Oscar Mike to the glossary. Copy that.
When something is so thoroughly destroyed or removed that it's basically been deleted from existence in that area. More intense than just 'eliminated,' this term suggests roots and all—whether we're talking about literal stumps, enemy positions, or unfortunately, entire populations. It's the scorched-earth version of 'getting rid of something.'
The process of analyzing mission requirements and assigning specific units to accomplish each task. Military sudoku where every wrong answer could be catastrophic.
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.
Emergency transportation of troops, civilians, or supplies by aircraft when ground routes are compromised, destroyed, or simply too slow. Think of it as Amazon Prime for war zones and disaster areas, except the delivery drones are C-130 cargo planes. The Berlin Airlift made it famous; humanitarian crises keep it relevant.
Standardized short phrases used in radio communications to convey complex information quickly, because spelling everything out when people are shooting at you is inefficient. It's military shorthand with life-or-death stakes.
Short for 'situation report,' a concise update on current operational status, position, and conditions. The military version of 'what's your status?' but with the expectation of actual useful information.
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.
Military-speak for forces designed to be deployed abroad for operations, as opposed to troops who stay home defending the homeland. It's the difference between soldiers who pack their bags for foreign adventures and those who already know where the good coffee shop near base is.
The art of sneaking into places or organizations where you definitely weren't invited, whether that's a spy entering enemy territory or water seeping into your basement. In military and intelligence work, it's covert entry with purpose; in construction, it's why you need a sump pump.
A tactical rehearsal where leaders use rocks, sticks, and dirt to create a miniature terrain model and walk through the mission plan, because PowerPoint doesn't work well in a combat zone. It's military planning meets sandbox playtime.
Being assigned to a task under the guise of volunteering, when refusal isn't actually an option. Democracy in action, military-style.
Military rumors, gossip, or unofficial information passed around the ranks. Originally naval slang from the water cask where sailors gathered to chat, it's now the military's internal social media before social media existed.
A group that simulates enemy tactics, techniques, and procedures to test security measures and identify vulnerabilities. Essentially, these are the people paid to think like terrorists and break into your base.
Uncontrolled, panicked firing in all directions, typically by an inexperienced soldier or unit under stress. Named after the sci-fi movie move, it's what happens when training fails and adrenaline takes over.
A soldier who actively seeks combat and thrives in violent situations, as opposed to 'vegans' who do their job but don't relish the fight. It's equal parts compliment and psychological red flag.
Elite naval infantry trained to fight from ships, conduct amphibious assaults, and generally be the military's first responders to global crises. They're the branch that emphasizes being tougher than everyone else while maintaining an institutional rivalry with every other service. Essentially sailors who decided they wanted to do the hard parts of being soldiers too.
Short for 'higher headquarters,' referring to command levels above your unit. The mystical realm where decisions are made by people who definitely don't understand your ground truth.
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 veteran service member with extensive experience, often multiple combat deployments. Has seen it all, believes none of it, and maintains emergency coffee supplies.
Bottom Line Up Front—the practice of stating the conclusion or key point first in military communications before providing supporting details. Saves time and ensures the important stuff gets read even if someone stops halfway through.
An impromptu training session conducted during unexpected downtime, typically covering tasks leaders should always be ready to teach. Educational entertainment for when someone inevitably wastes your time.
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.
In military aviation, a single combat mission flown by one aircraft, or a sudden attack launched by troops from a defensive position. Essentially, it's when you stop sitting around and actually do something aggressive. Modern air forces track sorties obsessively because counting how many times planes take off is apparently easier than measuring whether they accomplished anything useful.
A military operation or situation so disorganized and chaotic that it resembles the impossible task of herding or roping goats. Often used to describe exercises or missions that have gone spectacularly wrong due to poor planning or execution.