Definition

Mission planning checkpoints or milestones that must be met before proceeding to the next phase of an operation. Like waypoints but with implied approval gates attached.

Example Usage

We hit all our wickets ahead of schedule and got approval to execute the next phase of the operation.

Origin

Adapted from project management terminology into military planning

Fun Fact

The term borrows from croquet, where players must pass through wickets (hoops) in sequence to complete the course.

Source: Military operations planning terminology

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See “wickets” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

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