1-132. For operations somewhat limited in scope and duration, or for specialized activities, the commander can establish a JOA. A JOA is an area of land, sea, and airspace, defined by a GCC or subordinate unified commander, in which a JFC (normally a joint task force [JTF]) conducts military operations to accomplish a specific mission. JOAs are particularly useful when operations are limited in scope and geographic area or when operations are to be conducted on the boundaries between theaters.