| A2C2 |
Army airspace command and control |
| AA |
avenue(s) of approach; assembly area |
| AAA |
air avenue(s) of approach |
| AADC |
area air defense commander. Within an overseas-unified command, subordinate unified command, or JTF, the commander will assign overall responsibility for air defense to a single commander. Normally, this will be the AFCC. Representation from the other service components involved will be provided, as appropriate, to the AADC headquarters. |
| AAMDC |
Army air and missile defense command |
| AAW |
anti-air warfare |
| AAR |
after action review |
| AASLT |
air assault |
| ABCS |
Army battle command system |
| ABMOC |
air battle management operations center. Old name for the SHORAD organization that managed the ADA air battle and provided early warning. Now known as the AD Tactical Operations (AD TAC OPS) section in the FAAD system. |
| ABT |
air breathing threat |
| AC |
active component |
| A/C |
aircraft |
| ACA |
airspace control authority |
| ACC |
air component commander |
| ACE |
analysis and control element |
| ACE |
aviation combat element |
| ACM |
airspace control measures |
| ACO |
airspace control order |
| ACP |
airspace control plan |
| ACR |
armored cavalry regiment |
| ACUS |
Army common user system |
| active air defense |
Direct defensive action taken to destroy, nullify or reduce the effectiveness of hostile air and missile threats against friendly forces and vital assets. It includes the use of aircraft, air defense weapons, electronic warfare, and other available weapons. See also air defense. |
| active defense |
Operations that protect selected assets and forces from attack by destroying TM airborne launch platforms and/or TMs in flight. Active defense includes those actions that mitigate the effectiveness of targeting and delivery systems through EW against remote or onboard guidance systems. |
| AD |
Air defense. All defensive measures designed to destroy attacking enemy aircraft or missiles in the Earth's envelope of atmosphere, or to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of such attack. See also active air defense; aerospace defense; passive air defense. |
| ADA |
air defense artillery. Ground-based surface-to-air weapons, including guns and surface-to-air missiles and support equipment, for engaging air targets. |
| ADC |
air defense control |
| ADDS |
Army data distribution system |
| ADE |
air defense element |
| ADI |
air defense interface |
| ADIZ |
air defense identification zone |
| ADL |
automatic data link |
| ADOA |
air defense operations area |
| ADOCS |
automated deep operations coordination system |
| ADPE |
automated data processing equipment |
| ADSI |
air defense systems integrator |
| ADTOC |
air defense tactical operations center |
| ADW |
air defense warnings |
| AEGIS |
A totally integrated shipboard weapon system that combines computers, radars, and missiles. |
| AFATDS |
advanced field artillery tactical data system |
| AFCC |
Air Force component commander |
| AFFOR |
Air Force forces |
| AG |
Adjutant General |
| AGCCS |
Army global command and control system |
| AGM |
attack guidance matrix |
| air battle management |
A fundamental task or air defense command and control and airspace management which encompasses the principles for the control and coordination of both tactical air and ground-based air defense resources. Air battle management is exercised through positive and procedural methods. |
| air corridor |
A restricted air route of travel specified for use by friendly aircraft and established for the purpose of preventing friendly aircraft from being fired upon by friendly forces. |
| air interdiction |
Air operations conducted to destroy, neutralize, or delay the enemy's military potential before it can be brought to bear effectively against friendly forces, at such distances from friendly forces that detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of friendly force is not required. |
| airspace control |
A service provided in the combat zone to increase operational effectiveness by promoting the safe, efficient, and flexible use of airspace. Airspace control is provided in order to permit greater flexibility of operations, while authority to approve, disapprove, or deny combat operations is vested only in the operational commander. |
| airspace management |
The coordination, integration, and regulation of the use of airspace of defined dimensions. |
| air strike |
An attack on specific objectives by fighter, bomber, or attack aircraft on an offensive mission. |
| air superiority |
That degree of dominance in the air battle of one force over another that permits the conduct of operations by the former and its related land, sea, and sir forces at a given time and place without prohibitive interference by the opposing force. |
| air supremacy |
That degree of air superiority wherein the opposing air force is incapable of effective interference. |
| AIS |
automated information system |
| ALCM |
air-launched cruise missile |
| ALERT |
attack and launch early reporting to theater |
| alert |
A warning signal of a real or threatened danger, such as an air attack; to forewarn; to prepare for action. |
| Allocation |
The translation of the apportionment into total number of sorties by aircraft type available for each operation or task. |
| alternate position |
The position given to a weapon unit, or individual to be occupied when the primary position becomes untenable or unsuitable for carrying out its task. The alternate position is located sot that the weapon can continue to fulfill its original task. |
| AM |
amplitude modulation |
| AMD |
air and missile defense |
| AMDCOORD |
air and missile defense coordinator |
| AMDTF |
air and missile defense task force |
| AMDPCS |
air and missile defense planning and control system |
| AMDWS |
air and missile defense work station |
| ANBACIS |
automated nuclear biological and chemical information system |
| AO |
area of operation |
| AOAP |
Army oil analysis program |
| AOP |
air operations plan |
| AOC |
air operations center. The principle air operations installation (land-or ship-based) from which all aircraft and air warning functions of tactical air operations are controlled. |
| AOI |
area of interest |
| AOR |
area of responsibility |
| APB |
(acquisition/approved) program baseline. |
| APOD |
air ports of debarkation |
| AR |
Army regulation |
| ARFOR |
Army forces |
| ARM |
Anti-radiation missile. A missile which homes passively on a radiation source. See also guided missile. |
| ARSOF |
Army special operations force |
| ASAS |
All Source Analysis System |
| ASCC |
Army service component commander |
| ASG |
area support groups |
| ASIT |
adaptable surface interface terminal |
| ASL |
authorized stockage list |
| ASOC |
air support operations center |
| ASP |
ammunition supply point |
| ATACMS |
Army tactical missile system |
| ATC |
Army tactical command |
| ATCCS |
Army tactical command and control system |
| ATDL-1 |
Army Tactical Data Link-1 |
| ATO |
air tasking order |
| attach |
The placement of units or personnel in an organization where such placement is relatively temporary. Subject to limitations imposed by the attachment order, the commander of the formation, unit, or organization receiving the attachment will exercise the same degree of command and control therefore as he does over units and persons organic to his command. However, the responsibility for transfer and promotion of personnel will normally be retained by the parent formation, unit, or organization. |
| attack |
An offensive action characterized by fire and maneuver and culminating in a violent assault or, in an attack by fire, in the delivery of intensive direct fires from an advantageous position. Its purpose is to direct a decisive blow at the enemy to hold him, destroy him in place, or force him to capitulate. |
| attack operations |
Offensive actions intended to destroy and disrupt enemy TM capabilities before, during, and after launch. The objective of these operations is to prevent the launch of TMs by attacking each element of the overall system, including such actions as destroying launch platforms, RSTA platforms, C2 nodes, and missile stocks and infrastructure. |
| AUTL |
Army universal task list |
| AVN |
aviation |
| AWACS |
airborne warning and control systems |
| basic load (Ammunition) |
That quantity of non-nuclear ammunition that is authorized and required by each service to be on hand a unit to meet combat needs until resupply can be accomplished. It is expressed in rounds, units, or unity of weight as appropriate. |
| BCD |
battlefield coordination detachment. The Army liaison element collocated with the AOC which process land forces' requests for tactical air support, monitors and interprets the land battle situation for the AOC, and provides the necessary interface for the exchange of current intelligence and operational data. |
| BDA |
battle damage assessment |
| BDAR |
battlefield damage assessment and repair |
| Bde |
brigade |
| BDU |
battle dress uniform |
| BFDC |
brigade fire direction center |
| BII |
basic issue items |
| BM |
ballistic missile |
| BMO |
ballistic missile organization |
| bn |
battalion |
| boundary |
In land warfare, a line by which areas of responsibility between adjacent units/formations are defined. |
| C2 |
command and control. The exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commander over assigned forces in the accomplishment of the mission. Command and control functions are performed through an arrangement of personnel, equipment, communications, facilities, and procedures employed by a commander in planning, directing, coordinating, and controlling forces and operations in the accomplishment of the mission. |
| CAS |
Close Air Support. Air action against hostile targets which are in close proximity to friendly forces and which require detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those forces. |
| C2W |
command and control warfare |
| C3 |
command, control, and communications |
| C3I |
command, control, communications, and intelligence |
| C4I |
command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence |
| CA |
combined arms |
| CAAD |
corps area air defense |
| CADE |
corps air defense element |
| CAPS |
commander's analysis and planning system |
| CAS |
close air support |
| CCIR |
commanders critical information requirements |
| CDR |
Commander |
| C / E |
communications / electronics |
| CG |
commanding general |
| CGS |
command & general staff |
| CH |
common hardware |
| CHS |
common hardware and software |
| CIC |
combat intelligence cell |
| CINC |
commander in chief |
| CJCS |
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff |
| CJTF |
commander joint task force |
| CM |
cruise missile |
| CMMC |
corps materiel management center |
| CNR |
combat net radio |
| COA |
courses of action |
| COCOM |
combatant command |
| COEI |
components of end item |
| COMARFOR |
commander of Army forces |
| COMINT |
communications intelligence |
| COMMEL |
communications electronics |
| COMMZ |
communications zone |
| COMSEC |
communications security. The protection resulting from all measures designed to deny authorized persons information of value which might be derived from the possession and study of telecommunications, or to mislead unauthorized persons in their interpretation of the results of such possession and study. |
| command |
The authority that a commander in the military service lawfully exercises over subordinates by virtue of rank or assignment. Command includes the authority and responsibility for effectively using available resources and for planning the employment of organizing, directing, and coordinating, and controlling military forces for the accomplishment of assigned missions. It also includes responsibility for health, welfare, morale, and discipline of assigned personnel. |
| CONUS |
continental United States |
| continuity |
Continuity implies the responsibility of ensuring an operation is not effected by an interruption of support or by unforeseen events. |
| control |
Authority that may be less than full command exercised by a commander over part of the activities of subordinate or other organizations. |
| C of S |
Chief of Staff |
| COSCOM |
corps support command |
| CP |
command post A unit's or sub unit's headquarters where the commander and the staff perform their activities. In combat, a unit's or sub unit's headquarters is often divided into echelons; the echelon in which the unit or sub unit is located or from which he operates is called a command post. |
| CRC |
control and reporting center |
| CRE |
control and reporting element |
| CRP |
control and reporting post |
| CS |
combat support. Fire support and operational assistance provided to combat elements. Includes artillery, air defense artillery, aviation (less air cavalry and attack helicopter), engineer, military police, signal, military intelligence, and chemical. |
| CSH |
combat support hospital |
| CSR |
controlled supply rate |
| CSS |
combat service support. The essential logistic functions, activities, and tasks necessary to sustain all elements of an operating force in an area of operations. Combat service support includes but is not limited to the assistance provided operating forces primarily in the fields of administrative services, chaplain services, civil affairs, finance, legal service, health services, military police, supply, maintenance, transportation, construction, troop construction, acquisition and disposal of real property, facilities engineering, topographic and geometric engineering functions, food service, graves registration, laundry, dry cleaning, bath, property disposal, and other logistic services. |
| CSSCS |
combat service support control system |
| CTA |
common table of allowances |
| CTAPS |
contingency theater air control system automated planning system |
| CTL |
candidate target list |
| CTOC |
corps tactical operations center |
| CTT |
commander's tactical terminal |
| cueing |
Providing specific and timely position data with tentative identification of aircraft within a designated range of a fire unit. |
| CZ |
combat zone |
| DA |
Department of the Army |
| DAADC |
deputy area air defense commander |
| DAL |
defended asset list |
| DAO |
division ammunition officer |
| DCA |
defensive counterair. The protection of assets from air attack through both direct defense and destruction of the enemy's air attack capacity in the air. |
| DCG |
Deputy Commanding General |
| DCO |
deputy commanding officer |
| DCSOPS |
deputy chief of staff for operations |
| defend |
A mission assigned to a unit which requires it to destroy an attacking enemy force or stop it from penetrating the assigned sector or battle position. Sun units of the defending unit may have such missions as defend, delay, or counterattack. |
| DEFCON |
defense readiness conditions |
| delay |
A mission which requires a force to trade space for time without losing freedom to maneuver or risking penetration or being bypassed. The delaying force may attack, defend, ambush, raid, or use any other tactic necessary to accomplish the mission. |
| delaying operation |
An operation in which a force under pressure trades space for time by slowing down the enemy's momentum and inflicting maximum damage on the enemy without, in principle, becoming decisively engaged. |
| deliberate attack |
A type of offensive action characterized by preplanned coordinated employment of firepower and maneuver to close with and destroy or capture the enemy. |
| DEW |
division early warning |
| DISCOM |
division support command |
| DISNET |
defense secure network |
| div |
division |
| DNVT |
digital non-secure voice terminal |
| DOCC |
deep operations coordination cell |
| DOS |
days of supply |
| DS |
direct support |
| DSM |
decision support matrix |
| DST |
decision support template |
| DSU |
direct support unit |
| DSVT |
digital subscriber voice terminal |
| EA |
electronic attack |
| EAC |
echelon above corps |
| EAP |
emergency action plan |
| ECM |
electronic countermeasures. That division of electronic warfare involving actions taken to ensure friendly effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum despite the enemy's use of electronic warfare. |
| ECCM |
electronic counter-counter measure. That division of electronic warfare involving actions taken to prevent or reduce an enemy's effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum. |
| ECP |
entry control plan |
| EDRE |
emergency deployment readiness exercises |
| EEFI |
essential elements of friendly information |
| ELINT |
electronic intelligence |
| EMCON |
emission control |
| engage |
In air defense, a fire control order used to direct or authorize units and/or weapon systems to fire on a designated target. |
| engagement area |
killing area or zone. An area in which a commander plans to force the enemy to concentrate so as to destroy him with conventional weapons. |
| EO |
electro-optical |
| EOB |
enemy order of battle |
| EP |
electronic protection |
| EPLRS |
enhanced position location reporting system |
| EW |
electronic warfare. Military action involving the use of electromagnetic energy to determine, exploit, reduce, or prevent hostile use of the electromagnetic spectrum and action which retains friendly use of the electromagnetic spectrum. |
| F |
frequency/Fahrenheit |
| FA |
field artillery |
| FAAD |
forward area air defense |
| FAADS |
forward area air defense system |
| FAADC2I |
forward area air defense command, control, and intelligence |
| FAADC3I |
forward area air defense command, control, communications, and intelligence |
| FACP |
forward air control points |
| FAD |
force/activity designator |
| FARP |
forward arming and refueling point. A temporary facility organized, equipped, and deployed by an aviation unit commander and normally located closer to the area of operation than the aviation unit's combat service area to provide fuel and ammunition necessary for the employment of helicopter units in combat. The forward arming and refueling point permits combat aircraft to rapidly refuel and rearm simultaneously. |
| FAX |
facsimile terminal |
| FDC |
fire direction center |
| FDDM |
fire direction data manager |
| FDRP |
first destination release point |
| FDS |
fire direction section |
| FEZ |
fighter engagement zone |
| FFIR |
friendly forces information requirements |
| FID |
foreign internal defense |
| fire and maneuver |
A tactical technique, usually an extension of bounding overwatch, used once contact with the enemy is gained. One element moves while another provides a base of fire. |
| fix |
Actions taken to prevent enemy from moving any part of his forces from a specific location and or for a specific period of time by holding or surrounding them to prevent their withdrawal for use elsewhere. |
| FLOT |
forward line of own troops. A line which indicates the most forward positions of friendly forces in any kind of military operation at a specific time. |
| FM |
field manual/frequency modulation |
| FMSP |
foreign military sales program |
| FO |
force operations |
| FRAGO |
fragmentary order. An abbreviated form of an operation order, usually issued on a day-to-day basis, that eliminates the need for restating information contained in a basic operation order. It may be issued in sections. |
| FSB |
forward support battalion |
| FSCL |
fire support coordination line |
| FSE |
fire support element. A functional element of a force command post that provides centralized targeting, coordination, and integration of fires delivered on surface targets by fire support mains under the control of or in support of the force. This element is staffed from the field artillery headquarters or field artillery staff section of the force and representatives of other fire support means. |
| FU |
fire unit |
| FW |
fixed-wing |
| G2 |
Assistant Chief-of-Staff, Personnel |
| G3 |
Assistant Chief-of-Staff, Intelligence |
| G4 |
Assistant Chief-of-Staff, Logistics |
| G5 |
Assistant Chief-of-Staff, Civil-Military Operations |
| GALES |
generic area limitation environment system |
| GCCS |
global command and control system |
| GMT |
guided missile transporter |
| GPS |
global positioning system |
| GRCS |
guard rail common sensor |
| GS |
general support |
| GSR |
general support reinforcing |
| GSSB |
GS supply base |
| H |
Hawk |
| hasty attack |
In land operations, an attack in which preparation time is traded for speed in order to exploit an opportunity. |
| HE |
high explosive |
| HF |
high frequency |
| HHB |
headquarters and headquarters battery |
| HHC |
headquarters and headquarters company |
| HIDACZ |
high density aircraft control zone |
| HIMAD |
high-to-medium-altitude air defense |
| HMMWV |
high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle |
| hostile criteria |
Description of conditions under which an aircraft or vehicle may be identified as hostile for engagement purposes. |
| HPTL |
high priority target list |
| HQ |
headquarters |
| HUMINT |
human intelligence |
| HVT |
high value target |
| IADS |
integrated air defense system |
| IBS |
integrated broadcast service |
| ICAC2 |
integrated combat airspace command and control |
| ICE |
initial coordination element |
| ICBM |
intercontinental ballistic missile |
| ICN |
interface coordination network |
| ICO |
interface control officer |
| ICW |
interrupted continuous wave |
| ID |
identification |
| IEW |
intelligence and electronic warfare |
| IFF |
identification, friend or foe. A system using electromagnetic transmission which equipment carried by friendly forces automatically responds, for example, by emitting pulses, thereby distinguishing themselves from enemy forces. |
| IHFR |
improved high frequency radio |
| IIR |
imagining infrared radar |
| IJMS |
interim JTIDS message specification |
| IMETP |
international military education and training program |
| IMETS |
integrated meteorological system |
| IMINT |
imagery intelligence |
| IMMP |
information management modernization plan |
| indirect fire |
Fire delivered on target that is not itself used as a point of aim for the weapons or the director. |
| insertion |
Placement of troops and equipment into an operational area in airmobile operations; the placement of observation posts, patrols, or raiding parties wither by helicopter or parachute. |
| INTSUM |
intelligence summary |
| interdict |
To isolate or seal of an area by any means; to deny use of a route or approach; to prevent, hinder, or delay the use of an area or route by enemy forces. |
| I-PAWS |
interim pager alert warning system |
| IPB |
intelligence preparation of the battlefield. A continuous, integrated, and comprehensive analysis of the effects of terrain, weather, and enemy capabilities on operations. Using overlays, graphic displays, and templating techniques, the IPB process increases the accuracy and timeliness of the intelligence available to the commander. It should start well before combat operations begin. |
| IR |
infrared |
| IRBM |
intermediate range ballistic missile |
| IRCM |
infrared countermeasures |
| IRR |
intelligence and radar reporting |
| ISE |
intermediate support element |
| ISR |
Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance |
| JAOC |
joint air operations center |
| jamming |
The deliberate radiation, reradiation, or reflection of electromagnetic energy to prevent or degrade the receipt of information by receiver. It includes communications jamming and non-communications jamming. |
| JCS |
Joint Chiefs of Staff |
| JDN |
joint data network |
| JEZ |
joint engagement zone |
| JFACC |
joint force air component commander |
| JFC |
joint force commander |
| JFLCC |
joint force land component commander |
| JFMCC |
joint force maritime component commander |
| JFNCC |
joint force naval component commander |
| JFSOCC |
joint forces special operations component commander |
| JIADS |
joint integrated air defense system |
| JICO |
joint interface control officer |
| JIPTL |
joint integrated prioritized target list |
| JOA |
joint operations area |
| JP |
joint publication |
| JRA |
joint rear area |
| JRAC |
joint rear area commander |
| JSOA |
joint special operation area |
| JSOTF |
joint special operations task force |
| JSTARS |
joint surveillance and target attack radar system |
| JTAGS |
joint tactical ground station |
| JTCB |
joint targeting coordination board |
| JTF |
joint task force |
| JTIDS |
joint tactical information distribution system |
| JTMD |
joint theater missile defense. The integration of joint force capabilities to destroy enemy theater missiles in flight or prior to launch or to otherwise disrupt the enemy's theater missile operations through an appropriate mix of mutually supportive passive missile defense; active missile defense; attack operations; and supporting command, control communications, computers, and intelligence measures. Enemy theater missiles are those that are aimed at targets outside the continental United States. |
| JTOC |
jump tactical operations center |
| JTT |
jump tactical terminal |
| J-WARN |
joint warning |
| JZ |
joint zone |
| KIA |
killed in action |
| KILLSUMS |
kill summaries |
| km |
kilometer |
| LAD |
latest arrival date |
| LAR |
logistics assistance representatives |
| LCC |
land component commander. The designated senior land commander in a joint force who exercises command and control of all assigned land forces. Depending on the operational environment and the composition of the forces assigned, the LCC may be the commander of the theater army, army group, field army, or corps. Based upon the joint force commander's guidance, the LCC develops his concept of operations, assigns missions, and allocates resources. He supports subordinate units by conducting joint planning and coordination required to implement their schemes of maneuver. |
| LCU |
launcher control unit |
| LD |
line of departure |
| LENs |
large extension nodes |
| liaison |
That contact or intercommunication maintained between elements of military forces to ensure mutual understanding and unity of purpose and effort. |
| LIF |
logistics intelligence file |
| linkup |
A meeting of friendly ground force (such as when an advancing forces reaches an objective area previously seized by an airborne or air assault force, when an encircled element breaks out to rejoin friendly forces, or when converging maneuver forces met). |
| LNO |
liaison officer |
| LOC |
lines of communications |
| LOGPAC |
logistical package. A daily resupply of normally Class I, III, and V as well as medical and ADA peculiar items to maneuver elements. LOGPACs are organized in the battery field trains or the field trains of the supported maneuver force. |
| LOS |
line-of-sight |
| LR |
long range |
| LRC |
logistics readiness center |
| LRP |
logistics release point |
| LZ |
landing zone |
| Main attack |
The principle attack or effort into which a commander throws the full weight of the offensive combat power at his disposal. An attack directed against the chief objective of the campaign or battle. |
| MANPADS |
man-portable air defense system |
| MARFOR |
marine forces |
| MASH |
mobile Army surgical hospital |
| MBA |
main battle area. That portion of the battlefield in which the decisive battle is fought to defeat the enemy. For any particular command, the main battle area extends rearward from the forward edge of the battle area to the rear boundary of the command's subordinate units. |
| MCC |
movement control center |
| MCS |
maneuver control system |
| MCPS |
modular command post system |
| MDCOORD |
missile defense coordinator |
| METT-T |
mission, enemy, terrain, troops, and time available |
| METT-TC |
mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops, time available, and civil considerations |
| MG |
machine gun |
| MI |
military intelligence |
| MIA |
missing in action |
| MLRS |
multiple-launch rocket system |
| MMC |
material management center |
| MOPP |
mission oriented protective posture |
| MP |
military police |
| movement to contact |
An offensive operation designed to gain initial ground contact with enemy or to regain lost contact. |
| MRE |
meals ready-to-eat |
| MRO |
material release order |
| MRR |
minimum risk route. Temporary routes of flight recommended for fixed-wing aircraft use, prescribing the minimum known hazards to low-flying aircraft transiting the tactical operations area. |
| MSE |
mobile subscriber equipment |
| msl |
missile |
| MSR |
main supply route |
| MSRT |
mobile subscriber radio terminal |
| MSTS |
multiple source tactical system |
| MTI |
moving target indicator |
| MTOE |
modified tables of organization and equipment |
| MTW |
major theater war |
| mutual support |
That support which units render each other against an enemy, because of their assigned tasks, their position relative to each other and to the enemy, and their inherent capabilities. |
| NAI |
named areas of interest |
| NATO |
North Atlantic Treaty Organization |
| NBC |
nuclear, biological and chemical |
| NBCRS |
NBC reconnaissance system |
| NCA |
national command authority |
| NCC |
network control center |
| NCO |
noncommissioned officer |
| NEO |
noncombatant evacuation operations |
| NG |
National Guard |
| NIPRNET |
non-classified internet protocol router network |
| NOTAM |
notice to airman |
| NSN |
national stock number |
| O & I |
operations and intelligence |
| OB |
order of battle |
| OCA |
offensive counterair. An operation mounted to destroy, disrupt, or limit enemy air power as close to its source as possible. |
| OCIE |
organizational clothing and individual equipment |
| OCOKA |
Observation, cover, obstacles, key terrain, and avenues of approach |
| OCONUS |
outside the continental United States |
| OIC |
officer in charge |
| OOTW |
operations other than war |
| OPCOM |
Operational command. The authority granted to a commander to assign missions or tasks to subordinate commanders, to deploy units, to reassign forces, and to retain or delegate operational and/or tactical control as may be deemed necessary. It does not of itself include responsibility for administration of logistics. May also be used to denote the forces assigned to a commander. |
| OPCON |
operational control. Transferable command authority which may be exercised by commanders at any echelon at or below the level of unified or specified combatant commands. It normally provides full authority to organize commands and forces and to employ those forces as the commander in operational control considers necessary to accomplish assigned missions. Operational control does not, in and of itself, include authoritative direction for logistics or matters of administration, discipline, internal organization, or unit training. |
| OPFAC |
operational facilities |
| OPLAN |
operation plan. A plan for a single or series of connected operations to be carried out simultaneously or in succession. It is usually based upon stated assumptions and is the form of directive employed by higher authority to permit subordinate commanders to prepare supporting plans and orders. The designation "plan" is usually used instead of "order" in preparing for operations well in advance. An operation plan may be put into effect at a prescribed time, or on signal, and then becomes the operation order. |
| OPORD |
operation order. A directive issued by a commander to subordinate commanders for the purpose of effecting the coordinated execution of an operation. |
| OPSEC |
operational security |
| OPTEMPO |
operational tempo |
| ORF |
operational ready float |
| overwatch |
A tactical technique in which one element is positioned to support the movement of another element with immediate direct fire; the tactical role of an element positioned to support the movement of another element with immediate direct fire. |
| PAC-3 |
Patriot advanced capability-3 |
| PALS |
Patriot automated logistics system |
| passage point |
A place where units will pass through one another either in an advance or withdrawal. It is located where the commander desires subordinate units to physically execute a passage of lines. |
| passive air defense |
All measures, other than active air defense, taken to minimize the effectiveness of hostile air and missile threats against friendly forces and vital assets. These measures include camouflage, deception, dispersion, and the use of protective construction. (JP 1-02) |
| passive defense |
Operations which provide essential individual and collective protection for friendly forces, population centers, and critical assets. The principal measures used to accomplish passive defense are tactical warning, reducing targeting effectiveness, reducing vulnerability, and recovery and reconstitution. (JP 3-01.5) |
| PBO |
property book officer |
| PERSCOM |
Personnel Command |
| PERSSVCCMD |
Personnel Services Command |
| PGIP/T |
predicted ground impact point/time |
| PIR |
priority intelligence requirements. |
| PL |
phase line. |
| PLL |
prescribed load list |
| PLRS |
position locating and reporting system |
| PLT |
platoon |
| POD |
port of debarkation |
| POE |
port of embarkation |
| POL |
petroleum, oil and lubricants |
| POMCUS |
pre-positioned material configured in unit sets |
| positive control |
A method of airspace control that relies on positive identification, tracking, and director of aircraft within an airspace, conducted with electronic means by an agency having this authority and responsibility therein. (JP 1-02) |
| POW |
prisoner of war |
| PPDL |
point-to-point data link |
| PRC |
Peoples Republic of China |
| procedural control |
A method of airspace control that relies on a combination of previously agreed and promulgated orders and procedures. (JP 1-02) |
| PTL |
primary target line |
| PZ |
pick-up zone |
| R |
regiment |
| RADC |
region air defense commander |
| RAOC |
rear area operations center |
| RAP |
recognized air picture |
| RC |
reserve component |
| RCS |
radar cross section |
| Rds |
rounds |
| RECCE |
reconnaissance |
| RISTA |
reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance and target acquisition |
| ROC |
rear operations center |
| ROE |
rules of engagement. Directives issued by competent military authority which delineate the circumstances and limitations under which forces will initiate and/or continue combat engagements with other forces encountered. In air defense, directives that delineate the circumstances under which weapons may fire at an aircraft. The right of self-defense is never denied. (JP 1-02) |
| RRP |
replacement receiving point |
| RSOI |
Reception, staging, onward movement, & integration |
| RSR |
required supply rate |
| RSTA |
reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition |
| R/T |
receiver/transmitter |
| RW |
rotary-wing |
| S1 |
Personnel Officer |
| S2 |
Intelligence Officer |
| S3 |
Operations Officer |
| S4 |
Logistics Officer |
| S5 |
Civil Affairs Officer |
| SA |
situational awareness |
| SAAFR |
standard-use Army aircraft flight route |
| SAB |
(same/subject) separate armored brigade |
| SAM |
surface-to-air missile |
| SAR |
synthetic aperture radar |
| SATCOM |
satellite communications |
| SATP |
Security Assistance Training Program |
| SB |
special bulletin |
| SEAD |
suppression of enemy air defenses. That activity which neutralized, destroys, or temporarily degrades enemy air defenses in a specific area by physical attack and/or electronic warfare. |
| SEC |
sections |
| SECDEF |
Secretary of Defense |
| SEN |
small extension nodes |
| SHORAD |
short range air defense. A family of ADA weapon systems that provided very low-to-low altitude air defense. |
| SHORADEZ |
short range air defense engagement zone |
| SFOD |
Special Forces operational detachment |
| SIGINT |
signals intelligence |
| SIGO |
signal officer |
| SIGSEC |
signal security |
| SIPRNET |
secret internet protocol router network |
| SINCGARS |
single channel ground and airborne radio system |
| SJA |
staff judge advocate |
| SLBM |
sea-launched ballistic missile |
| SOCCE |
special operations command and control element |
| SOCOORD |
special operations coordinator |
| SOE |
states of emission |
| SOF |
special operations force |
| SOP |
standard operating procedures |
| SOR |
states of readiness |
| SPOD |
sea ports of debarkation |
| SSA |
supply support activity |
| SST |
single subscriber terminal |
| STACCS |
standard theater Army command and control system |
| STANAG |
Standardization Agreement |
| SUCCESS |
synthesized UHF computer controlled sub-system |
| support area |
A designated area in which combat service support elements, some staff elements, and other elements locate to support a unit. |
| surveillance |
The systematic observation of aerospace, surface or subsurface areas, places, persons, or things, by visual, natural, electronic, photographic, or other means. |
| SWA |
southwest Asia |
| TA |
theater Army |
| TAADCOM |
Theater Army Air Defense Command |
| TAADCOORD |
theater Army air defense coordinator |
| TAAMDCOORD |
theater army air and missile defense coordinator |
| TAC |
Tactical |
| TACAN |
traffic air control and navigation |
| TACC |
tactical air command center |
| TACDAR |
tactical data and reporting |
| TACON |
tactical control |
| TACS |
theater air control system |
| TACSAT |
tactical satellite |
| TADIL |
tactical digital information link |
| TADIXS-B |
tactical data information exchange system-B |
| TAFT |
technical assistance field teams |
| TAI |
target areas of interest |
| TAMMC |
Theater Army material management Center |
| TAOC |
tactical air operations centers |
| TAOM |
tactical air operations module |
| TAS |
target acquisition system |
| task organization |
A temporary grouping of forces designed to accomplish a particular mission. Task organization involves the distribution of available assets to subordinate control headquarters by attachment or by placing assets indirect support or under the operational control of the subordinate. |
| TASM |
tactical air-to-surface missile |
| TBM |
theater ballistic missile |
| TD |
tactical director |
| TDA |
tactical director assistant |
| TDDS |
tactical data distribution system |
| TDDS |
TRAP data distribution system |
| TDS |
tactical data system |
| TDMA |
time division multiple access |
| TEL |
transporter erector launcher |
| TERCOM |
terrain contour matching |
| TF |
task force |
| TGO |
terminal guidance operations |
| THAAD |
theater high altitude area defense |
| TIBS |
tactical information broadcast service |
| TM |
theater missile. A missile, which may be a ballistic missile, a cruise missile, or an air-to-surface missile (not including short-range, non-nuclear, direct fire missiles, bombs, or rockets such as Maverick or wire-guided missiles), whose target is within a given theater of operation. (JP 1-02) |
| TMD |
theater missile defense |
| TMDA |
time division multiple access |
| TOC |
tactical operations center. An element within the main command post which consists of those staff activities involved in sustaining current operations and in planning future operations. |
| TOE |
tables of organizations and equipment |
| TPFDD |
time phased force deployment data |
| TPFDL |
time phased force deployment list |
| TRADOC |
US Army Training and Doctrine Command |
| TRAP |
tactical receive equipment and related applications |
| TRITAC |
tri-service tactical communications |
| TRIXS |
tactical reconnaissance intelligence service |
| TROJAN SPIRIT |
Trojan special purpose intelligence remote integrated terminal |
| TSC |
theater signal company |
| TSM |
tactical surface missiles |
| TSN |
track supervision network |
| TST |
time sensitive target |
| TV |
television |
| UAV |
unmanned aerodynamic vehicles. An air vehicle that is remotely or automatically controlled. |
| UAV-SR |
unmanned aerial vehicle-short range |
| UBL |
unit basic load |
| UCMJ |
Uniform Code of Military Justice |
| UHF |
ultra high frequency |
| UIC |
unit identification code |
| UND |
urgency of need designator |
| US |
United States |
| USA |
United States of America |
| USAF |
United States Air Force |
| USCENTCOM |
United States central command |
| USMC |
United States Marine Corps |
| USR |
unit status report |
| USSR |
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics |
| VHF |
very high frequency |
| VRC |
vehicular radio communications |
| WAD |
weapons alert designator |
| WARNO |
warning order |
| WCS |
weapons control status. One of three degrees of weapons fire control used by a commander to control fires of air defense weapons: weapons free, weapons hold, and weapons tight. |
| weapons free |
In air defense, a weapon control status used to indicate that weapons systems may be fired at any target not positively identified as friendly. |
| weapons hold |
In air defense, a weapon control status used to indicate that weapons systems may be fired only in self-defense or in response to a formal order. |
| weapons tight |
In air defense, a weapon control status used to indicate that weapons systems may be fired only at targets identified as hostile. |
| WEZ |
weapon engagement zone. In air defense, airspace of defined dimensions within which the responsibility for engagement normally rests with a particular weapon system. |
| WFZ |
weapons free zone |
| WIA |
wounded in action |
| WIN |
warfighter information network |
| WMD |
weapons of mass destruction |
| WOTS |
worldwide origin and threat system |
| WSRO |
weapons system replacement operations |
| WWMCSS |
worldwide military command and control system |