frag order

Definition

Short for 'fragmentary order,' a quick modification to an existing operations plan that doesn't require rewriting the entire thing. Because sometimes the enemy doesn't cooperate with your carefully crafted 50-page OPORD.

Example Usage

We just received a frag order changing our assault time from 0600 to 0430.

Origin

Military abbreviation of 'fragmentary order,' used when partial changes are needed to existing orders

Fun Fact

Despite containing 'frag,' it has nothing to do with fragmentation grenades—though frustrated planners might wish it did.

Source: Military planning and operations terminology

Related Terms

Beginner

close with and destroy

The infantry's core mission statement, meaning to physically close the distance to the enemy and eliminate them, usually through aggressive frontal assault. It's the least subtle mission description in military doctrine.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Beginner

Deployment

Sending military personnel to a specific location for a mission. It is like a mandatory business trip except the hotel has no pool, no minibar, and people might be shooting at you. Frequent flyer miles not included.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Intermediate

Fratricide

The accidental killing or wounding of friendly forces by your own side's weapons—friendly fire's more clinical, guilt-inducing name. The worst possible outcome that turns victory into tragedy and generates mountains of investigation paperwork.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Beginner

Zero Dark Thirty

Military slang for an unspecified time in the very early morning hours, well before dawn. It is the hour when only insomniacs, new parents, and the military are awake. The name itself sounds like a horror movie, which is appropriate because waking up at that hour is genuinely terrifying.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Intermediate

Payload

The cargo carried by a vehicle, aircraft, or missile — often something that goes boom. It is the military's version of 'what's in the box' except the answer is almost always 'something you don't want to be near when it opens.'

🎖️ Military / Defense

Advanced

retrograde

Movement or progression backward, which in military terms means strategic withdrawal and in everyday terms means things are getting worse. In astronomy, describes planets appearing to move backward in the sky, which astrology enthusiasts blame for everything. Generally indicates reversal, regression, or the tactical retreat your manager calls 'pivoting.'

🎖️ Military / Defense

Translate This Term

See “frag order” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Beginner

placement test

An exam determining which level course students should take, theoretically matching them to appropriate rigor but often ...