Oscar Mike to the glossary. Copy that.
Military slang for losing personnel, resources, or tactical advantage to enemy action. It's what happens when your position is being slowly destroyed but you're not allowed to say 'we're screwed' in official reports.
Adorable-sounding mini-bombs released by cluster munitions, because apparently regular bombs weren't problematic enough. These cheerful little explosives scatter like deadly confetti, with the bonus feature that many fail to detonate immediately, becoming surprise gifts for civilians years later. The term makes wholesale destruction sound like a craft project.
A secured position on enemy shores established during an amphibious assault, serving as the foothold for further operations. The military equivalent of getting your foot in the door, except with landing craft and heavy casualties.
Not the caped crusader, but a military officer's personal servant or valet who handles everything from polishing boots to brewing tea. This Commonwealth military tradition assigns enlisted personnel to assist officers with daily tasks, because apparently commanding troops isn't exhausting enough. Think of it as having a professional adulting assistant in uniform.
To attack a target using explosive ordnance with the goal of destroying it—or in modern slang, to fail spectacularly at something (like your comedy set). The military version is significantly more destructive and less metaphorical than the social media version.
Military uniform designed for combat operations rather than ceremony, optimized for functionality over looking sharp at parades. The practical outfit that prioritizes not dying over impressing generals.
A nautical rigging arrangement combining blocks and pulleys to tighten ship rigging with the grip of a vice, or the art of stowing cargo sideways like it owes you money. Essential knowledge for anyone who wants to sound credibly salty.
Either a military aircraft designed to drop explosive payloads or a person who plants bombs, both equally unwelcome at parties. The aircraft version represents massive engineering achievement dedicated to destruction; the person version represents someone who's made very poor life choices. Also a style of jacket, which is considerably less threatening.
A tactical maneuver to disengage from the enemy and get the hell out of there in an organized manner, as opposed to running away in panic. It's retreating with style and covering fire.
Post-strike evaluation determining whether targets were actually destroyed—military's humbling reminder that accuracy and intent don't always align.
Technically refers to projectiles moving under their own momentum, gravity, and air resistance after launch—the physics of things that go up and must come down. Colloquially means going absolutely berserk with rage, as in "going ballistic." The dual meaning captures both missiles and tempers reaching peak trajectory before inevitable explosive impact.
A permanent military installation housing troops, equipment, and the world's most creative interpretations of architecture and food service. These facilities range from sprawling cities with their own zip codes to remote outposts that make you question every life choice. Features typically include a PX selling overpriced snacks, a gym no one uses, and enough bureaucracy to make the DMV look efficient.
Slang for the U.S. Air Force, based on their blue uniforms. Used primarily by other service branches with varying degrees of affection and mockery—mostly mockery.
To surround and isolate a target—military position, person, or organization—applying sustained pressure through armed presence, blockade, or relentless demands. It's tactical patience at its most oppressive.
Covert military or intelligence operations denied by the government. Deniable operations where the government claims no official involvement whatsoever.
Friendly fire incidents where your own side shoots at you—military's most tragic form of workplace accident.
An intense military training facility where recruits are systematically broken down and rebuilt as soldiers, complete with screaming drill instructors and an unhealthy amount of yelling before breakfast.
A position from which supporting forces provide covering fire for advancing troops. The anchoring force that lets everyone else move without getting shot.
Battle Damage Assessment—the evaluation of damage caused to enemy targets during strikes. It's the post-attack scorekeeping system, often optimistic about what was actually destroyed.
A successful penetration of enemy defensive lines, creating an opportunity for exploitation. It's the moment when the defensive strategy transitions from 'holding the line' to 'holy crap, we need to retreat.'
Explosive devices designed to ruin everyone's day spectacularly, OR in slang, a complete commercial failure that somehow cost millions of dollars to produce. Also possibly large sums of money depending on context—basically a word that means destruction or financial ruin depending on your enthusiasm level.
A broad belt or sash worn diagonally across the chest, typically used to carry ammunition, weapons, or supplies in loops or pouches. Historically associated with military and pirate imagery, it distributes weight across the body for easier transport of heavy loads.
Intelligence or strategic capability that's unstable and subject to external forces; information that may dissipate without immediate action.
Surrounding someone and refusing to let supplies in, which is either clever strategy or a slow punishment depending on your perspective. Military sealing off of an area to prevent supplies or people from entering or leaving.