Oscar Mike to the glossary. Copy that.
A person actively engaged in armed conflict, typically distinguished from civilians by international law—the term that helps separates 'participant in warfare' from 'bystander caught in crossfire.'
Creating false signals or communications to deceive enemy sensors, basically catfishing your opponent's entire military infrastructure.
To execute a targeted elimination of a high-value target through covert means, typically for strategic, political, or ideological objectives. Remarkably efficient, ethically complicated, and wildly successful in spy fiction.
A covert location where operatives or fugitives establish a low-profile base of operations, complete with all the dramatic flair of a spy thriller but without the martinis. Think of it as a secret apartment that definitely isn't on any government records.
A defensive operation intended to prevent enemy forces from advancing while buying time for reinforcements or withdrawal. It's 'die slowly in place' masquerading as strategic depth.
Pre-planned defensive fire designed to stop an enemy assault at the last possible moment, typically right at the defensive position's perimeter. The 'break glass in case of emergency' of fire plans.
Traditional cannon-based artillery systems as opposed to rockets or missiles, maintaining the ancient and honorable tradition of using controlled explosions to throw metal at distant enemies. Old school boom delivery.
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.
The act of killing your own officer, historically done by soldiers who didn't appreciate the officer's leadership style—mutiny with grenades.
A small cavalry or armored unit commanded by a captain, roughly equivalent to an infantry platoon. Also used collectively to describe any gathering of soldiers, though civilians insist on using it incorrectly as a singular noun for one soldier. Military folks cringe every time someone says "a troop" when they mean "a service member."
Coordinating military operations to prevent friendly forces from interfering with or accidentally attacking each other—essentially scheduling who gets to shoot what and when. Air traffic control meets extreme violence.
Short for 'fragmentary order,' a quick modification to an existing operations plan that doesn't require rewriting the entire thing. Because sometimes the enemy doesn't cooperate with your carefully crafted 50-page OPORD.
Affectionate (or not-so-affectionate) term for ground combat troops, particularly infantry or armor soldiers, as viewed by more technical military occupational specialties. Implies they're less evolved, ape-like.
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.
Tactical Command Post—a mobile, austere forward headquarters focused on current operations rather than long-term planning. Command and control minus the PowerPoint presentations.
A euphemism for 'violent' or 'involving active combat,' because apparently saying 'we're shooting at people' sounds unprofessional in briefings.
A military operation to directly strike an objective, as opposed to indirect methods like prayers or strongly-worded letters.
A drill sergeant insult hurled at military recruits to motivate—or humiliate—them during boot camp. It's dehumanizing tough love designed to build character through psychological pressure and yelling.
The movement and distribution of intelligence, supplies, personnel, or currency through operational channels. Restricted circulation is a spy's nightmare; unrestricted circulation is an administrator's.
Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses—using missiles and aircraft to neutralize or degrade enemy air defense systems so other aircraft can operate safely. Basically clearing the airspace.
Military control and use of radio frequencies, radar, and electronic communications. The invisible battlefield where modern warfare increasingly happens.
An individual skilled in moving undetected through hostile or monitored environments, whether for reconnaissance, theft, or espionage. Essentially a professional ghost with dubious ethics.
Cargo or goods in transit through supply chains, often under security protocols in military contexts to ensure safe delivery of sensitive materials. Sometimes the freight is more valuable than the vehicle carrying it.
A defensive wall made of sharpened wooden stakes driven into the ground—medieval flex meets practical perimeter security. It's what you build when you can't afford stone walls but absolutely need to keep invaders out.