Definition

Human Intelligence — information gathered from human sources rather than technology. It is old-school spying: actual people talking to actual people. In an age of satellites and drones, sometimes you just need someone to buy a stranger a drink and ask pointed questions.

Example Usage

"Our HUMINT asset reported that the enemy's morale is low. To be fair, anyone's morale would be low if their mess hall served the same mystery soup for six months straight."

Related Terms

Intermediate

fragged

Originally meant being killed by a fragmentation grenade, but gained dark notoriety during Vietnam when it specifically referred to troops murdering their own unpopular officers. Today it also means being destroyed or deleted in various military contexts.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Intermediate

knuckle dragger

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.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Beginner

check fire

Command to immediately cease firing weapons, often issued to prevent fratricide or civilian casualties. The phrase that turns chaos into silence faster than anything else in combat.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Beginner

Standby

An order to wait and be ready for further instructions. It is the military's way of saying 'don't go anywhere, don't do anything, but be ready to do everything.' The ultimate test of patience, right behind waiting for the VA to process paperwork.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Beginner

yut

A guttural battle cry and motivational exclamation unique to the Marine Corps, expressing enthusiasm, aggression, or acknowledgment. The more 'yut,' the more motivated the Marine.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Beginner

BLUF

Bottom Line Up Front—the practice of stating the conclusion or key point first in military communications before providing supporting details. Saves time and ensures the important stuff gets read even if someone stops halfway through.

🎖️ Military / Defense

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