| Military Short Speak The military seems to have a language of its own, with many terms, acronyms, initialisms and abbreviations that aren't generally used in the "civilian world." What is an acronym? It is a word created from the first letter of a series of other words. It is spoken as one word. What is an initialism? It is a word created from the first letter of a series of other words, but each letter is spoken separately. What is an abbreviation? It is a shortened version of a word. What is Short Speak? It is any and all of the above. Want to what are they talking about? Read on... D D - Aircraft Symbol- Director (drone control) D3 - Decide, Detect, Deliver DA - Department of the Army DAMI - Department of the Army Military Intelligence DAS - Direct Air Support DASR - Direct Air-To-Satellite Relay DAWS - Defense Automated Warning System DCNO - Deputy Chief of Naval Operations
Vice Admiral J. Cutler Dawson, Jr. Vice Admiral Cutler Dawson is a native of Richmond, Va. He is a 1970 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. Vice Admiral Dawson is a 1986 graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and has a Master’s Degree in Financial Management from the Naval Postgraduate School. He attended the Program for Senior Executives at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Vice Admiral Dawson’s service at sea includes tours in frigates, destroyers and cruisers. He has served afloat on the staffs of Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three and Commander Seventh Fleet. He commanded USS Molala (ATF-106), USS Bronstein (FF-1037), USS Harry W. Hill (DD-986), USS Princeton (CG 59), and Cruiser-Destroyer Group Twelve/Enterprise Battle Group. Enterprise Battle Group conducted strikes in support of Operation Desert Fox in the Arabian Gulf and Allied Force in the Adriatic Sea during its Nov 98 – May 99 deployment. He was the Commander of Second Fleet and Striking Fleet Atlantic homeported in Norfolk, Va., from August 2001 to August 2003. Shore assignments include the Surface Warfare Division of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV), Director of the Navy’s Senate Liaison Office, Director of the Operations Division of the Navy Budget Office, and Acting Budget Officer of the Navy. He served as the Navy’s Chief of Legislative Affairs. He is currently serving as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Resources, Requirements and Assessments). His personal decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, four awards of the Legion of Merit, three awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V, and various unit and campaign awards. DCS - Deputy Chief of Staff - These are the guys who advise the generals and commanders. Depending on which job/mission they've got, comes the rest of the acronym: (It's pronounced, "DESS", and would be DESS-per, DESS-int, etc.) DCSPER - Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel DD - Destroyer
DDG-37 Farragut / Coontz The Farragut class guided missile destroyers were constructed in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The ships were also known as the Coontz class, since DDG 40 Coontz was the first designed and built as a guided missile ship. The three earlier ships of the class were initially designed as all gun hunter killer destroyers (DK), and were were subsequently converted to carry the new Terrier surface-to-air missile. DEFCON - defense readiness condition DET - Detachment DEH - Don't Expect Help! DEP - Delayed Entry Program The Delayed Entry Program allows you to enlist with your chosen branch of the military and report for duty up to 365 days later. This is a popular program for students who are still in high school or for those who have other obligations that prevent them from leaving for Basic Training right away. DEW Line - Distant Early Warning Line
This radar warning station on the Distant Early Warning Line, located in northern Canada, scans the northern skies for signs of military attack. The Distant Early Warning Line is a group of radar warning stations maintained by both the United States and Canada. DICASS - Directional Command Active Sonobuoy System DIFAR - Directional Finding and Ranging
These portable hydrophones have a radio link to transmit the ocean sounds to the ship from as far away as 20 km. The buoy and radio antenna stay at the surface while the hydrophone can be set to drop to a preset depth up to 1000 feet. A magnetic compass and a set of acoustic particle motion sensors allow determination of the compass direction to each sound from each sonobuoy to within a few degrees. DISMAC - Digital Scene Matching Area Correlation DIV- Division Two or more brigades. A division has between 12,500 and 25,000 troops. DJE - deception jamming equipment
ALQ-119 Jamming Pod The Westinghouse AN/ALQ-119 jammer pod is currently carried on the F-16 and A-10, and previously carried on the F-4 prior to that aircraft's retirement. During the Vietnam War the ALQ-119 was carried on the F-4, typically frequently mounted on the inboard station, though subsequently it was frequently mounted on the Left Forward Aim-7 missile station. This noise/deception jammer covered three frequency bands. Current AN/ALQ-119 maintenance activities include programming of new threats and techniques to the system, system performance laboratory testing, threat and weapon systems analysis and technique development, and field support for various range testing of the system. DKNABNDKS - (Pronounced Donan-ab-n-donus) Don't Know Nothing, Ain't Been Nowhere, Don't Know S*** ! DLAB - Defense Language Aptitude Battery DMA - Defense Mapping Agency DMA - Defense Mapping Agency DMPI - Desired Mean Point of Impact (DOD) A precise point, associated with a target, and assigned as the center for impact of multiple weapons or area munitions to achieve the intended objective and level of destruction. May be defined descriptively, by grid reference, or by geolocation. Also called DMPI. See also aimpoint; desired point of impact Demilitarized zone
On July 27, 1953, an armistice agreement brought fighting, though not the war itself, to an end in Korea. One legacy of that 50-year-old ceasefire has been the 250-km-long (148-mile) truce line bisecting the Korean Peninsula into northern and southern halves. The armistice provided for a 4-km-wide (2.5-mile) buffer zone running west to east roughly along the 38th parallel. This buffer zone contains river deltas and grasslands toward its western end, but is mostly mountainous terrain in the east. According to the terms of the armistice, there are no large troop placements in the area and all heavy weapons such as tanks and artillery pieces are banned. A fence marks the center along the Military Demarcation Line (MDL); the wider zone is known as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Recent negotiations between the two sides have allowed for some roads and railroads running through the DMZ to be reconnected. On the southern side, the small village of Daeseong-dong exists with 225 residents who harvest crops on land within the DMZ. Otherwise, the only people in the DMZ are soldiers and observers, with little in the way of permanent settlement or structures.Read more about the Korean DMZ here. DN - Dentalman DNVT - Digital Non-Secure Voice Telephone DOD - Department Of Defense DON - Department Of the Navy DSA - Distant Support Area DSNET Defense Secure Network [DSNET 1, secret, DSNET 3, SCI] DSRV - Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle
Description: Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles perform rescue operations on submerged, disabled submarines of the U.S. Navy or foreign navies. Features: DSRVs are designed for quick deployment in the event of a submarine accident. DSRVs are transportable by truck, aircraft, ship, or by specially configured attack submarine. At the accident site, the DSRV works with either a “mother” ship or “mother” submarine. The DSRV dives, conducts a sonar search, and attaches to the disabled submarine’s hatch. DSRVs can embark up to 24 personnel for transfer to the “mother” vessel. The DSRV also has an arm to clear hatches on a disabled submarine and a combined gripper and cable cutter. The gripper is able to lift 1,000 pounds. Background: DSRVs were developed as a result of the USS Thresher submarine accident in 1963, when all hands were lost. At the time, submarine operating depths greatly exceeded the capabilities of rescue vessels. The Deep Submergence Systems Project contracted with Lockheed Missiles and Space, Co. to produce a deep diving rescue submarine, the first of which was launched in 1970. DSV - Deep Submergence Vehicle DSVT - Digital Secure Voice Telephone DTOI - Date/Time of Intercept Dummy Cord - A rope or string secured at one end to your body and at the other to an object you do not wish to lose. DvrMechBad - Driver Mechanic Badge
DESCRIPTION: A white metal (silver, nickel and rhodium), 1 inch in height and width, a cross patee with the representation of disk wheel with tire placed on the center. QUALIFICATION BARS: Bars with the following inscriptions are currently authorized for display on the badges: OPERATOR - S (for special mechanical equipment) MECHANIC (for automotive or allied vehicles) DRIVER - A (for amphibious vehicles) DRIVER - M (for motorcycles) DRIVER - T (for tracked vehicles) DRIVER - W (for wheeled vehicles) BACKGROUND: The motor vehicle driver and mechanic award was originally authorized by War Department Circular 248 dated 28 July 1942. The badge is awarded to drivers, mechanics, and special equipment operators to denote the attainment of a high degree of skill in the operation and maintenance of motor vehicles. Specific requirements for award of the badge are contained in AR 600-8-22. DWIM - do what I mean DWU - duty white uniform
DZ - Drop Zone E E Aircraft Symbol- Electronic/Electronics EA-3 Sky Warrior (USN)
The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior, a twin-engined, swept-wing jet aircraft, was the largest airplane ever designed to operate from an aircraft carrier. The A-3 was designed to carry a nuclear weapon, but spent most of its service life as an electronics platform and as a tanker. It was also much used as an electronic warfare vehicle, and by the USAF as the B-66. The ELINT version is known as the EA-3, the tanker version as the KA-3, and a radar test bed as the NRA-3B. The RA-3B featured a pressurized reconnaissance module in the area occupied by the bomb bay of the standard A-3B. Retired from service in 1992, the Whale is still flying missions for Hughes Aircraft, which has a fleet of over a dozen A-3s used for various tests of missile systems and other classified projects. Read more about the EA-3 here. EA-6A Intruder
The EA-6A Electronic Intruder was an electronic countermeasure aircraft, built around the airframe of the famous A-6 Intruder. EA-6B Prowler
The EA-6B Prowler is included in every aircraft carrier deployment. The EA-6B's primary mission is to protect fleet surface units and other aircraft by jamming hostile radars and communications. The EA-6B is an integral part of the fleet's first line of defense, and will remain so well into the next century. As a result of restructuring DoD assets in 1995, the EF-111 Raven was retired, and the EA-6B was left as the only radar jammer in DoD. Five new squadrons were stood up. Four of these squadrons are dedicated to supporting USAF Aerospace Expeditionary Force wings.
The EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft - which played a key role in suppressing enemy air defenses during Operation Desert Storm - enhances the strike capabilities not only of carrier air wings but of U.S. Air Force and allied forces as well. The decision to retire the Air Force EF-111A Raven and to assign all Department of Defense radar jamming missions to the Prowler adds to the significance of the EA-6B in joint warfare. With its jamming and High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) capability, the Prowler is a unique national asset that will be deployed from land bases and aircraft carriers. Its ability to monitor the electromagnetic spectrum and actively deny an adversary's use of radar and communications is unmatched by any airborne platform worldwide. Read more about the EA-6B Prowler here! EAM - Emergency Action Message EBW - Exploding Bridge Wire ECB-P - [AR 310-50] Excellence-in-Competition Badge, Pistol
ECB-R - [AR 310-50] Excellence-in-Competition Badge, Rifle
ECH - Echelon ECHELON is a term associated with a global network of computers that automatically search through millions of intercepted messages for pre-programmed keywords or fax, telex and e-mail addresses. Every word of every message in the frequencies and channels selected at a station is automatically searched. The processors in the network are known as the ECHELON Dictionaries. ECHELON connects all these computers and allows the individual stations to function as distributed elements an integrated system. An ECHELON station's Dictionary contains not only its parent agency's chosen keywords, but also lists for each of the other four agencies in the UKUSA system [NSA, GCHQ, DSD, GCSB and CSE] Read more about Echelon. ECM - Electronic Counter Measures That division of electronic warfare involving actions taken to prevent or reduce an enemy's effective use of the electromagnectic spectrum. ECCM - Electronic Counter-Counter Measures That division of electronic warfare involving actions taken to ensure friendly effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum despite the enemy's use of electronic warfare. EDRE - Emergency Deployment and Readiness Exercise A no-notice battalion emergency deployment readiness exercise (EDRE) is a realistic operation testing all aspects of a battalion’s readiness. An EDRE is a rapid deployment exercise for air and ground forces in response to an emergency threat situation. The objective is to minimize response time for deployment while achieving maximum benefit from testing and training opportunities. During an Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise the battalion simulates a rapid deployment. Lots more to read here! EF-111 Raven
The EF-111A Raven is designed to provide electronic countermeasures support for tactical air forces. The EF-111A can detect, sort, identify and nullify different enemy radars. The EF-111A is a modified F-111A. The F-111A is well suited for modification to the role of an airborne electronic warfare platform because of its structural strength, maneuverability and performance -- including the ability to penetrate enemy airspace and escape at supersonic speed. Because the aircraft is already available from the U.S. Air Force inventory, EF-111A production costs are greatly reduced. During Operation Desert Storm all available Ravens were deployed to Middle East bases to support U.S. and allied combat operations. All major allied air attacks were supported by Ravens that teamed with other Air Force and allied electronic combat units to cause a rapid collapse of the enemy air defense system. One EF-111A was lost during combat. The program to convert several F-111As to EF-111A electronic warfare prototypes began in 1972. The first prototype flew in March 1977 and the second in May 1977. The final EF-111A was delivered November 1985. All EF-111A's are locate to Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. Lots more information here! EFMB - Expert Field Medical Badge
EFTO - Encrypted For Transmission Only EFVS - Electronic Fighting Vehicle System
The XM1070 Electronic Fighting Vehicle, based on the Bradley chassis, supports Intelligence and Electronic Warfare operations. The mobile combatC3I/IEW enclosure accommodates a wide variety of electronic mission packages. ELINT - Electronics Intelligence ELVIS - Enhanced Link Virtual Information System EMHO-R - Early Morning Hard-On Report EMP - Electromagnetic Pulse An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is an intense burst of electromagnetic (EM) energy caused by an abrupt, rapid acceleration of charged particles, usually An EMP can contain energy components over a large part of the EM , from very-low-frequency (VLF) radio to ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. A lightning strike produces a localized EMP that gives rise to large electrical currents in nearby wires. A single current surge can damage sensitive hardware such as computers and peripherals. All electronic and communications systems should have some form of protection against the effects of an EMP. Transient suppressors, also called surge protectors, AC outlets, and modem jacks offer limited protection against the EMPs that occur during thundershowers. The best method of protection is to unplug AC cords and modem lines of computers when they are not in use.The detonation of a hydrogen bomb at a high altitude generates a powerful EMP over a large geographic area. This induces damaging electrical currents in wireless antennas, telephone lines, and utility wires. A strategic nuclear weapon used in this way, for the purpose of disrupting the communications and/or electrical infrastructure, is called an electromagnetic bomb. EOB - Electronic Order of Battle EOD - Explosive Ordinance Disposal
The modern EOD Technician isn't much different than the English Bomb Disposal operators from 1940. The goal is still to defeat the bomb before it detonates and injures people. We are however; far better equipped to reach this goal. Over the years, as ordnance and terrorist's devices became more sophisticated, EOD has become more technologically advanced. EOD technicians receive specialized training in robotics, electronics, and equipment unique to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal career. Even with all the advanced training and modern equipment, many EOD techniques have not changed over the years. Modern technology is not the answer to every dangerous situation. Sometimes you just have to get dirty and do things the old fashion way. In short, the EOD career requires highly intelligent individuals, capable of operating state-of-the-art equipment, but still willing to work in the most adverse of conditions. EOSAT - Earth Observation Satellite EOT - Engine Order Telegraph EPW - Enemy Prisoner of War ER - Extended Range ES - Electronic Warfare Support ESPAWS - Enhanced Self-Propelled Artillery Weapon System ESM - Electronic Support Measures 1. That division of electronic warfare involving actions taken under direct control of an operational commander to search for, intercept, identify, and locate sources of radiated electromagnetic energy for the purpose of immediate threat recognition. Thus, electronic warfare support measures provide a source of information required for immediate decisions involving electronic countermeasures,electronic counter- countermeasures, avoidance, targeting, and other tactical employment of forces. Electronic warfare support measures data can be used to produce signals intelligence, both communications intelligence and electronics intelligence. 2. That division of electronic warfare involving action taken to search for, intercept, identify, and locate radiated electromagnetic energy for the purpose of immediate threat recognition. It provides a source of information required for immediate decisions involving electronic countermeasures, electronic counter-countermeasures, and other tactical actions such as avoidance, targeting and homing. ETS - Estimated Time of Separation EUSTIS - Even Uncle Sam Thinks It Sucks! For more than 70 years, first as a camp and later as a post, Fort Eustis has had a proud heritage of supporting our nation's combat forces. Fort Eustis was known in colonial times as Mulberry Island. It was the residence of John Rolfe, husband of Indian Princess Pocahontas. Read the history of Ft. Eustis here!! EW - Electronic Warfare EW/RSTA - Electronic Warfare/Reconnaissance Surveillance and Target Acquisition EWC - Electronic Warfare Coordinator EWTL - Electronic Warfare Target List GREAT battlefield anecdotes here!!! Today's Winner For the Most Confusing Acronym: DA 1Department of the Army, 2decimal add, 3decimal to analog, 4development authorization, 5design automation, 6differential analyzer, 7digital to analog, 8discrete address, 9double amplitude, 10decision analysis, 11direct access, 12design authority, 13direct action, 14damage assessment, 15decision aid, 16days after acceptance, 17data administrator, 18defense adviser, 19defense attaché, 20delayed action, 21deposit account, 22director of administration, 23directorate of administration, 24dispersal airfield, 25distributing authority, 26don't answer, 27double-action [gun], 28developing activity, 29 developing agency, 30developing activity, 31data administration, 32decision analysis, 33department of administration, 34[FM 101-5-1] Denmark, 35[JP 1-02] data adapter, 36[JP 2-02] Directorate for Administration (DIA)
Please note that this is not a complete list of all military acronyms. We have only listed those which are commonly used. For a more extensive list, please browse the Department of Defense listing by clicking below! DoD site acronym list Official Canteen Disclaimer: Information contained herein correct to the best of the knowledge of those who have participated. Void where prohibited by law. No responsible for inaccuracies or errors. Use at your own risk. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Some assembly required. Batteries not included. Contents may settle during shipment. Use only as directed. No other warranty expressed or implied. Subject to change without notice. Some pictures are simulated. No postage necessary if mailed in the United States. Breaking seal constitutes your acceptance of agreement. For off-road use only. As seen on TV. One size fits all. Colors may, in time, fade. Slippery when wet. Not affiliated with the American Red Cross. Some equipment shown is optional. Drop in any mailbox. Edited for television. Keep cool; process promptly. Post office will not deliver without postage. List was current at time of printing. Return to sender, no forwarding order on file, unable to forward. Not responsible for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect, error, or failure to perform. Do not write below this line. Lost ticket pays maximum rate. Your canceled check is your receipt. Add toner. Place stamp here. Avoid contact with skin. Sanitized for your protection. Use only in a well-ventilated area. Keep away from fire or flame. Approved for veterans. This notice supersedes all previous notices. |
