Oscar Mike to the glossary. Copy that.
The simultaneous firing of multiple weapons, creating that impressive wall of destruction you see in war movies. It's quality through quantity, delivered all at once.
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.
Military-speak for the complete explosive packages—bombs, rockets, and missiles—that make things go boom, as opposed to the guns that launch smaller booms. In NATO parlance, it's the finished product sitting in the arsenal, ready to ruin someone's day. Think of it as the difference between the bullet and the gun: munitions are the part that actually explodes.
Someone who decided military life wasn't for them and took the permanent leave option without filling out the proper paperwork or asking permission. Unlike someone who's just AWOL for a weekend bender, a deserter has fully committed to never coming back. It's the ultimate 'I quit' move, except with courts-martial and legal consequences instead of just burning bridges.
The military's formal term for when a service member ghosts their entire unit and decides civilian life is worth the court-martial. More serious than just going AWOL, desertion implies you're not planning to return, ever. It's the ultimate breach of military contract, often carrying penalties ranging from dishonorable discharge to actual prison time, depending on timing and circumstances.
Continuing a mission with reduced capability due to equipment failure, casualties, or loss of communications. Soldiering on when Plan A through F have all failed and you're improvising with duct tape and profanity.
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.
Confirmation that everything is ready, acceptable, or functioning properly. The military's universal seal of approval, often given with far less verification than the phrase implies.
Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency communication plan ensuring multiple redundant methods to maintain contact. Because Murphy's Law applies especially to radios when you desperately need them.
The analytical process of assigning specific units to accomplish specific tasks within an operation. Matching capability to requirement, assuming you have enough of both.
A deliberate campaign of destruction, obstruction, and subversion designed to cripple an enemy's war machine or (more commonly in corporate settings) your colleague's PowerPoint presentation. Whether destroying infrastructure or derailing a competitor, sabotage is the art of breaking things when negotiation feels inefficient.
Wait, wrong list. But seriously, see 'ROE' above.
Military-speak for 'let's go look around without getting shot,' involving scouts gathering intel about enemy positions, terrain, or resources before the actual action begins. It's essentially high-stakes reconnaissance where forgetting your binoculars could have catastrophic consequences. The difference between reconnaissance and tourism is that only one involves trying really hard not to be noticed.
The succession of supply vehicles and support units moving resources from rear areas to forward combat units. The lifeline of any military force, because bullets and beans don't teleport themselves to the front lines.
The pace and intensity of military operations, often abbreviated as OPTEMPO. How fast you're burning through both resources and personnel's sanity.
Originally standing for Special Warfare Combatant Crewmen (elite Navy operators), now repurposed as slang meaning "cool" or "impressive." It's what happens when military terminology gets hijacked by civilians who want their beer pong skills to sound tactical.
A clear, concise statement describing what success looks like in an operation, providing subordinates flexibility in execution. Theoretically the guiding star of operations; practically, often vague enough to mean whatever you want.
A bolt-action sniper rifle favored by U.S. Navy SEALs and other military sharpshooters who need to reach out and touch someone from very, very far away. This .308 Winchester chambered weapon is the professional's choice for long-range precision work, often confused with civilian hunting rifles by people who get their gun knowledge from video games. It's what you use when "spray and pray" isn't in your vocabulary.
A designated name or code used to identify a particular radio station or unit on a communications network. Prevents confusion and theoretically provides operational security.
Organized groups of military personnel equipped with weapons and bad attitudes, or more generally, any substantial power capable of producing significant change. Can be wielded, deployed, or unfortunately, unleashed with catastrophic consequences.
The act of killing your own officer, historically done by soldiers who didn't appreciate the officer's leadership style—mutiny with grenades.
Post-strike evaluation determining whether targets were actually destroyed—military's humbling reminder that accuracy and intent don't always align.
Information campaigns designed to influence enemy decision-making and demoralize forces—basically mind control with pamphlets and propaganda.
Small, temporary military installation supporting field operations—basically a fortified gas station in hostile territory.