P

 

p                                                                             partly trained (ARTEP 7‑20-MTP); phosphorus (FM 3‑21.8); persistent chemical agent (abbreviation on overlays, FM 3‑90.1)

P&A                                                                       personnel and administration

P&E                                                                        propellants and explosives

P&P                                                                        procurement and production

P&RC                                                                     population and resources control (FM 7‑98)

P1                                                                           Pershing 1)

P1a                                                                        Pershing 1a

PA                                                                          physician's assistant, (FMs 3‑21.20 and 3‑90.2); public address (system), (FMs 3‑23.30 and 90‑26); public affairs (FM 1‑02); pending availability, per annum, performance analysis, procurement appropriations, public affairs, proponent agency, Privacy Act

PAA                                                                       procurement of ammunition, Army; position area for artillery (FM 1‑02)

PAC                                                                       Personnel and Administration Center, pursuant to authority contained in; plastic ammunition container (FM 3‑06.11)

PACAS                                                                 Patient Care System

PACDA                                                                 Personnel and Administration, Combat Development Activity

package                                     Geographically isolated collection of groups)

packaged petroleum product          (DOD) A petroleum product (generally a lubricant, oil, grease, or specialty item) normally packaged by a manufacturer and procured, stored, transported, and issued in containers having a fill capacity of 55 United States gallons (or 45 Imperial gallons, or 205 liters) or less, FM 10‑67)

Pacman                                      [NATO] Informative call that the fighters have found the end of the threat formation and are converting; given in range and bearing from the bullseye, for example, "Blue 4 is Pacman 290/5")

PACOM                                                                Pacific Command

PAD                                                                       preferred arrival date; public affairs department (FM 1‑02)

PADAR                                                                  program approval disposal and redistribution

padlocked                                   Informative call indicating aircrew cannot take eyes off an aircraft, ground target, or surface position without risk of losing TALLY/ VISUAL)

PADMIS                                                               Patient Administration Information System

PADO                                                                    proposed advanced development objective

PADOC                                                                 pay adjustment document

PADS                                                                    position and azimuth determining system (FM 3‑21.20, 3‑25.26, FM 3‑90.2)

PAECT                                                                  pollution abatement and environmental control technology

PAG                                                                       public affairs group (FM 1‑02); project advisory group

PAGE                                                                     piston arrestment gas entrapment system (Sprint Launch Cell)

PAHO                                                                    Pan American Health Organization

PAI                                            personnel asset inventory (FM 3‑21.20)

PAILS                                                                   Publication Automated Information Locator System

PAINT(S)                                    An interrogated group/radar contact that is responding with any of the specified IFF/SIF modes and correct codes established for the ID criteria)

PAL                                                                        permissive action link

palletized unit load                       (DOD, NATO) Quantity of any item, packaged or unpackaged, which is arranged on a pallet in a specified manner and securely strapped or fastened thereto so that the whole is handled as a unit, FM 10‑1)

PALR                                                                     permissive action link report

PALSG                                                                  Personnel and Logistics Systems Group

pam                                                                       pamphlet (use abbreviations only in graphics); Department of the Army Partial Mobilization Expansion Plan; priorities and allocations manual

PAMUSA                                                              Post Attack Mobilization of the United States Army

pancake                                     [NATO] Land or I wish to land (reason may be specified, for example, PANCAKE AMMO, PANCAKE FUEL)

PAO                                                                       Public Affairs Office(r); primary action office

PAOC                                         public affairs operations center (FM 1‑02)

PAP                                                                        personnel assistance point; product assurance plan

PAR                                                                        perimeter acquisition radar; precision approach radar

para                                                                      paragraph (use abbreviations only in graphics)

parallel planning                           (Army) Two or more echelons planning for an operation nearly simultaneously (FM 5-0; Marine Corps) Planning by parallel chains of command refers to the planning procedures resulting from the close and continuous coordination necessary between corresponding naval and troop echelons (FM 1‑02)

paramilitary forces                        (DOD) Forces or groups distinct from the regular armed forces of any country, but resembling them in organization, equipment, training, or mission, (FM 3‑07)

PARB                                                                     Perimeter Acquisition Radar Building

PARC                                                                     principal assistant for contracting

PARD                                                                     Personnel Actions and Records Directorate, MILPERCEN

PARDP                                                                  perimeter acquisition radar data processor

paren                                                                    parenthesis (use abbreviations only in graphics)

PARR                                                                     Program Assessment Review Report

PARROT                                      IFF/SIF transponder)

parsq                                                                    pararescue

partial mobilization                        (DOD) Expansion of the active Armed Forces resulting from action by Congress (up to full mobilization) or by the President (not more than 1,000,000 for more than 24 consecutive months) to mobilize Ready Reserve Component units, individual reservists, and the resources needed for their support to meet the requirements of a war or other national emergency involving an external threat to the national security, also mobilization (FM 100‑17)

participle                                    A participle is used with the verb 'to be' to indicate an action that was or is ongoing, past, present, or future:

     past participle            I was reading
     present participle        I am reading
     future participle          I will be reading

                                                Present participles can also be used as adjectives:

     an interesting story
     a fascinating woman

 

PAS                                                                       personnel automation section (ARTEP 71‑2‑MTP)

PASGT                                                                 personnel armor system for ground troops (FM 21‑18); personnel armor system, ground troops (FM 3‑21.220)

PASS                                                                    Procurement Aging and Staging System

pass time                                   (DOD) In road transport, the time that elapses between the moment when the leading vehicle of a column passes a given point and the moment when the last vehicle passes the same point (FM 55‑1)

passage lane                               A lane through an enemy or friendly obstacle that provides a safe passage for a passing force (FM 3‑90)

passage of lines                           (DOD, NATO) An operation in which a force moves forward or rearward through another force's combat positions with the intention of moving into or out of contact with the enemy. A passage may be designated as a forward or rearward passage of lines. [Note: the NATO definition does not include the last sentence.] (Army) A tactical enabling operation in which one unit moves through another unit's positions with the intent of moving into or out of enemy contact (FM 3‑90; see Table A‑1 for symbols.)

passage point                              A specifically designated place where the passing units will pass through the stationary unit. Also called PP (FM 3‑90; see Table 7‑13 for symbols.)

passing**                                   Descriptive term for when two groups, initially separated in range, decrease range separation and pass each other)

passive air defense                       (DOD) All measures, other than active air defense, taken to minimize the effectiveness of hostile air and missile threats against friendly forces and assets. These measures include camouflage, concealment, deception, dispersion, reconstitution, redundancy, detection and warning systems, and the use of protective construction (NATO) All measures, other than active air defense, taken to minimize the effectiveness of hostile air action. These measures include deception, dispersion, and the use of protective construction, also active air defense; air defense; concealment; deception; dispersion, FM 44‑100)

passive defense                           (DOD) Measures taken to reduce the probability of and to minimize the effects of damage caused by hostile action without the intention of taking the initiative (Army) One of the four operational elements of theater missile defense. Operations that provide essential individual and collective protection for friendly forces, population centers, and critical assets. The principal measures used to accomplish passive defense are tactical warning, reducing target effectiveness, reducing vulnerability, and recovery and reconstitution, also active defense; attack operations; theater missile defense (FM 100‑12)

passive defense measures             Measures taken to reduce the possibilities or effects of nuclear, biological, and chemical attack (FM 3‑3)

passive mine                               (DOD) 1. A mine whose anticountermining device has been operated preventing the firing mechanism from being actuated. The mine will usually remain passive for a comparatively short time. 2. A mine which does not emit a signal to detect the presence of a target, FM 20‑32)

passive voice                              See active voice

password                                    (noun, MW9; (DOD, NATO) A secret word or distinctive sound used to reply to a challenge, also challenge, FM 11‑43)

paster                                        a [round piece] of paper with a gummed back designed to be pasted [over a hole in a target so that the target may be reused]

PASTRAM                                                           Passenger Traffic Management System

PAT                                                                       Pattern Analysis Test; priority air travel; production acceptance test

PATCENT                                                            patching central

path                                                                      (computers) The list of directories and folders where files are stored

pathfinder                                   (noun, MW9; DOD) 1. An experienced aircraft crew who leads a formation to the drop zone, release point, or target, FM 90‑26. 2. A team dropped or air landed at an objective to establish and operate navigational aids for the purpose of guiding aircraft to drop and landing zones, FM 90‑26. 3. A radar device used for navigating or homing to an objective when visibility precludes accurate visual navigation. 4. A team air delivered into enemy territory for the purpose of determining the best approach and withdrawal lanes, landing zones, and sites for helicopterborne forces, FM 90‑26, also, landing zone control party (FM 1‑02)

patient decontamination                The process of decontaminating patients using nonmedical personnel as patient decontamination teams working under the supervision of medical personnel. The patient decontamination process is performed at a location adjacent to the supporting medical treatment facility, also patient decontamination team (FM 4‑02.7)

patient decontamination team        A team composed of nonmedical personnel designated by the supported unit commander to perform patient decontamination under medical supervision, also patient decontamination (FM 4‑02.7)

PATR                                         populated area targeting record (FM 1‑02)

patrol                                        (DOD, NATO) A detachment of ground, sea, or air forces sent out for the purpose of gathering information or carrying out a destructive, harassing, mopping‑up, or security mission, FM 7‑7)

patrol base                                 The point of origin of a patrol where all equipment not required for the patrol is left. All supplies necessary for resupplying the patrol and additional medical supplies and assistance are staged at this location (FM 7‑7)

pattern laying                              (DOD, NATO) In land mine warfare, the laying of mines in a fixed relationship to each other, FM 20‑32)

PAV                                           personnel asset visibility (FM 1‑02); personnel allotment voucher

Pave Penny                                 passive laser tracker whose current range is too short for the rounds it must track

pax                                                                        passenger(s, FM 90‑26; personnel (use abbreviations only in graphics)

payload                                      (DOD, NATO) 1. The sum of the weight of passengers and cargo that an aircraft can carry, FM 55‑17. 2. The warhead, its container, and activating devices in a military missile, FM 44‑100. 3. The satellite or research vehicle of a space probe or research missile. 4. The load (expressed in tons of cargo or equipment, gallons of liquid, or number of passengers) which the vehicle is designed to transport under specified conditions of operation, in addition to its unladen weight, FM 55‑17)

payoff                                                                  (noun, adj, MW9)

PB                                             panel bridge (FM 1‑02); property book; patrol base (FM 3‑21.8, FM 3‑21.20)

PBA                                                                        Pine Bluff Arsenal

PBAC                                                                     Program Budget Advisory Committee

PB‑AESRS                                                          property book‑Army Equipment Status Reporting System

PBD                                                                        program/budget decision

PBEIST                                                                Planning Board European Inland Surface Transport

PBG                                                                        Program Budget Guidance

PBI                                                                         partial background investigation

PBO                                                                       property book officer

PBOS                                                                    Planning Board for Ocean Shipping

PBR                                                                        precision bombing range

PBS                                                                        production base support

PBUSE                                        property book unit supply, enhanced (FM 3‑90.61)

PBX                                                                        private branch exchange (telephone)

PC                                             personal computer; personnel carrier

PCA                                           psychological consolidation activities (FM 1‑02); permanent change of assignment

PCB                                                                        printed circuit board

PCC                                                                       postal concentration center; precombat check (FM 3‑90.1)

PCCB                                                                     Project Configuration Control Board

PCCN                                                                    port call control number

PCCU                                                                    Punched card control unit

PCD                                                                       program change decision

PCF                                                                        personnel control facility

PCHT                                                                    packaging, crating, handling, and transportation

PCI                                                                         precombat inspection (FM 3‑90.1)

PCL                                                                        prescribed chemical load (ARTEP 7‑30‑MTP, ARTEP 71‑2‑MTP)

PCM                                                                       planning and control memorandum; pulse code modulation; punched card machine

PCMS                                                                    punched card machine systems

PCN                                                                       project control number

PCO                                                                       procuring contracting officer; publications control officer; peacetime contingency operation (FM 3‑21.20, FM 7‑98)

PCP                                                                        passenger control point

PCR                                                                        Program Change Request

PCS                                                                       permanent change of station; post, camp, or station; physically controlled space

PCU                                                                       printed control unit

PCV                                                                       passenger carrying vehicle

PCW                                                                      previously complied with

PD                                                                          point of departure (FM 1‑02); point‑detonating (fuze setting, FM 3‑22.90, FM 3‑22.31 (ARTEP 7‑90-MTP); photo distance (FM 3‑25.26); professional development (ARTEP 7‑91‑Drill); proximity device (FM 3‑22.1); procurement directive; priority designator

PDA                                           present duty assignment option; property disposal agent; personal digital assistant; public display of affection; personal digital assistant (FM 3‑22.91); power distribution assembly (FM 3‑22.91)

P‑Day                                                                   Production Day

PDB                                           psychological (operations) dissemination battalion (FM 1‑02)

PDC                                           psychological (operations) development center (FM 1‑02)

PDCO                                                                    property disposal contracting officer

PDD                                                                       priority delivery date

PDDA                                                                    power‑driven decontaminating apparatus (FM 3‑90.2, FM 3‑06.11, ARTEP 7‑90‑MTP)

PDDE                                                                     power‑driven decontamination equipment (ARTEP 7‑94‑MTP, ARTEP 7‑94‑MTP (FM 3‑90.1)

PDDLS                                                                  Post D‑Day Logistic Support

PDE                                                                        prospective data element

PDF                                                                        principal direction of fire (FM 1‑02); portable document format; point‑detonating fuze; Panamanian Defense Force (FM 3‑21.20, FM 90‑26)

PDIP                                                                      Program Development Increment Package

PDM                                                                       pursuit‑deterrent munitions (FM 3‑21.20); Program Decision Memorandum

PDO                                                                       property disposal officer

PDP                                                                        procurement data package; program definition phase

PDR                                                                        Philippine Defense Ribbon

PDS                                                                       personnel daily summary; program data sheets; protected distribution system

PDT‑1                                                                  Picatinny Arsenal Detonation Trap Number 1)

PDY                                                                       principal duty; present for duty (FM 3‑21.20); present‑for‑duty (FM 7‑92)

PE                                             peace enforcement (FM 1‑02); post engineer; probable error (FM 3‑06.11); program element; priority equipment (FM 90‑26)

PEA                                           primary expense account (FM 3‑22.91)

peace building                             (DOD) Post‑conflict actions, predominantly diplomatic and economic, that strengthen and rebuild governmental infrastructure and institutions in order to avoid a relapse into conflict, also peace enforcement; peacekeeping; peacemaking; peace operations, FM 3‑07)

peace enforcement                      (DOD) Application of military force, or the threat of its use, normally pursuant to international authorization, to compel compliance with resolutions or sanctions designed to maintain or restore peace and order. Also called PE, also peace building; peacekeeping; peacemaking; peace operations, FM 3‑07)

peace operations                         (DOD) A broad term that encompasses peacekeeping operations and peace enforcement operations conducted in support of diplomatic efforts to establish and maintain peace. Also called PO, also peace building; peace enforcement; peacekeeping; peacemaking, FM 3‑07)

peace support psychological activities  Planned psychological activities conducted as an integral part of peace support operations, designed to create a supportive atmosphere and a willingness to cooperate among the parties in conflict and civilian population in the area of operations, to protect the force and assist in the achievement of mission objectives. Also called PSPA (FM 3‑05.20)

peacekeeping                              (DOD) Military operations undertaken with the consent of all major parties to a dispute, designed to monitor and facilitate implementation of an agreement (ceasefire, truce, or other such agreement) and support diplomatic efforts to reach a long‑term political settlement, also peace building; peace enforcement; peacemaking; peace operations, FM 3‑07)

peacemaking                               (DOD) The process of diplomacy, mediation, negotiation, or other forms of peaceful settlements that arranges an end to a dispute and resolves issues that led to it, also peace building; peace enforcement; peacekeeping; peace operations, FM 3‑07)

peacetime military engagement       All military activities that involve other nations and are intended to shape the security environment in peacetime. It includes programs and exercises that the US military conducts with other nations to shape the international environment, improve mutual understanding with other countries, and improve interoperability with treaty partners or potential coalition partners. Peacetime military engagement activities are designed to support a combatant commander's objectives as articulated in the theater engagement plan. Also called PME (FM 3‑0)

PEB                                                                        Physical Evaluation Board

PEBD                                                                     pay entry basic date

PEC                                                                        production equipment code

PEd                                           probable error in deflection (FM 3‑22.91)

PED                                                                        personnel‑equipment data; promotion eligibility date

Pedro                                         [NATO] rescue helicopter

peep sight                                                         (MW10)

PEM                                                                       production engineering measure; phased equipment modernization

PEMA                                                                    procurement of equipment and munition appropriations

PEMARS                                                              Procurement of Equipment and Missiles, Army Management and Accounting Reporting System

penetration                                 (DOD, NATO) In land operations, a form of offensive which seeks to break through the enemy's defense and disrupt the defensive system (Army) A form of maneuver in which an attacking force seeks to rupture enemy defenses on a narrow front to disrupt the defensive system (FM 3‑90; see Table A‑1 for symbol)

PEO                                                                       program evaluation office; peace enforcement operation

PEP                                                                        producibility engineering and planning; United States Army Personnel Exchange Program

PEQUA                                                                 production equipment agency

PEr                                            probable error in range (FM 3‑22.91)

perceptions                                 Mental images the commander wants the deception target to believe are real, also deception target (FM 3‑13)

PERDDIMS                                                          Personnel Deployment and Distribution Management System

PERG                                                                     production equipment redistribution group

PERI                                                                      production equipment redistribution inventory

perimeter defense                        (DOD) A defense without an exposed flank, consisting of forces deployed along the perimeter of the defended area, also strong point, FM 3‑90)

PERINTREP                                                        periodic intelligence report

PERINTSUM                                                       periodic intelligence summary

periodic monitoring                       The periodic check of the unit area for presence of beta or gamma radiation. It is performed when intelligence indicates threat use of nuclear weapons, nuclear warfare has been initiated, the dose rate falls below 1 centigray per hour, or when ordered by the unit commander (FM 3‑3‑1)

perm                                                                     permanent (use abbreviations only in graphics)

PERMACAP                                                         Personnel Management and Accounting Card Processors

PERMAS                                                              Personnel Management Assistance System

permissive environment                 (DOD) Operational environment in which host country military and law enforcement agencies have control as well as the intent and capability to assist operations that a unit intends to conduct, also operational environment, FM 3‑07)

pers                                          personnel (use abbreviations only in graphics, FM 1‑02)

perseverance                                                  continued or steadfast pursuit of objectives despite counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement (MWOL'03)

PERSEXP                                                             personal expense money

PERSINSD                                                          Personnel Information Systems Directorate, MILPERCEN

PERSIR                                                                 personnel inventory report

persistency                                 (DOD, NATO) In biological or chemical warfare, the characteristic of an agent which applies to the duration of its effectiveness under determined conditions after its dispersal, FM 3‑9)

persistent agent                          (DOD) A chemical agent that, when released, remains able to cause casualties for more than 24 hours to several days or weeks, FM 3‑9)

personal wipedown                       Process of removing or neutralizing contamination from the individual's equipment including the protective mask, hood, gloves, weapon, and helmet. It is performed to stop the spread, transfer, and penetration of contamination (FM 3‑5)

PERSPROC                                                         personnel processing

PERSTAT                                                            personnel status (FM 90‑26)

PERSTATREP                                                    personnel status report

pert                                                                       pertain (use abbreviations only in graphics)

PERT                                                                     Program Evaluation and Review Technique

PESD                                                                     program execution sub‑directive

PETN                                                                     Pentaerythritoltetranitrate

petroleum, oils, and lubricants        (DOD, NATO) A broad term which includes all petroleum and associated products used by the Armed Forces. Also called POL, FM 4‑0)

PETS                                                                     prior to expiration of term of service

PEWS                                                                   platoon early warning system

PF                                                                           performance factor; pneumatic float

PFC                                                                        private first class

pfdr                                                                       pathfinder (use abbreviations only in graphics)

PFDRBAD                                                            Pathfinder Badge

PFNS                                                                     position‑fixing navigation system

PFO                                                                       postal finance officer

PFR                                                                        personal financial record

PFRT                                                                     preliminary flight rating test (Sprint)

PFT                                                                        portable flame‑thrower

PG                                                                          permanent grade; post graduate; proving ground

PGE                                                                        preliminary gunner’s examination (FM 7‑1)

PGIP                                          predicted ground impact point (FM 1‑02)

PGM                                          precision guided munitions (FM 1‑02)

PGRC                                                                     Program Guidance and Review Committee

PGS                                                                       precision gunnery system (FM 3‑22.1)

PGTS                                                                    precision gunnery training system (FM 3‑22.34)

ph                                                                           phase (use abbreviations only in graphics)

PH                                                                          probability of hit (FM 3‑22.1); Purple Heart

PHA                                                                       personnel holding area (FM 90‑26)

PHAROS                                                              phased‑array radar operational simulation

phase                                        (Army) A specific part of an operation that is different from those that precede or follow. A change in phase usually involves a change of task (FM 3‑0; Marine Corps) A planning and execution tool that is used to divide an operation in duration or activity. A change in phase may involve a change in task or task organization. Phasing helps in planning and controlling and may be indicated by time, by distance, by terrain, or by occurrence of an event (FM 1‑02)

phase line                                   (DOD) A line utilized for control and coordination of military operations, usually an easily identified feature in the operational area (NATO) A line utilized for control and coordination of military operations, usually a terrain feature extending across the zone of action. Also called PL, FM 3‑90. (See Table 7‑7 for symbol)

PHIBRON                                                             amphibious squadron

PHILPUC                                                              Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation Badge

phish                                         to use deceptive e‑mail for the purpose of obtaining the recipient's personal information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, bank account information, passwords

phoney minefield                          (DOD, NATO) An area free of live mines used to simulate a minefield or section of a minefield, with the object of deceiving the enemy, also gap; minefield, FM 20‑32, Table 7‑9 for symbol (FM 1‑02)

photo                                                                   photograph; photographer; photographic; photography (use abbreviations only in graphics)

PHOTOINT                                                         photo intelligence (FM 7‑98)

PHS                                                                       package, handling, and storage

physical destruction                     The application of combat power to destroy or degrade adversary forces, sources of information, command and control systems, and installations. It includes direct and indirect forces from ground, sea, and air forces. Also included are direct actions by special operations forces (FM 3‑13)

physical hazards                          Those hazards that can cause explosions, fires, violent chemical reactions, and other hazardous situations (FM 3‑100.4)

physical security                          (DOD, NATO) That part of security concerned with physical measures designed to safeguard personnel; to prevent unauthorized access to equipment, installations, material, and documents; and to safeguard them against espionage, sabotage, damage, and theft, also communications security; operations security, FM 3‑19.30)

PI                                                                            point of impact (FM 3‑21.38, FM 3‑21.220, FM 90‑26; position indicator; principal instructor (ARTEP 7‑91-MTP); primary instructor (FM 3‑25.150, ARTEP 7‑90-MTP); programmed instruction; public information; probability of incapacitation

PIBAL                                                                    pilot‑balloon observation; pilot balloon (observation, FM 3‑21.38, FM 3‑21.220, FM 90‑26)

PIBD                                                                      (adj) point‑initiating, base‑detonating

PIBL                                                                       PEMA item baseline list

PIC                                                                         personal information communicator

pick up                                                                (verb, trans, MW9)

pickup                                                                  (noun, adj, MW9)

pickup zone                                A geographic area used to pick up troops or equipment by helicopter. Also called PZ (FM 90‑4; see Table 7‑7 for symbol)

pickup zone control officer             The officer designated by the commander with the responsibility for establishing, organizing, setting up, and controlling the pickup zone during air assault pickup zone operations. Also called PZCO (FM 90‑4)

pickup zone control party              The personnel designated to assist the pickup zone control officer with the establishment, setting up, and controlling of the pickup zone (FM 90‑4)

picture                                       A request to provide air information pertinent to the mission in a digital bullseye format)

PID                                                                         public information division

PIE/R2                                                                  parachutist's individual equipment rapid release (FM 3‑21.220)

piecemeal                                                          (adj, adv, MW9)

piecemeal commitment                  1. The immediate employment of units in combat as they become available instead of waiting for larger aggregations of units to ensure mass. 2. The unsynchronized employment of available forces so that their combat power is not employed effectively (FM 3‑90)

piezoelectric                                                    (adj, MW9)

PIF                                                                         pilot information file; place in inactive file; provision of industrial facilities

pig(s)**                                     friendly glide weapon(s) such as JSOW

pigeons                                      Magnetic bearing and range to "homeplate."

PIIN                                                                       procurement instrument identification number

pillbox                                                                   (noun, MW9)

PILO                                                                      public information liaison officer

PIN                                                                         product identification number, (TRADOC Pam 350‑70‑2)

PINCE                                        Threat maneuvering for a bracket attack)

pinnacle                                     [NATO] (EW) An emission believed to originate from a platform assumed to be friendly)

pinpoint                                      (DOD, NATO) 1. A precisely identified point, especially on the ground, that locates a very small target, a reference point for rendezvous or for other purposes; the coordinates that define this point. 2 (DOD only) The ground position of aircraft determined by direct observation of the ground, FM 3‑04.111. Also, a transitive verb or adv, MW9)

PINS                                                                      Personnel Information System

pintle                                         a usually upright pivot pin (as of a hinge or a rudder) on which another part turns; a hook at the rear of a limber to receive the lunette of a gun trail, caisson, or other vehicle when the gun is limbered

PIO                                           public information officer (FM 1‑02); police intelligence operations (FM 3‑90.61)

PIP                                                                         Product Improvement Program; product improvement program (FM 3‑90.6); product‑improvement program (FM 3‑21.20)

PIR                                                                         priority intelligence requirements (FM 1‑02); personnel information roster; Philippine Independence Ribbon; Parachute Infantry Regiment (FM 3‑21.220)

PIREP                                         pilot report (FM 1‑02)

pitbull                                        1.   Informative call that the AIM‑120 is at MPRF active range.
2.   Informative call that the AIM‑54 is at active range)

pitch/ pitchback (left/right)           Directive call for fighter or flight to execute a nose‑high heading reversal)

PJBD                                                                      Permanent Joint Board on Defense, Canada‑United States

PJH                                                                        hybrid (PLRS and JTIDS, FM 3‑25.26)

PJM                                                                        primary jumpmaster (FM 3‑21.220)

PK                                                                           probability of kill (FM 3‑22.1)

pkg                                                                        package (use abbreviations only in graphics, FM 7‑1)

PKM                                                                       a 7.62‑mm, general‑purpose machine gun

PKO                                                                       peacekeeping operation (FM 3‑21.20, FM 3‑90.6, FM 7‑98)

pl                                                                            pipeline; place (use abbreviations only in graphics)

PL                                                                           phase line (FM 1‑02); public law; AR 310‑50); platoon leader (FM 7‑92)

PLADS                                                                  parachute low altitude delivery system

plagiarize                                                            to steal and pass off the ideas or words of another as one's own …without crediting the source (Merriam‑Webster online 2002)

plan                                           A design for a future or anticipated operation (FM 5-0)

planeload                                                           (noun, MW9)

planned target(s)                         (DOD) Targets that are known to exist in an operational area, and against which effects are scheduled in advance or are on call. Examples range from targets on joint target lists in the applicable campaign plans, to targets detected in sufficient time to list in the air tasking order, mission‑type orders, or fire support plan. Planned targets have two subcategories: scheduled or on‑call (NATO) In artillery and naval gunfire support, a target on which fire is prearranged. [Note: the Army definition also applies to mortar fire.] See also immediate target(s); on‑call target; priority target; scheduled target(s), FM 6‑20‑30)

planning                                     The means by which the commander envisions a desired outcome, lays out effective ways of achieving it, and communicates to his subordinates his vision, intent, and decisions, focusing on the results he expects to achieve (FM 3‑0)

planning factor                            (DOD, NATO) A multiplier used in planning to estimate the amount and type of effort involved in a contemplated operation. Planning factors are often expressed as rates, ratios, or lengths of time, FM 5-0)

planning horizons                         Points in time the commander uses to focus the organization's planning efforts to shape future events (FM 5-0)

planning phase                            (DOD) In amphibious operations, the phase normally denoted by the period extending from the issuance of the order initiating the amphibious operation up to the embarkation phase. The planning phase may occur during movement or at any other time upon receipt of a new mission or change in the operational situation, also amphibious operation (FM 1‑02)

plasterboard                                                     (noun, MW10); use in place of 'Sheetrock,' which is a trademark)

playmate                                    Cooperating aircraft)

playtime                                     Amount of time aircraft can remain on station, given in hours plus minutes (for example, ONE PLUS THIRTY equals one hour and thirty minutes)

PLC                                                                        platoon leaders class

PLD                                           probable line of deployment (FM 1‑02)

PLDC                                                                     Primary Leadership Development Course (from course's official website, FM 3‑25.26, FM 3‑22.1, FM 3‑23.25); (do not use 'Primary Leader Development Course,' as in FM 7‑1)

PLF                                                                        parachute landing fall (FM 3‑21.220)

PLGR                                                                     precise lightweight GPS (global positioning system) receiver (FM 1‑02, 2005); AKA "Plugger"

PLL                                                                         prescribed load list

PLM                                                                       power line modulation

PL‑M                                                                     lubricating oil, general purpose (FM 3‑22.65, STP 7‑11B1‑SM‑TG)

PLO                                                                        passenger liaison office(r)

PLOCSA                                                               Personnel Liaison Officer, Chief of Staff, Army

PLOM                                                                    Prescribed Loan Optimization Model

PLOT‑CR                                    purpose, location, observer, trigger, communication method, resources; a format for planning fire support

PLR                                                                        Philippine Liberation Ribbon

PLS                                           palletized load system (FM 1‑02)

PL‑S                                                                      lubricating oil, special purpose (FM 3‑22.65)

plt                                                                          platoon (use abbreviations only in graphics, FM 1‑02); pallet

PLT                                                                        pipeline time; procurement lead time

plt ldr                                                                   platoon leader (use abbreviations only in graphics)

PLUCON                                                               plutonium decontamination emergency teams

plug‑in                                                                 piggyback software that adds menu options, functions, or functionality to a host program (my definition)

plyboard                                                             (noun, Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged)

PM                                            preventive maintenance; project manager; provost marshal (FM 1‑02); postmaster

pmap                                                                    photomap (use abbreviations only in graphics)

PM‑CCS                                                              program management (and) close combat systems

PMCS                                         preventive maintenance checks and services (FM 1‑02, FM 5-0‑1); not 'preventative'); program management control system

PMCT                                                                    permissive action link management control team

PMDD                                                                    Personnel Management Development Directorate, MILPERCEN

PMDL                                                                    post M‑day deployment list

PME                                           peacetime military engagement (FM 1‑02)

PMF                                                                       personnel master file; professional medical film

PMI                                                                        preventive maintenance inspection; preliminary marksmanship instruction (FM 3‑22.27, FM 3‑22.65; preventive maintenance inspection (FM 3‑22.31)

PMM                                          preventive medicine measures (FM 3‑21.20)

PMO                                                                      Personnel Management Officer; project management office

PMOF                                                                    Presidential Medal of Freedom

PMOS                                                                   primary military occupational specialty (FM 7‑1)

PMOSC                                                                primary military occupational specialty code

PMP                                                                       project master plan

PMR                                                                       Pacific missile range

PMRMO                                                                protectable mobilization reserve materiel objective

PMRY                                                                    Presidio of Monterey

PMS                                                                       professor of military science; program management support

PMT                                                                       preliminary marksmanship training (FM 3‑22.1); preparatory marksmanship training (FM 3‑22.31)

PN                                                                          part number

PNL                                                                        prescribed nuclear load (ARTEP 7‑30‑MTP)

PNMO                                                                   provided no military objection exists

PNOK                                                                    primary next of kin

PNS                                                                       precision navigation system; prescribed nuclear stockage

PNVAL                                                                  previously not available

PNVD                                                                    passive night vision devices

PO                                                                          peace operations (FM 1‑02, FM 5-0‑1); however, this should probably read "peace operation" [singular], otherwise, the acronym may not be used for one peace operation); post office; previous orders; production offset

POB                                                                       place of birth

POC                                                                       point of contact; privately owned conveyance

POD                                           port of debarkation (FM 1‑02)

POE                                           port of embarkation (FM 1‑02)

POF                                                                       priority of fire (FM 3‑21.20); priority of fires

POG                                           psychological operations group (FM 1‑02)

POGO (freq)                                Switch to communication channel number preceding POGO. If unable to establish communications, switch to channel number following POGO. If no channel number follows POGO, return to this channel)

POI                                                                        program(s) of instruction

point defense                              (DOD) The defense or protection of special vital elements and installations, for example, command and control facilities or air bases, FM 44‑100)

point obstacle                             Any obstruction designed or employed to deny ease of movement on a road, lane, or bridge that is normally part of or completes a larger manmade or natural obstacle that has a designed effect on the attacking enemy force, also abatis; cratering charge; log crib; log hurdle; log posts; road block (FM 90‑7)

point of departure                        (Army) The point where the unit crosses the line of departure and begins moving along a direction of attack (FM 3‑90; Marine Corps) A specific place where a unit will cross the line of departure. Also called PD (FM 1‑02)

point of impact                            (NATO) 1. The point on the drop zone where the first parachutist or air dropped cargo item lands or is expected to land, FM 90‑26. 2. The point at which a projectile, bomb, or re‑entry vehicle impacts or is expected to impact. Also called impact point (FM 1‑02)

point target                                1. A target of such small dimension that it requires the accurate placement of ordnance in order to neutralize or destroy it (FM 6‑20‑40) 2. Nuclear—A target in which the ratio of radius of damage to target radius is equal to or greater than 5 (FM 100‑30)

point**                                      Datalink sensor point/track of interest)

POL                                           petroleum, oils, and lubricants (FM 1‑02)

POLAD                                                                  political advisor

polar bear (direction)                    [NATO] Friendly aircraft has VISUAL/contact on the friendly PACKAGE and is joining)

POLIC                                                                   Petroleum Intersectional Command

police information                         The products from the collection, analysis, and interpretation of all available information concerning known and potential enemy and criminal threats and vulnerabilities of support organizations. It involves intelligence preparation of the battlefield, criminal intelligence preparation of the battlefield, and the police information assessment process (FM 3‑19.1)

police intelligence operations          A military police function that supports, enhances, and contributes to the commander's force protection program, common operational picture, and situational understanding. The police intelligence operations function ensures that information collected during the conduct of other military police functions is provided as input to the intelligence collection effort and turned into action or reports (FM 7‑15)

POLIS                                                                   petroleum intersectional service

POLO                                                                    Pacific Command Operations Liaison Office

POM                                                                      preparation for oversea movement (units); program objective memorandum

POMCUS                                                             prepositioning of materiel configured to unit sets (FM 7‑0)

POMM                                                                   Preliminary Operating and Maintenance Manual

POO                                                                       priority operational objective

PoP                                           proof of principle

POP                                           1.   (A/S) Starting climb for A/S attack.

2.   Max performance climb out of low‑altitude structure)

popcorn**                                  CSAR aircraft departing the landing zone (LZ) Usually followed by number of recovered personnel (for example, "STING 1, POPCORN PLUS 2")

popeye                                      Flying in clouds or area of reduced visibility)

POPGUN                                                              policy and procedure governing the use of nicknames

POPP                                                                     pull, observe, push, and press (a memory aid, FM 3‑22.1)

populace and resource control        Operations in populace and resource control (PRC) provide security for the populace, deny personnel and materiel to the enemy, mobilize population and materiel resources, and detect and reduce the effectiveness of enemy agents. Populace control measures include curfews, movement restrictions, travel permits, registration cards, and resettlement of villagers. Resource control measures include licensing, regulations or guidelines, checkpoints (for example, road blocks), ration controls, amnesty programs, and inspection of facilities. Most military operations employ some type of PRC measures. Also called PRC (FM 41‑10)

pop‑up                                       1.   (A/A) Informative call of a group that has suddenly appeared inside of briefed range.

2.*  (S/A) Criteria used as a self‑defense method, within the ROE, to protect friendly air defense elements from HOSTILE aircraft)

pop‑up point                               The location at which aircraft quickly gain altitude for target acquisition and engagement. Also called PUP, also target box (FM 44‑100; see Table 7‑8 for symbol)

POR                                                                       preparation of replacements (for oversea movement)

port                                           left side of aircraft; direction of flight (FM 3‑21.220); A place at which ships may discharge or receive their cargoes. It includes any port accessible to ships on the seacoast, navigable rivers, or inland waterways. The term "port" should not be used in conjunction with air facilities, which are designated as aerial ports, airports, and so on (FM 4‑01.30)

PORT CAP                                                          Automated Port Call System for AIT Graduates

port of debarkation                       (DOD) The geographic point at which cargo or personnel are discharged. This may be a seaport or aerial port of debarkation; for unit requirements, it may or may not coincide with the destination. Also called POD, also port of embarkation, FM 4‑01.30)

port of embarkation                      (DOD) The geographic point in a routing scheme from which cargo and personnel depart. This may be a seaport or aerial port from which personnel and equipment flow to a port of debarkation; for unit and nonunit requirements, it may or may not coincide with the origin. Also called POE, also port of debarkation, FM 4‑01.30)

pos                                                                        position (see also psn)

POS                                                                       period of service

POS/NAV                                    position/navigation (FM 1‑02)

POSD                                                                    personnel on station date

POSIT                                        Request for friendly position; response in terms of a geographic landmark or from a common reference point)

position                                      1. A location or area occupied by a military unit. 2. The location of a weapon, unit, or individual from which fire is delivered upon a target. Positions may be classified as primary, alternate, subsequent, and supplementary positions, also alternate position; battle position; primary position; subsequent position; supplementary position (FM 3‑90)

position area for artillery                An area assigned to an artillery unit where individual artillery systems can maneuver to increase their survivability. A position area for artillery is not an area of operations for the artillery unit occupying it. Also called PAA (FM 3‑90; see Table 7‑12 for symbol)

positive control                            (use "Army positive control" instead IAW FMI 5‑0.1, approved January 2007. The same definition applies, however: (DOD) A method of airspace control that relies on positive identification, tracking, and direction of aircraft within an airspace, conducted with electronic means by an agency having the authority and responsibility therein, FM 3‑52 (Army) A technique of regulating forces that involves commanders and leaders actively assessing, deciding, and directing them (FM 6‑0)

POSNAV                                                              position navigation (FM 3‑90.1)

post hole                                    Rapid descending spiral)

post‑conflict activity                    Those stability operations and support operations that are conducted in the period following conflict termination (FM 41‑10)

POTF                                         psychological operations task force (FM 1‑02)

POV                                                                       privately owned vehicle

POW                                          prisoner of war (FM 1‑02)

power projection                          (DOD) The ability of a nation to apply all or some of its elements of national power—political [Note: the Army replaces "political" with "diplomatic."], economic, informational, or military—to rapidly and effectively deploy and sustain forces in and from multiple dispersed locations to respond to crises, to contribute to deterrence, and to enhance regional stability, FM 3‑0 (Marine Corps) The application of measured, precise offensive military force at a chosen time and place, using maneuver and combined arms against enemy forces (FM 1‑02)

power up                                                            (transitive verb, WMO'02, 1970) to cause to operate <power up the computer>

powerup                                                             (use instead power up [verb] and power‑up [noun, adj])

power‑up                                                           (noun, MWO'02)

PP                                                                           passage point (FM 1‑02); parcel post, permanent party, physical profile; parachute personnel (FM 3‑21.220)

PP&C                                                                     production planning and control

PPB                                                                        plans, program, budget

PPBS                                                                     planning, programming, and budgeting system

PPD                                                                        proficiency pay designator

PPF                                                                        provision of production facilities

PPG                                                                        PEMA policy and guidance; personnel processing group; planning and programming guidance

PPI                                                                         plan position indicator; personnel point of impact (FM 90‑26)

PPI                                            plan position indicator (FM 1‑02)

PPM                                                                       parts per million (ARTEP 7‑94-MTP); position and pay management; program, project management; pulse position modulation

PPN                                                                        procurement program number

PPO                                                                       publications and printing office

PPR                                                                        permanent pay record; prior permission required

PPRC                                                                     pre‑positioned receipt card

PPREPT                                                                periodic personnel report

PPS                                                                        pulses per second

PPSC                                                                     physical profile serial code

PPSIA                                                                   Pamphlet "Personnel Property Shipping Information" is applicable

PPSR                                                                     periodic personnel strength report

PPT                                                                        preproduction test

PPWR                                                                    pre‑positioned war reserves

PPZ                                                                        primary pickup zone (ARTEP 7‑93‑MTP)

PQEP                                                                     product quality evaluation plan

PQQPRI                                                                provisional qualitative and quantitative personnel requirements information

PQR                                                                       personnel qualification roster

PQS                                                                       promotion qualification score

pr                                                                            payroll (use abbreviations only in graphics)

PR                                             personnel recovery; procurement regulations; purchase request

PRA                                                                        projected requisition authority

prac                                                                      practice (FM 3‑22.1)

PRB                                                                        parachute recovery bag (FM 3‑21.220); personnel records branch

PRC                                           populace and resource control (FM 1‑02); passenger reservation center; personnel reporting code; People's Republic of China

prcht                                                                    parachute (use abbreviations only in graphics)

PRCHTBAD                                                         parachutist badge

PRCM                                                                    passive radiation countermeasure

PRD                                                                        personnel readiness date; Personnel Records Division; postal regulating detachment

precedence                                 (DOD) 1. communications—A designation assigned to a message by the originator to indicate to communications personnel the relative order of handling and to the addressee the order in which the message is to be noted. Examples of communications precedence from most immediate to least are flash, immediate, priority, and routine (FM 24‑1. 2. reconnaissance—A letter designation, assigned by a unit requesting several reconnaissance missions, to indicate the relative order of importance (within an established priority) of the mission request. 3. evacuation—The assignment of a priority for medical evacuation that is based on a patient condition, advice of the senior medical person at the scene, and the tactical situation, FM 8‑10‑6)

preclusion of damage                    A nuclear planning restriction used in conjunction with least separation distance to avoid damage to important structures. If appropriate, it is included in the commander's guidance, also least separation distance; preclusion of obstacles (FM 100‑30)

preclusion of obstacles                  A nuclear planning restriction used in conjunction with least separation distance which, if appropriate, is included in the commander's guidance. It can include preclusion of fallout and tree blowdown, also least separation distance; preclusion of damage (FM 100‑30)

preclusion‑oriented method analysis A method of analyzing nuclear targets used when detailed information about size, composition, disposition, location, and movement is not available (FM 100‑30)

predet                                                                  predetermined (FM 3‑90.1); use abbreviations only in graphics)

prep                                                                      prepare; prepared; preparation; preparatory (use abbreviations only in graphics)

preparation                                 Activities by the unit before execution to improve its ability to conduct the operation, including, but not limited to, the following: plan refinement, rehearsals, reconnaissance, coordination, inspection, and movement (FM 3‑0)

preparation fire                            (DOD) Fire delivered on a target preparatory to an assault (NATO) Fire delivered before an a attack to weaken the enemy position, also fire, FM 6‑20‑40)

preplanned air support                  (DOD, NATO) Air support in accordance with a program, planned in advance of operations, also air support, FM 3‑04.111)

preplanned mission request            (DOD) A request for an air strike on a target that can be anticipated sufficiently in advance to permit detailed mission coordination and planning, FM 6‑20)

pre‑position                                (DOD, NATO) To place military units, equipment, or supplies at or near the point of planned use or at a designated location to reduce reaction time, and to ensure timely support of a specific force during initial phases of an operation, FM 100‑17‑2)

pre‑positioned supplies                  Supplies located at or near the point of planned use or at other designated locations to reduce reaction time and to ensure resupply (FM 100‑17‑2)

PREPOSTOR                                                      prepositioned storage

PRES100                                                             Presidential's hundred tab

prescribed load                            The quantity of combat essential supplies and repair parts (other than ammunition) authorized by major commanders to be on hand in units and which is carried by individuals or on unit vehicles. The prescribed load is continuously reconstituted as used (FM 4‑0)

prescription                                 a rule or long‑standing custom; see also proscription

PRESS                                                                  Pacific range electromagnetic signature studies

PRESS                                        Directive call that a requested action is approved and mutual support will be maintained)

prestock point                             Location where mines, explosives, and materials for use in preparation of a planned obstacle are stored (FM 20‑32)

PRETECHREP                                                    preliminary technical report

preventative                                                    (noun) usually refers to a lubricant or other liquid chemical mixture used to prevent damage or deterioration due to wear or to the elements)

preventive                                                         (adj) devoted to or concerned with prevention : precautionary (unabr online '02)

preventive maintenance                (DOD) The care and servicing by personnel for the purpose of maintaining equipment and facilities in satisfactory operating condition by providing for systematic inspection, detection, and correction of incipient failures either before they occur or before they develop major defects. Also called PM, also preventive maintenance checks and services, FM 4‑30.3)

preventive maintenance checks and services Operator‑level maintenance conducted before, during, and after equipment operations to identify actual and potential problems and to make repairs in a timely manner to minimize equipment downtime. Also called PMCS (FM 4‑30.3)

preventive medicine measures        Measures to counter the medical threat and prevent disease and injury (FM 4‑02)

PRF                                           pulse repetition frequency (FM 1‑02); personnel readiness file

pri                                                                           primary (use abbreviations only in graphics, FM 3‑21.20); priority (FM 3‑90.6)

PRI                                                                         preliminary rifle instruction

PRIMAR                                                                Program to Improve Management of Army Resources

primary position                           The position that covers the enemy's most likely avenue of approach into the area of operations, also alternative position; battle position; subsequent position; successive positions; supplementary position (FM 3‑90)

PRIME                                                                   priority management effort

principles of war                          Principles that provide general guidance for conducting war and military operations other than war at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. The nine principles of war are:

1.  Objective—direct every military operation toward a clearly defined, decisive, and attainable objective;

2.  Offensive—seize, retain, and exploit the initiative;

3.  Mass—concentrate the effects of combat power at the decisive place and time;

4.  Economy of Force—allocate minimum essential combat power to secondary efforts;

5.  Maneuver—place the enemy in a disadvantageous position through the flexible application of combat power;

6.  Unity of Command—for every objective, ensure unity of effort under one responsible commander;

7.  Security—never permit the enemy to acquire an unexpected advantage;

8.  Surprise—strike the enemy at a time or place or in a manner for which he is unprepared;

9.  Simplicity—prepare clear, uncomplicated plans and clear, concise orders to ensure
thorough understanding (FM 3‑0)

print (type)                                 Active NCTR reply)

priority                                       A procedure word meaning, "Precedence priority." Reserved for important messages that must have precedence over routine traffic. This is the highest precedence that normally may be assigned to a message of administrative nature, also procedure word (FM 24‑19)

priority intelligence requirements     (PIR; DOD, NATO) Those intelligence requirements for which a commander has an anticipated and stated priority in his task of planning and decisionmaking, FM 3‑0 In Marine Corps usage, an intelligence requirement associated with a decision that will critically affect the overall success of the command's mission. Also called PIRs, also commander's critical information requirements; information requirements; intelligence; intelligence cycle (FM 1‑02)

priority message                          (DOD) A category of precedence reserved for messages that require expeditious action by the addressee(s) and/or furnish essential information for the conduct of operations in progress when routine precedence will not suffice, also precedence (FM 24‑1)

priority of fire(s)                          (Army) The organization and employment of fire support means according to the importance of the supported unit's mission (FM 6‑20; Marine Corps) Guidance to a fire support planner to organize and employ fire support means in accordance with the relative importance of the maneuver unit's missions (FM 1‑02)

priority of support                        Priorities set by the commander in his concept of operations and during execution to ensure combat support and combat service support are provided to subordinate elements in accordance with their relative importance to accomplishing the mission (FM 5-0)

priority target                              A target on which the delivery of fires takes precedence over all the fires for the designated firing unit or element. The firing unit or element will prepare, to the extent possible, for the engagement of such targets. A firing unit or element may be assigned only one priority target. The designation may be based on either time or importance (FM 6‑20‑40)

pris                                                                        prisoner (use abbreviations only in graphics)

prisoner of war                            (DOD) A detained person as defined in Articles 4 and 5 of the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War of August 12, 1949. In particular, one who, while engaged in combat under orders of his or her government, is captured by the armed forces of the enemy. As such, he or she is entitled to the combatant's privilege of immunity from the municipal law of the capturing state for warlike acts which do not amount to breaches of the law of armed conflict. For example, a prisoner of war may be, but is not limited to, any person belonging to one of the following categories who has fallen into the power of the enemy: a member of the armed forces, organized militia, or volunteer corps; a person who accompanies the armed forces without actually being a member thereof; a member of a merchant marine or civilian aircraft crew not qualifying for more favorable treatment; or individuals who, on the approach of the enemy, spontaneously take up arms to resist the invading forces. Also called POW; PW, FM 3‑19.40)

pro                                                                         procedure; proceed; prophylactic (use abbreviations only in graphics)

probability                                  In risk analysis, the likelihood that an event will occur. There are five degrees of probability: frequent (A), likely (B), occasional (C), seldom (D), and unlikely (E; FM 100‑14)

probable line of deployment            (Army) A phase line that a commander designates as the location where he intends to completely deploy his unit into assault formation before he begins the assault (FM 3‑90; Marine Corps) An easily recognized line selected on the ground where attacking units deploy in line formation prior to beginning a night attack. Also called PLD. (See Table 7‑10 for symbol)

PROC                                                                    proposed required operational capability

procedural control                        (DOD) A method of airspace control which relies on a combination of previously agreed and promulgated orders and procedures, FM 3‑52 (Army) A technique of regulating forces that relies on a combination of orders, regulations, policies, doctrine, and tactics, techniques, and procedures (FM 6‑0)

procedure                                                          (noun, Merriam‑Webster online 2002) a particular way of accomplishing something or of acting; a series of steps followed in a regular definite order; protocol

procedure word                           (DOD, also called a "proword") A word or phrase limited to radio telephone procedure used to facilitate communication by conveying information in a condensed standard form. Also called proword, FM 24‑19)

procedures                                 (Army) Standard and detailed courses of action that describe how to perform a task (FM 3‑90; Marine Corps) The particular courses or modes of action for performing certain functions, also tactics, techniques, and procedures (FM 1‑02)

process                                      An information management activity: to raise the meaning of information from data to knowledge (FM 6‑0, FM 1‑02)

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

PRODUTAS                                                        proceed on duty assigned

PROFIS                                      Professional Officer Filler Information System (FM 3‑21.20)

PROFP                                                                  proficiency pay

program of targets                       (Army) A number of planned targets of a similar nature. A program of targets identified by a code name may be initiated on call, at a specified time, or when a particular event occurs. Targets are fired in a predetermined sequence (FM 6‑20‑40; Marine Corps) A number of individual targets or groups of targets, or both, planned on targets of similar nature and fired on schedule, listed in an artillery fire plan table (FM 1‑02)

progress                                     Explicit or implicit evaluation about the significance to the success of the operation (or major activities) of variances from the plan in criteria of success and the progress of the operation (FM 6‑0)

proj                                                                        project; projectile (use abbreviations only in graphics)

PROJTRNS                                                          project transition

proliferation (nuclear weapons)       (DOD) The process by which one nation after another comes into possession of, or into the right to determine the use of, nuclear weapons; each nation potentially becomes able to launch a nuclear attack upon another nation, FM 100‑30)

PROMAP                                                              program for the refinement of the materiel acquisition process

PROMIS                                                               project management information system

PRON                                                                    procurement request order number

propaganda                                 (DOD, NATO) Any form of communication in support of national objectives designed to influence the opinions, emotions, attitudes, or behavior of any group in order to benefit the sponsor, either directly or indirectly, also black propaganda; grey propaganda; white propaganda, FM 3‑05.20)

prophylaxis                                 The use of material to prevent the development of an infection/disease, such as administration of antibiotics pre‑exposure or immediately post‑exposure to a disease, causing the organism to prevent the development of the disease (FM 8‑284)

pros                                                                       prosthetic (use abbreviations only in graphics)

proscription                                 an imposed restraint or restriction; see also prescription

PROSIGN                                                             procedure sign

protecting smoke                         Smoke produced to defeat or degrade target acquisition, guidance systems, or directed‑energy weapons. It includes the smoke blanket and smoke curtain (FM 3‑50)

protection                                  (DOD) 1. Measures that are taken to keep nuclear, biological, and chemical hazards from having an adverse effect on personnel, equipment, or critical assets and facilities. Protection consists of five groups of activities: hardening of positions; protecting personnel; assuming mission‑oriented protective posture; using physical defense measures; and reacting to attack. 2. In space usage, active and passive defensive measures to ensure that United States and friendly space systems perform as designed by seeking to overcome an adversary's attempts to negate them and to minimize damage if negation is attempted, also mission‑oriented protective posture (Army) The preservation of the fighting potential of a force so the commander can apply maximum force at the decisive time and place (FM 3‑0); a piece of equipment, natural or artificial, that is used to construct an anchor (mountain climbing)

protective minefield                      (DOD, NATO) 1. In land mine warfare, a minefield employed to assist a unit in its local, close‑in protection, FM 20‑32. 2. In naval mine warfare, a minefield laid in friendly territorial waters to protect ports, harbors, anchorages, coasts, and coastal routes, also minefield (FM 1‑02)

protective obstacles                     Obstacles employed to assist a unit in its local, close‑in protection (FM 90‑7)

PROWORD                                                          (noun) procedure word, JP 1‑02 (FM 1‑02), DoD. A word or phrase used by radiotelephone operators to condense information down to a simpler, standardized, and easily understandable form

prox                                                                       proximity (fuze setting; use abbreviations only in graphics)

PRP                                                                        performance, requirements, practices; Program Review Panel

PRR                                                                        personnel requirements report (FM 3‑21.20, ARTEP 71‑2‑MTP)

prsmn                                                                   pressman (use abbreviations only in graphics)

prsvn                                                                    preservation (use abbreviations only in graphics)

PRT                                                                        personnel research test

PRVEP                                                                  prerigged vehicles/equipment package (FM 90‑26)

PS                                                                          personnel subsystem; prior service, project stock; petroleum and supply (FM 3‑90.6)

PS&ER                                                                  production support and equipment replacement

PSAC                                                                    President's Scientific Advisory Committee

PSAO                                                                    primary staff action officer

PSC                                                                       personnel service company; price signal code

PSCO                                                                    personnel survey control officer

PSD                                                                       personnel service division; port security detachment

PSDS                                                                    permanently separated from duty station

PSE                                           PSYOP support element (FM 1‑02); personnel subsystem elements; priority standardization effort

PSF                                                                        Presidio of San Francisco

PSG                                                                       platoon sergeant

PSI                                                                         pounds per square inch; plan speed indicator

PSM                                                                       personnel subsystem manager; power supply modulator

psn                                           position (use abbreviations only in graphics, FM 1‑02)

PSNCO                                                                 personnel staff noncommissioned officer

PSO                                                                       primary standardization office; provisions supply office

PSP                                                                        pierced steel planking (FM 3‑22.90); perforated steel planking (FM 3‑21.38); personnel subsystem process

PSPA                                         peace support psychological activities (FM 1‑02)

PSPP                                                                     proposed system package plan

PSPR                                                                     personnel subsystem products

PSR                                                                        parachute status report; personnel status report (ARTEP 7‑30‑MTP, ARTEP 71‑2‑MTP)

PSRD                                                                     personnel shipment ready date

PSRO                                                                    passenger standing route order

PSS                                                                       personnel support system

PSSI                                                                      primary specialty skill identifier

PST                                                                       pass time; personnel subsystem team

PSTE                                                                     personnel subsystem test and evaluation

PSVCBAD                                                            Presidential Service Badge

PSYACT                                     psychological action (FM 1‑02)

psych                                                                   psychology (use abbreviations only in graphics)

psychological consolidation activities    (DOD) Planned psychological activities across the range of military operations directed at the civilian population located in areas under friendly control in order to achieve a desired behavior that supports the military objectives and the operational freedom of the supported commanders. Also called PCA, FM 3‑05.20)

psychological media                      (NATO) The media—technical or non‑technical—which establish any kind of communication with a target audience, FM 3‑05.20)

psychological operations                (DOD) Planned operations to convey selected information and indicators to foreign audiences to influence their emotions, motives, objective reasoning, and ultimately the behavior of foreign governments, organizations, groups, and individuals. The purpose of psychological operations is to induce or reinforce foreign attitudes and behavior favorable to the originator's objectives. Also called PSYOP.  See FM 3‑05.20. (See Table 5‑5 for symbol)

psychological operations action      Action or activity planned primarily for its psychological impact. Also called PSYOPACT (FM 3‑05.20)

psychological operations approach  The technique adopted to induce a desired reaction on the part of the target audience. Also called PSYOP approach (FM 3‑05.20)

psychological operations development center            A regional psychological operations unit that designs informational products and programs and makes recommendations to the joint force commander through the joint targeting coordination board for other joint forces to conduct psychological actions in support of military and national objectives. The psychological operations development center is the central core of a psychological operations task force. It consists of a target audience analysis detachment, a plans and programs detachment, and a test and evaluation detachment. Also called PDC (FM 3‑05.20)

psychological operations enabling actions   Action required of non‑psychological operations units or non‑Department of Defense (DOD) agencies in order to facilitate or enable execution of a psychological operations plan developed to support a command, joint task force, a combatant commander, or other non‑DOD agency. Also called PSYOP enabling actions (FM 3‑05.20)

psychological operations situation   That part of the overall operation situation in which psychological operations taken at the command and unit level, as well as the commitment of psychological operations units, are planned and executed. Also called PSYOP situation (FM 3‑05.20)

psychological situation                  The current emotional state, mental disposition, or other behavioral motivation of a target audience, basically founded on its national, political, social, economic, and psychological peculiarities, but also subject to the influence of circumstances and events (FM 3‑05.20)

psychological theme                     (NATO) An idea or topic on which a psychological operation is based, FM 3‑05.20)

psychological warfare                   (DOD) The planned use of propaganda and other psychological actions having the primary purpose of influencing the opinions, emotions, attitudes, and behavior of hostile foreign groups in such a way as to support the achievement of national objectives. Also called PSYWAR, FM 3‑05.20)

PSYOP                                       psychological operations (FM 1‑02)

PSYWAR                                     psychological warfare (FM 1‑02)

pt                                                                           point (use abbreviations only in graphics)

PT                                                                          pass time (aircraft, FM 21‑18, FM 90‑26); physical training (FM 7‑1, FM 3‑25.150, FM 3‑22.1); production test

PTA                                                                       primary target area; Picatinny Arsenal

PTAD                                         planning terrain‑analysis database (FM 1‑02)

PTFMPO                                                              Peacetime Force Materiel Procurement Objective

PTFMR                                                                 Peacetime Force Materiel Requirements

PTFMR‑A                                                            Peacetime Force Materiel Requirements Acquisition

PTFMR‑R                                                            Peacetime Force Materiel Requirements Retention

PTGT                                                                    primary target

PTL                                                                        primary target line

PTOS                                                                    peacetime operating stock

PTRF                                                                     peacetime rate factor

PTRO                                                                    personnel transaction register by originator

PTSO                                                                    personnel transaction summary by originator

PTST                                                                    personnel transaction summary by type transaction

PUAD                                                                    Pueblo Army Depot Activity

pub                                           publication (use abbreviations only in graphics, FM 1‑02)

public affairs                               (DOD) Those public information, command information, and community relations activities directed toward both the external and internal publics with interest in the Department of Defense. Also called PA, FM 46‑1. (See Table 5‑3 for symbol)

PUC                                           personnel under control (FM 3‑21.10)

PUCA                                                                    Presidential Unit Citation

PUE                                                                        Presidential Unit Emblem

PULHES                                                               physical profile serial code (numerical)

PUMP                                         A briefed maneuver to minimize closure on the threat or geographical boundary with the intent to re‑engage. Used to initiate a Grinder tactic)

PUP                                           pop‑up point (FM 1‑02)

pur                                                                         purchase; pursuant; pursuit (use abbreviations only in graphics)

PURA                                                                     PACOM Utilization and Redistribution Agency

pure                                          informative call indicating pure pursuit is being used or directive to go pure pursuit)

pursuit                                       (DOD, NATO) An offensive operation designed to catch or cut off a hostile force attempting to escape, with the aim of destroying it, also offensive operations, FM 3‑0)

push                                          1. In intelligence and communications, the broadcasting of information to multiple stations simultaneously without the need for them to request or interrogate the host system (FM 11‑32) 2. In logistics, the delivery of a predetermined amount of supplies to a user on a scheduled basis without the user requesting them (FM 4‑0)

push (channel)                            directive to switch to designated frequency; no acknowledgment required)

push up                                                               (intransitive verb; see "sit up" in MW10)

pushing                                      departing designated point)

push‑up                                                              (noun, MW10)

PV                                                                          production validation

PV1&2                                                                  Private E1 and E2)

PVC                                                                       polyvinyl chloride (pipe, FM 3‑25.150, FM 7‑93)

PVL                                                                        priority vehicle list (FM 90‑26)

PVNTMED                                   preventive medicine (FM 1‑02)

PVO                                                                       private voluntary organization (FM 3‑13 (100‑6, FM 63‑11, FM 100‑16, FM 3‑07 (FM 100‑7 (FM 1‑05, FM 31‑20‑3)

PVT                                                                       Private

PW                                                                         prisoner of war (FM 1‑02); public works; pulse width

PWD                                                                      procurement work directive

PWP                                                                      plasticized white phosphorous

pwr                                                                        power (ARTEP 7‑91‑Drill, FM 7‑92)

PWRR                                                                    Pre‑positioned War Reserve Requirements

PWRR‑MF                                                           pre‑positioned war reserve requirement for medical facilities

PWRS                                        pre‑positioned war reserve stock (FM 1‑02)

PWRS‑MF                                                           pre‑positioned war reserve stocks for medical facilities

PWTCVA                                                             procurement of weapons and tracked combat vehicles, Army

PWTN                                                                   power train

PX                                                                          post exchange (FM 3‑90.1, FM 3‑90.2)

PY                                                                          prior year

PYR                                                                        prior year report

pyrotechnic                                (DOD) A mixture of chemicals which, when ignited, is capable of reacting exothermically to produce light, heat, smoke, sound, or gas. [Note: the Army definition adds, "…and may also be used to introduce a delay into an explosive train because of its known burning time. The term excludes propellants and explosives."] See FM 5‑250)

PZ                                             pickup zone (FM 1‑02)

PZCO                                         pickup zone control officer (FM 1‑02)