text: Chapter 1
  military forces are employed for DSCA activities, they remain under federal military command and control
  at all times. (See ADP 3-28, DODD 3025.18, and JP 3-28 for a detailed discussion of DSCA.). When properly
  task-organized, the MEB can conduct or support DSCA. See chapter 2 for additional discussion on MEB
  support to stability operations. See appendix B for additional information on MEB support to DSCA tasks.
  OPERATIONAL AND MISSION VARIABLES
  1-54. Operational and mission variables complement each other and support the common purpose of
  describing the operational environment. The operational variables include political, military, economic,
  social, information, and infrastructure that collectively create the joint memory aid of PMESII (political,
  military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and time [operational
  variables]. The Army adds two more operational variables physical environment and time [PT]) to this joint
  construct to create the memory aid of PMESII-PT with a total of eight operational variables.
  1-55. The six mission variables are grouped into the time-tested memory aid of METT-TC, which captures
  the six variables of METT-TC. Each variable affects how ARFOR combine, sequence, and conduct military
  operations. Commanders tailor and task-organize forces, employ diverse capabilities, and support different
  missions to accomplish military objectives.
  OPERATIONAL VARIABLES
  1-56. Army planners describe conditions of an operational environment in terms of operational variables.
  Operational variables are those aspects of an operational environment, both military and nonmilitary, that
  may differ from one operational area to another and affect operations. Operational variables describe not only
  the military aspects of an operational environment, but also the population’s influence on it. Using Army
  design methodology, planners analyze an operational environment in terms of the eight interrelated
  operational variables PMESII-PT (political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical
  environment, and time). As soon as a commander and staff have an indication of where their unit will conduct
  operations, they begin analyzing the operational variables associated with that location. They continue to
  refine and update that analysis throughout the course of operations.
  1-57. The variables provide a broad view of the operational environment that emphasizes its human aspects.
  Because land forces always operate among populations, understanding the human variables is crucial. They
  describe each operation’s context for commanders and other leaders. Understanding them helps commanders
  appreciate how the military instrument complements other instruments of national power. Comprehensive
  analysis of the variables occurs at the joint level; Army commanders use the comprehensive joint analysis of
  the variables to shape their understanding of the situation.
  1-58. The eight Army operational variables discussed below highlight potential implications for the support
  area. The examples are not meant to be all-inclusive concerns. For more information on the variables, see
  FM 6-0.
  * Political. The political variable describes the distribution of responsibility and power at all levels
  of governance—the formally constituted authorities, as well as informal political powers. The
  political variable includes influential political groups and the collective attitude of the population
  toward the United States. The support area operations may have challenges associated with
  political circumstances permitting or denying access to key ports of entry or critical sustainment
  facilities. Opportunities in the form of alternative access routes might be added. The political
  variable (which is always important) takes on a more prominent role during stability and civil
  SPO.
  * Military. The military variable explores the military and/or paramilitary capabilities of all relevant
  actors (enemy, friendly, and neutral) in a given operational environment. This includes nonmilitary
  armed and unarmed combatants, as well as insurgent forces, guerrilla forces, and criminal
  organizations.