equipment, and frame-
miles upstream of the area of interest may affect work needed for the functioning of systems, cit-
the area of interest in time. ies, or regions. Products developed in this step
might include, but are not limited to:
Defining the significant characteristics of the bat-
tlespace environment also aids in identifying gaps Population status overlay
in current intelligence holdings and the specific Overlays that depict the military aspects
intelligence required to fill them. The MAGTF and effects of terrain
SWO’s inputs on METOC information require- Weather analysis
ments and resulting shortfalls in meteorological Hydrographic and beach studies
sensing strategy are part of this definition and Integrated products such as modified
identification process. Similarly, the G-2/S-2 combined obstacle overlays.
identifies gaps in the command’s knowledge of
the threat and the current threat situation. The weather analysis may include weather analy-
sis overlays of specific parameters or meteoro-
Once approved by the commander, the specific logical conditions as well as graphic displays
intelligence that is required to fill gaps in the correlating weather events. In addition, weather
command’s knowledge of the battlespace envi- effects matrices are provided based on climatol-
ronment and threat situation becomes the com- ogy and expected conditions. These may include
mand’s initial intelligence requirement. TDAs for electro-optical systems affecting the
performance of threat and friendly forces. The
SWO plays a key role in recommending what
MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support I-3
products are to be included depending on the mis- reveal the threat COA being executed. This per-
sion, geographical region, climate, and influence mits focusing intelligence collection and produc-
that the potential weather conditions could have tion efforts on those areas/events defined as
on the planning and execution of the mission. Re- named areas of interest (NAIs). Weather events,
gardless of the subject or means of presentation, both actual and anticipated, are critical in deter-
the G-2/S-2 ensures that these products focus on mining the location of these NAIs and in estimat-
the effects of the battlespace environment. ing their effectiveness and reliability.
Step 3: Evaluate the Threat The enemy COA models developed in step 4 are
In step 3, the G-2/S-2 and staff analyze the com- the products that the staff uses in the planning
mand’s intelligence holdings to determine how and decisionmaking processes to enhance effec-
the threat normally organizes for combat and con- tiveness. The G-2/S-2 cannot produce these mod-
ducts operations under similar circumstances. els and accurately predict the threat COAs
When facing a well-known threat, the G-2/S-2 without having:
can rely on historical databases and well-
developed threat models. When operating against Adequately defined and analyzed the
a new or less well-known threat, the G-2/S-2 may friendly mission throughout the estimated
need to develop the intelligence databases and duration of the operation; clearly identified
threat models concurrently. the physical limits of the area of operations
and the area of interest; and identified every
The G-2/S-2’s evaluation is portrayed in a threat characteristic of the battlespace environ-
model that includes doctrinal templates that de- ment that might affect the operation (These
pict how the threat operates when unconstrained characteristics are also quantified by
by the effects of the battlespace environment. Al- objective means, when possible, or by
though these usually emphasize graphic depic- subjective means if qualitative assessments
tions (doctrinal templates), threat models are not available (step 2).)
sometimes emphasize matrices or simple narra- Identified the opportunities and constraints
tives. The SWO provides the expected range of that the battlespace environment offers to
METOC parameters to allow the G-2/S-2 staff to adversaries and friendly forces (Again, such
evaluate limitations of threat capabilities and po- information is also quantified by objective
tential threat actions. It is important for the SWO means, when possible, or by subjective
to be an integral part of the G-2/S-2 staff and means if qualitative assessments are not
know as much as possible about threat and available (step 2).)
friendly forces, capabilities, and systems and how Thoroughly considered what the threat is
weather and oceanographic conditions affect capable of and prefers to do in similar
these systems. situations if unconstrained by the
battlespace environment (step 3).
Step 4: Determine Threat COAs
Step 4 integrates the results of steps 1 through 3 In short, the enemy COA models that drive the
into intelligence estimates and supporting prod- decisionmaking process are valid only if the
ucts. Given what the threat normally prefers to do G-2/S-2 establishes a good foundation during the
and the effects of the specific operating environ- first three steps of the IPB process.
ment, the threat’s likely objectives and available
COAs are analyzed. In step 4, the G-2/S-2 devel- IPB identifies facts and assumptions about the
ops COA models that depict these threat COAs battlespace environment and the threat. It is im-
and prepares event templates and matrices in an perative that these facts and assumptions are pre-
effort to identify or estimate indicators that will sented as separate entities. This permits objective
I-4 MCWP 3-35.7
decisions to be made regarding facts and identi- work to integrate METOC support into all sup-
fies where subjective decisions need to be made porting and follow-on steps and procedures
regarding assumptions. The SWO helps the throughout the command. For example, the fire
G-2/S-2 define weather conditions and uses support and communications and information
TDAs, either manual or electronic, to show po- systems plans can be greatly affected by METOC
tential effects of the weather and oceanographic conditions. The SWO should ensure that weather
conditions and how these could affect the COAs products in the IPB process meet all of the com-
of both threat and friendly forces. IPB is the basis mand’s requirements.
for synchronization. Weather and oceanographic
conditions affect the timing of operations and are Although a standard analysis process is used to
an essential part of the overall battle synchroniza- conduct a METOC analysis for the step describ-
tion. The G-2/S-2 completes the initial intelli- ing battlespace effects, it is adapted to the spe-
gence estimate, and other staff members build cific tactical situation. Weather and
their estimates based on this information. oceanographic condition analysis cannot be
Weather information integrated into the intelli- viewed as a single step within the IPB process;
gence estimate is provided to other staff users, ei- rather, it is included at many steps throughout this
ther in the same format or in another format iterative process. The SWO must understand the
designed for more effective use by that functional IPB process to provide effective support to the
area. The information provided for the initial in- command’s METOC information requirements.
telligence estimate is only the starting point and The initial METOC analysis plays a large part in
may require extensive efforts for application to describing effects anticipated in the battlespace.
other users. The terrain influences on the battlespace also help
to shape the forecast. Weather and terrain must be
The intelligence estimate includes five standard considered when analyzing the battlespace be-
paragraphs defining the mission, areas of opera- cause they complement each other and enhance
tion, enemy situation, enemy capabilities, and the IPB process.
conclusions. The results and products of IPB,
conveyed in the intelligence estimate, are essen-
tial elements of the Marine Corps Planning Proc-
ess. Accordingly, the major IPB effort occurs
before and during the six steps of the planning
process. The steps are:
Mission analysis
COA development
COA analysis
COA comparison/decision
Orders development
Transition.
Consideration of weather is part of each of the

above steps and requires SWO support. The in-
formation that is necessary to execute operations
is provided to users via a number of means. The
SWO must know this process completely, includ-
ing each type of unit’s or staff section’s unique
METOC information requirements, and must

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How does METOC support integrate into the IPB process?

How does METOC support integrate into the IPB process?

What are the major steps in the Marine Corps Planning Process that METOC support is integrated into?

What are the major steps in the Marine Corps Planning Process that METOC support is integrated into?

MCWP 3-35.

MAGTF Meteorology and

U.S. Marine Corps

PCN 143 000041 00

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

METOC support organization and structure

Sample METOC support products

Weather and oceanographic effects on MAGTF operations

Meteorological critical values

Sample Annex H (METOC Services) for operation orders and plans.

MCWP 3-35.7 is a new publication.

Reviewed and approved this date.

BY DIRECTION OF THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

DISTRIBUTION: 143 000041 00

Unless otherwise stated, whenever the masculine or feminine gender is used,

1001 General 1-1

Chapter 2. METOC Support Systems and Functions

2001 METOC Support Network 2-1

Chapter 3. METOC Support to the MAGTF

3001 MAGTF METOC Support Concept of Operations 3-1

E Weather Effects on MAGTF Operations E-1

1001. General 1003. Historical Perspective

a. Accuracy of Data and Information specific METOC information requirements for

(2) General Support. At units without organic a. Combat Power

METOC Support Systems and Functions

2001. METOC Support Network the Naval METOC Command (NAVMETOC-

d. Marine Liaison, Naval

Forecasts focused on specific missions, tached to or placed in direct support of another

e. MEF Weather Support Team METOC

METOC Support to the MAGTF

3001. MAGTF METOC Support changing atmospheric conditions, weather

Weather and oceanographic effects must be

Provide logistical and communications Provide critical or threshold values for

b. The Ground Combat Element Plan and coordinate tactical METOC

Ensure rapid dissemination of METOC 3005. METOC Support

AAV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . assault amphibious vehicle CAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . clear air turbulence

CSSE . . . . . . . . . . combat service support element squadron

SAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . surface-to-air missile

Section II. Definitions

atmosphere—The air surrounding the Earth. D

G littoral current—Current moving generally par-

infrared radiation—Electromagnetic radiation

refraction—The deflection of a wave moving in

wavelength—The horizontal distance between weather—The condition of the atmosphere at any

wave velocity—The speed at which a wave form

References and Related Publications

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI)

CJCSI 3810.01 Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Manual (CJCSM)

Marine Corps Publications

Marine Corps Warfighting Publications (MCWPs)

MCWP 2-1 Intelligence Operations

CNMOC METOC Concept of Operations (CONOPS)

NAVMETOCCOM Instructions (NAVMETOCCOMINSTs)

NAVMETOCCOMINST 3140.1K United States Navy Meteorological & Oceanographic