Oscar Mike to the glossary. Copy that.
The equipment and ammunition a soldier carries during active operations. The weight between 'fully prepared' and 'can't move.'
A position from which supporting forces provide covering fire for advancing troops. The anchoring force that lets everyone else move without getting shot.
A jet engine system that injects fuel for rapid acceleration beyond normal operating parameters. When pilots need to go really, really fast right now.
Measures to protect sensitive information about military operations. The paranoid mindset that everyone outside the briefing room is the enemy.
Military operations involving multiple branches of service working together. When the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines actually communicate.
Real-time navigational adjustment of a weapon system to its target, often via laser or GPS. The last-second 'actually, aim here' correction.
The predetermined arrangement of munitions or sensor deployment across a geographic area. Strategic item placement that would make a chess grandmaster jealous.
The rate at which military operations are conducted, measured in missions, sorties, or patrols per unit time. The speed at which soldiers get exhausted.
An alternative defensive location occupied if the primary position is compromised. A military way of saying 'Plan B for when Plan A gets overrun.'
The process of putting stuff in place—whether it's military equipment being positioned for tactical advantage, a missile system being stationed at a base, or contemporary art being dramatically placed in a museum. The word works whether you're establishing surveillance systems or establishing awkward silence with avant-garde sculpture.
Techniques to minimize a vehicle's radar, thermal, visual, or acoustic detection signatures. Making military equipment harder to spot like a ninja in camo.
Tactics and technology to mislead enemy detection and targeting systems. Basically military psychology meets electrical engineering.
Military operations where information sharing across interconnected forces creates overwhelming advantage. When your communications network becomes your most powerful weapon.
Air forces directly assisting ground troops in combat. When jets show up to help the infantry because things got spicy.
A secured boundary around a military position designed to detect and repel attacks. The line you don't want the enemy crossing.
Departure order for aircraft, literally when landing gear leaves the ground. Metaphorically, the moment commitment becomes irrevocable and you'd better have brought everything you need.
Coordinated military aircraft and support units designed for a specific bombing or attack mission. A delicately balanced collection of ordnance, pilots, and support that's surprisingly fragile once airborne.
Military technology designed to avoid detection by radar, infrared, or acoustic sensors. Making expensive multibillion-dollar military hardware invisible to the naked eye.
Target Location—NATO phonetic abbreviation for marking a specific objective. More tactical sounding than simply saying 'target.'
SEAD operations targeting enemy radar and anti-aircraft systems to clear airspace. The dangerous job of destroying the things trying to shoot you down.
Helicopter pilot or crew member. Usually said affectionately by those who fly them and dismissively by jet pilots who consider rotary-wing undignified.
The effective size of an object as detected by radar. Smaller RCS means stealthier; the holy grail of aircraft design is making a 50-ton plane disappear on radar.
Defense of the outer boundary of a military installation or operational area. The line between 'we control this' and 'everything beyond is their problem.'
A long-distance military march with full battle gear and rucksack, designed to build endurance and unit cohesion. An exercise that separates soldiers from people who chose easier careers.