Joint Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) Handbook

The Joint Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) Handbook (JMH) serves as a primary reference for the new Joint METOC Officer Course (JMOC). The intention of the JMH is to provide the Joint METOC Officer (JMO), associated METOC staff, and Service and functional component METOC personnel, an easy-to-use reference manual to assist in the planning and execution of METOC support for joint operations. Some information previously included is better found through on-line sources which are more easily updated, and a web-based resources listing is included as an appendix.The JMH describes existing Joint METOC structure, how METOC personnel and organizations are integrated into the combatant command and JTF structures, and what METOC resources are available. Separate chapters cover METOC capabilities and support to operational forces within Service organizational structures.It is important to understand the joint operational planning process and how the METOC officer fits into that process. The duties and responsibilities of the Senior METOC Officer (SMO) and JMO and their interaction during a joint operation are important concepts. The coordination between the JMO and his Service and functional component METOC units is vital to the success of joint METOC operations. The concept of one theater, one forecast, highlighted in Joint Publication 3-59, is the cornerstone of METOC support to a joint operation.Joint METOC personnel should understand the capabilities of Service level METOC equipment and tactical and fixed communication systems for interoperability. The sources of METOC data and available products and services from various METOC production sites and theater level operational commands are useful for any military operation.