H

 

H                                                                             mustard gas (FM 1‑02); hour designation used in timelines (FM 3‑90.1)

H&S                                           headquarters and service (FM 1‑02)

HA                                            holding area (FM 1‑02); humanitarian assistance

HAARS                                                                 high altitude airdrop resupply system

HAC                                                                       House Appropriations Committee

HACC                                         humanitarian assistance coordination center (FM 1‑02)

hachuring                                   (NATO) A method of representing relief upon a map or chart by shading in short disconnected lines drawn in the direction of the slopes (FM 3‑25.26)

HAHO                                                                    high altitude, high opening (FM 3‑21.38, FM 3‑21.220, FM 90‑26)

HALO                                         high‑altitude low‑opening (parachute technique, FM 1‑02)

halon                                         a compound of carbon and one or more halogens, especially bromine; or, a tetrafluoroethylene polymer; both are used in 'clean' fire extinguishers (FM 3‑21.10)

HALP                                                                     HAWK Equipment Logistics Program

HAMD                                                                   helicopter ambulance medical detachment

hand off                                                              (verb, with object)

hand over                                                          (noun + adverb)

hand station                                                    (noun, but not in either dictionary)

hand tight                                                         (adj)

hand washing                                                  (unit modifier)

handguard                                                         (noun, Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged)

handheld                                                            (adj, MWO and Gregg 1065)

handline                                                              (noun, Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged)

handoff                                                               (noun)

handover                                                            (noun, adj; JCS Pub No. 1)

handover line                              (DOD, NATO) A control feature, preferably following easily defined terrain features, at which responsibility for the conduct of combat operations is passed from one force to another, also battle handover line (FM 3‑90; see Table 7‑7 for symbol)

handshake**                              Link 16 Air Control NPG initiation between air control unit and controlled aircraft)

handstation                                                     

handwheel                                                         (noun, MWOL'03, circa 1889)

hang fire                                    (DOD, NATO) A malfunction that causes an undesired delay in the functioning of a firing system. [Note: the NATO definition does not include "A malfunction that causes"] (Army) Temporary failure or delay in the action of a primer, an igniter, or a propelling charge (FM 6‑50)

hangfire                                                              (noun, Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged; use DOD spelling [two words] instead)

harassing fire                              (DOD, NATO) Fire designated to disturb the rest of the enemy troops, to curtail movement, and, by threat of losses, to lower morale, also fire support (FM 6‑20‑40)

hard (direction)                           High‑G, energy sustaining 180‑degree turn (or as directed) in the indicated direction)

HARM                                         high‑speed antiradiation missile (FM 1‑02)

HASC                                                                    House Armed Services Committee

hasty attack                               (DOD, NATO) In land operations, an attack in which preparation time is traded for speed in order to exploit an opportunity, also assault; attack; deliberate attack; movement to contact (FM 3‑90)

hasty crossing                             (DOD, NATO) The crossing of an inland water obstacle using the crossing means at hand or those readily available, and made without pausing for elaborate preparations, also bridgehead; deliberate crossing (FM 90‑13)

hasty defense                             (DOD, NATO) A defense normally organized while in contact with the enemy or when contact is imminent and time available for the organization is limited. It is characterized by improvement of the natural defensive strength of the terrain by utilization of foxholes, emplacements, and obstacles, also deliberate defense; emplacement; obstacle (FM 3‑90)

hasty operation                           An operation in which a commander directs his immediately available forces, using fragmentary orders to perform activities with minimal preparation, trading planning and preparation time for speed of execution (FM 3‑90)

hasty smoke                               Smoke operations characterized by minimal planning and short duration to immediately counter enemy action (FM 3‑50)

HAW                                                                      heavy antitank/assault weapon

hazard                                       (DOD) A condition with the potential to cause injury, illness, or death of personnel; damage to or loss of equipment or property; or mission degradation, also injury; risk (FM 100‑14)

hazard communication                   The responsibility of leaders and supervisors concerning possible hazards in the workplace and notification of hazards and necessary precaution to their soldiers. Also called HAZCOM (FM 3‑100.4)

hazardous material                       Any substance which has a human health hazard associated with it. Special storage, use, handling, and shipment safety procedures and protocols must be followed to help protect against accidental exposure. Hazardous materials are specifically identified under federal law (FM 3‑100.4)

hazardous substances                   Materials specifically listed under federal regulations for which the spilling of certain quantities requires immediate reporting to federal agencies (FM 3‑100.4)

hazardous waste                          A solid waste which is either listed as such in federal law or exhibits any of the four hazardous characteristics—ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity, also corrosivity; ignitability; reactivity; solid waste; toxicity; waste (FM 3‑100.4)

hazardous waste accumulation site A specially designated site for the temporary collection of hazardous wastes where no container may remain on site for more than 90 days. The site, and containers within it, must be properly marked and certain safety and management procedures apply. There is no limitation on the quantity of wastes which may be kept on site (FM 3‑100.4)

HAZCOM                                     hazard communication (FM 1‑02)

haze (smoke)                              A light concentration of smoke placed over friendly areas to restrict accurate enemy observation and fire. A smoke haze is not dense enough to disrupt friendly operations (FM 3‑50)

HAZMAT                                     hazardous materials (FM 3‑21.20)

HB                                                                          heavy barrel (FM 3‑22.65, FM 3‑90.1); (a PSYOP loudspeaker team, FM 3‑21.20)

HBCT                                         Heavy brigade combat team: One of three types of brigade combat teams. The others are the Infantry brigade combat team (IBCT), the Heavy brigade combat team (HBCT), and the Stryker brigade combat team (SBCT; FM 3‑21.20)

HC                                                                          herachloroethane zinc (chemical used in smoke grenades and other projectiles; FM 3‑21.20, FM 7‑92, FM 7‑98, FM 3‑90.1, FM 3‑90.2, ARTEP 7‑30 MTP, ARTEP 71‑2 MTP); hydrochloric (FM 3‑23.30); 3 hydrogen chloride (FM 3‑06.11)

HCA                                           humanitarian and civic assistance (FM 1‑02); head of contracting activity

HCD                                                                       head coupled display (examples include the Fakespace Boom and Push systems, which use external mechanical supports, giving the benefits of a head tracked display without the head mounting problems. Isdale, Jerry. VR News, "Technology Review: Head Mounted Displays." 1998, also HMD, HUD, VR‑HMD. POC: isdale@acm.org

HCOR                                                                    Honorary Colonel of the Regiment

HCP                                           health and comfort pack (FM 3‑21.10)

HD                                            distilled mustard (blister agent); heavy drop (FM 1‑02); harbor defense; horizontal distance (FM 3‑25.26); honorable discharge

HDC                                                                       harbor defense command; helicopter direction center; headquarters distribution company (FM 3‑21.10)

HDR                                                                       humanitarian daily ration

HDRS                                                                    heavy‑drop rigging site (FM 90‑26)

HDY                                                                       heavy duty

HE                                             high explosive (FM 1‑02); heavy equipment (FM 3‑21.220, FM 90‑26)

HE WAM                                     high explosive wide area mine (FM 1‑02)

head mount                                                      (noun, neither MW10 nor Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged)

head strap                                                        (noun, not in MW10 or Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged)

headband                                                           (noun, MW10)

headbutt**                                Directive term to fighters/interceptors to immediately divert a track of interest clear of a restricted or prohibited area)

headgear                                                            (noun, MW10)

headlight                                                            (noun, MW10)

head‑mounted displays                 Distinguishes between the different types of sights. Copyrighted article written 1998 by Jerry Isdale for VRNews. Other HMD links, also HMD)

head‑on                                                              (adj, adv, MW10)

headphone                                                        (noun, MW10)

headrest                                                             (noun, MW10)

headroom                                                           (noun, MW10)

heads up                                    Alert of an activity of interest)

headset                                                              (noun, MW10)

headspace                                                        (noun, MW10)

health service support                  (DOD) All services performed, provided, or arranged by the Services, to promote, improve, conserve, or restore the mental or physical well‑being of personnel. [Note: the Army definition adds here "… in the Army and, as directed, for other Services, agencies, and organizations." It does not include what follows in the DOD definition.] These services include but are not limited to the management of health services resources, such as manpower, monies, and facilities; preventive and curative health measures; evacuation of the wounded, injured, or sick; selection of the medically fit and disposition of the medically unfit; blood management; medical supply, equipment, and maintenance thereof; combat stress control; and medical, dental, veterinary, laboratory, optometric, medical food, and medical intelligence services. Also called HSS (FM 4‑0)

health threat                               (DOD) A composite of ongoing or potential enemy actions; environmental, occupational, and geographic and meteorological conditions; endemic diseases; and employment of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons (to include weapons of mass destruction) that can reduce the effectiveness of joint forces through wounds, injuries, illness, and psychological stressors (Army) Refers to an individual soldier's health. The term can include hereditary conditions that manifest themselves in adulthood, individual exposure to an industrial chemical or toxin where others are not exposed, or other injuries and traumas that affect an individual's health rather than the health of the unit (FM 4‑02.17)

HEAP                                                                     high‑explosive armor piercing

HEAT                                                                    high‑explosive antitank (ammunition; old, so it is hyphenated: "anti‑tank" (FM 3‑21.71, FM 3‑21.8, FM 3‑21.20, FM 7‑92, FM 3‑23.25, FM 3‑90.1, FM 3‑06.11); helicopter external air transport (FM 3‑21.38)

HEAT‑MP                                                            high‑explosive antitank, multipurpose (FM 3‑06.11)

heatstroke                                                        (noun)

HEAT‑T                                                               high explosive antitank tracer (ammunition)

heavy drop                                 (DOD) A system of delivery of heavy supplies and equipment by parachute. Also called HD (FM 10‑1)

Heavy*                                      A group known to contain three or more individual entities (NOTE: NATO definition is, "The largest group of factor BOGEYS/BANDITS.")

HECP                                                                     harbor entrance control post

HECVES                                                               harbor entrance control vessel

HEDP                                                                     high explosive dual purpose (ammunition, FM 3‑21.8, FM 3‑21.20, FM 3‑22.27, FM 3‑22.31, FM 3‑90.1)

HEFU                                                                     high‑energy firing unit

HEI                                                                         high‑explosive incendiary

height of burst                            (DOD, NATO) The vertical distance from the Earth's surface or target to the point of burst. Also called HOB, also desired ground zero; ground zero, FM 100‑30)

HEI‑T                                                                   high‑explosive incendiary‑tracer (ammunition, FM 3‑90.1); high explosive incendiary‑tracer (FM 3‑21.71, FM 3‑21.71, FM 3‑21.20, FM 3‑06.11, STP 7‑11M14‑SM‑TG)

hel                                            helicopter (FM 1‑02)

helicopter approach route              (NATO) The track or series of tracks along which helicopters move to a specific landing site or landing zone, FM 1‑112)

HELITEAM                                                          helicopter team

HELLFIRE                                                            heliborne laser fire and forget (missile system; from Jul/Aug 92 Aviation Digest, FM 3‑23.25)

HEMETT                                                              heavy equipment mobile truck transport (ARTEP 71‑2‑MTP)

HEMIT                                                                  heavy expanded mobility tactical truck (FM 7‑0, FM 7‑1)

HEMMS                                      hand‑emplaced minefield marking set (FM 1‑02)

HEMTT                                                                 heavy expanded‑mobility tactical truck (FM 3‑21.20); heavy expanded mobility tactical truck (FM 3‑90.1, FM 3‑90.2); heavy expanded mobile tactical truck (incorrect, FM 3‑90.6)

HEP                                           high explosive plastic (FM 1‑02)

HEPI                                                                      heavy equipment point of impact (FM 90‑26)

HEP‑T                                                                  high‑explosive plastic‑tracer; high explosive plastic tracer (ammunition, FM 3‑90.1)

HE‑RAP                                                                high‑explosive, rocket‑assisted projectile

HERC                                                                     Nike Hercules

herringbone                                 An arrangement of vehicles at left and right angles to the line of march used to establish security during an unscheduled halt (FM 3‑20.15)

HESH                                                                    high‑explosive squash head

HET                                           heavy equipment transporter (FM 1‑02)

HE‑T                                                                     high‑explosive tracer

HEV                                                                       health and environment

HF                                             high frequency (FM 1‑02); harassing fire

HFE                                                                        human factors engineering

HFP                                                                        special pay for duty subject to hostile fire

HG                                                                          hand grenade (FM 3‑23.30)

HHB                                           headquarters and headquarters battery (FA and ADA)

HHC                                           headquarters and headquarters company (FM 1‑02)

HHCL                                                                     "H" hour coordinating line

HHD                                                                       headquarters and headquarters detachment

HHG                                                                       household goods

H‑hour                                       (DOD) 1. The specific hour on D‑day at which a particular operation commences. 2. For amphibious operations, the time the first assault elements are scheduled to touch down on the beach, or a landing zone, and in some cases the commencement of countermine breaching operations, also times (FM 5-0)

HHR                                                                       hand‑held radar

HHT                                           headquarters and headquarters troop (cavalry units, FM 1‑02)

HIA                                                                        hold in abeyance

HIDACZ                                      high‑density airspace control zone (FM 1‑02)

hide                                           The positioning of a vehicle, individual, or unit so that no part is exposed to observation or direct fire, also concealment; cover; defilade (FM 3‑20.15)

high angle fire                             (DOD, NATO) Fire delivered at angles of elevation greater than the elevation that corresponds to the maximum range of the gun and ammunition concerned; fire, the range of which decreases as the angle of elevation is increased (Army) Fire delivered to clear an obstacle (such as a hill) that low‑angle fire cannot, or fire delivered to attack targets on the reverse side of an obstacle (such as a hill) that cannot be attacked with low‑angle or direct fire (FM 6‑30)

high*                                         CONTACT is greater than 40,000 ft MSL (NOTE: NATO is 25,000 to 50,000 ft MSL.)

high‑altitude missile engagement zone  (DOD) In air defense, that airspace of defined dimensions within which the responsibility for engagement of air threats normally rests with high‑altitude surface‑to‑air missiles. Also called HIMEZ, also weapon engagement zone (FM 3‑52; see Table 7‑8 for symbol)

high‑density airspace control zone  (DOD) Airspace designated in an airspace control plan or airspace control order, in which there is a concentrated employment of numerous and varied weapons and airspace users. A high‑density airspace control zone has defined dimensions, which usually coincide with geographical features or navigational aids. Access to a high‑density airspace control zone is normally controlled by the maneuver commander. The maneuver commander can also direct a more restrictive weapons status within the high‑density airspace control zone. Also called HIDACZ, also airspace coordination area; restricted operating area/zone (FM 3‑52; see Table 7‑8 for symbol)

high‑G                                       high gravity (FM 1‑02)

high‑payoff target                        (DOD) A target whose loss to the enemy will significantly contribute to the success of the friendly course of action. High‑payoff targets are those high‑value targets that must be acquired and successfully attacked for the success of the friendly commander's mission. Also called HPT. See also high-value target. (FM 6‑20‑10)

high‑value target                         (DOD) A target the enemy commander requires for the successful completion of the mission. The loss of high‑value targets would be expected to seriously degrade important enemy functions throughout the friendly commander's area of interest. Also called HVT, also high priority target; target (FM 60‑20‑10, FM 1‑02)

highway                                                              (noun)

highway regulation                       Planning, routing, scheduling, and deconflicting the use of main supply routes and other routes to provide order, prevent congestion, enforce priorities, and facilitate movement control, also alternate supply route; main supply route (FM 4‑01.30)

hilltop                                                                   (not "hill top")

HIMAD                                       high‑to‑medium altitude missile air defense (FM 1‑02)

HIMARS                                                               high‑mobility artillery rocket system

HIMEZ                                        high‑altitude missile engagement zone (FM 1‑02)

HIMS                                                                     HMMWV Interchangeable Mount System (FM 3‑21.20, FM 3‑90.2)

HIPAR                                                                   high‑power acquisition radar

HIPIR                                                                    high‑power illuminator radar

hipshoot                                                             immediate or emergency mission fired from a temporary position outside or away from the planned or normal firing area

HISA                                                                     Headquarters and Installation Support Activity

HISRAN                                                                high‑precision short‑range navigation

HIT(S)                                       1.  Momentary radar return(s)
2.  (altitude; A/A) Indicates approximate target altitude (for example, group BULLSEYE 360/10,
    
HITS 15 THOUSAND)
3.  (A/S) Weapons impact within lethal distance)

HIV                                                                        human immunodeficiency virus (FM 7‑1)

HJ                                                                           Honest John

HL                                             mustard-lewisite mixture (blister agent, FM 1‑02)

HLA                                                                        high level architecture (Defense Modeling and Simulation Office [DMSO], Warfighter Requirements Division, USMC; http://hla.dmso.mil)

HLD                                           homeland defense (FM 1‑02)

HLG                                                                        Hawk Logistics Group

HLH                                                                        heavy lift helicopter

HLMR                                                                    Hunter‑Leggitt Military Reservation

HLS                                           homeland security (FM 1‑02)

HLZ                                           hot landing zone (FM 1‑02); helicopter landing zone (FM 3‑21.38)

HMD                                                                      head‑mounted display

HMG                                                                      heavy machine‑gun

HMMWV                                     high‑mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (FM 1‑02)

HMS                                          height management system

HN                                            host nation; nitrogen mustard (blister agent, FM 1‑02)

HNS                                           host nation support (FM 1‑02)

HOA                                                                       heavy observation aircraft

HOB                                           height (depth) of burst (FM 1‑02)

Hoffman signature device              A pyrotechnic device used to simulate the firing of the main gun of tanks during training; developed during the 1980s by the West German firm "Hoffman." The pyrotechics device was mounted over the main gun and activated (flash/bang) during a simulated (MILES) firing. The term "hoffman device" is a copyrighted term owned by a firm called Diehl who bought out Hoffman, shut down the production line, and as of 2001 was developing a device called the MTGS for the Army's latest‑generation MILES system (MILES XXI). The hoffman device does have a DODAC number, 1370L602. It is commonly known as the L602. (information provided by Peter_Brig@stricom.army.mil))

Hokum‑X                                                            A surrogate helicopter (aerial target)

hold                                           (DOD, NATO) 1. A cargo stowage compartment aboard ship. 2. To maintain or retain possession by force, as a position or an area. [Note: the NATO definition reads "In land operations, to maintain possession of a position or area by force."] (FM 3‑90). 3. In an attack, to exert sufficient pressure to prevent movement or redisposition of enemy forces (FM 3‑90). 4. As applied to air traffic, to keep an aircraft within a specified space or location which is identified by visual or other means in accordance with Air Traffic Control instructions (FM 3‑04.111); also fix; retain (FM 1‑02)

hold down                                   Directive to key transmitter for DF steer)

hold fire                                     (NATO) In air defense, an emergency order to stop firing. Missiles already in flight must be prevented from intercepting, if technically possible, also cease engagement (FM 44‑100)

hold fire                                     (S/A) An emergency fire control order to stop firing on a designated target, to include destruction of any missiles in flight)

hold out                                                              (verb, trans)

holding area                                1. A site located between assembly areas or forward arming and refueling points and battle positions that may be occupied for short periods of time by attack helicopters while coordination is being made for movement into the battle positions. It should provide good cover and concealment and an area for the aircraft to hover or land (FM 3‑04.111) 2. Nearest covered and concealed position to the pickup zone or river crossing site where troops are held until time for them to move forward (FM 3‑90.6) 3. Waiting area that forces use during traffic interruptions or deployment from an aerial or seaport of embarkation (FM 3‑19.4)

holding hands                              Aircraft in visual formation)

holding line                                 In retrograde river crossing operations, the outer limit of the area established between the enemy and the water obstacle to preclude direct and observed indirect fires into the crossings (FM 90‑13; see Table 7‑11 for symbol)

hold‑off                                                               (noun)

hollow**                                    Any datalink message not received)

home plate                                 Home airfield or ship)

homeland security                        Operations within the US and its territories that protect citizens and infrastructure from conventional and unconventional threats. It has three components: homeland offense, homeland defense, and civil support (FM 3‑21.10)

HOOK                                         1.   (direction) Directive call to perform an in