Standards and Recommended Practices for IR should be similar to those defined by the Motion Imagery Standards Levels (MISL) identified in the Motion Imagery Standards Profile (MISP) for the visible spectrum. Collectively this range of standards shall also be referred herein as "infrared". The primary function of the IRWG is to address infrared motion imagery as a key enabling technology.

The IRWG is chartered with accomplishing the following objectives:

• Advising the MISB of technological trends and research requirements for various DoD applications; forming technology teams to address specific technological issues; and as coordinating body for DoD research in the fields related to infrared motion imagery.
• Developing standards and recommended practices supporting infrared motion imagery collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination.
• Supporting development—by organizations outside of the MISB and NGA—of infrared motion imagery standards and recommended practices for infrared motion imagery collection, processing, exploitation, display, and dissemination.
• Submitting infrared motion imagery standards and recommended practices to the MISB for formal approval.
• Fostering close working relationships with existing and future U.S. Government and commercial motion imagery programs in infrared motion imagery.
• Coordinating with other DoD/IC/NSGI standards bodies to ensure that infrared motion imagery standards are reflected in other standards, directives, and guidelines.
• Conducting infrared motion imagery studies as directed by the MISB.
• Serving as the principal MISB coordinator for infrared motion imagery standards matters with standards and industry organizations.
• Maintaining awareness of infrared motion imagery technologies and new developments that could advance infrared motion imagery practices within the DoD/IC/NSGI community.
• Promoting awareness and technical understanding of infrared motion imagery standards and technologies within the DoD/IC/NSGI community.