scope:

Purpose. This instruction implements policy and procedures for management and use of United States Message Text Format (USMTF)/Extensible Markup Language-USMTF (XML-MTF) in Department of Defense (DoD) Information Technology (IT) systems, interfaces, and net-centric applications via the Global Information Grid (GIG). The USMTF Program, as set forth in Military Standard 6040 (MIL-STD-6040), establishes the standards and prescribes the rules and conventions governing message text formats (character-oriented information exchange requirements) and their XML-MTF representations, and vocabulary for joint reporting systems. USMTF is to be used for all formatted character-oriented information exchange requirements unless specifically excluded by multinational agreement. Data elements described within the governing Message Text Formats (MTFs) establish standards for all joint reporting systems.

Applicability. This instruction applies to the combatant commands, Services, the Joint Staff, and those DoD activities and agencies responsive to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, further referred to as the Chairman.