Oscar Mike to the glossary. Copy that.
Inserting troops by fast-roping from hovering helicopters, essentially controlled falling down thick ropes because landing helicopters takes too long. It's rappelling's aggressive younger sibling who doesn't believe in safety briefings.
The military's state of being prepared to deploy and fight at a moment's notice, measured by everything from personnel training to equipment maintenance. It's the difference between a force that can respond immediately and one that needs three weeks to find its gear. Think of it as the institutional equivalent of keeping your go-bag packed by the door.
A card carried by troops listing restrictions on rules of engagement, often limiting when they can fire. The military equivalent of your mom saying 'don't start fights' before sending you to school.
A tactical withdrawal from a position or conflict—sometimes strategic, sometimes panic-induced. In corporate culture, it's also that annual off-site where you pretend to bond with coworkers while listening to motivational speakers.
Legal and tactical guidelines dictating when, where, and how military force can be applied—essentially permission slips for soldiers to shoot things.
Remotely Operated Vehicle. Unmanned drone or robot controlled from a safe distance—like a video game but with real explosions and international incidents.
Guidelines for safely breaking contact with enemy forces—how to run away in an organized, military fashion.
A longitudinal timber brace running along a ship's ribs like a terrifyingly specific orthopedic corset; the structural reinforcement preventing a vessel from deciding mid-voyage to reorganize itself into something more geometrically creative.
Helicopter pilot or crew member. Usually said affectionately by those who fly them and dismissively by jet pilots who consider rotary-wing undignified.
Graduated response procedures for increasing force levels in response to threats, calibrated to avoid unnecessary conflict escalation. It's 'use measured force unless they go too far, then adjust accordingly.'
Formal procedures for resolving disagreements between military commanders during operations. Like HR for generals, but with nukes.
The effective size of an object as detected by radar. Smaller RCS means stealthier; the holy grail of aircraft design is making a 50-ton plane disappear on radar.
Acknowledgment that a message was received and understood. 'Roger' is NATO phonetic for 'R' (received), not a name, though many assume otherwise.
A long-distance military march with full battle gear and rucksack, designed to build endurance and unit cohesion. An exercise that separates soldiers from people who chose easier careers.
In the manner of radiotelegraphy; referring to communication using radio waves to transmit telegraph signals (Morse code or similar encoded messages) without physical wiring.
A relentless authority figure on a ranch or work site who keeps operations running through sheer force of will and an unhealthy obsession with efficiency. Think the human embodiment of a boot camp, but saddle-wearing. Historically, also the metal rod used to shove projectiles down a musket barrel—which explains the metaphor perfectly.
The official guidelines for how military personnel should behave, including treatment of prisoners, use of force, and Geneva Convention compliance. Think of it as the military's employee handbook, but for war crimes.
Guidelines for when to stop fighting or retreat from a position—basically permission to live to fight another day.