DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms, …

1 DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated terms As of March 2017. PREFACE. 1. Scope The DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated terms (DOD Dictionary ) sets forth standard US Military and Associated terminology to encompass the joint activity of the Armed Forces of the United States. These Military and Associated terms , together with their definitions, constitute approved Department of Defense (DOD) terminology for general use by all DOD components. 2. Purpose This publication supplements standard English-language dictionaries and standardizes Military and Associated terminology to improve communication and mutual understanding within DOD with other US Government departments and agencies and among the United States and its allies. 3. Application This publication applies to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Services, the Joint Staff, combatant commands, DOD agencies, and all other DOD components.

2 It is the primary terminology source when preparing correspondence, to include policy, strategy, doctrine, and planning documents. Criteria for inclusion of terminology in the DOD. Dictionary is enumerated in Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) , Standardization of Military and Associated Terminology, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) , Standardization of Military and Associated Terminology. 4. Format The primary parts of the DOD Dictionary are: a. Explanatory notes. b. terms and definitions. c. Abbreviations, acronyms, and initialisms. 5. DOD Dictionary Online Availability and Update Schedule The DOD Dictionary is accessible online as a searchable database and in PDF format at the following Internet address: and at the following Nonsecure Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNET) address: The contents of the DOD Dictionary are updated on a monthly basis to include any terminology additions, modifications, or deletions made within the previous calendar month in accordance with CJCSI i Preface 6.

3 Terminology Repository for DOD (OSD/JS) Issuances This publication is supplemented by the Terminology Repository for DOD (OSD/JS). Issuances. Over the last 65 years, specific and technical DOD terms and definitions established in senior policy document glossaries reside outside of the DOD Dictionary and not subject to joint doctrine terminology criteria for general and universal usage listed in CJCSI The repository provides awareness on those specific or descriptive terms in defense documents (policy, strategy, planning, doctrine, etc.) that support the foundation of the DOD Dictionary . Its creation is the first step in deconflicting terminology nuances within organizational documents that may impact joint doctrine. The repository is located at 7. Revision Future editions of the DOD Dictionary will be updated according to policy and posted online at: ii TABLE OF CONTENTS. EXPLANATORY NOTES.

4 1. terms AND ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS, AND INITIALISMS ..261. ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS ..385. iii Table of Contents Intentionally Blank iv EXPLANATORY NOTES. 1. Updates Per guidance in CJCSI , Standardization of Military and Associated Terminology, terminology changes to the DOD Dictionary (additions, modifications, or deletions of DOD terminology) are approved using one of the following five methods: a. DOD terminology proposed from JPs;. b. DOD terminology proposed from DOD (OSD and CJCS) issuances via specific memorandum;. c. DOD terminology directed by the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, or CJCS;. d. Terminology proposed from Allied Administrative Publication-6, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Glossary of terms and Definitions (English and French);. and/or e. Approved administrative changes/updates by the DOD Terminologist. 2. Terminology Categorization (Policy and Joint Doctrine).

5 A. Military Terminology. Standardized Military and Associated terminology forms the foundation of joint doctrine. It enables the joint force to organize, plan, train, and execute operations with a common language that is clearly articulated and universally understood. Since 1948, Military terms have been codified in the DOD Dictionary . Although different in purpose, policy documents also require standardized terminology. While some policy terms are included in the DOD Dictionary , the bulk are codified in the Terminology Repository of DOD (OSD/JS) Issuances. Policy terms may form the basis of doctrinal terms , further describe doctrinal concepts, or temporarily fill gaps in joint doctrine until adopted as extant practice. If included in the DOD Dictionary , policy terms should conform to the CJCSI. and standing operating procedure guidelines. b. Policy and Joint Doctrine. Policy directs and assigns tasks, prescribes desired capabilities, and provides guidance for ensuring the Armed Forces of the United States are prepared to perform their assigned roles.

6 Implicitly, policy can create new roles and requirements for new capabilities. Joint doctrine enhances the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces by providing authoritative guidance and standardized terminology on topics relevant to the employment of Military forces. Although joint doctrine is neither policy nor strategy, it serves to make United States policy and strategy effective in the application of United States Military power. Terminology developed within policy and joint doctrine serves different purposes. The terminology required to support the employment of forces (doctrinal terms ) may not be optimal for policy developers, whose purpose may be to illuminate resource or requirement documents. Terminology developed for DOD policy is not limited by the constraints imposed on doctrine terminology. Policy definitions may provide the basis for the doctrinal terms .

7 Doctrinal terms cannot be in conflict with the law, regulation, or policy. 1. Explanatory Notes 3. Terminology Definition Development The DOD Dictionary is designed to supplement common English-language dictionaries with standard terminology for Military and Associated use. A definition should address the meaning of the term only and should not contain doctrinal or procedural information ( , it should focus on describing what a term is and not how or why it is used). If additional text is desired to elaborate on a definition, that information should be provided in the text of the publication. Accordingly, the following CJCSI and standing operating procedure criteria are used to determine the acceptability of terminology for inclusion in the DOD Dictionary : a. The definition in a standard, commonly accepted Dictionary ( , Merriam- Webster's, is inadequate for DOD use). b. The term is not a standard Dictionary definition with non-definitional text added ( , Capability The ability to complete a task or execute a course of action under specified conditions and level of performance).

8 C. The term is not self-defining ( , capability requirement the requirement for a capability .etc.). d. The term is not a policy term that competes or overrides a term in the DOD. Dictionary . e. The term proposed followed established procedures in this issuance version. Verification must be provided that the DOD Terminologist approved; otherwise, the term will only be reflected in the Terminology Repository. f. Reflects extant DOD capabilities and practices. g. Of general Military or Associated significance. Technical or highly specialized terms may be included if they can be defined in easily understood language and if their inclusion is of general Military or Associated significance. h. terms for weaponry are limited to generic weapon systems. i. Unless there are special reasons to the contrary, terms and definitions are not to consist of or contain shortened forms; , abbreviations, acronyms, initialisms.

9 J. Must be UNCLASSIFIED and marked as such in controlled or classified documents' glossaries. k. Are not prowords, code words, brevity words, or NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization]-only terms . l. Are not Service-specific or functionality-specific unless they are commonly employed in US joint force operations. 2. Explanatory Notes m. An approved joint term with similar definition does not exist. n. Must be consistent with US law, treaties, international agreements, and executive orders. o. Should be singular in number. p. With few exceptions, should be general terms , not proper names. q. Cross reference entries ( , also called' terms ) will not have a separate entry. ( , Universal Time' is also called ZULU time - no separate entry for ZULU time). r. terms in glossaries that are not referenced in the core document will be administratively removed. s. Proposed entries should be written as a definition and not as a description.

10 See CJCSI , Standardization of Military and Associated Terminology, Enclosure C, Definition Writing Guide, for specific guidance that should be followed when developing terms and definitions intended for inclusion in the DOD Dictionary . 4. Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Initialisms The DOD Dictionary includes abbreviations, acronyms, and initialisms (also known as shortened forms), for DOD and Associated Military terms . Although all are shortened versions of a word or phrase, typically by a series of letters, there is a difference. a. An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase pronounced as a word ( , SecDef). b. An acronym is a shortened form of a phrase, where the letters of the acronym stand for the terms of its meaning and is also read as a word ( , ASAP [as soon as possible]). c. An initialism is a shortened form of a word or phrase that is not spoken as a word.