Page:United States Government Glossary of Interagency and Associated Terms.pdf/3

 PREFACE

1. Scope

The US Government Glossary of Interagency and Associated Terms (USG Glossary) identifies standard terminology experienced in cooperation activities of the Federal branches of government and their components. These organizational terms, together with their definitions, provide an overview of existing terminology for general use and understanding by all USG components when making policy, developing strategy and doctrine, delivering advice, or creating plans and facilitating training and exercises.

2. Purpose

This document was founded on the demand of the Joint Doctrine Interorganizational Clearinghouse participants/staff officers and guided by a subsequent interagency Terminology Working Group that become the Editorial Staff. As identified in multiple fora (e.g. conferences, workshops), interagency representatives expressed the need for terms with definitions that have useful, consistent, inclusive and exclusive meaning. Starting with the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security Dictionaries, this document begins that discussion by inventorying organizational terms and definitions from both legislative (US Code) and executive branches of government (Department and Agency Strategic Plans). The purpose is to improve communication and mutual understanding within the federal government to increase efficiencies among and between workforces. This document is not intended to be an all-inclusive compilation of interagency terms, nor does it recommend one term over others. It is to be used as a guide only, and in no event will it become a vehicle for establishing or interpreting policy or doctrine for unified action of the work forces. It is published with the understanding that it not be definitive of the mission or function of any of department. The terms and definitions are not binding to the US Government. This document not intended to be used as a legal document nor reflect all the relevant statutory provisions, regulations or other guidance. Since definitions are presented without context, readers are advised to go to the original source listed for context.

3. Application

This document can be used as a primary glossary when preparing correspondence or documents (e.g. policy, strategy, doctrine, legal, advisory, and planning), or facilitating training, education, and exercises.

4. Format

The primary parts of the USG Glossary are:

a. Explanatory notes.

b. Part I - terms and definitions.

c. Part II - thematic lists Rh