Numbers

 

1LT                                                      first lieutenant

1SG                                                     first sergeant

2IC                                                      second in charge

2LT                                                     second lieutenant

35MM                                                 fuel, ammo, maintenance, and medical (TC 90‑1)

3D                                                       three dimensional

40mm                                                  (noun; also, for example, 81mm, 155mm, 25mm)

40‑mm                                                 (adj; also, for example, 81‑mm mortar, 155‑mm howitzer, 25‑mm cannon)

5 W's                                                  Who, What, Where, When, and Why?

5‑S Rule                                              Search, Silence, Segregate, Safeguard, and Speed to rear

 

A

A/A                                           air‑to‑air

A/EGM                                       attack/effects guidance matrix (FM 3‑21.20)

A/F                                           adjust fires

A/G                                           air to ground (FM 1‑02)

A/L                                                                         administration/logistics (FM 3‑90.6, FM 3‑90.2); air land (FM 90‑26; administrative and logistics (FM 7‑1); administrative/logistics (FM 3‑90.1)

A/S                                           air‑to‑surface (FM 1‑02)

A2                                                                          Army airspace (FM 7‑98); Army aviation (ARTEP 7‑30‑MTP)

A2C2                                         Army airspace command and control (FM 1‑02)

AA                                            assembly area; avenue of approach (FM 1‑02); arrival angle; Active Army; after‑action review

AAA                                           antiaircraft artillery (FM 1‑02); air avenues of approach (FM 90‑26)

AAAD                                                                    all arms for air defense (FM 3‑21.20)

AAC                                                                       aerial ambulance company; Alaskan Air AAO Command; acquisition advice code; arrival area control group (ARTEP 7‑20‑MTP)

AACFT                                                                 Army aircraft

AACG                                                                    control group

AACOMS                                                             Army Area Communications System

AACS                                                                    airways and air communications Service; Area Airspace Control System

AAD                                                                       admission and disposition; Army air defense

AADC                                         area air defense commander (FM 1‑02)

AADCCS                                                              Army Air Defense Control and Coordination System

AADCOM                                                             army air defense Command(er)

AADCP                                                                 Army Air Defense Command Post

AADS                                                                    antiaircraft defense system

AADV                                                                    acquisition aid vehicle

AAE                                                                       Army Aviation Element

AAF                                                                       Army airfield

AAFES                                                                  Army and Air Force Exchange Service

AAFU                                                                    augmented assault fire units

AAG                                                                       army artillery group (opposing forces)

AAGE                                                                    Army Advisory Group on Energy

AAGR                                                                    air‑to‑air gunnery range

AAH                                                                       advanced attack helicopter

AAHA                                                                    awaiting action higher authority

AAL                                                                        additional authorizations list

AALPS                                                                  automated air loading planning system (FM 90‑26)

AALS                                                                     Active Army Locator System

AAM                                                                      air‑to‑air missile; Army aircraft maintenance: Army Achievement Medal

AAMG                                                                   antiaircraft machine gun

AAMS                                                                   Army aircraft maintenance shop

AAMS‑H                                                              advanced antitank missile system—heavy

AAO                                                                       authorized acquisition objective

AAOD                                                                    Army Aviation Operating Detachment

AAP                                                                       Allied Administrative Publication (FM 1‑02); Affirmative Action Plan; Army ammunition plant

AAPM                                                                    Army Aviation Planning Manual

AAR                                                                       after‑action review, 7‑series ARTEPs and FMs; after‑action report (FM 3‑22.65)

AARA                                                                    Access and Amendment Refusal Authority

AARDAC                                                              Army air reconnaissance for damage assessment in the continental United States

AASA                                                                    Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army

AASC                                                                    Army Area Signal Center

AASE                                                                    Army Aviation Support Element

AASHTO                                                              American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

AASLT                                       air assault (FM 1‑02)

AASP                                                                    Army Automation Security Program

AASTA                                                                 (US) Army Aviation Systems Test Activity

AAT                                                                       air‑assault task force (ARTEP 7‑20-MTP); Army assault team

AATCC                                                                 Army air traffic control center (FM 90‑26)

AATCO                                                                 Army Air Traffic Coordinating Office

AATF                                         air assault task force (FM 1‑02)

AATFC                                       air assault task force commander (FM 1‑02)

AATRI                                                                   Army Air Traffic Regulation and Identification System

AATT                                                                    Army aerial towed targets

AAVN                                                                    Army aviation

AAW                                          antiair warfare (FM 1‑02)

AAWSSC                                                             Army Atomic Weapons Systems Safety Committee

AB                                                                          air base

ABA                                                                       American, British, Australian; appropriation and budget activity

ABAR                                                                     alternate battery acquisition radar

abate                                                                   to reduce, slow, or end

abatis                                        A vehicular obstacle constructed by felling trees (leaving a 1‑ to 2‑meter stump above the ground on both sides of a road, trail, gap, or defile) so that they fall, interlocked, toward the expected direction of enemy approach. The trees should remain attached to the stumps and be at a 45‑degree angle to the roadway. The obstacle itself should be at least 75 meters in depth to be most effective (FM 5‑103; see Table 7‑14 for symbol)

abbr                                                                      abbreviation (use abbreviations in graphics only)

abbreviation                                                     A shortened form of a word. For example, appt—appoint; asgd—assigned; PA—Pennsylvania, how AR 310‑50 defines abbreviations, also combinations and acronyms)

ABC                                                                       air battle captain (FM 3‑21.20)

ABC2                                                                     airborne command and control (FM 3‑90.6)

ABCA                                         America, Britain, Canada, and Australia [Armies Standardization Program] (FM 1‑02)

ABCC                                                                    airborne battlefield command and control center (FM 3‑90.6, FM 3‑21.20, FM 7‑98, FM 90‑26)

ABCCC                                       airborne battlefield command and control center (FM 1‑02)

ABCDE                                       method of identification and response to life‑threatening conditions: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure

ABCMR                                                                 Army Board for Correction of Military Records

ABCS                                         Army Battle Command System (FM 1‑02); airfield‑battlefield countermeasures and survivability (ARTEP 7‑92‑MTP)

ABDR                                                                     Army battle damage repair

ABE                                           assistant brigade engineer (FM 1‑02)

ABF                                                                        attack by fire (position, FM 3‑90.1); availability balance file

AC                                            active component (FM 1‑02)

AC/RC                                        active component/reserve component (FM 1‑02)

ACA                                           airspace control authority; airspace coordination area (FM 1‑02)

ACAA                                                                    Army Concepts Analysis Agency

ACABUG                                                              American‑Canadian‑Australian‑British urban game

ACC                                                                       air control center; area coordination center (FM 7‑98); area control center

ACCB                                                                    air cavalry combat brigade

ACCESS                                                              Army Commissary Computer Entry Store System

accessibility                                The availability of an audience for targeting by psychological operations (FM 3‑05.20)

ACCHAN                                                              Allied Command Channel

accident risk                               All operational risk considerations other than tactical risks. Includes risk to friendly forces and risk posed to civilians by an operation, as well as the impact of operations on the environment, also tactical risk (FM 3‑100.4)

ACCLAIMS                                                         Army COMSEC Commodity, Logistical and Accounting Information Management System

ACCMB                                                                 Aircraft Crewman Badge

ACCNET                                                              Army Command and Control Network

accompanying supplies                  (DOD) Unit supplies that deploy with forces, also basic load; combat load (FM 4‑0)

ACCOR                                                                 Army COMSEC Central Office of Record

accountability                             (DOD) The obligation imposed by law or lawful order or regulation on an officer or other person for keeping accurate record of property, documents, or funds. The person having this obligation may or may not have actual possession of the property, documents, or funds. Accountability is concerned primarily with records, while responsibility is concerned primarily with custody, care, and safekeeping (Army) The requirement for a commander to answer to superiors for mission accomplishment, for the lives and care of the soldiers under his command, and for the effective and efficient use of Army resources (FM 6‑0)

ACCP                                                                    Army Correspondence Course Program (FM 3‑22.34)

acct                                                                      account (use abbreviations in graphics only)

ACCTSTR                                                           accountable strength

accy                                                                     accuracy (FM 3‑21.8 (use abbreviations in graphics only)

ACDA                                                                    Arms Control and Disarmament Agency

ACE                                           air combat element (NATO); analysis and control element; armored [not 'armed'] combat earthmover; assistant corps engineer; aviation combat element (USMC, FM 1‑02); airspace control element; Allied Command Europe; ammunition, casualty, and equipment (report, FM 3‑21.8); assessment of combat effectiveness;
Assistant Chief of Engineers

ACEMIS                                                               Automated Communications‑Electronics (sic) Management Information System

ACERT                                       Army Computer Emergency Response Team (FM 1‑02)

ACERT/CC                                   Army Computer Emergency Response Team/Coordination Center (FM 1‑02)

ACET                                                                    automatic cancellation of extended targets

ACF                                                                       area confinement facility; Army Club Fund

ACFL                                                                     agreed cease‑fire line, (then) CPT Fred W. Johnson, Establishing a Zone of Separation, Infantry Magazine, May‑June 1996)

acft                                           aircraft (FM 1‑02)

ACG                                                                       area coordination group

ACGP                                                                    Army Career Group

ACH                                           advanced combat helmet (military_words.com)

ACIA                                                                     Aviation Career Incentive Act of 1974)

ACIIB                                                                    American Civilian Internee Information Bureau

ACIIB(Br)                                                            American Civilian Internee Information Bureau (Branch)

ACIMS                                                                  Aircraft Component Intensive Management System

ACIP                                                                      Aviation Career Incentive Pay

ack                                                                        acknowledge; acknowledged; acknowledgment (use abbreviations in graphics only)

acknowledge                               A directive from the originator of a communication requiring the addressee(s) to advise the originator that his communication has been received and understood. This term is normally included in the electronic transmission of orders to ensure the receiving station or person confirms the receipt of the order, also acknowledgment (FM 11‑32)

acknowledgment                          (NATO) A message from the addressee informing the originator that his communication has been received and understood, also acknowledge (FM 11‑32)

ACL                                           allowable cabin load; allowable combat load (FM 1‑02); allowable cargo load; authorized consumption list

ACLANT                                                               Allied Command Atlantic

ACLDB                                                                  Army Central Logistics Data Bank

ACLS                                                                     automatic carrier landing system

ACLV                                                                     accrued leave

ACM                                          air contingency Marine air‑ground task force; airspace control measures (FM 1‑02); area club management; American Campaign Medal

ACMS                                                                   Army Command Management System; Automated Career Management System

ACO                                          airspace control order (FM 1‑02); administrative contracting officer

ACOA(F&A)                                                       Assistant Comptroller of the Army for Finance and Accounting

ACofS                                                                   Assistant Chief of Staff

ACOG                                                                    advanced combat optic gun (sight)

ACOM                                        Army Command. One of three headquarters created in July 2006 by the CoS Army to produce the most effective, efficient command and control structure to support our modular warfighting forces. The 3 ACOMs are‑‑

(1) Forces Command (FORSCOM)
(2) Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC)
(3) Army Materiel Command (AMC)

(CoS Army 7 July 2006; see also the other two Army commands, ASCC and DRU)

ACOP                                                                    Airborne Corps Operation Plan

ACOUSINT                                  acoustic intelligence (FM 1‑02)

acoustic jamming                         (DOD) The deliberate radiation or reradiation of mechanical or electroacoustic signals with the objectives of obliterating or obscuring signals that the enemy is attempting to receive and of disrupting enemy weapon systems (FM 2‑0)

acoustic surveillance                    Employment of electronic devices, including sound‑recording, receiving, or  transmitting equipment, for the collection of information (FM 2‑0)

ACOUSTINT                                                      acoustical intelligence

ACP                                           air control point (FM 1‑02); assembly control post (FM 90‑26; airlift command post; Allied Communication Publication

ACPD                                                                    Army Control Program Directive

ACPM                                                                    Activity Career Program Manager

ACPS                                         Army Civilian Personnel System (FM 3‑21.20)

acq                                           acquisition (FM 1‑02); acquittal (use abbreviations in graphics only)

ACR                                           armored cavalry regiment (FM 1‑02); advanced combat rifle; Ammunition Condition Report

ACRB                                                                     Army Council of Review Boards

acred                                                                    accreditation (use abbreviations in graphics only)

acronym                                                             A word formed from the initial letters of a name or parts of a series of words. For example, TAFFS—"The Army Functional File System"; MARKS—"Modern Army Record‑Keeping System"; ASAP—"as soon as possible"

acrostic                                     a poem or phrase in which the first letter of each line forms a word or phrase when read together, for example, SALUTE

ACRP                                                                     Army Cost Reduction Program

ACRV                                                                    armored command and reconnaissance vehicle

ACS                                                                       Army Community Service; asset control subsystem

ACSA                                                                    Allied Communications Security Agency

ACSI                                                                     Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence

ACSIM                                                                  C4‑Assistant Chief of Staff for Information Management‑Command, Control, Communications, and Computers

ACSW                                                                   advanced crew‑served weapon

ACT                                           analysis and control team (FM 1‑02); air control team; armored cavalry trainer; American College Test

ACTA                                                                    Advanced Combat Training Academy

ACTD                                         Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, Advanced Systems and Concepts Office

ACTF                                                                    advanced collective‑training facility (ARTEP 7‑30‑MTP)

action                                        Directive call to initiate a briefed attack sequence or maneuver)

action phase                               (DOD) In an amphibious operation, the period of time between the arrival of the landing forces of the amphibious force in the operational area and the accomplishment of their mission, also amphibious force; amphibious operation; landing force; mission (FM 1‑02)

action program                            A sequential, coordinated presentation of a series of actions to achieve a specific psychological operation objective, also psychological operations program (FM 3‑05.20)

actions on contact                       A series of combat actions, often conducted simultaneously, taken upon contact with the enemy to develop the situation (FM 3‑90)

active (system location/direction)   (EW) Referenced emitter is radiating at the stated location or along the stated bearing)

active air defense                        (DOD) Direct defensive action taken to destroy, nullify, or reduce the effectiveness of hostile air and missile threats against friendly forces and assets. It includes the use of aircraft, air defense weapons, electronic warfare, and other available weapons. [Note: See AAP‑6.] See also air defense; passive air defense (FM 44‑100)

active defense                            (DOD) The employment of limited offensive action and counterattacks to deny a contested area or position to the enemy (Army) One of the four operational elements of theater missile defense. Operations that protect selected assets and forces from attack by destroying theater missile (TM) airborne launch platforms and/or TMs in flight. Active defense also includes those actions that mitigate the effectiveness of targeting and delivery systems through electronic warfare against remote or onboard guidance systems, also attack operations; passive defense; theater missile defense (FM 100‑12)

active duty for training                 (DOD) A tour of active duty which is used for training members of the Reserve Components to provide trained units and qualified persons to fill the needs of the Armed Forces in time of war or national emergency and such other times as the national security requires. The member is under orders which provide for return to nonactive status when the period of active duty for training is completed. This includes annual training, special tours of active duty for training, school tours, and the initial duty for training performed by nonprior service enlistees. Also called ADT (FM 1‑02)

active voice                                Verbs are also said to be either active (The executive committee approved the new policy) or passive (The new policy was approved by the executive committee) in voice.

The active voice of a verb identifies the actor and moves the sentence forward.

The passive voice is identifiable by the presence of any form of the verb to be:

     I am/was/will be
     you are/were/will be
     he/she/it is/was/will be
     you are/were/will be
     they are/were/will be

ACTPO                                                                 accountable property officer

ACU                                           Army combat uniform (military_words.com)

ACUS                                                                    Army Common User System

acute‑care services                     Medical services provided for patients with conditions having a gradual to rapid onset that follows a short but acute course. The majority of medical care far forward is acute care service. The objective of acute care service is to treat symptomatic manifestations (FM 4‑02.24)

ACV                                                                       air cushion vehicle

ACVC                                                                    Army commercial vehicle code

ACW                                                                      aircraft control and warning

AD                                            air defense; armored division (FM 1‑02); Army Dictionary (Dictionary of Army Terms, ARTEP 7‑92-MTP); active duty; Army depot

ADA                                           air defense artillery (FM 1‑02); advisory area

ADACG                                                                 arrival‑departure airfield control group (FM 90‑26)

ADAD                                                                    air‑defense artillery director

ADALO                                                                 air‑defense artillery liaison officer (FM 3‑90.6)

ADAM                                                                   area‑denial artillery munition (antipersonnel); artillery‑delivered antipersonnel mine (FM 3‑21.8); air defense and airspace management; area denial antipersonnel mine (FM 3‑90.1)

ADAOD                                                                 air‑defense artillery operations detachment

ADAOO                                                                air‑defense artillery operations office

ADAP                                                                    Army designated acquisition program

ADAPCP                                                               alcohol and drug abuse prevention and control program

ADAR                                                                    air‑defense area

ADARS                                                                 Army Defense‑Acquisition Regulation Supplement

ADASP                                                                 air‑defense annual service practice

ADatP                                                                   Allied Data Processing Publication

ADC                                           area damage control; assistant division commander (FM 1‑02); active duty commitment; Aerospace Defense Command; aide‑de‑camp

ADC(M)                                      assistant division commander (maneuver, FM 1‑02)

ADC(S)                                      assistant division commander (support, FM 1‑02)

ADCATT                                     air defense combined arms tactical trainer (TC 90‑1)

ADCC                                                                    Air Defense Control Center

ADCCCS                                                              Air Defense Command, Control, and Coordination System

ADCEO                                                                 assistant division communications‑electronics (sic) officer

ADC‑M                                                                 assistant division commander maneuver (FM 7‑0)

ADCO                                                                    Air Defense Communications Office; alcohol and drug control office

ADCOC                                                                 area damage control center

ADCON                                       administrative control (FM 1‑02)

ADCOP                                                                 area damage control party; Air Defense Command Post

ADCSP                                                                 Advanced Defense Communication Satellite Program

ADCT                                                                    air‑defense combat team (FM 3‑90.6)

add                                           (NATO) In artillery and naval fire support, a correction used by an observer/spotter to indicate that an increase in range along the spotting line is desired. [Note: the Army definition also applies to mortar fire.] See FM 6‑30; addendum; additional

add (system/category)**              Directive call to add a specific (system) or (EOB category) to search responsibilities)

ADDC                                                                    Air Defense Direction Center

ADDIC                                                                  Alcohol and Dependency Intervention Council

ADDS                                                                    Automatic Data Distribution System; Army Data Distribution System (FM 2‑50.3 (EMO only via WS ASAS, replaces FM 3‑25.3)

ADE                                                                       air defense emergency; Assistant Division Engineer

ADEPREP                                                             Army Deployment Report‑System

ADEPT                                                                  alternate door exit procedure for training (FM 3‑21.220)

ADF                                                                       automatic direction finder

ADFSC                                                                 Automatic Data Field Systems Command

ADG                                                                       advance development group

ADIE                                                                      acquisition data input equipment

ADIZ                                                                     Air Defense Identification Zone

adj                                                                         adjutant (use abbreviations in graphics only)

adjust                                        (DOD) An order to the observer or spotter to initiate an adjustment on a designated target, FM 6‑30)

adjust fire                                   (NATO) In artillery and naval fire support: 1. A method of control transmitted in the call for fire by the observer or spotter to indicate that he will control the adjustment. 2. An order or request to initiate an adjustment of fire, also call for fire, FM 6‑30)

adjustment decision                      During preparation and execution, the selection of a course of action that modifies the order to respond to unanticipated opportunities or threats (FM 6‑0)

adjustment of fire                        (NATO) Process used in artillery and naval gunfire to obtain correct bearing, range, and height of burst (if time fuzes are used) when engaging a target by observed fire, also call for fire, FM 6‑30)

ADL                                           armistice demarcation line (FM 1‑02); authorized data list; automatic data link; Area Dental Laboratory

ADM                                          atomic demolition munitions (FM 1‑02); admiral

ADMC                                                                   Air Defense Missile Command

ADMCEN                                                              administration center

admin                                        administrative (FM 1‑02, use abbreviations in graphics only)

admin/log                                                           (obsolete) administrative/logistics (FM 3‑21.20. Replaced by the now also obsolete "combat trains CP," which was replaced by the now obsolete "field trains," which has been replaced by "Infantry battalion support area." (use abbreviations in graphics only)

ADMINI                                                                administrative instructions

ADMINIO                                                             administrative orders

administrative control                   (DOD) Direction or exercise of authority over subordinate or other organizations in respect to administration and support, including organization of Service forces, control of resources and equipment, personnel management, unit logistics, individual and unit training, readiness, mobilization, demobilization, discipline, and other matters not included in the operational missions of the subordinate or other organizations (NATO) Direction or exercise of authority over subordinate or other organizations in respect to administrative matters such as personnel management, supply, services, and other matters not included in the operational missions of the subordinate or other organizations. Also called ADCON, also command relationships, FM 3‑0)

administrative landing                   (DOD) An unopposed landing involving debarkation from vessels that have been administratively loaded, also administrative movement; logistics over‑the‑shore operations (FM 1‑02)

administrative movement               (DOD, NATO) A movement in which troops and vehicles are arranged to expedite their movement and conserve time and energy when no enemy interference, except by air, is anticipated, also administrative landing, FM 3‑0)

admission rates                            The number of patients admitted to inpatient setting within a hospital from a specified population over a designated period of time (FM 8‑55)

ADMS                                                                   automatic digital message switches

ADMSC                                                                Automatic Digital Message Switching Center

ADMSG                                                                advise by message

ADMSLBN                                                           air defense missile battalion

ADNAC                                                                 Air Defense of North American Continent

ADO                                                                       air defense officer (FM 3‑21.20, FM 3‑90.6, FM 3‑90.1, ARTEP 7‑20‑MTP, ARTEP 71‑2-MTP); air defense operations (ARTEP 7‑30-MTP); advanced development objective

ADOA                                         air defense operations area (FM 1‑02)

ADOT                                                                    automatic digital optical tracker

ADP                                                                       automatic data processing; airdrop personnel (FM 3‑21.220); advance development plan; automatic data processing

ADPC                                                                    Automatic Data Processing Center

ADPE                                                                     automatic data processing equipment

ADPMIS                                                               Automatic Data Processing Management Information System

ADPS                                                                    automatic data processing system

ADPSC                                                                 Automatic Data Processing Service Center

ADPSSEP                                                            Automated Data Processing System Security Enhancement Program

ADPSSO                                                              Automated Data Processing Systems Security Officer

ADR                                                                       air‑defense reticle (FM 3‑22.1)

ADRB                                                                     Army Disability Review Board

adrp                                                                      airdrop (use abbreviations in graphics only)

ADRRB                                                                  Army Disability Rating Review Board

adrs                                                                       address; addressee (use abbreviations in graphics only)

ADS                                                                       aerial delivery sling (FM 3‑21.38); air defense sector; automated data system

ADSAF                                                                 Automatic Data Systems Within the Army in the Field

ADSEC                                                                 advance section

ADSID                                                                  Air Defense Systems, Integration Division

ADSL                                                                     authorized depot stockage list

ADSM                                                                   Air Defense Suppression Missile; Air Defense Service Medal; Automated Data Systems Manual

ADSO                                         assistant division signal officer (FM 1‑02)

ADSS                                                                    automated data subsystem

ADSSHPDA                                                        advise shipping data

ADT                                           active duty for training (FM 1‑02); atomic damage template

ADTF                                                                    artillery direct fire trainer

ADTLS                                                                  Armywide Doctrinal and Training Literature

ADTOC                                                                 Air Defense Tactical Operations Center (FM 3‑90.6)

ADUM                                                                   automated data unit movement

adv                                                                        advance; advanced (use abbreviations in graphics only)

advance guard                            (DOD) Detachment sent ahead of the main force to ensure its uninterrupted advance; to protect the main body against surprise; to facilitate the advance by removing obstacles and repairing roads and bridges; and to cover the deployment of the main body if it is committed to action, also exploitation; movement to contact; pursuit; reconnaissance in force, FM 3‑90)

advance party                             A team that coordinates the convoy's arrival at the destination. It may move with the main body initially but must arrive at the destination sufficiently ahead of the main body, also march column; quartering party (FM 4‑01.30)

advance to contact                      (NATO) An offensive operation designed to gain or re‑establish contact with the enemy. [Note: DOD uses the term "movement to contact" instead.] See also meeting engagement; offensive operations; reconnaissance in force, FM 3‑0)

advance trauma life support           Resuscitative and stabilizing medical or surgical treatment provided to patients to save life or limb and to prepare them for further evacuation without jeopardizing their well‑being or prolonging the state of their condition. Also called ATLS (FM 4‑02.6)

advanced operations base             (DOD) In special operations, a small temporary base established near or within a joint special operations area to command, control, and/or support training or tactical operations. Facilities are normally austere. The base may be ashore or afloat. If ashore, it may include an airfield or unimproved airstrip, a pier, or an anchorage. An advanced operations base is normally controlled and/or supported by a main operations base or a forward operations base. [Note: the Army SOF term is "advanced operational base."] Also called AOB, also forward operations base; main operations base, FM 3‑05)

ADVDISC                                                            advance discontinuance of allotment

Adverse Weather Aerial Delivery System    AWADS, JP 1‑02)

adversity                                                            A state or condition (MWOL '03) of suffering or affliction; or one or more, or continuous, calamitous or disastrous experience(s; MWUOL, '03)

ADVMOS                                                             advanced military occupational specialty

ADVPMT                                                              advance payment

ADW                                          air defense warning (FM 1‑02)

ADWEPS                                                             Air Defense Weapons Cost Effectiveness Study

ADX                                                                       advanced development experimental; air defense exercise

ADZSO                                                                 assistant drop zone safety officer (FM 3‑21.220)

AE                                             aeromedical evacuation (FM 1‑02); architectural engineering; angles of elevation (FM 3‑22.27)

AE&S                                                                    air equipment and support

AEA                                                                       assignment eligibility and availability

AEC                                                                       area equipment compounds; Army Education Center; Atomic Energy Commission

AECC                                                                    Aeromedical Evacuation Control Center

AECO                                                                    Aeromedical Evacuation Control Officer

AECP                                                                     Army Extension Course Program

AEDS                                                                    Atomic Energy Detection System

AEF                                                                        American Expeditionary Force

AEL                                                                        authorized equipment listing

AELP                                                                     Allied Electrical Publication

AELT                                         air evacuation liaison team (FM 1‑02)

AEOO                                                                    aeromedical evacuation operations officer

AEP                                                                        Allied Engineering Publication

AER                                                                        after‑exercise report (ARTEP 71‑2-MTP); Army Emergency Relief

AERB                                                                     Army Educational Requirements Board

AERDL                                                                  Army Electronics Research and Development Laboratory

aerial delivery system                   no hyphen and no initial caps. Neither in FM 1‑02 nor AR 25‑52)

aerial port                                   (DOD) An airfield that has been designated for the sustained air movement of personnel and materiel, as well as an authorized port for entrance into or departure from the country where located. Also called APORT, FM 100‑17)

aerial port of debarkation               An airfield for sustained air movement at which personnel and materiel are discharged from aircraft. Aerial ports of debarkation normally serve as ports of embarkation for return passengers and retrograde cargo shipments. Also called APOD (FM 55‑1; see Table 5‑3 for symbol)

aerial port of embarkation              An airfield for sustained air movement at which personnel and materiel board or are loaded aboard aircraft to initiate aerial movement. Aerial ports of embarkation may serve as ports of debarkation for return passengers and retrograde cargo shipments. Also called APOE (FM 55‑1; see Table 5‑3 for symbol., FM 1‑02)

aero                                                                      aeronautics (use abbreviations in graphics only)

aeromedical evacuation                 (DOD, NATO) The movement of patients under medical supervision to and between medical treatment facilities by air transportation. [Note: the NATO definition does not include "under medical supervision."] Also called AE, FM 8‑10‑6 (Replace with "MEDEVAC," which has come to mean evacuation by air. For evacuation by any other means, use only "evacuation." —MAJ West, Med Svc Corps, May 1993)

aeromedical staging facility            A United States Air Force staging facility employed at or near airfields in the combat zone and echelons above corps. It also provides a temporary staging capability for patients being evacuated from echelons above corps or another theater to the continental United States. The facility is employed to ensure patients are prepared for aircraft loading with the main focus of reducing aeromedical evacuation aircraft ground time. Also called ASF (FM 8‑10‑6)

AESC                                                                    automatic electronic switching center

AESRS                                                                  Army Equipment Status Reporting System

AET                                                                       Army extension training

AETIS                                                                   Army Extension Training Information System

AEtP                                                                      Allied Electronics Publication

AEW                                                                      airborne early warning

AEW&C                                      airborne early warning and control (FM 1‑02)

AF                                             amphibious force (FM 1‑02); Air Force (United States); audio frequency

AFA                                                                       Army Flight Activity

AFAC                                                                    airborne forward air controller

AFAK                                                                     Armed Forces Assistance to Korea

AFAO                                                                    approved force acquisition objective

AFAS‑C                                                               Advanced Field Artillery System, Cannon

AFATDS                                     Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (FM 1‑02)

AFB                                                                        Air Force base

AFC                                                                       automatic frequency control

AFCC                                                                    assault fire command console

AFCCT                                                                 Air Force combat control team (FM 3‑21.220)

AFCEA                                                                  Armed Forces Communication and Electronics Association

AFCENT                                                               Allied Forces, Central Europe

AFCS                                                                    active federal commissioned service; Air Force Communications Service; Army facilities components system

AFDCB                                                                  Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board

AFDP                                                                     Army Force Development Plan

AFEB                                                                     Armed Forces Epidemiological Board

AFEM                                                                    Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

AFGR                                                                     approved force gross requirement

AFIC                                                                      approved force inventory objective

AFIP                                                                      Armed Forces Institute of Pathology

AFJMAN                                                               Air Force joint manual (FM 3‑21.220)

AFKN                                                                     American Forces Korea Network

AFLC                                                                     Air Force Logistics Command

afld                                                                        airfield

AFM                                                                       Air Force manual (FM 90‑26; Armed Forces Management

AFMSC                                                                 Armed Forces Menu Service Committee

AFN                                                                       American Forces Network

AFNE                                                                     American Forces Network, Europe

AFNORTH                                                           Allied Forces, Northern Europe

AFP                                                                        annual funding program

AFPC                                                                     Armed Forces Policy Committee

AFPCB                                                                  Armed Forces Pest Control Board

AFPD                                                                     Armed Forces Police Detachment

AFPDA                                                                  Army force planning data and assumptions

AFPEC                                                                  Armed Forces Product Evaluation Committee

AFPS                                                                     Armed Forces Press Service

AFQT                                                                    Armed Forces Qualification Test

AFQTVA                                                              Armed Forces Qualification Test, Verbal Arithmetic Subtest

AFR                                                                        Air Force regulation (FM 3‑21.220, FM 90‑26 ; artillery flash ranging

AFRA                                                                     Armed Forces Reserve Act of 1952, as amended

AFRC                                                                     Armed Forces Reserve Center

AFRM                                                                    air frame; Armed Forces Reserve Medal

AFRSC                                                                  Armed Forces Recipe Service Committee

AFRTS                                                                  American Forces Radio and Television Service

AFSC                                                                    Air Force Systems Command; Armed Forces Staff College

AFSCOORD                                                        assistant fire support coordinator

AFSCS                                                                 Army Field Stock Control System

AFSOB                                                                 Air Force special operations base (FM 90‑26)

AFSOC                                                                 Air Force Special Operations Command (FM 7‑98)

AFSOP                                                                 Air Force standing operation procedure (FM 90‑26)

AFSOUTH                                                           Allied Forces, Southern Europe

AFTB                                                                     Army family team building

AFTP                                                                     aircrew flight training period

AFU                                                                       assault fire unit

AFV                                                                       armored fighting vehicle (FM 3‑22.34 (23‑34, FM 3‑90.2)

AFWAB                                                                Army Fixed Wing Aptitude Battery

AFWAR                                                                Air Force personnel on duty with Army

AFWST                                                                Armed Forces Women's Selection Test

ag                                                                           antigas (use abbreviations in graphics only)

AG                                            adjutant general (FM 1‑02)

AGARD                                                                 Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Development

AGC                                                                       advance guard company (FM 3‑90.1); automatic gain control

AGCA                                                                    automatic ground‑controlled approach

AGCCS                                       Army Global Command and Control System (FM 3‑21.20)

AGCF                                                                    air‑ground correlation factor

AGCM                                                                   Army Good Conduct Medal

AGCT                                                                    Army General Classification Test

AGE                                                                       aerospace ground equipment

agents of action                          Persons and organizations who carry out programs of psychological actions. Discretionary agents are persons or organizations whose activities are planned primarily for their psychological impact. Incidental agents are persons or organizations whose activities generate a psychological impact secondary to the military operation (FM 3‑05.20)

AGES                                                                    Air‑Ground Engagement System

agg                                                                        aggregate (FM 3‑90.6 (use abbreviations in graphics only)

agility                                        The ability to move and adjust quickly and easily (FM 3‑0)

AGL                                           above ground level (FM 1‑02); automatic grenade launcher (FM 3‑90.6)

AGM                                          advanced guided munitions; air‑to‑ground missile system (FM 1‑02)

AGMB                                                                    advance guard main body (enemy force, FM 3‑90.1)

AGOS                                                                    air‑ground operations system

AGR                                                                       Active Guard Reserve

agreed point                               (NATO) A predetermined point on the ground, identifiable from the air, and used when aircraft assist in fire adjustment, FM 6‑30)

AGRS                                                                    American Graves Registration Service

AGS                                                                       Armored Gun System (FM 3‑06.11); 30‑mm automatic grenade launcher, Soviet (FM 3‑21.20); Army General Staff

AGT                                           air‑ground team (FM 3‑21.20)

AGZ                                                                       actual ground zero

AH                                                                          attack helicopter; airfield heliport

AHA                                                                       alert holding area (ARTEP 7‑20‑MTP)

AHB                                                                       attack helicopter battalion (FM 3‑21.20, ARTEP 7‑30‑MTP)

AHC                                                                       assault helicopter company

ahd                                           airhead or arrowhead (use abbreviations in graphics only)

AHD                                                                       antihandling device (FM 3‑21.20)

AHFRAC                                                               Army Human Factors Research Advisory Committee

AHFRDC                                                               Army Human Factors Research and Development Committee

AHFS                                                                    attack helicopter fire simulator

AHLO                                                                    attack helicopter liaison officer (FM 3‑90.6)

AHN                                                                       Army health nurse

AHP                                                                       Allied Hydrographic Publication; Army heliport

AHS                                                                       Academy of Health Sciences, United States Army; Arlington Hall Station

AHSC                                                                    Army Health Services Command

AI                                             air interdiction (FM 1‑02); airborne intercept; area of interest (FM 3‑90.2); assistant instructor (FM 3‑22.27, ARTEP 7‑90‑MTP, ARTEP 7‑91-MTP); Army intelligence; assignment instructions; artificial intelligence

AICBM                                                                  anti‑intercontinental ballistic missile

AICW                                                                    advanced individual combat weapon

AID                                                                        Agency for International Development

aid station                                  The first medical treatment facility that can provide advanced trauma management to a battlefield casualty. It provides first level of triage evaluation of casualties and conducts routine sick call, also level of care (FM 4‑02)

AIDECS                                                                Automatic Inspection Device for Explosive Charge Shell

aidman                                                                 (noun, MW9) ed: I suggest using the nongender‑specific “medic” instead to comply with guidelines to that effect, except when necessary to distinguish between the roles of the two. The medic is generally the one who has received formal training, and has passed on that training to others, known as “aidmen.” However, in the field, wounded Soldiers will probably call out “Doc” anyway, so in the book let’s try to keep it nongender‑specific where we can)

AIDRB                                                                   Army Investigational Drug Review Board

AIDS                                                                     Army Inventory of Data Systems

AIE                                                                         acceptance inspection equipment

AIF                                                                         Army Industrial Fund; automated intelligence file

AIG                                                                        address indicating group

AII                                                                          Army intelligence interpreter

AIIF                                                                       Automated Intelligence Installation File

AIM                                           air intercept missile (FM 1‑02); armored‑infantry‑mechanized

aim point                                                            (noun)

Aim1                                                                      (not "AIM‑1") Laser aiming light for the M249, M60, and MK19)

AIMI                                                                      aviation intensive management items

AIMILO                                                                Arrny/Industry Materiel Information Liaison Officer

AIMS                                                                     Army Integrated Meteorological System

AIMSS                                                                  advanced Infantry marksmanship strategies and standards

AIMXS                                                                  Aircraft IFF Mark XII Section

AIP                                                                         aeronautical information publication, Allied Intelligence Publication

AIPC                                                                      Army Installations Planning Committee

air                                             (DOD, NATO) In artillery and naval gunfire support, a spotting, or an observation, by a spotter or an observer to indicate that a burst or group of bursts occurred before impact. [Note: the Army definition also applies to mortar fire.] See also adjustment of fire, FM 6‑30)

air assault operation                     (DOD) Operation in which assault forces (combat, combat service, and combat service support), using the firepower, mobility, and total integration of helicopter assets, maneuver on the battlefield under the control of the ground or air maneuver commander to engage and destroy enemy forces or to seize and hold key terrain, also abort criteria; airhead; air mission brief; air mission commander, FM 90‑4)

air base                                                               (noun, MW9)

air brake                                                             (noun, MW9)

air contingency Marine air‑ground task force An on‑call, combat‑ready Marine air‑ground task force (MAGTF) that deploys by airlift. Air contingency MAGTFs vary in size based on mission requirements and the availability of airlift. Because they deploy by air, they generally have a limited organic logistic capability, and require an arrival airfield. Air contingency MAGTFs usually are activated to respond to developing crises, and may deploy independently or in conjunction with other expeditionary forces. Also called ACM, also aviation combat element; combat service support element; ground combat element; Marine air‑ground task force; Marine expeditionary force; Marine expeditionary force (forward); Marine expeditionary unit; special purpose Marine air‑ground task force; task force (FM 1‑02)

air control point                           An easily identifiable point on the terrain or an electronic navigational aid used to provide necessary control during air movement. Air control points are generally designated at each point where the flight route or air corridor makes a definite change in any direction and at any other point deemed necessary for timing or control of the operation. Also called ACP, also air corridor; communications checkpoint; minimum‑risk route (FM 3‑52; see Table 7‑8 for symbol)

air controller                               (NATO) An individual especially trained for and assigned the duty of the control (by use of radio, radar, or other means) of such aircraft as may be allotted to him for operation within his area, FM 3‑04.111)

air corridor                                  (DOD, NATO) A restricted air route of travel specified for use by friendly aircraft and established for the purpose of preventing friendly aircraft from being fired on by friendly forces. Also called flight corridor, also air control point, FM 3‑52. (See Table 7‑8 for symbol)

air defense                                 (DOD) All defensive measures designed to destroy attacking enemy aircraft or missiles in the Earth's envelope of atmosphere, or to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of such attack. Also called AD, also active air defense; passive air defense (FM 4‑100. (See Table 5‑3 for symbol)

air defense battlefield operating system     (Army) Protects the force from missile attack, air attack, and aerial surveillance by any of the following: ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, conventional fixed‑ and rotary‑wing aircraft, and unmanned aerial systems. It prevents enemies from interdicting friendly forces, while freeing commanders to synchronize movement and firepower, also battlefield operating system (FM 7‑15)

air defense warning conditions        (DOD) A degree of air raid probability according to the following code. The term "air defense division/sector" referred to herein may include forces and units afloat and/or deployed to forward areas, as applicable. a. Air defense warning yellow—attack by hostile aircraft and/or missiles is probable. This means that hostile aircraft and/or missiles are en route toward an air defense division/sector, or unknown aircraft and/or missiles suspected to be hostile are en route toward or are within an air defense division/sector. b. Air defense warning red—attack by hostile aircraft and/or missiles is imminent or in progress. This means that hostile aircraft and/or missiles are within an air defense division/sector or are in the immediate vicinity of an air defense division/sector with high probability of entering the division/sector. c. Air defense warning white—attack by hostile aircraft and/or missiles is improbable. May be called either before or after air defense warning yellow or red. The initial declaration of air defense emergency will automatically establish a condition of air defense warning other than white for purposes of security control of air traffic, FM 44‑100)

air defense weapon control status   The degree of fire control imposed upon Army units having assigned, attached, or organic air defense weapons. Weapons control status terms are: a. Weapons free—a weapon control order imposing a status whereby weapons systems may be fired at any target not positively recognized as friendly. b. Weapons hold—a weapon control order imposing a status whereby weapons systems may only be fired in self‑defense or in response to a formal order. c. Weapons tight—a weapon control order imposing a status whereby weapons systems may be fired only at targets recognized as hostile (FM 44‑100)

air guard                                                             (not "airguard")

air gun                                                                 (noun, MW9)

air interdiction                             (DOD, NATO) Air operations conducted to destroy, neutralize, or delay the enemy's military potential before it can be brought to bear effectively against friendly forces at such distance from friendly forces that detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of friendly forces is not required. Also called AI, FM 3‑04.111)

air landed                                   (DOD, NATO) Moved by air and disembarked or unloaded after the aircraft has landed or while a helicopter is hovering, also air assault operation; airborne operation, FM 90‑26)

air lane                                                                (noun, MW9)

air liaison officer                          (ALO, DOD) An officer (aviator/pilot) attached to a ground unit who functions as the primary advisor to the ground commander on air operation matters (Army) ‑ The senior Air Force officer at each tactical air control party who provides advice on the capabilities, limitations, and employment of fixed wing aircraft and coordinates close air support missions with the fire support element. (See also tactical air control party [TACP].; FMs 5‑0 [101‑5] and 6‑20) FM 3‑04.111)

air lock                                                                (noun, MW9)

air mass                                                              (noun, MW9)

air mile                                                                 (noun, MW9)

air mission brief                            1. The last coordination meeting of key participants in an air assault operation which ensures that key aviation soldiers are briefed and that the plan is finalized. It covers the operation from beginning to end. 2. Briefing of the pilots prior to any aviation mission. Also called AMB, also abort criteria; air assault operation; airhead; air mission commander (FM 3‑04.111)

air mission commander                  (Army) Commander of the largest aviation unit supporting the air assault operation. He is responsible for all embarked soldiers and for coordinating all support from liftoff to touchdown (FM 3‑04.111; Marine Corps) A mission commander, who shall be a properly qualified naval aviator or naval flight officer, should be designated when separate aircraft formations, each led by its own formation leader, are required for a common support mission or whenever a formation of four or more aircraft must perform a multiple sortie mission. The mission commander shall direct a coordinated plan of action and shall be responsible for the effectiveness of the mission. Also called AMC, also abort criteria; air assault operation; air mission brief (FM 1‑02)

air movement                              (DOD, NATO) Air transport of aircraft, units, personnel, supplies, and equipment, including airdrops and air landings, also aerial port of embarkation; aerial port of debarkation; airdrop; air landed; tanker airlift control element, FM 55‑1)

air parity                                    The functional equivalency between enemy and friendly air forces in strength and capability to attack and destroy targets (FM 3‑04.111)

air power                                                            (noun, MW9)

air raid                                                                 (noun, MW9)

air reconnaissance                       (DOD) The acquisition of information by employing visual observation and/or sensors in air vehicles, also reconnaissance, FM 2‑0)

air strike                                     (DOD) An attack on specific objectives by fighter, bomber, or attack aircraft on an offensive mission. May consist of several air organizations under a single command in the air, FM 3‑04.111)

air superiority                              (DOD, NATO) That degree of dominance in the air battle of one force over another which permits the conduct of operations by the former and its related land, sea, and air forces at a given time and place without prohibitive interference by the opposing force, FM 3‑04.111)

air support operations center         (DOD, NATO) An agency of a tactical air control system collocated with a corps headquarters or an appropriate land force headquarters, which coordinates and directs close air support and other tactical air support. Also called ASOC, FM 3‑52)

air supremacy                              (DOD, NATO) That degree of air superiority wherein the opposing air force is incapable of effective interference, FM 3‑04.111)

air surveillance                            (DOD) The systematic observation of airspace by electronic, visual, or other means, primarily for the purpose of identifying and determining the movements of aircraft and missiles, friendly and enemy, in the airspace under observation, FM 2‑0)

air terminal                                 (DOD) A facility on an airfield that functions as an air transportation hub and accommodates the loading and unloading of airlift aircraft and the in‑transit processing of traffic. The airfield may or may not be designated an aerial port (FM 55‑60)

AIRAD                                                                   air administrative net

AIRASLT                                                             Air Assault Badge

AIRBM                                                                  anti‑intermediate range ballistic missile

airboat                                                                 (noun, MW9)

airborne                                     (DOD) 1. In relation to personnel, troops especially trained to effect, following transport by air, an assault debarkation, either by parachuting or touchdown. 2. In relation to equipment, pieces of equipment that have been especially designed for use by airborne troops during or after an assault debarkation. It also designates some aeronautical equipment used to accomplish a particular mission. 3. When applied to materiel, items that form an integral part of the aircraft. 4. The state of an aircraft from the instant it becomes entirely sustained by air until it ceases to be so sustained. A lighter‑than‑air aircraft is not considered to be airborne when it is attached to the ground, except that moored balloons are airborne whenever sent aloft (FM 3‑90, see Table 5‑4 for symbol)

airborne force                              (DOD, NATO) A force composed primarily of ground and air units organized, equipped, and trained for airborne operations (FM 3‑90)

airborne operation                        (DOD) An operation involving the air movement into an objective area of combat forces and their logistic support for execution of a tactical, operational, or strategic mission. The means employed may be any combination of airborne units, air transportable units, and types of transport aircraft, depending on the mission and the overall situation (FM 3‑90)

airburst                                      (DOD, NATO) An explosion of a bomb or projectile above the surface as distinguished from an explosion on contact with the surface or after penetration (FM 6‑30)

airbus                                                                   (noun, MW9)

AIRCOMD                                                            air command net

aircraft                                                                (noun, MW9)

aircrew                                                                (noun, MW9)

airdrop                                       (noun or transitive verb, MW9; DOD) The unloading of personnel or materiel from aircraft in flight, also air movement (FM 100‑17)

airdroppable                                                     (adj, MW9)

airdropped                                                         (adj)

airfield                                                                  (noun, MW9)

airfoil                                                                    (noun, MW9)

airframe                                                              (noun, MW9)

airfreight                                                            (noun, MW9)

airhead                                                                (noun, MW9)

airhead                                      (DOD, NATO) 1. A designated area in a hostile or threatened territory which, when seized and held, ensures the continuous air landing of troops and materiel and provides the maneuver space necessary for projected operations. Normally it is the area seized in the assault phase of an airborne operation. 2. A designated location in an area of operations used as a base for supply and evacuation by air, also air assault operation; airborne operation (FM 90‑26, see Table 7‑11 for symbol)

airhead line                                 (DOD) A line denoting the limits of the objective area for an airborne assault. The airhead line is bounded by assault objectives that are operationally located to ensure that enemy fires cannot be brought to bear on the main objective and for friendly forces to conduct defensive operations in depth, also air assault operation; airborne operation (FM 3‑90, see Table 7‑11 for symbol)

airland                                                                  (verb)

AirLand Battle                                                 (newer FM 3‑0 [100‑5] uses "warfighting," "full‑spectrum operations" instead; other pubs have replaced this with "operational art," but I think that term was short‑lived)

airland insertion                                             (adj + n)

airlift                                                                     (noun, MW9)

airline                                                                   (noun, MW9)

airman                                                                  (noun, MW9)

Airmobile                                                             (adj, MW9; replace with "air assault")

air‑operated pistol                        (for spelling or hyphenation only)

AIRPAC                                                                all‑purpose weapons and equipment container system (FM 3‑21.220)

AIRS                                                                      Aircraft Inventory Reporting System

airship                                                                  (noun, MW9)

airspace                                                              (noun, MW9)

airspace control area                    (DOD) Airspace that is laterally defined by the boundaries of the operational area. The airspace control area may be subdivided into airspace control sectors (FM 3‑52)

airspace control authority              (DOD, NATO) The commander designated to assume overall responsibility for the operation of the airspace control system in the airspace control area. Also called ACA, also airspace control area (FM 3‑52)

airspace control in the combat zone     (DOD) A process used to increase combat effectiveness by promoting the safe, efficient, and flexible use of airspace. Airspace control is provided in order to prevent fratricide, enhance air defense operations, and permit greater flexibility of operations. Airspace control does not infringe on the authority vested in commanders to approve, disapprove, or deny combat operations. Also called airspace control and combat airspace control, also airspace control authority; airspace control order; airspace coordination area (FM 3‑52)

airspace control measures             Rules, mechanisms, and directions governed by joint doctrine and defined by the airspace control plan which control the use of airspace of specified dimensions, also high‑density airspace control zone; low‑level transit route; minimum‑risk route; standard use Army aircraft flight route (FM 3‑52; see Table 7‑8 for symbol)

airspace control order                   (DOD) An order implementing the airspace control plan that provides the details of the approved requests for airspace control measures. It is published either as part of the air tasking order or as a separate document. Also called ACO (FM 3‑52)

airspace coordination area             (DOD) A three‑dimensional block of airspace in a target area, established by the appropriate ground commander, in which friendly aircraft are reasonably safe from friendly surface fires. The airspace coordination area may be formal or informal. Also called ACA, also Army airspace command and control (FM 3‑52, see Table 7‑12 for symbol)

airspeed                                                              (noun, MW9)

airstream                                                            (noun, MW9)

airstrip                                                                 (noun, MW9)

airway                                                                  (noun, MW9)

AIS                                           Army information systems (FM 1‑02)

AISC                                                                     Army Information Systems Command

AIT                                                                        advanced identification techniques; advanced individual training; Army intelligence translator; Automotive Information Test

AITST                                                                  armor integrated thermal signature target

aj                                                                            antijamming (use abbreviations in graphics only)

AJAC                                                                     automatic jamming avoidance circuitry

AJAG/CIV                                                           Assistant Judge Advocate General for Civil Law

AJAG/MIL                                                           Assistant Judge Advocate General for Military Law

AJCC                                                                     Alternate Joint Communications Center

AJM                                                                       assistant jumpmaster (FM 3‑21.220)

AJSS                                                                     Australian Joint Staff Service

AK                                                                          (MK/AK; App D, pg 22, MK/AK functions), MK 9, Chap 5, FM 7‑92)

AKM                                                                       7.62‑mm assault rifles such as the AKM and the AKMS (so‑called "ack‑acks")

AKZ                                                                       armor‑kill zone

ALA                                                                        Army launch area

ALAAP                                                                  Alabama Army ammunition plant

ALACC                                                                  aircraft landing area control center (FM 90‑26)

ALANF                                                                  Army Land Forces

ALARACT                                                            all Army activities

ALARM                                       Directive/informative call indicating the termination of EMCON procedures. Opposite of SNOOZE)

ALAT                                                                     Army Language Aptitude Test

ALB                                                                        AirLand Battle (FM 3‑90.6 (obsolete; replaced by 'operational art,' which may also have gone away now. If you know what has replaced it, please email the new term to mail@infantryglossary.com

ALBE                                                                     AirLand Battlefield Environment

ALBM                                                                    air launched ballistic missile

ALC                                           (Infantryman and Indirect Fire Infantryman) Advance Leaders Course; administrative logistics center (obsolete: replaced by 'combat trains CP'), also field trains. See also M-SLC.

ALCANUS                                                            Alaska, Canada, United States

ALCC                                                                     airlift‑control center (FM 90‑26)

ALCE                                         airlift control element (FM 1‑02)

ALCO                                                                    airlift coordinating office(r)

ALCOM                                                                 Alaskan Command

ALCOR                                                                  ARPA/Lincoln C‑band observable radar

ALD                                                                        at a later date; available‑to‑load date

ALEA                                                                     Army Logistics Evaluation Agency

ALF                                                                        auxiliary landing field

ALFT                                                                     airlift (FM 90‑26)

ALG                                                                        advanced landing ground

ALGOL                                                                  algebraic oriented language

ALICE                                                                   all‑purpose, lightweight, individual carrying equipment (FM 3‑21.8, FM 7‑1, FM 3‑21.220, FM 21‑18)

all after                                      A procedure word meaning, "The portion of the message to which I have reference is all that follows (insert text)" (FM 24‑19)

all before                                    A procedure word meaning, "The portion of the message to which I have reference is all that precedes (insert text)" (FM 24‑19)

ALLA                                                                     Allied Long Lines Agency

allen wrench                                                    an 'L'‑shaped hexagonal bar of hardened steel, either end of which (or both) fits the socket of a [socket‑head] screw or bolt (Merriam‑Webster online 2004)

alliance                                      (DOD) The result of formal agreements (i.e., treaties) between two or more nations for broad, long‑term objectives that further the common interests of the members, also coalition; multinational operations (FM 100‑8)

ALLIGATOR                                 Link‑11/TADIL A)

allocated forces and resources       Those forces provided by the President and the Secretary of Defense or their duly deputized alternates or successors for execution planning or actual implementation (FM 3‑0)

allocation                                   (DOD) In a general sense, distribution of limited resources among competing requirements for employment. Specific allocations (for example, air sorties, nuclear weapons, forces, and transportation) are described as allocation of air sorties, nuclear weapons, and so on, also apportionment (FM 100‑12)

allowable load                              (DOD, NATO) The total load that an aircraft can transport over a given distance, taking into account weight and volume (FM 100‑17)

all‑purpose cargo container            (for spelling or hyphenation only)

all‑round security                         not “all around security”

all‑source intelligence                   (DOD) 1. Intelligence products and/or organizations and activities that incorporate all sources of information, most frequently including human resources intelligence, imagery intelligence, measurement and signature intelligence, signals intelligence, and open‑source data in the production of finished intelligence. 2. In intelligence collection, a phrase that indicates that in the satisfaction of intelligence requirements, all collection, processing, exploitation, and reporting systems and resources are identified for possible use and those most capable are tasked (Army)

ALMC                                                                    United States Army Logistic Management Center

ALMSA                                                                 Automated Logistics Management Systems Agency

ALO                                           air liaison officer; artillery liaison officer (FM 1‑02); aviation liaison officer (FM 7‑92, FM 3‑21.38, definition. authorized level of organization

ALOC                                                                    air lines of communication, not admin/log, field trains

ALOO                                                                    Albuquerque Operations Office

alot                                                                        allotment (use abbreviations in graphics only)

ALP                                                                        Allied Logistic Publication; ambulance loading post

ALPC                                                                     Army Logistics Policy Council

ALPHA                                                                  AMC Logistics Program Hardcores; Automated

ALPHA CHECK                              Request for/confirmation of bearing and range from aircraft to described point)

alphanumeric                                                   (adj, MW9)

ALPS                                                                     automated load‑planning system (FM 90‑26)

ALR                                                                        artillery‑locating radar

ALRTF                                                                  Army long‑range technological forecast

ALS                                                                        air logistics service; azimuth‑laying set

ALSE                                                                     aviation life‑support equipment

ALSEAFRON                                                      Alaskan Sea Frontier

ALSP                                                                     Army Logistic Study Program

alt                                             alternate; altitude (FM 1‑02, use abbreviations in graphics only)

ALT                                                                        administrative lead time

ALTAIR                                                                ARPA long‑range tracking and instrumentation radar

alternate command post                (DOD) Any location designated by a commander to assume command post functions in the event the command post becomes inoperative. It may be partially or fully equipped and manned or it may be the command post of a subordinate unit, also combat trains command post; command post; tactical operations center (FM 1‑02)

alternate position                         A defensive position that the commander assigns to a unit or weapon for occupation when the primary position becomes untenable or unsuitable for carrying out the assigned task, also primary position; successive positions; supplementary position (FM 3‑90)

alternate supply route                   A route or routes designated within an area of operations to provide for the movement of traffic when main supply routes become disabled or congested. Also called ASR, also main supply route (FM 4‑0; see Table 7‑17 for symbol)

ALTHQ                                                                 alternate headquarters

altn                                                                        alternate; alternative (use abbreviations only in graphics)

ALUSNA                                                               United States Naval Attaché

alw                                                                         allowance (use abbreviations in graphics only)

ALWS                                                                   Army laser weapon simulation

ALZ                                                                        alternate landing zone (FM 7‑93)

AM                                            amplitude modulation (noun)/modulated (adj, FM 1‑02)

AMA                                                                      air materiel area

AMAA                                                                   Army Mutual Aid Association

AMARS                                                                 automatic message address‑routing system

amb                                                                       ambulance; ambush (ARTEP 7‑10‑MTP (use abbreviations in graphics only)

AMB                                                                       air mission brief; air mobility branch (FM 1‑02); Airways Modernization Board

AMBF                                                                    Asset Master Balance File

AMBLADS                                                           advise method, bill of lading, and date shipped

ambulance control point                Consists of a soldier (from the ambulance company or platoon) stationed at a crossroad or road junction where ambulances may take one of two or more directions to reach loading points. The soldier, knowing from which location each loaded ambulance has come, directs empty ambulances returning from the rear. The need for control points is dictated by the tactical situation. Generally, they are more necessary in the forward area (FM 4‑02.6)

ambulance exchange point             (DOD) A location where a patient is transferred from one ambulance to another en route to a medical treatment facility. This may be an established point in an ambulance shuttle system or it may be designated independently. Also called AXP, FM 4‑02.6. (See Table 7‑17 for symbol)

ambulance shuttle system             An effective and flexible method of employing ambulances during combat. It consists of one or more ambulance loading points, relay points, and, when necessary, ambulance control points, all echeloned forward from the principal group of ambulances, the company location, or basic relay points as tactically required (When patients are being transported by litter carriers, this system is referred to as a litter shuttle system; FM 4‑02.6)

ambush                                      (Army) A form of attack by fire or other destructive means from concealed positions on a moving or temporarily halted enemy (FM 3‑0; Marine Corps) A surprise attack by fire from concealed positions on a moving or temporarily halted enemy. (See Table 7‑11 for symbol)

AMC                                          air mission commander (FM 1‑02); (US) Army Materiel Command; Air Mobility Command (replaces Military Airlift Command [MAC], FM 3‑21.38, FM 3‑21.220); at my command

AMCCOM                                                            (US Army) Armament, Munitions, and Chemical Command

AMCEC                                                                 Allied Military Communications Electronics Committee

AMCR                                                                    Air Mobility Command regulation (FM 3‑21.220)

AMCROSS                                                          American National Red Cross

AMCS                                                                   Army Mobilization Capabilities Study

AMD                                                                      Administrative Machine Division; air movement designator; air and missile defense

AMDC                                                                   Army Missile Defense Command

AMDF                                                                    Army Master Data File

AMDW/S                                                             Air Missile Defense Warning System

AMDWS                                      air and missile defense workstation (FM 3‑21.20)

AME                                                                       aeromedical evacuation; airspace management elements

AMEDD                                                                 Army Medical Department

AMEDDPAS                                                        Army Medical Department Property Ac counting System

AMEMB                                                                American Embassy

AMETA                                                                 (US) Army Management Engineering Training Agency

AMF                                                                       airport mail facility; Army Management Fund

AMFINFOS                                                         American Forces Information Service

AMHS                                                                   Automated Message Handling System

AMIADB                                                               Inter‑American Defense Board, Army Member

AMIP                                                                     Army Management Information Program

AMIS                                                                     air movements information section; Army management information system

AMKTU                                                                 Army Marksmanship Training Unit (FORSCOM)

AML                                                                       area medical laboratory

AMM                                                                      antimissile missile

AMMC                                                                   U.S. Army Aviation Materiel Management Center

AMME                                                                   automated multimedia exchange

AMMH                                                                   annual maintenance man‑hours

AMMIP                                                                 Aviation Materiel Management Improvement Program

ammo                                        ammunition (FM 1‑02, use abbreviations in graphics only)

AMMOBR                                                             ammunition bearer

ammunition supply point                An area designated to receive, store, reconfigure, and issue Class V material. It is normally located at or near the division area. Also called ASP, also classes of supply (FM 9‑6; see Table 7‑17 for symbol)

ammunition transfer point              A designated temporary site from which Class V material is transferred from corps transportation to unit vehicles. Also called ATP, also classes of supply (FM 4‑0; see Table 7‑17 for symbol)

AMNM                                                                   Airman's Medal

AMO                                                                      aviation medical officer; automation management office; air movement officer (FM 90‑26)

AMOD                                                                   Army's mobility opportunity and development program

AMOPS                                                                Army Mobilization and Operations Planning System (JP 1‑02)

AMOS                                                                   additionally awarded military occupational specialty

amp                                                                       ampere

AMP                                                                       Allied Mining and Mine Countermeasures Publication; Army Materiel Plan

AMPES                                                                 Automated Message Processing Exchange System

amphibious force                          (DOD, NATO) An amphibious task force and a landing force, together with other forces that are trained, organized and equipped for amphibious operations. [Note: the NATO definition replaces "amphibious task force" with "naval force" and "other forces" with "supporting force."] (NATO only) In naval usage, the administrative title of the amphibious type command of a fleet. Also called AF, also amphibious operation; amphibious task force; landing force (FM 1‑02)

amphibious operation                    (DOD) A military operation launched from the sea by an amphibious force, embarked in ships or craft with the primary purpose of introducing a landing force ashore to accomplish the assigned mission, also action phase; amphibious force; amphibious task force; embarkation phase; landing force; mission; movement phase; operation; planning phase; rehearsal phase (FM 1‑02)

amphibious task force                   (DOD) A Navy task organization formed to conduct amphibious operations. The amphibious task force, together with the landing force and other forces, constitutes the amphibious force, also amphibious force; amphibious operation; landing force (FM 1‑02)

AMPPGD                                                              Army Mobilization Planning and Programming Guidance Document

AMPS                                                                    Automatic Message Processing System; aviation mission planning system

AMR                                                                       Atlantic Missile Range

AMRAC                                                                 Anti‑Missile Research Advisory Council

AMRAD                                                                 ARPA measurements radar

AMRD                                                                    NASC‑Army Missile and Rockets Directorate‑NATO Supply Center

AMS                                                                      Army management structure

AMSA                                                                   advanced‑man strategic aircraft; Area Maintenance Support Activity

AMSAA                                                                Army Materiel Systems Analysis Agency

AMSC                                                                   Army Medical Specialist Corps

AMSF                                                                    area maintenance supply facility; Army morale support fund

AMSO                                                                   ammunition shipment order; Army Modeling and Simulation Office

AMSP                                                                    Allied Military Security Publication; Army Master Study Program

AMSR                                                                    autonomous missile site radar

AMT                                                                      aerial mail terminal; airborne maintenance technician

amt                                                                        amount (use abbreviations in graphics only)

AMTC                                                                   armor moving‑target carrier

AMTF                                                                    airmobile task force

AMTI                                                                     airborne moving target indicator

AMTP                                                                    Army mission training plan (ARTEP 7‑8‑MTP (FM 7‑1)

AMTRAC                                                              amphibious tractor (amphibian tractor)

AMV                                                                      armored maintenance vehicle

AMX                                                                      automatic message exchange

AN                                                                          Army Nurse Corps

AN/GRA                                                               Army Navy ground radio assembly (FM 3‑90.6)

AN/GRC                                                               Army Navy ground radio component (FM 3‑90.6)

AN/PAQ‑4B/C                                                  laser aiming light for the M16, M4, M203, codeable infrared light device

AN/PAS‑13                                                        thermal sight, TM 11‑5855‑302‑12&P

AN/PAS‑14                                                        monocular night‑vision device, TM 11‑5855‑306‑10)

AN/PRC                                                                Army‑Navy portable radio component (FM 3‑90.6)

AN/PVS                                                               Army‑Navy passive vision sight (FM 3‑90.6, FM 3‑23.25)

AN/PVS‑14                                                        night vision goggle

AN/TAS                                                               Army Navy thermal acquisition sight (FM 3‑90.6)

AN/UXC                                                               Army Navy utility fax communications (FM 3‑90.6)

AN/VRC                                                               Army Navy vehicular component (FM 3‑90.6)

ANAD                                                                    Anniston Army Depot

analog format                                                  Data that is represented by infinite variance in some physical quantity such as voltage or current. Videotapes and videodisc store video in analog format, (TRADOC Pam 350‑70‑2)

analogy                                                               (noun, Merriam‑Webster online 2002) an inference that if two or more things agree with one another in some respects they will probably agree in others; resemblance in some ways between things otherwise unlike; similarity; comparison based on such resemblance; correspondence between the members of pairs or sets of linguistic forms that serves as a basis for the creation of another form; correspondence in function between anatomical parts of different structure and origin

analysis (intelligence)                   The process by which collected information is evaluated and integrated with existing information to produce intelligence that describes the current, and predicts the future, impact of the threat and/or environment on operations (FM 34‑3)

analysis and control element          A military intelligence organization under operational control to the G‑2. The analysis and control element (ACE) is the primary military intelligence organization that assists the G‑2 in synchronizing all reconnaissance and surveillance activities, and supporting the G‑3 in integrating reconnaissance and surveillance tasks into the operation. The ACE also provides technical guidance, produces all‑source intelligence, and disseminates targeting and intelligence data, as well as providing the threat and environmental portion of the common operational picture. Also called ACE (FM 2‑0)

analysis and control team              An organic team within the direct support military intelligence company that supports the maneuver brigade through situation development, intelligence preparation of the battlefield, and other intelligence tasks by the use of automated intelligence processing, analytical and dissemination capabilities. Also called ACT (FM 2‑0)

ANBCIS                                                                automated nuclear, biological, chemical information system

ANC                                                                       Arlington National Cemetery

ANCA                                                                    Allied Naval Communications Agency

ANCD                                                                    automated net‑control device, USAIC Pamphlet 350‑6 '99)

ANCHOR(ED)                               1.   Directive call to orbit about a specific point (location)

2.   Informative call to indicate a turning engagement at a specific location.

3.   Refueling track flown by tanker)

ANCOC                                                                 Advanced noncommissioned officers' course; IAW FY 08 TRADOC CTG, this will change NLT 1 May 2008 to M-SLC. See also ALC.

ANEEG                                                                  Army, Navy Electronics Evaluation Group

ANEXGOVT                                                        at no expense to the Government

ANF                                                                       Army news features; Atlantic Nuclear Force

ANG                                                                       Air National Guard

ANGELS                                      Height of friendly aircraft in thousands of feet from mean sea level (MSL)

angle of depression                      (NATO) 1. The angle in a vertical plane between the horizontal and a descending line. 2. In air photography, the angle between the optical axis of an obliquely mounted air camera and the horizon. Also called depression angle (FM 1‑02)

angle of safety                            (NATO) The minimum permissible angular clearance, at the gun, of the path of a projectile above the friendly troops. It is the angle of clearance corrected to insure the safety of the troops. Also called safety angle (FM 1‑02)

angle T                                      (NATO) In artillery and naval fire support, the angle formed by the intersection of the gun‑target line and the observer‑target line. [Note: the Army definition also applies to mortar fire.] (FM 6‑30)

ANGLICO                                                             air and naval gunfire liaison company; air naval gunfire liaison company (FM 3‑90.2, FM 3‑06.11)

ANGUS                                                                 Air National Guard of the United States

animation                                                           The simulation of movement produced by displaying a series of successive images on the screen, (TRADOC Pam 350‑70‑2)

ANMCC                                                                Alternate National Military Command Center

annex                                                                   A document appended to an operation order or other document to make it clearer or to give further details, DoD  To clarify or expand on an idea is not the same as being essential to an idea—we use appendixes in manuals to do both, because some ideas are essential, and it is easier, and better form, to stick to one or the other. (TRADOC Pam 25‑30 specifies that appendixes are used in doctrinal manuals, and they are also what TRADOC uses in administrative manuals. See also appendix)

annunciator                                                      (noun, Merriam‑Webster online 2002) One that annunciates (as opposed to "enunciates," meaning "pronounces"); specifically, a signal board or indicator usually electrically controlled

ANO                                                                       above named officer

ANORS                                                                 anticipated not operationally ready, supply

ANP                                                                       Allied Navigation Publication

ANPP                                                                     Army Nuclear Power Program

ANSI                                                                     American National Standards Institute (TRADOC Pamphlet 350‑70‑2)

ANSIA                                                                  Army‑Navy Shipping Information Agency

antiarmor                                                           (not "anti armor" or "anti‑armor")

antitank                                     (not "anti tank" or "anti‑tank")

antitank guided missile counter­measures       If a friendly ATGM gunner and an enemy ATGM gunner fire at each other at the same time, the enemy missile will hit first, also "ATGM Countermeasures, Infantry Magazine, May‑June 1996, pages 12 through 14, by the late Michael R. Jacobson (DTS, USAIC); look for FM 3‑21.91 [7‑91])

antiterrorism                               (DOD) Defensive measures used to reduce the vulnerability of individuals and property to terrorist acts, to include limited response and containment by local military forces. Also called AT, also counterterrorism; terrorism (FM 1‑02)

ANUDS                                                                 (US) Army Nuclear Data System (Study)

anyface*                                    Friendly GCI/AEW command and control agency when call sign is not known)

ANZAC                                       Australia and