(DoD) An overarching term encompassing more descriptive terms for geographic areas in which military operations are conducted. Operational areas include, but are not limited to, such descriptors as area of responsibility, theater of war, theater of operations, joint operations area, amphibious objective area, joint special operations area, and area of operations. Also called OA. See also amphibious objective area; area of operations; area of responsibility; joint operations area; joint special operations area; theater of operations; theater of war.
Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. 31 January 2011.
| APA | Military Dictionary (DoD). (2011). operational area. Retrieved September 22, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/operational_area/definitions/1963161 |
| Chicago | Military Dictionary (DoD). 2011. "operational area" http://smartdefine.org/operational_area/definitions/1963161 (accessed September 22, 2026). |
| Harvard | Military Dictionary (DoD) 2011, operational area, Smart Define, viewed 22 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/operational_area/definitions/1963161>. |
| MLA | Military Dictionary (DoD). "operational area" 4 April 2011. Web. 22 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/operational_area/definitions/1963161> |