"This handbook -- the Joint Officer Handbook (JOH) -- has been designed to accomplish three important objectives: Reduce the learning curve of staff officers before and immediately upon arrival, help staff officers develop a baseline of knowledge of each core competency deemed essential to staff officer job requirements and provide a reference guide for use during the joint assignment."--Page 1. In March 2006, the Joint Staff (JS) and Combatant Commands (CCMDs) undertook an initiative to identify the requisite competencies for staff officer positions and to devise practical solutions to decrease the time between their arrival and when they are able to effectively perform their duties. This initiative commenced with a thorough study of numerous staff officers and leaders from all CCMDs. As a result of the findings and the recommendations of experts in joint training, fifteen core competencies were identified as crucial to the success of JSOs. This Handbook focuses on both the joint content knowledge and the business and professional skills a JSO needs to succeed. The joint competencies identified here are those applicable to, and required of, JSOs worldwide. According to senior leaders, effective business and professional skills are equally, important to military operational knowledge.

"August 2011."