JSCSC Effects and Actions Verbs

UK operational planning requires the use of clearly defined Effects and Actions Verbs, which are
used to build a course of action that will realise a number of Decisive Conditions. No UK or NATO
doctrine publication holds all the recognised Effects and Actions Verbs, so this list captures the
main ones you will need during JSCSC planning exercises1. Where possible NATO and Joint verbs
and definitions are preferred and should be used. UK only and Single Service verbs only appear
where a NATO or Joint equivalent is not available.

Definitions and Guidance

 “An effect is defined as a change in the behavioural or physical state of a system or system
elements that results from one or more actions, or other causes” (JDP 5-00, p2-67). Note
effects can be brought about by other effects too.
 Effects verbs allow commanders to articulate intent (which a written summation of all effects).
The Commander’s desired effects should describe what they want to achieve without having to
describe in detail how it should be achieved, which facilitates mission command.
 Effects may be required in the physical, the cognitive, and/or the virtual dimension.
 One or more actions are carried out in order to achieve each desired effect. There may be
more than one action to achieve each effect, which helps build alternative courses of action.
 Actions verbs allow commanders to articulate the scheme of manoeuvre element of their
concept of operations (which a written summation of all actions).
 It should be clear that effects can be achieved by actions, or an effect can lead to another
effect, but an effect does not lead to an action verb.
 The word ‘tasks’ is often used interchangeably with ‘actions’, although tasks more accurately
describe those things a component, formation or unit is told to do that falls short of a full
mission.
 When considering what effects to achieve, a commander may frequently also need to consider
how to measure these effects as part of the assessment process.
 Non-NATO terms are shown in italics.

1
These definitions are taken from NATO Terms website, AAP-6, STANAG 2287, JDP 0-01.1, AJP 3.10, BR8447 Vol 1.2,
the Land Staff Officer’s Handbook and AP 3002 Edn 3. Where multiple definitions exist, NATO terms too primacy,
followed by UK Joint terms then UK sS definitions. If no definitions exist, common understanding of frequently used
terms is used.

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OPERATIONAL EFFECTS TERMS

BLOCK. The positioning of joint assets to deny selected users access to and/or from a defined
area or areas. ‘Defined area or areas’ will encompass elements of all domains.

BLOCKADE.

CANALISE. Force an enemy to take a desired direction in its actions to gain an advantage. To
orient the perception of a situation or event toward a desired outcome.

CLEAR. Remove all enemy, and their infrastructure or capability, from an assigned area and
prevent their return.

COERCE. Use force or the threat of force or other potentially prejudicial means to persuade an
individual or group(s) to adopt a certain pattern of behaviour against their wishes.

COMPEL. Force, through kinetic or non-kinetic action, a group or individual to undertake a desired
course of action.

CONTAIN. Restrict an opponent’s freedom of movement inside a specific geographical area.

CONTROL. Maintenance of physical influence over a specified area in order to provide own
freedom of action and to prevent its use by the opponent forces.

Sea CONTROL. The employment of maritime forces, supported by land and air forces as
appropriate, in order to provide own freedom of action in a specific area of the joint environment
and to prevent its use by the opponent.

CONVINCE. Bring to belief, consent, or a course of action.

COVER. Protect by offence, defence, or threat of either or both.

DECEIVE. Mislead an individual or group(s) by manipulation, distortion or falsification of

information to induce them to react in a manner prejudicial to their interests.

DEFEAT. Diminish the effectiveness of the opponent to the extent that they are unable or unwilling
to participate further in the battle or at least cannot fulfil their intention.

DEFEND. Defeat or deter a threat to provide circumstances for maintaining or regaining the
initiative. Depending on what size of formation/unit is defending, defence can include delay, hold,
deny and attack.

DELAY. Operation in which a force under pressure trades space for time by slowing down the
opponent’s momentum and inflicting maximum damage without, in principle, becoming decisively
engaged. Delay may be for a specified length of time, or until a specified time or event.

DENY. Prevent access or use by physical presence, blocking, disruption, dislocation and/or fire.
Can be achieved either by holding or covering the area by direct or indirect fire. To deny without
holding requires surveillance.

DESTABILISE. Render an individual or group(s) unstable or create the conditions for collapse.

DESTROY. Kill or damage an object, opponent force or their capability so that it is rendered
useless until reconstituted.

DETER. Discourage an individual or group(s) from carrying out a certain action by convincing them
that the consequences of their actions outweigh the potential gains.

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DEVELOP. Advance friendly force capability and competence.

DISCREDIT. Damage or undermine the authority or reputation of an individual or group(s).

DISENGAGE. Break engagement in preparation for eventual withdrawal.

DISLOCATE. Deny an individual or group(s) the ability to bring strength(s) to bear, or to persuade
that strength is irrelevant.

DISRUPT. Break the cohesion of an opponent or entity and prevent it from functioning effectively.

DIVERT. Use of all capabilities to draw the attention and effort of an opponent from the point of
own principal operation. Linked to DECEIVE, COERCE, DELAY and FEINT (but should not be
confused with TURN).

EMPOWER. Promote confidence, authority, accountability and responsibility in an individual or

group(s).

EXPLOIT. Take advantage of success in battle, by seizing opportunities, and following up initial
gain(s), or take advantage of an individual or group(s) weaknesses or vulnerabilities.

FIND. Detect, recognise, identify and/or locate an object, activity, situation, event, individual(s) or
group(s).

FIX. Deny the enemy their goals, to distract them or prevent movement and thus deprive them of
freedom of action. Note: An adversary may fix themselves.

GUARD. Protect the main force by fighting to gain time, while also observing and reporting
information.

HOLD. Maintain possession by direct or indirect means.

INFLUENCE. Co-ordinated actions undertaken to affect the behaviour of a target audience in

support of political and military objectives by undermining the will, cohesion and decision making
ability. Actions may be violent or non-violent, direct or indirect.

INTERDICT. Divert, disrupt, delay or destroy the enemy’s military potential before it can be used
effectively against friendly forces; or fire placed in an area or point to prevent the enemy using it.

ISOLATE. Separate an opponent both physically and psychologically from those support systems
(Diplomatic, Military and Economic) from which it gains strength and deny it freedom of movement
and contact with other opposing forces.

NEUTRALISE. Render an opponent temporarily ineffective.

PREVENT. Keep from happening, avert.

PROTECT. Prevent the enemy from having effect on an individual or group(s).

REASSURE. The maintenance or generation of confidence within a target audience, generally

aimed at non-combatants.

SECURE. To gain possession of a location, object, individual(s) or group(s), with or without force,
and seek to prevent its destruction or loss by opponent action.

SEIZE. Gain possession of an area or person, with or without the use of force.

SHAPE. Cause to conform to a particular form or pattern.

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STABILISE. Impose security and control over an area while employing military capabilities to
restore services and support civilian agencies.

SUPPORT. Aid, complement or sustain another force, individual, or group(s).

UNDERSTAND. Develop knowledge, insight, context and intent of a unit, object, activity, situation,
event or individual or group(s). (Normally to inform subsequent operations or decisions.)

OPERATIONAL ACTION VERBS

ADVANCE. Conduct offensive operation designed to gain or re-establish contact with the enemy.

ADVISE. Counsel and inform of the implications of adopting a certain pattern of behaviour, beliefs
or attitudes.

AMBUSH. A surprise attack by fire from concealed positions on a moving or temporarily halted
enemy.

ARREST. To seize and hold a person under the authority of the law.

ASSAULT. Climax of an attack; closing with the enemy in hand-to-hand fighting. Short, violent
attack, against local objective.

ASSESS. Pose a judgement after comparing measured performances against a standard.

ATTACK. Take offensive action against a specified objective.

BREACH. Deliberate or hasty: cross or create a lane through a minefield or IED belt or a clear
route through a barrier or fortification.

BREAK OUT. Continuation of a crossing operation once the force has consolidated in the
bridgehead; or offensive action by an encircled force to link-up with a main force.

BUILD UP. Attain prescribed strength of units and prescribed levels of vehicles, equipment, stores
and supplies.

BYPASS. Move around an obstacle, position or enemy force to maintain the momentum of
advance.

CAPTURE. Gain possession of specified enemy personnel, materiel or information.

COLLECT. Assemble, accumulate or acquire data or information.

CONFIRM. Provide current information of previously reporting within a specified degree of certainty
and/or accuracy.

COORDINATE. Bring functions, systems or entities operating in the same environment in proper
relation in order to avoid counter-productive results such as duplication of effort or mutually
negating actions.

COUNTER ATTACK. Attack by a part or all of a defending force for such specific purposes as
regaining ground lost or cutting off or destroying adversaries’ advance units, with the general
objective of denying to the adversary the attainment of their purpose in attacking.

CROSS. Deliberate or hasty: pass over or through an obstacle.

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CROSS-CUE. Pre-planned collaborative detection, recognition, identification, location or tracking;
the deliberate handover of a collection/find task to a nominated unit, system or person.

DEGRADE. Reduce the effectiveness or efficiency. (Should be quantified).

DEMONSTRATE. Deceive the enemy by making a show of force without seeking contact.

DEPLOY. Move forces within areas of operation; position forces into a formation for battle, relocate
forces to desired areas of operations.

DESIGNATE. By visual or other means, indicate a target to a designated unit, object, activity,
situation, event or person(s).

DETAIN. Hold a person temporarily including the right to search.

DETECT. Discover the presence or absence of a unit, object, activity, situation, event or person(s)
of significance.

DIMMINISH. Reduce the effectiveness of an activity. (Similar to degrade, without lethal overtones).

DISENGAGE. Break contact with the enemy in a delay or withdrawal.

EDUCATE. An activity to teach the benefits or consequences of patterns of behaviour.

EMPHASISE. Add further credibility or information which will enhance effects of existing ops and
further develop key messages and themes.

ENABLE. Provide means, conditions or authority to make possible.

ENCIRCLE. Surround and isolate lines of communication resulting in loss of freedom of

movement.

ENCOURAGE. Stimulation to respond in the desired manner.

ENVELOP. Pass over or around an enemy’s principle defensive positions.

ESCORT. Accompany and protect another force or force element.

ESTABLISH. Set up a capability (particularly Med and Log, but can apply to ports, bridgeheads
and operating bases etc).

EXPOSE. Make visible, reveal something undesirable or injurious.

EXTRACT/EXFILTRATE. Recover reconnaissance, stay-behind or encircled forces out of contact

with the enemy.

FEINT. Distract the enemy through seeking contact but avoiding decisive engagement by the bulk
of own forces.

FRIGHTEN. Force or drive somebody or something away through fear.

HAND OVER. Pass responsibility for the conduct of operations from/to another force.

HARASS. Fire designed to disturb the rest of the enemy, limit movement and, by threat of losses,
lower morale.

IDENTIFY. Determine, the status (including friendly or hostile nature) of the detected unit, object,
activity, situation, event or person(s).

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INDUCE. Persuade or cause an audience to believe as true.

INFILTRATE. Move as individuals or groups over, through or around enemy positions without
detection.

INFORM. Impart information or knowledge.

INSERT. Deploy reconnaissance, stay-behind or raiding forces out of contact with the enemy.

INTERDICT. Divert, disrupt, delay or destroy an enemy’s military potential before it can be used
effectively against friendly forces.

INTERCEPT. Search for and listen to and/or record communications and/or electronic data.

LIAISE. Maintain contact or intercommunication between elements of military forces to ensure

mutual understanding and unity or purpose and action.

LINK UP. Establishment of contact, in enemy controlled territory, between one or more friendly
units or formations which have the same or differing Missions.

LOCATE. Determine the position of a specified thing.

MANIPULATE. Manage to advantage (person or situation).

MANOEUVRE. Employ forces on the battlefield (using movement) in combination with fire or fire
potential to achieve a position of advantage in respect to the enemy.

MARK. Call for fire on a specific location to orient the observer/spotter or to indicate targets.

MASK. Obscure from an individual or group’s observation.

MENTOR. Develop capacity through example and/or advice through planning and preparation,
execution and lessons captured/After Action Review (AAR) phases.

MISLEAD. Create a false perception that leads someone to act in a manner detrimental to mission
accomplishment while benefiting accomplishment of friendly objectives.

MONITOR. Develop or maintain situational awareness, pattern of life or atmospherics of a

geographical area, activity or situation.

OCCUPY. Move into and enable proper organisation of an area to be used as a battle position.

ORGANISE. Give orderly structure to.

OVERTHROW. Remove forcibly from power.

PARTNER. Partnering. An approach to relationship building [usually with an indigenous force]

through direct assistance and shared endeavour that creates the right conditions, spirit and
capabilities to achieve a formal and enduring strategic partnership.

PATROL. Move tactically within an area of responsibility to deliver a clearly defined effect(s). A
patrol is conducted in an area where an enemy threat precludes normal administrative movement.

PASSAGE OF LINES. Move forward or rearward through another force’s combat positions with
the intention of moving into or out of contact with the enemy.

PENETRATE. Break though the enemy’s defence and disrupt their defensive systems.

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PERMIT. Give permission or consent; allow something to happen.

PROMOTE. Advocate or advance awareness of an individual, organisation and/or courses of

action.

PURSUE. Catch or cut off an individual or group attempting to escape, with the aim of destroying
it.

RAID. An operation, usually small scale, involving a swift penetration of hostile territory to secure
information, confuse the enemy, or destroy his installations. It ends with a planned withdrawal upon
completion of the assigned mission.

RECCE. A mission undertaken to obtain, by visual observation or other detection methods,

information about the activities and resources of an enemy or potential enemy, or to secure data
concerning the meteorological, hydrographic, or geographic characteristics of a particular area.

RECOGNISE. Classify the capability of the unit, person(s), object, event, situation or activity, of
potential military significance.

RECONCILE. Restore friendly relations between people; make apparently incompatible groups
able to exist together without conflict.

RECOVER. Extract a friendly force element or materiel from a location not under friendly control,
with or without force.

RE-DEPLOY. Return to original or other position having deployed.

REINFORCE. Supplement in place forces with additional personnel or equipment.

RELIEVE/RELIEF IN PLACE (RIP). Replace all or part of a unit in an area.

REORGANISE. Internally distribute personnel and equipment in a formation or unit to render it

battle-worthy again, albeit maybe at a reduced size.

RESCUE. Save or set free a group or individual(s).

RETAIN. Keep possession of a terrain feature to ensure it is free of enemy occupation or use.

RETIRE. Move away from the enemy when out of contact.

SCOUT. Actively seek info on the enemy, ground and other relevant detail in support of the
commander’s plan.

SCREEN. Observe, identify and report; only fight in self-protection (also an indirect fire effect).

SEARCH. Locate specific targets using intelligence assessments, systematic procedures and
appropriate detection techniques.

STRIKE. Inflict damage on, seize or destroy an objective or threat.

SUPPRESS. Temporarily degrade an enemy capability to enable a friendly action..

TAKE OVER. Assume responsibility for the conduct of operations from another force.

TARGET. Make the object of an operation.

TRACK. Maintain identification and location of a unit, activity, situation or person(s).

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TURN. The use or threat of force to make an opponent physically turn away from their original
course.

WARN. Pre-planned provision of information to provide warning of a specified situation, event or

activity.

WITHDRAW. Move away from the enemy (in or out of contact).

CSS ACTION VERBS

DISEMBARK. Unload personnel and/or vehicles and their associated stores and equipment from
ships, aircraft, rail or road transport.

DISPERSE. Spread or separate personnel, equipment, materiel, establishments or activities which

are usually concentrated in limited areas to reduce vulnerability.

EMBARK. Load personnel and/or vehicles and their associated stores and equipment onto ships,
aircraft, rail or road transport.

INLOAD. Forward movement of equipment and materiel.

MAINTAIN. Take supply and repair action to keep a force in condition to carry out a mission.

OUTLOAD. Issue and move equipment or materiel from a holding area.

PRE-POSITION. Place units, equipment or supplies at or near the point of planned use or at a
designated location to reduce reaction time, and to ensure the timely support of a specific force
during initial phases of an operation.

RECEIVE. Take delivery of a consignment.

RECONSTITUTE. Expand force structures and infra-structure beyond existing levels, including the
raising of new units and formations and the expansion of industrial capacity to support the
procurement of equipment and stocks.

RECUPERATE. Replace resources (following the use of military force) in preparation for future
operations.

REGENERATE. Activate, in full or in part, existing force structures and infrastructure, including the
restoration of manning, equipment and stocks to designated levels

REHABILITATE. Reconditioning of equipment and/or personnel, including rest, replacement,

repair, training, and general readiness for employment in future operations.1

REORGANISE. Internally distribute personnel and equipment in a formation or unit to render it

battle worthy again, albeit maybe at a reduced size.

REPLENISH. Re-fill or restock a unit to a predetermined level, pressure or quantity.

RESUPPLY. Provide with or obtain a fresh supply to maintain required levels.

STAGE. Process, in a specified area, troops which are in transit from one locality to another.

SUSTAIN. Maintain the necessary levels of combat power for the duration required to achieve
objectives.