grid coordinates

Definition

Numerical location reference using the military grid reference system (MGRS) to pinpoint positions on a map to within meters. The difference between artillery hitting the target and hitting you.

Example Usage

Send a medevac to grid 38SMB4521 for one urgent surgical casualty.

Origin

Military land navigation and targeting, based on Universal Transverse Mercator system

Fun Fact

A 10-digit grid coordinate can identify a location to within one meter anywhere on Earth, assuming you read the map correctly.

Source: Military navigation and fire support terminology

Related Terms

Beginner

hardball

Military slang for paved roads, because apparently calling them 'roads' like normal people is too straightforward. Driving on hardball is considerably more pleasant than cross-country through mud and misery.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Beginner

rack out

To sleep or go to bed, derived from 'rack' meaning a military bunk or cot. It's the only order soldiers follow enthusiastically regardless of rank or branch.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Intermediate

corps

A large military formation of tens of thousands of troops, typically composed of multiple divisions and commanded by a lieutenant general who has a lot of people to disappoint. Also used by organized groups who want to sound more official and disciplined, like the Marine Corps or the Peace Corps. It's pronounced 'core' because the French spelling loves watching English speakers struggle.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Beginner

OPFOR

Opposing Force—the designated enemy in training exercises, or actual adversary forces in planning. The people whose job is to make your day difficult, whether for practice or real.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Intermediate

echelon

A stepped formation where units are arranged diagonally, like a staircase made of soldiers or vehicles. Also refers to levels of command, because the military loves using the same word for completely different things.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Advanced

Tooth-to-Tail Ratio

The proportion of combat forces (teeth) to support personnel (tail) in a military organization. A measure of how many people with guns you have per person carrying clipboards and fixing trucks.

🎖️ Military / Defense

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