(DoD) An operational area defined by the geographic combatant commander for the conduct or support of specific military operations. Multiple theaters of operations normally will be geographically separate and focused on different missions. Theaters of operations are usually of significant size, allowing for operations in depth and over extended periods of time. Also called TO. See also theater of war.
Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. 31 January 2011.
| APA | Military Dictionary (DoD). (2011). theater of operations. Retrieved September 26, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/theater_of_operations/definitions/1964409 |
| Chicago | Military Dictionary (DoD). 2011. "theater of operations" http://smartdefine.org/theater_of_operations/definitions/1964409 (accessed September 26, 2026). |
| Harvard | Military Dictionary (DoD) 2011, theater of operations, Smart Define, viewed 26 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/theater_of_operations/definitions/1964409>. |
| MLA | Military Dictionary (DoD). "theater of operations" 4 April 2011. Web. 26 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/theater_of_operations/definitions/1964409> |