FM 19-4 Glossary

GLOSSARY

AA antiaircraft

ABGD air base ground defense

abn airborne

ACofS assistant chief of staff

act actual

ADA air defense artillery

ADC area damage control

adj adjustable

admin administrative

administrative reports: routine reports submitted at company level that provide information to higher HQ on personnel and critical logistic statuses. Although these reports are prepared at a company level, platoons will be required to provide the information needed to complete the report. Administrative reports should be included in the unit tactical SOP. The format and the frequency for submitting these reports are usually set by the PM or the division/ corps TAACOM HQ.

ADP automated data processing

ADPC automated data processing center

ADPU automated data processing unit

AF Air Force

AG adjutant general

AI area of interest

AIM armored, infantry, mechanized

air base ground defense: the prevention of the degradation of air sortie generation by detecting and engaging enemy ground forces far enough from the air base to prevent the use of stand-off or direct-fire weapons.
air defense: all measures designed to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of an enemy attack by aircraft or guided missiles.
air sortie: an operational flight by one aircraft.

ALICE all-purpose, lightweight, individual carrying equipment

ALO air liaison officer

ALOC administration and logistics center

AM amplitude modification

ambush: a surprise attack by fire from concealed positions on a moving or temporarily halted enemy.

AMCO aviation maintenance company

ammo ammunition

AMO automation management officer

ANCS alternate net control station

antiterrorism: see JCS Publication 1-02.

AO area of operations

AP antipersonnel

APOAE Army Post Office, Army Europe

ar automatic rifleman

AR Army regulation

area damage control: see JCS Publication 1-02.

area fire: fire delivered on a prescribed area. The term is applicable regardless of the tactical purpose of the fire, but area fire is generally neutralization fire.
area of interest: that area of concern to the commander, including the area of influence, areas adjacent thereto, and extending into enemy territory to the objectives of current or planned operations. This area also includes areas occupied by enemy forces who could jeopardize the accomplishment of the mission.
area of operation: a geographical area where the commander has been assigned the responsibility and authority to conduct military operations.
area reconnaissance: a directed effort to obtain detailed information concerning the terrain or enemy activity within a prescribed area, such as a town, ridge line, woods, or other feature critical to operations. See also route reconnaissance, zone reconnaissance.
area security: a Military Police mission that includes area reconnaissance and surveillance, security of designated critical assets, security of special ammunition, base response force operations, counterincursion operations, air base ground defense operations, terrorism counteraction, area damage control operations, and NBC detecting and reporting.

art article

AS area security

ASAP as soon as possible

ASG area support group

aslt assault

ASP ammunition supply point

ASPS All-Source Production Section

assmt assessment

asst assistant

AT antitank

atk attack

aug augment(ation)

austere combat force: a fighting force with less than adequate numbers of personnel.

auto automatic

avenue of approach: an air or ground route of an attacking force of a given size leading to its objective or to key terrain in its path.

AVIM aviation intermediate maintenance

avn aviation

AWOL absent without leave

axis of advance: a general route of advance assigned for purposes of control; often a road, a group of roads, or a designated series of locations extending in the direction of the enemy.
backhaul: shipment of materiel or troops, such as EPWs, in a direction opposite to the major flow of shipments on otherwise empty, returning transportation assets.

BAE battlefield area evaluation

base: see FM 101-5-1.
base cluster: see FM 101-5-1.
battlefield circulation control: a Military Police mission involving route reconnaissance and surveillance, MSR regulation enforcement, straggler and refugee control, intelligence collecting and reporting, and information dissemination.

BCC battlefield circulation control

BCOC base cluster operations center

bde brigade

BDOC base defense operations center

beaten zone: see JCS Publication 1-02.

BHOL battle handover line

blackout: conditions of either total blackout (all lights extinguished) or partial blackout (only those lights are used that cannot be seen by the enemy, yet show the positions of vehicles to other road users).
blister agent: a chemical agent that injures the eyes and lungs, and burns or blisters the skin.
blood agent: a chemical compound, including the cyanide group, that affects bodily functions by preventing the normal transfer of oxygen from the blood to body tissues. Also called cyanogen agent.

BMD Soviet light armored vehicle (tracked)

bn battalion

boom: a chain, cable, or line of connected floating timbers extended across a river, lake, or harbor to obstruct passage or ensnare floating objects.

BRDM Soviet light armored vehicle (wheeled)

breach: the employment of any means available to break through or secure a passage through an enemy defense, obstacle, minefield, or fortification.
brigade support area: a designated area in which CSS elements from the DISCOM and the COSCOM provide logistic support to a brigade. The BSA normally is located 20 to 25 kilometers behind the FEBA.

BSA brigade support area

C² command and control

CA civil affairs

cal caliber

CAM chemical agent monitor

camouflage discipline: the avoidance of activity that changes an area's appearance or reveals the presence of military equipment.
canalize: to restrict operations to a narrow zone by use of existing or reinforcing obstacles or by direct or indirect fire.

CAS close air support

cav cavalry

cbt combat

cdr commander

C-E communications-electronics

cell: see JCS Publication 1-02.

cen center

CEWI combat electronic warfare intelligence

CFA covering force area

CG commanding general

cGy centigray

cGyph centigrays per hour

ch chaplain

checkpoint: a predetermined point on the ground used as a means of coordinating friendly movement. Checkpoints are not used as reference points in reporting enemy locations.
chemical agent: a chemical substance intended for use in military operations to kill, seriously injure, or incapacitate people through its physiological effects. Excluded are riot control agents, herbicides, smoke, and flame.

CI civilian internee

CID Criminal Investigation Command

circulation control functions: measures for controlling the movement of persons and vehicles.
close air support: see JCS Publication 1-02.

cm centimeter(s)

cmd command

CMO civil-military operations

cnf confinement

cntl control

co company

CofS chief of staff

coll collecting point

combat loading: see JCS Publication 1-02.
combat multiplier: supporting and subsidiary means that significantly increase the relative combat strength of a force while actual force ratios remain constant. Examples of combat multipliers are economizing in one area to mass in another, surprise, deception, camouflage, electronic warfare, psychological operations, and terrain reinforcement.

comdt commandant

command and control: the exercise of command that is the process through which the activities of military forces are directed, coordinated, and controlled to accomplish the mission. This process encompasses the personnel, equipment, communications, facilities, and procedures necessary to gather and analyze information, to plan for what is to be done, and to supervise the execution of the operations.
command post: see FM 101-5-1.
commander's estimate: see FM 101-5-1.
commander's intent: commander's vision of the battle -- how he expects to fight and what he expects to accomplish; includes consideration of intangibles as well as tangible goals and constraints.

commo communications

COMMZ communications zone

COMSEC communications security

concealment: protection from observation and surveillance.

CONEX container express

contact point: a designated, easily identifiable point on the terrain where two or more units are required to physically meet.
contact with the enemy: conditions ranging from a surveillance sighting to engaging in close combat.
control measures: directives given graphically or orally by a commander to subordinate commands in order to assign responsibilities, to coordinate fires and maneuver, and to control combat operations. Each control measure can be portrayed graphically. A minimum number of control measures should be used so that the operation progresses according to the concept of the operation. Less restrictive control measures are used, as much as possible, to permit subordinate commanders the freedom of action in executing assigned missions. In general, all control measures should be easily identifiable on the ground. Examples of control measures include boundaries, objectives, coordinating points, contact points, LDs, assembly areas, axis of advance, and direction of attack.

CONUS continental United States

convl conventional

convoy: see FM 101-5-1.

COSCOM corps support command

courier officer: armed military custodian of a special weapons shipment, responsible for the receipt, custody, security, safety, and delivery from the time he signs for it until custody is transferred to an authorized recipient.

cover

natural or artificial protection from enemy observation and fire.

CP command post

CP-OP command post-observation post

CRA corps rear area

CRAF civil reserve aircraft fleet

crossing area: a number of adjacent crossing sites under the control of one commander.
crossing area commander: the officer responsible for the control of all crossing units, assault units, and support forces while they are in the crossing area.
crossing site: the location along a water obstacle where the crossing can be made using amphibious vehicles, assault boats, rafts, bridges, or fording vehicles.
cryptosecurity: see JCS Publication 1-02.

CS chlorobenzalmalononitrile (riot control agent)

CSP chief of Security Police (USAF)

CSS combat service support

CTOC corps tactical operations center

CUCV commercial utility cargo vehicle

custody: the immediate control over a person or materiel exercised by proper authority.

DA Department of the Army

DAO division ammunition officer

DCSLOG Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics

DCSOPS Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations

DD Department of Defense

decisively engaged: when a unit is considered fully committed and cannot maneuver or extricate itself. In the absence of outside assistance, the action must be fought to a conclusion and either won or lost with the forces at hand.

decon decontamination

defilade: protection from hostile observation and fire provided by an obstacle, such as a hill, ridge, or bank; to shield from enemy observation or fire by using natural or artificial obstacles.

deg degree(s)

delaying operation: an operation usually conducted when the commander needs time to concentrate or withdraw forces, to establish defenses in greater depth, to economize in an area, or to complete offensive actions elsewhere. In the delay, the destruction of the enemy force is secondary to slowing its advance to gain time.
deliberate attack: an attack planned and carefully coordinated with all concerned elements based on thorough reconnaissance, evaluation of all available intelligence and relative combat strength, analysis of various courses of action, and other factors affecting the situation. It generally is conducted against a well-organized defense when a hasty attack is not possible or has been conducted and failed. See also hasty attack.
deliberate river crossing: a crossing of a water obstacle that requires extensive planning, detailed preparation, and centralized control. See also hasty river crossing.

dep deputy

detainee: see JCS Publication 1-02.

DF direction finding (radio-electronic)

dir direction

direct fire fire directed at a target that is visible to the aimer or tiring unit.

direct support: a mission requiring a force to support another specific force and authorizing it to answer directly the supported force's request for assistance. In NATO, the support provided by a unit or formation not attached to, nor under command of, the supported unit or formation, but required to give priority to the support required by that unit or formation. See also general support.
direction of attack: a specific direction or route that the main attack or the main body of the force will follow. If used, it is normally at battalion and lower levels. Direction of attack is a more restrictive control measure than axis of advance, and units are not free to maneuver off the assigned route. It is usually associated with infantry units conducting night attacks, or units involved in limited visibility operations, and in counterattacks. (In NATO, referred to as attack route.) See also axis of advance.

dis distance

DISCOM division support command

div division

division support area: an area normally located in the division rear, positioned near airlanding facilities and along an MSR. The DSA contains the DISCOM CP, the HQ elements of the DISCOM battalions, and those DISCOM elements charged with providing backup support to the CSS elements in the BSA and DS to units located in the division rear. Selected COSCOM elements may be located in the DSA to provide DS backup and GS as required.

DLA Defense Logistics Agency

DP decision point

drop zone: a specified area on which airborne troops, equipment, or supplies are airdropped by parachute, or on which supplies and equipment may be delivered by free fall.

DS direct support

DSA division support area

DSE division support element

DTG date-time group

DTO division transportation officer

DTOC division tactical operations center

DZ drop zone

ea each

EA engagement area

EAC echelons above corps

ECCM electronic counter-countermeasures

echelon: a separate level of command. For example, when compared to a brigade, a division is a higher echelon, a battalion is a lower echelon.
echelons above corps: Army headquarters and organizations that provide the interface between the theater commander (joint or combined) and the corps for operational matters, and between CONUS/ HN and the deployed corps for combat service support. Opera-tional EAC may be US only or allied HQ, while EAC for CSS normally will be US national organizations.
economy of force: the allocation of minimum essential combat capability of strength to secondary efforts, so that forces may be concentrated in the area where a decision is sought. (A principle of war.)

EEFI essential elements of friendly information

eff effective

electronic warfare: see JCS Publication 1-02.

engr engineer

enl enlisted

EODC explosive ordnance disposal center

EPW enemy prisoner of war

equip equipment

ERP engineer regulating point

escgd escort guard

essential elements of friendly information: the critical aspects of a friendly operation that, if known by the enemy, would subsequently compromise, lead to failure, or limit success of the operation and, therefore, must be protected from enemy detection.

est estimate(d)

EVAC evacuation hospitals

FA field artillery

FAC forward air controller

F&AO finance and accounting office

FCF field confinement facility

FDC fire direction center

FDF field detention facility

FEBA forward edge of the battle area

field of fire: the area that a weapon or a group of weapons may effectively cover with fire from a given location.
fighting position: a location providing cover and concealment from which you can engage or defend against the enemy.

fin finance

final protective fire: an immediately available preplanned barrier of direct and indirect fire designed to provide close protection to friendly positions and installations by impeding enemy movement into defensive areas.
final protective line: a line selected where an enemy assault is to be checked by interlocking fire from all available weapons.

FIST fire support team

FM field manual, frequency modulation

FO forward observer

forward air controller: a member of the tactical air control party who, from a ground or an airborne position, controls aircraft engaged in close air support of ground forces.
forward obsever: an observer with forward troops trained to call for and adjust supporting fire and pass battlefield information. In the absence of a forward air controller, the forward observer may control CAS strikes.

FPF final protective fire

FPL final protective line

fps feet per second

FRAGO fragmentary order

frontal fire: a shot directly at the front of a target; fire delivered at right angles to the front of a target.

FS forward support

FSB forward support base

FSCOORD fire support coordinator

FSE fire support element

FSO fire support officer

ft foot, feet

ft³ cubic foot, cubic feet

fwd forward

g grenadier

G1 Assistant Chief of Staff, Personnel

G2 Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence

G3 Assistant Chief of Staff, Operations and Plans

G4 Assistant Chief of Staff, Logistics

G5 Assistant Chief of Staff, Civil Affairs

gal gallon(s)

gd guard

general-purpose MP units: MP units widely dispersed throughout the command's AO and equipped, managed, and configured to undertake operations spanning the full range of MP support.
general support: support that is given to the supported force as a whole and not to any particular subdivision thereof.

gm gram(s)

GMG grenade machine gun

gp group

GP general purpose

grazing fire: fire, approximately parallel to the ground, in which the center of the cone of fire does not rise above 1 meter from the ground.
grenadier: a soldier who carries and uses a grenade launcher.

GRREG graves registration

GS general support

GTA graphic training aid

HA holding area

hasty attack: an offensive operation for which a unit has not made extensive preparations. It is conducted with the resources immediately available in order to maintain momentum or to take advantage of the enemy situation.
hasty river crossing: the crossing of a water obstacle using crossing means at hand or readily available without pausing to make elaborate preparations.
hasty route recon: a recon performed by MP to obtain limited, specific information about a particular route. Usually, the information sought includes enemy activity, route characteristics, critical terrain adjacent to the route, and route conditions. Hasty route recons are conducted with minimal planning. In comparison, deliberate route recons are well-planned, detailed recons by engineers to set the routes' classifications. The results of hasty route recons can be used in planning and executing deliberate route recons.

HB heavy barrel

HC headquarters company

HE high explosive

HEAT high-explosive antitank

HEDP high-explosive dual-purpose

herringbone: an arrangement of vehicles at left and right angles to the line of march used to establish security during an unscheduled halt.

HHC headquarters and headquarters company

HHD headquarters and headquarters detachment

hide position: the positioning of a vehicle, individual, or unit so that no part is exposed to observation or direct fire.

HMMWV high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle

HN host nation

host-nation support: see JCS Publication 1-02.

HQ headquarters

HQDA Headquarters, Department of the Army

hr hour(s)

ht height

HTD highway traffic division

HUMINT human intelligence

HVT high value target

hvy heavy

hwy highway

IAW in accordance with

ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross

ID identification

indentification, friend or foe: a system using electromagnetic transmissions to which equipment carried by friendly forces automatically responds, for example, by emitting pulses, thereby distinguishing themselves from enemy forces.

IDF installation detention facility

IFF identification friend or foe

IG inspector general

immediate actions: well-rehearsed plans intended to provide fast reaction to unexpected enemy contact. These actions must stress simplicity and speed of execution. They are developed by a unit or patrol to fit the type of terrain on which they are operating.

in inch(es)

ind indicator

indirect fire: fire delivered on a target that cannot be seen by the firing unit.

inf infantry

info information

information requirements: those items of information regarding the enemy and his environment that need to be collected and processed in order to meet the intelligence requirements of a commander. (See also priority intelligence requirements.)

intel intelligence

intelligence preparation of the battlefield: a systematic approach to analyzing the enemy, weather, and terrain in a specific geographic area. It integrates enemy doctrine with the weather and terrain as they relate to the mission and the specific battlefield environment. This is done to determine and evaluate enemy capabilities, vulnerabilities, and probable courses of action.
intelligence reports: see JCS Publication 1-02.
in theater: activities taking place within a theater of operations.

inv investigation

IPB intelligence preparation of the battlefield

IR information requirement

ISA international standardization agreement

ISN internment serial number

JCS Joint Chiefs of Staff

JINTACCS joint interoperability tactical and command and control system

JTR joint travel regulation

k thousand

kbps kilobytes per second

key terrain: any locality or area the seizure, retention, or control of which affords a marked advantage to either combatant.

kg kilogram(s)

KIA killed in action

km kilometer(s)

kmph kilometers per hour

KT kiloton(s)

l liter(s)

L&O law and order

landing zone: a specified zone within an objective area used for landing aircraft.

LAW light antitank weapon

lb pound

LC line of contact

LD line of departure

ldr leader

liaison: that contact or intercommunication maintained between elements of military forces to ensure mutual understanding and unity of purpose and action.

LIC low intensity conflict

light line: a designated line forward of which vehicles are required to use blackout lights at night.
line of departure: a line designated to coordinate the commitment of attacking units or scouting elements at a specified time. A start line.

LOC lines of communication

local security: those security elements established in the proximity of a unit to prevent surprise by the enemy.

log logistics

LP listening post

LRRE long-range reconnaissance element

lt light

LZ landing zone

m meter(s)

m³ cubic meter(s)

MAC Military Airlift Command (USAF)

mag magazine

main battle area: that portion of the battlefield extending rearward from the FEBA and in which the decisive battle is fought to defeat the enemy attack. Designation of the MBA includes the use of lateral and rear boundaries. For any particular command, this area extends from the FEBA to the rear boundaries of those units comprising its main defensive forces.
main supply route: the route or routes designated within an AO on which the bulk of traffic flows in support of military operations.

maint maintenance

maneuver: employment of forces on the battlefield through movement in combination with fire, or fire potential, to achieve a position of advantage in respect to the enemy in order to accomplish the mission.

max maximum

MBA main battle area

mc mobility corridor

MCA movement control agency

MCC movement control center

MCO movement control office

MCT movement control team

med medium

MEDCOM medical command

METT-T mission, enemy, terrain, troops, and time available

MG machine gun

MI military intelligence

MIA missing in action

MIJI meaconing, intrusion, jamming, and interfering

mil meter

Military Traffic Management Command: the jointly staffed, industrially funded, major Army command serving as the DOD single-manager operating agency for military traffic, land transportation, and common-user ocean terminal service.
minefield: an area of ground containing mines laid with or without pattern.

misc miscellaneous

MLRS multiple-launch rocket system

mm millimeter(s)

MMC material management center

mnvr maneuver

MOGAS motor gasoline

moored secured with, or as if with, cables, lines, or anchors.

MOPP mission-oriented protective posture

MOUT military operations on urbanized terrain

movement control: the planning, routing, scheduling, and control of personnel and supply movements over LOC; also, an organization responsible for these functions.
movement control team: a team designated to coordinate all movements to be made and to ensure that available transportation resources are used effectively and economically.
movement credit: the time allowed to one or more dispatch vehicles to move over a supervised or reserved route.
movement technique: the manner used by a unit to traverse terrain. The likelihood of enemy contact determines which technique (traveling, traveling overwatch, bounding overwatch) is used.
movement to contact: an offensive operation designed to gain initial ground contact with the enemy or to regain lost contact. (In NATO, the term "advance to contact" is used.) MP use movement to contact in conducting raids, ambushes, and recon operations.

MP military police

mph miles per hour

MPI military police investigator

MRE meal, ready-to-eat

MRO medical regulating officer

MSB main support battalion

MSC Military Sealift Command (US Navy)

MSE mobile subscriber equipment

msg message

MSR main supply route

MTMC Military Traffic Management Command

MWD military working dog

NA not applicable

NAI named area of interest

named area of interest: a point or area on the ground, along a particular avenue of approach, through which enemy activity is expected to occur. Activity or lack of activity within an NAI will help to confirm or deny a particular enemy course of action.

NASP nuclear ammunition supply point

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NATP nuclear ammunition transfer point

NBC nuclear, biological, chemical

NCO noncommissioned officer

NCOIC noncommissioned officer in charge

NCS net control station

near-side holding area: nearest covered and concealed position to the pickup zone or crossing site where troops are held until time for them to move forward.

NLT no later than

Nm nautical mile

normal lighting: see JCS Publication 1-02.

NRI net radio interface

NSN national stock number

nuc nuclear

obj objective

objective: the physical object of the action taken (for example, a definite terrain feature, the seizure and/ or holding of which is essential to the commander's plan, or the destruction of an enemy force without regard to terrain features). Also, the principle of war that states that every military operation should be directed toward clearly defined, decisive, and attainable objectives.
objective area: a defined geographical area where an objective is to be captured or reached by the military forces. In airborne, air assault, and amphibious operations, it is the proposed AO and includes the airhead or beachhead.
oblique fire: fire with the long axis of the beaten zone at a 45-degree angle to the long axis of the target.
observation post: a position from which military observations (visual, audible, or other means) are made, or fire is directed and adjusted, and that possesses appropriate communications. It also may be airborne.
obstacle: any natural or manmade obstruction that canalizes, delays, restricts, or diverts movement of a force. The effectiveness of an obstacle is enhanced considerably when covered by fire. Obstacles can include abatis, antitank ditches, blown bridges, built-up areas, minefields, rivers, road craters, terrain, and wire. Obstacles are classified as either existing or reinforcing.

OCOKA observation and fields of fire, cover and concealment, obstacles, key terrain, avenues of approach

OD other detainee

ODCSPER Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel

OF observed fire

ofcr officer

OIC officer in charge

OP observation post

OPCON operational control

operation: a military action or the carrying out of a strategic, tactical, service, training, or administrative military mission; the process of carrying on combat, including movement, supply, attack, defense, and maneuvers needed to gain the objective of any battle or campaign; MP and/or tactical measures put together for a specific purpose.
operational report: nonroutine reports that MP submit to provide information concerning a specific event on the battlefield. These reports may describe significant events during the course of a mission or an operation. They may also be used to report the end of a mission or an operation. Examples of operational reports include SITREPs, passing reports, and offense reports.
operation plan: a plan for a military operation. It covers a single operation or a series of connected operations to be carried out simultaneously or in succession. It implements operations derived from the campaign plan. When the time and/or conditions under which the plan is to be placed in effect occur, the plan becomes an OPORD.

OPLAN operations plan

opn(s) operation(s)

OPORD operations order

OPSEC operations security

ord ordnance

order: a communication -- written, oral, or by signal -- that conveys instructions from a superior to a subordinate. In a broad sense, the terms order and command are synonymous. However, an order implies discretion as to the details of execution, whereas a command does not.
organic: assigned to and forming an essential part of a military organization; an element normally shown in the unit's TOE.

ORP objective rally point

OT observer-to-target

out-of-theater: activities taking place outside a theater of operations.
overwatch: a tactical technique in which one element is positioned to support the movement of another element with immediate direct fire. Also, the tactical role of an element positioned to support the movement of another element with immediate direct fire.

PA public affairs

para paragraph

passage lanes: areas along which a passing unit moves to avoid stationary units and obstacles.
passage of lines: passing one unit through the positions of another, as when elements of a covering force withdraw through the forward edge of the main battle areas, or when an exploiting force moves through the elements of the force that conducted the initial attack. A passage may be designated as a forward or rearward passage of lines.
passage point: a place where units will pass through one another, either in an advance or a withdrawal. It is located where the commander desires subordinate units to physically execute a passage of lines.
patrol: a detachment of ground, sea, or air forces sent out for the purpose of gathering information or carrying out a destructive, harassing, mopping-up, or security mission.

PDF principal direction of fire

per personnel

PERSCOM personnel command

petrl petroleum

PEWS platoon early warning system

phase line: a line used for control and coordination of military operations. It is usually a recognizable terrain feature extending across the zone of action. Units normally report crossing PLs, but do not halt unless specifically directed. PLs often are used to prescribe the timing of delay operations.

PIR priority intelligence requirement

PL phase line

plt platoon

plunging fire: fire in which the paths of the rounds are higher than a standing man except in the beaten zone. Plunging fire occurs during long-range firing, when firing high from high ground to low ground, and when firing into a hillside.

PM provost marshal

PMCS preventive maintenance checks and services

PMO provost marshal's office

point fire: fire directed to one point. An entire team or squad that shoots at one enemy position.

POL petroleum, oils, lubricants

port: see JCS Publication 1-02.
port area: the area coming within the authority of a given port committee or, in the absence of such a committee, another administrative agency with similar powers.
port security: see JCS Publication 1-02.

pos position

pp passage point

primary position: a place for a weapon, unit, or individual to fight that provides the best means to accomplish the assigned mission.
principal direction of fire: the direction of fire assigned or designated as the main direction in which a weapon will oriented. It is selected based on the enemy, mission, terrain, and weapons capability.
priority intelligence requirements: those intelligence requirements for which a commander has an anticipated and stated priority in his task of planning and decision making. See also information requirements.

PSG platoon sergeant

PSMK portable sign-making kit

psychological operations: a planned psychological activity in peace and war directed toward enemy, friendly, and neutral audiences to create attitudes and behavior favorable to the achievement of political and military objectives.

PSYOP psychological operations

PW prisoner of war

PWIC prisoner of war information center

PWIS prisoner of war information system

PZ pickup zone

quartering party: a group of unit representatives dispatched to a probable new site of operations in advance of the main body to secure, reconnoiter, and organize an area prior to the main body's arrival and occupation. May also be known as advance party.

r rifleman

radiation dose: the total amount of ionizing radiation received by a specified area of the body or by the whole body. The unit of measure used in military training and operations is centigray.
radiation dose rate: the radiation dose (dosage) absorbed per unit of time. A radiation dose rate can be set at some particular unit of time; that is, H + 1 hour would be called H + 1 radiation dose rate. See also radiation dose.
raid: an operation, usually small-scale, involving a swift penetration of hostile territory to secure information, to confuse the enemy, or to destroy enemy installations. It ends with a planned withdrawal on completion of the assigned mission.
railway division: that portion of a railroad ranging from 140 to 240 kilometers long and assigned to and supervised by a superintendent or a railway battalion.
rally point: an easily identifiable point on the ground where units can reassemble or reorganize if they become dispersed.

RAOC rear area operations center

RATELO radio-telephone operator

RATT radio teletypewriter

rb rear battle

rd round

rear area: the area in the rear of the combat and forward areas. Combat echelons from the brigade through the field army normally designate a rear area. For any particular command, that area extending rearward from the rear boundary of their next subordinate formations or units deployed in the main battle or defense area to their own rear boundary. It is here that reserve forces of the echelon are normally located. In addition, combat support and CSS units and activities locate in this area.
rear area of interest: an area that is based on METT-T and the commander's concept of the operation. It is determined by the commander based on known requirements. The area will possibly overlap other rear area commanders' areas of interest as well as those commanders' AOs.
rear area of operations: a geographical area where several commanders may be conducting operations simultaneously and where the DISCOM, COSCOM, or other rear area commander has been granted the authority to conduct operations. Elements of higher and lower support echelons may be operating or located in the same area. Planning includes the conduct of CSS operations and considerations brought about by the extremely large area involved. Potential targets for rotary-winged aircraft, air assault troops, special operations units are critical.
rear area operations center: an Army rear area control center responsible for planning, coordinating, directing, and monitoring the rear battle.

recon reconnaissance

reconnaissance patrol: a small patrol used to gain information about the enemy, preferably without their knowledge.
recovery operations: extricating damaged or disabled equipment, and moving it to locations where repairs can be made. Recovery is the primary responsibility of the using unit.
reduced lighting: see JCS Publication 1-02.
reference point: a prominent, easily located point on the terrain.
refugee: a civilian who, by reason of real or imagined danger, has left home to seek safety elsewhere.
release point: a clearly defined control point on a route where specific elements of a column of ground vehicles or a flight of aircraft revert to their respective commanders, each one of these elements, continuing its movement toward its own appropriate destination. In dismounted attacks (especially at night), that point where a commander releases control of subordinate units to their commanders or leaders.
repatriate: to restore or return to one's country of origin, allegiance, or citizenship (repatriate prisoners of war as quickly as they can be processed).

retrans retransmission

RMCT regional movement control team

route reconnaissance: a directed effort to obtain detailed information of a specified route and all terrain from which the enemy could influence movement along that route. See also area reconnaissance; zone reconnaissance.

rp release point

rpm rounds per minute

RSTA reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition

RTOC rear tactical operations center

rubbling: to reduce to rubble.

RWI radio wire integration

sally port: large gate or passage in fortified place.

SALUTE size, activity, location, unit, time, equipment

SAM surface-to-air missile

SAW squad automatic weapon

scheme of maneuver: that part of a tactical plan to be executed by a maneuver force to achieve its assigned objectives or to hold its assigned area.

scty security

sec section

sector of fire: an area that is required to be covered by the fire of an individual, a weapon, or a unit.
sensor: equipment that detects and indicates terrain configuration, the presence of military targets, and other natural and manmade objects and activities, by means of energy reflected or emitted by such targets or objects. The energy may be nuclear, electromagnetic (including the visible and invisible portions of the spectrum), chemical, biological, thermal, or mechanical (including sound, blast, and earth vibrations).

SGS Secretary General Staff

SIDPERS standardized installation and divisional personnel report system

sig signal

SINCGARS single-channel ground and airborne radio system

SITREP situation report

SJA staff judge advocate

SL squad leader

SOI signal operation instructions

SOP standing operating procedure

SOTI security, operations, training, and intelligence

Sp start point

SP security police (USAF)

SPC specialist

spec special

special ammunition: ammunition for nuclear and chemical weaponry.
special-purpose MP units: MP units that focus on one MP mission continuously; that is, some units provide security for special ammunition; some enhance security of port, rail, and pipeline operations; others evacuate and intern EPWs; while yet others confine US military prisoners or investigate criminal activities. See FM 19-1 for discussion of types of MP units.

SPO security plans and operations

SPOTREP spot report

spt support

spt'd supported

sqd squad

SSG staff sergeant

SSN social security number

staging area: a general locality containing accommodations for troops that is established for the concentration of troop units and transient personnel between movements over the LOC. Also referred to as intermediate staging area or intermediate staging base.

STANAG standardization agreement

STANO surveillance, target acquisition, and night observation

start point: a clearly defined initial control point on a route where specific elements of a column of ground vehicles or a tight of aircraft come under the control of the commander having responsibility for the movement. See also release point.
static: fixed in one place for a specific mission; for example, TCPs.

STATREP status report

straggler: a military member who, without apparent purpose or assigned mission, becomes separated from his or her unit.

STRESS search, tag, report, evacuate, segregate, and safeguard

suppressive fire: fire that does not let any enemy see, track, or shoot a target. Direct or indirect fire close enough to any enemy machine gun to keep its gunner from aiming and firing is suppressive fire. Smoke placed on an enemy position that keeps the enemy from seeing a target is also suppression. MP use suppressive fire to prevent losses during friendly movement.
surveillance: a systematic observation of airspace or surface areas by visual, aural, electronic, photographic, or other means.

svc service

swbd switchboard

SWO staff weather officer

TA theater army

TAACOM theater army area command

TAB target acquisition battery

tac tactical

TAC Tactical Air Command (USAF)

TACCS tactical army combat service support computer system

tactical combat force: those combat forces the echelon commander assigns the mission of defeating rear battle Threat forces.

TAI target area of interest

TAMCA TA Movement Control Agency

TAOC theater army operations center

T&E traversing and elevating

target reference point: an easily recognizable point on the ground (either natural or manmade) used for identifying enemy targets or controlling fires. TRPs are usually designated by company commanders or platoon leaders for company teams, platoons, sections, or individual weapons. They can also designate the center of an area where the commander plans to distribute or converge the fires of all his weapons rapidly. TRPs are designated by using the standard target symbol and target numbers issued by the fire support team or the fire support officer. Once designated, TRPs also constitute indirect fire targets.
task organization: a temporary grouping of forces designed to accomplish a particular mission. Task organization involves the distribution of available assets to subordinate control HQ by attachment or by placing assets in DS or under OPCON of the subordinate.

TCC theater communication command

TCF tactical combat force

TCP traffic control post

temp temperature

template: a standardized graphic display of enemy force structure, deployment, or capabilities allowing leaders US United States to "see" the rear area.
terminal: a terminal consists of a number of distinct, although correlated, areas, such as storage areas (covered and open), piers (land and water sides), beach or shore areas, entrances and exits, anchorage areas, and ships tied up at piers. It may also include POL discharge points, pipelines, and POL storage areas.
terrain analysis: the process of interpreting a geographic area to determine the effect of the natural and manmade features on military operations.

TF transmission factor

time on target: The method of firing on a target in which various artillery units, mortars, and/or naval gunfire support ships fire their initial rounds to strike the target simultaneously at the time required. The time at which aircraft are scheduled to attack or photograph a target. The actual time at which aircraft attack or photograph a target. The time at which a nuclear detonation is planned at a specified desired ground zero.

tl team leader

tm team

TM technical manual

TMT transportation motor transport

TOE table(s) of organization and equipment

TOT time on target

trans transportation

TRANSCOM transportation command

transporter: mission vehicle for carrying special ammunition.

TRL traffic regulating line

TRP target reference point

turn back dose: half of the operation exposure guide.
turn back dose rate: a centigray reading, set by the command, that must not be exceeded. If you are halfway through your route, continue. If you are less than halfway, turn back.
two-person rule: an access control technique in which a minimum of two authorized persons, each capable of detecting incorrect or unauthorized procedures with respect to the task being performed, and each familiar with applicable safety and security requirements, must be present during any operation that gives access to material requiring protection. It prohibits access to protected material by a lone individual.

UIN unit identification number

US United States

USACIDC US Army Criminal Investigation Command

USAF United States Air Force

veh vehicle

VHF very high frequency

VT variable time

vul vulnerability

w/ with

wedge (or vee) formation: a formation of vehicles or personnel that permits excellent fire to the front and good fire to each flank, facilitates control, permits sustained effort, provides flank security, and lends itself readily to fire and movement. It is often used when the enemy situation is vague and contact is imminent.

w/o without

WO warning order

wt weight

XO executive officer

zone reconnaissance: a directed effort to obtain detailed information concerning all routes, obstacles (to include chemical or radiological contamination), terrain, and enemy forces within a zone defined by boundaries. A zone reconnaissance normally is assigned when the enemy situation is vague or when information concerning cross-country trafficability is desired. See also area reconnaissance, route reconnaissance.

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