(DoD) An operational area defined by the joint force commander for land and maritime forces. Areas of operation do not typically encompass the entire operational area of the joint force commander, but should be large enough for component commanders to accomplish their missions and protect their forces. Also called AO. See also area of responsibility; joint operations area; joint special operations area.
Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. 31 January 2011.
| APA | Military Dictionary (DoD). (2011). area of operations. Retrieved September 23, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/area_of_operations/definitions/1960396 |
| Chicago | Military Dictionary (DoD). 2011. "area of operations" http://smartdefine.org/area_of_operations/definitions/1960396 (accessed September 23, 2026). |
| Harvard | Military Dictionary (DoD) 2011, area of operations, Smart Define, viewed 23 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/area_of_operations/definitions/1960396>. |
| MLA | Military Dictionary (DoD). "area of operations" 4 April 2011. Web. 23 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/area_of_operations/definitions/1960396> |