scope:

0.This standard establishes the formats, contents, and procedures for the U.S. Message Text Formatting Program.

a. The USMTF Program, as set forth in this publication, establishes the standards and prescribes the rules and conventions governing message text formats and their eXtensible Markup Language - Message Text Formats (XML-MTF) representations. These rules and conventions apply to all formatted messages texts falling under the purview of this program. Data elements described within the governing MTFs establish standards for all joint-reporting systems.

b. Audience.

This standard serves two types of users:

(1) Action Officers and Managers.

Paragraph 4.2 serves the needs of individuals charged with managing the USMTF Program.

(2) Message and Reporting Systems Designers.

MIL-STD-6040A provides detailed technical information to individuals charged with designing messages and submitting USMTF proposals for their approval as message standards.

c. Allied Relationships:

(1) A major U.S. goal is allied adoption of MTF standards that will ensure interoperability among NATO and other U.S. and allied C2 Information Exchange Systems. Armed conflicts can be expected to involve the use of combined military forces. To use these forces effectively, a continuing need exists to increase the joint working ability among the various C2 information systems. This is done through the adoption and maintenance of standards and systems that provide interoperability. The operational benefits gained by allied forces from the use of common or compatible C2 standards are essentially identical to those already listed for U.S. forces engaged in joint operations and using U.S. joint standards. In the combined environment, an additional advantage is the alleviation of information exchange problems associated with differing national languages and military organizational structures.

(2) Because of our large national investment in tactical C2 systems and associated experience in developing and supporting standards, the United States is in the best position to play a leading role in developing and promoting allied acceptance of combined interoperability standards that are compatible with the standards developed by the USMTF Program.

The United States should participate in allied forums to ensure the development of allied interoperability standards like those already accepted in the U.S. joint tactical arena. Where allied interoperability requirements have not been specified and decisions are needed to maintain U.S. program schedules or continuity, U.S. decisions will be based on the need to achieve or maintain joint interoperability of U.S. forces.