|
C C chemical (graphics); cover (FM 1‑02) C&I commercial
and industrial C&J collection
and jamming (FM 3‑90.6) C&L control
and line C&T contingency
and training C/CS/CSS combat/
combat support/combat service support C2SRS command
and control strength reporting system (FM 7‑98) C2V command
and control vehicle (FM 3‑90.6) C2W command
and control warfare C3 command,
control, and communications (FM 3-21.20) C3CM command,
control, and communications countermeasures (FM 1‑02) C3I command,
control, communications, and intelligence (FM 3‑21.20, FM 7‑0) C3S control
and communications software C4I command,
control, communications, computers, and intelligence; command, control,
communications, computer, and intelligence (FM 3‑90.6) C4IEWS command,
control, communications, computers, intelligence, electronic warfare, and
sensors, CECOM, 2002) C4ISR command,
control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance (FM 1‑02) CA civil
administration; civil affairs; combat assessment (FM 1‑02);
counter air (FM 3‑21.20); combat assault; combined arms; cost
account; commercial activities CAA Civil
Aeronautics Administration; combined arms Army; Concepts Analysis Agency;
Crypto Access Authorization CAAA Crane
Army Ammunition Activity CAAD combined
arms air defense (FM 3‑90.6) CAAP Cornhusker
Army Ammunition Plant CAAS combined
arms and support CAAT civic
affairs assessment team (FM 3‑21.20) CAB Civil
Aeronautics Board; combat aviation battalion (FM 3‑90.6) CAC Combined
CACDA Combined
Arms Combat Development Activity cache A
special storage area for the rapid retrieval of information. Many algorithms
exist with regards to cache usage and implementation. A Web browser cache
stores the page as well as any embedded graphics and multimedia elements,
preventing downloading the page again when you want to go back. The setup of
your system depends on whether the cache files are automatically deleted, (TRADOC
Pam 350‑70‑2) CACTF Combined
Arms Collective Training Facility (TC 90‑1) CAD course
administrative data, (TRADOC Pamphlet 350‑70‑2) CADMINI computer
administrative instruction CADOP Continental
Air Defense Objectives Plan CADS Containerized
Ammunition Distribution System CADSAME call
signs or address group remain same CADST civil
affairs direct‑support team CADW Civil
air defense warning CAFAD combined
arms for air defense (FM 3‑21.20) CAFM commercial
air freight movement CAFMS computer‑assisted
force management system CAG combat
arms group CAI computer
assisted instruction; configuration audit inspection; combined arms
initiative CAICO chemical
accident/incident control officer cal caliber
(FM 1‑02, use abbreviations only in graphics) calculated risk An
exposure to chance of injury or loss when the commander can visualize the
outcome in terms of mission accomplishment or damage to the force, and judges
the outcome as worth the cost (FM 6‑0) CALFEX combined
arms live fire exercise (FM 1‑02) CALL Center
for Army Lessons Learned (FM 1‑02) call for fire (DOD,
NATO) A request for fire containing data necessary for obtaining the required
fire on a target, FM 6‑30) call forward area 1.
In river crossing operations, waiting areas within the crossing area where
final preparations are made (FM 90‑13)
2. In air movement, the area at the departure airfield where plane loads are
assembled in a ready condition prior to being directed to the loading ramp
area (FM 55‑1)
See also aerial port of embarkation; airborne; chalk; staging area; tanker
airlift control element (FM 1‑02) call sign (adj
+ noun) cam camouflage
(ARTEP 7‑91‑MTP (use abbreviations only in graphics) cam (noun)
a rotating or sliding piece in a mechanical linkage that transforms rotary
into linear motion or vice versa; (verb) to move or control the movement of
something with a cam CAMA centralized
automatic message accounting CAMAR common
aperture multifunction array radar CAMMS computer‑aided
maneuver management system (ARTEP 7‑30-MTP); computer‑assisted
map maneuver system camo camouflage
(FM 90‑26, ARTEP 7‑92‑MTP (use abbreviations only
in graphics) CAMO‑PAC Central
Ammunition Management Office‑Pacific camouflage (DOD,
NATO) The use of natural or artificial material on personnel, objects, or
tactical positions with the aim of confusing, misleading, or evading the
enemy, also concealment; cover; deception; surveillance, FM 3‑21.10) camp A
group of tents, huts, or shelters set up temporarily for troops, and more
permanent than a bivouac. A military post, temporary or permanent, may be
called a camp (FM 1‑02) campaign (DOD)
A series of related military operations aimed at accomplishing a strategic or
operational objective within a given time and space, also campaign plan, FM 3‑0) campaign plan (DOD)
A plan for a series of related military operations aimed at accomplishing a
strategic or operational objective within a given time and space, also
campaign, FM 3‑0) CAMPS centralized
automated military pay system; Compartmented ASAS Message Processing System CAMSTA Cameron
Station CAMTF combined
arms MOUT task force (TC 90‑1) CAN Commander's
Narrative Analysis; computer network attack (FM 1‑02) canalize (DOD)
To restrict operations to a narrow zone by use of existing or reinforcing
obstacles or by fire or bombing (Army) A tactical mission task in which the
commander restricts enemy movement to a narrow zone by exploiting terrain
coupled with the use of obstacles, fires, or friendly maneuver, also obstacle
(FM 3‑90;
see Table A‑1
for symbol) cancel (NATO)
In artillery and naval fire support, the term cancel, when coupled with a
previous order, other than an order for a quantity or type of ammunition, rescinds
that order. [Note: the Army definition also applies to mortar fire.] See FM 6‑30) CANDYGRAM** (EW)
Informative call to aircraft that electronic warfare targeting information is
available on a briefed secure net) CANE combined
arms in a nuclear environment cannelure (oddly,
pronounced as if it had an "h": chan'•uh•loor) A groove around the
cylinder of an elongated bullet for small arms to contain a lubricant; a
groove around a bullet into which the edge of the cartridge case is crimped;
a groove around the rotating band of a gun projectile to lessen the
resistance offered to the rifling; a groove around the base of a
cartridge where the extractor takes hold (MWOL'06) cannibalize (DOD)
To remove serviceable parts from one item of equipment in order to install
them on another item of equipment (NATO) To remove serviceable assemblies,
sub‑assemblies or components from a repairable or serviceable item of
equipment in order to install them on another, also battle damage assessment;
battle damage repair, FM 4‑30.3) CAO collateral
action officer; Central Accounting Office CAP combat
air patrol; crisis action planning (FM 1‑02) CAPES chemiluminescent
light‑assisted personnel exit system capping establishment
of a combat air patrol (CAP) at a specified location; also, descriptive term
for aircraft in a CAP) CAPPS Centralized
CAPS communications/aural
protective system CAPT‑A CA
planning team A captured (DOD)
A casualty who has been seized as a result of action of an unfriendly
military or paramilitary force in a foreign country, also missing, FM 4‑02) CAPTURED (A/S)
Aircrew has acquired and is able to track a specified surface target with an
on‑board sensor) captured document Any
document that was in the possession of a threat force that subsequently comes
into the hands of a friendly force, regardless of the origin of that document
(FM 34‑52) CAR Chief,
Army Reserve; condition and recommendation CARCSLR career
counselor CARDA CONUS
airborne reconnaissance for damage assessment CARDPAC Card
Packet System carnal relating
to or given to crude bodily pleasures and appetites; marked by sexuality; may
mean only 'having a relation to the body,' but more often connotes an action
that manifests the lower nature (MWOL '05) CARP computed
air release point (FM 1‑02) carrier‑mounted mounted
on a nonmotorized conveyance, tracked or wheeled; as opposed to— CARS combat
arms regimental system (FM 1‑02); Contingency Airborne
Reconnaissance System cas casualty
(FM 1‑02, use abbreviations only in graphics) CAS close
air support (FM 1‑02) CASCOM combined
arms support command CASCOPE civil
areas, structures, capabilities, organizations, people, and events (FM 3‑21.20) case harden(s/ed/ing) (transitive
verb, MWO, 1677) To harden (a ferrous alloy) so that the surface layer is
harder than the interior) CASEVAC casualty
evacuation (FM 1‑02) CASF Composite
Air Strike Force CASIAT [ CASP Civilian
Acquired Skills Program CASTLE computer‑assisted
system for theater‑level engineering casualty (DOD)
Any person who is lost to the organization by having been declared dead, duty
status‑whereabouts unknown, missing, ill, or injured (Army) Any person
who is lost to his organization by reason of having been declared dead,
wounded, injured, diseased, interned, captured, retained, missing in action,
beleaguered, besieged, or detained (FM 8‑55) casualty collection point A specific location where casualties are assembled
to be transported to a medical treatment facility, for example, a company aid
post. Also called CCP (FM 8‑10‑6;
see page 7‑62 for symbol) casualty evacuation (DOD)
The movement of casualties. It includes movement both to and between medical
treatment facilities. Any vehicle may be used to evacuate casualties (Army) A
term used by nonmedical units to refer to the movement of casualties aboard
nonmedical vehicles or aircraft (FM 8‑10‑6;
Marine Corps) The movement of the sick, wounded, or injured. It begins at the
point of injury or the onset of disease. It includes movement both to and
between medical treatment facilities. All units have an evacuation
capability. Any vehicle may be used to evacuate casualties. If a medical
vehicle is not used it should be replaced with one at the first opportunity.
Similarly, aeromedical evacuation should replace surface evacuation at the
first opportunity. Also called CASEVAC (FM 1‑02) casualty transport See
casualty evacuation (FM 1‑02) CAT casualty
assessment table (ARTEP 7‑20‑MTP, ARTEP 71‑2-MTP);
commercially available technology; control and assessment team; combined‑arms
trainer (IAW an email rec'd 20 Dec 2002 from Lee Capraro, who said that the
term "VLET" has been
replaced by the term ""soldier CATA Combined
Arms Training Activity CATC Combined
catchpoint stops
action when a certain kind of event occurs, also breakpoint and watchpoint) CATF commander,
amphibious task force (FM 1‑02) cathole (not
"cat hole"); replaced by the PPR (personal portable restroom),
which a soldier can set up in a few minutes and used by males or females. The
PPR is intended for use by the company, platoon, or squad in a combat area
before more permanent latrines are set up and working. Personal portable
restroom (NSN 4510‑01‑382‑4289); disposable urinal bag (NSN
4510‑01‑379‑0177); solid waste system (NSN 4510‑01‑379‑1341);
daily restroom kit (NSN 4510‑01‑379‑0190) catk counterattack
(FM 3‑21.20 (use abbreviations only in graphics) CATS combined
arms training strategy (ARTEP 7‑10-MTP); Combined Arms Training
Strategy (ARTEP 7‑8‑MTP, ARTEP 7‑20-MTP);
INCORRECT: Combined Army Training Strategy, (TRADOC Pamphlet 350‑70‑2);
Core Analyst Tool System CATTS combined
arms tactical training simulator CATV community
antenna television CAU Crypto
Ancillary Unit cav cavalry
(FM 1‑02, FM 5-0‑1); use abbreviations only in graphics) CAV‑OK Cloud
and Visibility Okay (pronounced kav‑okay) ICAO term meaning no significant
clouds below 5,000 feet, visibility at least six miles, no precipitation or
storms) CAVU ceiling
and visibility unlimited CAWSE casualty
analysis for determining weapon system effectiveness CB chemical
biological; citizen's band (radio; construction battalion CBAA cavalry
brigade (air attack CBAIC chemical‑biological
accident and incident control CBAICP Chemical
and Biological Accident and Incident Control Plan CBCC conviction
by civil court CBE Command
Budget Estimate CBI computer‑based
instruction, (TRADOC Pamphlet 350‑70‑2); complete background
investigation CBIO counterbattery
intelligence officer CBL commercial
bill of lading CBLS combat
lifesaver (FM 3‑22.1) CBMU construction
battalion maintenance unit (FM 1‑02) CBO computer
burst order CBOI complete
basis of issue CBOIP complete
basis of issue plan CBR (obsolete:
replaced by "NBC") CBRN chemical,
biological, radiological, nuclear (except when referring to reports with
"NBC" in their titles, this acronym replaces "NBC" ( CBRNE chemical,
biological, radiological, nuclear, and high yield explosives (FM 1‑02) CBRNE‑CM chemical,
biological, radiological, nuclear, and high‑yield explosive consequence
management CBRNWRS Chemical,
Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Warning and Reporting System (FM 3‑21.20) CBS corps
battle simulation, previously known as JESS (FM 7‑1) CBS‑X Continuing
Balance System‑Expanded cbt combat
(FM 1‑02, FM 5-0‑1); use abbreviations only in graphics) CBT combatting
terrorism (FM 1‑02); computer‑based
training, (TRADOC Pamphlet 350‑70‑2) CBTI combat
intelligence cbtry counterbattery
(use abbreviations only in graphics) CBU cluster
bomb unit (FM 3‑21.20, FM 3‑90.2); cluster bomb units
(FM 3‑21.20) CC combat
command; common carrier; control center; chemical corps CCA close
combat attack (FM 3‑21.38) CCAD CCB Configuration
Control Board CCC classified
control clerk; command, control, communications; Commodity Credit Corporation CCCMMM closed‑chest
cardiac massage and mouth‑to‑mouth resuscitation CCD camouflage,
concealment, and deception (FM 1‑02) CCE commercial
construction equipment CCF central
control facility; Corps Contingency Force; correctional custody facility;
central clearance facility; Communist China Forces (FM 3‑90.6) CCH Chief
of Chaplains; close combat heavy; computerized criminal history files of the
FBI CCI Command
Control Interface (MSR); controlled cryptographic item CCIR commander's
critical information requirements (FM 1‑02) CCIT International
Telegraphic Advisory Committee CCL combat‑configured
load (FM 1‑02); close‑combat light CCLAW close‑combat
laser assault weapon CCLMAA close‑combat
light mission area analysis CCM close‑combat
missile; cross‑country mobility CCMA civilian
clothing maintenance allowance CCMCK close
combat mission capability kit (TC 90-1) CCMPTC central
computer center CCO classified
control officer; close combat optic CCOC CCP casualty
collection point; communications checkpoint (FM 1‑02); carrier
command post (FM 3‑90.6); circulation control point (FM 3‑21.20,
FM 3‑21.38); communications career program; consolidated
cryptologic program; consolidation and containerization point CCPM command
career program manager CCR combat
crew CCS Combined
Chiefs of Staff CCSP consolidated
computer security program CCT combat
control team (FM 1‑02) CCTT combined
arms tactical trainer (TC 90-1) CCTV closed‑circuit
television CCU common
control unit CCV cash
collection voucher CD cavalry
division; chemical defense; counterdrug (FM 1‑02); civil defense;
combat development; contract definition CD/NC computer‑aided
design/numerical control CDA (United
States Army DARCOM) Catalog Data Activity CDAP computer
defense assessment program (FM 1‑02); Civil Damage Assessment
Program CDAT current
duty assignment title C‑day (DOD)
The unnamed day on which a deployment operation commences or is to commence.
The deployment may be movement of troops, cargo, weapon systems, or a
combination of these elements using any or all types of transport. The letter
"C" will be the only one used to denote the above. The highest
command or headquarters responsible for coordinating the planning will
specify the exact meaning of C‑day within the aforementioned
definition. The command or headquarters directly responsible for the
execution of the operation, if other than the one coordinating the planning,
will do so in light of the meaning specified by the highest command or
headquarters coordinating the planning, also times, FM 5-0) CDD collateral
damage distance; capability development document CDE chemical
defense equipment CDEC Combat
Developments Experimentation Command CDET commander’s
data‑entry tool CDF close
defensive fires CDG coder‑decoder
group CDI cargo‑disposition
instructions CDL Central
Dental Laboratories; commercial driver's license (source unknown) CDM chemical
downwind message (FM 1‑02) cdo commando
(use abbreviations only in graphics) CDOG Combat
Development Objectives Guide CDP company
distributing point; contract definition phase cdr commander
(FM 7‑1 (25‑101); use abbreviations only in graphics) CDR cargo
delivery receipt CD‑R compact
disc, recordable, (TRADOC Pamphlet 350‑70‑2) CD‑ROM compact
disc, read‑only memory, (TRADOC Pamphlet 350‑70‑2) CDS container
delivery system (FM 1‑02); capability design specifications;
chamber of destination of ships, Chief Defense Staff ( CDSD Civil
Defense Support Detachments CDSR controlled
deployment specular reflector CDT/SV common
driver trainer/Stryker vehicle simulator (TC 7‑21) CDU command
destruct unit CE command
element; communications electronics (FM 1‑02) CEA cost
effectiveness analysis(es) CEASE (S/A)
A fire control order used to direct air defense units to stop tactical
ENGAGEMENT action against a specified target. Guided missiles already in
flight will continue to intercept) CEASE (activity) Directive
to discontinue stated activity, for example, CEASE BUZZER, CEASE LASER, and
so on) cease engagement (NATO)
In air defense, a fire control order used to direct units to stop the firing
sequence against a designated target. Guided missiles already in flight will
continue to intercept, also engage; hold fire, FM 44‑100) cease fire (DOD)
1. A command given to any unit or individual firing any weapon to stop
engaging the target. 2. A command given to air defense artillery units to
refrain from firing on, but to continue to track, an airborne object.
Missiles already in flight will be permitted to continue to intercept, also call for fire; fire command; fire mission, FM 6‑50) cease fire line See
armistice demarcation line
(FM 1‑02) cease laser Aircraft‑to‑aircraft
directive to stop firing laser. Opposite of LASER ON) cease loading (NATO)
In artillery and naval fire support, the command used during firing of two or
more rounds to indicate the suspension of inserting rounds into the weapon.
[Note: the Army definition also applies to mortar fire.] See FM 6‑50) CEBMCO Corps
of Engineers Ballistic Missile Construction Office CECDC CECOM (Army)
Communications‑Electronics Command CECS Communications‑Electronics
Coordinating Section, Standing Group‑NATO CEE Communication
Electronics Element CEEB College
Entrance Examination Board CEFI contractor
engineer‑furnish and install CEI communication
electronic instructions CEIP communications‑electronics
implementation plan cel celestial
(use abbreviations only in graphics) cell (DOD)
Small group of individuals who work together for clandestine or subversive
purposes, FM 3‑05.20) CEM compromising
emanations CEMF counterelectromotive
force CEMS Communications‑Electronics
Management System (obsolete: use SMS [Signal Management System],
ARTEP 7‑92‑MTP) CENTAG Central
Army Group, centerline (noun,
Merriam‑Webster's [Online] Collegiate Dictionary, 1807, A real or
imaginary line that is equidistant from the surface or sides of something.) centers of gravity (DOD)
Those characteristics, capabilities, or sources of power from which a
military force derives its freedom of action, physical strength, or will to
fight. Also called COGs, also operational art; operational level of war, FM 3‑0 (FM 1‑02) centigray (DOD,
NATO) A unit of absorbed dose of radiation (one centigray equals one rad),
also decontamination, FM 3‑3‑1) CEOA Central
European Operating Agency CEOAS Corps
of Engineers Office of Appalachian Studies CEOI communications‑electronic
operating instructions (FM 7‑1 (25‑101); this term was
obsolete, replaced by SOI; not sure why it has been, or if it has been,
officially resurrected. Does anyone know?) CEP circular
error probable (FM 1‑02); commander's evaluation program
(FM 7‑1) CEPSARC concept
evaluation program schedule and review committee CER complete
engineering release; cost estimating relationship CERB (US
Army) Coastal Engineering Research Board CERC (US
Army) Coastal CERT Computer
Emergency Response Team (FM 1‑02) CESI Communications‑Electronics
Standing Instruction CESO communications‑electronics
signal officer (obsolete: use "signal officer") CEV combat
engineer vehicle (FM 7‑1) CEWCSC Corps
of Engineers Waterborne CEWI combat electronic warfare
(and) intelligence (FM 1‑02); (obsolete: replaced
by "MI") cf (abbreviation:
use in graphics only) counterfire CF command
fire (FM 3‑21.20); covering force (FM 3‑90.2); concept
feasibility; correlation factor; Canadian Forces; copy(ies) furnished CF&A Chief
of Finance and Accounting CFA call
forward area; covering force area (FM 1‑02); current files area CFC Combined
Federal Campaign (FM 3‑22.90); (I think this also refers to a
commo helmet‑‑can anybody enlighten
me?) CFE contractor‑furnished
equipment CFFS combat
field feeding system (FM 3‑90.2); critical friendly fire zone
(FM 3‑21.20) CFL coordinated
fire line (FM 1‑02) CFLCC Coalition
Forces Land Component Command (Operation Iraqi Freedom; commander cfm confirm;
confirmed (use abbreviations only in graphics) CFM contingency
for movement; cubic feet per minute (FM 3‑21.220, FM 90‑26) CFMA Central
Financial Management Activities CFOR COMSEC
Field Office of Record CFP concept
formulation package CFPF central
food preparation facility CFPS central
food preparation system CFR Code
of Federal Regulations CFS contract
field services CFSR contract
fund status report CFT contract
field technician; cavalry fighting vehicle (FM 3‑22.1, FM 3‑21.71,
FM 7‑0, FM 3‑06.11); captive flight trainer (FM 3‑22.1) CFV cavalry
fighting vehicle CFX command
field exercise (FM 7‑0, FM 7‑1) CFZ critical
friendly zone (FM 1‑02) CG commanding
general (FM 1‑02); center of gravity (FM 3‑21.38) CGF computer‑generated
force (FM 3‑22.1) CGS Coast
and Geodetic Survey; common ground station CGSC (US
Army) Command and CGU modified
helicopter safety wire (not an acronym) cGy centigray
(FM 1‑02); a radiation‑absorbed dose (FM 4‑02.11
(8‑9); a measure of absorbed dose in any material. Applies not only to
x‑ or gamma radiation, but also to all other forms of ionizing
radiation, including particulate (FM 4‑02.11 (8‑9; use
abbreviations only in graphics) cGy/hr centigray(s)
per hour (FM 3‑90.1); use abbreviations only in graphics) cGyph centigray(s)
per hour (FM 3‑21.20, ARTEP 7‑30‑MTP,
ARTEP 7‑91‑MTP, ARTEP 7‑93‑MTP (use
abbreviations only in graphics) ch chaplain
(FM 1‑02, FM 5-0‑1); use abbreviations only in graphics) CH cargo
helicopter (use with model number, never alone) CHACOM Chain
of Command Reporting System chaff (DOD)
Radar confusion reflectors consisting of thin, narrow metallic strips of
various lengths and frequency responses, which are used to reflect echoes for
confusion purposes. Causes enemy radar guided missiles to lock on to it
instead of the real aircraft, ship, or other platform, also deception, FM 3‑04.111) chain of command (DOD, NATO) The succession of
commanding officers from a superior to a subordinate through which command is
exercised. Also called command
channel, FM 6‑0) chalk Designated
troops, equipment, or cargo that constitutes a complete aircraft load, also air assault; airborne; tanker
airlift control element (FM 90‑26) chalk number (DOD,
NATO) The number given to a complete load and to the transporting carrier,
also chalk, FM 90‑26) chalkboard (Merriam‑Webster
Collegiate Dictionary, Ninth Edition, noun) challenge (DOD,
NATO) Any process carried out by one unit or person with the object of
ascertaining the friendly or hostile character or identity of another, also password, FM 11‑43) champagne A
picture label describing three distinct groups with two in front and one
behind. *group names should be NORTH LEAD group and SOUTH LEAD group or WEST
LEAD group and EAST LEAD group and TRAIL group) CHAMPUS Civilian
Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (has this been replaced
by TRICARE and TRICARE PRIME?) CHANCOMTEE channel
committee channel** Stacked
net within a Link 16 Network) Chap Chaparral;
A self‑propelled, surface‑to‑air version of the Navy
Sidewinder missile charge (NATO)
1. The amount of propellant required for a fixed, semi‑fixed, or
separate loading projectile, round or shell. It may also refer to the
quantity of explosive filling contained in a bomb, mine or the like. 2. In
combat engineering, a quantity of explosive, prepared for demolition
purposes, also cratering charge; shaped charge, FM 5‑250) charlie 1.*
(AIR‑MAR) The expected landing time on the ship. chattermark Directive
call to begin using briefed radio procedures to counter communications jamming) CHB cargo‑handling
battalion CHD correctional
holding detachment cheapshot** AIM‑120
missile datalink terminated between high and medium PRF active) check (number, left/right) Turn (number) degrees left or right and maintain new
heading) check firing** (S/S)
Directive call to cease firing immediately; (DOD, NATO) In artillery and
naval gunfire support, a command to cause a temporary halt in firing. [Note:
the DOD definition also applies to mortar fire.] See also cease fire; cease loading; fire
mission, FM 6‑20‑30) check in (verb) checkpoint (DOD,
NATO) 1. A predetermined point on the surface of the Earth used as a means of
controlling movement, a registration target for fire adjustment, or reference
for location. 2. Center of impact; a burst center. 3. Geographical location
on land or water above which the position of an aircraft in flight may be
determined by observation or by electrical means. 4. A place where military
police check vehicular or pedestrian traffic in order to enforce circulation
control measures and other laws, orders, and regulations, FM 3‑19.4 (Army) Predetermined
point on the ground used to control movement, tactical maneuver, and
orientation. Also called CKP (FM 3‑90; see Table 7‑13) checkprint (track #)** 1.
Request an air defense commander for unit(s) to provide amplifying
information on a specified track. chem chemical
(FM 1‑02) chemical agent (DOD)
Any toxic chemical intended for use in military operations (NATO) A chemical
substance which is intended for use in military operations to kill, seriously
injure, or incapacitate personnel through its physiological effects. The term
excludes riot control agents, herbicides, and substances generating smoke and
flames, FM 3‑9) chemical defense (DOD,
NATO) The methods, plans, and procedures
involved in establishing and executing defensive measures against attack
utilizing chemical agent, also chemical
agent; decontamination; nuclear, biological, and chemical defense,
FM 3‑11) chemical downwind message A
weather forecast valid for three 2‑hour periods (6 hours) The chemical
downwind message forecasts wind direction, wind speed, air stability,
humidity, air temperature, and any significant weather. Also called CDM, also decontamination; mission‑oriented
protective posture (FM 3‑3‑1) chemical warfare (DOD)
All aspects of military operations involving the employment of lethal and incapacitating
munitions/agents and the warning and protective measures associated with such
offensive operations. Since riot control agents and herbicides are not
considered to be chemical warfare agents, those two items will be referred to
separately or under the broader term "chemical," which will be used
to include all types of chemical munitions/agents collectively. Also called CW, also chemical agent; chemical
defense; herbicide; riot control agent, FM 3‑11) chemiluminescent (adj)
luminescent due to chemical reaction (Merriam‑Webster's 10th
Collegiate) chemiluminescent light A
plastic tube filled with a liquid chemical and a glass vial that when
activated produces a glowing light known as chemiluminescence (adapted from
Merriam‑Webster's definition of 'chemiluminescent') chem‑lite or chemlite Use one of these spellings. "Chem‑Light"
is trademarked both by Omniglow, the inventor of chemical luminescent lights,
and by the two companies that manufacture and distribute them, Cyalume (the
"batteries required" version) and Krill (the "no batteries
required" version) CHEMO chemical
officer (FM 1‑02) CHEMWARN chemical
warning (FM 3‑90.6, FM 7‑92) cherubs** Height
of a friendly aircraft in hundreds of feet AGL (NOTE: NATO definition, when
adopted, will not specify chg charge
(FM 3‑22.90 (use abbreviations only in graphics) CHGFA costs
chargeable to fund authorization CHICKS Friendly
aircraft) choke point (adj
+ noun) CHOP change
of operational control CHOT comprehensive
hands on test (FM 7‑1) CHS commander’s
hand station (FM 3‑22.1); common hardware and software C‑HUMINT counter‑human
intelligence (FM 1‑02) CI command
information (FM 3‑21.20, FM 3‑06.11); configuration
item; combat intelligence; counterintelligence (FM 1‑02);
commander's interface CIA Central
Intelligence Agency CIAS counterintelligence
analysis section (FM 34‑60, Counterintelligence) CIB Combat
Infantryman Badge CIC customer
identification code; CICA counterintelligence
coordinating authority (FM 1‑02) CID Command
Information Division; Criminal Investigation Division CIDC Criminal
Investigation Division Command CIDCON civil
disturbance readiness conditions CIDSTAT Civil
Disturbance Status Reporting CIF Central
Issue Facility (FM 90‑26; cost, insurance and freight CIIP clothing
initial issue point CIMIC civil‑military
cooperation C‑IMINT counter‑image
intelligence (FM 1‑02) CINC As
of 24 Oct, 2002 (authority: Secretary of Defense), the acronym and term
"CINC" and "commander in chief" shall refer only to the
President of the United States (FM 3‑21.10, FM 7‑98,
FM 3‑90.6, FM 3‑90.2), and FM 90‑26 used the
term the old way) CINCAFLANT Commander
in Chief, United States Air Forces, CINCAL Commander
in Chief, CINCARLANT CINCEASTLANT Commander
in Chief, CINCENT Commander
in Chief, Allied Forces, CINCHAN Allied
Commander in Chief, Channel CINCLANT Commander
in Chief, CINCNORAC Commander
in Chief, North American Air Defense Command CINCNORTH Commander
in Chief, Allied Forces, Northern CINCONAD Commander
in Chief, Continental Air Defense Command CINCPAC Commander
in Chief, Pacific CINCPACREP Commander
in Chief, Pacific Representative CINCSAC Commander
in Chief, Strategic Air Command CINCSOUTH Commander
in Chief, Allied Forces CINCSPECOMME Commander
in Chief, Specified Command, CINCUNC Commander
in Chief, United Nations Command CINCUSAREUR CINCUSARPAC CINCWESTLANT Commander
in Chief, cinsgcy counterinsurgency
(use abbreviations only in graphics) CIO command
issuing office CIP command
inspection program (FM 7‑1); combat identification panel
(FM 3‑22.1); capital investment program; crew's interface panel
Command Information Program; consolidated intelligence program cir circular
(use abbreviations only in graphics) circ circumstance
(use abbreviations only in graphics) circular error probable (DOD)
An indicator of the delivery accuracy of a weapon system, used as a factor in
determining probable damage to a target. It is the radius of a circle within
which half of a missile's projectiles are expected to fall (Army) Error in
location of a system or vehicle based on the on‑board navigational
system and the distance from the last survey control point. Also called CEP (FM 6‑30) CIRVIS communication
instructions for reporting vital intelligence sightings CIS-DM Combat
Intelligence System's Data Management (CIS‑DM) [server] CIT configuration
identification tables CITA commercial‑industrial‑type
activity CITV commander's
independent thermal viewer (FM 3‑90.1) civ civil;
civilian (use abbreviations only in graphics) CIV commander’s
independent viewer civil administration (DOD)
An administration established by a foreign government in (1) friendly
territory, under an agreement with the government of the area concerned, to
exercise certain authority normally the function of the local government, or
(2) hostile territory occupied by United States forces, where a foreign
government exercises executive, legislative, and judicial authority until an
indigenous civil government can be established. Also called civil affairs administration. Also
called CA administration, also
civil affairs; civil‑military operations; stability operations, FM 41‑10) civil affairs (DOD)
Designated Active and Reserve Component forces and units organized, trained,
and equipped specifically to conduct civil affairs activities and to support
civil‑military operations. Also called CA, also civil affairs
activities; civil‑military
operations, FM 41‑10. (See Table 5‑5 for symbol) civil affairs activities (DOD)
Activities performed or supported by civil affairs that (1) enhance the
relationship between military forces and civil authorities in areas where
military forces are present; and (2) involve application of civil affairs
functional specialty skills, in areas normally the responsibility of civil
government, to enhance conduct of civil‑military operations, also civil affairs; civil military operations, FM 41‑10) civil affairs administration See
civil administration
(FM 1‑02) civil considerations How
the manmade infrastructure, civilian institutions, and attitudes and
activities of the civilian leaders, populations, and organizations within an area
of operations influence the conduct of military operations (FM 6‑0) civil defense emergency (DOD)
A domestic emergency disaster situation resulting from devastation created by
an enemy attack and requiring emergency operations during and following that
attack. It may be proclaimed by appropriate authority in anticipation of an
attack, also domestic emergencies,
FM 3‑07) civil disturbances (DOD)
Riots, acts of violence, insurrections, unlawful obstructions or assemblages,
or other disorders prejudicial to public law and order. The term "civil
disturbances" includes all domestic conditions requiring or likely to
require the use of Federal Armed Forces pursuant to the provisions of Chapter
15 of Title 10, United States Code, also domestic emergencies, FM 3‑07) civil supply A
functional specialty within the Economics and Commerce Team of a civil
affairs command. The Economics and Commerce Team consists of functional
specialists in food and agriculture, economic development, and civilian
supply. It provides technical expertise, planning, development, and staff
advice to the supported command (FM 41‑10) civil support operations replaces
SASO for
operations within the US; operations within the United States that address
the consequences of man‑made or natural accidents and incidents, and
that fall beyond the capabilities of civilian authorities (FM 3‑21.10) civil‑military
operations (DOD) The activities of a
commander that establish, maintain, influence, or exploit relations between
military forces, governmental and nongovernmental civilian organizations and
authorities, and the civilian populace in a friendly, neutral, or hostile
operational area in order to facilitate military operations, to consolidate
and achieve US objectives. Civil‑military operations may include
performance by military forces of activities and functions normally the
responsibility of the local, regional, or national government. These
activities may occur prior to, during, or subsequent to other military
actions. They may also occur, if directed, in the absence of other military
operations. Civil‑military operations may be performed by designated
civil affairs, by other military forces, or by a combination of civil affairs
and other forces. Also called civil‑military
operations center (DOD) An ad hoc organization [Note:
the Army definition uses "coordination center"], normally
established by the geographic combatant commander or subordinate joint force
commander, to assist in the coordination of activities of engaged military
forces, and other United States government agencies, nongovernmental
organizations, and regional and international organizations. There is no
established structure, and its size and composition are situation dependent.
Also called CMOC, also civil affairs activities; civil‑military operations, FM 41‑10) CIVPERCEN United
States Army Civilian Personnel Center CIVPERSINS Civilian
Personnel Management Information System CJCS Chairman,
Joint Chiefs of Staff (FM 1‑02) CJS Canadian
Joint Staff CJTF commander,
joint task force (FM 1‑02) CL chalk
leader (FM 3‑21.20, FM 7‑92); configured loads
(FM 3‑21.20) CLACC central
loading area control center (FM 90‑26) CLAM [NATO]
(EW) Cease all or indicated electromagnetic and/or acoustic emissions in
accordance with national instructions and exercise orders. Potential
intelligence collector(s) in area (estimated duration of CLAM hours) CLAMS cleared
lane marking system (FM 3‑90.2) clandestine operation (DOD)
An operation sponsored or conducted by governmental departments or agencies
in such a way as to assure secrecy or concealment. A clandestine operation
differs from a covert operation in that emphasis is placed on concealment of
the operation rather than on concealment of the identity of the sponsor. In
special operations, an activity may be both covert and clandestine and may
focus equally on operational considerations and intelligence‑related
activities, also covert operation; overt operation, FM 3‑05.20) clas classified
(FM 90‑26 (use abbreviations only in graphics) classes of supply (DOD)
There are ten categories into which supplies are grouped to facilitate supply
management and planning. (See Table 7‑17 for symbols and for
equivalent NATO classes of supply.) These classes are‑‑ claymore (noun,
MW9) antipersonnel mine named after a Scottish greatsword (for military text,
capitalize first letter: "Claymore") CLC Combat
Lifesaver's Course CLDC COMSEC
Logistics Data Center CLEAN 1.
No sensor information on nonfriendly group of interest. clean up (verb) cleanup (noun,
adj) clear (DOD)
1. To approve or authorize, or obtain approval or authorization for: a. a
person or persons with regard to their actions, movements, duties, and so
on.; b. an object or group of objects, as equipment or supplies, with regard
to quality, quantity, purpose, movement, disposition, and so on.; and c. a
request, with regard to correctness of form, validity, and so on. 2. To give
one or more aircraft a clearance. 3. To give a person a security clearance.
4. To fly over an obstacle without touching it. 5. To pass a designated
point, line, or object. The end of a column must pass the designated feature
before the latter is cleared. 6. a. To operate a gun so as to unload it or
make certain no ammunition remains; and b. to free a gun of stoppages. 7. To
clear an engine; to open the throttle of an idling engine to free it from
carbon. 8. To clear the air to gain either temporary or permanent air
superiority or control in a given sector (Army) 1. A tactical mission task
that requires the commander to remove all enemy forces and eliminate
organized resistance in an assigned area (FM 3‑90) 2. To eliminate
transmissions on a tactical radio net in order to allow a higher‑precedence
transmission to occur (FM 11‑32) 3. The total elimination
or neutralization of an obstacle that is usually performed by follow‑on
engineers and is not done under fire (FM 3‑34.2) See also reduce. (See Table A‑1 for symbol) clearance of fires The
process of approving or obtaining approval to attack targets with indirect
fires within and outside the boundaries of the maneuver unit for which the
fires are provided (FM 6‑30) CLEARED Response
to requested action is authorized. No engaged/support roles are assumed) CLEARED HOT Ordnance
release is authorized) CLEARED TO ENGAGE** (A/S)
JTAC Type clearing operation (DOD)
An operation designed to clear or neutralize all mines and obstacles from a
route or area, also breach, FM 3‑34.2) CLF commander,
landing force (FM 1‑02) CLGP cannon‑launched
guided projectile client/server Technology
that distributes the processing of a computer application between two
computers. A client, which is normally a PC, performs retrieval of
information from a computer on the Internet. The computer that delivers the
information is the server. A server both stores information and makes it
available to any authorized client who requests the information. The most
common example of a server is a file server, (TRADOC Pam 350‑70‑2) CLIN contract
line item number clipboard` (noun,
MW10) CLL Chief
of Legislative Liaison CLO civil
liaison officer CLOAK Directive/Informative
call to switch from normal/overt external lighting to covert night vision
device (NVD) only compatible lighting) CLOCE Contingency
Lines of Communication, Europe CLOHE combat
load handling equipment (FM 21‑18) CLOS cloud‑free
line of sight (FM 3‑90.2); command line of sight (FM 3‑21.20) close air support (DOD)
Air action by fixed‑ and rotary‑wing aircraft against hostile
targets that are in close proximity to friendly forces and which require
detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those
forces. Also called close area Where
forces are in immediate contact with the enemy and the fighting between the
committed forces and readily available tactical reserves of both combatants
is occurring, or where commanders envision close combat taking place.
Typically, the close area assigned to a maneuver force extends from the
subordinates' rear boundaries to its own forward boundary (FM 3‑0) close combat Combat
carried out with direct fire weapons, supported by indirect fire, air‑delivered
fires, and nonlethal engagement means. Close combat defeats or destroys enemy
forces or seizes and retains ground (FM 3‑0) close operations (See FM 3‑92
[100‑15]) close quarters battle Sustained
combative tactics, techniques, and
procedures
employed by small, highly trained special operations forces using special
purpose weapons, munitions, and demolitions to recover specified personnel,
equipment, or material. Also called CQB
(FM 3‑05) CLOSING** Decreasing
in separation) CLOWN [NATO]
(EW) Deception jammer) CLP cleaner,
lubricant, preservative [commas, but no "and."] (FM 3‑22.31,
FM 3‑22.65, STP 7‑11B1‑SM‑TG; cleaner,
lubricant and preservative(incorrect usage), STP 7‑11M14‑SM‑TG;
cleaning, lubricant, and petroleum (incorrect usage, FM 3‑22.1,
FM 7‑1) CLS closed
loop support; combat lifesaver CLSC COMSEC
Logistic Support Center CLSS Combat
Logistic Support System CLSU COMSEC
Logistic Support Unit CLSX closed
loop support extended CLU command
launch unit (FM 3‑90.1) cluster (NATO)
1. Fireworks signal in which a group of stars burns at the same time. 2.
Group of bombs released together. A cluster usually consists of fragmentation
or incendiary bombs. 3. Two or more parachutes for dropping light or heavy
loads, FM 4‑20.41. 4. In land mine
warfare, a component of a pattern‑laid minefield. It may be antitank,
antipersonnel, or mixed. It consists of one to five mines and no more than
one antitank mine, FM 20‑32. 5. In minehunting,
designates a group of mine‑like contacts, FM 20‑32. 6. Two or more engines
coupled together so as to function as one power unit, FM 55‑20. 7. In naval mine warfare,
a number of mines laid in close proximity to each other as a pattern or
coherent unit. They may be of mixed types (FM 1‑02) clutter (DOD)
Permanent echoes, cloud, or other atmospheric echo on radar scope as contact
has entered scope clutter, also air
defense, FM 44‑100. cm centimeter(s);
countermeasures; countermobility (ARTEP 7‑30-MTP); countermortar
(use abbreviations only in graphics) CM court‑martial;
commander's manual; cruise missile (FM 3‑22.1); countermobility
(FM 1‑02) CM&D collection
management and dissemination (FM 3‑55.93) CMA corps
maintenance area CMAB clothing
maintenance allowance, basic CMAC Capital
Military Assistance Command; Central Management Army Commissaries CMAIISS clothing
monetary allowance, initial issue CMAIWAC clothing
monetary allowance initial (for female cash allowance only) CMAO court‑martial
appointing order CMAS clothing
maintenance allowance, standard CMB Combat
Medical Badge cmd command
(FM 1‑02, FM 5-0‑1); use abbreviations only in graphics) CMDN catalog
management data notification CMF career
management field (FM 7‑1); court‑martial forfeiture; combat
mission failure CMH Center
of Military History CMIA command
management inventory accounting CMIF career
management individual file CMISE corps
military intelligence support element (FM 1‑02) CMLOPS chemical
operations CMMA clothing
monetary maintenance allowance CMO civil‑military
operations (FM 1‑02) CMOC civil‑military
operations center (FM 1‑02) CMOS capper
military occupational specialty CMP course
management plan, (TRADOC Pamphlet 350‑70‑2) CMPF central
meat processing facility CMR configuration
management review CMRI command
maintenance readiness inspection CMS central
material service CMST collection
management support tools [obsolete; see JMST] cmt comment
(use abbreviations only in graphics) CMT company
maintenance team (FM 1‑02) CMTC Citizens
Military Training Corps CMV combat
mobility vehicle CMY civilian
man‑years CN chloroacetothenone
(tear gas, FM 3‑23.30, FM 3‑06.11) CNA computer
network attack (FM 1‑02) CNAD Conference
of National Armaments Directors CND computer
network defense (FM 1‑02) CNDI commercial
nondevelopment items CNGB Chief,
National Guard Bureau C‑NITE Cobra‑night‑integrated
thermal equipment CNO Chief
of Naval Operations CNP Chief
of Naval Personnel CNR combat
net radio (FM 1‑02) CNS central
nervous system (ARTEP 7‑94‑MTP) cntgcy contingency
(use this horrid abbreviation only in graphics, if you insist!) cntrf centrifugal
(use abbreviations only in graphics) CNV cryptographic
net variable (ARTEP 71‑2-MTP); cryptonet variable (ARTEP 7‑30‑MTP) CNWDI critical
nuclear weapons design information co company
(FM 1‑02, FM 5-0‑1); use this abbreviation in graphics and operation orders) CO commanding
officer (FM 1‑02); contracting officer co tm; co/tm company
team (FM 3‑90.1); use these abbreviations in graphics and
operation orders) COA course
of action (FM 1‑02); change of assignment; current operating
allowances; Comptroller of the Army COADS Command
and Administrative Data System coalition (DOD)
An ad hoc arrangement between two or more nations for common action, also alliance; multinational operations, FM 100‑8) coax coaxial
(this abbreviation is used so commonly that most people probably think it is
the word, so I plan to use it that way myself) COB close
of business; company operations base (FM 3‑55.93); command
operating budget COBOL common
business‑oriented language COC chain
of command (FM 3‑21.20); combat operations center COCO contractor‑owned,
contractor operated COCOM combatant
command (command authority, FM 1‑02) CODAP comprehensive
occupational data analysis program code word (not
"codeword") COE Chief
of Engineers; contemporary operational environment (FM 1‑02); the
overall operational environment, with a range of threats extending from
smaller, lower‑technology opponents using more adaptive, asymmetric
methods, to larger, modernized forces able to engage deployed US forces in
more conventional, symmetrical way (FM 3‑21.10) COEA cost and operational effectiveness and
analysis COEC CONAD
Operational Employment Concept COEI component
of end item COFF cut
off COFM correlation
of forces and means (FM 1‑02) CofS Chief
of Staff COFT conduct‑of‑fire
trainer COG center
of gravity (FM 1‑02) COHORT Cohesion,
Operational Readiness Training COI communication
operation instructions; critical operational issues (source unknown) COIC critical
operational issues and criteria coil An
arrangement of vehicles forming a circle and providing 360‑degree security
in an assembly area with the primary weapon systems and protective armor
facing outward (FM 3‑90.1) coin counterinsurgency
(FM 7‑98 (use abbreviations only in graphics) COL colonel COLA cost‑of‑living
allowance COLD 1.
A descriptive/directive call to initiate a turn in the coll collection
(FM 3‑90.6 (use abbreviations only in graphics) collaborative planning The
real‑time interaction among commanders and staffs at two or more
echelons developing plans for a particular operation (FM 5-0) collateral activities The
inherent capabilities of all military forces that may periodically be applied
to accomplish missions other than those for which the forces are principally
organized, trained, and equipped. Collateral activities in which special
operations forces, by virtue of inherent capabilities, may be tasked to
participate include humanitarian assistance, security assistance, search and
rescue, antiterrorism,
and other security activities and special activities (FM 3‑05) collateral damage (DOD)
Unintentional or incidental injury or damage to persons or objects that would
not be lawful military targets in the circumstances ruling at the time. Such
damage is not unlawful so long as it is not excessive in light of the overall
military advantage anticipated from the attack, FM 6‑30) collateral damage distance Minimum
distance in meters that a desired ground zero for a nuclear explosion must be
separated from civilian personnel and materiel to ensure with 99 percent
assurance that a 5 percent incidence of injuries or property damage will not
be exceeded (FM 100‑30) collecting An
activity of information management: the continuous acquisition of relevant
information by any means, including direct observation, other organic
resources, or other official, unofficial, or public sources from the information
environment (FM 6‑0) collection plan (DOD,
NATO) A plan for collecting information from all available sources to meet
intelligence requirements and for transforming those requirements into orders
and requests to appropriate agencies. [Note: the Army term is
"intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) plan."] See
also combat intelligence; information; information requirements; intelligence cycle; reconnaissance,
FM 2‑0) collection point (DOD)
A point designated for the assembly of personnel casualties, stragglers,
disabled materiel, salvage, and so on. for further movement to collecting
stations or rear installations (Army/Marine Corps) A point designated for the
assembly of casualties, stragglers, not operationally ready equipment and
materiel, salvage, prisoners, and so on for treatment, classification, sorting,
repair, or further movement to collecting stations or rear facilities and
installations, also aid station
(FM 8‑10‑6; see Table 7‑17 for symbols.) collocate See colocate colocate or
'collocate' ‑‑ Merriam Webster online defines the two words
separately, but the definitions are nearly identical. The Latin word from
which "collocate' (two L's) springs has two L's: collocare, which comes
from common locare or common location. This editor will continue to use the
spelling with two L's, simply because it apparently doesn't matter which
spelling we use, but this usage is consistent with publications I have
already edited‑‑Jill C) COLOR (system/position)** (EW) Request for information on a type (system) at
stated location; implies a request for ambiguity resolution. May be used with
IDM datalink data message—COLOR, DATA) COLT combat
observation and lasing team (FM 1‑02) column formation (DOD,
NATO) A formation in which elements are placed one behind the other, also box formation; diamond formation; echelon formation; formation; line formation;
movement formation; vee
formation; wedge formation,
FM 3‑90) com commercial
[phone number]; Commissary Operating Manual; Computer Output
Microfilm/Microfiche (use abbreviations only in graphics) COMAINT command
maintenance combat and operational stress
control A coordinated program for the prevention,
triage, and treatment of each echelon of battle fatigue to maximize rapid
return to duty and minimize misconduct stress reactions and post‑traumatic
stress disorders. This program is conducted by unit mental health personnel
plus echelon above division combat stress control units. Also called COSC (FM 8‑51) combat arms Units
and soldiers who close with the enemy and destroy enemy forces or provide
firepower and destructive capabilities on the battlefield (FM 3‑90, FM 1‑02) combat assessment (DOD)
The determination of the overall effectiveness of force employment during
military operations. Combat assessment is composed of three major components:
a. battle damage assessment; b. munitions effects assessment; and c. reattack
recommendation, also battle damage
assessment; course of action; wargaming, FM 6‑0) combat configured load A
planned package of ammunition or other supplies that is transported as a
single load to support a type of unit or weapon system. Also called CCL (FM 4‑30.13) combat control team (DOD)
A small task organized team of Air Force parachute and combat diver qualified
personnel trained and equipped to rapidly establish and control drop,
landing, and extraction zone air traffic in austere or hostile conditions.
They survey and establish terminal airheads as well as provide guidance to
aircraft for airlift operations. They provide command and control, conduct
reconnaissance and surveillance, and survey assessments of potential
objective airfields or assault zones. They can also perform limited weather
observations and removal of obstacles or unexploded ordnance with
demolitions, FM 90‑26 (Marine Corps) Personnel
organized, trained, and equipped to establish and operate navigation or
terminal guidance aids, communications, and aircraft control facilities
within the objective area. Also called CCT, also airborne; landing zone (FM 1‑02) combat‑effective marksmen (included for spelling or
hyphenation guidance only) combat effectiveness The
ability of a unit to perform its mission. Factors such as ammunition,
personnel, status of fuel, and weapon systems are assessed and rated (FM 5-0) combat formation An ordered arrangement of forces
for a specific purpose and the general configuration of a unit on the ground
(FM 3‑90) combat information (DOD)
Unevaluated data, gathered by or provided directly to the tactical commander
which, due to its highly perishable nature or the criticality of the
situation, cannot be processed into tactical intelligence in time to satisfy
the user's tactical intelligence requirements, also information, FM 6‑0) combat intelligence (DOD)
That knowledge of the enemy, weather, and geographical features required by a
commander in the planning and conduct of combat operations, FM 2‑0) combat load The
minimum mission‑essential equipment, as determined by the commander
responsible for carrying out the mission, required for soldiers to fight and
survive immediate combat operations (FM 10‑1) combat loading (DOD,
NATO) The arrangement of personnel and the stowage of equipment and supplies
in a manner designed to conform to the anticipated tactical operation of the
organization embarked. Each individual item is stowed so that it can be
unloaded at the required time, also loading
plan, FM 55‑1) combat observation and lasing
team A fire support team controlled at the
brigade level that is capable of target acquisition under reduced visibility
conditions and has both laser‑rangefinding and laser‑designating
capabilities. Also called combat outpost (Army)
A reinforced observation post capable of conducting limited combat
operations, also counterreconnaissance
(FM 3‑90; Marine Corps) A security
force established at the regimental level during defensive or stationary
operations. (See Table 7‑9 for symbol) combat patrol (NATO)
For ground forces, a tactical unit sent out from the main body to engage in
independent fighting; detachment assigned to protect the front, flank, or
rear of the main body by fighting if necessary. Also called fighting patrol, also ambush; raid; security
operations, FM 3‑21.10) combat power (DOD,
NATO) The total means of destructive and/or disruptive force which a military
unit/formation can apply against the opponent at a given time, FM 3‑0); the ability to fight; the
aggregate of a unit’s disruptive or destructive force; made up of six
warfighting functions (WFF)
tied together by leadership (FM 3‑21.10) combat ready (NATO)
1. As applied to organizations or equipment: available for combat operations.
2. As applied to personnel: qualified to carry out combat operations in the
unit to which they are assigned (FM 1‑02) combat‑ready Soldiers (included for spelling or
hyphenation guidance only) combat repair team Provides
the first line of maintenance support to armor and infantry companies. The
combat repair team (CRT) is a modular organization that provides dedicated
and habitual support to the same unit both in a garrison and a tactical
environment. As the task organization changes, a combat search and rescue (DOD)
A specific task performed by rescue forces to effect the recovery of
distressed personnel during war or military operations other than war. Also called
combat stress The
mental, emotional, or physical tension, strain, or distress resulting from
exposure to combat‑related conditions (FM 6‑22.5) combat support (DOD,
NATO) Fire support and operational assistance provided to combat elements
(Army) Critical combat functions provided by units and soldiers in
conjunction with combat arms units and soldiers to secure victory. Also
called CS (FM 3‑90; see Table 5‑3 for symbol) combat trains The
portion of unit trains that provides the combat service support required for
immediate response to the needs of the forward tactical elements. At company
level, medical recovery, supply, and maintenance elements normally constitute
the combat trains. At battalion, the combat trains normally consist of
ammunition and petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) vehicles; maintenance
and recovery vehicles and crews; and the battalion aid station, also collection point; field trains; unit trains (FM 3‑90.6,
FM 1‑02) combat trains command post Consists
of the task force S‑4 and representatives from the S‑1. It plans
and coordinates sustainment for tactical operations and serves as the
alternate for the main command post. Also called CTCP, also alternate
command post; brigade support
area; collection point; combat trains; field trains; unit trains (FM 3‑90.6) combat zone (DOD,
NATO) 1. That area required by combat forces for the conduct of operations.
2. The territory forward of the Army rear area boundary. [Note: the NATO
definition adds: "It is divided into: a. the forward combat zone,
comprising the territory forward of the corps rear boundary; and b. the rear
combat zone, usually comprising the territory between the corps rear boundary
and the army group rear boundary."] Also called CZ, also communications
zone, FM 3‑0) combatant command (DOD)
A unified or specified command with a broad continuing mission under a single
commander established and so designated by the President through the
Secretary of Defense and with the advice and assistance of the Chairman of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Combatant commands typically have geographic or
functional responsibilities, FM 3‑0) combatant command (command
authority) (DOD) Nontransferable command authority
established by Title 10 ("Armed Forces"), United States Code,
Section 164, exercised only by commanders of unified or specified combatant
commands unless otherwise directed by the President or Secretary of Defense.
Combatant command (command authority) cannot be delegated and is the
authority of a combatant commander to perform those functions of command over
assigned forces involving organizing and employing commands and forces,
assigning tasks, designating objectives, and giving authoritative direction
over all aspects of military operations, joint training, and logistics
necessary to accomplish the missions assigned to the command. Combatant
command (command authority) should be exercised through the commanders of
subordinate organizations. Normally this authority is exercised through
subordinate joint force commanders and Service and/or functional component
commanders. Combatant command (command authority) provides full authority to
organize and employ commands and forces as the combatant commander considers
necessary to accomplish assigned missions. Operational control is inherent in
combatant command (command authority), also combatant command;
operational control; tactical
control. Also called COCOM,
FM 3‑0) combat‑effective marksmen (for spelling or hyphenation only) combat‑load (verb) combat‑ready Soldiers (for spelling or hyphenation only) combatting terrorism (DOD) Actions, including antiterrorism
(defensive measures taken to reduce vulnerability to terrorist acts) and counterterrorism (offensive measures
taken to prevent, deter, and respond to terrorism),
taken to oppose terrorism
throughout the entire threat spectrum. Also called combined arms (Army)
The synchronized or simultaneous application of several arms—such as
infantry, armor, field artillery, engineers, air defense, and aviation—to
achieve an effect on the enemy that is greater than if each arm were used
against the enemy in sequence (FM 3‑0; Marine Corps) 1. The full
integration of combat arms in such a way that to counteract one, the enemy
must become more vulnerable to another. 2. The tactics, techniques, and
procedures
employed by a force to integrate firepower and mobility to produce a desired
effect upon the enemy, also task
force (FM 1‑02) combined arms team (DOD)
The full integration and application of two or more arms or elements of one
Military Service into an operation (Army) Two or more arms mutually supporting
one another, usually consisting of infantry, armor, cavalry, aviation, field
artillery, air defense artillery, and engineers, also joint operations; task
force (FM 3‑90) COMCM communication
countermeasures and deception Comd Sgt Maj Command
Sergeant Major (use abbreviations only in graphics) comdt, Comdt commandant
(use abbreviations only in graphics) COMDTINST commandant's
instruction (FM 90‑26) COMEBACK Directive
call to reverse course (direction) COMEOFF (direction) 1.
(A/A) Directive call to maneuver as indicated to either regain mutual support
or to deconflict flight paths. Implies both VISUAL and TALLY. COMEX communications
exercise (FM 7‑1, ARTEP 7‑20‑MTP, ARTEP 7‑90‑MTP) comf comfort
(FM 90‑26 (use abbreviations only in graphics) COMINT communications
intelligence (FM 1‑02) COMJAM communications
jamming COMLOGNET command
logistics network comm communications
(FM 1‑02); commission; commercial (phone line; use abbreviations
only in graphics) command 1
(DOD only) The authority that a commander in the Armed Forces lawfully
exercises over subordinates by virtue of rank or assignment. Command includes
the authority and responsibility for effectively using available resources
for planning the employment of, organizing, directing, coordinating, and
controlling military forces for the accomplishment of assigned missions. It
also includes responsibility for health, welfare, morale, and discipline of
assigned personnel, FM 6‑0 (DOD, NATO) 2. An order given
by a commander; that is, the will of the commander expressed for the purpose
of bringing about a particular action, FM 6‑0. 3. A unit or units, an
organization, or an area under the command of one individual, FM 6‑0 (NATO only) To dominate by
a field of weapon fire or by observation from a superior position, also battle command; commander (FM 1‑02) command and control (DOD)
The exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commander
over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of the mission.
Command and control functions are performed through an arrangement of
personnel, equipment, communications, facilities, and procedures
employed by a commander in planning, directing, coordinating, and controlling
forces and operations in the accomplishment of the mission (Army) The
exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commander over
assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of a mission. Commanders
perform command and control functions through a command and control system (FM 6‑0; Marine Corps) In Marine
Corps usage, the means by which a commander recognizes what needs to be done
and sees to it that appropriate actions are taken. Also called C2, also battle command; command; command and control system; commander; command post; control
(FM 1‑02)
command and control system (DOD)
The facilities, equipment, communications, procedures, and
personnel essential to a commander for planning, directing, and controlling
operations of assigned forces pursuant to the missions assigned (Army) The
arrangement of personnel, information management, procedures, and equipment and facilities
essential for the commander to conduct operations. Also called C2 system (FM 6‑0) command channel See
chain of command (FM 1‑02) command element (Marine
Corps) The core element of a Marine air‑ground task force (MAGTF) that
is the headquarters. The command element is composed of the commander,
general or executive and special staff sections, headquarters section, and
requisite communications support, intelligence, and reconnaissance forces
necessary to accomplish the MAGTF's mission. The command element provides
command and control, intelligence, and other support essential for effective
planning and execution of operations by the other elements of the MAGTF. The
command element varies in size and composition and in a joint or
multinational environment, it may contain other Service or multinational
forces assigned or attached to the MAGTF. Also called CE, 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) command group Consists
of the commander and a METT‑TC
derived small group from the staff that accompanies the commander throughout
the area of operations (AO) and enables him to exercise command and control
away from a command post. [Note: the Marine Corps uses METT‑T.] The
command group is organized and equipped to suit the commander's
decisionmaking and leadership requirements while ensuring he possesses the
ability to accomplish critical command and control functions anywhere in the
AO. The command group consists of critical staff officers necessary to assist
the commander in directly influencing the ongoing operation, and normally
provides local security and other personal assistance for the commander as
required, also command post
(FM 1‑02) command‑initiated risk
assessment (included for spelling or
hyphenation guidance only) command post (DOD,
NATO) A unit's or subunit's headquarters where the commander and the staff
perform their activities. [Note: the Army definition ends here.] In combat, a
unit's or subunit's headquarters is often divided into echelons; the echelon
in which the unit or subunit commander is located or from which such
commander operates is called a command post. Also called CP, also alternate command post;
assault command post; base
defense operations center;
combat trains command post; command
group; main command post; rear command post; tactical command post; tactical operations center, FM 6‑0. (See Table 5‑8 for symbol) command post exercise (DOD,
NATO) An exercise in which the forces are simulated, involving the commander,
the staff, and communications within and between headquarters. Also called CPX, also exercise; maneuver,
FM 7‑0) command relationships (DOD)
The interrelated responsibilities between commanders, as well as the
operational authority exercised by commanders in the chain of command;
defined further as combatant command (command authority), operational
control, tactical control, or support, also administrative control;
assign; attach; chain of command; combatant command (command authority); command; direct support; general
support; operational control; support; tactical control, FM 3‑0) commander (Army)
One who is in command because of rank, position, or other circumstances (FM 6‑0; Marine Corps) One who is
properly appointed to command an organization, or who under applicable
provisions of law, regulations, or orders succeeds to such command due to
transfer, incapacity, death, or absence of the previous commanding officer.
Marine Corps commanders are titled as Commandant, Commander, Commanding
General, Commanding Officer, Director, Inspector‑Instructor. Other
titles used to designate Marine Corps commanders shall be made only with the
specific approval of the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The titles Officer
in Charge and Noncommissioned Officer in Charge do not normally denote a
commander. However, in specific instances, superiors in the chain of command
may delegate command authority to officers in charge or noncommissioned
officers in charge to the extent required for them to carry out their
assigned tasks, also battle command; command (FM 1‑02) commander’s battlespace Includes
that part of the information environment that encompasses information
activity affecting the operation. The information environment contains
information activities that collect, process, and disseminate information to
national and international audiences but are beyond direct military
influence. It includes space‑based systems that provide data and
information to Army forces. To envision that part of the information
environment that is within their battlespace, commanders determine the
information activities that affect their operation and the capabilities of
their own and opposing C2 and information systems (FM 3‑0, 2001)
See also battlespace) commander's concept See concept of operations (FM 1‑02) commander's critical
information requirements (DOD) A comprehensive list of
information requirements identified by the commander as being critical in facilitating
timely information management and the decisionmaking process that affect
successful mission accomplishment. The two key subcomponents are critical
friendly force information and priority intelligence requirements (Army) commander's intent (DOD)
A concise expression of the purpose of the operation and the desired end state that
serves as the initial impetus for the planning process. It may also include
the commander's assessment of the adversary commander's intent and an
assessment of where and how much risk is acceptable during the operation
(Army) A clear, concise statement of what the force must do and the
conditions the force must meet to succeed with respect to the enemy, terrain,
and desired end state (FM 3‑0; Marine Corps) A
commander's clear, concise articulation of the purpose(s) behind one or more
tasks assigned to a subordinate. It is one of two parts of every mission
statement which guides the exercise of initiative in the absence of
instructions (FM 1‑02) commander's visualization (Army)
The mental process of achieving a clear understanding of the force's current
state with relation to the enemy and environment (situational understanding),
and developing a desired end state which represents mission accomplishment
and the key tasks that move the force from its current state to the end state
(commander's intent), also commander's
intent; situational
understanding (FM 6‑0) commanders, various (will accept updated list if anyone
has one) COMAFFOR‑‑Commander,
Air Force Forces command‑initiated risk assessment (for spelling or hyphenation only) commands (usage) text
style for commands and orders: COMMCEN communications
center COMMEX communications
exercise (FM 3‑21.20, FM 3‑90.6, FM 7‑92,
FM 90‑26, ARTEP 7‑10‑MTP, ARTEP 7‑93‑MTP,
ARTEP 7‑94‑MTP) COMMIT Directive
call to intercept a group of interest committed force A
force in contact with an enemy or deployed on a specific mission or course of
action which precludes its employment elsewhere, also attack; decisive
engagement (FM 3‑90) commo AR 310‑50
would have us use "comm," but every Soldier I hear refer to
communications uses "commo" instead. (use abbreviations only in
graphics) common gateway interface "common
gateway interface" scripts perform basic functions on the internet such
as counting, linking, scoring questions, and other interactive functions of
your internet delivered program; i.e, Common Gateway Interface script takes
data from the common operational picture (DOD)
A single identical display of relevant information shared by more than one
command. A common operational picture facilitates collaborative planning and
assists all echelons to achieve situational awareness (Army) An operational
picture tailored to the user's requirements, based on common data and
information shared by more than one command. Also called COP (FM 3‑0) common servicing (DOD)
The function performed by one Military Service in support of another Military
Service for which reimbursement is not required from the Service receiving
support, also command relationship; support, FM 10‑1) common use (DOD)
Services, materials, or facilities provided by a Department of Defense agency
or a Military Department on a common basis for two or more Department of
Defense agencies, elements, or other organizations as directed, FM 10‑1. COMMSEC use
"COMSEC" instead; communications security communication deception (DOD)
Use of devices, operations, and techniques
with the intent of confusing or misleading the user of a communications link
or a navigation system, also deception;
electronic warfare; imitative electronic deception, FM 2‑0) communications checkpoint An
air control point that requires serial leaders to report either to the
aviation mission commander or the terminal control facility, also air control point; air corridor; Army airspace command and control (FM 3‑52; see Table 7‑8 for symbol) communications intelligence (DOD)
Technical information and intelligence derived from foreign communications by
other than the intended recipients. Also called COMINT, also combat
intelligence, FM 2‑0) communications jamming Electronic
measures taken to deny the enemy use of communications means See also barrage jamming; electronic warfare; information operations; jamming (FM 2‑0) communications platoon (not
"communication platoon") communications security (DOD)
The protection resulting from all measures designed to deny unauthorized
persons information of value that might be derived from the possession and
study of telecommunications, or to mislead unauthorized persons in their
interpretation of the results of such possession and study. Communications
security includes: cryptosecurity, transmission security, emission security,
and physical security of communications security materials and information.
a. cryptosecurity—The
component of communications security that results from the provision of
technically sound cryptosystems and their proper use. b. transmission security—The component
of communications security that results from all measures designed to protect
transmissions from interception and exploitation by means other than
cryptanalysis. c. emission security—The
component of communications security that results from all measures taken to
deny unauthorized persons information of value that might be derived from
intercept and analysis of compromising emanations from crypto‑equipment
and telecommunications systems. d. physical
security—The component of communications security that results from
all physical measures necessary to safeguard classified equipment, material,
and documents from access thereto or observation thereof by unauthorized
persons. Also called COMSEC, FM 2‑0) communications zone (DOD,
NATO) Rear part of a theater of war or theater of operations (behind but contiguous
to the combat zone) which contains the lines of communications,
establishments for supply and evacuation, and other agencies required for the
immediate support and maintenance of the field forces. [Note: the NATO term
is communication zone.] Also called COMMZ,
also combat zone; line of communications; rear area, FM 100‑7) COMMZ communications
zone (FM 1‑02) comp composition
(FM 3‑22.27, FM 3‑23.30); competition (FM 7‑1);
composite; complement; component (use abbreviations only in graphics) COMPACT consolidation
of military personnel activities company A
unit consisting of two or more platoons, usually of the same type, with a
headquarters and a limited capacity for self‑support (FM 3‑90; see Table 5‑6 for symbol) company maintenance team A
team organized and equipped to provide mobile organizational maintenance
support to the combat companies. Company maintenance teams perform battle
damage assessment and battle damage repair, diagnose maintenance problems,
and conduct organizational repairs and recovery. Also called CMT (FM 4‑30.3) company team A
combined arms organization formed by attaching one or more nonorganic tank,
mechanized infantry, or light infantry platoons to a tank, mechanized
infantry, or light infantry company either in exchange for or in addition to
organic platoons, also combined arms
team (FM 3‑90) compartmentation (DOD)
1. Establishment and management of an organization so that information about
the personnel, internal organization, or activities of one component is made
available to any other component only to the extent required for the
performance of assigned duties, FM 31‑20‑5. 2. Effects of
relief and drainage upon avenues of approach so as to produce areas bounded
on at least two sides by terrain features such as woods, ridges, or ravines
that limit observation or observed fire into the area from points outside the
area (Army) 1. In unconventional warfare, the division of an organization or
activity into functional segments or cells to restrict communication between
them and prevent knowledge of the identity or activities of other segments
except on a need‑to‑know basis (FM 31‑20‑5) 2. Restricting
the use of cryptovariables to specific users for the purpose of limiting
access to the information protected by these cryptovariables and limiting the
adverse impact of a compromise of these variables (FM 31‑20‑5) COMPASS Computerized
Movement Planning and Status System compass direction (NATO)
The horizontal direction expressed as an angular distance measured clockwise
from compass north (FM 1‑02) COMPLETE (A/S)
Mandatory call from the attack aircraft to the Joint Terminal Attack
Controller (JTAC) during Type complete round (DOD)
A term applied to an assemblage of explosive and nonexplosive components
designed to perform a specific function at the time and under the conditions
desired. Examples of complete rounds of ammunition are: a. separate loading,
consisting of a primer, propelling charge, and, except for blank ammunition,
a projectile and a fuze; b. fixed or semifixed, consisting of a primer,
propelling charge, cartridge case, a projectile, and, except when solid
projectiles are used, a fuze; c. bomb, consisting of all component parts
required to drop and function the bomb once; d. missile, consisting of a
complete warhead section and a missile body with its associated components
and propellants; and e. rocket, consisting of all components necessary to
function, FM 6‑20‑40) complex (noun
‑ Etymology: Late Latin complexus ‑ totality, complecti ‑
embrace Date: 1643) A whole made up of complicated
or interrelated parts <a complex of university buildings<a complex of
welfare programs<the military‑industrial complex—A group of culture traits
relating to a single activity (as hunting), process (as use of flint), or
culture unit b (a1) A group of repressed desires and memories that exerts a
dominating influence upon the personality (a2) An exaggerated reaction to a
subject or situation (a3) A group of obviously related units of which the
degree and nature of the relationship is imperfectly known. A chemical
association of two or more species (as ions or molecules) joined usually by
weak electrostatic bonds rather than covalent bonds) COMPOSITION** Request
for a number of contacts within a group) compromise (DOD) The known or suspected exposure of
clandestine personnel, installations, or other assets, or classified
information or material, to an unauthorized person, FM 3‑05.20) COMPUSEC computer
security (FM 1‑02) computed air release point (DOD, NATO) A computed air position where the
first paratroop or cargo item is released to land on a specified impact
point. Also called CARP, FM 90‑26) computer network attack (DOD) Operations to disrupt, deny, degrade, or
destroy information resident in computers and computer networks, or the
computers and networks themselves. Electronic attack (EA) can be used against
a computer, but it is not computer network attack (CNA) computer network defense (DOD)
Defensive measures to protect and defend information, computers, and networks
from disruption, denial, degradation, or destruction. Also called CND (FM 3‑13 (FM 1‑02) computer network exploitation Enabling
operations and intelligence collection to gather data from target or
adversary automated information systems or networks (FM 3‑13) computer security (DOD)
The protection resulting from all measures to deny unauthorized access and
exploitation of friendly computer systems. Also called COMPUSEC, FM 3‑13) computer‑aided instruction (CAI) also referred to as "computer‑assisted
instruction," involves use of computers to aid in the delivery of instruction.
CAI exploits computer technology to provide for the storage and retrieval of
information for both the instructor and student. CAI usually refers to the
use of computers to support instructor‑led classroom instruction. Using
computers as a presentation media for slides, audio, or motion pictures,
which support large or small group instruction, is an example of CAI, (TRADOC
Pam 350‑70‑2) computer‑based instruction (CBI) Course materials presented or controlled by a
computer that use multiple requirements for student responses as a primary
means of facilitating mastery of a task or supporting skill and knowledge. computer‑managed instruction (CMI) The use of computers and software
to manage the instructional process. COMSEC communications
security (FM 1‑02, FM 7‑1) COMTECHREP complementary
technical report con control
(use abbreviations only in graphics) CONAD Continental
Air Defense Command CONAF Conceptual
Design for the Army in the Field conc concentration
(FM 3‑21.20 (use abbreviations only in graphics) concealment (DOD,
NATO) The protection from observation or surveillance, FM 3‑21.10) concept of operations (DOD)
A verbal or graphic statement, in broad outline, of a commander's assumptions
or intent in regard to an operation or series of operations. The concept of
operations frequently is embodied in campaign plans and operation plans; in
the latter case, particularly when the plans cover a series of connected
operations to be carried out simultaneously or in succession. The concept is
designed to give an overall picture of the operation. It is included
primarily for additional clarity of purpose (NATO) A clear and concise
statement of the line of action chosen by a commander in order to accomplish
his mission (Army) How commanders see the actions of subordinate units
fitting together to accomplish the mission. As a minimum, the description
includes the scheme of maneuver and concept of fires. The concept of
operations expands the commander's selected course of action and expresses
how each element of the force will cooperate to accomplish the mission. Also
called CONOPS (JP 1‑02) concept plan (DOD)
An operation plan in concept format. Also called CONPLAN, also operation
plan, FM 5-0 CONDECA Central
American Defense Council conduct To
perform the activities of the operations process: planning, preparing,
executing, and continuously assessing (FM 6‑0) cone of fire The
pattern formed on the way to the target by several rounds fired in a burst,
also beaten zone (FM 3‑22.68) CONELRAD control
of electromagnetic radiation's CONEX container
express conf conference;
confidential (use abbreviations only in graphics) CONFAD Concept
of a Family of Army Divisions CONFETTI Chaff
lane or corridor configured load Single
or multicommodity load of supplies built to the anticipated or actual needs
of a consuming unit, thereby facilitating throughput to the lowest possible
echelon. Configured loads leverage the efficiencies of containerization and
capabilities of containerized roll on/roll off platforms whenever possible.
The two types of configured loads are mission configured loads and unit configured
loads, also mission configured load; unit configured load (FM 4‑0) confirmation brief A
briefing subordinate leaders give to the higher commander immediately after
the operation order
is given. It is their understanding of his intent, their specific tasks, and
the relationship between their mission and the other units in the operation (FM 5-0) conflict (DOD)
An armed struggle or clash between organized groups within a nation or
between nations in order to achieve limited political or military objectives.
Although regular forces are often involved, irregular forces frequently
predominate. Conflict is often protracted, confined to a restricted
geographic area, and constrained in weaponry and level of violence. Within
this state, military power in response to threats may be exercised in an
indirect manner while supportive of other instruments of national power.
Limited objectives may be achieved by the short, focused, and direct
application of force, FM 100‑8) conflict termination The
point at which the principal means of conflict shifts from the use or threat
of force to other means of persuasion (FM 3‑0) Cong Congress
(use abbreviations only in graphics) CONGEN Consul
General CONGINT interest
by Member of Congress CONOBJTR conscientious
objector CONOP continuous
operations (FM 3‑21.20, FM 3‑22.90) CONOPS concept
of operations (FM 1‑02) Continental (United States) Operations (US
Army Intelligence Command) CONPLAN concept
plan (FM 1‑02); concept‑of‑the‑operation plan
(FM 7‑98); contingency plan (FM 3‑90.1, FM 90‑26) cons consolidate
(FM 7‑1 (25‑101); use abbreviations only in graphics) CONS/CONNING Descriptive
term for nonfriendly aircraft leaving contrails) consol consolidate
(ARTEP 7‑91‑MTP (use abbreviations only in graphics) consolidation See
consolidation of position
(FM 1‑02) consolidation of position (DOD,
NATO) Organizing and strengthening a newly captured position so that it can
be used against the enemy. [Note: the Army uses the term
"consolidation."] See FM 3‑90) consolidation psychological
operation Psychological operations conducted in
foreign areas inhabited by an enemy or potentially hostile populace and
occupied by US forces or in which US forces are based, designed to produce
behaviors by the foreign populace that support United States objectives in
the area (FM 3‑05.20) CONSSTOCS contingency
support stocks const construction
(FM 1‑02, FM 5-0‑1); use abbreviations only in graphics) constraint (Army)
A restriction placed on the command by a higher command. A constraint
dictates an action or inaction, thus restricting the freedom of action a
subordinate commander has for planning (FM 5-0; Marine Corps) Something which must be
done that limits freedom of action, also restraint (FM 1‑02) consumption rate (DOD,
NATO) The average quantity of an item consumed or expended during a given
time interval, expressed in quantities by the most appropriate unit of
measurement per applicable stated basis, FM 10‑1) cont contingency
(FM 3‑90.6); continue; continued; continuation (use abbreviations
only in graphics) contact (DOD)
1. In air intercept, a term meaning "Unit has an unevaluated
target." See FM 44‑100. 2. In health services, an unevaluated
individual who is known to have been sufficiently near an infected individual
to have been exposed to the transfer of infectious material, FM 4‑02) CONTACT 1.
Sensor contact at the stated position. contact point (DOD,
NATO) 1. In land warfare, a point on the terrain, easily identifiable, where
two or more ground units are required to make physical contact, FM 3‑90. 2. In air operations, the
position at which a mission leader makes radio contact with an air control
agency, FM 3‑04.111. 3 (DOD only) In
evasion and recovery operations, a location where an evader can establish
contact with friendly forces, FM 3‑05.
Also called CP, also checkpoint; control point;
coordinating point. (See Table 7‑13 for symbol) contain (DOD,
NATO) To stop, hold, or surround the forces of the enemy or to cause the
enemy to center activity on a given front and to prevent the withdrawal of
any part of the enemy's force for use elsewhere, also block; fix; suppress, FM 3‑90. (See Table A‑1 for symbol) container delivery system A
system for aerial delivery of supplies and small items of equipment from low
or high altitudes into a small area. Also called CDS, also bulk cargo
(FM 4‑01.30) CONTAINER** Inner
group formation with four CONTACTS oriented in a square or offset square) contamination (DOD,
NATO) 1. The deposit, absorption, or adsorption of radioactive material, or
of biological or chemical agents on or by structures, areas, personnel, or
objects. 2 (DOD only) Food and/or water made unfit for consumption by humans
or animals because of the presence of environmental chemicals, radioactive
elements, bacteria, or organisms, the byproduct of the growth of bacteria or
organisms, the decomposing material (to include the food substance itself),
or waste in the food or water, also decontamination; fallout; induced radiation;
residual radiation, FM 3‑11) contemporary operational environment the overall operational environment, with a
range of threats extending from smaller, lower‑technology opponents
using more adaptive, asymmetric methods, to larger, modernized forces able to
engage deployed US forces in more conventional, symmetrical way (FM 3‑21.10) contiguous in
actual contact; touching along a boundary or at a point. of angles; adjacent;
next or near in time or sequence (MWOL '01) contiguous area of operations When
all of a commander's subordinate forces' areas of operation share one or more
common boundaries (FM 3‑90) contingency (DOD) An emergency involving
military forces caused by natural disasters, terrorists, subversives, or by
required military operations. Due to the uncertainty of the situation,
contingencies require plans, rapid response, and special procedures to
ensure the safety and readiness of personnel, installations, and equipment,
also branch; concept plan; operation order; operation plan; sequel, FM 5-0) contingency fee (noun,
MWO, 1945) A fee for services (as of a lawyer) paid upon successful
completion of the services and usually calculated as a percentage of the gain
realized for the client — called also contingent fee) contingency plan (DOD)
A plan for major contingencies that can reasonably be anticipated in the
principal geographic subareas of the command, FM 5-0) contingency table (noun,
MWO, 1922) A table of data in which the row entries tabulate the data
according to one variable and the column entries tabulate it according to another
variable and which is used especially in the study of the correlation between
variables) CONTINUE Continue
present maneuver; does not imply a change in clearance to engage or expend
ordnance) CONTINUE DRY Continue
present maneuver; ordnance release not authorized. Training use only) contour flight Flight
characterized by constant airspeed and varying altitude as dictated by
vegetation, obstacles, and ambient light, also terrain flight (FM 3‑04.111) contractor Person or business that provides
products or services for monetary compensation. A contractor furnishes
supplies, services, or performs work at a certain price or rate based on the
terms of a contract (FM 3‑100.21) contribute to
give, grant, furnish, supply, write, or submit. Contrast with attribute) control (DOD) 1. Authority that may be
less than full command exercised by a commander over part of the activities
of subordinate or other organizations, FM 3‑0. 2. In mapping, charting,
and photogrammetry, a collective term for a system of marks or objects on the
Earth or on a map or a photograph, whose positions or elevations (or both)
have been or will be determined, FM 3‑25.26. 3. Physical or
psychological pressures exerted with the intent to assure that an agent or
group will respond as directed. 4. An indicator governing the distribution
and use of documents, information, or material. Such indicators are the
subject of intelligence community agreement and are specially defined in
appropriate regulations, FM 2‑0
(Army) 1. Within command and control, the regulation of forces and other control measures Directives
given graphically or orally by a commander to subordinate commands to assign
responsibilities, coordinate fires and maneuver, and control combat
operations. Each control measure can be portrayed graphically. In general,
all control measures should be easily identifiable on the ground (FM 5-0) control point (DOD,
NATO) 1. A position along a route of march at which men are stationed to give
information and instructions for the regulation of supply or traffic, FM 3‑19.1. 2. A position marked by
a buoy, boat, aircraft, electronic device, conspicuous terrain feature, or
other identifiable object which is given a name or number and used as an aid
to navigation or control of ships, boats, or aircraft. 3. In making mosaics,
a point located by ground survey with which a corresponding point on a
photograph is matched as a check, FM 3‑34.331) control(led/ling) exception
to short‑long vowel rule (as in 'striped' [long "i"] and
'stripped') Compare to 'travel(ed/ing)' controlled airspace (DOD,
NATO) An airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic control
service is provided to controlled flights, also airspace coordination area; area of operations;
Army airspace command and control; restricted operations area/zone, FM 3‑52) controlled exchange The
removal of serviceable parts, components, or assemblies from unserviceable,
economically reparable equipment and their immediate reuse in restoring a
like item of equipment to a combat operable or serviceable condition, also cannibalize (FM 4‑30.3) controlled item See
regulated item (FM 1‑02) controlled supply rate The
rate of ammunition consumption that can be supported, considering
availability, facilities, and transportation. It is expressed in rounds per
unit, individual, or vehicle per day. The Army service component commander announces
the controlled supply rate (CSR) for each item of ammunition, and, in turn,
the commander of each subordinate tactical unit announces a CSR to his
commanders at the next lower levels. A unit may not draw ammunition in excess
of its CSR without authority from its next higher headquarters. Also called CSR, also one day's supply;
required supply rate (FM 9‑6) controls Actions
to eliminate threats or reduce their risk (FM 100‑14) CONUS continental
United States (FM 1‑02) CONUSA Continental
United States Army (FM 100‑23‑1); the numbered armies in the
continental United States CONUSAMDW the
numbered armies in the continental United States and the United States Army
Military District of Washington converged sheaf (DOD) The lateral distribution of
fire of two or more pieces so that the planes of fire intersect at a given
point, also final protective fire; sheaf, FM 6‑30) convl conventional
(use abbreviations only in graphics) convoy (DOD,
NATO) 1. A number of merchant ships and/or naval auxiliaries usually escorted
by warships and/or aircraft—or a single merchant ship or naval auxiliary
under surface escort—assembled and organized for the purpose of passage
together. 2. A group of vehicles organized for the purpose of control and orderly
movement with or without escort protection that moves over the same route at
the same time under one commander. [Note: the NATO definition does not
include "that moves over the same route at the same time under one
commander."] See also march
column, FM 4‑01.30. (See Table 7‑17 for symbols.) convoy security operations A
specialized kind of area security operations conducted to protect convoys (FM 3‑90) COO combined
obstacles overlay (FM 3‑90.6) cook off (verb;
MW10); means "to fire as a result of overheating." MW10 does not
define it with reference to a hand grenade) COOP Continuity
of Operations Plan COOPCOMM communications
facilities in support of DA Continuity of Operations Plan coord coordinate(s),
coordinated; coordinating; coordination; coordination (FM 3‑21.20,
FM 90‑26 (use abbreviations only in graphics) coord inst coordinating
instructions (illustration text only, FM 3‑90.1) coordinated fire line (DOD,
NATO) The coordinated fire line (CFL) is a line beyond which conventional,
indirect, surface fire support means may fire at any time within the
boundaries of the establishing headquarters without additional coordination.
The purpose of the CFL is to expedite the surface‑to‑surface
attack of targets beyond the CFL without coordination with the ground
commander in whose area the targets are located. Also called CFL, also fire support, FM 6‑30. (See Table 7‑12 for symbol) coordinating altitude (DOD)
A procedural airspace control method to separate fixed‑ and rotary‑wing
aircraft by determining an altitude below which fixed‑wing aircraft
will normally not fly and above which rotary‑wing aircraft normally
will not fly. The coordinating altitude is normally specified in the airspace
control plan and may include a buffer zone for small altitude deviations,
also above ground level; controlled airspace, FM 3‑52) coordination The
action necessary to ensure adequately integrated relationships between
separate organizations located in the same area. Coordination may include
such matters as fire support, emergency defense measures, area intelligence,
and other situations in which coordination is considered necessary (FM 6‑0) COP common
operational picture (FM 1‑02); combat outpost; command operating
program; command observation post (opposing forces) COPE custodian
of postal effects COPL combat
outpost line COPO Chief
of Personnel Operations Copperhead (nickname
for what?)
always initial cap [proper noun]) copyright (noun,
1735) the exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish, and sell the matter
and form (as of a literary, musical, or artistic work; transitive verb, 1806)
to secure a copyright on (adjective, 1870) secured by copyright) COR contracting
officer's representative; cargo outturn report CORDASF Commissary
Resale Division of the Army Stock Fund cordelette short
section of static rope or static cord. Also called "sling rope" CORDS civil
operations revolutionary development support corduroy road A
road made or reinforced by laying logs or planks perpendicular to the
direction of travel. It is usually used when a road is muddy, snow packed, or
in a swamp (FM 5‑34) CORE contingency
response [program] CORG Combat
Operations Research Group corps The
Army's largest tactical unit and the instrument by which higher echelons of
command conduct maneuver at the operational level (FM 3‑90; see Table 5‑6 for symbol) CORR central
optical receiver/retroreflector CORRECT A
procedure word
meaning, "You are correct, or what you have transmitted is correct"
(FM 24‑19) CORRECTION A
procedure word
meaning, 1. "An error has been made in this transmission. Transmission will
continue with the last word correctly transmitted. 2. "An error has been
made in this transmission (or message indicated) The correct version is
(insert text)" 3. "That which follows is a corrected version in
answer to your request for verification." (FM 24‑19) corrosivity One
of the four possible characteristics of hazardous wastes defined by the
Environmental Protection Agency. It is the ability to corrode other materials
(FM 3‑100.4) COS chief
of staff (FM 1‑02); civilian occupational specialty COSA corps
service area COSAMREG consolidation
of supply and maintenance regulations COSATI committee
on scientific and technical information COSC combat
and operational stress control (FM 1‑02) COSCOM corps
support command (FM 1‑02) COSMIC code
name given to identify NATO TOP SECRET documents COSMOS Centralization
of Supply Management Operations COSTAR Combat
Service to the Army COT cotangent
(FM 3‑22.90) COTR contracting
officer's technical representative(s) COTS commercial
off the shelf counterair (DOD)
A mission that integrates offensive and defensive operations to attain and
maintain a desired degree of air superiority. Counterair missions are
designed to destroy or negate enemy aircraft and missiles, both before and
after launch, also air superiority; defensive counterair; offensive counterair, FM 44‑100) counteratk (graphics
only; use the more familiar, and shorter, "catk") counterattack
(FM 3‑22.90) counterattack (DOD,
NATO) Attack by part or all of a defending force against an enemy attacking
force, for such specific purposes as regaining ground lost, or cutting off or
destroying enemy advance units, and with the general objective of denying to
the enemy the attainment of the enemy's purpose in attacking. In sustained
defensive operations, it is undertaken to restore the battle position and is
directed at limited objectives, also attack,
FM 3‑0. (See Table A‑1 for symbol) counterdeception (DOD)
Efforts to negate, neutralize, diminish the effects of, or gain the advantage
from a foreign deception operation. Counterdeception does not include the
intelligence function of identifying foreign deception operations, also deception, FM 3‑13) counterdrug (DOD)
Those active measures taken to detect, monitor, and counter the production,
trafficking, and use of illegal drugs, FM 3‑07) counterfire (DOD,
NATO) Fire intended to destroy or neutralize enemy weapons. Includes
counterbattery, counterbombardment, and countermortar fire. [Note: the NATO
definition does not include the second sentence.] See also fire; fire mission (FM 6‑20‑30, FM 1‑02) counterinsurgency (DOD)
Those military, paramilitary, political, economic, psychological, and civic
actions taken by a government to defeat insurgency, also insurgency; stability operations;
support operations, FM 3‑07) counterintelligence (DOD)
Information gathered and activities conducted to protect against espionage,
other intelligence activities, sabotage, or assassinations conducted by or on
behalf of foreign governments or elements thereof, foreign organizations, or
foreign persons, or international terrorist activities, FM 3‑13 (Marine Corps) Within the
Marine Corps, counterintelligence constitutes active and passive measures intended
to deny a threat force valuable information about the friendly situation, to
detect and neutralize hostile intelligence collection, and to deceive the
enemy as to friendly capabilities and intentions. Also called CI (FM 1‑02) counterintelligence coordinating authority Subordinate to the staff intelligence officer or an element of the J/G/S2X specifically tasked with the oversight, deconfliction, and coordination of that unit's counterintelligence activities. When constituted as the senior or sole counterintelligence coo |