pop smoke

Definition

To deploy a smoke grenade, typically to mark a position for extraction, conceal movement, or signal aircraft. Also used colloquially to mean departing quickly from any situation.

Example Usage

We'll pop smoke when the chopper's two minutes out so they can identify our LZ.

Origin

Vietnam War-era term from standard procedure of marking landing zones with colored smoke grenades

Fun Fact

Different smoke colors communicate different things: purple usually means casualty evacuation needed, while green often signals an all-clear landing zone.

Source: Military aviation and ground tactical operations

Related Terms

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Human Intelligence — information gathered from human sources rather than technology. It is old-school spying: actual people talking to actual people. In an age of satellites and drones, sometimes you just need someone to buy a stranger a drink and ask pointed questions.

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horse cock

Military and blue-collar slang for complete nonsense or an absurd demand, typically used when someone in authority makes an unreasonable request. It's a colorful way to call BS without directly insubordinating yourself. The term conveys both disbelief and derision in two efficient syllables.

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deserter

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.

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Ordnance

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logistic

Relating to the detailed coordination and implementation of complex operations, particularly in military contexts or supply chain management where failure means everything grinds to a halt. This encompasses the unglamorous but critical work of moving people, equipment, and supplies from Point A to Point B without losing anything or anyone along the way. It's the difference between a successful military campaign and a really expensive camping trip gone wrong.

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final coordination line

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🎖️ Military / Defense

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