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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