scope:

Purpose.

This instruction, issued under the authority of reference a, establishes policy for combatant commands, Services, and agencies (C/S/A) on the management of Unit Reference Numbers (URNs). It specifically defines a management structure for the assignment of URNs that is responsive to the needs of C/S/A. URNs are associated with the variable message format (VMF). The authoritative joint definition of a URN is a reference number used in a VMF interface as defined by VMF MIL-STD-6017A. Units utilizing VMF messages on a joint interface employ URNs to uniquely identify friendly military units, broadcast networks, and multicast groups. URNs assist in the correlation of positional information in selected friendly force tracking (FFT) systems, serve as entity identifiers to facilitate situational awareness (SA) and/or command and control (C2) message exchange, and serve as a required system login routine during initialization for select FFT, SA/C2 systems. Through the employment of URNs, friendly force SA is enhanced. These unique numbers facilitate tactical and operational battlespace situational understanding; provide friendly force position location information and friendly force status to reduce fratricide while increasing warfighting capability.

Applicability.

This instruction applies to all DOD organizations responsible for assignment and input of URNs. To ensure interoperability, other Federal agencies or allied and coalition nations that implement VMF, or interface with DOD systems or applications, and may require URN utilization, should adhere to the applicable policy for URN management in this instruction.