Naval postgraduate school monterey, california thesis

B. 
OPERATIONAL TERMS DEFINED 
Each branch of the Armed Services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines) gives 
operational terms a different spin. There are several definitions for the operational terms 
used throughout this research, specifically those used for the proposed principles. To 
reduce the amount of redundancy and discrepancy between service definitions, the 
operational terms used in this thesis are, for the most part, definitions taken from the Joint 
Publication Series for Joint Doctrine, which establishes the overarching doctrine
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for all 
services.
This thesis focuses specifically on the military response to a hostage crisis against 
a barricaded enemy. It does not cover, but it is applicable to, other types of hostage 
situations such as those that fall under the responsibility of Department of State (DOS), 
Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Transportation (DOT), or other local law 
enforcement agencies
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. Some of these examples include hostage situations in detention 
facilities, non-barricaded situations, lone criminals or suicidal individuals, and 
kidnappings. 
5 Doctrine defines who we are and why we exist in the military; it sets capabilities and limitations, 
guides mission selection and assignment, and sets command and control arrangements. Doctrine is neither 
policy nor strategy; it is authoritative but not directive.
6 Depending on the location of the incident and type, one of these agencies will be responsible for the 
operation. DOS is the lead agency for incidents that take place outside the U.S., DOT is the lead agency 
for incidents aboard aircraft “in flight” within the special jurisdiction of the U.S. The Assistant to the 
President for National Security Affairs resolves any uncertainty on the designation of lead agency or 
responsibilities (Joint Pub 3-07, 1995, p. III-3). 

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