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FM 1-02/MCRP 5-12A________________________________________________________________
preventive maintenance checks and services - Operator-level maintenance conducted
before, during, and after equipment operations to identify actual and potential problems and
to make repairs in a timely manner to minimize equipment downtime. Also called PMCS.
(FM 4-30.3)
preventive medicine measures - Measures to counter the medical threat and prevent disease
and injury. (FM 4-02)
primary position - The position that covers the enemy’s most likely avenue of approach into
the area of operations. See also alternative position; battle position; subsequent
position; successive positions; supplementary position. (FM 3-90)
principles of war - Principles that provide general guidance for conducting war and military
operations other than war at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. The nine
principles of war are: objective—direct every military operation toward a clearly defined,
decisive, and attainable objective; offensive—seize, retain, and exploit the initiative;
mass—concentrate the effects of combat power at the decisive place and time; economy of
force—allocate minimum essential combat power to secondary efforts; maneuver—place
the enemy in a disadvantageous position through the flexible application of combat power;
unity of command—for every objective, ensure unity of effort under one responsible
commander; security—never permit the enemy to acquire an unexpected advantage;
surprise—strike the enemy at a time or place or in a manner for which he is unprepared;
simplicity—prepare clear, uncomplicated plans and clear, concise orders to ensure thorough
understanding. (FM 3-0)
priority - A procedure word meaning, “Precedence priority.” Reserved for important messages
that must have precedence over routine traffic. This is the highest precedence that normally
may be assigned to a message of administrative nature. See also procedure word. (FM 24-
19)
priority intelligence requirements - (DOD, NATO) Those intelligence requirements for
which a commander has an anticipated and stated priority in his task of planning and
decisionmaking. See FM
3-0.
(Marine Corps) In Marine Corps usage, an intelligence
requirement associated with a decision that will critically affect the overall success of the
command’s mission. Also called PIRs. See also commander’s critical information
requirements; information requirements; intelligence; intelligence cycle.
priority message - (DOD) A category of precedence reserved for messages that require
expeditious action by the addressee(s) and/or furnish essential information for the conduct of
operations in progress when routine precedence will not suffice. See also precedence. See
FM 24-1.
priority of fire(s) - (Army) The organization and employment of fire support means according
to the importance of the supported unit’s mission. (FM 6-20) (Marine Corps) Guidance to a
fire support planner to organize and employ fire support means in accordance with the
relative importance of the maneuver unit’s missions.
priority of support - Priorities set by the commander in his concept of operations and during
execution to ensure combat support and combat service support are provided to subordinate
elements in accordance with their relative importance to accomplishing the mission. (FM
101-5)
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priority target - A target on which the delivery of fires takes precedence over all the fires for
the designated firing unit or element. The firing unit or element will prepare, to the extent
possible, for the engagement of such targets. A firing unit or element may be assigned only
one priority target. The designation may be based on either time or importance. (FM 6-20-40)
prisoner of war - (DOD) A detained person as defined in Articles 4 and 5 of the Geneva
Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War of August 12, 1949. In particular,
one who, while engaged in combat under orders of his or her government, is captured by the
armed forces of the enemy. As such, he or she is entitled to the combatant’s privilege of
immunity from the municipal law of the capturing state for warlike acts which do not
amount to breaches of the law of armed conflict. For example, a prisoner of war may be, but
is not limited to, any person belonging to one of the following categories who has fallen into
the power of the enemy: a member of the armed forces, organized militia, or volunteer corps;
a person who accompanies the armed forces without actually being a member thereof; a
member of a merchant marine or civilian aircraft crew not qualifying for more favorable
treatment; or individuals who, on the approach of the enemy, spontaneously take up arms to
resist the invading forces. Also called POW; PW. See FM 3-19.40.
probability - In risk analysis, the likelihood that an event will occur. There are five degrees of
probability: frequent (A), likely (B), occasional (C), seldom (D), and unlikely (E). (FM 100-14)
probable line of deployment - (Army) A phase line that a commander designates as the
location where he intends to completely deploy his unit into assault formation before he
begins the assault. (FM 3-90) (Marine Corps) An easily recognized line selected on the
ground where attacking units deploy in line formation prior to beginning a night attack. Also
called PLD. (See page 7-31 for symbol.)
procedural control - (DOD) A method of airspace control which relies on a combination of
previously agreed and promulgated orders and procedures. See FM 3-52. (Army) A technique
of regulating forces that relies on a combination of orders, regulations, policies, doctrine, and
tactics, techniques, and procedures. (FM 6-0)
procedures - (Army) Standard and detailed courses of action that describe how to perform a
task. (FM 3-90) (Marine Corps) The particular courses or modes of action for performing
certain functions. See also tactics, techniques, and procedures.
procedure word - (DOD) A word or phrase limited to radio telephone procedure used to
facilitate communication by conveying information in a condensed standard form. Also called
proword. See FM 24-19.
process - An information management activity: to raise the meaning of information from data
to knowledge. (FM 6-0)
product program - A sequential, coordinated presentation of a series of products to achieve a
specific psychological operations objective. See also psychological operations program.
(FM 3-05.30)
program of targets - (Army) A number of planned targets of a similar nature. A program of
targets identified by a code name may be initiated on call, at a specified time, or when a
particular event occurs. Targets are fired in a predetermined sequence. (FM 6-20-40) (Marine
Corps) A number of individual targets or groups of targets, or both, planned on targets of
similar nature and fired on schedule, listed in an artillery fire plan table.
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progress - Explicit or implicit evaluation about the significance to the success of the operation
(or major activities) of variances from the plan in criteria of success and the progress of the
operation. (FM 6-0)
proliferation (nuclear weapons) - (DOD) The process by which one nation after another
comes into possession of, or into the right to determine the use of, nuclear weapons; each
nation potentially becomes able to launch a nuclear attack upon another nation. See FM 100-
30.
propaganda - (DOD, NATO) Any form of communication in support of national objectives
designed to influence the opinions, emotions, attitudes, or behavior of any group in order to
benefit the sponsor, either directly or indirectly. See also black propaganda; grey
propaganda; white propaganda. See FM 3-05.30.
prophylaxis - The use of material to prevent the development of an infection/disease, such as
administration of antibiotics pre-exposure or immediately post-exposure to a disease, causing
the organism to prevent the development of the disease. (FM 8-284)
protecting smoke - Smoke produced to defeat or degrade target acquisition, guidance systems,
or directed-energy weapons. It includes the smoke blanket and smoke curtain. (FM 3-50)
protection - (DOD) 1. Measures that are taken to keep nuclear, biological, and chemical
hazards from having an adverse effect on personnel, equipment, or critical assets and
facilities. Protection consists of five groups of activities: hardening of positions; protecting
personnel; assuming mission-oriented protective posture; using physical defense measures;
and reacting to attack. 2. In space usage, active and passive defensive measures to ensure
that United States and friendly space systems perform as designed by seeking to overcome
an adversary's attempts to negate them and to minimize damage if negation is attempted.
See also mission-oriented protective posture. (Army) The preservation of the fighting
potential of a force so the commander can apply maximum force at the decisive time and
place. (FM 3-0)
protective minefield - (DOD, NATO) 1. In land mine warfare, a minefield employed to assist a
unit in its local, close-in protection. See FM 20-32. 2. In naval mine warfare, a minefield laid
in friendly territorial waters to protect ports, harbors, anchorages, coasts, and coastal routes.
See also minefield.
protective obstacles - Obstacles employed to assist a unit in its local, close-in protection. (FM
90-7)
psychological consolidation activities - (DOD) Planned psychological activities across the
range of military operations directed at the civilian population located in areas under
friendly control in order to achieve a desired behavior that supports the military objectives
and the operational freedom of the supported commanders. Also called PCA. See FM 3-05.30.
psychological media - (NATO) The media—technical or non-technical—which establish any
kind of communication with a target audience. See FM 3-05.30.
psychological operations - (DOD) Planned operations to convey selected information and
indicators to foreign audiences to influence their emotions, motives, objective reasoning, and
ultimately the behavior of foreign governments, organizations, groups, and individuals. The
purpose of psychological operations is to induce or reinforce foreign attitudes and behavior
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favorable to the originator’s objectives. Also called PSYOP. See FM 3-05.30. (See page 5-31
for symbol.)
psychological operations action - Action or activity planned primarily for its psychological
impact. Also called PSYOPACT. (FM 3-05.30)
psychological operations approach - The technique adopted to induce a desired reaction on
the part of the target audience. Also called PSYOP approach. (FM 3-05.30)
psychological operations development center - A regional psychological operations unit
that designs informational products and programs and makes recommendations to the joint
force commander through the joint targeting coordination board for other joint forces to
conduct psychological actions in support of military and national objectives. The
psychological operations development center is the central core of a psychological operations
task force. It consists of a target audience analysis detachment, a plans and programs
detachment, and a test and evaluation detachment. Also called PDC. (FM 3-05.30)
psychological operations enabling actions - Action required of non-psychological operations
units or non-Department of Defense (DOD) agencies in order to facilitate or enable execution
of a psychological operations plan developed to support a command, joint task force, a
combatant commander, or other non-DOD agency. Also called PSYOP enabling actions.
(FM 3-05.30)
psychological operations situation - That part of the overall operation situation in which
psychological operations taken at the command and unit level, as well as the commitment of
psychological operations units, are planned and executed. Also called PSYOP situation.
(FM 3-05.30)
psychological situation - The current emotional state, mental disposition, or other behavioral
motivation of a target audience, basically founded on its national, political, social, economic,
and psychological peculiarities, but also subject to the influence of circumstances and events.
(FM 3-05.30)
psychological theme - (NATO) An idea or topic on which a psychological operation is based.
See FM 3-05.30.
psychological warfare - (DOD) The planned use of propaganda and other psychological
actions having the primary purpose of influencing the opinions, emotions, attitudes, and
behavior of hostile foreign groups in such a way as to support the achievement of national
objectives. Also called PSYWAR. See FM 3-05.30.
public affairs - (DOD) Those public information, command information, and community
relations activities directed toward both the external and internal publics with interest in
the Department of Defense. Also called PA. See FM 46-1. (See page 5-21 for symbol.)
pursuit - (DOD, NATO) An offensive operation designed to catch or cut off a hostile force
attempting to escape, with the aim of destroying it. See also offensive operations. See FM
3-0.
push - 1. In intelligence and communications, the broadcasting of information to multiple
stations simultaneously without the need for them to request or interrogate the host system.
(FM 11-32) 2. In logistics, the delivery of a predetermined amount of supplies to a user on a
scheduled basis without the user requesting them. (FM 4-0)
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pyrotechnic - (DOD) A mixture of chemicals which, when ignited, is capable of reacting
exothermically to produce light, heat, smoke, sound, or gas. [Note: the Army definition adds,
“…and may also be used to introduce a delay into an explosive train because of its known
burning time. The term excludes propellants and explosives.”] See FM 5-250.
—Q—
quadrant elevation - (DOD, NATO) The angle between the horizontal plane and the axis of
the bore when the weapon is laid. It is the algebraic sum of the elevation, angle of site, and
complementary angle of site. [Note: the NATO definition does not include the last sentence.]
See FM 6-20-40.
quartering party - A group of unit representatives dispatched to a probable new site of
operations in advance of the main body to secure, reconnoiter, and organize an area prior to
the main body’s arrival and occupation. See also advance party. (FM 3-90)
quay - (DOD) A structure of solid construction along a shore or bank that provides berthing and
generally provides cargo-handling facilities. A similar facility of open construction is called a
wharf. See FM 4-01.30.
—R—
rad - See centigray.
radar beacon - (DOD) A receiver-transmitter combination that sends out a coded signal when
triggered by the proper type of pulse, enabling determination of range and bearing
information by the interrogating station or aircraft. Also called RB. See FM 11-32.
radiac - (NATO) An acronym derived from the words “radioactivity, detection, indication, and
computation” and used as an all-encompassing term to designate various types of
radiological measuring instruments and equipment. (This word is normally used as an
adjective.) See FM 3-11.4.
radiation dose - (DOD, NATO) The total amount of ionizing radiation absorbed by material or
tissues, expressed in centigrays. [Note: the NATO definition ends here.] The term radiation
dose is often used in the sense of the exposure dose expressed in roentgens, which is a
measure of the total amount of ionization that the quantity of radiation could produce in air.
This could be distinguished from the absorbed dose also given in rads, which represents the
energy absorbed from the radiation per gram of specified body tissue. Further, the biological
dose, in rems, is a measure of the biological effectiveness on the radiation exposure. See also
absorbed dose; centigray; exposure dose; radiation dose rate. See FM 3-11.4.
radiation dose rate - (DOD, NATO) The radiation dose (dosage) absorbed per unit of time.
[Note: the NATO definition ends here.] A radiation dose rate can be set at some particular
unit of time (e.g., H+1 hour) and would be called H+1 radiation dose rate. See also radiation
dose. See FM 3-3-1.
radiation exposure state - (DOD, NATO) The condition of a unit, or exceptionally an
individual, deduced from the cumulative whole body radiation dose(s) received. It is
expressed as a symbol which indicates the potential for future operations and the degree of
risk if exposed to additional nuclear radiation. Also called RES. See FM 3-11.4.
radiation status - Criteria to assist the commander in measuring unit exposure to radiation
based on total past cumulative dose in centigray
(cGy). Categories are as follows:
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_________________________________________________________________Operational Terms
a. radiation exposure status-0 (RES-0)—No previous exposure history. b. radiation
exposure status-1 (RES-1)—Negligible radiation exposure history (greater than 0 but less
than 70 cGy). c. radiation exposure status-2 (RES-2)—Significant but not a dangerous
dose of radiation (greater than 70, but less than 150 cGy). d. radiation exposure status-3
(RES-3)—Unit has already received a dose of radiation which makes further exposure
dangerous (greater than 150 cGy). Also called RS. See also dose rate; operation exposure
guide; radiation dose. (FM 3-3-1)
radio fix - (DOD, NATO) The location of a ship or aircraft by determining the direction of radio
signals coming to the ship or aircraft from two or more sending stations, the locations of two
which are known. (NATO only) The locating of a radio transmitter by bearings taken from
two or more direction finding stations, the site of the transmitter being at the point of
intersection. See FM 11-32.
radio listening silence - The situation where radios are on and continuously monitored with
strict criteria when a station on the radio network is allowed to break silence. For example,
“maintain radio listening silence until physical contact with the enemy is made.” See also
radio silence. (FM 24-1)
radiological monitoring - See monitoring.
radiological survey - (DOD, NATO) The directed effort to determine the distribution and dose
rates of radiation in the area. See also nuclear, biological, and chemical survey. See FM
3-19.
radio silence - (DOD, NATO) A condition in which all or certain radio equipment capable of
radiation is kept inoperative. [Note: the NATO definition ends here.] (Note: In combined or
United States joint or intra-Service communications the frequency bands and/or types of
equipment affected will be specified.) See FM 24-1.
radius of action - (DOD, NATO) The maximum distance a ship, aircraft, or vehicle can travel
away from its base along a given course with normal combat load and return without
refueling, allowing for all safety and operating factors. See FM 55-1.
radius of damage - (DOD) The distance from ground zero at which there is a 0.50 probability
of achieving the desired damage. Also called RD. See also collateral damage. See FM 100-
30.
radius of vulnerability (nuclear) - The radius of a circle about ground zero within which
friendly personnel will be exposed to a risk equal to, or greater than, the emergency risk
criterion, or within which materiel will be subjected to a 5-percent probability of the specified
degree of damage. Also called RV. (FM 100-30)
raid - (DOD, NATO) An operation, usually small scale, involving a swift penetration of hostile
territory to secure information, confuse the enemy, or to destroy installations. It ends with a
planned withdrawal upon completion of the assigned mission. See FM 3-0.
railhead - (DOD, NATO) A point on a railway where loads are transferred between trains and
other means of transport. See also aerial port; seaport. See FM 55-20. (See page 5-24 for
symbol.)
rally point - 1. An easily identifiable point on the ground at which units can reassemble and
reorganize if they become dispersed. (FM 3-90) 2. An easily identifiable point on the ground
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at which aircrews and passengers can assemble and reorganize following an incident
requiring a forced landing. Also called RP. (FM 3-90) (See page 7-43 for symbol.)
random minelaying - (DOD) In land mine warfare, the laying of mines without regard to
pattern. See FM 20-32.
range - (DOD) 1. The distance between any given point and an object or target. See FM 6-30.
2. Extent or distance limiting the operation or action of something, such as the range of an
aircraft, ship, or gun. See FM 6-30. 3. The distance that can be covered over a hard surface
by a ground vehicle, with its rated payload, using the fuel in its tank, and its cans normally
carried as part of the ground vehicle equipment. See FM 55-17. 4. Area equipped for practice
in shooting at targets. In this meaning, also called target range. See FM 6-30.
range probable error - The range error caused by dispersion that will be exceeded as often as
not in an infinite number of rounds fired at the same elevation and is one-eighth of the
length of the dispersion pattern at its greatest length. The value is given in the firing tables.
(FM 6-20-40)
range spread - (DOD) The technique used to place the mean point of impact of two or more
units 100 meters apart on the gun-target line. See FM 6-20-40.
rapport - In intelligence usage, a condition established by a human intelligence (HUMINT)
collector that is characterized by source confidence in the HUMINT collector and a
willingness to cooperate with him. (FM 34-52)
rate of fire - (DOD, NATO) The number of rounds fired per weapon per minute. See FM 3-
21.91.
R-day - (DOD) Redeployment day. The day on which redeployment of major combat, combat
support, and combat service support forces begins in an operation. See also times. See FM
101-5.
reachback - (DOD) The process of obtaining products, services, and applications, or forces, or
equipment, or material from organizations that are not forward deployed. (Army/Marine
Corps) The ability to exploit resources, capabilities, expertise, etc., not physically located in
the theater or a joint operations area, when established.
reactivity - One of the four possible characteristics of hazardous waste. It is the ability to enter
into a violent chemical reaction, which may involve explosions or fumes. See also hazardous
waste. (FM 3-100.4)
read back - A procedure word meaning, “Repeat this entire transmission back to me exactly as
received.” See also procedure word. (FM 24-19)
real time - (DOD) Pertaining to the timeliness of data or information which has been delayed
only by the time required for electronic communication. This implies that there are no
noticeable delays. See also near real time. See FM 3-13.
rear area - (DOD) For any particular command, the area extending forward from its rear
boundary to the rear of the area assigned to the next lower level of command. This area is
provided primarily for the performance of support functions. [Note: the Army definition adds,
“… and is where the majority of the echelon’s sustaining functions occur.”] See also brigade
support area; division support area. See FM 3-0.
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_________________________________________________________________Operational Terms
rear area operations center/rear tactical operations center - (DOD) A command and
control facility that serves as an area and/or subarea commander’s planning, coordinating,
monitoring, advising, and directing agency for area security operations. Also called RAOC.
See FM 3-90
rear area response forces - Forces responsible for rear area threats beyond the capability of
base defenses. See also security operations. (FM 3-90)
rear area threat levels - Levels of response to threat activities. a. Level I—Threats that can
be defeated by base or base cluster self-defense measures. b. Level II—Threats that are
beyond base or base cluster self-defense capabilities but can be defeated by response forces,
normally military police, with supporting fires. c. Level III—Threats that necessitate the
command decision to commit a combined arms tactical combat force to defeat them. (FM 3-
90)
rear boundary - Line that defines the rear area of operations assigned to a particular unit. The
area behind the rear boundary belongs to the next higher commander and positioning of
elements behind it must be coordinated with that commander. See also boundary. (FM 3-
90) (See page 7-13 for symbol.)
rear command post - The rear echelon of a unit’s headquarters, consisting of those staff
activities concerned primarily with combat service support of the force, administrative
support of the headquarters, and other activities not immediately concerned with decisive
operations or operations within the close area. Typical representatives within the rear
echelon are elements of the G-1 and G-4 sections, G-5, adjutant general, staff judge advocate,
inspector general, surgeon, provost marshal, supporting military intelligence elements
concerned with counterintelligence and prisoner of war interrogation activities, and the
tactical airlift representative of the tactical air control party. See also command post. (See
page 5-39 for symbol.)
rear guard - (DOD) 1. The rearmost elements of an advancing or a withdrawing force. It has
the following functions: to protect the rear of a column from hostile forces; during the
withdrawal, to delay the enemy; during the advance, to keep supply routes open. 2. Security
detachment that a moving ground force details to the rear to keep it informed and covered.
See also guard; security operations. See FM 3-90.
rearming - (DOD) 1. An operation that replenishes the prescribed stores of ammunition, bombs,
and other armament items for an aircraft, naval ship, tank, or armored vehicle (including
replacement of defective ordnance equipment) in order to make it ready for combat service.
2. Resetting the fuze on a bomb, or on an artillery, mortar, or rocket projectile, so that it will
detonate at the desired time. See FM 5-100.
rearm, refuel, and resupply point - A designated point through which a unit passes where it
receives fuel, ammunition, and other necessary supplies to continue operations. Also called
R3P. (FM 6-20-30) (See page 7-64 for symbol.)
rearward passage of lines - When a unit passes through another unit’s position while moving
away from the enemy. (FM 3-90)
rebuild - (DOD) The restoration of an item to a standard as nearly as possible to its original
condition in appearance, performance, and life expectancy. See FM 4-0.
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reception - (DOD) 1. All ground arrangements connected with the delivery and disposition of
air or sea drops. Includes selection and preparation of site, signals for warning and approach,
facilitation of secure departure of agents, speedy collection of delivered articles, and their
prompt removal to storage places having maximum security. When a group is involved, it
may be called a reception committee. See FM 100-17-3. 2. Arrangements to welcome and
provide secure quarters or transportation for defectors, escapees, evaders, or incoming
agents. 3. The process of receiving, offloading, marshalling, and transporting of personnel,
equipment, and materiel from the strategic and/or intratheater deployment phase to a sea,
air, or surface transportation point of debarkation to the marshalling area. See FM 100-17-3.
receptivity
- (NATO) The vulnerability of a target audience to particular psychological
operations media. See FM 3-05.30.
reclamation - Regeneration or processing of a material to recover a usable product. Examples
include the recovery of lead from spent batteries and the regeneration of spent solvents. (FM
3-100.4)
reconnaissance - (DOD, NATO) A mission undertaken to obtain, by visual observation or other
detection methods, information about the activities and resources of an enemy or potential
enemy, or to secure data concerning the meteorological, hydrographic, or geographic
characteristics of a particular area. Also called recce; recon. See FM 3-0. (See page 5-13 for
symbol.)
reconnaissance by fire - (DOD, NATO) A method of reconnaissance in which fire is placed on
a suspected enemy position to cause the enemy to disclose a presence by movement or return
of fire. See FM 3-90.
reconnaissance handover - The action that occurs between two elements in order to
coordinate the transfer of information and/or responsibility for observation of potential
threat contact, or the transfer of an assigned area from one element to another. (FM 3-20.96)
reconnaissance handover line - A designated phase line on the ground where reconnaissance
responsibility transitions from one element to another. (FM 3-20.96)
reconnaissance in force - (DOD, NATO) An offensive operation designed to discover and/or
test the enemy’s strength or to obtain other information.
(Army) A deliberate combat
operation designed to discover or test the enemy’s strength, dispositions, and reactions or to
obtain other information. (FM 3-90)
reconnaissance pull
- Reconnaissance that determines which routes are suitable for
maneuver, where the enemy is strong and weak, and where gaps exist, thus pulling the main
body toward and along the path of least resistance. This facilitates the commander’s
initiative and agility. (FM 3-20.96)
reconnaissance push - Reconnaissance that refines the common operational picture, enabling
the commander to finalize the plan and support shaping and decisive operations. It is
normally used once the commander is committed to a scheme of maneuver or course of
action. (FM 3-20.96)
reconstitution - Extraordinary actions that commanders plan and implement to restore units
to a desired level of combat effectiveness commensurate with mission requirements and
available resources. (FM 100-9)
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reconstitution site - (DOD) A location selected by the surviving command authority as the site
at which a damaged or destroyed headquarters can be reformed from survivors of the attack
and/or personnel from other sources, predesignated as replacements. [Note: the Army term is
“regeneration site.”] See FM 100-9.
record as target - (NATO) In artillery and naval fire support, the order used to denote that the
target is to be recorded for future engagement or reference. [Note: the Army definition also
applies to mortar fire.] See FM 6-30.
recorded - (NATO) In artillery and naval fire support, the response used to indicate that the
action to “record to target” has been completed. See FM 6-30.
recovered materials - Waste materials and by-products that have been recovered or diverted
from solid waste; does not include those materials and by-products generated from, and
commonly reused within, an original manufacturing process. (FM 3-100.4)
recovery site - (DOD) In evasion and escape usage, an area from which an evader or an
escapee can be evacuated. See also evasion and escape. See FM 3-04.111.
redeployment - (DOD) The transfer of forces and materiel to support another joint force
commander’s operational requirements, or to return personnel, equipment, and materiel to
the home and/or demobilization stations for reintegrating and/or out-processing. See FM 100-
17.
reduce - 1. A tactical mission task that involves the destruction of an encircled or bypassed
enemy force. (FM 3-90) 2. One of the five breaching fundamentals. The creation of a lane
through, over, or around an obstacle. In the case of minefields, refers to destroying,
neutralizing, removing, or bypassing mines. (FM 3-34.2) See also assault; obscure; secure;
suppress.
reference box - (NATO) The identification box placed in the margin of a map or chart which
contains the series designation, sheet number and edition number in a readily identifiable
form. See FM 3-25.26.
refuel on the move point - An area established to ensure that fuel tanks on combat and fuel-
servicing vehicles are full before they arrive in the unit’s tactical assembly area. Also called
ROM point. (FM 71-123) (See page 7-64 for symbol.)
refugee - (DOD) A person who, by reason of real or imagined danger, has left their home
country or country of their nationality and is unwilling or unable to return. See also
dislocated civilian; displaced person. See FM 3-07. (See page 9-11 for symbol.)
regeneration - Rebuilding of a unit through large-scale replacement of personnel, equipment,
and supplies, including the reestablishment or replacement of essential command and
control and the conduct of mission essential training for the newly rebuilt unit. (FM 100-9)
regeneration site - See reconstitution site.
regimental landing team - (DOD) A task organization for landing comprised of an infantry
regiment reinforced by those elements that are required for initiation of its combat function
ashore.
registration fire - (DOD, NATO) Fire delivered to obtain accurate data for subsequent effective
engagement of targets. See also fire. See FM 6-20-40.
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registration point - (DOD, NATO) Terrain feature or other designated point on which fire is
adjusted for the purpose of obtaining corrections to firing data. See FM 6-20-40.
regulated item - (DOD, NATO) Any item whose issuance to a user is subject to control by an
appropriate authority for reasons that may include cost, scarcity, technical or hazardous
nature, or operational significance. Also called controlled item. See FM 4-0.
rehearsal - A session in which a staff or unit practices expected actions to improve performance
in execution. (FM 6-0)
rehearsal phase - (DOD) In amphibious operations, the period during which the prospective
operation is practiced for the purpose of: (1) testing adequacy of plans, the timing of detailed
operations, and the combat readiness of participating forces; (2) ensuring that all echelons
are familiar with the plans; and (3) testing communications information systems. See also
amphibious operation.
reinforcing - (DOD) A support mission in which the supporting unit assists the supported
unit’s mission. Only like units (e.g., artillery to artillery, intelligence to intelligence, armor to
armor, etc.) can be given a reinforcing/reinforced mission. [Note: the Army designates this as
a support relationship.] See FM 101-5. (NATO) In artillery usage, tactical mission in which
one artillery unit augments the fire of another artillery unit. See FM 6-20. See also direct
support; general support-reinforcing.
reinforcing obstacles - (DOD) Those obstacles specifically constructed, emplaced, or detonated
through military effort and designed to strengthen existing terrain to disrupt, fix, turn, or
block enemy movement. See also obstacle. See FM 90-7.
relateral tell - (DOD, NATO) The relay of information between facilities through a third
facility. This type of telling is appropriate between automated facilities in a degraded
communication environment. See also track telling.
relay to - A procedure word meaning, “Transmit this message to all addressees (or addressees
immediately following this proword).” The address component is mandatory when this
proword is used. See also procedure word. (FM 24-19)
release line - Phase line used in river crossing operations that delineates a change in the
headquarters controlling movement. Also called RL. (FM 90-13) (See page 7-34 for symbol.)
release point (road) - (DOD) A well-defined point on a route at which the elements composing
a column return under the authority of their respective commanders, each one of these
elements continuing its movement toward its own appropriate destination. (Army) A location
on a route where marching elements are released from centralized control. Also called RP.
See also lane; march column; march serial; march unit; route; start point. (FM 3-90)
(See page 7-43 for symbol.)
relevant information - All information of importance to commanders and staffs in the exercise
of command and control. (FM 3-0)
relief in place - (DOD, NATO) An operation in which, by direction of higher authority, all or
part of a unit is replaced in an area by the incoming unit. The responsibilities of the replaced
elements for the mission and the assigned zone of operations are transferred to the incoming
unit. The incoming unit continues the operation as ordered. Also called RIP. See FM 3-90.
(See page A-5 for symbol.)
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religious ministry support - (DOD) The entire spectrum of professional duties to include
providing for or facilitating essential religious needs and practices; pastoral care; family
support programs; religious education; volunteer and community activities; and programs
performed to enhance morale and moral, ethical, and personal well-being. Enlisted religious
support personnel assist the chaplain in providing religious ministry support. See FM 1-05.
remote control - In barrier operations, the ability of a user to actuate a charge or change of
state of a mine from a distance. For a mine, remote control is divided into: a. Remote
Control Level 1—Ability to react to a received remote control stimulus to change from
standby state to armed. b. Remote Control Level 2—As Level I, and the added ability to
react to a received remote control stimulus to return from armed standby state. c. Remote
Interrogation Capability—The ability of a mine to respond to a remote interrogation on
its state, either armed or standby. This capability may be superimposed in either Level I or
Level 2, and may be indicated by the suffix (I). (FM 20-32)
remote delivery - (DOD) In mine warfare, the delivery of mines to a target area by any means
other than direct emplacement. The exact position of mines so laid may not be known. See
FM 20-32.
rendezvous - (NATO) 1. A pre-arranged meeting at a given time and location from which to
begin an action or phase of an operation or to which to return after an operation. 2. In land
warfare, an easily found terrain location at which visitors to units, headquarters, or facilities
are met by personnel from the element to be visited.
reorganization - Action taken to shift internal resources within a degraded unit to increase its
level of combat effectiveness. (FM 100-9)
repeat - (NATO) In artillery and naval fire support, an order or request to fire again the same
number of rounds with the same method of fire. [Note: the Army definition also applies to
mortar fire.] See FM 6-30.
required supply rate (ammunition) - (DOD) The amount of ammunition expressed in terms
of rounds per weapon per day for ammunition items fired by weapons (and in terms of other
units of measure per day for bulk allotment and other items) estimated to be required to
sustain operations of any designated force without restriction for a specified period. Tactical
commanders use this rate to state their requirements for ammunition to support planned
tactical operations at specified intervals. The required supply rate is submitted through
command channels. It is consolidated at each echelon and is considered by each commander
in subsequently determining the controlled supply rate within the command. Also called
RSR. See also controlled supply rate. See FM 4-0.
requirements management - In intelligence, the development, integration, and management
of the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance plan, which sets out how the
information needed to meet priority intelligence requirements
(PIR) and information
requirements is to be collected and how and where it is to be processed into intelligence to
answer PIR. (FM 34-2)
reserve - (DOD) 1. Portion of a body of troops which is kept to the rear or withheld from action
at the beginning of an engagement, in order to be available for a decisive movement. See FM
3-90. 2. Members of the Military Services who are not in active service but who are subject to
call to active duty. 3. Portion of an appropriation or contract authorization held or set aside
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for future operations or contingencies and, in respect to which, administrative authorization
to incur commitments or obligations has been withheld.
reserved demolition target - (DOD, NATO) A target for demolition, the destruction of which
must be controlled at a specific level of command because it plays a vital part in the tactical,
operational, [Note: the NATO definition does not include “operational”] or strategic plan, or
because of the importance of the structure itself, or because the demolition may be executed
in the face of the enemy. See also demolition target; reserved obstacles. See FM 90-7.
reserved obstacles - (DOD) Those demolition obstacles that are deemed critical to the plan for
which the authority to detonate is reserved by the designating commander. (Army) Obstacles
of any type, for which the commander restricts execution authority. See also obstacle. (FM
90-7)
reserved route - (DOD, NATO) In road traffic, a specific route allocated exclusively to an
authority or formation. See also route. See FM 4-01.30.
residual radiation - (DOD) Nuclear radiation caused by fallout, artificial dispersion of
radioactive material, or irradiation which results from a nuclear explosion and persists
longer than one minute after burst. See also contamination; induced radiation; initial
radiation. See FM 3-3-1.
residual radioactivity - (DOD) Nuclear radiation that results from radioactive sources and
persists for longer than one minute. Sources of residual radioactivity created by nuclear
explosions include fission fragments and radioactive matter created primarily by neutron
activation, but may also be created by gamma and other radiation activation. Other possible
sources of residual radioactivity include radioactive material created and dispersed by means
other than nuclear explosion. See also contamination; induced radiation; initial
nuclear effects. See FM 3-3-1.
residual risk - The level of risk remaining after controls have been identified and selected for
hazards that may result in loss of combat power. Controls are identified and selected until
residual risk is at an acceptable level or until it cannot be practically reduced further. (FM
100-14)
response force - (DOD) A mobile force with appropriate fire support designated, usually by the
area commander, to deal with Level II threats in the rear area. Also called RF.
restoration - The systematic removal of pollution or contaminants from the environment,
especially from the soil or ground water, by physical, chemical, or biological means. Also
known as remediation or environmental cleanup. (FM 3-100.4)
restraint - (Marine Corps) Something which is prohibited that limits freedom of action. See also
constraint.
restricted operations area - (DOD, NATO) Airspace of defined dimensions, designated by the
airspace control authority, in response to specific operational situations/requirements within
which the operation of one or more airspace users is restricted. Also called ROA; restricted
operations zone (ROZ). See FM 3-52.
restricted operations zone - See restricted operations area. (See page 7-20 for symbol.)
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restrictive fire area - (DOD) An area in which specific restrictions are imposed and into which
fires that exceed those restrictions will not be delivered without coordination with the
establishing headquarters. See FM 6-20-40. (Marine Corps) In Marine Corps usage, the
purpose of the restrictive fire area is to regulate fires into an area according to the stated
restrictions. Also called RFA. See also fires. (See page 7-38 for symbol.)
restrictive fire line - (DOD) A line established between converging friendly surface forces that
prohibits fires or their effects across that line. See FM 6-20-40. (Marine Corps) In Marine
Corps usage, the purpose of the restrictive fire line is to prevent interference between
converging friendly forces without coordination with the affected force(s). Also called RFL.
See also fires. (See page 7-36 for symbol.)
resupply - (DOD, NATO) The act of replenishing stocks in order to maintain required levels of
supply. See FM 4-0.
retain - (DOD) 1. When used in the context of deliberate planning, the directed command will
keep the referenced operation plan, operation plan in concept format, and any associated
joint operation planning system of Joint Operation Planning and Execution System
automated data processing files in an inactive library status. The plan and its associated
files will not be maintained unless directed by follow-on guidance. 2. A tactical task to occupy
and hold a terrain feature to ensure that it is free of enemy occupation or use. (Army) A
tactical mission task in which the commander ensures that a terrain feature already
controlled by a friendly force remains free of enemy occupation or use. (FM 3-90) (See page A-
5 for symbol.)
retirement - (DOD, NATO) An operation in which a force out of contact moves away from the
enemy. [Note: the Army classifies retirement as “a form of retrograde.”] See FM 3-0. (See
page A-5 for symbol.)
retrograde - A type of defensive operation that involves organized movement away from the
enemy. (FM 3-0)
reverse slope - Any slope which descends away from the enemy. (FM 3-90)
riot control agent - (DOD) Any chemical that is not listed in the Chemical Weapons
Convention which can produce rapidly in humans sensory irritate or disabling physical
effects which disappear within a short time following termination of exposure. (NATO) A
chemical that is not listed in the schedule of the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention, which
can rapidly produce irritant or disabling physical effects that disappear shortly after
termination of exposure. (Army) A substance that produces temporary irritating or disabling
physical effects that disappear within minutes of removal from exposure. There is no
significant risk of permanent injury, and medical treatment is rarely required. Also called
RCA. See also chemical warfare. (FM 3-11.4)
risk - (DOD) Probability and severity of loss linked to hazards. See also degree of risk;
hazard; risk management. See FM 100-14.
risk assessment - (DOD) The identification and assessment of hazards (first two steps of risk
management process). See FM 100-14.
risk assessment matrix - A tool that can be used to determine levels of risk. Leaders and
staffs enter the estimated degree of severity and probability for each identified hazard from
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the severity row and probability column respectively. See also hazard; levels of risk;
probability; severity. (FM 100-14)
risk decision - The decision to accept or not accept the risk(s) associated with an action; made
by the commander, leader, or individual responsible for performing that action. (FM 100-14)
risk management - (DOD) The process of identifying, [Note: the Marine Corps definition
replaces
“identifying” with
“detecting”] assessing, and controlling risk arising from
operational factors, and making informed decisions that balance risk cost with mission
benefits. [Note: the Marine Corps definition adds “The five steps of risk management are
identify the hazards, assess the hazards, develop controls and make risk decision, implement
controls, and supervise and evaluate.”] See FM 100-14. Also called RM. See also hazard;
residual risk; risk; risk assessment; risk decision.
river crossing - An operation required before ground combat power can be projected and
sustained across a water obstacle. It is a centrally planned and controlled offensive operation
that requires the allocation of external crossing means and a force dedicated to the security
of the bridgehead. See also deliberate crossing; hasty crossing. (FM 90-13)
riverine area - (DOD) An inland or coastal area comprising both land and water, characterized
by limited land lines of communication, with extensive water surface and/or inland
waterways that provide natural routes for surface transportation and communications. See
FM 55-50.
riverine operations - (DOD) Operations conducted by forces organized to cope with and exploit
the unique characteristics of a riverine area, to locate and destroy hostile forces, and/or to
achieve or maintain control of the riverine area. Joint riverine operations combine land,
naval, and air operations, as appropriate, and are suited to the nature of the specific riverine
area in which operations are to be conducted. See FM 55-50.
road block - (DOD, NATO) A barrier or obstacle (usually covered by fire) used to block or limit
the movement of hostile vehicles along a route. See FM 90-7. (See page 7-51 for symbol.)
road clearance time - (DOD, NATO) The total time a column requires to travel over and clear
a section of the road. See FM 4-01.30.
roger - A procedure word meaning “I have received your last transmission satisfactorily.” See
also procedure word. (FM 24-19)
rounds complete - (NATO) In artillery and naval fire support, the procedural term used to
indicate that the number of rounds ordered at “fire for effect” have been fired. [Note: the
Army definition also applies to mortar fire.] See also shot. See FM 6-20-40.
route - (DOD, NATO) The prescribed course to be traveled from a specific point of origin to a
specific destination. See also lateral route; reserved route. See FM 4-01.30.
route capacity - (DOD, NATO) 1. The maximum traffic flow of vehicles in one direction at the
most restricted point on the route. 2. The maximum number of metric tons which can be
moved in one direction over a particular route in one hour. It is the product of the maximum
traffic flow and the average payload of the vehicles using the route. See FM 4-01.30.
route classification - (DOD, NATO) Classification assigned to a route using factors of
minimum width and worst route type, least bridge, raft, or culvert military load
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classification, and obstructions to traffic flow. See also military load classification. See
FM 5-100.
route reconnaissance - (Army/Marine Corps) A directed effort to obtain detailed information
of a specified route and all terrain from which the enemy could influence movement along
that route. (FM 3-90)
route security operations - A specialized kind of area security operations conducted to protect
lines of communication and friendly forces moving along them. (FM 3-90)
routine - A procedure word meaning, “Precedence routine.” Reserved for all types of messages
that are not of sufficient urgency to justify a higher precedence, but must be delivered to the
addressee without delay. See also procedure word. (FM 24-19)
rules of engagement - (DOD) Directives issued by competent military authority that delineate
the circumstances and limitations under which United States forces will initiate and/or
continue combat engagement with other forces encountered. Also called ROE. See also law
of war. See FM 3-07.
running estimates - A staff estimate, continuously updated, based on new information as the
operation proceeds. (FM 6-0)
ruse - (DOD) In military deception, a trick of war designed to deceive the adversary, usually
involving the deliberate exposure of false information to the adversary’s intelligence
collection system. See also deception. See FM 27-10.
—S—
sabotage - (DOD) An act or acts with intent to injure, interfere with, or obstruct the national
defense of a country by willfully injuring or destroying, or attempting to injure or destroy,
any national defense or war materiel, premises, or utilities, to include human and natural
resources. See also terrorism. See FM 3-19.1.
safe area - (DOD) A designated area in hostile territory that offers the evader or escapee a
reasonable chance of avoiding capture and of surviving until he or she can be evacuated. See
FM 100-25.
safe house - (DOD) An innocent-appearing house or premises established by an organization for
the purpose of conducting clandestine or covert activity in relative security. See FM 3-05.20.
(See page 9-11 for symbol.)
safe state - (NATO) The state in which a mine cannot function and in which it is safe to handle
and transport. See FM 20-32.
safety and arming mechanism - (DOD) A dual function device which prevents the unintended
activation of a main charge or propulsion unit prior to arming, but allows activation
thereafter upon receipt of the appropriate stimuli. See FM 20-32.
safety angle - See angle of safety.
salvage - (DOD) 1. Property that has some value in excess of its basic material content but is in
such condition that it has no reasonable prospect of use for any purpose as a unit and its
repair or rehabilitation for use as a unit is clearly impractical. 2. The saving or rescuing of
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condemned, discarded, or abandoned property, and of materials contained therein for reuse,
refabrication, or scrapping.
sarin - A g-series nerve agent. Also called GB. (FM 3-9)
say again - A procedure word meaning, “Repeat all of your last transmission.” (Followed by
identification data, means “Repeat ________ (portion indicated).”) See also procedure word.
(FM 24-19)
scatterable mine - (DOD, NATO) In land mine warfare, a mine laid without regard to classical
pattern and which is designed to be delivered by aircraft, artillery, missile, ground dispenser,
or by hand. Once laid, it normally has a limited life. See also mine. See FM 20-32. See page
7-48 for symbol.
scheduled fire - (DOD, NATO) A type of prearranged fire executed at a predetermined time.
See FM 6-20-10.
scheduled supplies - Requirements that can be reasonably predicted. A schedule supply
normally will not require a requisition to be submitted by the user for its replacement.
Requirements are based on troop strength, equipment density, forecasts, and daily usage
factors. Classes of supply I, III (bulk), V, and VI normally are treated as scheduled supplies.
(FM 4-0)
scheduled target(s) - (DOD) Planned targets upon which fire will be delivered at a specific
time. [Note: the Army definition also applies to mortar fire.] [Note: see APP-6.] See also on-
call target; planned target(s). See FM 6-20-40.
schedule of fire - (DOD) Groups of fires or series of fires fired in a definite sequence according
to a definite program. The time of starting the schedule may be ON CALL. For identification
purposes, schedules may be referred to by code name or other designation. See FM 6-20.
schedule of targets - (DOD, NATO) In artillery, mortar, [Note: the NATO definition does not
include “mortar”] and naval gunfire support, individual targets, groups, or series of targets to
be fired on, in a definite sequence according to a definite program. See FM 6-20-30.
scheme of maneuver - (DOD) Description of how arrayed forces will accomplish the
commander’s intent. It is the central expression of the commander’s concept for operations
and governs the design of supporting plans or annexes. See FM 101-5.
science of control - Use of objectivity, facts, empirical methods, and analysis, with emphasis
on anticipation in the form of forecasting to regulate forces and functions to accomplish the
mission in accordance with the commander’s intent. See FM 6-0.
science of tactics - The understanding of those military aspects of tactics—capabilities,
techniques and procedures—that can be measured and codified. (FM 3-90)
scientific and technical intelligence - (DOD) The product resulting from the collection,
evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of foreign scientific and technical information that
covers: a. foreign developments in basic and applied research and in applied engineering
techniques; and b. scientific and technical characteristics, capabilities, and limitations of all
foreign military systems, weapons, weapon systems, and materiel; the research and
development related thereto; and the production methods employed for their manufacture.
Also called S&TI. See also intelligence; technical intelligence. See FM 34-2.
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_________________________________________________________________Operational Terms
screen - (DOD, NATO) 1. An arrangement of ships, aircraft, and/or submarines to protect a
main body or convoy. 2. In cartography, a sheet of transparent film, glass, or plastic carrying
a “ruling” or other regularly repeated pattern which may be used in conjunction with a mask,
either photographically or photomechanically, to produce areas of patterns.
3. In
surveillance, camouflage, and concealment, any natural or artificial material, opaque to
surveillance sensors, interposed between the sensor(s) and the object to be camouflaged or
concealed. 4. A security element whose primary task is to observe, identify, and report
information, and which only fights in self-protection. See FM 3-90. 5. (DOD only) A task to
maintain surveillance; provide early warning to the main body; or impede, destroy, and
harass enemy reconnaissance within its capability without becoming decisively engaged.
(Army) A form of security operation that primarily provides early warning to the protected
force. (FM 3-90) See also concealment; flank guard; guard; security operations. (See
page A-5 for symbol.)
screening - As it applies to human intelligence operations, the process of evaluating and
selecting human and document sources based on pre-established criteria for the prioritized
collection of information in support of command intelligence requirements. While screening
is not in itself an information collection technique, it is vital to the rapid collection of
information. (FM 34-52)
screen line - A control measure, usually named as a phase line, established forward of the main
body during defensive operations, or during offensive operations as a flank or rear screen
oriented on the main body. Once occupied, it becomes the forward line of own troops and the
limit of advance for all friendly forces, although permission can be obtained from the
establishing headquarters to go beyond it. See also screen; security. (FM 3-90)
S-day - (DOD) The day the President authorizes Selective Reserve callup (not more than
200,000). See also times. See FM 101-5.
sea port - (DOD) A land facility designated for reception of personnel or materiel moved by sea,
and that serves as an authorized port of entrance into or departure from the country in
which it is located. See also aerial port; port of debarkation; port of embarkation. See
FM 4-01.30.
sea port of debarkation - A marine terminal for sustained port operations at which personnel
and materiel are discharged from ships. Sea ports of debarkation normally act as ports of
embarkation on return passenger and retrograde cargo shipments. Also called SPOD. (FM 4-
01.30) (See page 5-25 for symbol.)
sea port of embarkation - A marine terminal for sustained port operations at which personnel
board and materiel is loaded aboard ships. Sea ports of embarkation normally act as ports of
debarkation on return passenger and retrograde cargo shipments. Also called SPOE. (FM 4-
01.30) (See page 5-25 for symbol.)
search and attack - A technique of conducting a movement to contact that shares many of the
characteristics of an area security mission. (FM 3-0)
sector of fire - (DOD, NATO) A defined area which is required to be covered by the fire of
individual or crew-served weapons or the weapons of a unit. (Army) That area assigned to a
unit, crew-served weapon, or an individual weapon within which it will engage targets as
they appear in accordance with established engagement priorities. (FM 3-90)
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secure - (DOD, NATO) In an operational context, to gain possession of a position or terrain
feature with or without force, and to make such disposition as will prevent, as far as possible,
its destruction or loss by enemy action. See FM 3-90. (Army) 1. A tactical mission task that
involves preventing a unit, facility, or geographical location from being damaged or destroyed
as a result of enemy action. (FM 3-90) 2. One of the five breaching fundamentals. Those
actions which eliminate the enemy’s ability to interfere with the reduction and passage of
combat power through a lane. Secure may be accomplished by maneuver or by fires. (FM 3-
34.2) See also assault; breach; denial measure; reduce; suppress. (See page A-5 for
symbol.)
security - (DOD) 1. Measures taken by a military unit, an activity or installation to protect
itself against all acts designed to, or which may, impair its effectiveness. 2. A condition that
results from the establishment and maintenance of protective measures that ensure a state
of inviolability from hostile acts or influences.
3. With respect to classified matter, the
condition that prevents unauthorized persons from having access to official information that
is safeguarded in the interests of national security. (NATO) The condition achieved when
designated information, materiel, personnel, activities, and installations are protected
against espionage, sabotage, subversion, and terrorism, as well as against loss or
unauthorized disclosure. (Army) One of the nine principles of war: Never permit the enemy
to acquire an unexpected advantage. See also principles of war. (FM 3-0)
security area (zone) - (Army) Area that begins at the forward area of the battlefield and
extends as far to the front and flanks as security forces are deployed. Forces in the security
area furnish information on the enemy and delay, deceive, and disrupt the enemy and
conduct counterreconnaissance. (FM 3-90) (Marine Corps) The forward of the three echelons
of a defensive sector. It is the area forward of the forward edge of the battle area out to the
forward positions initially assigned to the security forces. The ground combat element
commander may extend the lateral boundaries of subordinate units forward of the forward
edge of the battle area, giving them responsibility for the security area within sector to the
forward limit of their boundaries, or he may assign a security force to operate across the
entire ground combat element frontage.
security assistance - (DOD) Group of programs authorized by the Foreign Assistance Act of
1961, as amended, and the Arms Export Control Act of 1976, as amended, or other related
statutes by which the United States provides defense articles, military training, and other
defense-related services, by grant, loan, credit, or cash sales in furtherance of national
policies and objectives. Also called SA. See FM 3-0.
security operations - Those operations undertaken by a commander to provide early and
accurate warning of enemy operations, to provide the force being protected with time and
maneuver space within which to react to the enemy, and to develop the situation to allow the
commander to effectively use the protected force. See also cover; guard; rear area
response forces; screen. (FM 3-90)
seize - (DOD) To employ combat forces to occupy physically and control a designated area.
(Army) A tactical mission task that involves taking possession of a designated area using
overwhelming force. (FM 3-90) (Marine Corps) To clear a designated area and obtain control
of it. See also contain. (See page A-6 for symbol.)
selective identification feature
-
(DOD) A capability that, when added to the basic
identification friend or foe system, provides the means to transmit, receive, and display
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selected coded replies. Also called SIF. See also identification friend or foe;
identification friend or foe on/off line. See FM 3-04.111.
selective mobilization - (DOD) Expansion of the active Armed Forces resulting from action by
Congress and/or the President to mobilize Reserve Component units, Individual Ready
Reservists, and the resources needed for their support to meet the requirements of a
domestic emergency that is not the result of an enemy attack. See also mobilization. See
FM 100-17.
sensor - Equipment which detects, and may indicate and/or record, objects and activities by
means of energy or particles emitted, reflected, or modified by objects. (FM 34-1) (See page 6-
26 for symbol.)
separation zone - (DOD, NATO) An area between two adjacent horizontal or vertical areas
into which units are not to proceed unless certain safety measures can be fulfilled. See FM 3-
07.
sequel - (DOD) A major operation that follows the current major operation. Plans for a sequel
are based on the possible outcomes (success, stalemate, or defeat) associated with the current
operation. See FM 3-0.
serial - (DOD, NATO) An element or a group of elements within a series which is given a
numerical or alphabetical designation for convenience in planning, scheduling, and control.
[Note: the NATO definition ends here.] A serial can be a group of people, vehicles,
equipment, or supplies and is used in airborne, air assault, and amphibious operations and
convoys. See FM 90-26.
serial assignment table - (DOD) A table that is used in amphibious operations and shows the
serial number, the title of the unit, the approximate number of personnel; the material,
vehicles, or equipment in the serial; the number and type of landing craft and/or amphibious
vehicles required to boat the serial; and the ship on which the serial is embarked. [Note: the
Army definition adds: “Also used in airborne and air assault operations, and may be used in
noncombatant evacuation operations.”] See FM 90-26.
series of targets - (NATO) In artillery and naval fire support, a number of targets and/or
group(s) of targets planned to support a maneuver phase. A series of targets is indicated by a
nickname. [Note: the Army definition also applies to mortar fire.] See FM 6-20-40. (Marine
Corps) A number of targets and/or groups of targets fired in a predetermined sequence in
support of a scheme of maneuver. (See page 7-39 for symbol.)
service - A procedure word meaning, “The message that follows is a service message.” See also
procedure word. (FM 24-19)
service ammunition - (DOD) Ammunition intended for combat, rather than for training
purposes. See FM 3-21.91.
Service component command - (DOD) A command consisting of the Service component
commander and all those Service forces, such as individuals, units, detachments,
organizations, and installations under that command, including the support forces that have
been assigned to a combatant command or further assigned to a subordinate unified
command or joint task force. See also functional component command. See FM 3-0. (See
page 5-36 for symbols.)
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Service military deception - (DOD) Military deception planned and executed by the Services
that applies to Service support to joint operations. Service military deception is designed to
protect and enhance capabilities of Service forces and systems. See also military deception.
See FM 3-13.
severity - The expected consequence of an event (hazardous incident) in terms of degree of
injury, property damage, or other mission-impairing factors (loss of combat power, and so on)
that could occur. There are four degrees of severity: catastrophic (I), critical (II), marginal
(III), and negligible (IV). (FM 100-14)
shallow fording - (DOD) The ability of a self-propelled gun or ground vehicle equipped with
built-in waterproofing, with its wheels or tracks in contact with the ground, to negotiate a
water obstacle without the use of a special waterproofing kit. See also ford. See FM 5-100.
shaped charge - (DOD, NATO) A charge shaped so as to concentrate its explosive force in a
particular direction. See FM 5-250.
shaping - (Marine Corps) The use of lethal and nonlethal activities to influence events in a
manner which changes the general condition of war to an advantage.
shaping operations - Operations at any echelon that create and preserve conditions for the
success of decisive operations. (FM 3-0)
sheaf - In artillery, mortar and naval gunfire support, planned planes (lines) of fire that produce
a desired pattern of bursts with rounds fired in two or more weapons. (FM 6-30)
shelling report - (NATO) Any report of enemy shelling containing information on caliber,
direction, time, density and area shelled. See FM 101-5-2.
shift fire
- The command to move the cone of fire in a direction away from a friendly
maneuvering force so that enemy forces continue to be struck by the beaten zone at the same
time the friendly unit moves. (FM 6-20-40)
shore party - (DOD, NATO) A task organization of the landing force, formed for the purpose of
facilitating the landing and movement off the beaches of troops, equipment, and supplies; for
the evacuation from the beaches of casualties and enemy prisoners of war; and for
facilitating the beaching, retraction, and salvaging of landing ships and craft. It comprises
elements of both the naval and landing forces. Also called beach group.
short - (NATO) In artillery and naval fire support, a spotting, or an observation, used by an
observer to indicate that a burst(s) occurred short of the target in relation to the spotting
line. [Note: the Army definition also applies to mortar fire.] (Army) In direct fire, a sensing of
a round hitting below the target or between the target and the firing system. (FM 6-30)
short-range air defense engagement zone - (DOD) In air defense, that airspace of defined
dimensions within which the responsibility for engagement of air threats normally rests with
short-range air defense weapons. It may be established within a low- or high-altitude mission
engagement zone. Also called SHORADEZ. See FM 3-52.
shot - (NATO) In artillery and naval fire support, a report that indicates a gun or guns have
been fired. [Note: the Army definition also applies to mortar fire.] (Army) A message sent to
the observer to alert him that rounds for his call for fire are in the air and prepared to
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provide a sensing of the relation of their impact to the target. See also rounds complete.
(FM 6-30)
show of force - (DOD) An operation designed to demonstrate US resolve that involves
increased visibility of US deployed forces in an attempt to defuse a specific situation that, if
allowed to continue, may be detrimental to US interests or national objectives. See also
deception. See FM 3-0.
signal operation instructions - (DOD) A series of orders issued for technical control and
coordination of the signal communication activities of a command. In Marine Corps usage,
these instructions are designated communication operation instructions. [Note: the Army
term is “signal operating instructions.”] Also called SOI. See FM 11-32.
signal security - (DOD) A generic term that includes both communications security and
electronics security. (Army) Measures intended to deny or counter hostile exploitation of
electronic emissions. Signal security includes communications security and electronic
security. Also called SIGSEC. See also security. (FM 11-32)
signals intelligence - (DOD) 1. A category of intelligence comprising either individually or in
combination all communications intelligence, electronic intelligence, and foreign
instrumentation signals intelligence, however transmitted.
2. Intelligence derived from
communications, electronics, and foreign instrumentation signals. Also called SIGINT. See
also communications intelligence; electronic intelligence; intelligence. See FM 34-2.
silence
- A procedure word meaning, “Cease transmission immediately.” Silence will be
maintained until lifted. (Transmissions imposing silence must be authenticated.) See also
procedure word. (FM 24-19)
silence lifted - A procedure word meaning, “Silence is lifted.” (When an authentication system
is in force, the transmission lifting silence is to be authenticated.) See also procedure word.
(FM 24-19)
simplicity - One of the nine principles of war: Prepare clear, uncomplicated plans, and clear,
concise orders to ensure thorough understanding. (FM 3-0)
simulative electromagnetic deception - (DOD) Actions to simulate friendly, notional, or
actual capabilities to mislead hostile forces. See also electromagnetic deception;
imitative electromagnetic deception; manipulative electromagnetic deception. See
FM 3-13.
situational awareness
-
(Marine Corps) Knowledge and understanding of the current
situation which promotes timely, relevant, and accurate assessment of friendly, enemy, and
other operations within the battlespace in order to facilitate decisionmaking. An
informational perspective and skill that foster an ability to determine quickly the context
and relevance of events that are unfolding.
situational obstacle - An obstacle that a unit plans and possibly prepares prior to starting an
operation, but does not execute unless specific criteria are met. It provides the commander
flexibility for emplacing tactical obstacles based on battlefield development. (FM 90-7)
situational understanding - (Army) The product of applying analysis and judgment to the
common operational picture to determine the relationship among the factors of METT-TC.
(FM 3-0)
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situation map - (DOD, NATO) A map showing the tactical or the administrative situation at a
particular time. Also called SITMAP. See also map; overlay. See FM 101-5.
situation template - (DOD) A depiction of assumed adversary dispositions, based on adversary
doctrine and the effects of the battlespace if the adversary should adopt a particular course of
action. In effect, the situation templates are the doctrinal templates depicting a particular
operation modified to account for the effects of the battlespace environment and the
adversary’s current situation
(training and experience levels, logistic status, losses,
dispositions). Normally, the situation template depicts adversary units two levels of
command below the friendly force, as well as the expected locations of high-value targets.
Situation templates use time-phase lines to indicate movement of forces and the expected
flow of the operation. Usually the situation template depicts a critical point in the course of
action. Situation templates are one part of an adversary course of action model. Models may
contain more than one situation template. See also course of action; doctrinal template.
See FM 34-130.
skin decontamination technique - Process of removing or neutralizing contamination on the
skin within one minute of exposure to prevent it from penetrating into the skin. Immediate
decontamination techniques are skin decontamination, personal wipedown, and operator’s
spraydown. (FM 3-5)
small-scale map - (DOD) A map having a scale smaller than 1:600,000. See also map. See FM
3-25.26.
smoke blanket - A dense horizontal concentration of smoke covering an area of ground with
visibility inside the concentration less than 50 meters. The blanket is established over and
around friendly areas to protect them from air visual observation and visual precision
bombing attacks, or established over enemy areas to protect attacking friendly aircraft from
enemy air defense. (FM 3-50)
smoke curtain - A vertical smoke screen. See also smoke screen. (FM 3-50)
smoke screen - (DOD) A cloud of smoke used to conceal ground maneuver, obstacle breaching,
recovery operations, and amphibious assault operations as well as key assembly areas,
supply routes, and logistics facilities. (NATO) Cloud of smoke used to mask either friendly or
enemy installations or maneuvers. See FM 3-50.
solid waste - Any material or substance (solid or liquid) which is inherently waste-like by being
no longer suitable for its originally intended purpose. See also hazardous waste; waste.
(FM 3-100.4)
soman - A g-series nerve agent. Also called GD. (FM 3-9)
sortie - (DOD, NATO) In air operations, an operational flight by one aircraft. See FM 3-04.111.
sorting - See triage.
source - (DOD) 1. A person, thing, or activity from which information is obtained. 2. In
clandestine activities, a person (agent), normally a foreign national, in the employ of an
intelligence activity for intelligence purposes. 3. In interrogation activities, any person who
furnishes information, either with or without the knowledge that the information is being
used for intelligence purposes. In this context, a controlled source is in the employment or
under the control of the intelligence activity and knows that the information is to be used for
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intelligence purposes. An uncontrolled source is a voluntary contributor of information and
may or may not know that the information is to be used for intelligence purposes. See FM 34-
1.
source management - Processes and administrative procedures used to control, orchestrate,
and deconflict all actions pertaining to individuals utilized by human intelligence collectors
and counterintelligence special agents to obtain information requirements. (FM 34-52)
source reduction - The decrease of hazardous waste generation at its sources. This reduction
is to be achieved through product substitution, recycling, and inventory control, and by
developing new industrial processes that use less hazardous materials, such as bead blasting
rather than solvents to remove paint. (FM 3-100.4)
space defense - (DOD) All defensive measures designed to destroy attacking enemy vehicles
(including missiles) while in space, or to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of such attack.
See also aerospace defense. See FM 100-18.
space operations - The employment of space system capabilities that provide the means to
enhance command and control, facilitate the maneuver of forces, reduce the commander’s
uncertainty, and improve fire support, air defense, intelligence collection, and combat service
support operations which will support strategic, operational, and tactical missions across the
operational continuum in the near, mid, and far term. (FM 100-18)
speak slower - A procedure word meaning, “Your transmission is at too fast a speed. Reduce
speed of transmission.” See also procedure word. (FM 24-19)
special activities - (DOD) Activities conducted in support of national foreign policy objectives
that are planned and executed so that the role of the US government is not apparent or
acknowledged publicly. They are also functions in support of such activities but are not
intended to influence US political processes, public opinion, policies, or media and do not
include diplomatic activities or the collection and production of intelligence or related
support functions. See FM 100-25.
special air operation - (DOD) An air operation conducted in support of special operations and
other clandestine, covert, and psychological activities. See FM 100-25.
special forces operations base - (DOD) A command, control, and support base established
and operated by a special forces group or battalion from organic and attached resources. The
base commander and his staff coordinate and synchronize the activities of subordinate and
forward-deployed forces. A special forces operations base is normally established for an
extended period of time to support a series of operations. [Note: Army special forces use the
term “special forces operational base.”] See FM 100-25.
special operations
-
(DOD) Operations conducted by specially organized, trained, and
equipped military and paramilitary forces to achieve military, political, economic, or
informational objectives by unconventional military means in hostile, denied, or politically
sensitive areas. These operations are conducted across the full range of military operations,
independently or in coordination with operations of conventional, non-special operations
forces. Political-military considerations frequently shape special operations, requiring
clandestine, covert, or low visibility techniques and oversight at the national level. Special
operations differ from conventional operations in degree of physical and political risk,
operational techniques, mode of employment, independence from friendly support, and
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dependence on detailed operational intelligence and indigenous assets. Also called SO. See
FM 100-25.
special operations forces - (DOD) Those Active and Reserve Component forces of the Military
Services designated by the Secretary of Defense and specifically organized, trained, and
equipped to conduct and support special operations. Also called SOF. See also Army special
operations forces. See FM 100-25. (See page 5-30 for symbols.)
special operations-peculiar - (DOD) Equipment, material, supplies, and services required for
special operations missions for which there is no Service-common requirement. These are
limited to items and services initially designed for, or used by, special operations forces until
adopted for Service-common use by one or more Military Service; modifications approved by
the Commander, US Special Operations Command, for application to standard items and
services used by the Military Services; and items and services approved by the Commander,
US Special Operations Command, as critically urgent for the immediate accomplishment of a
special operations mission. Also called SO-peculiar. See also special operations. See FM
100-25.
special psychological operations study - With narrower focus than a basic psychological
operations study, it may address a variety of different subjects. It can cover a particular
target group, a region within a country, a significant social institution, and media analysis. It
can also cover local audiences’ perceptions of the United States and its policies, or an issue of
particular importance to the population of a given area. Also called SPS. (FM 3-05.30)
special purpose Marine air-ground task force - (Marine Corps) A Marine air-ground task
force organized, trained, and equipped with narrowly focused capabilities. It is designed to
accomplish a specific mission, often of limited scope and duration. It may be any size, but
normally it is a relatively small force—the size of a Marine expeditionary unit or smaller. It
may contain other Service or foreign military forces assigned or attached to the Marine air-
ground task force. Also called SPMAGTF. See also aviation combat element; combat
service support element; command element; ground combat element; Marine air-
ground task force; Marine expeditionary force; Marine expeditionary force
(forward); Marine expeditionary unit; task force.
special reconnaissance - (DOD) Reconnaissance and surveillance actions conducted by special
operations forces to obtain or verify, by visual observation or other collection methods,
information concerning the capabilities, intentions, and activities of an actual or potential
enemy or to secure data concerning the meteorological, hydrographic, or geographic
characteristics of a particular area. It includes target acquisition, area assessment, and post-
strike reconnaissance. Also called SR. See FM 100-25.
special staff - (DOD) All staff officers having duties at headquarters and not included in the
general (coordinating) staff group or in the personal staff group. The special staff includes
certain technical specialists and heads of services, e.g., quartermaster officer, antiaircraft
officer, transportation officer, etc. See FM 6-0.
specified combatant command - See specified command.
specified command - (DOD) A command that has a broad, continuing mission, normally
functional, and is established and so designated by the President through the Secretary of
Defense with the advice and assistance of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It is
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normally composed of forces from a single Military Department. Also called specified
combatant command. See FM 100-7.
specified task - A task specifically assigned to a unit by its higher headquarters. See also
essential task; implied task. (FM 101-5)
spill - A generic term that encompasses the accidental and the deliberate but unpermitted
discharge or release of a pollutant. (FM 3-100.4)
splash - (NATO) 1. In artillery and naval fire support, word transmitted to an observer or
spotter five seconds before the estimated time of the impact of a salvo or round. [Note: the
Army definition also applies to mortar fire.] See FM 6-30. 2. In air interception, target
destruction verified by visual or radar means. See FM 44-100.
split-based operation - The dividing of staff and command functions so that only those
functions absolutely necessary are deployed, allowing some staff and command functions to
be accomplished outside the area of operations. (FM 100-7)
spoiling attack - (DOD, NATO) A tactical maneuver employed to seriously impair a hostile
attack while the enemy is in the process of forming or assembling for an attack. [Note: NATO
definition ends here.] Usually employed by armored units in defense by an attack on enemy
assembly positions in front of the main line of resistance or battle position. (Army) A form of
attack that preempts or seriously impairs an enemy attack while the enemy is in the process
of planning or preparing to attack. See also attack. (FM 3-0)
spot jamming - (DOD, NATO) The jamming of a specific channel or frequency. See also
barrage jamming; electronic warfare; jamming. See FM 34-2.
spotting - (NATO) A process of determining by visual or electronic observation deviations of
artillery or naval fire from the target in relation to a spotting line for the purpose of
supplying necessary information for the adjustment of analysis of fire. [Note: the Army
definition also applies to mortar fire.] See FM 6-20-40.
stability operations
- Operations that promote and protect US national interests by
influencing the threat, political, and information dimensions of the operational environment
through a combination of peacetime developmental, cooperative activities and coercive
actions in response to crisis. (FM 3-0)
staff estimates (DOD) - Assessments of courses of action by the various staff elements of a
command that serve as the foundation of the commander’s estimate. (Army) A continuous
process that evaluates current and future operations to determine if a current operation is
proceeding according to plan and if future operations are supportable. (FM 101-5)
staging area - (DOD) 1. Amphibious or airborne—A general locality between the mounting area
and the objective of an amphibious or airborne expedition, through which the expedition or
parts thereof pass after mounting, for refueling, regrouping of ships, and/or exercise,
inspection, and redistribution of troops. See FM 90-26. 2. Other movements—A general
locality established for the concentration of troop units and transient personnel between
movements over the lines of communication.
(NATO) 1. An area located between the
mounting area and the objective area through which all or part of the forces pass after
mounting, for the purpose of refueling, regrouping, training, inspection and distribution of
troops and materiel. 2. A general locality established for the concentration of troop units and
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transient personnel between movements over lines of communications. See FM 4-01.30. Also
called SA. See also airborne; marshalling.
staging base - (DOD) 1. An advanced naval base for the anchoring, fueling, and refitting of
transports and cargo ships as well as replenishment of mobile service squadrons. 2. A
landing and take-off area with minimum servicing, supply, and shelter provided for the
temporary occupancy of military aircraft during the course of movement from one location to
another. See FM 3-04.111.
staging field - A predetermined area where aircraft assemble prior to conducting an air assault
operation. (FM 90-4)
staging plan - An air assault operation plan that is based on the loading plan and prescribes
the arrival time of the ground units (troops, equipment, and supplies) at the pickup zone in
the proper order for movement. (FM 90-4)
standard pattern - (DOD, NATO) In land mine warfare, the agreed pattern to which mines are
normally laid. See FM 20-32.
standard use Army aircraft flight route - (DOD) Routes established below the coordinating
altitude to facilitate the movement of Army aviation assets. Routes are normally located in
the corps through brigade rear areas of operation, and do not require approval by the
airspace control authority. Also called SAAFR. See FM 3-52. (See page 7-19 for symbol.)
standing operating procedure - (DOD, NATO) A set of instructions covering those features of
operations which lend themselves to a definite or standardized procedure without loss of
effectiveness. The procedure is applicable unless ordered otherwise. Also called SOP. See FM
6-0.
start point - (NATO) A well defined point on a route at which a movement of vehicles begins to
be under the control of the commander of this movement. It is at this point that the column
is formed by the successive passing, at an appointed time, of each of the elements composing
the column. In addition to the principal start point of a column there may be secondary start
points for its different elements. A location on the route where the marching element falls
under the control of a designated march commander. Also called SP. See FM 55-30. (See
page 7-43 for symbol.)
state of readiness—state 1-safe - (DOD) The state of a demolition target upon or within
which the demolition charge has been placed and secured. The firing or initiating circuits
have been installed, but not connected to the demolition charge. Detonators or initiators have
not been connected or installed. (NATO) The state of a demolition target in which charges
are in place. The firing circuit may be in place, but the detonators are not installed and the
means of firing are not connected. See FM 5-250. (See page 7-51 for symbol.)
state of readiness—state 2-armed - (DOD, NATO) The state of a demolition target in which
the demolition charges are in place, the firing and priming circuits are installed and
complete, and the charge is ready for immediate firing. [Note: the NATO definition does not
include “and the charge is.”] See FM 5-250. (See page 7-51 for symbol.)
status-of-forces agreement - (DOD) An agreement that defines the legal position of a visiting
military force deployed in the territory of a friendly state. Agreements delineating the status
of visiting military forces may be bilateral or multilateral. Provisions pertaining to the status
of visiting forces may be set forth in a separate agreement, or they may form a part of a more
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comprehensive agreement. These provisions describe how the authorities of a visiting force
may control members of that force and the amenability of the force or its members to the
local law or to the authority of local officials. To the extent that agreements delineate
matters affecting the relations between a military force and civilian authorities and
population, they may be considered as civil affairs agreements. Also called SOFA. See also
stability operations; support operations. See FM 3-07.
stay behind force - (DOD, NATO) A force which is left in position to conduct a specified
mission when the remainder of the force withdraws or retires from the area. See FM 3-90.
stay behind operation - An operation in which the commander leaves a unit in position to
conduct a specified mission while the remainder of his forces withdraw or retire from the
area. (FM 3-90)
sterilizer - (DOD, NATO) In mine warfare, a device included in mines to render the mine
permanently inoperative on expiration of a predetermined time after laying. See FM 20-32.
stick (air transport) - (DOD) A number of paratroopers who jump from one aperture or door of
an aircraft during one run over a drop zone. See FM 90-26.
store - An information management activity: to retain relevant information in any form, usually
for orderly, timely retrieval and documentation, until it is needed for exercising command
and control. (FM 6-0)
straggler - (DOD, NATO) 1. Any personnel, vehicles, ships, or aircraft which, without apparent
purpose or assigned mission, become separated from their unit, column or formation. 2. A
ship separated from its convoy by more than 5 nautical miles, through inability to keep up,
and unable to rejoin before dark, or over 10 nautical miles from its convoy whether or not it
can rejoin before dark. See FM 3-19.4.
straggler control
- Operations conducted to regulate friendly forces who have become
separated from their commands by events on the battlefield. (FM 3-19.4)
strategic level of war - (DOD) The level of war at which a nation, often as a member of a
group of nations, determines national or multinational
(alliance or coalition) strategic
security objectives and guidance, and develops and uses national resources to accomplish
these objectives. Activities at this level establish national and multinational military
objectives; sequence initiatives; define limits and assess risks for the use of military and
other instruments of national power; develop global plans or theater war plans to achieve
these objectives; and provide military forces and other capabilities in accordance with
strategic plans. See also operational level of war; tactical level of war. See FM 3-0.
strategic military deception - (DOD) Military deception planned and executed by and in
support of senior military commanders to result in adversary military policies and actions
that support the originator’s strategic military objectives, policies, and operations. See also
military deception. See FM 3-13.
strategic mobility - (DOD) The capability to deploy and sustain military forces worldwide in
support of national strategy. See also mobility. See FM 100-17.
strategic psychological activities - (DOD, NATO) Planned psychological activities in peace,
crisis, and war which pursue objectives to gain the support and cooperation of friendly and
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neutral countries and to reduce the will and the capability of hostile or potentially hostile
countries to wage war. See FM 3-05.30.
strategy - (DOD) The art and science of developing and employing instruments of national
power in a synchronized and integrated fashion to achieve theater, national and/or
multinational objectives. See FM 3-0.
strike warning - Warning given in advance of a friendly nuclear attack to ensure that friendly
forces are able to protect themselves from its effects. Also called STRIKWARN. (FM 100-30)
striking force - A committed force organized to conduct the decisive attack in a mobile defense.
It normally comprises the maximum combat power available to the commander at the time of
the attack. (FM 3-0)
strong point - (DOD, NATO) A key point in a defensive position, usually strongly fortified and
heavily armed with automatic weapons, around which other positions are grouped for its
protection. (Army) A heavily fortified battle position tied to a natural or reinforcing obstacle
to create an anchor for the defense or to deny the enemy decisive or key terrain. Also called
SP. See also battle position; mobile defense. (FM 3-90) (See page 7-25 for symbols.)
subordinates’ initiative
- The assumption of responsibility for deciding and initiating
independent actions when the concept of operations or order no longer applies or when an
unanticipated opportunity leading to the accomplishment of the commander’s intent presents
itself. See also initiative (operational). (FM 6-0)
subsequent position - A position that a unit expects to move to during the course of battle.
(FM 3-90)
subversion - (DOD) Action designed to undermine the military, economic, psychological, or
political strength or morale of a regime. See also unconventional warfare. See FM 3-07.
supervised route - (DOD, NATO) In road traffic, a roadway over which limited control is
exercised by means of traffic control posts, traffic patrols, or both. Movement credit is
required for its use by a column of vehicles or a vehicle of exceptional size and weight. See
also route. See FM 4-01.30.
supplementary position - A defensive position located within a unit’s assigned area of
operation that provides the best sectors of fire and defensive terrain along an avenue of
approach that is not the primary avenue along where the enemy is expected to attack. See
also alternation position; battle position; successive positions. (FM 3-90)
supply - The acquiring, receiving, storing, and issuing of all classes of supply, except Class VIII,
required to equip and sustain Army forces. (FM 4-0)
supply control - (DOD) The process by which an item of supply is controlled within the supply
system, including requisitioning, receipt, storage, stock control, shipment, disposition,
identification, and accounting. See FM 4-0.
supply discipline - Command responsibility to identify and redistribute excess materials,
observe senior commander’s priorities, and ensure subordinates operate within the legal
boundaries of the logistics system. (FM 4-0)
supply point - (DOD) A location where supplies, services, and materials are located and issued.
These locations are temporary and mobile, normally being occupied for up to 72 hours.
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(NATO) Any point where supplies are issued in detail. See FM 4-0. (See page 7-65 for
symbols.)
supply point distribution - A method of distributing supplies to the receiving unit at a supply
point, railhead, or truckhead. The unit then moves the supplies to its own area using its own
transportation. (FM 4-0)
supply site - A location where supplies, services, and materials are located or stored in a
permanent or semipermanent facility. (FM 4-0)
support - (DOD) 1. The action of a force that aids, protects, complements, or sustains another
force in accordance with a directive requiring such action. 2. A unit which helps another unit
in battle. 3. An element of a command which assists, protects, or supplies other forces in
combat. See also common servicing; direct support; general support; mutual
support. See FM 101-5.
support area - A designated area in which combat service support elements and some staff
elements locate to support a unit. (FM 4-0) (See page 7-70 for symbol.)
support by fire - A tactical mission task in which a maneuver force moves to a position where
it can engage the enemy by direct fire in support of another maneuvering force. See also
attack by fire; overwatch. (FM 3-90) (See page 7-32 for symbol.)
support force - That force in a breaching operation whose mission is to eliminate enemy
interference with the breach through suppressive, direct, and indirect fires. The support
force is one of the three breach organizations used in breaching operations. See also breach
force. (FM 3-34.2)
supporting distance - The distance between two units that can be traveled in time for one to
come to the aid of the other. For small units, it is the distance between two units that can be
covered effectively by their fires. (FM 3-0)
supporting forces - (DOD) Forces stationed in or to be deployed to an operational area to
provide support for the execution of an operation order. Combatant command (command
authority) of supporting forces is not passed to the supported commander. See FM 101-5.
supporting perceptions - Mental images that enhance the likelihood that the deception target
will form the desired perceptions and accept them as true. See also deception target. (FM
3-13)
supporting range - The distance one unit may be geographically separated from a second unit,
yet remain within the maximum range of the second unit’s indirect fire weapon systems. (FM
3-0)
support operations - Operations that employ Army forces to assist civil authorities, foreign or
domestic, as they prepare for or respond to crises and relieve suffering. (FM 3-0)
suppress - 1. A tactical mission task that results in temporary degradation of the performance
of a force or weapons system below the level needed to accomplish the mission. (FM 3-90)
2. One of the five breaching fundamentals. The focus of all fires on enemy personnel,
weapons, or equipment to prevent effective fires on friendly forces. The purpose of
suppression is to protect forces reducing and maneuvering through the obstacle and to soften
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the initial foothold. (FM 3-34.2) See also breaching fundamentals. (See page A-6 for
symbol.)
suppression - (DOD) Temporary or transient degradation by an opposing force of the
performance of a weapons system below the level needed to fulfill its mission objectives. See
FM 3-90.
suppression of enemy air defenses - (DOD) That activity which neutralizes, destroys, or
temporarily degrades surface-based enemy air defenses by destructive and/or disruptive
means. Also called SEAD. See FM 6-20-60.
suppressive fire - (DOD) Fires on or about a weapons system to degrade its performance below
the level needed to fulfill its mission objectives, during the conduct of the fire mission.
(Army) Any engagement that does not have a definite or visible target. Firing in the general
direction of a known or suspected enemy location. See also fire. (FM 3-22.9)
surface water - All water naturally open to the atmosphere (rivers, lakes, reservoirs, ponds,
streams, impoundments, seas, estuaries, etc.) and all springs, wells, or other collectors
directly influenced by surface water. (FM 3-100.4)
surprise - One of the nine principles of war: Strike the enemy at a time or place or in a manner
for which he is unprepared. See also principles of war. (FM 3-0)
surveillance - (DOD, NATO) The systematic observation of aerospace, surface or subsurface
areas, places, persons, or things by visual, aural, electronic, photographic, or other means.
See also sensor. See FM 34-1.
survey - (DOD) The directed effort to determine the location and the nature of chemical,
biological, and radiological hazard within an area. See FM 3-19.
survivability - (DOD) Concept which includes all aspects of protecting personnel, weapons, and
supplies while simultaneously deceiving the enemy. Survivability tactics include building a
good defense; employing frequent movement; using concealment, deception, and camouflage;
and constructing fighting and protective positions for both individuals and equipment. [Note:
The Army definition adds, “Encompasses planning and locating position sites, designing
adequate overhead cover, analyzing terrain conditions and construction materials, selecting
excavation methods, and countering the effects of direct and indirect fire weapons.”] See FM
5-103. (Marine Corps) The degree to which a system is able to avoid or withstand a manmade
hostile environment without suffering an abortive impairment of its ability to accomplish its
designated mission.
survivability operations - The development and construction of protective positions, such as
earth berms, dug-in positions, overhead protection, and countersurveillance means, to reduce
the effectiveness of enemy weapon systems. (FM 5-103)
survival, evasion, resistance, and escape - Training and actions taken by military members
to assist them in surviving in hostile environments, resisting enemy activities, escaping
enemy forces, and evading enemy forces until the individual or unit can be reunited with
friendly forces. Also called SERE. (FM 3-04.111)
susceptibility - (DOD, NATO) The vulnerability of a target audience to particular forms of
psychological operations approach. See FM 3-05.30.
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suspect - (DOD) 1. In counterdrug operations, a track of interest where correlating information
actually ties the track of interest to alleged illegal drug operations. 2. An identity applied to a
track that is potentially hostile because of its characteristics, behavior, origin, or nationality.
See FM 1-02. See also counterdrug; friendly; hostile; neutral. (See page 4-3 for symbol.)
sustained rate of fire - (DOD, NATO) Actual rate of fire that a weapon can continue to deliver
for an indefinite length of time without seriously overheating. [Note: the Army definition
adds, “… or without doing other mechanical damage to the weapon or weapon system.”] See
FM 3-21.91.
sustaining operations
- Operations at any echelon that enable shaping and decisive
operations by providing combat service support, rear area and base security, movement
control, terrain management, and infrastructure development. (FM 3-0)
sweep jamming - (DOD, NATO) A narrow band of jamming that is swept back and forth over a
relatively wide operating band of frequencies. See FM 34-1.
sympathetic detonation - (DOD, NATO) Detonation of a charge by exploding another charge
adjacent to it. See FM 5-250.
synchronization - (DOD) 1. The arrangement of military actions in time, space, and purpose to
produce maximum relative combat power at a decisive place and time. See FM 3-0. 2. In the
intelligence context, application of intelligence sources and methods in concert with the
operational plan. See FM 34-2.
synchronization matrix - A format for the staff to record the results of wargaming and
synchronize the course of action across time, space, and purpose in relation to an enemy
course of action. (FM 101-5)
—T—
tabun - A g-series nerve agent. Also called GA. (FM 3-9)
tactical air control party - (NATO) A subordinate operational component of a tactical air
control system designed to provide air liaison to land forces and for the control of aircraft.
See FM 3-52. (Marine Corps) In the Marine Corps, tactical air control parties are organic to
infantry divisions, regiments, and battalions. Tactical air control parties establish and
maintain facilities for liaison and communications between parent units and airspace control
agencies, inform and advise the ground unit commander on the employment of supporting
aircraft, and request and control air support. Also called TACP.
tactical air liaison officer - An Air Force officer who works at the division or higher rear
command post G-4 section and facilitates the coordination of cargo aircraft. He maintains
information on runway availability, cargo handling capability, and the location of brigade
medical treatment facilities and landing areas. Also called TALO. (FM 6-0)
tactical air operation - (DOD) An air operation involving the employment of air power in
coordination with ground or naval forces to: a. gain and maintain air superiority; b. prevent
movement of enemy forces into and within the objective area and to seek out and destroy
these forces and their supporting installations; c. join with ground or naval forces in
operations within the objective area in order to assist directly in attainment of their
immediate objective. See also air interdiction; allocation; apportionment; close air
support; counterair. See FM 3-04.111.
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tactical air reconnaissance - (DOD) The use of air vehicles to obtain information concerning
terrain, weather, and the disposition, composition, movement, installations, lines of
communications, electronic and communication emissions of enemy forces. Also included are
artillery and naval gunfire adjustment, and systematic and random observation of ground
battle areas, targets, and/or sectors of airspace. See also air reconnaissance. See FM 34-1.
tactical ballistic missile predicted ground impact point - An elliptical area that indicates
where a tactical ballistic missile (TBM) most likely will strike the ground. This area varies in
size based on the known or suspected accuracy of the TBM if it functions normally. Also
called TBMPGIP. See also theater missile defense. (FM 44-100)
tactical combat force - (DOD) A combat unit, with appropriate combat support and combat
service support assets, that is assigned the mission of defeating Level III threats. Also called
TCF. See also rear area response force. See FM 3-90.
tactical command - (DOD) The authority delegated to a commander to assign tasks to forces
under his command for the accomplishment of the mission assigned by higher authority. Also
called TACOM. See FM 100-8.
tactical command post - The forward echelon of a headquarters. The tactical command post
consists of representatives from G-/S-2 and G-/S-3, fire support, tactical air control party, air
defense artillery engineers, and combat service support liaison (G-/S-1, G-/S-4) elements. It is
located well forward on the battlefield so that the commander has a command post near
subordinate commanders and can directly influence operations. Also called TAC CP. See
also command post. (See page 5-39 for symbol.)
tactical control - (DOD) Command authority over assigned or attached forces or commands, or
military capability or forces made available for tasking, that is limited to the detailed
direction and control of movements or maneuvers within the operational area necessary to
accomplish missions or tasks assigned. Tactical control is inherent in operational control.
Tactical control may be delegated to, and exercised at any level at or below the level of
combatant command. When forces are transferred between combatant commands, the
command relationship the gaining commander will exercise (and the losing commander will
relinquish) over these forces must be specified by the Secretary of Defense. Tactical control
provides sufficient authority for controlling and directing the application of force or tactical
use of combat support assets within the assigned mission or task. Also called TACON. See
FM 3-0.
tactical level of war - (DOD) The level of war at which battles and engagements are planned
and executed to accomplish military objectives assigned to tactical units or task forces.
Activities at this level focus on the ordered arrangement and maneuver of combat elements
in relation to each other and to the enemy to achieve combat objectives. See also
operational level of war; strategic level of war. See FM 3-0.
tactical military deception - (DOD) Military deception planned and executed by and in
support of tactical commanders to result in adversary actions that are favorable to the
originator’s objectives and operations. Tactical military deception is planned and conducted
to support battles and engagements. See also military deception. See FM 3-13.
tactical minefield - (DOD) A minefield that is employed to directly attack enemy maneuver as
part of a formation obstacle plan and is laid to delay, channel, or break up an enemy
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advance, giving the defending element a positional advantage over the attacker. [Note: see
AAP-6.] See FM 20-32.
tactical mission task - The specific activity performed by a unit while executing a form of
tactical operation or form of maneuver. It may be expressed in terms of either actions by a
friendly force or effects on an enemy force. See also mission statement; operation order.
(FM 7-15)
tactical mobility - The ability to move rapidly from one part of the battlefield to another,
relative to the enemy. (FM 3-90)
tactical obstacles - (DOD) Those obstacles employed to disrupt enemy formations, to turn
them into a desired area, to fix them in position under direct and indirect fires, and to block
enemy penetrations. See also obstacle. See FM 90-7.
tactical operations center - (DOD) A physical groupment of those elements of general and
special staff concerned with the current tactical operations and the tactical support thereof.
Also called TOC. See also command post. (See page 5-39 for symbol.)
tactical psychological activities - Psychological operations that are conducted in the area
assigned a tactical commander during conflict and war to support the tactical mission
against opposing forces. (FM 3-05.30)
tactical psychological operations team - Psychological operations unit which normally
provides tactical level psychological operations support to a brigade- or equivalent-sized
element, to include a Marine expeditionary unit, a special forces group, an armored cavalry
regiment, a separate infantry regiment, or a brigade. Also called TPT. (FM 3-05.30)
tactical questioning - The expedient initial questioning of a human intelligence source
directed toward the collection of priority tactical information. (FM 34-52)
tactical risk - The risk concerned with the hazards that exist because of the presence of either
the enemy or an adversary. See also accident risk. (FM 3-100.4)
tactical road march - A rapid movement used to relocate units within an area of operations in
order to prepare for combat operations. (FM 3-0)
tactics
- (DOD) 1. The employment of units in combat. 2. The ordered arrangement and
maneuver of units in relation to each other and/or to the enemy in order to use their full
potentialities.
(Army) The employment of units in combat. It includes the ordered
arrangement and maneuver of units in relation to each other, the terrain, and the enemy in
order to translate potential combat power into victorious battles and engagements. (FM 3-0)
tactics, techniques, and procedures
(TTP)
- See individual definitions for tactics;
techniques; procedures.
tanker airlift control element - (DOD) A mobile command and control organization deployed
to support strategic and theater air mobility operations at fixed, en route, and deployed
locations where air mobility operational support is nonexistent or insufficient. The tanker
airlift control element
(TALCE) provides on-site management of air mobility airfield
operations, to include command and control, communications, aerial port services,
maintenance, security, transportation, weather, intelligence, and other support functions, as
necessary. The TALCE is composed of mission support elements from various units and
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deploys in support of peacetime, contingency, and emergency relief operations on both
planned and “no notice” basis. Also called TALCE. See FM 4-01.30.
target - (DOD, NATO) 1. An area, complex, installation, force, equipment, capability, function,
or behavior identified for possible action to support the commander’s objectives, guidance,
and intent. Targets fall into two categories: planned and immediate. [Note: see AAP-6.] See
FM 6-20-40. 2. In intelligence usage, a country, area, installation, agency, or person against
which intelligence operations are directed. See FM
34-1.
3. An area designated and
numbered for future firing. [Note: the NATO definition begins “In artillery.”] 4. In gunfire
support usage, an impact burst which hits the target. [Note: see AAP-6.] See FM 6-30.
(Army) An object, vehicle, individual, and so forth, which is the aiming point of any weapon
system. See also immediate target; objective area; planned target. (FM 6-20-10) (See
page 7-38 for symbols.)
target acquisition - (DOD, NATO) The detection, identification, and location of a target in
sufficient detail to permit the effective employment of weapons. Also called TA. See also
target analysis. See FM 6-20-10.
target analysis - (DOD, NATO) An examination of potential targets to determine military
importance, priority of attack, and weapons required to obtain a desired level of damage or
casualties. See also target acquisition. See FM 6-20-10.
target area of interest (DOD) The geographical area where high-value targets can be acquired
and engaged by friendly forces. Not all target areas of interest will form part of the friendly
course of action; only target areas of interest associated with high priority targets are of
interest to the staff. These are identified during staff planning and wargaming. Target areas
of interest differ from engagement areas in degree. Engagement areas plan for the use of all
available weapons; target areas of interest might be engaged by a single weapon. (Army)
[Note: the Army term is “targeted area of interest.”] The geographical area or point along a
mobility corridor where successful interdiction will cause the enemy to abandon a particular
course of action or require him to use specialized engineer support to continue. It is where he
can be acquired and engaged by friendly forces. Also called TAI. (FM 3-90) (See page 7-35 for
symbol.)
target array - (DOD) A graphic representation of enemy forces, personnel, and facilities in a
specific situation, accompanied by a target analysis. See FM 6-20-10.
target audience - (DOD) An individual or group selected for influence or attack by means of
psychological operations. See FM 3-05.30.
target audience analysis - The process by which potential target audiences are identified and
analyzed for effectiveness, accessibility, and susceptibility. (FM 3-05.30)
target concentration - (DOD, NATO) A grouping of geographically proximate targets. See also
target; group of targets. See FM 6-20-10.
target description - See description of target.
targeting
-
(DOD) The process of selecting and prioritizing targets and matching the
appropriate response to them, taking account of operational requirements and capabilities.
See FM 6-20-10.
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target list - (DOD) The listing of targets maintained and promulgated by the senior echelon of
command; it contains those targets that are to be engaged by supporting arms, as
distinguished from a “list of targets” that may be maintained by any echelon as confirmed,
suspected, or possible targets for informational and planning purposes. See also list of
targets. See FM 6-20-40.
target of opportunity - (DOD) A target visible to a surface or air sensor or observer that is
within range of available weapons and against which fire has not been scheduled or
requested. See FM 6-20-40. (Army) A nuclear target observed or detected after an operation
begins that has not been previously considered, analyzed, or planned for a nuclear strike.
Generally fleeting in nature, it should be attacked as soon as possible within the time
limitations imposed for coordination and warning of friendly troops and aircraft. (FM 100-30)
target-oriented method - A method of nuclear analysis used when detailed target information
is available. It gives the best estimate of the effects that the weapon will probably have on
the target. (FM 100-30)
target overlay - (DOD, NATO) A transparent sheet which, when superimposed on a particular
chart, map, drawing, tracing, or other representation, depicts target locations and
designations. The target overlay may also show boundaries between maneuver elements,
objectives and friendly forward dispositions. See FM 6-20-40.
target range - See range.
target reference point - An easily recognizable point on the ground (either natural or man-
made) used to initiate, distribute, and control fires. Target reference points (TRPs) can also
designate the center of an area where the commander plans to distribute or converge the
fires of all his weapons rapidly. They are used by task force and below, and can further
delineate sectors of fire within an engagement area. TRPs are designated using the standard
target symbol and numbers issued by the fire support officer. Once designated, TRPs also
constitute indirect fire targets. Also called TRP. (FM 3-90) (See page 7-27 for symbol.)
target signature - (DOD, NATO) 1. The characteristic pattern of a target displayed by
detection and identification equipment. See FM 34-1. 2. In naval mine warfare, the variation
in the influence field produced by the passage of a ship or sweep.
task force - (DOD, NATO) 1. A temporary grouping of units, under one commander, formed for
the purpose of carrying out a specific operation or mission. 2. A semi-permanent organization
of units, under one commander, formed for the purpose of carrying out a continuing specific
task.
3. A component of a fleet organized by the commander of a task fleet or higher
authority for the accomplishment of a specific task or tasks. Also called TF. See also task
organization. (See page 5-34 for symbol.) See FM 1-02.
task organization - (DOD) 1. In the Navy, an organization which assigns to responsible
commanders the means with which to accomplish their assigned tasks in any planned action.
2. An organization table pertaining to a specific naval directive.
(Army) A temporary
grouping of forces designed to accomplish a particular mission. (FM 3-0) (Marine Corps) In
the Marine Corps, a temporary grouping of forces designed to accomplish a particular
mission. Task organization involves the distribution of available assets to subordinate
control headquarters by attachment or by placing assets in direct support or under the
operational control of the subordinate.
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task-organizing - (DOD) The act of designing an operating force, support staff, or logistics
package of specific size and composition to meet a unique task or mission. Characteristics to
examine when task-organizing the force include, but are not limited to: training, experience,
equipage, sustainability, operating environment, enemy threat, and mobility. (Army) The
process of allocating available assets to subordinate commanders and establishing their
command and support relationships. (FM 3-0)
T-day - (DOD) The effective day coincident with Presidential declaration of national emergency
and authorization of partial mobilization (not more than 1,000,000 personnel exclusive of the
200,000 callup). See also times. See FM 101-5.
technical intelligence - (DOD) Intelligence derived from exploitation of foreign material,
produced for strategic, operational, and tactical level commanders. Technical intelligence
begins when an individual service member finds something new on the battlefield and takes
proper steps to report it. The item is then exploited at succeedingly higher levels until a
countermeasure is produced to neutralize the adversary’s technological advantage. Also
called TECHINT. See also exploitation; intelligence; scientific and technical
intelligence. See FM 34-1.
techniques - (Army/Marine Corps) The general and detailed methods used by troops and/or
commanders to perform assigned missions and functions, specifically, the methods of using
equipment and personnel. (FM 3-90).
tempo - (Army) The rate of military action. (FM 3-0) (Marine Corps) The relative speed and
rhythm of military operations over time with respect to the enemy.
terminal - (DOD) A facility designed to transfer cargo from one means of conveyance to another.
(Conveyance is the piece of equipment used to transport cargo, i.e., railcar to truck or truck
to truck. This is as opposed to mode, which is the type of equipment, i.e., ship to rail or rail to
truck.) See FM 55-60.
terrain analysis - (DOD, NATO) The collection, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of
geographic information on the natural and manmade features of the terrain, combined with
other relevant factors, to predict the effect of the terrain on military operations. See FM 34-
130.
terrain flight - (DOD, NATO) Flight close to the Earth’s surface during which airspeed, height,
and/or altitude are adapted to the contours and cover of the ground in order to avoid enemy
detection and fire. Also called TERF. See FM 3-04.111.
terrain following - Terrain flying that includes low-level, contour, and nap-of-the-earth flight
techniques. (FM 3-04.111)
terrain management - The process of allocating terrain by establishing areas of operation,
designating assembly areas, and specifying locations for units and activities to deconflict
activities that might interfere with each other. It includes grouping units together to form
bases, and designating a base cluster as necessary. (FM 3-0)
terrain reinforcement - The development of terrain using obstacles to degrade enemy mobility
or to enhance friendly survivability through the construction of fighting positions and cover.
See also countermobility operations; survivability operations. (FM 5-100)
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_________________________________________________________________Operational Terms
terrorism - (DOD) The calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to
inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of
goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological. See also antiterrorism;
counterterrorism.
terrorist - (DOD) An individual who uses violence, terror, and intimidation to achieve a result.
See also terrorism.
theater - (DOD) The geographical area outside the continental United States for which a
commander of a combatant command has been assigned responsibility. See FM 3-0.
theater airlift - See intratheater airlift.
theater distribution - (DOD) The flow of personnel, equipment and materiel within theater to
meet the geographic combatant commander's missions. See also distribution; theater;
theater distribution system. See FM 100-10-1.
theater distribution management - (DOD) The function of optimizing the distribution
networks to achieve the effective and efficient flow of personnel, equipment, and materiel to
meet the combatant commander's requirements. See also distribution; theater; theater
distribution. See FM 100-10-1.
theater distribution system - (DOD) A distribution system comprised of four independent and
mutually supported networks within theater to meet the geographic combatant commander's
requirements: the physical network; the financial network; the information network; and the
communications network. See also distribution; distribution plan; distribution system;
theater; theater distribution. See FM 100-10-1.
theater missile - (DOD) A missile, which may be a ballistic missile, a cruise missile, or an air-
to-surface missile (not including short-range, non-nuclear, direct-fire missiles, bombs, or
rockets such as Maverick or wire-guided missiles), whose target is within a given theater of
operation. Also called TM. See FM 100-12.
theater missile defense - Applies to the identification, integration, and employment of forces,
supported by other theater and national capabilities, to detect, identify, locate, track,
minimize the effects of, or destroy enemy theater missiles (TM). This includes the destruction
of TMs on the ground and in flight; their ground-based launchers and supporting
infrastructure; TM-capable ships and vessels in port or at sea; and enemy aircraft armed
with air-to-surface missiles. Theater missile defense comprises four pillars necessary for a
complete TM defense: passive defense; active defense; attack operations; and command,
control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) measures. Also called TMD. See
also active defense; attack operations; passive defense. (FM 100-12) (See page 5-6 for
symbol.)
theater missile defense system - Applies to a system or systems with applicable capabilities
that may be used to support passive defense measures; active defense measures; attack
operations capabilities; and the command, control, communications, computers and
intelligence and countermeasures required to counter the missile threat. (FM 100-12)
theme - A subject, topic, or line of persuasion used to achieve a psychological objective. (FM 3-
05.30)
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thermal radiation - (DOD, NATO) 1. The heat and light produced by nuclear explosion.
2. (DOD only) Electromagnetic radiations emitted from a heat or light source as a
consequence of its temperature; it consists essentially of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared
radiations. See FM 100-30.
this is - A procedure word meaning, “This transmission is from the station whose designator
immediately follows.” See also procedure word. (FM 24-19)
thorough decontamination - (DOD) Decontamination carried out by a unit, with or without
external support, to reduce contamination on personnel, equipment, materiel, and/or working
areas equal to natural background or to the lowest possible levels, to permit the partial or
total removal of individual protective equipment, and to maintain operations with minimum
degradation. This may include terrain decontamination beyond the scope of operational
decontamination. See also decontamination; immediate decontamination; operational
decontamination. See FM 3-5.
threatened species
- Those species that are likely to become endangered within the
foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of their range. See also
endangered species. (FM 3-100.4)
throughput - (DOD) The average quantity of cargo and passengers that can pass through a
port on a daily basis from arrival at the port to loading onto a ship or plane, or from the
discharge from a ship or plane to the exit (clearance) from the port complex. Throughput is
usually expressed in measurement tons, short tons, or passengers. Reception and storage
limitation may affect final throughput.
(Army/Marine Corps) In logistics, the flow of
sustainability assets in support of military operations, at all levels of war, from point of
origin to point of use. It involves the movement of personnel and materiel over lines of
communications using established pipelines and distribution systems. (FM 4-0)
throughput distribution - The bypassing of one or more intermediate supply echelons in the
supply system to avoid multiple handling. (FM 4-0)
time - A procedure word meaning, “That which immediately follows is the time or date/time
group of the message.” See also procedure word. (FM 24-19)
time of attack - (DOD) The hour at which the attack is to be launched. If a line of departure is
prescribed, it is the hour at which the line is to be crossed by the leading elements of the
attack. (Army) The moment the leading elements of the main body cross the line of departure
or, in a night attack, the point of departure. See also H-hour. (FM 3-90)
time of flight - (DOD, NATO) In artillery, mortar, and naval gunfire support, the time in
seconds from the instant a weapon is fired, launched, or released from the delivery vehicle or
weapons system to the instant it strikes or detonates. See FM 6-30.
time on target - (DOD) 1. Time at which aircraft are scheduled to attack/photograph the
target. See FM 3-04.111. 2. The actual time at which aircraft attack/photograph the target.
See FM 3-04.111. 3. The time at which a nuclear detonation is planned at a specific desired
ground zero. See FM 100-30. (Marine Corps) The local time, expressed in minutes after the
hour, when the forward air controller desires ordnance impact on target. Also called TOT.
time-phased force and deployment data - (DOD) The Joint Operation Planning and
Execution System database portion of an operation plan; it contains time-phased force data,
non-unit-related cargo and personnel data, and movement data for the operation plan,
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including the following: a. In-place units; b. Units to be deployed to support the operation
plan with a priority indicating the desired sequence for their arrival at the port of
debarkation; c. Routing of forces to be deployed; d. Movement data associated with deploying
forces; e. Estimates of non-unit related cargo and personnel movements to be conducted
concurrently with the deployment of forces; and f. Estimate of transportation requirements
that must be fulfilled by common-user lift resources as well as those requirements that can
be fulfilled by assigned or attached transportation resources. Also called TPFDD. See also
time-phased force and deployment list. See FM 100-7.
time-phased force and deployment list - (DOD) Appendix 1 to Appendix A of the operation
plan. It identifies types and/or actual units required to support the operation plan and
indicates origin and ports of debarkation or ocean area. It may also be generated as a
computer listing from the time-phased force and deployment data. Also called TPFDL. See
also Joint Operation Planning and Execution System; time-phased force and
deployment data. See FM 100-7.
times - (DOD) (C-, D-, M-days end at 2400 hours Universal Time (Zulu time) and are assumed
to be 24 hours long for planning.) The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff normally
coordinates the proposed date with the commanders of the appropriate unified and specified
commands, as well as any recommended changes to C-day. L-hour will be established per
plan, crisis, or theater of operations and will apply to both air and surface movements.
Normally, L-hour will be established to allow C-day to be a 24-hour day. a. C-day. The
unnamed day on which a deployment operation commences or is to commence. The
deployment may be movement of troops, cargo, weapon systems, or a combination of these
elements using any or all types of transport. The letter "C" will be the only one used to
denote the above. The highest command or headquarters responsible for coordinating the
planning will specify the exact meaning of C-day within the aforementioned definition. The
command or headquarters directly responsible for the execution of the operation, if other
than the one coordinating the planning, will do so in light of the meaning specified by the
highest command or headquarters coordinating the planning. b. D-day. The unnamed day on
which a particular operation commences or is to commence. c. F-hour. The effective time of
announcement by the Secretary of Defense to the Military Departments of a decision to
mobilize Reserve units. d. H-hour. The specific hour on D-day at which a particular
operation commences. e. H-hour (amphibious operations). For amphibious operations,
the time the first assault elements are scheduled to touch down on the beach, or a landing
zone, and in some cases the commencement of countermine breaching operations. f. L-hour.
The specific hour on C-day at which a deployment operation commences or is to commence.
g. L-hour (amphibious operations). In amphibious operations, the time at which the first
helicopter of the helicopter-borne assault wave touches down in the landing zone. h. M-day.
The term used to designate the unnamed day on which full mobilization commences or is due
to commence. i. N-day. The unnamed day an active duty unit is notified for deployment or
redeployment. j. R-day. Redeployment day. The day on which redeployment of major combat,
combat support, and combat service support forces begins in an operation. k. S-day. The day
the President authorizes Selective Reserve callup (not more than 200,000). l. T-day. The
effective day coincident with Presidential declaration of national emergency and
authorization of partial mobilization (not more than 1,000,000 personnel exclusive of the
200,000 callup). m. W-day. Declared by the National Command Authorities, W-day is
associated with an adversary decision to prepare for war (unambiguous strategic warning).
See FM 101-5.
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