NATO-Allied Administrative Publication N°6 - 1986

NATO UNCLASSIFIED APP-6
APP-6
Military Symbols for
Land Based Systems
July 1986
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Military Agency for Standardization (MAS)
NATO Letter of Promulgation
19 November 1984
1. APP-6 – Military symbols for land based systems is a NATO UNCLASSIFIED publication.
The agreement of nations to use this publication is recorded in STANAG 2019.
2. APP-6 is effective upon receipt.
M. KORKOLIS
Major-General, HEAR
Chairman
ΙΙ
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Chapter Record of reservations by Nations
ΙΙΙ
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
Record of changes
Change Change Date Effective By whom

number date entered date entered
IV
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
APP-6
Land Based Systems
By Command of the Defence Council
July 1986
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
NATO Military Standardization and Terminology
D/DASD/22/10/1
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION
NATO Foreword
June 1993
1. Change 3 to APP-6, Military Symbols for Land Based Systems is a NATO

UNCLASSIFIED publication and is effective on a date to be promulated by the Military
Agency for Standardization.
2. It is permissible to copy or make extracts from this publication without the consent of the
Authorizing Agency.
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National Letter of
Promulgation for Change 3
(if required)
2 of 4
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Changes and Instructions
1. Scope and contents of the Change
a. Change 3 to APP-6 consists of new pages to be inserted.
b. The following pages are contained in Change 3 and should replace existing
pages.
NATO Foreword: Page 1 of 4

National Letter of Promulgation for Change 3: Page 2 of 4
Changes and Instructions: Pages 3 and 4 of 4.
Pages to be inserted in APP-6.
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1-1 to 1-4
1-7 to 1-12
2-9 to 2-10
2-13 to 2-16
2-19 to 2-24
2-31 to 2-38
2-A-1 to 2-A-2
3-1 to 3-6
3-13 to 3-14
3-23 to 3-24
3-27 to 3-28
3-31 to 3-32
3-35 to 3-40
List of Effective Pages
c. Pages to be deleted in APP-6.
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6-1 TO 6-8
d. Note that all changes have been sidelined.
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2. Instructions
a. Before entering this Change verify the pages of the Change against the l list
contained in paragraph 1.
b. Replace the superseded pages and insert new pages in APP-6 in accordance
with the Change 3 List of Effective Pages.
c. Check the List of Effective Pages.
d. Dispose of excess material as listed in paragraph 3.
e. Make a notation on the Record of Changes page that Change 3 has been
entered.
3. Disposal of excess material
When Change 3 has been entered in APP-6, destroy the following old pages:
1 of 4 to 4 of 4
ΧΙ to ΧΙΙΙ
1-1 to 1-4
1-7 to 1-12
2-9 to 2-10
2-13 to 2-16
2-19 to 2-24
2-31 to 2-38
2-A-1 to 2-A-2
3-1 to 3-6
3-13 to 3-14
3-23 to 3-24
3-27 to 3-28
3-31 to 3-32
3-35 to 3-40
6-1 to 6-8
List of Effective Pages
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CONTENTS
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Chapter 1 Basic Information
0101 Purpose 1-1
0102 Scope 1-1
0103 Distribution 1-1
0104 Limitations 1-2
0105 Definitions 1-2
0106 Related documents 1-3
0107 Colour representation 1-3
0108 Fields 1-5
0109 Contents of fields 1-7
Chapter 2 Units, posts and installations, and equipment
0201 Basic symbols 2-1
0202 One-colour representation 2-2
0203 Solid or broken lines 2-2
0204 Equipment 2-3
0205 Fields 2-4
0206 Mandatory fields 2-4
0207 Conditional fields 2-6
0208 Optional fields 2-6
0210 Location of symbol on the map or display 2-12
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0211 Examples 2-14
0212 Unit type indicator 2-17
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0213 Headquarters representation 2-18
0214 Basic unit role indicators 2-19
0215 Composite role indicators 2-24
0216 Size indicators 2-25
0217 Symbols associated with size indicators 2-27
0218 Observation post indicator 2-27
0219 Logistic installation role indicators 2-28
0220 Electronic installation role indicators 2-28
0221 Landing site indicators 2-29
0222 Basic logistic installation role indicators 2-29
0223 Composite logistic installation role indicators 2-31
0225 Electronic installation activities 2-33
0226 Equipment indicators 2-34
0227 Composite equipment indicators 2-37
0228 Mobility indicators 2-39
0229 Location of content of fields 2-40
Annex A to Chapter 2
Method of Marking Unknown or Unidentified Enemy Units 2-A-1
Chapter 3 Terrain and tactical activities
0302 General points 3-1
0303 Points 3-3
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0304 Military fortifications 3-4
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0305 Nuclear, biological or chemical events 3-4
0306 Lines 3-5
0307 Areas and positions 3-9
0308 Fire-planning symbols 3-17
0309 Obstacles 3-19
0310 Movements 3-24
0311 Mission of Intention Symbols 3-27
0312 Fields for symbols 3-27
0313 Examples of symbols 3-35
Chapter 4 Automated displays - display rules & information content
Chapter 5 Glossary of terms for use with APP-6
Chapter 6 Alphabetical index of symbols and abbreviations.
List of Effective Pages LEP-1
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CHAPTER 1
Basic information
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0101. Purpose
1. APP-6 replaces STANAG 2019 (Edition 2) Military Symbols which was

designed for manual map marking. The contents of APP-6 constitute a
single system of military symbology for land-based formations and units,
which can be used for either automated map display systems or for
manual map marking.
2. As automated methods of display are still largely theoretical and are not
yet based on practical military experience with automated display
techniques using automated data processing (ADP), there may be a
requirement for modifications or amendment after practical ADP systems
have been used in tactical formations and units. Such changes will be
made by means of formal amendments as required.
0102. Scope
1. The military symbols contained in APP-6 will be used on:

a. Situation maps, overlays, air photograph annotations and
intelligence maps.
b. Maps used by Naval and Air Forces when involved in land-based
operations.
c. Diagrams contained in STANAGS, Allied Publications and other
NATO documents.
2. These symbols will not be used for:
a. Naval plotting.
b. Military geographic information and documentation.
c. Telecommunications diagrams.
0103. Distribution
This publication is intended for use by all types of NATO forces and by all ranks.
0104. Limitations
1. The decision to have a common set of symbols for both manual and ADP
use means that users will, in future, have to limit themselves to what is
possible with current ADP technology. In particular the following
limitations must be borne in mind.
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2. Framework. APP-6 does not attempt to produce a symbol for every
military unit, tactic or equipment. Instead it produces a number of basic
symbols which users can superimpose, one on another, to produce the
required result. In addition, it is recognized that each nation is likely to
require several specialist symbols on its own.
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3. Location. Each symbol must be capable of being positively and

accurately position on an ADP display. This means that each symbol
must contain at least one location point that will fix its position on the
display.
4. Size and detail. Current ADP displays are not capable of producing very
fine detail. If too much detail is included or if the size of the symbol is
reduced too far, the lines merge on the display and the symbol becomes
blurred.
5. The key to defining symbols, particularly when shown on an ADP screen
is the shape, not whether the symbol is open or filled. For example:
Both have the same meaning.

Civil Military Affairs
0105. Definitions
1. ‘Military symbol’ is defined as:

A graphic sign used, usually on a map, display or diagram to represent a
particular military unit, installation, activity or other item of military interest
(AAP-6). It may be in colour and is normally accompanied by
alphanumeric characters.
2. The military, tactical, logistics or other terms used in this publication are
defined, where necessary, in AP-6 or in the glossary of ATP-35.
3. The national equivalents of the various level of formations whose symbols
are shown in this publication, are set out in STANAG 2356.
4. Chapter 5 gives a glossary of terms for use with APP-6.
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0106. Related documents
1. Reference is made in this publication to various STANAGs. There is no

requirement for most users to refer to the actual STANAGs, all of which
are, in any case, implemented in publications issued by nations and allied
headquarters. However, for information the STANAGs are:
STANAG 1059 - National Distinguishing Letters for use by NATO Forces
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STANAG 2022 - Intelligence Reports

STANAG 2077 - Order of Battle Non-NATO Forces
STANAG 2356 - Comparative Formation/Unit Installations
2. Reference is made also to Allied Publications that are issued on a wide
distribution and which may be available to users. These are:
a. AAP-6. NATO Glossary of Terms and Definitions (English and
French).
b. ATP-35. Land Force Tactical Doctrine.
0107. Colour representation
1. Ideally, different colours will be used to differentiate between enemy and

friendly symbols. However, it is necessary to provide for both one-colour
and multi-colour representation of symbols.
2. Single Colour Representation. When only one colour is used, the basic
symbols for enemy units will be drawn with a double line, while friendly
units remain with a single line. Where double lines are inappropriate or
cannot be used, such as on equipment symbols, the letters ‘EN’ will
accompany in the appropriate field.
3. Multi-colour representation
a. Blue (blue or black for manual systems). Friendly units, posts and
installations, equipments, activities and ground environment
symbols, not covered by the colours listed below.
b. Red. Enemy units, posts and installations, equipments, activities
and ground environment symbols, not covered by the colours
listed below.
c. Yellow. Friendly and/or enemy NBC events, such as chemical or
radiological areas and enemy biological areas.
1-3
d. Green. Friendly and/or enemy man-made obstacles.
e. Others. Other colours are spare and if used, must be explained in
a legend.
4. Limited-colour representation
a. In cases where only a few colours are available, the following
guidelines are to be used. An example would be an ADP system
that had only a limited capability to show colours. When colours
are limited, friendly forces should always be shown in black or
blue.
b. 2 colours
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(1) One colour (ideally blue, black or green) for friendly symbols.
(2) One colour (ideally red) for enemy symbols.
c. 3 colours
(1) One colour (ideally blue or black) for friendly symbols not listed
below.
(2) One colour (ideally red) for enemy symbols not listed below.
(3) One colour (ideally yellow or green) for NBC events and/or man-
made obstacles, both friendly and enemy.
0108. Fields
1. Fields are a combination of letters, numbers and/or abbreviations grouped

in and around the basic symbol to provide additional information.
2. In order to show military symbols on an ADP screen it is necessary to
have strict rules about the position and length of each field. For example,
if all the permitted alphanumeric spaces to the left and right of a basic
symbol were used, plus the width of the symbol itself, the total length
would be half the width of the average ADP screen.
3. The rules concerning the position and length of fields grouped round a
basic symbol are as follows:
a. Above. Not more than 2 fields, each of not more than 6
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b. Right. Not more than 4 fields, each of not more than 21

alphanumeric characters. However more than one type of
information may be included in each of these fields provided that
the maximum length is not exceeded.
c. Below. Not more than 2 fields, each of not more than 6

alphanumeric characters, plus (if required) an arrow to show
‘direction of movement’.
d. Left. Not more than 4 fields, each of not more than 15
e. These are shown on the sketch below:
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6
6
15 21
15 21
15 21
15 21
6
6
4. Each field is identified by the following:

a. Field title. The name given to a particular position in relation to the
basic symbol: an example is ‘Unique designation’.
b. Field length. The maximum number of alphanumeric figures that
may be used in that particular field. It is shown after the field title:
for example ‘Unique designation (15)’. In some cases, the field
length is less than the total number of character spaces; this is to
allow for two field titles to appear on the same line. For example,
‘Combat effectiveness’ (5 spaces), plus an oblique stroke, plus
‘Free text’ (15 spaces), adds up to the maximum 21 alphanumeric
characters permitted to the right of a basic symbol.
c. Field letter. The position of each field in relation to the basic
symbol is shown on a field diagram by means of a letter that
stands for the field title; for example, the position of ‘Unique
designation’ is indicated by the letter ‘T’.
5. Not all fields are applicable to all basic symbols, but in each case the
position and maximum length is constant and obligatory. The field
diagram set out on the next page shows the position of most fields.
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6. Detailed information on the layout and content of each field, plus the
appropriate diagrams, is given in the following paragraphs:
a. Units, posts and installations and equipment - paragraph 0229.
b. Terrain and tactical activities - paragraph 0311.
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D Special indicator
Qty of
eqpt
*
C
B Size
Indicator
W Date-time group A Basic symbol (usually with E Unconfirmed or query

role indicator) mark
W Date-time group F Reinforced G Additional

or detached information
H Free text
J Evaluation rating
K Combat effectiveness
V Name of unit or type of equipment L Signature equipment
M Higher formation *
N Enemy
T Unique designation P Arbitrary unit
Designator
Notes:
1. *Which of these field titles will appear in this field depends on which role indicator
is shown.
2. The letters ‘I’, ‘O’ and ‘U’ have not been used to indicate fields to avoid confusion.
3. Fields H, J, K, L and M, N, P should not exceed 21 characters.
0109. Contents of fields. Explanatory text and examples to elaborate on the contents
of fields are contained in the following sub-paragraphs. “Applicable to all” throughout the tables
refers to formations, units, equipment, installations and posts:
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1. Mandatory fields
Field Field Length Field Title Example Remarks

Letter
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
A NA Basic a. Example shows the basic

symbol and symbol for a formation or
role unit and the role indicator is
indicator that for mechanized infantry
b. Applicable to all.
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B 6 Size a. Example shows an enemy

indicator tank regiment.
c. Mandatory for formations

and units.
d. Should be used for

installations when name is
not ambiguous.
e. May be used with

equipment.
f. Query mark, “?”, permitted.
P 21 Arbitrary a. Applicable to enemy

unit formations, units,
designator installations and equipments
only.
b. See paragraph 0206 for

1UK567 UR
further detail.
c. Assigned when
identification of enemy is
incomplete or doubtful.
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T 15 Unique a. Example shows 8th Canadian

Designation Hussars (8 CH).
b. Applicable to all except

8 CH
enemy equipment.
c. If unique designation is not

known or is unconfirmed, a
Query mark, “?”, must be shown.
d. It must always match the size

indicator. If size indicator is not
shown, unique designation must
include the size.
2. Conditional information fields

Letter
(a) (b) © (d) (e)
D NA Special a. Example shows mechanized

size infantry formation or unit in
special grouping, ie combat team,
battle group, brigade group etc.
b. Applicable to formations, units

and installations.
c. Must be displayed when

applicable.
N 2 Enemy a. Example shows an enemy

indicator mortar.
b. Applicable to enemy
equipment only.
EN
c. Not required when symbols
can be identified as enemy by the
colour red.
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3. Optional information fields
Field Field Field title Example Remarks

Letter Length
(a) (b) © (d) (e)
C 6 Quantity of a. Example shows six mortars.

equipment
6 b. Applicable to equipment only.
c. Used to show the numbers of

equipment.
d. Query mark, “?”, may be

included when quantity is not
known or is unconfirmed.
E 1 Unconfirmed ?
a. The example shows what is
thought to be an enemy motor
rifle battalion but all information is
unconfirmed.
?
b. Example two shows only the
A? fact that it is A Company and
unconfirmed. Query mark,
“?”, is inserted in this field (T).
F 3 Reinforced or a. Examples show 112

detached Reconnaissance Squadron
112 reinforced and 12 Dragoons with
squadron(s) detached.
b. Applicable to all less enemy

equipment.
(-)
c. This field is always shown in
12D brackets.
d. Used to show change in size

as (+) or (-) to indicate that units
or sub-units are attached or
detached.
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G 17 Additional a. Used for notes by the user.
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information
GR 246246 b. Applicable to all but should be
used restrictively to avoid
overloading ADP displays.
c. Contents of this field may not

necessarily be transmitted to
other units or formations.
H 21 Free text a. Used for additional information

not covered by other fields.
b. Applicable to all but should be

BDE RES used restrictively to avoid
c. Query mark ,“?”, permitted with

enemy information.
d. Important information which

should be transmitted to other
units or formations should be in
this field not in field G.
J 2 Evaluation a. Applicable to enemy only.

rating
b. Consists of one letter and one
figure to show source and
B1 information gradings.
c. If field H is also used, then field

H is used first and is separated
by an oblique stroke.
K 5 Combat a. Applicable to all formations,

effectiveness units and installations.
b. If field H is also used, then field

CE 10
c. May be displayed as CE
(Combat Effectiveness) followed
by a space and two figures or as
“%” (Percentage Effectiveness)
followed by a space and two
figures.
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L 1 Signature a. Applicable to enemy

equipment equipment only.
?
b. If the enemy equipment emits
a signature, indicate by use of an
exclamation mark “!”.

M 15 Higher a. The example shows 4th

formations Platoon, 12th Anti Armour
Company, 12th Mechanized
Brigade of 1st Armoured Division.
c. Higher formation field (M) is

used to show some or all of its
higher units or formations.
4 12/0/12/1
d. Sequence of size indicators
must follow those given in
paragraph 0208.7d.
e. If one of the sequence is

unknown, a Query Mark, “?”, is
shown.
4 12/?/12/1
f. For each part of the sequence
not used, a “0” is inserted.
g. Normally for manual display,

the higher formation field may be
abbreviated as in example two.
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Q NA Direction of A. The example shows a unit

movement moving West.
arrow
c. The example indicated the

general direction in which the unit
is moving but not the precise
route.
d. The arrow is always positioned

at the location point of the
symbol.
R NA Mobility a. Applicable to formations, units

indicator and equipment.
b. A pictorial representation of
mobility, as contained in
paragraph 0228, is used.
S 15 Headquarters a. The example shows a brigade

representation Main headquarters.
MAIN b. Applicable to all formations

and units.
c. A Query mark, “?”, may be

used at the end of the information
in this field if it is unconfirmed. A
Query mark, “?”, should be
shown in this field if the
information is unknown or
unconfirmed.
d. The words MAIN, REAR,

ALTN, TAC or STEPUP may be
used.
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V 5 Name of unit or a. Example one shows FLG, 13/

type of Service Battalion. Example two
equipment FLG 13 indicated an enemy anti-tank gun
thought to be 120mm but this
information has not been
confirmed.
c. This field is used to show the

classification, or type of
120mm?
formation, unit, installation or
equipment.
EN
d. A Query mark, “?”, may be
used at the end o the information
in this field if it is unconfirmed or
on its own if the information is
unknown.
W 15 and Date-time- NMB 041000Z a. Example one shows No Move

15 group Before (NMB) 1000 hours ZULU
on the 4th day of the current
month. Example two shows an
action is in effect from 1200Z to
2300Z hours only.
FROM 1200Z
TO 2300 Z b. Applicable to all.
c. Two “W” fields are used to

allow for both “FROM” and “TO”
to be shown.
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CHAPTER 2
Units, posts and installations, and equipment
Part 1 Guide to Use
0201. Basic symbols
1. A unit is represented by:
2. A headquarters or an element of a headquarters is represented by:
3. An observation post is represented by:
4. A logistic or administrative installation is represented by:
5. An electronic installation is represented by:
6. A landing site is represented by:
7. National non-NATO forces are represented by:
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02. One-colour representation
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When only one colour is used, the basic symbols for enemy units will be drawn with a double
line:
An enemy unit
Where double lines cannot be used, such as on equipment symbols, the letters ‘EN’ will
accompany:
EN
0203. Solid or broken lines.
1. A solid line will be used to indicate:

a. Present or actual locations.
b. Objectives.
c. Boundaries.
2. A broken line will be used to indicate a future or projected location:
Future location of infantry battalion Enemy unit HQ

anticipated location
0204. Equipment
1. Unless otherwise stated, the exact location of the equipment is indicated

by the centre of the base of the symbol.
2. Equipments are indicated by the basic weapon symbol for a gun or
howitzer with the calibre shown in field V:
a. Light gun or howitzer:
105mm
b. Medium gun or howitzer:
105mm
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c. Heavy gun or howitzer:
155mm
d. Heavy gun or howitzer:
175mm
3. Additions are made to indicate the type of equipment:

a. Light gun in anti-tank role
105mm
b. A gun in anti-aircraft role
40mm
c. Multi-barrel rocket launcher
MLRS
0205. Fields
1. Fields are a combination of letters, numbers and/or abbreviations grouped

in and around the basic symbol to provide additional information.
2. An explanation is set out at paragraph 0108 and detailed information on
each field is set out at paragraph 0229. Paragraphs 0206, 0207, 0208
and 0209 explain the use of each field.
0206. Mandatory fields
The following information is mandatory and must be completed if applicable. If the Information is
not known, a query mark must be shown in its place.
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1. Role indicator (-) (A). A symbol is placed within the basic symbol to show
the type of unit or installation; it may be a composite symbol combining
two or more types:
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An armoured unit A fuel installation for Air Force fuel

2. Size indicator (6) (B) (mandatory for units only, but could be used also
with some installations and/or equipment; see paragraph 0229). A symbol
is placed on top of the basic symbol to show the size:
MRG
An infantry platoon A Main Repair Group (MRG)

manned by a company size unit
3. Unconfirmed or query mark (1)

a. When an aspect of a mandatory field is unknown, a query mark,
“?”, by itself, must appear in that field.
b. When one aspect of a mandatory field is doubtful, a query mark,
“?”, should be placed at the end of the information in that field.
4. Arbitrary unit designator (13) (P). A number, letters or combination of both

is used to designate an HQ, unit or formation whose correct title is
unknown. Further details on the method of allocation of an Arbitrary Unit
Designator are contained in Annex A to this Chapter.
NG369 UR MRD
This example indicates that HQ NORTHAG

have located what they believe to be an
enemy MRD and have allocated the arbitrary
unit designator of 369.
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5. Unique designation (15) (T)

a. Gives the title of the unit, etc. It must always match the size
indicator:
23 Indicates No. 23 Battalion

Indicates No. 23 Battalion
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b. If a size indicator is not shown, for example with an item of

equipment, then the unique designation should include an
abbreviation, such as ‘pl’ (for platoon) to indicate size.
0207. Conditional fields
The following fields are conditional, and must be completed if the conditions which they indicate
are applicable.
1. Special indicator (-) (D). Must be displayed when applicable.
Armoured Infantry unit in special grouping, such as a Combat

team
2. Enemy (shown as ‘EN’) (2) (N). Must be used for equipment if one-colour
representation is used; if an arbitrary unit designator (field P) is shown
also, ‘EN’ will be shown before the arbitrary unit designator.
57mm EN
An enemy anti-aircraft gun of 57mm calibre
2-4
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0208. Optional fields
The following fields are optional and should be completed when required.
1. Quantity of equipment (6) ©. To show numbers of an equipment. Where

the quantity is unconfirmed a query mark may be added:
81mm
4 x 81mm mortars (see paragraph 0206.3)
2. Reinforced or Detached (3) (F). Used to indicate if reinforced or if part is
detached. Always shown in brackets:
(+)
14
14 Infantry battalion
(-)
15
15 Infantry battalion with part detached
3. All information unknown (1) (E). When all the information contained in a
symbol is doubtful or unconfirmed, a query mark, “?”, must be placed in
field E.
4. Additional information (17) (G). Space for the writer to make notes;
however information in this space will not necessarily be transmitted via
ADP.
(+)
14
CHECK AT 1200HRS
14 Infantry battalion reinforced, but with note
to check again at 1200 hrs
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5. Free text (15) (H). Space to write additional information which will be
transmitted via ADP:
NO DRINK
The water is not for human
consumption
6. Combat effectiveness (5) (K)
a. An indication of the effectiveness of the unit (friendly or enemy)
may be shown as:
(1) Combat effectiveness (‘CE’ plus %), or
(2) Percentage effectiveness (‘PE’ plus %)
(3) If field H (free text) is to be used also, put an oblique
stroke after field K:
CE 10
Combat effectiveness = 10% for a friendly unit
20% BEING CHECKED
Percentage effectiveness = 20% for an enemy unit

7. Higher formation (15) (M)
a. The unique designation (field T) gives the title of the unit or other
symbol portrayed, and must always match any size indicator
shown.
b. The higher formation field (field M) is to show some or all of its
higher units or formations. They are shown with an oblique stroke
between each one.
c. It should show their abbreviated title and it may include national
distinguishing letters.
d. It must follow the sequence of size indicators given to STANAG
2356, which is as follows:
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Group Size Indicator Generic Term
1 -
.
2 -
..
3 Platoon
…
4 Echelon
….
5 I Company
6 II Battalion
7 III Regiment/Group
8 X Brigade
9 XX Division
10 XXX Corps
11 XXXX Army
12 XXXXX Army Group
13 XXXXXX Region
If one of the sequence is unknown, a query mark must be shown. If one of the sequence is not
used by a nation, ‘0” must be shown.
e.
2(CA) 3(US) 2 (Canadian) Brigade, which is part of 3 (US) Division
2-7
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16 ?/10
f.
16 Platoon, which is part of an unknown company, which

is part of 10 Battalion
3 A/14/0/2 (UK)
g.
3 Platoon, A Company, 14 Battalion, part of
2 (UK) Brigade. UK does not use ‘regiment
(III)’, so this slot is shown as ‘0’.
8. Direction-of-movement arrow (-) (Q). General indication of the direction of

movement
This unit is moving west This Headquarters is moving east

9. Mobility indicator (-) ®. A pictorial representation of the type of mobility:
An infantry company in wheeled transport
2-8
10. Headquarters representation (15) (S):
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
a. A ‘shaft’ is drawn on the left side of the symbol to indicate a

headquarters
b. Underneath the symbol may be written an abbreviation to show the
type of headquarters. The list of types is given in paragraph 0213.
MAIN
A divisional main headquarters
11. Name of unit or type of equipment (15) (V):

a. The unique designation (field T) gives the unique title of the unit or
installation portrayed.
b. This field (field V) should show the class or type of the unit,
installation or equipment rather than its unique title.
c. In cases where the name or type is unconfirmed, a query mark
should be added.
d.
SPECIAL FORCES B
B Company of
some Special
Forces Unit
e.
BASE WORKSHOP
maintenance unit of Base
Workshop type of battalion size
2-9
f.
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
120mm?
EN
An anti-tank gun, thought to be 120mm but
not confirmed
12. Date/time (15/15) (W):

a. These fields should contain all information relating to time.
b. Each field contains up to 15 characters.
c. Each line should contain figures to represent the date and/or time
and if required an abbreviation to indicate the purpose of the time.
d. Two lines are available so as to be able to portray such items as
‘from’ and ‘to’ times.
e.
031500A
Information obtained on the 3rd day
of the current month at 1500 hrs
ALFA time
f.
NMB 041000Z
No Move Before (NMB) 1000 hrs
ZULU time on the 4th day of the
current month
g.
FROM 1200Z TO 2300 Z

Information effective
From 1200 hrs ZULU
time To 2300 hrs ZULU
time
2-10
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
0209. Optional fields (enemy only)
The following fields are optional also, but apply to enemy forces only.
1. Evaluation rating (2) (J). Indicates the source and information gradings
(these gradings are explained in STANAG 2022). If field H (free text) is to
be used also, an oblique stroke should follow the evaluation rating:
A1
The information is graded as ‘A1’
2. Signature equipment (1) (L). Indicate by ‘!’ if the equipment emits a
signature. If field H (free test) is to be used also, an oblique stroke should
follow the signature symbol.
A radar emitting a clearly recognizable signal that will

identify it
0210. Location of symbol on the map or the display
1. Each symbol must be capable of being positively and accurately

positioned on an ADP display. This means that each symbol must contain
at least one ‘location point’ that will fix its position on the display.
2. However the position of the ‘location point’ may vary according to the type
of ADP system being used.
3. Therefore it is not possible to set out fixed rules. However, as a general
guide, the location point is likely to be positioned as follows:
a. At the point of the shaft for:
2-11
b. At the centre of the bottom for:
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
c. At the end of a ‘location vector’ which starts from one of the above
location points, when it is necessary to offset the symbol from its
current position:
d. When there are two or more staffs at the same location, the
symbols can be placed on one location vector:
2-12
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
e. When more than one unit, installation or equipment are located at

the same location, they can be indicated by:
0211. EXAMPLES
1. One-colour respesentation
a. Friendly forces
MAIN
NMB 031030Z (-)
AT 031005Z 3/76/2(US)
Main Headquarters of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Regiment, 76th Brigade,

less a significant detachment. The unit is under command of 2
(US) Div. The information is valid at 1005Z on the 3rd of the
month. The HQ is about to move east, no move before (NMB)
031030Z
2-13
b. Enemy forces
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
AT 101500Z A 1HF RADIO
HF RADIO 2 GE 123PL
(1
Polish signal unit of unidentified size given an arbitrary unit

designator of 123 by 2 (GE) Corps. Unit equipped with HF radio,
information graded A1, seen at 101500Z
(2)
12?
AT 231600Z B1/GR246246
T72 7US315GC
East German tanks of an unidentified unit seen at GR 246246

believed to be T72. Arbitrary unit designator 315 allotted by 7 (US)
Corps. Quantity unconfirmed and graded B1
a. Friendly forces
(1) Units
PATROL (-)
C 14/0/12(UK)
Part of C Company, 14th Infantry Battalion of the 12th (UK) Brigade,

(UK does not use ‘regiment’, so ‘0’ is shown). The Company is
being used as a patrol company.
2-14
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
(2) Installations
OPEN 031000Z
A 3/43
Water point manned by A Company, 3rd Battalion, 43rd Regiment,

due to open at 1000Z on the 3rd day of the current month. Exact
location indicated by a vector.
(3) Equipment
070800Z 1 COLDM GDS
Mor Pl
4 x 81mm mortars belonging to the Mortar Platoon (Mor Pl) of 1st
Battalion Coldstream Guards (COLDM GDS). Information valid at
0800Z on the 7th of the month.
b. Enemy forces
(1) Units
T76 B1
6 1UK231 CZ
6th Czechoslovakian Tank Regiment, equipped with T76 tanks,

arbitrary unit designator 231 allotted by 1(BR) Corps, information
rated B1.
2-15
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
(2) Post
190730Z 1 COLDM GDS

BN? 7/16 1NL 241 UR
A Soviet artillery observation post of the 7th Regiment, 16th Brigade.

Located at GR 123456. Information as at 0730Z on the 19th day of
the current month. Which battalion is providing the post is not
known, and this is indicated by ‘BN?’. Allotted arbitrary unit
designator 241 by 1 (NL) Corps.
(3) Equipment
120mm? 1BE312 HU
Three Hungarian mortars, thought to be 120mm but not confirmed.

Given the arbitrary unit designator of 312 by 1 (BE) Corps.
c. Landing sites
OPEN 191030Z ? 22AAC
(See Symbol No 8 at Page 2-19). An army helicopter landing site,

belonging to an unspecified squadron of 22 Army Air Corps (AAC) at GR
678124. It opens at 1030Z on the 19th day of the current month.
2-16
d. Electronic activities
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
RADAR ?/24
A radar-jamming installation (platoon size), part of 24th Battalion,

Company not known.
e. Mobility
1/43
120mm
2Pl
A tracked anti-tank gun (120mm) from 2 Platoon, 1 Company, 43

Battalion.
PART 2 CATALOGUE OF SYMBOLS
0212. Unit type indicator
Description Symbol
1. Friendly unit in its present location
2. Friendly unit HQ in its present location
3. Planned location for friendly unit
2-17
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
4. Planned location for friendly unit HQ
5. Capable of being fully mobilized
6. Capable of being only partly mobilized
7. Enemy unit in its present location
8. Enemy unit HQ in its present location
9. Enemy unit anticipated or suspect

location (this is made clear from the
supporting fields)
10. Enemy unit HQ anticipated or suspect

supporting fields)
2-18
0213. Headquarters representation
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
1. Unit Headquarters and Command Posts may be specified by characters

underneath the symbol. The following terms in abbreviated form may be
used in field S, but may not necessarily appear:
Description Abbreviated form
a. Advanced ADV
b. Alternative ALTN
c. Main MAIN
d. Mobile MOB
e. Peacetime PEACE
f. Rear REAR
g. Reserve RES
h. Static STAT
i. Step-up STEPUP
j. Tactical TAC
2. An index of all the abbreviations set out in APP-6 is contained in

paragraph 0618.
0214. Basic unit role indicators
These are listed in alphabetical order.
1. Air defence
2. Air Force (see also Symbol No 8 and footnote thereto)
2-19
3. Airmobile
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
4. Air-transportable
5. Amphibious
6. Anti-tank
7. Armour
8. Army aviation (See Footnote)
(a) (b)
Footnote: Both symbols are used within NATO. However, symbol 8(a) is favoured for use in
ADP systems because it is clearly distinguishable from the ‘Air Force’ symbol (0214.2 above).
See also Para 0104.5 at Page 1-2.
9. Artillery
10. Bridging
11. Combat service support

(either unspecified role or multi-role)
2-20
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
12. Electronic ranging
13. Electronic warfare
EW
For Germany only
14. Engineer
15. Headquarters support unit
OR
16. Infantry
17. Labour resources
18. Maintenance
19. Marines
SSS
20. Medical
For Turkey only
2-21
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
21. Meteorological
MET
22. Military/civil affairs
23. Military police
MP
24. Missile
25. Mountain
26. Navy
27. Nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC)
28. Ordnance
29. Parachute
30. Pay/finance
2-22
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
31. Personnel services
PS
32. Pipeline
33. Postal and/or courier
34. Psychological
35. Quartermaster
36. Reconnaissance
37. Reinforcement/replacement holding unit
RHU FErs
For Germany only
38. Service unit
SVCS
39. Signal/communications
40. Sound ranging
2-23
41. Supply
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
OR
42. Transportation/movement
43. Topographical/survey and/or map production or map depot
44. Unmanned air reconnaissance
45. Unspecified or composite all arms formations (e.g., corps, front)
46. Veterinary
VET
0215. Composite role indicators
In order to depict various types of composite units, the basic symbols should be superimposed
upon each other. Both units and/or equipment can be treated in this way. Typical examples are
as follows (shown in alphabetical order):
1. Air defence artillery
2. Air defence missile
2-24
3. Anti-tank Army Aviation
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
See Symbol No 8 at Page 2-20)

4. Anti-tank missile
5. Anti-tank rocket
6. Armoured artillery
7. Armoured engineers
8. Armoured reconnaissance
9. Mechanized/armoured infantry in tracked APCs
10. Mechanized/armoured infantry in wheeled APCs
11. Rocket artillery
2-25
0216. Size indicators
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
1. Smallest Unit/US Squad/UK Section
2. Unit larger than a US Squad/UK Section but smaller

than a platoon equivalent
3. a. Platoon/troop equivalent
OR
b. Some nations use:

as the symbol for a platoon of combat troops
as the symbol for an echelon of command/control or
support elements
4. Company/Battery/Squadron equivalent
5. Battalion equivalent
6. Regiment/Group equivalent
2-26
7. Brigade equivalent
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
8. Division
9. Corps
10. Army
11. Army Group
12. Region
0217. Symbols associated with size indicators
1. Non-organic unit or temporary grouping
2. Unknown
2-27
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
POSTS AND INSTALLATION REPRESENTATION
0218. Observation post indicator
1. Friendly observation post in its present location
2. Friendly observation post’s planned location
3. Enemy observation post in its present location
4. Enemy observation post’s anticipated or suspect location (this is made

clear from the supporting fields)
0219. Logistic installation indicator
1. Friendly logistic installation in its present location
2. Friendly logistic installation’s planned location
3. Enemy logistic installation in its present location
4. Enemy logistic installation anticipated or suspect location (this is made

2-28
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
0220. Electronic installation indicator
1. Friendly electronic installation in its present location
2. Friendly electronic installation in its planned location
3. Enemy electronic installation in its present location
4. Enemy electronic installation in its anticipated or suspect location (this is

made clear from the supporting fields)
0221. Landing site indicators
1. Friendly landing site in its present location
2. Friendly landing site in its planned location
3. Enemy landing site in its present location
4. Enemy landing site anticipated or suspect location (this is made clear

from the supporting fields)
INSTALLATION ROLE INDICATORS
0222. Basic logistic installation role indicators
These are listed in alphabetical order. Ammunition installations containing one type of
ammunition only should be depicted by the basic ammunition symbol with the nature stocked
shown in field V.
2-29
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
1. Ammunition
2. Bridging
3. Burial
For Turkey only

4. Chemical storage
CHEM
5. Decontamination
6. Engineer
7. Food
8. Fuel
9. Hospital
2-30
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
10. Laundry and bath
11. Maintenance
12. Medical
13. Missile ammunition
14. Movement control
15. Nuclear storage
NUC
16. Spare parts
17. Supply
or
18. Water
2-31
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
19. Unknown
20. Combat service support (either unspecified or multi-role)
0223. Composite logistic installation role indicators
In order to depict various types of composite logistic installations, the basic symbols should be
superimposed upon each other. Unit, installation and/or equipment symbols can be used.
Typical examples are as follows (shown in alphabetical order).
1. Air defence ammunition (gun)
2. Air defence ammunition (missiles)
3. Air Force ammunition
4. Air Force fuel (fixed wing or helicopter)
5. Army aviation ammunition
2-32
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
6. Army aviation fuel (fixed wing or helicopter)
7. Artillery ammunition (gun)
8. Artillery ammunition (missile)
9. Rocket ammunition (rocket)
10. Mines and explosives
0224. Electronic installation role indicators
Shown in alphabetical order.
1. Air defence radar
2. Artillery locating
2-33
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
EW
For Germany only

4. Ground sensor/ground surveillance radar
5. Signal communications
6. Target designator, eg laser, infrared
0225. Electronic installation activities
1. Direction finding
2. Emitting
3. Intercepting
4. Jamming
2-34
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
EQUIPMENT REPRESENTATION
0226. Equipment Indicators
Unless otherwise stated, the exact location of the equipment is indicated by the centre of the
base of the symbol.
Equipment is shown grouped according to type.
Equipment Light Medium Heavy
1. Aircraft
a. Air Force fixed wing aircraft

size and type unspecified
b. Air Force helicopter
c. Army fixed-wing aircraft (See Symbol

No 8 at Page
2-20)
d. Army helicopter (See Symbol

No 8 at Page
2-20)
e. Army attack helicopter
f. Bomber, size unspecified
g. Fighter, size unspecified
2. Electronics
Radar
2-35
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
3. Ships
a. Naval ship, size unspecified
b. Submarine, size
unspecified
c. Hovercraft, size unspecified
4. Weapons
a. Anti-tank gun
b. Anti-tank missile launcher
c. Anti-tank rocket launcher
d. Flame thrower
2-36
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
e. Gun
f. Howitzer
g. Machine gun
h. Mortar
i. Surface-to-air missile launch
j. Surface-to-surface tactical missile

launcher
4. Vehicles
a. Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC)
b. General symbol for armoured vehicle
c. General symbol for unprotected vehicle
d. Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle

(MICV)/Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)
e. Tank
2-37
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
0227. Composite equipment indicators
In order to depict various types of composite equipment, the basic symbols should be
superimposed upon each other. Typical examples are as follows (shown in alphabetical order).
Equipment Symbol
1. Army Anti-tank helicopter
(See symbol No 8 at Page 2-20)
Germany only
2. Armoured vehicle bridge laying

(AVLB)
3. Engineer vehicles
a. There are a wide variety of engineer vehicles and attachments, such as

‘mine plough’ or ‘dozer blades’, that can be fitted.
c. In order to simplify/reduce the number of symbols, the symbol has
been selected as the general indication of an engineer vehicle. This should be attached to
the appropriate vehicle symbol and field V should then be used to say what attachment is
fitted.
Equipment Symbol
c. Examples are: MINE PLOUGH

(1) Tank with mine plough
2-38
(2) Tracked vehicle armoured with dozer DOZER

blade
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
(3) Wheeled vehicle for load carrying 10 TON LOAD
4. Gun in anti-aircraft role
Equipment Symbol
5. Gun in anti-tank role
6. Multi-barrel rocket launcher
7. Reconnaissance Air Force aircraft,

size not specified
8. Air Force transport aircraft, size not

specified
0228. Mobility indicators
To be shown in field R, underneath a unit or equipment symbol, to indicate the type of mobility.
Mobility indicators may be placed in field A to clarify the capability of the unit if required. Shown
in alphabetical order.
1. Amphibious
2-39
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
2. Oversnow
3. Towed vehicle or a trailer
4. Tracked
5. Wheeled
6. Wheeled, cross-country
7. Wheeled/tracked combination
8. Railway
2-40
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
0229. Location and contents of fields
1. Detailed information on the purpose and layout of fields is given in

paragraph 0108. For ease of reference, the field diagram is reproduced
here.
2.
Qty of
Eqpt
*
B Size
indicator
A Basic symbol (usually E Unconfirmed or query

with role indicator)
W Date-time group F Reinforced or detached
G Additional information
V Name of unit or type of H Free Text *
equipment
J Evaluation rating
L Signature equipment
S Headquarters M Higher formation *
representation
N Enemy
R Mobility indicator
P Arbitrary unit **
Q Direction of movement designator
arrow
Notes:
* Which of these field titles will appear in this field depends upon which role
indicator is shown.
The letters ‘I’, ‘O’ and ‘U’ have not been used to indicate fields to avoid confusion.
** See Annex A to this chapter which gives instructions for the method of allocating
an arbitrary unit designator.
2-41
Annex:
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
A. Marking Unknown or Unidentified Enemy Units
2. Content of information fields

Field letter Maximum field Title and Applicable to Remarks
length description
Mandatory - Basic symbol All -

fields and role
indicator units,
A posts and
installations or
equipment
symbol (See
paragraphs
0214, 0215,
0222, 0223,
0224, 0225,
0226, 0227)
B 6 Size indicator a. Mandatory for

units
See paragraph Units
0216 b. Should be
Installations completed for
installations when
Equipment the number or name
of the installation is
not unique and
unambiguous
c. May be used with

equipments
d. Query mark
permitted
2-42
P 21 Arbitrary unit Enemy only The arbitrary unit

designator. To designator is
be assigned allocated in
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
when the accordance with the

Units
identification of instructions in Annex
the symbol is Installations A to this Chapter
incomplete or
doubtful Equipment
T 15 Unique All less enemy a. If the unique

designation. equipment designation is not
Unique number known, or is
or abbreviated unconfirmed, a query
title of unit or mark must be shown
installation
b. May include
National
distinguishing letters
c. The unique
designation must
always match the
size indicator. If a
size indicator is not
shown, the unique
designation must
include the size.
Conditional information fields
D - Special size Units Must be displayed

indicator (see when applicable
paragraph Installations
0217)
N 2 Enemy. Equipment Not required when

Indicate enemy symbols can be
equipment by identified as ‘Enemy’
the letters ‘EN’ by their colour
2-43
Optional information fields
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
C 6 Quantity of Equipment Query mark may be

equipment. included
Shows how
many
equipments are
present
E 1 Unconfirmed. All When all the

Query mark information is
doubtful
F 3 Reinforced or All less enemy This field is always

detached. equipment shown in brackets
Attached to
field F to show
change in size
as (+) or (-)
G 17 Additional All The contents of this

information. field may not
For notes by necessarily be
the user transmitted to other
users
H 15 Free text. All a. Query mark

Space for permitted with
additional Enemy information
information not
covered by the b. Important
other fields information, which
should be
transmitted to other
users, should be in
this field not in field
G
2-44
J 2 Evaluation Enemy only a. For gradings see

rating. STANAG 2022
Consists of one
letter one figure b. If field H is in use
to show source also, this comes first,
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
and information and is then

gradings separated by an
oblique stroke
If field H is in use
also, this comes first
and then separated
by an oblique stroke
K 5 Combat Units If field H is in use

effectiveness. also, this comes first
May be Installations and then separated
displayed as by an oblique stroke
Combat
effectiveness
(CE followed by
space and 2
figures and %)
or Percentage
effectiveness
(PC followed by
space and 2
figuresand %)
L 1 Signature Enemy only If field H is in use

equipment. If also, this comes first
the equipment Equipment and is then
is a signature separated by an
equipment, oblique stroke
indicate by ‘!’
M 15 Higher All a. Query mark may

formation. be included
Unique number
or abbreviated b. May include
title of the National
formation distinguishing letters
c. Must follow the

sequence of sizes
given in paragraph
0216
2-45
Q - Direction-of- All Indicates the general

movement direction, not the
arrow. Always precise route
positioned at
the location
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
point of the
symbol
R - Mobility Units
indicator. A
pictorial Equipment
representation
of mobility as
defined in
paragraph 0228
S 15 Headquarters Units Query mark may be

representation. included
Specifies level
of headquarters
(see paragraph
0213)
V 15 Name of unit or Units Where name or type

type of are unconfirmed, a
equipment. Equipment query mark may be
Show class, added
type or query
mark
W 15 and 15 Date/time All a. 7 character

group. May be alphanumeric field
supplemented for date/time
by ‘AT’ ‘FROM’, preceded by up to 7
etc to show to letters to show ‘AT
what the time TO’, etc
applies
b. Two fields, each
of 15 spaces to allow
both ‘FROM’ and
‘TO’ or equivalent
times to be shown
2-46
ANNEX A TO
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
CHAPTER 2
METHOD OF MARKING UNKNOWN OR UNIDENTIFIED ENEMY UNITS
1. In war it could prove extremely difficult to identify by title a particular unit or

formation on the battlefield particularly if it has come from other than the well known groups of
forces bordering NATO countries/armies.
2. The method employed to mark unknown or unidentified enemy units on manual,

or ADP, map displays is to allocate an Arbitrary Unit Designator (AUD). An arbitrary unit
designator is made up of a prefix, a number and a suffix. STANAG 2077 INT contains full
details of the method of allocating arbitrary unit designators and a precis of its contents follows
for ease of reference.
PREFIX
3. A 3 digit alphanumeric distinguishing code indicating the corps originating the

AUD (the final dinome indicating nationality as laid down in STANAG 1059) eg:
1 (BR) Corps will use 1 UK*
2 (GE) Corps will use 2 GE
7 (US) Corps will use 7 US
or
4. A 2 letter distinguishing code indicating the NATO formation allocating the AUD.
These prefixes are:
SHAPE SH
AFNORTH AN
COMNON NN
COMSONOR SN
COMBALTAP BA
COMLANDJUT JU
COMZEALAND ZE
AFCENT AC*
NORTHAG NG*
2-A-1
CENTAG CG*
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
AFSOUTH AS
* To be reviewed in conjunction with other NATO STANAGS.
LANDSOUTH LS
LANDSOUTHEAST SE
AMF(L) AM
or
5. A 2 letter distinguishing code in accordance with the national distinguishing

letters given in ADatP-3 Part IV an extract of which follows:
ALBANIA AL
ALGERIA AG
AUSTRIA AU
BELGIUM BE
BULGARIA BU
CANADA CA
CYPRUS CY
CZECHOSLOVAKIA CZ
DENMARK DA
EYGPT EG
FINLAND FI
FRANCE FR
GERMANY (FDR) GE*
GERMANY (GDR) GC*
GIBRALTAR GI
GREECE GR
2-A-2
GREENLAND GL
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
HUNGARY HU
ICELAND IC
IRELAND EI
ITALY IT
LIBYA LY
LEICHENSTEIN LS
LUXEMBOURG LU
MALTA MT
MONACO MN
MOROCCO MO
NETHERLANDS NL
NORWAY NO
POLAND PL
PORTUGAL PO
RUMANIA RO
USSR UR*
SPAIN SP
SWEDEN SW
SWITZERLAND SZ
TUNISIA TS
TURKEY TU
UNITED KINGDOM UK
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA US
YUGOSLAVIA* YO
2-A-3
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
NUMBER
6. National corps will be responsible for allocating blocks of numbers between 000
and 999 to their own headquarters and subordinate formations. Similarly, divisions may sub-
allocate numbers to their subordinate formations. All formations of a corps and corps HQ will
however use the same prefix. Nations and NATO formation headquarters will use the same
block of number ie 000-999.
*To be reviewed in conjunction with other NATO STANAGs.
SUFFIX
7. The prefix and number will be followed by a suffix indicating:
a. The nationality of the enemy formation.

b. The type of formation.
CHANGES IN ARBITRARY UNIT DESIGNATOR
8. The arbitrary unit designator allocated in accordance with paragraphs 5, 6 and 7

will not normally be changed unless an unidentified enemy unit or formation is recognized
separately by 2 formations, each of which allocates its own AUD. Under such circumstances
the relevant superior headquarters, having agreed that an unidentified enemy formation or unit
is present, will either:
a. Accept one of the already allotted AUDs, but replace the prefix with its
own,
or
b. Allocate a new AUD. In either case both of the originating formations

must be informed.
EXAMPLE
9. A division of 1 (BE) Corps and a division of 1 (BR) Corps separately detect the
presence of an unidentified Russian motor rifle division (MRD) in the area of the inter-corps
boundary and each gives it an AUD using the block of numbers allocated to them by their own
corps (1BE369URMRD and IUK473URMRD respectively). Each corps adopts the AUD
allocated by its originating division. HQ NORTHAG agrees that an unidentified Russian MRD is
present and decides to retain the BE number but allocates it a NORTHAG prefix. From then on
until positively identified, or changed by AFCENT or SHAPE, the unidentified formation will be
known as NG369 UR MRD. If for some reason it is changed by AFCENT or SHAPE an
AFCENT or SHAPE prefix will be applied. Relevant examples are:
2-A-4
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
a. 1 (BE) Corps
? 1BE369 UR MRD
b. 1 (BR) Corps
? 1UK473 UR MRD
c. HQ NORTHAG agree that an unidentified UR MRD is present and retain

the BE number but allocate a NORTHAG prefix and inform both corps
headquarters of the change:
? NG369 UR MRD
2-A-5
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
CHAPTER 3
TERRAIN AND TACTICAL ACTIVITIES
Part 1 Guide to use
0301.
Because the symbols listed in this chapter are each used differently, it is necessary to refer to
Part 2 to find out precisely how each one is to be used. In Part 2, the symbols are listed under
the following paragraphs:
1. Points Paragraph 0303

2. Military fortifications Paragraph 0304
3. NBC events Paragraph 0305
4. Lines Paragraph 0306
5. Areas and positions Paragraph 0307
6. Fire planning symbols Paragraph 0308
7. Obstacles Paragraph 0309
8. Movement Paragraph 0310
9. Mission or Intention Symbols Paragraph 0311
0302. General points
1. Location of symbols
a. ‘Areas’
Symbols for areas to be located by one of three ways:
(1) To scale on the map or diagram concerned, following the
representation of the area concerned.
(2) Schematically drawn on the map or diagram concerned,
with its centre on the area concerned.
(3) Schematically drawn and tied by a location vector, to the
centre of the area on the map or diagram concerned, if this will
improve clarity.
3-1
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
b. ‘Lines’
To follow the grid references of the feature they represent.
c. ‘Movement’
To follow the grid references for the movement concerned.
d. ‘Obstacles’
Obstacle symbols should be drawn over the exact grid reference of the
obstacles concerned. If this is not possible, the symbol may be drawn
elsewhere and connected to the exact grid reference by means of a
location vector.
2. Enemy representation
When one-colour representation is used, the letters ‘EN’ should be
repeated as often as necessary for clarity. Examples are:
a. Enemy area b. Enemy front line
EN EN EN
3. Fields
The position and used of ‘Fields’ in connection with the symbols given in
this chapter differ according to the symbol concerned. They are
described in detail in paragraph 0311.
4. Use in connection with a unit or equipment symbol
When a unit or equipment symbol is used in conjunction with a symbol
from this chapter, it must follow the rules set out in Chapter 2.
5. Use of query mark
The query mark may be used when:
a. Part of the information is unknown. The query mark is to be placed in the
field concerned.
b. Part of the information is doubtful. The query mark is to be placed at the
end of the appropriate field.
c. All information is doubtful or unconfirmed. The query mark is to be placed
in field E.
3-2
Part 2 Catalogue of symbols
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
0303. Points
A point of military interest on a map or diagram is indicated by one of the following:
1. Contact or unspecified point
(US)
A special indicator may be added, the ones most commonly used are:
a. Starting point
SP
SP
(US)
b. Release point
RP RP
(US)
c. Check point
CP
5
2. Control point
3. Coordinating point. For this symbol, the location point is the centre of the
symbol
3-3
0304. Military fortifications
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
1. Earthwork/small trench/fortification
2. Surface shelter
3. Underground shelter
4. Strong point
0305. Nuclear biological or chemical events
1. Nuclear strikes are indicated as follows:
a. Actual strikes
b. Suspected or planned strikes
3-4
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
2. Biological and chemical events
a. To differentiate between them, biological (BIO) or chemical
BIO CHEM
(CHEM) will be written in field V.
b. If the exact type of contamination is not known, ‘NBC’ will be
NBC
written in field V.
0306. Lines
1. Boundaries
a. Boundaries are marked by a solid line with the size of the unit
interposed at convenient intervals.
XX
b. The numerical designation of units (supplemented if necessary by

the National distinguishing letters in brackets) may be placed n
either side of the size symbols to indicate which formations are
separated by this boundary.
4(UK)
3(US)
d. (1) When a boundary separates units of unequal size, the symbol for the larger unit will
normally be used. However, unit rear boundaries will show the size symbol of the unit
concerned and not the size symbol of the formation commanding that unit. When the unit
concerned does not correspond to the size symbol placed on its boundary, its numerical
designation must be supplemented by its size designation:
3-5
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
1(US)
27(BE) BDE
2 DIV 27
(2) If independent units of unequal sizes share a boundary, two size

symbols will be shown, one on each side of the boundary.
(NO)
(AMF)
d. The diagram below illustrate some of the different cases that may
occur:
3(US) 3(US) 1(US)
3(BE) 2(BE)BDE 27(BE)BDE
2 DIV 27
27
3 CORPS 2
3
2 DIV 3
2 3 BDE
5 5
3-6
2. Phase lines or coordination lines
a. FEBA
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
The FEBA is marked by a series of curved lines:
(1) The position of each curve does not necessarily mark the location
of a combat element.
(2) The convex side of the symbol is towards the enemy.
b. Other phase or coordination lines
(1) These are marked by the normal symbol for a ‘Line’, with a line
indicator and supplementary information at appropriate intervals.
Generally they follow grid references or some feature of the
terrain.
(2) The following line indicators may be used (shown in alphabetical

order):
(a) Bridgehead - BRHD
(b) Communication zone - COMZ
© Fire support coordination line - FSCL
(d) Forward combat zone - FCZ
(e) Forward edge of the battle area - FEBA
(f) Forward line of enemy troops - FLET
(g) Forward line of own troops - FLOT
(h) Line of departure/start line - LD/SL
(i) Main supply route - MSR
(j) No fire line - NFL
3-7
(k) Objective - OBJ
(l) Phase line or coordinaton line - PL
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
(m) Rear combat zone - RCZ

(n) Report line - RL
(3) Examples are:
(a)
OAK APPLE
AT 221030Z
PL
A phase line, nicknamed, ‘OAK APPLE’ which is to be reached at

1030Z on the 22nd day of the current month
(b)
FSCL
A fire support coordination line, following a terrain feature,

effective from 121500Z to 121800Z
(c)
BIG BIRD
AT 221030Z
LD
(or SL)
A line of departure/start line, nicknamed ‘BIG BIRD’, which

is to be crossed at 1030Z on the 22nd day of the current month
3-8
d. Fortified line
A fortified line is represented by
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
repeated at appropriate intervals. For example:
e. Routes
See paragraph 0310 - Movements
f. Unspecified obstacle line
An unspecified obstacle line is represented by

at appropriate intervals. For example:
0307. Areas and positions
1. a. An area is a delineated portion of terrain or space, having its own

features by virtue of its nature or the activities going on within it.
b. A position is an area from which it is intended to fight.
c. When displaying areas by ADP means, the area is created by a series of
grid references joined by straight lines: therefore not less than three grid
references are required for each area.
2. Areas
a. The layout indicates the difference between the following types
of area, which are explained below:
(1) Concentric area.
(2) Reconnaissance area.
(3) Specified area.
3-9
b. Concentric
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
(1) This is used to depict radiological contamination.

(2) It consists of one or more rings used to make up a
concentric area. Each ring consists of a line interrupted by a
letter/figure combination.
(3) The minimum safe distances from ground zero of one or

more nuclear explosions are shown as follows:
(a) Minimum safety distance 1 MSD1
(b) Minimum safety distance 2 MSD2
(c) Minimum safety distance 3 MSD3
(4) Levels of radioactivity are indicated by the rate in

centigrays per hour, thus:
30 cGy
(5) The rings must always be drawn to scale. They may be circular or
may not!
c. Reconnaissance area
(1) Used to depict the area within which a unit or formation is
responsible for reconnaissance.
3-10
(2) The points of the arrows indicate the width of that area but
not its forward edge:
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
d. Specified area
(1) (a) An area assigned to or occupied by a unit for some
specific purpose. An example would be a parachute dropping
zone.
(b) An area that has been delineated for some specific
purpose. An example would be an area of nuclear contamination.
(2) These are depicted by a continuous line plus an area
indicator, to denote the type of area represented.
(3) A symbol depicting any unit or installation assigned to or
occupying the area may be added, inside the area or attached to it
by a vector.
4) The following area indicators may be used to denote the
type of area represented:
(a) Limited access - denoted by wording
This indicates by words, areas it is inadvisable to enter:
(1) Contaminated biologically BIO
(2) Contaminated with chemical (that is,
persistent agent in liquid or similar form) CHEM
(3) Contaminated with gas (vapour hazard
area) GAS
(4) Impassable IMPAS
(5) Inundation INUND
(6) Minefield MINE
3-11
(7) Obscured by smoke SMOKE

(8) Radioactive ATOM
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
(9) Shelled or bombed SHELL

(b) Limited access - denoted by symbols
(1) This indicated by a basic symbol that the area is
impassable.
(2) Superimposed on the basic symbol are other symbols to
indicate to what personnel/equipment the area is impassable.
(3) The basic symbol is:
(4) Some examples are:

(a) Impassable to infantry
(b) Impassable to wheeled vehicles
(C) Usage of area

(1) This indicates the use being made of that area
3-12
(2) The areas most commonly used are listed below. Others may
be used, but if they are, they must be explained in a legend.
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
(a) Assembly area ASSY

(b) Concentration CONC
(c) Drop zone DZ
(d) Dump DUMP
(e) Hide area HIDE
(f) Intermediate objective I/OBJ
(g) Key terrain KEY
(h) Landing zone LZ
(i) Logistic area LOG
(j) Objective OBJ
(k) Obscured by SMOKE
(l) Reserve RES
(m) Shelled or bombed SHELL
(n) Unoccupied but prepared for a purpose (to be used in
conjunction with one of the other indicators)
e. Examples
(1) Limited access denoted by wording - an area contaminated
with chemicals (normally shown in yellow).
CHEM
3-13
(2) Limited access denoted by a symbol - an area impassable to
tracked and wheeled vehicles, symbol outside the area and
connected to it by a vector. Mobility indicators for wheeled and
tracked vehicles inserted to show for which equipment the area is
impassable.
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
(3) Usage of area

(a) An area to be used as an assembly area (ASSY) (broken line
indicates future use)
ASSY
(b) An area being used by 2nd Parachute Battalion as a drop zone

(DZ)
DZ
2 PARA
(c) An area prepared for use as a maintenance installation, but

not yet occupied.
LOG
3-14
3. Unspecified area
a. An area of ground that requires to be delineated for any reason, but
does not show a specific purpose.
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
b. This is depicted by a continuous line enclosing the area in question.

c. A symbol depicting any unit or installation assigned to or occupying the
area may be added; inside the area or attached to it by a vector.
d. Examples are:
(1) An unspecified area
(2) An unspecified area occupied by 3rd Infantry Battalion
4. Positions
a. (1) A position is an area from which it is intended to fight. It may
be drawn to scale (mainly used at lower levels of command) or
shown schematically (mainly used at higher levels of command).
(2) A size indicator is inserted in the line delineating the position,
to show that it is a ‘Position’ and not an ‘Area’. This size indicator
is to be inserted in the side nearest ‘own’ troops.
(3) A symbol depicting any unit or installation that is assigned to,
or occupying, the position may be added, inside the position or
attached to it by a vector. If desired, just the unique designation
may be shown, but in this case, it must always match the size
indicator inserted in the line.
3-15
(4) Entrance to a position. Friendly troops should enter a position

on the side away from the expected enemy advance. Entrance to
a position is identified by placing the unit size symbol on the
appropriate side of the position symbol.
(5) The following types of positions may be shown:
(a) Combat position.
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
(b) Firing position.

(c) Strong point.
b. Combat position
(1) An area from which a unit intends to fight temporarily and which is not
well fortified.
(2) Drawn to scale
Combat position occupied by 2nd Battalion, The Chasseurs (2 Ch).
Unique designation used with size indicator
2 Ch
(Own troops this way)
c. Firing position
(1) To be used in conjunction with a unit or an equipment symbol. To be
orientated in the direction of firing.
(2) Drawn to scale
(a) Firing position occupied by B Squadron; position follows a line such
as a terrain feature.
3-16
(b) Firing position occupied by two heavy anti-tank guns
2
175mm
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
(3) Schematic
Firing position occupied by 13th Battalion, Light Infantry (13 LI)
13 LI
d. Strong point
(1) A well fortified position, usually of a defensive nature.
(2) Drawn to scale
(a) A strong point occupied by B Company

(b) A strong point to be occupied by an enemy tank battalion. Broken line
shows future intention, size indicator shows direction of enemy’s own
troops. In one colour representation, ‘EN’ displayed at intervals.
EN
?
(Enemy’s own troops this way)
3-17
(3) Schematic
A strong point, occupied by the 1st Battalion, the Duke of Wellington’s
Regiment (1DWR), symbol attached by a vector, given the codeword
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
‘HOO
1 DWR
HOOK
0308. Fire-planning symbols
1. Concentration point
2. Linear concentration
3. Nuclear target (point)
3-18
4. Arc of fire
a. Broken lines should be used to indicate a proposed arc and solid lines
to depict current status.
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
b. If required, a ‘hook’ may be added at the end of the arc to indicate the
maximum effective range of the weapon in that position.
c. Examples are:
(1) Proposed arc of fire from the location point of an equipment symbol
(2) Proposed arc of fire from the sides of a firing position. The optional
‘hook’ has been added to show the maximum effective range from this
position (some obstruction limits the range on the right).
(3) Arc of fire from the sides of an artillery battalion position. Solid lines
used to indicated the arc for clarity.
3-19
0309. Obstacles
1. Obstacles are divided into two categories as follows:

a. Point obstacles, which use the following basic symbol, with an
indicator superimposed to show the state:
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
(1) Friendly
(2) Enemy
b. Linear obstacles, which follow the shape of the obstacle.

(1) Linear obstacles will be identified normally by the actual outline of the
obstacle being drawn to scale on the map or overlay.
(2) A minefield or anti-tank ditch will normally be drawn to scale at the
precise location of the obstacle. Where this is not possible, a rectangle
should be drawn away from the location and connected to it by a location
vector.
2. The following types of obstacle may be shown:

a. Point obstacles.
b. Demolitions.
c. Linear obstacles.
d. Minefields.
(For symbols depicting the crossing of an obstacle, see paragraph 0310 -
Movements).
3. The following obstacle indicators can be superimposed on either point or

linear obstacle symbols:
3-20
a. Abatis or tree blowdown.
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
b. Booby trap
c. Non-explosive anti-tank obstacle.
d. Trip wire.
4. Demolitions
a. The symbol should be drawn over the precise grid reference of the
obstacle, but where this is not possible, the symbol may be drawn away
from the grid reference and connected to it by a vector.
b. The following demolition indicators will be used to show the status of
the obstacle:
(1) A planned point target
3-21
(2) Prepared demolition State 1 (Safe)
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
(3) Prepared demolition State 2 (Armed)
(4) Executed or fired
c. If there is no need to distinguish between State 1 (Safe) and State 2

(Armed) or if the state is unknown, the symbol for State 2 will be used.
d. If there is a need to show that the demolition is ‘Reserved’, the word
‘RESERVED’ should be written in field H (free text), if possible with the
target number or target nickname shown in field T (unique designation).
e. Example: A reserved bridge demolition, target number B32, which is a
State 2, drawn away from the grid reference and connected to it by a
location vector.
B32
RESERVED
3-22
5. Linear obstacles
a. Anti-tank ditch
(1) A line with repeated at intervals,

indicates under preparation, indicates completed.
(2) Example. A completed anti-tank ditch (drawn away from the location
and connected by a vector):
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
b. Wire obstacles
(1) A line with ‘X’ repeated at intervals. If the obstacle is under

preparation, a broken line will be used. If an enemy obstacle ‘EN’ will be
shown at intervals.
(2) Example. An enemy wire obstacle under preparation (following the

actual line on the ground).
EN
c. Unspecified linear obstacle
3-23
6. Minefields
a. The following mine indicators will be used:
(1) Anti-personnel mine
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
(2) Anti-tank mine
(3) Anti-tank mine with anti-handling device
(4) Directional mine (arrow points in direction of main effect)
(5) Mine cluster
(6) Mine, type unspecified
(7) Scatterable mines:

(a) The letter ‘S’ above the symbol means the minefield has been
thickened with scatterable mines.
3-24
(b) The letters ‘+S’ above the symbol means the minefield has been
b. Nuisance minefield
M M
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
c. Phoney minefield
M M
d. Protective minefield
e. Tactical minefield
(1) Drawn to scale
A completed minefield, type of mine unspecified
(2) Schematic
A completed anti-tank minefield (drawn away from the location and
connected by a vector)
3-25
(3) Scatterable mines

(a) A completed scatterable anti-tank mine
(b) Planned anti-tank minefield thickened with scatterable mines
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
+S
0310. Movements
1. Air Movement
a. The basic symbol for a route is used with the symbol for Air Force or
army aviation repeated at convenient intervals, to show who is using
it.
b. Examples are:
(1) A one-direction route used by the Air Force
(2) A two-direction route that army aviation plan to use
(See Symbol No 8 at Page 2-19)
3-26
2. Bridge or gap in an obstacle
3. Delaying action
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
The symbol should follow the centre line of the route to be used, the
double bars indicate delaying actions to be undertaken, but not
necessarily the location of those actions or number:
2 Ch 2 Ch
(The example given shows 2nd Battalion, The Chasseurs (2 Ch) moving
from a combat position on the left and due to undertake delaying actions)
4. Directions
a. (1) Broken lines indicate future movement.
(2) Designations, such as unit symbols or code names, are
optional.
(3) Control measures such as boundaries may be included.
b. Routes
In land warfare, a specified direction or course which the
movement will follow:
(Should mark the precise route, arrow at head only)
3-27
c. Axis
In land warfare, a general description, verbal or graphic, of the
direction which movement will take (broken lines) or has taken
(solid lines):
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
(see paragraphs 0203.2 and 0312.10)
5. Ferry
6. Minefield lan
7. Reconnaissance
The symbol should follow the centre line of the route to be used:
8. Route
a. The arrows show the direction of movement and should be repeated
as often as necessary for clarity.
b. If movement in both directions is allowed, no arrows should be shown.
c. If the route has a codeword and/or military load classification (MLC), it
may be written beside the route at convenient intervals.
3-28
d. Some examples are:
(1) Route, with MLC of 60, movement in one direction only
MLC 60
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
(2) Enemy route, codeword KING, movement in both directions, one-

colour representation used
KING EN KING
(3) Own planned route, codeword QUEEN, MLC 30, movement in one
direction only
QUEEN/MLC 30
0311. Mission or Intention Symbols
The axis of advance symbol A double arrowhead

shows the intention to attack identified the main attack
0312. Fields for symbols
1. a. Detailed information on the purpose and layout of fields is given in

paragraph 0108.
3-29
b. As each of the main types of basic symbol described in this chapter

require a different display of information, it is necessary to have a
separate field diagram for each type: however, where possible, the layout
and titles of fields remain the same.
2. Diagrams of fields
In the diagrams set out below, only the fields most likely to be used, are
shown.
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
a. Points
W A H
b. Military fortifications
W H
c. NBC events
W H
T Q
(1) Nuclear
C = Yield
Q = Downwind direction
T = Delivery unit
V = Weapon type
(2) Biological
W H
BIO
3-30
(3) Chemical
W H
CHEM
d. Lines
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
(1) Phase lines/coordination lines
PL
(2) Boundaries
e. Areas
(1) Concentric Area
(a) Minimum safety distance
B
W B
B = Radiation value
3-31
(b) Levels of radioactivity
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
C=Level of radioactivity
(2) Specified area
W
H
T
H = Usage of area
(3) Unspecified area
T
H
f. Positions
(1) Combat position
W
H
H = Usage of area
Note: Field B (size indicator) to be
shown on the side nearest own troops
3-32
(2) Strong point
T B
H
NATO UNCLASSIFIED

g. Fire planning symbols
S B G
B G
OR
B = Target number G = Priority

S = Time’From/To’indicator
h. Obstacles
(1) Point Obstacle
W
H
(2) Linear obstacle
3-33
i. Movements
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
T H
3. Where the ‘Applicable to’ column in the table in paragraphs 0312.4 shows
‘All’, this means applicable to the basic symbols for:
a. Points.
b. Military fortifications.
c. NBC events.
d. Lines.
e. Areas and positions.
f. Fire planning symbols.
g. Obstacles.
h. Movements.
3-34
4. Contents of mandatory information fields

Field letter Maximum Title and Applicable to Remarks
field description
length
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
A - Identifier indicator All -
The basic symbol
B 6 Size indicator Some areas
Boundaries
6 Target number Fire planning
Target number to
be shown for
concentrations
6 Level of Circular or Usually activity

radioactivity or elongated areas associated with
Minimum safety nuclear events
distance
C 6 Yield Nuclear events Shown as a figure

(which may include
Shown in kilotons a decimal point)
(KT) or megatons followed by ‘KT’ or
(MT) ‘MT’
G 17 Additional All The contents of

information this field may not
necessarily be
For notes by the transmitted to
user other users
17 Priority indicator Fire planning Must be

transmitted
For use with a
linear
concentration
3-35
H 15 Free text All Important

information, which
Space for should be
additional transmitted to
information not other users, should
covered by the be in this field not
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
other fields in field G
15 Area usage (See Areas -

paragraph 0307.2d
(4))
15 Height of burst Nuclear events Shown as a figure

followed by ‘KM’;
Shows height of or as ‘AIR’ if height
burst above the not known or
surface in km, or ‘SURFACE’ if
as ‘AIR’ or weapon explodes
‘SURFACE’ on surface
Q - Downwind NBC events a. Positioned from

direction. Shows the location point.
likely direction of
any radioactive b. The arrow
fallout, biological indicating the
or chemical downwind direction
downwind hazard may be
supplemented by
other data taken
from an NBC-3
(NUC) or an NBC-
3 (CHEM)
message and
shown in the
appropriate fields;
for example, ‘Time’
in field W and
‘Designation’ in
field T
T 15 a. Unit name or Strongpoints

unique designator
Obstacles
Areas
b. Delivery unit Nuclear events
3-36
V 15 Weapon types Nuclear events Shown as a 5

character
Shown as EXA - alphanumeric field
outside the
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
atmosphere incorporating ‘EXA’
W 15 Date/Time group All, less 7 character

boundaries alphanumeric field
Preceded by a for date/time,
qualifier either ‘TO’ preceded by up to
or ‘FROM’ 7 letters to show
‘TO’
X 15 Unit name Boundaries Different name will

appear on each
and The unique side of the
number or the boundary, hence 2
Y abbreviated title of fields
the unit
PART 3 EXAMPLES OF SYMBOLS
0313.
1. Points
FROM 160900Z APPLE TO 161020Z PEAR

SP RP
Start and Release points at APPLE and PEAR. Start point from 160900Z and
Release point until 161020Z
FROM 191320Z OAK
An underground shelter, codeword ‘OAK’, to be ready by 191320Z
3-37
3. NBC events
a. Nuclear
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
10 KT
AT 201800Z 2 KM
15 BN
A nuclear strike at 201800Z at an

airburst height of 2 km, yield 10 KT,
delivery until 15 Battalion (15 BN)
b. Chemical
010700Z
NERVE
GAS EN
Enemy gas cloud (nerve) agent

travelling in the direction of the arrow.
Information received at 010700Z
4. Lines
a.
1 (US)
2 (GE)
Boundary line between 1st US Division

nd
and 2 GE Division
3-38
b.
AT 101400Z
LONG WALL
FEBA nicknamed LONG WALL at 101400Z
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
c.
FROM 121500Z
TO 121800Z
FSCL
Fire support coordination line (FSCL


a. Concentric area
AT 111000Z
100 cGy
ATOM
An area with radiation contamination of 100 cGy at 111100Z

b. Reconnaissance are
FEBA
Battalion responsible for

reconnaissance of the whole area in
front of the FEBA, within the boundaries shown
3-39
c. Specified area
FROM 031000Z
DUMP
15 (US) COY
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
Ammunition dump effective from

031000Z, manned by 15 (US) Company
d. Unspecified area
UNTIL
042300Z
16
RESTING
An area in which 16 Infantry Battalion

are resting until 042300Z
e. Combat position
Combat position, drawn to scale,

occupied by A Company, own troops in
direction indicated by the size indicator
f. Strong point
Enemy strong point, schematic,

occupied by an Infantry Company
(which one not known), their own troops in
direction indicated by the size
indicator
3-40
6. Fire planning symbols

a.
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
AB 1201
AT 100700Z
A linear concentration, target number

AB1201, on a target effective at
100700Z
b.
A2B
AT 121500Z
FL 1001
YB 1005
OT 1223
A group of targets, under the code

name A2B effective at 121500Z
c.
155mm
A medium gun with its arc of fire, maximum effective range

from that position shown by the optional ‘hooks’,
site of gun is at the centre bottom of the symbol. Arcs may
be shown as solid lines if required
3-41
7. Obstacles
a. Point obstacles and demolitions
(1)
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
Planned abatis reinforced with anti-

personnel mines
(2)
Executed or fired demolition reinforced with

anti-tank mines
(3)
AT 021000Z
SHAMROCK
Booby-trapped non-explosive anti-tank

obstacle, made by the enemy.
Information at 021000Z, given the
unique designation SHAMROCK
3-42
b. Linear obstacles
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
Completed anti-tank ditch reinforced

with anti-tank mines
c. Minefields
(1)
M M
Demolished cross-roads surrounded by

nuisance mines
(2)
UNTIL 101200Z
Tactical minefield (drawn to scale) of

scatterable anti-tank mines effective until
101200Z
3-43
(3)
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
M M
Phoney minefield at a cross-roads

(symbol offset and connected by a
location vector)
(4)
Conventionally laid anti-tank minefield

with gap suitable for heavy vehicles, and lane for
infantry. Minefield (but not gap) drawn to scale
8. Movements
a.
150?
171100Z
EN
150? Enemy tanks spotted at 171100Z

moving along the route indicated
3-44
b.
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
An infantry company (A Company) doing a reconnaissance towards a bridge
c. (See Symbol No 8 at Page 2-20)
20
20 enemy army aviation helicopters

flying along the route indicated
d. 113 Infantry Brigade moving to a new

location. The line indicates the
approximate route to be followed
113
113
3-45
e.
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
FROM 101430Z
TO 101500Z
RAVEN
A minefield lane, codeword RAVEN,

effective from 101430Z to 101500Z in a
minefield laid with anti-personnel and anti-
tank mines
9. Attack route
The attack route to be taken by A Company, 1st Battalion, Royal Irish
Rangers, at 271430Z. (Shows the precise course the movement is to
take)
AT 271430Z
1 R IRISH
A
3-46
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
10. Axis
STARTED
261100Z
AXIS FOLLOWED BY 2 DIVISION WHICH STARTED TO MOVE AT 261100Z.

BOUNDARIES HAVE LIMITED THE FREEDOM TO MANOEUVRE.
3-47
CHAPTER 4
Automated displays - display rules and information content
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
0401.
1. Orientation of symbols. The following shall have only a vertical orientation:
Units, HQs, Logistic and electronic installations, Observation posts
Points
Obstacles
Equipments (Note: No implied arc of fire indication for weapons)
2. The following shall have complete freedom of orientation:
All line representations (boundaries, routes)
Minefields, crossings in representation form
Linear and rectangular concentrations
Direction-of-movement arrows
Axis
Crossing indicators (straight form)
0402.
1. Relative proportions of symbols. The elements comprising the following symbols

adhere to the sizes portrayed in APP-6 in relative proportions:
Units, HQs, logistic and electronic installations, Observation posts
Nuclear events
Obstacle indicators
Points
4-1
0403.
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
1. Field locations. Fields surrounding symbols are to be located as closely as

possible to the positions shown in the relevant parts of APP-6. However, fields that lie beside a
symbol may require a greater vertical dimension than the symbol they amplify. In
this latter case, the top field is to be level with the top of the symbol envelope and lower fields
may extend below the level of the symbol.
4-2
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
CHAPTER 5
Glossary of terms for use with APP-6
0501. Symbols
1. Military symbol A graphic sign used, usually on a map,

display or diagram to represent a
particular military unit, installation,
activity or other item of military interest
(APP-6). It may be in colour and is
normally accompanied by alphanumeric
characters
2. Symbol element A part of a military symbol that, with

other parts, make up a complete military
symbol
3. Indicator A symbol element that further describes

the item represented. An indicator can
be symbolic or alphanumeric in form
4. Point indicator A symbolic representation of something

at a point on a map
5. Line indicator A symbolic representation of something

along a line on a map
6. Area indicator A symbolic representation of something

over an area on a map
0502. Fields
1. Field A set position about the basic symbol

where further information must or may
be displayed
2. Mandatory Field A field that must always have something

in it
3. Conditional field A field that must have something in it

under certain conditions. When the
specified conditions are not applicable it
is optional
4. Optional field A field that need not always have

something in it. It may be left blank
5-1
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
0503. Field titles
Field letter shown after title
1. Role indicator (A) The symbol element that describes the

role, it may be a composite of two or
more types
2. Size indicator (B) The symbol element that indicates the

size of the item displayed
3. Quantity of equipment © The symbol element that indicates the

number of items displayed
4. Special indicator (D) The symbol element that indicates a

caveat to the size indicator
5. Unconfirmed, or query mark (E) The symbol element that indicates that
all the information displayed is
unconfirmed or doubtful
6. Reinforced, or detached (F) The symbol element that indicates

whether the size indicator is
substantially reinforced or reduced
7. Additional information (G) A space beside the symbol that can be

used for making notes. Information
recorded here is not necessarily
forwarded by ADP
8. Free text (H) The symbol element that allows

additional information to be recorded
and transmitted
9. Evaluation rating (J) The symbol element that shows the

source and grading of the information
displayed. The gradings are set out in
STANAG 2022
10. Combat effectiveness (K) The symbol element that indicates the
effectiveness of the unit or formation
(friendly or enemy) displayed
11. Signature equipment (L) The symbol element that warns if an

equipment is liable to emit a clearly
recognizable signal
5-2
12. Higher formation (M) The symbol element that lists, if

required, some or all of the
units/formations senior to the one
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
displayed. These must be shown in

strict order of seniority
13. Enemy (N) The symbol element that indicates a

symbol is ‘Enemy’ if colour
representation or double lines are not
used
14. Arbitrary unit designator (P) A number, letters or combination of both

used to designate a unit or formation
whose correct title is unknown
15. Direction-of-movement arrow (Q) A pictorial representation of the direction

in which the symbol is moving or will
move
16. Mobility indicator ® A pictorial representation of the various

types of mobility, wheels, tracks, etc
17. Headquarters representation (S) The symbol element that indicates what
type or portion of a headquarters is
being displayed
18. Unique designation (T) The symbol element that uniquely

identifies a particular symbol. If a size
indicator is shown, it must match it
19. Name of unit or type of The symbol element that shows the
equipment (V) installation or class or type of the unit,
equipment, rather than its unique
designation
20. Date time group (W) a. The symbol element that contains all
information relating to time
b. A 7 character group comprising 6

numeric characters followed by one
alphabetic character, denoting date,
time and time zone
c. Preceded by space for a further 7

characters to show ‘FROM’ or ‘TO’, etc
d. Repeated twice to allow for

‘FROM/TO’ or similar entries
5-3
21. Location point (-) A place on each symbol used to position

positively and accurately that symbol on
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
the map, display or diagram. The

position of the location point may vary
according to type of ADP system being
used
22. Location vector (-) A line joining the location point of a

symbol to the following:
a. For symbols at a point indicator to

the point on the map where the item the
symbol represents is located; used
when there would be too many symbols
near the point for each to be correctly
located
b. For symbols associated with a line

indicator to the line representation
c. For symbols associated with an area

indicator to the boundary line or a
specific point within it
5-4
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
CHAPTER 6
Alphabetical index of symbols and abbreviations
0601. General
1. This chapter indexes the symbols under the following paragraphs:
a. Areas and positions 0602
b. Demolitions, mines and obstacles 0603
c. Electronic activities and installations 0604
d. Equipment 0605
e. Fire-planning symbols 0606
f. Landing sites 0607
g. Lines 0608
h. Location of symbols 0609
i. Logistic installations 0610
j. Military fortifications 0611
k. Movement 0612
l. NBC events 0613
m. Observation posts 0614
n. Points 0615
o. Size indicators 0616
p. Units 0617
2. An index of the abbreviations set out in APP-6 for general use is given in
paragraph 0610. Some ‘National’ abbreviations that are used in the ‘Examples’ are not included
in this chapter.
6-1
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
Basic symbol, 0307.1 and 0307.4 Positions, 0307.4a
Combat position, 0307.4b Reconnaissance area, 0307.2c
Concentric area, 0307.2b Specified area, 0307.2d
Firing position, 0307.4c Strong point, 0304.4d
Limited access to area - symbols, 0307.2d(4)(b) Unspecified area, 0307.3
Limited access to area - words, 0307.2d(4)(a) Usage of area - words, 0307.2d(4)©
0603. Demolitions, mines and obstacles
Basic symbol, 0309.1 Phoney minefield, 0309.6c
Abatis or tree blowdown, 0309.3a Point obstacle (enemy), 0309.1a(2)
Anti-tank ditch, 0309.5a Point obstacle (friendly), 0309.1a(1)
Anti-personnel mine, 0309.6a(1) Prepared demolition, State 1,

0309.4b(2)
Anti-tank mine, 0309.6a(2) Prepared demolition, State 2,

0309.4B(3)
Anti-tank mine (anti-handling), 0309.6a(3) Protective minefield, 0309.6d
Booby trap, 0309.3b Reserved demolition, 0309.4d
Demolitions, 0309.4 Scatterable mines, 0309.6a(7)
Directional mine, 0309.6a(4) Tactical minefield, 0309.6e
Executed demolition, 0309.4b(4) Tree blowdown, 0309.3a
Fired demolition, 0309.4b(4) Trip wire, 0309.3d
Linear obstacle, 0309.1b Unspecified linear obstacle, 0309.5c
Mine cluster, 0309.6a(5) Unspecified mine, 0309.6a(6)
Mine, type unspecified, 0309.6a(6) Wire obstacle, 0309.5b
Non-explosive anti-tank obstacle, 0309.6b
6-2
Nuisance minefield, 0309.6b
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
Planned point target, 0309.4b(1)
0604. Electronic activities and installations
Basic symbol, 0220 Ground sensor/ground surveillance

radar, 0224.4
Air defence radar, 0224.1 Intercepting, 0225.3
Artillery locating, 0224.2 Jamming, 0225.4
Direction finding, 0225.1 Signal communications, 0224.5
Electronic warfare, 0224.3 Target designator, 0224.6
Emitting, 0225.2
0605. Equipment
Air Force, fixed wing, 0226.1a Machine gun, 0226.4f
Air Force, helicopter, 0226.1b MICV, 0226.5d
Amphibious mobility, 0228.1 Mortar, 0226.4g
Anti-aircraft gun, 0227.4 Multi-barrel rocket launcher, 0227.6
Anti-tank gun, 0226.4a Naval ship, 0226.3a
Anti-tank helicopter, 0227.1 Oversnow mobility, 0228.2
Anti-tank missile launcher, 0226.4b Radar, 0226.2a
Anti-tank rocket launcher, 0226.4c Reconnaissance aircraft, 0227.7
APC, 0226.5a Submarine, 0226.3b
Armoured vehicle, bridge 0227.2 Surface-to-air missile laying, launcher,

0226.4h
Armoured vehicle, 0226.5b Surface-to-surface tactical missile

launcher, 0226.4I
Army fixed-wing aircraft, 0226.1c Tank, 0226.5e
Army helicopter, 0226.1d Towed vehicle mobility, 0228.3
Army attack helicopter, 0226.1e Tracked mobility, 0228.4
6-3
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
Bomber aircraft, 0226.1f Tracked/wheeled combination mobility,

0228.7
Engineer vehicles, 0227.3 Trailer mobility, 0228.3
Fighter aircraft, 0226.1g Transport aircraft, 0227.8
Flame thrower, 0226.4d Unprotected vehicle, 0226.5c
Gun or howitzer, 0226.4e Wheeled mobility, 0228.5
Gun in anti-aircraft role, 0227.4 Wheeled, cross-country mobility, 0228.6
Gun in anti-tank role, 0227.5 Wheeled/tracked combination mobility,

0228.7
Hovercraft, 0226.3c
Howitzer or gun, 0226.4e
IFV, 0226.5d
Arc of fire, 0308.4 Linear concentration, 0308.2
Concentration point, 0308.1 Nuclear target (point), 0308.3
0607. Landing sites
Basic symbol, 0221
0608. Lines
Boundaries, 0306.1 Movements, 0310
Coordination line, 0306.2b Other phase lines, 0306.2b
Fortified line, 0306.2c Unspecified obstacle line, 0306.2e
Front line, 0306.2a
Units, posts and installations and Terrain and tactical activities, 0302
equipment, 0210
6-4
0610. Logistic installations
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
Basic symbol, 0219 Bridging, 0222.2
Air defence ammunition (gun), 0223.1 Burial, 0222.3
Air defence ammunition (missiles), 0223.2 Chemical storage, 0222.4
Air Force ammunition, 0223.3 Combat service support, 0222.20
Air Force fuel, 0223.4 Decontamination, 0222.5
Ammunition, 0222.1 Enemy logistic installation, 0219.3
Army aviation ammunition, 0223.5 Engineer, 0226.6
Army aviation fuel, 0223.6 Explosives, 0223.11
Artillery ammunition (gun), 0223.7 Friendly logistic installation, 0219.2
Artillery ammunition (missile), 0223.8 Food, 0222.7
Artillery ammunition (rocket), 0223.9 Fuel, 0222.8
Mines and explosives, 0223.11 Hospital, 0222.9
Missile ammunition, 0221.12 Laundry and bath, 0222.10
Movement control, 0222.13 Maintenance, 0222.11
Multi-role, 0222.19 Medical, 0222.12
Nuclear storage, 0222.14 Supply, 0226.16
Spare parts, 0222.15 Water, 0222.17
Unknown type of installation, 0222.18
Unspecified/mult-role, 0222.19
Earthwork, 0304.1 Strong point, 0304.1
Fortification, 0304.1 Surface shelter, 0304.2
Small trench, 0304.1 Underground shelter, 0304.3
6-5
0612. Movement
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
Air movement, 0310.1 Ferry, 0310.5
Attack route, 0310.4 Gap in obstacle, 0310.2
Axis, 0310.4 Lane in minefield, 0310.6
Bridge over obstacle, 0310.2 Minefield lane, 0310.6
Delaying action, 0310.3 Reconnaissance, 0310.7
Directions, 0310.4 Route, 0310.8
0613. NBC events
Actual nuclear strike, 0305.1a Nuclear strike (planned), 0305.1b
Biological event, 0305.2a(1) Nuclear strike (enemy, suspect),

0305.1b
Chemical event, 0305.2a(1)
NBC event (exact type not known), 0305.2a(2)
0614. Observation posts
Basic symbol, 0218
0615. Points
Control point, 0303.2 Starting point, 0303.1a(1)
Coordinating point, 0303.3 Strong point, 0304.4
General point, 0303.1 Unspecified point, 0303.1
Release point, 0303.1a(2)
Basic symbol, 0216
0617. Units
Basic symbol, 0212 Labour resources, 0214.17
Air defence, 0214.1 Maintenance, 0214.18
6-6
Air defence (artillery), 0215.1 Map production/map depot, 0214.42
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
Air defence (missile), 0215.2 Marines, 0214.19
Air Force, 0214.2 Mechanized/armoured infantry, 0215.9
Airmobile, 0214.3 Medical, 0214.20
Air-transportable, 0214.4 Meteorological, 0214.21
Amphibious, 0214.5 Military/civil affairs, 0214.22
Anti-tank, 0214.6 Military police, 0214.23
Anti-tank helicopter, 0215.3 Missile, 0214.24
Anti-tank missile, 0215.4 Mountain, 0214.25
Anti-tank rocket, 0215.5 Movement/transportation, 0214.41
Armour, 0214.7 National non-NATO forces, 0217.3
Armoured artillery, 0215.6 Navy, 0214.26
Armoured engineers, 0215.7 Non-organic unit, 0217.1
Armoured reconnaissance, 0215.8 Nuclear, biological and chemical,

0214.27
Army aviation, 0214.8 Ordnance, 0214.28
Artillery, 0214.9 Parachute, 0214.29
Bridging, 0214.10 Pay/finance, 0214.30
Combat service support, 0214.11 Personnel services, 0214.31
Courier unit, 0214.33 Pipe line, 0214.32
Communications, 0214.38 Postal and/or courier, 0214.33
Composite, 0214.44 Psychological, 0214.34
Electronic ranging, 0214.12 Quartermaster, 0214.34
Electronic warfare, 0214.13 Reconnaissance, 0214.35
Enemy unit, 0212.5 Reinforcement/replacement holding

unit, 0214.37
6-7
Enemy unit HQ, 0212.6 Rocket artillery, 0215.10
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
Enemy unit unidentified, 0206.4 Signal/communications, 0214.38
Engineer, 0214.14 Sound ranging, 0214.39
Finance/pay unit, 0214.30 Supply, 0214.40
Forces under national command, 0217.3
Friendly unit, 0212.1
Friendly unit HQ, 0212.2
Headquarters unit, 0214.15
Holding unit, 0214.37
Infantry, 0214.16
Topographical/survey, 0214.42 Unspecified or composite, 0214.44
Transportation/movement, 0214.41 Unknown, 0217.2
Unidentified enemy unit, 0206.4 Veterinary, 0214.45
Unmanned air reconnaissance, 0214.43
0618. Index of abbreviations for general use
Abbreviation Meaning Paragraph in APP-6
ADV Advanced 0213.1a
ALTN Alternative 0213.1b
ASSY Assembly area 0307.2d(4)©(2)(a)
ATOM Radioactive 0307.2d(4)(a)(8)
BIO Biologically contaminated 0307.2d(4)(a)(1)
BRHD Bridgehead line 0306.2b(2)(a)
CHEM Chemically contaminated 0307.2d(4)(a)(2)
COMMZ Communication zone 0306.2b(2)(b)
CONC Concentration 0307.2d(4)©(2)(b)
6-8
DUMP Dump 0307.2d(4)©(2)(d)
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
DZ Drop zone 0307.2d(4)©(2)©
EW Electronic warfare 0214.13
FCZ Forward combat zone 0306.2b(2)(d)
FEBA Forward edge of battle area 0306.2b(2)(e)
FLET Forward line of enemy troops 0306.2b(2)(f)
FLOT Forward line of own troops 0306.2b(2)(g)
FSCL Fire support coordination line 0306.2b(2)©
GAS Gas cloud 0307.2d(4)(a)(3)
HIDE Hide area 0307.2d(4)©(2)(e)
IMPAS Impassable 0307.2d(4)(a)(4)
I/OBJ Intermediate objective 0307.2d(4)©(2)(f)
INUND Inundation 0307.2d(4)(a)(5)
KEY Key terrain 0307.2d(4)©(2)(g)
LD/SL Line of departure/start line 0306.2b(2)(h)
LOG Logistic area 0307.2d(4)©(2)(I)
LZ Landing zone 0307.2d(4)©(2)(h)
MAIN Main headquarters 0213.1c
MET Meteorological 0214.21
MINE Minefield 0307.2d(4)(a)(6)
MOB Mobile 0213.1d
MSD Minimum safety distance 0307.2b(3)
MSR Main supply route 0306.2b(2)(I)
NFL No fire line 0306.2b(2)(j)
6-9
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
NMB No move before 0208.11f
NUC Nuclear 0222.14
OBJ Objective 0307.2d
PEACE Peacetime headquarters 0213.1e
PL Phase line or coordination line 0306.2B(2)(1)
PS Personnel services 0214.31
RCZ Rear combat zone 0306.2b(2)(m)
REAR Rear headquarters 0213.1f
RES Reserve 0213.1g
RHU Reinforcement holding unit 0214.37
RL Report line 0306.2b(2)(n)
RP Release point 0303.1(2)
SHELL Shelled or bombed 0307.2d(4)(a)(q)
SL/LD Start line/line of departure 0306.2b(2)(h)
SMOKE Obscured by smoke 0307.2d(4)(a)(7)
SP Starting point 0303.1(1)
STAT Static headquarters 0213.1h
STEPUP Step-up headquarters 0213.1I
TAC Tactical 0213.1j
U/ Unoccupied but prepared for a 0307.2d(4)©(2)(m)

purpose
VET Veterinary 0214.45
Other abbreviations may be used, but if they are, they should be explained in a legend on the
map or diagram on which they have been used.
6-10
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
List of effective pages
Effective pages Pages numbers Effective pages Page numbers
(RB = Reverse Blank) (RB = Reverse Blank)
ORIGINAL I to V CHANGE 3 3-31

CHANGE 3 ΧΙ to ΧΙΙ CHANGE 2 3-32 to 3-34
CHANGE 3 1-1 to 1-3 CHANGE 3 3-35 to 3-37
CHANGE 3 1-8 CHANGE 3 3-40
CHANGE 2 1-9 CHANGE 2 3-41(RB)
CHANGE 2 1-12 to 1-13 (RB) CHANGE 2 5-1 to 5-5 (RB)
CHANGE 2 2-1 to 2-8 CHANGE 3 LEP-1
CHANGE 3 2-9
CHANGE 2 2-10 to 2-13
CHANGE 3 2-14
CHANGE 2 2-15
CHANGE 3 2-16
CHANGE 2 2-17 to 2-18
CHANGE 3 2-19 to 2-20
CHANGE 2 2-21
CHANGE 3 2-22 to 2-24
CHANGE 2 2-25 to 2-30
CHANGE 3 2-31 to 2-36
CHANGE 2 2-37
CHANGE 3 2-38
CHANGE 2 2-39 to 2-45 (RB)
CHANGE 3 2-A-1 to 2-A-2
CHANGE 2 2-A-3 to 2-A-4
CHANGE 3 3-1
CHANGE 2 3-2
CHANGE 3 3-3
CHANGE 2 3-4
CHANGE 3 3-5
CHANGE 2 3-6 to 3-12
CHANGE 3 3-13 to 3-14
CHANGE 2 3-15 to 3-23
CHANGE 3 3-24
CHANGE 2 3-25 to 3-26
CHANGE 2 3-28 to 3-30
LEP-1
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
APP-6
Land Based Systems
July 1986
NATO UNCLASSIFIED I
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
NATO Letter of Promulgation
19 November 1984
1. APP-6 – Military symbols for land based systems is a NATO UNCLASSIFIED

publication. The agreement of nations to use this publication is recorded in
STANAG 2019.
2. APP-6 is effective upon receipt.
M. KORKOLIS
Major-General, HEAR
Chairman
NATO UNCLASSIFIED II
Chapter Record of reservations by Nations
NATO UNCLASSIFIED III

Record of changes
Change Change Date Effective By whom

number date entered date entered
NATO UNCLASSIFIED IV
APP-6
Land Based Systems
By Command of the Defence Council
July 1986
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
NATO Military Standardization and Terminology
D/DASD/22/10/1
NATO UNCLASSIFIED V
NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION
NATO Foreword
June 1993
1. Change 3 to APP-6, Military Symbols for Land Based Systems is a NATO

UNCLASSIFIED publication and is effective on a date to be
NATO UNCLASSIFIED VI
CONTENTS
Chapter 1 Basic Information
0101 Purpose 1-1
0102 Scope 1-1
0103 Distribution 1-1
0104 Limitations 1-2
0105 Definitions 1-2
0106 Related documents 1-3
0107 Colour representation 1-3
0108 Fields 1-5
0109 Contents of fields 1-7
Chapter 2 Units, posts and installations, and equipment
0201 Basic symbols 2-1
0202 One-colour representation 2-2
0203 Solid or broken lines 2-2
0204 Equipment 2-3
0205 Fields 2-4
0206 Mandatory fields 2-4
0207 Conditional fields 2-6
NATO UNCLASSIFIED VII

0210 Location of symbol on the map or display 2-12
0211 Examples 2-14
0212 Unit type indicator 2-17
0213 Headquarters representation 2-18
0214 Basic unit role indicators 2-19
0215 Composite role indicators 2-24
0216 Size indicators 2-25
0217 Symbols associated with size indicators 2-27
0218 Observation post indicator 2-27
0219 Logistic installation role indicators 2-28
0221 Landing site indicators 2-29
0222 Basic logistic installation role indicators 2-29
0223 Composite logistic installation role indicators 2-31
0225 Electronic installation activities 2-33
0226 Equipment indicators 2-34
0227 Composite equipment indicators 2-37
0228 Mobility indicators 2-39
0229 Location of content of fields 2-40
Annex A to Chapter 2
Method of Marking Unknown or Unidentified Enemy Units 2-A-1
Chapter 3 Terrain and tactical activities
0302 General points 3-1
0303 Points 3-3
0304 Military fortifications 3-4
NATO UNCLASSIFIED VIII

0305 Nuclear, biological or chemical events 3-4
0306 Lines 3-5
0307 Areas and positions 3-9
0308 Fire-planning symbols 3-17
0309 Obstacles 3-19
0310 Movements 3-24
0311 Mission of Intention Symbols 3-27
0312 Fields for symbols 3-27
0313 Examples of symbols 3-35
Chapter 4 Automated displays - display rules & information content
Chapter 5 Glossary of terms for use with APP-6
Chapter 6 Alphabetical index of symbols and abbreviations.
List of Effective Pages LEP-1
NATO UNCLASSIFIED IX
CHAPTER 1
Basic information
0101. Purpose
1. APP-6 replaces STANAG 2019 (Edition 2) Military Symbols which

was designed for manual map marking. The contents of APP-6
constitute a single system of military symbology for land-based
formations and units, which can be used for either automated map
display systems or for manual map marking.
2. As automated methods of display are still largely theoretical and
are not yet based on practical military experience with automated
display techniques using automated data processing (ADP), there
may be a requirement for modifications or amendment after
practical ADP systems have been used in tactical formations and
units. Such changes will be made by means of formal
amendments as required.
0102. Scope
1. The military symbols contained in APP-6 will be used on:

a. Situation maps, overlays, air photograph annotations and
intelligence maps.
b. Maps used by Naval and Air Forces when involved in land-
based operations.
c. Diagrams contained in STANAGS, Allied Publications and
other NATO documents.
2. These symbols will not be used for:
a. Naval plotting.
b. Military geographic information and documentation.
c. Telecommunications diagrams.
0103. Distribution
This publication is intended for use by all types of NATO forces and by all
ranks.
0104. Limitations
1. The decision to have a common set of symbols for both manual

and ADP use means that users will, in future, have to limit
themselves to what is possible with current ADP technology. In
particular the following limitations must be borne in mind.
NATO UNCLASSIFIED 10
2. Framework. APP-6 does not attempt to produce a symbol for

every military unit, tactic or equipment. Instead it produces a
number of basic symbols which users can superimpose, one on
another, to produce the required result. In addition, it is
recognized that each nation is likely to require several specialist
symbols on its own.
3. Location. Each symbol must be capable of being positively and
accurately position on an ADP display. This means that each
symbol must contain at least one location point that will fix its
position on the display.
4. Size and detail. Current ADP displays are not capable of
producing very fine detail. If too much detail is included or if the
size of the symbol is reduced too far, the lines merge on the
display and the symbol becomes blurred.
5. The key to defining symbols, particularly when shown on an ADP
screen is the shape, not whether the symbol is open or filled. For
example:
Both have the same meaning.

Civil Military Affairs
0105. Definitions
1. ‘Military symbol’ is defined as:

A graphic sign used, usually on a map, display or diagram to
represent a particular military unit, installation, activity or other
item of military interest (AAP-6). It may be in colour and is
normally accompanied by alphanumeric characters.
2. The military, tactical, logistics or other terms used in this
publication are defined, where necessary, in AP-6 or in the
glossary of ATP-35.
3. The national equivalents of the various level of formations whose
symbols are shown in this publication, are set out in STANAG
2356.
4. Chapter 5 gives a glossary of terms for use with APP-6.
0106. Related documents
1. Reference is made in this publication to various STANAGs. There

is no requirement for most users to refer to the actual STANAGs,
all of which are, in any case, implemented in publications issued
by nations and allied headquarters. However, for information the
STANAGs are:
STANAG 1059 - National Distinguishing Letters for use by NATO

Forces
STANAG 2022 - Intelligence Reports
STANAG 2077 - Order of Battle Non-NATO Forces
STANAG 2356 - Comparative Formation/Unit Installations
2. Reference is made also to Allied Publications that are issued on a
wide distribution and which may be available to users. These are:
a. AAP-6. NATO Glossary of Terms and Definitions (English
and French).
b. ATP-35. Land Force Tactical Doctrine.
0107. Colour representation
1. Ideally, different colours will be used to differentiate between

enemy and friendly symbols. However, it is necessary to provide
for both one-colour and multi-colour representation of symbols.
2. Single Colour Representation. When only one colour is used, the
basic symbols for enemy units will be drawn with a double line,
while friendly units remain with a single line. Where double lines
are inappropriate or cannot be used, such as on equipment
symbols, the letters ‘EN’ will accompany in the appropriate field.
a. Blue ( blue or black for manual systems). Friendly units,
posts and installations, equipments, activities and ground
environment symbols, not covered by the colours listed
below.
b. Red. Enemy units, posts and installations, equipments,
activities and ground environment symbols, not covered by
the colours listed below.
c. Yellow. Friendly and/or enemy NBC events, such as
chemical or radiological areas and enemy biological areas.
d. Green. Friendly and/or enemy man-made obstacles.
e. Others. Other colours are spare and if used, must be
explained in a legend.
4. Limited-colour representation
a. In cases where only a few colours are available, the
following guidelines are to be used. An example would be
an ADP system that had only a limited capability to show
colours. When colours are limited, friendly forces should
always be shown in black or blue.
b. 2 colours
(1) One colour (ideally blue, black or green) for friendly
symbols.
(2) One colour (ideally red) for enemy symbols.
c. 3 colours
(1) One colour (ideally blue or black) for friendly symbols not
listed below.
(2) One colour (ideally red) for enemy symbols not listed
below.
(3) One colour (ideally yellow or green) for NBC events and/or
man-made obstacles, both friendly and enemy.
0108. Fields
1. Fields are a combination of letters, numbers and/or abbreviations

grouped in and around the basic symbol to provide additional
information.
2. In order to show military symbols on an ADP screen it is
necessary to have strict rules about the position and length of
each field. For example, if all the permitted alphanumeric spaces
to the left and right of a basic symbol were used, plus the width of
the symbol itself, the total length would be half the width of the
average ADP screen.
3. The rules concerning the position and length of fields grouped
round a basic symbol are as follows:
a. Above. Not more than 2 fields, each of not more than 6
b. Right. Not more than 4 fields, each of not more than 21
alphanumeric characters. However more than one type of
information may be included in each of these fields
provided that the maximum length is not exceeded.
c. Below. Not more than 2 fields, each of not more than 6
alphanumeric characters, plus (if required) an arrow to
show ‘direction of movement’.
d. Left. Not more than 4 fields, each of not more than 15
e. These are shown on the sketch below:

6
6
15 21
15 21
15 21
15 21
6
6
4. Each field is identified by the following:

a. Field title. The name given to a particular position in
relation to the basic symbol: an example is ‘Unique
designation’.
b. Field length. The maximum number of alphanumeric
figures that may be used in that particular field. It is shown
after the field title: for example ‘Unique designation (15)’.
In some cases, the field length is less than the total
number of character spaces; this is to allow for two field
titles to appear on the same line. For example, ‘Combat
effectiveness’ (5 spaces), plus an oblique stroke, plus
‘Free text’ (15 spaces), adds up to the maximum 21
alphanumeric characters permitted to the right of a basic
symbol.
c. Field letter. The position of each field in relation to the
basic symbol is shown on a field diagram by means of a
letter that stands for the field title; for example, the position
of ‘Unique designation’ is indicated by the letter ‘T’.
5. Not all fields are applicable to all basic symbols, but in each case
the position and maximum length is constant and obligatory. The
field diagram set out on the next page shows the position of most
fields.
6. Detailed information on the layout and content of each field, plus
the appropriate diagrams, is given in the following paragraphs:
a. Units, posts and installations and equipment - paragraph
0229.
b. Terrain and tactical activities - paragraph 0311.
D Special indicator
Qty of
eqpt
*
C
B Size
Indicator
W Date-time group A Basic symbol (usually with E Unconfirmed or query

role indicator) mark
W Date-time group F Reinforced G Additional

or detached information
H Free text
J Evaluation rating
V Name of unit or type of equipment L Signature equipment
M Higher formation *
N Enemy
T Unique designation P Arbitrary unit
Designator
Notes:
1. *Which of these field titles will appear in this field depends on which role
indicator is shown.
2. The letters ‘I’, ‘O’ and ‘U’ have not been used to indicate fields to avoid
confusion.
3. Fields H, J, K, L and M, N, P should not exceed 21 characters.
0109. Contents of fields. Explanatory text and examples to elaborate on the

contents of fields are contained in the following sub-paragraphs. “Applicable to all”
throughout the tables refers to formations, units, equipment, installations and posts:
1. Mandatory fields

Letter
(a) (b) © (d) (e)
A NA Basic a. Example shows the basic

symbol and symbol for a formation or
role unit and the role indicator is
indicator that for mechanized infantry
B 6 Size a. Example shows an enemy

indicator tank regiment.
c. Mandatory for formations

and units.
d. Should be used for

installations when name is
not ambiguous.
e. May be used with

equipment.
f. Query mark, “?”, permitted.
P 21 Arbitrary a. Applicable to enemy

unit formations, units,
designator installations and equipments
only.
b. See paragraph 0206 for

1UK567 UR
further detail.
c. Assigned when
identification of enemy is
incomplete or doubtful.
T 15 Unique a. Example shows 8th Canadian

Designation Hussars (8 CH).
b. Applicable to all except

enemy equipment.
8 CH
c. If unique designation is not
known or is unconfirmed, a
Query mark, “?”, must be shown.
d. It must always match the size

indicator. If size indicator is not
shown, unique designation must
include the size.
2. Conditional information fields

Letter
(a) (b) © (d) (e)
D NA Special a. Example shows mechanized

size infantry formation or unit in
special grouping, ie combat team,
battle group, brigade group etc.
b. Applicable to formations, units

and installations.
c. Must be displayed when

applicable.
N 2 Enemy a. Example shows an enemy

indicator mortar.
b. Applicable to enemy
equipment only.
EN
c. Not required when symbols
can be identified as enemy by the
colour red.
3. Optional information fields
Field Field Field title Example Remarks

Letter Length
(a) (b) © (d) (e)
C 6 Quantity of a. Example shows six mortars.

equipment
6 b. Applicable to equipment only.
c. Used to show the numbers of

equipment.
d. Query mark, “?”, may be

included when quantity is not
known or is unconfirmed.
E 1 Unconfirmed ?
a. The example shows what is
thought to be an enemy motor
rifle battalion but all information is
unconfirmed.
?
c. Example two shows only the
A?
fact that it is A Company and
unconfirmed. Query mark, “?”, is
inserted in this field (T).
F 3 Reinforced or a. Examples show 112

detached Reconnaissance Squadron
112 reinforced and 12 Dragoons with
squadron(s) detached.
b. Applicable to all less enemy

equipment.
(-)
c. This field is always shown in
12D brackets.
d. Used to show change in size

as (+) or (-) to indicate that units
or sub-units are attached or
detached.
G 17 Additional a. Used for notes by the user.

information
GR 246246 b. Applicable to all but should be
used restrictively to avoid
c. Contents of this field may not

necessarily be transmitted to
other units or formations.
H 21 Free text a. Used for additional information

not covered by other fields.
b. Applicable to all but should be

BDE RES used restrictively to avoid
c. Query mark ,“?”, permitted with

enemy information.
d. Important information which

should be transmitted to other
units or formations should be in
this field not in field G.
J 2 Evaluation a. Applicable to enemy only.

rating
b. Consists of one letter and one
figure to show source and
B1 information gradings.

K 5 Combat a. Applicable to all formations,

effectiveness units and installations.
b. If field H is also used, then field

CE 10
c. May be displayed as CE
(Combat Effectiveness) followed
by a space and two figures or as
“%” (Percentage Effectiveness)
followed by a space and two
figures.
L 1 Signature a. Applicable to enemy

equipment equipment only.
?
b. If the enemy equipment emits
a signature, indicate by use of an
exclamation mark “!”.

M 15 Higher a. The example shows 4th

formations Platoon, 12th Anti Armour
Company, 12th Mechanized
Brigade of 1st Armoured Division.
c. Higher formation field (M) is

used to show some or all of its
higher units or formations.
4 12/0/12/1
d. Sequence of size indicators
must follow those given in
paragraph 0208.7d.
e. If one of the sequence is

unknown, a Query Mark, “?”, is
shown.
4 12/?/12/1
f. For each part of the sequence
not used, a “0” is inserted.
g. Normally for manual display,

the higher formation field may be
abbreviated as in example two.
Q NA Direction of a. The example shows a unit

movement moving West.
arrow
c. The example indicated the

general direction in which the unit
is moving but not the precise
route.
d. The arrow is always positioned

at the location point of the
symbol.
R NA Mobility a. Applicable to formations, units

indicator and equipment.
b. A pictorial representation of
mobility, as contained in
paragraph 0228, is used.
S 15 Headquarters a. The example shows a brigade

representation Main headquarters.
MAIN b. Applicable to all formations

and units.
c. A Query mark, “?”, may be

used at the end of the information
in this field if it is unconfirmed. A
Query mark, “?”, should be
shown in this field if the
information is unknown or
unconfirmed.
d. The words MAIN, REAR,

ALTN, TAC or STEPUP may be
used.
V 5 Name of unit or a. Example one shows FLG, 13/

type of Service Battalion. Example two
equipment FLG 13 indicated an enemy anti-tank gun
thought to be 120mm but this
information has not been
confirmed.
c. This field is used to show the

classification, or type of
120mm?
formation, unit, installation or
equipment.
EN
d. A Query mark, “?”, may be
used at the end o the information
in this field if it is unconfirmed or
on its own if the information is
unknown.
W 15 and Date-time- NMB 041000Z a. Example one shows No Move

15 group Before (NMB) 1000 hours ZULU
on the 4th day of the current
month. Example two shows an
action is in effect from 1200Z to
2300Z hours only.
FROM 1200Z
TO 2300 Z b. Applicable to all.
c. Two “W” fields are used to

allow for both “FROM” and “TO”
to be shown.
CHAPTER 2
Units, posts and installations, and equipment
Part 1 Guide to Use
0201. Basic symbols
1. A unit is represented by:
2. A headquarters or an element of a headquarters is represented

by:
3. An observation post is represented by:
4. A logistic or administrative installation is represented by:
5. An electronic installation is represented by:
6. A landing site is represented by:
7. National non-NATO forces are represented by:
0202. One-colour representation
When only one colour is used, the basic symbols for enemy units will be drawn with a
double line:
An enemy unit
Where double lines cannot be used, such as on equipment symbols, the letters ‘EN’ will
accompany:
EN
0203. Solid or broken lines.
1. A solid line will be used to indicate:

a. Present or actual locations.
b. Objectives.
c. Boundaries.
2. A broken line will be used to indicate a future or projected location:
Future location of infantry battalion Enemy unit HQ

anticipated location
0204. Equipment
1. Unless otherwise stated, the exact location of the equipment is

indicated by the centre of the base of the symbol.
2. Equipments are indicated by the basic weapon symbol for a gun
or howitzer with the calibre shown in field V:
a. Light gun or howitzer:
105mm
b. Medium gun or howitzer:
105mm
c. Heavy gun or howitzer:
155mm
d. Heavy gun or howitzer:
175mm
3. Additions are made to indicate the type of equipment:

a. Light gun in anti-tank role
105mm
b. A gun in anti-aircraft role
40mm
c. Multi-barrel rocket launcher
MLRS
0205. Fields
1. Fields are a combination of letters, numbers and/or abbreviations

grouped in and around the basic symbol to provide additional
information.
2. An explanation is set out at paragraph 0108 and detailed
information on each field is set out at paragraph 0229.
Paragraphs 0206, 0207, 0208 and 0209 explain the use of each
field.
0206. Mandatory fields
The following information is mandatory and must be completed if applicable. If the

Information is not known, a query mark must be shown in its place.
1. Role indicator (-) (A). A symbol is placed within the basic symbol to
show the type of unit or installation; it may be a composite symbol combining two or
more types:
An armoured unit A fuel installation for Air Force fuel

2. Size indicator (6) (B) (mandatory for units only, but could be used
also with some installations and/or equipment; see paragraph
0229). A symbol is placed on top of the basic symbol to show the
size:
MRG
An infantry platoon A Main Repair Group (MRG)

manned by a company size unit
3. Unconfirmed or query mark (1)

a. When an aspect of a mandatory field is unknown, a query
mark, “?”, by itself, must appear in that field.
b. When one aspect of a mandatory field is doubtful, a query
mark, “?”, should be placed at the end of the information in
that field.
4. Arbitrary unit designator (13) (P). A number, letters or

combination of both is used to designate an HQ, unit or formation
whose correct title is unknown. Further details on the method of
allocation of an Arbitrary Unit Designator are contained in Annex A
to this Chapter.
NG369 UR MRD
This example indicates that HQ

NORTHAG have located what they
believe to be an enemy MRD and
have allocated the arbitrary unit
designator of 369.
5. Unique designation (15) (T)
a. Gives the title of the unit, etc. It must always match the
size indicator:
23 Indicates No. 23 Battalion

Indicates No. 23 Battalion
b. If a size indicator is not shown, for example with an item of
equipment, then the unique designation should include an
abbreviation, such as ‘pl’ (for platoon) to indicate size.
0207. Conditional fields
The following fields are conditional, and must be completed if the conditions which they
indicate are applicable.
1. Special indicator (-) (D). Must be displayed when applicable.
Armoured Infantry unit in special grouping, such as a Combat

team
2. Enemy (shown as ‘EN’) (2) (N). Must be used for equipment if
one-colour representation is used; if an arbitrary unit designator
(field P) is shown also, ‘EN’ will be shown before the arbitrary unit
designator.
57mm EN
An enemy anti-aircraft gun of 57mm calibre
0208. Optional fields
The following fields are optional and should be completed when required.
1. Quantity of equipment (6) ©. To show numbers of an equipment.

Where the quantity is unconfirmed a query mark may be added:
81mm
4 x 81mm mortars (see paragraph 0206.3)
2. Reinforced or Detached (3) (F). Used to indicate if reinforced or if
part is detached. Always shown in brackets:
(+)
14
14 Infantry battalion
(-)
15
15 Infantry battalion with part detached
3. All information unknown (1) (E). When all the information
contained in a symbol is doubtful or unconfirmed, a query mark,
“?”, must be placed in field E.
4. Additional information (17) (G). Space for the writer to make
notes; however information in this space will not necessarily be
transmitted via ADP.
(+)
14
CHECK AT 1200HRS
14 Infantry battalion reinforced, but
with note to check again at 1200 hrs
5. Free text (15) (H). Space to write additional information which will
be transmitted via ADP:
NO DRINK
The water is not for human
consumption
6. Combat effectiveness (5) (K)
a. An indication of the effectiveness of the unit (friendly or
enemy) may be shown as:
(1) Combat effectiveness (‘CE’ plus %), or
(2) Percentage effectiveness (‘PE’ plus %)
(3) If field H (free text) is to be used also, put an
oblique stroke after field K:
CE 10
Combat effectiveness = 10% for a friendly unit
20% BEING CHECKED
Percentage effectiveness = 20% for an enemy unit

7. Higher formation (15) (M)
a. The unique designation (field T) gives the title of the unit or
other symbol portrayed, and must always match any size
indicator shown.
b. The higher formation field (field M) is to show some or all
of its higher units or formations. They are shown with an
oblique stroke between each one.
c. It should show their abbreviated title and it may include
national distinguishing letters.
d. It must follow the sequence of size indicators given to
STANAG 2356, which is as follows:
Group Size Indicator Generic Term
1 -
.
2 -
..
3 Platoon
…
4 Echelon
….
5 I Company
6 II Battalion
7 III Regiment/Group
8 X Brigade
9 XX Division
10 XXX Corps
11 XXXX Army
12 XXXXX Army Group
13 XXXXXX Region
If one of the sequence is unknown, a query mark must be shown. If one of the
sequence is not used by a nation, ‘0” must be shown.
e.
2 (Canadian) Brigade, which is part

of 3 (US) Division
16 ?/10
f.
16 Platoon, which is part of an unknown company,

which is part of 10 Battalion
3 A/14/0/2 (UK)
g.
3 Platoon, A Company, 14 Battalion,
part of 2 (UK) Brigade. UK does not
use ‘regiment (III)’, so this slot is
shown as ‘0’.
8. Direction-of-movement arrow (-) (Q). General indication of the

direction of movement
This unit is moving west This Headquarters is moving east

9. Mobility indicator (-) ®. A pictorial representation of the type of
mobility:
An infantry company in wheeled transport

10. Headquarters representation (15) (S):
a. A ‘shaft’ is drawn on the left side of the symbol to indicate
a headquarters
b. Underneath the symbol may be written an abbreviation to

show the type of headquarters. The list of types is given in
paragraph 0213.
MAIN
A divisional main headquarters

11. Name of unit or type of equipment (15) (V):
a. The unique designation (field T) gives the unique title of
the unit or installation portrayed.
b. This field (field V) should show the class or type of the unit,
installation or equipment rather than its unique title.
c. In cases where the name or type is unconfirmed, a query
mark should be added.
d.
SPECIAL FORCES B
B Company of
some Special
Forces Unit
e.
BASE WORKSHOP
maintenance unit of Base
Workshop type of battalion
size
f.
120mm?
EN
An anti-tank gun, thought to be
120mm but not confirmed
12. Date/time (15/15) (W):

a. These fields should contain all information relating to time.
b. Each field contains up to 15 characters.
c. Each line should contain figures to represent the date
and/or time and if required an abbreviation to indicate the
purpose of the time.
d. Two lines are available so as to be able to portray such
items as ‘from’ and ‘to’ times.
e.
031500A
Information obtained on the 3rd day
of the current month at 1500 hrs
ALFA time
f.
NMB 041000Z
No Move Before (NMB) 1000 hrs
ZULU time on the 4th day of the
current month
g.
FROM 1200Z TO 2300 Z

Information effective
From 1200 hrs ZULU
time To 2300 hrs
ZULU time
0209. Optional fields (enemy only)
The following fields are optional also, but apply to enemy forces only.
1. Evaluation rating (2) (J). Indicates the source and information

gradings (these gradings are explained in STANAG 2022). If field
H (free text) is to be used also, an oblique stroke should follow the
evaluation rating:
A1
The information is graded as ‘A1’
2. Signature equipment (1) (L). Indicate by ‘!’ if the equipment emits
a signature. If field H (free test) is to be used also, an oblique
stroke should follow the signature symbol.
A radar emitting a clearly recognizable signal that

will identify it
0210. Location of symbol on the map or the display
1. Each symbol must be capable of being positively and accurately

positioned on an ADP display. This means that each symbol must
contain at least one ‘location point’ that will fix its position on the
display.
2. However the position of the ‘location point’ may vary according to

the type of ADP system being used.
3. Therefore it is not possible to set out fixed rules. However, as a
general guide, the location point is likely to be positioned as
follows:
a. At the point of the shaft for:
b. At the centre of the bottom for:
c. At the end of a ‘location vector’ which starts from one of

the above location points, when it is necessary to offset the
symbol from its current position:
d. When there are two or more staffs at the same location,

the symbols can be placed on one location vector:
e. When more than one unit, installation or equipment are

located at the same location, they can be indicated by:
0211. EXAMPLES
1. One-colour respesentation
a. Friendly forces
MAIN
NMB 031030Z (-)
AT 031005Z 3/76/2(US)
Main Headquarters of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Regiment, 76th

Brigade, less a significant detachment. The unit is under
command of 2 (US) Div. The information is valid at 1005Z
on the 3rd of the month. The HQ is about to move east, no
move before (NMB) 031030Z
b. Enemy forces
AT 101500Z A 1HF RADIO
HF RADIO 2 GE 123PL
(1
Polish signal unit of unidentified size given an arbitrary unit

designator of 123 by 2 (GE) Corps. Unit equipped with HF
radio, information graded A1, seen at 101500Z
(2)
12?
AT 231600Z B1/GR246246
T72 7US315GC
East German tanks of an unidentified unit seen at GR

246246 believed to be T72. Arbitrary unit designator 315
allotted by 7 (US) Corps. Quantity unconfirmed and
graded B1
a. Friendly forces
(1) Units
PATROL (-)
C 14/0/12(UK)
Part of C Company, 14th Infantry Battalion of the 12th (UK)

Brigade, (UK does not use ‘regiment’, so ‘0’ is shown).
The Company is being used as a patrol company.
(2) Installations
OPEN 031000Z
A 3/43
Water point manned by A Company, 3rd Battalion, 43rd

Regiment, due to open at 1000Z on the 3rd day of the
current month. Exact location indicated by a vector.
(3) Equipment
070800Z 1 COLDM GDS
Mor Pl
4 x 81mm mortars belonging to the Mortar Platoon (Mor Pl)
of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards (COLDM GDS).
Information valid at 0800Z on the 7th of the month.
b. Enemy forces
(1) Units
T76 B1
6 1UK231 CZ
6th Czechoslovakian Tank Regiment, equipped with T76

tanks, arbitrary unit designator 231 allotted by 1(BR)
Corps, information rated B1.
(2) Post
190730Z 1 COLDM GDS

BN? 7/16 1NL 241 UR
A Soviet artillery observation post of the 7th Regiment, 16th

Brigade. Located at GR 123456. Information as at 0730Z
on the 19th day of the current month. Which battalion is
providing the post is not known, and this is indicated by
‘BN?’. Allotted arbitrary unit designator 241 by 1 (NL)
Corps.
(3) Equipment
120mm? 1BE312 HU
Three Hungarian mortars, thought to be 120mm but not

confirmed. Given the arbitrary unit designator of 312 by 1
(BE) Corps.
c. Landing sites
OPEN 191030Z ? 22AAC
(See Symbol No 8 at Page 2-19). An army helicopter landing site,

belonging to an unspecified squadron of 22 Army Air Corps (AAC)
at GR 678124. It opens at 1030Z on the 19th day of the current
month.
d. Electronic activities
RADAR ?/24
A radar-jamming installation (platoon size), part of 24th Battalion,

Company not known.
e. Mobility
1/43
120mm
2Pl
A tracked anti-tank gun (120mm) from 2 Platoon, 1

Company, 43 Battalion.
PART 2 CATALOGUE OF SYMBOLS
0212. Unit type indicator
Description Symbol
1. Friendly unit in its present location
2. Friendly unit HQ in its present location
3. Planned location for friendly unit
4. Planned location for friendly unit HQ
5. Capable of being fully mobilized
6. Capable of being only partly mobilized
7. Enemy unit in its present location
8. Enemy unit HQ in its present location
9. Enemy unit anticipated or suspect

supporting fields)
10. Enemy unit HQ anticipated or suspect

supporting fields)
0213. Headquarters representation
1. Unit Headquarters and Command Posts may be specified by

characters underneath the symbol. The following terms in
abbreviated form may be used in field S, but may not necessarily
appear:
Description Abbreviated form
a. Advanced ADV
b. Alternative ALTN
c. Main MAIN
d. Mobile MOB
e. Peacetime PEACE
f. Rear REAR
g. Reserve RES
h. Static STAT
i. Step-up STEPUP
j. Tactical TAC
2. An index of all the abbreviations set out in APP-6 is contained in

paragraph 0618.
0214. Basic unit role indicators
These are listed in alphabetical order.
1. Air defence
2. Air Force (see also Symbol No 8 and footnote thereto)
3. Airmobile
4. Air-transportable
5. Amphibious
6. Anti-tank
7. Armour
8. Army aviation (See Footnote)
(a) (b)
Footnote: Both symbols are used within NATO. However, symbol 8(a) is favoured for
use in ADP systems because it is clearly distinguishable from the ‘Air Force’ symbol
(0214.2 above). See also Para 0104.5 at Page 1-2.
9. Artillery
10. Bridging
11. Combat service support

(either unspecified role or multi-role)
12. Electronic ranging
EW
For Germany only
14. Engineer
15. Headquarters support unit
OR
16. Infantry
17. Labour resources
18. Maintenance
19. Marines
SSS
20. Medical
For Turkey only
21. Meteorological
MET
22. Military/civil affairs
23. Military police
MP
24. Missile
25. Mountain
26. Navy
27. Nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC)
28. Ordnance
29. Parachute
30. Pay/finance
31. Personnel services
PS
32. Pipeline
33. Postal and/or courier
34. Psychological
35. Quartermaster
36. Reconnaissance
37. Reinforcement/replacement holding unit
RHU FErs
For Germany only
38. Service unit
SVCS
39. Signal/communications
40. Sound ranging
41. Supply
OR
42. Transportation/movement
43. Topographical/survey and/or map production or map depot
44. Unmanned air reconnaissance
45. Unspecified or composite all arms formations (e.g., corps,

front)
46. Veterinary
VET
0215. Composite role indicators
In order to depict various types of composite units, the basic symbols should be
superimposed upon each other. Both units and/or equipment can be treated in this way.
Typical examples are as follows (shown in alphabetical order):
1. Air defence artillery
2. Air defence missile
3. Anti-tank Army Aviation
See Symbol No 8 at Page 2-19)

4. Anti-tank missile
5. Anti-tank rocket
6. Armoured artillery
7. Armoured engineers
8. Armoured reconnaissance
9. Mechanized/armoured infantry in tracked APCs
10. Mechanized/armoured infantry in wheeled APCs
11. Rocket artillery
1. Smallest Unit/US Squad/UK Section
2. Unit larger than a US Squad/UK Section but

smaller than a platoon equivalent
3. a. Platoon/troop equivalent
OR
b. Some nations use:

as the symbol for a platoon of combat troops
as the symbol for an echelon of command/control or
support elements
4. Company/Battery/Squadron equivalent
5. Battalion
6. Regiment equivalent
7. Brigade equivalent
8. Division
9. Corps
10. Army
11. Army Group
12. Region
0217. Symbols associated with size indicators
1. Non-organic unit or temporary grouping
2. Unknown
POSTS AND INSTALLATION REPRESENTATION
0218. Observation post indicator
1. Friendly observation post in its present location
2. Friendly observation post’s planned location
3. Enemy observation post in its present location
4. Enemy observation post’s anticipated or suspect location (this is

0219. Logistic installation indicator
1. Friendly logistic installation in its present location
2. Friendly logistic installation’s planned location
3. Enemy logistic installation in its present location
4. Enemy logistic installation anticipated or suspect location (this is

0220. Electronic installation indicator
1. Friendly electronic installation in its present location
2. Friendly electronic installation in its planned location
3. Enemy electronic installation in its present location
4. Enemy electronic installation in its anticipated or suspect location

(this is made clear from the supporting fields)
0221. Landing site indicators
1. Friendly landing site in its present location
2. Friendly landing site in its planned location
3. Enemy landing site in its present location
4. Enemy landing site anticipated or suspect location (this is made

INSTALLATION ROLE INDICATORS
0222. Basic logistic installation role indicators
These are listed in alphabetical order. Ammunition installations containing one type of
ammunition only should be depicted by the basic ammunition symbol with the nature
stocked shown in field V.
1. Ammunition
2. Bridging
3. Burial
For Turkey only

4. Chemical storage
CHEM
5. Decontamination
6. Engineer
7. Food
8. Fuel
9. Hospital
10. Laundry and bath
11. Maintenance
12. Medical
13. Missile ammunition
14. Movement control
15. Nuclear storage
NUC
16. Spare parts
17. Supply
or
18. Water
19. Unknown
20. Combat service support (either unspecified or multi-role)
0223. Composite logistic installation role indicators
In order to depict various types of composite logistic installations, the basic symbols
should be superimposed upon each other. Unit, installation and/or equipment symbols
can be used. Typical examples are as follows (shown in alphabetical order).
1. Air defence ammunition (gun)
2. Air defence ammunition (missiles)
3. Air Force ammunition
4. Air Force fuel (fixed wing or helicopter)
5. Army aviation ammunition
6. Army aviation fuel (fixed wing or helicopter)
7. Artillery ammunition (gun)
8. Artillery ammunition (missile)
9. Rocket ammunition (rocket)
10. Mines and explosives
0224. Electronic installation role indicators
1. Air defence radar
2. Artillery locating
EW
For Germany only

4. Ground sensor/ground surveillance radar
5. Signal communications
6. Target designator, eg laser, infrared
0225. Electronic installation activities
1. Direction finding
2. Emitting
3. Intercepting
4. Jamming
EQUIPMENT REPRESENTATION
0226. Equipment Indicators
Unless otherwise stated, the exact location of the equipment is indicated by the centre of
the base of the symbol.
Equipment is shown grouped according to type.
Equipment Light Medium Heavy
1. Aircraft
a. Air Force fixed wing aircraft

size and type unspecified
b. Air Force helicopter
c. Army fixed-wing aircraft (See Symbol

No 8 at Page
2-19)
d. Army helicopter (See Symbol

No 8 at Page
2-19)
e. Army attack helicopter
f. Bomber, size unspecified
g. Fighter, size unspecified
2. Electronics
Radar
3. Ships
a. Naval ship, size unspecified
b. Submarine, size
unspecified
c. Hovercraft, size unspecified
Equipment Symbol
4. Weapons
a. Anti-tank gun
b. Anti-tank missile launcher
c. Anti-tank rocket launcher
d. Flame thrower
e. Gun
f. Howitzer
g. Machine gun
h. Mortar
i. Surface-to-air missile launch
j. Surface-to-surface tactical missile

launcher
5. Vehicles
a. Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC)
b. General symbol for armoured vehicle
c. General symbol for unprotected vehicle
d. Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle

(MICV)/Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)
e. Tank
0227. Composite equipment indicators
In order to depict various types of composite equipment, the basic symbols should be
superimposed upon each other. Typical examples are as follows (shown in alphabetical
order).
Equipment Symbol
1. Army Anti-tank helicopter
2. Armoured vehicle bridge laying

(AVLB)
3. Engineer vehicles
a. There are a wide variety of engineer vehicles and attachments,

such as ‘mine plough’ or ‘dozer blades’, that can be fitted.
b. In order to simplify/reduce the number of symbols, the symbol
has been selected as the general indication of an engineer
vehicle. This should be attached to the appropriate vehicle
symbol and field V should then be used to say what attachment is
fitted.
Equipment Symbol
c. Examples are: MINE PLOUGH

(1) Tank with mine plough
(2) Tracked vehicle armoured with dozer DOZER

blade
(3) Wheeled vehicle for load carrying 10 TON LOAD
4. Gun in anti-aircraft role
Equipment Symbol
5. Gun in anti-tank role
6. Multi-barrel rocket launcher
7. Reconnaissance Air Force aircraft,

size not specified
8. Air Force transport aircraft, size not

specified
0228. Mobility indicators
To be shown in field R, underneath a unit or equipment symbol, to indicate the type of

mobility. Mobility indicators may be placed in field A to clarify the capability of the unit if
required. Shown in alphabetical order.
1. Amphibious
2. Oversnow
3. Towed vehicle or a trailer
4. Tracked
5. Wheeled
6. Wheeled, cross-country
7. Wheeled/tracked combination
8. Railway
0229. Location and contents of fields
1. Detailed information on the purpose and layout of fields is given in

paragraph 0108. For ease of reference, the field diagram is
reproduced here.
Qty of
Eqpt
*
B Size
indicator
W Date-time group A Basic symbol (usually E Unconfirmed or query

with role indicator)
W Date-time group F Reinforced or detached
G Additional information
V Name of unit or type of H Free Text *
equipment
J Evaluation rating
L Signature equipment
S Headquarters M Higher formation *
representation
N Enemy
R Mobility indicator
P Arbitrary unit **
Q Direction of movement designator
arrow
Notes:
* Which of these field titles will appear in this field depends upon which role
indicator is shown.
The letters ‘I’, ‘O’ and ‘U’ have not been used to indicate fields to avoid
confusion.
** See Annex A to this chapter which gives instructions for the method of
allocating an arbitrary unit designator.
Annex:
A. Marking Unknown or Unidentified Enemy Units
2. Content of information fields

Field letter Maximum field Title and Applicable to Remarks
length description
Mandatory - Basic symbol All -

fields and role
indicator units,
A posts and
installations or
equipment
symbol (See
paragraphs
0214, 0215,
0222, 0223,
0224, 0225,
0226, 0227)
B 6 Size indicator a. Mandatory for

units
See paragraph Units
0216 b. Should be
Installations completed for
installations when
Equipment the number or name
of the installation is
not unique and
unambiguous
c. May be used with

equipments
d. Query mark
permitted
P 21 Arbitrary unit Enemy only The arbitrary unit

designator. To designator is
be assigned Units allocated in
when the accordance with the
identification of Installations instructions in Annex
the symbol is A to this Chapter
incomplete or Equipment
doubtful
T 15 Unique All less enemy a. If the unique

designation. equipment designation is not
Unique number known, or is
or abbreviated unconfirmed, a query
title of unit or mark must be shown
installation
b. May include
National
distinguishing letters
c. The unique
designation must
always match the
size indicator. If a
size indicator is not
shown, the unique
designation must
include the size.
Conditional information fields
D - Special size Units Must be displayed

indicator (see when applicable
paragraph Installations
0217)
N 2 Enemy. Equipment Not required when

Indicate enemy symbols can be
equipment by identified as ‘Enemy’
the letters ‘EN’ by their colour
Optional information fields
C 6 Quantity of Equipment Query mark may be

equipment. included
Shows how
many
equipments are
present
E 1 Unconfirmed. All When all the

Query mark information is
doubtful
F 3 Reinforced or All less enemy This field is always

detached. equipment shown in brackets
Attached to
field F to show
change in size
as (+) or (-)
G 17 Additional All The contents of this

information. field may not
For notes by necessarily be
the user transmitted to other
users
H 15 Free text. All a. Query mark

Space for permitted with
additional Enemy information
information not
covered by the b. Important
other fields information, which
should be
transmitted to other
users, should be in
this field not in field
G
J 2 Evaluation Enemy only a. For gradings see

rating. STANAG 2022
Consists of one
letter one figure b. If field H is in use
to show source also, this comes first,
and information and is then
gradings separated by an
oblique stroke
If field H is in use
also, this comes first
and then separated
by an oblique stroke
K 5 Combat Units If field H is in use

effectiveness. also, this comes first
May be Installations and then separated
displayed as by an oblique stroke
Combat
effectiveness
(CE followed by
space and 2
figures and %)
or Percentage
effectiveness
(PC followed by
space and 2
figuresand %)
L 1 Signature Enemy only If field H is in use

equipment. If also, this comes first
the equipment Equipment and is then
is a signature separated by an
equipment, oblique stroke
indicate by ‘!’
M 15 Higher All a. Query mark may

formation. be included
Unique number
or abbreviated b. May include
title of the National
formation distinguishing letters
c. Must follow the

sequence of sizes
given in paragraph
0216
Q - Direction-of- All Indicates the general

movement direction, not the
arrow. Always precise route
positioned at
the location
point of the
symbol
R - Mobility Units
indicator. A
pictorial Equipment
representation
of mobility as
defined in
paragraph 0228
S 15 Headquarters Units Query mark may be

representation. included
Specifies level
of headquarters
(see paragraph
0213)
V 15 Name of unit or Units Where name or type

type of are unconfirmed, a
equipment. Equipment query mark may be
Show class, added
type or query
mark
W 15 and 15 Date/time All a. 7 character

group. May be alphanumeric field
supplemented for date/time

by ‘AT’ ‘FROM’, preceded by up to 7
etc to show to letters to show ‘AT
what the time TO’, etc
applies
b. Two fields, each
of 15 spaces to allow
both ‘FROM’ and
‘TO’ or equivalent
times to be shown
ANNEX A TO
CHAPTER 2
METHOD OF MARKING UNKNOWN OR UNIDENTIFIED ENEMY UNITS
1. In war it could prove extremely difficult to identify by title a particular unit

or formation on the battlefield particularly if it has come from other than the well known
groups of forces bordering NATO countries/armies.
2. The method employed to mark unknown or unidentified enemy units on

manual, or ADP, map displays is to allocate an Arbitrary Unit Designator (AUD). An
arbitrary unit designator is made up of a prefix, a number and a suffix. STANAG 2077
INT contains full details of the method of allocating arbitrary unit designators and a
precis of its contents follows for ease of reference.
PREFIX
3. A 3 digit alphanumeric distinguishing code indicating the corps originating

the AUD (the final dinome indicating nationality as laid down in STANAG 1059) eg:
1 (BR) Corps will use 1 UK*
2 (GE) Corps will use 2 GE
7 (US) Corps will use 7 US
or
4. A 2 letter distinguishing code indicating the NATO formation allocating the

AUD. These prefixes are:
SHAPE SH
AFNORTH AN
COMNON NN
COMSONOR SN
COMBALTAP BA
COMLANDJUT JU
COMZEALAND ZE
AFCENT AC*
NORTHAG NG*
CENTAG CG*
AFSOUTH AS
* To be reviewed in conjunction with other NATO STANAGS.
LANDSOUTH LS
LANDSOUTHEAST SE
AMF(L) AM
or
5. A 2 letter distinguishing code in accordance with the national

distinguishing letters given in ADatP-3 Part IV an extract of which follows:
ALBANIA AL
ALGERIA AG
AUSTRIA AU
BELGIUM BE
BULGARIA BU
CANADA CA
CYPRUS CY
CZECHOSLOVAKIA CZ
DENMARK DA
EYGPT EG
FINLAND FI
FRANCE FR
GERMANY (FDR) GE*
GERMANY (GDR) GC*
GIBRALTAR GI
GREECE GR
GREENLAND GL
HUNGARY HU
ICELAND IC
IRELAND EI
ITALY IT
LIBYA LY
LEICHENSTEIN LS
LUXEMBOURG LU
MALTA MT
MONACO MN
MOROCCO MO
NETHERLANDS NL
NORWAY NO
POLAND PL
PORTUGAL PO
RUMANIA RO
USSR UR*
SPAIN SP
SWEDEN SW
SWITZERLAND SZ
TUNISIA TS
TURKEY TU
UNITED KINGDOM UK
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA US
YUGOSLAVIA* YO
NUMBER
6. National corps will be responsible for allocating blocks of numbers

between 000 and 999 to their own headquarters and subordinate formations. Similarly,
divisions may sub-allocate numbers to their subordinate formations. All formations of a
corps and corps HQ will however use the same prefix. Nations and NATO formation
headquarters will use the same block of number ie 000-999.
*To be reviewed in conjunction with other NATO STANAGs.
SUFFIX
7. The prefix and number will be followed by a suffix indicating:
a. The nationality of the enemy formation.

b. The type of formation.
CHANGES IN ARBITRARY UNIT DESIGNATOR
8. The arbitrary unit designator allocated in accordance with paragraphs 5, 6

and 7 will not normally be changed unless an unidentified enemy unit or formation is
recognized separately by 2 formations, each of which allocates its own AUD. Under
such circumstances the relevant superior headquarters, having agreed that an
unidentified enemy formation or unit is present, will either:
a. Accept one of the already allotted AUDs, but replace the prefix
with its own,
or
b. Allocate a new AUD. In either case both of the originating

formations must be informed.
EXAMPLE
9. A division of 1 (BE) Corps and a division of 1 (BR) Corps separately

detect the presence of an unidentified Russian motor rifle division (MRD) in the area of
the inter-corps boundary and each gives it an AUD using the block of numbers allocated
to them by their own corps (1BE369URMRD and IUK473URMRD respectively). Each
corps adopts the AUD allocated by its originating division. HQ NORTHAG agrees that
an unidentified Russian MRD is present and decides to retain the BE number but
allocates it a NORTHAG prefix. From then on until positively identified, or changed by
AFCENT or SHAPE, the unidentified formation will be known as NG369 UR MRD. If for
some reason it is changed by AFCENT or SHAPE an AFCENT or SHAPE prefix will be
applied. Relevant examples are:
a. 1 (BE) Corps
? 1BE369 UR MRD
b. 1 (BR) Corps
? 1UK473 UR MRD
c. HQ NORTHAG agree that an unidentified UR MRD is present and

retain the BE number but allocate a NORTHAG prefix and inform
both corps headquarters of the change:
? NG369 UR MRD
CHAPTER 3
TERRAIN AND TACTICAL ACTIVITIES
Part 1 Guide to use
0301.
Because the symbols listed in this chapter are each used differently, it is necessary to
refer to Part 2 to find out precisely how each one is to be used. In Part 2, the symbols
are listed under the following paragraphs:
1. Points Paragraph 0303

2. Military fortifications Paragraph 0304
3. NBC events Paragraph 0305
4. Lines Paragraph 0306
5. Areas and positions Paragraph 0307
6. Fire planning symbols Paragraph 0308
7. Obstacles Paragraph 0309
8. Movement Paragraph 0310
9. Mission or Intention Symbols Paragraph 0311
0302. General points
a. ‘Areas’
Symbols for areas to be located by one of three ways:
(1) To scale on the map or diagram concerned,
following the representation of the area concerned.
(2) Schematically drawn on the map or diagram
concerned, with its centre on the area concerned.
(3) Schematically drawn and tied by a location vector,
to the centre of the area on the map or diagram
concerned, if this will improve clarity.
b. ‘Lines’
To follow the grid references of the feature they represent.
c. ‘Movement’
To follow the grid references for the movement concerned.
d. ‘Obstacles’
Obstacle symbols should be drawn over the exact grid reference
of the obstacles concerned. If this is not possible, the symbol may
be drawn elsewhere and connected to the exact grid reference by
means of a location vector.
2. Enemy representation
When one-colour representation is used, the letters ‘EN’ should be
repeated as often as necessary for clarity. Examples are:
a. Enemy area b. Enemy front line
EN EN EN
3. Fields
The position and used of ‘Fields’ in connection with the symbols
given in this chapter differ according to the symbol concerned.
They are described in detail in paragraph 0311.
4. Use in connection with a unit or equipment symbol
When a unit or equipment symbol is used in conjunction with a
symbol from this chapter, it must follow the rules set out in
Chapter 2.
5. Use of query mark
The query mark may be used when:
a. Part of the information is unknown. The query mark is to be
placed in the field concerned.
b. Part of the information is doubtful. The query mark is to be placed
at the end of the appropriate field.
c. All information is doubtful or unconfirmed. The query mark is to

be placed in field E.
Part 2 Catalogue of symbols
0303. Points
A point of military interest on a map or diagram is indicated by one of the following:
1. Contact or unspecified point
(US)
A special indicator may be added, the ones most commonly used are:
a. Starting point
SP
SP
(US)
b. Release point
RP RP
(US)
c. Check point
CP
5
2. Control point
3. Coordinating point. For this symbol, the location point is the

centre of the symbol
1. Earthwork/small trench/fortification
2. Surface shelter
3. Underground shelter
4. Strong point
0305. Nuclear biological or chemical events
1. Nuclear strikes are indicated as follows:
a. Actual strikes
b. Suspected or planned strikes
2. Biological and chemical events
a. To differentiate between them, biological (BIO) or chemical
BIO CHEM
(CHEM) will be written in field V.
b. If the exact type of contamination is not known, ‘NBC’ will
NBC
be written in field V.
0306. Lines
1. Boundaries
a. Boundaries are marked by a solid line with the size of the
unit interposed at convenient intervals.
XX
b. The numerical designation of units (supplemented if

necessary by the National distinguishing letters in
brackets) may be placed n either side of the size symbols
to indicate which formations are separated by this
boundary.
4(UK)
3(US)
c. (1) When a boundary separates units of unequal size, the

symbol for the larger unit will normally be used. However,
unit rear boundaries will show the size symbol of the unit
concerned and not the size symbol of the formation
commanding that unit. When the unit concerned does not
correspond to the size symbol placed on its boundary, its
numerical designation must be supplemented by its size
designation:
1(US)
27(BE) BDE
2 DIV 27
(2) If independent units of unequal sizes share a boundary,

two size symbols will be shown, one on each side of the
boundary.
(NO)
(AMF)
d. The diagram below illustrate some of the different cases

that may occur:
3(US) 3(US) 1(US)
3(BE) 2(BE)BDE 27(BE)BDE
2 DIV 27
27
3 CORPS 2
3
2 DIV 3
2 3 BDE
5 5
2. Phase lines or coordination lines

a. FEBA
The FEBA is marked by a series of curved lines:
(1) The position of each curve does not necessarily mark the
location of a combat element.
(2) The convex side of the symbol is towards the enemy.
b. Other phase or coordination lines
(1) These are marked by the normal symbol for a ‘Line’, with a
line indicator and supplementary information at appropriate
intervals. Generally they follow grid references or some
feature of the terrain.
(2) The following line indicators may be used (shown in

alphabetical order):
(a) Bridgehead - BRHD
(b) Communication zone - COMZ

© Fire support coordination line - FSCL
(d) Forward combat zone - FCZ
(e) Forward edge of the battle area - FEBA
(f) Forward line of enemy troops - FLET
(g) Forward line of own troops - FLOT
(h) Line of departure/start line - LD/SL
(i) Main supply route - MSR
(j) No fire line - NFL
(k) Objective - OBJ
(l) Phase line or coordinaton line - PL
(m) Rear combat zone - RCZ
(n) Report line - RL
(3) Examples are:
(a)
OAK APPLE
AT 221030Z
PL
A phase line, nicknamed, ‘OAK APPLE’ which is to be

reached at 1030Z on the 22nd day of the current month
(b)
FSCL
A fire support coordination line, following a terrain feature,

(c)
BIG BIRD
AT 221030Z
LD
(or SL)
A line of departure/start line, nicknamed ‘BIG

BIRD’, which is to be crossed at 1030Z on the 22nd day of
the current month
d. Fortified line
A fortified line is represented by

repeated at appropriate intervals. For example:
e. Routes
See paragraph 0310 - Movements
f. Unspecified obstacle line
An unspecified obstacle line is represented by

at appropriate intervals. For example:
1. a. An area is a delineated portion of terrain or space, having its own

features by virtue of its nature or the activities going on within it.
b. A position is an area from which it is intended to fight.
c. When displaying areas by ADP means, the area is created by a

series of grid references joined by straight lines: therefore not
less than three grid references are required for each area.
2. Areas
a. The layout indicates the difference between the following
types of area, which are explained below:
(1) Concentric area.

(2) Reconnaissance area.
(3) Specified area.
b. Concentric
(1) This is used to depict radiological contamination.
(2) It consists of one or more rings used to make up a
concentric area. Each ring consists of a line interrupted by
a letter/figure combination.
(3) The minimum safe distances from ground zero of

one or more nuclear explosions are shown as follows:
(a) Minimum safety distance 1 MSD1
(b) Minimum safety distance 2 MSD2
© Minimum safety distance 3 MSD3
(4) Levels of radioactivity are indicated by the rate in

centigrays per hour, thus:
30 cGy
(5) The rings must always be drawn to scale. They

may be circular or may not!
c. Reconnaissance area
(1) Used to depict the area within which a unit or
formation is responsible for reconnaissance.
(2) The points of the arrows indicate the width of that
area but not its forward edge:
d. Specified area
(1) (a) An area assigned to or occupied by a unit for
some specific purpose. An example would be a parachute
dropping zone.
(b) An area that has been delineated for some
specific purpose. An example would be an area of nuclear
contamination.
(2) These are depicted by a continuous line plus an
area indicator, to denote the type of area represented.
(3) A symbol depicting any unit or installation assigned
to or occupying the area may be added, inside the area or
attached to it by a vector.
(4) The following area indicators may be used to denote the type
of area represented:
(a) Limited access - denoted by wording
This indicates by words, areas it is inadvisable to enter:
(1) Contaminated biologically BIO
(2) Contaminated with chemical (that is,
persistent agent in liquid or similar form) CHEM
(3) Contaminated with gas (vapour hazard
area) GAS
(4) Impassable IMPAS
(5) Inundation INUND
(6) Minefield MINE
(7) Obscured by smoke SMOKE
(8) Radioactive ATOM
(9) Shelled or bombed SHELL
(b) Limited access - denoted by symbols
(1) This indicated by a basic symbol that the area is
impassable.
(2) Superimposed on the basic symbol are other symbols
to indicate to what personnel/equipment the area is
impassable.
(3) The basic symbol is:
(4) Some examples are:

(a) Impassable to infantry
(b) Impassable to wheeled vehicles
© Usage of area
(1) This indicates the use being made of that area
(2) The areas most commonly used are listed below.
Others may be used, but if they are, they must be
explained in a legend.
(a) Assembly area ASSY
(b) Concentration CONC
© Drop zone DZ
(d) Dump DUMP
(e) Hide area HIDE
(f) Intermediate objective I/OBJ
(g) Key terrain KEY
(h) Landing zone LZ
(i) Logistic area LOG
(j) Objective OBJ
(k) Obscured by SMOKE
(l) Reserve RES
(m) Shelled or bombed SHELL
(n) Unoccupied but prepared for a purpose (to be
used in conjunction with one of the other indicators)
e. Examples
(1) Limited access denoted by wording - an area
contaminated with chemicals (normally shown in yellow).
CHEM
(2) Limited access denoted by a symbol - an area impassable

to tracked and wheeled vehicles, symbol outside the area and
connected to it by a vector. Mobility indicators for wheeled
and tracked vehicles inserted to show for which equipment the
area is impassable.
(3) Usage of area

(a) An area to be used as an assembly area (ASSY) (broken
line indicates future use)
ASSY
(b) An area being used by 2nd Parachute Battalion as a drop

zone (DZ)
DZ
2 PARA
© An area prepared for use as a maintenance installation, but

not yet occupied.
LOG
3. Unspecified area
a. An area of ground that requires to be delineated for any reason,
but does not show a specific purpose.
b. This is depicted by a continuous line enclosing the area in
question.
c. A symbol depicting any unit or installation assigned to or occupying
the area may be added; inside the area or attached to it by a vector.
d. Examples are:
(1) An unspecified area
(2) An unspecified area occupied by 3rd Infantry Battalion
4. Positions
a. (1) A position is an area from which it is intended to fight. It may
be drawn to scale (mainly used at lower levels of command) or shown
schematically (mainly used at higher levels of command).
(2) A size indicator is inserted in the line delineating the position, to
show that it is a ‘Position’ and not an ‘Area’. This size indicator is to
be inserted in the side nearest ‘own’ troops.
(3) A symbol depicting any unit or installation that is assigned to, or
occupying, the position may be added, inside the position or attached
to it by a vector. If desired, just the unique designation may be
shown, but in this case, it must always match the size indicator
inserted in the line.
(4) Entrance to a position. Friendly troops should enter a position on
the side away from the expected enemy advance. Entrance to a
position is identified by placing the unit size symbol on the appropriate
side of the position symbol.
(5) The following types of positions may be shown:
(a) Combat position.

(b) Firing position.
© Strong point.
b. Combat position
(1) An area from which a unit intends to fight temporarily and which is
not well fortified.
(2) Drawn to scale

Combat position occupied by 2nd Battalion, The Chasseurs (2 Ch).
Unique designation used with size indicator
2 Ch
c. Firing position
(1) To be used in conjunction with a unit or an equipment symbol. To
be orientated in the direction of firing.
(2) Drawn to scale
(a) Firing position occupied by B Squadron; position follows a line
such as a terrain feature.
(b) Firing position occupied by two heavy anti-tank guns
2
175mm
(3) Schematic
Firing position occupied by 13th Battalion, Light Infantry (13 LI)
13 LI
d. Strong point
(1) A well fortified position, usually of a defensive nature.
(2) Drawn to scale
(a) A strong point occupied by B Company

(b) A strong point to be occupied by an enemy tank battalion. Broken
line shows future intention, size indicator shows direction of enemy’s
own troops. In one colour representation, ‘EN’ displayed at intervals.
EN
?
(Enemy’s own troops this way)
(3) Schematic
A strong point, occupied by the 1st Battalion, the Duke of Wellington’s
Regiment (1DWR), symbol attached by a vector, given the codeword
‘HOO
1 DWR
HOOK
1. Concentration point
2. Linear concentration
3. Nuclear target (point)
4. Arc of fire
a. Broken lines should be used to indicate a proposed arc and solid
lines to depict current status.
b. If required, a ‘hook’ may be added at the end of the arc to indicate

the maximum effective range of the weapon in that position.
c. Examples are:
(1) Proposed arc of fire from the location point of an equipment
symbol
(2) Proposed arc of fire from the sides of a firing position. The
optional ‘hook’ has been added to show the maximum effective range
from this position (some obstruction limits the range on the right).
(3) Arc of fire from the sides of an artillery battalion position. Solid
lines used to indicated the arc for clarity.
0309. Obstacles
1. Obstacles are divided into two categories as follows:

a. Point obstacles, which use the following basic symbol, with an
indicator superimposed to show the state:
(1) Friendly
(2) Enemy
b. Linear obstacles, which follow the shape of the obstacle.

(1) Linear obstacles will be identified normally by the actual outline of
the obstacle being drawn to scale on the map or overlay.
(2) A minefield or anti-tank ditch will normally be drawn to scale at the
precise location of the obstacle. Where this is not possible, a
rectangle should be drawn away from the location and connected to it
by a location vector.
2. The following types of obstacle may be shown:

a. Point obstacles.
b. Demolitions.
c. Linear obstacles.
d. Minefields.
(For symbols depicting the crossing of an obstacle, see paragraph 0310 -
Movements).
3. The following obstacle indicators can be superimposed on either point

or linear obstacle symbols:
a. Abatis or tree blowdown.
b. Booby trap
c. Non-explosive anti-tank obstacle.
d. Trip wire.
4. Demolitions
a. The symbol should be drawn over the precise grid reference of the
obstacle, but where this is not possible, the symbol may be drawn
away from the grid reference and connected to it by a vector.
b. The following demolition indicators will be used to show the status
of the obstacle:
(1) A planned point target
(2) Prepared demolition State 1 (Safe)
(3) Prepared demolition State 2 (Armed)
(4) Executed or fired
c. If there is no need to distinguish between State 1 (Safe) and State 2

(Armed) or if the state is unknown, the symbol for State 2 will be used.
d. If there is a need to show that the demolition is ‘Reserved’, the word
‘RESERVED’ should be written in field H (free text), if possible with
the target number or target nickname shown in field T (unique

designation).
e. Example: A reserved bridge demolition, target number B32, which is
a State 2, drawn away from the grid reference and connected to it by
a location vector.
B32
RESERVED
5. Linear obstacles
a. Anti-tank ditch
(1) A line with repeated at intervals,

indicates under preparation, indicates completed.
(2) Example. A completed anti-tank ditch (drawn away from the
location and connected by a vector):
b. Wire obstacles
(1) A line with ‘X’ repeated at intervals. If the obstacle is under
preparation, a broken line will be used. If an enemy obstacle ‘EN’ will
be shown at intervals.
(2) Example. An enemy wire obstacle under preparation (following
the actual line on the ground).
EN
c. Unspecified linear obstacle
6. Minefields
a. The following mine indicators will be used:
(1) Anti-personnel mine
(2) Anti-tank mine
(3) Anti-tank mine with anti-handling device
(4) Directional mine (arrow points in direction of main effect)
(5) Mine cluster
(6) Mine, type unspecified
(7) Scatterable mines:

(a) The letter ‘S’ above the symbol means the minefield has been
(b) The letters ‘+S’ above the symbol means the minefield has been
b. Nuisance minefield
M M
c. Phoney minefield
M M
d. Protective minefield
e. Tactical minefield
(1) Drawn to scale
A completed minefield, type of mine unspecified
(2) Schematic
A completed anti-tank minefield (drawn away from the location and
connected by a vector)
(3) Scatterable mines

(a) A completed scatterable anti-tank mine
(b) Planned anti-tank minefield thickened with scatterable mines
+S
0310. Movements
1. Air Movement
a. The basic symbol for a route is used with the symbol for Air Force or
army aviation repeated at convenient intervals, to show who is using
it.
b. Examples are:
(1) A one-direction route used by the Air Force
(2) A two-direction route that army aviation plan to use
(See Symbol No 8 at Page 2-19)
2. Bridge or gap in an obstacle
3. Delaying action
The symbol should follow the centre line of the route to be used, the
double bars indicate delaying actions to be undertaken, but not
necessarily the location of those actions or number:
2 Ch 2 Ch

(The example given shows 2nd Battalion, The Chasseurs (2 Ch)

moving from a combat position on the left and due to
undertake delaying actions)
4. Directions
a. (1) Broken lines indicate future movement.
(2) Designations, such as unit symbols or code names, are
optional.
(3) Control measures such as boundaries may be included.
b. Routes
In land warfare, a specified direction or course which the
movement will follow:
(Should mark the precise route, arrow at head only)

c. Axis
In land warfare, a general description, verbal or graphic, of the
direction which movement will take (broken lines) or has taken
(solid lines):
(see paragraphs 0203.2 and 0312.10)
5. Ferry
6. Minefield lan

7. Reconnaissance
The symbol should follow the centre line of the route to be used:
8. Route
a. The arrows show the direction of movement and should be
repeated as often as necessary for clarity.
b. If movement in both directions is allowed, no arrows should be
shown.
c. If the route has a codeword and/or military load classification
(MLC), it may be written beside the route at convenient intervals.
d. Some examples are:
(1) Route, with MLC of 60, movement in one direction only
MLC 60
(2) Enemy route, codeword KING, movement in both directions, one-

colour representation used
KING EN KING
(3) Own planned route, codeword QUEEN, MLC 30, movement in

one direction only
QUEEN/MLC 30
0311. Mission or Intention Symbols

The axis of advance symbol A double arrowhead

shows the intention to attack identified the main attack
0312. Fields for symbols
1. a. Detailed information on the purpose and layout of fields is given in

paragraph 0108.
b. As each of the main types of basic symbol described in this
chapter require a different display of information, it is necessary to
have a separate field diagram for each type: however, where
possible, the layout and titles of fields remain the same.
2. Diagrams of fields
In the diagrams set out below, only the fields most likely to be used,
are shown.
a. Points
W A H
b. Military fortifications
W H
c. NBC events
W H
T Q

(1) Nuclear
C = Yield
Q = Downwind direction
T = Delivery unit
V = Weapon type
(2) Biological
W H
BIO
(3) Chemical
W H
CHEM
d. Lines
(1) Phase lines/coordination lines
PL

(2) Boundaries
e. Areas
(1) Concentric Area
(a) Minimum safety distance
B
W B
(b) Levels of radioactivity
C=Level of radioactivity
(2) Specified area
W
H
T
H = Usage of area
(3) Unspecified area
T
H

f. Positions
(1) Combat position
W
H
H = Usage of area
(2) Strong point
T B
H

g. Fire planning symbols
S B G
B G
OR
B = Target number G = Priority

S = Time’From/To’indicator
h. Obstacles
(1) Point Obstacle
W
H

(2) Linear obstacle
i. Movements
T H
3. Where the ‘Applicable to’ column in the table in paragraphs 0312.4

shows ‘All’, this means applicable to the basic symbols for:
a. Points.
b. Military fortifications.
c. NBC events.
d. Lines.
e. Areas and positions.
f. Fire planning symbols.
g. Obstacles.
h. Movements.

4. Contents of mandatory information fields

Field letter Maximum Title and Applicable to Remarks
field description
length
(a) (b) © (d) (e)
A - Identifier indicator All -
The basic symbol
B 6 Size indicator Some areas
Boundaries
6 Target number Fire planning
Target number to
be shown for
concentrations
C 6 Level of Circular or Usually activity

radioactivity or elongated areas associated with
Minimum safety nuclear events
distance
G 17 Yield Nuclear events Shown as a figure

(which may include
Shown in kilotons a decimal point)
(KT) or megatons followed by ‘KT’ or
(MT) ‘MT’
G 17 Additional All The contents of

information this field may not
necessarily be
For notes by the transmitted to
user other users
17 Priority indicator Fire planning Must be

transmitted
For use with a
linear
concentration

H 15 Free text All Important

information, which
Space for should be
additional transmitted to
information not other users, should
covered by the be in this field not
other fields in field G
15 Area usage (See Areas -

paragraph 0307.2d
(4))
15 Height of burst Nuclear events Shown as a figure

followed by ‘KM’;
Shows height of or as ‘AIR’ if height
burst above the not known or
surface in km, or ‘SURFACE’ if
as ‘AIR’ or weapon explodes
‘SURFACE’ on surface
Q - Downwind NBC events a. Positioned from

direction. Shows the location point.
likely direction of
any radioactive b. The arrow
fallout, biological indicating the
or chemical downwind direction
downwind hazard may be
supplemented by
other data taken
from an NBC-3
(NUC) or an NBC-
3 (CHEM)
message and
shown in the
appropriate fields;
for example, ‘Time’
in field W and
‘Designation’ in
field T
T 15 a. Unit name or Strongpoints

unique designator
Obstacles
Areas
b. Delivery unit Nuclear events

V 15 Weapon types Nuclear events Shown as a 5

character
Shown as EXA - alphanumeric field
outside the incorporating ‘EXA’
atmosphere
W 15 Date/Time group All, less 7 character

boundaries alphanumeric field
Preceded by a for date/time,
qualifier either ‘TO’ preceded by up to
or ‘FROM’ 7 letters to show
‘TO’
X 15 Unit name Boundaries Different name will

appear on each
and The unique side of the
number or the boundary, hence 2
Y abbreviated title of fields
the unit
PART 3 EXAMPLES OF SYMBOLS
0313.
1. Points
FROM 160900Z APPLE TO 161020Z PEAR

SP RP
Start and Release points at APPLE and PEAR. Start point from 160900Z and
Release point until 161020Z
FROM 191320Z OAK
An underground shelter, codeword ‘OAK’, to be ready by 191320Z
3. NBC events
a. Nuclear

10 KT
AT 201800Z 2 KM
15 BN
A nuclear strike at 201800Z at an

airburst height of 2 km, yield 10 KT,
delivery until 15 Battalion (15 BN)
b. Chemical
010700Z
NERVE
GAS EN
Enemy gas cloud (nerve) agent

travelling in the direction of the arrow.
Information received at 010700Z
4. Lines
a.
1 (US)
2 (GE)
Boundary line between 1st US Division

and 2nd GE Division
b.
AT 101400Z
LONG WALL
FEBA nicknamed LONG WALL at 101400Z

c.
FROM 121500Z
TO 121800Z
FSCL
Fire support coordination line (FSCL


a. Concentric area
AT 111000Z
100 cGy
ATOM
An area with radiation contamination of 100 cGy at 111100Z
b. Reconnaissance are
FEBA
Battalion responsible for

reconnaissance of the whole area in
front of the FEBA, within the boundaries
shown

c. Specified area
FROM 031000Z
DUMP
15 (US) COY
Ammunition dump effective from

031000Z, manned by 15 (US) Company
d. Unspecified area
UNTIL
042300Z
16
RESTING
An area in which 16 Infantry Battalion

are resting until 042300Z
e. Combat position
Combat position, drawn to scale,

occupied by A Company, own troops in
direction indicated by the size indicator

f. Strong point
Enemy strong point, schematic,

occupied by an Infantry Company
(which one not known), their own troops
in direction indicated by the size
indicator
6. Fire planning symbols

a.
AB 1201
AT 100700Z
A linear concentration, target number

AB1201, on a target effective at
100700Z
b.
A2B
AT 121500Z
FL 1001
YB 1005
OT 1223
A group of targets, under the code

name A2B effective at 121500Z

c.
155mm
A medium gun with its arc of fire,

maximum effective range from that
position shown by the optional ‘hooks’,
site of gun is at the centre bottom of the
symbol. Arcs may be shown as solid
lines if required

7. Obstacles
a. Point obstacles and demolitions
(1)
Planned abatis reinforced with anti-

personnel mines
(2)
Executed or fired demolition reinforced

(3)
AT 021000Z
SHAMROCK
Booby-trapped non-explosive anti-tank

obstacle, made by the enemy.
Information at 021000Z, given the
unique designation SHAMROCK

b. Linear obstacles
Completed anti-tank ditch reinforced

c. Minefields
(1)
M M
Demolished cross-roads surrounded by

nuisance mines
(2)
UNTIL 101200Z
Tactical minefield (drawn to scale) of

scatterable anti-tank mines effective
until 101200Z
(3)
M M

Phoney minefield at a cross-roads

(symbol offset and connected by a
location vector)
(4)
Conventionally laid anti-tank minefield

with gap suitable for heavy vehicles, and
lane for infantry. Minefield (but not gap)
drawn to scale
8. Movements
a.
150?
171100Z
EN
150? Enemy tanks spotted at 171100Z

moving along the route indicated
b.
An infantry company (A Company) doing a reconnaissance towards a bridge

c.
20
20 enemy army aviation helicopters

flying along the route indicated
d. 113 Infantry Brigade moving to a new

location. The line indicates the
approximate route to be followed
113
113

e.
FROM 101430Z
TO 101500Z
RAVEN
A minefield lane, codeword RAVEN,

effective from 101430Z to 101500Z in a
minefield laid with anti-personnel and
anti-tank mines
9. Attack route
The attack route to be taken by A Company, 1st Battalion, Royal Irish
Rangers, at 271430Z. (Shows the precise course the movement is to
take)
AT 271430Z
1 R IRISH
A


10. Axis
STARTED
261100Z
AXIS FOLLOWED BY 2 DIVISION WHICH STARTED TO MOVE AT 261100Z.

BOUNDARIES HAVE LIMITED THE FREEDOM TO MANOEUVRE.

CHAPTER 4
Automated displays - display rules and information content
0401.
1. Orientation of symbols. The following shall have only a vertical orientation:
Units, HQs, Logistic and electronic installations, Observation posts
Points
Obstacles
Equipments (Note: No implied arc of fire indication for weapons)
2. The following shall have complete freedom of orientation:
All line representations (boundaries, routes)
Minefields, crossings in representation form
Linear and rectangular concentrations
Direction-of-movement arrows
Axis
Crossing indicators (straight form)
0402.
1. Relative proportions of symbols. The elements comprising the following

symbols adhere to the sizes portrayed in APP-6 in relative proportions:
Units, HQs, logistic and electronic installations, Observation posts
Nuclear events
Obstacle indicators
Points
0403.
1. Field locations. Fields surrounding symbols are to be located as closely as

possible to the positions shown in the relevant parts of APP-6. However, fields that lie
beside a symbol may require a greater vertical dimension than the symbol they amplify. In
this latter case, the top field is to be level with the top of the symbol envelope and lower
fields may extend below the level of the symbol.

CHAPTER 5
Glossary of terms for use with APP-6
0501. Symbols
1. Military symbol A graphic sign used, usually on a map,

display or diagram to represent a
particular military unit, installation,
activity or other item of military interest
(APP-6). It may be in colour and is
normally accompanied by alphanumeric
characters
2. Symbol element A part of a military symbol that, with

other parts, make up a complete military
symbol
3. Indicator A symbol element that further describes

the item represented. An indicator can
be symbolic or alphanumeric in form
4. Point indicator A symbolic representation of something

at a point on a map
5. Line indicator A symbolic representation of something

along a line on a map
6. Area indicator A symbolic representation of something

over an area on a map
0502. Fields
1. Field A set position about the basic symbol

where further information must or may
be displayed
2. Mandatory Field A field that must always have something

in it
3. Conditional field A field that must have something in it

under certain conditions. When the
specified conditions are not applicable it
is optional
4. Optional field A field that need not always have

something in it. It may be left blank

0503. Field titles
Field letter shown after title
1. Role indicator (A) The symbol element that describes the

role, it may be a composite of two or
more types
2. Size indicator (B) The symbol element that indicates the

size of the item displayed
3. Quantity of equipment © The symbol element that indicates the

number of items displayed
4. Special indicator (D) The symbol element that indicates a

caveat to the size indicator
5. Unconfirmed, or query mark (E) The symbol element that indicates that
all the information displayed is
unconfirmed or doubtful
6. Reinforced, or detached (F) The symbol element that indicates

whether the size indicator is
substantially reinforced or reduced
7. Additional information (G) A space beside the symbol that can be

used for making notes. Information
recorded here is not necessarily
forwarded by ADP
8. Free text (H) The symbol element that allows

additional information to be recorded
and transmitted
9. Evaluation rating (J) The symbol element that shows the

source and grading of the information
displayed. The gradings are set out in
STANAG 2022
10. Combat effectiveness (K) The symbol element that indicates the
effectiveness of the unit or formation
(friendly or enemy) displayed
11. Signature equipment (L) The symbol element that warns if an

equipment is liable to emit a clearly
recognizable signal

12. Higher formation (M) The symbol element that lists, if

required, some or all of the
units/formations senior to the one
displayed. These must be shown in
strict order of seniority
13. Enemy (N) The symbol element that indicates a

symbol is ‘Enemy’ if colour
representation or double lines are not
used
14. Arbitrary unit designator (P) A number, letters or combination of both

used to designate a unit or formation
whose correct title is unknown
15. Direction-of-movement arrow (Q) A pictorial representation of the direction

in which the symbol is moving or will
move
16. Mobility indicator ® A pictorial representation of the various

types of mobility, wheels, tracks, etc
17. Headquarters representation (S) The symbol element that indicates what
type or portion of a headquarters is
being displayed
18. Unique designation (T) The symbol element that uniquely

identifies a particular symbol. If a size
indicator is shown, it must match it
19. Name of unit or type of The symbol element that shows the
equipment (V) installation or class or type of the unit,
equipment, rather than its unique
designation
20. Date time group (W) a. The symbol element that contains all
information relating to time
b. A 7 character group comprising 6

numeric characters followed by one
alphabetic character, denoting date,
time and time zone
c. Preceded by space for a further 7

characters to show ‘FROM’ or ‘TO’, etc
d. Repeated twice to allow for

‘FROM/TO’ or similar entries

21. Location point (-) A place on each symbol used to position

positively and accurately that symbol on
the map, display or diagram. The
position of the location point may vary
according to type of ADP system being
used
22. Location vector (-) A line joining the location point of a

symbol to the following:
a. For symbols at a point indicator to

the point on the map where the item the
symbol represents is located; used
when there would be too many symbols
near the point for each to be correctly
located
b. For symbols associated with a line

indicator to the line representation
c. For symbols associated with an area

indicator to the boundary line or a
specific point within it

CHAPTER 6
Alphabetical index of symbols and abbreviations
0601. General
1. This chapter indexes the symbols under the following paragraphs:
a. Areas and positions 0602
b. Demolitions, mines and obstacles 0603
c. Electronic activities and installations 0604
d. Equipment 0605
e. Fire-planning symbols 0606
f. Landing sites 0607
g. Lines 0608
h. Location of symbols 0609
i. Logistic installations 0610
j. Military fortifications 0611
k. Movement 0612
l. NBC events 0613
m. Observation posts 0614
n. Points 0615
o. Size indicators 0616
p. Units 0617
2. An index of the abbreviations set out in APP-6 for general use is given in
paragraph 0610. Some ‘National’ abbreviations that are used in the ‘Examples’ are not
included in this chapter.

Basic symbol, 0307.1 and 0307.4 Positions, 0307.4a
Combat position, 0307.4b Reconnaissance area, 0307.2c
Concentric area, 0307.2b Specified area, 0307.2d
Firing position, 0307.4c Strong point, 0304.4d
Limited access to area - symbols, 0307.2d(4)(b) Unspecified area, 0307.3
Limited access to area - words, 0307.2d(4)(a) Usage of area - words, 0307.2d(4)©
0603. Demolitions, mines and obstacles
Basic symbol, 0309.1 Phoney minefield, 0309.6c
Abatis or tree blowdown, 0309.3a Point obstacle (enemy), 0309.1a(2)
Anti-tank ditch, 0309.5a Point obstacle (friendly), 0309.1a(1)
Anti-personnel mine, 0309.6a(1) Prepared demolition, State 1,

0309.4b(2)
Anti-tank mine, 0309.6a(2) Prepared demolition, State 2,

0309.4B(3)
Anti-tank mine (anti-handling), 0309.6a(3) Protective minefield, 0309.6d
Booby trap, 0309.3b Reserved demolition, 0309.4d
Demolitions, 0309.4 Scatterable mines, 0309.6a(7)
Directional mine, 0309.6a(4) Tactical minefield, 0309.6e
Executed demolition, 0309.4b(4) Tree blowdown, 0309.3a
Fired demolition, 0309.4b(4) Trip wire, 0309.3d
Linear obstacle, 0309.1b Unspecified linear obstacle, 0309.5c
Mine cluster, 0309.6a(5) Unspecified mine, 0309.6a(6)
Mine, type unspecified, 0309.6a(6) Wire obstacle, 0309.5b
Non-explosive anti-tank obstacle, 0309.6b
Nuisance minefield, 0309.6b
Planned point target, 0309.4b(1)

0604. Electronic activities and installations
Basic symbol, 0220 Ground sensor/ground surveillance

radar, 0224.4
Air defence radar, 0224.1 Intercepting, 0225.3
Artillery locating, 0224.2 Jamming, 0225.4
Direction finding, 0225.1 Signal communications, 0224.5
Electronic warfare, 0224.3 Target designator, 0224.6
Emitting, 0225.2
0605. Equipment
Air Force, fixed wing, 0226.1a Machine gun, 0226.4f
Air Force, helicopter, 0226.1b MICV, 0226.5d
Amphibious mobility, 0228.1 Mortar, 0226.4g
Anti-aircraft gun, 0227.4 Multi-barrel rocket launcher, 0227.6
Anti-tank gun, 0226.4a Naval ship, 0226.3a
Anti-tank helicopter, 0227.1 Oversnow mobility, 0228.2
Anti-tank missile launcher, 0226.4b Radar, 0226.2a
Anti-tank rocket launcher, 0226.4c Reconnaissance aircraft, 0227.7
APC, 0226.5a Submarine, 0226.3b
Armoured vehicle, bridge 0227.2 Surface-to-air missile laying, launcher,

0226.4h
Armoured vehicle, 0226.5b Surface-to-surface tactical missile

launcher, 0226.4I
Army fixed-wing aircraft, 0226.1c Tank, 0226.5e
Army helicopter, 0226.1d Towed vehicle mobility, 0228.3
Army attack helicopter, 0226.1e Tracked mobility, 0228.4
Bomber aircraft, 0226.1f Tracked/wheeled combination mobility,

0228.7
Engineer vehicles, 0227.3 Trailer mobility, 0228.3

Fighter aircraft, 0226.1g Transport aircraft, 0227.8
Flame thrower, 0226.4d Unprotected vehicle, 0226.5c
Gun or howitzer, 0226.4e Wheeled mobility, 0228.5
Gun in anti-aircraft role, 0227.4 Wheeled, cross-country mobility, 0228.6
Gun in anti-tank role, 0227.5 Wheeled/tracked combination mobility,

0228.7
Hovercraft, 0226.3c
Howitzer or gun, 0226.4e
IFV, 0226.5d
Arc of fire, 0308.4 Linear concentration, 0308.2
Concentration point, 0308.1 Nuclear target (point), 0308.3
0607. Landing sites
Basic symbol, 0221
0608. Lines
Boundaries, 0306.1 Movements, 0310
Coordination line, 0306.2b Other phase lines, 0306.2b
Fortified line, 0306.2c Unspecified obstacle line, 0306.2e
Front line, 0306.2a
Units, posts and installations and Terrain and tactical activities, 0302
equipment, 0210
0610. Logistic installations
Basic symbol, 0219 Bridging, 0222.2
Air defence ammunition (gun), 0223.1 Burial, 0222.3
Air defence ammunition (missiles), 0223.2 Chemical storage, 0222.4
Air Force ammunition, 0223.3 Combat service support, 0222.20

Air Force fuel, 0223.4 Decontamination, 0222.5
Ammunition, 0222.1 Enemy logistic installation, 0219.3
Army aviation ammunition, 0223.5 Engineer, 0226.6
Army aviation fuel, 0223.6 Explosives, 0223.11
Artillery ammunition (gun), 0223.7 Friendly logistic installation, 0219.2
Artillery ammunition (missile), 0223.8 Food, 0222.7
Artillery ammunition (rocket), 0223.9 Fuel, 0222.8
Mines and explosives, 0223.11 Hospital, 0222.9
Missile ammunition, 0221.12 Laundry and bath, 0222.10
Movement control, 0222.13 Maintenance, 0222.11
Multi-role, 0222.19 Medical, 0222.12
Nuclear storage, 0222.14 Supply, 0226.16
Spare parts, 0222.15 Water, 0222.17
Unknown type of installation, 0222.18
Unspecified/mult-role, 0222.19
Earthwork, 0304.1 Strong point, 0304.1
Fortification, 0304.1 Surface shelter, 0304.2
Small trench, 0304.1 Underground shelter, 0304.3
0612. Movement
Air movement, 0310.1 Ferry, 0310.5
Attack route, 0310.4 Gap in obstacle, 0310.2
Axis, 0310.4 Lane in minefield, 0310.6
Bridge over obstacle, 0310.2 Minefield lane, 0310.6
Delaying action, 0310.3 Reconnaissance, 0310.7
Directions, 0310.4 Route, 0310.8

0613. NBC events
Actual nuclear strike, 0305.1a Nuclear strike (planned), 0305.1b
Biological event, 0305.2a(1) Nuclear strike (enemy, suspect),

0305.1b
Chemical event, 0305.2a(1)
NBC event (exact type not known), 0305.2a(2)
0614. Observation posts
Basic symbol, 0218
0615. Points
Control point, 0303.2 Starting point, 0303.1a(1)
Coordinating point, 0303.3 Strong point, 0304.4
General point, 0303.1 Unspecified point, 0303.1
Release point, 0303.1a(2)
Basic symbol, 0216
0617. Units
Basic symbol, 0212 Labour resources, 0214.17
Air defence, 0214.1 Maintenance, 0214.18
Air defence (artillery), 0215.1 Map production/map depot, 0214.42
Air defence (missile), 0215.2 Marines, 0214.19
Air Force, 0214.2 Mechanized/armoured infantry, 0215.9
Airmobile, 0214.3 Medical, 0214.20
Air-transportable, 0214.4 Meteorological, 0214.21
Amphibious, 0214.5 Military/civil affairs, 0214.22
Anti-tank, 0214.6 Military police, 0214.23
Anti-tank helicopter, 0215.3 Missile, 0214.24
Anti-tank missile, 0215.4 Mountain, 0214.25

Anti-tank rocket, 0215.5 Movement/transportation, 0214.41
Armour, 0214.7 National non-NATO forces, 0217.3
Armoured artillery, 0215.6 Navy, 0214.26
Armoured engineers, 0215.7 Non-organic unit, 0217.1
Armoured reconnaissance, 0215.8 Nuclear, biological and chemical,

0214.27
Army aviation, 0214.8 Ordnance, 0214.28
Artillery, 0214.9 Parachute, 0214.29
Bridging, 0214.10 Pay/finance, 0214.30
Combat service support, 0214.11 Personnel services, 0214.31
Courier unit, 0214.33 Pipe line, 0214.32
Communications, 0214.38 Postal and/or courier, 0214.33
Composite, 0214.44 Psychological, 0214.34
Electronic ranging, 0214.12 Quartermaster, 0214.34
Electronic warfare, 0214.13 Reconnaissance, 0214.35
Enemy unit, 0212.5 Reinforcement/replacement holding

unit, 0214.37
Enemy unit HQ, 0212.6 Rocket artillery, 0215.10
Enemy unit unidentified, 0206.4 Signal/communications, 0214.38
Engineer, 0214.14 Sound ranging, 0214.39
Finance/pay unit, 0214.30 Supply, 0214.40
Forces under national command, 0217.3
Friendly unit, 0212.1
Friendly unit HQ, 0212.2
Headquarters unit, 0214.15
Holding unit, 0214.37
Infantry, 0214.16

Topographical/survey, 0214.42 Unspecified or composite, 0214.44
Transportation/movement, 0214.41 Unknown, 0217.2
Unidentified enemy unit, 0206.4 Veterinary, 0214.45
Unmanned air reconnaissance, 0214.43
0618. Index of abbreviations for general use
Abbreviation Meaning Paragraph in APP-6
ADV Advanced 0213.1a
ALTN Alternative 0213.1b
ASSY Assembly area 0307.2d(4)©(2)(a)
ATOM Radioactive 0307.2d(4)(a)(8)
BIO Biologically contaminated 0307.2d(4)(a)(1)
BRHD Bridgehead line 0306.2b(2)(a)
CHEM Chemically contaminated 0307.2d(4)(a)(2)
COMMZ Communication zone 0306.2b(2)(b)
CONC Concentration 0307.2d(4)©(2)(b)
DUMP Dump 0307.2d(4)©(2)(d)
DZ Drop zone 0307.2d(4)©(2)©
EW Electronic warfare 0214.13
FCZ Forward combat zone 0306.2b(2)(d)
FEBA Forward edge of battle area 0306.2b(2)(e)
FLET Forward line of enemy troops 0306.2b(2)(f)
FLOT Forward line of own troops 0306.2b(2)(g)
FSCL Fire support coordination line 0306.2b(2)©
GAS Gas cloud 0307.2d(4)(a)(3)
HIDE Hide area 0307.2d(4)©(2)(e)
IMPAS Impassable 0307.2d(4)(a)(4)

I/OBJ Intermediate objective 0307.2d(4)©(2)(f)
INUND Inundation 0307.2d(4)(a)(5)
KEY Key terrain 0307.2d(4)©(2)(g)
LD/SL Line of departure/start line 0306.2b(2)(h)
LOG Logistic area 0307.2d(4)©(2)(I)
LZ Landing zone 0307.2d(4)©(2)(h)
MAIN Main headquarters 0213.1c
MET Meteorological 0214.21
MINE Minefield 0307.2d(4)(a)(6)
MOB Mobile 0213.1d
MSD Minimum safety distance 0307.2b(3)
MSR Main supply route 0306.2b(2)(I)
NFL No fire line 0306.2b(2)(j)
NMB No move before 0208.11f
NUC Nuclear 0222.14
OBJ Objective 0307.2d
PEACE Peacetime headquarters 0213.1e
PL Phase line or coordination line 0306.2B(2)(1)
PS Personnel services 0214.31
RCZ Rear combat zone 0306.2b(2)(m)
REAR Rear headquarters 0213.1f
RES Reserve 0213.1g
RHU Reinforcement holding unit 0214.37
RL Report line 0306.2b(2)(n)
RP Release point 0303.1(2)
SHELL Shelled or bombed 0307.2d(4)(a)(q)

SL/LD Start line/line of departure 0306.2b(2)(h)
SMOKE Obscured by smoke 0307.2d(4)(a)(7)
SP Starting point 0303.1(1)
STAT Static headquarters 0213.1h
STEPUP Step-up headquarters 0213.1I
TAC Tactical 0213.1j
U/ Unoccupied but prepared for a 0307.2d(4)©(2)(m)

purpose
VET Veterinary 0214.45
Other abbreviations may be used, but if they are, they should be explained in a legend on
the map or diagram on which they have been used.

NATO-Allied Administrative Publication N°6 - 1986

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NATO-Allied Administrative Publication N°6 - 1986

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NATO UNCLASSIFIED APP-6

Military Symbols for

Land Based Systems

North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Military Agency for Standardization (MAS)

NATO Letter of Promulgation

2. APP-6 is effective upon receipt.

Chapter Record of reservations by Nations

Change Change Date Effective By whom

Military Symbols for

Land Based Systems

By Command of the Defence Council

NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION

Military Agency for Standardization (MAS)

1. Change 3 to APP-6, Military Symbols for Land Based Systems is a NATO

Changes and Instructions

1. Scope and contents of the Change

a. Change 3 to APP-6 consists of new pages to be inserted.

NATO Foreword: Page 1 of 4

Pages to be inserted in APP-6.

c. Pages to be deleted in APP-6.

d. Note that all changes have been sidelined.

c. Check the List of Effective Pages.

d. Dispose of excess material as listed in paragraph 3.

3. Disposal of excess material

Chapter 1 Basic Information

0101 Purpose 1-1

0102 Scope 1-1

0103 Distribution 1-1

0104 Limitations 1-2

0105 Definitions 1-2

0106 Related documents 1-3

0107 Colour representation 1-3

0108 Fields 1-5

0109 Contents of fields 1-7

Chapter 2 Units, posts and installations, and equipment

0201 Basic symbols 2-1

0202 One-colour representation 2-2

0203 Solid or broken lines 2-2

0204 Equipment 2-3

0205 Fields 2-4

0206 Mandatory fields 2-4

0207 Conditional fields 2-6

0208 Optional fields 2-6

0209 Optional fields 2-12

0210 Location of symbol on the map or display 2-12

0211 Examples 2-14

0212 Unit type indicator 2-17

0213 Headquarters representation 2-18

0214 Basic unit role indicators 2-19

0215 Composite role indicators 2-24

0216 Size indicators 2-25

0217 Symbols associated with size indicators 2-27

0218 Observation post indicator 2-27

0219 Logistic installation role indicators 2-28

0220 Electronic installation role indicators 2-28

0221 Landing site indicators 2-29

0222 Basic logistic installation role indicators 2-29

0223 Composite logistic installation role indicators 2-31

0224 Electronic installation role indicators 2-33

0225 Electronic installation activities 2-33

0226 Equipment indicators 2-34