Rules of thumb

Beginner 🎖️ Military / Defense

Definition

Wait, wrong list. But seriously, see 'ROE' above.

Example Usage

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Related Terms

Intermediate

Charlie Mike

Military phonetic for 'CM,' which stands for 'Continue Mission.' When you're taking casualties but the mission must proceed—cheerfully abbreviated into phonetic form.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Intermediate

Top Secret

The highest standard classification level, meaning disclosure could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security. It is the VIP section of information — exclusive, heavily guarded, and everyone wants to know what is inside. Getting the clearance requires a background check so thorough they interview your childhood imaginary friend.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Intermediate

intelligence

In the business world, it's the fancy term for analyzed information that helps you make smart decisions rather than just winging it. In the military and espionage realms, it's secret information about enemies or threats, usually gathered by people who've watched too many spy movies. Both definitions boil down to: knowledge that gives you an edge, assuming you actually use it.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Intermediate

Shock and Awe

A military strategy emphasizing overwhelming force and psychological dominance to break enemy will before sustained combat—basically, 'make them regret starting' in one explosive gesture.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Intermediate

ghost

In military parlance, someone who exists on paper but not in reality—usually referring to phantom soldiers kept on payroll for fraud purposes. This practice, also known as 'ghosting the roster,' has been enriching corrupt officers since ancient Rome discovered you could draw wages for imaginary legionaries. Modern militaries frown upon this creative accounting, which is why it's moved to government contracting instead.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Advanced

Enfilade Fire

Gunfire directed along the length of an enemy formation rather than frontally, maximizing casualties as each bullet has multiple potential targets. The military's way of saying "bowling for soldiers" with significantly grimmer implications.

🎖️ Military / Defense

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