text: Chapter 3
  Variable Message Format
  VARIABLE MESSAGE FORMAT EXPLANATION
  3-1. Variable message format (VMF) is a bit-oriented message interface standard with limited character-
  oriented fields designed to support the exchange of digital data between combat units. VMF supports units
  with diverse needs for volume and detailed information using various communication modes, including radio.
  (See MIL-STD-6017 for more information on VMFs.)
  3-2. The message sponsor develops and configures VMFs. Where VMFs are required, the sponsor ensures
  consistency of content in existing messages with the same name.
  MESSAGE STANDARD FUNCTIONAL AREAS
  3-3. The VMF interface primarily supports joint operations in the following joint functional areas:
  (cid:122) Network control. Network control messages support the establishment and maintenance of the
  digital data links or "networks” that use the VMF messages.
  (cid:122) General information exchange. General information exchange messages pertain to information
  that is common to more than one of the VMF functional areas or does not fit into any of the joint
  functional areas.
  (cid:122) Fire support operations. Fire support operations include direct and indirect surface-to-surface
  artillery and mortar fire, naval surface fire support, close air support, and assault support.
  (cid:122) Air operations. Air operations functional area messages support the tactical functions of offensive
  counterair operations, close air support, air interdiction, air reconnaissance and surveillance,
  electronic warfare, airlift, aerial refueling, combat search and rescue, aeromedical evacuation, and
  weather services.
  (cid:122) Intelligence operations. Intelligence operations functional area messages support the planning and
  directing of intelligence operations, collecting, processing, producing, integrating, analyzing,
  interpreting, and disseminating information regarding the status, capabilities, and intentions of
  enemy forces and their supporting facilities.
  (cid:122) Land combat operations. Land combat operations functional area messages support the
  coordination and control of land combat operations and planning and controlling tactical ground
  units and Army aviation units.
  (cid:122) Maritime operations. Maritime operations functional area messages support activities such as
  amphibious operations, convoy operations, naval control and protection of shipping, maritime
  interdiction, anti-surface warfare, mine warfare, coastal and riverine operations, electronic
  warfare, combat search and rescue, and antisubmarine warfare.
  (cid:122) Combat service support. The combat service functional area supports movement and maintenance
  of forces, including acquiring, moving, storing, distributing, maintaining, evacuating, and
  disposing of supplies and material.
  (cid:122) Special operations. The special operations functional area pertains to operations conducted by
  specially trained, equipped, and organized DOD forces against strategic, operational or tactical
  targets in pursuit of national military, political, economic, or psychological objectives.
  (cid:122) Joint task force operations control. The joint task force functional area supports coordination and
  control of all forces assigned, attached to, and in a joint force.
  (cid:122) Air defense/airspace control. Air defense/airspace control functional area messages support all
  defensive measures designed to destroy attacking aircraft, missiles, and ballistic missiles or to