JP 3-0, page 105

Organizing for Joint Operations IV-13 (1) Joint Operations Area. A JOA is an area of land, sea, and airspace, defined by a GCC or subordinate unified commander, in which a JFC (normally a CJTF) conducts military operations to accomplish a specific mission. JOAs are particularly useful when operations are limited in scope and geographic area or when operations are to be conducted on the boundaries between theaters. (2) Joint Special Operations Area. A JSOA is an area of land, sea, and airspace assigned by a JFC to the commander of SOF to conduct SO activities. It may be limited in size to accommodate a discreet direct action mission or may be extensive enough to allow a continuing broad range of unconventional warfare operations. A JSOA is defined by a JFC who has geographic responsibilities. JFCs may use a JSOA to delineate and facilitate simultaneous conventional and SO. The JFSOCC is the supported commander within the JSOA. For additional guidance on JSOAs, refer to JP 3-05, Special Operations. (3) Joint Security Area. A JSA is a specific surface area, designated by the JFC as critical, that facilitates protection of joint bases and supports various aspects of joint operations such as LOCs, force projection, movement control, sustainment, C2, airbases/airfields, seaports, and other activities. JSAs are not necessarily contiguous with areas actively engaged in combat (see Figure IV-5). JSAs may include intermediate support bases and other support facilities intermixed with combat elements. JSAs may be used in both linear and nonlinear situations. For additional guidance on JSAs, refer to JP 3-10, Joint Security Operations in Theater. (4) Amphibious Objective Area. The AOA is a geographic area within which is located the objective(s) to be secured by the amphibious force. This area must be of sufficient size to ensure accomplishment of the amphibious force’s mission and must provide sufficient area for conducting necessary sea, air, and land operations. For additional guidance on AOAs, refer to JP 3-02, Amphibious Operations. (5) Area of Operations. JFCs may define AOs for land and maritime forces. AOs typically do not encompass the entire operational area of the JFC, but should be large enough for component commanders to accomplish their missions and protect their forces. Component commanders with AOs typically designate subordinate AOs within which their subordinate forces operate. These commanders employ the full range of joint and Service control measures and graphics as coordinated with other component commanders and their representatives to delineate responsibilities, deconflict operations, and achieve unity of effort. d. Contiguous and Noncontiguous Operational Areas (1) Operational areas may be contiguous or noncontiguous (see Figure IV-5). When they are contiguous, a boundary separates them. When operational areas are noncontiguous, subordinate commands do not share a boundary. The higher HQ retains responsibility for the unassigned portion of its operational area.