Oscar Mike to the glossary. Copy that.
Practicing trigger pull and aiming without live ammunition, usually as training or to prevent the embarrassing situation of shooting something you didn't intend to shoot. Click-click goes the expensive training.
Bureaucratic euphemism for combat operations involving actual shooting, as opposed to 'non-kinetic' operations like psychological warfare. When policy wonks need to say 'violence' without saying 'violence.'
The point or line where attacking forces cross from planning into execution, leaving behind safety and entering the danger zone. Once you cross LD, there's no pretending this is still just an exercise.
An officer who previously served as enlisted personnel, theoretically possessing both leadership credentials and actual knowledge of how things work. Often viewed with suspicion by traditional officers and grudging respect by enlisted troops.
The military's paradoxical approach to time management: rush to do something, then stand around doing nothing while supervisors figure out what's next.
To ensure that friendly forces don't accidentally shoot at each other, which is apparently complicated enough to require a special verb.
Information that has been stripped of identifying details so classified sources can't be traced, also applies to military reports that need to look good for Congress.
Creating false signals or communications to deceive enemy sensors, basically catfishing your opponent's entire military infrastructure.
The rear end of a vessel where the captain pretends to look important while actually checking their phone. Used by sailors to distinguish between 'the pointy end' and 'the business end' of a ship.
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.
A hasty ambush set up quickly when an unexpected opportunity presents itself, as opposed to a deliberate ambush planned in advance. It's military improvisation with immediate violent consequences.
The military's formal term for when a service member ghosts their entire unit and decides civilian life is worth the court-martial. More serious than just going AWOL, desertion implies you're not planning to return, ever. It's the ultimate breach of military contract, often carrying penalties ranging from dishonorable discharge to actual prison time, depending on timing and circumstances.
A remark that appears to be praise but contains an insult or criticism. The officer evaluation report specialty, where 'performs adequately' means 'please never promote this person.'
An operational area where host nation forces have control and there is minimal threat to friendly forces. Essentially a military vacation destination, if such a thing existed.
Military slang for white phosphorus munitions, which burn at extremely high temperatures and create distinctive white smoke. Named with the military's trademark understated charm for something that can burn through metal and flesh.
Short for Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps, typically the senior enlisted advisor to a company commander. The person who actually runs things while officers figure out what they want.
Mission, Enemy, Terrain and weather, Troops and support available, Time available, Civil considerations—the six factors commanders analyze during tactical planning. A mental checklist ensuring nothing critical gets forgotten.
An unexpected release from scheduled physical training or duty, usually announced at formation to the delight of assembled troops. The rarest and most cherished gift from leadership.
No Foreign Nationals—a classification marking indicating information cannot be shared with non-U.S. personnel, even allies. Because friendship has limits, especially when secrets are involved.
Common Operational Picture—a unified display of relevant information shared across all command levels, theoretically ensuring everyone sees the same battlefield. Emphasis on 'theoretically.'
The analytical process of assigning specific units to accomplish specific tasks within an operation. Matching capability to requirement, assuming you have enough of both.
Abbreviated military and gaming slang for "roger," meaning "understood" or "acknowledged." Born from radio communication lingo, it migrated to online gaming where typing full words is apparently too much effort during heated battles. The digital equivalent of a thumbs up, but with more tactical credibility.
A organized collection of soldiers, police, or armed personnel deployed for specific missions—essentially humans trained to follow orders under chaotic conditions. Can also mean a small cavalry or armor unit commanded by a captain, because military terminology loves specificity.
Fancy word for 'all the stuff you need' or specialized equipment required for a particular activity or task. Military personnel love this word; civilians just call it 'gear' or 'junk.'