Degraded Operations

Definition

Continuing a mission with reduced capability due to equipment failure, casualties, or loss of communications. Soldiering on when Plan A through F have all failed and you're improvising with duct tape and profanity.

Example Usage

We've lost satellite comms and two vehicles, but we're continuing in degraded operations mode using runners and hand signals.

Origin

Modern military operations terminology emphasizing resilience

Fun Fact

Training for degraded operations often involves intentionally breaking your own equipment to practice functioning without it—controlled suffering builds character and backup plans.

Source: Military operations planning and contingency procedures

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🎖️ Military / Defense

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